Phoenix New Times | The Leading Independent News Source in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona is losing groundwater at an alarming rate, study shows

By TJ L'Heureux

Jun 12, 2025

Arizona is bracing for cuts to its Colorado River water. At the same time, a new study shows we’re losing groundwater.

a phoenix highway with a billboard reading 107 degrees at 7:25 p.m.

Phoenix had 136 extreme heat days in 1976. Here’s that total now

By Morgan Fischer

Aug 16, 2024

Phoenix has always been hot. But as one study shows, it's staying hot for longer each year.

Map: Do you live in one of Phoenix’s hottest neighborhoods?

By Morgan Fischer

Jul 30, 2024

Many neighborhoods that boil the most are smack in the middle of the city.

A man under a glaring sun pours water over his head out of a jug.

After 645 heat deaths in 2023, are we ready for another deadly summer?

By TJ L'Heureux

May 13, 2024

There will be more cooling centers open for more hours in metro Phoenix. But experts say that's a temporary solution at best.

Heat killed record number of people in Maricopa County last year

By TJ L'Heureux

Mar 13, 2024

645 people died due to heat in 2023. State, county and city officials are groping for a response.

Gilligan's Chevron on Indian School Road Phoenix

Arizona gas prices among highest in U.S. Here’s what you’ll pay in Phoenix

By O'Hara Shipe

Jan 9, 2024

Scottsdale has the most expensive gas in the Valley at an average of $3.449 per gallon, according to AAA.

New $10 million tree planting grant will expand Phoenix shade canopy

By Serena O'Sullivan

Oct 23, 2023

"It's an acceleration toward a cleaner, cooler, more equitable Phoenix."

These 3 Valley Restaurants Treat Every Day Like Earth Day

By Cassie Brucci

Apr 21, 2023

Whether it's brewing beer with less water or swapping steak for veggies, these Arizona restaurants function with sustainability at heart.

World’s First Mechanical Tree ‘Planted’ in Tempe, and It Sucks. In a Good Way

By Elias Weiss

Apr 19, 2022

The world's first MechanicalTree, unveiled on the east side of Arizona State University’s main campus in Tempe on Monday, could be a catalyst in reversing climate change.

Activists Want Phoenix, a Hotspot for Climate Change, to Declare Climate Emergency

By Elizabeth Whitman

Mar 7, 2020

The threat is real.

Developer Concedes, Will Keep Giant Pine Trees at Controversial Alhambra Project

By Elizabeth Whitman

Mar 5, 2020

The history Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran church is selling its parking lot to a developer, and nearby residents are not happy.

Cities Hate It, But Ducey Signs Bill Banning Local Bans on Natural Gas Anyway

By Elizabeth Whitman

Feb 24, 2020

Phoenix, Tucson, and Arizonans in general dislike this new law, but the gas industry loves it.

Phoenix Will Host a Democratic Presidential Debate in March

By Ali Swenson

Feb 14, 2020

Arizona Democratic Party officials say the DNC's decision to schedule the debate in Phoenix "reaffirms our battleground state status."

Arizona House Passes Industry-Backed Pre-Emption Bill to Keep Natural Gas Flowing

By Elizabeth Whitman

Feb 12, 2020

If passed, the legislation would stymie local efforts to encourage cleaner energy and mitigate climate change.

Arizona's Incarcerated Firefighters Push for a Bill to Reduce Their Sentences

By Hannah Critchfield

Jan 21, 2020

Firefighting prisoners want the state to recognize their labor through earlier release.

With Colorado River Cutbacks Looming, a Drought Pipeline Sparks Ire in Phoenix

By Elizabeth Whitman

Dec 31, 2019

Preparing for water shortages in Phoenix is proving tough for the city and residents alike.

Hundreds of Students Plan to Join Phoenix Edition of Youth Global Climate Strike

By Elizabeth Whitman

Sep 19, 2019

"I don't have time to go to school," 17-year-old Aditi Narayanan said. "I have something more important to do."

So Fresh, So Clean: How Scottsdale Wants to Purify Your Ideas on Recycled Water

By Elizabeth Whitman

Jul 30, 2019

In the Valley, we already drink recycled wastewater and use it in our homes — indirectly.

In the Southwest, Monsoons Are Becoming More Intense and Frequent, Study Finds

By Elizabeth Whitman

Jul 24, 2019

Hotter, wetter, more dangerous.

Climate Change

Arizona's drought likely to last another 75 years

Phoenix is at the ‘epicenter’ of the climate crisis

Climate Change

Arizona's drought likely to last another 75 years

Phoenix is at the ‘epicenter’ of the climate crisis

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