Explore

Monsoon Unlikely to Alleviate Lake Powell and Mead Water Crisis

Monsoon Unlikely to Alleviate Lake Powell and Mead Water Crisis

The North American monsoon, a seasonal weather pattern bringing moisture from Mexico and the Pacific into the U.S. Southwest, is expected to deliver above-average rainfall in parts of the region during the 2026 season. However, experts warn that this precipitation will have minimal impact on the ongoing water crisis at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest reservoirs in the United States. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), the monsoon will not significantly influence streamflow in the Colorado and Rio Grande Rivers, as these reservoirs primarily rely on Rocky Mountain snowmelt rather than summer rainfall. Current reservoir levels remain critically low, with Lake Powell at 23% capacity and Lake Mead at 27% as of July 19, 2026. While localized rainfall may provide short-term drought relief and reduce agricultural water demand, it is insufficient to address the broader water supply challenges in the Colorado River Basin.

Mountain West/Pac-12 Softball Transfer Portal Tracker 07-20-2026

Mountain West/Pac-12 Softball Transfer Portal Tracker 07-20-2026

Let’s take a look at how the Mountain West/Pac-12 are faring after the first three days of the closed portal period.

Imperial Valley Residents Protest Against Data Center Development Amid Environmental Concerns

Imperial Valley Residents Protest Against Data Center Development Amid Environmental Concerns

In El Centro, California, a group of 50 to 75 residents from the Imperial Valley gathered to protest against the development of data centers in their region. This protest was part of a larger National Data Center Protest Day, which saw 142 similar events across the country. The demonstrators voiced concerns over the potential environmental impact of data centers, including threats to the Colorado River water supply, increased pollution, and the preservation of farmland. Protesters carried signs advocating for a ban on data centers, emphasizing the need for clean air and water for future generations. The protest also highlighted issues of surveillance, with some participants using anti-surveillance makeup to oppose the installation of Flock cameras in the area. The protest was fueled by skepticism over a recent Board of Supervisors decision to extend a moratorium on data center development, which some activists believe is not being genuinely enforced.

US states, New York City sue EPA for relaxing climate rule over hydrofluorocarbons

US states, New York City sue EPA for relaxing climate rule over hydrofluorocarbons

By Jonathan Stempel July 21 (Reuters) - The Trump administration was sued on Tuesday by 18 Democratic-led states, Washington, D.C. and New York City over a new federal rule they say would harm the climate by giving companies more time to stop using dangerous hydrofluorocarbons in commercial

Intel makes another painful move in one of its key businesses

Intel makes another painful move in one of its key businesses

I have seen this painful chapter before in Intel's Artificial Intelligence (AI) story: cutting 40% of your global workforce, halting factories in Germany and Poland, shutting down your automotive chip division, flattening management from 12 layers to six. None of those is comfortable. But it's what ...

Extreme Weather Grips U.S.: Tropical Storm, Heat Dome, and Toxic Air

Extreme Weather Grips U.S.: Tropical Storm, Heat Dome, and Toxic Air

The United States is experiencing a range of extreme weather conditions, including severe thunderstorms, a heat dome, and lingering wildfire smoke. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for flash flooding across the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions on July 20 and 21 due to potent thunderstorms. Meanwhile, a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Bertha, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to areas from Texas to the Florida Panhandle. Additionally, a heat wave is affecting the central U.S., with heat indices reaching up to 116°F (46.7°C) in some areas. Toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to impact air quality in the Great Lakes and Midwest regions, with alerts issued for sensitive groups. These conditions follow recent flash flooding that caused fatalities in Texas, Arizona, and Utah.

Erin Brockovich Launches Nationwide Project to Track AI Data Center Concerns

Erin Brockovich Launches Nationwide Project to Track AI Data Center Concerns

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has initiated a nationwide project to map community concerns about AI data centers, following a surge of emails from residents in Louisiana. The project aims to document the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers, which require significant electricity and water for cooling. Brockovich's mapping initiative has collected thousands of reports from residents who feel inadequately informed about these projects. The map, hosted on BrockovichDataCenter.com, has already recorded over 8,000 community-reported locations of operational, proposed, and under-construction data centers. The initiative highlights issues such as water consumption, energy use, and impacts on local infrastructure, with Brockovich advocating for greater transparency and community involvement in planning processes.

Paramount-Warner Bros Merger Temporarily Halted by Federal Judge

Paramount-Warner Bros Merger Temporarily Halted by Federal Judge

Paramount-Warner Bros Merger Temporarily Halted by Federal Judge

Southern California Receives $65 Million to Conserve Water in Lake Mead Amid Crisis

Southern California Receives $65 Million to Conserve Water in Lake Mead Amid Crisis

Southern California is set to receive up to $65 million from the federal government to conserve water in Lake Mead, as the reservoir faces historically low levels. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has agreed to leave 200,000 acre-feet of its Colorado River supplies in the lake. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to address water shortages exacerbated by climate change and prolonged droughts. The funding comes from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act's conservation program.

Federal Task Force Targets Healthcare Fraud in Nevada Amid Rising Concerns

Federal Task Force Targets Healthcare Fraud in Nevada Amid Rising Concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched the West Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force to combat rising healthcare fraud in Nevada, California, and Arizona. This initiative, established in April 2026, aims to protect patients and taxpayers by identifying and prosecuting complex fraud schemes. A significant focus is on hospice fraud, highlighted by Nevada's unusually high hospice discharge rates. Governor Joe Lombardo previously imposed a moratorium on new hospice licenses due to widespread fraud. The task force is also investigating increased medical billing for procedures like skin grafts, which have seen a dramatic rise in costs, raising concerns about unnecessary treatments for insurance reimbursements.

Data Centers in Western U.S. Face Scrutiny Over Water Usage Amid Shortages

Data Centers in Western U.S. Face Scrutiny Over Water Usage Amid Shortages

Data Centers in Western U.S. Face Scrutiny Over Water Usage Amid Shortages

Six fights announced for UFC Noche 2026, including two former Mexican champs

Six fights announced for UFC Noche 2026, including two former Mexican champs

Noche UFC 2026 has officially been announced for Saturday, September 12th at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona and will features two Mexican former champions. The annual Mexican Independence Day tradition started in 2023 and has quickly become a popular series of events, stacked high with some of the UFC’s best Mexican talent. The […]