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Saguaro cactus amid mid-afternoon sun.

The Buzz: Coping with Extreme Heat

As summer temperatures get dangerous, we look at efforts to keep people safe.
Water availability is one of the most pressing economic issues in the state of Arizona.

The Buzz: Arizona's Economy and Water

We speak with economic experts about Arizona's economy, with attention paid to how water plays a role.
Horseshoe Bend, five miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, is a popular viewing spot for the Colorado River.

Native American tribes give unanimous approval to proposal securing Colorado River water

The Navajo Nation Council has signed off on a proposed settlement.
The entrance of the South32 Hermosa mine site, a critical minerals project that looks to source manganese and zinc.

Rep. Grijalva calls for extension of public scoping period for Hermosa Mine Project

He emphasizes importance of language inclusivity in a letter to the US Forest Service.
Horseshoe Bend is among the major tourism draws for Page. The waters are significantly calmer due to its location downstream of Glen Canyon Dam.

Proposed settlement is first step in securing Colorado River water for 3 Native American tribes

The Navajo Nation has one of the largest single outstanding claims in the Colorado River basin and will vote soon on the measure in a special session.
Effluent gushes out of the outfall, into the Santa Cruz River. The outfall of water is constantly flowing, but there is a diurnal fluctuation due to cyclical human water use.

Reviving the Santa Cruz: efforts to restore Arizona’s endangered river

Local groups push for Urban National Wildlife Refuge designation.
The Environmental Protection Agency lashed out against critics of its decision to ease enforcement of some reporting requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the policy had been distorted by opponents. But environmental groups were not convinced, saying it creates a “catch me if you can” situation for polluters.

EPA takes bold action against PFAS contamination

New standards promise safer drinking water for millions, marking a significant victory in environmental health
Water enters an irrigation canal on the Gila River Indian Reservation on May 7, 2021. The Gila River Indian Community is among the most important tribal players in ongoing negotiations about using water from the Colorado River.

Gila River Indian Community says it doesn't support latest Colorado River sharing proposals

The tribe is among the most prominent of the 30 federally-recognized tribes that use the Colorado River.
Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks at the The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Water Resources Reach Center 2024 Annual Conference: Implementing Water Solutions through Partnerships on March 13, 2024.

Gov. Hobbs says she would veto Republican water bill

Hobbs said the bill would bill would favor corporations, hurt small farmers.
Stacks of hay bales sit beside an irrigation canal in Imperial Valley on June 20, 2023. Critics have called for reductions to the amount of alfalfa grown with Colorado River water. The particularly thirsty crop is mostly used for cattle feed.

Saudi company quits pumping in Butler Valley Basin, but still has other land holdings

Canceled and not renewed leases make up roughly one-third of Fondomonte's owned and leased land.
Bands of discolored rock show that Lake Powell's water levels are lower than they have been for much of its past.

Bureau of Reclamation announces new water conservation agreements

Looks to conserve 3 million-acre-feet of Colorado River water through 2026
A boat ramp, once partially submerged under Lake Powell, sticks out of the water on April 10, 2023. The nation's second-largest reservoir, which is filled by the Colorado River, has reached record low levels in recent years. Policymakers are stuck in a standoff about how to reduce demand on the reservoir and river.

Colorado River states to submit competing proposals ahead of deadline for draft of new rules

The states haven't agreed on a plan.
White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez at a news conference with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. February 20, 2024

The Buzz: What happens when Washington comes to town?

The Buzz rides along as a federal advisor goes on a tour with city officials.
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

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.

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.

Santa Cruz River Cleanup

Picking up trash and sowing wildflowers with The Sonoran Institute

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