Latest news with #AZCentral
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Grand Canyon Flooding Move Sparks Backlash: 'We Are Failing'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Controversy has erupted after federal officials at the Bureau of Reclamation announced they don't plan to release floodwaters from Lake Powell this spring to restore the Grand Canyon because of work taking place on Glen Canyon Dam and further down the Colorado River. Newsweek contacted the Bureau of Reclamation for comment via email on Saturday outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters Since 1963 the Glen Canyon Dam has obstructed the flow of water and accompanying sand into the Grand Canyon via the Colorado River. In response the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, which falls under Bureau of Reclamation jurisdiction, has opened the dam's bypass tubes 12 times since 1996 according to local media outlet AZ Central. Critics argue that failing to flood the Grand Canyon on a regular basis causes its beaches to wash away and has a devastating impact on its wildlife. What To Know The Bureau of Reclamation has said it will not flood the Grand Canyon this spring because of ongoing work around the Glen Canyon Dam and Colorado River. In April the bureau said it would recommend Interior Secretary Doug Burgum not approve a spring flood because of work being conducted by a National Park Service contractor, which is digging a slough downstream from the dam in a bid to prevent non-native fish, such as smallmouth bass, from spawning. On May 22 the agency said it stood by this decision and that it was final. However critics have argued this could violate the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992, which requires government to conserve the National Park's wildlife and ecosystem. A stock image shows the Grand Canyon being flooded via water from the Glen Canyon Dam on November 21 2004. A stock image shows the Grand Canyon being flooded via water from the Glen Canyon Dam on November 21 2004. Jeff Topping/GETTY Environmental campaigners had been pushing for a spring flood to mimic the natural movement of the river and to restore the Grand Canyon's beaches. Groups representing anglers were also in favor as tailwater rainbow trout stocks have been hit in recent years by low water in Lake Powell, which has also caused temperatures to rise. Trout Unlimited spokesperson Jim Strogen said a "deeper, colder lake" would be better for fishing. However, major power consumers had warned spring floods would cut hydroelectric energy production. Leslie James, executive director of the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association, claimed a spring flood could cost between $1 million and $2 million in lost electricity output. What People Are Saying Speaking to AZ Central Ben Reeder, the Grand Canyon River Guides representatives at a technical group in collaboration with the Reclamation Bureau, said federal authorities were "looking for any excuse" not to have a flood. Reeder added: "It really kind of bothers me, honestly, that we talk about the Grand Canyon in these economic terms as if it's there for human consumption." Larry Stevens, an ecologist who represents the Grand Canyon Wildlands Council and Wild Arizona, said he was "deeply disappointed." What Happens Next The decision not to have a spring flood at the Grand Canyon could raise pressure for one later in the year, even though this wouldn't match the Colorado River's natural cycle so closely. Tensions around flooding the Grand Canyon are likely to continue between environmentalists, government and electricity producers.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Devoted' Landscaper Was Sent to Trim a Tree Outside a Home. The Renter Allegedly Shot Him To Death
Manuel Vega Lopez was fatally shot in Gilbert, Ariz. Police arrested Wyatt Ford on a second-degree murder charge Vega's daughter is raising funds for her family after her father was killedA man who was hired as a landscaper by a landlord was allegedly fatally shot by a renter on the property, police said. Manuel Vega Lopez, 51, was killed in Gilbert, Ariz., on Monday, May 19, the Gilbert Police Department said in a statement. The following day, police arrested 28-year-old Wyatt Ford in connection with the shooting, per the statement. Authorities say police responding to a report of an 'argument' found Lopez's body in front of a residence. Lopez was shot while police were en route. According to court documents cited by AZ Family, ABC 15 and AZ Central, Ford assumed Lopez was responsible for what Ford and his wife believed to be a break-in in their trailer a few days prior. However, authorities alleged in court documents that Ford had been informed by the landlord that a landscaper would be coming to the location to trim trees in the yard, the outlets reported. Ford's wife told authorities Ford had received the text message and responded to it. After the shooting, one witness alleged they heard Ford saying 'I didn't mean to,' according to court documents cited by AZ Central. In a GoFundMe set up to assist his family with taking his body to his native Mexico, Lopez's daughter said he was a "devoted hardworking landscaper" and the "eyes and legs" for his wife, who is on dialysis and losing her eyesight. "He was a caring, attentive, respectful and loving husband, father and friend. A life full of love, hope, happiness and anything life could offer," Manuelita Vega said in the fundraiser. "He built our family a home not in elegance but in simplicity and contentment. As a father, he worked with all his strength in all the ways he could, to earn the income and gave his family all the support he could," she added. Lopez's son, a cancer survivor, also remains ill as the family grieves the "caring, attentive" landscaper's death, Vega Ford was taken into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on charges of second-degree murder, per Gilbert Police's statement. It wasn't immediately clear if he has entered a plea. An attorney listed for him in court records did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Read the original article on People
Sky News AU
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Unimaginable': American influencer Emilie Kiser's three-year-old son Trigg dies after backyard pool incident, just weeks after birth of second child
Popular American influencer Emilie Kiser is mourning the death of her young son, who died in a drowning accident in Arizona. Three-year-old Trigg Kiser died after he was pulled from a backyard swimming pool last Monday. Local police spokesperson Sonu Wasu told AZ Central that officers responded to a drowning call just before 6 pm on May 12 at a home near East Chandler Heights and South Cooper roads. "They performed CPR until firefighters arrived and took over medical care,' she said. "Trigg was taken to Chandler Regional Medical Centre and then to Phoenix Children's Hospital in critical condition." His death was confirmed on May 18 by police and the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time," Wasu added. "The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing. This is still an open investigation. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, we will not be releasing additional details until the investigation is closed." The devastating news comes just over seven weeks after Emilie, 26, and husband Brady Kiser, 28, celebrated the birth of their second son, Theodore 'Teddy' Kiser, on March 28. Emilie, who boasts more than three million followers on TikTok and a strong presence across Instagram and YouTube, regularly features her family in her content. On the day of the accident, Mother's Day in the United States, the influencer had posted a tribute video montage of her sons, writing: "Forever grateful that I get to be a momma. Happy Mother's Day." She also posted a cheerful "day in the life" vlog on TikTok that same day, saying: "That was euphoric, this morning has been literally the most unrealistic morning routine, because this is not usually what my mornings look like." The following day, Emilie shared a "photo dump" of family snapshots, including a sweet shot of Brady, Trigg, and Teddy all cuddled up in bed. Since news of Trigg's death, thousands of followers have already flooded Kiser's pages with messages of support and heartbreak. "Dear Lord, I plead for you to wrap your arms around this precious family. Let them feel a peace that is unexplainable and can only come from you," one user wrote. Another added: "I have never been more heartbroken for someone I've never met- you're in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong." A third commented: "I watched him live the happiest, fullest life filled with endless love and amazing parents. Heartbroken. My heart and prayers with you forever." The young family, who are understandably grieving, have yet to release a public statement.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Influencer Emilie Kiser's 3-year-old son dies days after accidental drowning
Six days after initial reports revealed a 3-year-old boy was found unconscious in a swimming pool, Arizona police have confirmed the identity of the child. According to Chandler police spokesperson Sonu Wasu, police first responded to calls of a possible drowning just before 6 p.m. local time Monday, May 12. On Sunday, May 18, AZ Central reported that the young boy is Trigg Kiser, son of popular TikToker Emilie Kiser. As Wasu shared in an initial statement, those at the home performed CPR on the child until first responders arrived at the scene. Trigg is said to have been taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center and then later transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital. Police and the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed the news of Trigg's death, according to AZ Central. 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,' Wasu said. An investigation into what happened remains ongoing. Trigg was often featured on Emilie Kiser's social media accounts. She and her husband, Brady Kiser, recently welcomed their second child into the world in March. In April, Emilie Kiser shared a sweet video of Trigg meeting his younger brother, Teddy. According to the Children's Safety Network, 3,572 people in the U.S. die from drowning each year, and 945 of them are children. 'Children account for 1 out of 4 drowning deaths.' It's reported that 'most children ages 1 through 4 drown in swimming pools at home,' and it can happen 'quickly and quietly.' The Children's Safety Network reports that 'swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning in 1- to 4-year-old children by 88%' and an isolated four-sided fence around the pool can reduce the risk of drowning 'by 83%.' Fans have since taken to the comment sections of Emilie Kiser's social media posts to share their condolences. 'Have never been more heartbroken for someone I've never met— you're in our thoughts and prayers. stay strong,' one comment read. 'You and Brady are such amazing, loving parents, and people. Thank you for sharing your life and family with us, I hope you all can heal privately together but know so many of us are thinking of you, and love you,' another commenter added. 'I watched him live the happiest, fullest life filled with endless love and amazing parents. Heartbroken. My heart and prayers with you forever,' shared another. Neither Emilie nor Brady Kiser have issued a public statement.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Influencer Emilie Kiser's 3-Year-Old Son Dies Days After 'Unimaginable' Drowning Incident in Pool: Reports
Emilie Kiser's three-year-old son, Trigg, has died days after he was reportedly found unconscious in a backyard pool in Arizona on May 12 The three-year-old died in the hospital on Sunday, May 18, according to reports Chandler police spokesperson Sonu Wasu said, "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time," per AZ CentralInfluencer Emilie Kiser's three-year-old son, Trigg, has died days after a pool accident, according to reports from multiple outlets, including KBTX, AZ Central, Arizona's 12 News and U.K. newspaper The Independent. Shortly before 6 p.m. local time on Monday, May 12, officers responded to a drowning call at a home near East Chandler Heights, Chandler police spokesperson Sonu Wasu said, per AZ Central. They performed CPR until firefighters arrived and took over medical care, she added. According to the outlet, Wasu noted that Trigg was taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center and then to Phoenix Children's Hospital in critical condition. His death on Sunday, May 18, was confirmed by police and the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, in documents seen by PEOPLE. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time," Wasu said, according to KBTX. The officer also noted that an investigation into the incident and the circumstances preceding the drowning call was underway. Emilie and her husband, Brady, became parents in July 2021 when they welcomed their son Trigg; their second child, son Theodore, was born in March. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "🧸Theodore🧸 We love you so much and our hearts feel like they are going to burst. I am so grateful for a smooth delivery, a healthy baby, and the best husband. Could not have done it without my rock @bradykiser . The love I have for my boys is infinite," Emilie wrote on Instagram on March 28. The couple announced in September that they were expecting their second child together. She shared the pregnancy news on her Instagram with a series of images beside Brady and Trigg with a few sonogram photos. "WE GOTTA BABY GROWING🕊️🤍," Emilie penned in her caption. Kiser has over 3.1 million followers on TikTok and another million on Instagram, where she shares the day-to-day experiences of being a wife and mom. PEOPLE has reached out to the Chandler Police Department and the Chandler Fire Department for comment but did not immediately hear back. Read the original article on People
