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Will daylight saving time become permanent in 2026? What to know

Will daylight saving time become permanent in 2026? What to know

The House voted July 14 to make daylight saving time permanent through the Sunshine Protection Act, but it still needs to head through the Senate.
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Federal Plan Proposes Significant Water Cuts in Colorado River Basin Affecting Arizona

Federal Plan Proposes Significant Water Cuts in Colorado River Basin Affecting Arizona

Federal officials have released a new plan to address water shortages in the Colorado River basin, which will significantly impact Arizona, California, and Nevada. The plan allows for cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet per year among the Lower Basin states during severe drought conditions. Arizona is expected to face the most substantial reductions due to its junior water rights compared to California. The plan aims to replace the 2007 guidelines and provide more flexibility in responding to changing climate conditions. Arizona officials have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the Central Arizona Project, which supplies water to Phoenix and Tucson. The U.S. Interior Department's Bureau of Reclamation has released an environmental study to support the new plan, which seeks to prevent Lake Mead and Lake Powell from reaching critically low levels.
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US Senate Hearing on Fauci and COVID Origins Fails to Provide New Insights

US Senate Hearing on Fauci and COVID Origins Fails to Provide New Insights

A recent Senate committee hearing has reignited the debate over the origins of COVID-19, focusing on the role of immunologist Anthony Fauci in the U.S. government's pandemic response. The hearing, led by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, was marked by partisan divisions, with Republicans reiterating claims that the virus originated from a lab in Wuhan, China. Despite extensive investigations and reports, including a 2024 report by a Republican-led subcommittee, no conclusive evidence has been found to support the lab leak theory over natural transmission. The hearing did not introduce new evidence but highlighted ongoing political tensions surrounding the pandemic's origins and Fauci's role.
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Federal Plan Introduces Temporary Colorado River Management Rules

Federal Plan Introduces Temporary Colorado River Management Rules

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released a new plan to manage the Colorado River, addressing the ongoing drought and water allocation issues among the seven states that rely on the river. The plan spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming from immediate cuts, while Arizona, California, and Nevada face reductions. This temporary measure aims to provide flexibility and predictability, with water management decisions to be revisited every two years. The plan includes potential cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet for the Lower Basin states through 2036, impacting water supply for millions of people.
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Federal Government Proposes Significant Water Use Cuts for Colorado River States

Federal Government Proposes Significant Water Use Cuts for Colorado River States

The federal government has proposed substantial cuts to water usage for California, Arizona, and Nevada, aiming to address the management of the Colorado River amid decreasing water levels. The proposal suggests reducing water use by up to 3 million acre-feet per year, significantly more than the 1.6 million acre-feet proposed by the states themselves. Arizona's Department of Water Resources has expressed concern, stating that such cuts would severely impact the state's water users and economy. The proposal is part of a broader effort to manage the river's resources as the West faces increasing drought conditions.
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Utah Avoids Mandatory Water Cuts in Federal Colorado River Proposal

Utah Avoids Mandatory Water Cuts in Federal Colorado River Proposal

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has announced a proposal to manage the Colorado River, sparing Utah and other Upper Basin states from mandatory water cuts. The proposal requires Arizona, California, and Nevada to reduce water usage by up to 3 million acre-feet through 2036. The plan aims to address the ongoing water crisis affecting the Colorado River, which supplies water to over 40 million people. The proposal is a temporary measure as states continue to negotiate a long-term management plan.
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Federal Plan for Colorado River Water Management Introduced Amid Drought Concerns

Federal Plan for Colorado River Water Management Introduced Amid Drought Concerns

The federal government has released new guidelines for managing water from the Colorado River, setting a strategy for the next decade. The plan comes after years of negotiations among the seven states that rely on the river's water. Climate change, drought, and steady demand have significantly reduced the river's flow, affecting nearly 40 million people and a vast agricultural industry. The new plan involves biennial reassessments of water management strategies, allowing for short-term adjustments. Arizona, California, and Nevada are expected to face significant water cutbacks, with details on the size of these reductions forthcoming.
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Fauci praised as 'hero' by public health experts after Senate hearing

Fauci praised as 'hero' by public health experts after Senate hearing

Public health experts and advocates are defending Dr. Anthony Fauci after he faced fierce criticism from Republicans at a Senate hearing.
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California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture, Citing Economic Concerns

California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture, Citing Economic Concerns

California lawmakers have decided against passing Assembly Bill 1603, which aimed to phase out the use of pesticides containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on farms. These chemicals, often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to health risks such as decreased fertility and increased cancer risk. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, faced strong opposition from the agricultural sector, which argued that the ban would lead to increased food imports and hinder innovation in pesticide development. Despite the rejection, the bill will be reconsidered in the next legislative session, with a focus on listing PFAS pesticides in a public database.
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California Rep. Panetta Introduces Legislation to Mitigate Flood Risk on Agricultural Lands

California Rep. Panetta Introduces Legislation to Mitigate Flood Risk on Agricultural Lands

California Representative Jimmy Panetta has introduced new legislation aimed at helping farmers mitigate flood risks on agricultural lands. The Farmers Lifeline Options for Overcoming Disasters Act proposes proactive measures such as creating floodplain buffer zones in high-risk areas. The legislation is co-led by Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra and has companion bills in the Senate. Floods are the second most destructive natural disaster for agriculture, and the act seeks to provide farmers with tools to protect their livelihoods and enhance environmental sustainability.
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Rep. Sam Liccardo Sells NVIDIA Shares Amid Congressional Stock Trading Scrutiny

Rep. Sam Liccardo Sells NVIDIA Shares Amid Congressional Stock Trading Scrutiny

Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) has disclosed his first stock transaction since taking office in January 2025, selling 100 shares of NVIDIA Corp. on July 21. The sale, valued between $20,401 and $20,865, was made at a time when NVIDIA's stock price was higher than its current value. Liccardo's transaction is part of a broader scrutiny of congressional stock trading, as a measure to ban members of Congress from buying new stocks has been approved by the House. This measure, however, allows members to sell previously owned positions with proper disclosures.
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California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture

California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture

California lawmakers have rejected Assembly Bill 1603, which aimed to ban the use of pesticides containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on farms. These 'forever chemicals' are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. The bill, proposed by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, faced strong opposition from the agricultural sector, which argued that the ban would hinder innovation and increase reliance on imported food. Despite the rejection, the bill has been amended to require the state to list pesticides containing PFAS in a public database.