@UAZJSchool Prof and freelance reporter in the AZ-Sonora borderlands. Formerly with the @fronterasdesk in Hermosillo and @nogalesnews. Dms open for news tips!
Articles by Kendal Blust
#SEJ2025 - Confronting the Past, Surviving the Future
SEJ News: #SEJ2025 — Confronting the Past, Surviving the Future By Kendal Blust The 2025 Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Tempe, Arizona, could not come at a more crucial time — for our country, our profession and the planet. This year’s conference — “Heat, Water and Growth: Confronting the Past, Surviving the Future” — celebrates 35 years of SEJ’s commitment to more and better coverage of environment-related issues.
Sonoran activists march to demand access to abortion care
A group of protesters hold up signs that read, "legal," "safe," and "free," during an abortion march in Hermosillo, Sonora, on Sept. 28, 2022. On Sept. 28, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Hermosillo, Sonora, to recognize International Safe Abortion Day, when, for decades, people across Latin America have protested to demand abortion rights. Women chant "we must abort this patriarchal system" as they march through the streets of Hermosillo Wednesday night.
Kino Bay’s Becerra family gave up traditional fishing to focus on saving sea turtles
Green sea turtles are an endangered species and among the largest of their kind in the world. They’re also the only herbivorous sea turtles. Now, some conservation groups are trying to protect them. A group of volunteers were afloat in a small blue and white boat, or panga, just off the shore of Laguna La Cruz — a wetland area on the southern end of Bahia de Kino, Sonora, on the Gulf of California.
Keeping the ancient traditional uses of eelgrass alive Original
The ancient tradition of using seagrass as a food source has been dormant for one Indigenous community along the Sonoran coast in Mexico. But now, some are trying to revive the tradition and keep it alive for generations to come. KJZZ's Kendal Blust reports.
Sonora governor: Desalination will have to be part of state water supply
With at least a dozen neighborhoods in Hermosillo already experiencing water shortages this summer, the state is confronting a future without enough water for residents, much less water-intensive agriculture and industry. "Obviously desalination will be an obligatory resource for Hermosillo, because the water crisis is already reaching all of us," Gov. Alfonso Durazo said.
Sonora governor continues to push to reroute Nogales rail line
The governor of Sonora met with the leaders of U.S. and Mexican railway companies this week to push for railroad tracks that run through the downtowns of both Nogales, Arizona, and Sonora to be moved. In a meeting with leaders from the rail companies Union Pacific and Ferromex, Gov. Alfonso Durazo said even with only a few trains crossing daily, the location of the tracks is inconvenient and dangerous for residents of Ambos Nogales.
Mexico's president threatens to boycott Summit of the Americas
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says he may not attend the Summit of the Americas if the United States doesn't invite other leaders from the region. Next month, the United States is set to host the Ninth Summit of the Americas - a gathering of leaders from across the Western Hemisphere. But Mexico's president is threatening to boycott the meeting if the U.S. fails to invite the leaders of some other countries.
Inbreeding won’t doom the endangered vaquita marina - but fishing nets might
The vaquita marina, or "little sea cow" in Spanish, is considered the world’s most endangered marine mammal. The gray porpoise — known for its small size and characteristic black markings around its eyes and mouth — only lives in the northernmost part of Mexico’s Gulf of California, where fishing has brought the species to the brink of extinction. But research now finds that, genetically speaking, there is still hope the vaquita population can recover.
Scientists say endangered porpoise isn't doomed - so long as humans stop killing them
The vaquita marina, Spanish for "little sea cow," is considered the world's most endangered marine mammal. The gray porpoise – known for its small size and characteristic black markings around its eyes and mouth – only lives in the northernmost part of Mexico's Gulf of California, where fishing has brought the species to the brink of extinction. But research now finds that, genetically speaking, there is still hope the vaquita population can recover.
Scientists say endangered porpoise isn't doomed - so long as humans stop killing them
The vaquita marina, Spanish for "little sea cow," is considered the world's most endangered marine mammal. The gray porpoise – known for its small size and characteristic black markings around its eyes and mouth – only lives in the northernmost part of Mexico's Gulf of California, where fishing has brought the species to the brink of extinction. But research now finds that, genetically speaking, there is still hope the vaquita population can recover.
Scientists say endangered porpoise isn't doomed — so long as humans stop killing them Original
The vaquita marina, Spanish for "little sea cow," is considered the world's most endangered marine mammal. The gray porpoise – known for its small size and characteristic black markings around its eyes and mouth – only lives in the northernmost part of Mexico's Gulf of California, where fishing has brought the species to the brink of extinction. But research now finds that, genetically speaking, there is still hope the vaquita population can recover.
Report documents harm asylum seekers face in detention facilities
A new report from the advocacy group Human Rights First documents the harm asylum seekers face in U.S. detention facilities. The group is calling for the Biden administration to stop detaining people seeking refuge in the United States. Tens of thousands of asylum seekers have faced prolonged detention in the U.S. in the past year, according to the 63-page report.
Tensions at Texas border meant increased commercial crossing in Nogales
Tensions seem to be easing at the Texas border, after days of delays and blockades that stemmed from new inspections on northbound commercial vehicles imposed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The showdown pushed some additional cargo traffic to Arizona’s border.
Tensions at Texas border meant increased commercial crossing in Nogales
Commercial trucks travel through the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales. AZPM Staff Tensions seem to be easing at the Texas border, after days of delays and blockades that stemmed from new inspections on northbound commercial vehicles imposed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The showdown pushed some additional cargo traffic to Arizona’s border.
Tiny owl that lives in Arizona and Sonora could get protection from growing threats
Aaron Flesch A cactus ferruginous pygmy owl pokes its head out of a nest in a saguaro cactus When scientists want to find cactus ferruginous pygmy owls in the wild, they often broadcast recordings of its calls. “They’re remarkably responsive,” said Aaron Flesch, a research scientist in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. “They’re viciously territorial. I mean, we’re not fighting them off with badminton rackets or anything.
3 Arizona land ports among 26 port projects at U.S. borders
Afternoon traffic heading into the U.S. builds up at the San Luis Port of Entry in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, 2011. Michel Marizco, Fronteras Desk Three ports along Arizona’s border with Mexico will be getting upgrades funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed last year. The Biden administration and the General Services Administration announced plans to spend about $3.4 billion to build and modernize 26 land ports along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada.
Pygmy owl could get protections again; comment period ends Feb. 22
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list a tiny desert owl as a threatened species. The cactus ferruginous pygmy owl could regain protections under the Endangered Species Act that were stripped away more than 15 years ago. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comment on the proposal until Feb. 22.
U.S. files complaint citing Mexico's lack of protections for vaquita marina porpoise
The vaquita is a critically endangered porpoise that lives in the northern part of the Sea of Cortez. It is considered the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Paula Olson/NOAA The United States filed the first environmental complaint under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It’s calling for a consultation with Mexico over protections for a critically endangered porpoise in the Upper Gulf of California.
Remittances to Mexico surged to $51.6B in 2021
Mexicans living abroad sent a record-setting sum of payments back to Mexico in 2021. Money sent back to Mexico from workers abroad hit a record $51.6 billion in 2021, according to Mexico’s central bank. That’s 27% higher than in 2020, when Mexico also received record high payments, despite the pandemic, which many experts had expected to cause remittances to plummet.
U.S. puts restrictions on Mexican boats over illegal fishing
The U.S. government is putting restrictions on Mexican fishing boats entering U.S. ports over allegations that the Mexican government has failed to prevent illegal fishing in U.S. waters. Starting Feb. 7, all Mexican fishing boats in the Gulf of Mexico will be prohibited from entering U.S. ports. It’s a response to Mexico’s failure to combat unauthorized fishing harming Gulf coast fisheries, according to a report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Asylum applications in Mexico hit historic highs in 2021
A map of North and Central America on the patio outside the El Refugio migrant shelter in Guadalajara, Mexico, says "Nobody is illegal." Kendal Blust/KJZZ The number of people applying for refuge in Mexico last year reached a historic high. But the country admits its refugee agency is struggling to keep up with the increasing number of asylum applications. Last year, 131,448 people applied for asylum in Mexico.
Sewage crisis hits Mexico beach community
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Sewage crisis hits Mexico beach community
News AZPM News Sewage crisis hits Mexico beach community December 13, 2021 Sonora's governor promises aid by Kendal Blust/KJZZ Tweet Aeration tanks at the blue plains sewage treatment plant on the Anacostia River. April 1973. John Strode, U.S National Archive A beach town on the Sea of Cortez in neighboring Sonora is experiencing a sewage crisis.
Asylum seeker artisans will have work on display at a Tucson event Sunday
Irene, an asylum seeker, holds up an embroidery she made as part of Artisans Beyond Borders. (PHOTO: Courtesy of Valarie Lee James) An artisan group that sells embroidery made by asylum seekers waiting at the U.S. border in Sonora, Mexico, will display their work at an event in Tucson this weekend.
The U.S. land borders with Mexico and Canada have re-opened to vaccinated individuals
Originally published on November 8, 2021 4:59 pm Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
The U.S. land borders with Mexico and Canada have re-opened to vaccinated individuals Original
The U.S. land borders with Mexico and Canada have re-opened to vaccinated individuals The business and social impacts and opportunities as the United States re-opens the Southwest border to vaccinated travelers.
Sonora governor asks travelers make only ‘essential’ trips as border restrictions lift
Across neighboring Sonora, individuals and families are gearing up to cross the border when pandemic travel restrictions are lifted on Monday. But now the state’s governor is advising those who can to wait a little longer. Sonora Gov. Alfonso Durazo said that there’s a lot of excitement as fully vaccinated people can once again start crossing the border for so-called “non-essential” reasons, like shopping and visiting family.
Two new reports show the dangers and abuse migrants face at the U.S.-Mexico border
File image of a Border Patrol vehicle on patrol along the Arizona-Mexico border. AZPM Staff A pair of reports released this week detail dangers and abuses migrants face at the U.S.-Mexico border because of U.S. policies and misconduct by border officials. Migrant expulsions A new report has found that U.S. policies implemented during the Trump administration but that have been continued under President Biden are putting asylum seekers at the border in increasing danger.
Mexico expresses concerns about possible reinstatement of Remain in Mexico program
Immigrants with active cases under the Migrant Protection Protocols travel through the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego as they are processed for entry into the United States. February 2021. U.S. Customs and Border Protection The Biden administration is preparing to restart a program known as “Remain in Mexico” after a federal judge ordered its reinstatement.
U.S. will lift border travel restrictions on Nov. 8 for fully vaccinated visitors
News AZPM News U.S. will lift border travel restrictions on Nov. 8 for fully vaccinated visitors October 16, 2021 / Modified oct 16, 2021 10:01 a.m. Those traveling for essential reasons — including truck drivers, people crossing to go to school or work or for medical reasons — will have until January to become fully vaccinated. by Kendal Blust, Fronteras Desk Tweet Motorists wait to cross at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Sonora, in February 2019.
Despite Mexico's Supreme Court ruling, the fight for abortion rights continues in Sonora
KPBS | By Kendal Blust / FRONTERAS Published October 5, 2021 at 6:00 AM PDT Speaker 1: (00:00) As parts of the United States like Texas are restricting access to abortion in Mexico. Things seem to be headed in the other direction.
Mexico, Sea Shepherd reach agreement to return patrol ships to Sea of Cortez
Crew members from Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ship in the Sea of Cortez. Kendal Blust/Fronteras Desk After months away, a conservation group has reached an agreement with Mexican officials to return to the uppermost part of the Sea of Cortez to help protect a critically endangered porpoise. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s activist crews will once again patrol the Upper Gulf of California for fishing nets considered the leading threat to the vaquita marina porpoise.
Neighboring Sonora becomes 24th Mexican state to approve marriage equality
On Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, Sonoran legislators overwhelming voted to approve marriage equality reforms during away with aspects of the state's "family code" that barred same-sex couples for wedding. Gobierno de Sonora It’s been six years since Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that laws prohibiting same-sex unions are unconstitutional. Now, Sonoran laws finally reflect that decision, after legislators passed marriage equality reforms.
300 youth vaccinated in San Luis Rio Colorado through binational campaign
A vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Robert Lindberg/AZPM Staff Mexico has not yet opened up its COVID-19 vaccination program to anyone under 18. But a group of minors in a Sonoran border town received their first doses this week as part of a binational vaccination effort. A boy in San Luis Rio Colorado receives his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on September 20, 2021.
USMCA commission asks Mexico to respond to alleged lack of protection for endangered porpoise
The vaquita is a critically endangered porpoise that lives in the northern part of the Sea of Cortez. It is considered the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Paula Olson/NOAA A commission of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is calling on Mexico to respond to allegations that it hasn’t adequately protected a critically endangered porpoise in the Sea of Cortez.
Sonora's new governor slams predecessors, promises major changes
Former Mexican Security Secretary Alfonso Durazo was elected governor of the state of Sonora in June 2021. Gobierno de México Sonora’s new governor was sworn into office Monday. During his first public address in office, he slammed previous leaders as corrupt and ineffective, and promised to bring major changes to the state.
Mexico’s supreme court rules penalizing abortion is unconstitutional
Protesters hold up signs supporting the right to abortion in Hermosillo, Sonora during a march on Sept. 28, 2020. Kendal Blust, Fronteras Desk Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that it is unconstitutional to punish abortion as a crime. It's a huge move for the predominantly Catholic country that opens the door for nationwide legalization of abortion.
U.S. court will hear Mexican lawsuit against gun manufacturers
VIEW LARGER Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard speaks at a press conference in this photo published March 28, 2019. Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs A U.S. federal court will hear litigation against U.S. gun manufacturers filed by the Mexican government earlier this month. Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced on Twitter on Friday that a federal court in Massachusetts has agreed to hear the country’s lawsuit.
Poverty in Mexico rose to nearly half the country in 2020
Poverty in Mexico has increased significantly during the pandemic with nearly half the population now living below the country’s poverty line — about $5.50 per day in rural areas and slightly higher in urban centers. At the end of 2020, nearly 56 million Mexicans, or about 44 percent of the population, fell below the poverty line. That's 3.8 million more people than in 2018.
Sonoran scientists start group for Latin American women in conservation
The six core volunteers of the Asociación Mujeres y Conservación are, from left: Sofia Vargas, Estefania Ramirez, Nora Villanueva, Laura Cornejo, Cecilia Aguilar and Mirna Manteca. (Photo courtesy of Asociación Mujeres y Conservación) Francy Foreo of Columbia joined the Asociación Mujeres y Conservación to connect with other women working in conservation.
Women And Conservation: Sonoran Scientists Start Group For Latin American Women In Conservation Fields
Asociación Mujeres y Conservación The six core volunteers of the Asociación Mujeres y Conservación: Sofia Vargas (from left), Estefania Ramirez, Nora Villanueva, Laura Cornejo, Cecilia Aguilar and Mirna Manteca. During a recent virtual meeting, members of the Sonora-based Asociación Mujeres y Conservación laugh about how casual their WhatsApp group has become, joking that their new intern might get scared off by all the stickers and memes they send.
UN: Routine Childhood Vaccines Slowed During Pandemic, Mexico Saw Major Drop
A report released Thursday shows that the number of children who missed routine vaccinations increased dramatically during the pandemic. Mexico was among countries where immunizations dropped substantially. Nearly 23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines in 2020 — that’s almost 4 million more than in 2019, and the highest number in since 2009, according a report from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund.
New study makes case for jaguar reintroduction in Arizona, New Mexico
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New study makes case for jaguar reintroduction in Arizona, New Mexico
A male jaguar named El Bonito was caught on camera near the border wall between Mexico and the United States. (Photo courtesy of Ganesh Marin/BEAR Project) A new study suggests jaguars could be successfully reintroduced to parts of their historic range in the United States, where the large cats were wiped out by humans decades ago.
New Study Makes Case For Jaguar Reintroduction In Arizona, New Mexico
Ganesh Marin/BEAR Project A male jaguar named El Bonito was caught on camera near the border wall between Mexico and the United States. A new study suggests that jaguars could be successfully reintroduced to parts of their historic range in the United States, where the large cats were wiped out by humans decades ago.
Comcaac Nation In Sonora Demands Water With Historic Gathering
In Sonora, Mexico, which borders much of the Southwest United States, members of the indigenous Comcaac Nation have long struggled for access to clean water. They recently walked miles to a sacred site for their people to demand the mexican government provide them with basic services. From the Fronteras Desk in the Sonoran capital of Hermosillo, KJZZ’s Kendal Blust joined the trek.
Comcaac Nation in Sonora demands water with historic gathering
A young girl listens March 27 as Comcaac leaders speak about the reasons for their historic walk and meeting in Saaps, Mexico, to demand water. (Photo by Kendal Blust/KJZZ) Raising ceremonial sticks in a sign of victory and brotherhood, members of the Comcaac Nation from El Desemboque welcome relatives and friends from Punta Chueca to an ancestral meeting place called Saaps.
Jaguar Sighting Near Arizona-Sonora Border Bring Hopes For Expansion Into The U.S.
Researchers have captured new footage of a jaguar just a few miles south of the border in neighboring Sonora, Mexico. Conservationists say that could be a sign that the species’ breeding range may be extending north. That would be good news for efforts to reestablish a population in Arizona. Videos of the young male jaguar named “El Bonito” were captured on four cameras on the “Cuenca Los Ojos” conservation ranch in northern Sonora between December and March.
In Mexico, detector dogs train to sniff out COVID-19
Enrique Clausen, Sonora’s health secretary, hugs Leia as Juan Mancilla holds her leash. (Photo by Juan Mancilla) Detector dog Leia lies down beside a canister containing sweat from someone who tested positive for COVID-19. (Photo by Kendal Blust/KJZZ) Dog handler José Corral plays with Harry, a Belgian Malinois, after his nose correctly identifies a sample of COVID-19.
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