Lake Mead — reservoir on the Colorado River, Nevada and Arizona in the United States

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Friday, October 30, 2026

Lake Mead

reservoir on the Colorado River, Nevada and Arizona in the United States

In brief

Authorities identified Edward Lelburian “Buddy” Jackson, an Arkansas man in his 50s, as the person shot and found in a barrel at Lake Mead in 2022, using forensic genetic genealogy with help from Oklahoma State University students. Investigators are still seeking information about his killing; although a Las Vegas Mob Museum expert noted similarities to mob killings, police say they have no evidence linking the murder to organized crime.

DNA and genealogy finally identify Edward “Buddy” Jackson, shot and dumped decades ago. Investigators reject mob lore, hold to evidence, and treat an ordinary American’s unsolved homicide as unfinished business under the law.

Lake Powell has fallen to a record low just shy of the Glen Canyon Dam’s hydropower threshold, signaling a looming crisis for electricity and water in the drought-stricken West, while Lake Mead has reached its own record-low level, imperiling hydroelectric power and water supply for millions. Together, the two reservoirs, which store about 60% of the Colorado River’s water, reflect decades of drought intensifying with climate change and overuse, threatening energy generation and regional livelihoods across seven states.

LatestArizona Joins Nevada Lawsuit Over Colorado River CutsArizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal Colorado River plan, arguing it unfairly places water cuts on Lower Basin states without requiring mandatory reductions from the Upper Basin. The Upper Basin states say they already use less water when river flows decline and have different legal obligations, while Arizona says it will continue negotiating with Nevada and California on conservation.Oct 19, 2026