A generational battle

a tribe’s concern over uranium mining on ancestral homelands brought Biden to AZ

For people who visit or call Grand Canyon National Park home, the water issues mainly come around moving water up to the rim where the homes, hotels, and other businesses sit. But, head downstream to one of the most remote tribal nations in America, and the water issues are very different. The Havasupai people’s land sits in the canyon, surrounded by the park on all sides. They're not worried about pumping the water up. Their worries are about what trickles down. Upstream from them sits an area where uranium mining was once plentiful and may soon begin again.

Broken Promises, Contaminated Waters

Uranium mining on the Navajo Nation

As uranium mining operations flourished, promises made by mining companies and the federal government remained unfulfilled, leaving communities grappling with the aftermath of pollution and broken trust. An investigation uncovers the deadly health toll of uranium mining on Navajo land, where generations have faced severe health issues linked to contaminated water and environmental neglect. This in-depth exploration highlights the stories of families who have suffered the consequences of uranium exposure and the ongoing fight for justice as they demand accountability and restoration of their lands.

Hours after near-total ban upheld: Providers in AZ abortion clinic fear for patients' lives

In April 2024, Arizona lawmakers grappled with a state supreme court ruling that reinstated a near-total ban on abortions. Confusion around when and if the ban would take effect affected access across the state. In the meantime, providers at one reproductive health clinic in Phoenix wondered what the future held for them.

Interim faculty report denounces UA's response ahead of deadly on campus shooting

The General Faculty Committee on University Safety for All found that the University of Arizona faces a “systemic risk oversight failure” and fails to “address a known chronic trust problem.” Their investigation came four months after a former graduate student killed Thomas Meixner, the hydrology and atmospheric sciences department head, on campus. For nearly a year, Meixner along with other faculty, staff, and students reported threats they received to university officials.

AZPM News spoke with surviving faculty and students about how their fears were based on real threats.

The BUzz

how LGBTQ+ youth find empowerment in drag as their rights face political backlash

Drag shows have recently come under fire across the nation as the performance art has become the topic of political posturing. But some drag queens say their work is more than just a showcase. It is a form of self-expression.

The Buzz

How the largest Indian water rights settlement in U.S. history aims to rectify historic wrongs

Considered the largest Indian Water Rights settlement in U.S. history, the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024 may right historical wrongs.

In 1922, when governments allocated Colorado River waters, tribal nations were notably excluded from the conversation. After decades of disputes, this $5 billion act would build the necessary infrastructure for tribal nations, like the Navajo, to bring water to their people.

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Collegiate Women's Hockey in Arizona

As the NHL season closes and reports say top-level hockey appears to be on its way out of Arizona, we head to the sport’s lower levels. Just because the pros may be leaving doesn't mean the sport is dying. We hear from players and coaches at the state's two collegiate women's hockey teams, the up-and-coming Arizona State University team and the soon-to-start University of Arizona team.

Young musicians embrace heritage through Mexico’s Independence Day

The Tucson Symphony Orchestra marked Mexican Independence Day with an evening of traditional dancing, vocal soloists and music from Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School.

The event hosts, the consulate of Mexico and Tucson-Mexico Sister Cities, gave the orchestra artistic direction for the performance. When José Luis Gomez, the director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, saw this opportunity, he made it a point to feature work from young musicians like 16-year-old composer Sol Silvina from Hermosillo, Mexico, and Mariachi Aztlán.

How Black Joy Broke Barriers Through Opera — Just In Time For Juneteenth

During Juneteenth, the Missouri History Museum and Opera Theatre of St. Louis presented “I Dream a World: A Celebration of Juneteenth” in commemoration of the day when people who’d been enslaved in Texas belatedly learned of their emancipation.

*This is a segment from St. Louis Public Radio's daily talk show, St. Louis on the Air. I produced this segment and was responsible for cutting the SPOTS, booking the guest, producing questions for the show as well as writing a preview and post web article.