The combination of extreme heat and sustained drought in the Sonoran Desert is taking a toll on our iconic saguaro cactuses, researchers found in a newly published study.

Why it matters: If the plant's population declines at the same rate seen recently, the saguaro cactus will not be able to sustain itself, according to the report.

The big picture: The researchers looked at how the especially intense weather seen across the Sonoran Desert in 2020 and 2021 — the hottest and driest spell on record to that point — impacted giant cactus species (namely organ pipes and saguaros) in metro Phoenix and Baja California Sur.

• They found a direct link between diminished plant health and extreme weather.

Zoom in: In Phoenix, the researchers evaluated 1,000 saguaros at the Desert Botanical Garden and found they had elevated stress and mortality rates after 2021.

• The garden, which has been tracking saguaro health for a decade, saw saguaro death rates hover between 1-2% from 2015 to 2020. That jumped to 7% in 2023.
• About half of the garden's saguaros receive irrigation, and those cactuses fared better.

The intrigue: Cactuses are often thought to be among the heartiest of Southwestern plants, but some of their desert adaptations might put them at a disadvantage to survive particularly hot and dry summers, Next Generation Sonoran Desert Researchers director and the report's lead author Benjamin Wilder told Axios.

• For instance, saguaros have adapted to have an extremely shallow root system so they can quickly soak up ground-level rainwater that would otherwise evaporate before sinking into the dirt. But when there is no rain, their roots aren't deep enough to reach stored water.
• Additionally, cactuses' lack of leaves puts them at risk for "sunburns," or what researchers termed "scorching," which permanently impairs the plant's photosynthesis system.

What we're watching: Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert region at large have continued to see abnormally hot and dry summers since the 2020-21 period scientists evaluated.

How to help scientists

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A vast majority of Americans say the increased focus on race and racial inequality after George Floyd's killing — five years ago next weekend — did not lead to changes that improved the lives of Black Americans, a new Pew Research Center survey finds.

Why it matters: Floyd's 2020 murder by Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck sparked international protests and calls to tackle systemic racism, but that momentum appears all but gone.

The big picture: The Black Lives Matter movement convinced companies to commit to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but President Trump's anti-DEI executive orders have now forced many corporations to abandon those promises.

By the numbers: Five years later, 72% of Americans say increased focus on racial inequality didn't lead to significant changes that helped Black people, the survey released last week found.

• Now 52% of Americans express support for the Black Lives Matter movement, a 15 percentage point drop from June 2020.
• In addition, 49% doubt that Black Americans will ever have equal rights with white Americans, up from 39% in 2020.
• More than half of U.S. adults (54%) say the relationship between Black people and police is about the same as before Floyd was killed. A third say things are worse, while just 11% say things are better.

Zoom in: Support for the Black Lives Matter movement remained high among Black adults, Latinos, Democrats and young adults, while fading among white Americans.

Keep reading

🏀 The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Seattle Storm 81-59 in the team's season opener Saturday, despite top scorer Kahleah Copper's absence. (Arizona Sports)

• Copper underwent a left knee arthroscopy and will miss four-six weeks, the Mercury announced prior to tip-off.

💸 The U.S. Department of Education last week rescinded a $37.7 million fine against Grand Canyon University that had been issued by the Biden administration. The department had previously accused the university of misrepresenting the cost of its doctoral degrees. (AZcentral)

🔥 The Greer Fire in eastern Arizona has spread to more than 20,000 acres and was 0% contained as of yesterday. Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency Saturday, unlocking additional state resources to assist firefighting efforts. (Arizona's Family)

A private dining club launched in New York City nearly a decade ago, is tapping into Phoenix's culinary scene.

Why it matters: The Phoenix arrival of this first-of-its-kind dining series illustrates the Valley's growing reputation as a dining destination.

• Tasting Collective is already in 18 other U.S. cities, including foodie havens like Chicago and San Francisco.

The big picture: Tasting Collective partners with some of the nation's top chefs to host off-menu, five-course meals in their restaurants on days when they're generally slower or closed.

• The goal is to personalize the restaurant experience by introducing diners to the people behind some of the buzziest eateries in town, Tasting Collective CEO Nat Gelb told Axios.

How it works: The collective will host chef-led dinners in Phoenix at least once per month, starting with Chilte chef Lawrence "LT" Smith in June.

• To access the events, diners need to join the collective, which runs $165 per year — though the first 500 people to sign up in Phoenix will score a $99 membership.
• Each dinner costs $75 before tax and tip, with all proceeds going directly to the restaurants.
• Members can bring up to three guests for $95 each.

The intrigue: Gelb said Tasting Collective aims to "democratize" this type of chef's tasting experience, which can often run upwards of $200 per person.

• These aren't "nose-in-the-air" events for the elite — it's "the people's supper club," he said.

Phoenix restaurant lineup