In an attempt to stem particulate air pollution caused by dust from California's dry Owens Lake, water is being returned to the lake bed for the first time in 90 years. In Washington, tribes have been shut out of a plan for new Columbia River dams that are being touted as good for salmon as well as farmers. In a special summer reading issue, HCN dishes up a science fiction story that imagines life in the Southwest in 2030 or so, when "Big Daddy Drought" is in full stride, and California...

Evening diners can order la carte items or customize our fixed-price meal (choice of soup or salad, entr e, intermezzo and dessert) from the special sit-down menu. Selections range from saut ed shrimp and scallop papardelle and char-grilled lamb t-bones to Opus signature beef tenderloin filet with smoked red onion marmalade and cointreau demi glaze. From fluffy pancakes and made-to-order omelets to hand-carved meats and savory entrees such as flat-iron steak and baked Mahi Mahi, brunch...