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Water levels in Lake Powell, seen here in May 2021, are dipping dangerously low. The federal government has proposed an unprecedented plan to cut back on water supplies for Arizona, Nevada and California. The measure aims to keep water levels high enough to generate hydropower at the Glen Canyon Dam.

The Buzz: Looking back on 2022

Newsworthy interviews and topics that we addressed this year.
The Central Tucson Groundwater Treatment System, located near Davis Monthan Air Force Base, removes PFAS contaminates from the aquifer below the area.

The Buzz: Dealing with Arizona's PFAS problem

Why are the chemical class also known as forever chemicals so dangerous, and what's being done to fix the problem?
A vacant lot is used as a place to stack and assemble sandbags for use by residents whose properties are at risk of flooding.

The Buzz: A strong monsoon brings road closures and floods

Why does some infrastructure get overwhelmed by above-average summer rain?
The seven states in the Colorado River basin couldn't agree on a plan to conserve unprecedented amounts of water before a federal deadline. Meanwhile, grim projections for the future of water levels in Lake Mead have forced mandatory cuts to water for some users in the lower basin. Federal authorities are trying to prop up levels in the nation's largest reservoir before they dip too low to generate hydropower or allow the passage of water.

The Buzz: How will more Colorado River water cuts affect Southern Arizona?

Tucson's rights means municipal users aren't likely to feel the pinch, but the same can't be said for agriculture.
Gov. Ducey's desalination plant proposal is designed to relieve pressure on water supplied by Lake Mead.

Tucson willing to give up some Colorado River water

The Mayor and Council are looking at how to take stress off Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

Adia Barnes on Teamwork and Motherhood.

Also on Arizona Spotlight:Can new technology save water on farms? Plus Chris Dashiell remembers Peter Bogdanovich, and a short story read by author Michelle Ross.
Mated pair of Great Plains toads (Anaxyrus cognatus) in the floodplain of the Santa Cruz River.

The Desert Blooms in a Bountiful Monsoon.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Why the music of the rock group Fanny is rocking a whole new generation!
Soldier Canyon in the Catalina Mountains.

Measuring the Monsoon.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: 'Tis the season for mushroom hunters on Mount Lemmon; and "Gloria: A Life" returns to The Invisible Theatre.
The sun shines harshly behind a saguaro cactus.

Low saguaro reproduction numbers at national park in Tucson

Drought cycle that dates to the mid-1990s thought to be responsible
The crew of the whaling vessel Pequod, portrayed by Ryan Parker Knox, Christopher Pankratz, Aaron Shand and Eduardo Rodriguez, in The Rogue Theatre's stage adaptation of "Moby Dick".

The great white whale, sighted in Tucson!

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A conversation with ecologist Brad Lancaster; and the series "Youth Crossing Gender Borders" begins.
Challenger Rep. Nicolas Pierson and incumbent Dem. Raul Grijalva await the start of their televised debate in the Congressional District 3 race, Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.

CD3 Candidates See Separate Paths Forward on Immigration

One of 9 U.S. House districts that border Mexico, the topic looms large in Southwestern Arizona.
Participants walk along the Rillito River path in on the tours held by members of Watershed Management Group.

Will Water Return to Tucson's Washes?

A group hopes to restore running water to the city's watershed.
Rain and sunlight interact over Tucson, July 5, 2018.

4 More Weeks of Monsoon, Tucson Has Beaten Normal Rain Totals

Tucson has received more than six inches of rain since the monsoon began, and much of Southern Arizona has surpassed normal totals.
Mike and Jules Peters present the new incarnation of The Alarm.

Sounding The Alarm in Tucson

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Banking water for when the Colorado River goes dry; a neighborhood movie star makes epic films in his own backyard.

Arizona-based Solar Firm Draws Drinking Water From Air

Says Southwestern skies contain enough water vapor to provide private supply
The path forecast for Tropical Storm Bud as of midday Wednesday, June 13.

Tropical Storm Bud Likely to End Area's Dry Streak of 100+ Days

The storm is traveling up the Gulf of California, and outer bands are expected to bring rain in the coming days.

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