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Arizona Republic

Could desalination help offset Arizona's Colorado River water cuts?

Could desalination help offset Arizona's Colorado River water cuts?

As Arizona and other Southwest states look for ways to offset cuts in Colorado River water, experts are looking at desalination as one option.

Arizona Faces Water Challenges Amid Data Center Growth

Arizona Faces Water Challenges Amid Data Center Growth

Arizona is grappling with significant water usage concerns as the state faces a 27-30% reduction in its Colorado River water allocation, following a federal two-year plan announced on August 21, 2026. Data centers, which are growing rapidly in Arizona, are under scrutiny for their water consumption, particularly in the Phoenix area where many are located. A 2025 report by Ceres estimated that data centers in Phoenix use 385 million gallons of water annually for cooling, with total water usage, including power generation, reaching 3.3 billion gallons. However, agriculture remains the largest water consumer in the state, accounting for 72% of usage, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (Cronkite News, 2026). Source time: 2026-09-13 15:15:45 GMT.

Phoenix on Track for Record 140 Days of 100°F+ Temperatures Amid Severe Drought

Phoenix on Track for Record 140 Days of 100°F+ Temperatures Amid Severe Drought

Phoenix, Arizona, is experiencing an unprecedented number of days with temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). According to the National Weather Service, the city is on pace to reach 140 such days this year, breaking previous records. This extreme heat coincides with a severe drought, raising concerns about the sustainability of water resources, particularly as the Colorado River, a key water source, continues to dry up. The city's growing population and reliance on an aging electrical grid powered by fossil fuels exacerbate the challenges, increasing the risk of blackouts and contributing to global warming. These conditions are creating significant health risks, especially for low-income residents who may struggle to afford air conditioning or adequate housing. (Source: Yahoo, 13 Sep 2026, 13:00 GMT)

Arizona Republic

Rain chances, cooler temperatures forecast for metro Phoenix

Rain chances, cooler temperatures forecast for metro Phoenix

The monsoon is expected to give the Valley a burst of rain as the season wraps up, bringing with it slightly cooler temperatures.

Arizona Republic

For Diné political cartoonist Jack Ahasteen, 'the pencil is my voice'

For Diné political cartoonist Jack Ahasteen, 'the pencil is my voice'

The work of Jack Ahasteen, a Navajo political cartoonist, is on display at the Navajo Nation Museum.

Peoria, AZ: UV Index Forecast Highlights High and Very High Levels Today

Peoria, AZ: UV Index Forecast Highlights High and Very High Levels Today

The UV Index in Peoria, Arizona, is currently at 0 (Low) as of 5:19 AM MST, according to NOAA data. However, the UV Index is expected to rise significantly throughout the day, peaking at 8.9 (Very High) between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM MST. The UV Index measures the level of ultraviolet radiation from the sun that reaches the Earth's surface, and it is updated daily. Nearby cities, including Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale, are also experiencing similar UV Index levels. The forecast indicates a gradual increase in UV exposure during the morning hours, with moderate levels starting at 9:00 AM MST and high levels by late morning. Very high levels will persist from noon until mid-afternoon before declining to moderate and low levels by evening.

Extreme Heat Expands Beyond Summer in Phoenix and Globally

Extreme Heat Expands Beyond Summer in Phoenix and Globally

A recent study highlights the growing trend of extreme heat events extending beyond traditional warm seasons, with significant impacts observed in regions like Phoenix, Arizona. Between 2015 and 2024, Phoenix experienced 338 days of extreme heat, a sharp increase from 183 days in the 1980s. Notably, 6% of these events occurred outside the typical warm season, a stark contrast to the 1980s when no such events were recorded. In 2024, Phoenix endured 113 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F), followed by 21 consecutive days of record-breaking heat from late September to mid-October. Globally, the study found that extreme heat seasons have lengthened across more than half of the planet's landmass, with dry heat events shifting 10 days later in the year and wet heat events occurring 5.5 days earlier. The findings underscore the uneven distribution of these changes, with some regions experiencing extended heat into autumn and others seeing earlier heatwaves in spring.

Arizona Republic

Carjacker who shot victim in Peoria sentenced to prison

Carjacker who shot victim in Peoria sentenced to prison

Adonijah Josiah Ortega received more than 14 year prison sentence for a violent 2022 carjacking and shooting in Peoria.

Arizona Republic

Arizona Muslims fight back against discrimination 25 years after 9/11

Arizona Muslims fight back against discrimination 25 years after 9/11

Arizona Muslims face a surge in discrimination and political rhetoric 25 years after the Sept. 11 attacks as they fight to protect their rights.

Arizona Republic

Tribe sells Colorado River water to CAP in a deal to boost Lake Mead

Tribe sells Colorado River water to CAP in a deal to boost Lake Mead

The Colorado River Indian Tribes completed a deal with the Central Arizona Project that helped maintain water levels in Lake Mead.

Arizona Republic

Snakebit but still kicking: Arizona camper survives 4th bite in 4 years

Snakebit but still kicking: Arizona camper survives 4th bite in 4 years

An Arizona man was airlifted to a hospital after his fourth rattlesnake bite in four years while camping in a remote area of Yavapai County.

Arizona Republic

Dying teen gives police details about 2 men accused of shooting him

Dying teen gives police details about 2 men accused of shooting him

A dying teen identified his alleged attackers to police after being shot at a west Phoenix playground on Sept. 8. The two 18-year-olds are being held on $1M cash bond apiece.