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Workers exposed to extreme heat have no consistent protection in the US
A historic heat wave that began blasting the Southwest and other parts of the country this summer is shining a spotlight on one of the harshest, yet least-addressed effects of U.S. climate change: the rising deaths and injuries of people who work in extreme heat, whether inside warehouses and kitchens or outside under the blazing sun. Many of them are migrants in low-wage jobs.
Getting Colorado River water from California farms will take more than just money
The Imperial Valley produces $2.9 billion in crops and livestock each year. That’s because the valley’s Imperial Irrigation District holds the largest single allocation of Colorado River water – bigger than any other farming district or city between Wyoming and Mexico. But now, that water allocation is under increasing scrutiny from water managers looking to cut back on water use and correct[...]
US Southwest swelters under dangerous heat wave, new records on track
A dangerous heat wave threatened a wide swath of the Southwest with potentially deadly temperatures in the triple digits on Saturday as some cooling centers extended their hours and emergency rooms prepared to treat more people with heat-related illnesses.
Meet the Colorado River’s newest – and youngest – power player
JB Hamby is a water policy bigwig, who helps shape policies that define how water is used by arguably the most influential water users along the Colorado River. He serves on the board of directors for the Imperial Irrigation District and was recently appointed to be California’s top water negotiator. And he’s only 27 years old.
Prescott, Yarnell to hold 10-year remembrance for 19 firefighters who died in Yarnell Hill Fire
The city of Prescott and the neighboring town of Yarnell are expected to honor the fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots today with public events. Lew Theokas, who lost his grandson, 27-year-old Garret Zuppiger, said it's still tough for him to talk about the Yarnell Hill Fire a decade later.
Arizona becomes first state to stop agencies from taking foster children’s federal benefits
A new law signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs Monday makes Arizona the first state in the nation to stop child welfare agencies from seizing millions of dollars from foster care children’s federal benefits.
White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and California
Five major U.S. cities, including Phoenix, and the state of California will receive federal help to get unsheltered residents into permanent housing under a new plan launched Thursday as part of the Biden administration's larger goal to reduce homelessness 25% by 2025.
Where did the snow go? Researchers probe gap between snowfall, runoff
The Colorado River watershed stretches from Wyoming to Mexico, supplying cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles and sprawling fields that contribute to a multibillion-dollar farm economy. After two decades of drought and steady demand, accurate data on the amount of water entering the region’s dwindling supply is crucial for those who manage it.
What might cuts to dwindling Colorado River mean for states?
The Biden administration floated two ideas this week to reduce water usage from the dwindling Colorado River, which supplies 40 million people.
Avian flu kills 3 California condors in northern Arizona
Three California condors have died from avian flu in northern Arizona and authorities are trying to determine what killed five others in the flock, the National Park Service announced Friday.
Apaches get new chance to argue mine will harm sacred sites
An Apache group battling a foreign mining firm that wants to build one of the largest copper mines in the United States on what tribal members say is sacred land will get a new chance to make its point Tuesday when a full federal appeals court panel takes another look at the case.
Colorado River senators meet quietly to facilitate states’ water talks
Senators from Arizona and the six other Western states in the Colorado River basin have been quietly meeting “for about a year,” to facilitate difficult discussions between the states over the future of the river.
