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Forgotten 'Downwinders' Demand Federal Compensation

Congress held a field hearing in Kingman, Ariz., on Monday for forgotten "downwinders" — people suffering from cancer caused by the fallout of atomic testing near Las Vegas in the 1950s. Legislation passed more than two decades ago provided compensation for many people in the region, but left out Arizona's Mohave County and Nevada's Clark County.

Danielle Stephens was growing up on her family's cattle ranch in Kingman at the time.

"There's no doubt about it's what happened to the people," Stephens said. "My husband and I together have 31 members who passed away from cancer."
 

Photo by Laurel Morales

Coconino National Forest patrol captain Jon Nelson checks out a camp where someone appears to be living in the forest.

More Homeless In The Forests Means More Fire Danger

During warm weather months, Flagstaff’s largest homeless shelter closes down at night. That means dozens of displaced people head to the forests.

Flagstaff police and partner agencies are investigating several recent human-caused wildfires. A dry winter and more people who are homeless heading to the forest have emergency crews beefing up patrols.

 
Tradition Brings Together Jews and Latinos For Passover

Monday at sundown marked the beginning of the Jewish holiday, Passover. For the past decade, a Seder in Phoenix has been bringing together people from two ethnic communities.

“It is about building alliances, building relationships, building a future together,” event organizer Carlos Galindo Elvira said. “And it all starts with a very simple theme: talking with each other and four cups of wine.”

Laurel Morales

A passenger on the trip took the photo on the left in October 2005, the day after guide Adam Bringhurst rescued Dotty LaRue from the Colorado River. Right, LaRue and Bringhurst recreate the photo. The seat cushion they're holding was also crucial in the rescue.

Colorado River Can Turn Deadly For Self-Guided Adventurers

Last month a 31-year-old Oregon man died when his kayak capsized on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. He was one of about 7,000 river runners who each year opt to go without a guide.

The last 10 river fatalities in the Grand Canyon were on self-supported trips.

Many consider the Grand Canyon to be the premiere whitewater rafting experience on the planet.

"Because it is one of the last places where you can have a true adventure," said long-time boater Rachel Schmidt. "You are allowed to go down there and push your limits. And there aren’t guard rails everywhere. And there’s not someone telling you, you can’t do it. You actually have to think and make conscious decisions about your actions."