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Nature and Environment

The hydropower company Nature and People First had proposed a "pumped storage" project in the Black Mesa area on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Indigenous advocates are celebrating a decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that prevents the development from going forward.

Federal energy regulators deny permits for a controversial project on the Navajo Nation

Feb 19, 2024 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said it was establishing a new policy about cooperation with Tribes.
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive at the Fox Tucson Theatre, February 18.

Mandy Patinkin shares stories and laughter.

Feb 14, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Being last in line to get water from the Colorado River; and four short films debut at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.
Climber Nicki Manzanares prepares to belay for another climber up a climbing route on Mount Lemmon. The belayer on the ground supports the climber above from falling with the help of the anchors in the rock wall. Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024.

Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service

Feb 11, 2024 The anchors used by climbers is the issue.
"Bobcat Avery" relaxes in a Tucson backyard west of I-10

Bobcats Take Center Stage in Tucson Study

Feb 9, 2024 Scientists and residents join forces to learn about the felines
Tree rings tell a story of natural history.

Put a ring on it for Valentine's Day talk at College of Science Lecture Series

Feb 9, 2024 Tree rings can reveal natural hsitory dating back thousands of years.
The cover of the collaborative novel "Fourteen Days" released in February, 2024.

Bestselling authors unite to oppose book banning through an intriguing collaboration.

Feb 8, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Water in Utah is draining Laker Powell; How Ehrenberg, Arizona got its name; and seeing color for the first time.
Smoke from wildfires in Flagstaff billows over the San Francisco mountains. June 13, 2022

Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University receives $1.9 million for wildfire smoke preparedness

Feb 6, 2024 EPA hopes to award over $10 million to nine recipients under new grant program
The entrance of the South32 Hermosa mine site, a critical minerals project that looks to source manganese and zinc.

South32 Hermosa Project releases Mine Plan of Operations

Jan 31, 2024 Notice of Intent to prepare Environmental Impact Statement expected in May

Priscilla the Parrotfish brings the ocean plastic problem to the desert

Jan 30, 2024 An Oregon-based nonprofit makes sculptures entirely out of ocean plastic which are now on display in Tucson.
Painting by Kristin Harvey.

Celebrating Sonoran beauty through both science and art.

Jan 25, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Arizona Theatre Company reveals "Intimate Apparel", starring Tracey N. Bonner, directed by Oz Scott.
Sandhill cranes in Whitewater Draw in McNeal, AZ. January 18, 2024.

Sandhill crane population remains higher than five and 10 year averages for the fourth year in a row

Jan 22, 2024 The Arizona Game and Fish Department estimates that about 42,200 Sandhill cranes are in southeast Arizona for fourth year in a row
La Mar Park in Tucson's Rose Neighborhood has been transformed from a dump site to a working rain garden

Local Tucson non-profit is fighting drought in back yards and public spaces

Jan 14, 2024 Tucson Clean and Beautiful's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program
Balaji Vaidyanathan with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) answers questions during a community meeting about a pending air quality permit for the South 32 Hermosa Mine project in Patagonia on Thursday, Jan. 11. Residents in the area are primarily concerned about potential negative health outcomes from manganese exposure. The Hermosa Mine looks to source "critical minerals" zinc, manganese, lead and silver from its two main deposits.

ADEQ proposes Air Quality permit for Mine near Patagonia

Jan 14, 2024 Locals oppose the South32 Hermosa mine, state concerns of manganese exposure.
A view from the Atascosa Borderlands in the Coronado National Forest.

Atascosa Borderlands: Connecting the land, the wildlife, and the people.

Jan 11, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal on helping loved ones survive dark times; and, how do YOU pronounce "Sahuarita"?
An aerial view of the Molino 2 Fire on Catalina Highway in the Coronado National Forest. April 30, 2023

Tucson man who started Molino II Fire ordered to pay restitution to United States Forest Service

Jan 8, 2024 Michael J. Sobcynski enters a plea agreement for using incendiary ammunition.
Based on rosette or spot analysis conducted by the Center Biological Diversity, a new jaguar has been detected in southern Arizona. From top to bottom is the new cat, Sombra and El Jefe.

New jaguar spotted on trail camera in southeastern Arizona

Jan 8, 2024 The Center for Biological Diversity confirms it is the eighth jaguar documented in Arizona.

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