It’s not your imagination: Airline performance fell in 2014, report says
WASHINGTON – Two of the biggest airlines serving Arizona saw a decline in their service last year – but they were not alone.
Remembering Raul Castro, former Arizona governor
To Alfredo Gutierrez, former majority and minority leader of the Arizona State Senate, Gov. Raul H. Castro wasn’t the warmest person to deal with.
Interactive video: Efforts to track Mexican gray wolves
Cronkite News reporter Laura Sposato and producer Court Jeffrey produced this interactive video about efforts to track Mexican gray wolves.
ASU researchers find potential clues to detecting ovarian cancer
Arizona State University researchers said they have identified three promising biological signals that could help detect ovarian cancer before patients display any symptoms.
New life for paint: Gilbert connecting unused cans with people, projects
GILBERT – You can’t beat the price of a 5-gallon drum of latex paint at Jack Minkalis’ shop – as long as gray or tan will get the job done.
If Winslow levee isn’t fixed, there won’t be a corner to stand on
The Navajo County Board of Supervisors has approved a multimillion-dollar plan to rehabilitate a levee that protects Winslow, historic Route 66 and a rail line from flooding on the Little Colorado River. The county has been saving for the improvements over the past decade, but officials say they may ask Winslow to pick up some of the $66 million cost.
Cronkite News: April 7, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News takes an in-depth look at water in Arizona, including issues with the Colorado River. Watch video
Cronkite News: April 8, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News takes an in-depth look at how Arizona law enforcement uses funds seized in drug busts.
Cronkite News: April 9, 2015
In this episode of Cronkite News, Gov. Doug Ducey meets with the Arizona Board of Regents, and Sen. John McCain may have some obstacles in his reelection bid.
Cronkite News: April 10, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News looks at the legacy of the late Gov. Raul Castro.
Cronkite News: April 14, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News examines border security issues and how local groups are fighting for equal pay for women.
Cronkite News: April 15, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on tax day and Gov. Doug Ducey's first 100 days in office.
Cronkite Sports on FOX, Season 7, Episode 1
In this edition of Cronkite Sports on Fox, reporters explore ASU alumni Kole Calhoun’s journey from Sun Devil to Angel, sports injuries that affect more women than men, and more.
Cronkite Sports on FOX, Season 7, Episode 2
In this edition of Cronkite Sports on Fox Sports Arizona, reporters explore a company that produces eco-friendly golf balls, how the Valley of the Sun is becoming a sports Mecca, the excitement that was the two weeks in between the Conference Championship games in the NFL and the Super Bowl.
Cronkite Sports on FOX, Season 7, Episode 3
This edition of Cronkite Sports on Fox Sports Arizona focuses on NFL players relocating to the Valley, ASU baseball coach Tracy Smith and how ASU football players are preparing for the NFL Draft.
Ducey calls budget, education highlights of first 100 days
Before boarding his “Opportunity Express” RV on Wednesday to celebrate his first 100 days in office, Gov. Doug Ducey said he has provided “100 productive days of promises kept.”
Panel: Government needs better way of measuring border security
The Department of Homeland Security needs to find a better way to measure the success of border security policy or else spending on the issue is little more than "a shot in the dark," a panel of experts said Monday.
Recovering heroin addict: ‘I’m not ashamed anymore’
Dara Lawson, a 21-year-old recovering heroin addict, talks to Cronkite News about her appearance on the statewide broadcast of “Hooked” and how it helped her to stay sober. Lawson, who said she has been off heroin for nearly four years, has a son and is pregnant with her second child. Her husband also is a recovering heroin addict.
Fort Huachuca plans ‘buffer’ against development; conservationists skeptical
A trio of federal agencies announced this week that Fort Huachuca will be part of a program aimed at preventing land development around bases, to aid military operations while protecting vulnerable environments.
Arizona exports topped $21 billion in 2014; nation set fifth record
[caption id="attachment_592" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Arizona businesses exported $21.1 billion worth of goods in 2014, and the vast majority came from small business like JWB Manufacturing, a machine shop in Tempe. Photo by Jamie Killian.[/caption]
Arizona businesses raked in $21.1 billion from exports last year – money that supported 93,354 jobs in the state, according to a report released Thursday by the Obama administration.
Officials: IRS response to taxpayer calls down sharply, wait times up
Taxpayers are losing the ability to hold the IRS accountable because of steep declines in the “powerful” agency’s ability to respond to questions and complaints, the agency’s national taxpayer advocate said Wednesday.
Tallwave selects startups for training in downtown’s Luhrs complex
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Jeffrey Pruitt, CEO of Tallwave, announced the five startup companies selected for its High Tide training program on April 8. Photo Courtesy of Tallwave[/caption]
Tallwave, a Scottsdale-based venture development and capital company, recently selected five digital technology startup companies for its High Tide training program at Luhrs City Center in downtown Phoenix.
Hooked: Tracking heroin’s hold on Arizona
As heroin pours into the state, an epidemic of addiction threatens a generation of young people, their families and friends. View the stories, photos, video, data and how to get help.
News21: Gun Wars
The nation is more armed than ever with more guns allowed in schools, churches and other public places. This News21 project, produced in the summer of 2014, examines the impacts of guns and gun violence on the country.
Cronkite News en Español, May 1, 2014
Top bilingual students at the Cronkite School report on the latest news events and key issues for Arizona's Latino community. This newscast features stories on the highly contested race for Arizona's 7th Congressional District after the announced retirement of Rep. Ed Pastor, as well as immigration, minority education, and urban neighborhood blight.
Cronkite News en Español, April 9, 2015
Cronkite News en Español focuses on the proposed act called “Grow America” in which used car dealerships and car rental businesses will be obligated to let consumers know if a vehicle being purchased has been part of a recall effort.
Ballot initiative filed to legalize recreational use of marijuana
The Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project filed a ballot initiative Friday that would legalize recreational use of marijuana and regulate and tax the drug like alcohol.
Cronkite News: April 16, 2015
Cronkite News looks takes a look into the use of palm oil and the effects it has on the environment, the city's plan to sue the FAA, and revisits a recovering heroin addict.
Cronkite News: April 17, 2015
In this episode of Cronkite News, a group aims to put marijuana legalization on the state ballot, Phoenicians speak out against flight path changes at Sky Harbor and a Gilbert fish spa appeals its case to the Supreme Court.
Cronkite News: April 20, 2015
In this episode of Cronkite News, the Arizona Board of Regents holds a public forum on tuition increases and Education Supt. Diane Douglas plans a statewide tour on education.
Education superintendent launches We Are Listening tour
Saying she wants to hear the concerns and suggestions of Arizonans with a stake in education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas is hitting the road in the coming weeks with a 14-stop tour.
300-plus fugitives arrested by Maricopa, Pima, Pinal authorities
An effort involving law enforcement agencies in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties has apprehended 307 fugitives since March 2, authorities said Monday.
Wildfire season outlook uncertain, but firefighters preparing for the worst
ORACLE - The baseball field at Mountain Vista School is dotted with yellow and green uniforms. But today the players are dozens of wildland firefighters preparing to save landscapes, property and perhaps their own lives.
Supreme Court turns down appeal from owner of Gilbert ‘fish spa’
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the appeal of a Gilbert spa owner whose plan to offer fish pedicures was blocked by the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology.
Cactus League reflects on this season’s record success
Word of the Cactus League is getting out. Spring training in Arizona posted its highest attendance in history at 1.89 million, topping the previous record of 1.73 million set in 2013. Spring training across Major League Baseball topped 4 million, setting a record by more than 200,000 fans.
Cronkite News: April 21, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News explores the threat of the bird flu virus coming to Arizona, and how the Tempe Police Department is using new technology to study crime patterns.
Proposals to raise student costs meet little opposition at hearing
Issac Ortega, president of Associated Student of the University of Arizona, says students don’t relish the idea of having to spend more on a college education after deep state funding cuts to universities.
Scottsdale exec launches effort to support reproductive health
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Peter Ax, founder and managing partner of Scottsdale-based Phoenix Capital Management launched PRJKT RUBY to allow women in the United States to purchase affordable birth control and generate proceeds for women’s health in Third World countries.[/caption]After his teenage daughters visited Africa and Asia, the head of a venture capital firm decided to start offering affordable birth control in the U.S. and putting the proceeds toward reproductive health in the Third World.
Experts: Funding, staffing cuts undermining state’s water agency
In Arizona, there is hardly a more precious resource than water. That's why some water experts point with alarm to deep cuts in funding and staffing at the state agency tasked with overseeing it, especially after years of drought and with a shortage looming on the Colorado River.
Endangered species condoms mark Earth Day with an earthy message
WASHINGTON – The Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity worries that Earth Day has moved away from its original focus on overpopulation, so it will bring that message back in an unusual package – 50,000 endangered species condoms.
Panel: Government should invest in video games to help students
WASHINGTON – A panel of experts was in Washington this week advocating for more fun in schools – more “hard fun.”
Arizona wine industry matures, experts foresee potential gains
CORNVILLE – The back roads near Cornville look like many others in Yavapai County, until you turn a corner and find rolling hills filled with vines, tasting rooms and homes that are more Tuscan than Southwestern.
Cronkite News: April 22, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News looks at Earth Day celebrations and how virtual reality is being used in Arizona classrooms.
Carlos Slim Helu: Arizona-Mexico relations yet to reach full potential
Self-made business tycoon Carlos Slim Helu, one of the world’s top three richest men, said Arizona and Mexico have yet to reach their relationship’s fullest potential. But it’s getting better.
Firms showcase products aimed at boosting border security
With some technology seemingly straight out of a summer blockbuster movie, companies from across the country showcased some brand new products this week that they hope will increase the security of America’s borders and improve trade.
Cronkite News: April 23, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on protests against the immigration reform bill, and how retail development near the Grand Canyon could harm the Colorado River.
Environmental impact statement clears way for forest thinning
Approval of an environmental impact statement clearing the way for thinning 600,000 acres of Arizona forest is an important step toward reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires, U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick said.
Lawmakers balk at White House reuniting Central American families
WASHINGTON - An Obama administration program that reunites Central American children with parents who have immigrated to the U.S. faced sharp questioning Thursday from senators, who worried that it would further dilute immigration standards.
Experts press case for forest management to head off wildfires
The science is in and the time to act on forest management is now if the government wants to avoid more catastrophic wildfires, a panel of wildfire experts told a House committee Thursday.
Centers: Cronkite heroin documentary spurred addicts to seek help
A Cronkite News documentary on heroin addiction has brought new patients into rehabilitation facilities seeking help, representatives say.
Cronkite News: April 24, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News explores how communities are working to regrow forests after devastating wildfires.
Facing popularity issues, baseball steps into 21st century with pace of play rules
Baseball has long been called “America’s Pastime,” and as time itself passes, the game has grown to encompass that definition – in a negative way.
Johnson: Border more secure, but it’s not ‘mission accomplished’
WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Friday that the number of people apprehended at the border is “down considerably” from 2014, a sign that investments in border security are paying off.
University of Arizona scientists research valley fever vaccine
Valley fever is a potentially debilitating disease that affects Arizonans more than anywhere else in the country, with 60 percent of all cases occurring in the Phoenix metropolitan area. But this non-contagious disease could be eradicated if scientists at the University of Arizona succeed in creating a vaccine.
Enhancing the clouds: A solution to Arizona’s water challenges?
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A cumulonimbus cloud produces a shaft of rain. Some say Arizona can help address its water challenges by seeding clouds to produce more rain and snow. (Photo by University Corporation for Atmospheric Research)[/caption]Of all the potential solutions offered for Arizona’s water challenges, one has a decidedly science fiction feel: planes flying over the Rockies, seeding clouds with aerosolized silver iodide to stimulate rain and snow.
Timeline: Diane Douglas
Diane Douglas has come under heavy scrutiny as superintendent of public instruction since her time in office began. This timeline documents significant moments during the controversy.
Flake: ‘Continual planning’ needed to manage water supply
Arizonans should never take water for granted, as the new water restrictions in California show what can happen without proper planning for future water supplies, U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake said Tuesday.
ASU student launches product to conserve water, save money
Arthur Steingart posed a question at a dinner party one night: “What can we create today that simplifies the technology that has been around for a long time?”
Contest seeks to drive innovation in water-conservation education
With drought continuing to grip the Southwest, a group armed with a $100,000 prize is out to encourage conservation and create awareness of water shortages through a website allowing individuals to create their own documentaries.
Timeline: Game-by-game history of the Super Bowl
From Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl I to this season's New England Patriots win, take a tour through all 49 Super Bowl games on this interactive timeline.
Audit says ICE could save millions by filling seats on detainee flights
WASHINGTON – Immigration and Customs Enforcement could have saved up to $41.1 million on flights carrying immigrants across the U.S. and back to their home countries simply by filling up more seats on those planes, a recent audit says.
Inspectors find dead rodent, undated food at Valley ballpark eateries
Spring training fans: Before you bite into that hot dog or sip that lemonade, you might want to check out the place you bought it from first.
Arizona tourism sees “moderate” post-Recession improvement
Arizona's Office of Tourism escaped initial plans to cut $4.5 million from next year's budget, a move lobbyist Barry Aarons called a "big victory for the industry."
Relief pitchers culprits of longer MLB games
Closer Addison Reed was the slowest relief pitcher on the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, but even he is in favor of speeding up the game.
New rule expands roaming area for endangered Mexican gray wolf
RESERVE, N.M. – “We’ve got a wolf coming in!” Susan Dicks yells.
International leagues struggle with pace of play
So you think Major League Baseball’s pace of play is slow? Head for a game in Latin America or Japan.
MLB’s pace of play changes won’t affect concession sales
During the fourth inning of the Diamondbacks game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 10, the line for the infamous Churro Dog ran only four deep.
Department of Health: STDs on the rise for Arizona’s aging population
Health officials have good news and bad news when it comes to Arizona's senior set.
Purse and sword: Seized assets mean big money for law enforcement
Arizona law enforcement agencies have spent more than $57 million since 2008 through a federal program granting money and other property seized from those suspected of crimes, a Cronkite News review found.
Cronkite News: April 27, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on the upcoming Supreme Court same-sex marriage case and how it impacts Arizona, and how the state's renewable energy requirements aren't being met.
Phone call rates squeeze inmate families, boost state prison revenues
GLENDALE – Shayna Palles says phone calls are one of the few ways she can keep her 2-year-old daughter connected to her father, David Colbert, who is serving a 7.5-year prison term in Tucson for second-degree burglary.
Barrow Concussion Network built to protect Arizona high school athletes
Kyle Janes plays linebacker for Phoenix Christian High School. He suffered a concussion on the field this year. But the injury came in a less expected spot: the baseball diamond.
Rocky Point official: New cruise port ‘most important’ project in city
The sound of heavy machinery scraping against rocks and an overwhelming smell of diesel fuel invade an otherwise serene desert beach where Mexico will spend roughly $100 million building its first cruise ship home port.
From cheerleading to MMA, chance for concussion is hard to eliminate
At first glance, mixed martial arts and cheerleading appear to be at the opposite ends of the safety spectrum. But they share similar concerns and protocols when it comes to concussions.
Youth football tackles concussion issues
Brian Brooks still remembers the first time he watched his son sustain a head injury playing tackle football. The hit left 10-year-old Carson down on the field, injured – and Brian with a parent’s worst nightmare.
Cronkite News: April 28, 2015
This episode of Cronkite news focuses on the same-sex marriage debate in the Supreme Court, and how some Arizonans are paying high fees to call family members in prison.
Doctors turning to innovative tools to combat sports concussions
[caption id="attachment_1513" align="alignright" width="800"]
ASU Head Athletic Trainer Dr. Rodger McCoy is working with the Barrow Neurological Institute to develop new equipment that will detect and monitor head injuries. “No helmet, no head device ever can protect you from a concussion completely,” Dr. McCoy said. (Photo by Ben Margiott)[/caption]Accelerometers. Mouthpieces that turn blue. IV dye. PET scores. Phone apps.
Arizona sports concussions by patient ZIP code
This map documents concussions reported as a result of sports-related injuries. Patients were treated at Arizona hospitals, but some patients reside outside the state, according to a Cronkite News analysis of data from Arizona Department of Health Services. (Graphic by Aimee Cash and Langston Fields)
Concussions have altered football forever
The NFL hosted their very first Veterans Combine, in Arizona, this past March. The combine included some players who, despite suffering concussions in their career, are working to return to the very game that caused those injuries. However, NFL players aren’t the only ones impacted by this ongoing concern in the sports world. From high school to the NFL, current and former players, as well as coaches, weigh in on how brain injuries have changed the game at all skill levels.
Flag football proving an alternative to tackle football concussion fears
[caption id="attachment_1556" align="alignright" width="800"]
A member of the Kinght Saints jumps in the air as he tries to elude members of the Scruggs Raiders after making an interception. Concussions in tackle football have led to more and more parents signing their kids up for flag football leagues, such as PrimeTime Athletics, which oversees teams such as the Raiders and Saints. (Photo by Jeff Vinton)[/caption]Youth participation in flag football, basketball and soccer is on the rise in Mesa and elsewhere.
Supreme Court grapples with same-sex marriage, as hundreds rally
WASHINGTON – Justices peppered both sides with questions Tuesday as the Supreme Court grappled with a case that could legalize same-sex marriage in every state, two years after overturning a federal ban on such unions.
Arizona enjoying three-year run as country’s sports mecca
It’s impossible to watch a nationally televised sporting event played in Arizona without scenic shots of a sunset behind a saguaro or the Grand Canyon in the middle of the day. The shots, ready-made for television, almost become cliché, but every big game has them.
Senators look at ‘perverse incentive’ of asset forfeitures for police
WASHINGTON - A Senate panel said Wednesday that while civil asset forfeitures can be a valuable tool for compensating victims and funding police work, there are too many loopholes that can allow abuses.
Super Bowl climbing wall headed to Hance Park as part of massive renovation plan
The most iconic feature of Super Bowl Central is returning downtown as part of a plan by city officials to create a “Central Park” for the city.
Arizona’s missile, space industry may turn to space tourism
Experts say the state's guided missile and space vehicle industry, which contributes an estimated $15 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product, needs to diversify its client base. And the commercial space and space tourism looks promising.
Preparing for shortage: Arizona farmers used to doing more with less
MARICOPA – Dan Thelander, who grows alfalfa, wheat, cotton and other crops on 5,000 acres here, already has seen his irrigation district give up 20 percent of its Central Arizona Project water under an agreement Arizona negotiated to help support the level of Lake Mead.
Leaders launch Phoenix Forward to encourage business growth
Phoenix officials said local business expansion makes up 80 percent of new jobs. City leaders plan to help facilitate that growth and support business needs through the Phoenix Forward initiative, which launched Wednesday.
New state law limits when schools can use restraint, seclusion
Melissa Van Hook, a mother of two children with autism and co-founder of the East Valley Autism Network, said too many parents of students with disabilities have called her to report children being secluded and restrained at school.
After Super Bowl XLIX, what is next for city of Glendale?
In 2008, millions converged on Glendale as the place to be for Super Bowl XLII. The NFL Experience was there. The game was there.
Cronkite News: April 29, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on birthright citizenship being discussed in the House Judiciary Committee, and how expanding a port of entry into Mexico will impact an Arizona town.
Sports leaders say commission, state fund could help Arizona with mega events
Leaders in the Valley’s sports community say Arizona could benefit from a central sports commission and state fund to recruit and produce mega events like the Super Bowl and the Final Four.
Downtown Phoenix businesses move ‘forward’ as more mega events loom
Businesses in downtown Phoenix saw explosive numbers during Super Bowl week. It was just the beginning for the newly crowned sports hub that will host the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January and the Men’s Final Four in 2017.
Navajo zoo receives permit to provide protected eagle feathers
For hundreds of years, Native Americans have used eagle feathers for religious and cultural purposes. But the government closely regulates the ability to obtain such feathers, sometimes leading to black market activity.
DPS data show texting leads to tickets, but lawmaker wants ban
When state Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, offered the latest bill this year attempting to ban texting while driving in Arizona, he faced strong opposition from Senate President Andy Biggs that helped derail the measure.
Mesa teacher, other ‘teachers of the year’ honored at White House
He didn’t get the crystal apple awarded to the National Teacher of the Year by President Barack Obama, but a Mesa high school teacher said his visit to the White House Wednesday was still a “surreal, almost an out-of-body experience.”
House, Senate panels forward bills to halt Glendale casino
Bills that would halt construction on a Tohono O’odham casino in Glendale passed committees in both the House and the Senate Wednesday.
Invasive buffelgrass no longer just southern Arizona’s problem
Invasive buffelgrass has colonized landscapes across southern Arizona over the decades, increasing wildfire intensity and threatening native vegetation.
Mail closure in Tucson could save postal service, but cost region millions
A half dozen customers patiently wait in line at the Cherrybell post office in Tucson. It's quiet on this weekday morning.
Cronkite News: April 30, 2015
In this episode of Cronkite News, a proposed uranium mine near the Grand Canyon has stirred controversy, and Tucson is dealing with mail delivery issues.
Record number of donors, but long waits for kidneys remain
When Mark Larson first required a kidney transplant in 1984, obtaining one was relatively simple because his sister was willing to donate one of hers.
Kevin Brown’s Post
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Cronkite Sports on FOX, Season 7, Episode 4
This episode profiles Arizona State defensive back Jordan Simone, and how the Sun Devils have dipped into junior colleges for basketball talent.
Border changes improve crossing, critics say officials must do more
NOGALES – Engines roar and the smell of diesel wafts through the air as trucks steadily pass through the final checkpoints as they enter Arizona from Mexico.
Theft and larceny chief source of crime at Valley community colleges
Tyler Puglisi leaves her Marc Jacobs watch at home when she leaves for classes at Glendale Community College. A freshman, Puglisi said friends have had their cellphones and watches stolen, and she doesn't want to lose something that cost her more than $150.
Cronkite News: May 1, 2015
Cronkite News will return at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 on Arizona PBS. This final episode of Cronkite News from the spring semester focuses on our Access Across Arizona specials.
Developers say building to begin soon for long awaited PhoenixMart
Nearly four years ago, Casa Grande officials announced that developers had planned to build a massive international trade center on the edges of the city.
Advocates: Expanding prisoner program would reduce recidivism
Michelle Lacy, who served 7.5 years in a state prison for drug charges, has managed to do what she says many of her friends from her time in prison weren’t able to do: start over.
Advocates call for state to expand participation in sex ed
Teen pregnancy in Arizona is a story of improvement and opportunity, advocates and experts say.
Map: How easy is it to bike around Phoenix and the Valley?
A recent Washington Post story illustrated the connectivity of bike lanes and paths in several major U.S. cities. The result? In places like Miami and Seattle, bike lanes are intermittent and sporadically connected.
Interactive video: Guide to Arizona’s wildfire season
This Touchcast interactive video breaks down details of Arizona's wildfire season. Touchcast works on desktop, mobile and tablet but is not optimized for smart phones yet.
For museums, sifting decades of artifacts is painstaking, but vital
TUCSON - Suzanne Eckert leaned over the second-floor railing in the old Arizona State Museum building, now used for storage after the museum outgrew the space years ago.
Tribes say law requiring return of remains, relics, hasn’t met promise
WASHINGTON – Manley Begay Jr. stood surrounded by boxes “stacked to the ceiling” that were filled with the remains of more than 1,000 Native Americans, when one label caught his eye.
Tribal officials discuss importance of repatriation
TOPAWA – Joseph Joaquin sat beneath a mesquite tree at the base of Baboquivari Peak and gestured toward the mountain range and desert plants.
Has the ‘anti-vaxx’ movement made vaccine talk impossible?
WASHINGTON – Renee Gentry is president of the Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association, but she doesn’t tell people what she does for a living if she can avoid it.
Vaccine injury fund tops $3.5 billion as patients fight for payment
WASHINGTON – When Phoenix nurse Tarah Gramza realized that her daughter’s autoimmune disorder may have been caused by a vaccine, she looked into suing the vaccine manufacturer. Then she learned that the government won’t let her.
Critics say vaccine injury fund has strayed from original purpose
WASHINGTON – Barbara Loe Fisher was at the table 29 years ago when the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act was crafted – and she says it’s no longer living up to the “spirit and intent of Congress.”
Hunters tell House, don’t restrict sportsmen on federal lands
WASHINGTON - Sportsmen called on a House panel Wednesday to support a sweeping proposal that they said would guarantee hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting rights on federal lands for future generations.
Despite gains, Phoenix falls in ranking of energy-efficient cities
WASHINGTON - Phoenix has made improvements in its energy efficiency policies but still fell three spots in a national ranking, as other cities made "impressive jumps" and surged ahead, according to a report released Wednesday.
Arizona among highest states in nation for deaths by cops
WASHINGTON - Arizona was fourth-highest among states for the number of people killed by police over the last two-plus years, with 93 individuals being killed in that time, according to a comprehensive national database of such incidents.
Parent fights unsuccessfully for more than ‘blood money’ in child’s death
WASHINGTON – Erin Holmes got $250,000 she didn’t want, “blood money” her husband didn’t want to spend.
Not just the Ivies: Students send AP scores to community colleges
WASHINGTON – Advanced Placement exams and community colleges. They go together like… well, they never seemed to go together.
Groups aim to put memorial back in Memorial Day
WASHINGTON - When Mike Sullivan rode in the first "Flags for Our Fallen" Memorial Day rally nine years ago in Phoenix, it wasn't much of a rally.
Grand Canyon at confluence of popularity and conservation
When Renae Yellowhorse comes to the area of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers meet, she feels the presence of her late father.
Drowning takes no holiday: Deaths low now, but may rise in summer
WASHINGTON - A cool, wet spring in Arizona and an ongoing emphasis on pool safety have combined to produce statewide drowning numbers that officials say are far below those at the same time last year.
Longer term car loans gaining in popularity, especially in Arizona
When Tucson resident Valerie Vinyard purchased a new car in 2010, she expected to take out a five-year loan, but the dealership presented her with a longer financing option to reduce her monthly payments.
Kirkpatrick announces Senate bid, roiling 2016 congressional races
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Flagstaff, announced Tuesday that she is running for Senate, making her an early entrant in what is expected to be a large field and costly campaign to unseat Sen. John McCain.
Tucson mail processing center gets reprieve from planned July closure
WASHINGTON - A Tucson mail processing center that had been scheduled to close in July will remain open until at least 2016, the U.S. Postal Service said Wednesday.
‘Waters of U.S.’ rule does little to settle feud over EPA reach on regs
WASHINGTON - Federal officials Wednesday unveiled a rule meant to settle the question of which bodies of water are subject to the Clean Water Act - but it did little to settle the fight over the issue.
Words, not with friends: Arizona kids sweat out National Spelling Bee
WASHINGTON - As if the day hadn't already been stressful enough, Chandler eighth-grader Marcus Behling had to listen while 46 other names were called as semifinalists at the Scripps National Spelling Bee before he heard his name Wednesday.
A broken spell: Chandler teen just misses National Spelling Bee finals
WASHINGTON - Even in defeat, Marcus Behling was cool and collected. The Chandler eighth-grader cruised through two days of the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee this week, calmly spelling words as the field was narrowed from 285 spellers to 21 by the end of the sixth round Thursday.
Both sides look for answers in feds’ Clean Water Act clarification
WASHINGTON - A new federal rule was meant to clarify the scope of the Clean Water Act, but some critics are saying the 300-page document has done little to clear up the issue since its release this week.
Court: Fire insurance may cover mudslide damage after Wallow Fire
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday ordered a new hearing for an Apache County homeowner who said her fire insurance policy should cover damages from a mudslide that destroyed her home after the 2011 Wallow wildfire.
Supreme Court lets stand ruling rejecting Arizona’s immigrant bail ban
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday refused to intervene in a case that overturned Arizona's voter-approved ban on bail for criminal defendants who are in this country illegally.
Arizona hopes for more control of its water as drought deepens in West
WASHINGTON - Arizona wants more control of its water resources as the ongoing drought in Western states brings the likelihood of further shortages to the region, a state official testified Tuesday.
Rez ball: Popularity and importance of the game
Do you have experience with Rez ball? Then respond to our Public Insight Network query below.
Pennies for pupils: Arizona school spending again ranks near bottom of states
WASHINGTON - Arizona continued to be among the lowest states in the nation for per pupil school spending, and its expenditures were falling while the rest of the nation's were rising, the Census Bureau said.
Economic needs collide with preservation in Grand Canyon
Cronkite News reporter Ryan Hill's story on development plans for Navajo Nation land in a remote corner of the Grand Canyon aired on PBS NewsHour's June 3 show. What could the development mean to the Navajo community? Watch the full report:
Is endangered vole out of the hole? Feds say yes; conservationists disagree
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said Thursday they want to remove the Hualapai Mexican vole from the endangered species list, a move environmental groups immediately called a "bad idea."
House approves language to halt FAA changes to Sky Harbor flight paths
WASHINGTON - The House gave preliminary approval Thursday to a proposal that would stop the Federal Aviation Administration from making further changes to flight patterns at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Arizona: How has the Southwestern drought affected you — or not?
Please respond to this query from the Public Insight Network.
A week later, mosque officials say protesters’ message is being rejected
WASHINGTON - Pamela Geller and Usama Shami agree one thing: The Phoenix mosque where anti-Muslim protests occurred last week is not truly understood.
55,000 federal workers in state wait to see if personal data was taken
WASHINGTON - Arizona has more than 55,000 federal employees who could find out as early as Monday if they are among the 4 million federal workers and retirees whose personal information may have been compromised in a cyberattack.
Arizona towns claim top spots in ranking of best cities for retirees
WASHINGTON - Arizona grabbed three of the top four spots in a new national ranking of the best cities for retirees, based on a town's crime, weather, taxes and other factors.
White House touts health insurance gains in Arizona under Obamacare
WASHINGTON - Arizonans without health insurance fell from 20.4 percent of state residents in 2013 to 17.5 percent in 2014, further proof that Obamacare is working, the White House said Tuesday.
Feds talk about wildfire readiness, chances for ‘catastrophic’ fire
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said Tuesday they will be "ready when fire strikes," but raised concerns over funding for the upcoming wildfire season and the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires in the drought-stricken West.
Glendale City Council to discuss city’s arena agreement with Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes finished their worst season since moving to the desert with a loss to the Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena in April.
OSHA unveils new hot app – no, really, it’s an app warning of hot weather
Editors Note: A previous version of this story misspelled the name of one of the sources. The source, the safety director for Phoenix-based construction company Kitchell, is Josh Welp. The story below has been revised to reflect the correct information. Clients who used this story are asked to run the correction that can be found here.
Guard officials seek cooperation from Pentagon on local operations
WASHINGTON - The leader of Arizona's National Guard joined other state officials who told a House subcommittee Wednesday that the Guard is integral to natural disaster response and recovery, and deserves continued support from the Pentagon.
Glendale City Council votes to void deal with Coyotes
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story named an individual who was the reason for the council vote. City officials said late Thursday they had not revealed a specific individual. The story has been changed to reflect the new information.
House panel advances bill to improve forest management, fire prevention
WASHINGTON - The House Natural Resources Committee gave preliminary approval Thursday to a bill aimed at reducing catastrophic wildfires on federal lands by better managing forests before fires and quickly restoring them afterward.
For one night, lawmakers put aside political games for a baseball game
WASHINGTON - For months, a group of Republican congressman and senators gathered at the crack of dawn at an undisclosed Northern Virginia location, hoping to find a way to reverse a string of losses at the hands of Democrats.
Arizona tribes eye plan for flexibility under No Child Left Behind
WASHINGTON - The way Navajo Nation Council Delegate Lee Jack Sr. sees it, "God gave us different ways to speak, God gave us different ways to live."
Former assistant city manager calls Glendale allegation ‘ludicrous’ in city’s battle with Coyotes
Former Glendale Assistant City Manager Julie Frisoni told Cronkite News on Friday that she was “appalled” by allegations from Glendale lawyers that placed her at the center of the battle over an arena lease agreement between the city and the Arizona Coyotes.
Border businesses hope meeting with regulators stems bank closings
WASHINGTON - Nogales officials hope that a meeting Tuesday between local banks and regulators from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. can help reverse a string of bank closings that have hamstrung businesses along the border.
Report: State, national economies could surge under deportation-deferral plans
WASHINGTON - Granting deportation deferral to an estimated 137,000 Arizona residents would add hundreds of jobs annually and billions of dollars over a decade to the state economy, according to a new state-by-state analysis.
Federal court upholds Arizona’s process for teaching non-English speakers
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday upheld a lower court ruling that said Arizona's system for educating English-language learners does not violate the federal Equal Educational Opportunities Act.
Correction to June 10 story on OSHA weather app
WASHINGTON – A June 10 Cronkite News report on an Occupational Safety and Health Administration app that helps protect people from heat-related illnesses misspelled the name of a source quoted in the story. The source, the safety director for Phoenix-based construction company Kitchell, is Josh Welp. The story here has been updated to reflect the correct infornation.
ASU recruit Durant sentenced, now awaits decision of school to determine future
Editor’s note: In a previous version of this story, a source incorrectly stated the delivery of the final decision by the university. That decision will be provided only to Davon Durant. Also, specific dates for the disciplinary process have been replaced in the story below by approximate dates based on publicly available information about the process.
Glendale City Council says it will press on in legal battle with Coyotes
GLENDALE – Glendale interim Assistant City Manager Tom Duensing said Tuesday that the city planned to stay the course in its battle with the Arizona Coyotes.
Arizona, again, can’t show compliance with Prison Rape Elimination Act
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department said that for the second year in a row Arizona was unable to submit proof of compliance or assurances that it was meeting federal prison rape prevention laws.
Blister in the sun? Heat bearing down on the Valley
Safety Project Manager Julian Martinez watches from below as two steel workers weld a massive girder on the top floor of the new Sandra Day O’Connor Law School building under construction downtown.
Nicaragua: Channeling the Future
An in-depth package of stories examining how a canal could impact Nicaragua socially and economically. View the stories, videos and slideshows.
What’s cookin’ in Phoenix? Eggs and ice cream outside
So what do you do on a hot, slow news day in Phoenix? Scramble eggs and melt ice cream outside, of course.
Court rules against death-row inmate who filed appeal one day late
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Wednesday rejected the plea of an Arizona death row inmate, saying it could not overlook the fact that one of his appeals was filed one day beyond the deadline.
Arizona lawmakers mostly follow party line in vote on troop withdrawal
WASHINGTON - Arizona split largely down party lines as the House Wednesday rejected a Democratic proposal calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Iraq.
Arizona deaths from injuries rose, got worse compared to other states
WASHINGTON - Arizona had the nation's 12th-highest rate of deaths from injuries from 2011 to 2013, and drug-related injuries accounted for the largest number of those deaths, a new report says.
Supreme Court sides with Gilbert pastor, strikes down town sign law
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court Thursday sided with a Gilbert pastor who said the town's sign restrictions were infringing on his First Amendment rights.
Federal appeals court upholds use of GPS evidence in border arrest
WASHINGTON - GPS does many things, but one thing it does not do is lie, a federal court ruled Thursday.
Arizona delegation splits on vote to let Pacific trade deal advance
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republicans sided with President Barack Obama and the state's Democrats opposed him Thursday, as the House voted to revive stalled negotiations toward a 12-nation free-trade pact with Asian and Pacific Rim countries.
Whose holiday is it? Transgender parents on Mother’s, Father’s days
WASHINGTON - When her Tucson church asked all the mothers in the congregation to stand up and be recognized on Mother's Day, Abby Jensen rose.
Glendale legal battle with Coyotes leaves Westgate businesses in limbo
GLENDALE – For Westgate Entertainment District business owners, the opportunity of making a living right outside Gila River Arena was too good to pass up.
Conviction, death sentence upheld in 2001 Navajo double-murder
WASHINGTON - An appeals court Friday upheld a federal death-row inmate's conviction and sentence in the grisly 2001 beating and stabbing murders of a woman and her 9-year-old granddaughter on the Navajo Nation.
Even superheroes have limits: Court turns down Spider-Man toy inventor
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled against the Tucson inventor of a Spider-Man web shooter toy Monday, saying Marvel Entertainment no longer has to pay him royalties on its sale of the toy.
Arizona Heat travel to UCLA to compete in first ‘Angel City Games’
LOS ANGELES - The first annual Angel City Games, a competition for physically disabled athletes, took place at UCLA’s Drake Stadium over the weekend. The Arizona Heat, a team from Mesa, competed and relished the experience.
Take a hike – and more. Study ranks Arizona high for length of workouts
WASHINGTON - People in Arizona work out longer than those in almost any other state, according to an analysis of data from millions of users of a popular fitness app.
Stanton touts city’s successes, warns of need to fight for water rights
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton told a Washington panel Tuesday that Arizona is in a fight to make sure other states, particularly California, don't take water "that rightfully belongs to the people of Arizona."
Feds announce $160 million settlement of Four Corners Power Plant lawsuit
WASHINGTON - Utility companies in Arizona and New Mexico will spend up to $160 million on new technology to cut harmful emissions from the Four Corners Power Plant, under a consent decree announced by the federal government Wednesday.
Panel ‘demands’ end to Native teen suicides, but answers hard to come by
WASHINGTON - In the six months since Christmas, 11 young people have committed suicide and another 379 have tried to do so on the Pine Ridge reservation, said Oglala Sioux Council member Collins Clifford.
Months after Kayla Mueller’s death, Obama announces new hostage policy
WASHINGTON - The White House on Wednesday announced a new policy on how it deals with foreign hostage-takers and "in particular its interaction and communication with families whose loved ones have been taken hostage."
When red and blue become pink: Lawmakers face press in charity softball game
WASHINGTON - Congress is often split into blue camps and red camps, but a bipartisan group came together Wednesday in a pink camp - the congressional softball team raising money to fight breast cancer.
Yuma official tells Congress aging water facilities need ‘major’ repair
WASHINGTON - Yuma water official Tom Davis said the West's aging water infrastructure is beyond patching and in need of "major replacement and rehabilitation" - but that can't happen until federal officials inventory the problem.
Obamacare ruling spares 127,000 in state with health care subsidies
WASHINGTON - For Arizona resident Jorge Mendez, subsidies under the Affordable Care Act made it possible for him to afford the health insurance that helps him cope with debilitating joint and muscle issues.
Wounded but still fighting, only this time on a different field of battle
WASHINGTON - Less than two years after doctors said he might never run again, Safford native Terry Cartwright is proving them wrong.
A family divided: Congressman, gay son disagree on same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON - Matt Salmon celebrated the Supreme Court's ruling Friday that said same-sex marriage is a constitutionally protected right.
Arizona advocates vow to fight on as Supreme Court OKs same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court said Friday that states cannot deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, ruling that the Constitution's protection of the right to marry cannot be denied based on gender.
Court says Glendale must make quarterly payment, ups Coyotes’ bond to $1 million
The city of Glendale must still make its scheduled $3.75 million quarterly payment to the Arizona Coyotes, despite the city’s motion earlier this month to have that waived.
Arizona Coyotes unveil new look with uniforms
GLENDALE – Thousands of Coyotes fans poured into Gila River Arena Friday night for the team’s NHL Draft party. It was an opportunity to escape the team’s current legal battle with the city of Glendale and catch a glimpse of the franchise’s new look and future.
Court upholds use of lethal-injection drug used in botched Arizona execution
WASHINGTON - Use of the drug midazolam in lethal injections does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, despite its use in botched executions in Arizona and Oklahoma, the Supreme Court ruled Monday.
Convicted former congressman Renzi’s last-ditch appeal turned down
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Rick Renzi will serve out a three-year sentence in federal prison on extortion and racketeering convictions, after the Supreme Court Monday refused to hear his latest appeal.
Arizona voters can overrule Legislature on redistricting, high court says
WASHINGTON - When voters approved the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission they were reaffirming a "core principle" of government, the Supreme Court said Monday, "that voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around."
States’ bid to require citizenship proof for federal voters falls short
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from officials in Arizona and Kansas who wanted federal election officials to require proof of citizenship for people registering to vote.
World Cup quest began in Mesa for women’s national team’s Julie Johnston
Young girls run around the fields of Barney Park in Queen Creek with shin guards on and a soccer ball at their cleats trying to perfect “The Jules.”
Supreme Court agrees to hear new challenge to redistricting commission
WASHINGTON - Just one day after it said the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission was legal, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will hear a challenge to the commission's Statehouse district plans.
Plan to expand overtime rules could reach 100,000 Arizona salaried workers
WASHINGTON - The Department of Labor announced plans Tuesday to expand overtime guarantees to about 5 million salaried workers who are not now covered, including an estimated 100,000 white-collar workers in Arizona.
Safety sometimes lost in the excitement of Fourth of July
Fireworks, parades, picnics, barbecues — and sometimes monsoon storms — are all part of Independence Day celebration festivities in Phoenix, but many underestimate the risks involved with the use of fireworks.
Export-Import Bank authorization lapses, leaving firms in ‘uncharted territory’
WASHINGTON - Authorization for the government bank that has helped more than 100 Arizona businesses do international business expired early Wednesday, leaving the Export-Import Bank in "uncharted territory" for the first time in its 81 years.
Feds move one Arizona species toward endangered status, one the other way
WASHINGTON - The federal government moved the Arizona toad closer to endangered status this week while dimming hopes for the gray wolf, which moved a step closer to losing endangered species protection altogether.
From desert to sea: Arizonans embark on plebe summer at Naval Academy
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Recent high school graduate Nick Herrera, 17, of Peoria, has one sibling, a passion for wrestling, a messy nest of hair and an earnest manner when he answers questions.
Report: School achievement gaps show need for ‘No Child’ overhaul
WASHINGTON - Schools across the country have made "remarkable progress" toward closing achievement gaps between different groups of students, but "troubling achievement gaps" remain for the lowest-performing schools, administration officials said Monday.
Change sparked by 2011 ArenaBowl loss set Rattlers up for sustained success
MESA – For 21 seconds, the Arizona Rattlers’ performance in ArenaBowl XXIV held a record.
Court orders new hearing for Tucson schools’ Mexican-American studies program
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court on Tuesday ordered a new hearing to determine whether a law banning the Tucson school district's Mexican American Studies program was motivated by an intent to discriminate against minority students.
Few unaccompanied minors returned to their home countries, senators told
WASHINGTON - Fewer than 2,000 of the 51,000 unaccompanied immigrant children who showed up at the Southwest border last year have been repatriated, a Senate panel was told Tuesday, a pace that critics said may have "incentivized" more migration.
Court restores conviction, redefining definition of who is Indian in the process
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court on Tuesday reinstated the conviction of a Gila River tribal member under the Indian Major Crimes Act, redefining its rule for determining who is and is not Indian in the process.
Video: U.S. Women’s National Team rallies in Los Angeles after World Cup win
Mesa's Julie Johnston was part of the World Cup rally in Los Angeles celebrating the U.S. Women's Soccer Team's victory.
LeBlanc at town hall meeting with fans: ‘We feel strongly that our home is Gila River Arena’
SCOTTSDALE – The elephant in the room at the Arizona Coyotes’ town hall meeting Tuesday night was the team’s continuing legal battle with the city of Glendale over the city’s vote last month to cancel their arena lease deal.
Governor, general: Brnovich wears two hats as acting governor for a day
WASHINGTON - As governor, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich would declare every day Grateful Dead Day and take down SkyNet, the self-aware computer network that menaces mankind in the "Terminator" movies.
Court sides with Native American groups fighting Washington team’s ‘racist’ name
WASHINGTON - A "very happy" Amanda Blackhorse welcomed the latest victory Wednesday in her long-running feud over the Washington Redskins name, which the Navajo woman says is racist and should not have government trademark protection.
House OKs bill aimed at curbing wildfires; critics call it ‘bad for forests’
WASHINGTON - The House voted 262-167 Thursday for a bill that supporters said will reduce wildfires by streamlining the process for managing federal forests before and after outbreaks.
Arizona youth among 1,000 at first White House Tribal Youth Gathering
WASHINGTON - Brooke Overturf of Window Rock was momentarily flustered as she stood holding hands Thursday with Michelle Obama, while hundreds of other Native American youth crowded around, hoping for a handshake.
Skipping in her sister’s footsteps: Girl’s recipe earns White House invite
WASHINGTON - Some people are excited to attend a White House state dinner. Most would be thrilled to see their signature dish on the menu. Not everyone tops off the day by skipping through the White House kitchen garden.
School’s out, need isn’t: Trying to boost summer meals after sharp 2014 drop
WASHINGTON - Arizona had the nation's biggest drop in kids getting free summer meals between 2013 and 2014, a time when most states saw increases in the number of children reached, a recent report says.
Mexico soccer fans celebrate team in Arizona against backdrop of Trump visit
GLENDALE – The Valley of the Sun echoed with shouts from those with Mexican heritage last weekend, but the exclamations came from separate sections of the shouters’ psyches.
Reaction to proposed Iran deal is swift, and split, from Arizona lawmakers
WASHINGTON - It took more than 20 months of negotiations to reach agreement on an Iranian nuclear deal, but it took mere hours for Arizona lawmakers to respond to the plan, with support falling along party lines.
When keeping secrets is your job, getting help is a problem for some veterans
WASHINGTON - Sgt. Daniel Somers' work in Iraq was classified, so when he returned from the war and sought treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder he balked at a care in a group setting.
New downtown Phoenix arena could bring end to Coyotes’ bumpy desert road
When the Winnipeg Jets moved to the desert and became the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996, it was a bold statement, part of the NHL’s efforts in the 1990s to place hockey in markets previously believed untenable.
Navajo reject House bill that would divide former Fort Wingate land with Zuni
Editors Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized part of the 2013 negotiations that led to the plan to divide Fort Wingate between the Navajo and Zuni. Tribal representatives at that 2013 meeting said only that the plan would be taken back to their respective councils for review while work drafting a bill proceeded, according to a document from that meeting. The story below has been revised to reflect the correct information. Clients who used this story are asked to run the correction that can be found here.
Dodging an Army bullet: State gets only a fraction of service’s 40,000 job cuts
WASHINGTON - Arizona may have averted disaster in the Army's plan to trim 40,000 jobs, but the announcement that Fort Huachuca will lose 114 positions over the next two years still is "not welcomed news," officials said this week.
Court orders new hearing in asset seizures from human-smuggling probe
Editors Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the outcome of the two plaintiffs' efforts to get back the money that was seized by the state of Arizona. Lia Rivadeneyra eventually got her money back but Javier Torres never did, their attorney says. The story below has been revised to reflect the correct information. Clients who used this story are asked to run the correction that can be found here.
Phoenix Underwater Hockey Club takes root in desert
TEMPE – Snorkels poke out above the water of the outdoor pool at Arizona State’s Sun Devil Fitness Complex.
Feds approve 25-year extension for mining, burning coal at Navajo plant
WASHINGTON - Federal officials Friday approved a multiyear deal to allow expanded mining of coal on Navajo lands and continued burning of it at the nearby Four Corners Power Plant, along with other measures.
School administrators scrambling, again, to hire teachers as school year looms
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials say there are at least 1,000 vacant teacher positions to fill, with just weeks left until the school year starts around the state.
Food fight: FDA plan to cut trans fats from foods divides consumers
WASHINGTON - St. Johns rancher Jay Platt says he has never consumed trans fat in his life.
Court upholds conviction in 2004 Scottsdale diversity office bombing
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday upheld the conviction of a white supremacist who bombed the Scottsdale Office of Diversity and Dialogue in 2004, causing significant damage and injuring three people.
En route to Hall, Johnson continues to be a valuable resource for D-backs
Randy Johnson used to cram his 6-foot-10-inch frame into the luggage racks above the seats in the charter buses used by his minor league team so he could sleep on long road trips. He said 12- to 15-hour rides were common when he was coming up through the Montreal Expos’ system in the late 1980s.
McSally raises $1.6 million so far in 2015, among most in the House
Editors note: The headline on a previous version of this story cited the wrong year. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, raised $1.69 million in the first half of 2015, according to Federal Election Commission filings, as the story correctly reported. The headline above has been corrected. Clients who ran the story with the previous headline are asked to run the correction found here.
Slain Mesa clerk’s uncle urges Senate to crack down on immigrant custody
WASHINGTON - Michael Ronnebeck was back in Washington on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to crack down on repeat offenders in the immigrant population in order to prevent another killing like that of his nephew.
Apache bring Oak Flat copper mine protest to White House, Capitol
WASHINGTON - After weeks of taking their message to churches and tribes around the country, a caravan of San Carlos Apache members sang and prayed in Washington Tuesday for the preservation of sacred sites in southeast Arizona.
Arizona continues to fare poorly in national child well-being scorecard
WASHINGTON - Despite making progress in most areas, Arizona remained mired at 46th among states for overall child well-being in the 2015 KidsCount report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Gila River leader says lack of broadband is harming tribal, rural areas
WASHINGTON - The governor of the Gila River Indian Community told a House panel Wednesday that Indian Country is the nation's "least served" area for broadband access, despite the "astounding" opportunity that it presents.
Apache vow fight, lawmakers push bill, to block Oak Flat land swap
WASHINGTON - The protest to preserve Oak Flat turned heated Wednesday as San Carlos Apache tribal members, rallying at the Capitol, vowed to do whatever it takes to reverse a deal to turn Oak Flat over to a mining company.
Johnson overcame early-career control issues on way to Hall of Fame
Some pitchers in baseball are described as graceful.
Officials: Slip among state-funded pension ranks no cause for concern
WASHINGTON - Funding for Arizona's state-run pension funds fell by more than 20 percent from 2003 to 2013, but the almost 600,000 state workers covered have no reason to worry about their retirement, officials said.
Glendale City Council approves Coyotes arena lease deal with city
The Glendale City Council on Friday approved four measures that will keep the Arizona Coyotes in Glendale -- for now.
I-10 reopening comes none too soon for businesses that rely on the road
WASHINGTON - Interstate 10 reopened Friday after a five-day closure, but not soon enough for businesses in western Arizona and eastern California that depend on the highway.
Glendale City Council approves new two-year Coyotes agreement
GLENDALE – Mayor Jerry Weiers said he believes Friday’s vote to accept a new lease agreement with the Arizona Coyotes is a sign of a brighter future for the city of Glendale.
Businesses hope I-10 closure is road-funding ‘wakeup call’ to Congress
WASHINGTON - Arizona Trucking Association President Tony Bradley says one good thing may have come out of the closure of a section of Interstate 10 this week - it could point up the need to fix the nation's infrastructure.
Diamondbacks fans soak in Cooperstown’s baseball atmosphere
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – A smattering of Diamondbacks faithful have made the trek this weekend to this small town located at the edge of Otsego Lake, about 200 miles north of New York City, joining baseball fans from across the country in the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Video: Former ASU star Landreaux helping youth in Compton
Former ASU baseball standout Ken Landreaux and 1981 World Series winner goes back to his hometown roots in Compton to help out the baseball youth.
Randy Johnson reflects on parents’ support in HOF induction speech
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Long before Randy Johnson was dominating hitters at the major league level, the lefthander was tossing tennis balls at his family’s wooden garage door in Livermore, California.
Arizona posts lowest college completion rate, highest default rate
WASHINGTON - Arizona tied Alaska for the lowest college completion rate in the country in 2013, with just 29 percent of students able to earn a four-year degree in six years or less, a new report says.
Local youth soccer club hoping heart rate monitors improve performance, efficiency
While coaching the women’s soccer team at St. Mary’s College of California, head coach Kai Edwards noticed something about his star player, Caroline Kruez. She was always out ahead of everybody. She would touch the sideline first in sprints, get to the ball before any opponent in a game and she never asked for a substitution.
Cochise Regional Hospital set to close, after Medicare cut off funding
WASHINGTON - Medicare restrictions are crippling rural healthcare centers like Cochise Regional Hospital, which is set to close Friday after a funding dispute with the federal agency, an Arizona health expert testified Tuesday.
Cardinals’ Welter’s message to young girls: ‘They can do anything’
TEMPE – Jen Welter has loved football ever since she can remember. When the Arizona Cardinals introduced her Tuesday afternoon at their Tempe headquarters, the team’s newest addition to the coaching staff recalled grabbing the pigskin and barreling into her cousins as a young girl.
Report: About 40 percent of workers in state, U.S. have no paid sick leave
WASHINGTON - Close to half of Arizona's private-sector workers, more than 934,000 people, do not have access to paid sick leave, according to a report Wednesday by a group pushing for such laws.
Despite three championships, Mercury still fight for attention
The last eight years have been remarkable for the Phoenix Mercury.
VA whistleblower cites some progress, some work still to be done
WASHINGTON - A doctor who blew the whistle on problems at the Veteran Affairs hospital in Phoenix testified Thursday that some things have improved since last year's revelations, but there is still work to be done.
Teen ‘senators’ at Capitol to learn, might have some things to teach, too
WASHINGTON - Over the course of three days this week, Arizona teens Kennedy Prock and Lora Delahunt helped draft a platform for their party and debate bills they had written themselves for the Girls Nation Senate that was meeting here.
Judge rejects last-ditch attempt by Cochise hospital to keep doors open
WASHINGTON - Cochise Regional Hospital's last-ditch attempt to keep its doors open has been rejected by a federal judge, who refused to order Medicare to keep funding operations of the Douglas facility.
Driving while single can cost more in Phoenix, insurance study shows
WASHINGTON - Single, widowed and divorced drivers in Phoenix are likely to pay higher insurance rates than married drivers with identical driving records, according to a recent report from the Consumer Federation of America.
Arizona environmentalists cheer EPA Clean Power Plan, utilities wary
WASHINGTON - Arizona environmental groups cheered the final version of the Clean Power Plan unveiled Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency, a first-ever national standard that aims to cut power plant carbon emissions by a third by 2030.
Arizona’s repeat ranking as No. 1 for gun owners draws praise, concern
WASHINGTON - For the third straight year, Arizona was ranked best state in the nation for gun owners by Guns and Ammo magazine, which praised the state's self-defense and carry laws, its shooting sports and strong gun culture.
Arizona Coyotes and Sun Devil Athletics announce partnership for 2015-16 season
TEMPE - Hockey leaders in Phoenix unveiled an Arizona Coyotes jersey with the No. 15 and Sun Devils on the back Wednesday, signifying a union of the two hockey giants.
Forest Service says wildfire growth threatens to consume agency budget
WASHINGTON - Costs to battle wildfires will consume almost all of the U.S. Forest Service budget in 10 years unless Congress changes the way firefighting efforts are funded, the agency warned Wednesday.
Fighting fire with fire: Prescribed burns take aim at wildfire threats
WASHINGTON - As bureaucrats in Washington were complaining about growing costs of wildfires Wednesday, forest officials in Arizona were lighting a forest fire - but the two groups are working toward the same goal.
Giveaways help boost Diamondbacks’ Saturday attendance
The first thing Bernie Ray looks at when the Diamondbacks announce their schedule is the promotional games. She hasn’t missed one of them. After all, an A.J. Pollock Star Wars bobblehead is worth planning for.
Hold your horses: Planned Tonto Forest roundup delayed to September
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Forest Service said Thursday it has put a planned roundup of up to 100 horses in the Tonto National Forest on hold until September, when Congress returns from recess.
Arizona, other states, get temporary waiver for ‘No Child Left Behind’
WASHINGTON - Arizona was one of seven states granted a temporary waiver Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education from provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Arizona workers may be coming up short on their retirement savings
WASHINGTON - Less than 40 percent of private-sector workers in Arizona participate in a retirement plan through their work, and they have an average retirement savings balance of just $23,826, according to a recent report.
When a dollar is worth $4.4 billion: McCain tries again on dollar coin
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain calls his proposal to replace paper dollars with dollar coins "common sense" and "logical," noting that it would save $4.4 billion on the cost of producing currency over 30 years.
Court upholds five-year bomb-possession sentence for Tucson man
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday upheld a Tucson man's sentence for possession of 24 homemade bombs that were found in his house in 2011.
Health, homelessness are linked, and must be addressed, advocates say
WASHINGTON - Sister Adele O'Sullivan said he was known as Mr. 280, a homeless man with chronic mental illness whose trips in and out of the hospital racked up bills of more than $358,000 over several years.
Weapons conviction reversed for immigrant caught near border
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday reversed the firearms conviction of an illegal immigrant who was caught near Green Valley in 2012 with guns, cell phones, a large supply of food and a radio scanner.
Basketball at breakneck pace a way of life on Navajo reservation
WINDOW ROCK — At 5:15 a.m., sunrise is only a thin pale highlight over red rock mesas in the east as Alicia Hale steps out of her house for her daily run. Even in June, the morning is so chilly at an altitude of almost 7,000 feet that she needs several layers to stay warm.
Arizona officials watchful, hopeful as EPA spill moves downstream
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials continue to monitor a massive spill of toxic sludge that is heading toward the Colorado River, but most were hopeful Tuesday that it will have little impact by time it reaches the state.
Report: DACA applications, renewals still growing after three years
WASHINGTON - The number of people applying for deferred deportation protection, and the number reapplying, have both risen as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program nears its third anniversary, new data shows.
Hill interns expand minds – and waistlines – working free-food circuit
WASHINGTON - August in Washington means a few things - Congress is out on recess, the city is slowing down and the tourists are heading home.
Transgender soldiers watch closely as Pentagon reviews ban on service
WASHINGTON - When Capt. Jennifer Peace looks in the mirror, she sees a woman who serves her country like more than 200,000 other women in the military.
Cards’ coaching intern Welter can learn from female community college coach
More than 30 years ago, Dot Murphy, former All-American and women’s basketball coach at Mississippi University for Women, sat with her children at Hinds Community College football practice watching her husband, Gene, coach the Eagles defense.
Small UA program produces big results in horse racing industry
TUCSON — The well-dressed horse trainer with the signature white hair and dark sunglasses who was the darling of the sports media this spring got his start in the racing industry in the most unlikely of places. Before Bob Baffert trained the first Triple Crown winner in 47 years, he cultivated his tradecraft in Tucson.
Report: Arizona beer has an economic kick, too, in terms of jobs, taxes
WASHINGTON - When Rob Fullmer, the executive director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, says "everything is improved by the presence of a brewery," he's talking about the economic buzz it brings and not the alcoholic kind.
News21: America’s Weed Rush
America's Weed Rush, an investigation of marijuana legalization in America, is the 2015 project of the Carnegie-Knight News21 program, a national multimedia, investigative reporting project produced by the nation’s top journalism students and graduates. Each year, students selected into the program report in depth on a topic of national importance.
Groups to feds: Tighten mining rules in light of river spill
Citing the release of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater into a southwestern Colorado river earlier this month, a coalition of conservation groups, two Arizona Native American tribes and two county governments petitioned federal agencies Tuesday to tighten mining regulation on public lands.
Financial advisers, economists urge calm in face of market volatility
WASHINGTON - The stock market has been buffeted by historic drops over the last week, but economists and financial advisers in Arizona were telling investors Tuesday that it's still "too early to be concerned."
Stanton: Victory for Phoenix transit tax proposition shows ‘a belief in our future’
The first benefits of a transit tax increase that was winning approval from Phoenix voters will likely be increased service by Valley Metro's Dial-a-Ride and more attention to potholes, supporters said Wednesday.
Obama honors Phoenix Mercury at White House for 2014 WNBA title
WASHINGTON - Even star athletes can get awestruck.
Paying a price for going nowhere: Traffic hits Arizona commuters’ wallets
WASHINGTON - Traffic delays in Tucson and Phoenix last year cost the average commuter more than $1,000 in extra fuel and lost time, among other costs, according to a new report on rush-hour congestion on the nation's highways.
Mercury’s male practice squad a hidden key to team’s success
Former NCAA Division III Puget Sound forward Robert Krauel frequently squeezes in a workout on his lunch break from his job at Grand Canyon University.
ADOT starts demolishing homes for Loop 202 extension
Crews have started demolishing homes in the Ahwatukee Foothills to make way for a long-planned Loop 202 extension.
Ripples in Chinese economy could make waves for Arizona businesses
WASHINGTON - What happens in China, doesn't necessarily stay in China.
New deals app aimed at millenials launches in Tempe, aims to help build small businesses
TEMPE – Gil Schmitt said he has long struggled to get a steady flow of Arizona State University students into his ice cream and sweet shop on Mill Avenue.
Arizona high schools forced to seek creative funding solutions for athletics
Perry High School’s badminton team is good.
10 years later, Katrina memories still fresh for Arizonans who responded
WASHINGTON - It's been 10 years since he responded to the devastation that was left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but the memories are still clear for Phoenix Fire Department Capt. Darrell B. Wiseman.
Spring rains boosted Lake Mead, heading off water emergency – for now
WASHINGTON - Unusually high rainfall in the Colorado River basin this spring helped boost Lake Mead water levels, averting a possible water emergency that would have triggered cuts in water allocations next year.
Court: Cops can be ordered to provide DNA in probe of officer’s death
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Monday that Phoenix police were within their rights to take DNA samples from officers responding to the 2010 shooting death of a fellow officer, Sgt. Sean Drenth, near the State Capitol.
New Arizona special license plates feature Coyotes, firefighters, more
Arizona drivers looking to sport some personality on their rides have more options thanks to four new special license plates.
Storify: Aftermath of Phoenix storm rages on social media
This Storify highlights social media coverage from the storms that hit Phoenix on the night of Aug. 31.
State official questions CDC report listing Arizona last for early childhood MMR
Arizona vaccination rates for MMR are lowest in the country, according to the recently released National Immunization Survey.
Traffic jamming: That time spent behind the wheel adds up
WASHINGTON - What could you do with the 51 hours that you spent stuck in traffic last year if you were a typical Phoenix commuter? Or even the four hours that the average Lake Havasu commuter spent in congestion on the other end of the state's traffic jam spectrum?
Douglas recall petition launches; needs 366,000 signatures
An organization seeking to recall Diane Douglas filed paperwork Tuesday to start gathering signatures, with its chairman saying the state schools superintendent has done nothing to improve education.
Arizona Weights and Measures Department folding, duties moving
The state agency that investigates rogue moving companies, makes sure you get the gas you paid for at the pump and offers other consumer protections is set to shutter its doors next year.
Vemma stops operations after FTC calls it a pyramid scheme, student ‘affiliates’ lose money
When Chris Benson signed up to sell Vemma juice drinks, he said something didn’t feel right.
Arizona’s economy continues to recover, just very slowly
Spurred by slow but steady employment and housing growth, local and national economists remain cautiously positive about the economic forecast for Arizona.
Mesa program offers struggling veterans an alternative to the streets
MESA – Soon after returning home from the Vietnam War, Marine Corps veteran Larry Hutchison said he found himself on the streets of this Phoenix suburb.
70 years later, an Arizona veteran helps mark the end of World War II
WASHINGTON - From the nose of a B-24 bomber soaring low over the Pacific Ocean 70 years ago, Army Air Corps gunner Bill Schrader scanned the horizon for Japanese military vessels.
Renovations at Sun Devil Stadium force 10,000 season-ticket holders to relocate
TEMPE – Sun Devil Stadium has stood between two mountain buttes overlooking Tempe since 1958.
Businesses near Valley Metro’s northwest light rail extension struggle during construction
While residents and city leaders celebrate the opening of Valley Metro’s light rail extension in Mesa and future transportation funding from recently passed Proposition 104, small business owners at the northwest end of the light rail said they feel left in the dust.
Latina women would lose health care if Planned Parenthood defunded
Latina women who rely on planned parenthood for basic health care brace for possible funding cuts following the fetal tissue controversy. Planned Parenthood officials say the majority of women who visit clinics in Arizona are not seeking abortions.
Students combat bullying on the court as Mercury’s Bass shares experience
In middle school, Phoenix Mercury forward Mistie Bass needed a way to prevent the boys from laughing at her as she perspired while playing basketball with them.
City Council renews Valley Metro event day program, U.S. Airways Center partnership
Next time you’re headed to US Airways Center for an event, you won’t have to seek out a parking spot.
Advocates to Ducey: Pay court-ordered education funding now
The state's failure to pay public schools hundreds of millions in court-ordered funding has chased competent teachers from classrooms, education advocates said at a demonstration Thursday.
State files motion to intervene in lawsuit over wolf recovery plan
NOTE: A previous version of this story erroneously referred to a different lawsuit filed by environmental groups and misspelled the last name of Mike Rabe of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. PHOENIX – The state has filed a motion to involve itself in a lawsuit in which environmental groups allege that federal officials are failing to abide by the Endangered Species Act and environmental and administrative laws in a rule change to the recovery plan for Mexican gray wolves.
Rising Arizona membership gives unions something to cheer for Labor Day
WASHINGTON - Arizona labor unions have something to celebrate this Labor Day weekend, with union membership in the state rising last year for the first time since the start of the recession.
Experts predict slight gains in Labor Day travel, spending
Americans are projected to spend more than $13.5 billion on Labor Day air and road travel, according to a survey by the U.S. Travel Association.
Congress returns from recess facing long to-do list, short calendar
WASHINGTON - When Congress returns Tuesday from a five-week vacation, its members had better be rested.
‘Anchor Babies’ weigh in on birthright citizenship debate
While more Republican presidential candidates are using “anchor baby” to talk about birthright citizenship, Americans at the center of the debate question the controversial term.
Valley fever can be devastating for dogs
While he may seem like a typical dog, this Great Dane named Relay has overcome a lot in his nine years. And recently, so has his owner, Jenny Allert of Mesa.
Cronkite News: Sept. 8, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on birthright citizenship, marijuana legalization in Arizona and progress on the football stadium renovations at Arizona State.
Phoenix continues cleanup after major storm
Phoenix, and especially the zoo, are cleaning up after a massive storm that hit the city last week.
Proposal: Fees from legalizing marijuana could go to help schools
The Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol campaign is currently looking for signatures to put legalizing pot to a vote on the 2016 ballot.
Advocate: Poor AzMERIT reading results reflect higher bar
Poor reading results from third-graders' first round with the state's new AzMERIT test aren't bad news to one education advocate.
Phoenix man’s nightmare inspires Bloodhound, an app to locate missing people
William Scot Grey spent about 36 hours in panic nearly a year ago. His father, Ray, had not returned home from walking his dog. Minutes turned into hours, which turned into more than a day.
McAlister’s Deli fast casual restaurant chain to expand operations in Phoenix
When it comes to fast casual sandwich-oriented restaurant chains, Arizonans might be most familiar with names like Corner Bakery, Jason’s Deli and Panera Bread.
Officials, Phoenix Mercury out to engage voters of tomorrow
The 2014 primary election in Arizona saw the lowest voter turnout since the state began keeping track, with only 27 percent of registered voters participating. Turnout for the general election was 48 percent.
Cronkite News: Sept. 9, 2015
Today's episode of Cronkite News focuses on the shootings on the Interstate 10 freeway in Phoenix, congressman Trent Franks' speech at the Capitol on Planned Parenthood funding, and how a surfboard company is stretching the limits on sustainability.
Surfboard maker stretching the limits of sustainability
CO2 from surfboards leaks into the ocean. One LA surfboard maker is working on a solution that will be more friendly to the environment.
DPS investigating Interstate 10 shootings
DPS is investigating several shootings that have knocked out car windows and windshields of cars driving along Interstate 10. (Video by Ivan Rodriguez/Cronkite News)
Franks, abortion opponents attack Planned Parenthood in House hearing
WASHINGTON - An emotional Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, accused Planned Parenthood on Wednesday of selling body parts of "innocent babies they're guilty of killing" in abortion procedures.
Changing exchange rates bring better bargains in Mexico
Mexico remains among the top foreign vacation spots, with visits already up 21.5 percent from last year, according to the Bank of Mexico.
Cronkite News: Sept. 10, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News goes in-depth on prescription drug and opiate abuse, and how an Arizona veteran is headed to Capitol Hill to protest the Iran nuclear deal.
Arizona receives $3.6 million grant to combat drug overdoses
Arizona has received a $3.6 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to combat prescription drug addictions, part of a federal effort to give states money to prevent overdose deaths.
Time is ticking on petition to recall Douglas
The clock is ticking on the petition to recall Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas.
Arizonans get creative with rebranding campaign
Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State, but could the state be getting another slogan? A new re-branding campaign is looking to clean up and create a more positive image for the state.
Survey finds gaps between police force makeup, communities’ diversity
As part of the recruitment team for the Phoenix Police Department, Lt. Anthony Lopez says diversity pays dividends beyond reflecting the community served.
Organizers expect large turnout at Tempe’s ‘Healing Field’ to honor 9/11 victims
TEMPE – Rows of red, white and blue fill Tempe Beach Park to honor those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.
Teaching kids born post-9/11, so it’s not ‘just another date’ in history
WASHINGTON - Every year on 9/11, Arizona teacher Gaye Vaterlaus asks her fourth-grade class to define heroism, and every year they cite heroes like Superman, Spider-Man and Captain America - missing the significance of the date.
Cactus League expansion limited by funding, economic impact still significant
Greater Phoenix has increasingly become a destination for MLB teams to prepare for the season. Seven ballclubs called the Valley their spring training home in 2002.
Cronkite News: Sept. 11, 2015
This edition is the debut of Cronkite News Refresh, a 30-minute, social media-driven newscast.
New ‘Chip-and-PIN’ credit cards to change way consumers pay, businesses operate
When Carson Greene saw purchases show up on his credit card bill from California – places he had not visited – he became suspicious.
Light-rail program aiding homeless youth expands into Mesa
With light rail expanding into central Mesa, Valley Metro has added emergency contact spots for Safe Place, a crisis hotline for teens, at each of the four new stations.
Phoenix homeowners rank above average for underwater mortgages, Zillow report says
As underwater mortgages continue to drop nationally, many Phoenix homeowners still grapple with negative equity, according to a report released this month by Zillow Inc.
Line to legal for immigrants can be decades-long
Jose Patiño Regalado says he’s played by the rules, waiting in line to become a legal immigrant, just as opponents of immigration reform insist. He’s waited 21 years.
New tech making a difference in Tempe classrooms
Tempe elementary schools are stepping up technology in the classrooms, integrating it into curriculum and having students use it throughout the entire day.
New technology making tattoo removal easier than ever before
Phoenix companies are using the new PicoWay machine and acoustic energy to remove tattoos faster than ever before. The techniques also have been producing major results. (Video by Mitch Quesada/Cronkite News)
Cronkite News: Sept. 14, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News explores whether Arizona could have its own version of the Gold King Mine waste water spill, and features a new technique for removing tattoos.
Environmentalist sees toxic mine danger in Arizona; officials disagree
With Arizona home to thousands of abandoned mines, the head of a state environmental group says an incident similar to the recent toxic spill in Colorado could happen here.
Experts: Poor contact lens care exposes many to eye infections
An eye ailment sent Audrie Pirkl to the hospital.
Along proposed commuter rail line, leaders see growth
A lot would have to happen before a commuter rail line passes through Queen Creek, but Mayor Gail Barney sees great potential in the idea.
French Fry Heaven’s new Tempe location marks its shift to fast-casual dining
TEMPE – Although he'd only been in school at Arizona State University for three weeks, freshman Brad Haskin had already eaten at French Fry Heaven’s new Tempe location 10 times.
At one border crossing, Mexico requiring U.S. citizens to show passports
SAN YSIDRO, California – At the Puerta Este border crossing, U.S. citizens and other foreigners walking into Mexico must now show their passports.
Foreign STEM students may lose extended post-graduation work permit
A federal court ruling could end a program that allows tens of thousands of international students studying science, technology, engineering and math in the United States to work in this country for nearly two and half years after graduation.
Death toll rises as Colorado City, neighbor dig out from devastating flash flood
COLORADO CITY – As the death toll from a devastating flash flood rose to 12 on Tuesday, with one person still missing, leaders and residents of this community and neighboring Hildale, Utah, mourned the dead and looked toward repairing damage and clearing roads of mud and debris.
Board of Education authorizes suits against Douglas
The Arizona State Board of Education voted Tuesday to sue Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas if she doesn’t comply with longstanding directives on access to data and the board's website.
Cronkite News: Sept. 15, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how Arizona is recovering from another round of storms, and how authorities are approaching the I-10 shootings investigation.
Vemma CEO confident after Tempe company’s court hearing on pyramid scheme allegations
NOTE: On Sept. 18, a federal judge barred Vemma Nutrition Co. from resuming most of its business activities. Click here for the follow-up story. BK Boreyko Tuesday said he felt confident in his team's work defending Vemma Nutrition Co. against federal regulators who accused them of running a pyramid scheme.
Audit finds deficiencies in Arizona Department of Real Estate’s operations
A state audit of the Arizona Department of Real Estate revealed it overcharged customers, and the report also highlighted deficiencies in the department’s cash collection and reporting processes.
Work by Arizona women earns White House nod as ‘champions of change’
WASHINGTON - When she moved from Mexico to the U.S. at age 11, Diali Avila could not know that it was the first step toward a trip to the White House.
Ducey declares Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Combating suicide among Arizona teens is more difficult because parents, guardians and teachers are reluctant to talk about it, an advocate says.
Mayor: Flash flood ‘a horrific event that was totally out of our control’
COLORADO CITY – Authorities continued searching through mud and debris Tuesday for a 6-year-old boy missing after a flash flood that killed 12 in this community along the Arizona-Utah line.
Cronkite News: Sept. 16, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on the Republican presidential debate, and the upcoming visit by the pope to the U.S.
Genealogy library to find a new home
The Arizona Genealogy Library has been working for the last month and a half to find new homes for its documents.
Republican debate: What do Arizonans want to hear?
A preview of the Republican debates and some of the hot topics -- including immigration -- that Arizonans want to hear about.
Mayor Stanton attending climate change conference
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton stresses sustainability advances in the state at Los Angeles symposium.
Lawmakers, tribal officials blast EPA for Animas River spill response
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye on Wednesday blasted the Environmental Protection Agency's handling of a toxic spill in the Animas River, saying the agency's response left his tribe feeling abandoned, uncertain and hopeless.
Open space parks provide economic boost to Maricopa County communities
In the northeast Valley, cyclists from across the country flock to McDowell Mountain Regional Park for its 50 miles of general trails and three competitive tracks.
Mercury’s Christon cultivating confidence in her hometown’s youth
PHOENIX — In the midst of a playoff season in her first summer with the Phoenix Mercury, guard Shameka Christon sat courtside after practice and unlaced her shoes as she planned for the offseason.
EPA worker: ‘This is not good’
The Environmental Protection Agency recently released videos of the Gold King Mine spill in Colorado. The spill resulted in 3 million gallons of toxic wastewater spilling into the Animas River.
Adulthood for foster care teens delivers a new world with new woes
Just a few months after foster teen Jaquelyn Cedillo turned 18 and enrolled in the Department of Child Safety’s independent living program, she was sleeping in a park with a boyfriend, having already spent the monthly stipend the state gives her to live on her own.
Report gives Arizona C-minus for kid dental sealant programs
At Native Health in central Phoenix, dentist Anh Thu Becker uses a 3-D model of molars to explain how she's going to apply a thin layer of plastic resin to 10-year-old Suzette's teeth.
Douglas: It’s Board of Education’s prerogative to sue
Despite the threat of lawsuits from the Arizona State Board of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas insisted Thursday that she and the board are maintaining a professional working relationship.
Fact-checking GOP candidates’ statements on border issues
PHOENIX – Last night's main Republican presidential debate covered a wide range of issues including immigration and border enforcement. Cronkite News checked the facts behind some of the candidates' statements.
Cronkite News: Sept. 17, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News covers Diane Douglas, Rep. Paul Gosar skipping the Pope’s address to Congress and a fact check of the GOP debate.
Constitution Day at the State Capitol
The 228th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution celebrated at the Arizona State Capitol.
Gosar to skip Pope Francis’ address, to protest likely policy positions
WASHINGTON - When Pope Francis delivers a history-making address to a joint session of Congress next week, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, won't be there.
Stanton fights childhood hunger at elementary school event
Thousands of Arizona schoolchildren get help from federal programs that provide free or reduced lunches. Nevitt Elementary School in south Phoenix knows the programs all too well: more than 85 percent of the students depend on the food assistance.
No hike for Fed: Interest rates remain steady, some Arizonans breathe sigh of relief
After months of anticipation, the Federal Reserve opted not to hike its key interest rate Thursday. The lack of action makes this the longest period in the nation's current economic history not to do so.
ASU’s Graham, players big fans of new ‘Double Inferno’ student section
TEMPE – Senior quarterback Mike Bercovici has been at Arizona State since 2011. He’s seen just about everything from the Devil Walk to the fans at Camp Fargo. But even he was blown away by the new student section configuration at Sun Devil Stadium when he experienced it for the first time in the team’s home opener against Cal Poly on Saturday.
Catholic Church increasing Hispanic outreach
When Pope Francis visits Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, he will see the changing face of the Roman Catholic Church in America, which includes more Hispanics and immigrants.
Arizona delegation splits on party lines as House OKs abortion bills
WASHINGTON - A sharply divided House on Friday passed two strong anti-abortion bills that supporters said would help stop an American "genocide," but critics derided as a political "farce" to appeal to pro-life voters.
Judge bars Vemma Nutrition from resuming full business operations
A federal judge on Friday ruled that Vemma Nutrition Co. cannot resume full business operations and will remain under the supervision of a monitor.
Arizona lawmakers see mixed demand for tickets to watch pope’s speech
WASHINGTON - When Pope Francis gives a historic address to Congress next week, up to 50,000 people could be standing in a ticketed area of the West Front of the Capitol to watch the speech on large TV screens.
Medical simulation lab allows firefighters to prepare for unthinkable
Kneeling on the floor with only a sheet covering it, firefighter Nathan Phillips stretches a rubber tourniquet as tight as he can around the severed leg of his patient.
Cronkite News: Sept. 21, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News covers a major storm expected to hit the Valley and how some Arizonans are traveling to the East Coast to watch the pope's visit.
Hong Kong Commissioner: Entrepreneurs in Arizona need to branch out
Hong Kong Commissioner to the U.S. Clement Leung said there were many similarities between Arizona and Hong Kong, and he wants local entrepreneurs to meet face-to-face with their Asian counterparts more often.
Northern and central Arizona bracing for heavy rainfall
The monsoon season is nearly over, but a big storm headed through Arizona, could dump as many as 2 inches of rain.
Arizona State University adds Special Victims Unit to campus security
Arizona State University is now one of four universities with special investigations units to deal specifically with sexual assault cases on campus.
Future of Transportation forum explore solutions to Phoenix traffic congestion
The Beyond Traffic Forum in Phoenix talked about ways to relieve congestion on the roads -- and how to pay for it.
Church, state meet when pope addresses Congress, to dismay of some
WASHINGTON - Gilbert resident Simon Spanton doesn't have anything against Pope Francis. It's the combination of Pope Francis and Congress he has a problem with.
Arizona among states with ‘super lice,’ more resistant to treatments
Head lice is a health issue few people want to admit to dealing with. The truth is that it’s all too common for kids to find themselves in the chair due to head lice.
Chandler family fulfills a loved one’s last wish with Washington trip
WASHINGTON - James Malone and his stepmom, Sheri, looked like any other first-time tourists in Washington last week as they went from monument to monument, posing and taking photos.
Arizona Catholics make pilgrimage to see Pope Francis
Arizona Catholics are among the faithful making a pilgrimage to see Pope Francis during his visit to the United States.
Senators, whistleblowers demand action to stop VA retaliation
WASHINGTON - Brandon Coleman was an addiction therapist at the Phoenix VA hospital in December when he raised concerns about the care of suicidal veterans, who he said were often allowed to walk away from the facility.
Food banks’ needs persist in recovering economy
Patty Vanderpoel smiled as she handed a volunteer a plastic bag containing cereal and canned food, adding to boxes bound for St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Once dominant Catholic Church struggles to attract young followers
The Catholic Church is hopeful excitement surrounding Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S. will help reverse a decades-old trend of declining religious affiliation among young adults.
Gila River Indian Community opposes freeway on sacred land
As the future South Mountain Freeway breaks through the barriers of limited accessibility and traffic congestion, it creates a new obstacle by cutting through land that the Gila River Indian Community finds sacred.
Arizonans join 100-mile march to D.C., and pope, in deportation protest
WASHINGTON - They were tired, hungry and sleepy, but the 100 women nearing the end of a 100-mile walk Tuesday weren't complaining.
Expert: Monsoon’s seeming intensity has more to do with location
Broken tree limbs crushing cars. Giant walls of wind and dust moving across the Valley. Social media posts galore featuring wicked weather, including viral video of a microburst dropping on downtown Phoenix.
Cronkite News: Sept. 22, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on preparations for the pope’s arrival to Washington D.C., and how another Phoenix VA whistleblower is speaking to Congress.
ASU mock election held to raise voter turnout
Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day. According to the Secretary of State's Office, only 50 percent of Arizonans currently vote. The data also shows that in 2014 non-presidential election, only 3.9 percent of 1.5 million votes were cast by people between the ages of 18-25. The Undergraduate Student Government at Arizona State University, along with the Secretary of State's Office held a mock election on ASU’s Tempe campus. Tuesday's event, with a theme of voter participation, was also an opportunity for people to register to vote in the upcoming primary election. Marissa Fullford, vice president of services for the Undergraduate Student Government, was one of many who gathered outside to encourage her peers to register. “Time and time again,” Fuller said, “students are the lowest turnout for voters, and I think we have a real opportunity to make a change if all the students went out and voted.” CNN also made an appearance at the event, bringing in “Campaign Camper,” an RV that is traveling across the country. It has been converted into an interview booth where people can propose questions for the upcoming presidential debates. The network says those questions are then uploaded to their Facebook page and that some of those questions will be asked at upcoming presidential debates. CNN producer Topher Guak-Rouger said it's important for people to register to vote and to participate in elections. “Everyone needs to have their voice heard," Guak-Rouger said. “Ultimately that’s what it comes down to. People do have the opportunity to be heard and to register to vote is really the only way to ensure that’s going to happen and make sure everything you care about is said and is out there.” The deadline to register to vote is Feb. 22, 2016, that can be done at www.arizona.vote.
Trump, Minions, Elsa among popular figures boosting piñata business
In a small, comfortable home near downtown Phoenix, colorful characters take shape.
Yelp, ProPublica partnership gives consumers access to hospital ratings
Until recently, using the crowdsourced information on Yelp to decide which hospital to go to meant navigating star ratings and seemingly countless consumer reviews.
Arizona continues push to open new uranium mines near Grand Canyon
Arizona officials continue to support a federal court battle to allow new uranium mining operations on a million acres surrounding the Grand Canyon.
Heart Association: Set example, schedule, limit screen time to make kids move
The American Heart Association held a Twitter discussion Wednesday to provide tips on how to be more physically active. Explore the back and forth.
NAU solar thermal project a new take on harnessing sun
This warehouse at the edge of the Northern Arizona University's campus, home to surplus desks, computers and dressers, features solar panels across much of its south-facing exterior.
Cronkite News: Sept. 23, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Pope Francis' visit to Washington D.C., and examines communities living below the poverty line in Guadalupe, Arizona.
Catholic lawmakers talk about balancing private faith, public life
WASHINGTON - When the pope addresses a joint session of Congress in a history-making address Thursday, he will likely talk about hot-button issues like climate change and immigration.
Arizonans join throngs in, around White House for start of pope’s visit
WASHINGTON - She was looking at a pope and a president Wednesday, but Tucson resident Margarita Bernal said she could just as easily have been watching a "rock star" at the White House.
In Guadalupe, one of the state’s smallest towns, residents push back against persistent poverty
GUADALUPE — Just 300 feet separate a meticulously manicured resort and golf course from the tiny town of Guadalupe, where 31 percent of its mostly Latino and Yaqui Indian population live in poverty and only about 54 percent of its children graduate from high school.
Arizona municipalities offering free audits to conserve water
GILBERT – Jeff Lee's first stop at this home is the box holding the water meter. He furrows his brow upon finding the meter submerged.
New business incubator finds home in old pickle house building
The number of Hispanic businesses in Arizona has grown by 70 percent in recent years, and a new Phoenix incubator, the Pickle House project, aims to help even more Latino entrepreneurs succeed.
Arizona protesters demand justice on anniversary for 43 missing Mexican students
Nearly a year after the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico, groups on both sides of the border are protesting for justice and demanding answers from the Mexican government.
Phoenix Law Enforcement Association holds fundraiser for officer
Members of the community, firefighters and police officers gathered to raise funds for Phoenix Officer Eric Gardner.
Cronkite News: Sept. 24, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News covers the public's reaction to Pope Francis and his visit to the United States.
Arizona lawmakers give their blessing to Pope Francis’ speech to Congress
WASHINGTON - Members of Arizona's congressional delegation gave generally high marks to Pope Francis' Thursday speech to Congress that touched on immigration, climate change and the death penalty, among other potentially sensitive topics.
Outside Capitol, mood for pope’s speech was part picnic, part pilgrimage
WASHINGTON - They started gathering before the sun came up Thursday, eager for a spot outside the Capitol where they could witness Pope Francis' historic address to a joint session of Congress.
Suns help ready ‘Madhouse’ for team’s return to its former home
Sporting a brace on his left knee, former Suns center Alvan Adams arrived at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday in a white T-shirt, a grey long-sleeved shirt underneath, a tan fisherman’s hat, black sunglasses and khaki shorts running just above his kneecaps.
Mexican Consulate offers free flu shots to those in need
The Mexican Consulate in Phoenix offers free flu shots and a growing number of health services to immigrants and others in need.
Douglas recall campaign faces critics, sheer numbers
GLENDALE – Lisa Marsh and Diane Gordon spent this morning sitting outside a recreational center here and asking registered voters to help recall Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas.
Arizona Cardinals, ASU players’ jersey sales on low end nationally
CHANDLER – While the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona State University football have gained traction locally in recent years in terms of wins and popularity, the teams lag behind the competition in national jersey sales.
An Arizona family’s cross-country pilgrimage to see Pope Francis
This trip was not off to a smooth start for the Hanning family.
Politics never far from pope’s D.C. visit, as groups pressed their issues
WASHINGTON - Petra Falcon was expecting something like a religious experience this week when she was invited to the White House reception for Pope Francis.
Cronkite News: Sept. 25, 2015
This edition is our weekly Cronkite News Refresh, a social media-driven show that features the stories shared most over our social media channels.
In their own words: Arizonans talk about Pope Francis
WASHINGTON - Among the tens of thousands who descended on Washington for the first stop on Pope Francis' three-city U.S. tour this week were a number of Arizona residents and former residents. Some came for a cause, some came for their faith, some came just to be in the presence of the pope.
Drug Take-Back Day attacks addiction threat in Arizona
The graveyard of bright orange prescription bottles and stray single-dose tablets in many home medicine cabinets may be concealing the threat of addiction.
Catholic church hopes pope’s visit inspires millennials
Catholic parishes across Arizona hope lingering excitement over Pope Francis’ visit will inspire lapsed Catholics who are millennials to return.
Health expert: Innovations mean no excuses for not getting flu vaccine
During his long career in public health, including six years heading the Arizona Department of Health Services, Will Humble has seen plenty of reasons why people pass on a flu vaccination.
Douglas misses Board of Education meeting, drawing ire from some
Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas missed Monday's meeting of the Arizona State Board of Education, leading several members to note their disapproval.
Playworks program, Phoenix Suns volunteers battle school bullying
Children laughed and kicked the soccer ball around the playground at Loma Linda Elementary. They congratulated each other and gave high-fives. Volunteers played with them and helped to facilitate the games. One of those volunteers was Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough.
Feds announce new rules to protect farmworkers from pesticide exposure
WASHINGTON - The federal government outlined new safety measures Monday that would protect farmworkers from pesticide exposure by banning pesticide use by minors and sharply increasing training requirements, among other changes.
Arizonans recount ‘beautiful’ experience of seeing pope in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA - They sang, they danced, they cheered through the streets of Philadelphia this weekend as Pope Francis made the last stop on his U.S. tour.
Cronkite News: Sept. 28, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News covers the final leg of the pope’s U.S. visit, how the Catholic church is trying to reach millennials, and how scientists think there could be water on Mars.
Phoenix non-profit organization promotes local food awareness
The local food movement in Arizona needs just that – movement.
Protesters rally in Phoenix on anniversary of students’ disappearance
Leaning against a column in front of the nondescript office building that houses the Mexican Consulate in downtown Phoenix, Ruth Gonzales began addressing the small crowd before her.
Toll roads? Increased gas tax? Audit says ADOT faces budget shortfall of $62.7 billion and needs solutions
Motorists may need to pay more at the pump, on the roads or at the cash register to meet the funding needs of the Arizona Department of Transportation through 2035, according to a recent state audit.
Maricopa County effort aims to resolve cases of unidentified remains
In 1992, a white male in his late 30s to early 40s was found dead in the Superstition Mountains, slain by two gunshot wounds to the back of the head.
Phoenix, Ak-Chin Indian Community unveil College Football Playoff Championship Campus
For the second straight year, downtown Phoenix will come alive with an invasion of football fans. Only this time, they will be fans of the collegiate – not the professional – game.
Democrats announce $3.8 billion education-funding plan
Arizona House and Senate Democrats announced a plan they say would provide public schools an additional $3.8 billion over 10 years without raising taxes.
Tempe bans distracted driving
The Tempe City Council passed one of Arizona’s toughest distracted driving bans Thursday. Tempe’s new ordinance would fine drivers who drive erratically while using their phones. Fines start at $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and up to $500 for another infraction within a two-year period.
Arizona beating 2014 national homicide trend
The FBI released its 2014 Crime Statistics on Tuesday. While Arizona mirrored most of the crime trends from the rest of the nation, the state saw significant differences in two areas: homicide and rape.
Latin jazz singer breaking down barriers
Carmela Ramirez music reflects her bi-cultural background. Her love of jazz came from her father. She's fused the two together for a unique sound. (Video by Erica Lang/Cronkite News)
Cronkite News: Sept. 29, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on efforts by forensics experts to track down missing Arizonans, and how the state lags nationally for the number of addiction centers.
Scenes from the street in Philadelphia, waiting for the pope
PHILADELPHIA - With the heart of Philadelphia closed to cars for Pope Francis' visit, one person said it's probably what the city looked like in a pre-industrial age, with pedestrians owning the streets.
Amid years-long drought, some homeowners giving artificial turf a look
Scottsdale homeowner Luke Rosenberg said he was skeptical at first about installing an artificial turf putting green for his children.
Discovery of liquid water on Mars links back to UA lab, student
This week's landmark announcement that the surface of Mars has liquid water links back to a University of Arizona laboratory where students and faculty monitor images from an orbiting camera.
Arizona’s Flintstones-themed Bedrock City continues to draw tourists amid potential sale
About 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is a smaller, more obscure tourist attraction: Bedrock City, a Flintstones walk-through theme park honoring the 1960s cartoon.
Evangelical churches in Arizona gain growing Hispanic following
As more Hispanics join evangelical and Pentecostal churches, they’re reshaping Arizona’s religious landscape.
Ed Board sues Douglas over access to investigative documents
The Arizona State Board of Education has sued Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas for refusing board investigators remote access to documents involving teacher misconduct.
Arizona business leaders emphasize ethical practices at Integrity Summit
Making money while abandoning ethics continues to be an unsustainable business practice, Arizona-based industry leaders told the crowd gathered at the fifth-annual Integrity Summit on Wednesday.
Cronkite News: Sept. 30, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the Board of Education lawsuit against Superintendent Diane Douglas over access to information to investigate teachers.
Democratic lawmakers called to White House to hear Obama pitch agenda
WASHINGTON - Arizona House Minority Whip Rebecca Rios joined Democratic legislators from around the country in Washington on Wednesday for a call to arms from President Barack Obama on domestic issues.
Congress passes stopgap budget with a day to spare; Arizona vote split
WASHINGTON - It took until the last minute to do it, but Congress on Wednesday passed a short-term budget that avoided a shutdown and will keep the government operating through mid-December.
Non-lead ammunition program expands to help protect wildlife
FLAGSTAFF – Hunters usually leave the Arizona Game and Fish Department's office just off Interstate 17 here with permits and tips from staff members on duty.
SRP tests way to power Internet data centers from electric substation
Technology has invaded the nation over the past decade, and staying connected means increasing demand for digital infrastructure.
Threat of bus strike affects busiest routes in Phoenix
Some Valley commuters might have to start carpooling or riding bikes because of the threat of a strike by drivers on dozens of Valley Metro bus routes.
D-backs appeal to college crowd
Grand Canyon University senior Oliver Campo enjoys going to Major League Baseball games and wanted to share that experience with his foreign classmates so he went along with them to one of the Diamondbacks’ College Nights, a series of promotional games throughout the season.
Company officials: Ample space, competitive wages attracted them to Arizona
Officials representing three companies – Home Depot, FacilitySource and Stitch Fix – cited three key reasons that spurred the expansion of their businesses to the region: competitive wages, availability of workforce and ample warehouse or office space.
With caregivers aging, experts warn of stress, isolation
Hand in hand, Ken Koch walks his wife, Mary, to the dishwasher and opens it for her. She pauses and looks at the dishes, then grabs a mug and taps it on the drying towel. Into the cupboard and back again, Mary takes her time unloading.
Report: Arizona lags most of nation in treatment available to addicts
Chris Mullin already operated two drug treatment centers in Spokane, Washington, but decided to open Recovery Oasis in Tempe because he heard there was a severe shortage in Arizona.
Laveen residents look forward to South Mountain Freeway
Many groups have vocalized their opposition to the future South Mountain Freeway, but there are residents of Laveen who say they’re excited about it.
Arpaio says he wasn’t directly involved in investigation of racial profiling
At a civil-contempt hearing Thursday, a plaintiff's attorney grilled Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio on the execution of an internal investigation that followed accusations his department violated an injunction to halt racial profiling.
Cronkite News: Oct. 1, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News explores the ongoing school superintendent Diane Douglas' new education plan, and how fallen firefighters are being honored in Washington D.C.
Stopgap budget has $700 million to replenish funds shifted to wildfires
WASHINGTON - When Congress passed the short-term budget that headed off a government shutdown Wednesday, it included $700 million to replenish U.S. Forest Service accounts that had been raided in recent months to fight wildfires
Benefits of $250,000 renovation to ASU hockey’s home arena go beyond the newly minted D-I program
TEMPE – Nine months after the Arizona State University hockey team announced its move to NCAA Division I, a $250,000 renovation of its home rink, Oceanside Ice Arena, has been completed in time for the team's first varsity season. The long-term plan is to move to a bigger arena, but the beneficiaries of the renovations go beyond the Sun Devils.
Local, national spa franchises expand in Arizona as industry grows
MESA – If it seems there is a salon or spa around every corner, it may be true.
Diane Douglas on new plan: Arizona kids can’t afford to wait
With children at her side wearing T-shirts that read “AZ Kids can’t afford to wait,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas proposed her new education plan on Thursday.
Audit: State agency overseeing X-ray facilities behind on inspections
The state agency overseeing X-ray facilities is overdue on inspections for about half of them, creating a public health risk, the Arizona Auditor General's Office reports.
D-backs make Hispanic outreach a top priority
When driving by a Cactus Youth Baseball League game in south Phoenix, it is hard not to notice the jerseys colored in the Sedona red, black and white of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Cronkite News: Oct. 2, 2015
This edition is our weekly Cronkite News Refresh, a social media-driven show that features the stories shared most over our social media channels.
As U.S. raises refugee cap, Arizona relief agencies ready for increase
WASHINGTON - The announcement this week that the U.S. will admit thousands more refugees in the coming year will likely mean hundreds more being resettled in Arizona - where relief agencies say they're ready.
State: EPA decision to lower ozone standard a ‘major challenge’ for Arizona
The Environmental Protection Agency’s reduction of its limit for ground-level ozone will put an additional seven Arizona counties out of compliance and pose a significant challenge, an official said Friday.
Fallen, not forgotten: Arizona firefighter among those honored in memorial
WASHINGTON - The 87 flags flew over Capitol, then were carefully folded and displayed at a memorial in Maryland, where they will remain until they are handed Sunday to survivors of 87 firefighters who died in the line of duty.
Douglas addresses public concerns about education plan
Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas released her education plan to the public on Thursday. Arizonans are working to make sense of not only Douglas’ plan but also Gov. Doug Ducey's plan and the separate Republican and Democratic proposals.
Expert: Many reasons why people don’t report sexual assault
“I came back from a party one night and had asked someone for a ride home, and when I invited them to stay, they took it as an invitation to take advantage of me.”
Phoenix Symphony survives and thrives after budget crisis
After suffering through economic hardship, the Phoenix Symphony is back from the brink.
ACLU files appeal in SB 1070 case
SB 1070, the heavily disputed immigration law in Arizona, was back in the spotlight Monday. Members of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona along with a coalition of immigrant rights group filed a formal appeal challenging a U.S. District Court judge's dismissal of a prior SB 1070 challenge.
Gov. Doug Ducey: Trans-Pacific Partnership makes Arizona more competitive
Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday said he supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership because the trade policy will make Arizona more competitive in the business world.
Report: Native Americans in Arizona had nation’s highest obesity rates
WASHINGTON - Four of five adult Native Americans in Arizona were obese or overweight in 2013, the highest rate in the nation among states studied in a new report.
Feds remove Sonoran desert tortoise from consideration for protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday removed the Sonoran desert tortoise from consideration for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Cronkite News: Oct. 5, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how groups plan appeal of ruling on Arizona immigration law SB1070, and Superintendent Diane Douglas' new education plan.
Tarahumara Indians risk losing language to survive economically
CARICHI, Mexico - Every fall Tarahumara Indians come down from their homes high in the Sierra Madre Mountains to help harvest apples.
Arizona native among victims in Air Force plane crash in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - A Tombstone native was identified Monday as one of five civilians who died, along with six military personnel, in the crash of a cargo plane shortly after takeoff Friday from an airfield in Afghanistan.
More hopefuls enter crowded GOP field for open 1st District in Congress
WASHINGTON - The Republican primary field in the race for Arizona's 1st Congressional District got more crowded Monday, setting the stage for a competitive GOP primary reminiscent of the bruising 2012 campaign for the same seat.
Experts: What do businesses need to increase trade across borders?
More than a dozen panelists discussed the growing number of business opportunities popping up across borders at the North America Economic Connectivity Conference last week.
Arizona Diamondbacks looking to build on positives of 2015
Despite finishing 15 games better in 2015 than the previous season, the Arizona Diamondbacks were never truly in contention for the playoffs
ASU hockey’s first varsity game was a night to remember
It had been three years since Connor Schmidt netted an NCAA goal. On Saturday night, he ended that drought when he scored the first goal in Sun Devil hockey program history during Arizona State’s first NCAA game.
Old school retro games have new life and are making a comeback
Something is happening in the dusty corners of the video game world. People are picking up old video games, wiping off the cobwebs and playing them again.
Maricopa County Superior Court program expands access to services
The AmeriCorps PACS program plans to recruit undergraduate students across Maricopa County to help litigants who will represent themselves in court.
Rio Salado College earns innovation grant
Rio Salado College is one of seventeen colleges nationwide to receive the “First in the World Grant” from the U.S. Department of Education. With the $2.6 million they received, they plan create an innovative program for students to follow that will offer support and planning as they work toward degrees.
Millennials transition into housing market as rents become more expensive
While the Valley’s economy continues to improve, the housing market has lagged.
Phoenix bus drivers protest contract offer at City Hall
NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified a Valley Metro spokeswoman criticized in a statement attributed to a union leader. The statement was made about Valley Metro spokeswoman Maria Hyatt. Phoenix bus drivers marched through City Hall Tuesday morning to protest the latest contract offer from the company that manages a portion of city bus routes.
Monarch butterflies face threats on both sides of the border
SCOTTSDALE – From deforestation in Mexico to a dwindling food supply in the U.S., Monarch butterflies face threats on both sides of the border.
Latina artist creates work on unique canvas
Annie Lopez defies stereotypes with her contemporary artwork.
Cronkite News: Oct. 6, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a bus strike rally in Phoenix and how millennials are finding it better to buy homes than rent.
Feds propose Endangered Species Act protection for two Southwest fish
The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing two small species of Southwest fish as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Tuesday proposal follows pressure from the Center for Biological Diversity, whose legal agreement with the federal agency hastened the designation of hundreds of imperiled species.
Phoenix lawyer urges Congress to block NLRB’s new ‘joint employer’ rule
WASHINGTON - Phoenix lawyer Mark Kisicki called on Congress Tuesday to "restore stability in labor relations" by reversing a National Labor Relations Board ruling that he said will cause "significant economic upheaval" if left untouched.
Tribes: Domestic violence program ‘very successful,’ but challenges remain
WASHINGTON - It was just a few years ago that tribal courts would not have been able to prosecute the non-Indian man who beat his Pascua Yaqui partner for failing to make his lunch correctly and not doing the laundry.
Bike in Tempe promotes bicycle riding with new, safe routes
TEMPE - Bike riders in Tempe are looking for ways to safely move around town.
Phoenix nonprofit ‘Fast Pitch’ competition gives more than just grants
Of the 20 semifinalist nonprofit organization leaders chosen for the 2016 Social Venture Partners Arizona Fast Pitch competition, only eight will deliver the three-minute eponymous pitches for their organizations in front of an audience and judges. Fewer will win the competition’s sponsor-funded cash grants that total over $50,000.
Popular daily fantasy league sites restricted in Arizona
After six years of playing fantasy football with out-of-state relatives, Amber Salisbury was excited when her brother in Texas invited her to play FanDuel, a daily fantasy sports website offering cash prizes.
Arizona school district makes a dramatic advancement in water conservation
When the sprinklers come on in the Washington Elementary School District, you can bet the soil needs a drink.
Four Arizona police departments receive grants for body cameras
Four Arizona police departments will share more than $1.3 Million in federal grants for body cameras.
Boy’s birthday wish: Help build the bat cave
It was a special day for one child in Tempe who got to take a ride in the batmobile on Wednesday.
Study: Ducey land trust fund could boost education
An ASU study shows that the governor's land trust fund could be put to better use by investing in schools.
MedAire Worldwide call center reduces necessity for emergency plane landings
Flying thousands of miles above civilization may seem like a good reason to panic in the midst of a medical event, but MedAire Worldwide’s 24/7 remote medical assistance centers help passengers and airline employees cope during a crisis.
Cronkite News: Oct. 7, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News explores the effectiveness of police body cameras and how Arizona has one of two hospitals that help airline crews handle in-flight medical emergencies.
D-backs’ ‘Throwback Thursday’ campaign brought back rich memories for team, fans
In the fall of 2001, the Valley was painted purple and teal as the upstart Diamondbacks, just four seasons into their existence, were locked in a World Series battle with the storied New York Yankees.
Some Valley pet-store owners not worried about potential PetSmart and Petco merger
SCOTTSDALE – Customers can browse organic food, peruse designer-quality clothing and enjoy the aroma of high-end shampoo wafting around the space at this luxury boutique in Scottsdale.
Westgate businesses relieved NHL season underway after Coyotes, Glendale standoff
When the Glendale City Council voted to terminate the city’s 15-year lease and arena management deal with the Arizona Coyotes during the summer, it looked as if the team might not take the ice at Gila River Arena at all this season.
Memory of fatal Border Patrol agent shooting haunts Nogales three years later
NOGALES, MEXICO – Dr. Luis Contreras Sanchez was browsing social media when he heard a rapid burst of gunfire just outside his home. It was a night he would not soon forget.
JP Morgan Chase provides $100K grant boost local business exports to Mexico
Days after officials reached one of the most ambitious international trade deals in history, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton on Thursday unveiled a plan that aims to make metro Phoenix a major player in foreign trade.
‘Robo-deer’ dispatched to Arizona forests to thwart poachers
A new high-tech robotic mule deer will soon be in Arizona forests to track down poachers hunting out of season.
Arizona health panel works to raise awareness on pediatric autoimmune disorder
Too many children suffering from neurological autoimmune disorders lack access to resources to correctly diagnose them, a state lawmaker contends.
Cronkite News: Oct. 8, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how the memory of a fatal Border Patrol agent shooting continues to haunt Nogales three years later.
House OKs bill giving tribes more control over mineral resources
WASHINGTON - The House approved a bill Thursday that aims to streamline the process of licensing energy projects on tribal lands, by shortening the time for federal approvals and limiting public comment on environmental impacts.
House Republicans pledge unity as caucus falls apart over next speaker
WASHINGTON - House Republicans said they were committed to bringing the party together Thursday, even as their caucus splintered in its search for a new speaker.
Cronkite News: Oct. 9, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly "refresh" show that features content shared heavily on social media.
Diamondbacks’ broken bats bring shade to local parks
Monsoon season in the Valley brought storms that damaged approximately 300 trees in local parks, according to Greg Bach, public information officer for Phoenix Parks and Recreation.
In red-state Arizona, fervent supporters await Bernie Sanders’ visit
WASHINGTON - Republican-dominated Arizona might seem an unlikely place for left-leaning Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders to find votes, but what his supporters there lack in numbers they more than make up for in fervor.
Cardinals’ Stanton, former Tempe High School teacher share breast cancer stories
Tempe High School hosted its ninth-annual "Pink-Out" Game on Oct. 2. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton, as well as breast cancer survivors and students, came out to support the cause and share their personal connections to breast cancer. (Video by James Ulrich/Cronkite News)
Cronkite News: Oct. 12, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on health, education and other top stories from the past two months.
Youngsters learn about Hispanic heritage in Mariachi workshops
Children and teens who crowded into the library at Central High School picked up more than just musical notes at Mariachi workshops held recently in the Valley.
Hundreds of Arizona’s poorest families will be dropped from a cash assistance program in July
Arizona will become the first and only state to impose a one-year lifetime limit for impoverished households receiving federal benefits from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program - a move that will cut payments to about 1,600 families in July.
Residents on the U.S.-Mexico border are battling obesity
Mexico and the U.S. share an appetite for fast food that has both countries coping with obesity especially on the border.
Cronkite News: Oct. 13, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is a showcase of top stories about Arizona from law enforcement, sustainability and our other areas of coverage.
Big banks dominate lending market, but some small businesses find success with community banks
For many small businesses, it’s not the idea they struggle with, it’s getting the money to fund it.
Former Mercury star Gillom and Xavier reunite after five years apart
Standing in the rotunda of Xavier’s Activity Center, Jennifer Gillom heard students say “superstar” and “famous” as they walked by her after the bell rang.
Arizona approved for cross-state bicycle route
Colorado resident Stephanie Heitz and her friends often travel to Arizona to take advantage of the winter weather and do some long-distance bicycling.
Zombie paintball? Some Arizona businesses reaching into bag of tricks for Halloween
Millennials are targets for Halloween celebrations, and some Arizona businesses are trying some new tricks to lure them to events.
Arizona hospitals do well on palliative care report card, could do better
WASHINGTON - One in three Arizona hospitals did not offer palliative care in 2013, but that was still good enough to earn the state a B on a national report card on the relatively new specialty practice.
Green homes being built for needy families in the Valley
Students and volunteers with Youth Build are constructing three homes.
Cronkite News: Oct. 14, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a recap of the Democratic debate and increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS in the latino community.
State trooper still recovering from injuries after stopping a wrong-way driver
Jeremy Barr, an Arizona state trooper, risked his life last August by stopping a wrong-way driver, resulting in injuries that he is still recovering from today. According to Barr, wrong-way driving is a growing threat to people nationwide.
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: A growing concern for the community
The number of new HIV infection cases is growing in the Hispanic community at a rate three times higher than in whites and health experts and HIV/AID advocates are pushing for more testing to combat the virus.
Latina entrepreneurs spur economic growth in Arizona
The number of businesses owned by Hispanic women has tripled in the past eight years, according to the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Bad trash jams recycling effort, drives up costs
Every day about 350 tons of waste materials venture through a series of conveyors and are organized into piles at the Waste Management recycling facility in Surprise. The end product results in towering stacks of bottles, paper, cans and other recyclable items.
Turf Paradise re-opens this weekend with its 60th opening day
Turf Paradise will kick off its 60th opening day on Saturday.
Arizona gets share of federal grant to help faltering coalfields communities
WASHINGTON - Arizona is one of 12 states that will share in $14.5 million worth of grants aimed at helping communities deal with a changing energy industry that has seen a decrease in demand for coal.
Experts highlight growing health care sector, Phoenix development as bright spots in state’s economy
When it comes to the state’s economic outlook, the health care industry is a plus. So is development within the city of Phoenix.
Local spay and neuter clinic is offering free services
To reduce the homeless pet population in the Valley, Altered Tails has partnered with Arizona's Spay Neuter Hotline to fix outdoor cats for free.
State fair officials say they will be conducting safety inspections on rides every day
The Arizona State Fair opens its doors tomorrow, but today workers were putting the finishing touches on rides and conducting safety inspections.
Tribes join forces to push Obama for new national monument in Utah
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders from the Four Corners states met in Washington Thursday and called on President Barack Obama to declare 1.9 million acres in southeastern Utah a national monument.
Cronkite News: Oct. 15, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Arizona's ranking in solar capacity and inspections at the State Fair.
Arizona sees decrease in new solar installations
Arizona dropped from first in the country to eighth in solar capacity additions, according to Environment America’s latest solar report, which also notes the drop comes “following the imposition of new fees on solar customers and near-constant attacks on distributed solar generation from the state’s biggest utilities.”
Arizona Diamondbacks executive battles low attendance at Chase Field through marketing efforts, concourse changes
Graham Rossini spent four years as an intern shadowing Arizona State University's baseball coach at the time, Pat Murphy.
Phoenix shop expects last-minute surge in Halloween costume sales
Americans are expected to spend $2.5 billion alone on Halloween costumes for adults, children and their pets this year, according to the National Retail Federation.
Watergate: Former counsel to Nixon says it took years to tell full story of scandal
It has taken decades to reveal the many sides of one of the biggest political scandals in American history: Watergate. But one former member of the Nixon White House who did time for the crime, has spent years researching the details and listening to hours of Nixon’s secret tapes to find the truth.
Cronkite News: Oct. 16, 2015
This edition of the newscast is Cronkite News Refresh, a social media-driven show that highlights the most-shared stories of the week.
Fossil Creek: Reservations required
CAMP VERDE – Dennis Ly heard about the pristine swimming holes at Fossil Creek from a neighbor. The clear blue, 72-degree water was a siren song in the middle of a fiery Arizona July. Determined to check out this desert oasis, he and three friends made the two-hour drive to swim and relax, but minutes from their destination, they hit a roadblock.
FYI: Understanding haboobs and their impact on Arizona
Editor's note: This is the first in an ongoing series called FYI, an explanatory multimedia package produced by our digital production bureau.
Weak peso hurts border businesses in Arizona
NOGALES, Arizona – Rebeca Castañeda stood behind a counter eagerly watching the doorway at Chi’s store just blocks from the border. It was almost noon and shoppers were scarce.
Charlie Rose honored at Cronkite luncheon
Veteran broadcast anchor and reporter honored for lifetime of work in journalism.
NOAA predicts El Niño weather will continue through winter
Fresh off another punishing storm, Arizonans likely can expect to see a wet winter as El Niño conditions heat up the Pacific Ocean.
FAA got 22 reports in Arizona of drones near other aircraft this year
WASHINGTON - The federal government moved one step closer Monday to requiring registration of drones, unveiling a public-private task force that has a month to develop recommendations for a drone registration process.
No joke: Public suggests comedians, former pols for House speaker’s job
WASHINGTON - If most Americans see Congress as a joke, who better to lead it than a comedian?
Cronkite News: Oct. 19, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News looks at government registration efforts for drones, local storm damage and what the El Nino season could mean for weather.
Investigation underway after Border Patrol agent fires gun
The U.S. and Mexico are investigating after a Border Patrol agent near Naco, fired a weapon into Mexico. The agent thought someone was pointing a gun at him from the Mexican side of the border, according to a media release from CBP.
More Middle Americans visit Mexico for low-cost medical care
A slew of dental offices and pharmacies line a block of shops selling metal lawn sculptures shaped like donkeys, and handcrafted red and white Mexican dresses popular with American tourists.
In need of classroom supplies, teachers turn to online crowd-funding
The dictionaries in the language arts classrooms at Sunnyslope Elementary School carry the wear-and-tear of some 10 years, but replacements are coming soon, thanks to a new ally: GoFundMe.
High-efficiency nozzles save water while keeping lawn green
As a groundskeeper for a housing community in Phoenix, Terry Peterson has changed about 800 sprinkler heads to high efficiency water nozzles. Now he’s taking action at home.
Storms continue to pound Valley: How you can prepare
How do homeowners prepare for the strong storms expected to hit the Valley in the next few days?
Sixteen Valley Starbucks locations apply for liquor licenses
Valley Starbucks shops are looking to add some spunk to their late-night menus.
Cronkite News: Oct. 20, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on storm preparation, and Starbucks' liquor license applications.
As women’s triathlon participation explodes, ASU adds it as a varsity sport
TEMPE– Arizona State became the first Power Five conference school Tuesday to elevate triathlon to a varsity sport.
Senate fundraising off to fast start in what could be a costly campaign
WASHINGTON - The two front-runners for Arizona's 2016 Senate race have raised nearly $6 million between them, new reports show, kicking off what experts say could be a year of heavy spending on elections in the state.
Cronkite Sports on FOX, Season 8, Episode 1
This episode looks at how the Arizona Fall League’s impact on local ballparks, and how Arizona Cardinals are expanding their Spanish-speaking fan base.
Report: No amount of alcohol is safe while pregnant
No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, according to a new report by a leading U.S. pediatricians' group. And that prevention is key because people impaired by their mother’s drinking during pregnancy do not have access to programs focused solely on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Timeline: University of Arizona, Arizona State University heavily involved in Mars exploration
By Jesse A. Millard Cronkite News University of Arizona and Arizona State University have been heavily involved with the exploration of Mars ever since the Viking missions, which resulted in the first successful U.S. mission to land a spacecraft on Mars’ surface. A UA undergraduate played a vital role in the discovery of liquid water on mars and ASU is working with NASA on the next rover to be sent to the red planet. Both schools have accomplished much, and to highlight the achievements here is a compilation of some of the two universities’ work in the exploration of Mars:
Golf balls with microchips and 40-minute rounds among efforts to grow golf in the Valley
At Troon’s Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, golfers can play a round at the #miniDunes course in just over 40 minutes. The six-hole “short course” includes holes ranging from 65 to 115 yards.
National pumpkin shortage near Halloween doesn’t ‘scare’ Arizona
GILBERT – Halloween is days away and Thanksgiving is soon after – and the nation faces a shortage of pumpkins this year because of a recent drought in the Midwest.
City of Phoenix approved to hire consultant for alternative fuel evaluation
City of Phoenix vehicles may be trading in gasoline power for electric power.
Craigslist fraud plagues Phoenix residents
Craigslist fraud continues to plague online buyers and law enforcement in the Phoenix area, according to local authorities.
Bomb threats at Valley schools may be connected to outstate threats
Three Valley elementary schools received computer-generated bomb threats on Tuesday. Police are looking into them.
Cronkite News: Oct. 21, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on Vice President Joe Biden's decision not to run for president, and how Native American entrepreneurs are making a mark in the business world.
Despite bright spots, Arizona slips to 17th in energy-efficiency rank
WASHINGTON - Arizona slipped two spots to 17th place in the 2015 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard released Wednesday, even though experts say the state still does very well in some areas.
Report: Gains in Hispanic education, business aren’t closing income gap
WASHINGTON - Increasing college enrollment rates among American-born Hispanics and a surge in Latina entrepreneurship aren't enough to eliminate wage disparities that prevent Latino families from improving their economic well-being, a new report said.
The Phoenix Grand Canal en route to improvement this year
Phoenix residents can look forward to strolling along a beautiful canal soon — and they won’t have to leave the country to do it.
Companies target Phoenix’s ‘disconnected youth’ population at job fair
One in five people between the ages of 16 and 24 don’t work and don’t go to school in the Phoenix area. They’re called “disconnected youth” – and experts said they have a significant impact on the economy.
School field trips get a facelift to match focus on STEM subjects
The lighting is dim, the wall paint is funky. Music is playing and the disco ball is swirling as eighth graders from Anthem School roll their way around the rink at Glendale Great Skate. Their laughter and exuberance brings back memories of school field trips in years past.
Panel explores economic impact of Arizona childhood trauma
Increased early childhood programs, parenting programs and bringing puppies into schools were just a few of the solutions a panel of Arizona businesspeople suggested to combat the effects of childhood trauma.
Look twice for bikes, Phoenix launches bike safety pledge
Bicyclists and motorists have a complicated relationship when sharing the roads of Phoenix. In each of the past five years, there have been an average of more than 450 bicycle involved collisions, according to the city of Phoenix website.
Local Phoenix tech company looks to make paying at the meter easier
With more people using credit cards, cash-only lots in Downtown Phoenix are paying the price. A mobile application called ParkX puts the parking meter in the palm of your hand.
DPS receives two new utility planes; plans to use them for evacuation and transportation
The Arizona Department of Public Safety acquired two brand new planes, called Skytrucks, three months ago. The free planes came from the U.S. Airforce and will be used for tasks like transporting SWAT teams, fighting fires and evacuating residents.
‘Disillusioned’ Flake tripped up a second time in charity spelling bee
WASHINGTON - Maybe he should stick to baseball. Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake does pretty well in the annual congressional baseball game for charity, but for a second year he was bounced in the early rounds of a charity "Politicians vs. the Press" spelling bee Wednesday night.
Cronkite News: Oct. 22, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on the economic impact of mega sports events on the Valley, and an adult job program that's finding success.
Ducey kicks off drug addiction awareness week
From the lawn of the Arizona State Capitol, recovering heroin addict Matt Lindgren told a packed audience that his addiction to pain medications quickly led to heroin - and ultimately, the loss of his children to the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
‘Mega’ events poised to bring economic impact to Valley area
The Valley has a busy schedule of “mega-events” ahead, and local leaders predict it will net the area economic victories.
Arizona groups launch equity crowdfunding site to connect businesses with capital
The biggest challenge for Arizona entrepreneurs today is access to capital, said Dan Nienhauser, executive director of Arizona Collaboratory Inc.
Parking app wins Phoenix’s first ‘App Hack’ competition
ParkX has won Phoenix’s Smart City App Hack competition and will represent the city at the global competition in Barcelona, Spain, in November.
Peoria offers new work program for disabled adults, first in the state
Jaimie Thompson is a vocal Dallas Cowboys fan. She sports their logo on her sweater as she talks about a city of Peoria program focused on giving opportunities to adults with disabilities.
Campaign spending for 2016 has already topped $5.5 million in Arizona
WASHINGTON - With more than a year until the election, congressional candidates in Arizona have already spent $5.5 million on their campaigns - for everything from consultants to coffee mugs, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings.
Cronkite News: Oct. 23, 2015
This edition of the newscast is Cronkite News Refresh, a weekly social-media driven show.
Theater group helps immigrant and refugee students share their stories
Students from across the globe gathered in Tempe to share their stories as part of a performance arts group, El Teatro, that gives immigrant and refugee youth a voice.
Tempe distracted-driving ordinance makes strictest texting while driving law in Arizona
Tempe drivers better think twice before picking up their phones.
Arizona legislature school funding lawsuit could come to end
GOP legislators are being briefed this week on a possible settlement to a lawsuit over school funding in Arizona Public School after years of legal battles.
WHO report: Bacon and other processed meats cause cancer
Before you throw the bacon on the frying pan or order the meat lover’s pizza you may want to reconsider, after you read about the risks. A United Nations agency report released Monday stated that processed meat causes colorectal cancer, and that red meat probably causes cancer.
Arizona Cardinals traffic steered by Glendale traffic management center
The city of Glendale's traffic management center is the nerve center for steering traffic to University of Phoenix Stadium.
Arizona education board reverses Common Core adoption
The Arizona State Board of Education voted to reject the standards of Common Core on Monday in its politically charged monthly meeting.
Cronkite News: Oct. 26, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the State Board of Education voting to kill Common Core Standards in Arizona.
McDowell Road’s ‘Miracle Mile’ highlights Phoenix area’s international diversity, culture
The clothes on his back and crumbled documents were the only two possessions Ethiopian refugee Anduale Hassan had to his name after stepping off of the plane at Sky Harbor International Airport. A government official stared when he first saw Hassan.
Badolato helps Suns’ teeth shine
Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker feels like it’s his second home. Not Talking Stick Resort Arena, but Dr. B’s office.
Study: 7 in 10 Americans believe in solid evidence of global warming
Severe drought affecting many parts of the nation is convincing skeptics of global warming to reconsider their position on the matter.
Phoenix looks for local artists to create art from trash piles
Local artist Beth Shook collects discarded furniture parts to create her artwork.
Dia de los Muertos enjoys growing in popularity in Arizona
MESA – Dia de los Muertos festivities grow more popular every year in Arizona. The Mesa Arts Center hosts one of the largest events.
Feds propose recovery plan for endangered Southwestern fish
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a recovery plan Tuesday for the endangered Gila chub that seeks to reduce threats from nonnative species and protect the fish's degraded habitat in Arizona and New Mexico.
Cronkite News: Oct. 27, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on drug smuggling and goes in-depth on the issue of pregnancy and addiction.
Maricopa County program provides mortgage assistance to a new demographic
The program will provide grants for first responders seeking mortgages.
Bat Week hopes to debunk negative rumors about bats
Government and private agencies are seeking to educate the public about bats and their vital role in the ecosystem. Cronkite News reporter Elizabeth Blackburn brings us the story from one such function at the Department of Interior in Washington, D.C.
Report: Arizona college grads’ student debt among lowest in nation
WASHINGTON - Arizona college graduates in the class of 2014 had the fifth-lowest student debt in the nation, finishing their schooling at four-year, non-profit schools with an average bill of $22,609, according to a new report.
As more pregnant women use heroin, meth, other drugs, more babies suffer the consequences
Nathan Lepp, a neonatologist who works with ill and premature infants, leans over a white crib to check a monitor that hangs above on the wall of the neonatal unit at Maricopa Integrated Health Systems. The white crib is empty, but a tiny knit purple hat rests on the soft sheets along with a horseshoe shaped pillow.
Heroin and meth seized in Arizona sets record in busy smuggling corridor
U.S. authorities seized a record amount of methamphetamine and heroin in the busy Arizona smuggling corridor.
Data visualization: Newborn drug exposures
The following graphics depict the number of newborns — born in a hospital — who exhibited signs of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or exposure to various drugs between 2008 and 2014. The study, conducted by Office of Injury Prevention Arizona Department of Health Services this past July, looked at newborns who were exposed to hallucinogens, cocaine, narcotics and alcohol. Hover over the data for more information. (Graphic by Sara Weber/Cronkite News)
Jeremy Goltz: ASU hockey’s untold story
On Nov. 18, 2014, Arizona State University’s club hockey program announced it was moving to Division I NCAA. The news was extraordinary.
After 11-year break, IndyCar will return to Phoenix International Raceway
The Verizon IndyCar Series will return to Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) for the first time in over a decade.
When it comes to fighting cancer through diet, it’s all about moderation
You don’t have to go vegetarian.
Laser beams pointed at aircraft a growing problem in the US
More than 170 times last year, someone pointed a laser at an aircraft in Arizona, according to data compiled by the Federal Aviation Administration, and pilots and passengers are in agreement that the perpetrators need to be punished.
McCain demands apology from Clinton for her comments on VA problems
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain demanded Wednesday that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton apologize to veterans for saying that Department of Veterans Affairs problems are "not as widespread" as they appear but have been inflated by Republicans' "ideological agenda."
Cronkite News: Oct. 28, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the GOP debate and some recent breakthroughs in cancer research.
Local shelter strives to increase pit bull adoptions
Pit bulls are not always the most popular pet, but animal shelters are lending a helping paw to find these dogs a home.
Maricopa county attorney: Smoking marijuana at conference is illegal
County Attorney Bill Montgomery said it's a federal crime to smoke weed without a medical marijuana license.
Scientists discover extra genes in elephants that help fight cancer
Scientists have been stumped for decades as to why elephants rarely get cancer. A new discovery, with a link to ASU, may have the answer.
University of Oregon fans find safe haven in Scottsdale sports bar
With green-and-white banners, a photo-laden shrine to the 2011 BCS Championship and a table with a big yellow “O,” there is no question that the Well Bar in Scottsdale is a University of Oregon bar. Since 2006, the bar on Scottsdale Road has been a little piece of Oregon in Arizona.
Arizona food prices on the rise in third quarter of 2015
Food prices are up 6.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015, according to the latest survey by the Arizona Farm Bureau, and consumers are noticing.
Cronkite News: Oct. 29, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on news out of our Washington, D.C. bureau: Outgoing Speaker John Boehner promising to "clean the barn" for Paul Ryan, by pushing through bills this week on the budget, among others.
Two Arizona lawmakers buck their parties in vote for new House speaker
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers helped the state live up to its maverick reputation Thursday, with two of the state's nine House members bucking their respective parties in the choice of a new speaker.
Arizona women leaders highlighted in 28th annual Athena Awards
Three of the Valley’s most-accomplished businesswomen were awarded the Athena Award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce on Thursday in its annual program to support women in leadership.
From gridlock to the gridiron: Cops face Congress in charity football game
WASHINGTON - When the Guards played the Mean Machine on Wednesday, they met on the one playing field in Washington where partisan politics has no place.
Record amounts of heroin are smuggled through Arizona as overdose deaths rise statewide, nationally
Heroin is the number one drug threat in major communities across the country, with overdose deaths continuing to increase as more heroin is moved across the Southwest, according to a 2015 intelligence report by U.S Drug Enforcement Administration.
FYI: Halloween by the numbers
Editor's note: FYI is an ongoing series of multimedia storytelling that explain various issues and topics that impact the Valley. Halloween is just around the corner and Americans are busting out their scary decorations and jack-o-lanterns. But how much does it all cost? National Retail Federation and U.S. Census data have some answers. This graphic displays Halloween facts about money, activities and the industry. And be sure to take the quiz at the end of the graphic to test your knowledge on Halloween business.
Developers turn historic Welnick Marketplace in downtown Phoenix into adaptive reuse project
The historic Welnick Bros. Marketplace building in downtown Phoenix has sat vacant for the past decade. But now, developers plan to restore it as an adaptive reuse project with restaurant, retail and entertainment space.
Scottsdale tutoring company joins growing online industry
SCOTTSDALE — From biology to bowling, officials with Scottsdale-based tutoring company AvidBrain said they offer lessons for a variety of subjects.
Phoenix marijuana convention draws job seekers, entrepreneurs
More than 2,000 people attended the inaugural Southwest Cannabis Conference and Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center this week.
Suns new marketing campaign rooted in connection to community
At the root of the Phoenix Suns new “WeArePHX” marketing campaign is the team’s nearly 50-year connection to the Valley, a connection that goes straight to Phoenix City Hall.
Cronkite News: Oct. 30, 2015
This edition of the newscast is Cronkite News Refresh, a weekly social-media driven show.
South Phoenix Healthy Start speaks out against domestic violence
When LeKesha Crump moved from Detroit to Mesa in 2005, with a 2-year-old daughter in tow, she met a man who she believed would be able to protect and take care of her and her daughter. She was wrong.
Large federal grant will fund Canalscape project
Arizona received a hefty grant this week to help fund the Canalscape project.
Javelina Jundred brings Halloween spirit to 100-mile run
FOUNTAIN HILLS — About 16 hours after they begin Saturday, the fastest runners in the Javelina Jundred will cross the finish line. Many in costume.
As Obamacare enrollment opens, Arizona insurers continue to tweak plans
WASHINGTON - As open enrollment begins this weekend for the third year of Obamacare, insurance carriers in Arizona are "still trying to figure ... out" which types of plans work best for them and for their customers.
Legendary jazz pianist Chucho Valdes uses ‘universal’ language to connect US and Cuba
An eager audience and applause filled the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts as legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés took the stage with his band.
Missing in Arizona: Biggs’ sister speaks about Mikelle
Jan. 2 will mark 17 years since 11-year-old Mikelle Biggs went missing outside of her Mesa home. Her sister, Kimber Biggs, now 26, was the last one to see her.
Dodgers pitching prospect gives back to the community one shirt at a time
After both his mother and father passed away before he turned 21, Dodgers pitching prospect Ralston Cash decided to help families in similar situations. (Video by Jonathan Soto/Cronkite News)
Arts education is making a comeback in Valley schools
Cartwright School District, one of the Valley districts hit hardest by the Great Recession, isn’t letting budget cuts imperil its ability to offer students a vibrant arts education.
Cronkite News: Nov. 2, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on prison reform and the small earthquakes that shook the Valley late Sunday night.
Coalition kicks off health care information program
The Cover Arizona Coalition, comprised of more than 900 community and statewide organizations, began its informational campaign on Monday for those seeking health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Northern Arizona fall colors have yet to make an appearance
Normally around this time of year the leaves on the trees in northern Arizona have changed to reds, oranges and yellows.
Regulators pull one Obamacare option as open enrollment begins
WASHINGTON - Just as open enrollment for the third round of Obamacare was beginning this weekend, federal officials removed from the marketplace an insurance cooperative that had been providing coverage to about 59,000 Arizona residents.
Arizona’s three earthquakes originated from Black Canyon City
Nov. 2's earthquakes originated from Black Canyon City and gave Arizonans in the Valley slight rumblings. | StoryMap: Significant seismic activity in Arizona
ASU students show appreciation for student veterans
Students at ASU wrote thank you letters and had conversations with veterans to honor those who have served in the military.
Leaders look to close Latino education gap
Only 17 percent of Latinos in Arizona have an associate degree or higher, according to research conducted by the Morrison Institute.
Maricopa County mental health crisis care services grow
Maricopa County’s psychiatric crisis facilities have more than doubled in the past year as care providers hope to take pressure off of emergency rooms and give police more options for people who need help, not jail time.
Cronkite News: Nov. 3, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how Arizona drivers are saving hundreds of dollars a year thanks to falling gasoline prices.
Push to extend border zone statewide looks to attract shoppers from Mexico
Walking through Arizona Mills in Tempe announcements of sales can be heard echoing out of the outlet stores first in English, then in Spanish.
Nash inducted into Ring of Honor, reflects on how Suns changed the NBA
With Steve Nash at the helm, the Phoenix Suns paved the way for the run-and-gun style of play common in today’s NBA.
Arizona consumers save at gas pump, but spend extra cash at restaurants, on groceries
The average American household has saved $700 from dropping gas prices so far this year, but it appears Arizonans are putting most of that savings right back into the economy, according to a recent study by the JPMorgan Chase Institute.
Paz Cantina to close while condos are built, will reopen after renovations
Taqueria Paz Cantina will stop serving margaritas, tacos, guacamole and everything else on their menu for the next 18 months. Doors will close on Monday, two days after their one-year anniversary.
Cronkite News: Nov. 4, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake's new report attacking the Pentagon practice of paying professional sports teams and leagues such as the NFL, MLB and NHL to honor American soldiers at sporting events.
Most school funding bonds and overrides appear headed for victory
In a reversal from last year, the majority of school bond and override proposals in Arizona appear headed for victory in preliminary results of Tuesday’s municipal elections. There are still a few races too close to call.
Colder temperatures and pollution can bring more problems for asthma patients
Most Arizonans look forward to the cooler winter air and scattered showers. But asthmatic patients, such as Arizona State University student Haddi Meyer, find this time of the year the most challenging.
ASARCO, feds agree on $150 million cleanup for Hayden smelter
WASHINGTON - ASARCO will fund up to $150 million in pollution improvements at its Hayden smelter and pay millions more toward local environmental projects to settle federal government charges that the plant violated Clean Air Act standards.
San Carlos Apache bring fight against Oak Flat mine back to Congress
WASHINGTON - Tribal officials renewed their calls to block a copper mine on Arizona land they consider sacred, telling lawmakers Wednesday it is not only a spiritual violation but bad precedent "for all of Indian Country."
Unsportsmanlike conduct: Senators blast Pentagon spending on sports
WASHINGTON - Patriotic events at many pro sporting events around the country were paid for with Defense Department marketing funds, an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars that cheapens the honor of the event, lawmakers said.
ME3 app helps students determine career path
Many high schoolers have trouble deciding their path in college and what they want to major in.
Drill trains emergency responders in case of massive earthquake
The Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, also knowns as DEMA, tested statewide agencies in an earthquake drill simulating a 7.0 earthquake north of Paulden in Yavapai County on Wednesday.
Baby goat returns safely after being taken from the Arizona State Fair
This morning an officer was taking down a statement at the Arizona State Fair for a kidnapping, but this wasn’t your average kidnapping. The kid in this case, was really a kid—a baby goat.
Arizona exporters tout benefits of Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership
The 12 countries that negotiated the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership released long-awaited details of the deal they struck behind closed doors and Arizona companies expect to benefit.
A fair education – private school serves children of carnival workers
The mechanical roar of Galaxy Coaster combined with joyous screams blare over the faint scratch of pencils on paper. Dylan Lopez chips away at this week’s science homework; the din of the Arizona State Fair doesn’t faze him.
As nut butter popularity grows, local producer says customers demand almond butter
Almond butter. Cashew butter. Walnut butter.
Tribal conference with Obama highlights gains, needs in Indian Country
WASHINGTON - Arizona college student Blossom Johnson painted a bleak picture Thursday for President Barack Obama of life on the Navajo reservation, describing poverty and a childhood clouded by friends lost to suicide.
Phoenix Zoo opens new $2 million home for its two Sumatran tigers
Since the project broke ground last spring, the Phoenix Zoo's staff has been anticipating the opening of the new tiger exhibit. The zoo has had the tigers for more than a year and is giving them a new home.
Cronkite News: Nov. 5, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how San Carlos Apache officials joined other tribal leaders at a House of Representatives urging protection of sacred lands.
Vigil honors lives lost on the border
Tucson – More than 100 people made a five-hour pilgrimage to the historic San Xavier Mission in honor of those who lost their lives on the border.
Cronkite News: Nov. 6, 2015
This edition is Cronkite News Refresh, a weekly social media-driven show that features the top stories of the week.
What’s in a name? Plenty, to those who want ‘alien’ out of federal law
WASHINGTON - Gilbert resident Belen Sisa, who arrived in the United States from Argentina 15 years ago, says it's time to stop using "inhumane" language to describe large swaths of people - people who call America home.
Apache leader apologizes for blackface photo, asks for forgiveness
WASHINGTON - San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler's apology for appearing in blackface as part of a Halloween costume brought varied responses - but agreement that the tribal leader should have known better.
Court sides with Tohono O’odham – again – in fight over Glendale casino
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday upheld a lower court's ruling that prevented the city of Glendale from annexing land in an effort to block a planned Tohono O'odham casino there.
Valley co-working spaces’ popularity attributed to natural collaboration, networking
When eight-person consulting company Sputnik Moment needed help creating marketing materials for a conference, the solution was just a few feet away.
Scientists say they’ve found a cure for a type of congenital blindness
Just this month, drug manufacturer Spark Therapeutics said it successfully completed a phase III trial for an exciting new gene therapy treatment for inherited retinal dystrophies, a progressive disorder that can cause blindness. This means they're one step closer to putting a cure for congenital blindness actually on the market.
Midwives protest mandatory testing by Arizona Department of Health Services
The Arizona Association of Midwives filed a lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Health Services on Nov. 5.
100 miles, in costume: Javelina Jundred brings Phoenix running community together
Javelina Jundred is a 100-mile race organized by Aravaipa Running. The race is just one example of how ultrarunning is developing a fanbase and growing in the Valley.
Phoenix leads a major decline in human sex trafficking
People who want to pay for sex will find themselves the target of a program that is aimed at reducing prostitution in the Valley.
Cronkite News: Nov. 9, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a protest at the VA hospital in Phoenix, and a push for a World War I memorial in Washington D.C.
Veterans rally at VA medical center to protest lack of progress in improving care
Veterans rallied on Monday outside the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix to protest what they say is a lack of progress in improving care at the hospital despite a visit from President Barack Obama in March.
Experience Interfaith event draws record crowd to Valley
The Arizona Interfaith Movement's annual Experience Interfaith event, inspired by 9/11, helps various faiths communicate and better understand their points of view.
New World War I memorial being planned for Washington
WASHINGTON – A new memorial is being planned in Washington to honor those who served in World War I, and it's expected to be funded and completed by 2018.
Nearly all Phoenix’s Central High seniors apply to college, bucking state trend
You might look at the month of November and think Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner.
Recycled orchestra turns trash into musical treasure
More than 500 people attended a concert by young Paraguayan musicians playing instruments made of recycled trash after a screening of the documentary “Landfill Harmonic” at the Scottsdale International Film Festival.
Artificial trees: How ASU scientists are hoping to reverse global warming
Scientists at Arizona State University are developing new technology capable of capturing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a task they believe is paramount to current efforts to reduce emissions.
Phoenix protesters join nationwide demand for $15 hourly minimum wage
Protesters gathered outside a McDonald’s in downtown Phoenix at dawn Tuesday to “fight for fifteen,” a national movement calling for an increase of the hourly minimum wage from $8.05 to $15.
State, local officials track down nearly 200 unregistered sex offenders
State officials are looking for just under 200 sex offenders who have failed to register with the Arizona Department of Safety, according to the county attorney general’s office.
Cronkite News: Nov. 10, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on minimum wage protests in the Valley and how hundreds of sex offenders are registered in tracking databases.
New video game, Fallout 4, has Phoenix gamers buzzing
Local video game stores in Phoenix have been participating and preparing for the month of November, a big month for gamers. The software that has gamers buzzing today is the release of the long-awaited Fallout 4.
2017 Final Four already building a legacy in Phoenix
Hosting events such as the Super Bowl earlier this year, the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January 2016 and the Final Four in April 2017 brings in tourism and boosts the local economy – and often leaves another lasting mark.
Court voids Tucson City Council election system as unconstitutional
WASHINGTON - A divided federal court on Tuesday overturned Tucson's "unusual" method of electing city council members, saying the split system of ward and at-large elections unconstitutionally violated the one-person, one-vote principle.
Arizona’s Better Business Bureau introduces Scam Tracker to help prevent fraud
SONOITA – Scammers are out there, ready to offer you a deal too good to be true, award lottery winnings for a contest you never signed up for, or even demand payment for a debt you didn't realize you had.
Vets McCain, Gallego reflect on fight for freedom
For Veterans Day, Arizona representatives in Senate and the House of Representatives talk about their experiences fighting overseas.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital child life specialists help ease pain for young patients, their families
Vivian Johnson coos in her crib and nods her head as her mother, Lisa Johnson, sings her “Happy Birthday.” She celebrated her first birthday in a small hospital room.
Some Arizona tribal casinos wage bets on risky demographic: Millennials
SCOTTSDALE – Philip Smith remembers the sights, sounds and smells of the last time he went gambling.
State funding cuts endanger Joint Technical Education Districts, advocates warn
Hailey Adams surveys the equipment in the West-MEC Veterinary Sciences building: an array of kennels, surgical tables and X-ray machines.
Sky Harbor Airport preparing for holiday travel germs
In just a few short weeks, airport travel will increase for the holiday season. 150,000 passengers will be traveling through Sky Harbor Airport to visit family across the country for a 12-day travel period around Thanksgiving.
Popularity of El Salvador’s pupusas celebrated at Arizona food festival
Every November, Arizona joins in celebrating a beloved Salvadoran dish at the annual Arizona Pupusas Festival in Phoenix.
Cronkite News: Nov. 12, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News explores why Arizona ranks among the top 10 nationally in "bad apple" gun dealers.
Report lists Arizona as one of top 10 states for ‘bad apple’ gun dealers
WASHINGTON - Arizona is among the top 10 states for "bad apple" gun dealers, the 5 percent of dealers who sold almost 90 percent of the traceable guns later used in crimes across the U.S., a new report says.
More than 75 years later, Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision lives on at Taliesin West
SCOTTSDALE - From the southern slope of the McDowell Mountains, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio still look out over the Valley, a place the famous architect called the “top of the world” after he built it in 1938.
School garden grows sustainable students
TUCSON – A whistle blows and little feet run through the hallway and out to the open courtyard of Manzo Elementary that contains the school’s garden. A frenzy of chatter and chicken squawks fill the warm November air.
IRS warns of phone scams aimed at duping taxpayers out of money
Tax filing season has yet to begin, but federal investigators say they are receiving reports of con artists that are making IRS impersonation phone calls to demand money from taxpayers.
Cronkite News: Nov. 13, 2015
This edition is Cronkite News Refresh, our week-in-review show driven by social media.
Arizonans join local leaders for White House pitch on Obama’s agenda
WASHINGTON - For the second time in six weeks, Arizona lawmakers were on hand at the White House Friday to get a pitch from administration officials on President Barack Obama's policy priorities.
One Tempe clothing company is helping those with special needs design and exhibit their creative artwork
The T-shirt designed by 13-year-old Kamryn Albers moves from one printing station to another as its artist follows each step with nothing short of elation.
NASCAR accelerates growth for Ahwatukee’s Gannis
Cassie Gannis watched her father, John, race for fun on dirt tracks at Manzanita Speedway and Canyon Raceway in Phoenix when she was a child.
Cronkite News: Nov. 16, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on local reaction to the terrorist attacks in Paris.
School district broadcast teaches students how ice cream is made
Ice Cream Factory, a four week-long live broadcast, teaches Paradise Valley School District first graders every step in the ice cream making process while featuring experts from local companies.
Scholarships help families with special needs education
Arizona ranked No. 1 for the best state to live in because of how well state Medicaid programs serve those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to a study released this year by United Cerebral Palsy.
Dignity Health promotes less smartphone usage, more conversation
What's the first thing you do in the morning?
House fails to block Tohono O’odham casino resort in Glendale
WASHINGTON - The House on Monday failed to muster the two-thirds vote needed to pass a bill that would have blocked a Tohono O'odham casino in Glendale, just weeks before the facility is scheduled to open.
Local experts: New era of terrorism constantly evolving
In the wake of the deadly attacks in Paris, the world’s leaders have been focused on what it might take to stop the Islamic terrorist group ISIS, which claimed responsibility for the Friday assaults that killed 129 and wounded more than 300.
Demand for Chicago-style food fuels out-of-state restaurant expansion in Phoenix
Chicago-based restaurants are expanding into the Valley based on increased demand for deep-dish pizza and Vienna beef hot dogs from customers and former Illinois residents.
Cronkite News: Nov. 17, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on protests against Gov. Doug Ducey and other governors who have closed their states' doors to Syrian refugees.
Big horn sheep return to Catalina Mountains
Twenty-nine big horn sheep have a new home in the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.
Senate hearing: More should be spent preventing wildfires
Because the length of the Arizona wildfire season, experts and some Senate members say more funding is needed for prevention.
ASU scientists are piloting drones over the desert to track invasive African grass
Clad in neon vests and sun hats, Brenton Scott leads a team of researchers through the desert landscape of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and a web of trails used mostly by horseback riders and mountain bikers who know how to find them.
Ajo growing own produce in food desert
The small, rural town of Ajo, Arizona, was once a food desert. But now, thanks to the "Get Going, Get Growing" gardening initiative, the town has plenty of options for locally grown organic food.
Protesters denounce Gov. Ducey’s effort to stop the resettlement of refugees in Arizona
Protesters at the Capitol building called on Gov. Doug Ducey to reverse his effort to stop accepting refugees in Arizona.
Arizona projected to lead the United States in future job growth
Forbes Magazine has named Arizona the best state for future job growth, but one local economic expert said the distinction does come with some caveats.
Scottsdale Adopt-a-senior program needs donors
The Holiday Season is a time for family, cheer and presents. For some, however, it can be a season of sadness, because not everyone has the means or the family to celebrate.
Grammy winners, downtown Phoenix fan fest headline College Football Playoff championship weekend events
Grammy Award-winning artists The Band Perry and Ciara, as well as Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer John Mellencamp, are among the performers headlining a free, three-day outdoor concert series leading up to the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 11 at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Cronkite News: Nov. 18, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a new report showing job growth in Arizona, "bad apple" gun dealers, and how the town of Tombstone is fighting to remain relevant to tourists as interest in the Old West fades.
Tombstone: Is it really the town too tough to die?
One of the last frontier boom-towns in the old American west, Tombstone prospered mostly in the late 1800s. The town is best known for the fight at the O.K. Corral, but what is this small town's place in America today?
Water experts set recommendations for Arizona’s future
Arizona has managed its water supplies for decades as the state has grown, but as the drought reaches its 15th year, the state needs to do more to ensure there is water for the future, according to officials at the 107th Arizona Town Hall.
ASU student coach excelling in wheelchair basketball
On advice of a physical therapist, David Gonzales took up the game and now coaches the ASU wheelchair team.
Conservation conversation gets heated at hearing to renew park fund
WASHINGTON - Both sides agree that the Land and Water Conservation Fund should be restored, but they could not agree Wednesday on what the new fund should look like or how to spend the $900 million it receives in a typical year.
Phoenix forestry guru can put a price on trees
Leaves aren't the only things blowing in the wind. Some trees may have price tags hanging from their branches.
Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl to showcase first new ski lift in 30 years
FLAGSTAFF – Ray Villaraza calls Arizona Snowbowl his “home turf.” The 32-year-old Tempe resident spent 31 days snowboarding last season, he said.
Arcade bar growth turns Valley into multiplayer arena
TEMPE – Dillon Thompson has spent one to two hours at Endgame Bar nearly every day since the 22-year-old first started going about two and a half months ago.
Brophy College Preparatory student wins journalism award
One Brophy College Preparatory student is being recognized for excellence in journalism. Reece Krantz realizes creating a newspaper is a team effort.
Active workstations at Phoenix libraries attract an after-school crowd
At first, sixth grader Betsy Corral thought the new treadmill at Harmon Library was just for adults. She was ecstatic when she found out it wasn’t.
Another major sporting event headed to the Valley
Phoenix has been selected as one of 10 U.S. metro areas that will host the Copa America Centenario 2016, an international soccer tournament that will feature teams from 16 countries from across the Americas and Caribbean.
Amy Van Dyken is ‘rocking and rolling’ in her continued recovery
SCOTTSDALE - Six-time Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken said she’s “rocking and rolling” in her recovery as she learns to walk again, more than a year after injuring her spine in an ATV accident.
Uber, Passport Health partner to provide flu shots to Phoenix users on demand
TEMPE – To help fight off the sniffs and sniffles of the flu, rideshare company Uber and medical-care company Passport Health teamed up to deliver on-demand shots and health bags for a one-day event on Thursday.
Cronkite News: Nov. 19, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on reactions locally and in Washington D.C. to the Syrian refugees in the U.S. and about how Muslims are being treated here after the Paris attacks.
Arizona has high youth drug deaths, few policies to curb them
WASHINGTON - Arizona had among the highest rates of teen and young adult overdose deaths, and ranked poorly for programs and policies to curb drug use and encourage healthy living among those age groups, a new report says.
Arizona lawmakers split as House puts brakes on Syrian, Iraqi refugees
WASHINGTON - The House overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday that calls for the U.S. to stop admitting refugees from Syria and Iraq until they pass additional background checks, including direct approval by three federal security agencies.
Heroin’s deadly grip claims another young addict as overdoses continue to climb
Just a few days after promising to go back to drug treatment, David Richter went on the last heroin binge of his life. He overdosed and died on his bathroom floor.
Fans suggest everything from Shakespeare to Cirque du Soleil at Sun Devil Stadium renovation open house
TEMPE – From Cirque du Soleil, a Rolling Stones concert and the X Games to stadium-sized vinyasa yoga, TED talks and Shakespeare in the stadium, fans at Sun Devil Stadium on Thursday offered suggestions as to what events they want to see at the venue when renovations are finished in 2017.
Group to host ‘Woofstock’ to raise awareness for veterans and their service dogs
CHANDLER – Coast Guard veteran James Falsken said it was a challenge to adjust to everyday life after he came back from the Vietnam War.
Cronkite News: Nov. 20, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly recap show that highlights the top stories shared on social media.
Arizona Muslims worry about backlash following Paris attacks
Imam Ahmad Shqeirat at the Islamic Community Center of Tempe and others who attend services there worry about a growing backlash after the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Border ranchers in Cochise County feel abandoned by Washington
DOUGLAS – Border security is a hot topic on the presidential campaign trail, but Arizona ranchers who live near the border say they’ve been left out of the debate and forgotten by Washington lawmakers, who they say have done nothing about immigration reform.
Chandler pharmaceutical company sees rapid financial gains, but faces legal scrutiny over pain meds
CHANDLER – Insys Therapeutics Inc.’s headquarters lie nestled in an unassuming building complex in Chandler, its only distinguishing feature being the large company logo emblazoned near its roof.
Arizona State Fair: Attendance slips, but officials call it a success
Workers have dismantled the rides. Vendors have put away the giant turkey legs and cotton candy. And the performers have packed their bags.
Mesa Public Library adds to the environment with a seed library
MESA – Hoping to dispel the notion that there is a “very outdated perception of libraries as stuffy places with shelves,” the Mesa Public Library has started a seed library, where patrons can use the free seeds to start a garden, according to librarian Cherise Mead.
Cronkite News: Nov. 23, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how Sens. John McCain, Jeff Flake and other political leaders met to discuss the state's role in the national heroin epidemic.
Pickleball progresses in popularity, particularly in Arizona
Pickleball, which shares many qualities with other paddle sports, is one of the fastest growing recreational sports in the United States, particularly among older athletes.
Ducey asks federal committee for resources to battle drugs
Arizona started a program in September to combat drug smuggling on the border and the state needs more money and resources to move the plan forward, Gov. Doug Ducey said at a Homeland Security field hearing on Monday.
Study: Shoppers plan to spend less, likely to spend more on holidays
WASHINGTON - Americans say they intend to spend less on holiday gift-giving than they did last year, but will likely give in to the spirit of the season and end up spending slightly more, according to a forecast released Monday.
Phoenix Sky Harbor adds nursing rooms in each terminal
Traveling mothers can sit back and relax because nursing their babies just became a little less stressful at Sky Harbor Airport.
Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema helps United Food Bank feed the hungry
MESA – The sounds of cans clinking, packing tape tearing, and boxes stacking filled United Food Bank’s Nina Warehouse on Monday morning. It was a melody created by 25 volunteer worker bees feverishly moving along an assembly line.
New homeopathic laxative has some concerned for teens
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information and a Storify tracking discussion on the topic.
Consumer Reports: Not all tire treads performs equally
Before you pack up and head out for your Thanksgiving trip, you may want to give your car some extra attention, especially your tires. It’s a simple step and could mean the difference between being stuck on the side of the road for Thanksgiving or seated at the dinner table with family and friends.
New study: rooftop solar power saves water
A new study claims Arizona could save more than 15 billion gallons of water a year if 20 percent of the state’s energy came from rooftop solar. That’s enough to sustain 90,000 homes, or the population of Chandler, for one year.
Black Lives Matter movement gains momentum in Chandler following church vandalism, theft
A pastor was hoping to start a community conversation on racial equality when he and his predominantly white congregation installed a sign supporting the Black Lives Matter movement outside their Chandler church. Among the first people they heard from were vandals, who altered and then stole the sign.
Cronkite News: Nov. 24, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how an ACLU police app is keeping people safer in the Valley.
New app sends reports on police directly to ACLU
Police body cameras have become more common in the past few years. Now a new app by the Arizona affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union lets the public film the police and send the report directly to the ACLU.
Arizona PIRG Education Fund reminds consumers to be cautious while shopping this holiday season
With Black Friday coming and Christmas in one month, buying toys will be at the top of the list for many parents.
Organic local turkeys from Gilbert farm sell out in a day
GILBERT – Representatives with The Farm at Agritopia said their goal is to bring fresh and organic food to the community – especially for this Thanksgiving holiday.
Arizona, national driving deaths on rise, after sharp drops in 2014
WASHINGTON - After years of steady declines, driving deaths in Arizona have risen sharply this year, mirroring a "troubling" national trend in which lower gas prices and more drivers are translating into more fatalities.
A very vegetarian Thanksgiving: How local businesses adjust to new kinds of customers
In addition to the president, millions of others will pardon turkeys from the imminent threat of Thanksgiving this year.
Black Friday backlash causes stores to rethink early openings, giving workers time with family
Some stores are facing a Black Friday backlash.
Young refugees who arrive at the border alone struggle in U.S.
Immigrant youth who arrive at the border alone and have no family to take care of them in the U.S. often struggle to build a life.
Schools gather canned goods to help food banks provide holiday meals
Many families will wake up to the smell of a turkey already roasting in the oven, potatoes boiling for mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and apple pies in the oven with a stove full of pots cooking the traditional trimmings of a Thanksgiving meal, all thanks to help from some Valley schools and local charities.
Noisy toys could be harming children’s long term hearing
The noise levels on toys bought for children could be harmful for them in the long term.
Cronkite News: Nov. 25, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on shopping and charity over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Law enforcement officials, college football championship organizers on alert following Paris attacks
A security guard’s decision to frisk one man at a gate outside the Stade de France, deny him entry and uncover his explosives undoubtedly saved thousands of additional lives in the recent Paris attacks that killed 130 people and left 368 wounded. Only one bystander died at the stadium.
Kurt and Brenda Warner give local families a Thanksgiving surprise
Former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda surprised two Arizona families by fully furnishing their two homes. This was done through their First Things First Foundation and various corporate partners.
Thanksgiving may have different look, but spirit’s the same as always
WASHINGTON - The family activity may have shifted from church-going to shopping, and the food could be Cajun instead of traditional turkey, but for many the spirit of Thanksgiving remains the same as that immortalized by Norman Rockwell in 1943.
Looking to space technology to save firefighters here on Earth
HAMPTON, Va. - It was a year after workers at the NASA Langley Research Center had developed an inflatable heat shield for spacecraft when Mary Beth Wusk heard about the deadly Yarnell Hill Fire that killed 19 firefighters in 2013.
Cronkite News: Nov. 26, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is a special presentation looking at the top food industry stories.
Cronkite News: Nov. 27, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is a special presentation looking at some of the top stories of the past year.
FYI: Cyber Monday becoming more mobile, data show
Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series that examines issues in Arizona and nationally by using data.
Boutique fitness classes a ‘huge craze’ in Valley
TEMPE – Rachael Bienz pulses her extended leg to the upbeat music while her hands rest on the barre.
Cronkite News: Nov. 30, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the climate talks going on in Paris and what impact they could have on Arizona.
A Syrian family shares its story about coming into the U.S.
Bombs would explode in the street, spraying shattered glass at anyone nearby. They lost their home in a fire. And they were being subjected to constant searches and oppression by armed soldiers.
Arizona universities to add 60,000 students by 2025
Expansion of student populations across Arizona’s three major universities is underway as the Arizona Board of Regents approved a new metrics goal for the year 2025.
Arizona falls to 6th worst driving state in the nation
Arizona is now in the top 10 states with the worst drivers in the nation. According to a study released by CarInsuranceComparison.com, Arizona ranks third for careless driving and seventh for failure to obey traffic laws.
Ducey lights Arizona Christmas tree
Gov. Doug Ducey oversaw the proceedings, which included choir singing.
Mesa delivers the world’s premier attack helicopter to international allies
MESA - The rotating blades of an Apache helicopter are a sound of power for U.S. and allied troops around the world. The protection from above is thanks to work being done right here in Mesa.
Small businesses use subscription health care plan to comply with Obamacare mandate
A Phoenix company that specializes in subscription healthcare options has found a new way for small businesses to comply with Obamacare.
Smart 911 gives Tempe residents an opportunity to speed up first response time
The Tempe Police Department is one of the few police departments in the state that has implemented the Smart 911 program. The program allows Tempe residents to share more information about themselves and their families with law enforcement in order to make the first response process more efficient in an emergency.
Cronkite News: Dec. 1, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on online shopping security and how unemployment rate figures about Yuma are misleading.
World AIDS Day helps spread awareness about the disease
Tuesday is World AIDS Day, an opportunity to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and remember those who have died.
AzMERIT test: 66 percent of students fail in reading
Only 34 percent of Arizona students passed their English test in the state’s newest standardized assessment, according to results released Monday by the Arizona Department of Education.
New $17.5 million rehabilitation center opens in Surprise
SURPRISE – For two years, the city of Surprise has worked with Dallas-based Cobalt Medical Development and Abrazo Community Health Network to open a destination rehabilitation center.
Blood supply dips during holiday season
Blood banks suffer during the holiday season when many people are too busy to donate.
Movie documents plight of Navajo veterans
Cronkite News talked to a documentary filmmaker who profiled the plight of several Navajo vets, and with Navajo President Russell Begaye about the issue and the movie.
Preparations underway for Light Parade floats
The parade is expected to last 90 minutes this, featuring more floats than in past years.
ASU building hockey in the desert
Sun Devil hockey, in its first year as a Division I team, has garnered a following here in the desert, filling the small venue it calls home.
Economists: 2016 Arizona economy to see great recovery, restrained growth
At the 52nd Arizona State University/JPMorgan Chase Economic Forecast Luncheon, economists predicted that 2016 will be the best year yet for Arizona economic recovery since the recession, but that Arizona's economy will have restrained growth.
Cronkite News: Dec. 2, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on the shootings in San Bernardino, California, and a shortage of blood donations around the Valley during the holidays.
Arizona environmentalists attending Paris talks hope agreement is only the beginning
Arizona environmental experts attending the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris are expecting a substantial agreement to reduce global warming. And they hope it’s just the beginning of a worldwide commitment to save the planet before it’s too late.
Gallego, McSally reflect, remain positive, as freshman year winds down
WASHINGTON - Arizona Reps. Martha McSally and Ruben Gallego knew when they were sworn in to their seats in Congress in January that there were problems with partisanship and productivity in Washington.
Franks leads Republicans joining latest legal attack on Obamacare
WASHINGTON - Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, led 45 other House Republicans Wednesday who filed a legal brief in support of the latest challenge to Obamacare, which the lawmakers claim is unconstitutional.
Glendale extends the New River Trail for the public
GLENDALE – The New River Trail system now runs more than 20 miles from Happy Valley in Peoria all the way to Bethany Home Road in Glendale.
Protesters march to demand an end to mass deportations
Families and immigrant advocates marched through downtown to demand an end to mass deportations. The group started at the capital and made stops at the Phoenix Police Department and ICE detention center.
Recall of celery linked to dangerous strain of E. coli
The latest E. coli outbreak is now in Arizona, adding it to the list of almost two dozen states dealing with the infection. This specific strain of E. coli was found in celery, sold by Taylor Farms Pacific from California.
City Council updates public on Sky Harbor flight path changes
The Phoenix City Council's Aviation and Redevelopment Subcommittee met to discuss the latest on the Sky Harbor flight path. There was hope that legislation would be passed in Washington before Thanksgiving to give some local communities relief, but it was pushed back.
As program outgrows Oceanside, ASU hockey exploring options for new arena
Sun Devil hockey sold over 6,000 tickets for its first game as a Division I hockey program at Gila River Arena in October. Since then, ASU has played the remainder of its home contests at Oceanside Ice Arena, the hockey team’s long-time Temp home that has a drastically lower seating capacity than Gila River. The team has sold out all of its home series at Oceanside, with fans getting turned away at the door.
AzMERIT low scores may help students long-term
The release of individual school, district and county AzMERIT scores on Nov. 30 confirmed that Arizona’s students do not meet state and national educational standards.
Academic coaches help ASU student athletes achieve success off the field
Student-athletes must learn to balance their sport commitments with the demands of a full-time student schedule. The Arizona State academic coaches help their student-athletes create a game plan for a successful career off of the field.
Wounded vets hunt for peace of mind
SPRINGERVILLE – The crisp mountain air bites at Sgt. Jose Valdenegro’s extremities as he and his hunting guide scout for elk high on a hilltop, not far from the New Mexico border. It’s 25 degrees, his 10 fingers and five toes stinging in protest at the cold.
Experts say civilians should rarely pull out a gun during an active shooting
In an active shooter situation, there are three options: run, hide, or fight. Experts warn that anyone with a concealed weapon should only use it if they’re well-trained.
Cronkite News: Dec. 3, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on why AZmerit test scores are low for public school students and what Arizona is doing to prepare for emergencies like the mass shooting in San Bernardino.
Mesa Community College fighting to keep Red Mountain Campus open
A decline in enrollment at Mesa Community College's Red Mountain location has faculty fighting to keep the 15-year old campus from closing. (Video by Kendall Bartley/Cronkite News)
As state’s child death rate rises, health officials focus on safe sleeping techniques
Arizona’s child death rate increased in 2014 and the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics determined that one-third of the deaths could have been prevented.
Cronkite News: Dec. 4, 2015
This episode of Cronkite News is our weekly recap show that features the top stories shared on social media.
Former Glendale councilman sees narrow path to city keeping Coyotes
After legal battles between the city of Glendale and the Arizona Coyotes this past summer, the Coyotes may have the opportunity to relocate for the 2017-2018 season. East Valley fans are hoping the team moves closer to them. Former Glendale councilman Gary Sherwood, one of the few supporters of the team on the council before he was removed from office in a recall election in November, believes some things would need to change for the city to keep the team long term.
Language immersion classrooms bring students education and culture
When Reva Wood was a child, her Spanish-speaking parents made the decision to only speak to her in English. They wanted to protect Wood.
Holiday donation guide: make sure your gifts and donations find the right place
With the holidays here, many folks wish to spread the season’s cheer by donating to local charities and donation bins.
Recycled City turns food waste into compost for locals, signs contract with city of Phoenix
There aren’t many businesses that use your waste to grow food you can eat.
Arizona tuition program enables foster youth to earn college degree
A series of “unfortunate circumstances” early in Breanna Carpenter’s sophomore year of high school placed her in the Arizona foster care system. That didn’t stop her from realizing her dream of attending college, thanks to a state program that pays tuition for foster youth.
Police warn of home break-ins now that weather is cool and windows are open
Police are investigating a rash of burglaries in Laveen and say the cooler temperatures may be to blame as people leave their windows open.
Mass emergencies: How prepared is Phoenix?
Experts say preparation of first responders, and their understanding of a building's organization, are key to curbing mass shootings.
Diamondbacks new uniforms an attempt to draw in younger demographic
The Arizona Diamondbacks have shed their skin for the second time in franchise history. On Thursday night at Chase Field, the Diamondbacks unveiled seven brand-new bold uniforms with designs that are a clear nod to a younger demographic and the next generation of Diamondbacks baseball.
Cronkite News: Dec. 7, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is an encore showing of Hooked: Tracking Heroin's Hold on Arizona.
Appetite for holiday tamales keeps family bakery busy
La Purisima Bakery makes hundreds of tamales a week but can barely keep up with holiday orders in December.
Robotics students share creations at ‘Roboception’
Want to get teens interested in engineering? Host a ‘Roboception.’ It's a reception for students show off their creations in the field of robotics.
Seattle micro-housing: Could it catch on in Arizona?
Micro-unit housing is growing in popularity in Seattle and in other cities, but could it catch on in Arizona?
The Murphy Education and Health Center brings care and hope to South Phoenix
Not far from a sewage treatment plant, a landfill and the Maricopa County jail annex are the four schools and hundreds of families that make up the Murphy Elementary School District in South Phoenix, where more than 80 percent of its residents are Hispanic, most of them poor and many undocumented.
A House divided – but for Arizona lawmakers, maybe not so much
WASHINGTON - Arizona's congressional delegation may not be as polarized in its votes as headlines would make it appear.
Cronkite News: Dec. 8, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on stories investigating the heroin epidemic in Arizona and nationally.
Technology links Arizona Buddhists with spiritual leader halfway across the world
As dusk fell, on small house near South Mountain lit up with joy as 20 people gathered around an iPad screen. It’s home to the Tergar Buddhist Meditation Center and the faithful were greeting their spiritual teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, for the first time in four years.
Supreme Court justices quiz both sides in Arizona redistricting case
WASHINGTON - A lawyer for a group of Arizona voters told the Supreme Court Tuesday that the state's redistricting commission violated the one-person, one-vote principle by packing some legislative districts with Republicans to give Democrats an edge elsewhere.
Cronkite Sports on FOX, Season 8, Episode 2
This edition of Cronkite Sports on Fox Sports Arizona profiles Arizona Coyotes forward Max Domi, who was diagnosed with Type I diabetes when he was 12 years old, and how youth soccer players are no longer allowed to use their heads to hit the ball.
Cronkite News: Dec. 9, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is a special presentation focusing on the News21 investigations into gun control.
Cronkite News: Dec. 10, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News features a News21 investigation into marijuana legalization efforts in the U.S.
FYI: Arizona’s surge in dark sky places combats light pollution
Editor's note: FYI is an ongoing series of feature stories by Cronkite News digital production bureau students that help explain various issues that impact the Valley. TUCSON – Look up at the sky once the sun goes down. How many stars do you see?
Auto title loans offer quick holiday cash but critics warn about mounting debt
The commercials and online ads for auto title loans make them appear especially enticing during the holiday season when many families need extra cash.
Former inmates still pay for crimes, after they pay debt to society
WASHINGTON - After serving seven years behind bars for securities fraud, Sue Ellen Allen walked out of Perryville Women's prison in Glendale on March 19, 2009. But even as she walked away, prison followed her. Even as she tried to start a new life, she always had to "check the box" that said she had been convicted of a crime.
Cronkite News: Dec. 11, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on some of our top investigative stories.
Roll the tape: Valley police departments deploy body cameras
An officer retrieves a small black box charging in the police station and mounts it onto his or her uniform before heading out for the day. Once the officer is on the job, the box is recording.
Home on the cyber warfare range: Hands-on training on how hackers think
WASHINGTON - Other soldiers play war games. Why not cyber warriors?
Public, private organizations unite in fight against hackers’ onslaught
WASHINGTON - State officials said hundreds of thousands of web attacks batter Arizona agencies every day, not to mention attacks on private businesses, adding up to millions of attempted hacks in a given month.
Arizonans report thousands of cyber crimes, $25.4 million in losses in 2014
WASHINGTON - Hackers have become almost synonymous with large-scale data breaches like the one at Ashley Madison earlier this year, but Frank Grimmelmann said that doesn't mean cyber criminals are above targeting personal devices.
With a parent in prison, Arizona children face poverty and instability
Matthew Rohrbach has no children of his own, just his wife and a 170-pound Great Dane named Loki. Instead, he has he has been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona and is matched with 15-year-old Mick — whose father is in prison.
Cronkite News: Dec. 14, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on political coverage from our bureau in Washington, D.C.
Phoenix native launches Carvana, a growing online vehicles sales site
When Katrina and Jerry Beckham’s minivan broke down multiple times, they knew it was time for a new vehicle. With three little girls to take care of, the Tennessee couple had to find a reliable way to get around.
Phoenix Dream Center offers safe haven for at-risk teens and young adults
After the death of his parents, Ian Palmerton spent the first months of his life in an orphanage in Moscow until an American couple came to Russia and brought him to the U.S. to be adopted.
Cronkite News: Dec. 15, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on stories from the legal and law enforcement beat.
West Phoenix piano teacher’s lessons go beyond music
Christmas songs play from a piano and echo throughout the halls of a West Phoenix home.
Cronkite News: Dec. 16, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on education stories from across the state.
One West Valley community’s ever-shifting demographics reflect changing face of Phoenix
Where the city of Phoenix once ended at 83rd Avenue, onion fields began — stretching into the distance in a nearly straight shot to Luke Air Force Base. Almost 50 years later, the ground that once supported agriculture now reflects a community whose roots prove ever changing.
Theranos review puts spotlight on direct access lab testing
Theranos, a blood testing company and lab that operates in 40 different Walgreens around the Valley, has been scrutinized for its proprietary technology and methods. But that does not mean the Arizona law that allows patients to obtain blood tests and results without prior review by a doctor - a law that Theranos helped author - is in jeopardy.
Cronkite News: Dec. 17, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on stories about technology and innovation.
Mixed results on Sky Harbor holiday travel report card
With increased numbers of travelers at airports all over the country, flying can be a hassle during the holidays. But for those leaving Sky Harbor airport, there are several airlines that consistently get travelers in the air on time through the busy season, according to an analysis of travel statistics.
Will the ‘Seahawks effect’ catch on for home buyers in Arizona?
A shortage of homes on the market and multiple-offer situations have fueled buyers to create strategies to get ahead of the competition. One game plan ¬– the "Seahawks Strategy" – has worked for some Seattle homebuyers, and experts say the method could catch on in Arizona.
Cronkite News: Dec. 18, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on reports from our borderlands beat.
Arizona homeless disenchanted by politics, face barriers to vote
Hidden behind the government district in downtown Phoenix sits a cluster of homeless shelters, food banks and clinics.
Flagstaff-based incubator helps Native American entrepreneurs build businesses
FLAGSTAFF – Sunlight shoots through the window of a Flagstaff studio, casting a spotlight on Gregory Hill – specifically on his hands. They’re burned and worn from carving toy tops.
Cronkite News: Dec. 21, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on stories about protecting the environment and creating new sustainable business opportunities for the state.
Nearly 40 percent of homeless youth across the country identify as LGBTQ, experts say
For a while, Aiden Grae lived in park next to Washington High School, his homelessness prompted by an argument with his grandmother over his sexual orientation and gender identity.
Arizona charter schools turn 20 with higher test scores
Nestled between a taco shop, a gas station and a church lies the Gilbert campus of Leading Edge Academy. A former Albertsons grocery store on the strip mall is what the small public school calls home.
Cronkite News: Dec. 22, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on our top stories from the semester on the consumer and health beat.
Arizona is fastest growing state for youth hockey participation
According to USA Hockey's 2014-15 annual report, Arizona is the fastest growing state for youth hockey. Cronkite News reporter Rebecca Winn found out what factors may be contributing to the sudden growth of the sport in the Valley.
Playing multiple sports can prevent young athletes from burning out
Madison Woolgare balances two sports as a sophomore at Desert Vista High School, competitive cheer and swimming.
Performance-tracking technology makes its way into youth sports
When Dave Dengerink arrived at Texas Rush Soccer Club in Spring, Texas, as the youth soccer academy’s director of coaching and player development three years ago, he knew the kids possessed intangibles and skills few across the country owned.
Soccer’s success in Arizona validated by international events, youth soccer expansion
The announcement that the Copa America Centenario would bring international soccer matches to the Valley next summer was cheered by local officials who believe the powerhouse tournament will foster the development of the sport in Arizona.
Health concerns, increasing costs and competitiveness engender evolution in Arizona youth sports
Children not that far removed from learning to walk are bouncing and shooting basketballs through Hula Hoops instead of a rim at Beginners Edge Sports Training.
Cronkite News: Dec. 23, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on business news stories covered this year.
Brunson-Lee students making significant achievements, despite economic, educational challenges
Rachael DeFraesart’s Room 122 is full of all the fourth grade trappings: Posters that diagram long multiplication and illustrate phonics, define vocabulary words and offer inspiration.
Cronkite News: Dec. 24, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on "Arizona treasures" -- stories about places unique to the state.
Despite high unemployment, Yuma’s agribusiness continues to thrive
YUMA – Every month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a report listing metropolitan areas with the highest unemployment rates in the country.
Cronkite News: Dec. 25, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on stories from our team that won Hearst awards, considered the Pulitzer Prize for college journalism.
Cronkite News: Dec. 28, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News explores sports issues and trends in Arizona.
Immigrants help hometowns with Mexico’s ‘Three for One’ program
Fernando Gil wanted to maximize the impact of the money he was sending home to relatives in San Antonio de las Minas so he decided to take advantage of Mexico’s “Tres por Uno” program.
Themed races drive running participation to record highs
The sun was rising on April 16, 2005, but Perry Edinger and a team of about a dozen men and women had been awake for hours — all night, in fact. Among the final touches they were putting on the inaugural Pat’s Run was a last-minute trip to the T-shirt printer to pick up an additional 500 shirts, just in case there was a walk-up crowd.
Trail building expert: Phoenix ‘becoming premier winter hiking destination in the US’
In January 2013, the city of Phoenix shut down one of its busiest hiking spots because it was too popular.
Cronkite News: Dec. 29, 2015
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on our top sports-related stories from the Fall.
Palo Verde nuclear power plant continues to defy desert
TONOPAH – Many scientists and engineers consider the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to be a feat of engineering because it’s not near a large body of water – unlike other nuclear power plants around the world.
College Football Playoff National Championship using Super Bowl XLIX as blueprint
Organizers of the College Football Playoff National Championship are using Super Bowl XLIX as a blueprint as they prepare for events surrounding their game, scheduled Jan. 11 at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Arizona continues to build impressive resume of major events, eyes more in the future
GLENDALE — In the middle of a three-year run that includes the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the Greater Phoenix area has established itself as a major player in the battle to host the biggest national and international sporting events.
College Football Playoff will turn downtown Phoenix into pigskin wonderland
Phoenix has had a little over 300 days to relax since Super Bowl XLIX packed up and left town in early February. But in January, a similar pigskin spectacle will return to Phoenix when the College Football Playoff National Championship Game turns downtown into a college football wonderland.
Arizona looks for economic boost from football playoff, other events
The College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 11 is the next in a line of major sports events coming to the Phoenix area that has the potential to have both short- and long-term effects for the state financially.
South Mountain Community College pushes to correct course on graduation and retention rates
The call came two weeks before Joana Sotelo's birthday in February 2013: her brother had been deported to Mexico.
Cronkite News: Dec. 30, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is a special edition focusing on some of our top sports stories this year.
Cronkite News: Dec. 31, 2015
This edition of Cronkite News is a special presentation featuring the top stories from our Los Angeles and Phoenix sports bureaus, including an in-depth look at football helmets and concussions.
Phoenix sees increase in ‘solopreneurship’
From reasons ranging from schedule flexibility to personal fulfillment, more people are gravitating toward independent work – or “solopreneurship” – in which they operate all aspects of their business without employees.
FYI: Business booms in downtown Phoenix Warehouse District
Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series called FYI, which examines Arizona stories and issues using data and multimedia.
Cronkite News: Jan. 1, 2016
Editor's note: Cronkite News is continuing to run special presentations through Jan. 22. These archives will be updated when fresh programs start on Jan. 25. This latest edition of Cronkite News is a special presentation featuring the top stories from our Los Angeles and Phoenix sports bureaus, with a focus on how sustainability has impacted sports.
Has Airbnb hurt Arizona’s hospitality industry?
Kim Vu could smell the salty sea breeze from the San Diego loft just above a local coffee shop.When she arrived, the Phoenix native was thrilled when she noticed a small gift – a birthday card with a bag of goodies.
Former inmate’s new purpose: Get Arizona’s ex-cons to move on and find jobs
He stands in the middle of the conference room, looking out at his disciples in a building not far from the hum of Sky Harbor airport. They stare back, entranced by his presence.
FYI: Graffiti, street art collide in Phoenix
Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series called FYI, which examines Arizona stories and issues using multimedia and data.
As Arizona’s Native American students struggle to stay in school, tribal leaders move to help
Rosalie Lalo was five-years-old when the U.S. government sent her to the Phoenix Indian School, more than 200 miles away from her Hopi family home. She was forbidden to speak her native language, her long hair was cut, and she was stripped of a traditional Hopi childhood.
Mexican border city grapples with possibility of legalizing marijuana
CIUDAD JUAREZ – Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled this fall that individuals have the right to grow marijuana for personal use, but on the border many are divided over the issue.
FYI: Arizona lags behind other states in worker’s compensation benefits
Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series called FYI, which examines Arizona stories and issues using multimedia and data.
Elusive NFL QB Cunningham enters College Football Hall of Fame as punter
SCOTTSDALE – Randall Cunningham created a lasting legacy for himself as a quarterback in the NFL using his arm and running ability. But he needed his punting leg to get him into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Desert is unfamiliar territory for Clemson, Alabama
When Alabama arrived in Arizona Friday night, wide receiver Richard Mullaney enjoyed the reaction of his teammates to something he had seen his whole life.
Clemson, Alabama offensive lines confident ahead of trench battle in National Championship
Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship game features Alabama's top-rated rushing defense and a Clemson front that ranks fifth in the nation in tackles for loss. Despite the gaudy numbers, both teams' offensive lines believe they're prepared for the challenge ahead thanks to the experience they have facing their talented teammates in practice.
Clemson, Alabama going where they’ve never gone before tonight — a 15th game
Ask any coaches and they’ll likely say the same thing – winning championships, regardless of how many games you play, is hard. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney pointed to one of his associate head coaches as an example.
Miracle League offers kids and adults with disabilities a special sanctuary
SCOTTSDALE — The Miracle League of Arizona ballpark in Scottsdale is a perfect miniature, carefully pieced together to fit the needs of its unique players: children and adults with disabilities.
Storify: State of the Union Address coverage
This Storify previews and covers the 2016 State of the Union Address, the last for President Obama.
Clemson paints parking lot orange before championship game against Alabama
GLENDALE – Hours before the kickoff of the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game, Clemson fans, with their orange and purple school colors flying proudly, had taken over at least one parking lot at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Gov. Ducey promises a year of education reform and economic improvement
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey emphasized the progress his administration has made in the past year in balancing the state’s budget on Monday and promised to move billions of dollars into education funding in 2016.
With two clutch plays, special teams spur Alabama to championship in Glendale
It’s a third of the game. It’s a phrase every football fan has heard a thousand times over -- special teams is a third of the game.
Public transportation is challenging in one rural community
MARICOPA — If Kelley Dalton, one of the two drivers for the city of Maricopa’s public transportation system, doesn’t see passengers waiting at the designated, but unmarked, bus stop, she drives on to the next.
Arizona well-represented in Capitol audience for State of the Union
WASHINGTON - While the rest of the nation watched from their living rooms, a handful of Arizonans had front-row seats Tuesday night to President Barack Obama's eighth, and final, State of the Union address.
Arizona lawmakers split on Obama’s final State of the Union address
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama delivered a final State of the Union address Tuesday that focused on his administration's triumphs while looking toward the country's future.
Alabama’s Saban wants juniors to make smart business move with NFL decision
PARADISE VALLEY – The timing couldn’t have been better. In the white-hot spotlight of the College Football Playoff National Championship game, O.J. Howard enjoyed the best game of his career.
Local bars woo Alabama and Clemson fans
Valley resident Kyndall Holstead did not attend the University of Alabama but has become a fan of the football dynasty Nick Saban has built there.
Record-breaking Powerball jackpot by the numbers
At 8:59 Mountain time Wednesday night yet another Powerball drawing will occur. With that drawing, the $1.5 billion jackpot will be on the line and a slew of Americans will hope their fortunes are on the rise.
Report: Air Force may spare A-10 from budget cuts for now
WASHINGTON - The Air Force has delayed plans to retire the A-10 Warthog, a jet fighter that is a mainstay of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, according to a published report.
Court reinstates man’s conviction in sexual abuse of disabled niece
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Thursday reinstated a man's conviction in the 2011 sexual abuse of his severely disabled niece on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
Navajo welcome $45 million from feds for schools, but say need persists
WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Sally Jewell delivered $45 million of "long overdue" construction funds Thursday for two long-neglected schools in the Navajo Nation, the last of 14 schools promised funding there 12 years ago.
Study: Two Arizona cities crack top 20 for best places to find jobs in 2016
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona cities made the top 20 in a listing of towns with a promising employment outlook in 2016, according to a national report released this week.
Penn’s ‘Chapo’ story adds to entertainment industry’s portrayal of Mexico’s drug war
The recent recapture of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the head of the violent Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, weaved a tale that rivals any telenovela. It doesn’t hurt that actor Sean Penn thrust himself in the latest chapter.
Obama’s deferred deportation policies to get Supreme Court review
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Tuesday it will hear an appeal of lower court decisions that blocked Obama administration deferred deportation policies that were challenged by 26 states, including Arizona.
Report: Arizona fares poorly on health insurance for Hispanic kids
WASHINGTON - A new report says that Arizona had the 10th-highest percentage of uninsured Hispanic children in the nation in 2014 - the third-highest among states with the largest numbers of Hispanic children.
Cronkite News en Espanol: Fall 2015
Top bilingual students at the Cronkite School report on the latest news events and key issues for Arizona’s Latino community. This newscast features stories that focus on issues facing the Latino community.
After bus strike, thorny questions remain for Phoenix low-income riders
The eight-day bus strike that left thousands of passengers stranded raised questions about whether low income families can depend on the nation’s sixth largest city for their transportation, according to critics.
Western mayors call for cooperation on water problems, solutions
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton had a message for the group of Western mayors gathered in the nation's capital Wednesday to talk about water resources: It's time to work together.
Mayors talk guns on campus, as Arizona regents vote against carry bills
WASHINGTON - When mayors of college towns gathered here Wednesday to discuss law enforcement challenges that come with having a campus in their cities, the University of Central Florida's police chief steered them toward several possible solutions.
Ducey plans to shame ‘deadbeat’ parents on social media
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey plans to shame parents who have not paid child support by posting their photos on social media. Ducey's plan faces opposition from Arizona state Rep. Eric Meyer.
Google takes Horizon Community Learning Center across the world
Faith Manegold, a ninth-grader at Horizon Community Learning Center, walks around a cathedral in Verona, Italy. She examines the details of the structure and imagines the scenes of Romeo and Juliet that she is learning in class. However, she hasn’t stepped foot outside of her school’s multipurpose room in Phoenix.
Valley church replaces ‘Black Lives Matter’ banner
The Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation church is raising a third banner supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, after the previous two were stolen or vandalized.
Immigrants hopeful Supreme Court will rule in favor of Obama’s deferred deportation policies
Abril Gallardo was 12 years old when her family moved from Hidalgo, Mexico to Arizona, just 20 minutes south of Yuma. She felt caged in by law-enforcement checkpoints surrounding the city of Somerton, making it difficult for her undocumented family to travel, she recalled.
Making the robo-call: Panel asks how ‘human’ we want robots to be
WASHINGTON - Arizona State University Professor Lance Gharavi says his work with robots in the School of Earth and Space Exploration is aimed at moving toward "robot autonomy."
How well do you know Arizona’s wacky bills being proposed?
Arizona's state senators and representatives have been introduced hundreds of new bills and dropped them in the hopper. Most won't become law, or even make it past committees. We couldn't help but notice a few eyebrow-raising submissions. Test your knowledge of some these young and wacky bills before they disappear (or end up on your calendar).
Arizonans brave D.C. blizzard to join thousands in annual March for Life
WASHINGTON - Arizonans joined thousands at the annual March for Life here Friday, delivering an upbeat pro-life message on a bitterly cold and snowy Friday in the nation's capital.
Community rallies behind Cardinals, Fitzgerald at Big Red Send-Off
The narrative all season around the Arizona Cardinals is that this year’s team just feels different. Team President Michael Bidwill said it. General Manager Steve Keim repeated it.
Douglas: K-12 schools moving ‘one step closer’ to improvement
Arizona’s top schools chief, Diane Douglas, said she will focus in 2016 on improving schools’ basement-level academic performance and will closely watch a May election to see if voters will put more money toward schools.
Sonora ramps up tourism initiatives, downplays Mexico travel warning
NOGALES, Mexico — Despite a renewed U.S. State Department travel warning for Mexico, regions like neighboring Sonora are moving forward with ambitious plans to attract U.S. visitors just in time for spring break, according to a senior Mexican tourism official.
Cronkite News: Jan. 25, 2016
This episode of Cronkite News focuses on how the snowstorm in Washington D.C. impacted Arizonans visiting there, and how several braved the cold and snow to participate in the March for Life.
Post-snow no-go: Arizonans stranded by blizzard cope with cabin fever
WASHINGTON - Jen Pitera hoped that when she brought a group of students from Phoenix-area Catholic schools to Washington last week they would learn more about what goes on in the nation's capital.
U.S. Surgeon General visits Phoenix for Affordable Care Act
A total of 190,000 people in Phoenix alone are eligible for health care coverage through exchanges but still don’t have insurance.
Cutter Aviation shows off new corporate jet
Cutter Aviation recently showed off the new HondaJet – touted by the manufacturer as the “world’s most advanced light jet” – at Cutter’s headquarters at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Commercial truck drivers focus on Arizona road safety
Manny Franco, a UPS freight driver, is proud of his driving record. “I got almost two million miles accident free, having been in the industry for 27 years. Hopefully I retire doing this,” Franco said.
Cronkite News: Jan. 26, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how Desert Vista High School is dealing with a racist photo of students that’s gone viral, and an outbreak of pneumonia among big horn sheep in the high country.
Teen who posed in racial photo apologizes at rally
AWHATUKEE — A protest was held Monday at Desert Vista high school over a racist photo that's gone viral.
Arizona still gets D+ on schools report card, despite some modest gains
WASHINGTON - Arizona student test scores stayed level from 2013 to 2015 while scores nationally declined slightly, but the state's marginal gains were not enough to lift it out of the bottom ranks on a new national report card.
Tacos with a twist: The state of gourmet Mexican food in Phoenix
From curried potato taquitos to hand-ground corn tortillas, restaurants in Phoenix are challenging the definition of Mexican food in Arizona.
Dangerous pneumonia strain infects Arizona desert bighorn sheep population
KINGMAN — A dangerous strain of pneumonia that recently killed off significant portions of the bighorn sheep population in California and Nevada has made its way to Arizona, according to Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.
Technology helps teach Navajo in new ways
TUCSON – Learning a new language can be hard, especially when the language is as scarce and complicated as the Navajo language.
Flagstaff runner puts Arizona marathon win in perspective
FLAGSTAFF - Hailed as a humbling test of human endurance, the marathon requires power, precision and, above all, perspective.
Local economist: Arizona may benefit from plummeting oil prices
U.S. oil prices dropped to $27 a barrel last week – the lowest point since September 2003.
Cronkite News: Jan. 27, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Sheriff Joe Arpaio's support of Donald Trump, the backlog of testing for sexual assault cases and how people are turning to mini-pigs as pets.
Arpaio responds to Trump request, provides unwavering endorsement
One of the most controversial Arizona figures is teaming up with one of the most notorious U.S. politicians.
Appeals court upholds state limits on judicial candidate campaigning
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Wednesday upheld Arizona’s prohibitions on campaigning and fundraising by judicial candidates, saying the rules are necessary to protect "the public's confidence that judges base rulings on law, and not on party politics."
El Niño could cause spike in valley fever cases
Marv Freeman had lost interest in almost everything. He was constantly exhausted, dehydrated, and had begun to lose some of his balance.
Millennial and first-time Latino voters look to make big impact in 2016 elections
This time around, Diego Martinez Barrera aspires to make a difference with his vote. At age 20, he’s preparing not just to cast a ballot in his first presidential election, but to help others register to vote for the first time.
‘Mini’ pigs grow far beyond owners’ expectations, breeders’ claims as Arizona sanctuary fills
MARANA — Oatis the piglet was smaller than Bryanna Tinsley’s head when she purchased and shipped him from Texas. Tinsley said the pig now weighs about 120 pounds.
Sexual assault task force sets out to clear backlog of untested kits
Thousands of sexual assualt kits sit untested in Maricopa County. Cronkite News examines the goals and commitments of the task force Gov. Doug Ducey has established to address the issue.
Arizona history: Concrete arrows pointed the way for mail delivery pilots
MESA - Consumers today expect their deliveries to arrive within a few days – or even hours – through services like Amazon. But delivering mail cross-country wasn’t always so easy.
Cronkite News: Jan. 28, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the Zika virus outbreak, the final GOP debate and a Flagstaff school counselor who earned a trip to the White House to accept an award.
Hundreds of Arizona veterans and volunteers gather at Stand Down
Stand Down serves as a hub to assist veterans with finding government benefits and other aid such as free haircuts and clothing.
University of Arizona hosts largest ‘Hackathon’ in Southwest
The southwest's largest hacking event, dubbed, "Hackathon," was held at the University of Arizona.
Flagstaff counselor honored at White House as counselor of the year
WASHINGTON - Flagstaff High School guidance counselor Katherine Pastor said it's enough to know her work helps make a difference in students' lives - but the hugs from Michelle Obama were probably nice to get, too.
Report: Arizona falls in lowest category for highway safety policies
WASHINGTON - Arizona's driving policies make it one of the most dangerous states in the nation for drivers and their passengers, according to a report released Thursday.
Travelers concerns over Zika virus grow
Travelers at Sky Harbor Airport planning trips to countries where the Zika virus has been reported are worried about the growing number of cases.
El Niño storms affect winter crop industry in Arizona
TOLLESON – This year’s El Niño will be one of the strongest weather cycles of its kind on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And Arizona saw its first bout of related weather in early January.
New app lets Tucson and Tempe students know what’s ‘Happinin’
A new app called 'Happinin' aims to let students at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona know about events and nearby deals.
Peoria students honor Randy Johnson with mural
PEORIA – Randy Johnson’s 6-foot-10-inch frame dwarfs most others, but for once, the Big Unit was dwarfed – by his own likeness.
Cronkite News Refresh: Jan. 29, 2016
This edition of the newscast is Cronkite News Refresh, a weekly social-media driven show.
Plan allowing shooting in Sonoran Desert National Monument advances
WASHINGTON - Federal officials are moving forward with a proposal to allow target shooting on more than 470,000 acres of the Sonoran Desert National Monument - a stark change from a 2012 plan that would have limited shooting to just 84 acres.
After nation’s deepest higher ed cuts, advocates see glimmer of hope
WASHINGTON - Arizona cut higher education funding deeper than any other state last year, capping a five-year period in which the state led the nation with a 27.3 percent cut from its support for colleges, a new report says.
One of the last video rental stores in the Valley closes its doors after 25 years
CHANDLER – When Video Paradise opened in 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger was saving the future in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. VHS machines were in every household and DVDs were a few years away from the mainstream. If you wanted the latest Tom Cruise flick you rented it for a couple days from stores like Video Paradise.
Scottsdale company hopes simple formula fuels growth in sports nutrition market
A small Scottsdale company quickly is elbowing its way into the burgeoning sports nutrition market dominated by giants such as Gatorade and PowerBar.
Anti-litter groups: Cigarette butts trash Valley freeways
The cigarettes that are detrimental to your health are also littering Arizona freeways, creating eyesores, leaching chemicals and causing a fire hazard.
Suns name Watson interim coach after firing Hornacek
The Suns named Earl Watson interim head coach Monday afternoon, replacing Jeff Hornacek, who was fired earlier in the day after the team lost its 14th consecutive road game.
Waste Management Phoenix Open goes environmentally green
SCOTTSDALE – The grass isn’t the only thing that’s green at the Waste Management Phoenix Open this week.
How the aerospace industry impacts Arizona’s economy
MESA – The world’s premier attack helicopter is made only in Mesa, and it’s one of the many reasons Arizona ranks fourth in the nation in employment for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Cronkite News: Feb. 1, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the impact millennials will have on the Latino vote in coming elections, and how Boeing's helicopter business in Mesa is a boon to the economy.
School choice rally in Arizona pushes for individual’s rights
Underfunded schools across the Valley have driven residents to call for the right of school choice in Arizona.
Say no to those fast-fix diets of 2016
You’ve tried the quick-fix diets for fast weight loss, whether it’s for an upcoming family wedding, vacation, or a New Year’s resolution.
ESPN’s Van Gundy: Suns need more than a coaching change
Former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, now an analyst with ESPN, says replacing coach Jeff Hornacek is not going to solve the Suns’ woes this season.
Electronic toys may not help language learning for young children
When Anna V. Sosa looked over the results of her study, the outcome wasn’t a surprise. However, the Northern Arizona University professor did not expect to see such pronounced results.
Former Desert Vista teacher: Photo shines spotlight on racial issues
AWHATUKEE — In an exclusive interview with Cronkite News, Desert Vista High School administrators are speaking about a photo that has gone viral.
Arizonans go head to head on motorcycle safety laws
Motorcyclists who roll down Arizona highways agree that riding in the open air is one of life’s exhilarations. The disagreements become sharp when the subject of whether to wear a helmet - or whether the state should mandate helmet use - is on the table.
16th hole provides chaotic challenge for Phoenix Open golfers
SCOTTSDALE - Throw an easy 9-iron about 180 yards toward the hole and try to get it close. If not, two-putt and walk away from the 16th hole at the TPC Scottsdale without any damage to the scorecard at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Easy right? Wrong.
Earl Watson draws upon wisdom of past mentors to lead a young Suns team
When he was an 18-year-old freshman at UCLA, Earl Watson was invited into John Wooden’s den by the legendary Bruins coach to talk about life, Wooden’s love affair with his wife and basketball.
Trigger lock created by Lake Havasu inventor
LAKE HAVASU — In a speech on Jan. 5, President Barack Obama called on people and gun manufacturers to develop technology that would make guns safer.
Navajo, others press EPA, Congress to act on uranium mine cleanup
WASHINGTON - Longtime Sanders resident Wayne Lynch was told in July that the water on his ranch contained dangerously high amounts of uranium, yet he is still using it.
White House adds $1.1 billion in 2017 budget for opioid, heroin abuse
WASHINGTON - The White House said Tuesday that it will include an additional $1.1 billion in its fiscal 2017 budget request to help states battle prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.
ASU students predict likelihood of super eruption at Yellowstone
TEMPE – Christy Till and her team of Ph.D. students had a rare opportunity to spend a week and a half inside Yellowstone National Park, collecting samples of lava, dodging tourists and sleeping in tents.
Cross-border airport terminal transforms travel
SAN DIEGO – U.S. travelers who want to fly out of the international airport in Tijuana, Mexico can now use a new terminal that straddles the border.
Cronkite News: Feb. 2, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a White House announcement that it will include an additional $1.1 billion in its fiscal 2017 budget request to help states battle prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.
Bill could change current minor abortion laws
Current Arizona law requires minors seeking an abortion must have parental or a judge authorization but a new introduced legislative bill could change those requirements.
Arizona Horizon: 2/02/2016
A Phoenix attorney talks about the issues involved in Gov. Doug Ducey's plan to move Arizona out of the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Galvanize, a Denver-based computer coding school, is opening a campus in downtown Phoenix.
Peoria company helps parents monitor children’s social media accounts, fights cyberbullying
PEORIA – Kids have access to dozens of social media sites – from Facebook and Twitter to Snapchat and Instagram. It can be hard for parents to keep track of what their children are doing online.
Cronkite News: Feb. 3, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a legislative bill that could allow conceal carry on Arizona university campuses.
Arizona House bill would prohibit red light, speed cameras
House Representative Kelly Townsend has gotten a photo radar ticket just like the rest of us, but that didn't stop her from still sponsoring House Bill 2540, which would prohibit the cameras in the state. Similar bills have come close to passing in the past, but Townsend believes this one has a better shot.
Uber delivers puppies to benefit Arizona Humane Society
The Uber app was for more than just ordering rides on Wednesday afternoon. Valley residents could click on the added button "puppies," in the app to get puppies delivered for 15 minutes of playing.
Lawmakers want to pull state from ‘oversized’ federal court circuit
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers introduced bills Wednesday that would pull Arizona and four other Western states out of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and form them into a new circuit.
Another report, another F for Arizona schools; but U.S. only got a D
WASHINGTON - Arizona got an F for its support of public education on a new report card from a national education advocacy group, but the nation as a whole didn't do much better, with no state getting better than a C.
Bill would allow concealed weapons on Arizona’s public universities
TEMPE — House Bill 2072 would allow people with permits to carry concealed weapons on Arizona public universities college campuses.
Arizona heroin users claim a controversial herbal supplement helps kick addiction
In the throes of his withdrawals from heroin, Chance Gullon turned to the controversial herbal supplement kratom, now used across the country as an alternative to treatment drugs like methadone.
Turf Paradise remains under quarantine after horse virus outbreak at New Mexico racetrack
Horses at Turf Paradise racing facility remain under quarantine after a highly contagious equine virus led officials to euthanize an infected horse brought in from New Mexico, according to Turf Paradise officials.
Phoenix entrepreneur hopes to cash in on ABC’s Shark Tank
On the ABC show “Shark Tank,” entrepreneurs face their fears by jumping into the shark tank – or an antagonizing room – hoping to persuade one of the five investors to become a partner to grow their business.
Arizonans to make the trek for Pope Francis’ first visit to border
Sergio Siller was tired of hearing about bad news coming out of his Mexican hometown of Ciudad Juárez. That’s why when the Phoenix resident received the news in late November that Pope Francis was visiting Juárez, he was overjoyed.
Efforts to reduce cellphone use while driving hindered by enforcement concerns
Using a cellphone while driving, especially if the driver is a teen, is known to be unsafe and a distraction. House Bill 2241 is an effort to take phones out of the hands of young drivers, but law enforcement says the proposed legislation would be difficult to enforce.
Guacamole growing Super Bowl MVP snack food
This Sunday, football fans should only worry about the final score in the Super Bowl, not the guacamole bowl running out. Mexico is making sure of that, exporting millions of avocados to guacamole-crazed Americans for the game.
Graham’s recruiting class gives ASU four-way battle at QB
TEMPE - Let the competition begin. And the celebration.
Arizona Schools Superintendent Douglas testifies against authority-limiting bill
State Superintendent Diane Douglas passionately defended the importance of her job Thursday morning in front of the Senate Education Committee, whose members were interested in reducing her authority over the state board of education.
Cronkite News: Feb. 4, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a tax department audit, and how Arizonans are headed to Juarez in mid-February to see the Pope.
Yuma saw nation’s biggest surge as Obamacare enrollment wound down
WASHINGTON - Yuma residents posted the highest enrollment gains in the country as open enrollment for Obamacare ended, surging 21 percent in the last week alone, government officials said Thursday.
Federal appeals court voids death sentence in 1980 Tucson rape-murder
WASHINGTON - A sharply divided court Thursday overturned Robert Douglas Smith's death sentence in a brutal 1980 rape and murder near Tucson, saying lower courts wrongly ignored evidence that Smith was intellectually disabled at the time of the crime.
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Quiet on 16: Marshals attempt to bring order to golf’s craziest hole
SCOTTSDALE - Ordering silence at the 16th hole of the Waste Management Phoenix Open seems pointless. Even laughable.
Arizona Science Center unveils POPnology tying together technology and science fiction
POPnology, an 8,000-square-foot exhibit packed with science fiction technology, will make its debut at the Arizona Science Center on Sunday.
Six months later, Gold King Mine crisis has passed but concerns linger
WASHINGTON - Six months after the Gold King Mine spill dumped nearly 3 million gallons of toxins into the Animas River, regulators say the immediate threat has passed and that an abandoned mine survey has "not discovered anything similar" in Arizona.
Report: Gay rights gain but Arizona, other states, still fall short
WASHINGTON - It's been a good couple of years for LGBT rights in America, with the Pentagon allowing gays to serve openly in the military and the Supreme Court declaring same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional.
Securing the ‘People’s Major’: Behind the efforts to keep the Phoenix Open safe
The Waste Management Phoenix Open drew more than 200,000 fans for the first time on Saturday, cementing the tournament's reputation as the "People's Major." With crowds anticipated to surpass 500,000 for the week, local and federal law enforcement use everything from metal detectors to an on-site detention center to keep the Open safe.
Burmese refugee family overcomes obstacles, finds success
The so-called Canyon Corridor is home to one of the fastest-growing communities from half a world away. Meet the Burmese.
Fledgling professional speakers say they struggle to sustain themselves
Despite Arizona’s history as the birthplace of the National Speakers Association the Phoenix metro area does not necessarily attract the kind of large speaking engagements at the rate happening in other areas, according to convention statistics and venue operators. That leaves small-time speakers to fend for themselves in a competitive industry.
Cronkite News Refresh: Feb. 5, 2016
This edition of the newscast is Cronkite News Refresh, a weekly social-media driven show.
New bills would drastically change Arizona’s marijuana laws
There are two new bills in the Arizona House of Representatives that would reform the possession and legality of marijuana in the state.
Pope Francis’ visit to Ciudad Juárez a symbol of progress for border residents
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, MEXICO — The stage for Pope Francis’ highly anticipated public mass along the U.S.-Mexico border is just a skeleton of its future incarnation. But in a few days Francis will use it to address tens of thousands of people with a long-awaited message: Ciudad Juárez is back.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio: ‘I’d like to meet with the pope and I have no concern about going to Mexico’
Pope Francis’ first visit to Mexico is being marked as a symbolic occasion, with Francis visiting some of the areas struck hardest by the country’s drug violence and poverty.
DUI arrests in Arizona decrease for the fourth consecutive year
SCOTTSDALE— The Waste Management Phoenix Open is known for more than just being a golf tournament. People from all around visit Scottsdale for this event, the concerts after the rounds are done and the drinking.
Cronkite News: Feb. 8, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how police are using DUI education at events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open to decrease the number of DUIs in the state.
Proposed bill would change requirements for service animals
It's not every day that a hearing room at the state capitol is filled with dogs and their owners, but today owners brought their service animals to the Senate to comment on Senate bill 1166.
From the curtain to the pool, Phelps influence felt across ASU
Just a week after Michael Phelps' Curtain of Distraction performance went viral, the most decorated Olympian in history swam the 200-meter freestyle and 100 IM in the middle of Arizona State's dual meet with rival Arizona on Saturday. Phelps, who is at ASU training for the Rio Summer Olympics and will serve as a volunteer assistant for the program after the Olympics are over, is already having a significant impact on the program.
National parks need $11.9 billion in maintenance, $580 million in state
WASHINGTON - Arizona parks and monuments had more than $580 million in deferred maintenance at the end of fiscal 2015, part of a national backlog totaling $11.9 billion, according to a new National Park Service report.
Report: Phoenix renters pay more for car insurance than homeowners
WASHINGTON - Renters in Phoenix could pay $77 more on average than homeowners for identical car insurance, a practice that "unfairly discriminates against lower-income drivers," a consumer group said Monday.
Arizona legislator pushes flurry of bills aimed at updating state tech
State Rep. David Stevens, R-Sierra Vista, writes bills every session with one goal in mind: dragging the state’s public-facing technology infrastructure into the future.
Migrating muralists converge street art culture between Phoenix, LA
LOS ANGELES — When Los Angeles street art photographer Eriberto Oriol and his wife, Angelica Gonzalez-Oriol, traveled through Arizona, they’ve noticed a trend: Street art in Arizona feels more progressive and meaningful than much of the work they see in LA.
Democratic lawmakers sponsor bills to increase police transparency, accountability
Two Democratic state lawmakers have teamed up to address the growing concerns over police accountability and transparency in the wake of controversial officer-involved shootings.
Labor stats: Fine artists in Arizona have higher annual income than in other states
Scottsdale – Fine artists in Arizona on average make more money annually than artists in any other state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Arizona Horizon: Feb. 8, 2016
This edition of Arizona Horizon focuses on a new study that looks at the "Ferguson effect" on crime rates and police work, and a local couple that is trying to find new ways to fight kidney disease.
Audit: Arizona revenue department vulnerable to computer system attacks
Arizona taxpayers’ financial and personal information at the Arizona Department of Revenue is vulnerable to computer-system attacks, and some employees failed to follow proper security measures, a state audit has found.
Arizona state trooper credited with finding kidnapped children
Two boys kidnapped in Louisiana were found here in Arizona, thanks to one Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper.
Cronkite News: Feb. 9, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News previews the New Hampshire primary and features a group of Latino high school students who built an award-winning app that makes shopping easier.
Let the drain begin: Tempe Town Lake emptying for dam construction
TEMPE – Tempe Town Lake will soon be dry.
Cave Creek bus driver goes above and beyond for students
CAVE CREEK — Norm Rogers is not your average bus driver. As a driver in the Cave Creek School District, he goes out of his way to learn every child’s name, he greets all of his students every day and he gives back at every opportunity.
App aimed at Chinese-speaking students wins $50,000 in ASU competition
Tempe – Despite Chang Liu’s numerous years of English lessons in China, she found it extremely difficult to communicate when she arrived at Arizona State University.
ASU’s first comedian-in-residence shares secrets of comedy in classes
TEMPE-Maysoon Zayid, the first ever comedian-in-residence at Arizona State University, is teaching freedom of expression and how to make people laugh. She teaches a stand-up course to current ASU students at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts as well as moderating one session a month to students who are disabled and want to talk about their struggles of campus life.
Phoenix area police, schools weigh how to handle bomb threats
CHANDLER – Police and school officials approach school bomb threats with caution, working together to determine if a threat is credible enough to evacuate a school and bring in bomb-sniffing dogs.
All-Latina team from Camelback High School wins statewide app challenge
For too long, young women like Olivia Higuera and her classmates have been underrepresented in careers involving science, technology, engineering, and math.
Despite recent market drops, officials still see bright copper future
WASHINGTON - It's a rainy Monday morning at Potomac Metals, a scrap yard just outside of Washington, D.C., as a customer climbs into the bed of his pickup truck and starts sorting odd scraps of metal into piles.
Arizona House votes to repeal Presidential Preference Elections
The Arizona House of Representatives voted Wednesday to repeal the state-funded version of the presidential primary.
Cronkite News: Feb. 10, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News explores how much of a voice that independent voters have in Arizona, and how funding for the Tucson police will go to stopping sex trafficking.
Prop 123: ‘Vote Yes’ campaign pushes education message across state; ‘Vote No’ hoping to protect land trust
With May’s special election fast approaching, supporters and opponents of Proposition 123 - the multi-billion dollar proposal to divert money from the Arizona land trust to boost education funding - are trying get their voters to the polls.
VA struggles to fill medical center positions in Arizona, across nation
WASHINGTON - Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald told lawmakers Wednesday that his agency is having trouble filling vacancies at VA medical centers around the country, which has led to "critical staffing problems" at the facilities.
Arizona lawmakers welcome A-10 funding, as they question shift to F-35
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers applauded the official announcement that the A-10 fighter will be funded through fiscal 2022, even as they expressed concerns Wednesday about the readiness of its proposed replacement, the F-35.
Sex traffickers are targeting Arizona’s homeless teens and runaways
Tucson – More than 4,000 cases of sex trafficking in the U.S. were reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center in 2015 - with nearly 120 of those cases coming out of Arizona.
Arizona Canadians flock to South Mountain for snow and poutine
“Rock your maple leaf, get a little loonie.”
Facebook blocks some Arizona marijuana dispensary pages from site
One Scottsdale medical marijuana’s Facebook page features a video titled “Alcohol v. Marijuana” with a cameo by Snoop Dogg.
Arizona Horizon Feb.10 2016
This edition of Arizona Horizon focuses on former NATO ambassador Kurt Volker, and his discussion about the latest provocations coming from North Korea.
Robotics conference in Phoenix showcases future of medical, military technology
Wearable and implanted devices are the next frontier of military technology and medicine. That was the message at the Wearable Robotics Association’s WearRAcon 16 conference, which opened on Wednesday.
Cronkite News: Feb. 11, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the announcement by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to add body cameras to their officers.
Bill to restore health insurance for Arizona children moving forward in legislature
A bill that would restore health insurance for thousands of Arizona children is moving forward in the legislature. Nancy Robles is a part-time secretary and single mother who does not have health insurance for her 10-year old son and hopes the bill will pass.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio announces implementation of body cameras
A body camera will now be a required part of a Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy’s uniform, Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced Thursday.
McCain raised $5.6 million in 2015, easily outdistancing challengers
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain raised and spent more in 2015 for his re-election bid than all 10 challengers combined, ending the year with $5.1 million in the bank, according to the latest Federal Election Commission figures.
FYI: Valentine’s Day spending projected to increase exponentially this year
Editor's note: This project is part of our ongoing FYI series, which examines topics and issues by using data analysis.
Pope Francis’ visit to border is strategic, both for Latinos and the Vatican
EL PASO, Texas — On a crisp fall afternoon last September, Pope Francis stood at Independence Mall in Philadelphia and delivered a message that resonated among not just the faithful, but Hispanics especially.
Online diamond retailer Blue Nile competes for customers through ‘web rooms’
SCOTTSDALE – This Valentine’s Day, U.S. consumers will spend an estimated $19.7 billion, with $4.4 billion of that total going toward jewelry, according to the National Retail Federation Valentine’s Day Consumer Spending Survey.
Phoenix Sky Harbor breaks yearly traffic records, prepares for future growth
A record 44 million passengers passed through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport last year, a 4.5 percent increase from 2014. And airport officials said they’re making preparations for continued growth in years to come.
Cronkite News Refresh: Feb. 12, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly Cronkite News Refresh, which highlights our top stories of the week on social media.
A proposed bill asks for aid in research of PANDAS autoimmune disorder
The proposed bill HB2640 asks Arizona to grant 1 million dollars this fiscal year to the Department of Health Services to aid in the research, treatment and diagnosis of the autoimmune disorder, PANS and PANDAS.
Advocates want simulators, not live animals, to train military medics
WASHINGTON - Caesar lies on the table, motionless, as medics begin to address a gaping wound. Motionless because, well, Caesar's a dummy.
McSally raises $3.2 million, but analysts still expect a tight race
WASHINGTON - Rep. Martha McSally's aggressive fundraising gives her an edge over her competitors in the 2nd District House race, say experts, but they caution that the district will likely still be competitive come November.
As Pope nears Ciudad Juárez, workers race to finish Mass stage
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico — The sights and sounds at the stage for Pope Francis' Wednesday Mass on the border are an assortment of what comes with hurried construction.
Coyotes launch jersey swap to grow youth fan base
GLENDALE - Growing up in Budd Lake, New Jersey, John Pierce was a fan of the New Jersey Devils.
U.S. Supreme Court becomes a court divided after death of Justice Antonin Scalia
The death of Antonin Scalia, the U.S. Supreme Court’s most conservative justice, has moved the court to the left, an Arizona law professor said Monday.
Time running low as supporters of sex ed inclusivity bill voice support
A bill that would eliminate Arizona’s ban on school districts including any discussion of homosexual sex in teaching the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is running out of time, according to the bill’s author.
Arizona organizations celebrate Black Deaf History Month
Hundreds of people gathered at the Fifth Annual African American Conference on Disabilities Friday, which kicked off a weekend of Black Deaf History Month events. The conference’s keynote speaker Talila Lewis, founded the country’s first and only national database for deaf prisoners.
Cronkite News: Feb. 15, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on possible replacements for Justice Scalia, and on preparations for the Pope's visit to Juarez, Mexico.
Arizonans weigh in on picking Supreme Court successor to Scalia
WASHINGTON - Washington officials may be arguing over what will follow the sudden weekend death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but to Phoenix resident David Plummer the answer is obvious - the president should nominate a replacement, and quickly.
El Paso remains quiet in days leading up to papal Mass across the border
EL PASO, Texas -- While crowds across the border in Ciudad Juárez are almost too dense to navigate, the streets here remain quiet -- perhaps too quiet -- only hours before Pope Francis celebrates Mass.
Proposed Senate bill would regulate drones, prohibit city ordinances
A bill making its way through the state Legislature would introduce a statewide drone policy and invalidate cities’ attempts to regulate the devices.
Phoenix plans to go green by making neighborhoods happier and healthier
Phoenix leaders want to make neighborhoods happier and healthier under a proposal to create a more environmentally conscious city -- but they want to hear from residents first.
Arizona’s Black History: The people and places that made history and an impact
We all recognize Martin Luther King, Jr.'s name and call up images of the National Mall's reflecting pool when we hear about the March on Washington. But do you know who Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale are? How Tucson's Beau Brummel Club sheltered traveling black baseball players? When one Arizona judge ruled school segregation unlawful? In honor of February as Black History Month, explore Arizona's own struggles, achievements and African American leaders.
Arizona Horizon Feb. 15, 2016
This edition of Arizona Horizon focuses on the update on the valley's commercial real estate conditions.
In one Virginia city, a different kind of presidential debate
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Forget what all the sale ads say: When Congress voted 48 years ago to set a federal holiday on the third Monday of February, it rejected the name Presidents Day and stuck with Washington's Birthday.
Hello Kitty food truck draws lines of fans to Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE – Hello Kitty baked goods and merchandise rolled into town on a nationally popular food truck this weekend. Hundreds of fans arrived bright and early to claim a spot at the front of the line.
Cronkite News: Feb. 16, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Arizonans headed to Mexico for Pope Francis' Mass on Wednesday.
Virtual reality training could help prepare Arizona police
Virtual reality training could become a reality for more Arizona police departments.
Tempe History Museum honors black history with art and music
As part of series of stories for Black History Month, Cronkite News profiles the efforts made by the Tempe History Museum to honor black history.
Phoenix couple rejoices at opportunity to attend final Papal Mass in Mexico
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, MEXICO -- Pope Francis' final Mass in Mexico on Wednesday will be a watershed moment not just for this bruised city but for its native sons and daughters, including those who left but never stopped believing.
Alcohol sales shut down as Pope Francis approaches Ciudad Juárez
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico — Not everyone in Ciudad Juárez may be Catholic, but for the next few hours, everyone will have to make some peculiar accommodations.
Police and military prevalent day before Francis’ visit to Ciudad Juárez
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico — The amount of law enforcement present around Ciudad Juárez the day before Pope Francis arrives feels overwhelming, even to a local.
Storify: Social media coverage of the Pope’s Mass on the border
This Storify summarizes Cronkite News reporters' coverage as well as other media outlets and crowdsourced photos, videos and posts.
Voices in Juárez: 360
Voices in Juárez: 360
Pope Francis' visit to Juárez could be a transformative moment for the city after years of drug wars and fear. Some residents are still anxious the fighting will return. However, the city has changed a lot since the violence was at it’s peak and now these changes will be seen by the world when the Pope visits. After years of overcoming tragedies and negative public perceptions, Ciudad Juárez welcomes Pope Francis' message of peace. This 360-degree video highlights some of the areas around Juárez, Mexico, as well as the construction of Pope Francis' stage where he is performing Mass. Use your mouse to click around the screen. Optimized for desktop, laptop and tablet. Watch on mobile in the Youtube app here.
Track plans to isolate new horses that are shipped to the facility for 48 hours
The quarantine at Turf Paradise is expected to be lifted Thursday and racetrack officials will initiate a new safety protocol for horses brought to the facility, a Turf Paradise official said.
Cronkite News: Feb. 17, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News features coverage from Pope Francis' Mass in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Arizona DES unveils workforce development rebrand
In order to unify workforce development efforts across the state, the Arizona Department of Economic security announced its latest initiative, ARIZONA@WORK, on Wednesday.
Celebration of Pope Francis’ visit resonates on both sides of the border
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico -- In the slanting afternoon shadows between this city and its sister across the border, Pope Francis ascended a ramp built overlooking the levee of the Rio Grande and blessed the U.S. and its people, including migrants and refugees.
Report: Markets, cyberattacks pose biggest financial risks to Phoenix
WASHINGTON - Phoenix faces a bigger financial threat from a market crash than it does from drought, terrorism or any of a number of other manmade and natural disasters, according to a new "risk index" of cities around the globe.
Arpaio, Trump rhetoric helps mobilize Latino voters, advocates say
WASHINGTON - Latino groups looking to help Hispanics flex their political muscle this election said that job is being made easier by rhetoric from people like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump, among others.
Arizona has accepted tens of thousands of refugees from conflicted countries over the last 40 years
Arizona has resettled more than 70,000 refugees in the last four decades, spending more than $10 million each year in federal dollars, according to the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement - putting it in the top ten states last year to accept citizens from war torn and conflicted countries.
El Niño: Is winter over for Arizona?
On Arizona State University’s Tempe campus Wednesday, people laid in the sun and others took a nap on the grass. It’s the middle of winter, but it doesn’t seem that way in Phoenix.
Website: ASU ranks second in nation for ‘sugar babies’ seeking financial help
TEMPE – Arizona State University student Ashlie Stella said she has racked up more than $4,000 in debt.
Phoenix spends $2 million a year to wipe out graffiti, reduce blight
The city of Phoenix spends about $2 million a year to clean up graffiti.
Growing Arizona wild burro population threatening native wildlife
YUMA — The thousands of wild burros that roam the vast Arizona landscape, more than any other state, are beloved by out of state visitors and locals alike.
Horizonte: Feb. 17, 2016
This edition of Horizonte focuses on the passing of Antonin Scalia and what's next for the Supreme Court.
Arizona ranks ninth in country for identity theft, problem continues to grow nationwide
Scottsdale – Arizona ranked No. 9 in the nation for identity theft in 2014, with 96 identity theft complaints for every 100,000 people, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
New bills in the House and Senate are giving parents more control with their child’s education
Several House and Senate bills (HB2056, HB 2088, SB1321) are being proposed that would give parents the ability to opt their kids out of standardized testing.
Cronkite News: Feb. 18, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a heated debate of proposed airport drop-off fees, and how Arizona politicians are pursuing the Latino vote.
Plan to protect 1.7 million acres at Grand Canyon claims new support
WASHINGTON - Backers of a bill that would create a new national monument on 1.7 million acres of federal land around the Grand Canyon touted a new survey Thursday that they said shows broad support for the plan.
Low Mexican Peso is generating more travel interest among Americans
With spring break just two weeks away, college students are taking a second look at Mexico as an ideal destination, thanks to its weak peso and despite travel alerts.
Spring training gives Diamondbacks fans sneak peek at new look
The Arizona Diamondbacks asked fans to “Join the Evolution” after releasing new uniforms in December. Turns out that evolution is not limited to one club.
Retired master tailor stitched his way through racial boundaries
H. Shytel Glover never doubted himself, even as some doubted him.
Opt-out bill advances in Arizona Senate
Senate Bill 1455 passed in the Education Committee with a margin of 6-1 Thursday, but it still needs to come before the full Senate.
Black business struggles to grow in Arizona
Clarence McAllister said it took him 16 years to grow his company, Phoenix-based Fortis Networks.
Cronkite News Refresh: Feb. 19, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly Cronkite News Refresh, which highlights our top stories of the week on social media.
Q&A: McCain wants more troops in Syria, settle U.S. cybersecurity battle
Republican Sen. John McCain spoke with Cronkite News Friday about key issues facing the nation, from the choices to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia to the challenges of national security.
McCain, Kirkpatrick focus efforts on growing Latino vote in Senate race
WASHINGTON - The campaign to re-elect Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, is calling on Latino voters this year - literally and figuratively.
Paying respects to Scalia, who ‘shaped the history of our country’
WASHINGTON - Several Arizonans were among the thousands who waited hours in line outside the Supreme Court on a chilly Washington winter afternoon Friday to pay their respects to the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
‘Still I Rise’ mural honors African American activism
GLENDALE – Arizona State University Kyra Trent is using her artistic talent to spark healthy conversations about African American resilience, social justice and activism.
Syrian refugees receive mentorship through new nonprofit program
SCOTTSDALE--A new non-profit organization is helping Syrian refugee families adapt through mentorship, connecting young Syrian refugees with successful individuals.
Ride-sharing companies one step closer to picking up passengers at Sky Harbor
The proposal that would allow ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to pick up passengers at the airport cleared another hurdle Thursday afternoon. The controversial measure, which would drastically alter the airport’s fee structure for ground transportation, was barely approved in a 5-4 vote by the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board. Uber and Lyft are already permitted to drop off passengers on Sky Harbor Boulevard, but if the measure passes the Phoenix City Council later this spring, those services could pick up passengers too. Board members claimed the revamp was a much-needed overhaul of an outdated and unfair policy for some companies. “We surveyed the top-20 U.S. airports in the nation and Sky Harbor is the only airport that has yet to modernize our ground transportation policy,” Chad Makovsky, assistant aviation director, said. “Some commercial operators are paying fees that specifically subsidize the operation of other competing businesses.” Uber and Lyft would be new operators under the policy, meaning their per-trip fee would immediately jump up to $4 — existing operators would be phased into the seat-based fee plan. But off-site airport parking services argued their $6 per-trip fee would put them out of business, thereby eliminating around 200 jobs between the different companies. “(The $6 fee) doesn't sound like a lot but if you consider the number of trips we do every year, it would total for us about $400,000 per year which is absolutely catastrophic to my business,” David Warren, owner of Blue Sky Airport parking, said.
What we learned: Reflections on El Paso-Juárez from the Borderlands team
Editor’s note: Recently, a group of Cronkite reporters for the Borderlands program spent a week covering Pope Francis' visit to the border. In the end, the story became more than just about the pope. The reporters were among the few, if not the only student reporters, who covered the story from El Paso and Juárez, one of the biggest border communities in the world, from both sides. Here's an essay with their reflections:
Carbon-capture could ‘save the planet,’ ASU scientist says
Steve Atkins, wearing khakis and a tucked button-down blue shirt, squints closely at a primitive unit set up on the roof of a research building on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe.
Sustainability Festival explores environment, energy conservation solutions
A festival showcasing environmental and human connections to sustain the planet winds up this week.
Arizona leads the country in flu activity
Arizona has more than 5,000 reported cases of the flu, and Walgreens has ranked the state number one in flu activity for the past three weeks.
PHX Startup Week showcases veteran entrepreneurs
Monday marks the beginning of PHX Startup Week. The day started with a panel focused on veterans in entrepreneurship.
Cronkite News: Feb. 22, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News features an exclusive sit-down interview with Sen. John McCain, and what Gov. Doug Ducey took away from a Republican governors' summit.
In anti-establishment year, endorsements are a ‘complicated science’
WASHINGTON - Political experts put the value of an endorsement somewhere between "inconsequential" and "good for growing email lists and gathering volunteers." And that's the upbeat assessment.
Tucson-based World View to offer balloon rides to space
Tucson – Space, a place that seems foreign to us earthlings, could be the next hot trip destination for the public. One Tucson-based company plans to offer space tourism in two years.
Tempe florist gives leftover V-day flowers to nonprofit devoted to domestic violence victims
Valentine’s Day is the biggest day of the year in the flower industry. But it’s important for florists to correctly estimate their sales so their product does not perish.
U of A study examines alcohol use in Native American population, helps debunk stereotypes
TUCSON – Popular culture often depicts Native Americans as drunks and binge drinkers.
As Cactus League circus returns, its impact felt across the Valley
At opposite ends of the Valley, two cities with different histories and cultures share a common denominator: tourists flock there when the calendar flips to March in Scottsdale and Goodyear. Spring training has arrived.
Scottsdale Cactus League landmarks take fans back in time
SCOTTSDALE - It’s the early 1960s. You are with your father at the corner ice cream store and your favorite baseball player takes the seat next to you.
From soccer to housing developments, former Arizona spring training sites find new lives
In some cities across Arizona, the sounds of spring training have gone silent.
Parking and ticket-taking bring benefits far beyond Cactus League stadium walls
Communities that welcome teams and their fans to spring training each year love baseball. And it turns out baseball loves the communities, too.
While spring training is a ‘second Christmas,’ others await anticipated boom
Building spring training facilities for big-league clubs is considered an investment by Valley cities that will spur development.
Cactus League Stadium Guide
The temperatures are back in the 80s in the Valley of the Sun and with them, 15 major league teams have returned for spring training. Each of the 10 ballparks where they practice and play offer something special for fans who attend, from the delectable garlic fries imported from San Francisco to the opportunity to shag fly balls during batting practice. Cronkite News went from ballpark to ballpark and gathered a list of the must-sees and must-dos while in and around these Cactus League venues.
Chopper pilot reflects on unforgettable spring training flight with Will Ferrell
High above the Valley of the Sun, local news "Chopperguy" Bruce Haffner looks back on his flight last spring with the actor Will Ferrell, who spent the day playing for 10 Cactus League teams to film an HBO special and raise money for cancer charities.
Finished mural causes an emotional effect on ASU students
Now that the mural of Mike Brown by Kyra Trent is finished, it has caused emotional effects on students like Korey Gray who cried when she witnessed the piece.
Bill would make cursive writing a requirement in Arizona schools
LAKE HAVASU CITY - Students in third grade at Starline Elementary School in Lake Havasu City are picking up their pencils, and learning cursive writing.
Senate bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide stalled in legislature
In August 1997, Barbara McGuire held her father’s hand as he died from a chronic lung disease.
Cronkite News: Feb. 23, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News includes an in-depth look at medical data showing prescription drugs land more people in Arizona emergency rooms than heroin does.
Obama call to close Guantanamo prison panned by Arizona GOP lawmakers
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republicans responded swiftly - and vehemently - to the plan announced Tuesday by President Barack Obama to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where some of the most notorious terrorism suspects are detained.
White House, Congress feud over future of popular park-funding program
WASHINGTON - Both sides agree with the intent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund - to help acquire and improve federal and local park projects - but they disagree on how it should be implemented.
Arizona movie crew to share funding struggles at PHX Startup Week
Director and producer Marcus De Leon spent more than two years asking investors for the funding he needed to create his film “There and Back.”
Survey: Arizona’s independent businesses saw jump in revenue, but struggle to obtain bank loans
A recent national survey indicated an uptick in revenue for independent businesses nationwide. And in Arizona, those numbers were even higher.
Pastor strives to keep MLK legacy at historic Tanner A.M.E. Church
Historic Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church, one of the oldest African American churches in the state, is the only Arizona church where civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is known to have given a sermon.
CBP uses biometrics to track border crossers leaving the country
San Diego — U.S Customs and Border Protection officers are testing new biometric technology at a busy border crossing to track people leaving the country.
Don’t call me lazy and other myths about working Millennials
Millennials make up more than half of the workforce and are making dramatic changes to the work environment, according to millennials and a national expert.
Addiction sufferers and their loved ones seek and provide education
“Wherever somebody’s at in their stage of drug use, their life is valuable.”
Black History Month: West Valley woman helping others return to college
Janet Denson, owner of Love Images, a nonprofit organization, makes scholarships and other resources available for women over 25 who want to return to college. [Read more Black History Month stories]
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office stops issuing iPhones to employees
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday it will stop distributing iPhones to employees in the wake of a national legal battle between Apple and the FBI.
Cronkite News: Feb. 24, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Apple’s fight with the FBI to unlock the phone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters, and how it's impacting Maricopa County. .
EPA-ordered emissions rules for Coronado power plant upheld by court
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Wednesday said the Environmental Protection Agency acted properly when it rejected Arizona's pollution-control plan for the Coronado Generating Station and imposed its own strict emission limits instead.
County, federal officials meet to discuss control of wild burro herds
WASHINGTON - Federal and county officials agreed after face-to-face meetings in Washington this week that "there is a problem" with overpopulation of wild burros in Arizona's western counties and that something needs to be done.
McCain: U.S. must be a leader in fight against human trafficking
WASHINGTON - Cindy McCain told a Senate committee Wednesday that the U.S. should be the leader in the global fight against human trafficking.
Court: FBI can’t be sued for failing to warn family of home invasion
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Wednesday the FBI cannot be held liable for failing to tip Pima County police to a home invasion by a border militia group that killed an Arivaca man and his 9-year-old daughter.
Why hasn’t telemedicine taken off in Arizona? Experts say most doctors don’t get paid
Modern medicine is constantly evolving – but sometimes, it develops too fast. Experts said state laws have hindered telemedicine, a technology that could be utilized to provide health care throughout Arizona.
State data show heroin and prescription drug overdoses continue to escalate across Arizona
Despite efforts to slow the scourge of heroin and prescription drug abuse, the number of emergency room admissions from heroin and narcotic pill overdoses have continued to rise across Arizona.
Hip-hop rooted in African culture
Hip-hop, crowned as a top musical genre, is rooted in the centuries-old cadence and storytelling of African dance.
Pilots donated nearly $800,000 in ‘angel’ flights last year
GOODYEAR – Dennis Phelan packed his plane, closed the hangar door and went through his pre-flight checklist.
Arizona Horizon: Feb. 24, 2016
This episode of Arizona Horizon focuses on power plant emissions and Apple refusing to comply with the FBI and unlock an iPhone from the San Bernardino terrorist attacks. (Video by Arizona Horizon)
Phoenix surgeon uses 3D-printing technology to reconstruct patient’s face
The last thing Jake Reynolds remembers is chasing a frisbee through a bush at Sierra Verde Park in Glendale.
Need a job? Advocates say career technical education plays vital role in Arizona economy
Of all job openings in Arizona, more than half of them have fallen into a “middle-skills” category since 2010, according to data from the National Skills Coalition.
Cronkite News: Feb. 25, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon's announcement that he will retire from Congress.
Salmon’s surprise retirement throws open the race for his House seat
WASHINGTON - Rep. Matt Salmon's surprise announcement Thursday that he will not seek re-election to his seat in Congress shook up what was expected to be a sleepy campaign in a solidly Republican district this fall.
Phoenix teen brings story to panel weighing access to life-saving drugs
WASHINGTON - When his family moved from Phoenix to London so he could get treatment for a potentially deadly form of cancer, Brophy College Preparatory student Diego Morris said they were "not looking for guarantees - just hope."
Arizona Chamber says EPA ozone rule may hurt economy
New regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency would mean most of Arizona would not meet federal ozone limits, a situation Arizona business leaders said would harm economic development but the EPA said is necessary to public health.
McCafé brews up a new plan to reduce waste
Arizona McDonald’s are working with school children to turn used coffee grounds into compost for community gardens.
Arizona’s public universities working to diversify their athletic departments
TEMPE - Before he was Arizona State University’s vice president for university athletics, Ray Anderson helped make strides toward diversity in the NFL.
Soccer helps Arizona refugees adapt
Akili Edmond started playing soccer with his friends in his home country Tanzania when he was just six years old, and soon enough he was in love with it.
Cronkite News: Black History Month special
This episode of Cronkite News is a collection of our Black History Month stories from February 2016.
Navajo, Hopi relocation effort could end soon, decades after it started
WASHINGTON - After decades of work and hundreds of millions of dollars, the end could be in sight for the federal office charged with relocating Navajo and Hopi families in a land dispute between the two tribes.
Missing voices: Arizona, 41 states underrepresent blacks in statehouses
WASHINGTON - Arizona is one of 14 states where African-Americans make up 1 percent of the legislature or less - but it's in the middle of the pack for disparity between blacks and their state lawmakers.
FYI: History of the Leap Year
Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series that explores stories through data.
Arizona moves forward toward statewide Seal of Biliteracy
Arizona students who demonstrate a proficiency in a language or languages other than English may soon be awarded for their abilities with a seal of biliteracy on their diplomas and transcripts if SB 1239 continues its torrid pace through the legislature.
New detection method may improve Lyme disease diagnosis in Arizona
SCOTTSDALE - Researchers said a new DNA detection method will better identify Lyme disease, a tick-born illness that is increasing in the United States.
Foster care advocates: Foster care for adolescents needs improvement
Fostering Advocates for Arizona (FAAZ) released a document on Monday, asking the state legislature to improve the foster care system and how it handles teenagers and those who are close to aging out of the system.
BASIS Charter School’s new Scottsdale location causing controversy
SCOTTSDALE — The expansion of BASIS Charter School in Scottsdale is causing controversy for the neighborhood near 128th Street and Shea.
Primary presidential debates see record-breaking viewership
Since day one, the 2016 campaign season’s presidential primary debates have seen some of the highest viewership in history. And viewers and experts say, they're proving to be more entertainment than informative.
Cronkite News: Feb. 29, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on a preview of the Super Tuesday elections and how viewership for the presidential debates has been on the rise.
Lawmakers challenge proposal to have Oak Flat listed as historic site
WASHINGTON - Supporters of a copper mine proposed for Oak Flat have been given until Friday to make the case that the area, deemed sacred by the San Carlos Apache, should not be designated a historic site.
SVP Fast Pitch: ASU students compete with app that tackles adult illiteracy
More than 36 million adults in the United States and at least half a million adults in Arizona struggle to read.
Tempe considers ban on sitting and sleeping on downtown sidewalks
The Tempe City Council is considering banning people from sitting or sleeping on downtown Tempe sidewalks because businesses complain it deters customers.
Chefs and restaurant inspectors share responsibility to keep food safe
Chefs and health inspectors approach dining out in different ways but share a common goal: to reward your trust in restaurants by making sure food is safe for you to eat.
Homeless shelter funds dwindling as summer heat looms
A Maricopa County grant is keeping overnight shelter services available to the homeless, but the grant is expected to run out around June 30 as summer temperature burn hotter.
Cronkite News: March 1, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Super Tuesday and why Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have struggled to pick up the Latino vote.
Super Tuesday: Early ballots pouring in from Maricopa County voters
While Arizona's official presidential preference election day isn’t until the 22nd of March, that hasn’t stopped some people from getting in their early ballots.
Arizona’s top tree climbers compete for state championship
SUPERIOR — The state’s top tree climbers know that most people probably have a few misconceptions about their sport.
Lack of interpreter gets man new sentencing in drug conviction
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Tuesday ordered a new sentencing hearing in a drug case in which the presiding judge dismissed a Spanish-language interpreter after the defendant said he wanted to proceed in English.
Lawmakers welcome VA case guilty plea, say more needs to be done
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers welcomed Tuesday's announcement that the former director of the Phoenix VA hospital pleaded guilty to failing to disclose gifts from a lobbyist, but said it was too little and too late for veterans waiting for justice.
Abuse of Arizona’s elderly increases as aging population grows
Vulnerable and elderly adults have been the victims of abuse, neglect and fraud in nearly 14,000 cases in Arizona, with the number of cases reported in 2015 increasing 19 percent over the year before, according to a Cronkite News analysis.
Arizona Horizon: March 1, 2016
This episode of Arizona Horizon focuses on researchers' ability to determine whether politicians are lying as well as an update regarding the 2015 Year-End Economic Report which suggests local businesses have a less optimistic outlook on the economy than they did six months ago.
Nogales produce imports continue to rise as vegetable growing shifts to Mexico
NOGALES -- Produce imports through Nogales remain on the rise as the produce-growing industry shifts further into Mexico, despite concerns of inadequate customs staffing at the port of entry.
Report: Undocumented immigrants contribute $231 million in state taxes annually
Undocumented immigrants pay an estimated $11.64 billion a year in taxes, according to a report by the Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy. Nearly $231.5 million of that amount is in state and local taxes for Arizona.
Ford provides sneak peek of driverless vehicle
Ford Motor Co. showcased its version of an autonomous vehicle at an event at Phoenix co-working space CO+HOOTS on Wednesday.
Arizona is expected to continue national trend of high voter turnout
In 2008, when Sen. John McCain ran for president, 51 percent of Arizonans voted in the presidential preference election. That was the highest turnout on record, and the Secretary of State's Office said this year could be pretty close.
Cronkite News: March 2, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News takes an in-depth look at the 2016 presidential race, including analysis from in-studio guests.
Arizonans join thousands rallying at Supreme Court for abortion case
WASHINGTON - Arizonans were among the thousands of pro-life and pro-choice supporters who rallied outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, as it took up one of the most-divisive issues for the court and the country.
For Arizona’s wrongfully convicted, life after prison brings hardship and hope
For 12 years, Drayton Witt passed his days behind bars, surrounded by rapists, murderers and convicts. Over the course of a decade, Witt insisted he was not guilty despite a murder conviction for killing his four-month old son.
Big-time coaches help GCU ascend to big-time athletics
Josh Braun signed on with Grand Canyon University’s basketball program for one reason: Dan Majerle, the former Phoenix Suns star and a local legend now coaching the Antelopes.
Grand Canyon University’s rising athletic program turning heads
Take a stroll around the campus of Grand Canyon University and new academic buildings, a recently renovated basketball arena and new student housing stand out. So do the sounds of the future.
Majerle putting GCU basketball on Division I map
Grand Canyon University men’s basketball is used to being overlooked and underappreciated.
Farming mushrooms could cultivate $10 million industry in Phoenix
Mushrooms could be magical in Arizona, with agricultural officials putting money toward the growing mushroom farming industry.
50-year-old Miranda case still has huge impact today
In 2016, Miranda rights are ubiquitous, thanks in no small part to cop shows and crime movies that have popularized the phrase, “You have the right to remain silent.”
In face of low Arizona literacy numbers, Cardinals’ players read to children on Dr. Seuss’ birthday
Dressed in their red jerseys, Arizona Cardinals players Drew Stanton and Justin Bethel spent Wednesday with local elementary school children.
New bill seeks to lower Arizona voting age from 18 to 16
HCR 2046 seeks to lower the Arizona voting age from 18 to 16, and the bill is gaining traction because many believe this bill can help improve voter turnout among a demographic that has often struggled to make an impact at the polls.
Cronkite News: March 3, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the war of words between Mitt Romney and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Border state senators call for long-stalled vote on ambassador to Mexico
WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of senators Thursday called on their colleagues to stop blocking Roberta Jacobson's nomination as the next U.S. ambassador to Mexico, saying "we need our top diplomat in Mexico."
Report: Arizona casino revenues grew for fourth year, mirroring nation
WASHINGTON - Revenues from Arizona casinos inched up to $1.82 billion in 2014 for a fourth straight year of growth, both trends that mirrored tribal casinos nationwide, according to a new national report.
Bill would exempt refugees and others with community gardens from strict health rules
A community garden where refugees such as Bhutanese-American Punya Koirala grow the vegetables of their homelands may soon be able to sell produce to grade schools and universities under a recently introduced bill.
Animal euthanasia in Phoenix area down by 71%
The euthanasia of dogs and cats in Maricopa County has plummeted more than 70 percent since a coalition of animal-welfare groups launched an initiative three years ago, Phoenix and animal activists said.
Cronkite News Refresh: March 4, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly refresh show, which highlights the top stories of the week on social media.
More Americans defy racial categories and identify as Blaxican
Raynetta Brown, a student at Arizona State University, is among a growing number of Americans who are defying racial categories and choosing to identify as biracial.
Students learn how to be smart shoppers
140 fifth grade students from Butler Elementary school were just one of the four schools to participate in National Weights and Measurements week.
Court overturns death sentence in brutal 1991 burglary-murders
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ordered a new sentencing hearing Friday for an Arizona death row inmate convicted in the 1991 Valley murders of two people during the course of a burglary spree.
Not your father’s conservatism: Young Arizonans chart path at CPAC
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. - Meredith Walker is at the Conservative Political Action Conference here, standing across from a booth with posters proclaiming "Big Government Sucks!" and chatting with a group of girls in bright pink Republican elephant skirts and bows.
Shortage of large animal veterinarians threatens health of Arizona livestock industry
COCHISE — Traditional veterinary medicine for large food animals in rural Arizona has all but vanished, leaving the state’s livestock industry increasingly vulnerable to disease and even death.
Cronkite News Borderlands Special: March 7, 2016
A special edition of Cronkite News that looks at the top stories from our borderlands team.
For Arizona Latinos, endorsement of candidates must go beyond a last name
It will take more than a Hispanic name like “Cruz” or “Rubio” to win over the country’s largest minority group.
Cronkite News Consumer Special: March 8, 2016
This Cronkite News special report highlights the top stories from our consumer team.
Presidential campaigns have drawn almost $4 million from Arizona donors
WASHINGTON - If Arizona campaign donations were ballots, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, would have the state's primary sewed up.
Major League Baseball officials make a pitch for diversity
PHOENIX – After introducing the Diversity and Inclusion panel Tuesday at MLB’s Diversity Business Summit, even moderator Harold Reynolds had to take a moment to remark on the impressive collection of baseball lifers.
Cronkite News Washington D.C. special: March 9, 2016
This Cronkite News special highlights some of the top stories from our Washington D.C. team.
Mesa eye-tracking software company helps empower those with disabilities
Phoenix resident Howard Bell can’t use his hands to type, navigate a mouse or use any technology on his own.
Cronkite News Legal Special: March 10, 2016
This special report features stories from the legal beat on government affairs, legislation and law enforcement.
Should 16-year-olds vote in Arizona elections?
A proposed amendment to Arizona’s state constitution could allow 16-year-olds to cast their vote in state elections.
Cronkite News Money Special: March 11, 2016
This special edition of Cronkite News focuses on business stories our reporters covered this semester.
Phoenix startup employs diverse workers with disabilities
Water rushes out of a spout in a small factory in north Phoenix as Andrew Lascurain holds a square plastic bags up to the nozzle.
Phoenix International Raceway presents unique challenge for drivers
AVONDALE — Phoenix International Raceway, when stripped to the bare minimum, is simply four left turns and a finish line, like most NASCAR tracks. Look a little closer, and the track becomes a jigsaw puzzle which makes the cars more difficult to maneuver on race weekend.
Good Sam 500 a homecoming for Glendale native McDowell
AVONDALE – There weren’t more than a dozen people in attendance when Michael McDowell took the stage for his appearance in front of fans Sunday morning at Phoenix International Raceway. The VIP tent was filling up before the Good Sam 500, but McDowell knew it wasn’t for him. NASCAR stars Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and others were scheduled to appear within the hour.
Oak Flat designation a win for mine opponents, but fight may continue
WASHINGTON - Opponents of a proposed copper mine at the Oak Flat campground scored a point when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places this month - but while they won the battle, they haven't won the war.
Cronkite News: March 14, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the rise of elderly abuse cases, the effect of low gas prices on local businesses, and the potential mushroom industry in Arizona.
Opponents slam “dark money” bill
Opponents of a legislative move to reduce state oversight of “dark money” said changes approved last week by the Senate would put Arizona elections under a cloud.
Arizona drivers enjoy third lowest gas prices in U.S.
Eladio Castellanos fills the gas tank of a black Dodge Charge outside of a Circle K gas station for $1.59 per gallon. A few minutes later, the price to fill up his tank makes him happy.
Rural Arizona residents with multiple sclerosis lack access to care
YUMA – Every three months, Mary Schaal makes the nearly 400-mile round trip from her home in Yuma to Gilbert on the southeastern edge of Phoenix.
Tourists take state park rocks despite warnings
APACHE JUNCTION - Arizona law prohibits visitors from taking vegetation and rocks from state parks to preserve nature for other visitors and future generations.
Despite grandfather’s CTE, Stabler’s grandsons carry on family’s football legacy
SCOTTSDALE — An NFL Network video shows David Baker, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, walking the halls of the Stanford Court hotel in San Francisco the night before Super Bowl 50. He knocks on the door of Kendra Stabler Moyes’ room.
Jane Sanders visits Tent City to see conditions
Prior to the rally held in downtown Phoenix for presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders, his wife visited Tent City and spoke with inmates and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to learn about the conditions and why the jail is so controversial.
Cronkite News: March 15, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the Bernie Sanders rally in Arizona, voting regulations in the state, and whether people should be getting a certain medical exam earlier in their lives.
VA says it will remove three top officials of troubled Phoenix hospital
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday that it has issued "notices of proposed removal" to three top executives at the Phoenix health care system - two years after problems there were first reported.
Acuna cactus stays on endangered list, Southwestern willow flycatcher faces review
WASHINGTON - Federal officials Tuesday rejected a request to remove the acuna cactus from the endangered species list, but said they will give further consideration to a petition to delist the Southwestern willow flycatcher.
Water rates in Phoenix among lowest in nation, despite rate hike
WASHINGTON - If you live in Phoenix, you're probably paying one of the cheapest annual water bills in the country, even with the rate increase that took effect this month, according to a recent national report on public water systems.
Arizona fertile ground for growing golf’s next generation
SCOTTSDALE – The record-setting crowd of more than 600,000 who attended the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in February suggests golf has never been more popular.
Golf industry tries new ways to grow the traditional game
TEMPE — Two years ago, the management at Shalimar Country Club in Tempe tried something new. In an effort to increase its customer base and reach new people, the club held a footgolf tournament, after developing a course for the soccer-golf hybrid alongside its regular nine holes.
Arizona’s golf community confident in sport’s future
As golf experiences a national decline, Arizona is not immune.
Golf struggles to attract Latinos
PHOENIX — Phoenix native Andre Magdelano doesn’t play golf and has never been invited to play the sport.
VIDEO: Local golf clubs evolve to get younger and stay alive
Private golf clubs across the Valley have seen membership shift toward a younger demographic.
VIDEO: Water restrictions, overseeding challenge AZ course owners to keep golf green
The hot Arizona climate has an immediate impact on how local golf courses care for the land. The choice to overseed the course and Arizona water restrictions impact the golf business around the Valley, especially when tourism booms in the winter months.
New bill would make online fantasy sports betting legal in Arizona
A new bill that is being proposed in the Senate would legalize online fantasy sports betting in Arizona.
Phoenix seeks to curb water waste with participation in “Fix a Leak Week”
The Phoenix Water Services Department wants you to fix that leaky toilet - and to share your work with the world.
Decades after anti-immigrant policies, LA’s development is a lesson for Phoenix
LOS ANGELES -- Outside the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles just west of the downtown area, Mexican vendors and workers mill around, selling tamales and newspapers. Across the street is MacArthur Park, known for immigrant families and vendors who pass their time there.
Cronkite News: March 16, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News covers President Obama's Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland, Donate Life Day at the Arizona Capitol, the stories of disabled workers at AguaSac, news about toxic effects from 3-D printers, and more.
Donate Life Day at the capitol celebrates donor families and recipients
Donor families and transplant recipients celebrated life on Wednesday at the Donate Life day at the state capitol.
Arizona legal experts praise Garland nomination, warn against blind opposition
PHOENIX – President Obama’s choice of a moderate judge as his Supreme Court nominee increases pressure on the Senate to begin the confirmation process, something GOP leaders have been staunchly against since Justice Antonin Scalia’s death.
‘Long overdue’ firing of Phoenix VA officials is not end of the process
WASHINGTON - The three Phoenix officials who got "long overdue" termination notices Tuesday from the Department of Veterans Affairs still have the right to a lengthy appeals process that could extend their cases by months or more.
Arizona senators cool to vote on Obama’s nominee for Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators fell in line with other Republicans who said Wednesday that there should be no vote on President Barack Obama's nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy until the next president is elected.
Study indicates 3-D printing could release dangerous toxins
Schools have used 3-D printers to build everything from robot parts to iPod cases. A local surgeon utilized the technology to help rebuild a patient’s face. And Local Motors, an Arizona based manufacturing company, even built a 3-D printed car.
Clinton releases Spanish-language advertisements in Arizona
Hillary Clinton’s campaign released two bilingual ads in Arizona on Thursday, featuring Spanish speakers expressing their support for her presidential bid in November, just days before the Arizona primary election on Tuesday.
Arizona ready for the unexpected at planned Trump rally Saturday
Donald Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate, is expected to hold a rally in Fountain Hills on Saturday ahead of the Arizona presidential primary next week.
Cronkite News: March 17, 2016
In this edition of Cronkite News, Native Americans express why they're voting for Bernie Sanders, President Obama prepares for the first trip to Cuba by a sitting president in 90 years, and Honor Flight Arizona sends World War II veterans to tour the nation's capitol and reflect on their service.
Endorsements for presidential campaign 2016
With Arizona's presidential preference election scheduled for Tuesday, Cronkite News set out to publish the endorsements for each candidate in the 2016 presidential election.
Local nonprofit raising money to build clean water system in Cambodia
Most Americans take clean drinking water for granted.
Local nonprofit uses hip hop to stop bullying in schools
A local nonprofit is shaking things up in schools. The Be Kind People Project is using hip hop to teach kids that it's cool to be kind.
Democratic candidates court Native American vote in Arizona
As thousands of people lined up around the Phoenix Convention Center Tuesday afternoon to hear presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speak, they could hear the constant beat of drums outside.
As U.S. removes most travel restrictions, Americans eager to visit Cuba
President Obama visits Cuba with his family in a high profile push to normalize relations with the island. The two day trip which starts Monday comes as the Obama administration removes nearly all travel restrictions for Americans.
Cronkite News Refresh: March 18, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly refresh show, which highlights the top stories of the week on social media.
One last battle for World War II-era women pilots: A final resting place
WASHINGTON - In the serene rows of headstones at Arlington National Cemetery lie the remains of those who served their country in the armed forces.
World War II vets from Arizona reminisce, reflect in trip to Washington
WASHINGTON - With a steady, practiced motion so natural it was hard to imagine he learned it 70 years ago, Jim Mende raised his right arm slowly before snapping it into a crisp salute against the bill of his ball cap.
Tribal officials lukewarm to plan to use federal money on school choice
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders were noncommittal Friday about a proposal that would divert Bureau of Indian Education funds into education savings accounts that individual Native American children could use to attend schools of their choosing.
Ted Cruz, GOP supporters rally in Phoenix ahead of Tuesday election
More than 2,000 Ted Cruz supporters rallied for his cause Friday night in Phoenix, but his campaign event was just as much a rally for the GOP.
Trump Fountain Hills photo gallery
Supporters and protesters of presidential candidate Donald Trump gathered on Saturday to voice their opinions of the GOP frontrunner at rallies in downtown Phoenix and Fountain Hills. At one point, protesters blocked Shea Blvd. near the Mayo Clinic in an attempt to block Trump supporters from reaching the rally in Fountain Hills. Trump spoke to thousands in the park before heading for his third Arizona event in Tucson.
Trump draws thousands to otherwise calm Fountain Hills
FOUNTAIN HILLS – The normally quiet town of Fountain Hills got a change of pace Saturday morning during a campaign stop by GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump at Fountain Park.
Trump protesters shut down Shea Boulevard in attempt to impact campaign rally
FOUNTAIN HILLS – About 100 protesters trying to block Donald Trump’s supporters from reaching his presidential campaign rally in Fountain Hills blocked Shea Boulevard on Saturday, disrupting traffic for about two hours before law enforcement could remove them.
Bill Clinton fires up crowd for Hillary at Phoenix Central High School
Former President Bill Clinton spoke to a Phoenix crowd on Sunday, advocating for his wife, Hillary Clinton, just two days ahead of the Arizona presidential preference election. The campaign event was held at Central High School, the same venue that President Obama spoke at earlier this year.
UA medical students find their match, join residency programs across country
Sixty-six medical students held their breath. Seconds later, all 66 cheered with joy and jubilation.
FYI: Quick facts about the Arizona Presidential Preference Election 2016
The Arizona Presidential Preference Election will be held from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22. Utah, Idaho (Democratic only) and American Samoa are also holding primaries on this day. Here are the facts:
Arizona Secretary of State predicts large turnout for presidential preference election
The state is ready for Tuesday's presidential preference election, said Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan and Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell. But if Reagan had her way, this election wouldn’t be the state’s responsibility.
State’s early voting returns may lessen impact of candidate visits
With Tuesday marking Arizona’s presidential preference election, the candidates have flooded to the Grand Canyon State this week in hopes of locking in a win. However, with so many ballots coming in early, those visits may not mean as much as politicians hope.
Cronkite News: March 21, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Donald Trump's and Hillary Clinton's visits to Phoenix heading into the March 22 Arizona Presidential Preference Election.
Feds begin environmental review of proposed Resolution Copper mine
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Forest Service has started its formal review of the environmental impact of the proposed Resolution Copper mine, but opponents charge the outcome of the process is "already pre-ordained."
Clinton talks gun control, education and immigration reform at Phoenix campaign rally
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton pushed “common sense gun control,” comprehensive immigration and a range of other topics to a diverse crowd of about 1,400 people at Carl Hayden High School on Monday, less than 24 hours before the Arizona presidential preference election.
Storify: Live coverage of Arizona presidential preference election
Cronkite News is tracking what's happening at the polls and at the parties on election day. Check back for updates.
Arizona officials prepare desert tortoises for adoption
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has seen a 56 percent increase in the number of desert tortoises available in its Phoenix adoption center compared to last year.
FYI: Breakdown of Arizona’s voter registration and historical election data
Editor’s note: This project is part of our ongoing FYI series, which examines topics and issues by using data analysis.
Memorial in Gilbert to pay tribute to veterans
The hot Arizona sun beat down on more than 500 people as they gathered in a dirt lot in Gilbert. Veterans and community members stood next to collapsible white chairs lining the stage. The national anthem rang out over the silent crowd as the groundbreaking ceremony for Welcome Home Veterans Park began.
Arizona voters: Share your experiences at the polls
Our Public Insight Network would like to hear from you. Fill out the form below and share your thoughts about the long lines on election day.
Fewer polling places, independent voters causing long lines on Arizona election day
Long lines and traffic jams have plagued most of Maricopa County’s 60 presidential preference election polling places since they opened at 6 a.m., an election official said. Some voters have had to wait in line for up to two hours at some locations.
Scottsdale nonprofit brings clean water to five countries in 24 hours
In 2010, the U.N. General Assembly recognized access to clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right. Six years later, on March 22, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit is helping rural communities in five underdeveloped countries claim that right.
Artists portray border issues using sculpture and painting
Artists are using their craft to contribute to the conversation about immigration and the border, hot topics on the presidential campaign trail.
Cronkite News: March 22, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News features coverage of the Arizona presidential preference election.
Arizona election day photo gallery
Arizona voters who went to polling places Tuesday to cast their ballot in Presidential Preference Election experienced long lines, fewer polling locations and confusion with voter eligibility. Check out the photos of the day.
In Flagstaff, Sanders pursues Native American vote, to mixed response
FLAGSTAFF -- A cheer went up in Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery in this small mountain city on Tuesday morning as Bernie Sanders walked in with an entourage of media outlets and Secret Service agents.
Arizona officials share conservation ideas at White House Water Summit
WASHINGTON - Phoenix and Tucson water officials took the occasion of the first-ever White House Water Summit to announce plans Tuesday for a more than fivefold increase in the joint conservation effort between the two cities.
Trump, Clinton win Arizona presidential preference election
Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton won Arizona’s presidential preference elections in an early call Tuesday, giving distinctive momentum to the two leading candidates.
Franks, other lawmakers back religious groups ahead of Supreme Court hearing
WASHINGTON - Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, led other lawmakers Tuesday in a show of support for religious groups on the eve of their Supreme Court challenge of an Obamacare mandate for birth-control benefits in employee health plans.
A Donald Trump impersonator, cheers, chants and dismay mark Arizona election night watch parties
Arizona election parties had the look and feel of an after-work happy hour, with supporters of Republican and Democratic candidates wearing their allegiance on slogan-laced shirts and campaign pins at downtown Phoenix restaurants. Supporters later erupted into cheers and fistbumps when Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were predicted as winners, and Bernie Sanders fans wore expressions of quiet disbelief.
Cronkite News Election Special: March 22, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is a special Arizona presidential preference election recap show breaking down Donald Trump's and Hillary Clinton's victories.
Bike share program Grid expands to Mesa
MESA-Mesa is the Valley’s second city to implement a bike share program.
Maricopa County elections officials reduced polling places to 60 to save money
Top Maricopa County elections officials told the Board of Supervisor in February they had decided to reduce polling places in the presidential preference election to 60 to make the election “as cheap as humans could do it.”
Arizona is 8th in nation for auto theft with stolen vehicles often being used for drug and human smuggling
Arizona ranks 8th in the nation for overall vehicle thefts, a crime that is fueling drug and human trafficking across the Mexican border as well as costing the state $86 million in economic losses, according to reports from the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.
Protesters denounce anti-immigrant bills, rhetoric of hate in Arizona
A day after billionaire Donald Trump won the Arizona Republican primary, more than 100 protesters gathered outside the state Capitol, denouncing what they call the candidate’s message of hate.
Voters protest in the wake of clogged Maricopa County polling places
Elected officials and members of the public on Wednesday called for action after Maricopa County voters faced a night of long lines and overwhelmed polling stations during Tuesday’s presidential preference election.
Phoenix mayor calls for Justice Department probe of Maricopa County election debacle
The outrage over the presidential preference election in Maricopa County rose to a roar Wednesday as Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton called for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate long lines in polling places and other public officials condemned Tuesday’s election as a “complete failure.”
Cronkite News: March 23, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News follows up on the controversy surrounding long voter lines at polling places for the Arizona presidential preference election.
Ducey touts success in closing labor ‘skills gap’ to national audience
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey boasted to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Wednesday that Arizona's strong workforce and education systems have helped the state close the gap between workers and the skills they need in the workforce.
Will it play in Peoria – Arizona? State better mirrors U.S. than thought
WASHINGTON - Arizona voters fell in line behind other primary states and backed presidential front-runners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Tuesday - not that surprising considering a new report that says Arizona's electorate closely mirrors the U.S.
Hundreds rally as Supreme Court weighs Obamacare contraceptive mandate
WASHINGTON - Protesters gathered at the Supreme Court Wednesday - one side dancing to Lady Gaga and the other singing hymns - while justices considered whether religious groups can be required to provide contraceptives to employees under Obamacare.
Nearly 12,000 child abuse and maltreatment cases in Arizona have languished for 60 days or more without action or resolution
The Arizona Department of Child Safety has failed to resolve nearly 12,000 cases of alleged abuse or neglect that have been open for at least 60 days without an investigation or services being provided to a potential victim, according to a Cronkite News review of the state’s most recent numbers.
Tempe launches effort to become first ‘Dementia Friendly’ city
Tempe residents Don and Sara Walker have been married for 60 years. And since doctors diagnosed Sara with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago, her husband has been by her side.
For Arizona Latinos, primary election is just a warmup to November
While Arizona Latinos lined up at polling stations to make their choices for Tuesday’s primary preference election, immigrant-rights groups sent out volunteers to continue registering voters.
Diamondbacks spend big to keep pace with major-market foes
Four seasons have passed since a team other than the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Francisco Giants captured a National League West Division title, and entering the most-recent offseason, it appeared that trend would continue for a fifth year.
Streetcars make comebacks and connections in states along the border
EL PASO, TEXAS -- Peter Svarzbein, city councilman for this Texas border community, makes a left turn at a parking garage near the university campus. The street ahead -- to many just flat black asphalt and bright yellow lines -- is one that, to Svarzbein, holds the city’s future.
Disc golf flying high in Arizona
SCOTTSDALE — On weekends, Vista del Camino Park in Scottsdale is a busy place for runners, walkers and bikers. But over the past decade, the park has become a hotbed for another popular activity in the Valley: disc golf.
County supervisor: State should have been better prepared for election day
The fallout over the long lines at polling places during the Arizona presidential preference election continues.
Tillman Center helping military transition to college
The Pat Tillman Veterans Center carries on the former ASU football star's legacy.
Cronkite News: March 24, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News looks at the fallout from the voting lines controversy.
Petition demanding voting probe tops 100,000 signatures in two days
WASHINGTON - A petition demanding an investigation into problems with Tuesday's presidential primary voting in Arizona had already collected more than 100,000 signatures as of Thursday, obligating a response from the White House.
Giving an Easter pet? Expect problems to multiply like, well, bunnies
WASHINGTON - This is typically not a good time of year for Phoenix rabbit rescuer Kim Dezelon, who expects to spend the coming weeks helping local animal shelters find homes for bunnies given as Easter gifts and quickly abandoned.
Maricopa County app geared for healthy lifestyle
Maricopa County wants Arizonans to get up and get moving with the new Maricopa Healthy app.
Valley speller nails the word ‘recumbent,’ heads to capital to compete in national bee
Arizona's top spellers met for a showdown in downtown Phoenix on Saturday to determine who will represent the state at the national competition.
Phoenix company faces lawsuit for alleged real estate scam targeting Spanish-speaking families
The Arizona Attorney General’s office filed a Consumer Fraud and Civil Racketeering lawsuit alleging a ProSolutions, a Phoenix based company preyed on Spanish-Speaking families who believed they were buying or refinancing a home.
ASU professor shares what’s next in study of gravitational waves
One month ago, a groundbreaking discovery was made in the gravitational waves field.
Cronkite News Refresh: March 25, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly Refresh show that highlights the top stories of the week shared on our social media channels.
D-backs’ Hall on stadium battle with county: ‘We need to see what’s out there before it’s too late’
The Diamondbacks are unhappy with the condition of Chase Field and have asked Maricopa County for the freedom to explore other options. The county, citing the 1996 facility use agreement between the two parties, denied their request and the two sides have taken their feud public.
Court restores claim that Yuma rejected housing plan for racial reasons
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday reinstated a developer's lawsuit that charged Yuma city officials with rejecting a housing plan because white neighbors feared it would attract Hispanic residents.
As Trump nears nomination, GOP hopefuls juggle his backers, moderates
WASHINGTON - Donald Trump's victory in Arizona this week put him one step closer to the Republican presidential nomination, an increasingly likely outcome that political analysts say could spell trouble for down-ticket Republican candidates.
Copa America games in Arizona expected to draw large crowds
“Soldado” Marco Medina of the Phoenix Battalion of Pancho Villa’s Army sits at his favorite pub in downtown Phoenix, talking strategy with his commander, Richard “El Coronel” Guel.
Valley Metro opens three light rail stations in northwest Phoenix
After more than three years of construction, Valley Metro has opened service to three light rail stations in northwest Phoenix.
Secretary of State Michele Reagan: Office has no jurisdiction over county polling places in presidential preference election
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan said she found out the day before the March 22 presidential preference election that Maricopa County elections officials had radically cut the number of polling places but she was not alarmed.
Do you support more abortion restrictions in Arizona?
Do you support more abortion restrictions in Arizona? Our Public Insight Network wants to hear from you. Just fill out the form.
ASU professor creates a multisensory music experience with digital sounds
An Arizona State professor is using technology and music to create a multisensory effect that goes beyond just listening, for both the musician and the audience.
Furious protesters ask for a re-vote of the presidential preference election at crowded legislative hearing
Shouts of “re-vote” and “resign” interrupted a legislative hearing Monday on Maricopa County’s election day debacle as incensed voters voiced anger, distrust and calls for reform. One man was later arrested by state Department of Public Safety officers
‘Everybody is safe’ in Arizona offices after U.S. Capitol lockdown
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers praised the response of U.S. Capitol Police after a gunman was shot Monday as he tried to enter the Capitol Visitor Center, triggering a brief but tense lockdown.
Cronkite News: March 28, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the shooting at the U.S. Capitol and how government officials are addressing the long polling lines during last week's election.
Senator promises public town halls on physician-assisted suicide until legalized
In 2014, Dan Diaz and his wife Brittany Maynard packed up everything and moved to Oregon, where Brittany, who had a terminal illness, could use the state’s death with dignity law and pass in peace.
Hundreds of Arizona inmates have used razors, drugs in self harm or suicide attempts
There were nearly 500 incidents in Arizona’s prison system when convicts attempted to either hurt or kill themselves in 2015, despite efforts to push for better mental health treatment and a legal settlement ordering the Department of Corrections to improve psychiatric services.
Nonprofit, local companies promote Little Free Libraries to increase childhood literacy
Many of us take books for granted.
Despite risks, skydiving continues to gain popularity
ELOY – Experts said Arizona’s mild weather and clear skies make the state an ideal area for skydivers. Tourists, military personnel and national skydiving teams from around the world travel here to train.
D-backs Kendrick shares rare baseball card collection with Phoenix Art Museum
Arizona Diamondbacks Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick has a passion for baseball that extends to baseball cards. He owns one of the most extensive baseball card collections in history.
Arizona school districts turning to social media for teachers
Finding qualified teachers is a struggle that Arizona school districts say is worse this year than ever before. Districts across the valley are trying to solve this issue by thinking of new ways to find applicants.
Cronkite News: March 29, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the first case of Zika virus in Arizona, a protest against the Arizona Department of Child Services protest and a famous baseball card collection.
Court rejects latest challenge to Tohono O’odham’s Glendale casino
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Tuesday rejected the latest in a long line of challenges to the Tohono O'odham casino that opened in Glendale in December.
State added 100,000 residents in 2015, lured by climate, cost of living
WASHINGTON - Arizona's population grew by nearly 100,000 in 2015, driven largely by growth in Maricopa County which saw the second-largest increase among counties in the nation, according to new Census Bureau estimates.
Far from home, D.C.-area Navajo gather to celebrate, remember heritage
WASHINGTON - In a windowless, fluorescent-lit conference room near Capitol Hill, Ani Auld's hands slowly and rhythmically wound strands of white yarn into a tsiiyéél, a traditional Navajo hair bun.
Bill could keep cities from banning short-term rentals
JEROME – Glen Odegard spent more than a year repairing and renovating a historic home in Jerome after a mudslide left it vacant for more than a half century. For the past three years, tourists have rented out the house.
El Rio’s Birth and Women’s Health Center opens first human milk donation center in Arizona
TUCSON – On March 15th, El Rio’s Birth and Women’s Health Center became the first human milk donation site in Arizona. El Rio is partnering with Mothers’ Milk Bank.
Arizona Cardinals team up with students for autism awareness
TEMPE- Arizona Cardinal quarterback Drew Stanton and mascot Big Red helped students at Tempe High School mark Autism Awareness Week.
Yoga’s popularity heating up with athletes
TEMPE – Michael Wolff played minor league baseball for seven years. He is no stranger to the weight room and a strict fitness routine, but it wasn’t until after his career ended and he started attending classes at Bikram Yoga Tempe that he realized the physical and mental benefits of yoga.
180 parking meters replace free parking near downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row
Finding free parking in downtown Phoenix is “pretty much impossible,” said Alexander Mendez, who works in the area.
Do you get enough sleep?
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Athletes For Life helps combat obesity, heart disease
Noe Crespo has made it his ‘lifetime mission’ to give back to low-income communities by leading people to a healthier lifestyle.
First Zika virus case emerges in Arizona
The first case of Zika virus in Arizona has been confirmed in a woman who traveled outside the country before returning to Arizona, health officials have confirmed.
Sen. Jeff Flake: States should determine primary responses to drought
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, said he believes there is a chance the U.S. Congress will move forward with legislation addressing drought in the West, but any federal response to water shortages must not overrule state policies or rely on federal funding.
Walmart coworkers in Phoenix honored for performing CPR
In February, Walmart coworkers Brent Anderson and Cathy Villa performed CPR on a colleague suffering from a heart attack until firefighters arrived on scene. The pair was honored for their life-saving efforts by the Phoenix Fire Department on Wednesday. (Video by Lauren Michaels/Cronkite News)
Glendale Fire Department leads disaster drill training
The Glendale Fire Department led disaster drill training for local students at Landmark Middle School as students spent 21 hours of time in the classroom learning about proper preparations for how to handle disasters. (Video by Ben Margiott/Cronkite News)
Arizona researcher hopes new diabetes drug can curb amputations
WASHINGTON - It's a jarring statement, but for Dr. David Armstrong and his patients it makes complete sense: "Pain is a gift from God."
Phoenix advocate urges Washington to remember plight of homeless kids
WASHINGTON - When she arrived at UMOM New Day Center with her three children in the car they briefly called home, Stephanie - a veteran suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder - was under a lot of stress.
Cronkite News: March 30, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on healthcare for inmates and childhood homelessness.
Methamphetamine abuse and illegal trafficking remain a persistent threat across the state
Methamphetamine remains one of Arizona’s most pervasive drugs with law enforcement authorities seizing nearly 6,400 pounds of methamphetamine last year – a 294 percent increase over the last six years, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Phoenix attracts West Coast tech companies
In the 1980s and ‘90s, most of the tech jobs in Phoenix focused on back office and customer care centers for companies with headquarters elsewhere, city officials said.
Visitors from Mexico spend Easter vacations and money in Arizona
NOGALES, SONORA -- A two week Easter break in Mexico translated into long lines at the Nogales border crossing for Isauro Perez and his family who were headed for shopping in Tucson.
Chandler company Privoro develops security product for iPhones
CHANDLER — Chandler-based Privoro has developed a product that may give people a little more privacy in a world where digital devices allow others to listen, watch and track their every move.
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Cronkite News: March 31, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on another possible flu epidemic, and the recovery efforts for a lost mountain lion.
In Maricopa County, some jail inmates now are eligible for Medicaid after their release
James Schmitz sits with his fellow inmates in a Durango Jail classroom where the subject of today’s lesson is consequences.
Coding Academy teaches young refugees computer programming skills
Eager students gathered for a day long “refugee coding academy” at Seed Spot, a business incubator that buzzed with energy.
H1N1Flu cases spike significantly in Arizona this flu season compared to last
The number of confirmed flu cases in Arizona has increased 68 percent compared to the previous flu season, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services influenza summary report.
Kid’s Cafe feeds hungry children, helps them with homework in after-school program
Kid’s Cafe serves free meals to Valley children who might otherwise go hungry.
Cronkite News: April 1, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly refresh show, which highlights the top stories of the week on social media.
Four Peaks says expansion won’t change your favorite beer recipes
Four Peaks has long been one of the Valley’s favorite local breweries. But now, the beer will be sold in places other than Arizona.
Second petition demanding action on elections tops 100,000 signatures
WASHINGTON - The furor over last week's elections in Arizona continued to churn this weekend, with a petition on the topic passing the 100,000-signature threshold Saturday that obligates a White House response.
Arizona Game and Fish is caring for orphaned mountain lion kitten found in tree
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is caring for an orphaned mountain lion kitten after it was found trapped in a tree in Sells, Arizona.
Risks of concussion in youth ice hockey spur reforms, concerns
SCOTTSDALE – Michael Slavik is all smiles as he walks to the ice with his teammates.
Families claim they were falsely accused of child neglect or abuse
An activist group claims some families have been falsely accused of child abuse and neglect. State and hospital officials responded they have to balance protecting children with respecting family rights.
Mesa skateboarder Eaton’s fame came at a young age
CHANDLER - Fame came at a young age for Mesa skateboarder Jagger Eaton.
A trip through southeastern Arizona is a chance to see the complexities of border life
U.S.-Mexico Border — Over the weekend, Borderlands team digital reporters Miguel Otárola and Molly Bilker, along with photographer Courtney Pedroza, took a reporting trip that brought them through some of the historic landmark towns of southeastern Arizona. The trip began in Bisbee, took a quick jaunt to Douglas and its sister city in Mexico, Agua Prieta, and eventually ended in Nogales.
As Grand Canyon looks to record year, advocates press need for funding
WASHINGTON - Grand Canyon National Park officials say the park should break last year's record of 5.5 million visitors this year, but advocates are worried the park may not be able to handle such large crowds.
Cronkite News: April 4, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News includes a look at the election results verification in Arizona and how meth abuse and illegal trafficking remain a persistent threat across the state.
Cronkite News en Espanol: March 30, 2016
Top bilingual students at the Cronkite School report on the latest news events and key issues for Arizona’s Latino community. This newscast features stories that focus on issues facing the Latino community.
Paralyzed former IndyCar driver returns to PIR with Corvette operated by head movements
AVONDALE - Race fans gathered in the infield between practice runs at Phoenix International Raceway Friday, cheering as a new Corvette took to the track.
Reagan certifies primary results amid Department of Justice investigation
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan certified the results of the presidential preference election Monday, but controversy over the March 22 election is far from over.
Flagstaff-based TGEN solves medical mysteries
FLAGSTAFF – After Flagstaff hospital officials noticed an unusual increase in the number of strep throat patients, they requested assistance from the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Flagstaff.
Phoenix Fire Department: Watch children around water and get the right equipment to help prevent drownings
A child is found floating, face down, in a hotel pool. A mother frantically begs for her child to breathe. He’s pulled out of the pool, and a hotel guest starts CPR as another guest stays on the line with an emergency dispatcher. This time, it’s a drill.
Airline performance was up, but so were passenger complaints in 2015
WASHINGTON - Airline passengers got slightly better service last year - but they weren't happy about it.
Cronkite News: April 5, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News looks at the possible impact of the Wisconsin primary on the presidential election, and how local officials reacted to Donald Trump plan to have Mexico pay for a border wall.
With deep Arizona roots, D-backs reliever Barrett makes history in MLB debut
After Monday’s game, Jake Barrett took home one of the baseballs he threw in his MLB debut and the lineup card from the Arizona Diamondbacks Opening Day loss.
Immigrants disappointed by Trump’s plan to cut off remittances to pay for border wall
Mexican immigrants, who send money to relatives back home, reacted with disappointment over a proposal to cut off their ability to send remittances to Mexico.
Interactive art exhibit part of Phoenix’s efforts to promote innovation
The historic A.E. England building in downtown Phoenix turned into an exhibit that combined technology with art to bring new life to empty windows last weekend.
Dog owners: Watch out for dehydration as temps heat up
GLENDALE-With temperatures increasing, members of the Glendale Fire Department helped spread awareness and tips on how to help avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion in your pets.
Cronkite News: April 6, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on protests and anger at the State Capitol over anti-immigrant legislation.
Washington pans Trump plan to pressure Mexico by blocking remittances
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama appeared to speak for much of official Washington when asked about GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump's plan to freeze remittances in an effort to pressure the Mexican government to put billions toward a border fence.
Advocates hail ruling affirming DREAMers’ right to driver’s licenses
WASHINGTON - Immigration advocates hailed a federal appeals court ruling that reaffirmed other courts' findings that Arizona cannot deny driver's licenses to illegal immigrants who qualify for deferred deportation.
Court: Navajo due a hearing on demand that feds return remains, relics
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Wednesday reinstated a Navajo Nation lawsuit seeking to force the National Park Service to return more than 300 remains and relics that are "among the most sacred" of the tribe's property.
Begay urges Senate panel to back bill giving Native students school choice
WASHINGTON - Arizona state Sen. Carlyle Begay, R-Ganado, told a U.S. Senate committee Wednesday that a bill to give Native American students school choice is the "true essence of self-determination and self-empowerment" that tribes are seeking.
Author of Brookings study claiming Phoenix suffers worst ‘brain drain’ revises numbers
A study analyzing which metropolitan areas retain their university graduates the most has come under fire after the Phoenix metro area landed in the basement of the rankings. Officials with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Arizona Commerce Authority fought back, and the study’s author has revised the numbers.
Maricopa County MASH Unit pairs veteran inmates with abused dogs
Every Wednesday, the veteran inmates housed in Maricopa County’s Towers Jail get a treat. They get down on their knees to stroke, cuddle and hug the dogs – from chihuahua to pitbull mixes – staying in the MASH Unit.
Large-scale film productions skip Arizona for other states
SANTA FE, NM -- The film “Sicario” opens on a static shot of a neighborhood somewhere in the desert. A team of police officers enter the scene from the right side, just after the words “Chandler, Arizona” fade from the screen.
Volunteers sing, dance and make PB&J sandwiches for homeless families
Sixty volunteers. Sixty minutes. And 4,325 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made for charity.
Hispanic entrepreneurs contribute $10 billion a year to Arizona economy
In five years Pilar and Carlos Calderon built a thriving childcare business that grew from serving four kids to maximum capacity.
Legislative reporters suspect targeting after Arizona House adds new background check
Arizona Statehouse reporters, in protest of a new “invasive” background check instituted by House Speaker David Gowan, covered Thursday’s session from the public gallery instead of the House floor.
Arizona schools make up half of priority list for tribal school repairs
WASHINGTON - Half of the 10 schools on the Bureau of Indian Education priority replacement list released this week are in Arizona, while another three are on the New Mexico portion of the Navajo Nation.
Cronkite News: April 7, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News covers how Arizona Speaker of the House David Gowan removed media from the floor of the House when the press refuses to undergo background checks.
Growing Arizona bioscience industry faces challenges
Arizona’s bioscience industry continues to grow, but a small venture capital stream and declining research funding pose challenges, according to a new report by the Flinn Foundation, a Phoenix-based organization that supports research and business activity in the sector.
Phoenix’s growing warehouse district attracts new events venue, The Vintage 45
Eneyas Freitas grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Skillful launches in Phoenix, connects job seekers to employers
Area residents gathered in downtown Phoenix on Thursday for the official launch of Skillful, a skills-based platform matching job seekers’ skills to potential employment.
Do rising airline fees need to be reined in?
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Cronkite News Refresh: April 8, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly refresh show, which highlights the top stories of the week on social media.
Activist coalition threatens Arizona boycott to protest immigrant legislation
A coalition of Latino activists and immigration groups are urging Gov. Doug Ducey to throw out anti-immigrant legislation, threatening to renew a statewide boycott if certain immigration measures become law.
Salt lounges could be the latest trend in allergy relief, relaxation
SCOTTSDALE – Some allergy sufferers are beginning to turn to salt therapy to alleviate their symptoms instead of over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
El Niño’s dry conditions may spur bad Arizona wildfire season
FLAGSTAFF – Fire officials in Flagstaff are preparing for wildfire season as El Niño unexpectedly left Arizona with dry conditions that can spark fire danger.
Officials tell Congress infrastructure needs help to keep water safe, reliable
WASHINGTON - The president of a Phoenix-based water company joined other officials from around the country to tell a Senate panel Thursday that the nation's aging infrastructure needs help if Americans want a reliable, safe source of water.
Detective’s actions earn a new hearing for Arizona death row inmate
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ordered a lower court to consider whether an Arizona death row inmate's trial for the 1990 sex assault and murder of an 8-year-old girl may have been tainted by the actions of a detective.
As national news groups react, House won’t back down over press access
WASHINGTON - As state and national press advocates reacted Friday to what they called "invasive" background checks for media at the Arizona Legislature, House Republicans were refusing to back down on an issue they insist is being blown out of proportion.
Obama administration turns over Operation Fast and Furious documents
WASHINGTON -The White House on Friday turned over documents to a House committee investigating the botched Operation Fast and Furious gun-trafficking probe, months after a federal court said executive privilege did not shield the records.
Free meals of nutritionally sound ‘ugly food’ offered at ASU event to highlight food waste
TEMPE – Discolored, irregularly shaped and unusually sized fruit, vegetables and meat rarely make it to U.S. grocery stores. “Ugly food” is often left in the field to rot or thrown away before it can be sold to consumers.
Report: Obama’s national monument designations bring in $156 million
WASHINGTON - National monuments designated by President Barack Obama are adding $156 million to their local economies a year, according to a study of the 10 most recently named monuments spanning Western states.
Court ordered to review life-without-parole sentence for Navajo teen
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ordered a resentencing Monday for a Navajo man who was sentenced to life without parole for murder and conspiracy to murder in 2002, when he was just 16 years old.
Cronkite News: April 11, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News includes a look at how Arizona officials are trying to address the long voting lines issue from the March 22 presidential preference election.
Arizona Coyotes hunting for new GM after parting ways with Maloney
GLENDALE – For the first time in 10 years, the Arizona Coyotes are in the market for a new general manager.
Arizonans urge lawmakers and governor to reinstate KidsCare
KidsCare, Arizona’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, has been frozen since January 1, 2010. Monday, supporters gathered at the Capitol to rally together and urge lawmakers and Gov. Doug Ducey to lift the freeze.
Arizona’s illegal animal trade includes mountain lions, bobcats – and even alligators
Illegal wildlife trading is a multibillion-dollar industry that stretches across the globe, including Arizona, where wildlife officials say they continue to seize illicit animals.
From fad to flames: The rise and fall of the hoverboard industry
After colleges began regulating them, public entities banned them and retailers pulled them from shelves, one of 2015’s biggest fads has faded.
Country Thunder brings music, fun and health problems
FLORENCE - While thousands of Country Thunder fans were enjoying the music at the weekend outdoor festival, dust stirred by strong winds raised health concerns.
Arizona’s increase in exports help draw global business leaders
America’s Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship has come to Arizona this week with 45 representatives from 24 countries.
Will the proposed downtown Phoenix Fry’s get a tax break from the city?
Fry’s Food Store grocery store last week announced plans to build downtown Phoenix’s first full-service grocery store.
Voters express frustration at meetings on Presidential Preference Election
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan sat and listened while Arizona voters took the microphone to explain to her their personal experiences and frustrations during the March 22, Presidential Preference Election.
Swarm of earthquakes rock Arizona
Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a swarm of earthquakes in the state of Arizona.
Cronkite News: April 12, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the end of the Arizona House's floor ban of reporters refusing to submit to background checks.
Suns D-League team rises in Prescott Valley
PRESCOTT VALLEY - Prescott Valley officials were beaming following Tuesday’s announcement that the NBA Development League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns was moving to the small community 90 miles north of the parent club’s Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix Indian School property will get more renovations to honor its history
For the past 26 years, the old band building of the Phoenix Indian School stood vacant, a reminder of its legacy as a federal boarding school for Native American children and teens. But later this year, it will be renovated and resurrected as a cultural center to hallmark its history.
Nootropics pop up on college campuses, but do these ‘smart drugs’ actually work?
TEMPE – It's no secret college students have used “smart drugs” to enhance their performance in school. They often turn to medication such as Adderall and Vyvanse, prescription stimulants used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder.
Phoenix chosen as ‘priority city’ in Michelle Obama’s new Let’s Move! Outside program
The U.S. Department of Interior has chosen Phoenix as one of its first 50 “priority cities” for first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside initiative.
Eco-friendly green burials become more popular in Arizona, the U.S.
An alternative, environmentally-focused way of interment is picking up popularity across the United States.
Are you concerned about the Zika virus?
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South Mountain Park no longer has gold mines but is treasured by hikers, bikers and hang gliders
South Mountain Park and Preserve glistens like a desert gem nestled in Phoenix.
Gov. Doug Ducey, fire officials: Prepare for an unpredictable wildfire season
Fire officials from across the state joined Gov. Doug Ducey on the Arizona Capitol lawn Wednesday morning to warn Arizonans that the 2016 wildfire season could be one of the state's worst in years.
Cronkite News: April 13, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on how firefighters are preparing for the upcoming wildfire season.
Western officials attack EPA clean-water rule in House hearing
WASHINGTON - Officials from Western states Wednesday blasted what they called "overreaching" and "job-killing" clean-water regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency but currently on hold as the result of a court challenge.
$274 million economic impact of January’s college champ game is highest yet in Arizona
The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game generated far more money for the Arizona economy than any of Arizona’s previous college football championship games, according to a study by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
Report: Arizona taxes, regulations rank it high for economic outlook
WASHINGTON - Lower taxes, fewer regulations and right-to-work laws helped push Arizona toward the top of a report this week ranking states on their economic outlook.
Senate panel subpoenas EPA chief to appear at Phoenix hearing
WASHINGTON - A Senate committee issued a subpoena Wednesday demanding that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy or an assistant administrator appear at an April 22 hearing in Phoenix on the Gold King Mine spill.
Diné College official asks Congress – again – for construction funds
WASHINGTON - A Diné College official asked a Senate committee Wednesday to fund "vitally needed" construction at the school - money that Congress has approved three times already since 1971 but has never allocated.
Honey bees: ASU researchers’ study may help improve lifespan
Honey bees play an imperative role in the feeding the country as they pollinate about a third of all food consumed in United States, according to the American Beekeeping Federation.
More medical marijuana dispensaries may soon crop up in Arizona
Arizona could see an increase in medical marijuana dispensaries after the Arizona Department of Health Services opens up applications this summer. It’s the first time the department will allow new dispensaries since it issued the first licenses in 2012.
Maricopa County puts responsibility for Chase Field upgrades on Diamondbacks
Maricopa County said the Diamondbacks “have almost total responsibility for the maintenance, operation, and repair of Chase Field,” and the agreements between the team and the county "do not establish any contractual requirement to provide the Team a 'state-of-the-art' stadium," according to two letters provided to Cronkite News by the county.
Funding for virtual reality training gains momentum in Arizona
With controversial police shootings on the rise, many view now as the ideal time to fund virtual reality training for all police officers in Arizona. The projected price is $6 million, and a decision for funding will come in the next weeks.
Cronkite News: April 14, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News looks at how a Valley company is working to close the digital divide for students, and an update on the Chase Field dispute between the Diamondbacks and Maricopa County.
FDA allows folic acid in corn masa flour, could cut Latino birth defects
WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration announced that manufacturers can start adding folic acid to corn masa flour beginning Friday, a move long pursued by advocates who say it will curb birth defects in the Hispanic community.
Arizona official tells House that ozone rules penalize rural areas
WASHINGTON - The director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality told lawmakers Thursday that new air-quality standards will burden rural communities, like many in Arizona, by holding "rural counties accountable for pollution they did not create."
White House honors young inventors motivated by ‘hotshot’ firefighter deaths
WASHINGTON - Ohio native Savannah Cofer was shocked by the smoke from all the wildfires that were burning in Arizona while she was on a family trip to the Grand Canyon in 2013.
16-year-old develops free app to help students pass Arizona civics test
A 16-year-old has developed a free app to help students pass the Arizona civics test, which soon will be required for students to graduate.
Arizona families get help to bridge the digital divide
Efforts are being made to end the digital divide among students. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro joined with Cox Communications President Pat Esser to announce a program to provide cheaper internet access to low-income families.
Local program needs volunteers to give a voice to foster care children
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program pairs volunteers with foster children to help break the cycle of child abuse. As the Child Abuse Hotline received over 135,000 calls last year alone, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Arizona cities work to stay ahead of emerging technology
Every month seemingly brings a slick new gadget to consumers’ hands, but those technological advancements aren’t always felt in the public sector, where some local governments have only just begun to push through upgrades to sometimes decades-old systems.
Friday fact check: April 15, 2016
It's been a busy week in the newsroom, and Cronkite News wants to know what you know about the week in news, sports, and politics. Take our news quiz and let us know how well you did by tweeting your results @cronkitenews.
Three reasons downtown Phoenix could (maybe) survive without the Diamondbacks
Call it the Arizona Diamondbacks effect. Eighteen years ago the major league baseball team moves into new stadium digs, known as cutting edge for its retractable roof and acknowledged as an economic magnet for the businesses built on blocks surrounding the facility in downtown Phoenix.
Cronkite News Refresh: April 15, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly refresh show, which highlights the top stories of the week on social media.
Game with Phoenix College brought Jackie Robinson face-to-face with racism at a young age
When Lance Meilech took the opportunity to remodel a former downtown boarding house on Washington Street in 2008, he saw past the disarray of the rundown structure. Instead, he saw an opportunity to resurrect an important piece of history.
Man of the House? Not necessarily, for Arizona delegation
WASHINGTON - In a perfect world, the workforce would be a gender-blind place - a place, maybe, that looks like Rep. Raul Grijalva's office, where women occupy three of the four top-paid jobs.
Democrats, voters sue Maricopa County, state officials in voting debacle
WASHINGTON - Democratic groups and voters made good Friday on their threat to sue state and Maricopa County officials for alleged civil rights violations in the March 22 presidential preference election that saw hours-long waits, among other problems at the polls.
Fate of 137,000 Arizonans in balance, as high court takes up DACA case
WASHINGTON - When the Supreme Court on Monday hears a Texas challenge to the Obama administration's deferred deportation programs, the fates of 137,000 people in Arizona - and millions in the U.S. - will be riding on the outcome.
Thousands of Arizonans lose food stamps
Elizabeth Bagby-Emmons’ 8-year-old daughter was coming home after being placed in foster care for two years. But, as she prepared for her child’s return, she was unable to put food on the table. Bagby-Emmons had lost her food stamps, and with that, the ability to feed her child.
Undocumented immigrants rally at State Capitol as Supreme Court reviews DACA/DAPA
Ivonne Salazar and Graciela Pacheco started praying Sunday, hours before Supreme Court justices began arguments over a controversial immigration plan that could push them and millions more out of the shadows. Or separate them from their families.
Cronkite News: April 18, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on protests and reaction to immigration law as the U.S. Supreme Court gets ready to rule on DAPA/DACA.
Thousands rally as Supreme Court hears challenge to DACA/DAPA
WASHINGTON - Arizonans were among the thousands who rallied outside the Supreme Court Monday as justices considered a challenge by 26 states, including Arizona, to the Obama administration's deferred deportation policies.
Phoenix barber combines hair cuts and blood pressure monitors to promote heart health
As barber Anthony Gathers gives a loyal customer of 20 years a haircut, another customer gets out of his chair and starts to strap on a blood-pressure monitor while chatting with Gathers. After a minute or two the customer slides off the cuff and checks his levels.
New NCAA rules change way college basketball players think about chasing NBA dream
College basketball players who declare for the NBA draft can still play for the university under new rule changes that reduce the dilemma for talented players, a move applauded by two Phoenix Suns players.
‘Take a Hike, Get it Right’ campaign kicks off on Valley trails
Hiking is a preferred activity for people around the valley, however climbing the trails does come with some risk.
Cochise spending thousands to keep endangered wolf out of region
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA — Inside a large chain-link cage at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a Mexican gray wolf gently moves from behind a tree and into the open air. It stands in the midday sun, dark-lined eyes looking intently beyond the fence, before settling under the tree for shade.
Stanton: New Suns venue downtown should also house Coyotes
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton on Tuesday announced his commitment not only to keep the Phoenix Suns in downtown, but to bring the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes to the city – without raising any new taxes.
Arpaio receives backlash after Jane Sanders’ Tent City visit
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio responds to criticism after inviting Jane Sanders, wife to Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders, into the infamous Tent City last month.
McCain to skip GOP convention to focus on election, campaign says
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, will not attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this July but will be "working and campaigning throughout Arizona," a campaign official confirmed Tuesday.
Cronkite News: April 19, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Mayor Greg Stanton's "State of the City" address, which included talk about a new downtown arena for the Phoenix Suns, Mercury and Coyotes.
IRS referrals for tax-fraud prosecutions still falling in state, nation
WASHINGTON - The number of taxpayers the IRS referred for criminal prosecutions fell last year to the lowest levels of the Obama administration, and the agency said it expects numbers will continue to drop in coming years.
Tempe company launches app to connect consumers with ‘need-it now’ products
The creator of a Tempe-based company believes he has unlocked the secret to helping local businesses get customers through the door.
ASU students get free college tuition after winning national ‘Heroes of the Dorm’ e-sports tournament
Confetti fell and the crowd cheered as a champion was crowned at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.
Suns players are all-in on Earl Watson
Just six days after the Suns ended their season with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the team decided they had seen enough of interim coach Earl Watson.
ASU students, chefs create bilingual cookbook for families coping with food insecurity
Local Arizona State University students, chefs, and dietitians are collaborating to help more families coping with food insecurity find and use local produce in healthy recipes.
Food too ugly to eat gets a makeover that feeds 500
TEMPE - An Arizona State University department is giving ugly food a makeover, trying to change the way consumers shop for produce.
Heroin overdose deaths are up across the state – but especially in Pima County
TUCSON — Nearly 100 addicts died of heroin overdoses in Pima County last year, making heroin the number one cause of death by a single drug.
Deported Veterans find help at shelter in Mexico
TIJUANA, MEXICO — Serving in the U.S. military is no guarantee of citizenship. Hector Barajas found out the hard way.
Arizona sees first ‘Ozone High Pollution Advisory’ with more to come
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an "Ozone High Pollution Advisory" for Maricopa County today, the first of what could be many to come this year.
Cronkite News: April 20, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the rising number of heroin overdose deaths in Pima County.
Arizona utility executive calls for more transparency in rate-setting
WASHINGTON - Arizona Electric Power Cooperative CEO Patrick Ledger told a House panel Wednesday that federal power administrations are keeping local utilities in the dark when it comes to what's in their bill.
Supreme Court upholds redrawing of Arizona’s legislative districts
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court unanimously affirmed the boundaries of Arizona's legislative districts Wednesday, saying the commission that drew the districts had legitimate reasons for putting more voters in some districts than in others.
Mix of skepticism and excitement in Tucson over potential move of Coyotes’ minor-league team to city
Hockey in the desert may be continuing to grow.
A Department of Corrections investigation found employees lied and falsified records
Department of Corrections employees lied about conducting security rounds and falsified records involving the suicides of two Arizona inmates - one of whom died during a nearly three-hour time period when prison video shows no regular or required checks were done at all, according to a Cronkite News review of DOC documents.
Cronkite News: April 21, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on an Arizona voter suppression opposition rally in Washington, D.C.
Rally calls state, Maricopa ‘ground zero’ for voter suppression issues
WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats and voting-rights activists Thursday described Arizona as "ground zero" for voter suppression, what they said was one of the results of the Supreme Court's 2013 "gutting" of the Voting Rights Act.
Tempe students meet with police to dispel growing stereotypes
TEMPE - With recent national events sparking distrust for police officers, Dr. Kenneth Baca, Superintendent of Tempe Union High School District, invited police officers to Tempe high schools as a “preventative measure.”
Microchip technology reunites Toto the cat with owner a year after disappearance
Victoria Tenorio lost Toto, her beloved cat of five years, for an entire year.
Cronkite News Refresh: April 22, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly refresh show, which highlights the top stories of the week on social media.
Cronkite News en Español, April 22, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News en Español covers housing fraud, border issues, and cultural identity.
Audit: 19 tribal schools in Arizona went uninspected for four years
WASHINGTON - At least 19 tribal schools in Arizona went four years or more without the inspections that are supposed to be performed every year by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, according to a recent Government Accountability Office audit.
Arizona business leaders work to strengthen ties with Mexico
SCOTTSDALE - Arizona and Mexico are moving forward and forging closer ties, despite heated presidential campaign rhetoric, according to some leading business and Republican leaders in the state.
McCain calls for a criminal probe of EPA for Gold King Mine spill on Navajo land
Arizona Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., are accusing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of neglect for the agency’s response to Navajo communities after a Colorado mine spill polluted the San Juan River last August.
Arizona may determine new minimum wage in November
SCOTTSDALE – In addition to the presidential election, Arizona may have another important decision to make on the ballot come November. This one might set a new minimum wage for the state.
Cronkite News: April 25, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on the Cruz-Kasich campaign and the dangers of crossing the border.
TGen researchers turn to canines to better understand Valley fever
Some dogs cough. Others lose their appetite. And some dogs don’t show any symptoms at all.
Is there any truth to ‘crazy cat lady’ nickname? Study says maybe…
Cats have always been that furry friend that provide a form of stress relief and companionship. But a new study links them to the exact opposite.
Border Patrol ramps up safety initiatives in Arizona
A Black Hawk helicopter buzzed through the sky over the Sonoran landscape and hovered over a spot where Border Patrol agents rappelled down to rescue an injured migrant. It was all part of a demonstration to show the rugged conditions and effort to save lives.
‘Toughest sport on dirt’ raises questions about animal cruelty
CAVE CREEK - A calf breaks from the chute, and is dragged down in a cowboy’s lariat.
Charrería, Mexico’s oldest sport, is young and alive in the United States
Mexico’s oldest sport is young and alive in the United States.
Rodeo’s tradition rides on, growing in Arizona and the West
For more than a 130 years, rodeo has been an integral part of Arizona’s identity. It is ingrained in the state’s history, its development and its culture.
Payson, Prescott hold different ‘world’s oldest rodeo’ distinctions
PAYSON – The day of the annual rodeo here. Bill Armstrong walks in front of the chutes that will hold the animals. They are empty. So are the stands. Armstrong isn’t worried; he knows they will fill up. They always fill up.
Coolidge junior college a breeding ground for rodeo success
COOLIDGE - Perhaps Steven Gaona, one half of the nation’s best college team roping pair, said it best. “This is rodeo country.”
Cronkite News: April 26, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on Arizona's state budget and tribal leaders calling on President Obama to take action after a bill to protect land surrounding the Grand Canyon stalled in Congress.
Tribes, Grijalva ask Obama to protect 1.7 million acres at Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders joined Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, on Tuesday urging President Barack Obama to designate 1.7 million acres around the Grand Canyon as a national monument, bypassing Congress in the process.
Larry Holmes, Herschel Walker join McCain to raise concussion awareness
WASHINGTON - Mixed martial arts fighter Phil Davis has a theory about fighting that he said neatly sums up the problem of concussions in professional sports.
Son accused of bullying at West Valley high school leads to court, parent says
GOODYEAR – While the rest of his class will be walking across the stage in May, 18-year-old Kyle Company will be fighting a legal battle after an incident considered bullying suspended him for the rest of the school year at Estrella Foothills High School.
Hats off to these Arizona women decorating big hats for Kentucky Derby
TEMPE – Women oohed and aahed as Betty Molina folded and glued the pink, sparkly sheer ribbon around a floppy straw hat.
How jazz music is bridging cultures in Baja California
TIJUANA — Jacinto “Chinto” Mendoza’s first instrument was the violin. He was just 5 years old. A couple of years later, he adopted his signature instrument, the alto saxophone.
Gila Monster genome project uses crowdfunding to learn the reptile’s secrets
The Gila monster is a unique reptile that is native to Arizona, and now two ASU professors are attempting to learn more about it.
Arizona Democratic delegation to national convention shaping up
With the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia exactly three months away, Arizona’s Democratic delegation is finally starting to take shape.
Four things legal drinkers need to know about using vertical IDs to buy alcohol in Arizona
Vertical driver’s licenses are now accepted as valid identification in Arizona for out-of-state residents 21 years old and older who want to buy alcohol, ending a nearly 21-month ban and bringing relief to customers and business owners.
Arizona Republican Party to elect delegates for the National Convention
This year’s presidential candidates are eager to earn the votes of the American people. But in order to secure a spot in the general election, they must have support from majority of delegates at the National Convention.
Skinner, James among athletes with Arizona ties taking aim at Rio
MyKayla Skinner’s siblings got her started in gymnastics.
ASU, Arizona change Michael Phelps as he nears final bow at Rio Olympics
Lost among 20 other swimmers gliding through the water, the most decorated Olympian of all-time swims laps at the Skyline Aquatic Center in Mesa. The only way to identify Michael Phelps with his face down in the water is a gold swim cap.
Ali’s spirit makes impact in Arizona
Muhammad Ali has fought much more than just other boxers in his lifetime. He stood up against racism, fought religious intolerance and defied the U.S. military.
Olympic medalist prepares elite track athletes at Phoenix-based Altis
When a marketing team proposed the name “Altis” to John Godina for the sports-training business he founded, it had a familiar ring to him.
Elite runners flocking to Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF - Vince Sherry, a former collegiate cross-country runner at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, visited Flagstaff for the first time in 2006. He liked it so much he moved there with his wife two weeks later.
Flagstaff’s Verfuerth charging toward third Paralympic Games appearance
[su_pullquote]
Read more:
ASU, Arizona change Michael Phelps as he nears final bow at Rio Olympics Elite runners flocking to Flagstaff Ali’s spirit makes impact in Arizona Olympic medalist prepares elite track athletes at Phoenix-based Altis Arizona athletes take aim at 2016 Olympic Games Arizona becoming a popular place to train for Olympic hopefuls Track legend Jesse Owens left lasting legacy on Valley [/su_pullquote] Flagstaff resident Kaitlyn Verfuerth is active in the local community as a town disabilities commissioner and as the girls' tennis coach at Flagstaff High. But come May, Verfuerth will tackle a new challenge, as qualifying for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro heats up. (Video by Kerry Crowley/Cronkite News)
Track legend Jesse Owens left lasting legacy on Valley
[su_pullquote]
Read more:
ASU, Arizona change Michael Phelps as he nears final bow at Rio Olympics Elite runners flocking to Flagstaff Ali’s spirit makes impact in Arizona Olympic medalist prepares elite track athletes at Phoenix-based Altis Arizona athletes take aim at 2016 Olympic Games Arizona becoming a popular place to train for Olympic hopefuls Flagstaff’s Verfuerth charging toward third Paralympic Games appearance [/su_pullquote] Many know Jesse Owens for his ability to rise above, to demolish stereotypes and destroy barriers on his way to achieving one of the greatest feats of any African American in the 1900’s. However, what many don’t know is how much of an impact Owens had on the Valley, where he left a legacy behind that many still revel in today. (Video by Kristina Vicario/Cronkite News)
Arizona becoming a popular place to train for Olympic hopefuls
The state of Arizona is no stranger to Olympians. A string of athletes from the state has pursued the Olympic dream and made it a reality. But they have done so outside of Arizona.
Cronkite News: April 27, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News focuses on state budget cuts and takes an in-depth look at a controversial homeopathic treatment.
Federal court agrees to rehear challenge to Tucson election system
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Wednesday restored Tucson's voting system - for now - so it can reconsider a challenge by a group of voters who claim the city's unusual hybrid election system violates the one-person, one-vote principle.
Legislators: State budget proposal slices education funds
A proposed state budget would cut $21 million from Arizona education that is already reeling financially, a Democratic legislator said Wednesday.
Mexican shoppers surge across the border for lower prices in US
NOGALES, MEXICO — The pedestrian crossing line into the United States winds out of the port of entry building and into the city on an early weekday afternoon. As those waiting mingle in line, others return to Mexico coming the other way, arms heavy with shopping bags.
Arizona State University partners with PayPal and education nonprofit to help students lower college debt
Arizona State University has teamed up with PayPal and a nonprofit, Education at Work, to help students gain real-world experience and lower financial debt.
Border residents cope with discovery of drug smuggling tunnel in their neighborhood
TIJUANA -- Tijuana resident Jaime Romero was with his son in Yuma when he received a call from his home security system alerting him that someone was invading his home.
Health care organizations respond to stressful wait times
When you arrive to the doctor’s office, chances are that you’re about to wait. And wait. And wait some more.
New Hickman’s chicken farm causing controversy in Tonopah
TONOPAH — Sonia Lopez has lived in the quiet town of Tonopah for over 20 years. She bought a humble home on Indian School Road in 2004 so she could have a stable, safe place to raise her six children.
8-year-old Valley girl launches ‘Buddy Bench’ to make sure every kid has friend
Can you remember what you were doing at age 7? I was running around, playing with friends. The only thing I worried about was what was the snack that day.
Valley group offers support to Alzheimer’s caregivers
Debbie Cyment has been an Alzheimer’s disease caregiver for about two and a half years.
South Phoenix housing project to undergo $44 million renovation
Once in danger of demolition, a housing project in south Phoenix is getting a new lease on life with a $44 million renovation.
Cronkite News: April 28, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News looks at the increasing number of HOV lane violations on Valley freeways.
Border residents tell Congress something must be done, disagree on what
WASHINGTON - Southern Arizona residents Nan Stockholm Walden and Sue Chilton didn't agree on much in their testimony to a House subcommittee Thursday, but they did agree on one thing - something needs to be done to better protect border communities.
Grijalva, Gallego join call for more minority inclusion in public lands
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democratic Reps. Raul Grijalva and Ruben Gallego joined other lawmakers and civil rights groups Thursday urging President Barack Obama to implement more inclusive policies on the nation's public lands.
Goodyear Fire Department is fighting more than just fires
GOODYEAR – Thirty-five-year-old Gilbert Aguirre has been a firefighter for 16 years, so he knew the risks with his career choice.
Children living in lower-income areas are more susceptible to asthma
Children in the state’s lower-income urban communities suffer more serious bouts of asthma caused by dirty air and other pollutants - despite decades of state and local monitoring and repeated concerns that air in their neighborhoods is dangerous to their health.
Suns, Coyotes, Diamondbacks wandering in the desert, pondering new homes
Arizona’s professional sports teams have wandering eyes.
TGen researchers looks to canines to advance treatment of cancer
SCOTTSDALE – Keith and Marna McLendon thought their 9-year-old Scottish terrier, Molly, had a mere bladder infection.
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum remains relevant without pro team
Once known as “The Madhouse on McDowell” when it shook during Phoenix Suns games, Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum leads a quieter existence these days without a professional sports franchise.
Cronkite News Refresh: April 29, 2016
This edition of Cronkite News is our weekly wrap-up show that features top stories shared on social media.
Team owners starting to demand new stadiums sooner
In its short, 20-year life, Atlanta’s Turner Field played host to one of the highest attended playoff games of all time when more than 54,000 fans crowded in to watch the Atlanta Braves play the Chicago Cubs in 2003.
In limited market, Phoenix teams turn to Native American communities to sponsor arenas
Four major professional sports teams. Four professional sports venues. Nine different names.
Peanuts, Cracker Jacks and poutine: the new era of stadium food
With more and more sports teams introducing outrageous and unique food items, it begs the question of what kind of fan bases these teams are trying to attract.
The D-Backs, Maricopa County and their $187-million ballpark dispute
City of Phoenix officials and a local sports law expert add perspective to the Chase Field dispute between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Maricopa County.
ASU professor tests preventive cancer vaccine
For more than 10 years, professor Stephen Johnston and a team of researchers at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute have been developing a cancer vaccine aimed at preventing all types of cancer.
WNBA jersey ads bolster revenue for Phoenix Mercury but lead to controversy in NBA
The four major professional sports leagues have shied away from placing sponsored advertisers on players’ jerseys but the Women’s National Basketball Association has capitalized on the practice since 2011. And the NBA will soon follow the WNBA’s example.
Vintage culture expanding in the Valley
Anyone who has driven through downtown Phoenix recently has seen the construction on every corner and dozens of new restaurants and coffee shops. Contrastingly, if they drive four miles north of downtown along 7th Avenue, they’ll encounter a neighborhood with rich history and 20-year-old small businesses.
Free art classes for veterans ease pain
PHOENIX – The Arizona Art Alliance offers free art classes to provide a creative escape and supportive environment for war veterans.
Maricopa County’s chain gang helps put the indigent to their final rest
PHOENIX – A small white plastic box is lowered into one of the seven graves made the day before. Fifteen prisoners look down into the hole much too large for the tiny infant box it contains.
Coffee shops bring growth and community to downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX - Late on a Sunday morning, Lola Coffee Bar can expect an eclectic group of people, from college students gathering to gossip, to businessmen meeting to discuss the week ahead, to dedicated readers with books open on their laps. The dining area is small, with several community-style tables that brings all of these different people together.
Yuma farmers grow more with less water during drought
YUMA - As Arizona copes with a 15-year drought, farmers in Yuma are learning to do more with less and leading the way in water conservation.
Community gardens cultivate life outside jail cells
PHOENIX – TigerMountain Foundation is trying to lower the recidivism rate in south Phoenix by cultivating community gardens.
New book tells tragic tale of Granite Mountain Hotshots who died in Arizona wildfire
PHOENIX – On June 30, 2013, members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots worked to protect the small town of Yarnell, Ariz. from an approaching wildfire. Only one of the crew’s 20 firefighters survived. The tragedy of the Yarnell Hill Fire captivated grieving audiences and Fernanda Santos, Phoenix bureau chief for The New York Times. In her book, The Fire Line, Santos tells the story of how 19 men lived and died.
Teacher of the year uses White House visit to urge school support
WASHINGTON - Arizona Teacher of the Year Christine Marsh said education in the state is "under attack," echoing President Barack Obama's call Tuesday for more funding for education during a White House ceremony to honor teachers.
Downtown growth leads to apartment construction boom
PHOENIX - Several new apartments are being built in and around Downtown Phoenix. Many of these apartments include amenities built exclusively for students and most of them are located within walking distance of the downtown Arizona State University campus.
Immigrants in Arizona use hometown associations to help back home
MESA — Thousands of immigrants in the U.S. who maintain strong ties with Mexico are working together and pooling resources to improve life back in Mexico through hometown associations.
Study shows disparities in how Arizona judges granted asylum
WASHINGTON - Arizona's 11 immigration judges varied widely in their handling of asylum cases between 2009 and 2014, with denial rates ranging from 21.3 percent for one judge to 96 percent for another, according to Justice Department data.
Downtown Phoenix development highlights need for walkable streets
PHOENIX - Downtown Phoenix streets, once scattered with vacant lots and modest housing, are now abuzz with the ceaseless sounds of cranes, backhoes and tractors.
Tracing Baja California’s evolution, one bottle of wine at a time
VALLE DE GUADALUPE — The turnaround point in Valle de Guadalupe’s advertised “Ruta del Vino,” or “Wine Route,” lies about 25 minutes east of the coastal highway that leads north to Tijuana.
Arizona HOV lane violations rising
TEMPE – The number of high occupancy vehicle lane citations Arizona Department of Public Safety officers issued last year increased by about 50 percent compared to four years prior.
Return of men’s tennis brings ASU a step closer to goal of becoming Olympic mecca
TEMPE – From the day he arrived at Arizona State in 2014, Ray Anderson has worked to make the university a destination for Olympic hopefuls.
Valley social media influencers growing: ‘big fish in a small pond’
The best way to become a social influencer? Don’t try to be one.
Short on Z’s in AZ: A third of Arizonans don’t get enough sleep
WASHINGTON - One word keeps coming up as Amber Stites describes her night - late.
Trump rally in Fountain Hills sparks First Amendment discussion
FOUNTAIN HILLS – When protesters blocked the roads leading into a Donald Trump in Arizona in March, the results were predictable. The instigators were arrested, cars were towed and traffic flowed normally.
Arizona felons have steep path to restore voting rights
PHOENIX - Michele Keller has been out of prison for nearly a decade.
‘It’s hard to be a Gypsy in my town’
NORTHEASTERN HUNGARY — Maybe it’s because of the deep crow’s feet etched into his russet skin, but Milán “Igor” Hudák’s eyes look a little defiant as he scans the small Hungarian villages through a car window one early evening in March.
Punjab to Peoria: Arizona had most Indian deportation cases in 2015
WASHINGTON - They come across the Arizona border in search of a better life, hundreds of them every year, leaving behind a native country where they no longer feel safe. India.
Cronkite News Education Special: May 9, 2016
Watch our top stories on education in Arizona, the problems schools face and how teachers are rising to the challenge. Stories include school choice, cursive in the curriculum and First Lady Michelle Obama's praise of Flagstaff High School. (Arizona PBS air date: May 9, 2016)
What price a miracle? Limited access to hepatitis-C drug sparks debate
WASHINGTON - Jose Robles is the picture of health. And because of that, he has to remain sick, even though new drugs would likely cure him of the disease he's had since birth.
Ballot harvesting law could impact Latinos and seniors in general election
Arizona’s new law that criminalizes the collection of voters’ early ballots by volunteers could impact the ability of the elderly and Latinos to cast their votes, according to local voter outreach groups.
Hungary built fence to slow the flow of refugees through the country
SZEGED, Hungary - It runs nearly 109 miles and stands 13 feet tall. Its sharp edges touch three countries.
Cronkite News Technology and Future Special: May 10, 2016
Cronkite News journalists report on the technology, companies and initiatives that are driving the future of Arizona. (Arizona PBS air date: May 10, 2016)
Environmental prosecutions have fallen under Obama administration
WASHINGTON - Environmental prosecutions have fallen sharply under the Obama administration, a change the Environmental Protection Agency attributes to shift to focus on bigger, high-impact investigations.
State agency spent millions on failed biospecimen program it hopes to revive
Everything changed for Brent Gendleman in 2003.
Arizona’s online voting system makes it easy for military personnel to cast their vote
It was just a few short days before Halloween in October 2012. Petty Officer Second Class Scott Bourque was stationed in Japan and had just received his mail-in absentee ballot for the presidential election. He knew it would be nearly impossible to fill out his ballot and mail it back in time for it to be counted by Arizona Election Officials on Nov. 6.
Cronkite News Sustainability Special: May 11, 2016
Cronkite News reports on issues relating to sustainability and the environment. Watch how elementary students are using McDonald's coffee grounds to support a community garden, how organizers of the Waste Management Phoenix Open save water and how to succeed in competitive tree climbing.
Advocates’ hopes high for domestic violence hotline for Native women
WASHINGTON - Rape and domestic violence against Native women have reached "epidemic proportions," but the hotlines that could help are often unprepared for the unique cultural needs of tribal women who may live in rural areas with little support and a bewildering legal system.
How Maricopa County will prepare for upcoming elections
School teacher Luz Magallanes regularly votes in-person so she can share her experience with her students.
Some fliers curse airline fees, but balk at possible congressional cure
WASHINGTON - Larry Ward thinks the fees that airlines charge are "absurd," but the Fountain Hills resident is no more enthusiastic about any possible solution to the problem that involves Congress.
Cronkite News Investigations Special: May 12, 2016
Watch the Cronkite News Investigative Team reporting on overdoses of prescription drugs, sex trafficking in Arizona, how the state handles refugees, a threat to the livestock industry and a controversial herbal supplement.
Global warming, pesticides lead to decline in monarch butterfly population
SCOTTSDALE – A large orange and black butterfly glides through a flurry of multicolored wings to land on a bright pink flower. Soft music and a light mist fill the warm air in Butterfly Wonderland.
Debate over Prop 123 rages on as election on education funding approaches
PHOENIX – A special election in which Arizona voters will decide whether to approve $3.5 billion to fund education over the next 10 years has drawn scrutiny over the plan to take money out of the state land trust.
Law and disorders: Cops, advocates try to defuse dealings with disabled
WASHINGTON - If anyone has reason to be distrusting of the police, it's Phoenix resident Mary Brncik.
Cronkite News Borderlands Special: May 13, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on immigration and borderlands issues from across Arizona, including how biometric data is helping to track people coming in and out of the country, how a soccer club is bringing refugees together and how Latino issues are affecting this year's election.
Cronkite News Consumer Special: May 16, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on consumer issues from across Arizona, including concussions in youth ice hockey, flu activity and the right to try potentially life-saving treatments.
Report: Child care costs rival in-state college tuition in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Infant child care in Arizona costs an average of $9,437 a year, rivaling in-state college tuition and putting care out of reach for many families, according to a recent Economic Policy Institute report.
Democrats select final convention delegates, look to Philadelphia
PHOENIX - Arizona Democrats gathered Saturday to choose the final delegates for the Democratic National Convention, in what one party official said was the largest turnout of would-be delegates she could remember.
Elderly Arizonans face familiar voting barriers
PHOENIX - Loretta O’Malley has been voting since she was 21-years-old. Even in Okinawa, Japan in the 1950s, she cast her ballot while serving in the U.S. military.
Arizona battles gender pay gap through local efforts
The U.S. women’s national soccer team has won three of the seven FIFA world cups. It has taken home the Olympic gold all but once since 1996. It is the No. 1 team in the world, according to FIFA.
Teaching young people the importance of voting in elections
At 12:08 p.m., two minutes before the start of the second lunch period at Ironwood High School in Glendale, Teresa Martinez sprang into action.
What are the most popular dog breeds in Maricopa County?
PHOENIX – While you may see more dachshunds in Sun City and more Siberian huskies in Apache Junction, some breeds dominate in all parts of the Maricopa County.
Cronkite News Consumer Special: May 17, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on consumer issues from across Arizona, including gas prices, mushroom farming and produce from Mexico.
Arizona polling locations: A photo map
PHOENIX - Cronkite News reporters traveled to polling locations across the state and talked to voters casting ballots in the special election.
Live coverage: Arizonans vote on Prop 123 and Prop 124
Voters in Arizona decide on two propositions today. Proposition 123 would approve funds from the State Land Trust for public schools over the next decade. Proposition 124 would reform the pension fund for firefighters and police officers. Following long lines at the Presidential Preference Election in March, Cronkite News is out at polling places today with the latest election coverage.
Tempe council members create program to bolster equal pay efforts for women
TEMPE – Tempe council members are trying to shrink the pay gap between men and women by encouraging business owners to tout their equal pay practices.
Several Arizona voting stations see short lines for special election
MARICOPA - Voters moved quickly through the polls today as lines were almost non-existent at several election stations across Arizona.
State faces typical wildfire season; West Coast could have harsh year
WASHINGTON - Arizona is expected to have a normal wildfire season this summer after several years in which the state saw relatively little fire activity, state and federal officials said Tuesday.
Arizona officials call for tightened limits on Lake Mead water use
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials said Tuesday it is time to end the "gentleman's agreement" currently governing states' use of water from Lake Mead and instead put tougher restrictions into law.
Election officials still counting Prop 123 votes, approval holding small lead
Updated at 12:05 p.m. May 18, 2016. After months of frustration, hope, and Twitter mentions, voters’ decision on Proposition 123, a measure that could give schools $3.5 billion over the next decade, is still too close to call on Wednesday.
Elderly refugees struggle to build new life in Arizona
PHOENIX – Building a new life can be difficult enough for a young refugee. It’s even harder for an elderly person to learn a new language and culture while coping with displacement and loss.
Cronkite News Legal Special: May 18, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on legal issues from across Arizona, including internet scams targeting senior citizens, virtual reality training for police officers and burro overpopulation.
In Schweikert’s Capitol Hill office, it’s a dog-meet-dog world
WASHINGTON - President Harry Truman reportedly said that, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." So Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, and his staff have at least two friends on most days in Washington.
Phoenix teacher joins White House call for action on court nominee
WASHINGTON - West Phoenix middle school teacher Marisol Garcia said Wednesday that Arizona has come a long way since the Brown v. Board of Education decision struck down segregated schools more than 60 years ago, but it still has a ways to go.
Arizona official urges Senate to close gaps in tribal criminal law
WASHINGTON - A Pascua Yaqui official said Wednesday that changes to federal law allowing tribes to prosecute nonmembers for domestic violence represented "a new dawn" for Native Americans, but there are gaps in the law that need to be addressed.
How upcoming Supreme Court abortion ruling could change Arizona’s legal landscape
PHOENIX – Elizabeth Savino worked as a nurse practitioner at Grace Clinic for two years, serving mostly low-income women at the family planning clinic.
Cronkite News DC Special: May 19, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's memorial service in Washington, how organizations are dealing with cyber security, and a group of Arizona veterans who made an emotional trip to Arlington National Cemetery.
West Valley cities saw some of nation’s fastest growth last year
WASHINGTON - Two West Valley cities were among the fastest growing in the nation in 2015, according to Census Bureau estimates released Thursday.
Cronkite News Education Special: May 20, 2016
Educators across Arizona are confronting familiar challenges in funding and teacher retention. The Cronkite News education team reports on creative ways to address those challenges, including how to support veterans, improve literacy and use new technology to create multi-sensory experiences.
Tempe campus bookstore closing after 49 years
TEMPE – For nearly 50 years, Arizona State University students have stopped at a Tempe bookstore to pick up school supplies. But the decades-long tradition will soon come to an end.
NFL promises to return some Defense Department marketing funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators welcomed the announcement this week by NFL officials that the league would return more than $723,000 of Defense Department recruitment funds that had been used to fund events at games honoring troops.
Ducey claims victory for Prop 123, opposition leader claims unfair fight
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey has declared Proposition 123 to fund education in Arizona won voter approval, and the leader of the opposition campaign conceded defeat Friday.
ASU research suggests new FDA food labels alone may not change behavior
PHOENIX — The Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday updates to the nutrition facts label for packaged foods.
Vibrant Latino arts community reflects generational differences
PHOENIX - Scattered across the Valley are vibrant, visual homages to a rich past, present and future. Latino, Hispanic and Chicano art has had an iconic presence in the Southwest for hundreds of years, and nowhere is this presence more striking than in downtown Phoenix. Though Latino artists of all ages in Phoenix share this rich history, their art reflects it in distinct ways.
Cronkite News Money Special: May 23, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on money issues from across Arizona, including local startups, Cactus League ballparks and efforts to regulate short-term home rentals.
So close: Phoenix eighth-grader misses National Geographic Bee finals
WASHINGTON - Phoenix eighth-grader Ari Mehta said he spent three hours every night poring over maps, atlases and textbooks on geography, but all that hard work was undone in about an hour Monday.
Arizona teacher survey: Use Prop 123 to raise salaries
PHOENIX – Some Arizona teachers want Proposition 123 money to be used to increase teacher pay, but the state’s two major teacher associations disagree over how the money should be spent.
Arizona education leaders call Prop 123 first step, still not enough to fund K-12 schools
PHOENIX — Education advocates Monday applauded the approval of Proposition 123 but said Arizona education is still being shorted billions of dollars.
Cronkite News Legal Special: May 24, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on legal issues from across Arizona, including efforts to fund housing for homeless veterans, an end to dog racing in the state and expanding internet access for low-income students.
Mr., Ms. Smith to go Washington: Citizens add voices on national issues
WASHINGTON — Over two days last week, three Arizonans - a teacher, a former student and a immigration case worker - came to Washington to add their voices to the debate over Merrick Garland's stalled Supreme Court nomination.
‘Gorilla-Snot’ solution a potential ‘long-term’ fix for I-10 dust problem
SCOTTSDALE -- Silly name. Serious solution. That’s what local Arizona company Soilworks calls its Gorilla-Snot fix to the blowing dust that resulted in a 62-mile stretch of Interstate 10 being closed multiple times during the past several weeks.
Arizona summit on Zika teaches health officials how to tackle virus
PHOENIX — Arizona health officials joined the global battle to fight the Zika virus in a daylong summit Tuesday, educating doctors and other medical professionals and emergency personnel on ways to prevent and handle the mosquito-born virus that causes devastating birth defects.
Tribal leaders call for return of remains, sacred items before auction
WASHINGTON - Tribal and federal officials called Monday's planned sale of Indian remains and sacred objects at a French auction "disrespectful and fundamentally wrong" and called for the return of the items.
NCAA rule change gives underclassmen more time to decide on NBA draft
PHOENIX — Like many talented underclassmen in the last several years, Purdue freshman forward Caleb Swanigan decided to test the NBA waters, declaring for June’s NBA Draft and working out for the Suns last week at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Tucson AHL team, another step in growth of hockey in Arizona
TUCSON — When he lived in the Valley, Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild had a front row seat for the growth of hockey in Arizona.
Cronkite News Consumer Special: May 25, 2016
The Cronkite News team investigates health, community and livelihood stories. A few of the topics in this newscast include Arizona Zika virus reports, yoga for football players, youth obesity solutions and summer hiking tips.
Arizona prepares for wildfire season with new aircraft
MESA — An air tanker that can streak to an Arizona wildfire to dump 3,000 pounds of flame retardant in record time is bringing the latest technology to fighting fires.
New heart procedure reduces patient recovery time
PHOENIX — A relatively new heart surgery procedure radically lowers the recovery time for patients and may help save lives, according to medical experts who are training physicians in Arizona on the method.
Scottsdale middle schooler advances to National Spelling Bee finals
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - A Scottsdale seventh-grader survived the preliminary rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Wednesday to advance to Thursday's national final round, one of just 45 students to do so.
TSA chief promises wait times will improve after June hiring boom
WASHINGTON - The head of the Transportation Security Administration promised lawmakers Wednesday that the planned hiring of 768 workers by June 15 will ease long wait times at airports nationwide.
Arizona surveillance helps track Zika, but residents can help, too
WASHINGTON - Phoenix is one of the best regions in the nation when it comes surveillance of mosquitos that can carry the Zika virus, one of the hard science approaches that could help check the spread of the disease, an Arizona epidemiologist said Wednesday.
VA officials respond to outcry over secretary’s ‘Disneyland’ comments
WASHINGTON - Department of Veterans' Affairs officials apologized this week for comments by Secretary Robert McDonald that compared VA health care wait times with wait times at Disneyland - but they didn't back down from the statement.
Cronkite News Consumer Special: May 26, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on consumer issues from across Arizona, including food stamp cutbacks, the state's illegal animal trade and the growing trend of green burials.
Working hard? Do the new overtime rules impact you?
Workers earning less than $23,660 annually are guaranteed overtime pay when logging more than 40 hours per week. But on Dec. 1, the United States Department of Labor will update this overtime rule. The updated rule will mean workers who are paid $47,476 annually or less will now be guaranteed overtime pay.
Miranda rights turn 50: You have the right to remain silent
You may have heard it on TV: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." This short statement is part of the Miranda Warning that law enforcement officers are required to say before you are arrested.
Services at your fingertips: Do you use Uber, Amazon or anything else?
According to a national study done by Pew Research Center, 72 percent of Americans "have used at least one of 11 different shared and on-demand services."
Relieved Maricopa County supervisors certify Prop 123, Prop 124 election
Updated at 5:50 p.m. May 26, 2016. PHOENIX -- The May 17 special election results have been approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and county election officials pledged to make sure the primary and general elections run smoothly.
Thousands gather for Phoenix officer David Glasser’s memorial service
PHOENIX — David Glasser was passionate, professional, and always hard working. “A great street cop.”
Federal appeals court upholds death sentences in 1977 Maricopa murders
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Thursday upheld the death sentences against Joseph Clarence Smith for the 1976 murders of two teenage girls while he was on probation for a previous rape.
Tucson official says airports need more input on TSA security staffing
WASHINGTON - Wait times at Tucson International Airport security checkpoints have grown steadily even as the number of passengers has fallen, an executive of the airport told a House panel Thursday.
Bye, Bee: Arizona student can’t advance in National Spelling Bee finals
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - "S-c-y-l-i-u-m. Psyllium." A bell rang and, just like that, Nicola Ferguson was eliminated from the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee, just minutes into the final round Thursday.
Cronkite News DC Special: May 27, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on legislation about housing for homeless children, religious groups providing coverage for birth control and the Senate gridlock surrounding Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.
Professors from Vietnam learn teaching methods from ASU
TEMPE – More than 20 engineering professors from Vietnam are putting together an apple, mirrors, lenses and papers that they can use to project a hologram.
With Lake Mead water levels down, water conservation needed
SAN TAN VALLEY – The Arizona drought is affecting businesses and homeowners, who are urged to take measures to save water.
Arizona parents and teachers: Are you worried about kids’ online activity?
Children and teens spend a significant chunk of their time on the Internet. What steps, if any, do you take to keep them safe online?
Honoring the other vets: State group chafes at Confederate flag ban
WASHINGTON - On Memorial Day, some Americans will head to local cemeteries to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers - in some cases, the graves of those who fought for the other side.
Opponents of Redskins name say they won’t back down from fight
WASHINGTON - Critics of the Washington Redskins said Friday they will continue fighting to change "the slur name" of the team, despite a Washington Post poll that claimed 90 percent of Native Americans are not offended by the name.
Diamondbacks’ Ziegler gives back to military families through Pastime for Patriots
PHOENIX — When Diamondbacks closer Brad Ziegler was a member of the Oakland Athletics’ bullpen in 2009, the team had a program where players could purchase tickets to donate to nonprofit organizations of their choice.
Cronkite News Veterans Special: May 30, 2016
The Cronkite News team reports on stories affecting veterans across Arizona, including inter-campus veteran centers, veteran entrepreneurs and a bill that will help put veterans to work in Arizona.
Federal judge rules on victim compensation in Arpaio civil contempt case
PHOENIX – A federal judge who ruled Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio violated a court order to curb racial profiling decided Tuesday the county will have to pay at least $1,000 to each person unlawfully detained. But the judge delayed a decision on other penalties until June 30.
Measles outbreak spreads to the Valley
PHOENIX — A measles outbreak is moving north in Arizona. State health officials report 11 confirmed cases of measles in Pinal and Maricopa counties.
Lots of rehearsing, lots more fundraising, lands Nogales band in Washington
WASHINGTON - They traveled 2,000 miles so they could march 13 blocks down Constitution Avenue here, but students in the Pride of Nogales - the Nogales High School’s marching band, color guard and dance team – said it was worth it.
Women of color who own Arizona businesses are on the rise
PHOENIX – Jenny Poon is a serial entrepreneur.
French authorities’ delay of Acoma Pueblo shield sale ‘a small victory’
WASHINGTON - French authorities halted the sale this week of a shield that the Acoma Pueblo tribe believes was stolen from them in the 1970s, according to tribal leaders.
Court restores students’ free-speech lawsuit against Board of Regents
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the Arizona Students' Association can pursue a claim that the Arizona Board of Regents cut off its funding in retaliation for the student group's aggressive support of a school-funding initiative.
U.S. Supreme Court reverses Arizona high court in death-row case
WASHINGTON - An Arizona death row inmate could get another chance to challenge his sentence in a 2001 murder, after the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday overturned a ruling by Arizona's high court.
I saw it on Facebook: Posts alert neighbors to crime, community help
MARICOPA — When Trisha Johnson spotted a Mitsubishi lurching along the dusty road in front of her house, her fingers flew over the keyboard of her smartphone. Within seconds, she posted an alert on Facebook to neighbors in her rural community.
Residents asked to donate water for the homeless as Phoenix weekend heat expected to soar to 118
PHOENIX – Summer heat is deadly for the homeless, spurring public officials and nonprofits to offer water and other help.
Are you cosplaying at Phoenix Comicon?
Cronkite News/Arizona PBS would like to know if you cosplay and attend comicons. Share your cosplay story.
June 2, 2016 Newscast
Cronkite News covers a meteor, fatal car accidents and a dog tethering ordinance.
TSA redeploys 27 officers from Sky Harbor to other airports
WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration has pulled 27 officers from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and reassigned them to airports around the country to help handle peak travel as their summer travel seasons are heating up.
Scientists scramble to find remnants of meteor
PHOENIX — Valley residents were treated to a light show early Thursday morning as a celestial object flashed across the sky. A meteor glowed brightly as it vaporized in the atmosphere.
Proposed limits on payday loans draw sharp reactions from both sides
WASHINGTON - Federal officials unveiled new restrictions on payday lenders Thursday that aim to help low-income borrowers avoid the "debt traps" of readily available, high-interest loans that critics say prey on minority communities.
3D-printed heart helps family cope with toddler’s lifetime of heart surgeries
PHOENIX – Just days after she was born, Jemma Starks nearly died. Surgeons have operated on her three times over her 2½ years to keep her heart beating.
Phoenix passes anti-tethering law to protect dogs
PHOENIX — Dog owners will have to treat pets well under a new anti-tethering law in Phoenix pushed by animal-rights advocates.
Copa América brings soccer to the Valley
PHOENIX – Sergio Huante has waited months to see Mexico play in Copa America in Arizona.
Muhammad Ali dead at 74; legacy lives on in Phoenix
PHOENIX — Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali died Friday evening at the age of 74, but his impact on the Phoenix community will live on for years to come.
Remembering Ali: Share your reflection
Following the death of Muhammad Ali Friday evening, people around the world are celebrating his legacy.
What you should know about Parkinson’s, the disease Muhammad Ali fought for 32 years
PHOENIX – Muhammad Ali, the boxing great and Paradise Valley resident who died Friday at age 74, lived with Parkinson’s for more than three decades.
Permit needed: Your guide to enjoying Fossil Creek without trashing it
CAMP VERDE – The crowds and clutter that marred the pristine oasis of Fossil Creek in northern Arizona has apparently decreased under a month-old permit system to protect the area for wildlife, campers and hikers.
Phoenix Comicon, the place where you don’t have to be yourself
PHOENIX – At Phoenix Comicon, people can mask who they are by wearing an actual mask, makeup or costume. Maybe someone pays tribute to a fictional hero or villain. Or someone is inspired to meld science fiction and imagination to create a new, artistic character.
South of the border, public opinion of U.S. headed north
WASHINGTON - Make America great again? Mexicans think it is already. Or at least they did in 2014.
Arizona Muslims pay tribute to Muhammad Ali
TEMPE – Three verses from the Quran are melodically recited in traditional Arabic as more than 100 people pay tribute to Muhammad Ali in a Tempe mosque.
How do bilingual immersion programs affect students?
Cronkite News/Arizona PBS would like to know what you have noticed about two-way bilingual immersion programs and their effects.
How hikers can avoid a bee attack, and whether to run if it happens
PHOENIX – Recent bee attacks turned a normal summer day into a deadly encounter.
White House punts in response to petitions decrying March elections
WASHINGTON - The White House told the hundreds of thousands of people who signed petitions demanding action after the botched March presidential preference election in Arizona that they would have to look elsewhere for help.
Suns ambassador Hunter helps underprivileged kids with basketball and beyond
FOUNTAIN HILLS – This is second time that 12-year-old Zane Kelly Balzarini is attending the Steven Hunter Life Skills and Basketball Academy, hosted by former Phoenix Suns center Steven Hunter.
Arizonans share their memories of Muhammad Ali
When the boxing champ and cultural icon passed away, Arizonans took to social media to share their memories of the boxing legend who lived and battled Parkinson's disease in the Valley. The Public Insight Network also reached out to locals. Shadow Shepherd responded to our query on remembering Ali, recalling how "kind and sweet" Ali was after meeting him at a Phoenix Suns game. “My impression of Ali and his family is and will always [be] that he was a great man in the ring and out of the ring," she said. We’ve spotted other Arizonans reminiscing about The Champ, including photographer Wayne Rainey, who fondly remembers photographing Ali with actor Michael J. Fox at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. This is what more had to say about the boxing champ:
Families at Parkinson’s center say Ali’s courage ‘gave us all inspiration’
PHOENIX — Karen O’Donnell may have only met Muhammad Ali twice, but Ali's efforts in the fight against Parkinson's disease have been invaluable to her and her husband, John, who has suffered from the disease for 23 years.
Not religious? Spiritual or a non-believer? We want to hear from you.
Cronkite News/Arizona PBS would like to know how Arizona's religious landscape is shifting away from faith. Share your story and experiences with religion.
Put out that cigarette. Smoke-free apartments are trending in Arizona
PHOENIX – Smoke-free apartments are trending in Arizona.
Phoenix Latino leaders respond to Trump’s Curiel comments
PHOENIX — Local Latino and community leaders Wednesday denounced Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s comments about a Mexican-American judge, calling them offensive and derogatory.
House balks at Library of Congress plan to drop term ‘illegal alien’
WASHINGTON - House Republicans are trying to block a Library of Congress proposal to replace the term "illegal aliens" with "noncitizens" in its subject listings, a move the GOP called an attempt to "unilaterally censor these terms."
Tenderfoot fire forces evacuations three years after deadly Yarnell incident
YARNELL – A wildfire has burned more than 1,200 acres near Yarnell, forcing the evacuation of about 300 residents and raising memories of the Yarnell Hill tragedy three years ago when 19 firefighters died.
Thousands honor Muhammad Ali in Louisville prayer service
LOUISVILLE – More than 14,000 paid homage to Muhammad Ali, the Louisville native son and decade-long Phoenix resident who was revered as a champion inside and outside the boxing ring.
Lawmakers trade ‘hate,’ ‘censorship’ barbs in ‘illegal alien’ debate
WASHINGTON - The House spent several hours in bitter debate Thursday over a Republican-backed bill that would force the Library of Congress to continue using the term "illegal alien" in its catalog instead of the library's preferred "noncitizen."
Giffords calls for civility in this ‘very negative’ campaign season
WASHINGTON - Former Rep. Gabby Giffords was back in Washington Thursday with her husband, Mark Kelly, calling for a more civil public discourse during a campaign season filled with what Kelly called "kind of historic poor rhetoric."
Our live coverage of the Ali remembrance
Cronkite reporters Krandall Brantley and Lindsey Wisniewski are in Louisville providing live coverage of the Ali remembrance. Check back here throughout the day for updates.
Arizona Native Americans: Are you offended by the Washington Redskins name?
As the battle over whether or not to rename the NFL football team rages on, Cronkite News wants input from Arizonans about the controversial mascot.
Twenty years of D-backs drafts spotted with success stories
PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks selected Chris Owings out of Gilbert High School in South Carolina with the 41st pick of the 2009 MLB Draft.
Brag about your dad or father figure
With Father's Day coming up, Cronkite News wants to hear your stories about fathers and father figures.
Giffords, Kelly say ‘common sense’ gun laws needed to protect vets
WASHINGTON - Former Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, told a Washington audience Friday that "common sense" steps on guns need to be taken to "help address the epidemic of gun suicide" by veterans.
Advocates rally for bill to include LGBT status on federal forms
WASHINGTON - The federal government does not have accurate data on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, and guessing is no longer good enough at a time when LGBT issues are grabbing headlines, lawmakers said this week.
Court rejects death-row inmate’s claims in Phoenix double murder
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday rejected an Arizona death-row inmate's claim that he had an ineffective attorney at his trial and sentencing in the 1987 stabbing of a elderly Phoenix couple.
Arizonans remember Muhammad Ali in Louisville
LOUISVILLE - It was 9:30 on a Friday night and Jimmy Walker, founder of Celebrity Fight Night, was sitting in his Phoenix kitchen with his wife Nancy, when he got the news.
First-time blood donors hope to help Orlando shooting victims
CHANDLER -- Some Arizonans are donating blood for the first time to help victims of the shooting in Orlando, Florida.
Let’s talk about Orlando: Share your perspective
The mass shooting in Orlando has prompted questions and controversy. We want to hear from people in Arizona about how the massacre affects you or whether it has changed your perspective.
Twitter account’s Trump endorsement stirs confusion for Phoenix Pride
WASHINGTON - Dani Logan, program manager for Phoenix Pride, spent Monday answering tweets from concerned members of the LGBT community - but they weren't about the Orlando mass shooting.
Phoenix shows support for Orlando shooting victims
PHOENIX – A Muslim woman in Phoenix says Ramadan promotes peace, contrary to the man who killed 49 people and injured 53 others at an Orlando gay nightclub. A Christian minister who was among hundreds who attended a vigil for the victims said interfaith conversations needed to continue. An owner of a LGBT clothing store said the tragedy shows more security measures should be taken to guard against those intolerant of gays.
Lawmakers call for unity, prayer in aftermath of shootings
WASHINGTON - The reaction in Washington to Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando was swift and nearly unanimous, as statements and social media posts offered prayers and condolences for what the president called "a horrific massacre" flooded the web.
Manfred’s push for international draft gets mixed reviews in D-backs clubhouse
PHOENIX — Six years. $54.5 million. $14 million signing bonus.
Ramadan connects Arizona Muslims to local community, world
TEMPE – A crescent moon shines bright in the night sky, casting a celestial light. The lunar cycle signifies Ramadan, one of the most holy times for Muslims across the world.
Five things to know about Ramadan
Muslims in Arizona and around the world began celebrating Ramadan on June 5. Here are five common questions about the holy month.
Miranda rights may be the law of the land, but not on tribal lands
WASHINGTON _ It was 50 years ago this week that the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Miranda v. Arizona that made the now-familiar Miranda warning - "you have the right to remain silent" - the law of the land. But not all the land.
Native American domestic violence survivors take to stage to share stories
WASHINGTON - Billie Jo Rich never imagined she would be telling anyone her story of surviving domestic violence - much less a room with hundreds of people.
Arizona conservatives: Will Trump make America great again?
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is coming to Phoenix on Saturday. Cronkite News wants to hear from Arizona Republicans about your perspectives on Trump.
Supporters, opponents grapple over proposed Grand Canyon monument
PHOENIX – Sierra Club and Native American tribal leaders are asking the public to urge Arizona elected leaders to designate 1.7 million acres around the Grand Canyon as a national monument to protect it from mining and logging interests.
Phoenix resident brings unique health care perspective to D.C. summit
WASHINGTON - Of the thousands who flocked to Washington this week for the White House's United State of Women Summit, Phoenix native Grecia Magdaleno may have had a unique perspective.
Flake: Building ‘fortress America’ won’t help economic growth
WASHINGTON - America cannot grow economically if it closes the borders to commerce and builds "fortress America," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, said Wednesday at a conference on U.S.-Mexico trade.
Democrats blast plan to ban undocumented immigrants from military
WASHINGTON - Angry members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus accused House Republicans on Wednesday of "compromising national security" with a proposal that would ban DREAMers from serving in the military.
United owner Eng hopes Copa America excitement is step toward bringing MLS team to Valley
GLENDALE — Thirteen-year old Braulio Estaco had never attended a soccer game, let alone a game as big as a Copa America match, before he arrived at the June 5 Group C contest between Mexico and Uruguay at University of Phoenix Stadium.
‘Play like a girl’ is no insult in congresswomen, press charity game
WASHINGTON - Under a gray evening sky on a baseball field in Southeast Washington, two teams of women grabbed their gloves, shagged fly balls and took their turns at the plate.
Arizonans share memories of their dads for Father’s Day
We asked Arizonans about their dads for Father's Day, and here's what we've heard from them so far:
Gardens connect Chinese-Americans in Arizona to taste of home
BUCKEYE — Goats bleat, chickens roam and blue-green peacocks strut in Jing Lv’s backyard as she walks in the vegetable garden that gives her a taste of home.
What you need to know for the Trump rally in Phoenix
PHOENIX — Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, sweeps into Arizona on Saturday for a private fundraiser and public rally at the fairgrounds.
Social media in Orlando attacks a shocking, but ‘healthy,’ development
WASHINGTON - When news broke Sunday of the mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub, many people took to their phones to share their thoughts during the attack - including the victims inside the club.
‘Right to try’ advocates rally for access to experimental treatments
WASHINGTON - When Paul Rushin's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she underwent 18 weeks of chemotherapy before being told she was cancer-free. But in 2015, the cancer was back and had spread to her left hip, inoperable and leaving the Anthem woman facing chemotherapy for the rest of her life.
House narrowly rejects proposals to ban DACA recipients from military
WASHINGTON - Republicans vowed to continue pushing to keep undocumented immigrants out of the military, after the House this week narrowly defeated two proposals that would have done so.
Live coverage of the Trump rally in Phoenix
Cronkite News reporters are in the field covering the Donald Trump rally in Phoenix at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Adoring supporters, staunch protesters turn up the Arizona heat at Donald Trump rally
PHOENIX – Hundreds of supporters of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, turned out in the blazing heat to rally behind him at the Arizona fairgrounds.
Donald Trump promises to bring Arizona along on the ride to making America great
PHOENIX – Donald Trump brought his trademark “make America great again” presidential campaign to the Arizona desert Saturday, rallying voters giddy over his proposals to build a wall along the Mexican border, ban Muslims from coming into the country and put a conservative on the Supreme Court.
Judge may rule on claims of Arizona voter suppression
PHOENIX – A U.S. district court judge may decide two critical issues in Arizona before the November presidential election: whether to stop the state’s new so-called “ballot harvesting” law from taking effect and whether to force elections officials to count out-of-precinct provisional ballots.
Trump supporters and protesters share opinions at Arizona rally
Reporters from the Cronkite Public Insight Network Bureau talked to Trump supporters and those protesting his June 18 rally in Phoenix. Attendees shared three reasons why they came out to voice their opinions despite the triple-digit heat. Here's what they said:
Senate takes up, then blocks, competing gun-control measures
WASHINGTON - The Senate had the opportunity to act on competing gun-control measures Monday, but proceeded instead to block action on any of the proposals in votes that fell mostly along party lines.
Arizonans: How do you feel about Mexico as a country?
A recent survey released by the Center for Economic Research and Teaching in Mexico says Mexican public opinion on the United States has steadily improved over the past decade. Cronkite News wants to know if the feeling is mutual.
Meet HuMiX, the gut’s future guide to personalized medicine
CHANDLER – Meet HuMiX, the “gut on a chip” that may lead one day to personalized medical treatments.
Emergency responders want to train more people to aid trauma victims
PHOENIX – A Phoenix trauma surgeon who treated some victims of the Virginia Tech shooting said anyone can be taught to help save lives after a mass attack like the Orlando massacre.
Veterans group eases way from battlefield to workplace
PHOENIX – Veterans returning from war can struggle to find jobs or be comfortable in a workplace far different than the military, but a veterans group is trying to ease the way.
Thousands join Mercury in supporting Orlando community
PHOENIX — Rosha Whitaker arrived at Talking Stick Resort Arena two hours before Saturday’s tipoff of the Phoenix Mercury’s Pride Night game against the Dallas Wings.
Flagstaff wildfire prevention cited among ‘best in class’ for nation
WASHINGTON - A Flagstaff program that aims to prevent wildfires by thinning the forest surrounding the city was named a national "best in class" Tuesday in a report on use of natural defenses against catastrophes.
Senators hope new ‘no fly, no buy’ gun bill finds bipartisan support
WASHINGTON - One day after efforts to advance gun-control measures in the Senate collapsed in partisan fighting, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled a compromise Tuesday that they hope can get a vote and keep guns out of the hands of terrorists.
Mayor hopes arrival of Roadrunners can turn Tucson ‘into a hockey town’
TUCSON – At least two of the people who played a critical role in bringing the newly named Roadrunners, the Arizona Coyotes minor league affiliate, to Tucson grew up watching the classic Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons.
Business leaders market Arizona to the world at Washington summit
WASHINGTON - They came from the state and from several cities, but business leaders at an event here this week had a common goal - convincing foreign business owners that Arizona is the right place for them.
Arizona lawmakers join Democratic sit-in on House floor
WASHINGTON - House Democrats, chanting "no bill, no break," shut down the chamber with a sit-in Wednesday in an effort to force the Republican leadership to allow a vote on stalled gun-control legislation.
Immigration-reform protesters block Central Avenue
PHOENIX – Protesters chanting “We deserve our freedom,” and waving the American flag blocked Central Avenue outside federal immigration offices, hours after the Supreme Court deadlocked on an immigration reform case.
Patients fight Parkinson’s with ballet
PHOENIX – Therapeutic ballet classes are helping patients with Parkinson’s disease ease symptoms.
Sexual harassment in the medical community: Share your experiences
Are you a medical professional or academic who has experienced sexual harassment? We want to hear your story.
Tears, cheers as Supreme Court lets stand deferred deportation case
WASHINGTON - Immigration reform advocates cried at the steps of the Supreme Court Thursday as they learned that the justices would not overturn lower courts that had blocked plans to defer deportation for millions of immigrants here illegally.
State’s economic growth slowed in 2015, as mining, copper took a hit
WASHINGTON - Arizona's economy grew in 2015, but at a much slower rate than it did in 2014, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Democrats end 26-hour House sit-in, but vow to continue fight
WASHINGTON - Democrats ended a 26-hour takeover of the House claiming victory Thursday afternoon, even though they did not get the guaranteed vote on a gun-control measure they had been seeking.
U.S. team comes to Glendale in Copa America’s final stop in Valley
GLENDALE — As the manager of a Mexican restaurant in the shadow of University of Phoenix Stadium, Ruben Ruiz has seen his fair share of sports fans. But he said nothing has compared to the crowds surrounding the Copa America match between Mexico and Uruguay June 5.
‘You are not alone’: Vigils shine light on Orlando shooting victims, others lost to violence
MESA — A young man with a face full of sorrow walks before more than 300 friends and strangers, clutching candles that shine in the night sky.
Care urged when hiking during blazing Arizona summer
PHOENIX — It was 9 a.m. and the temperature had already reached 100 degrees.
Coyotes president LeBlanc ‘moving forward’ with new arena site
PHOENIX — The Coyotes moved one step closer to finding a new home Friday.
Dangerous waters: Adults drown at twice the rate of children in Arizona
SCOTTSDALE — It takes a split second for the fun of splashing in a pool or lake to turn into danger, for children and adults.
The Trump wall, Brexit and Arizona trade relations: What Mexico’s top diplomat has to say
PHOENIX – Global competition, trade agreements and the budding economic relationship between Arizona and Mexico were on the agenda this week at the annual conference of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. Claudia Ruiz Massieu, the Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs, discussed how she feels about Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, the impact of a proposed wall along the Mexico border and whether the Brexit vote in England to leave the European Union affects Mexico’s economic fortunes.
Republican comeback after eight years? Yeah, on the baseball diamond
WASHINGTON - There were two places to watch political hardball in Washington on Thursday. One was the floor of the House at 2:30 a.m., where Democrats were locked in a showdown with the Republican majority over a gun-control measure.
Racing to Rio: Are you ready for the Summer Olympics?
The 2016 Summer Olympics are coming up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cronkite News wants to hear from Arizonans who are planning on watching or attending in person.
Political conventions: What do you want to know?
Thousands from all over the country are filling Cleveland and Philadelphia to watch the national political conventions. Cronkite News is there cover the news that matters to you.
Arizona advocates react as court overturns Texas abortion restrictions
WASHINGTON - Arizona pro-choice advocates hailed Monday's ruling by the Supreme Court that said Texas' restrictions on abortion clinics are unconstitutional, calling the decision a "significant victory for women in Arizona."
Attorney General Loretta Lynch praises Phoenix police training
PHOENIX - U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch Tuesday praised Phoenix police training to reduce use of force, saying it is a model for departments across the country.
Presto! One Arizona woman and the magic of the new sharing economy
Gilbert – Stefanie Contreras rarely waits in line. She prefers a life where on-demand or sharing services mean she can spend her time living her life, whether she’s ordering laundry detergent or booking a vacation in Costa Rica.
Phoenix Mercury’s Isabelle Harrison remembers former coach Pat Summitt
PHOENIX - When Isabelle Harrison was called out of class at the University of Tennessee and into the office of Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt one day during Harrison’s freshman year, she knew something wasn’t right.
War of words: Senate panel debates use of ‘radical Islam’ in war on terror
WASHINGTON - Refusing to use terms like "radical Islam" in the fight against terror is giving in to what ISIS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups want, a Valley resident told a Senate panel Tuesday.
Arizonans gave Trump their votes but not their dollars – yet
WASHINGTON - He may have received close to half the primary votes in the state, but presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump got just 3 percent of the money Arizonans gave to 2016 Republican presidential campaigns, according to the latest campaign finance numbers.
Voting rights advocates condemn March election as voter suppression, urge restoration of federal oversight
Phoenix — Voting rights advocates Wednesday said the March presidential preference election amounted to voter suppression and proposed renewing federal election standards to protect voters.
Gallego, advocates renew calls for stricter gun-control measures
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, joined Arizona gun-control advocates on a conference call Wednesday to again call for stricter gun laws in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub.
White Mountain Apache, lawmakers seek access to funds to finish dam
WASHINGTON - The federal government needs to "honor its commitment" to Arizona's White Mountain Apache and let the tribe use funds from a federal water-rights settlement funds to continue work on the Miner Flat Dam, lawmakers said Wednesday.
Sanders’ campaign got more money, more donors, fewer votes in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Sen. Bernie Sanders' web-driven, grass-roots campaign had close to three times as many contributions from Arizonans and brought in about $123,000 more than Hillary Clinton, out of the $3 million Democratic presidential hopefuls raised in the state.
Space rocks: ASU team finds meteorites in remote Arizona desert
TEMPE — “The vault” is a climate-controlled room that sits behind three locked doors in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. Housed inside are fifteen charcoal-colored pebbles that collectively weigh less than a quarter of a pound.
Arizona Democrats: Does Hillary Clinton represent you?
Cronkite News wants to hear from Arizona Democrats about your perspectives on the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
June 30, 2016 Newscast
Water crisis on tribal lands, helping foster kids and athletes train in desert heat.
Arizona police sign on to White House plan to cut jail populations
WASHINGTON - Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is convinced that his department might have prevented the 2011 shooting of then-Rep. Gabby Giffords if it had the mental health resources it does now.
ASU team tracks down meteorites in desert
A team of researchers from ASU worked with leaders from the White Mountain Apache tribe to recover remnants of a meteor that streaked over Phoenix skies just weeks before.
Risk to children’s online safety rises in summer
PHOENIX – School books may be closed for the summer but laptops are open. As children spend more time on the internet, police and parents are working harder to protect them from online predators.
Mother connects with 24-hour view of her preemie’s hospital stay
PHOENIX — Nurses sweep through narrow aisles in a dimly lit room, tending to tiny patients born prematurely or with problems.
Nine desert plants you can turn into cookies, candy and margaritas
CAVE CREEK — Sweet red fruit rests on the arm of a prickly Saguaro. Yellowing pods are ground into meal. Spiked bright-green pads are roasted over a crackling fire pit.
Path for National Independence Day Parade runs through Tempe
WASHINGTON - Arizona resident John Wiscombe has seen a lot in 23 years helping to organize the National Independence Day Parade down Constitution Avenue in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Maryvale neighbors watch out for crime as serial shootings plague neighborhood
PHOENIX — Unsolved shootings that have claimed the lives of five people in Maryvale weigh heavily on local police and community members, but a neighborhood watch group on Wednesday said they focus on preventing petty crimes that affect people’s day-to-day lives.
Arizona would get $21 million to fight opioid abuse under White House plan
WASHINGTON - Arizona would get $21 million over two years to combat opioid abuse as part of a $1.1 billion proposal pushed Wednesday at the White House to tackle the spread of the epidemic.
Drivers on most-traveled roads in Arizona to get new, improved freeways
PHOENIX – Drivers will temporarily encounter construction delays but ultimately end with longer, wider freeways and other improvements to some of the most traveled roads in Arizona under a five-year plan from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Rate of spending for prisons outpaces that of education in Arizona
PHOENIX — A new report from the U.S. Department of Education found that most states, including Arizona, tripled the rate of spending for state and local prisons compared to public schools.
Republicans blast FBI director’s refusal to push for charges in Clinton emails
WASHINGTON - House Republicans Thursday accused FBI Director James Comey of setting a "dangerous precedent" by refusing to recommend charges against Hillary Clinton for her mishandling of State Department emails.
Trump, Flake spar during likely GOP nominee’s visit to Congress
WASHINGTON - Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump was on Capitol Hill to reach out to Republican lawmakers Thursday but ended up criticizing several instead, saving his sharpest comments for Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, according to published reports.
Arizona reacts to shooting of Dallas police officers, citizen protests over the deaths of two black men
We'll update Arizona’s reaction to the shooting of Dallas police officers and the protests over the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.
A country on edge: How does this week’s violence affect Arizonans?
This week has seen officers killed at a peaceful protest in Dallas and two black men killed in officer-involved shootings, one in Baton Rouge and one in St. Paul.
Coyotes hope proximity of new affiliate will pay dividends in player development
GLENDALE — Coyotes Director of Player Development Steve Sullivan stood on the ice at Gila River Arena earlier this week just a few feet away from more than 40 Coyotes prospects at the team’s annual development camp.
Volunteers make sure homeless don’t miss a meal after July 4th fire
MESA — Fire damaged a community center for the homeless in Mesa on the July Fourth holiday, but volunteers and neighbors of the nonprofit stepped in to make sure no one missed their morning meal.
Arizona religious leaders offer community and support following Dallas shooting
PHOENIX — The sniper killings of Dallas police officers and the officer-involved shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile ushered in moments of grief and reflection for many across the nation, including Arizona religious leaders.
Arizona, New Mexico senators team up to prevent sale of tribal items
WASHINGTON - Arizona and New Mexico lawmakers teamed up this week to sponsor a bipartisan bill that would prevent the auction of sacred tribal items.
Washington calls for calm, unity in wake of attack on Dallas police
WASHINGTON - The shots heard Thursday in Texas echoed in Washington Friday as lawmakers reacted to the Dallas attack that left five police officers dead in an ambush-style shooting.
Peaceful Phoenix rally turns tense when march pushes to freeway and police use pepper spray
PHOENIX - A peaceful protest that moved through downtown Phoenix Friday night turned tense when protesters wanted to move onto Interstate 10 at Seventh Street and police formed a barricade, releasing pepper spray to try to get the crowd to disperse.
Majority of U.S.-Mexico border residents oppose building a wall
Results from a poll of 1,400 residents along the U.S.-Mexico border indicate opposition to a new border wall.
TGen teams up with Scottsdale family to take on rare childhood disease
SCOTTSDALE – Wylder Laffoon was just seven months old when his parents, Steven and Shannon Laffoon, learned their son had a rare, genetic disease that meant he would not live past age 3.
Mexican officials call for strengthening trade relationship with U.S.
WASHINGTON - Mexican officials told a Washington audience Monday that there must be a strong trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico in what they called a "challenging time" for the bond between the two nations.
Staffing woes keep Mariposa port expansion from living up to promise
WASHINGTON - Nearly two years after the completion of a $250 million expansion that was supposed to speed traffic through the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, some say the project has yet to live up to its promise.
Gosar: Ban DREAMers in military; Grijalva: Bring deported vets back
WASHINGTON - Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar introduced a bill Monday to bar certain immigrants from serving in the military, a move he said is needed to keep the Obama administration from "enlisting DACA aliens through a backdoor amnesty program."
Shock, then aw: Sanders backers move on after endorsement of Clinton
WASHINGTON — Bernie Sanders' endorsement Tuesday of rival Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination was met with resignation from many of his Arizona delegates, followed by calls for party unity.
Shooting victim’s kids seek to keep machine guns away from other kids
WASHINGTON - There have been lots of arguments in the gun-control debate in Washington, but there probably have not been many like Tylor Vacca's. "Kids at school ask me how my dad died all the time, and I tell them that he was shot by a 9-year-old girl who was learning to fire an Uzi," Tylor said Tuesday during a news conference in the Capitol.
ACLU says lack of reporting allows abuses by Border Patrol agents
WASHINGTON - ACLU attorneys from Southwest border states said Tuesday that a lack of reporting on stops by Customs and Border Protection officers opens the door to police abuse and makes it difficult to hold officers accountable for their actions.
ASU looks to become Olympic training destination
TEMPE — When legendary swim coach Bob Bowman decided to take over Arizona State’s swimming team last year, the tipping point was the university’s commitment to Olympic sports.
Organization offers new car to entice blood donations
SCOTTSDALE – Blood donations drop in summer, so United Blood Services is offering an incentive: a chance to own a new car.
Arizona Bernie Sanders supporters: Who will you vote for in the presidential election?
After a long primary race, Bernie Sanders announced his endorsement for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Officials back bill to encourage renewable energy on public lands
WASHINGTON - State and federal officials praised a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would encourage renewable energy development on public lands by streamlining the permitting process and letting local governments share in revenues from the projects.
Welter: Being first female NFL coach less important than not being last
WASHINGTON - When Jen Welter first thought of playing professional football, it was a dream almost too audacious to entertain: Girls just didn't do that then. But Welter did.
5 ways to stay safe while playing ‘Pokemon Go’
PHOENIX – "Pokemon Go," just days after being released for mobile phones, has surged past Twitter in the number of users. The app uses a smartphone’s GPS to track and locate Pokemon in real world places, which can then be “captured” after players frantically search streets, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, and even churches.
Activists plan to shut down Phoenix intersection on Friday
PHOENIX - Protesters plan to block off the intersection of 24th Street and Camelback on Friday, organizer Rev. Jarrett Maupin said at a community meeting in Eastlake Park.
July 14, 2016 Newscast
First female police chief, education for low-income kids and No Child Left Behind
Chandler kid gets trip to White House for her ‘Barack-a-Bowl’ recipe
WASHINGTON - It's not every kid who gets to go to a White House state dinner - unless it's the annual "Kids State Dinner" for youths who have devised healthy lunch recipes as part of first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative.
Arizona official says proposed school regulations need tweaking
WASHINGTON - An Arizona school superintendent testified Thursday that, without changes, proposed regulations implementing the law to replace No Child Left Behind could throw the state back into an "unfortunate" debate like the one over Common Core.
Grijalva bill would give deported vets a chance to come back to U.S.
WASHINGTON - Hector Barajas' Army service should have guaranteed him military benefits after he was honorably discharged.
Arizona: Share your perspective on Mike Pence as Trump’s VP pick
After weeks of speculation, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, announced his selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. Cronkite News wants to know what Arizonans think about Trump's pick.
Police say tips called into Silent Witness line will help catch Maryvale shooter
PHOENIX – Police say someone knows the identity of the Maryvale shooter, the man who brought violence and death to neighborhoods in Maryvale and central Phoenix.
Suns player welcomes home his mom – Phoenix’s new police chief
PHOENIX - Growing up in Phoenix, Alan Williams had dreams of playing in the NBA while his mom, Jeri, worked as an officer with the Phoenix Police Department, cared for her family and studied for her master’s from Northern Arizona University.
Taking the ‘go’ out of GOP: High-profile Republicans avoid convention
WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands will flock to Cleveland this weekend for the start of the Republican National Convention that is expected to formally name businessman Donald Trump the party's presidential nominee. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, will reportedly be home mowing the lawn instead.
Court upholds conviction, death sentence in 1989 Pima County double murder
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Friday upheld the conviction and death sentence of a Pima County man in a 1989 drug deal turned double murder.
Arizona delegates turn to GoFundMe to finance convention trips
WASHINGTON - Kelly Thornton, a Prescott yoga teacher and Democratic delegate for Bernie Sanders, said she "choked" when she saw the estimated $4,000 price tag to go to the party's national convention.
Poll: Border cities oppose wall between communities
Border cities view themselves as neighbors and oppose a wall, according to a poll by Cronkite News, Univision News & Dallas Morning News.
Poll: Residents would like easier, faster border crossing
Residents on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border want to make it easier to cross for work, according to a new poll.
Border poll methodology
Learn more about how we conducted the Cronkite News-Univision News-Dallas Morning News poll of residents in 14 cities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
About Cronkite News borderlands reporting
Learn more about the goals of the Cronkite News-Univision News-Dallas Morning News border poll and the team behind it.
Border poll graphics
Highlights of the data from our poll of 1,427 residents of 14 U.S. and Mexico border cities.
Economic concerns rise to the top in borderlands poll
Jobs, wages and the economy top the concerns of residents along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Border poll project: Share your feedback
Tell us what you think of the Cronkite News-Univision News-Dallas Morning News Border Poll and our coverage of the U.S.-Mexico border.
New Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams: ‘Work tirelessly to make the community safe’
PHOENIX – Arizona native Jeri Williams will become the first woman and second African American to lead the Phoenix Police Department when she becomes chief in October.
Arizonans explain why they became Republican delegates
As part of the Cronkite News multi-platform coverage of the Republican National Convention, we connected with Arizona delegates through text messaging. We asked Arizona Republicans in Cleveland why they decided to become delegates. Here's what they had to say:
As GOP convention opens, Democrats go on the attack
CLEVELAND - Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, condemned likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s foreign policy proposals Monday, part of a coordinated Democratic attack on the opening day of the GOP convention.
At GOP convention, little sympathy for border wall opponents
CLEVELAND - Sun City resident Barbara Wyllie believes Donald Trump’s proposal for a border wall is still the best solution for American safety, despite a new poll that shows the overwhelming number of border residents don't want a wall built.
State Republicans call for unity on first day of fractious convention
CLEVELAND - Arizona GOP leaders called for unity Monday as they kicked off the Republican National Convention, just hours before the party erupted into chaos over a procedural rules vote on the floor.
Public safety concerns transcend border wall debate
A new Cronkite News-Univision News-Dallas Morning News poll of residents along both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border reveals a disparity between countries in perceptions of public safety.
Why here and why now: Behind the scenes of the border poll
A new Cronkite News-Univision News-Dallas Morning News poll surveyed nearly 1,500 people living in 14 U.S.-Mexico border cities.
Interactive: Meet the Arizona RNC delegation
In advance of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Cronkite News reporters reached out to every member of the Arizona delegation to learn more about the people who will represent the state's Republicans.
Parties bring 21st-century tech to 19th-century conventions
CLEVELAND - Need to find a bathroom at the Republican National Convention? There's an app for that. Kind of.
Free agent Barbosa brings championship culture to Phoenix
PHOENIX — Leandro Barbosa, who earned the 2006-07 Sixth Man of the Year and Dan Majerle Hustle Award in Phoenix early in his career and played for the 2014-15 NBA champion Golden State Warriors, signed a multi-year contract Tuesday to return to the Suns.
Delegates call plagiarism charge an attempt to ‘demonize’ Melania Trump
CLEVELAND - Arizona Republican delegates stood firmly behind Melania Trump Tuesday against charges that she lifted parts of a Monday speech from a similar speech in 2008 by first lady Michelle Obama.
Arizonans: What do you do to protect the Earth?
Cronkite News is looking for insight on sustainability and the Earth, primarily in Arizona. We invite you to become a source for future coverage on these and related topics.
No surprises: Arizona delivers all 58 delegation votes for Trump
CLEVELAND - Arizona delegates cast all 58 of their votes Tuesday for Donald Trump, helping him complete his run to be the unlikely presidential nominee of the Republican Party in a red, white and blue sea of chanting convention delegates.
Wish you were here: Arizona Republican delegates speak to those who skipped the convention
As part of the Cronkite News multi-platform coverage of the Republican National Convention, we're connecting with Arizona delegates through text messages.
Phoenix residents, mayor and police vow to build solutions in Black Lives Matter meeting
PHOENIX – A teacher vowed to educate her students on race and social justice.
Maryvale block watchers refuse to be thwarted by serial shooter
PHOENIX — Despite a nerve-wracking wave of violence, Maryvale neighbors work to thwart the serial shooter, discouraging petty crime along the way.
Cronkite News invites you to join the Public Insight Network
At Cronkite News, we believe everyone has knowledge and insight that can help us make our reporting deeper and more personal. We want to hear from people who have personal experiences with and insight into the issues we cover.
July 20, 2016 Newscast
RNC protests, no-shows at the convention and inside the Maryvale block watch.
Franks, lone Arizona congressman at RNC, urges support for Trump
CLEVELAND – The only Arizona congressional Republican to show up at the party’s national convention this year defended his absent colleagues Wednesday, calling it a busy time of year for officeholders facing re-election this fall.
The Real Donald means real business for Faux Donald
CLEVELAND - Donald Trump loves many things, including Arizona and its eponymous iced tea. But just like that tea is not brewed in Arizona, this Trump is not the Donald.
Arizonans join anti-wall protest at generally quiet GOP convention
CLEVELAND – For Buckeye resident Ernesto Lopez, the border wall promised by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is disturbing enough that he was willing to drive from Arizona to Cleveland to be part of a protest against it.
Poll: Latino Republicans not deterred by Trump’s Mexican immigrant remarks
CLEVELAND – Despite his previous attacks on Mexicans, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump still has a chance to “close the sale” with Hispanic voters as the general election approaches, the leader of a Latino organization said Wednesday.
Arizona delegates reflect on the state of the GOP
Is the GOP at a historic crossroads? Why or why not?
Arizona GOP told it has work to do to reach millennials, independents
CLEVELAND - Republican pollster Frank Luntz told Arizona delegates Thursday that the Grand Old Party needs to focus less on the “old” if it hopes to remain relevant in the future.
Convention delegates show lukewarm support for McCain re-election
CLEVELAND – When Arizona delegates to the Republican National Convention were asked Thursday how many would not vote for Sen. John McCain in next month’s primary, more than half of their hands went up.
There’s a new speaker in town: Arpaio addresses GOP convention
CLEVELAND - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was awarded a prime speaking slot at the final day of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, delivering a speech with familiar themes of stopping illegal immigration and protecting law enforcement.
Interactive: Meet the Arizona DNC delegation
In advance of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Cronkite News reporters reached out to every member of the Arizona delegation to learn more about the people who will represent the state's Democrats.
Arizonans: What did you think of the Republican National Convention?
At the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Republican nominee Donald Trump promised to “lead the country back to safety, prosperity and peace" and "restore law and order."
Arizona delegates praise inspiration, unity in Trump speech
CLEVELAND - Donald Trump closed out a bumpy Republican National Convention Thursday, officially accepting the party’s presidential nomination in a rousing speech that reiterated campaign themes of bringing law and order and prosperity to the country.
Pitchers share Tommy John stories to guide each other through rehab
PHOENIX — “I always questioned myself coming back and how it felt and what to feel in there because it was just something different,” said Patrick Corbin, a starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. “They all said it was normal, they all thought something was wrong multiple times coming back.”
Coaches: Overuse injuries a growing problem in Arizona youth baseball
PHOENIX — “Year-round baseball is one thing that’s killing our sport,” Horizon High School head coach Eric Kibler said.
How do Arizona Democrats pick DNC delegates? Hint: The process involves ‘lots and lots of pizza.’
PHOENIX — Hundreds of Arizonans applied to be delegates to the Democratic National Convention this year, but only 100 people will actually attend. For Philadelphia 2016, Arizona will send a delegation that includes young up-and-comers, immigrants, a 102-year-old woman and two sisters, among others.
Former Cardinals coach Dennis Green dies at 67
PHOENIX — Former Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings head coach Dennis Green died late Thursday due to complications from cardiac arrest. He was 67.
Arizona delegate’s new heart leads her to Philadelphia
PHOENIX- At the age of 37, Jeanne Lunn was getting ready to leave town on a work trip when she started feeling chest pain.
Arizona: Share your perspective on Tim Kaine as Clinton’s VP pick
After weeks of speculation, Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, announced her selection of Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, as her running mate. Cronkite News wants to know what Arizonans think about Clinton's pick.
Sanders plea for followers to back Clinton divides supporters
PHILADELPHIA – Cheers from a packed room of Bernie Sanders’ followers turned to boos Monday, as the Vermont senator renewed his endorsement of his rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton, and urged them to do the same.
Arizona GOP not surprised by DNC email leak
PHOENIX— Several Arizona Republican delegates said the Democratic National Committee email leak is an opportunity to sway millennials and independent voters toward the Republican ticket in November.
Phoenix Mercury well represented at Olympics
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury are sending a league-leading six team members to the upcoming Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro, showing the depth of talent from the three-time WNBA champions.
July 25, 2016 Newscast | Cronkite News
The Democratic National Convention, leaked emails and the Mercury in Rio.
Tribal leaders call on next president to include Native voices in policy
PHILADELPHIA – Edward Manuel ticks off the issues - water shortages, federal approval of mining projects, allocation of scarce resources - all decisions made with what he thinks is insufficient input from the nation’s tribes.
Arizonans reveal why they became Democratic delegates
We have connected with Arizona delegates through text messaging as a part of the Cronkite News Democratic National Convention coverage. We asked Arizona Democrats in Philadelphia why they decided to become delegates. This is what they had to say.
Grijalva calls for party to return to progressive roots, support Clinton
PHILADELPHIA – Rep. Raul Grijalva, one of the earliest congressional supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention to say he is throwing support behind likely nominee Hillary Clinton.
Arizona delegates hope for unity, progressive change after DNC email leak
PHILADELPHIA - Sanders delegate Mikel Weisser was not surprised that leaked emails showed the Democratic National Committee apparently scheming to support Sanders’ rival, Hillary Clinton, in the Democratic primary that culminates with Clinton’s nomination here this week.
Calling all sports fans: We want to hear from you!
The Cronkite News Phoenix Sports Bureau is looking for your input and insight, and we invite you to become a source in our Public Insight Network.
Arizona Democratic delegates: How the ‘Bernie effect’ influenced party platform
We asked Arizona Democrats in Philadelphia, "Are you noticing a 'Bernie effect' on the Democratic Party platform?"
What I learned reporting on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border
Editor's Note: Recently, a group of Cronkite News reporters travelled along the U.S.-Mexico border to work on stories about the results of a Cronkite News-Univision News-Dallas Morning News border poll. Mauricio Casillas, a recent graduate of the Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, was one of the reporters who contributed to our coverage. Here, he reflects on his experience as a Borderlands reporter.
Revived Arizona KidsCare to bring affordable health care to 30,000 uninsured
PHOENIX — KidsCare returned to Arizona on Tuesday after a more than five-year absence and advocates expect to sign up more than 30,000 children for access to free or affordable medical, dental and vision care by the end of the year.
July 26, 2016 Newscast
'Bernie or Bust,' KidsCare's return to Arizona and a 102-year-old DNC delegate.
Behind the scenes at the DNC: Arizona Democratic delegates share their insights
What’s happening at the Democratic National Convention that Arizonans wouldn’t know by watching from home?
Stanton says immigration reform should be a priority in Clinton White House
PHILADELPHIA - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton told a panel of mayors here that immigration reform needs to be Hillary Clinton’s “No. 1 domestic priority” if she is elected in November.
Not red, not blue, but Green: Sanders supporters eye third-party option
WASHINGTON - When Bernie Sanders announced his endorsement of presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton earlier this month, Phoenix Sanders supporter Susan Martin turned to what she believed was the only other option: the Green Party.
Divided Arizona delegation casts votes as Clinton seals nomination
PHILADELPHIA - A divided Arizona delegation cast 51 of its 85 convention votes for Hillary Clinton as she wrapped up the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday after a surprisingly tough, and sometimes bitter, battle with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Giffords exhorts crowd to have ‘courage’ to enact gun reform measures
PHILADELPHIA - Former Tucson Rep. Gabrielle Giffords walked onto the stage unassisted and smiling Tuesday and exhorted a crowd at a gun-control rally in a park here to have the “courage to do what’s right” to pass “responsible” gun reform.
Sanders supporters continue protests as Democrats nominate Clinton
PHILADELPHIA - Arizona native Jason Hurst came to Philadelphia with a message for Democrats on the night they were expected to formally nominate Hillary Clinton for president: “I can’t stomach the thought of even voting for Clinton.”
Arizona conservatives: Are you with Trump?
At the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week, Donald Trump was officially declared the Republican nominee for president.
July 27, 2016 Newscast
Arizona's political identity, biking in Brazil and ALS Ice Bucket Anniversary.
Blue state or blue sky? Arizona Democrats hopeful for fall elections
PHILADELPHIA - Fresh off the history-making nomination of Hillary Clinton, the first female presidential nominee for a major U.S. party, Arizona Democrats said they think the historically Republican state could turn blue – or at least purple – this fall.
At 102, Prescott woman’s seen a lot; with Clinton nomination she’s seen it all
PHILADELPHIA - Jerry Emmett didn’t think she would live to see her mother win the right to vote – much less to see the first woman win a major U.S. party presidential nomination.
Trump fundraising spikes in Arizona, still trails well behind Clinton’s
WASHINGTON – Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump raised three times as much money from Arizona contributors in June as his total fundraising in the state in the preceding year, according to the latest reports from the Federal Election Commission.
Giffords’ endorsement of Clinton ‘very, very emotional’ for convention audience
PHILADELPHIA – Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords veered from her usual theme against gun violence to add her endorsement of presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in an address to the Democratic National Convention that one Arizona lawmaker called “very, very emotional.”
Gallego gets high marks for speech, convention leadership from delegates
PHILADELPHIA - For a sense of how effective Rep. Ruben Gallego was in his speech to the Democratic National Convention, look no further than Arizona delegate Michael Gordy.
Arizona: How are you feeling about the election?
Now that both the Republican and Democratic national conventions have come to a close, both parties have officially selected their presidential candidates for the 2016 race: Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Delegates discuss ‘Black Lives’ movement a day after Tempe shooting
PHILADELPHIA - The normally placid breakfast meetings of Arizona’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention turned into a lively discussion of the Black Lives Matter movement Thursday, one day after Tempe police shot a black suspect during a robbery.
Cheers, tears from Arizona delegation as Clinton gives historic acceptance speech
PHILADELPHIA - Tucson resident Joseline Mata, a Hillary Clinton delegate from the beginning, was crying in the stands of the Democratic National Convention Thursday as Clinton accepted the party’s nomination, the first woman in history to do so.
July 25-28, 2016: DNC Recap | Cronkite News
Democratic National Convention Recap: Highlights from Philadelphia
Arizona Game and Fish calls Sierra Club fundraising letter ‘misrepresentation’
PHOENIX - The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking the Sierra Club to cease fundraising endeavors by claiming the endangered condor population in the Grand Canyon is threatened by uranium mining.
Arizona convention pages can’t vote, but they can make their voices heard
PHILADELPHIA - Belen Sisa and Ellie Perez are both politically active, both beneficiaries of the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – and both were pages for the Arizona delegation to the Democratic National Convention, the first DREAMers in the state to hold the job.
McCain issues lengthy statement criticizing Trump’s reaction to Khan’s family
Sen. John McCain on Monday released a lengthy statement condemning GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump's reaction to the criticism he received by the immigrant family of a Muslim U.S. soldier who died in battle.
How we used texting to engage Arizona delegates during the political conventions
Cronkite News reported on the Republican and Democratic national political conventions with audience in mind from the start.
Cardinals motivated to fulfill Super Bowl expectations
GLENDALE — It’s been more than six months since the 2016 NFC Championship Game, but for the Arizona Cardinals, the pain of falling one win short of Super Bowl 50 is fueling the desire to finish the job this year.
Meluskey drops Senate bid, clearing path for Ward to challenge McCain
WASHINGTON - GOP Senate candidate Alex Meluskey suspended his campaign Monday, leaving former state Sen. Kelli Ward a clear field for a direct challenge to five-term Sen. John McCain in the primary.
8 things Arizonans love or loathe about Donald Trump
PHOENIX — He’s a businessman who is better for American politics. He’s self-centered and unscrupulous.
8 things Arizonans love or loathe about Hillary Clinton
PHOENIX — Hillary Clinton is alternately revered and reviled, similar to Donald Trump, her Republican opponent for president. Here is what some Arizona residents – Democrats, Independents and others with no political party affiliation – had to say about the woman seeking to become the next U.S. president.
Arizona delegates offer different perceptions of convention impacts
Cronkite News asked Arizona Democratic and Republican delegates whether their conventions strengthened their parties.
McCain: ‘We can never do enough for our veterans’
PEORIA — The city unveiled its Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trail on Tuesday with help from U.S. Sen. John McCain, who expanded on his promise to fight for veterans issues.
Arizona veterans: Have the presidential campaigns affected your community?
U.S. Military veterans have been at the center of several aspects of the platforms in the campaigns of Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. Now Cronkite News wants to know how the campaign has touched your community.
August 2, 2016 Newscast
McCain speaks to veterans, new courses for teachers and police transparency.
Arizona police agencies get low marks for body camera policies
WASHINGTON - Police departments in Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson fell short in a new report that rated departments for policies that ensure that body cameras are a "tool for accountability, not a tool for surveillance" by agencies.
Success on the field, struggles in the stands for Tucson Saguaros
TUCSON — As the Tucson Saguaros finish up their inaugural season, there’s one question that lingers in the minds of people as the team heads into the playoffs.
Veterans gather in Phoenix to criticize Trump’s remarks
PHOENIX - Members of the Arizona Veterans and Military Leadership Alliance blasted Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his comments questioning the family of fallen military officer Humayun Khan, who was killed in the Iraq War.
Phelps to carry flag for Team USA
RIO DE JANEIRO — When Michael Phelps began training at Arizona State University last year, he brought a spotlight to the school and its swim program led by his coach Bob Bowman.
Pence and Arizona Republicans defend Trump at town hall
PHOENIX — Mike Pence joined with Arizona Republicans on Tuesday night to defend the message and character of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
State gets failing grade for policies to support new working parents
WASHINGTON - Arizona received a failing grade for its policies to help expecting and new parents, only meeting the minimum federal standards under the Family and Medical Leave Act, according to a national report card released Wednesday.
Feud between Trump, Gold Star family echoes in Muslim groups
WASHINGTON - The war of words between Donald Trump and Gold Star father Khizr Khan echoed among the Muslim groups for and against the GOP presidential nominee this week, with each side seemingly becoming more entrenched in its position.
Tempe company rolls into Rio with Olympic mountain biker
PRESCOTT —In the mountain biking world, the mechanics of the bike are just as important as the riding itself. Rio-bound Chloe Woodruff prepared in Prescott for her first Olympics on locally-engineered, custom-painted equipment.
Visually impaired ASU alum shooting for gold
He stands 50 meters from the target, right hand fully extended, wrist slightly bent. He takes one step to the left, cocks his head and lines up with the target from the left side.
Arizona officials warn of Zika spread on return from Rio
As the eyes of the world descend upon Brazil, Valley resident Marla Dorman is ready to cheer on Team USA, hoping the experience outweighs the risk of Zika.
Mercury’s Diana Taurasi set to make another Olympic memory
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi remembers the first time she walked out of the Olympic tunnel for the opening ceremony. It was Aug. 13, 2004, and the Summer Games were held in Athens, Greece.
Tempe native dives into first Olympics
Each dive an Olympian takes is only about two seconds long. But when synchronized diver Sam Dorman finally plunges into the pool at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio on Wednesday, it will be the culmination of a nine-year journey.
ASU’s Simonovic swimming for Serbia in Rio
On a Sunday afternoon in Rome near the end of June, Arizona State senior Katarina Simonovic stood behind the block at the 53rd Settecolli Trophy International swim meet and pictured the perfect race, a race that could punch her ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.
Olympic vets Phelps, Schmitt help catapult Runge to Rio
Cierra Runge has been in the pool for as long as she can remember.
Veterans call on McCain to take back endorsement of ‘unfit, bigot’ Trump
WASHINGTON — Veterans rallied outside Sen. John McCain's Capitol Hill office Thursday demanding that the Arizona Republican rescind his endorsement of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in light of Trump's comments about veterans and Muslims.
CDC: High smoking rate among Native Americans continues to climb
WASHINGTON - Cigarette use by Native Americans, already the highest in the nation, grew to 38.9 percent at a time when most other ethnic groups saw their rates dropping, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday.
Cronkite News Summer Olympics Special: August 5, 2016
Cronkite News Special: Arizona at the Olympic Games
Court: Fired Williams worker can file free-speech suit against city in age case
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the former Williams water superintendent can sue the city for violating his First Amendment rights by firing him in what he said was retaliation for an age-discrimination complaint.
For three Tucson siblings, politics is all in the family
When Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton opens a campaign office in Tucson Saturday, some of the Hernandez siblings will be there - just as one or the other of them has been on hand, pretty much since Clinton first ran for president eight years ago.
For Log Cabin Republicans, ‘gay conservative’ is not a contradiction
Matthew Shuman looks forward to voting for Donald Trump this fall and said he agrees with the Republican Party on most everything, including its policies on national security, gun rights and economic liberalism. Most everything.
Live sites allow international fans to celebrate Olympics for free
RIO DE JANEIRO — Marcela Sikora celebrated her return to her home country by gathering with fans from around the world at one of three Olympic Boulevard live sites on Friday night to watch the Opening Ceremony.
Spectators stuck in long lines as Rio Olympics open
RIO DE JANEIRO — Keith McCormack waited more than an hour to get into the beach volleyball arena along Copacabana Beach to watch Canada play Saturday.
From California to a kibbutz, former ASU track star runs winding road to represent Israel in Rio
KIBBUTZ EIN SHEMER, ISRAEL — Sitting at his kitchen table in his home on a kibbutz about a one hour drive north of Tel Aviv, Donald Blair-Sanford observed how much his life has changed since he was a student-athlete at Arizona State University.
Rio in international spotlight during Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO — Already the second-most populated metropolitan area in Brazil, thousands will travel from all over the world within the next three weeks to visit Rio de Janeiro, but there’s more to see than the 2016 Olympic Games.
Pokémon goes to Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO — The Evers family from Washington, D.C., has been planning its trip to the Olympics here for a year and a half.
Tour company uses bikes to give visitors a taste of Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO – Bruno Elias, a native of Rio de Janeiro, started his company Bike in Rio Tours four years ago with the goal of imparting the culture of Rio on curious travelers.
Kalisz credits ASU’s Bowman, Phelps for his first medal win
RIO DE JANEIRO — A year ago Chase Kalisz packed up his college life at the University of Georgia and moved to the desert to train with world-renown Olympian Michael Phelps and long-time coach Bob Bowman at Arizona State.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 8
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Rio marks 18th Olympics for Arizona man
RIO DE JANEIRO — Olympians spend their entire lives preparing for the Games; Chuck Brandt has spent a lifetime attending them.
‘Pokemon Go,’ virtual interns and the race for the U.S. senate seat
PHOENIX — When one of Sen. John McCain’s campaign rivals stages an event, the Arizona Republican uses Snapchat GeoFilters to digitally advertise “Vote McCain” in the area. His opponent in the GOP primary, Kelli Ward, has galvanized hashtags and six second videos to get her point across. And interns for Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, the Democratic candidate for McCain’s seat, are catching voters while they're trying to catch Pokemon.
MyKayla Skinner reflects on a lifetime in gymnastics
RIO DE JANEIRO -- For Gilbert resident MyKayla Skinner, a lifetime of rolling and flipping in the Arizona desert has led to practicing on balance beams in the jungles of Rio.
As insurers leave Arizona, Obamacare consumers face higher costs this fall
WASHINGTON - Insurance companies have one more day to let Arizona regulators know if they will drop or limit coverage under Obamacare, but this much is already certain: Coverage will still be available, but it will cost more.
How to stay fit in Rio: Go to the beach
While some visit the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to relax, others go to work out. It's a common sight to see locals exercise by the ocean with beautiful scenery as a backdrop and convenient and plentiful nearby fitness areas. Our photographers Jaclyn Chung and Langston Fields compiled the slideshow above to share some of our favorite photos of exercise and recreation along the coast.
Former Pac-12 players Walsh Jennings, Ross dig new partnership
RIO DE JANEIRO—When the two USA women’s beach volleyball teams played against each other in London, April Ross and Jen Kessy came in second to Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor.
Group home caters to LGBT foster children
LAVEEN — After fostering a lesbian daughter, mother of five Jennifer Redmond realized the population of LGBT foster kids is growing, and they may face more challenges than other children.
Fight to remain silent: People often waive Miranda rights, experts say
WASHINGTON - When Carlos Andres Maciel told police in Yuma County, before being advised of his Miranda rights, that he had broken into a church, officers were free to use that confession against him, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled late last month.
Take a walk along Rio’s Copacabana Beach
RIO DE JANEIRO – Felipe Santana works along Copacabana Beach cutting the heads off of coconuts.
Not winning gold best thing to happen to Olympian Judi Adams
Phoenix native Judi Adams started shooting arrows in middle school and rose to the precipice of competing on a world stage, but Cold War politics threw up a road block that delayed her Olympic dream.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 10
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Khizr Khan calls on McCain, other GOP leaders to stand up to Trump
WASHINGTON - The last book Khizr Khan sent his son Humayun, an Army captain who was killed in a 2004 car bombing in Iraq, was Sen. John McCain's "Why Courage Matters."
LA taking stock of Rio with sights on 2024
RIO DE JANEIRO — The Los Angeles Olympic bid committee is taking notes. The group is in Rio de Janeiro watching the Summer Games, with an eye on bringing the Olympics back to the United States for the first time in what will be 28 years, in 2024.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 11
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Police and citizens to unite in community outreach program
MESA — When Susan Monroe, then a 32-year-old single mother, considered applying for a deputy position with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, she spoke with her children about the risks.
Taurasi breaks own Olympic record
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Already one of the most decorated women’s basketball players of all time, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi is still breaking records. This time, it was her own.
Tempe native Dorman takes silver, parents overjoyed
RIO DE JANEIRO – When he was little, Sam Dorman would get nervous before dive meets. He would look up at his parents, Paul and Marla, for support and they would always respond with a thumbs up.
‘Latinx is me’: How one letter links controversy, community
PHOENIX — Just one letter – “x”– has spurred death threats, sparked arguments and reverberated throughout a community.
Olympian reunited with golf clubs, set to compete Wednesday
RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Arizona State University golfer Anna Nordqvist has been reunited with her golf clubs, just days before she is set to compete in the Olympics.
New aircraft designed specifically for athletes
RIO DE JANEIRO — Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company turned heads from the Olympics for a moment earlier this week to its new SportJet, a plane custom-designed to carry professional athletes.
Olympics way of life for ASU grad
RIO DE JANEIRO — No matter how many Olympics Greg Harney attends, it is always the athletes from his alma mater who catch his eye.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 12
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Week 1
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Mercury stars Taurasi and Griner relish shared Olympic experience
RIO DE JANEIRO — In talking about her dominant performance in Team USA’s victory over Serbia earlier this week, guard Diana Taurasi saw an opportunity to make a joke at her teammate Brittney Griner’s expense.
Former ASU diver hopes to make splash for Team Italy
RIO DE JANEIRO — Italian diver Mikis Benedetti’s road to Rio started in Rome. Benedetti lived in the Italian capital from birth until he arrived at Arizona State in 2005.
USA House entertains behind closed doors
RIO DE JANEIRO - Just steps away from the sands of Ipanema Beach sits the USA House, offering athletes, families, U.S. Olympic legends, sponsors and donors a home away from home during the games along with a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro from the rooftop deck.
Phelps achieves ‘closure’ in Rio, ready to coach at ASU
RIO DE JANEIRO — In winning his 23rd gold medal Saturday night, Michael Phelps put an exclamation point on his historic Olympic swim career.
Muslims in Arizona: One perception, many faces
PHOENIX – Muslims in America have been burdened with a label of terrorism that colors others’ perceptions of Islam, a religion of peace and diverse followers, Arizona Muslims say.
Pii Paash concerned about reclaimed water on Gila River land
LAVEEN - A deal to trade Colorado River water for reclaimed water to irrigate fields on the Gila River Indian Community has been the source of a months-long battle between the Pii Paash people and the larger Gila River community.
Taurasi: ‘Underdog’ approach powers 24-year streak
RIO DE JANEIRO -- The last time the U.S. women’s basketball team lost an Olympic game, the WNBA didn’t even exist.
Arizona athletes increase USA medal count
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Sixteen Arizona athletes are competing at the Olympic Games and working to ensure Team USA comes home with as many medals as possible. Take a look at their progress.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 15
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
The unaffiliated: Why more than a quarter of Arizonans are leaving religion behind
PHOENIX — "Granny tells me I'm going to hell," said Chris Wojno, vice president of the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 16
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Tucson BMXer rides into first Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO — BMX racer Corben Sharrah is riding high, entering his first Olympics here after dominating at the Olympic Trials in Chula Vista, California, in June.
Title IX ‘tipping point’ for explosion of U.S. females in Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO — Before there was Simone Biles there was Nadia Comaneci, the Romanian gymnast who was the first person ever to score a perfect 10, in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 17
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Golden seed planted in Rio for golf’s growth
RIO DE JANEIRO — Can a gold medal be used as seed to grow the field for golf? Newly crowned Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose hopes so.
Magnificent Seven’s Borden flips back to ‘96 Games
RIO DE JANEIRO - For 1996 Olympic gold medalist Amanda Borden, gymnastics has become more than just a sport. It is a way to make a positive impact in the community, a way to inspire young athletes and it is what she built her life around with her Gold Medal Gymnastics gyms in Tempe and Chandler.
UA grad swims, bikes, runs his way to first Olympic triathlon
RIO DE JANEIRO — Ben Kanute’s interest in triathlon was born as a child growing up in Illinois, watching his father compete.
Park Service push for centennial visitors worries environmental groups
WASHINGTON - The National Park Service hopes to boost visits in honor of its centennial later this month, but its "Find Your Park" program has some environmental groups asking: How much is too much?
Former Wildcat competes in Olympics decathlon for Spain
RIO DE JANEIRO — Olympic decathlete and University of Arizona graduate Pau Tonnesen will look for his father in the stands during his multi-day competition in Rio. (Photo by Jaclyn Chung/Cronkite News)
Childcare pays poverty-level wage, but Arizona still tops most states
WASHINGTON - Arizona childcare workers were paid less, on average, than parking lot attendants, manicurists and pedicurists in 2015, part of a national trend that saw workers in all states earning salaries that could qualify them for food stamps.
Rio Olympic cauldron breaks tradition
RIO DE JANEIRO — The Olympic flame shines brightly along the Olympic Boulevard in the newly revitalized area of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Arizonans: What’s at stake for you in this election?
The national election has addressed issues like immigration, the economy, infrastructure, energy and national security.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 18
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
How Jerry Colangelo reinvigorated USA Basketball
RIO DE JANEIRO — Jerry Colangelo stepped off the USA men’s basketball team bus and into the Flamengo Club practice facility a couple blocks off the Atlantic Ocean in Rio de Janeiro. He walked in before any of his hand-selected players. Donning a Team USA jacket and a gold Olympic ring on his right hand, the managing director of USA Basketball stood on the sidelines as the most dominant basketball team in the world practiced its craft.
Can birth control reduce Arizona’s wild burro population?
OATMAN, AZ – A wild burro approaches a saloon in the sleepy Arizona town of Oatman, and taps its hooves on the sun-weathered porch. Right on cue, the saloon owner comes out, pats its head and offers it a bite-sized hay cube.
Arizona earns praise for teacher training database, despite pay concerns
WASHINGTON - Arizona won praise in a recent report for its program linking preschool teachers with training and scholarships, even as the report said low wages for those teachers could make such systems an exercise in futility.
ASU swimmers bring Olympic experience back to Tempe
RIO DE JANEIRO — Two weeks ago, Sun Devil swimmer Katarina Simonovic glided through the water under a warm Tempe sun at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Complex.
Gilbert photographer snaps into third Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO – Gilbert native Larry Slater didn’t always have a passion for sports photography. It wasn’t until he took a trip to the NCAA wrestling championship in Las Vegas in 2005 that his interest in photography was sparked.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 19
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Gallery: Best of Rio, Aug. 20
Take a look at some of the best photos taken by Cronkite News reporters on location in Rio de Janeiro covering all things related to the 2016 Olympics and the culture of Rio.
Team USA rookies shine in Rio with veterans’ help
RIO DE JANEIRO - Two-thirds of Team USA is made up of rookies.
Small but mighty: Tijuca National Park provides important gateway for Rio ecology
RIO DE JANEIRO — Parque Nacional da Tijuca is the smallest forest out of the 71 national parks in Brazil. It’s also one of the most vital to Rio de Janeiro.
Capoeira connects Brazil with its African roots
RIO DE JANEIRO - Night is falling over Rio, and under a full moon in a Copacabana park, Omri Breda gathers a group of students for what appears to be singing and dancing.
Tempe volunteers find friendship, new experiences in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO — Amidst the competing professional golfers and the fresh cut grass of the Olympic golf course, two friends from Arizona can be seen in their bright yellow Olympic volunteer outfits.
As Rio wraps up, world looks to Summer, Winter Olympics in Asia
RIO DE JANEIRO — With South America’s first Summer Olympics coming to a close in Brazil, the international sports spotlight will shift to Asia for the next two Olympic Games — the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and the 2020 Summer Games in Japan.
Voters will face maze of new requirements in November
CINCINNATI – With the presidential election less than three months away, millions of Americans will be navigating new requirements for voting – if they can vote at all – as state leaders implement dozens of new restrictions that could make it more difficult to cast a ballot.
Foster care children aging out of Arizona system need transitional help
PHOENIX - Jasmine Flores entered the Arizona foster care system when she was 13 years old. She stayed in the system, moving from group home to group home to group home and changing schools along the way.
Arpaio’s criminal contempt referral sparks contemplation, rage
When Daniel Magos first learned Friday that a judge referred Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to the U.S. Attorney's Office for criminal contempt of court prosecution, he felt a flood of relief and elation. And then he wept.
Will the Latino ‘sleeping giant’ wake and vote this November?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Andrea Montes turns 18 just weeks before the November election, and the Wisconsin resident plans to vote for the first time.
Native Americans still fighting for voting equality
SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah – Terry Whitehat remembers gathering at the community hall in Navajo Mountain each election day, where Navajo Nation members in this remote Utah community would cast their ballots.
What you need to know about millennials and politics
Why overseas military personnel ballots may not be counted
When Americans vote for president in November, many of the 1.4 million active-duty U.S. military personnel stationed or deployed overseas will not know whether their absentee ballots have reached their home states to be counted. And the federal Election Assistance Commission, charged with monitoring their votes, may not know either.
PAC spends more than $280,000 in late bid to unseat Gosar in primary
WASHINGTON - An independent political action committee has spent more than $280,000 since Aug. 1 in Arizona's 4th Congressional District in an effort to unseat three-term Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, in next week's primary election.
Native American voters face ongoing challenges
As election nears, Native Americans confront voting challenges.
College students face unique challenges voting
TEMPE – Students at Rollins College in Florida are designing custom “I voted” stickers for absentee voters. Across the country, the University of Southern California has partnered with county officials to host voter registration events with prizes, games and free food. And at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the student government plans campuswide voter registration drives as well.
News21 investigation: Voter fraud is not a persistent problem
PHOENIX — Politicians and voting rights advocates continue to clash over whether photo ID and other voting requirements are needed to prevent voter fraud, but a News21 analysis and recent court rulings show little evidence that such fraud is widespread.
Open House seats draw hopefuls – and millions in funds – before primary
WASHINGTON - Republican congressional hopefuls in Arizona's 1st District have raised more than $3.3 million ahead of Tuesday's primary, already surpassing the $2.4 million that GOP candidates in the district raised for all of 2014.
15 Arizonans become U.S. citizens while overlooking Grand Canyon
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK – Liliana Spurlock knew she wanted to be a U.S. citizen since the first moment she stepped on American soil 13 years ago.
GAO: Air Force plan to retire A-10 did not fully weigh impact, costs
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon's attempt to retire the A-10 fighter jet was based on insufficient information that did not fully consider vulnerabilities that could come from the loss of the "Warthog," the Government Accountability Office said.
From coat hangers to $1,200 couture, Arizona’s samba scene coming to life
RIO DE JANEIRO — In this city that made samba famous with colorful jeweled costumes and live music, the rhythm of samba music pumps through the streets on a nightly basis.
McCain, Ward spending on Senate primary rivaled by outside groups
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain has spent $6.2 million on his re-election bid and his lead challenger, Kelli Ward, has spent about $1.3 million as they prepare to square off in Tuesday's Republican primary.
Flake still won’t vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton
PHOENIX — Republican Sen. Jeff Flake has said he is sticking to his principles and won't vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton for president.
Arizona Latino immigrants seek citizenship to vote, fight discrimination
PHOENIX - Mexican immigrant Blanca Lorena Puente loves the United States, so much so that she is applying for citizenship in order to participate in the election process.
McSally challengers face steep fundraising climb after primary
WASHINGTON - Whatever the final tally in Tuesday's 2nd Congressional District primary, there's one other number that Democratic challengers Victoria Steele and Matt Heinz will need to worry about: $2,063,033.42
Arizona Latino Trump supporters hold fast
PHOENIX - Jose Gonzalez doesn’t wear a “Make America Great Again” hat, or have Donald Trump bumper stickers on his truck. He’s not planning to attend the Republican presidential candidate’s rally in Phoenix on Wednesday, and as an evangelical Christian pastor he said he doesn’t share his political views from the pulpit.
Arizona residents ease into voting in Tuesday’s primary
PHOENIX - So far, so good. The polls were quiet through most of Tuesday for Arizona's primary election as voters across the Phoenix area and elsewhere in Arizona cast ballots for their Republican or Democratic choice for Congress, statewide and local offices ranging from the Senate to Maricopa County sheriff.
Has the threat of Zika virus affected your summer?
The Zika virus continues to concern people who have traveled — or who plan to travel — to areas with high rates of the virus. There have been 25 travel-associated Zika cases in the state, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Do new FAA drone rules go far enough for Arizonans?
SCOTTSDALE – The Federal Aviation Administration this week released new rules for commercial drone pilots, but one local unmanned aircraft enthusiast said the agency is focused on regulating the wrong group of users.
Who let the dogs out: Crew faces feral canines, other foibles on primary election day
PHOENIX – When poll workers arrived at a high school Tuesday morning to get ready for voters, they encountered two barriers that could have prevented voters from casting their ballot: a locked gate and a pack of dogs.
Election officials confident voter rolls secure after hack attempt
WASHINGTON - Arizona election officials said that "at no point" was voter registration information "accessed or manipulated" after an attempted hack into the state's database over the summer.
Feds reverse conviction, citing ‘rat’s nest’ of tribal court problems
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Tuesday overturned the assault conviction of a Gila River Indian Community man, saying the tribal court failed to tell him he could get a trial by jury - if he asked.
Immigration advocates go on offensive on eve of Trump speech
WASHINGTON - A day before Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's scheduled "major immigration speech" in Phoenix, immigration advocates on Tuesday were already denouncing any new policy as a likely repackaging of the same "inhumane" policies.
McCain, Arpaio win Republican primaries, head to tough November races
PHOENIX - Arizona Republicans want John McCain to serve a sixth term as their U.S. senator, handing him a comfortable victory in the Tuesday primary. With 20 percent of the vote reported, McCain held a 53.7 to 36.8 percent lead over challenger Kelli Ward.
Cronkite News update: McCain, Arpaio win primaries
Cronkite News special: McCain, Arpaio win primaries
Presidential campaign giving lags in Arizona, elsewhere in U.S.
WASHINGTON - Arizonans have been relatively stingy with their presidential donations this year, contributing $8.4 million as of August, well off the 2012 pace when residents forked over $21.9 million by the end of the presidential campaign.
Concussion reporting on the rise in Arizona
PHOENIX – At first blush, the statement from Dr. Javier Cardenas might have troubled some parents of young athletes.
Arizona Democrats wary of Trump’s Phoenix immigration speech
PHOENIX - Ramon Chavez worries that if Donald Trump becomes president, his family, including his autistic brother, will be deported to Mexico. Regardless of what Trump may say Wednesday night about his immigration policy, Chavez is not convinced that the Republican presidential candidate will soften his original plan to implement mass deportation policies.
Arizona supporters praise Donald Trump at immigration rally
PHOENIX – Dressed in a floppy hat and her grandmother's pearls, Loretta Spencer stood in a line that snaked around two buildings as people waited to get into the Donald Trump rally. She lost her salon business during the Obama presidency and switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party.
Arizona protesters chant, dance to defy Trump immigration policy
PHOENIX – Protesters danced to celebrate Latino culture and chanted about immigration rights Wednesday to defy Donald Trump as he outlined his immigration policy.
Video: Trump supporters praise their candidate outside Phoenix Convention Center
Trump supporters rally outside Phoenix Convention Center.
Donald Trump’s hardline immigration plan unveiled in Arizona
PHOENIX - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump returned from a controversial visit to Mexico's “wonderful wonderful” President Enrique Peña Nieto on Wednesday evening in time to unveil his hardline immigration policy to an enthusiastic crowd gathered in the Phoenix Convention Center.
Former Phoenix mayor: Loopholes put marijuana dispensaries too close to home
PHOENIX – Community activists, including a former Phoenix mayor and Arizona attorney general, believe loopholes in Arizona zoning laws could allow medical-marijuana dispensaries to open too close to schools, homes and religious institutions.
One career, 374 votes: Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell could win, lose by a sliver
Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell's career, after 27 relatively tranquil years disrupted by one major upheaval, is balancing on a thin blade of a few hundred votes that separate her from a win or a loss.
Club soccer player stresses importance of concussion education after injury
PHOENIX — On a muggy night in early August 2015, Bianca Feix was trading jokes with her family around the dinner table. The hands on the clock pointed to 6 p.m. when Bianca, a 13-year-old club soccer player, was in the middle of a story when she grabbed her head.
Court grants new hearing on suspected money laundering assets
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ordered a new hearing Thursday for two Mexican men seeking to get back more than $800,000 that U.S. authorities seized in the belief the men were laundering drug money.
ASU football lends a hand as Louisiana floods hit home in Tempe
TEMPE – Last month, record-setting floods swept through the suburbs of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For some within the Arizona State football program the disaster didn’t just hit home - it was home.
Veterans Affairs official moves to rebuild trust with Phoenix veterans
PHOENIX – Sloan Gibson, deputy secretary of Veterans Affairs, delivered a message Thursday of change for veteran's health care after months of roiling problems that reached from Arizona to around the country, including months-long wait times for medical treatment.
Lucha libre builds on strong tradition across borderlands
On Sundays, Sergio De La Rosa recreates an important part of his past that he has carried since he was born in El Paso and raised in Juarez. De La Rosa runs P.o.r. Promotions, which showcases lucha libre, the colorful and highly acrobatic style of Mexican wrestling with deep roots across the border.
Arizonans can soon drop off expired drugs at 18 Walgreens kiosks
PHOENIX — Arizona residents will soon be able to drop off out-of-date prescription drugs for safe, easy disposal at 18 Walgreens stores, Gov. Doug Ducey said Friday.
ASU researcher applauds new federal rule on antibacterial soaps
PHOENIX – Arizona State University researcher Rolf Halden has been warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the dangers of ingredients found in antibacterial soaps for more than a decade.
Report: Nonunion workers lose pay as labor unions lose clout
WASHINGTON - The steady decline in union membership has had a ripple effect on wages of nonunion workers, costing them a potential $14 to $52 a week in pay, according to a report this week by a Washington think tank.
EPA announces plans to begin next phase of Navajo uranium cleanup
WASHINGTON - Federal officials took the first step this week toward a planned $1 billion cleanup of abandoned uranium mines in and around the Navajo Nation, seeking bids to assess the problem and begin planning the project.
Tucson’s hybrid city election system survives legal challenge
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court reaffirmed Tucson's hybrid city election process Friday, rejecting opponents' claims that it violated the one-person, one-vote principle.
Arizona candidates kick off general election with Labor Day stumping
WASHINGTON - Fresh off the primary and with just weeks until the general election, Democrat Paul Penzone will kick off his campaign against longtime Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio by meeting and greeting voters this holiday weekend.
Court rejects Cochise County man’s challenge of sex-offender registry
WASHINGTON - A federal court Friday upheld a Cochise County man's conviction for failing to register as a sex offender, even though the state's sex-offender registry law was passed the year after his sexual misconduct conviction.
Arizona blood bank prepares to test donated blood for Zika
SCOTTSDALE - An Arizona blood bank will soon start screening donated blood for the Zika virus, following an FDA recommendation.
Feds ‘confident’ Arizonans will have health options, as insurers pull out
WASHINGTON - Federal officials "remain confident" that Arizona residents will have options when they look for health care under the Affordable Care Act next year, even as another insurer pulled out of the insurance marketplace in the state.
U.S., Mexico sign agreement to help protect Mexican workers here
WASHINGTON - Labor Day may be a U.S. holiday, but the Justice Department wants to make sure labor rights are protected for everyone working in this country - including noncitizens.
Cronkite News: September 6, 2016
Newscast: Hurricane Newton, refugee voters and Congress on deadline.
Arizona poll: Clinton, Trump in dead heat with almost a quarter of voters undecided
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are neck and neck in the presidential race in Arizona with more than 20 percent of the state's likely voters undecided, according to an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News Poll. [su_pullquote align="right"]
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Poll: About half of voters favor making marijuana use legal for adults
About 50 percent of Arizona voters favor a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana use for Arizona adults 21 and older, according to an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll of registered voters.
Poll: Thumbs down on border wall, deportation and Arpaio
PHOENIX - Despite Arizona’s national reputation as a hardline immigration state, most "likely voters" in the Grand Canyon State oppose deporting all undocumented immigrants in the United States, according to a poll of Arizona registered voters released today. The Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News Poll also found that a majority of likely voters opposed building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and harbor an “unfavorable” or “very unfavorable” opinion of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Officials: Grand Canyon University businesses may revitalize Phoenix neighborhood
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University has launched a new program to provide students with business experience outside of the classroom.
Chinese Senior Center connects people to home
PHOENIX - Nancy Peng finds joy at the Chinese Senior Center.
Arizona’s undecided voters: We want to hear from you!
A recent Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News Poll found Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are in a dead heat with almost a quarter of voters undecided.
Cronkite News: September 7, 2016
New Arizona presidential polling, border issues and young Hispanic voters.
Senate panel gives preliminary OK to school choice for tribal students
WASHINGTON - A Senate committee Wednesday gave narrow approval to a measure that would make education savings accounts available to children attending Bureau of Indian Education schools.
Activists, tribes hail EPA’s Superfund designation for Gold King Mine
WASHINGTON - Environmental and tribal activists welcomed the government's announcement Wednesday that it had designated the Gold King Mine a Superfund site, advancing the cleanup of an area contaminated by a multimillion-gallon toxic spill last year.
World War II women pilots let back in Arlington – after a fight
ARLINGTON, Va. - In many ways, it was a typical Arlington National Cemetery funeral - there was a color guard and fly-over, a rifle salute, a carefully folded flag and the playing of "Taps."
Medical marijuana for pain relief: Share your experience
There are many forms of pain management, including prescription drugs and natural remedies. As part of a Cronkite News investigation into prescription opioids, we would like to hear from people who use medical marijuana for pain relief.
Are you concerned about opioid use in Arizona?
Reporters at Cronkite News are working on a project on the impact of prescription opioid use in Arizona. What do you want to know?
Do you or someone you know have experience with opioids?
Cronkite News is committed to reporting on the impact of opioid use in Arizona.
Native American tribes, Grijalva lead move to conserve Gila River land
PHOENIX – Native American tribal leaders, archaeologists and Congressman Raúl Grijalva are seeking to designate more than 84,000 acres curving along the Gila River as a national monument.
Pinal County dodges health care void as Blue Cross steps in to offer ‘Obamacare’ coverage
PHOENIX – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona announced Wednesday that it will remain in the Pinal County Affordable Care Act health exchange.
Arizona teachers: What matters to you right now?
With the new school year commencing, education is on the minds of lots of Arizona residents — parents, students and teachers.
Latino voters disappointed with presidential candidates may stay home on election day
PHOENIX - The Mejias, owners of a busy quinceañera shop in East Phoenix, are immigrants from Hidalgo, Mexico, naturalized citizens and eligible to vote but the husband and wife are unlikely to cast ballots in the presidential election.
Advocates see Hispanic Heritage Month as chance to push Latino voting
WASHINGTON - When Hispanic Heritage Month begins next week, Latino voting advocates say they will be looking to the future as well as the past.
Gallego, Reid call for more protection for federal lands, not less
WASHINGTON - Western lawmakers joined Olympic pentathlete Margaux Isaksen Thursday to warn against attempts to move federal lands into state or private hands and to call on the president to use his authority to expand national monuments.
House panel OKs bill to change how tribes get federal recognition
WASHINGTON - A House committee Thursday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would give Congress greater control over which Native American tribes are granted federal recognition.
Cronkite News: September 8, 2016
District 5 election, recruiting immigrant workers, polling on marijuana.
Democrats increase Latino voter outreach in Arizona
PHOENIX - The Democratic Party in Arizona is increasing outreach to Latino voters as polls show the gap between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump narrowing.
Changes loom for grading Arizona schools
PHOENIX - Arizona's letter-grading system to measure how well schools are teaching students is on hold while the state school board makes changes.
A former refugee will vote for the first time as U.S. citizen
PHOENIX - A former Somalian refugee's nearly 30-year journey to become a U.S. citizen will reach a high point when he votes for the first time in November.
Cronkite News Refresh: Sept. 9, 2016
Weekly recap: Election poll, Prop 205 views and screening for Zika.
Judge rules 18 votes to be counted in tight congressional primary
PHOENIX – A judge on Friday ordered 18 disputed votes to be counted in the congressional Republican primary between Christine Jones and Andy Biggs, putting a race divided by a sliver of votes into further disarray.
Arizona company loses unfair business practice suit against Honeywell
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday rejected an Arizona aeronautical company's claim that a major competitor used its market dominance to "unfairly smother competition" in the aeronautics maintenance business.
For Congress, lots to do, little time and looming elections
WASHINGTON - House members came together on the steps of the Capitol Friday to mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11, listening to speeches, joining with the U.S. Marine Band in a rendition of "God Bless America" and observing a moment of silence.
Fun, freedom at Bartlett Lake for people with disabilities
RIO VERDE - For one day, 12-year-old Aidan Ringo forgot the endless days of doctor visits.
He got on a wake board and sped across Bartlett Lake with his friends and family by his side, and got the chance to experience other water adventures like kayaking, tubing, and jet skiing.
Tessa Ringo, Aidan's mother, describes the opportunities for her child, born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as magical.
"As soon as he gets on that wake board, I kind of always wipe a tear away," Tessa Ringo said. "Just being so proud of him and being able to sit back and observe him gaining confidence, being independent, and having an experience that every 12-year-old can do."
"It is amazing what they can do for kids that can't go out on the lake that much," said Aidan, his hair still damp from wake boarding. He said the Day at the Lake, as it's called, let's people focus on fun, not their disabilities, doctors' visits "or whatever crazy stuff that's been happening."
[caption id="attachment_35574" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Aidan Ringo and sister Ella share a touching moment at "Day on the Lake." (Photo by Allyson Hoskins/Cronkite News)[/caption]
Aidan's sister Ella is proud of her big brother.
"It is really exciting because I get to see my brother do stuff that he can't really do," Ella said. I'm glad he can do it."
Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix hosts the weekend water activities for families that have children with disabilities and veterans. Last weekend was its 20th anniversary.
Children and adults can water or jet ski, go on a kayak or go tubing.
Brenna Bean, a recreation therapist and a volunteer for the lake event, has used a wheelchair since her spinal cord was injured when she was in a car accident when she was 18 years old.
"I love the adaptive activities they do here, so it really gives people with disabilities the chance to get out and try things that they never thought they would be able to do," Bean said.
Jo Crawford, the program coordinator at Barrow Neurological Institute, based at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, said the event – the next one will not be until 2017 – offers one more way to enjoy life.
"Come out and live your life, you've been through so much," Crawford said. "Come here and live it cause that's what you're here to do. That's what we are going to help you do."
Arizona soldier salutes 3,000 flags during 9/11 memorial in Tempe
TEMPE – Adriana Sandoval was a kindergartner when the two commercial airliners crashed into the twin towers. The youngster witnessed the atrocities of man through a television screen.
Biggs wins Republican primary in CD 5 but awaits possible recount
PHOENIX – The Republican primary election that places Andy Biggs as the winner by 16 votes in Congressional District 5 was officially confirmed Monday by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, but that doesn't mean the race is over.
Cronkite News: September 12, 2016
Congressional primary result, senior citizens in school and high-interest loans
Ducey blasts marijuana reform in ‘values voter’ speech in Washington
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey told a Washington audience this weekend that the movement to legalize recreational marijuana is "a battle for the minds and future of our children's lives."
Court grants new hearing for Maricopa inmate shackled during labor
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Monday that a former Maricopa County jail inmate can sue the sheriff's office for shackling her while she was in labor and as she left the hospital after giving birth.
Consumer advocate: Predatory lending still ‘major problem’ in Arizona
PHOENIX – Consumers nationwide have submitted nearly 10,000 complaints with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau about short-term consumer loans they believed were unfair, according to a recent analysis conducted by the Arizona PIRG Education Fund. The complaints were submitted over the past two and a half years.
Judge orders recount in CD 5 race; Jones seeks investigation
PHOENIX – The race to represent U.S. Congressional District 5 continues after a Maricopa County judge Tuesday ordered a recount of votes in the Republican primary.
Valley mayors join others urging Congress to approve Zika funding
WASHINGTON - Three Valley mayors were among 77 who urged congressional leaders Tuesday to do what everyone seems to agree is necessary - pass stalled legislation to fund Zika virus research before they go on another recess.
Cronkite News: September 13, 2016
Glendale school closures, opioid overdoses and Valley Fever diagnosis.
Southern Arizona residents take border security gripes to Congress
WASHINGTON - Two southern Arizona residents told a House panel Tuesday that their communities have grown more dangerous due to what they see as a lack of security at the Arizona-Mexico border.
Broadcasters, inspired by Arizona, kick off national opioids campaign
WASHINGTON - National broadcasters, anti-drug advocates and a bipartisan group of lawmakers Tuesday unveiled a campaign to target opioid addiction, an effort that was partly inspired by a 2015 documentary on heroin addiction in Arizona.
AZ Supreme Court OKs police pay for on-the-clock union work
PHOENIX – The Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that paying police officers while they did work for the police union does not violate the state constitution.
AZ researchers focus on Zika virus, mosquitoes
TUCSON – Arizona scientists and researchers haven’t stopped their efforts to discover new information on the Zika virus and the mosquito that carries it even as officials in Washington, D.C., battle over emergency funding to fight the virus.
Are you a Phoenix Suns fan? Share your favorite memory
Another basketball season is upon us, and we are looking for Phoenix Suns fans to talk about their team.
AZ Dems: Hillary “deplorables” statement, pneumonia won’t hurt voter outreach
PHOENIX - Melrose Brown, a 17-year-old African American high school student, moved to Phoenix two years ago from Minnesota. Since then, she said, she has witnessed several instances of racism.
Glendale schools closed for repairs, lead to half-day classes
GLENDALE – Two Glendale elementary schools are shut down for weeks-long repairs, leading to a leaner academic day for students not only from the closed schools but two other schools that have to take them in.
Hualapai say proposed water deal could benefit tourism in the state
WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Hualapai Tribe told a Senate committee Wednesday that a proposed 70-mile, $173 million water project would lay the groundwork for expansion of Grand Canyon West and increased tourism in the state.
Court: Medicaid patients who sued over state plan can get lawyers’ fees
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that a group of Arizona Medicaid recipients who sued the government after it approved higher copayments for their care should still be able to recover attorneys' fees in the case.
Share your perspective on healing through prayer
Many states have laws exempting parents from providing medical care to their children if it doesn't agree with their religious beliefs.
Ak-Chin tribal members join North Dakota pipeline protest
MARICOPA – Cecily Peters and three other members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community loaded into an SUV Friday evening and drove 24 hours straight to join the protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.
Diamondbacks make Latino fan outreach top priority
PHOENIX - Just hours away from the Mexican border, the Diamondbacks celebrated Hispanic heritage with a pregame festival for their fans Saturday at Chase Field. But that heritage is represented by more than just the team’s fan base.
Make money by conserving water in Arizona’s Verde Valley
VERDE VALLEY – The valley is tucked south of the red rocks of Sedona, lush with greenery and alive with wildlife that flock to the banks of the river running through it.
Rose Mofford, Arizona’s first female governor, dies at 94
PHOENIX – Rose Mofford, Arizona's first female secretary of state and first female governor, died Thursday at a Phoenix hospice center. She was 94.
Confused by elections? Ask a kid. Report lauds state civics program
WASHINGTON - Arizona got high marks Thursday in a national study of how well states educate students on voting, parties and the political process, early training that analysts say leads to greater voter participation later on.
Poverty rates fell in Arizona last year, still among nation’s highest
WASHINGTON - Arizona saw a "significant" drop in its poverty rate last year, but that rate still hovered well above the national average, according to numbers released Thursday by the Census Bureau.
Phoenix expo to offer help for addicts, families
PHOENIX – Barbara Brown was 14 when she started abusing drugs and alcohol. For the next 24 years, she spiraled into a severe addiction – blacking out every night, waking up every morning hungover and endangering herself and those around her.
New polling place on Tempe campus to open for general election
TEMPE – Arizona State University will get its first polling place in history, allowing students to remain on campus to cast their ballot in the November election.
UA researchers develop new way to look deep inside the brain
PHOENIX – Medical professionals who study or work with the human brain have always struggled to get a glimpse at its inner workings.
Mercury’s Kelsey Bone to take anthem protests into WNBA playoffs
PHOENIX – Kelsey Bone is taking her social injustice protest to a bigger stage. On a night when the Phoenix Mercury clinched a berth in the WNBA playoffs, the 24-year-old center kneeled during the singing of the national anthem to raise awareness of alleged racial inequality and the recent shootings by and of police officers around the country.
September 16, 2016 Social Refresh
Ducey on marijuana, new guidelines for Valley Fever, and refugee voting
McCain seeks repeal of affordable health-care plan
PHOENIX — Standing firmly in a political divide drawn along party lines, U.S. Senators John McCain and John Barrasso blamed federally subsidized health care for a shift in Arizona's insurance industry.
Mofford saved Cactus League from extinction
PHOENIX – Near the end of spring training in 1990, MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent came to Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford with an ultimatum, according to former Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Bruner.
Apache County had worst ‘food insecurity’ in U.S.; state fared poorly
WASHINGTON - Food advocacy groups said Apache County children had the least reliable access to healthy food in the nation in 2014, when 41.5 percent of children in the county were deemed to be "food insecure."
Electric car owners in Arizona hope to jolt interest in vehicles
WASHINGTON - When Valley gearheads line up Saturday night at the McDonald's at Scottsdale Pavilions to show off their cars as they have for more than 20 years, Brian Perkins will be there to help showcase 19 cars.
Marchers mark anniversary of anti-deportation walk on Washington
WASHINGTON - It was a briefer walk than last year, but the message was the same for three Arizona women who joined scores more marching in Washington Friday - end deportations and the separations of immigrant families.
Love and help: Latinos with disabilities overcome obstacles
PHOENIX - Eleven years ago, Jose Ortiz-Reyes fell off a scaffold and became paralyzed from the neck down.
Tucson funeral homes do well in national funeral practices survey
WASHINGTON - Tucson "stacks up fairly well" in a recent report on potentially misleading pricing policies for cremation services, with all but one of the city's funeral homes surveyed found to be in compliance with federal rules.
Women’s hockey growing in the desert
PHOENIX - It’s getting colder in the desert. “We’re not a hockey state but we are starting to get there,” said Jordan Nash-Boulden, an Arizona State women’s hockey player.
Guac the Vote registers voters at taco trucks
PHOENIX- The U.S.Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's "Guac the Vote" campaign is registering voters at taco trucks across the country and encouraging voters to show up on election day.
Not shop class: Vocational education classes now focused on technology
PEORIA – Vocational education programs in Arizona now teach students everything from aerospace to medical technology to culinary arts.
Arizona celebrates Hispanic Heritage month with traditional “Grito”
Phoenix - Hispanic Heritage month celebrations featuring mariachi music also include a "grito," a traditional yell, an expression of joy and appreciation during songs.
Ducey: College, trade school education improves Arizona economy
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wants high-school graduates to attend traditional colleges or trade schools, saying nearly 70 percent of jobs in less than five years will require more than a high-school diploma.
Former MLB catcher Chad Moeller finds passion in teaching
SCOTTSDALE - Seven jerseys hang on the wall of the Scottsdale Batting Cages, home to Chad Moeller Baseball.
Colorado mayor to Arizona: Don’t legalize marijuana
PHOENIX – A Colorado mayor and law officer said making marijuana legal would threaten Arizonans' safety, urging voters to oppose Proposition 205.
September 20, 2016 Newscast | Cronkite News
Prop 205, manned mission to Mars and full-day kindergarten
Feds take the wheel before driverless cars hit the market
WASHINGTON - The federal government got into the debate over driverless vehicles Tuesday, proposing new regulations and model legislation aimed at smoothing the development of the high-tech cars and heading off a state-by-state patchwork of laws for them.
Arizonans: Would your life change if the minimum wage is increased?
In November, Arizonans will vote on a measure that would increase the minimum wage from $8.05 an hour to $10 an hour in January 2017. The ballot measure would also increase the minimum wage annually until it reaches $12 in 2020.
American DREAMer: Once undocumented, Latina activist is a citizen
PHOENIX - Seven years ago, when she graduated from Arizona State University with an engineering degree, Dulce Matuz couldn't get an engineering job.
The sound of music: Phoenix students craft guitars by hand
PHOENIX — Buzz saws, sanders and wood clacking on wood crescendo above 40 students' competing conversations as they craft acoustic and electric guitars.
Hummingbird migration in Arizona helps unlock mysteries of climate change
[gallery type="slideshow" ids="37214,37217,37218,37219,37220,37221,37222,37223,37224,37225"] SIERRA VISTA - Dozens of hummingbirds congregate near a house in southeastern Arizona, delighting families who interact with the birds and the specialists who believe the creatures' migration may help solve the mysteries of environmental health.
What are police-community relations like in Arizona?
The number of fatal shootings by officers have increased in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to an ongoing two-year study by The Washington Post.
September 21, 2016 Newscast | Cronkite News
Racial profiling, school emergency preparedness and an NFL's kids program
Mud turtle creeps to endangered status, as springsnail outlook improves
WASHINGTON - Federal officials denied endangered status to a southern Arizona snail Wednesday after unexpectedly finding far more than were thought to exist, but moved to protect what one advocate called the "very imperiled" Sonoyta mud turtle.
Some Navajo join lawmakers opposing Bears Ears national monument
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation locals joined Utah lawmakers Wednesday to express opposition to any attempt to designate land around the Bears Ears site in southeastern Utah as a national monument.
Unpredictable AZ Sanders supporters still feel the Bern
PHOENIX - In 1960, when he was a young boy, Larry Ward became aware of the political world around him. An exciting young president, John F. Kennedy, had just been elected.
Are you interested in driverless cars?
In the past, self-driving cars were the talk of the future. Now, driverless cars are a reality.
New, simpler guidelines created to treat Valley Fever
PHOENIX – Doctors are recommending new detection and treatment guidelines for Valley Fever, a deadly and debilitating infection that mimics the flu.
Poll shows trust and tensions over Arizona law enforcement
PHOENIX – Jarvis Johnson admits he was driving too fast in his rented Dodge Charger on Labor Day when a police officer signaled him to pull over.
GCU investing in sports medicine as part of move to Division I
PHOENIX - Grand Canyon University has invested millions of dollars in transitioning its athletic programs to NCAA Division I.
A game without borders: Suns’ Bledsoe helps grow basketball overseas
The presence of international players in the NBA has boomed since the original USA Basketball “Dream Team” won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. At the start of last season there were 100 foreign-born players in the NBA, representing 37 countries, according to the league.
Rev. Jarrett Maupin plans protest to block Mill Avenue bridge in Tempe
PHOENIX — The Rev. Jarrett Maupin, an activist who led a summer march in Phoenix to protest police brutality, is organizing a Monday protest to block the Mill Avenue bridge over Tempe Town Lake.
House members grill immigrations official on detainee releases
WASHINGTON - House members grilled the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thursday, alleging that more than 80 percent of detainees released by the agency have criminal records and that some reoffend once they are freed.
Workers cite harassment, retaliation in ‘toxic’ national parks
WASHINGTON - National Park Service employees continue to suffer from a "toxic" work culture that has allowed for rampant sexual misconduct and a culture of retaliation, park workers told a House committee Thursday.
Latinos back national monument status for areas near Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - Anakarina Rodriguez traveled from southern Arizona to Washington with a message for President Barack Obama: designate 1.7 million acres around the Grand Canyon as a national monument.
ASU researchers at Teotihuacan lab work to unravel Aztec city’s mysteries
Phoenix - Unraveling the mysteries of ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, Mexico could help modern cities thrive according to Michael Smith, the professor overseeing Arizona State University's research lab near the site of the Aztec pyramids.
Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks trying to make life easier for kids with cancer
PHOENIX - A 368-mile round-trip car ride awaits Bruce Clark-Frye each week to get treatment at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – the place his parents say is their best hope for their child to one day be cancer-free.
U.S. surgeon general uses social media to address opioid epidemic
PHOENIX – The U.S. surgeon general is urging those who support the fight against the nationwide opioid epidemic to take his #TurnTheTide pledge.
Cardinals get kids moving
TEMPE – After beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-7 on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals certainly earned a day off.
GOP VP nominee Mike Pence promises conservative change at Mesa rally
MESA — Mike Pence, the Republican vice presidential nominee, delivered a message of family, faith and conservative policy at Living Word Bible Church Thursday night.
September 23, 2016 Social Refresh
Weekly recap: Guac the Vote, Dakota Pipeline and an ASU Tempe polling place
McCain and Kirkpatrick schedule first debate
Arizona’s two major U.S. Senate candidates, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Flagstaff, and Republican Sen. John McCain, will face one another in an October debate.
One less battle: Treatment courts keep vets out of jail, in recovery
WASHINGTON - The way Gregg Maxon sees it, veterans have a hard enough time as it is when their service is done - they don't need jail time added to the list.
Court upholds state’s rules for political parties to get on the ballot
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday upheld the state's process for recognizing political parties, rejecting claims by the Arizona Green Party that the petition deadline for new parties posed an unconstitutional burden.
AZ’s growing Hispanic-owned business sector gets help from Fuerza Local
PHOENIX – Berni Reina and his wife were simultaneously laid off in 2013. The Avondale residents had no steady income and had to provide for their family, so the two began to look for work.
Police arrest four people in Tempe during police brutality protest
TEMPE – Tempe police on Monday arrested the Rev. Jarrett Maupin and at least three other people after they blocked the Mill Avenue Bridge for impeding a public thoroughfare.
Controversy spikes as Scottsdale plans Desert Discovery Center
SCOTTSDALE – A controversial, $75-million desert center in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is moving forward after two decades of wrangling, despite preservation activists' attempts to stop it.
‘It could be anyone’s child’: AZ police shootings of African-Americans protested
TEMPE - Longtime Phoenix activist Rev. Jarrett Maupin led about 50 protesters across the Mill Avenue Bridge in Tempe on Monday, blocking traffic in what Maupin said was a protest of two police shootings of African-Americans in Arizona.
Palmer leaves lasting imprint on Arizona golf courses
SCOTTSDALE – In the entrance of the Starfire Golf Club, legend Arnold Palmer smiles in a blue beret while sinking his winning putt in the 1961 British Open – his first of two.
Business goes on as Tempe protesters march past restaurants
TEMPE – A handful protestors chanted "Hands up, don't shoot!" along Mill Avenue Monday morning, but it was mostly business as usual for customers at several nearby restaurants.
Tribal leaders give Obama high marks for Native American relations
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama told tribal leaders Monday that they and his administration had come far since he took office eight years ago, but that there is still work to be done to solve problems in Indian Country.
Coyote goalie’s mask a canvas for Canadian artist
GLENDALE - Every hockey goaltender must wear a protective mask, but the masks often do more than protect the goalie from slap shots flying toward the net at more than 100 mph.
Voter registration drive focuses on students
Actor and activist Edward James Olmos encouraged about 100 high school students to register to vote at Central High School Tuesday morning as part of National Voter Registration Day.
September 27, 2016 Newscast
Arizona debate impact, cannabis for PTSD and abortion legislation in D.C.
Study: Influx of immigrants is overall boost to U.S. workers, economy
WASHINGTON - Immigration has risen sharply over the past 20 years and immigrants have accounted for a larger portion of the workforce in that time, but that competition is actually helping Americans in the long run, a new report says.
Navajo, feds sign agreement giving tribe greater control over schools
WASHINGTON - Federal officials signed an agreement with Navajo leaders Tuesday giving the tribe the authority to implement a single set of standards, assessments and accountability measures for tribal schools that are scattered over three states.
Gilbert company tests job candidates’ empathy to improve customer service
GILBERT – We have all had our fair share of horrible experiences with customer service. One Arizona company has implemented a method its founders believe helps combat those negative interactions – and it starts before managers even hire their employees.
Legacy lives on at Arizona Open Wheel Racing Museum
PHOENIX – There is a lot of racing history packed within the walls of the Arizona Open Wheel Racing Museum in east Phoenix, and it all started as a gimmick that a local businessman cooked up to draw racing fans into his stores.
Phoenix Rescue Mission cooks up jobs for unemployed moms
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Rescue Mission is changing the lives of unemployed mothers “one cookie at a time.”
September 28, 2016 Newscast
Homeland Security protest, anti-burglary app, job training for homeless women.
Coconino official says communities must act to fight opioid abuse
WASHINGTON - Arizona communities need to do more to combat and treat drug addictions or face potentially devastating long-term consequences, Coconino County's chief health officer said during a national conference call this week.
Franks urges action on pro-life bill stalled in Senate for a year
WASHINGTON - More than a year after his Born Alive Protection Act passed the House, Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, called on senators to act on the bill before the legislative calendar runs out.
Do you believe in alien life?
With the launch of a multimillion dollar project by Mark Zuckerberg, Yuri Milner and Stephen Hawking to find extraterrestrial life, Cronkite News is very interested to find out what you think about projects like this and extraterrestrial life in general.
CDC: Adults more likely to smoke marijuana than teens
PHOENIX – When people used to ask Lilach Power about her profession, she would tell them she owns a wellness center in Phoenix. Now, she’s far more open about what she does.
Arpaio federal contempt of court case stalled
Phoenix - Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio's campaign raised $725,000 this past month during the same period a U.S. District Judge referred the Sheriff's legal case to federal prosecutors for possible criminal contempt of court charges.
Grand Canyon tram proposal sparks ire, awe from Navajo Nation to Germany
PHOENIX – As a child, Renae Yellowhorse chased birds through the sagebrush on the Navajo reservation along the edge of the Grand Canyon.
Marijuana Prop 205: What’s your stance and why?
Arizona has already legalized medical marijuana, and a recent poll showed about half of state voters favor legalizing recreational marijuana use for adults. Under federal law, it's illegal to use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, but Arizona voters could change state regulations for recreational marijuana use when Proposition 205 appears on the Election Day ballot this November.
Latino families in Arizona splurge on Quinceañeras
Phoenix - A growing number of Arizona businesses are benefitting from a Latino tradition as more families splurge on quinceañeras.
Election coverage reflects fractured media landscape, experts say
WASHINGTON - A 24-hour news cycle. Social media giving newsmakers a direct connection to the public that can bypass the press. The blending of political pundits and reporters analyzing day-to-day political dramas.
Man who said Phoenix police forced him to eat pot wants answers from City Hall
PHOENIX – A Phoenix man who accused Phoenix police officers of forcing him to eat marijuana said Thursday he was physically sick and has had to seek counseling for post-traumatic stress.
AZ educators get creative in finding solutions to growing teacher shortage
GILBERT – Suzanne Zentner stood in front of the high school students and their parents gathered in the library of Gilbert High School on a recent evening and got right to the point.
Valley real estate firm showcases virtual reality technology
PEORIA - Walk into the Peoria offices of DeLex Realty, and you’ll find something unusual - virtual reality headsets.
Hundreds of books challenged each year by those who want them banned
In an era when children can see just about anything on their cellphones, there are still hundreds of attempts to ban books each year. According to the American Library Association, 275 books were challenged in 2015 and 11,000 books have been challenged since the inception of Banned Books Week in 1982. “Challenged” means that someone made a attempt to remove or restrict a book from school and public libraries across the country.
Arizona voters: Do you have questions for McCain or Kirkpatrick?
The October U.S. Senate debate is around the corner for Arizona residents.
September 30, 2016 Social Refresh
Weekly recap: Phoenix Rescue Mission, Maupin protest and refugee job training
Ultra-runner targeting record for 800-mile Arizona Trail run
FLAGSTAFF- Running 800 miles may seem like insanity to some people, but Michael Versteeg knew he’d get around to trying it one day.
Troubled visa investment program gets short-term extension, no fixes
WASHINGTON - Congress granted a short-term reprieve this week to a visa program that benefits immigrants who invest in U.S. businesses, but that extension came without any reforms critics say are necessary to prevent fraud, abuse and security risks.
ASU Democrats race to register, lock in millennial voters for 2016 election
PHOENIX - Kaylan Fodor stood in the hot sun outside of the Arizona State University Memorial Union. Despite her efforts to stop them, students rushed past her.
ASU Republicans cast a wide millennial net for 2016 elections
Cody Friedland self-identifies as a half-White, half-Filipino Republican millennial.
Artist discusses massive northern Arizona crater-based art installation
WASHINGTON - To mapmakers and geologists, it's Roden Crater, a volcanic cone outside Flagstaff. To artist James Turrell, who has spent his career working with light installations, it's his "unfinished dissertation," a massive art project that he started almost 40 years ago and for which he has no estimated opening date.
Lawmakers question credentials of new Phoenix VA director
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers are expressing concern over the "questionable record" the newly appointed director of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System racked up in her previous VA positions.
Memory fragments: Giant puppets tell of loss of Tucson Latino neighborhood
TEMPE - Four giant puppets towered over the stage.
Extra credit: involved parents can improve student grades
PHOENIX – Teachers are expected to help students learn in a classroom, but parents' involvement with their children may lead to better grades.
Arizona Horizon: October 3, 2016
Arizona Horizon guests discuss how chronic absenteeism negatively affects third-grade reading scores and how Native Americans are changing the political landscape.
Mexican sushi “rolls” into the Valley
PHOENIX - A new report by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce shows Latinos spend more per capita than other groups eating out, and that has restaurants catering to these "super consumers."
Trump stumps for ‘great America’ in Prescott Valley
PRESCOTT VALLEY - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pounded on familiar themes that he will create jobs, stop illegal immigration and work on "fixing our inner cities" Tuesday in his sixth visit to Arizona, exhorting Arizona supporters to help him keep America rich, strong and great by electing him on Nov. 8.
Inspector general report says problems persist at Phoenix VA hospital
WASHINGTON - Two years after problems with health care were first uncovered at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs hospital, an inspector general's report released Tuesday said patients there "continued to encounter delays in obtaining" care.
Supreme Court begins term with relatively few Arizona cases – so far
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court began its new term this week with one judgeship empty for the first time in a generation, and just one Arizona case on the docket for the first time in several years.
Arizona Olympian, Paralympian among those honored at Pentagon
ARLINGTON, Virginia - It's a long way from Eloy, Arizona, to Arlington, Virginia. Even longer when you add stops in London and Rio de Janeiro.But that's the path Army Staff Sgt. Joe Guzman took to reach the Pentagon for an event this week honoring Olympians and Paralympians in the U.S. military.
‘One big family’ of Mormon Latinos honored in Mesa
MESA - Two years ago, when she became a Mormon, Andrea Hunt faced opposition from her staunchly Catholic Guatemalan family.
Glendale move for backyard chickens is no joke
GLENDALE - Chickens scratching, clucking and laying eggs in neighbors' backyards could become more frequent under a proposed change to a Glendale ordinance, setting the groundwork for an anti-chicken and pro-chicken battle over lifestyle, property rights and the environment.
Phoenix VA hospital introduces a controversial system director
PHOENIX - RimaAnn Nelson is the right choice to take over the Phoenix VA Health Care System, according to Department of Veterans Affairs undersecretary David Shulkin, despite objections from Arizona's congressional delegation and her record of managing a facility that failed to meet sanitation standards that potentially put thousands of veterans at risk of being exposed to HIV.
October 5, 2016 Newscast
New Phoenix VA director, a new source for rubber and social media in schools
Settlement of charges against Yavapai hospital called win for whistleblowers
WASHINGTON - A national expert on whistleblowers Wednesday welcomed the multimillion-dollar settlement of charges against the Yavapai Regional Medical Center as "a great example" of how the system should work.
Rules to protect prepaid card users will hurt innovation, issuers say
WASHINGTON - Federal officials unveiled new regulations Wednesday aimed at protecting users of prepaid cards, a booming financial sector that is expected to be worth as much as $112 billion by 2018.
Phoenix schools combat truancy
PHOENIX – The building next to Starlight Park Elementary School looks like it belongs there. The fence in front boasts a colorful sign declaring it's proud to be a drug-free school, the water fountains are inviting low enough for the children running around the playground.
How do you meet demand to fill tech-related jobs in AZ? Get kids interested
PHOENIX – When you imagine what class at Phoenix Coding Academy might look like, maybe you think of students staring at endless rows of characters and symbols on computer screens.
Arizona Horizon: October 4, 2016
Arizona State University English professor Karen Adams, an expert in linguistics, and body language expert Renate Mouseseux, give us their perspectives of the performance of the presidential and vice presidential candidates in debates.
Report: Border Patrol overtime, pension plan could backfire long term
WASHINGTON - Border Patrol agents nearing retirement are being locked into a set number of overtime hours under a policy aimed at controlling pension costs that could end up driving scheduling decisions, a recent report said.
Valley food banks offer healthier and customized options
PHOENIX – For someone like Marsha Burton, who is diabetic, has high blood pressure and relies on food banks to help her put food on the table, affording certain types of foods that help her manage her medical condition can be difficult.
Social media in the classroom: Communication or complication?
With social media taking over just about everything, teachers across America are left in a pinch. Where do they draw the line between communication and complication?
Powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl makes a deadly mark in Arizona
TUCSON – Pima County's Medical Examiner reported 17 fentanyl-related deaths last year, up from seven in 2014 – a deadly trend involving one of the most potent synthetic opioids in the world.
Locked up and learning: ASU students take class alongside prison inmates
ASU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice students are earning credits alongside prison inmates as a part of the Inside-Out Program.
October 7, 2016 Social Refresh
Weekly recap: Phoenix's new VA director, Mexican sushi and social media in schools
Latino organization to hold 2017 national convention in Phoenix
Seven years after organizing a 16-month boycott of Arizona over anti-immigration legislation, the National Council of La Raza will hold its 2017 national convention in Phoenix, NCLR president and CEO Janet Murguia said Friday.
Hispanic leaders push voting, but dismiss third-party candidates
WASHINGTON - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus wants to encourage young Latinos to vote - but wants to make sure they don't vote the wrong way.
Hurricane doesn’t get in the way of Arizona staffer’s wedding
WASHINGTON - Saturday was supposed to be the most special day in the lives of Jason Samuels and Courtney Singer, who were set to get married at Singer's family home in Charleston, South Carolina.
Republicans scramble after latest Trump revelations, responses vary
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republican candidates scrambled Saturday to distance themselves from recordings in which presidential nominee Donald Trump makes offensive and lewd comments about women, while Democrats criticized the GOP responses as too little, too late.
Renaming, reframing, reclaiming: Tribes’ different view of Columbus Day
WASHINGTON - Columbus Day will be a holiday for students in most of the country, but it will be just another Monday for students in the Navajo Nation.
Plans for the Columbus Day holiday? Going to work, most likely
WASHINGTON - While advocacy groups argue about the proper way to honor Christopher Columbus and his legacy, it's a safe bet that most Americans marked the holiday the same way - by going to work.
After Arizona’s U.S. Senate debate: What questions are left unanswered?
Arizona Sen. John McCain and challenger Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick faced off Monday in a debate hosted by Arizona PBS and The Arizona Republic. The candidates discussed a range of issues, including the presidential race, immigration, health care and congressional gridlock.
McCain touts experience, Kirkpatrick says it’s time for a change in Senate debate
Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick said they both could work through the gridlock in Washington, but they parted ways on health care, immigration and the economy in a debate Monday for the Senate seat McCain has held for five terms.
Suns coach Earl Watson fights for civil rights in his own way
PHOENIX - Earl Watson’s father was one of the first African-American men to join the integrated Army, as mandated by President Harry Truman in 1948. So, Watson was taught from an early age to respect the flag.
Mesa badminton facility fosters growth in sport
MESA - When people hear there is badminton being played in the Valley, Guy Chadwick expects one of two reactions. “We have two kinds of surprise,” Chadwick said. “We have the surprise, ‘Oh, there’s actually badminton here in Arizona?’ because they’re people that know about it, real badminton, in other places.
AOL co-founder’s tour highlights Phoenix entrepreneurial community
PHOENIX – When venture capitalists think about technology, they often focus most of their attention on three states: California, New York and Massachusetts.
Arizonans: Do you have a passion for improving your community?
Are you an Arizona resident with a passion for improving your neighborhood, city, county or state?
Write-in candidates option for AZ voters in November
PHOENIX - When Sen. John McCain was asked during Monday’s Senate debate for whom he would vote in the presidential election, he responded: "I think I might write in Lindsey Graham. He's an old, good friend of mine and a lot of people like him."
South Phoenix saw big health coverage gain, still trails state, U.S.
WASHINGTON - A south Phoenix congressional district posted one of the nation's largest decreases in people without health insurance since the start of the Affordable Care Act, according to a recently released analysis of Census Bureau data.
Hit hard by recession, Latinos see sharp income, employment rise
WASHINGTON - Hispanic Americans enjoyed the fastest growth in household incomes and the largest decline in the poverty rate of any major racial or ethnic group in 2015, the White House said Wednesday.
What is your experience with immigration and immigrants?
With the presidential election in November, immigration has been one of the most talked-about issues. Cronkite News wants to know how immigration affects you.
My favorite opposite: Who do you get along with despite your political differences?
Cronkite News wants to know how politics does or doesn't play a role in your relationships. While partisanship may dominate this presidential election, we want to know where and how people are coming together.
Group urges opioid users to clean syringes to avoid Hepatitis C
PHOENIX – Shared syringes can lead to shared diseases among opioid users, according to a Phoenix organization determined to improve safety.
Why we love a good scare
PHOENIX - Sydney Cox crouches on the ground, hugging her knees, her eyes squeezed shut as a monster looms over her.
Food vendors struggle on Phoenix streets
Phoenix - Every day dozens of food vendors like Marta Rojas push and pedal small carts on Phoenix streets selling a variety of snacks from corn in a cup to mangos on a stick.
Who teaches the teachers? Rules would hold teacher colleges accountable
WASHINGTON - For years, the U.S. Department of Education has rated teachers' success based on how well their students performed on tests. Now, it wants to take a step back and evaluate how teachers are taught to teach.
Arizona Horizon: October 12, 2016
Federal prosecutors have said they will file charges against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for ignoring orders from a judge in a racial profiling case. Former U.S. Attorney for Arizona Paul Charlton, currently a partner at Steptoe and Johnson, and Stephen Montoya, a civil rights attorney from the firm Montoya, Lucero and Pastor, will discuss the case.
Arizona hockey community celebrates record debut of Auston Matthews
SCOTTSDALE - When Auston Matthews became the first player to score four goals in his NHL debut Wednesday, the Arizona hockey community celebrated with him.
LDS meets DIY: How faith builds crafts businesses for Arizona Mormons
SCOTTSDALE – When Kim Christiansen began regularly attending local craft shows this year as part of her new job, she was surprised by a trend she noticed among the many vendors of handmade goods.
Tribal leaders want more input in pipeline, road projects
Lake Michigan to Catherine Hollowell and her tribe isn't just a vital source of clean water.
Civics lessened: Arizona fares poorly on civic engagement ranking
WASHINGTON - Arizonans have lower rates of civic engagement than residents of most other states, likely because they are a "state of newcomers" who do not feel the need to build a sense of place, a public policy expert said Friday.
Have you or someone you know been through rehab for prescription drugs?
As part of the Cronkite News investigation about prescription opioid use, we'd like to learn more about drug rehabilitation centers.
Does McCain’s position on Donald Trump affect your vote for U.S. Senate?
U.S. Sen. John McCain, who is seeking re-election this year, made headlines when he retracted his endorsement of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Other Republican candidates followed suit, some have remained steadfast in their support and others have not made their position public.
Immigration lawyers: Share your perspective
A recent Pew Research Center poll found 70 percent of registered voters said immigration is very important to their vote for the next president.
Tonopah solar farm to supply energy to California military bases
TONOPAH – Officials from the U.S. Navy, federal government and a power company gathered in the middle of the desert plains just outside of Tonopah last week.
Battling opioid addiction in Indian Country
PHOENIX - For Tara Mason, the impacts of addiction to opioids and other drugs on the White Earth Nation in Minnesota hit close to home.
D-backs new GM: Winning a championship to be ‘at the forefront of what we do every day’
PHOENIX – Success. Success. Success. That is all the new general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks wants for a franchise mired in a string of disappointing seasons.
Feds won’t press Gold King Mine spill criminal case, angering senators
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers on Monday questioned the Justice Department's decision not to prosecute officials in connection with the Gold King Mine spill, which dumped nearly 3 million gallons of toxins into the Animas River last year.
Graduation rates reach new high; Arizona rate lags behind nation
WASHINGTON - High school graduation rates reached an all-time high of 83 percent last year, but Arizona still lagged behind the nation at 77 percent in the 2014-2015 school year, the White House said Monday.
Clinton campaign pushing money, proxies to Arizona in effort to swing state
WASHINGTON - With only three weeks to Election Day, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is sending top surrogates to Arizona this week and pledging $2 million in advertising in an effort to turn the state blue for the first time in 20 years.
October 17, 2016 Newscast
Arizona graduation rates, presidential battleground and new solar partnership
The Kaepernick effect: Should people protest during the national anthem?
Since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first sat down during the national before a preseason game, variations of his protest against police brutality and racism have spread across the country.
Weary hikers rest on memorial benches in AZ mountains
MESA – Debra Hartin's family remembers a woman who lived her life fiercely, with few limits. She rowed canoes in the Minnesota wilderness, her clothes drenched from rain. She swam in a triathlon, sharing the running and biking with her sister and niece. She hiked trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park — her favorite park in the Valley.
Oil moves from Arizona State Fair fries to your gas tank
PHOENIX - Piggly's Barbeque, one of nearly 100 vendors at the Arizona State Fair, will use 40 to 50 gallons of cooking oil every day to make their Piggly Fries and other fare.
What is your experience with concussions in high school sports?
Cronkite News is working on a series of stories on concussions in high school athletes. We would like to hear from anyone who has experienced a concussion playing high school sports, as well as parents, trainers or coaches who might know someone who has.
Bernie Sanders campaigns for Clinton in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders held a rally in Flagstaff on Tuesday to support presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The crowd filled the 800-seat Prochnow Auditorium on the Northern Arizona University campus and chanted "Hill Yes!" and "Feel The Bern!" between speakers.
Halloween spending is expected to be scary high
PHOENIX – October in Phoenix means two things: a reprieve from the blazing heat of summer and Halloween.
VW settlement of emissions case could mean millions for Arizona
WASHINGTON - The state of Arizona could get up to $53 million for clean-air programs as part of a $14.7 billion settlement of a U.S. government lawsuit that charged Volkswagen rigged its "clean diesel" vehicles to cheat on emissions tests.
Arizona Horizon: October 17, 2016
A new report from the Pew Research Center details the political engagement of Americans with disabilities, with over 34 million eligible to vote. The report, “A Political Profile of Disabled Americans,” found that those with disabilities are more engaged with the current election, but are less likely to vote because of obstacles they face in voting.
August 2016 Arizona poll methodology
The Arizona Republic, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Cronkite News collaborated on a statewide political poll in August. Behavior Research Center conducted the poll from Aug. 17-31.
August 2016 Arizona poll data
The Arizona Republic, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Cronkite News partnered on a statewide political poll in August.
October 2016 Arizona poll methodology
The Arizona Republic, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Cronkite News partnered on a statewide political poll in October. Behavior Research Center conducted the poll from Oct. 10-15. Using up-to-date voter registration lists, more than 1,200 live landline and cellphone calls were used to obtain an average of 811 valid responses from registered voters per question. The interviews were performed in English or Spanish.
October 2016 Arizona poll data
The Arizona Republic, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Cronkite News partnered on a poll of registered Arizona voters conducted Oct. 10-15.
Poll gives McCain comfortable lead over Kirkpatrick in Senate race
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain has a 10 percentage point lead over Democratic challenger Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick as they head into the final weeks of the campaign, a new Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News Poll shows.
Arizona poll: Clinton leads Trump by five points with three weeks to go
Democrat Hillary Clinton now holds a five-point lead over Republican Donald Trump in the presidential race in Arizona, though more than 20 percent of the state’s likely voters say they are undecided, according to the latest Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News Poll.
Share your experience with sports gambling
From placing bets on your fantasy football team to putting money on a workplace March Madness pool, there are countless ways to participate in sports gambling.
Election 2016 reveals turmoil in white Christian America
PHOENIX – A vitriolic presidential race and a shrinking white Christian demographic in the U.S. have fractured the decades-old voting bloc of the religious right.
Chelsea Clinton urges AZ voters to choose Hillary Clinton for US president
TEMPE – Chelsea Clinton on Wednesday spoke at a rally Arizona State University's Tempe campus where she talked about college tuition and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's college affordability plan.
Advocates challenge states to use VW funds to boost electric vehicle use
WASHINGTON - Environmental advocates are challenging Arizona and states across the Southwest to use funds from a potential Volkswagen lawsuit settlement to invest in electric-vehicle charging stations and to electrify public transit.
As rates rise and options fall, Burwell sees increased health coverage
WASHINGTON - Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell predicted Wednesday that 13.8 million people will sign up for Obamacare when open enrollment begins Nov. 1, even though they will face fewer options and higher premiums in states like Arizona.
Arizona voters favor minimum wage boost, but some economists have doubts
PHOENIX – A recent poll shows that a strong majority of Arizona voters support Proposition 206, a ballot measure to raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020. However, some local economists have expressed doubts about whether the measure would actually help low-wage workers climb out of poverty and some fear it may actually hurt the economy.
Poll: Arizona voters still split on Prop 205 to legalize marijuana
About half of Arizona voters still support Proposition 205, the ballot measure to relax legal restrictions on recreational marijuana use, but the percentage of those opposed increased by two percentage points in recent weeks, according to the most recent Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll.
Poll: Arpaio trails Penzone, AZ voters oppose border wall and deportations
PHOENIX - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio trails his Democratic opponent Paul Penzone by almost 15 points, according to an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll released Thursday.
Diaper bags out, clear bags in: Heightened security moves into Sun Devil Stadium
TEMPE – Arizona State University now allows football fans to rely on clear bags to carry items into Sun Devil Stadium, joining other professional and college teams seeking to make game days safe and secure but drawing mixed reviews from fans.
AZ officials work to make child support system more ‘holistic’
PHOENIX - For the last two years, Valley resident Robert Faas has lived without custody of his four children.
Michelle Obama campaigns in Phoenix in push to turn Arizona blue
PHOENIX – First Lady Michelle Obama campaigned Thursday as the Hillary Clinton campaign closer in Arizona, speaking of the power of hope to build human connections, show empathy for the strength of inclusiveness and acknowledge the hard work of Americans who struggle to improve their lives.
A decade after recession, Arizona schools still suffer from budget cuts
WASHINGTON - When Pinnacle High School physics teacher Mike Vargas needed motion sensors so his freshman students could engage in a special experiment, he didn't look to his school board for funding.
Voting groups welcome Maricopa County plan to cut poll wait times
WASHINGTON - Voting rights advocates Thursday lauded the final approval of a plan aimed at cutting lines and reducing wait times to no more than 30 minutes at polling places across Maricopa County, beginning with the Nov. 8 presidential election.
Giffords, Kelly bring ‘Vocal Majority’ gun-control tour to Washington
WASHINGTON - In the five years since then-Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was critically injured in a Tucson shooting that killed six and wounded 13, Congress has been unable to pass gun reforms, her husband said Thursday.
Suns’ Watson embraces Hispanic upbringing, UCLA culture in head coach role
PHOENIX – In May 1997, Kansas native Earl Watson packed up his duffel bag and headed to Los Angeles with $400 his mother gave him. He moved into a garage in South Central he shared with future UCLA teammate Baron Davis.
Hurley and Final Four come together to encourage Arizona kids to read
TEMPE - As Sparky, Arizona State University’s mascot, entered the gym, a loud roar filled the air and a group of excited third-graders held up their palms, eagerly awaiting high fives from the Sun Devil.
October 21 Social Refresh
Social refresh: Poll results, high-profile visitors, the business of Halloween
Navajo farm and East Coast church connected by pumpkins
FAIRFAX, Va. - Picking the right pumpkin was an involved process for 6-year-old Tobin Coolbaugh. On a recent Saturday, it involved a Superman costume, an hour in the inflatable bouncy house, and then repeatedly picking up and showing off possible choices in the church pumpkin patch - when the pumpkins weren't rolling away from him.
STEM internships give research opportunities to teens
Phoenix - The Translational Genomics Research Institute and the Helios Education Foundation teamed up 10 years ago to create internships for high school students as young as 16 in human genome research.
Clown sightings in Arizona: Are you concerned?
Schools in Mesa were on alert last month after a clown group threatened teachers and students on social media and on their personal cell phones.
As climate heats up, state confident in water conservation efforts
WASHINGTON - Some parts of southwest Arizona could experience more than 140 days of temperatures above 100 degrees within 20 years, according to a climate change model from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Coyotes celebrate 20 years in Arizona, continue to grow hockey culture in the desert
GLENDALE - It has been 20 years since the Winnipeg Jets said goodbye to Canada and moved to the Arizona desert. In that time, the organization has made a significant impact on hockey culture across the Grand Canyon state, despite arena battles, financial difficulties and long playoff droughts.
Goodyear seventh-grader goes to White House as ‘kid science adviser’
WASHINGTON - Goodyear middle schooler Sage Foreman had an idea for a national technology "field trip" day that could help get schoolkids interested in the sciences. That idea was enough to get Sage a field trip of his own Friday - to the White House, where he was one of just 11 students from across the country invited to be a "kid science adviser" for a day.
Phoenix grant program tries to improve city one block at a time
PHOENIX – When Becky Vining moved into her home near Grand and 15th avenues, she wasn't looking for upscale accommodations. She just wanted a place where she and her husband could paint and play music without neighbors calling the police on them.
Schools out on Fridays as AJ students adjust to four-day school week
APACHE JUNCTION – One year after a southeast Valley school district switched to a four-day school week, some parents and students still grapple with longer days and child-care schedules while others have embraced the new model.
Tebow’s presence draws crowds to Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – Tim Tebow leans against the backstop netting at Scottsdale Stadium, fielding questions from reporters.
Arizona took more Syrian refugees than most states, U.S. seeks more
WASHINGTON - At least 800 Syrian refugees were resettled in Arizona over the last year, more refugees than all but three states in the nation, according to the most recent data from the State Department's Refugee Processing Center.
Arizona regularly among top states for number of resettled refugees
WASHINGTON - They come from Somalia and Myanmar, the Congo and Bhutan and Vietnam - and they all end up in Arizona. More than 15,400 refugees from 42 different countries were resettled in Arizona from fiscal 2012 through the just-ended fiscal 2016, according to the State Department's Refugee Processing Center. That made Arizona, the 14th-most-populous state in the nation, the fourth-largest recipient of resettled refugees during that period.
October 24, 2016 Newscast
Opioids and veterans, the nasal flu vaccine and cigarette smoking in Arizona
AZ Gov. Ducey limits initial opioid prescription to 7 days
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday signed an executive order that will prohibit millions of Arizonans from filling initial prescriptions for more than seven days’ worth of opioids.
Despite language barrier Chinese coaches learn from Arizona State staff
TEMPE - As Arizona State assistant track coaches Ronnie Williams and Tamara Ards demonstrated the proper technique for sprinters to explode from their starting blocks, about 30 coaches from China looked on, appearing perplexed.
AZ officials build mock teen bedroom to expose hidden signs of drug addiction
PHOENIX – It seems like a normal room: There’s a can of hairspray by the mirror, a red trash can by the desk, an extension cord plugged into the wall and a teddy bear wearing a tie-dye shirt on the bed.
Arizona: Will you trust the presidential election results?
At the final presidential debate, Donald Trump would not commit to accepting the results of the election.
Arizona Horizon: October 21, 2016
Alia Beard Rau of The Arizona Republic, Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services and Steve Goldstein of KJZZ discuss the results of an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll
CDC warns against nasal spray flu vaccination this season
PHOENIX – Better get the Band-Aids out. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against nasal spray flu vaccinations, saying it's less effective than the shot.
GCU students headed to Barcelona for international startup competition
PHOENIX – When Jed Woods and some fellow students from Grand Canyon University tried to find storage options for their stuff when they weren’t in school, they weren’t impressed with their options.
Cubs and Indians prospects are Mesa Solar Sox teammates in Arizona Fall League
MESA -The 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians pits two star-crossed baseball franchises intent on ending championship droughts that date to 1908 for the Cubs and 1948 for the Indians.
Arizona faces steepest Obamacare hike in U.S.; subsidies could curb pain
WASHINGTON - Arizona residents can expect to see the largest rate increases in the nation when open enrollment for Obamacare begins next week, but advocates say those increases should be offset by similarly large increases in tax credits for consumers.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio charged with criminal contempt
PHOENIX - U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton signed the order to officially charge Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio with criminal contempt-of-court on Tuesday.
Advocates worry rape kit backlog will discourage victims, enable offenders
WASHINGTON - A state task force said Arizona has thousands more untested rape kits than originally thought, a problem that advocates fear could undermine efforts to get victims to come forward while giving serial offenders a "free pass."
Five ways to repurpose your pumpkins and save the environment
PHOENIX – The pumpkins are among us, waiting to be carved, baked and displayed around the Valley. But once the glow of jack-o'-lantern hearts fade to black, they usually are tossed out with the garbage.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s lawyer calls contempt charge ‘political’
PHOENIX - Two weeks before the toughest election in his 24-year career, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was charged Tuesday with criminal contempt of court.
Arizona PBS will launch 24/7 channel for kids
PHOENIX – When Claire Stoehr was less than a year old, she began watching “Super Why," a PBS show that teaches kids reading skills.
AZ county officials: Early ballots may signal high election turnout
PHOENIX – Some Arizona county elections officials said they expect high voter turnout this November after receiving a surge of early ballots this week.
Voters moved – but not moved to shift votes – by McCain’s Trump rebuke
WASHINGTON - Was Sen. John McCain's decision to withdraw his endorsement of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump a principled stand by a political maverick or the calculated move of a career politician?
Final settlement OK means VW, Audi drivers can start to file claims
WASHINGTON - A federal judge in California gave final approval Tuesday to a $14.7 billion settlement with Volkswagen, clearing the way for up to 10,000 motorists in Arizona to file a claim to their share of the funds.
Marcos de Niza kicker more than just a girl playing football
TEMPE - It may sound cliche at this point for anyone who knows Krysten Muir, but that doesn’t make the sentiment by her mother Kathy any less true.
Weak Mexican peso affects families on both side of the border
PHOENIX- At the busy Tap Royal International bus station fluctuations in the peso-dollar exchange rate directly affect passengers traveling back and forth between Arizona and Mexico.
Native American group deflects stereotypes at Arizona State Fair
PHOENIX – Crispy corn dogs skewered on greasy sticks, Ferris wheels towering above the crowd, and toddler-sized teddy bears coveted as carnival-game prizes dominate Arizona State Fair culture.
Donald Trump Jr. rallies Arizona voters to Republican cause
TEMPE - Donald Trump Jr. on Thursday followed his father's footsteps to Arizona, a battleground state in the presidential election that has drawn Republican Donald Trump here six times – with another planned visit this weekend.
Cubs craze spreads to the Valley, giving businesses a big boost
PHOENIX - It was the top of the ninth inning at Wrigley Field in Chicago during Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, and nearly 2,000 miles away in the Valley, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria was rocking as the Chicago Cubs closed out the Los Angeles Dodgers.
State saw largest science test score gains, still lags nation overall
WASHINGTON - Arizona posted the nation's biggest gains in fourth-grade standardized science test scores last year but still lagged behind the national average, with the fifth-lowest scores overall, according to national test results released Thursday.
Back for more: After loss to McCain, Ward eyes 2018 bid against Flake
WASHINGTON - The 2016 election is still 11 days away, but former state Sen. Kelli Ward already has her sights set on 2018 and a challenge to U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona.
Social refresh: October 28, 2016
Arpaio contempt charge, teens hiding drugs and flu shot recommendations
Glendale tattoo artists crafts ‘safe’ voodoo dolls
GLENDALE - Five years ago, a Glendale tattoo artist and mother of three sat down at her sewing machine with an urge to fulfill a creative need.
Have you switched political parties?
Some voters have changed their party registration this election cycle, with motivations ranging from sincere to strategic.
Arizona Horizon: October 27, 2016
With just days before the election, two of Arizona's top officials stop by to discuss the race from the county and state levels.
Renovated Tucson Convention Center ready for Roadrunners hockey
TUCSON - When the Tucson Roadrunners play their first home game Friday, they’ll do so at a dramatically renovated Tucson Convention Center.
Election-year spike in citizenship requests higher than expected
WASHINGTON - Federal officials who typically see an increase in citizenship applications during presidential election years said that applications in this heated election season appear likely to surpass expectations.
Trump, Clinton wooing of Latino voters does not extend to TV ads
WASHINGTON - If Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are waging war over Arizona's nearly 1 million potential Latino voters, it doesn't appear to be an air war. A review of Federal Communications Commission filings by Spanish-language broadcast stations in the state shows that Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, invested in Spanish-language ads that aired days before Arizona's presidential preference primary in March and picked up again recently.
From Sloan Park to Wrigley Field, Valley Cubs fans celebrate World Series run
TEMPE - Former NBA player and current Suns broadcaster Eddie Johnson was just a kid growing up in inner-city Chicago when he attended his first Cubs game. He spent what little money he had to buy a Pittsburgh Pirates hat to be just like Roberto Clemente, his favorite player.
Donald Trump hopes to turn seventh Arizona visit into victory
PHOENIX - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump hoped his seventh visit to Arizona Saturday afternoon was the charm to ensure victory, rallying in downtown Phoenix as he fights to win the state's 11 traditionally Republican electoral votes.
Phoenix municipal ID provides to provide access to city services
The Phoenix municipal ID, which is scheduled to launch in February, will allow city residents who don't have the documents to obtain a state identification card to obtain a municipal ID that will allow them access to all city services, such as turning on water or checking out a library book. It also will serve as a valid ID when dealing with law enforcement.
Seeing eye to eye: Phoenix residents part of global peace experiment
PHOENIX -- Gina Anderson shared her green yoga mat with a young blond man.
Kade, Kurt Warner enjoy record-breaking season while looking to future
SCOTTSDALE - At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Kade Warner has the size to play wide receiver in a Division I football program.
Do you believe in ghosts? UA researcher explains the science of spirits
TUCSON – One stormy day in November two years ago, water streaked across the second floor windows of the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. A security guard snapped a photo with her phone.
Undocumented immigrants find sanctuary in north Phoenix church
PHOENIX - Ismael, a 46-year-old undocumented immigrant, accepted an offer of sanctuary from a north Phoenix church shortly after he received his deportation letter in August 2015.
October 31, 2016 Newscast
AZ Dems file lawsuit against Republicans, Trump in AZ, Orpheum ghost tours
Democrats sue Trump, GOP, to stop what they call voter intimidation
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Democratic Party has filed suit against presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign, the Arizona Republican Party and others for what it calls a coordinated effort to "depress voter turnout," particularly among minority voters.
Court won’t block ballot-collection law opponents say hurts minorities
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court handed Arizona Democrats a setback Friday, refusing to block a new state law that makes it a felony for anyone but a family member or caregiver to collect another person's mail-in ballot.
Supreme Court orders new sentencing hearings for five teen killers
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday ordered Arizona courts to reconsider the life-without-parole sentences handed down to five juveniles who were convicted in separate cases on a total of nine murders and other crimes in the 1990s.
Fighting to regulate full-day kindergarten in Arizona
PHOENIX – Marissa Chavez’s kindergarten students often play teacher, taking turns pointing to an alphabet card while the other students sit cross-legged on the floor.
November 1, 2016 Newscast
Monitoring for voter intimidation, Day of the Dead bread and children of Haiti
Head Start makeover offers opportunities, challenges to program’s backers
WASHINGTON - Head Start "has done a lot of good in the past 50 years," but the first early education program in the U.S. is due for a change, said Jonathon Gonzales, executive director of the Arizona Head Start Association.
Feds’ land buyback program has paid $175 million to Arizona tribes so far
WASHINGTON - Arizona tribal members have received more than $175 million in the first four years of a federal program to buy back and consolidate parcels of land that are now split between multiple owners, the Interior Department said Tuesday.
Ultra-runner reflects on record-breaking 800-mile Arizona Trail run
PHOENIX - "I don’t envy myself for going through that," ultra-runner Michael Versteeg said with a laugh.
Coconino County officials hike to bottom of Grand Canyon to set up polls for Havasupai Tribe
GRAND CANYON – Matt Rudig stands on Havasupai Hilltop and looks down at the landscape of the Grand Canyon. He laces up his hiking boots and situates his backpack in preparation for the 8-mile hike ahead of him. Deep within the gorge is the Havasupai Tribe's village – his destination.
Former Sun Devil Kipnis shines on World Series stage
PHOENIX - The capacity crowd at Wrigley Field in Chicago watched as Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis faced off against Cubs relief pitcher Travis Wood with two runners on base and two outs in the seventh inning of Game 4 of the World Series.
Arizona Horizon: October 31, 2016
Two Arizona artists stop by to discuss their new exhibit focusing on the history of political ads.
Mike Pence chides ‘Obamacare’ at Mesa rally
MESA – Mike Pence, Donald Trump's running mate, sounded a continuing campaign drumbeat on Wednesday, saying the rising costs of "Obamacare" and Hillary Clinton's "open borders" immigration policy show why Arizona voters should remain faithful to the Republican Party.
Will Prop. 205 help Arizona vets treat their PTSD with pot?
TUCSON - The aroma of hot pizza fused with lingering marijuana smoke and Mick Jagger’s repeated cadence of “I can’t get no… sa-tis-fac-tion."
November 2, 2016 Newscast
Pence in Arizona, Native American voters and leftover hair to save the environment.
Cactus League a big winner regardless of World Series outcome
PHOENIX – No matter who wins Wednesday’s climactic Game 7 of the World Series between the long-suffering Cleveland Indians and longer-suffering Chicago Cubs, Arizona wins.
No holiday for fliers: Sky Harbor likely among busiest for Thanksgiving
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is expected to be among the 10 busiest airports in the nation this Thanksgiving, when as many as 27.3 million people are expected to board a U.S. airline for their holiday travel.
City held up as model to voters weighing $200 billion in transit questions
WASHINGTON - Phoenix was held out as a model for the nation during a conference call Wednesday by transit officials pushing for approval of about $200 billion in transit projects on local ballots across the country next week.
Hillary Clinton works to turn AZ red votes blue
TEMPE – Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made a pitched plea Wednesday night for Arizona voters, focusing her courtship on embracing Latinos and other diverse voters in a race that is tightening six days before the election.
Cities, two states raise the smoking age to 21 in effort to curb use
Dr. Richard Brady owns a veterinary clinic in Cottonwood, Arizona. Up until a few months ago, he was having problems with teens purchasing tobacco products at the store next door and then loitering in front of his shop. Then the town raised the smoking age to 21.
‘Vamos a votar’: VP nominee Tim Kaine courts AZ Latino vote in Spanish in Maryvale
MARYVALE – "Todos somos Americanos:" We're all Americans.
November 3, 2016 Newscast
Early voting lines, Clinton and Kaine in AZ, and escaping domestic violence
With just days to election, court will rehear ballot-collection ruling
WASHINGTON - The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Wednesday it would reconsider its decision to let stand an Arizona law that makes it a felony for third parties to collect and deliver ballots for others.
For voters on reservations, getting to the poll just the first hurdle
WASHINGTON - It's tough to give a poll worker your street address when you don't live on a traditional street, but that's just one of the challenges that Native American voters who live on a reservation can face.
Court rejects second Democratic challenge to Arizona voting laws
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court handed Arizona Democrats their second defeat in a week Wednesday, refusing to block a state law that lets elections officials reject ballots cast by people who were not at their assigned polling place.
Arizona-Boston pipeline continues with hiring of Lovullo as D-backs manager
SURPRISE - In Torey Lovullo, the Arizona Diamondbacks are getting a hard-working manager who will quickly gain the respect of his players, according to a member of the Boston Red Sox organization taking part in the Arizona Fall League at Surprise Stadium on Friday.
Latinas behind growth in cosmetic sales, sold out Selena makeup line
PHOENIX- Customers regularly stop by the Mac store at the Biltmore Fashion Park looking to buy the new Selena cosmetics line a month after the collection sold out, evidence of the growing purchasing power of Latinas in Arizona.
Social Refresh: November 4, 2016
Disappearing farmland, the science behind ghosts and political ads as art
Will Arizona’s Latino voters sway the 2016 election?
PHOENIX - On a recent Saturday morning, Viri Hernandez’s kitchen buzzed with urgent energy.
Donald Trump Jr. urges supporters to vote at rally in Gilbert
GILBERT – Donald Trump Jr. took Republican supporters to the water on Friday, urging them to vote as he stood beneath the iconic Gilbert Water Tower.
Study: Number of Arizona polling places has fallen sharply since 2012
WASHINGTON - When Arizona voters go to the polls next week, it will be at 212 fewer polling places than in 2012, with 13 of the state's 15 counties cutting sites in that time, a new report shows.
Supreme Court lets ballot-collection law stand to cap week of legal fights
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday reinstated Arizona's ban on ballot-harvesting, just one day after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put the law on hold.
Tell us about your voting experience
On Election Day, dozens of Cronkite News journalists are reporting from the border, around Arizona and in New York City, and we want to hear from you.
Millennial turnout on Election Day still in question
PHOENIX - For the first time during an election cycle, the millennial generation surpassed the baby boomers as the largest population of potential voters. Yet as Arizona set a record for early voting this month, millennials accounted for just 11 percent of ballots cast.
Arizona vigil addresses fears of Latino voter suppression in 2016 election
PHOENIX — Elvira Guadarrama colored a sign while sitting on a folding chair near the Maricopa County Elections Department.
D-Backs manager learned from Sparky Anderson, Terry Francona
PHOENIX - The new manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks learned how to manage beyond the playing field from two of the best.
State officials extend condolences over Tucson native killed in Jordan
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials were extending their condolences for a Tucson native who was among three soldiers killed Friday when their "convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base," according to a Defense Department statement.
Election Day FAQ: Answers to Arizona’s questions about voting
In the run up to Election Day, Cronkite News asked Arizonans to share their thoughts and concerns about the voting process. We turned to our reporters, as well as county and state officials, to answer some of the questions you raised about casting your ballot.
Arizonans reluctant to open wallets for Trump, Clinton campaigns
WASHINGTON - Arizonans head to the polls Tuesday to cast actual ballots for president, but if they were voting with their pocketbooks the results wouldn't be pretty for either of the major parties' nominees.
Election Day in Arizona: Live coverage
There is a lot at stake for Arizona on this Election Day. Voters are casting ballots in races for president, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as for county and local positions. Voters will also make choices about legalizing recreational marijuana in the state and raising the minimum wage.
Interactive map: Photos from Arizona polling locations
Cronkite News reporters are monitoring polling locations across Arizona. Click on each pin to see photos and updates throughout the day.
What Arizonans are searching for on Election Day
Cronkite News is monitoring the experiences of Arizona voters through our own reporting, through social media and through Google search behavior.
Arizona polls closing but several locations still have long lines
7 p.m. update: Arizona polls officially closed at 7 p.m., but long lines persist throughout the state. In the Valley, voters have reported a 3-hour wait at the Maryvale Church of the Nazarene, and a 90-minute wait at Quentin Elementary School in Avondale. Near the border, wait time exceeds 2 hours at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sierra Vista; the line lasts an hour at the Yuma Civic Center; and 300 people remain in line at the Douglas Visitor Center.
Arizona’s Election Day a mix of high turnout, enthusiasm and frustrating problems
Arizona's Election Day was a mix of computer problems, long lines, frustration and enthusiasm as state races and a divisive presidential campaign drew high numbers of voters to the polls.
Arizonans approve ballot measure to raise minimum wage
PHOENIX – Supporters of Proposition 206, the measure to raise the minimum wage, gathered alongside a crowd of about 300 gathered at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Tuesday night and cheered as early election results appeared on the screen.
Sun Devil Fitness Complex first ever polling place on ASU campus
TEMPE - For the first time, Arizona State University had its own polling place. The Sun Devil Fitness Complex became a polling place for the constituents in the area.
Nogales sees huge turnout, voters cite economy and immigration issues
NOGALES, Ariz. – The so-called Latino sleeping giant awoke in Nogales, a U.S. border town where voters said the stakes are unusually high.
John McCain to return to U.S. Senate for sixth term
PHOENIX — One-time presidential candidate and longtime Republican Sen. John McCain will return to serve Arizona for a sixth Congressional term, defeating one of his toughest opponents in years.
Prescott Republicans: Trump campaign counted on Yavapai County to ‘show up pretty strong’
PRESCOTT – Dan Lohmeier has only lived in Prescott since July. He moved from Austin, Texas, to this northern Arizona town for specific reasons.
Democrat Paul Penzone unseats Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio
PHOENIX – After holding the position of Maricopa County Sheriff for more than two decades, Joe Arpaio has lost his seat to Democrat Paul Penzone. The Associated Press declared Penzone the winner Tuesday night.
O’Halleran, Biggs win new AZ Congressional seats
Democrat Tom O’Halleran was elected to the Congressional District 1 seat, while Republican Andy Biggs was a clear winner in District 6.
Prop 205 to legalize recreational marijuana use too close to call
PHOENIX – Proposition 205 to legalize recreational marijuana use for Arizona adults was too close to call Tuesday night, with “no” votes getting about a five percent edge.
Election Day polling place problems, yes; intimidation, not so much
WASHINGTON - Voting rights advocates for months had warned about possible voter intimidation at the polls, but voting watchdogs Tuesday were dealing with more routine problems: Long lines, computer issues and a lack of language assistance at polling locations.
Donald Trump elected the 45th president of the United States
PHOENIX – Donald Trump, the real estate mogul and businessman who resonated with white working-class Americans, rode a powerful wave of support on Tuesday in Arizona and across much of the country to become the 45th president of the United States.
Share your reaction to the presidential election results
Republican Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States on Tuesday.
Arizona Senate split grows dimmer
PHOENIX – Republicans have traditionally controlled both chambers of the state Legislature. Some experts wondered whether Tuesday’s election would put the 30-member state Senate in play, potentially shifting the balance of power.
November 9, 2016 afternoon update
Trump victory, Clinton concession statement, Obama on election results
Recreational marijuana fails on AZ ballot, wins in three states
Proposition 205, a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana use in Arizona, narrowly lost but voters approved similar measures in California, Massachusetts and Nevada.
Shampooing the environment: Using hair to clean up oil
PHOENIX – One Phoenix hair stylist is using his customers' discarded hair to help the environment.
Latinos: Arpaio defeat, Trump victory a ‘double-edged sword’
PHOENIX - Excitement. Relief. Fear. Determination.
After, shock: Clinton supporters grapple with Trump’s surprise victory
WASHINGTON - The front pages on display Wednesday morning at the Newseum said it all: Stunning. Shocker. Believe It. But some here were still having trouble believing it, even after supporters across the country had celebrated the victory of President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday night and into the morning.
Four Arizona schools honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016
WASHINGTON - It was exciting for Arizona educator Kristi Pashley to be in the nation's capital on Election Day - but not for the reasons you might think.
Arizona racers return to roots at Phoenix International Raceway
PHOENIX - Michael McDowell, who was born in Phoenix and raised in Glendale, recently learned that he now owns a little piece of NASCAR racing history.
Will Trump presidency harm Nogales border economy?
NOGALES, Ariz. – As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his January inauguration, business owners here face new uncertainties.
Mexico braces for Trump presidency
NOGALES, AZ - Manuel Pelayo, 25, crosses the border from Mexico to Arizona at least twice a week to buy groceries and other household items for his wife and three children. But following the U.S. presidential election he said he may shop on the U.S. side less often.
Minority, civil rights groups will work with Trump, will fight if need be
WASHINGTON - Minority and civil rights organizations met in Washington Thursday with a message for President-elect Donald Trump: They are willing to work with his administration, but only if he rejects what they called the hateful rhetoric of his campaign.
Poll attacks: Experts review what went wrong in presidential polling
WASHINGTON - Marty Wheeler never did trust those polls. The 50-year-old Sun City resident and Donald Trump supporter said he saw stronger support for the Republican presidential nominee than the media reported, which cited polls predicting a Trump loss to Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Plane mural honors military heroes
MESA - At the Copperstate Fly-in in Mesa, it was more about planes than art, but for a Phoenix man, he is combining the best of both worlds.
How can journalists more accurately reflect Americans’ voices?
After many journalists were surprised by the results of the presidential election, they are left wondering how news media underestimated the swell of support for Donald Trump.
Shrinking AZ farmland shows Buckeye family’s generational differences
BUCKEYE – Arizona farmland has declined over the decades, leaving one generation of a Buckeye farming family concerned and another content.
Decades after the war, millions still pay respects at Vietnam Wall
WASHINGTON - It's been more than 50 years since the United States sent troops to Vietnam, and more than 30 years since a memorial on the National Mall was dedicated to honor soldiers in that war. But for Kimberly Allen, a tourist visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial this week, the important number is 20 - what she says is the average age of the people whose names are engraved on the black granite wall.
Gwen Ifill, host of PBS NewsHour, dies at 61
PHOENIX - Gwen Ifill, veteran journalist and co-host of PBS NewsHour, has died after a battle with cancer. She was 61. According to a PBS statement, Ifill had been in treatment for "several months."
Arizona activists raise funds for Dakota Access Pipeline protesters
SCOTTSDALE - According to the Navajo teachings Sam Anderson learned as a child, water is sacred.
Coyotes announce plan to move to Tempe
GLENDALE - Seventeen months after Glendale voided its 15-year lease with the Arizona Coyotes, the NHL club announced plans Monday to move to a new arena in Tempe in time for the opening of the 2019-2020 season.
Housewarming: Biggs, O’Halleran join freshmen in Capitol orientation
WASHINGTON - Incoming Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, and Tom O'Halleran, D-Sedona, said they're excited to come to Washington and represent the people of Arizona - but first they have to learn how to do that, exactly.
Arizona immigration lawyers busy fielding calls from anxious clients
WASHINGTON - Immigration lawyers in Arizona said they have been flooded with calls from anxious clients in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's victory, but they are urging people to avoid rash decisions in the midst of uncertainty.
November 14, 2016 Newscast
Two new Arizona representatives, Mariachi performers, safe haven for cows
Does election shift DREAMers to mass deportation? AZ immigrants fear future
PHOENIX – Arizona immigrants at a prayer vigil said they fear President-elect Donald Trump will follow through on his pledge to deport millions of Muslim and Mexican immigrants.
Rare sighting: President-elect Donald Trump wins electoral votes, may lose popular vote
PHOENIX – It's rare in U.S. history: the president-elect wins the electoral vote but loses the popular vote.
As Trump builds team in New York, door may open for Arizona official
WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump's decision to tap Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his White House chief of staff could open the door for an Arizona official to move to the national stage.
Democrats delay, as House GOP keeps leaders after historic elections
WASHINGTON - House Republicans capped a tumultuous campaign season by unanimously re-electing their leadership team Tuesday, while Democrats delayed their vote to give them time to figure out how to move forward following a disastrous election.
McCain warns against Russian overtures, a day after Trump, Putin talk
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, issued a stern warning Tuesday against smoothing relations with Russia, one day after President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that the two countries need to do just that.
South Mountain Park gets $23 million makeover
PHOENIX – South Mountain Park, one of the nation's largest city parks, has been showing the wear of hikers and picnickers over the years. Now it's getting a $23 million makeover.
Coyotes’ Tempe plan leads to mix of concern, confidence at Westgate
GLENDALE - If the Coyotes are successful in moving to Tempe at the end of the decade, Gila River Arena, the Westgate Entertainment District and the city of Glendale will lose one of their centerpiece tenants.
AZ protesters connect with national opposition to Dakota Access Pipeline
PHOENIX — Smoke from lit bundles of sage swirled around protesters waving signs, “Water Is Life” and “Stand With Standing Rock” to oppose the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Minority advocates, Trump transition team hold closed-door meeting
WASHINGTON - Leaders of about 20 minority advocacy organizations met with President-elect Donald Trump's transition team in a closed-door meeting Wednesday in what advocates said they hope was one of many meetings to come.
House Republicans balk at proposal to ease ban on budget earmarks
WASHINGTON - The House Republican Caucus sidestepped a proposal Wednesday that would have lifted a five-year-old ban on congressional earmarks, the special local "pork barrel" projects that can be slipped into budget bills with little public notice.
Election rejection: independent voters don’t feel respected, but can’t be ignored
PHOENIX – Independent voters, who get shut out of primary elections and are ignored by Republicans and Democrats, proved in the 2016 election that squandering their voices is politically dangerous, according to some political observers.
Arizona voters on the future after Election 2016
Election 2016 has concluded, and the country will move forward with President-elect Donald Trump at the helm along with a Republican-controlled U.S. House and Senate. In Arizona, the minimum wage is going to increase, and Maricopa County will get a new sheriff. We asked readers and viewers what the United States and Arizona will look like in a year. Here are some of their responses:
Valley school districts recognize need for school nurses
PHOENIX – School nurses do more than bandage scraped knees – they often provide a lifeline to student's medical care for a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes, advocates say.
Hundreds of Haitians stuck in Mexico waiting to cross the border
NOGALES, MEXICO - At this busy border crossing Wilmer Salomon waited with a dozen other Haitian people to put his name on a list for an appointment with U.S. immigration officials.
Democrats call on Obama to pardon DREAMers, quell deportation fears
WASHINGTON - House Democrats urged President Barack Obama on Thursday to pardon DREAMers, in an effort to quash the young immigrants' fears of deportation when incoming President Donald Trump takes office in January.
Arizona homelessness fell 30 percent since 2010, national report says
WASHINGTON - The number of homeless people fell nearly 30 percent in Arizona in the last six years, outpacing the decrease nationwide in the same period, according to report Thursday from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Social refresh: November 18, 2016
Trump’s transition, congressional earmarks and remembering Gwen Ifill
Fry, eat Thanksgiving turkey, then recycle leftover grease. You’ll feel better.
MESA – As Thanksgiving inches closer, pounds of cold poultry await a crispy ending in the family fryer. After devouring the holiday feast, it's time to turn to the leftovers.
How to safely fry a turkey
Here’s the thing. Deep frying isn’t the safest way to cook a turkey. Just ask any firefighter or emergency-room worker who has treated someone with third- or fourth-degree burns after an unfortunate accident.
Pup with a Purpose: Service dog trained to help child with diabetes
Arizona State University senior Taylor Randle loves dogs. For the last 18 months, she has been raising Kristoff, a service dog in training. She has been by his side almost everyday as he learned the skills he will need to help his future partner.
Rural high schools confront low college completion rates
Cassidy Hancock drives 20 miles each way, Monday through Friday, to attend Tombstone High School, where she is currently a senior. Hancock is taking nursing classes through the school and volunteers at Quiburi Mission Samaritan Center, a nursing home in Benson.
East Valley shelter Goshala saves cows from slaughter
SAN TAN VALLEY – Once most cows stop producing milk, their owners often ship them off to the slaughterhouse.
Walter Cronkite’s legacy and the future of journalism
Walter Cronkite's legacy and the future of journalism
Native American nations, Arizona sign new gaming compact
Eight Arizona tribal leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday signed an agreement regarding a 14-year-old gaming compact.
CBS anchor Scott Pelley: Journalism is ‘lifeblood’ of freedom
PHOENIX – CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley urged journalists Monday to fight for quality journalism as the core of democracy in an age where information is readily accessible but too often inaccurate – sometimes deliberately.
Arizona incomes grew 3 percent in 2015, slightly off national pace
WASHINGTON - Personal income grew 3 percent last year in Arizona, mirroring a national increase of 3.7 percent that year as the nation continued to rebound from the recession, new government data shows.
Small tire shops do big business in Phoenix
PHOENIX -- It's noisy, cramped, and tires are piled high up to the ceiling in the waiting room at Mil Amores, but none of that matters to customers who've come to the shop looking to save money and their tires.
Arizona officials unlikely to push statewide corporal punishment ban
WASHINGTON - Arizona is one of 15 states that expressly allow corporal punishment in schools, but state educators said most schools already heed the spirit of U.S. Education Secretary John King's call for an end to the practice.
Museum exhibits you can eat: Navajo chef ‘curates’ history with cuisine
WASHINGTON - Classic French, Italian and Japanese food are all highly regarded in the culinary community, but traditional Native American dishes? "Where are the classic dishes that Native people have been making?" asks chef Freddie Bitsoie, executive chef at Mitsitam Cafe in the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. "I want to tell a story with my dishes ... and have these dishes be respected."
What can you tell us about Korean-owned businesses in Arizona?
Cronkite News wants to learn more about the Korean-American business community in Arizona.
November 23, 2016 Newscast
College in rural areas, the Territorial Cup and Thanksgiving conversation
Award-winning football player overcomes cystic fibrosis to find success on and off field
PHOENIX – Balancing academics and athletics is a delicate juggling act, but Phoenix College wide receiver and former Joy Christian School quarterback Matthew Mitchell excelled at both - while also dealing with an inhibiting disease.
How has the 2016 election affected you?
The 2016 presidential election brought a lot of emotion to the political parties, debates, populace and more.
In Gila County’s political divide, Democrats and Republicans coexist
GLOBE-MIAMI — It’s here, on the drive along Arizona’s U.S. Route 66 into this historic mining community, where symbols emerge that reveal the political and social changes that roil much of America.
Judge blocks overtime rule change that could benefit 90,000 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - A federal judge Tuesday halted an Obama administration rule on overtime pay that could have made as many as 90,000 workers in Arizona eligible for time-and-a-half pay had it been allowed to take effect next week.
Aids to ease travel go digital; people still need to stand in line
WASHINGTON - Grappling with the usual holiday travel hassles? Now there's an app for that, of course. As holiday travel season gets into full gear, the Transportation Security Administration is unveiling new tools to help move travelers along more efficiently, in addition to the standard tips of packing light, showing up early and bringing a dose of patience along with everything else.
Turkey should be heated, not talk: Surviving the post-election holiday
WASHINGTON - Thanksgiving hosts should brace for some extra guests around the holiday table this year: Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
Deportations could hit real estate markets in state, nation
PHOENIX - In September, Angel Diaz bought a house.
Advocates say ending Arizona’s veteran homelessness is in reach
On June 22, 2010, during President Obama’s second year in office, his administration unveiled a plan to end specific types of homelessness in the United States, with an initiative called "Opening Doors." One of the main goals of the plan was to end homelessness for the nation's military veterans by 2015.
Thanks, giving: Nonprofits look to profit from ‘Giving Tuesday’
WASHINGTON - After the unbridled consumerism associated with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, nonprofits are hoping to appeal to supporters' generosity and capture some donations, since their wallets are already open.
Waiting in line: Why legal immigration can take decades
PHOENIX -- As President-elect Donald Trump and the 115th Congress take control in January, immigration reform is expected to be a top priority, and Arizona is among the states with the most at stake.
Arizona 16-year-old lands perfect ACT score
GILBERT — A 16-year-old Arizona girl earned a perfect composite score on the ACT college admissions test, such a rarity only one-tenth of one percent of students in the nation have achieved it.
Educators optimistic after seeing final federal rules on school success
WASHINGTON - State officials welcomed final regulations for the federal school policy that will replace the troubled No Child Left Behind program, which give states more flexibility to determine school success and which schools are falling behind.
Court reinstates excessive-force suit against University of Arizona cop
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday reinstated an excessive force lawsuit against a University of Arizona police officer who shot a woman four times as she walked toward another woman while carrying a kitchen knife.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio: Goodbye to posse is ‘last hurrah’
PHOENIX - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio stood in a cold parking lot outside Park Central Mall on Monday evening and presided over one of his last press conferences.
Fairfax boys basketball team rallies around memory of Isia Slater
LAVEEN - Fairfax High School boys basketball head coach Josh Wray put his phone on vibrate on the night of Oct. 14, an unusual move for him.
‘Health index’ scores counties on residents’ welfare, major health issues
WASHINGTON - Diabetes, hypertension and depression are the biggest problems facing Arizona counties, according to a new nationwide health index map that also scored counties on whether they tend to be more healthy or less.
Consumer confidence is up, just in time for the holidays
PHOENIX - Consumer confidence in Maricopa County and several other Arizona counties rose this year, according to a Rocky Mountain Poll.
Phoenix protesters voice concerns about civil rights, economy
PHOENIX - More than 100 people marched down Van Buren Street on Tuesday evening chanting: “This is what community looks like! This is what democracy looks like!”
November 30, 2016 Newscast
Fighting opioid addiction, how Phoenix Suns manage pain, new AZ school plan
Some Arizona Democrats balk as Pelosi re-elected minority leader
WASHINGTON - House Democrats re-elected Nancy Pelosi their leader Wednesday with support from more than two thirds of the caucus, but from just half of the Arizona Democrats in the House.
New Border Patrol chief: Fence would help, but it’s not the only answer
WASHINGTON - The U.S.-Mexico border could use more fencing, but other measures are needed as well to "detect and respond to threats in our nation's border regions," the new chief of the Border Patrol testified Wednesday.
December 1, 2016 Newscast
Opiod addiction prevention, Rep. Matt Salmon's exit and the FBI fitness test.
Sky Harbor flies high in ranking of busiest U.S. commercial airports
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport did not claim the top prize in any one category but was good enough across the board to get ranked as the best commercial airport in the nation in a recent report.
Before the perks, the pick: Freshmen hope, plot in Hill office lottery
WASHINGTON - A buzzing group of anxious staffers and strategists packed a Capitol Hill room with 48 newly elected House members Thursday, eagerly awaiting their first assignments in the coming Congress - an office.
Arizona Center to get $25 million refresh to attract downtown shoppers
PHOENIX - Arizona Center is planning a $25 million refresh to appeal to shoppers, adding more lighting, valet parking, courtyard seating and other design elements to modernize the 26-year-old center in downtown Phoenix.
AZ refugees, immigrants build business, trust at community market
PHOENIX - Red palm oil. African coffee, dresses and necklaces. Holiday ornaments. Homemade salsa.
December 5, 2016: Borderlands Special
Cronkite News special: Latino issues, transborder populations and culture
Millennial migration a boon for AZ cities, loss for rural areas
Taryn Martin, 21, grew up in Vail, a small town in Pima County with approximately 10,000 residents. Her family’s land stretched across the countryside. She rode horses during the day and enjoyed starry skies at night.
Korean businesses are expanding in AZ with shift in customer base
CHANDLER — When John Chung opened his first restaurant, Gogi, in Chandler, only 10 percent of his customers were American. He was primarily focused on Korean consumers.
Obama actions on public lands may be difficult for Trump to undo
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama could cement his environmental legacy by taking executive action to designate nearly 4 million acres of Western land as national monuments before leaving office next month. And it may be one legacy of the Obama administration that incoming President Donald Trump will have a hard time unraveling after he takes office.
December 6, 2016: Consumer Special
Cronkite News special: Protecting your money, your identity and your livelihood
Arizonans: Tell Cronkite News a story!
Everyone has a favorite story to share when breaking the ice or chatting at a party, from stories about a profound experience to tales of hilarious encounters.
December 7, 2016: Education Special
Cronkite News special: Education challenges, solutions and inspiration
National anthem protest has national trickle-down effect
University High School, located in West Los Angeles, features a socially aware group of players under the direction of coach John Washington.
Experts: It’s not too late to vaccinate for possibly strong flu strain
WASHINGTON - Get ready to roll up your sleeves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending against nasal-spray vaccines for the upcoming flu season, in which it expects to see a variant of 2009's H1N1 virus.
December 8, 2016 Future Special
Cronkite News special: Technology and innovation affecting AZ communities
Faculty, students see new role for Latin American studies in AZ, U.S.
As President-elect Donald Trump approaches his inauguration amidst promises of immigration reform, it is unclear what impact potential changes would have on relations between the U.S. and Latin America, and how that would play out in Arizona.
Sky Harbor had 24,247 noise complaints in 2015 after flight-path shift
WASHINGTON _ Neighbors of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport filed 24,247 complaints about noise at the facility in 2015, one of the highest rates among airports studied in a recent George Mason University report.
Skateboard program boosts confidence, achievement in low-income schools
PHOENIX - Rhama Majid raced into the gym at David Crockett Elementary School and found her favorite set of gear: pads, a helmet and a skateboard. She strapped on her protective equipment, put down her skateboard and pushed away like she'd done it a thousand times before.
Driven: Immigrant mom travels 200 miles weekly to study for GED
COTTONWOOD — Zahide Betancourt wakes up at 5 a.m. every Friday to get ready for her weekly GED prep class.
Pardon me? Obama’s record 1,023 commutations bypass Arizona so far
WASHINGTON - Arizona and Nevada have never had much in common with Vermont - until last month. Those three are now the only states that have not been touched by President Barack Obama's record-setting pace of prison sentence commutations, with 1,023 nonviolent federal criminals having their sentences reduced so far.
December 13, 2016: Health Special
Cronkite News special: Protecting your health and your way of life
Three days in August: How a water outage in AZ exposed cracks in customer service
PARKER – The high was 96 degrees on the day the tap went dry at Terry Mestas’ house. Mestas was among several hundred residents who endured heat that climbed to 106 degrees over three days in August, when five water-line breaks and a weak pressure valve shut down the water.
Refugee students gain freedom, then learn English in AZ
PHOENIX- Jolie Zuza came to Arizona as a child in 2005, fleeing war and death.
What do you think about podcasts?
Podcasts are a growing medium for telling stories and covering news.
Duties and dreams: Arizona Latina struggles to balance education, family
QUEEN CREEK - When she was 5, Berenice Zendejas scribbled down the answer to her kindergarten teacher’s question.
December 14, 2016: Sustainability Special
Cronkite News special: Protecting the environment and energy opportunities
Salmon leaves Washington – for a second time – with no regrets
WASHINGTON - Ask enough people about Matt Salmon and eventually the same theme comes up: The Republican congressman from Mesa sticks to his principles, even when they are unpopular.
December 15, 2016: Borderlands Special
Cronkite News special: Controversies, communities and cultures of the border
Immigrant women fleeing domestic violence find help, hope at Phoenix shelter
PHOENIX - Ana Leon is building a new life in Phoenix with her five children, far from the violence she experienced at the hands of their father.
December 16, 2016: Education Special
Cronkite News special: Creative solutions teachers are finding to school challenges
Arizona families enjoy spicy Mexican birria during the holidays
PHOENIX - A traditional American holiday dinner usually includes ham or turkey, but this time of year some Arizona families also enjoy birria, a meat dish from Mexico.
Experts: Call for Electoral College revolt unlikely to be heeded in state
WASHINGTON - Death and taxes may be the only things certain in life, but the outcome of the Electoral College vote can't be far behind.
San Carlos Apache Tribe, environmentalists battle Oak Flat copper mine bid
SUPERIOR - Oak Flat, a desert landscape and 90-minute drive outside Phoenix, lies in the midst of an environmental and economic controversy.
December 19, 2016: Consumer Special
Cronkite News special: Protecting your money, health and way of life
ASU Mariachi Ensemble celebrates culture, music of Mexico
TEMPE - On a Monday evening in September, Michael Smith hummed quietly and scrawled the names of mariachi songs on a whiteboard.
December 20, 2016: Legal Special
Cronkite News special: Updating government, justice and law enforcement
Navajo hope to digitally preserve thousands of hours of oral history
WASHINGTON - Jolyana Begay-Kroupa still remembers waiting for the seasons to change when she was a child so she could hear the winter stories her Navajo grandparents would tell.
Trump’s inauguration: What do you expect?
On Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, Donald Trump will become the 45th president of the United States of America.
Programs stress importance of reporting concussions by high school athletes
GLENDALE - Dylan Leblanc, a former football player at Ironwood High School, remembers being upset at an opposing player about a hit that he absorbed during a game. And then, everything turned to fog.
Helmet improvement not perfect solution to concussions
PHOENIX - A Cronkite News survey of high schools in Maricopa County found that many are willing to invest in the highest-quality football helmets in order to ensure the safety of their players.
Arizona nonprofit offers hope, services to homeless families
SCOTTSDALE – Roberta Mahoney Alhassasnah was “petrified” when she and her family lost their apartment a few weeks ago and became homeless.
Walter Cronkite’s legacy and the future of journalism
Walter Cronkite's legacy and the future of journalism
Trump talk of eliminating gun-free schools a long shot, experts say
WASHINGTON - Charles Heller embraces President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to eliminate gun-free zones on school campuses, a move he sees as "really restoring a freedom, not eliminating anything."
Football participation in Arizona high schools on the rise despite concussion concerns
Yearning for home, AZ inmates paint California mural on prison walls
ELOY – The prison squatted in the southeastern Arizona desert is as drab as the vegetation and soil that surrounds it, giving way to a room inside painted in bursts of California scenes: of skyscrapers, surf and Interstate 5, Hollywood movie reels, the Oakland Raiders and Cesar Chavez.
December 26, 2016: Borderlands Special
Cronkite News special: Latino issues, transborder populations and culture
If Obamacare goes away, coverage will stay – for the moment
WASHINGTON - More than 100,000 people rushed to sign up for Obamacare on the day after the election, despite President-elect Donald Trump's promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act in his first 100 days in office - or perhaps because of it.
December 27, 2016: Consumer Special
Cronkite News special: Protecting your money, your identity and your livelihood
In his own words: Former Sun Rex Chapman opens up about his battle with addiction
LEXINGTON, Ky. – “When you’ve made the decision to go to rehab, you’re gonna go in there guns blazing,” said Rex Chapman, a Phoenix Suns guard from 1996 to 2000 who later spent time in the team’s front office. “Meaning you’re gonna take probably more (drugs) than you normally take because this is your last hurrah for a long time, maybe ever.”
December 28, 2016: Education Special
Cronkite News special: Education challenges, solutions and inspiration
Former NFL players seek game-changer to painkillers
BOULDER, Colo. – It’s been nearly 10 years since Jake Plummer retired from football. He still experiences soreness and pain from his neck and shoulders to the soles of his feet.
Three men and a maybe: Can ex-foes Trump and McCain, Flake get along?
WASHINGTON - Of the 20 states with two Republican senators, only one state had both of those senators publicly declare they would not vote for their party's presidential nominee this year - Arizona.
Trainers turn focus to preventing injuries, not treating them with painkillers
FLAGSTAFF - Joshua Johnson’s title at Northern Arizona University reads athletic trainer. But he calls himself a “performance enhancer.”
Trump may match Obama on deportations, but would radically shift focus
WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump's most recent immigration pledge is to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records, which he estimates at 2 million to 3 million immigrants - or roughly the same number deported by outgoing President Barack Obama.
Despite loss in Arizona, recreational pot backers upbeat about future
WASHINGTON - Of five states with recreational marijuana on the ballot this fall, Arizona was the only state where the initiative failed, after supporters ran into a well-funded opposition campaign backed by political heavyweights.
Alternative treatments to painkillers making inroads
PHOENIX - Joyce Rash, who lives in Canada but spends her winters in Arizona, was using muscle relaxers and traditional physical therapy to help with her leg pain, but they weren’t working.
‘Godfather’ of Saguaro HS football back for Fiesta Bowl as key member of OSU staff
SCOTTSDALE - It was a casual offseason afternoon Friday at Saguaro High School. Seventeen players on the school’s varsity football team were in the gym lifting weights. It wasn’t mandatory; head coach Jason Mohns had given his team the final two weeks of December off, but some players wanted to come in.
Clemson achieves redemption in return to desert
GLENDALE - Throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, Clemson players spoke about how last season’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game loss in Arizona left a bad taste in their mouths.
Hundreds of sober living homes in Prescott face new rules
PRESCOTT – Their three-bedroom house in Prescott is nearly empty: a blank slate for three young men looking to start over. At night, they work restaurant jobs. During the day, they sit on the front porch, smoke cigarettes and try to resist a relapse.
January 2, 2017: Money Special
Cronkite News special: Making, spending and investing money in Arizona
Arizona defense firms may see spending bump from Trump, but not soon
WASHINGTON - Defense businesses in Arizona that have been hit hard in recent years by a downturn in contract spending are looking to a Trump administration for possible relief - but experts said that could take years to arrive.
State excludes veterinarians from prescription drug database requirement
PHOENIX – Veterinarians must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration before they can prescribe narcotics. They must go through extensive training on how to treat animals in pain. And they must keep tight controls on the narcotics they keep in the office.
Arizona still a power in solar power, despite other states’ gains
WASHINGTON - A month after it announced plans to develop a new solar power plant in Gila Bend, Vasari Energy was back in November to double down on its Arizona investment, expanding the plant's capacity to power more than 7,000 homes.
January 4, 2017: Sustainability Special
Cronkite News special: Protecting the environment and energy opportunities
Legal gambling in Arizona has undergone dramatic changes
PHOENIX - Arizona is among the most prohibitive states in America toward gambling. Yet, since Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, casino gambling has proliferated in Arizona. There are now 23 casinos operating on tribal lands within the state.
AZ health official: $3.6 million federal grant jump starts opioid awareness efforts in six counties
PHOENIX – State officials said federal funding has helped jump start awareness campaigns and drug monitoring efforts to combat the prescription drug epidemic in six of Arizona’s 15 counties.
Pharmaceuticals end up in water supply, AZ experts suggest better tracking
PHOENIX – The Arizona health community distributed 305 million pain reliever pills last year – enough to provide 24-hour medication for every adult in the state for two weeks straight, according to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission.
January 5, 2017: Borderlands Special
Cronkite News special: Controversies, communities and cultures of the border
Fantasy leagues can be gateway to gambling addiction
Jose Caraveo discovered fantasy football when he was in high school.
January 6, 2017: Education Special
Cronkite News special: Creative solutions teachers are finding to school challenges
Scottsdale-based fantasy sports company thrives despite legal challenges
SCOTTSDALE - The popularity of daily fantasy sports games is exploding across the country, but Arizona residents are among those who have been left out of the action.
Wading through the yuck, researchers study wastewater sludge for public health clues
TEMPE – Pristine white lab coats hang on a wheeled rack. Handwritten measurements and equations are crammed on whiteboards. And a long line of freezers are filled with containers of super-concentrated human waste.
Arizona programs prioritize education for refugee children
PHOENIX - Former refugee Boo Htoo came to the United States with his two children in 2007 after spending more than 20 years as a Burmese refugee in Thailand.
Gov. Ducey pushes to require drug-addiction training for doctors
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey sent a letter to the Arizona Medical Board and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners pushing to require all Arizona physicians to complete continuing education in drug addiction, he said during his State of the State speech Monday.
Court says Prescott violated contract to treat metals plant wastewater
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Tuesday said Prescott breached its contract to treat wastewater from the Pure Wafer plant when it tried to get the plant to pay for the cost of meeting tougher state environmental regulations.
Teaching the teachers to stay in Arizona
PARADISE VALLEY – In a poorly-financed education system, Arizona teachers are battling low salaries, the pressures of mandatory testing and a lack of respect for their profession, making it harder for the state to entice and retain teachers, advocates say. One Paradise Valley mentoring program is trying to grow teachers at home and repair a broken pipeline.
Backpage.com executives plead Fifth in hearing on sex trafficking
WASHINGTON - Executives of the online classifieds site Backpage.com refused to answer questions Tuesday from a Senate committee investigating claims that the site facilitated child sex trafficking through its adult ads section.
Orphaned mountain lion cub grows into new life at Out of Africa center
CAMP VERDE – A mountain lion cub clings to a tree high above ground, malnourished and frightened.
360 Video: Mock bedroom exposes hidden signs of drug addiction
360 Video: Mock bedroom exposes hidden signs of drug addiction
Nearly 900K people watched “Hooked Rx” documentary
PHOENIX – Based on early television viewership projections, nearly 900,000 viewers tuned in to "Hooked Rx: From Prescription to Addiction," a Cronkite News report on Arizona's prescription opioid epidemic, according to early Nielsen rating numbers. That number is expected to rise.
Former DREAMer, Phoenix resident raises concerns at Sessions hearing
WASHINGTON - Former DREAMer and Phoenix resident Oscar Vazquez got his citizenship, served in the Army and is "living the American dream" - a dream he worries could be scuttled for others under a Justice Department led by attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions.
Medical boards looking at Ducey’s recommendation of opioid education
PHOENIX - Medical professionals say Gov. Doug Ducey’s letter urging that Arizona doctors receive more education on drug addiction is a step forward in the battle against opioid abuse, but that the curriculum must be detailed and useful.
Court: Ministers cannot avoid income taxes with vow of poverty
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Thursday that the owners of an Arizona ministry cannot avoid paying income taxes by claiming they had taken vows of poverty and were merely being supported by donations to their church.
Arizona senators follow party-line vote on Obamacare repeal
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators joined all but one of their fellow Republicans early Thursday to narrowly approve a budget resolution that is the first step in overturning the Affordable Care Act.
McCain says a wall alone is not enough to secure border
WASHINGTON - One day after President-elect Donald Trump promised to start working "immediately" on a wall on the Mexico border, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, said a wall alone would not be sufficient to secure the border.
Coming full circle: A 360 view into the life of a recovering opioid addict
Coming full circle: A 360 view into the life of a recovering opioid addict
Arizona lawmakers mirror House, split by party on Obamacare repeal
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers followed the rest of the House Friday as it split largely down party lines to approve a budget resolution that marks the first step toward the long-held Republican goal of repealing Obamacare.
Farmworker visas more than doubled in state, nation in recent years
WASHINGTON - The number of H-2A visas issued to agricultural workers in Arizona has more than doubled in the past five years, mirroring a national increase in the temporary "guest worker program" for noncitizens.
Arizona charters excited by DeVos nomination, public schools wary
WASHINGTON - Public school advocates in Arizona are withholding judgment - for now - on school-choice champion Betsy DeVos, who faces a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday on her nomination to become the next secretary of Education.
$3.5 million allocated for high school substance abuse prevention
PHOENIX - The Governor's Office for Youth, Faith and Family will release about $3.5 million in new funding for substance abuse prevention programs for high school youth - a key demographic to target when tackling Arizona's opioid epidemic.
Giles says veteran homelessness in Mesa nears ‘functional zero’
WASHINGTON - Mesa's efforts to get homeless veterans off the street is closing in on "functional zero," Mayor John Giles told an audience of fellow mayors in Washington Tuesday.
Report: Obamacare repeal could hit state public health funding
WASHINGTON - Repealing the Affordable Care Act could cost Arizona more than $46 million in federal public health funds over five years, according to a report released Tuesday by a national health policy organization.
Grijalva, Gallego join other Democrats boycotting Trump’s inauguration
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers will join dozens of Democrats who plan to boycott Friday's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, saying they will spend time with constituents instead of the man they said ran a polarizing campaign.
Lawsuit claims Havasupai students are deprived of ‘basic general education’
Nine students in the Havasupai Nation have filed a lawsuit against the federal government claiming that agencies including the Bureau of Indian Education “have knowingly failed to provide basic general education” to children in the remote area of Arizona.
Hundreds of middle schoolers gather for MLK March on West
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the Arizona State University West Campus held its annual MLK March on West Wednesday. Students, faculty and visitors gathered to honor King's legacy by marching through campus, a tradition that dates back to 1991.
Western mayors talk water conservation, stay mum on drought allotments
WASHINGTON - Nearly a dozen Western mayors gathered Wednesday to discuss anything and everything "water" except the region's drought contingency plan - what Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton called "the 800-pound gorilla in the room."
Civics at a cost: Backers, protesters eye steep tab to get to inaugural
WASHINGTON - After months of searching for an affordable place to stay, Phoenix resident John Stencel was "close to giving up" on his plan of coming here to protest President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
Hill offices juggle high demand, scant supply of inaugural tickets
WASHINGTON - With 198 inaugural tickets to hand out and requests from 500 constituents, Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, turned to an expert to handle the distribution - Lady Luck.
Lawmakers: Obama won’t OK Grand Canyon monument before leaving
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama will leave office Friday without declaring a new 1.7 million acre national monument around the Grand Canyon, Arizona lawmakers said this week.
Putting the squeeze on trash in downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – Solar-powered trash cans placed in downtown Phoenix compact and reduce trash, spur recycling and cut down on trash collections – and may herald a new way to get rid of trash, Phoenix officials say.
Arpaio in Washington to enjoy Trump inauguration he said he called
WASHINGTON - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was in Washington Thursday with a message for the rest of the country: Told you so.
Arizona Guard members wield ladles and spatulas for inaugural security
WASHINGTON - Thousands of cots line the suite-level hallways of FedEx Field, temporary housing for 3,500 National Guardsmen from around the country who are here as part of a contingent of 7,500 guardsmen helping provide security for Friday's inauguration.
States, advocates host balls of all stripes as inaugural kicks off
WASHINGTON - Not everyone who comes to Washington this weekend will be able to participate in the pomp of the three officially sanctioned inaugural balls, but that doesn't mean they won't have a chance to put on their dancing shoes.
Arizonans join diverse Women’s March to protest Trump inauguration
WASHINGTON - Environmental scientist Marilyn Zenko feels strongly enough about President-elect Donald Trump's environmental policies that she is coming from Goodyear to be part of this weekend's Women's March on Washington.
Opponents protest Donald Trump inauguration at AZ Capitol
PHOENIX – As President Donald Trump was being sworn into office in Washington D.C. Friday morning, dozens of people gathered at the Arizona Capitol to protest the new president and his policies.
Inauguration speech disappoints Grijalva, who watches from Tucson
TUCSON - While the fanfare of Donald Trump’s inauguration engulfed Washington, D.C., in a swathe of traditions and “Make America Great Again” hats on Friday, Rep. Raúl Grijalva watched the ceremony alone from his office a couple thousand miles away.
Scenes from the anti-Trump protest outside the Arizona State Capitol
Outside the Arizona State Capitol, dozens of people gathered in protest of Donald Trump's Inauguration Day on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. The protesters had plenty to say, and as follows, many visuals to accompany their chants.
Photos from Inauguration Day protests in D.C.
WASHINGTON - As protesters clashed with police during this Inauguration Day, Cronkite News journalists were reporting from the front lines. Here is a selection of the moments they captured.
Amid sea of MAGA hats, Arizonans relish moment of Trump inauguration
WASHINGTON - Tucson resident Greg Shimn knew he would have had a better view of the ceremonies from his couch back home, but there was no way he was going to miss the chance to be there in person for Donald Trump's inauguration.
Trump protesters clash with police, inauguration events unaffected
WASHINGTON - Police tear-gassed hundreds of protesters Friday as a march against President Donald Trump's inauguration turned into a clash with authorities just blocks from the White House.
Women’s March floods Mall with pink-hatted rebuke to Trump presidency
WASHINGTON - What was a sea of red hats Friday turned to a sea of pink Saturday, as the thousands who came to cheer President Donald Trump's inauguration were replaced by many thousands more protesting it.
Phoenix marchers join millions across the world to support Women’s March on Washington
PHOENIX – One family brought their two children, with the four-year old wearing a cardboard “Feminist” sign as her mother carried her on her back.
Tribes eye Trump: Some welcoming, some wary of new administration
WASHINGTON - Peter MacDonald Sr. is a Navajo code talker, a lifelong Republican – and an unabashed supporter of President Donald Trump.
January 23, 2017 Newscast
Arizonans on the march, cleaning the Mall and Barrett-Jackson makes an impact
ASU study: Body cameras improve relationship between Tempe police officers and public
TEMPE – Police wearing body cameras can promote a good relationship between the community and police, including members of the public saying police officers treated them with respect, early results of an ongoing Arizona State University study show.
Scottsdale pro spreads his love and knowledge of golf to hundreds of Valley kids
SCOTTSDALE — In frigid Huron, South Dakota, Dale Balvin realized he loved golf at age 10.
Scottsdale community forum seeks to build bridges with police
SCOTTSDALE – Six Valley police chiefs on Monday joined community members in Scottsdale to help bridge the gap between police and the community and discuss best practices for community policing.
During National School Choice Week, one family shares insights on home-schooling
MESA - This is National School Choice Week across the country. Some families are choosing not to send their children to traditional schools and home-school instead. In Maricopa County, 14,660 children are home-schooled.
Higher education leaders stress degrees as important for Arizona economy
PHOENIX – Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Maricopa County Community College District Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick on Tuesday stressed the importance of a college degree in obtaining a well-paying job – the types of jobs that it takes to stimulate the economy.
Health officials: Number of flu cases on the rise in Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona flu cases are on the rise in Arizona, up 28 percent since October compared to the same period last year, according the the Arizona Department of Health Services.
What’s the big idea? Calling on innovators to get rid of Phoenix trash
Phoenix is looking for people who know how to talk trash. As in, get rid of trash.
Cursive, classic literature and phonetics: AZ schools leader sounds out new curriculum
PHOENIX – Arizona’s top education leader is heralding new state curriculum standards that would replace modern works with classic literature, retool math education with an emphasis on memorization, and focus reading education on phonetics. She also proposed a five percent raise for teachers.
Hundreds of volunteers help document homeless during annual street count
PHOENIX – Armed with clipboards, surveys and layers of clothing, hundreds of volunteers loaded into cars before 5 a.m. on Tuesday with a mission to connect with the homeless as part of the the Point-in-Time homeless count in Phoenix.
You can hear the dribble now: Final Four closing in on first Valley visit
PHOENIX — There’s a skill that’s important both in playing basketball and in hosting major sports events.
January 25, 2017 Newscast
Reaction from Nogales, police body cameras and yoga for distracted driving
Franks hopeful for ‘born alive’ abortion bill with Trump in White House
WASHINGTON - Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, said he has high hopes that his twice-defeated Born-Alive Survivors Protections Act will pass this year with President Donald Trump in the White House and Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress.
Nogales wary about executive order to start building border wall
NOGALES, ARIZONA - As President Donald Trump signed executive orders in Washington to build a wall and increase enforcement of the U.S.-Mexico border, Carlos Santa Cruz’s small section of fence behind his house was quiet and serene. A landscaper in Nogales and Rio Rico, he has lived right next to the border for 37 years and has seen the changes that have come with different presidential administrations.
Arizonans on hand as Trump signs orders on borders, immigration
WASHINGTON - As Arizona resident Steve Ronnebeck watched President Donald Trump sign an executive order to tighten U.S. borders and immigration policies Wednesday, he said he felt as if his slain son Grant finally had a voice.
Election officials: If there was vote fraud, it wasn’t in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers defended themselves and the state this week against President Donald Trump's charges that millions of fraudulent votes were cast in November, saying they had seen no evidence of illegal voters in Arizona.
City Council approves LA 2024 Olympics bid
Los Angeles - In a room full of current and former Olympians and Paralympians, the Los Angeles City Council approved a privately run bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games. Thursday’s agreement was the 14th unanimous vote in relation to the bid and the last local step in the final stage of the bid process.
What happens to cars after Barrett-Jackson? Many stay here.
SCOTTSDALE – Barrett-Jackson, the self-dubbed “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction,” wrapped last weekend in Scottsdale, raking in more than $100 million in sales, according to the company. Now that the tents are packed up and Justin Bieber left the state, what happens to the thousands of collectible and vintage cars that flocked to the Valley?
Arizona immigrants urge legislators for justice: ‘We want more just laws’
PHOENIX- After writing messages of concerns to legislators, immigrants in Phoenix face their first legislative challenge: a bill that could potentially limit undocumented immigrants' eligibility to obtain a Phoenix secondary municipal access card.
Report: Teachers rated ‘effective’ may lag in student growth standard
WASHINGTON - Thirty states claim to consider student growth a "significant" factor in teacher evaluations, but a new study finds that evaluations in 28 of those states, including Arizona, "fail to live up to promises."
Trump plan to pay for wall with import tax hits wall of opposition
WASHINGTON - The White House is considering a 20 percent tax on imports as a way to pay for President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the Mexican border, according to published reports Thursday.
Popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon’s finisher numbers slipping
PHOENIX -- The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series recently kicked off its 20th year and 14th in the Valley when almost 13,000 participants streamed through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon. However, finisher numbers in Arizona have dropped.
Tempe passes ordinance regulating electric bicycles
TEMPE - Tempe City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Thursday that implements rules for electric bicycles, which are not regulated by the state.
ASU broadens recruiting horizons with three from long range
TEMPE — A loud voice echoes at Arizona State’s basketball practice facility in the Weatherup Center, battling the constant squeak of sneakers and the bounce of basketballs.
DACA Students Anxious as President Trump Tightens Immigration Controls
PHOENIX – As President Donald Trump signs a flurry of executive actions, DACA students anxiously wait to find out their fate. During the presidential campaign, he promised to put an end to the program that protects undocumented immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the U.S. as children.
Photo gallery: The view from the U.S.-Mexico border
PHOENIX – With President Donald Trump's executive order to move forward with construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, people across the country are turning their gazes south. Cronkite News journalists report from communities on both sides of the border. Here is a gallery of photos from their travels.
Penzone: have an “open heart” to new MCSO leadership
GUADALUPE — As you enter the town of Guadalupe, a sign welcomes visitors with a quote from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Phoenix refugees worried about immigration restrictions
PHOENIX - In just five days, President Trump has changed the face of immigration in the U.S.
March for Life crowd younger, optimistic for pro-life gains under Trump
WASHINGTON - Paula Mercado, 18, has prayed at Planned Parenthood facilities and taken part in anti-abortion protests in Arizona, but Friday found the Tucson teen on the National Mall with thousands of others pro-life protesters, many of them millennials.
Napolitano defends DACA, vows to help DREAMers at California colleges
WASHINGTON - Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a Washington panel Friday that she will use her current position as president of the University of California to protect DREAMers, whether the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is still in place or not.
Trump bars refugees to U.S. for 120 days, bars Syrians indefinitely
WASHINGTON - Jamal Saleh fled violence and police brutality in his native Syria in 2013, resettling in Phoenix with his wife and seven children, but leaving his farm, his beloved hometown, his brother and his sisters back in Syria.
‘You’re not alone:’ Students, experts give advice on how to fight bullies, depression
GLENDALE – Elementary, middle-school and high school students from across the West Valley are joining leaders in education, business and local government in a move to combat bullying, depression and suicide.
‘Hockey Scholars’ learn science, math from hockey models
SCOTTSDALE - An hour before the final bell rang at 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, a group of 25 Greenway Middle School eighth graders were asked to report to the library. The “Hockey Scholars” had finished the NHL’s Future Goals digital education course on STEM: science, technology, engineering and math subjects.
Tell us about your favorite foodie hotspots in Arizona
The Arizona Restaurant Association is partnering with the Arizona Office of Tourism to develop a website to highlight great foodie hotspots for tourists and residents. Top foodie destinations generally offer up something unique. For example, New Orleans has famous creole cuisine, and New York has award-winning chefs. What would make Arizona special?
Arizona representatives react to Trump’s executive order and travel ban
President Donald Trump is facing criticism after signing an executive order on Friday that created a travel ban from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The executive order affects refugees from any country and most travelers from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia.
Local reaction for immigrants affected by president’s executive order mirrors scenes across U.S.
PHOENIX - Reaction across the Valley mirrored national sentiment at protests this past weekend after President Donald Trump's executive order cracking down on immigrants from seven primarily Muslim countries entering the U.S. caused a whirlwind of confusion at airports here and across the world.
Arizona lawmakers split on Trump order halting refugee admissions
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split over President Donald Trump's executive order suspending refugee admissions and stalling travel from seven Muslim-majority nations, with Democrats predictably voicing opposition - along with some Republicans.
Arizona tourism officials want to capitalize on unused vacation time
PHOENIX – Visiting from Denmark, Gitee Sorensen and Gitte Ottosen came to Phoenix for an international craft and hobby trade show, but the pair extended their trip a few extra days to have a mini vacation.
Program helps Latinos diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
PHOENIX – Hispanics suffer from Parkinson’s disease at twice the rate of other ethnic minorities, likely due to environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to herbicides and insecticides or to metals such as copper, manganese and lead, according to a report from Washington University in St. Louis.
Recent class-action lawsuit sheds light on AZ dairy industry
MESA – Jim Boyle’s family history is intertwined with Arizona dairy. His grandfather had 50 cows. His dad had 500. And now the Boyle family has 6,000 at three dairies.
Mesa firefighters saw through jet in training exercise
MESA – The Mesa fire department has a new training tool: a 1994 Gulfstream Jet. They promptly started tearing it apart.
Tribal members at Tohono O’odham Nation’s annual rodeo worried about Border Wall
TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION - On a cloudless morning in the southern Arizona town of Sells, Native Americans from across the state braced 40-degree temperatures to wrangle livestock and stay atop violently-gyrating bulls.
January 31, 2017 Newscast
Tohono O'odham tribe reacts to border wall, angel shots and Monsanto in Tucson
National report card ranks state among worst for highway safety laws
WASHINGTON - Arizona was rated one of the most dangerous states in the nation for drivers and passengers due to its relative lack of highway safety laws, according to a national report card released Tuesday.
Homeland Security secretary vows to enforce Trump travel ban ‘humanely’
WASHINGTON - The secretary of Homeland Security on Tuesday defended President Donald Trump's ban on refugee admissions and vowed that his department would enforce the policy "humanely."
Appeals court upholds conviction for border drug smugglers’ lookout
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld the conviction of a spotter for a group of border drug smugglers, rejecting his argument that his confession was coerced and the government had not presented enough evidence for a conviction.
Olympic Village plan another step in ASU’s goal to become ‘Olympic training ground’
TEMPE — Ever since Ray Anderson arrived at Arizona State University in 2014 as athletics director, the athletic department has taken significant strides toward a goal Anderson shared with Cronkite News in July.
Tempe bar introduces ‘Angel Shots’ code to promote safety
TEMPE – Low Key Piano Bar in Tempe is among the first in the Valley to hang signs in the women’s restroom for the “angel shot” – a code of sorts, circulating on social media, that may help bargoers out of uncomfortable situations.
Tapping I-10, I-17 ‘spine’ to add bicycle crossings, ease commute
PHOENIX – The most heavily traveled freeways in the Phoenix area are proposed for a billion-dollar upgrade, relieving stress and traffic congestion for drivers, bicyclists and light-rail riders.
New era of leadership aims to move town of Guadalupe forward
PHOENIX -- A statue of a Yaqui, wearing traditional garb and performing a ceremonial dance, graces the entrance to the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Complex in Guadalupe, where Vice-Mayor Anita Cota and Councilman Ricardo Vital work.
Gorsuch pick for Supreme Court praised, panned by Arizona lawmakers
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republicans hailed Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch on Wednesday as a "brilliant" legal mind who can be expected to respect the Constitution if he is confirmed to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
State audit: Vocational program for disabled costs more, has less success
PHOENIX – A recent state audit found the state's Vocational Rehabilitation program, which helps thousands of people with physical or mental disabilities prepare for and find work, spends significantly more per person on average than similar programs in other states – about 2.5 times the amount.
Trump voters: Share your perspective on the president
President Donald Trump's first actions in the White House have stirred controversy across the board. Trump signed a number of executive orders that shifted policies on health care, immigration, oil, federal hiring and trade.
Share your experience with autism in Arizona
Cronkite News is working on a podcast about young adults in Arizona who have autism spectrum disorder.
Valley psychologist creates wearable tech to reduce anxiety, stress
PEORIA – Paradise Valley neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin believes she’s found a new way to help people deal with stress and anxiety.
Do Trump’s immigration policies affect you?
Cronkite News would like to know if President Donald Trump's policies on immigration affect you or someone you know.
Children say goodbye to mural they painted on border fence
NACO,SONORA - Children who painted a mural on a section of the border fence in Mexico gathered to take a final look at their artwork before the structure is torn down to make way for a new border barrier.
February 2, 2017 Newscast
Stand-up desks in schools, goodbye to a border mural and golf tournament arrests
Franks, other lawmakers renew call to defund Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON - Pro-life lawmakers renewed demands Thursday to strip funding from Planned Parenthood, pointing to new charges from a pro-life group that said the health organization does not provide the prenatal care its defenders claim.
Abortions dropped in Arizona in 2015, continuing four-year decline
WASHINGTON - The number of abortions in Arizona fell in 2015, continuing a four-year trend that began in 2011, according to Arizona Department of Health Services.
Mickelson’s legacy looms large over Phoenix Open, ASU after 25 years
SCOTTSDALE - It has been 25 years since PGA great Phil Mickelson graduated from Arizona State, but his legacy has only expanded -- especially for the latest generation of Sun Devil golfers.
New England fans have favorite gathering spot down Pat
PHOENIX — Fans will gather at sports bars around the Valley Sunday to watch the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons clash in Super Bowl LI and the crowd at Toso’s Sports Bar & Grill figures to be especially enthusiastic.
Feds face Trump hiring freeze, with hundreds of Arizona jobs vacant
WASHINGTON - Worried that President Donald Trump's freeze on federal hiring might include firefighters during wildfire season, some Arizona lawmakers wrote to federal agencies this week to make sure firefighters would be exempt.
No more line up to sign up: Thousands jump at expedited FAFSA form
WASHINGTON - Every calendar in Anne Gabriellini's Surprise house was marked for Oct. 1, but not to signify a birthday, anniversary or important doctor's appointment.
Court won’t reconsider ruling on driver’s licenses for DACA recipients
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Thursday refused to reconsider its April ruling that Arizona cannot deny driver's licenses to DACA recipients, despite dissenting judges saying the court should address "a fundamental question of presidential power."
Meet the ringmaster for Phoenix Open’s 16th hole circus
SCOTTSDALE — On Friday and Saturday of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Mike Leonard is one of the first to arrive at the course, weaving his way around the fairways and greens in an all-out sprint to secure one of the most coveted spots of the tournament: Front row at the 16th hole.
Solar power brings light to some Navajo Nation homes
KAYENTA – Electrical power lines are nowhere in sight from Helen Salazar’s home. She lives on a dirt road in Monument Valley, part of the Navajo Nation. Throughout her life, Salazar has adapted to the challenges of living in a remote, off-grid home.
New citizens share mixed emotions about immigration debate
PHOENIX - When Abraham Martinez - “like Abraham Lincoln,” he said - raised his right hand in a courtroom on Friday to take the oath of allegiance in a citizenship ceremony with 71 other people, news about the immigration debate was on his mind.
Education and health services showed most job growth in Arizona in 2016
PHOENIX – Arizona has shown job growth in a majority of its employment areas in the past year, which experts hope will continue through 2017.
‘King of African Music’ living in harmony in NW Phoenix
PHOENIX - Northwest Phoenix isn’t known as a hotbed of celebrities, but tucked away in a modest, two-bedroom apartment lives one of the most famous musicians in East Africa.
Arizona: What are your health care questions?
Cronkite News is launching a podcast about health care in Arizona, and we want to hear from you. What questions do you have when it comes to your health? Is there a topic you'd like to know more about? What issues should we explore?
ASU’s James Baldwin mural aims to reclaim stereotypes
GLENDALE--Last week, the Arizona State University Black Student Union held a community mural painting on the ASU West Campus for Black History Month, inviting community members to contribute to a painting of writer James Baldwin. Baldwin's unfinished manuscript "Remember this House" is the basis for the Oscar-nominated documentary on racism, "I Am Not Your Negro."
Border sheriff, businessman take different sides on border wall debate
WASHINGTON - One day before the new secretary of Homeland Security was scheduled to testify on border security, a Nogales business owner joined critics speaking out Monday against the Trump administration's plans to continue the "militarization" of the southern border.
Navajo power plant’s future uncertain, as natural gas costs fall
WASHINGTON - With record-low natural gas prices continuing to undercut coal, owners of the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station in Page could decide this spring whether they can afford to keep operating the plant or have to shut it down.
‘Music is key to healing the soul’ for Tucson refugees
TUCSON -- On a beautiful day in Armory Park in the downtown area, a unique blend of music emanates from between the trees. A sax player from Ethiopia, a guitarist from Burundi, and drummers from Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S. create a cross-cultural sound.
Arizona’s effort to boost trade with Mexico faces hurdle under Trump administration
PHOENIX - Arizona is caught in the middle as President Donald Trump tries to limit foreign trade with Mexico while the state tries to boost cross border business.
Proposed Arizona law would allow students to apply sunscreen at school
PHOENIX – Phoenix is one of the sunniest cities in the United States, and yet some school districts don’t allow students to apply sunscreen while on school property without a doctor’s note or prescription.
Protesters gather outside Flake’s office to oppose Trump, DeVos
PHOENIX - About 35 protesters gathered in front of Sen. Jeff Flake's Phoenix office Tuesday afternoon to protest decisions made by the Trump administration, including the President's executive order and nominations for members of his cabinet.
While courts weigh travel ban, international students watch and wait
WASHINGTON - Leila Asadi has had to put her doctoral dissertation on hold while courts consider legal challenges to President Donald Trump's temporary ban on travel from seven majority-Muslim countries.
Kelly vows to get local input as feds seek way to close southern border
WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told a House panel Tuesday that a wall will help close the "gaping wound" of the U.S-Mexico border, but that he will rely on local authorities to tell his department where and how to close the border.
Microblading eyebrows may be risky business for customers
PHOENIX – Microblading, an eyebrow-shaping trend popping up on social media feeds, isn’t regulated and may come with health risks, according to experts.
Valley churches opening their doors, hearts to undocumented immigrants
PHOENIX - Amid nation-wide backlash to President Donald Trump’s executive orders to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and crack down on immigration, churches across the Valley have taken a stance against the Trump administration’s new policies.
200-year-old invention with a twist: Elementary-school students learn while standing
TUCSON – Four weeks ago, eight-year-old McKenzie Brown walked into her school, expecting to find the same classroom. Instead, the chairs were missing.
ASU professor predicts ‘Obamacare’ repeal could send state into health care recession
PHOENIX – A new report from an Arizona State University professor predicts that repealing “Obamacare” could cut Arizona jobs and send the state into a “health care recession.”
Arizona playwright brings stories of Black history to stage
PHOENIX – Larissa Brewington channels a black woman from seven decades back, demure in a black polka-dotted dress with a doily collar and cat-eye glasses perched on her nose, convincing her way into a whites-only Oklahoma law school in 1940s’ America.
Students colonize Mars moon in Honeywell Aerospace Challenge
Colonizing a moon of Mars is not an easy task.
Tribes say feds gave them run-around, not aid, after Gold King spill
WASHINGTON - Multiple federal agencies were unable to provide disaster relief to the Navajo Nation after the 2015 Gold King Mine disaster that spilled 3 million gallons of toxins into the Animas River, the tribe's president told a Senate panel Wednesday.
After meeting, Flake even more committed to Gorsuch nomination
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, has been a supporter of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch since the nomination was announced last week, but he said he feels even more confident after the two met Wednesday.
Intel uses White House visit to announce $7 billion Chandler investment
WASHINGTON - Intel CEO Brian Krzanich used the Oval Office as a backdrop Wednesday to formally announce the company's $7 billion investment in a new chip plant in Chandler, a project that is expected to create as many as 10,000 jobs in Arizona.
Navajo Nation partners with ASU professor to bring science and technology education to reservation
MESA – Shawn Jordan had traveled five hours to Church Rock, New Mexico, in the Navajo Nation. It was his first time on the Navajo reservation.
Phoenix schools encourage students to prepare for STEM careers
PHOENIX - The Cartwright School District is working to bridge the gap between its students and STEM education to encourage more Latinos and young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering, or STEM.
Library coding clubs prepare kids and teens for growing job market
As employment opportunities for software, application and system developers is projected to increase in the coming years, dozens of libraries in Arizona are beginning to realize the importance of coding and are becoming more than a place to check-out books.
These state employees can bring their babies to work
PHOENIX – Babies cooing in strollers and on brightly colored play mats in their parents’ cubicles are commonplace at the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Mesa mother at center of immigration protests deported
PHOENIX — The mother who sparked protests outside the ICE building after immigration authorities detained her has been deported to Nogales, Mexico.
Equine pool is a hit for Turf Paradise trainers, but horses take convincing
PHOENIX — Ears pinned back, kicking her hooves at the water splashing on her, a dark brown 2-year-old horse made her way down the walkway of an equine pool at Turf Paradise.
Softball pioneers laid the groundwork for today’s athletes
TEMPE — They played at a city park. They slept in gymnasiums. Sometimes they ate only bologna sandwiches. And they had to wear basketball uniforms to play their softball games. It might not sound like a formula for winning national championships, but it worked for Arizona State’s softball program when the Sun Devils won back-to-back titles in 1972-73.
ASU students, faculty join nationwide rally against Trump’s travel ban
TEMPE -- More than 100 students and faculty at Arizona State University participated in the “Academics United” solidarity rally on the Tempe campus Thursday in support of those affected by President Donald Trump’s effort to impose a travel ban.
Arizona law enforcement cautious of Trump order to enforce immigration laws
PHOENIX - Citing limited resources and Arizona’s controversial history, many local and state law enforcement officials said they have no plans to amp up their immigration enforcement in light of a presidential executive order calling for them to crackdown on illegal immigration.
Phoenix parents fight for passage of ‘Joe’s Law’ to test drivers for drugs, alcohol
PHOENIX – Steve and Tana Smith have agonized over their son’s death for seven months. They want one question answered, but it’s an answer that will never come.
Maricopa County develops plan to provide information to hearing impaired during emergencies
PHOENIX – When a statewide emergency strikes – like a major flood or wildfire – emergency personnel have traditionally relied on radio and broadcast television to communicate quickly with the public about where to go and what to do.
Deported mother temporarily reunited with kids in Mexico
NOGALES - After a whirlwind 48 hours during which she was detained, deported and taken to a migrant shelter in Mexico, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos was temporarily reunited with her children.
Emotions run high as Gov. Ducey, Homeland Security Sec. John Kelly tour Arizona border
NOGALES, ARIZONA — All seemed calm at this southern Arizona town Thursday despite Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Gov. Doug Ducey touring the border.
Scottsdale develops master plan for future uses of Civic Center Mall
SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale officials built the city’s Civic Center in the 1960s to serve as the heart of the community’s civics and arts district. City officials have decided it’s time for an upgrade.
Trump won’t say where or how, but vows fight to reinstate travel ban
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump vowed Friday to continue to fight for his travel ban, just hours after losing a second court battle over his order temporarily freezing admission of refugees and of all visitors from seven majority-Muslim nations.
County on Diamondbacks: ‘We’re not sure what they’re after’
PHOENIX – Maricopa County is unclear on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ end goal in their ongoing dispute over Chase Field.
Opioid addiction in AZ: A community discussion
Following up on HookedRx, a documentary and series of stories about prescription opioid addiction, Cronkite News wants to continue the discussion about prescription opioid use in Arizona.
Glendale aquaponic farmer promotes eco-friendly systems that combine fish with produce
GLENDALE – There’s an aqua house tucked away in a residential neighborhood just off Bell Road in Glendale. It looks much like all the other homes in the neighborhood.
Mohave County Trump voters positive about president’s first three weeks
KINGMAN - Surrounded by shelves of antique plates and figurines, Kathy Irish writes an email addressed to President Donald Trump.
Legislator wants to add dyslexia handbook to schools
PHOENIX – An Arizona legislator wants to create a dyslexia handbook to distribute to traditional public and charter schools.
Futurist: Next generations may ask ‘Why would you ever let a human drive the car?’
CHANDLER – Could a baby in a car seat today be part of the first generation that might never touch a steering wheel?
State of Indian Nations: Hopeful, but cautious, as Trump replaces Obama
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders said they hope to see a continuation of the gains in tribal and federal relations under the Trump administration that they said began during the administration of President Barack Obama.
Trans-Pacific trade debate makes for unusual allies, antagonists
WASHINGTON - Ray Zuckerman felt some relief when President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership - and some reservations.
Experts say 19th century ‘Frankenstein’ offers 21st century message
WASHINGTON - For centuries, Frankenstein's monster was nothing more than a horrific fantasy, but for two Arizona State University professors it is very real and very modern.
Navajo Generating Station to close by 2019, plant owners say
WASHINGTON - The owners of the Navajo Generating Station in Page voted today to keep the plant operating until its lease ends in December 2019, pending agreement with the Navajo Nation on reclamation of the site.
Trump voters express support for president’s early actions
Last week, we asked Arizona supporters of President Donald Trump to share their thoughts on his presidency thus far. Here is their insight:
Be cool. Or turn up the temperature of this climate-controlled office chair in REI warehouse
(Photo by Megan Bridgeman/Cronkite News) GOODYEAR – A climate-controlled office chair for workers, a rooftop solar-power array and an air-conditioning system that saves one million gallons of water per year are some environmentally savvy methods at REI’s Goodyear warehouse, its leaders said.
As Obamacare winds down, so does enrollment for Arizona, nation
WASHINGTON - Enrollment in what could be the last open season for Obamacare fell in both the state and nation this year, a victim of confusion and uncertainty over the future of the program, supporters said.
Report cites prevalence of faith-based groups in homeless fight
WASHINGTON - Religion scholar Byron Johnson is one of those people who "always has their ear to the ground" for news of faith and society, but even he was surprised by his study on homelessness and faith-based organizations.
Guns seized by TSA officers continue to rise at Sky Harbor, nationwide
WASHINGTON - Transportation Security Administration officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport have confiscated at least 13 guns since the first of the year, most of them loaded, at security checkpoints.
‘What’s one more?’ The revolving door of a foster family
Jessika Reed has eight children, including seven who are adopted and four who have special needs. As if that wasn’t enough, Jessika has also cared for many foster kids during the past 15 years, constantly welcoming children in need into her home.
Political ideologies of the past still resonate with the residents of Bisbee
BISBEE – It’s a sunny and cool early February day. The chill in the air perfectly offsets the sun’s glow, heating the canyon that cradles the town. This community, tucked up in southeastern Arizona’s mountains, curls around a massive, defunct open-pit copper mine that once fueled its economy.
Would you drink treated toilet water?
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is pushing to legalize recycled wastewater.
New flu-tracking app uses Maricopa County as beta site
SCOTTSDALE – A California-based health diagnostics company has chosen Maricopa County as the pilot testing site for Communidy, a free web app that allows users to see the age and county of people who currently have the flu.
Guide aids, educates families on what to do if ‘picked up by ICE in Arizona’
PHOENIX -- With President Donald Trump’s new enforcement of deportation orders, and the deportation of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos last week, immigrant rights organizations in Arizona are stepping up their educational efforts so families will know what rights they have if a parent is deported.
Student activists urge Arizona Legislature to protect environment
PHOENIX – Sixty students from six high schools listed a litany of environmental concerns Wednesday at the Arizona Capitol, urging legislators to stop uranium mining near national parks and work harder to conserve water.
Navajo official worries cuts under Trump will hurt tribal schools
WASHINGTON - The superintendent for Navajo schools said "alarming" calls for the Trump administration to eliminate Head Start funding could leave tribal children without preschool programs or the education resources they desperately need to succeed.
Vandalism knocks Phoenix television stations off the air
PHOENIX - Several radio stations and two television stations experienced a 45-minute broadcast interruption after electrical panels for radio and TV transmitters on South Mountain were vandalized early Wednesday morning.
For Dawn Rogers, Final Four is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
PHOENIX — Dawn Rogers left a career for an event.
Female jockeys are thriving at Turf Paradise racetrack
PHOENIX — Underneath a white tent on the apron of Turf Paradise racetrack, a group of female jockeys who are competing there this season awaited racing fans. Dressed in their racing silks, the women ranged in age from 16 to 43 and spent about two hours Saturday signing autographs and taking photos with the spectators.
Arizona ranchers want border wall, worry about more Border Patrol agents on their land
DOUGLAS -- John Ladd stepped out of his rusted, red pickup truck to lead a herd of cattle through a gate on his 16,000-acre ranch on the Arizona-Mexico border, chain and padlock swinging from his hand.
How will the border wall affect the environment?
Cronkite News is developing a story about President Donald Trump's border wall plan and its effect on the environment, especially for border states.
Arizona businesses close for “A Day without Immigrants”
PHOENIX - Dozens of Phoenix area businesses closed their doors and their employees stayed home for “A Day Without Immigrants,” a national effort to highlight the contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy.
Phoenix denies sanctuary city petition, immigrant advocates vow to continue push
PHOENIX – After the Phoenix City Council voted Wednesday to deny a petition to make Phoenix a sanctuary city, immigrants rights groups said they would continue their push to mitigate fear of deportation among Arizona’s undocumented population.
Arizona group files initiative to put recreational marijuana on ballot again
PHOENIX – Arizona voters in November rejected the latest attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, but a local group wants to take another run at the effort.
New mural in downtown Phoenix promotes peace and unity
PHOENIX - The Central Christian Church of Arizona supplied two large canvases, paint and brushes and invited the public to contribute a large mural promoting peace.
Agencies seek help fighting ‘sophisticated’ criminal threat at border
WASHINGTON - Despite efforts to secure U.S. points of entry, drug cartels have the networks, money and technology to continue smuggling drugs into the U.S., law enforcement officials told a House committee Thursday.
Democrats leave ICE meeting convinced arrests a taste of what’s to come
WASHINGTON - Democratic leaders left a meeting with immigration officials Thursday convinced that recent apprehensions, detentions and deportations have greatly expanded under President Donald Trump, and said they were told to "expect more arrests."
Arizona State’s ballpark fitted with new cameras
PHOENIX -- Arizona State baseball’s big acquisitions this offseason weren’t limited to its No. 1-rated recruiting class.
New questions on Arizona driver’s test promote safety at traffic stops
PHOENIX - Arizonans taking the driver’s test this spring will answer questions about how to behave during routine traffic stops in a move to improve safety for drivers and law-enforcement officers.
There are pitfalls for golf parents who coach, caddy for their children
TEMPE - In youth sports, parents often are called upon to coach their children. It’s a dynamic that can be rewarding and successful. It also can be difficult and create conflict, especially if it is an individual sport, such as golf.
Bill raises questions about delicate balance of doctor and patient rights near life’s end
PHOENIX – “Please don’t ask me to do that,” Dr. Paul Liu, a pediatric critical-care physician, said to grieving parents who had asked him to quietly end their child’s life.
PHX Startup Week attracts entrepreneurs from across US, organizers expect 10,000 attendees
PHOENIX – PHX Startup Week launched three years ago. That first week, they had about 2,500 attendees. The next year, they doubled it.
75 years later, Japanese detainees reflect on painful part of U.S. past
WASHINGTON - Seishi Oka was 5 and his sister, Mitzi, only 3, when their family was loaded on to a train and taken from their Salinas, California, home to the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona.
Arizona voting rights advocates see little change, but hope for future
WASHINGTON - Arizona may have made headlines in 2016 when voters had to wait hours in the sun just to vote in the presidential preference election, but advocates in the state said problems with voting are nothing new to them.
Reagan hopes other election officials learn from her tumultuous year
WASHINGTON - It was a rough year for Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, who told a national group Friday that after learning the hard way how to deal with election issues, she hoped her experience would keep them from going through the same turmoil.
Refugees in Phoenix connect to families, assistance through free computers
PHOENIX -- In a dimly lit apartment off I-17, a 9-year-old Syrian girl named Aya is learning how to use her family’s first computer.
ASU campus hosts largest 3-D printing research facility in Southwest
MESA – Most schools would warn students away from lasers and saws, but officials encourage the students on the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus in Mesa to use them. The campus serves as the Southwest’s largest 3-D printing research facility: The Manufacturing Research and Innovation Hub.
The transition into nursing homes, assisted living: Share your experience
Transitioning from your own home to a nursing home or assisted living can be difficult enough, even before the stress of tackling cost, health care and insurance plans. If you or your loved ones have had experience with this process, Cronkite News would like to hear about it.
From classroom to chatroom: how teachers risk crossing the line with students
PHOENIX – Investigators said it started with a World of Warcraft game: A 16-year-old girl joined a team with her teacher and then entered into a private chat, which spiraled into online advances by the teacher and suggestions of meeting outside of school.
Teachers, families rally at state Capitol to ask for more education funding
PHOENIX – Students, teachers and parents were among those that crowded around the Arizona state Capitol building Monday to ask the state Legislature to give public education more funding.
Hard choices ahead as officials look at future of Navajo power plant
WASHINGTON - Despite pledges to look for alternatives, closing the Navajo Generating Station in Page could devastate the local economy, where hundreds of jobs rely on the plant and affiliated coal mine and where experts see few, if any, workable solutions.
Kids compete to make the world a better place – and learn, too
WASHINGTON - When faced with the problem of cleaning up a polluted petrochemical site in Ecuador, a team of urban planners from Arizona turned to "microbial degradation" and "phytoremediation" to biologically break down pollutants on the site.
Gilbert apartment complex joins ‘smart home’ movement, but will the trend take off?
GILBERT – The apartments at Vistara at San Tan Village look like many other “luxury” units available in the Valley with its granite countertops and walk-in closets.
Share your thoughts about Latino art in Phoenix
Cronkite News is working on a story about the Latino arts scene in Phoenix, and we want to know about your experience and opinions.
Over 60 with student loan debt? Share your story
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that the number of people older than 60 with student loan debt has quadrupled in the last decade.
Would you drink treated toilet water? You may get the chance
PHOENIX – State government leaders are making a push to turn recycled toilet, shower and other treated wastewater into the newest source of drinking water for Arizona residents.
Bill to ban tanning for minors passes Arizona House, now in Senate
PHOENIX – A bill to ban minors from using tanning beds, a move to reduce their risk of getting skin cancer, has passed the Arizona House and reached the Senate.
Fortune 500 company Monsanto to grow GMO corn in Tucson
Homeland Security details plans to enforce Trump immigration policies
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security officially spelled out how it will enforce President Donald Trump's hardline immigration orders, sparking the same debate Tuesday that followed the president's original executive orders.
Supreme Court asked if Mexican family can sue in cross-border shooting
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court was asked Tuesday if a Mexican family can sue a U.S. Border Patrol agent who shot and killed their teenage son while the youth and the officer were on opposite sides of the border at El Paso, Texas.
Close, but no futuristic cigar: Teens finish second in engineering contest
WASHINGTON - The judges were impressed, but when the awards were announced at the Future City competition Tuesday the Veritas Homeschoolers team came up just short, finishing second in the national engineering contest.
Legal aid, advice available for immigrants, but ‘notario’ fraud also prevalent
PHOENIX -- President Donald Trump’s election and immigration executive orders have led to an increase in the number of immigrants seeking legal advice and assistance in Arizona, and local law organizations are responding to this influx by supplying pro bono and low-cost legal help to community outreach groups.
Stepping into Glendale mosque, leaving with education about Muslim faith
GLENDALE – Glendale resident Steven Lane had always wanted to know more about the mosque that moved into the former church down the block.
Slow lines at U.S.-Mexico border help street vendors make a fast buck
NOGALES, MEXICO — As drivers inch their way back to the U.S., vendors here have adopted the streets as their workplace, selling to those at border crossing lines. For most, it is their sole source of income.
Arizona officials react to new DHS order expanding immigration enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered more aggressive enforcement of detainment and deportation laws for undocumented immigrants, prioritizing those with criminal convictions but putting anyone in the U.S. illegally at risk of expulsion.
Maricopa County attorney says new DHS policies will not change local immigration enforcement tactics
PHOENIX -- Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement memoranda released earlier this week will not change how local law enforcement officers enforce immigration in the near future.
Legislator wants to add computer coding to Arizona’s public and charter schools
PHOENIX – Recognize this language? ¿Cual es su nombre?
McSally, critics hold dueling town halls, amid claim GOP dodges voters
WASHINGTON - Facing charges that she was dodging constituents, Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, will be at a town hall Thursday - the same day that a group of critics has scheduled a separate town hall that McSally spurned.
Latino comics use humor to highlight issues in Trump era
TEMPE — Tired of being typecast in Latino nights and Cinco de Mayo specials, comedian Nick Guerra, 34, kept his material free of any references to his Hispanic heritage early in his career, but the 2016 presidential election changed his mind.
$2.1 million grant allows Tempe company’s virtual simulator to help train police statewide
TEMPE – The man standing in front of me pants as he holds a gun to a blindfolded woman’s head.
Arizona scientists play key role in NASA’s new Webb telescope
TUCSON – The next generation of space telescopes will launch next year, and two Arizona scientists helped create critical instruments attached to the telescope that they hope will detect the beginnings of the universe.
Over the counter: Share your pharmacy industry knowledge
What prescription drug stories are journalists missing? We want to hear about everything from your experience with health insurance issues to online, prescription-free pharmacies.
Phoenix Rising FC makes its case for MLS expansion
TEMPE -- In a dirt lot, trucks whir and beep, their sounds filling gaps in the sound of passing traffic. Construction is underway on a temporary soccer stadium for Phoenix Rising FC.
Are you at risk for cardiovascular disease?
Have you experienced a pregnancy loss or giving birth prematurely?
Rep. Raúl Grijalva hosts community discussion to ‘interject humanity’ into immigration debate
AVONDALE - Rep. Raúl Grijalva told about 20 residents and community leaders in his district that highlighting their concerns about President Donald Trump’s actions on immigration would help “interject humanity” into the national debate on the issue.
Coyotes Curling Club has found a home in the Arizona desert
TEMPE -- Tucked away in a former warehouse, where the fuzz for Penn tennis balls once was manufactured, resides the Coyotes Curling Club. Six expat Canadians with a passion for the game decided after the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah that curling belonged in the desert, too.
Hispanic-focused tech business wins PHX Startup Week competition
PHOENIX – A Hispanic-focused software company beat out nine other local startups on Wednesday to win a $50,000 investment in the first Street Pitch event as part of PHX Startup Week. The competition shut down a portion of Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix.
Early cancer detection: Did it save your life?
Cronkite News is reaching out to see if you or if someone you know has unfortunately been affected by cancer. We are working on a story about advancements in detection technology.
Cancer survivors, advocates lobby state legislature
PHOENIX - Survivors, caregivers, health care workers and volunteers alike all came together on the Arizona State Capitol lawn Wednesday morning to mark National Cancer Awareness month.
McSally faces tense crowd at town hall near Tucson
SAHUARITA – More than 250 people gathered at a town hall on Thursday to pepper U.S. Rep. Martha McSally with questions about immigration, health care and President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall.
Court: Maricopa County worker’s talk with reporter was not protected speech
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the Maricopa County Attorney's Office did not violate the First Amendment rights or employee contract of a former worker it terminated following comments she made to the Arizona Republic.
Ducey, other governors hope feds cede power to states under Trump
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. - Gov. Doug Ducey joined other Republican governors who told an appreciative crowd of conservatives Thursday that the Trump administration presents a chance for state and local officials to take the reins back from the federal government.
State officials welcome feds’ reversal of transgender students rule
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials Thursday welcomed the federal government's reversal of an Obama administration rule that required equal access to school facilities for transgender students, arguing that communities are better able to handle the issue locally.
Lollipops teach students what segregation feels like during Black History Month
SCOTTSDALE – Mackenzie Leblanc frowned at her lollipop in disappointment, trying to figure out why students in the group across from her were rewarded with the good lollipops – the ones with bubble gum in the middle – for doing the same exercise she had just completed.
Bill would create memorial for 2011 Tucson shooting
[su_note note_color="#fafaf9"]"I remember Jan. 8, 2011, absolutely as clearly as if it were yesterday. It was very cold and the sky was absolutely blue. I heard a popping sound and found myself face down on the pavement. In that brief amount of time, a bullet had passed completely through Gabby’s brain and Gabe lay just inches from where I lay, but he was lifeless."
– Pam Simon, Tucson shooting survivor
[/su_note]
Was your hiking trip to the Grand Canyon unforgettable?
Around 5 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year to see the highly distinguished natural landmark stretching 277 river miles, according to the National Park Service. Hikers and backpackers alike come to tackle the difficult terrain.
Trump message the same, but Arizona conservatives still like hearing it
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. - If President Donald Trump was looking for a welcoming crowd, he found it Friday at the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference.
Childcare program allows refugee parents to focus on much-needed classes
PHOENIX - Refugee mothers and fathers face various barriers when they arrive in the U.S. with their children.
Arizona lawmaker wants to allow people to shoot rat and snake shot within city limits
PHOENIX – It’s been illegal to fire a weapon within city limits in Arizona since 2000.
Synergy Sports Tech has ‘changed the game’ of basketball analysis
PHOENIX -- Basketball coaches and their players -- from colleges to the pros, men and women -- turn to a technology company founded by a former Grand Canyon University assistant coach to evaluate players, scout opponents and recognize tendencies.
Florence prisoners rehabilitate their futures by training wild horses, burros
FLORENCE – It’s almost eight in the morning on an icy cold and windy day in Florence.
Ducey presses governors on need for civics education like Arizona’s
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey urged fellow governors this weekend to follow Arizona's lead and implement civics requirements in schools to help improve the nation's civic and political engagement.
Home baked goods receive limited state regulation
MESA – Arizona residents who buy home baked pastries and goods are buying products with limited state regulations.
Are school lunches healthy?
Cronkite News is working on a story about the quality of school lunches in Arizona.
Arizona groups use social media to rally supporters, organize protests
PHOENIX -- Wearing matching blue shirts in front of the Arizona state Capitol on a recent afternoon, members of the immigration advocacy group LUCHA held up a large “report card” grading Arizona lawmakers on how they have done since the general election in November.
Lawmakers host kids of deported mom to send message to Trump
WASHINGTON - Angel and Jacqueline Garcia de Rayos could have spent Tuesday celebrating their mother's 36th birthday, but the Mesa teens instead spent it in Washington instead to protest her deportation.
Arizona lawmakers give Trump’s first speech to Congress mixed reviews
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump delivered an hourlong speech to Congress Tuesday that, while short on detail, was long on rhetoric that kept Republican lawmakers jumping to their feet and Democrats mostly sitting on their hands.
Has the funeral of a loved one been affected by the border?
Cronkite News wants to know how the border between Mexico and the United States has impacted your family, particularly during the loss of a loved one.
Two ‘non-traditional’ candidates reach short list for new UA president
PHOENIX – A leader of innovation and research at Arizona State University and the chief executive of Texas Medical Center are finalists to become the next president of the University of Arizona.
How is your industry affected by automation and robots?
According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, 51 percent of existing jobs in the United States could be at least partially replaced by the automation technology we already have today.
Chandler startup develops stem cell treatments to heal injured horses and dogs
MESA – A horse prances around an open field in the East Valley, ready to give birth. But Cheyenne and her foal have a larger role to play in equine medicine: The birth will provide regenerative materials and stem cells that could help other animals recover from injuries.
No longer peddling: Guadalupe bike shop closes its doors
GUADALUPE – For eight years, the residents of this town relied on a soft-spoken and friendly shop owner when it came to repairing their bicycles.
Farmers worried possible import tax will hurt border produce business
IMURIS, Mexico - Mexican music blares over the speakers of greenhouse located in Sonora, an hour drive south of the border, where workers tend to 60,000 tomato plants with bunches of fruit just turning scarlet. The destination after harvest: grocery stores across the United States.
Demolition begins on border mural painted by children in Mexico
PHOENIX -- For the past two months, residents of Naco, Mexico, have seen construction vehicles along the border. On Tuesday, workers began bringing down part of the fence that features a one-mile mural that Mexican children have painted the past six years.
Unknown fate: What is next for DACA recipients?
President Donald Trump has not made any changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, but he has not said if the policy will remain the same.
Zinke’s confirmation to Interior greeted warily by environmental groups
WASHINGTON - Environmental groups said Wednesday they will keep a close eye on new Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, a former Montana congressman who they see as having a mixed record on the environment.
Arizona Jewish community centers targeted in bomb threats
Two Jewish community centers in Arizona were targeted with bomb threats Monday in the fifth wave of such threats to centers across the country in two months.
Education board revokes, suspends licenses of AZ teachers
PHOENIX – The Arizona Board of Education has revoked the licenses of two Arizona teachers accused of communicating inappropriately with students online or on social media and suspended the licenses of two teachers accused of drinking on the job.
Tell us about your experiences with cosplay culture
Are you a cosplayer or a fan of comic book conventions? What do you enjoy about the cosplaying community, and how did you get involved? Cronkite News is working on a story about cosplaying, and we want to hear about your experiences.
Arizona lawmakers debate bill that would raise minimum auto liability insurance
PHOENIX – You might have to pay about $80 more on car insurance next year if a bill working its way through the state Legislature passes.
Are you willing to pay more for American-grown produce?
Cronkite News wants to hear from Arizonans including growers, people who work in the produce industry and consumers.
Lawmakers urge compromise, not ‘hyperpartisanship’ in Washington
WASHINGTON - Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, and Brookings Institution scholar Thomas Mann agree on one thing: Washington is stuck in partisan gridlock. But when it comes to the likelihood of a solution, the two are as divided as Congress itself.
Fear and hope: Flagstaff residents consider future with new $15 per hour minimum wage
FLAGSTAFF – The scent of freshly popped kettle corn, laced with syrup and buttery caramel, wafts through Flagstaff Nut House in Flagstaff’s downtown.
Maricopa inmate had right to confidential mail with lawyer, court says
WASHINGTON - Prisoners' rights to confidential communication with their attorneys includes the right to watch jailers open some mail in front of them to make sure it's not being read, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
Court overturns re-entry conviction for man arrested in Nogales port
WASHINGTON - Rosario Vazquez-Hernandez was washing windows of cars waiting at the Mariposa Port of Entry, as he did most days, when Border Patrol agents grabbed him on charges that he was attempting to re-enter the U.S. illegally in 2014.
Arizona lawmaker wants to establish industrial hemp industry in state
PHOENIX – A Republican senator from Lake Havasu City sees economic opportunity in industrial hemp and wants to bring Arizona into the fold.
Trump call for merit-based immigration puzzles experts, advocates
WASHINGTON - Immigration advocates are unsure what the merit-based immigration system President Donald Trump called for on Tuesday would do for the country - mostly because they don't know exactly what the president meant.
New travel ban by Trump stirs up same old arguments for, against
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump signed a revised travel ban Monday that dials back vetting procedures from his earlier executive order but keeps much of the rest - sparking similar debate among supporters and critics of the original action.
Access to overdose drug slow, but growing
Arizona enacted a law last year to allow the purchase of the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone without a prescription, but training for pharmacists and the state Medicaid program’s inability to cover the cost without a prescription have slowed access to the drug.
Report: Climate change a growing factor in fall of Colorado River flows
WASHINGTON - There are many factors behind declining Colorado River flows, but climate change plays a larger part than previously thought and the threat will continue to grow if global warming is not addressed, a recent report says.
‘Love glasses’ help Muslim woman start tolerance revolution
Talking to Tara Ijai, one quickly learns that her company Love Glasses Revolution is not about the glasses, it’s about the love.
Latino entrepreneurs who own startups say immigrant experience helped them succeed
PHOENIX - Under yellow tea lights in the backyard of a house-turned-office space in north Phoenix, Latino startup owners discussed a major parallel between being an immigrant and an entrepreneur: taking a risk for a better future.
State gets high marks in national ranking on soundness of bridges
WASHINGTON - Arizona bridges are among the most structurally sound in the nation, according to a recent national ranking that said just 2.6 percent of the state's 8,154 bridges were structurally deficient in 2016.
Phoenix girl to be honored at Run To Fight Children’s Cancer race
PHOENIX - A Phoenix middle school student and cancer patient will be honored Saturday at the seventh annual Run To Fight Children’s Cancer. Emma Kerr, 12, who was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, is returning to Ingleside Middle School after successful treatment.
Advocates worry success could be latest threat for gray wolves
WASHINGTON - Populations of endangered Mexican gray wolves have reached their highest numbers since reintroduction efforts began nearly 20 years ago, but rather than cheer the success, environmentalists are worried it could backfire on the struggling animals.
Artists uncover ‘Invisible Mexico’ through augmented reality
PHOENIX - A new exhibit by the award-winning team of Hakeem Khaaliq and Queen Muhammad Ali that showcases isolated descendants of African natives who settled in Mexico is on display at the monOrchid gallery in downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row.
Flake likely to face challenges from all sides, vows to be ready
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, begins the 2018 election cycle with $580,000 in the bank, a history of disagreeing with President Donald Trump - and a target on his back.
Phoenix immigration attorney leads campaign for Mexico to boycott U.S. corn
PHOENIX -- A Phoenix immigration attorney is leading an international campaign for Mexico to boycott the importation of corn from the U.S.
A day in the life: Alzheimer’s caregiver
According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and 15.9 million family and friends are their caregivers.
Family fights efforts to weaken Shannon’s Law
PHOENIX – State Rep. Tony Rivero doesn’t believe accidental firing of a gun within city limits should be a felony.
A border runs through it: Tribes wary of wall on reservation land
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's proposal for a southwestern border wall would do more than separate two nations - it would split another nation in half, say tribal advocates.
Oak Flat mine protesters march 40 miles on trail of opposition
SAN CARLOS – It’s a chilly Friday morning on highway AZ-170 on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
CBO: 24 million could lose insurance under Obamacare replacement
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats lambasted the GOP-proposed healthcare plan Monday after a Congressional Budget Office report said the plan would reduce the federal deficit by $337 billion over 10 years, while leaving as many as 24 million more Americans uninsured.
As feds crack down on immigration, locals push to protect residents
WASHINGTON - Arizona city officials said Monday that while federal policy on immigration is shifting under President Donald Trump, municipalities still have a duty to make residents in their cities feel safe - undocumented or otherwise.
Wanted: ‘Forever’ homes for dogs, cats at overcrowded Maricopa County shelter
PHOENIX – A cacophony of barking greets visitors at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter in south Phoenix.
Downtown Phoenix rent: Can you afford it?
In Phoenix, the cost of housing and rent has increased and continues to rise. According to RentCafe, Phoenix rents increased 7.1 percent in 2016, which is higher compared to the national average of 4 percent.
Arizonans for, against keeping Obamacare bring stories to Washington
WASHINGTON - Two Arizonans were in Washington this week with stories of how the Affordable Care Act has affected them - stories that came down on opposite sides of the debate over whether the health care law should be replaced.
Will California go against President Donald Trump on immigration?
In California, two bills in the state legislature oppose President Donald Trump's positions on illegal immigration.
Foster parents must adapt to tougher DCS safety inspections
WADDELL - Before welcoming a newborn into their home, Michelle and Scott Medved prepared as many parents would. They installed magnetic locks on their cabinets, put together a detailed first aid kit and carefully plotted out an evacuation plan, marking the exits in each room in their home.
What is the future of public education under Betsy DeVos?
Betsy DeVos, a billionaire philanthropist from Michigan, was selected by President Donald Trump as the new secretary of education.
Arizona Center breaks up the old, reloads the new in $25 million renovation
PHOENIX – The Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix is getting a multi-million dollar facelift.
Business leaders see interest rate hike as sign of improving economy
WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve raised the key interest rate by a quarter-percent Wednesday, to 1.0 percent, a move that Arizona business leaders welcomed as one that is likely to benefit Arizona consumers in the long run.
Mexican presidential candidate files complaint against Trump policies
WASHINGTON - A leading candidate for the Mexican presidency filed a petition Wednesday in Washington that calls on President Donald Trump's administration to stop its "racist, discriminatory speech" and "massive" deportation aimed at Mexican migrants.
Arizona bill would allow schools to stock and administer asthma medication
PHOENIX – Arizona’s asthmatic children might breathe easier this fall if legislation shielding public and charter schools from lawsuits for dispensing aid without parental consent becomes law.
As March Madness begins, so does final countdown to Valley’s Final Four
GLENDALE, Ariz. — As arena scoreboards across the nation record the first slew of March Madness games on Thursday, the basketball tournament’s ultimate destination is ready to take delivery of its own.
Will the future of Obamacare affect you?
Cronkite News is interested in hearing how you may be affected if changes are made to the Affordable Care Act.
What do you think of the In Focus podcast?
This podcast season is focused on health issues affecting young people in Arizona. We invite you to listen to find our first episodes here, then share your feedback.
DPS scrutinizes texting, other distracted driving leading to traffic accidents
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Public Safety is renewing enforcement of distracted drivers, focusing on violations such as speeding, following another vehicle too closely and failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes.
Gabrielle Giffords creates AZ gun-safety coalition
PHOENIX – Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who became a gun-control advocate after a gunman shot her in the head while opening fire at a constituent rally six years ago, on Thursday announced an Arizona coalition to promote gun safety and prevent violence.
Trump budget would hire team of lawyers to secure land on border
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's proposed fiscal 2018 budget calls for the hiring of 20 attorneys to help the federal government "obtain the land and holdings necessary to secure the Southwest border."
Texas residents caught between home and a hard place if wall is built
BROWNSVILLE, Texas -- The first thing you notice is how green everything is.
Advocates leery of plan to hire more immigration judges, prosecutors
WASHINGTON - Advocates say a backlog in immigration courts denies justice to the accused, but they are not ready to endorse President Donald Trump's plan to speed up the process by hiring more judges and prosecutors.
Trump budget targets grant benefiting 35,000 Arizona college students
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration's budget blueprint calls for eliminating a need-based grant that benefits more than 35,000 Arizona college students, a cut that one expert said could be "a real setback for students."
Judges say plan to split 9th Circuit could backfire, spark court delays
WASHINGTON - Judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals criticized plans to split the massive Western circuit in two, telling a House committee Thursday that doing so would cost taxpayers money while slowing down the judicial process.
Seven steps to ‘harvesting’ rainwater to turn your yard into a lush landscape
SCOTTSDALE — Harvest the rain. Think of it like changing the path of rain. Instead of directing water into puddles, send it toward desert shrubs, flowers and rocks you place in your yard.
Obamacare in Arizona: Was it the right prescription?
PHOENIX - More than half a million Arizonans rely on the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, for their health insurance. But as the debate for replacing the law rages on in Washington, some of these Arizonans are left feeling uncertain about the future of their care.
In Focus, episode 1: Service dog helps navigate life with autism
In the first episode of In Focus, producer Ben Flores talks with 25-year-old Lynsie Andreasky about living with autism. Lynsie was diagnosed with high-functioning autism when she was 16. Since then, she has faced many challenges, including depression and overwhelming anxiety. Lynsie shares her story of overcoming challenges thanks to a service dog named Kaycee. We learn how even the smallest dogs are trained to help reduce anxiety and facilitate social interaction.
Supreme Court to hear dispute on pension payments in Arizona divorce
WASHINGTON - When John and Sandra Howell divorced in 1991, they decided Mrs. Howell would get half of her ex-husband's Air Force pension.
Advocates: Relatively small fund cuts have big impact on Arizona arts
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration's call to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities in next year's budget would mean the loss of just over $1.5 million in federal funds for Arizona.
How are President Donald Trump’s policies affecting your career?
Are you a professional adult working in Arizona? Tell us how President Donald Trump's policies are affecting your industry and which economic developments you anticipate having the greatest impact on your career.
Tempe startup designs fashion hub to nurture AZ designers
TEMPE – A chrome mannequin greets visitors entering a plain, red-brick building. The click of a sewing machine echoes in the warehouse as one worker hunches over a strip of cloth. Workers glide a steam iron over fabric.
Healthy divorce: Are you living better?
A University of Arizona study observed women from ages 50-79 over three years and concluded that divorced women made healthier lifestyle choices than those who stayed married.
Undocumented families use art to heal emotional wounds
Phoenix— “No estamos solos,” words meaning “we are not alone," rang out at an art workshop for undocumented immigrants and their families led by Aliento, an organization that uses art to promote healing.
Arizona children with Down syndrome twirl, strut and stroll on fashion runway
PHOENIX – Thirteen-year-old Sophie Stern loves watching aspiring fashion designers compete on Project Runway.
Tucson voting system will stand, after Supreme Court rejects appeal
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge to Tucson's hybrid system of elections for city council members, ending a two-year court battle by critics who said it unconstitutionally violates the one-person, one-vote principle.
Supreme Court justices have sharp questions in Arizona divorce case
WASHINGTON - Chief Justice John Roberts had pointed questions for attorneys arguing on behalf of an Arizona woman whose fight to regain some of her ex-husband's pension payments landed before the U.S. Supreme Court Monday.
Former Homeland Security secretary addresses cybersecurity concerns
PHOENIX – Michael Chertoff, who served as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2009, said there’s a new story about hacking that “catches your attention” every day.
Older women increasingly choose work over retirement
PHOENIX – Older women are increasingly staying in the workforce, with a 35 percent increase in the number of Arizona women ages 65 and older working past retirement age, according to the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Court rejects cases on Navajo Generating Station impact, its closing
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court rejected two cases related to the Navajo Generating Station, one that aimed to tighten environmental restrictions on the coal-fired power plant and another questioned the process that calls for the plant's closure.
Resolution mine official calls permitting process a barrier to business
WASHINGTON - The Resolution Copper Mine in Arizona would be operating by now in most countries, but is still years away from getting all the permits it needs to begin mining in the U.S., a company official testified Tuesday.
Immigration advocates rally in Washington, vow to take fight back home
WASHINGTON - Immigration advocates from Arizona joined others from across the country at a rally outside the Customs and Border Protection office Tuesday, part of a three-day summit aimed at organizing grass-roots resistance to Trump administration policies.
Share your perspective on protesting: Un-American or a patriotic duty?
America has always been a country of protests. From the Boston Tea Party to this year's Women’s March, Americans have a tradition of taking to the streets to voice their grievances. Sometimes protests involve strict, intentional adherence to the rules, and some involve civil disobedience, willfully breaking laws to make a point about a larger issue.
How has Valley Metro’s light rail expansion affected you?
Cronkite News is working on a story about the ongoing expansion of the Valley Metro's light rail and the effects on those who live and work along its corridor.
Would you welcome refugees into your community?
Cronkite News wants to hear from Arizona residents about their perceptions of refugees.
Phoenix program offers low-income residents assistance in landing higher-paying jobs
PHOENIX – Phoenix officials on Wednesday opened a new program to help low-income residents gain the skills they need to secure higher-paying jobs.
APS customers raise concerns about potential rate hike at Arizona Corporation Commission hearing
PHOENIX – Tempers flared at Wednesday’s public hearing over a proposed rate hike for Arizona Public Service customers.
Morale, hiring practices could hinder plan to boost border agents
WASHINGTON - A Trump administration plan to hire thousands more border and immigration officers is "desperately" needed, but unlikely to happen quickly at agencies plagued by low morale and a cumbersome hiring process, witnesses told a Senate panel Wednesday.
Range of factors combine to keep state on ‘solid’ job growth pace
WASHINGTON - Arizona added 54,700 jobs from January 2016 to January 2017, a 2 percent increase that put it near the top of states for job growth, according to a jobs report released this month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Phoenix parks board to vote on South Mountain Park improvements
PHOENIX – City officials and residents have worked for years to solidify plans to improve South Mountain Park. And they’re finally ready to begin work on $23 million worth of improvements.
Parents, teachers and students learn grassroots advocacy at the Capitol
PHOENIX – Parents, teachers and students have a few options when it comes to improving their schools. One way is through the Legislature, but some people don’t have the tools or knowledge to advocate for their issues.
Coworking space focused on female entrepreneurs plans to open Valley location
PHOENIX – Female-owned businesses generate more than $1.6 trillion nationwide a year, according to American Express Open. Entrepreneur Felena Hanson would like to see women in Arizona add to that.
Beneficial Beans cafe opens at Burton Barr library to help autistic adults gain employment skills
PHOENIX – Beneficial Beans inside the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix offers more than coffee. It offers adults with autism the chance to learn employment skills through an internship program.
ASU outfielder Hunter Bishop lives ‘4MOM’ with Alzheimer’s
PHOENIX – Hunter Bishop leans up against the railing of the dugout at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, sunflower seeds stuffing his mouth. Every part of him – except for maybe his slender 6-foot-5 frame – looks the part of an ordinary Division I baseball player. However, there’s more to the Arizona State freshman outfielder.
Born without legs, Jen Bricker followed an unconventional path to become an acrobat and author
SCOTTSDALE — Wearing a red dress, her long brown hair falling almost to her waist, Jen Bricker navigated the stage in a wheelchair Thursday before a packed ballroom of 850 people at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.
Health care advocates cheer delayed vote on Obamacare replacement
PHOENIX – Dozens of people gathered at the state Capitol Thursday cheered after the House of Representatives delayed its vote on healthcare legislation to replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.
Arizona reflects split as GOP delays health care vote amid infighting
WASHINGTON - On the seventh anniversary of the Affordable Care Act's signing, House Republican hopes to vote on an Obamacare replacement were dashed Thursday when leaders failed to quell an uprising by conservatives in their own party.
Young leader in Arizona Democratic Party works to unite voters
TEMPE -- On a sweltering spring afternoon, the normally gridlocked roadways are lightly traversed on a weekend afternoon. Jevin Hodge sits in a local coffee shop, a stylish three-piece suit draped over his athletic build, a gold watch adorning his wrist.
TGen concussion study of ASU football players may lead to better diagnosis, treatment
PHOENIX – A three-year study of the Arizona State University football team will help researchers develop tools to better diagnose and prevent sports-related concussions and other injuries or diseases.
Bill protects good Samaritans who break into hot cars to save children, pets
PHOENIX - A bill proposed to allow good Samaritans to intervene when children or animals are left in hot cars is waiting on a vote in the Arizona House of Representatives.
Arizona students combine forces to gain speed on SpaceX’s Hyperloop competition
MESA – How can you get from Phoenix to San Diego in less than 45 minutes safely? By jumping into a pod that levitates and travels through a tube at 750 miles per hour, of course.
Advocates: Cutting energy funds leaves poor with ‘heat or eat’ choice
WASHINGTON - Arizona got more than $21 million to help low-income residents pay their heating bills last year and another $1 million for home weatherization - money that would be lost under the Trump administration's proposed budget.
UA partners with company to make concrete out of byproduct from coal mining
TUCSON – The University of Arizona has partnered with a private manufacturing firm to create a more eco-friendly version of concrete.
In Focus, episode 2: What defunding Planned Parenthood could mean for Arizonans
A Republican health reform bill stalled in the House of Representatives this week, but the proposal gave an inside view into potential plans to prohibit federal health insurance from covering care at Planned Parenthood.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection to sponsor, recruit at Country Thunder
PHOENIX - Among the muddy cowboy boots, late-night RV dance parties and creative beer bongs typically displayed at Arizona’s annual Country Thunder music festival in Florence, concert-goers will also see a new recruitment booth for U.S. Customs and Border Protection this year.
Time to take out the trash: Young innovators work on ways to reduce landfill waste
PHOENIX - An app that tracks a garbage truck’s route in real time and bins that help users better separate trash from recyclables are among potential inventions vying for a $20,000 trash award.
Four on the floor: Stage set at University of Phoenix Stadium for Final Four
GLENDALE -- It’s been built. Now, it’s time to see who will come to play on it.
Obamacare replacement fails; Arizona lawmakers say fight goes on
WASHINGTON - House leaders withdrew their plan to replace the Affordable Care Act just minutes before a scheduled vote Friday, but Arizona lawmakers on both sides of the issue said they expect the fight over Obamacare to continue.
Female entrepreneurs launch expo to promote black-owned businesses in Phoenix area
PHOENIX – Michelle Thomas, the founder of nonprofit Mocha Princess, said there’s a black-owned business out there “for anything you need.”
Women’s interfaith event emphasizes unity across all religions
SCOTTSDALE -- Tahera Ahmad was in the middle of a high school basketball game in the early 2000s when the referee blew his whistle and kicked her off the court for wearing a hijab.
As Final Four arrives, Phoenix Mayor Stanton relishes ‘opportunity to be the best host city’ in US
PHOENIX — From the Super Bowl to the College Football Playoff, the city of Phoenix is no stranger to helping host major sporting events.
Flagstaff City Council approves slow down of minimum-wage increase
PHOENIX – After months of council meetings, hundreds of emails sent to city council members and hand wringing from supporters and opponents, Flagstaff residents have an answer about the future of the city’s minimum wage: a more gradual increase that will still reach $15 an hour on schedule.
Final Four security to include ‘busiest night in the history of Downtown Phoenix’
GLENDALE — The confidence Glendale and Phoenix officials have in security measures for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four stems from success protecting other major events, including the College Football Playoff and two Super Bowls.
Just like death and taxes, tax scammers are a sure thing, IRS warns
WASHINGTON - The tax filing deadline is just three weeks away, which means tax scams are in full swing, the Internal Revenue Service warns.
Shoe-leather lobbying: Students in D.C. learn how to press an issue
WASHINGTON - Daniel Restrepo admits that he may have gotten politically complacent while President Barack Obama was in office, years in which he felt that "the march of progress was always this steady constant thing."
Arizona border crossing deaths are honored one story at a time through art
AMADO — Tattered jeans, backpacks, and love letters are stitched together and tell the story of migrants who made their way into the U.S. through the Arizona desert but perished before reaching their destination.
California growers rely on Arizona honey bees for almond crop
As the shortage of honey bees worsens, California growers increasingly rely on bees from Arizona for pollination.
Final Four coaches share stories of pranks and mutual admiration
PHOENIX — North Carolina’s Roy Williams, entering the ninth Final Four of his coaching career, sounds happy for the three opposing coaches, who are entering his first this weekend at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. But Gonzaga’s Mark Few hits close to his heart.
Arizona teacher of the year semifinalist finds beauty in words, from Frankenstein to Coldplay
SIERRA VISTA – Seniors in Karen Bristow’s high-school English class at Buena High School stared blankly at a screen as she pulled up Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” music video.
Goat yoga on Arizona farm delights families
GILBERT - Early in the morning about 100 people waited eagerly at the gate of a farm with their yoga mats. As soon as everybody was checked in and in place, the goats were released.
Court: State doesn’t have to pay part of inmate’s suit – against state
WASHINGTON - An appeals court said Tuesday that a federal judge cannot order the state of Arizona to bear some of costs of a lawsuit brought against the state by an inmate in the state prison system.
Trump rolls back Obama coal, clean-air rules; critics question impact
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's executive order rolling back at least a half-dozen Obama-era climate policies will not save coal jobs as the president claims, but it will definitely harm the environment, critics said Tuesday.
Call for crackdown on immigration, sanctuary cities, splits House panel
WASHINGTON - House Republicans renewed their call Tuesday for an immigration crackdown, this time focusing on sanctuary cities that they say threaten public safety by harboring criminal immigrants.
Congress rescinds rule limiting internet collection of customer data
WASHINGTON - The House voted Tuesday to repeal an Obama-era regulation that would have required internet service providers to get explicit consent before selling customer data, a policy that critics said would have stifled business.
Feel your temperature rising? It’s not burning love, it’s urban heat
The metropolitan area of Phoenix is known as the one of the warmest in the country, according to ASU's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. It’s also one of the fastest growing.
City of Phoenix opens new trade office, signs economic agreements with two Mexican cities
PHOENIX -- The City of Phoenix has taken major steps toward increasing its economic relationship with Mexico with the opening of a trade office in Hermosillo, Sonora, and the signing of memorandums of understanding with Hermosillo and the city of Culiacán, Sinaloa.
Borderlands Theater has been putting on a show for three decades in Tucson
TUCSON – Nestled among the sprawling buildings around the Tucson Convention Center is the Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House, home to Borderlands Theater and the Arizona Historical Society offices.
Final Four leaves legacy on and off courts at refurbished Harmon Park
PHOENIX – The earliest memory Steve Colter has of Harmon Park goes back to his childhood. He said his dad, Andrew, brought him in a stroller to the gymnasium there.
Phoenix officials tout new ‘Lost Lake’ music festival, but neighbors express concerns
PHOENIX – Imagine tens of thousands of people gathering at a park in the heart of Phoenix for a three-day, multi-stage music festival along the likes of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and Outside Lands Music Festival.
HGTV outfits Scottsdale home with ‘smart’ technology for contest
SCOTTSDALE – Cable network HGTV has decked out a Scottsdale home with new technology that will allow the homeowner to lock the door, raise window shades and control their showers from a smartphone or tablet.
Bill to exempt tribes from some labor oversight draws union concerns
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders called on Congress Wednesday to exempt their governments and government-run businesses from oversight by the National Labor Relations Board, a right they said is enjoyed by every other government in the country.
Change to believe in: $1 coin, other changes could save billions
WASHINGTON - Even small change can make a difference in the fight against government spending.
No divide on this border issue; both sides urge less partisan posturing
WASHINGTON - Democrat Bill Richardson and Republican Jeff Flake agree on one thing: The border is no place for partisan politics.
Arizona youth joins tribal officials to push for diabetes program funds
WASHINGTON - Alton Villegas offered an unusual call to action Wednesday for an 11-year-old boy: "Destroy the ice cream man."
Graham to get ‘green light’ in ASU jersey for final time during Final Four weekend
PHOENIX — The last time Torian Graham wore his Arizona State jersey, he scored a career-high 32 points and knocked down seven three-pointers, but ASU lost to No. 1 seed Oregon in the Pac-12 Tournament on March 9.
From fresh produce to inmate job training, Nogales food bank fills a basket of needs
NOGALES -- Food waste, the affordability of fresh produce, and prison inmate rehabilitation may seem like disparate issues, but a local food bank is approaching them all head-on.
Downtown businesses await Final Four visitors
PHOENIX — Eat Local. Party Local. That’s the theme for one of downtown Phoenix’s newest eateries, The Park. It’s also the hope for many local businesses this weekend with the NCAA Final Four and its related events in the Valley.
Boxing training may help people with Parkinson’s disease
PHOENIX – Valley Parkinson's patients are turning to non-contact boxing to help punch back at their disease.
Valley police departments lag behind their cities in Latino representation
PHOENIX - When Magdalena Schwartz, now a pastor in Mesa, first immigrated to America from Chile in 1998, she played guitar for people in jail because she felt it was a way she could volunteer without speaking English.
Driverless cars back on the road, along with public’s qualms
WASHINGTON - Self-driving Uber test vehicles are back on the road in the Valley, but not before the crash that temporarily sidelined the cars put the question of autonomous vehicles' safety in the headlights.
Trump hits Freedom Caucus; experts say members have little to fear
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump took to Twitter Thursday to target the House Freedom Caucus, which helped block his Obamacare replacement bill, but analysts say the conservative Republicans in the caucus can likely withstand his threats.
In Focus, episode 3: Sleep deprivation and the student brain
Getting a goodnight’s sleep isn’t always easy, especially when you're a young adult balancing school, work, clubs and social pressures. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2010, more 60 percent of the 1,125 university students studied reported poor quality sleep. That can have a deep impact on health, learning and job performance. On this episode of In Focus, we explore the consequences of sleep deprivation among young adults. We hear from one college student who had a frightening experience with sleep paralysis he attributes to stress, and we speak with a sleep specialist about how to get better sleep – even during your college years.
GCU’s Havocs making the most of the national stage during Final Four
PHOENIX — Grand Canyon University’s DeWayne Russell already had the hometown crowd in his pocket before stepping onto the court Thursday night at the 29th annual State Farm College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships at GCU.
Top 5 Final Four stories of the week
PHOENIX- The NCAA Men's Final Four will tip off Saturday at the University of Phoenix Stadium, but the Valley is already seeing the impact of the event.
March 31, 2017: Cronkite News producer picks of the week
This week's top Cronkite News digital stories include reporting on the Final Four, a Cronkite News analysis of Latino representation in Valley police departments and a podcast focused on sleep deprivation among college students.
Arizona native Benson hoping to continue winning ways in Glendale
GLENDALE — Oregon’s Casey Benson has already won three basketball championships in Glendale.
With GOP plan dead, advocates offer ideas on fixing ailing Obamacare
WASHINGTON - Obamacare remains the law of the land after Republican efforts to replace it fell apart last week, but even its supporters concede it's a far from perfect law. Now is the time, they say, for the needed changes to make it a law people can live with.
Lenders reassure students, after feds allow collection fees on defaults
WASHINGTON - Loan guaranty companies hailed an Education Department directive that will let them again begin charging collection fees to students who default on a specific category of loan, a practice prohibited under the Obama administration.
A guide to Final Four tickets, activities, parking and more
PHOENIX – There's good news for anybody interested in attending the games on Saturday and Monday at University of Phoenix Stadium. Tickets on the secondary market are relatively inexpensive.
A Final Four first: four teams, four conference players of the year
GLENDALE — Fans of Arizona State know Oregon’s Dillon Brooks well. Maybe too well.
North Carolina bill brings reminders of Arizona’s past at Final Four
GLENDALE - NCAA president Mark Emmert said at a Final Four news conference that the organization’s board of directors will make a decision in the coming days about whether the NCAA will hold championship events again in North Carolina, where lawmakers have overturned House Bill 2.
GCU’s Russell gets ‘One Shining Moment’ on Final Four floor
GLENDALE -- Grand Canyon University isn’t eligible to participate in the NCAA Tournament until next season, but that didn’t keep one Antelope from playing on the Final Four court.
Gonzaga assistant coach has roots at Scottsdale Community College
GLENDALE – Even if the confetti doesn’t shower him on Monday night amid a national championship celebration, Gonzaga assistant coach Donny Daniels will have a legacy in the state of Arizona.
West Coast hoops gets prime opportunity in Final Four
GLENDALE – This weekend’s Final Four makes it clear – quality basketball is being played in the Pacific Time Zone.
Cinderella no more: Gonzaga on precipice of NCAA basketball championship
GLENDALE — In 1999, 10th-seeded Gonzaga was the “Cinderella” team of the NCAA tournament, making it to the Elite Eight in Phoenix before falling to Connecticut.
Self, McGrady headline 2017 Hall of Fame class
GLENDALE -- While the team itself may have only advanced to the Elite Eight, Kansas has had a pretty good Final Four week.
Chasing Ghosts: Tar Heels one step away from redemption
GLENDALE -- It’s going to be hard for North Carolina to shake off the ghost of Villanova guard Kris Jenkins’ buzzer-beater in last season’s national championship game. Especially with him in the building, rocking a Tar Heels shirt in support of his brother -- UNC senior guard Nate Britt.
CBS’s Fishman aiming to craft perfect shot for Final Four viewers
GLENDALE — While there have already been a lot of big shots taken inside University of Phoenix Stadium during the NCAA men's Final Four, the most important shot for CBS television viewers comes from way outside — well beyond the basketball floor.
A trailblazer for women’s basketball, Mercury’s Meyers Drysdale honored with lifetime achievement award
SCOTTSDALE — Phoenix Mercury Vice President Ann Meyers Drysdale was presented Sunday with this year’s Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Women's Basketball award at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale at the 49th annual Naismith Awards brunch.
Size looms large in NCAA title game between North Carolina, Gonzaga
GLENDALE -- When Roy Williams was in his first season as a Division I head coach with Kansas in 1988, he probably wouldn’t have been surprised to see a matchup of two big men who would combine to total nearly 600 pounds in the low post.
‘Adopting’ Syrian refugees in Phoenix builds bridges between cultures
Debbie Rhoads Crenshaw saw a Facebook post on a local community page a year and a half ago asking people to adopt a Syrian refugee family at Christmastime.
American Indian Disability Summit connects youth and unemployed with services, training
PHOENIX – Doctors diagnosed Greggory Ohannessian with autism, a disorder characterized by challenges with speech and social skills, when he was 6 years old. Throughout his teen years, aids assisted him in school. In college, his sister helped him with social cues in the classroom.
Minimum wage workers: Share your insight
This year, the state of Arizona increased the minimum wage to $10 an hour from $8.05 an hour. Do you make minimum wage? Has the minimum wage increase this year impacted your life? Cronkite News is working on a story about workers who make minimum wage, and we want to hear your experiences.
Gonzaga’s Mathews an impact player, on and off the court
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - When it comes to sports, Santa Monica High School basketball coach James Hecht and art teacher Amy Bouse are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
ASU provides support to international students as concerns over travel ban grow
PHOENIX - As graduation looms and student applications are being submitted for the summer and fall semesters, Arizona State University officials are providing support to the international student community over President Trump’s second executive order calling for a travel ban from six Muslim-majority nations.
Stanton talks Phoenix hosting mega events and more in full interview
PHOENIX - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton reflects on the city's three-year streak for hosting mega sporting events like the 2015 Super Bowl, the 2016 College Football Championship and this year's Final Four in an interview with Cronkite New's Jake Garcia.
Report: Arizona women earn 83 percent of what men earn; U.S. gap wider
WASHINGTON - Michele Leber, 78, has been fighting to close the gender pay gap since the early 1970s, but new numbers released on the eve of Equal Pay Day show that she may still have her work cut out for her.
Solar jobs continue growth in Arizona, not as fast as rest of nation
WASHINGTON - Arizona saw a 6 percent increase in solar jobs in 2016, bouncing back from a sharp drop the year before but still trailing well behind the national average growth of 25 percent in solar jobs.
Zags fail to reach zenith with uncharacteristic mistakes in national title game
GLENDALE - The same sequence played itself out three separate times over the course of Monday night for Gonzaga - poor execution, a change of possession and an easy Tar Heels bucket.
UNC finds championship redemption in Glendale
GLENDALE — In a national championship game that will be remembered more for its missed shots and free throws, it was the bounce back performance of North Carolina senior forward Isaiah Hicks that helped lead the Tar Heels to their third national championship under head coach Roy Williams.
Arizona soccer club helps young refugees adapt to new life
PHOENIX -- Teenage boys sprint back and forth on a dusty soccer field in North Phoenix, the markings on their jerseys lit up by the last rays of the evening sun.
With Final Four nets cut, could Valley’s next big game be a political ball?
PHOENIX — Even before 76,000 people in University of Phoenix Stadium were looking up at game-ending confetti on Monday night at the NCAA men’s basketball championship game, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton was already looking ahead.
Court rejects Arizona’s challenge to EPA-imposed emissions rules
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency was within its rights to impose certain standards on industrial sites in Arizona in place of state rules meant to ensure visibility in federal parks, a federal appeals court ruled.
GOP urges vote on Gorsuch nomination that Democrats vow to block
WASHINGTON - The Senate began debate Tuesday on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch with Republicans decrying the possibility of a filibuster and Democrats all but promising to deliver one.
Senate panel asks experts if border wall is best approach to security
WASHINGTON - While they agreed that the U.S. needs to secure its Southwest border, no one at a Senate hearing Tuesday appeared ready to say a wall along the entire border would be the only way to go.
Water cooperation across U.S.-Mexico border essential, complex
NOGALES -- Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, share something more meaningful than their city name. They also share a source of water that is vital to their region of the border.
Don’t let them wait: Families encourage AZ residents to register as organ donors
PHOENIX – When Carie Semenko took her infant daughter Miela to the hospital nearly a year ago, she thought they’d soon be back home. Then, doctors told her Miela needed a new heart.
Red rocks, a water tank and angry neighbors: controversy flows in Sedona
SEDONA – Residents of a Sedona neighborhood are concerned their red rock oasis may soon get an unwelcome intruder: a 1.5 million gallon water tank.
Girl Scouts open $18 million leadership center in Phoenix
PHOENIX- A new leadership center for the Girl Scouts is complete and set to open on Friday, April 7 in Phoenix.
Kelly: Trump is giving him ‘elbow room’ on what border wall should be
WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told a Senate committee Wednesday that his department will not build a border wall "from sea to shining sea," but will instead use a variety of techniques to secure the Southwest border.
Phoenix slips in national ranking of cities for solar energy capacity
WASHINGTON - Phoenix fell from third to fifth place among cities for total installed solar capacity last year, slowed by charges imposed on Arizona solar users at time when other cities surged ahead with new installation.
Surviving cancer: Share your story
Cronkite News is reaching out to see if you or if someone you know has unfortunately been affected by cancer.
Volunteers hand out clothes, respect and smiles to homeless
PHOENIX – As the sun rises on a Saturday morning, people line up at a corner lot in the shadow of the Arizona Capitol, waiting for socks, shoes and a dose of humanity.
Pedestrian deaths continue to rise, Arizona ranks third highest in 2016
PHOENIX - Distracted driving and walking is contributing to a 20-year high in pedestrian deaths, according to data collected in the first half of 2016 by the Governors Highway Safety Association. The preliminary report estimates that the 2016 total could rise to almost 6,000 pedestrian fatalities.
Coalition calls for release of Mexican journalist seeking political asylum in U.S.
PHOENIX -- As attacks against reporters in Mexico increase, a coalition of immigration lawyers and organizations that defend journalists are calling for the release of a Mexican reporter detained at the border after asking for political asylum in the United States.
Signs of the times: Tucson artist aims to capture the history of the south side
TUCSON - Wielding paint scrapers and a power washer, Alex Jimenez and Johanna Martinez approached the exterior wall of an ice cream shop in the heat of a late March afternoon, preparing the canvas where they’ll document some of the history of Tucson’s south side.
April 6, 2017 Newscast
The Senate goes nuclear, Tempe offers free preschool and controversy in a Valley HOA.
Maricopa County boomed in 2016, but Pinal benefited from the echo
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County added more people last year than any other county in the nation, but it was neighboring Pinal County that posted the fastest growth rate in the state, a beneficiary of overflow from its neighbor to the north.
Arizona senators go ‘nuclear’ with GOP, pave way for Gorsuch vote
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators joined other Republicans - and three Democrats - in a 54-45 vote Friday confirming Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court, one day after the GOP invoked the "nuclear option" to end a Democratic filibuster and allow a vote.
Homeschooled but not home alone: Homeschooled teens head to prom
WASHINGTON - Grace Rushing was busy Thursday with her friends, adding last-minute decorating touches before guests show up Friday for their galaxy-themed prom at the Palacio at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak.
In Focus, episode 4: Student triathlete swims, bikes and runs his way out of depression
Young adults -- especially those ages 18 to 25 -- are at a higher risk for depression than people in any other age group. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this episode of In Focus, we explore why mental illness is especially common in young adults and why exercise - in addition to counseling and medication therapy - may help address or even prevent the onset of depression. We hear the story of one student who found relief from depression through triathlon training and talk with experts about the effects of physical exertion on the brain.
April 7, 2017: Cronkite News producer picks of the week
This week’s top Cronkite News stories include reporting on the upcoming closure of Tent City, a touching piece about the impact an organ donor can have and much more.
Lawmakers praise Trump strike on Syria, warn about not being consulted
WASHINGTON - Most Arizona lawmakers agreed Friday that Syria's apparent use of chemical weapons against civilians called for quick action by the U.S., but some said President Donald Trump went about it the wrong way.
New U.S. citizen makes music for his homeland of Burundi
PHOENIX- Ntimpa Ngabire Bright cuts a striking figure in slim pants, shiny black lace-up oxford shoes, and a colorful blazer festooned with swirls of red, black and gray.
National campaign to restore water ecosystems helps fund projects in Verde Valley
CAMP VERDE – Zach Hauser hopes that part of his family-owned property will remain a farm “forever.”
Arizona history serves as key legal argument in states’ court brief supporting Trump travel ban
PHOENIX - When 13 states recently filed a brief in support of President Trump’s travel ban, they used Arizona’s rocky history of immigration enforcement at the core of their legal argument.
Doctors say repeal of Obamacare would stop Medicaid coverage for children with disabilities
PHOENIX – Crucial Medicaid coverage that benefits children with disabilities would be removed if Obamacare is repealed, several pediatricians said.
Is immigration affecting education?
Research from the Center for Immigration Studies shows an increase in the number and share of public school students who are from immigrant households.
Report: Airline quality best in years, but Sky Harbor carriers lag
WASHINGTON - Airlines performed better last year than they had for almost the last three decades, according to an annual report on airline quality released Monday.
Trump proclamation honoring POWs pleases some, puzzles some
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump this weekend hailed the "unyielding and devout allegiance" of American prisoners of war, less than two years after he sparked a firestorm by questioning the heroism of Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, a Vietnam War POW.
Starbucks VP: ASU tuition program ‘great’ for business, employees and country
PHOENIX – Corey duBrowa, a senior vice president at Starbucks, said Monday that the Seattle-based company may “blow past” its goal of helping 25,000 employees get degrees by 2025.
County wants visitors to discover Hassayampa preserve, hidden treasure in Wickenburg
WICKENBURG – A hidden gem is getting revamped.
April 11, 2017 Newscast
Attorney General Sessions visits AZ, wildfire predictions and school lunches
Making the grade, missing meals: Community college students go hungry
WASHINGTON - Sunny Price knows what it's like to try to keep up with college studies when you don't have enough to eat.
El Concilio celebrates 25 years of uniting Latino, Chicano, Hispanic students at ASU
For 25 years, one coalition has worked to unite Latino, Chicano and Hispanic student organizations at Arizona State University.
Act of solidarity, compassion: Volunteers visit ICE detainees at Eloy facility
ELOY – Sandra Ojeda is familiar with search procedures and the visitor registration process at the Eloy Detention Center.
Rich student, poor student: Tempe to offer free preschool program to improve education
TEMPE – Children living in poverty will be able to attend a free preschool program to jump start their academic potential and narrow the learning gap between poor and more well-off students.
Arizona’s relationship to prescription painkillers in 10 graphics
[su_pullquote align="right"]FULL STORY
Poll: 41.8 percent of Arizona adults know someone with a prescription painkiller addiction[/su_pullquote]
PHOENIX -- More than four in ten adults in Arizona know someone who who has been addicted to prescription painkillers, according to a new Morrison-Cronkite News poll. The Morrison Institute surveyed 800 randomly selected adults in the state, choosing a sample representative of the state’s population and demographics. The interviews were conducted March 11-18 and were conducted in English or Spanish. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Poll: 41.8 percent of Arizona adults know someone with a prescription painkiller addiction
PHOENIX -- More than four in ten adults in Arizona know someone who has been addicted to prescription painkillers, according to a new Morrison-Cronkite News poll.
VA unveils tool to give vets clearer picture of medical care, delays
WASHINGTON - Veterans advocates said they were cautiously optimistic Wednesday about a new Department of Veteran Affairs website that aims to provide veterans better information on wait times and quality of care at the agency's hospitals.
Unwelcome house calls: Arizonans complain about medical debt collectors
WASHINGTON - Arizonans have filed 439 complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about medical debt collectors since the bureau started tracking complaints in 2013, the 11th-highest rate in the nation, according to a new report.
Opponents file suit to block border wall on environmental grounds
WASHINGTON - Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, and the Center for Biological Diversity challenged President Donald Trump's proposed border wall on environmental grounds Wednesday, going to court to force the administration to follow environmental protection laws before starting construction.
BeeLine Reader: What are your thoughts on a new text option for Cronkite News stories?
Could a color gradient increase readability? Cronkite News is experimenting with a new tool to find out, and we’d love your help.
Cannabis Business Expo in Phoenix highlights ‘sophistication’ of growing industry
PHOENIX – When the marijuana industry started exploding, Kenneth Berke noticed a problem: Dispensaries and growers had to deal exclusively in cash.
HOA cites homeowners for hanging rainbow flag to celebrate diversity
CAVE CREEK - Ken Haycraft hung an American flag and a rainbow flag, which honors gay and transgender communities, inside a garage window to celebrate diversity.
Officials break ground on downtown Phoenix’s first grocery store
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and other officials on Thursday broke ground on the construction of downtown’s first grocery store.
Trump targets Planned Parenthood with act; little Arizona change likely
WASHINGTON - Arizona advocates said they anticipate little immediate effect on funding after President Donald Trump's signing of a resolution Thursday that opens the door to states denying federal dollars to family planning facilities that provide abortions.
Family planning clinics see business bump with Trump in White House
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's election meant different things to different Americans. To Phoenix resident Cassidy Trowbridge, it meant she needed to make an appointment at her local family planning clinic to get a long-term contraceptive device.
Polygraphs for Border Patrol applicants seen as hurdle to hiring rush
WASHINGTON - Customs and Border Protection officials are considering ways to waive polygraph exams for some job applicants as the agency works to meet President Donald Trump's push to hire thousands more border agents.
Water conditions on Upper Salt River could draw thousands of tourists to raft
SALT RIVER CANYON – Every spring, the Upper Salt River draws whitewater rafting enthusiasts to eastern Arizona. Tour guides start setting up camp north of Globe in February.
In Focus, episode 5: Finding ‘hidden resources’ for autism care
Raising a child with autism can be incredibly challenging under the best of circumstances. For families who live in small towns, far from big-city resources, it can be even harder. In this episode of In Focus, we talk with Elizabeth Gullikson, a 30-year-old mother and resident of Yuma. Her four-year-old son, Gavin Cunningham, has autism. Elizabeth and her family try to acquire the best help for Gavin, but it can take some serious digging to excavate the right resources.
Former ASU student shines light on workplace harassment in tech industry
PHOENIX - When Susan Fowler detailed the atmosphere at Uber company headquarters in her viral February blog post, the former Arizona State student and engineer gave voice to a serious issue in the tech industry: harassment of female workers in male-dominated companies.
Seven wrong-way crashes on Arizona freeways in 2017
PHOENIX –Early Friday morning, a wrong-way crash on Interstate 17 near Greenway Road killed three people.
Easter basket case: Fanciers warn of problems with bunnies for holiday
WASHINGTON - A 20-pound rabbit may sound like an Easter miracle to some kids, but for one Arizona petting zoo it's just a safe business practice.
Time’s running out for Arizonans to claim millions in old tax refunds
WASHINGTON - Arizonans have until Tuesday to claim close to $25 million in tax refunds left on the table from the 2013 tax season, part of more than $1 billion nationally in unclaimed refunds from that year.
Suspected shooter in 2010 Border Patrol slaying arrested in Mexico
WASHINGTON - It's been more than six years since Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed in a shootout with drug smugglers near Rio Rico, and his family was beginning to lose hope that the suspects would be caught.
April 14, 2017: Cronkite News producer picks of the week
This week’s top Cronkite News stories include reporting on college students struggling finding enough to eat, a police department using virtual reality to train officers, new research about immigrant students and more.
Husband and wife show support by recycling bras for women in need
GILBERT – Inside a storage facility like any other, a husband and wife are working on a mission unlike any other.
Edward Escobar: The man who transformed Transborder Studies at ASU is retiring
PHOENIX - When Edward Escobar put in his application to work for Arizona State University in 1993, he was charged with the task of creating a Chicano Studies course, the first of its kind on campus.
Educators in Arizona: Talk to us about the teacher shortage
In Arizona, there are 2,166 vacant teacher positions open statewide, according to the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association.
Sen. Jeff Flake faces hostility at AZ town hall
MESA – The audience chanted “Health care for all,” “No to the wall,” and “Shame on you” as Republican Senator Jeff Flake took the stage last week at a town hall at the Mesa Convention Center.
Highway fatalities in state, nation continued three-year climb in 2016
WASHINGTON - Highway fatalities in Arizona rose from just over two per day in 2014 to an average of more than 2.6 per day last year, the highest level in nine years, according to the most recent estimates.
April 18, 2017 Newscast
Spending AZ tax dollars, virtual reality in classrooms and art classes for dementia
Supreme Court voids $2.7 million award against Goodyear in Arizona case
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a $2.7 million award that Goodyear and its attorneys had been ordered to pay for withholding documents from a family that sued the tire maker over a crash in Arizona.
Arizonans paid $11,264 in federal tax in 2016, below U.S. average
WASHINGTON - After accounts are settled Tuesday with Uncle Sam, the typical Arizonan will have sent $11,264 to the federal government, about 20 percent below the national average of $14,051, according to an economic policy think tank.
Kelly touts Homeland Security gains, has harsh words for critics
WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said that apprehensions at the Southwestern border have fallen sharply during his first 90 days in office, but there is still security work to be done in the United States and abroad.
Sessions: Sanctuary cities ‘dangerously undermine’ fight against gangs
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions repeated criticisms of sanctuary cities Tuesday, calling them a threat to U.S. safety that "dangerously undermine" efforts to stop transnational criminal gangs.
Moving to Maricopa County, 222 people at a time
BUCKEYE – Tammy Navarre and her husband were two of the 222 people who moved to Maricopa County every day of 2016, making it the fastest growing county in the nation.
‘New Voices’ event gives leaders a forum to make impact on Latino community
PHOENIX - Fostering a positive attitude about being Latino and living in Maricopa County was the message community leaders delivered at a public forum held this week in Downtown Phoenix.
Orthorexia nervosa: When healthy eating becomes unhealthy
Are you an Arizonan with orthorexia nervosa? Share your experience with us.
Rising gas prices in Arizona won’t stop drivers from stepping on the gas
PHOENIX – Gas prices in Arizona are expected to rise this summer as the travel season gets underway but most drivers will keep heading down the road anyway, according to AAA Arizona.
Advocates: Kelly went ‘too far’ telling Congress fix laws or ‘shut up’
WASHINGTON - Immigration advocates Wednesday called for Congress to play a bigger role in checking executive power, saying the Trump administration is causing an "unprecedented level of anxiety, confusion and fear" in immigrant communities.
What do you think a day in the life of a member of Congress looks like?
Cronkite News reporters in D.C. are working on a story about a day in the life of a member of Congress.
Experts: More pet owners turning to prosthetics to help increase mobility
TUCSON – After her owner straps on her metal paw, Terra bounds toward a green and yellow squeaky ball.
Paradise Valley-based nonprofit Mother’s Grace supports mothers, families
PHOENIX – Doctors diagnosed Michelle Moore-Fanger with aggressive breast cancer in 2008. She was 40, had three kids, a full-time job and faced a year of chemotherapy.
No true count of homeless LGBTQ youth makes problem difficult to address
PHOENIX -- Being 15 years old isn’t easy for a lot of people. You’re a freshman in high school and really starting to come into your own. You’re trying to figure out where you belong and what you want to do with your future.
¿Las políticas del presidente Trump te afectan?
Nuestro informativo Cronkite Noticias quisiera saber si las políticas del presidente Donald Trump sobre inmigración te afectan a ti o a personas que conoces.
Advocates criticize Latino vendors for bids on ‘shameful’ border wall
WASHINGTON - Some Hispanic-owned companies on the list of "interested vendors" for the construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall say they are facing a backlash from Latino advocates who call the project "shameful" and "wrong."
‘March for Science’ events expected to draw thousands in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Organizers of the March for Science events scheduled around the country Saturday said they are compelled to march - something scientists don't normally do - to defend their work against critics and their programs against budget-cutters.
In Focus, episode 6: What homelessness means for pregnant women and LGBTQ youth
There are nearly 10,000 homeless people in the state of Arizona, including veterans, the elderly, individuals, youth and families. In this episode of In Focus, we explore issues that especially affect two populations of homeless young adults: pregnant women and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Ten percent of homeless women are pregnant, according to an article published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal, and the Williams Institute estimates that 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth come from the LGBT community. We hear from one mother who found herself struggling with an addiction, homeless and pregnant with her fifth child, and why LGBT youth are disproportionately represented in homeless populations.
Can Arizona become a foodie destination? State officials, restaurant association think so
PHOENIX – To learn a city's best dishes, you need a local guide. The Arizona Office of Tourism and the Arizona Restaurant Association recently launched website Expedition Foodie to help out-of-towners plan their culinary adventure in Arizona.
Community activist hopes to ride dark horse to Senate win as Democrat
WASHINGTON - All the things that analysts say present a political challenge for Deedra Abboud - her lack of political experience and party ties, her Muslim faith and liberal activism - are the things she embraces in her race for Senate.
April 21, 2017: Cronkite News producer picks of the week
This week’s top Cronkite News stories include reporting on pet prosthetics, the LGBTQ homeless community, growth in the city of Buckeye and a big newsroom high five.
DACA clubs provide resources, support for undocumented students
PHOENIX - Valeria Rodriguez was 18 years old when she found out she was undocumented.
Arizona students create solar-powered go-karts to compete in statewide Racing the Sun competition
TUCSON – For the past several months, Morgan Smith has hunched over the framework for a small go-cart in a classroom littered with metal shavings at his Tucson high school.
Step up: Study says dancing may aid brain health in older adults
SUN CITY – The high-stepping, high-kicking Sun City Poms dance before raucous crowds, from high schoolers at assemblies to families lined up along streets during parades.
Bernie Sanders, Tom Perez visit Mesa to rally Democrats, push for change
MESA – Arizona voters may have voted Republican in the 2016 presidential election, but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez recently visited Mesa to share their confidence in the state’s ability to turn blue.
Guess who’s coming to dinner? Trump hosts McCains, Graham
WASHINGTON - Exchanges between President Donald Trump and Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, have been largely limited to sniping at each other through the media and Twitter over the past year.
Democrats: Border wall could block budget, force government shutdown
WASHINGTON - Democratic leaders said Monday that President Donald Trump's insistence on the border wall in the budget has "thrown a monkey wrench" in negotiations to reach a deal by Friday that would head off a government shutdown.
Southern California All-American lends big hand to young yoga students
LOS ANGELES -- Later this month, Zach Banner’s name will be called at the NFL Draft, whereupon he’ll leave the college comforts of Southern California and begin a life of professional size and skill.
Outreach program teaches Latino families about the dangers of substance abuse
TUCSON -- Twice a week, Latino families gather at Apollo Middle School for Familia Adelante, an after-school prevention program designed to teach families about the consequences of substance abuse.
Rush to hire border agents raises concerns about unqualified officers
WASHINGTON - A Trump administration plan to hire thousands of border and immigration officers has advocates concerned about a possible repeat of the last hiring binge, which they said was followed by an increase in corruption and misconduct cases.
Arizona charters sweep top spots in ‘best high schools’ report
WASHINGTON - A U.S. News and World Report ranking of the best high schools in the country gave the top spot to Basis Scottsdale, one of four Basis charter schools in Arizona that finished in the report's top five.
SRP gets failing grade for transparency of online financial records
WASHINGTON - Arizona's Salt River Project earned failing marks for the transparency of its online financial records, one of more than half of special districts nationwide to fail in a new report on districts that provide services independently of state or local jurisdictions.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit attracts crowds at Heard Museum, only North American stop
PHOENIX - The Heard Museum is now recognized for more than being one of 31 of Phoenix’s points of pride. It is also the only North American stop on a world tour for the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit.
Valley leaders reflect on successful run of mega events
PHOENIX -- The Valley can finally exhale. It successfully hosted a Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship and the Final Four. Three mega events in three consecutive years.
Surge of community events aims to quell undocumented immigrants’ fears, teach legal rights
PHOENIX - Children kept themselves busy with coloring books and chased each other with masks in the corner of the cafeteria at Isaac Middle School, but school had long since ended and adults soon came over to keep them quiet.
Complete data: Percentage of expenditures on food in Maricopa County school districts
A Cronkite News analysis of Arizona Department of Education data shows the percentage of food service expenditures that went to actual food in Maricopa County school districts. A lower percentage could be for a range of reasons: schools may use gardens to supplement food or could have had higher staff or equipment costs that year. It may also indicate food service directors particularly adept at stretching their district’s food service budget.
Eight things to know about school lunches in Arizona
With proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts in the billions of dollars, the National School Lunch Program - a fundamental part of Arizona’s school day - is facing new uncertainty.
Valley Metro chief: Federal cuts threaten light rail, trolley projects
WASHINGTON - Transportation Department budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration could threaten Valley rail projects in which the federal government has already invested $75 million, the head of Valley Metro said Wednesday.
Trump orders review of predecessors’ national monument designations
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump ordered the Interior Department Wednesday to review two decades of national monument designations, actions he said represent an "egregious use of government power" affecting millions of acres of land.
Family members hail opening of office for victims of immigrant crime
WASHINGTON - A new federal office that will assist victims of crimes committed by immigrants brought "relief and a sense of accomplishment" to parents of Arizona crime victims, on hand Wednesday to witness the opening of the office.
Phoenix conference centers on preventing suicide
PHOENIX – Once a year, Chandler resident Sue Berghaus goes to a restaurant, orders a Bud Light and a Jager shot, and places them in the center of a table to honor her son, Chris Berghaus.
Diversity among fans, players a priority for NHL
PHOENIX -- The Valley is a symbol for the changing face of hockey. One of the Coyotes’ top young players is of Haitian descent. The head of the team’s instructional school is female. And the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL draft, Scottsdale’s Auston Matthews, has a mother from Mexico.
Transgender and undocumented leader fights for rights in Arizona
Karyna Jaramillo lives in fear that she’ll be deported and sent back to her hometown in Morelos, Mexico where she could face persecution. “Deporting me is like sending me straight to my death,” she said in Spanish.
Phoenix teacher takes in sights as she takes message to White House
WASHINGTON - It's a long way from the first-grade of Encanto Elementary School in Phoenix to a meeting in Washington with some of the nation's most powerful government officials, and teacher Michelle Doherty admitted Thursday that she was a little overwhelmed.
Experts tell Senate that aging in isolation a ‘silent killer’ for millions
WASHINGTON - Mortality rates are higher among seniors who are aging in isolation, a "silent killer" that affects millions but goes mostly unnoticed, experts told a Senate committee Thursday.
In Focus, episode 7: ‘Aging out’ of foster care in Arizona
On this episode of In Focus, we look at the foster care system in Arizona, specifically for those in the system over the age of 18. Although foster children can leave the foster care system when they turn 18, they can sign a voluntary agreement to continue until they turn 21. Why might some teens decide stay? We talk with one young woman who explains her choice.
About
In the 2017 spring semester, a team of graduate students from Cronkite News researched in-depth stories for a project about expansion across Arizona. The project, “Development in the Desert: the Changing Face of Arizona” covers issues around the state ranging from urbanization, mining, commuting, Phoenix arts and more. Four of the graduate students on the research team sat down for a Facebook Live interview to discuss the steps taken and research needed to create an in-depth analysis about the state of Arizona’s rapid expansion.
Special report: The changing face of Arizona
Arizona is one of the fastest growing states, ranking eighth in the country in terms of percentage population growth and fifth in numeric growth between 2015 and 2016, according to census data. But with the rapid expansion comes growing pains, including traffic congestion and "brain drain."
Growing pains on roads across the state
SEDONA - Mayor Sandy Moriarty is used to getting these messages: frustrated emails from residents blaming Sedona’s traffic problems on tourists, asking the city to stop marketing to them. Occasionally, she’ll pick up an angry call with similar exasperated “rants.”
Passion, hard work pay off for Valley NASCAR driver McDowell
LOS ANGELES - When Michael McDowell first visited the Phoenix Kart Racing Association track, it was not to drive but to clap and cheer for his brother’s friend. Engulfed in the competitive atmosphere and a witness to Arizona’s love for the sport, the experience captivated him.
Arizona law enforcement agencies stress need to hire officers, announce job fair
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone and other Arizona local leaders came together earlier this week to highlight their need to hire more law enforcement officers and shore up their “depleted” departments.
Unstable ground: How earth fissures wreak havoc on Pinal County
Areas of Pinal County are riddled with earth fissures that can open up at any moment. Some residents live in constant fear of the fissures in their own backyards, and county officials say they’re powerless to do anything about it.
Phoenix Latino arts community highlights stories of immigrants, stresses unity under Trump
PHOENIX - Amid the marches, political organizing and other demonstrations that have taken place among those in opposition to President Donald Trump, Phoenix’s Latino arts scene has seen direct and indirect messages conveyed across a variety of media pushing back against Trump’s policies and public statements.
Diversity is key to senior living development in Phoenix
PHOENIX - Paula West, “over 65,” loves living in a mid-rise, downtown Phoenix condo, surrounded by a diverse group of people.
Arizona’s tech sector taking steps to rise to prominence
When Vivek Kopparthi graduated from Arizona State University and wanted to start his own tech business, he looked no further than the Valley.
Paint the city, how art has changed Phoenix
PHOENIX - The loft is bright. Light pours through the windows and the sun’s rays accentuate the bright colors used in the art on the walls.
Not everyone on board as light rail expands
PHOENIX - In the middle of the day, the lights are on and De La Ana European Delicatessen is open - but the door is locked.
‘Brain drain’ persists in Arizona
TUCSON - Tucson is known for its syrupy sweet Eegee’s slushies, superior Mexican food and for many years, it’s been haunted by stories of “brain drain” - that is, University of Arizona graduates leaving to work elsewhere after they get their degrees.
Mining expansion leaves Florence community uneasy
FLORENCE - Arizona’s economy has been built historically on the 5 c’s: cotton, citrus, cattle, climate and copper.
Changing landscapes, rising temperatures in Maricopa county
PHOENIX - The ground is 9 degrees hotter at night in Chandler and Gilbert than it was at the turn of the century, as increases in population and development in those areas resulted in changes in land use, according to a 2016 study.
FEC: Arizonans gave $1.5 million toward Trump’s $107 million inaugural
WASHINGTON - Arizona residents donated $1.5 million toward President Donald Trump's record-breaking inauguration fund, dwarfing the $26,000 that Arizonans gave to the last inauguration of President Barack Obama, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
Gun sales in state start to climb back up after January’s Trump slump
WASHINGTON - Gun sales in Arizona have started to rebound after a brief January slump that experts attribute to the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Hopi Jr./Sr. High School hires investigators to examine special education
Hopi Jr./Sr. High School, one of the few high schools serving students on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona, has hired investigators to examine its special education program, according to Bertha Parker, a public relations consultant representing the school.
Fan friendliness of Cactus League makes it popular draw
The Chicago Cubs won the World Series last fall for the first time in 108 years. This spring, fans in the Cactus League turned out in record numbers to watch the new champions — home and away.
Downtown Phoenix struggles with affordable housing in midst of development
“‘No’ is a hard thing to say to people who need help,” Joe Keeper said. As Director of Real Estate Development at Native American Connections, Keeper advocates for affordable housing in Phoenix, and he said he is constantly turning people away who don’t fit the requirements but need assistance affording rent in Phoenix.
University of Arizona hopes new student fee for athletics can be game-changer
TUCSON — Granted, it is the offseason, but a quick glance around the Gate 2 underpass at Arizona Stadium shows the need for upgrades.
DACA teachers, used to comforting, find themselves in need of comfort
WASHINGTON - Former Phoenix high school teacher Reyna Montoya said it was typical for undocumented immigrant children to come to her and talk about their troubles in school and their fears at home, where they or their parents might be deported.
NAFTA’s impact: Real or imagined, Trump campaigned on promise to renegotiate it, bring work back to U.S.
PHOENIX - The rolling, golden hills and towering mountains of southern Arizona sit under the bright morning sun in mid-March, providing the backdrop as a private jet skids to a halt along the runway at a small airport outside of Nogales, Ariz.
Baseball commissioner pushing changes to speed up games
PHOENIX -- Major League Baseball is walking a fine line. The sport is trying to build its fan base by speeding up the game and eliminating unnecessary dead time between plays.
Concert at port of entry aims to unify both sides of border, break down barriers
PHOENIX - With musicians performing on two stages set up next to each other on both sides of the border, a concert taking place at the Douglas port of entry this month will bring a different kind of attention to an area that’s been in the national spotlight for barriers.
Arizona’s open-enrollment policy can make choosing high schools complicated for athletes
PHOENIX - It’s one of the most important decisions parents have to make: Where will their child go to school? The open-enrollment policy in Arizona high schools can make the decision even more complicated, especially for athletically talented students.
Paving the way for CANAMEX, highway of the future
PHOENIX - Imagine a road trip in 2030 on a super interstate highway that stretches from Arizona’s border with Mexico to the U.S.-Canada border in Montana. And it won’t be just a road on which you drive your car, but an economic investment to the communities through which is passes.
After leaving ASU, Jack Elway quits football, forges own path
PHOENIX -- His name is not “John Elway’s son.” It’s “Jack Elway.”
Growing at a gallop: Equine therapy connects horses, children with disabilities
SAN TAN VALLEY – For years, Steven O’Shaughnessy didn’t speak. His mother took him to one medical expert after another. Still, he didn’t talk.
National park visitors spent $995 million at nearby businesses in state
WASHINGTON - The 12 million people who visited national parks in Arizona last year spent more than $995 million with nearby businesses, a $63 million increase from the year before, the National Park Service said.
Giffords joins Democrats accusing Trump, GOP of pandering to NRA
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords joined House and Senate Democrats Wednesday to accuse Republicans of pandering to the gun lobby with bills to do away with gun-free school zones and deregulate silencers, among other measures.
In Focus, episode 8: Thriving without sight in Arizona
Many people lose sight as they grow older, but there are more than 15,000 visually impaired Arizonans between the ages of 18 and 34. In this episode, we hear the stories of two of them. Hiris Vela, 20, and Elijah Harris, 19, are both community college students who grew up legally blind in Arizona. They share what it was like to try to get by in high school and how they learned to thrive without sight. And we wrap up the In Focus season with a roundtable of producers, who share their behind-the-scenes insights from their reporting across the state.
Changes to NAFTA could affect business on both sides of border
APASEO EL GRANDE, Mexico — Angelica Cervantes has big dreams for her small family-owned business that makes specialized hand-crafted tools used by giant automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Mazda and Honda.
Money from relatives in U.S. sustains many Mexican families
JALPAN de SERRA, Mexico – On a Saturday afternoon in March, a line forms inside a pet store in this city of 22,000 in the highlands of the state of Queretaro. But the people in line are not here to buy dog food.
Winning the next battle: Report shows vets succeeding in college
WASHINGTON - Tim Rogers, 39, is scheduled to graduate next week with dual bachelor's degrees, in social work and in public service and public policy, one of 649 veterans who applied for graduation at Arizona State University this semester.
Two spirits attempt to reclaim and embrace their identity
Kay Kisto remembers coming out in drag for the first time, wearing a dress in a parade on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
For mothers back home, remittance benefits come at a cost
It’s a decades-old story: Mothers in Mexico lose their children to immigration and better opportunities in the north. But for the mothers left behind the story is never old and always personal.
Mexican anti-poverty program is model for the world
ALMEACO DE BONFIL, Mexico - For the family of Sofia Aristeo Serdan, financial success is measured in small steps.
Arizona universities recognized as national leaders in composting
PHOENIX - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established a goal in September 2015 to cut food waste in half by 2030.
New bylaw allows high school coaches to hold year-round practices
PHOENIX – High school athletes in Arizona can now practice their sport year-round -- whether they like it or not.
Renovated Sun Devil Stadium could be a candidate for a naming-rights deal
TEMPE -- There are 13 NCAA Football Bowl Series programs that have made naming-rights deals for their stadiums. Only two are members of the Pac-12 Conference, and Arizona State isn’t one of them. That could soon change.
Solar could replace Navajo Generating Station power, but not its jobs
WASHINGTON - Solar power advocates say a 250-megawatt renewable-energy facility could be in place in time for the late-2019 closure of the Navajo Generating Station, if permitting and construction began right away.
Cronkite Borderlands Initiative: Mexico border special
Cronkite Borderlands Initiative: Mexico border special
From right-hand man to a boss named lefty
Dwayne Phelps remembers white sheets, sterile walls and white-hot pain. He stared at blinding lights and watched as the doctors walked out of his hospital room.
Drowned: The road to recovery
PHOENIX — Firefighters have experienced it all. Blazing house fires. Fatal heart attacks. Toxic gas leaks. Crews are dispatched to a scene, follow the basic protocols and return home to the station for dinner, relatively unscathed. But in Arizona, there’s one call that makes even the toughest first-responders anxious: Drowning involving a child.
Innovative farming: Harvesting exotic plants in the Southwest
SCOTTSDALE - Glacier lettuce. Thai Lavender Frog Egg Eggplant. Tigerella Tomato. The rare plants are among those grown at Brother Nature Farms in Scottsdale.
How social media may be contributing to gang interest among AZ teens
PHOENIX -- About one in five 8th graders in Arizona say “it would be cool” to belong to a gang, according to the 2016 Arizona Youth Survey of more than 57,000 students statewide. The same goes for 17 percent of 10th graders, and 13.1 percent of 12th graders.
Former NFL kicker hopes to improve football safety with technology
PHOENIX — Nick Lowery played football at the highest level for 18 years, but more than two decades after his 1996 retirement he continues to impact the game by improving the safety of the sport.
Cronkite News special : Money and business in Arizona
Cronkite News special: Money and business in Arizona
High school seniors appear to be acing first-ever civics requirement
WASHINGTON - The civics test that will be required of all graduating high school seniors this spring does not appear to have been that much of a test for members of the Class of 2017.
High schools adopting analytics modeled after the big leagues
PHOENIX — Ask anyone involved in sports, and they will probably know that high school athletics often mirror concepts from professionals. This especially rings true with the increased use of major league-style analytics in high school baseball.
Phoenix teams up with school officials to teach students about healthy relationship
PHOENIX – What would you do if your boyfriend asked you for your cellphone password so he could check your phone?
Everything old is renewed again as architects renovate historic buildings
PHOENIX – Old buildings have a story to tell.
Cronkite News special: Investigative reporting in Arizona
Cronkite News special: Investigative reporting in Arizona
S.O.S. for Syrian refugees in the Valley
TEMPE -- Starting at 10 o'clock every Saturday morning, a small group of volunteer tutors takes the time to help local Syrian refugee kids learn and assimilate.
Environmentalists face uphill borderlands battle with proposed wall
Phoenix -- As the bidding war for the construction of President Donald Trump's wall comes to a close, many environmental activists remain concerned over the potential impact it will have on wildlife and ecology on the border.
Obsession with healthy food can descend into orthorexia, an unhealthy eating disorder
WICKENBURG – An unhealthy eating disorder, so new it's unfamiliar to most people, leads to an obsession with healthy eating that can upend lives.
Arizona Football League helps keep dream of playing alive
PHOENIX — The challenge of serving four years in Afghanistan as part of an Air Force special operations unit was not enough for Jason Sweet. He wanted to fill an athletic void that he felt he lost when he enlisted. Then he discovered the Arizona Football League.
Cronkite News sports special: Inspiring athletes in AZ
Cronkite News sports special: Inspiring athletes in AZ
Advocates fear Superfund budget cuts further delay cleanup of sites
WASHINGTON - In the nine years since the former smelter near her house in Dewey-Humboldt was added to the Environmental Protection Agency's list of toxic Superfund sites, Rose Eitemiller said she's seen some progress. But not much.
Arizona migration trends tracked through ‘death map’ of discovered human remains
PHOENIX - It might take a second to for the computer to load, but then it’s there: a map of Southern Arizona nearly completely covered with red markers, so dense in some areas that it’s black.
Women’s collective encourages environmental, economic sustainability in Agua Prieta’s poorest area
PHOENIX -- A cross-border partnership with Quaker roots is encouraging women in low-income areas of Agua Prieta, Sonora, to become self-sufficient through programs teaching sewing, brick making, organic gardening, and more.
Valley offers adaptive sports options for disabled community
PHOENIX -- Mohamed Raafat was hanging out at school and perched on a children’s car when a friend abruptly moved it. Just like that, his life changed.
Advocates push for gender, sexual orientation questions on 2020 Census
WASHINGTON - David Stacy has heard the stories of older same-sex couples who face discrimination in assisted-living facilities because some "workers are less tolerant" toward them - but he can't point to data outlining the problem.
Tucson VA one of four in nation to offer service for transgender vets
WASHINGTON - It was Nov. 30, 2011, when Stephanie Donoghue quit her job as a software developer, left the office at 4 p.m. and got a steak dinner before heading home to shuck her male clothes - and her male persona.
ASU athletes rely on online classes for high-demand schedule
TEMPE — Whether it is football, basketball, soccer or gymnastics, student-athletes have the added pressure to perform not only on the field but in the classroom.
Furniture, food and flour: Arizona groups work to help Syrian refugees
PHOENIX - While tensions against Muslims in United States keeps growing, Nidal Fayad and Tan Jakwani have taken it upon themselves to help recently arrived Syrian refugees transition to life in Arizona.
Water Hole: No running water on Navajo Nation reservation
MONUMENT VALLEY – On the outskirts of Monument Valley, touching the Arizona-Utah border, a water well is encased in a brick building behind a barb-wired fence. A few cattle graze nearby, mooing to occasionally pierce the quiet.
Cronkite News special: Reporting from the nation’s capital
Cronkite News special: Reporting from the nation's capital
Cities deprived of venture capital look for ways to share the wealth
WASHINGTON - Jonathan Cottrell understands that when it comes to available venture capital, the Valley is no Silicon Valley. But he and other entrepreneurs don't know why that can't change, and they have started various networking and mentoring efforts in hopes of turning things around.
A native of note: Phoenix Boys Choir alum scores hit movie ‘Get Out’
WASHINGTON - Before he was asked to score the hit Hollywood movie, "Get Out"; before he began writing symphonies; even before he was a member of the Phoenix Boys Choir, Michael Abels was just a kid in the Valley who loved music.
Organization fights to revive Ajo’s economy after decades of recession
Ajo, Arizona, once nearly a ghost town, is in the hands of a single nonprofit seeking to save the economy by getting residents back into school and the workforce.
From Ireland to Tempe: ASU golfer adjusting to new life
TEMPE — The transition into college as a freshman is overwhelming enough, especially for a student-athlete coming from overseas. Imagine coming in ranked as one of the top female amateur golfers in the world.
Cronkite News special: Government and justice reporting in Arizona
Cronkite News special: Government and justice reporting in Arizona
Emma and Elvia: An undocumented mother’s dedication to her daughter with disabilities
Elvia Urias is an undocumented immigrant who cares for her daughter, Emma, who has severe mental disabilities. Emma, 22, is protected from deportation by DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) but now has aged out of school. She spends most of her time alone at home while her mother works evenings to provide for the two of them.
As Doan contemplates retirement, Coyotes rookies reflect on his guidance
It has been more than two decades, but the Arizona Coyotes' Shane Doan remembers skating alongside past Coyotes as a teenager. Keith Tkachuk, Teppo Numminen, Kris King, Dave Manson and the Shannon brothers, Darrin and Darryl, helped him transition to the NHL when the franchise was still in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Three Arizona state prisons plan to add employment centers to help soon-to-be released inmates find jobs
PHOENIX – Jude Garcia spent three and half years behind bars for armed robbery and aggravated assault. He left prison with the clothes he wore when he was incarcerated, $100 and no job.
Arizona’s Old West history plays important role in state tourism
WILLIAMS – On a cold night in April just after 10 p.m., the bellow of a train echoes throughout the quiet town of Williams. Four hours later, another train passes.
As textbook prices rise, college seeks alternatives for students
PHOENIX – Tuition. Dorms. Parking. Supplies. The cost of higher education can seem daunting, but one Valley school wants to eliminate a large component of that high cost: textbooks.
State, tribe settle long-running feud over Glendale casino
WASHINGTON - State and tribal officials announced a settlement Wednesday of a long-running fight against the Tohono O'odham's Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, which survived years of legal and legislative challenges before opening in 2015.
Google this: Court rejects businessman’s claim against Google trademark
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court this week rejected a businessman's claim that Google cannot trademark the verb form of its name because "to google" has become synonymous with internet searching.
Bills to ease Border Patrol hiring advance in Senate, stall in House
WASHINGTON - A Senate committee Wednesday approved a bill that would make it easier to hire Border Patrol officers by waiving polygraph tests for applicants who are current or former military, police or other law enforcement officers.
How will robots change the agricultural industry in Arizona?
PHOENIX – Each day, workers at Abby Lee Farms walk down the aisles – sometimes on stilts – to inspect, prune and hand pick tomatoes on the 3-acre, indoor facility in Phoenix.
Athletes benefiting from advancements in prosthetics
PHOENIX — It was a shotgun accident in a small Indiana town. The guns weren’t locked up. A neighborhood boy found a 12-gauge and wanted to play with 4-year-old Nick Pryor.
Navajo school instills resilience in Diné youth through language continuance efforts
WINDOW ROCK -- “Béédaałniih: Diné bizaad bídahwiil’aah. Táadoo biligáana k’ehjí yádaalłti’í. Ahéhee’."
Arizona vegans, vegetarians say they have more dining options now
PHOENIX – Whether breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, experts say Arizona has become a much easier place to be a vegan or vegetarian.
Court: Reading death-row inmate’s outgoing mail violates his rights
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Corrections violated a death-row inmate's rights to an attorney and to free speech when officers read mail the prisoner was sending to his lawyer, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.
Power official backs transparency bill, after questions about spending
WASHINGTON - A Western Area Power Administration official told a House subcommittee Thursday that he is committed to transparency at the agency, where audits found as much as $6.8 million in questionable purchases by employees in recent years.
Teachers speak out about working conditions, and they’re not happy
WASHINGTON - For the past decade, the vast majority of Arizona counties have faced a teacher shortage at the beginning of the school year, and as school districts head into the summer many teachers expect more of the same.
Influx of Australian punters changing landscape of college football
TEMPE — Imagine a hot August night at Sun Devil Stadium. The Arizona State football team is squaring off with New Mexico State in its 2017 season opener. Punter Michael Sleep-Dalton, in his first career start, stands 15 yards behind long snapper Mitchell Fraboni.
Parker saloon owner turns to solar for power, but keeps other technology at bay
PARKER – The moment you take a sharp right turn off State Route 95 and onto Cienega Springs Road near Parker, there’s no such thing as a pit stop along the 5-mile journey. The bumpy, winding road leads to The Desert Bar, a secluded, booze-friendly landmark that’s been a staple in the area for more than 34 years.
Arizona universities push for gender equality when hiring faculty
PHOENIX -- Usha Jagannathan applied for a full-time community college teaching position year after year for more than a decade. Within 13 years of graduating from her doctoral program in Technology and E-learning from Northcentral University, she worked as many as three jobs at a time.
Supreme Court sends second divorce settlement case back to Arizona
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Arizona Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling in a divorce settlement between a retired member of the military and his ex-wife, the second time in a week it has done so.
Homeland Security: More than 600,000 overstayed U.S. visas in 2016
WASHINGTON - Nearly 629,000 people who came to the United States on a visa in fiscal 2016 stayed after it expired and were still here at the end of the year, the Department of Homeland Security reported Monday.
May 23, 2017 Newscast
Cronkite News consumer special: coffee with a cause, e-cigarettes and goat yoga
Officials hope new Mayo Clinic medical school in Scottsdale will help ease state’s doctor shortage
SCOTTSDALE – Dr. Amit Shah smiles as he demonstrates the new technology at the Mayo Clinic’s new medical school campus in Scottsdale.
Arizona environmental chief, physician differ on role of EPA
WASHINGTON - Arizona's top environmental official told separate House and Senate committees Tuesday that the federal government needs to back off and let states take care of environmental regulation on their own.
House panel calls for crackdown on ‘growing problem’ of visa overstays
WASHINGTON - House members called on Department of Homeland Security officials Tuesday to crack down on the "growing problem" of immigrants who overstay their visas in the U.S.
Trump’s first budget draws praise, pans from Arizona lawmakers
WASHINGTON - The White House said its proposed $4.09 trillion budget shows "respect for the people who pay the bills," but Arizona Democrats said deep domestic cuts make it a "dangerous plan" that will hurt the most vulnerable Americans.
Phoenix to begin first phase of Grand Canalscape Project
PHOENIX – The ancient Hohokam civilization first built Phoenix's canal system more than 600 years ago. In the fall, Phoenix officials plan to start a project they hope will revive and improve the Grand Canal.
From bug zappers to brain games: Meet some Flinn Foundation bioscience winners
PHOENIX – What does a bug zapper and a brain game have in common?
Lawmakers: Trump should make good on campaign pledge on Jerusalem
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's first official trip overseas this week took him to the capital cities of Riyadh, Brussels, Vatican City and Tel Aviv - but some Arizona lawmakers think he went to the wrong capital city while in Israel.
Residents discuss drawbacks, benefits of life on federally owned land
WASHINGTON - An Arizona rancher and state legislator told a congressional committee Wednesday that he has been "held hostage" for years by the red tape that accompanies federal ownership of lands in the West.
That’s a no to ‘ho, ho, ho’: Committee rejects Christmas tree on Camelback Mountain
PHOENIX – A nearly decade-old practice of hauling a Christmas tree to the top of Camelback Mountain may be halted, with a Phoenix committee saying a need to leave the recreational area pristine triumphs over tradition.
Tribulations and triumph: Phoenix theater troupes explore diversity and community
PHOENIX - Theater starts with an idea – a dream, a passion or a problem. Diverse theater in Arizona takes another step, giving voice to communities that otherwise get little attention on stage.
Farmers markets bloom as vendors educate, bring local produce to customers
PHOENIX – Farmers markets are gaining more attention from Valley residents, helping small businesses reach customers and find their footing in a competitive market.
Cosplay industry grows rapidly, Arizona benefits from pop culture phenomenon
TUCSON – When Dustbunny first learned about cosplay in high school, she viewed it as just “dress up.”
HHS: Arizona health insurance premiums almost tripled since 2013
WASHINGTON - Health insurance premiums nearly tripled in Arizona between 2013 and 2017, the fourth-biggest increase among the 39 states that participated in healthcare.gov, according to new data from the Department of Health and Human Services.
CBO: GOP health bill could cost 23 million coverage; 400,000 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - The Republican plan to replace Obamacare will force as many as 23 million Americans off health insurance over the next decade, the Congressional Budget Office reported, with local experts predicting more than 400,000 of those will be in Arizona.
Flake bill would let U.S. military strike ‘non-state actors’ like ISIS
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine introduced a use-of-force resolution Thursday that would let the president take military action against "non-state actors" like al Qaeda, ISIS and other terror groups.
Local restaurants embrace Arizona Restaurant Week to attract new customers
PHOENIX - Customers can chow down on meals at a discount during Arizona Restaurant Week, getting a chance to sample new cuisine, travel outside their neighborhood and try seasonal food at a bargain.
Military veterans benefit from positive impact of jiu-jitsu
PHOENIX — Carlos Rojas served in the Navy -- he enlisted before the terrorist attacks on 9/11 -- and is now based in the Valley as an instructor of jiu-jitsu. He has seen how the sport can impact one’s life.
Muslims seek religiously inclusive food, beauty services in Phoenix area
PHOENIX – Some Muslims who want to live out their faith in Arizona can have a difficult time finding certain businesses that cater to their needs.
Arizona cyber experts warn that WannaCry outbreak just tip of iceberg
WASHINGTON - Arizona cybersecurity experts called the recent international cyberattacks known as "WannaCry" among the worst attacks they have seen, and they called it a warning about the country's lack of cybersecurity preparation.
Past concerns spur ‘body-positive cosplay’ at Phoenix Comicon
PHOENIX - Kimberly Speer spends hundreds of dollars and countless hours building her costumes for Phoenix Comicon. The 28 year old makes the costumes by hand and pays minute attention to detail so they replicate her character’s original form. She displays her hard work through social media. And then the comments come.
As democratic socialists gain momentum, Arizona Democrats try to ease ‘hurt’ feelings
PHOENIX – The election of President Donald Trump has ignited the progressive movement, sparking weekly marches and protests throughout his presidency.
Arizona joins flotation therapy trend, but does sensory deprivation have health benefits?
SCOTTSDALE – At a flotation therapy center in Scottsdale, clients enter, watch a short video and then enter a flotation pod with more than 1,000 pounds of epsom salts.
Arizona food deserts: How can leaders and residents address the issue?
PRESCOTT – When the residents of Paulden want to buy more than just basic groceries, they must drive to the next town over in Chino Valley to find a full-service grocery store.
Arizona churches offer sanctuary to immigrants seeking refuge
PHOENIX - A twin bed, a desk and a bookcase fill a small, rectangular room at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ in north Phoenix. On top of the desk, a Bible lays open, which Ismael Delgado, an immigrant from Mexico, uses each day to study scriptures.
English contingent leads Phoenix Rising FC
SCOTTSDALE — In the United States, a popular formula for building a successful soccer franchise hinges on a team’s ability to sign and develop young local talent.
Valley diving community determined to quell fears about sport’s safety
PHOENIX - One of the most high-profile diving accidents of all time still resonates with many. “There was this ‘wham’ and this big gasp from the crowd,” Arizona State diving coach Mark Bradshaw said. “The best diver in the world (just) hit the board.”
Justa Center in Phoenix helps address ‘surge’ of older homeless population
PHOENIX – It can happen in an instant: You lose your job. You can’t pay your medical bills. You have an accident.
Arizona businesses like Trump tax plan, not its chances in Congress
WASHINGTON - Arizona business leaders are cautiously optimistic about the tax reforms outlined in President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 budget proposal - but not so optimistic about its chances of passage as currently drafted.
Despite low pay, WNBA still attraction to international players
PHOENIX — In a quest for better salaries, nearly half of WNBA players compete overseas in the off-season. The mindset for international players, however, is different.
The Concussion Discussion
PHOENIX — Gisele Bündchen, wife of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, recently told a national audience on “CBS This Morning” that her husband had a concussion last year, but “we don’t talk about it.” Soon others players around the NFL acknowledged that they played with what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines as a traumatic brain injury. That behavior sends the wrong message to youth, according to a Valley sports psychologist and local football coach, and teaching self-reporting must take priority. “I think coaches now a day have to be super aware,” McClintock High School football coach Corbin Smith said. “Protect themselves and their kids, first and foremost.” A sports psychology consultant who works with coaches to improve player and coach relationships believes the silence has a profound effect. “If a budding footballer is hearing and seeing athletes … withholding concussions, denying concussions, trying to fool the medical doctors about having a concussion, then they will see that as what you have to do to be successful,” said Adam Berry of MindSet Sports Psychology in Scottsdale. An encouraging sign came from the Barrow Neurological Institute’s Concussion and Brain Injury Center, which surveyed Arizona teens for a 2016 concussion study and found Arizona youth are becoming more informed about concussions and the dangers of not being treated. Many NFL athletes aren’t helping the cause. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said on “The Dan Patrick Show” that he has also played through concussions without reporting them. He never shared those moments with his wife because “I wouldn’t want her to worry.” That kind of behavior sets the conversation back, said Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. “When the word gets out that a professional player is not reporting concussions, I think it’s a giant step backwards, but we’re dealing with a very uncomfortable truth,” he said. “There is probably more concussions than players could possibly report and expect us to see.” Smith understands that. He is the founder of the Larry Smith Coaching Academy that aims to teach youth coaches about the fundamentals and techniques of coaching, including an hour-long concussion seminar. “We have to be able to recognize it without the kid saying it but you can only recognize the most severe concussions without the kids saying anything,” Smith said. The Concussion Legacy Foundation’s education program, Team Up Against Concussions, teaches teammates to look out for each other on the field and report concussions. “That’s our best solution for young athletes,” Nowinski said, “because again, at some level, we can’t expect young athletes to self-report. “When they’re younger, they don’t understand the consequence to their health.” The Barrow’s study found that 89 percent of teens surveyed said they would report it if a teammate or friend suffered a concussion playing a school sport. How would they know? Berry thinks education about what a concussion is and what if feels like is key. “Football is leading with the head and … if you collide with people at this size with this speed there is absolutely no way that you are not suffering concussions, or brain injury, daily,” Berry said. All Arizona high school athletes are required to take the Barrow Brainbook concussion education program launched by Barrow in August 2011 before participating in sports. Arizona State University athletes also are required to complete the Barrow Brainbook program before playing, making ASU the first NCAA-affiliated university to introduce the education to its student athletes. “Ballroom dancing is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport,” Berry said. And although collision may be part of the game, safety is still a priority. “The bottom line is we have to be super cautious and take all the precautions that are necessary, for any kind of injury but especially concussions,” Smith said.
Why do rural areas of Arizona have a shortage of STEM teachers?
STEM education in rural areas of Arizona has been falling behind the curve compared to metropolitan areas, according to Arizona Science Foundation.
Shortage of Native American physicians creates concerns, elicits calls for action
PHOENIX – Dena Wilson never doubted what she wanted to do with her life while growing up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Think roses can’t grow in the Arizona desert? Rose industry flourishes here.
LITCHFIELD PARK – When you think roses, you might think California. But last year, Arizona exported about 75 percent of the rosebushes in the U.S., local rose grower Tyler Francis said.
Dangerously hot: Phoenix opens 22 cooling stations to aid homeless, elderly
PHOENIX – Phoenix has opened more than 20 “cooling stations” around the city to offer bottled water, an air-conditioned building and other respite from the heat to people who are homeless, elderly or in need.
Law of the letters: Two Arizona girls compete at National Spelling Bee
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Penda Ba stood centerstage at the 90th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. She held her nametag out and ran her finger over it pensively as if she were writing out a word.
Congress mulls military bills with fewest veteran members in decades
WASHINGTON - Since taking office in January, members of Congress have introduced nine separate pieces of legislation that deal with when and how the president should be allowed to use military force against terrorist groups abroad.
VA: Treating vets discharged ‘other than honorably’ can cut suicides
WASHINGTON - A program that lets veterans with other-than-honorable discharges get emergency mental health care is just one of the steps the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking to address increasing suicides by vets, the secretary said Wednesday.
What have your experiences been with Route 66?
For many years, a National Park Service preservation program has tried to preserve landmarks and tourist destinations along Route 66.
Kicks on Route 66 may slow down if preservation money runs out
SELIGMAN – Nearly 32 years after Route 66 lost its designation as an official highway, one of the most storied routes in America could face another road block. The program created to preserve the road and landmarks along it is set to expire in two years.
Medical marijuana cardholders grow new businesses
PHOENIX – Marijuana businesses are growing in Arizona.
Valley freeways are getting a better sensor of traffic congestion ahead
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is installing pavement sensors that will allow the transportation agency to more accurately track traffic flow on Valley freeways.
How will you celebrate National Doughnut Day?
Chances are, you or someone you know craves doughnuts.
In face of new pitch limits, Arizona HS coaches forced to ‘manage a little better’
PHOENIX – Phoenix Christian pitcher Steven Cochran powered his Cougars to a Class 2A state championship on May 13 with a complete game performance, allowing six hits in a 9-2 win over Wilcox High School. But Cochran came close to not being allowed to throw a single pitch on the biggest stage. The night before, the junior closed out his team’s 4-1 victory over Scottsdale Christian Academy, striking out two of the seven batters he faced in the game’s final two innings. With a pitch count of 25, Cochran was just six pitches away from being ineligible to pitch in the championship game. But on his 26th pitch, Cochran induced a game-ending double play that sent the Cougars into the championship. “I could tell that I was going to be needed for the next game because we had lost our other pitcher so I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to go over 30,” Cochran said. The “30” that Cochran referenced is the highest amount of pitches a sophomore, junior or senior can throw before needing at least one day's rest under the new “Pitch Smart” rule implemented by the Arizona Interscholastic Association last summer. For freshmen, the number is even lower. They have a limit of 20 pitches before they are required to rest for one day. “I was going to go get him at 30,” Phoenix Christian coach Mark Band said of the limit that, if exceeded, would have forced Cochran to rest for at least one day before being able to pitch again. “We were going to roll the dice and it really worked out. You gotta be good and sometimes you gotta have the ball bounce your way.” Varying versions of the “Pitch Smart” rule were installed across the country after the National Federation of State High School Associations required every one of its state organizations to develop a pitching restriction policy based on the amount of pitches thrown during a game. In the official news release, Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and staff liaison for baseball, said the association was pleased to find a reasonable modification to the previous rule in order to emphasize the risk that occurs when pitchers overuse their throwing arms. Freshman: 95 maximum pitches. No day’s rest if throwing 0-20 pitches. One day rest if throwing 21-35 pitches. Two days off if throwing 36-50 pitches. Three days off for 51-65 pitches. Four days for 66-plus pitches. Sophomore: 95 maximum. No days off with 1-30 pitches. One day rest after 31-45 pitches. Two days after 46-60 pitches. Three days after 61-75 pitches. Four days after 76-plus pitches. Junior: 105 maximum. No days off with 1-30 pitches. One day off with 31-45 pitches. Two days off with 46-60 pitches. Three days off with 61-75 pitches. Four days off with 76-plus pitches. Senior: 105 max. No days off with 1-30 pitches. One day off with 31-45 pitches. Two days off with 46-60 pitches. Three days off with 61-75 pitches. Four days off with 76-plus pitches Incoming Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Director David Hines, who will officially take over in July, said a committee consisting of baseball coaches and athletic directors, along with a sports medicine advisory committee made up of doctors and trainers, teamed up to set the standards for the “Pitch Smart” rule in Arizona. Initially, the proposed limits were based on a player’s age, pitch count, and how many days of rest a pitcher must have, dependent upon the amount of pitches he threw in one game. But Hines said before that was even implemented, a change was made. Instead of limiting pitchers by age, the committee decided to separate pitchers by year in school. “It was really tough for a coach to go, ‘So you’re a junior but how old are you?’ You may have a young kid, you may have an older kid, so we just started looking at the group,” Hines said. Yet some opposition to the rule still existed. The incoming AIA director said that some smaller schools fought the restrictions, arguing that their smaller rosters would not have the necessary amount of pitching to work through their schedules within these limits. Arizona high school baseball coaches have had to reinvent how they manage their pitching staffs during the season along with how they develop their staff for the future. In the weeks leading up to the season, Band said he gave players a look on the mound that he wouldn’t have in past years, just to be more proactive toward developing a large enough staff for the future. Phoenix Christian had 18 players on its roster this past season. Band used 10 of them on the mound. He experimented with different players in the offseason and adapted to the rule because he knows it is meant to keep kids healthy. “I think that it’s a good rule because you have so many coaches that will just keep running out their No. 1 guy if he says he’s feeling all right,” Band said. “I think it’s made a lot of coaches have to manage a little better because they can’t just keep sending the same guy out there.” Michael Deardoff, the coach of Class 5A state champion Raymond S. Kellis High School in Glendale, has always prided himself in knowing the limits of his pitchers and respecting their arms, including Adrian Salazar. During Kellis’ run to the state title, Salazar, a senior, threw in five of the team’s six games and threw at least 100 pitches in four of those. But the workload wasn't anything new for Salazar as he said his arm has always been ready to go. “Since I was around 9 or 10 years old, I’ve pitched for club ball and my arm never got sore,” Salazar said. “I’ve never had a problem with dead arm and it’s never really taken long for my arm to recover.” At Phoenix Christian, Band only had one pitcher throw more than 100 pitches all season. Only two of the school’s pitchers threw more than 50 innings in 2017. Band allowed just three of his pitchers to throw complete games. One of those came from Cochran with a state championship on the line. The coach of 14 years said he developed a pitching strategy before each game, so that if they played multiple games in a week, he knew when to pull out a pitcher like Cochran. While some teams like Phoenix Christian planned ahead for weeks like this, other teams tried to avoid playing for more than two games in one week. “Before the season even started I was trying to schedule a couple games and teams wouldn’t play us because it was their third game of the week,” Band said. Some teams succeeded by closely monitoring pitches and going into each game with a specific strategy. But schools like Kellis took a different approach or didn’t change their approach at all. Deardoff used a total of 10 pitchers in 2017. Like Phoenix Christian, Kellis only had two pitchers throw more than 50 innings but it rarely implemented a pitching strategy unless it had a busy week on the diamond. “It only really affected us when we had pretty long weeks with a lot of games,” Deardoff said. “I can only think of a couple times where I took a kid out because I knew I needed to bring him back later in the week.” One of those times came in the Class 5A play-in game when Kellis took on Deer Valley to get into the state championship tournament. Deardoff took Salazar out of the game after his 58th pitch, requiring him to rest for at least two days before being eligible to pitch again – just in time for his team’s first-round matchup against Verrado High School. Unfortunately, the challenges of protecting the arms of pitchers don’t just occur during the high school season. Many take to the road in the summer, playing on travel teams where this is no pitch count rule. This is where Hines believes the most trouble comes. “The biggest challenge is not during the high school season, but it’s the other time where someone may or may not be following the pitch count,” Hines said. “If the kids don’t have down time or time to rest then they are never getting enough time to repair or recover from a season.” At Phoenix Christian, Band organizes a team that plays at least 30 games during the summer. The team will also play a few games in the Dominican Republic. The summer team allows Band to give opportunities to younger players who may not get a lot of innings during the regular season. While not required, he plans to follow the rules set forth by the AIA. “We’re gonna manage the pitch count in the summer just like we do in the spring,” Band said. “Just so we’re on that page.”
Political newcomers to battle three-term Phoenix councilman for District 6 seat
PHOENIX – Neighborhood protection, small business growth and support for teachers are among the issues voters will consider before deciding who they will elect to the Phoenix City Council in District 6, the only competitive council race on the Aug. 29 ballot.
Trump plan to exit Paris accord riles Arizona Democrats, warms GOP
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Thursday the United States will withdraw from a global agreement on emissions that "handicaps" the economy, a move that Arizona critics charged will end up harming both the economy and the environment.
International play beneficial for Arizona Coyotes
PHOENIX — In international play, the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back. The opportunity to represent one’s country is hard to pass up. The Coyotes recently had five players compete internationally: Christian Dvorak, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Clayton Keller, Connor Murphy and Tobias Rieder. For a few short weeks each spring, men’s hockey performs on an international stage. The International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship originated in 1920 at the Summer Games. It is the highest profile international ice hockey tournament outside the Winter Olympics. The tournament provides a chance for NHL players, whose teams either missed the postseason or had their playoff run fall short, to continue play and have a shot at taking home a medal. One of the benefits of playing on an international stage is the diverse opportunities a tournament like this can provide its participants. Among the five Coyotes playing in Worlds, different narratives emerged. For Clayton Keller, he had the opportunity to play against elite athletes at a pro level for eight consecutive games. The forward was the youngest in the tournament and played only three games at the NHL level during the 2016-17 season. After winning gold at the World Junior Championship, Keller donned a USA jersey for the second time in one year when he laced up his skates for the Men’s World Championship. This time Keller was facing men, not boys, but he still managed to display the talent that had earned him a last-minute call-up to the NHL after his season at Boston University ended. “Playing in the World Championships was a great learning experience for Clayton,” Coyotes General Manager John Chayka said. “He was able to produce and play well against men at an elite level. This experience, and the confidence he gained by playing in the tournament, will definitely help him next season.” After starting on Team USA’s bottom line with fellow Coyotes Christian Dvorak, Keller’s five goals and two assists had him moving up the ranks and playing some first-line minutes. Throughout the tournament, Keller was key to Team USA’s success as his contributions on the ice helped the team head into the quarterfinals ranked second overall. His ability to transition his game to the pro level on international ice did not go unnoticed by his captain, Connor Murphy. “He didn’t surprise me with his skill in the tournament, just because I’d seen him in the few games he played with us at the end of the season,” Murphy said. “I think that his experience will hopefully help him have some momentum coming into training camp next year, and show everyone what he’s capable of.” The tournament marked Murphy’s fourth year representing Team USA at World Championships. Last year he served as alternate captain and was named one of Team USA’s players of the tournament. ‘This tournament has really helped me develop,” Murphy said when asked why he continues to participate each spring. “It’s a different kind of game.” Although each team is not filled with top NHL talent, Murphy said, players are still being tested in different ways. “It’s a big challenge to defend on that big ice and being able to come together with a group of guys and seeing what you can do in a three-week period,” Murphy said. Before the tournament began this year, Murphy was named captain for Team USA. It was a beneficial experience for the young defenseman. “It was eye-opening for me to wear the letter, and to be seen as a guy who could do that was really special,” Murphy said. “I’ve been going to the tournament for a while and I was a guy with a little more experience on a younger team, so they felt like I could be put in that role.” Team USA is not the only one who has noticed what Murphy can bring to the game both in play and in the locker room. Coyotes General Manager John Chayka was happy to see Murphy put in such a high position on the team. “Connor is a very mature young man and he’s made great strides on and off the ice the past year,” Chayka said. “He has emerged as a leader on our team and this experience will only help him in the future.” As a member of the Sarnia Sting, a junior team based in Ontario, Murphy was alternate captain for the 2012-13 season, but his experience this year was his first taste of leadership at the pro level. While this role was relatively new to him, he has been surrounded by strong leaders throughout his career. “I’ve been around Shane Doan the last couple of years, and he’s such a great leader with how sincere he is as a person and how much he puts into his game and how he leads by example, speaking up at the right times,” Murphy said. “Guys like Shane, and others I’ve played with, are huge to help you when you start getting put into these roles, and show you how to handle it. “I was just trying to my best to be like those guys. It was a great experience to take with me if I’m ever in another leadership role. I know now to just be myself and work hard and know that guys are looking at you and noticing that.” After battling a thumb injury all season and dealing with the loss of his mother to cancer, Oliver Ekman-Larsson was one player who used the international stage of the IIHF World Championships. This tournament was a second chance at glory. And what better way to end the hockey season than with a gold medal? “We were all very happy to see Oliver win a gold medal at the IIHF World Championships,” Chayka said. “Oliver battled through a lot of adversity this season with his thumb injury and the passing of his mom so it’s nice to see him finish the hockey season on a high note.” Although Ekman-Larsson and Murphy played on separate teams in this tournament, two seasons ago the two were defensive partners for the majority of the 2015-16 season. The USA captain, being close with Ekman-Larsson, was proud to see his teammate overcome the challenges he faced this season and have a memorable tournament. “He’s been through a lot this past year,” Murphy said. “He’s such an unbelievable guy and everyone is friends with him. He is such an incredible talent and for years he’s looked to step up his game for us and to see him come back and win gold for his country, he deserves it.” The exposure that comes with competing for the team that wins gold on an international stage is one that many feel Ekman-Larsson has long-deserved for his NHL play. “He played incredible for his country. In my opinion he’s very underrated so it’s cool to see him get rewarded that way,” Murphy said. “He’s had such a great career and he will continue to be a guy that will lead the way for us in Arizona.” Dvorak also benefited from the experience of playing for the United States in the IIHF World Championships. Rieder did, too, playing for Germany, although he suffered an ankle injury that required surgery. The international stage is a proving ground for any player, but for these three Coyotes the IIHF World Championships provided a few extra opportunities. They managed to turn an early off season into a chance to represent their country and better themselves heading into whatever next season may hold for the Coyotes.
Border patrol, Mexico 911 operators work to save ill, injured migrants who cross border
YUMA – The U.S. Border Patrol and Mexico emergency dispatchers are collaborating to save the lives of people who are crossing the U.S. border in the desert heat and succumbing to illness or injury.
Arizona cities buck Trump, pledge to stick to Paris climate goals
WASHINGTON - Arizona cities Friday spurned President Donald Trump's plan to pull the U.S. out of a global emissions compact, with at least three mayors pledging their cities would hew to the emission goals laid out in the Paris accord.
Despite $1.2 billion in purchases, tribal land buy-back ‘treading water’
WASHINGTON - The Interior Department has "not accomplished much" in its program to buy up marginal Indian lands and return them to tribes, despite spending two-thirds of a $1.9 billion fund for the program, a department official said recently.
Hearing-impaired conductor helps Glendale choir make beautiful music
WASHINGTON - The Sounds of the Southwest Singers, a community choir from Glendale, stood perched on the risers at the front of the temple-like George Washington Masonic National Memorial, waiting to begin a program of patriotic and gospel tunes.
Gov. Doug Ducey declares opioid emergency in Arizona
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday declared a public health emergency spurred by a devastating jump in Arizona opioid deaths in 2016, calling for a coordinated effort by the medical community and state and local governments to find solutions to an epidemic.
Criminal justice reform efforts stall at Arizona Legislature, including push to ‘Ban the Box’
TUCSON – Nearly 30 years ago, Calistro Manuel Mejias robbed a drug dealer, but something he didn’t expect happened. One of the men with Mejias choked the dealer to death.
White House’s Gold Star family event heartens some, leaves some wary
WASHINGTON - Glendale resident Kathy Upchurch was trying to see the positive in President Donald Trump's planned reception for Gold Star families Monday, but she was having a hard time getting past his run-ins last year with a Muslim Gold Star family.
Trump says privatizing air traffic control will speed modernization
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's plan to privatize operations of the nation's air traffic control towers - including at least six in Arizona - will help speed upgrades to a system that has been slow to modernize, the White House said Monday.
How do you beat the heat?
As the summer months heat up the desert, we want to know how you, your family and friends "beat the heat" with summer activities.
Do you have experience with women’s self defense classes?
U.S. women are becoming increasingly interested in learning self defense techniques to get them out of sticky situations, should they arise.
Civil rights leaders want six Confederate memorials in Arizona removed
PHOENIX – Local civil rights and faith leaders are pushing for the removal of six Confederate memorials in Arizona, calling them symbols of terrorism and bigotry.
Food-service jobs saw record first-quarter jump, despite wage increase
WASHINGTON - Arizona added a record 15,100 food-service jobs in the first quarter of 2017, despite a voter-mandated Jan. 1 increase in the minimum wage that some analysts believed would cause a reduction in service industry jobs.
Swimmers alerted to risks of crypto, pool parasite that makes you ill
SCOTTSDALE – As pool use surges during the summer, swimmers’ risk of contracting a waterborne illness rises.
Don’t let your dog out in summer heat and six other pet care tips
PHOENIX – Summer’s scorching temperatures can be especially dangerous for animals. Local animal advocates share tips on how to care for your pet:
Details on Comey’s Russia discussions with Trump concern lawmakers
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers expressed dismay Wednesday at advance copies of former FBI Director James Comey's scheduled Senate committee testimony showing Comey had repeated discussions with President Donald Trump about probes of Russian influence with the administration.
Ducey aide in Washington presses call for opioid prescription reform
WASHINGTON - Just days after Gov. Doug Ducey declared a health emergency in response to the state's opioid crisis, a top aide was in Washington to press the need to tighten regulation of opioid prescriptions.
Forest Service chief confident on wildfires despite proposed budget cut
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Forest Service faces a $970 million budget cut in 2018, but the chief of the agency told a Senate panel Wednesday he is confident the service will have the resources to battle wildfires next year.
House OKs plan to waive lie-detectors for some Border Patrol applicants
WASHINGTON - The House overwhelmingly voted Wednesday to waive polygraph tests for military, law enforcement and veterans applying for Border Patrol jobs, despite concerns that it could open the door to problem hires.
Six years later, slain Border Patrol agent’s family still seeks answers
WASHINGTON - Six years later, Josephine Terry still has trouble talking about the murder of her son, Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, who was killed in a Rio Rico shootout where guns were later traced to a botched government investigation.
Digital timer on prescription bottles may help addicts, CEO says
PHOENIX – A digital-timer on a pill bottle may help those who are fighting prescription drug addiction, the chief executive of the company that created the tool says.
Has your child or student experienced bullying in elementary school?
A January, 2017 study by Gary Ladd, ASU psychology professor, found that bullying occurs more in elementary schools compared to high school.
Arizona opens operations center to combat opioid crisis
PHOENIX – A conference room inside a stucco building in central Phoenix houses a combat zone.
Have you been blocked by President Trump on Twitter?
Many Americans who disagree with President Donald Trump have used Twitter as a means to criticize him and his agenda.
GOP, Democrats argue wildfire causes; SRP officials worries about effect
WASHINGTON - Republican and Democratic members of a House panel agreed Thursday that many factors have led to the rising number of wildfires in the U.S. That was all they agreed on.
McCain’s line of questioning for Comey not exactly a straight line
WASHINGTON - Former FBI Director James Comey may have expected many things when he testified to a Senate committee Thursday - but being promoted to president was probably not one of them.
House OKs financial reform bill, consumer advocates worry about impact
WASHINGTON - When Vietnam veteran Randall Stankewicz was getting the runaround from his mortgage lender, the Phoenix resident took his complaint the Servicemember Affairs Office in the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - which settled the issue in 10 days.
Do you have experience with recruiting student athletes for high school sports?
The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) has strict regulations against recruiting and giving any athletic scholarships.
What happens to social media after someone passes away?
Social media is a major aspect of our lives.
Low pay for Arizona teachers lowers morale, retention
PHOENIX – Teacher salaries that are among the lowest in the nation drive down teacher morale and make retention difficult, education advocates say.
Despite higher hourly rate, housing still out of minimum-wage reach
WASHINGTON - Minimum-wage workers in Arizona would have to work 70 hours a week, almost two full-time jobs, in order to afford a modest two-bedroom rental home in 2017, a new report says.
Diamondbacks’ Hoover sports own farm system, focuses on cattle, sustainability
PHOENIX — For Diamondbacks relief pitcher J.J. Hoover, signing with the team in January marked the beginning of a new chapter. Off the field, another experience has given birth and is in the early stages for the hard-throwing right-hander.
Rare Arizona meteorite receives Apache name
PHOENIX – A meteorite that landed on tribal land a year ago now bears an Apache name.
Arizona women press case in Washington for transgender protections
WASHINGTON - Erica Keppler traveled from Phoenix to Washington so she could have her voice heard - the voice of a transgender woman.
Trump presidency adds urgency to LGBT advocates’ rally in Washington
WASHINGTON - Marisa Tristan has long been an advocate for LGBT rights, but she never felt the need to march in Washington before this year.
Zinke calls for ‘right-sizing’ Bears Ears in review of Antiquities Act
WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recommended reducing the size of the 1.5-million-acre Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, drawing immediate criticism from Democrats and environmental groups who called his plan "nonsense."
Kids Count report: AZ ranks 46th in U.S. in child education, health and family
PHOENIX- Arizona ranks among the five worst states for children’s well being in education, health, economics and family and community matters, according to the Kids Count annual report.
New 911 text service helps people with disabilities get faster emergency response
LAKE HAVASU CITY – It’s dark. You’re hiding in your closet. Someone just broke in and you’re alone. You can’t call police because you don’t want the intruder to know where you are. You need to send a text.
Ducey requires 24-hour deadline on reporting opioid overdoses, deaths
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order Tuesday requiring reports of opioid overdoses and deaths reach state health officials within 24 hours.
Appeals court upholds tribes’ claim in dispute over Gila River water
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Tuesday agreed with two tribes who challenged a Freeport Minerals plan to divert water from the Gila River, saying the company had failed to show that its proposal would not affect the tribes.
ICE director says ‘no population is off the table’ for immigration arrests
WASHINGTON - The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement told a House committee Tuesday that while the agency is targeting criminal immigrants as it ramps up enforcement efforts, "no population is off the table" for immigration arrests.
Gunman opens fire on Republican lawmakers near Washington
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - At least five people were taken to the hospital early Wednesday after a gunman opened fire on Republican lawmakers who were practicing for an annual charity baseball game.
Hamilton graduate Andersen and father take on U.S. Open
CHANDLER - Mason Andersen, a recent Hamilton High School graduate, will compete with some of the best golfers in the world Thursday at the U.S. Open.
Supersize me: ASU’s new video board looks to enhance fan experience
TEMPE— Watching replays used to be a struggle for students seated in the south end zone of Sun Devil Stadium.
Tell us your experience with wrong-way driving
Gov. Doug Ducey intends to use thermal camera technology along freeways and increase public awareness regarding wrong-way driving in Arizona.
Latino community members ask Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to restore trust
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone shut down Tent City but still allows immigration officials to deport undocumented detainees at county jails, according to members of the Latino community who say they are still recovering from the previous administration’s anti-immigration policies.
Parched by drought, Lake Mead water levels could lead to statewide water limits
LAKE MEAD – Arizona risks losing water rights because of a lingering, nearly two-decade long drought in the Colorado River that could restrict water use ranging from farmers’ crops to how many households receive water, state water experts say.
Ducey touts value of Mexico trade, hopes to be in any negotiations
WASHINGTON - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey told a U.S.-Mexico diplomacy conference Wednesday that maintaining good trade between the countries is important, and he expects the state to have a "seat at the table" in any upcoming trade negotiations.
Flake, witnesses recall ‘indiscriminate firing’ at lawmakers in attack
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake was among the Republican lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game Wednesday when "indiscriminate firing" rang out from a gunman who left five wounded before he was killed in a shootout with police.
Congress hits pause as members, staff grapple with shooting
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers and staffers on Capitol Hill were grappling Wednesday with what one member called the "horrifying and concerning" shooting spree in a Washington suburb that left five people injured, including staffers, police officers and a House member.
For victims of 2011 Tucson shooting, Wednesday attack a painful reminder
WASHINGTON - It's been more than six years since a shooting spree at a Tucson congressional event killed six and wounded 13, including then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, but Wednesday's shooting in Virginia brought the memories flooding back.
Diamondbacks hit home run with summer pass deal
PHOENIX — April 26th marked the worst home attendance in Arizona Diamondbacks history. The announced crowd of 12,215 filled only 25.2 percent of Chase Field, surely raising a red flag for the organization.
Check this out: Libraries offer autism resources, robotics parts
PHOENIX – Arizona public libraries have pushed to become more than just a place to check out books, and an $800,000 grant will help continue the expansion by developing 50 programs at 36 libraries throughout the state.
Dry conditions in south prime Arizona for ‘dangerous’ wildfire season
WASHINGTON - Southern Arizona is looking at a "very dangerous" wildfire season with a "tremendous amount of fire" after a spring of record dryness and above-average temperatures, fire officials say.
Australians discover physical basketball, large food portions when transitioning to WNBA
PHOENIX — What was the first thing Phoenix Mercury forward Cayla George noticed when she arrived in the United States?
Stoudemire experience illustrates value of NBA draft workouts for Suns
PHOENIX — Fifteen years ago, the Phoenix Suns had the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Buzz surrounded a high school athlete who had declared himself eligible.
Hot, dry temperatures drive wildfire dangers
PHOENIX – Soaring temperatures and dry conditions are increasing the danger of wildfires in Arizona. About 850 wildfires ripped through more than 200 square miles in Arizona this year, according to Jeff Whitney, director of the Arizona State Forestry Division.
Arizona residents mark Juneteenth, say schools need to teach about delay in Emancipation Proclamation
PHOENIX – When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, giving slaves their freedom, it took more than two years for news to travel to Galveston, Texas.
K9 sergeant moves from chasing down suspects to retirement as family pet
PHOENIX – Sgt. Vasku, after working for seven years on SWAT operations and chasing down criminal suspects, has retired.
Court gives firefighters a second chance in age-discrimination case
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday said two former firefighters can sue the Mount Lemmon Fire District for age discrimination in their firing, a suit that had earlier been thrown out by a lower court.
Advocates to fight Redskins’ name, despite court ruling in similar case
WASHINGTON - Native American advocates vowed Monday to continue their fight against the "racist" name of the Washington Redskins, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that use of such names is protected by the First Amendment.
American Airlines cancels regional flights as 120 degrees in Phoenix looms
PHOENIX – The extreme heat in the Phoenix area, expected to reach 120 degrees on Tuesday, endangers the elderly and others with health risks and has lead to dozens of cancelled flights.
Arizona poem emblazoned on screen at U2 revival of Joshua Tree tour
PHOENIX – U2’s revival of their Joshua Tree tour has a poetic Arizona element.
Extreme temperatures don’t slow Arizona hikers
SCOTTSDALE- July 10, 1913, is widely regarded as the hottest day recorded in the United States. On Tuesday, temperatures in Phoenix reached 119, only 15 degrees lower than that scorching day in Death Valley, California.
Arizona students looked to make some history at National History Day
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - It took months of research, but Flagstaff seventh-graders Joy Kim and Ella Downard were finally able to produce a 10-minute documentary on Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl whose courage and determination to get an education won her the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17.
Investment in investments: Officials pitch state to foreign investors
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - President Donald Trump's occasional tough talk on some international trade deals does not appear to have scared off foreign investors at the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit, which Arizona representatives called "probably the best yet."
Advocates, DHS officials caution that DACA future still up in the air
WASHINGTON - Buried in a Homeland Security memo last week that canceled a program to protect undocumented immigrant parents from deportation was a single line saying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program "will remain in effect."
Athletes: What has been your experience with anxiety or depression?
Plenty of notable professional athletes have publicly acknowledged they have or are currently dealing with anxiety or depression, including Pittsburgh Steelers legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke.
Bullying and Hazing in youth sports: What’s your story?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2014-15 school year, 20 percent of students between the ages of 12 and 18 surveyed reported being bullied at school in some way.
Taurasi marriage, Mercury Pride Night help ease challenges of LGBTQ community
PHOENIX — On Sunday, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi broke the WNBA’s all-time scoring record. A month earlier, she was celebrated for a different achievement: appearing on the cover of People Magazine with former teammate Penny Taylor.
Do you have experience with unconventional dating sites?
According to eHarmony's statistics, 20 percent of people in long-term relationships resulted from an online dating site.
Pesticide-polluted water may hurt bee population
MESA – Farmers depend on honey bees to produce one-third of our food and drink, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But experts say those same farmers may be killing those bees because of the pesticides they use.
How to survive Arizona heat: Carry umbrellas, wear gloves and hunt shade
As record heat continued to plague the Valley, Tempe residents and workers found ways to survive triple-digit temperatures.
Posters, shoe deals, international success find Millage after ASU basketball career
PHOENIX — After hitting the shot of his life, Curtis Millage raced down the court of Riga Arena in Latvia with pure joy, flexing his muscles to the crowd.
Run-in between Border Patrol, No More Deaths volunteers was not first
WASHINGTON - When Jim Marx got the call that Border Patrol agents were monitoring a No More Deaths camp that was helping immigrants endangered while crossing the desert border last week, his first thought was, "Here we go again."
Mural portrays little-known figure in Arizona history
PHOENIX – Two local artists, Hugo Medina and Darrin Armijo-Wardle, took a six-month journey to discover more about a little-known figure with a colorful Arizona history: Malinda Curtis, whose birthdate is unknown but died in 1910. The difficult part was the work it took to uncover a mystery.
Does exercise impact mental health?
The American Psychological Association cites multiple studies on the impact exercise can have on mental health.
How does water get treated?
PHOENIX – The Deer Valley Treatment Plant cleans, tests and pumps out 150 million gallons of water a day.
Arizona urban parks stocked with 250,000 fish
PHOENIX – Arizona anglers can hook trout, bass and catfish at urban recreation areas in the Phoenix area and around the state after Arizona Game and Fish stocked waters with a quarter million fish.
Frank Kush’s legacy far greater than winning football games
PHOENIX — Frank Kush was defined by his accomplishments and controversies but his impact on the growth of Arizona State as a university should be his greatest legacy.
Chemical attraction: Scottsdale teen in national chemistry competition
WASHINGTON - You might not know which chemical element in the Hope Diamond has the largest molecular mass, but an eighth-grader from Scottsdale does.
Arizona reaction to Senate health bill ranges from lukewarm to hostile
WASHINGTON - The Senate Republican plan to replace Obamacare was quickly attacked by Democrats and kept at arm's length by Arizona's Republican senators, who seemed less than eager to comment on a bill few had seen before its release Thursday.
Suns pick Jackson addresses ‘two mistakes,’ promises versatility
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns took the next step toward building what they hope will grow into a championship contender Friday as general manager Ryan McDonough and coach Earl Watson introduced Josh Jackson, Davon Reed and Alec Peters as its 2017 NBA Draft class.
Feds remove Hualapai Mexican vole from endangered species list
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said Friday they will remove the Hualapai Mexican vole from the endangered species list after 30 years, a move that one environmental group criticized as "premature" for an animal it says could still be at risk.
Protesters urge ‘no’ vote on GOP health care bill, as details emerge
Angry protesters rallied outside Sen. Jeff Flake's Phoenix office Friday, demanding that he vote against a Republican health care bill that new analyses claim could hit Arizona particularly hard.
Broken AC, no money leave low-income residents facing scorching heat
PHOENIX – Socorro Carbajal is 76 years old, lives on the limits of Social Security and can’t afford to have her home's central air conditioning unit repaired.
Wrangling begins in contempt trial of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio
PHOENIX – Prosecutors painted former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio as a law enforcement leader who disregarded a federal judge’s orders to halt racial profiling of Latino motorists and passengers, while Arpaio's attorneys said he followed the law "as the law exists" during opening statements in his federal criminal contempt trial.
Trump gets partial win from Supreme Court on stalled travel ban
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday that the Trump administration can proceed, for now, with a limited version of its restrictions on refugees and travelers from six majority-Muslim countries, a ban that critics called at thinly veiled Muslim ban.
CBO: Senate bill cuts deficit deeply, also cuts 22 million from health care
WASHINGTON - The Congressional Budget Office said Monday that Senate Republicans' plan to replace Obamacare would reduce the federal budget deficit faster than a House-passed health care bill, but would cost 22 million people their health coverage.
Court gives Mexican family new chance to sue Border Patrol agent
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a lower court to reconsider its decision to throw out a lawsuit that a Mexican family filed against the Border Patrol agent who fatally shot their son across the border.
Experienced a sport injury, but continue to play?
According to Stop Sports Injuries, 40 percent of sports injuries treated in hospitals are attributed to children ages 5 to 14.
Do you exercise in the Arizona heat?
The heat in Arizona, specifically the Phoenix area, finds a way to affect everyone.
Tucson utility proposes $6 million cut to energy conservation programs
TUCSON – Tucson Electric Power proposes to slice $6 million from energy efficiency programs, a move an Arizona consumer-interest group said would hurt residents, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Arizona organizations urge Senate to say no to new healthcare bill
PHOENIX – Arizona leaders of an array of organizations, ranging from AARP to Planned Parenthood, joined a chorus opposed to a Senate health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Bipartisan group looks past health reform fight to focus on drug policy
WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of House members unveiled a raft of proposals Tuesday aimed at combating the nation's drug epidemic, saying they felt compelled to come together on what is not a partisan issue but "an American issue."
Safe at home? Not if home is Arizona, new report card on safety says
WASHINGTON - Arizona got an "F" for its safety policies, scoring particularly poorly on traffic safety, in a new national ranking of how well states are prepared to deter preventable deaths.
CBP: Border wall will mix walls, tech, patrols and ‘natural barriers’
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's promised wall along the Mexican border will be more like a "border wall system" of walls, fencing, technology, law enforcement, patrol roads - and 130 miles with nothing but "natural barriers," a border official said Tuesday.
Navajo OK plan to begin shutdown of Navajo Generating Station
WASHINGTON - The lights will stay on at the Navajo Generating Station until 2019 as the Navajo Nation Council voted 18-4, after hours of debate Monday, for a new agreement with the plant's operators.
Supreme Court may be eyeing state’s appeal on DACA driver’s licenses
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court this week moved to take a closer look at Arizona's bid to deny driver's licenses to recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, sparking concern among immigration-rights advocates.
Komen Arizona chapter closes, other groups continue race to end cancer
PHOENIX – An annual race to support breast-cancer research has run out of steam in Arizona, but other cancer awareness, fundraising and support efforts are expected to stay on the move, advocates say.
Good Samaritans step up to help 76-year-old with expensive AC repairs
PHOENIX – Socorro Carbajal had tears in her eyes.
Summer camp gives aspiring veterinarians hands-on experience
PHOENIX – For most kids, summer camp means camping and arts and crafts, but teenagers attending Arizona Humane Society’s Victory Vets Camp learn what it takes to be a veterinarian.
Court says tribal agency has jurisdiction in state school labor dispute
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the Navajo Nation Labor Commission can decide a labor dispute between state school districts and their employees at schools on Navajo land.
Mesa woman continues fight against immigrant crime with new group
WASHINGTON - It was 3 a.m. on May 14, 2014, when Mary Ann Mendoza got the call that would change her life. Her son, Mesa Police Sgt. Brandon Mendoza, had been hit on his way home from work by a wrong-way driver who was high on crystal methamphetamine and had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit.
How much do you know about your credit score?
According to the Consumer Federation of America, while more and more people are requesting their credit report, less are fully understanding it.
Dust storm detector will alert drivers to freeway hazards
PHOENIX – State safety and transportation officials are developing a detection system to warn motorists if dangerous dust storms are in the area.
DACA students: How will you handle the in-state tuition repeal?
The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students are no longer eligible for in-state tuition at Arizona universities and community colleges.
ASU golf hopes Valley becomes permanent home for NCAA championship
Arizona State University has dreams of becoming the permanent home for an NCAA Championship.
Hiring freeze lifted, Phoenix police seek diverse recruits
PHOENIX – It’s early morning as five Phoenix police recruits prepare to spend their day doing pushups and situps on an asphalt parking lot, clamber over a six-foot wall and hit the rubber track girdling the training grounds for a 1.5 mile run.
Cardinals visit Phoenix VA to acknowledge vets who ‘hardly get recognition’
PHOENIX — For a group of players accustomed to the spotlight, it was time to recognize a community that rarely experiences it.
House passes bills aimed at crimes committed by illegal immigrants
WASHINGTON - The House passed immigration bills Thursday that Republicans promised would take criminal immigrants "off the street," but Democrats said would do little for public safety while having a "chilling effect" on immigrant communities.
Border ranchers air immigration grievances at talk-radio convention
WASHINGTON - Tombstone ranchers Peggy and Fred Davis worked a different kind of range this week, strolling from booth to booth to tell talk-radio hosts about their lives on the front lines of the nation's immigration debate.
Arizona Regents: DREAMers to keep in-state tuition for now
PHOENIX – The Arizona Board of Regents decided Thursday to keep offering in-state tuition to Arizona DREAMers until courts ultimately decide whether offering a tuition break to undocumented students is legal.
In Focus, episode 9: Social media memorialization and ‘cybergraves’
On this episode of In Focus, we look at what happens to social media accounts when you die. Producer Roddy Nikpour speaks to someone who had to deal with his sister's death. He saw strange results when his family memorialized her Facebook profile, but modern research says they're normal. Plus, an anthropologist sheds light on the importance of physical objects in remembering the dead.
Arizona junior colleges provide viable route to professional baseball for players
PHOENIX — When assessing the Major League Baseball talent pool that originates in Arizona, two colleges tend to come to mind: Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. The rival schools have sent nearly 800 players to the professional level throughout the history of their storied programs.
Feds post plan for endangered cactus, but recovery still a long way off
WASHINGTON - After 24 years of waiting, is the Pima pineapple cactus finally having its day in the sun? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week released a draft recovery plan for the cactus that has been on the endangered species list since 1993. But even as they welcomed the announcement, conservation advocates said there is "a lot of work still to be done" to save the plant.
Arizona will comply with only some of White House’s voter data request
WASHINGTON - Arizona will comply with only some of a request from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity for personal information on the state's 3.6 million registered voters, Secretary of State Michele Reagan said Friday.
IV therapy businesses tout vitamin injections, but do they work?
SCOTTSDALE — Businesses offering IV hydration therapy, an unconventional method of injecting customers with a cocktail of saline, vitamins and nutrients to make them feel better, are popping up across the Valley.
Stranded on Arizona highway? DPS program helps motorists in need
PHOENIX – One woman ran out of gas. Men in a pickup truck needed someone to change a tire on the car. Another man had one of his car’s tires blow up.
Court upholds Sahuarita drug conviction, rejects Miranda challenge
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday upheld a Sahuarita drug conviction, rejecting the defendant's claim that he confessed only after Drug Enforcement Administration agents continued to question him in violation of his Miranda rights.
Reagan says Arizona will not give voter data to White House commission
WASHINGTON - Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan said Monday that the state will not comply with a request from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity for information on the state's 3.6 million registered voters.
In wake of attacks, police plan ‘robust’ July Fourth security on Mall
WASHINGTON - Police are promising a "robust" security presence for July Fourth celebrations on the National Mall, just a few miles from the scene where a gunman opened fire on Republican members of Congress less than two weeks ago.
A red-white-and-blue picnic takes less green, but some still left out
WASHINGTON - The cost of an average Fourth of July cookout is down from last year, according to an annual survey - but still not low enough for food stamp recipients in Arizona to celebrate the holiday with all the fixings.
Arizona taxpayers could pay more as pension costs continue to rise
FLAGSTAFF – Pension costs for Arizona police officers and firefighters are rising to the point they are overburdening taxpayers, according to a legislative committee that is seeking reforms.
Phoenix firefighters battle scorching heat as they fight fires, rescue hikers
PHOENIX – The call comes in. A woman is having chest pains. Four Phoenix firefighters at Station No. 30 jump onto a truck, ignoring the triple-digit temperatures, and speed to an apartment to tend to the woman sitting on her couch.
Disability rights group protests health care bill at Sen. Flake’s office
PHOENIX – Members of a disability rights group protested a proposed health care bill at Sen. Jeff Flake’s office, urging him to vote against the controversial bill.
Arizona among growing number of states to reject voter data request
WASHINGTON - Arizona's decision to deny voter data to a White House panel on election integrity puts it in line with many states, 44 of which had said by Wednesday that they will deny the request in whole or in part.
Highway crashes continued six-year climb in 2016, Arizona data show
WASHINGTON - Motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities continued their steady six-year rise in Arizona in 2016, according to the most recent data from the state's Department of Transportation.
Have you suffered a heat-related illness during an athletic activity?
Have you gone to the pool this summer? Maybe you have ventured to your local ice rink to play hockey or skate?
Hundreds turn out to remember ‘bigger than life’ Kush
TEMPE -- Dan Kush stood at the entrance of the church, welcoming family, fans and former players with a smile. Despite the passing of his father, longtime Arizona State football coach Frank Kush, the mood was a healing one as teammates reconnected, stories were exchanged and the icon’s life was celebrated.
Mesa police investigate accusations of excessive force against jaywalker
MESA – Mesa police are investigating claims two officers beat a man who was jaywalking after a video emerged of them striking him as he struggled with them on the ground.
Opioid prescriptions drop, but Arizona counties still above norm
WASHINGTON - Despite recent declines in the number of opioids prescribed in the U.S., prescriptions are still three times higher than they were in 1999 - and most Arizona counties are prescribing at rates well above the national average.
Group hopes to stop school voucher expansion before it takes effect
WASHINGTON - When Arizona students return to school in August, a new law could make the state's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts available to all 1.1 million of them. Unless a grassroots group of opponents has its way.
La Raza, largest Latino group in the U.S., returns to a ‘changed’ Arizona
PHOENIX – The National Council of La Raza, the largest Latino civil rights group in the U.S., is bringing its national convention to Phoenix this weekend, ending a seven-year boycott over immigration rights.
Carteron’s unique journey takes him to Phoenix Rising
SCOTTSDALE — It all started with a meeting between old friends.
Local protests just part of pressure aimed at Flake on health care vote
WASHINGTON - When protesters descended on Sen. Jeff Flake's office this week to demand that he vote against the Senate's health reform bill, it was just the latest in a campaign by local and national groups to pressure the Arizona Republican.
Firefighters add drone incursions to threats faced in a wildfire
WASHINGTON - It used to be that firefighters' biggest worries in a wildfire might be unpredictable winds, rocky terrain and scorching heat. That was before the advent of affordable, readily available aerial drones.
Researcher: LGBT couples may face depression, pressures under weight of discrimination
TEMPE – Aryana Dahlgren, a 19-year-old college student, identifies as a gay woman, but has not come out to her family.
All-Star Game represents more than just baseball for Diamondbacks All-Stars
PHOENIX — The experience of playing in Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game is about much more than the competition. For four Arizona Diamondbacks, it represents a close group of teammates coming together and fulfilling a dream.
National Council of La Raza encourages Latino youth to vote when they turn 18
PHOENIX – The National Council of La Raza is launching a school-based program and new technology to increase voting and political engagement among Latino youths.
What’s the score?: People getting credit scores may not understand them
WASHINGTON - Phoenix resident Elizabeth Medora didn't know her credit score until a credit card company gave her a credit tracker a few years ago, and even then she didn't think much about it.
Arizona protesters arrested at Flake’s D.C. office in health care rally
WASHINGTON - As calls of "Trumpcare kills" and "health care is a human right" echoed through the halls of Capitol office buildings Monday, Lauren Klinkhamer stood quietly in Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake's office and told staffers, "I don't want to die."
Phoenix Councilman DiCiccio blocks constituents on Twitter
PHOENIX – Some Arizona residents have been blocked from the Twitter page of Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio, who is running for re-election.
Urban hydroponic farms offer sustainable water solutions
BERKELEY, Calif. – Tucked behind a Whole Foods in a corner warehouse unit, Ron and Faye Mitchell grow 8,000 pounds of food each month without using any soil, and they recycle the water their plants don’t use.
Senate to delay August recess, some House members push for same
WASHINGTON - Senate leaders said Tuesday that they will delay their traditional August recess by two weeks, a move that has some Arizona congressmen wondering if the House should do the same.
Researchers study urban heat from the sky, with hopes of a slightly cooler future
PHOENIX – One researcher takes to the skies, while another is rooted to the ground.
Frustrated senators urge DHS to fill ‘gaping holes’ on visa overstays
WASHINGTON - Current data on visa overstayers in the U.S. have "gaping holes" that need to be filled, frustrated lawmakers told Department of Homeland Security officials at a Senate hearing Wednesday.
Flake, Kaine urge Congress to reclaim power to OK military action
WASHINGTON - Congress has been too willing to cede its constitutional authority to approve the use of military forces and it's time to take that responsibility back, Sens. Jeff Flake and Tim Kaine said Wednesday.
Arizona furniture company wins trademark suit in federal court
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that an Arizona furniture company had its trademarks infringed by another company that used its name and its logo to sell identical products - what the court called "slam-dunk evidence" of infringement.
Texting service alerts families to nearest free meal
PHOENIX – Four years ago, No Kid Hungry launched a texting service to help families in need quickly find free meals.
‘My legs are still shaking’: Bungee workout springs into Valley gym
CHANDLER -- People who walk into Tough Lotus for the Bungee Workout class often have the same reaction.
Two Republican lawmakers, Phoenix chamber oppose health care bill
PHOENIX – A group of Republican legislators, business leaders and doctors in Arizona joined a continuing chorus of opposition to the national health-care bill Thursday, saying it would slash state Medicaid coverage for seniors, children and veterans.
Women: What’s your travel story?
Whether it's family vacation or you're flying solo, if you're a woman who travels often we want to hear from you.
Arizona farmer testifies regulators hinder, more than help, organics
WASHINGTON - An Arizona organic farmer told lawmakers Thursday that an advisory panel that is supposed to help the Agriculture Department develop standards is instead creating a sense of "uncertainty" in the future of the organic market.
Democrats cry foul at loss of border wall ban in defense budget bill
WASHINGTON - The 2018 defense spending bill that is expected to come up for a House vote Friday will not have language that would have prevented Pentagon funds from being used to build a border wall.
Arizonans at ‘play-in’ still bring serious clean-air message to Capitol
WASHINGTON - Sounds of toddlers laughing and playing echoed around her, but on stage the message from a Mesa teen was serious: Act on climate change, or we will suffer.
Not going anywhere: Former ASU AD Patterson to lead Coyotes’ Valley-wide arena search
GLENDALE — In his first public appearance since becoming the sole owner of the Arizona Coyotes, Andrew Barroway insisted that the franchise’s top priority is to find a new, long-term home in Arizona.
Report: Doctors teeter on the divide between pain treatment, opioids abuse
TEMPE – Chronic pain grips Lauri Nickel every day, day after day.
House OKs $689 billion defense bill, with almost as many amendments
WASHINGTON - The House passed a $689 billion defense budget Friday that includes funding for Pentagon operations - along with a record number of attempts at amendments, on everything from the border wall to professional sports.
Officials: Summer meals program rebounding after years of decline
WASHINGTON - Advocates and Arizona education officials say they are confident the summer meal program for low-income children will start to climb this summer, after five years of steady declines that saw meals served drop more than 50 percent.
Customers regain power, crews clean up damage from weekend monsoons
MESA – Phoenix area residents, utility companies and city officials spent Monday cleaning up from weekend monsoons that flooded streets, toppled trees, cut off power to thousands of homes and forced the closure of a water-drenched central Phoenix library.
Storm damage to Burton Barr library sends patrons, staff to other branches
PHOENIX – Storms that flooded Burton Barr Central Library over the weekend will leave it closed indefinitely, sending patrons and staff to other library branches in Phoenix.
‘No surprises’ as administration releases goals for renegotiating NAFTA
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration took a major step toward renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with the release Monday of a detailed list of objectives for trade talks.
‘Paper clip’ heart implant monitors problems, alerts doctor’s smartphone
PHOENIX - David Barnard felt a pain in his chest. His vision blurry and his left arm limp, he turned to his friend.
Out of nowhere: Flash floods strike with deadly ending
PHOENIX – Flash floods are second only to heat as a weather-related killer in Arizona, said meteorologist Daniel Henz of Maricopa County’s Flood Control District. Nine swimmers died and a 10th is missing after a flash flood on Saturday near Payson.
Goldwater Institute report: City courts levy fines at taxpayer expense
PHOENIX – City courts in Arizona have a conflict of interest that costs taxpayers, according to a Goldwater Institute report that says municipal judges are motivated to levy fines and fees to keep courts operating.
Flake: McCain ‘sounded great,’ as experts debate severity of condition
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake said fellow Arizona Sen. John McCain "sounded great" in a phone conversation Monday, just three days after McCain underwent surgery to have a blood clot removed from above his left eye.
Senators call limits on trade, travel with Cuba a travel ban in reverse
WASHINGTON - Cuban business owners were in Washington Tuesday with a message for U.S. officials - if you want freedom on the island, trade freely with its people.
Warner’s journey to Hall of Fame includes wife by his side
PHOENIX — The career of former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner isn’t just defined by his football achievements. It is shaped by faith, service, commitment and the person in Warner’s life who helped bring each of those together.
McCain reaction: News of brain cancer brings response from all sides
News that Arizona Sen. John McCain is battling brain cancer brought reaction from the White House, former presidents, allies and past opponents.
McCain diagnosed with brain cancer; family asks for prayers
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer, his doctors said Wednesday, less than a week after he was hospitalized for removal of a suspicious blood clot over his left eye.
Advocates: Obamacare repeal would ‘painfully disrupt’ Arizona care
WASHINGTON - A Senate proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act with no replacement plan in place "would immediately and painfully disrupt the health care system" and could force as many as 709,000 Arizonans off coverage, advocates said this week.
Trump taunts states, like Arizona, that denied voter data to task force
WASHINGTON - Arizona election officials had sharp words Wednesday for President Donald Trump after he suggested that states that are withholding voter information from a presidential commission have something to hide.
GOP, Democrats spar over best way to save Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON - Democrats and Republicans agreed Wednesday that everybody wants to prevent extinction of endangered species - but they differ sharply on how to do that.
Pork barreling on: Report shows ‘pork barrel’ spending continues rise
WASHINGTON - Despite the "tireless work" of Arizona Sens. Jeff Flake and John McCain, the number and cost of pork-barrel projects have continued to rise, jumping by over 30 percent this year, a new report says.
Suns owner Sarver eyeing new arena in quest to return team to prominence
PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver confirmed Wednesday that the franchise is actively pursuing options to either renovate Talking Stick Resort Arena or leave its current home altogether.
McCain vows to return to Senate after brain cancer diagnosis; lauded as Arizona icon
PHOENIX – Sen. John McCain on Thursday vowed to be “be back soon” in Washington, even as former presidents and longtime Arizona residents sent messages of support after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
What to know about glioblastoma, the brain cancer Sen. John McCain is battling
Glioblastoma, the cancer afflicting John McCain, is an aggressive cancer that originates in the brain.
Arizona official: EPA rule puts ‘extraordinarily high’ burden on mines
WASHINGTON - Proposed federal rules that would require mining companies to have cash sufficient to clean up any environmental problems they might cause are "duplicative and unnecessary," an Arizona environmental official told a House panel Thursday.
Study: Senate bill could give 1.8 million DREAMers path to citizenship
WASHINGTON - They are called DREAMers, the young, undocumented immigrants who were brought to this country as children, and their dream of citizenship got renewed backing Thursday from two prominent senators.
Outpouring of support for McCain comes from far – and weird
WASHINGTON - The outpouring of support following this week's announcement that Arizona Sen. John McCain has an aggressive brain tumor came from the expected Washington heavyweights, including current and former presidents, lawmakers and Cabinet members.
July 21, 2017 Newscast
Health status of Sen. John McCain, city court reports and heart attack research
‘Structurally deficient’ bridge over I-17 repaired using new technology
PHOENIX - The Interstate 17 bridge that crosses over 19th avenue was among more than 200 bridges in Arizona considered “structurally deficient” in a national safety report but has since been repaired, an ADOT spokesman said.
Technology helps trauma survivors accelerate PTSD treatment, recovery
SCOTTSDALE – Traci Temple St. John suppressed the trauma of her childhood for years. Adults said they loved her, then physically and sexually abused her, she said.
1.4 million weigh in on administration’s review of national monuments
WASHINGTON - An Interior Department plan to review recently designated national monuments has drawn more than 1.4 million public comments, a "phenomenal" number that one advocate said he had not seen in 25 years of environmental activism.
Former Tucson area firefighter devoted to educating bicyclists about safety
TUCSON — In 2008, Tucson resident Brendan Lyons was, by his own description, an overweight emergency medical technician who dreamed of becoming a firefighter. That dream and the fitness it would require seemed out of reach until a friend introduced him to cycling.
Pleasant day at lake can turn deadly for boaters caught in monsoon
LAKE PLEASANT – Law enforcement and recreation officials are urging boaters to practice safety during an intense monsoon season.
Defense spending bill could include $1.6 billion to start border wall
WASHINGTON - Democrats are blasting a GOP plan to allocate $1.57 billion to begin construction of a border wall with Mexico, by slipping that language into a critical defense funding bill.
McCain returning to Washington on eve of next Senate health care vote
WASHINGTON - Less than a week after he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer, Arizona Sen. John McCain will return to Washington Tuesday, his office announced Monday night.
Arizona sun may spur summer SAD, a rare, lonely depression
PHOENIX – Mike Johnson, a 50-year-old flight reservation agent, endures summer’s blistering heat and hours of relentless sun behind his home’s shuttered blinds, saying he loses sleep and weight.
Arizona senators join razor-thin majority to OK health care debate
WASHINGTON - Both Arizona senators joined the majority of their fellow Republicans and voted by the narrowest possible margin Tuesday to allow debate on measures that could repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act.
McCain cajoles, condemns, coerces Senate in emotional return
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gave Sen. John McCain 16 minutes of floor time Tuesday and McCain used every minute of it, capping an already emotional return to the Senate with a call to action for his fellow lawmakers that hit every emotion on the scale.
Experts say Arizona legislation a model for implementing 5G technology
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers have been at the forefront when it comes to laying the groundwork for 5G, the next generation of wireless telecommunications technology, a group of experts said Tuesday.
Spying? Deliveries? No, these drones are for racing
PHOENIX -- After a motocross accident left him confined to a wheelchair, Jim Boomer needed another adrenaline-pumping sport.
Phoenix Rising hopes Gold Cup success helps MLS cause
GLENDALE — Valley soccer fans showed once again that their passion for the world’s most popular sport is alive and well.
Tips to save your home from monsoon damage
PHOENIX – Monsoons can be tough on homes. Debbie Hernandez of Home Depot offers tips to keep a storm from wrecking a house or yard:
Verde River ranchers worry about safety in Arizona’s newest state park
VERDE RIVER – State officials plan to open Arizona’s newest state park along the Verde River but neighboring landowners fear crowds will compromise safety.
Flake raises more than $4 million for expected tough 2018 campaign
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake, often called one of the most vulnerable senators facing re-election in 2018, has started aggressively fundraising, and reported having almost $3 million in the bank.
Arizona lawmakers blast Trump’s tweeted ban on transgender soldiers
WASHINGTON - The response from Arizona lawmakers was swift and clear Wednesday after President Donald Trump said in a series of early-morning tweets that transgender individuals would not be able to serve "in any capacity" in the military.
Treibball: the urban herding sport for all dogs
PHOENIX -- In 2010, Will Bruner was working in Colorado when he saw a listing for an introductory class to Treibball. He was intrigued.
Family proposes new law to regulate bouncers after death of Valley firefighter
PHOENIX – After a nightclub bouncer was charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Daisy Mountain firefighter, his widow and other family members are advocating for a law to regulate bouncers.
Scottsdale Fashion Square renovates to keep luxury shoppers in stores and offline
SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale Fashion Square, known for bringing Gucci, Neiman Marcus and Prada stores to the Valley, is trying to fight online shopping fervor by adding luxury touches for its high-end shoppers.
House OKs spending bill with border wall funds, other amendments
WASHINGTON - The House passed a $713.4 billion defense spending "minibus" Thursday that rolled four separate spending bills together with scores of amendments, including almost $1.6 billion to begin construction of a border wall.
Corporation commissioner: Market change forcing regulators to adapt
WASHINGTON - For most people, electricity is simple: Flip on a switch or plug into the wall and power your devices. But for power companies and the regulators who oversee them, emerging technologies and innovations have introduced complications that are forcing administrators to rethink how they do their jobs.
Legislative bill would block out-of-state college students from voting in AZ
PHOENIX - Republican state Rep. Bob Thorpe is drafting a bill this summer that would ban out-of-state college students from voting in Arizona elections, sparking criticism from other public officials.
European vacation? This is business for ASU basketball
TEMPE — Arizona State men’s basketball is taking its talents across the pond.
Arizona driver’s manual now includes information for staying safe during traffic stop
PHOENIX – A new driver’s license manual now includes a safety section detailing best practices for drivers who get pulled over by law enforcement.
Young Tempe entrepreneurs create website to ease search for cheap parking
TEMPE - Two college entrepreneurs have started a website to help Tempe residents and Arizona State University students find parking quickly and cheaply at local homes.
GCU’s profile continues to rise with doubleheader invite
PHOENIX — The last time a college basketball doubleheader landed in downtown Phoenix, Talking Stick Resort Arena was still U.S. Airways, the Suns were a perennial power in the Western Conference, and a duo of games was played featuring Arizona vs. Illinois and Gonzaga against the Kevin Durant-led Texas Longhorns.
McCain, two other Republicans, help defeat repeal of Obamacare
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain's decision to buck his party early Friday and vote against a GOP plan to repeal Obamacare was both hailed as an example of "amazing courage" and derided as "betraying his conservative constituency."
In opening campaign salvo, Flake book says GOP has ‘lost its way’
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake is calling for a return to "traditional conservatism" in a book that says the Republican Party has lost its way, the opening salvo in what could be a tough re-election campaign.
Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio found guilty of criminal contempt in racial profiling case
PHOENIX – Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is guilty of criminal contempt for deliberately defying a court order arising from a racial profiling case, a federal court judge ruled on Monday.
Flake call for GOP to return to its roots sparks range of reactions
WASHINGTON - Arizona conservatives' reaction to Sen. Jeff Flake's claim that the Republican Party has lost its way appeared to be as divided Monday as the party itself.
Study: Extreme heat could ground airline flights more often
PHOENIX – Climate change that brings rising temperatures could lead to more grounded flights, according to a Columbia University study.
Activists angered as DHS waives environmental rules on border projects
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security invoked a waiver of environmental and other regulations Tuesday to speed construction of border projects, a decision that critics said will "endanger wildlife and people."
As McCain begins treatment, fellow POW reminisces, expresses hope
WASHINGTON - When Sen. John McCain took to the Senate floor last week to lecture his colleagues about governing, it reminded John Fer of similar conversations he'd had with McCain - in a North Vietnamese prison.
‘It doesn’t bother me’: ASU football players react to eye-opening CTE study
TEMPE -- Despite an eye-opening study about trauma found in the brains of deceased NFL players, it won’t keep them from playing the sport they love, several Arizona State athletes said.
Motorist in class action suit sees ‘justice’ in Arpaio criminal contempt verdict
PHOENIX - The driver who was at the heart of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio's contempt of court case said the sheriff's guilty verdict shows "justice is being served," but he is still affected by the encounter seven years ago.
Lori Piestewa Native American Games honor legacy of fallen soldier
SCOTTSDALE -- To appreciate the spirit of the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is to understand what occurs beyond the competition.
Despite best efforts, years of drought leave state little room for error
WASHINGTON - Arizona's top water official told a congressional committee Wednesday that even though the state has done a lot right, years of drought still threaten to push the region into a water emergency in the next few years.
Trump backs ‘merit-based’ visa bill that could halve legal immigration
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump threw his support behind a bill Wednesday that would slash immigration into the United States and create a merit-based system favoring those who speak English, have higher education and high-paying job offers.
At-risk youth find greater mental strength, spiritual transformation in community sports
PHOENIX - In the rising heat of a recent summer morning, teenage boys congregated on Phoenix Christian School’s football field, waiting to take turns going long for passes.
Valley sports hazing incidents put spotlight on coaches and culture
PHOENIX - Twice in the past year, high-profile hazing incidents have hit Valley high schools, requiring coaches and administrators to examine the culture and monitoring of their teams, according to interviews with coaches and experts.
Sports specialization can lead to overuse injuries in young athletes
PHOENIX - Every morning, Blaise Becker wakes up just after 4 a.m., packs his hockey bag and heads off to Arcadia Ice Arena.
It’s a bit of a stretch, and that’s what Phoenix Rising does to keep its players healthy
SCOTTSDALE — The final whistle blows, bringing another Phoenix Rising FC practice to an end.
Poor nutrition can hurt young athletes as they grow
PHOENIX - When Christina Barth was a dietitian for an elite youth soccer team, she encountered many different eating patterns among, what she described as, the “mini-professional athletes”.
Presidents’ fitness councils make slow progress against childhood obesity
WASHINGTON - When a study showed American youth were significantly more obese than their European peers, it shocked the president into creating a council aimed at combating the childhood obesity epidemic and increasing physical fitness throughout the country.
Even in Canton, excitement surrounds Kurt Warner’s NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement
CANTON, Ohio — For four days, often in early August, the city of Canton welcomes football fans from all over the country to its most illustrious event of the year.
Maricopa County wiretap may have run afoul of federal law, court says
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled this week that Maricopa County prosecutors who used state law to get a wiretap as part of a 2011 investigation may have run afoul of federal wiretap laws in the process.
Youth sports by the numbers
PHOENIX - Youth sports are booming in the US today. Almost 22 million children between ages 6 and 17 play team sports, according to Sports and Fitness Industry Association research.
Club sports provide access to recruiters, but are costly to families
PHOENIX - Every February, hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators from around the United State converge on the Reach 11 Sports Complex in northern Phoenix to compete in one of the largest soccer tournaments in the country.
‘I didn’t want to get out of bed’: Athletes battle mental health issues, too
PHOENIX -- Jonathan Meldrum, a former offensive lineman at Syracuse, struggled through his sophomore year in college.
Youth sports invest in early, advance training
PHOENIX - Youth sports is an ever-growing industry. With that comes an endless supply of competition for youth athletes. Parents want their children to stand out in the crowd and perform at a higher level. With that, private training is an option, and it can help athletes improve. However, it can be pricey with some trainers charging anywhere from $40-$50 per hour or around $140 per month depending on the type of plan. Is it worth the cost?
About the project
Youth Sports: Issues and Progress is a collaborative, investigative report written and produced by graduate students at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
As eSports grow, gamers hopes to see more support from ASU
TEMPE--As confetti rained down on Arizona State's eSports “Real Dream Team,” a sold-out CenturyLink Field Event Center crowd in Seattle watched the celebration unfold.
On eve of enshrinement, Warner remains in awe of Hall of Fame honor
CANTON, Ohio -- Even now, one day before his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Kurt Warner remains enthralled by his inclusion in Canton.
Youth Sports: Issues & Progress
Many children take up a sport from a young age, whether they enjoy the game, they want to make friends, or they aim to go pro. However, many student athletes undergo serious amounts of pressure from their parents, coaches, and society.
DHS may not have capacity to hire 15,000 officers Trump promised
WASHINGTON - The Homeland Security Department may not have the resources needed to hire the thousands of new agents President Donald Trump has ordered, and even if it could it might not know how to best deploy them.
On second thought: Congress drops talk of staying, takes August recess
WASHINGTON - Senate leaders, backed by vocal conservatives in the House, vowed at the height of the health care debate to trim the usual month-long August recess and stay until at least the middle of the month to work on pressing legislation.
Enshrinement ceremony stirs debate about Tillman and Hall of Fame
CANTON, Ohio --Pat Tillman is well known for trading in his football uniform and enlisting in the United States Army.
‘Road to our dreams has detours’: Warner reflects on Hall of Fame journey
CANTON, Ohio — When he first picked up a football in the front yard of his childhood home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, dreams of an NFL career fueled the mind of Kurt Warner. Although those dreams were plentiful, Warner never envisioned the mark he would leave on the game he’s held onto so dearly.
From covert dips to sponsorship opportunities, Chase Field pool has unique history
PHOENIX — Fans discover different things when passing through the turnstiles and finding their seats at Chase Field.
West Bank community working to cope with triple-fatal stabbing
HALAMISH, WEST BANK - The Israeli parents named their newborn son "Ari," the Hebrew word for lion. It was done to honor the child's grandfather, uncle and aunt, who were stabbed to death in a terrorist attack.
Arizona colleges strive to increase state’s graduation rate
PHOENIX – Arizona universities are working to drive up Arizona college graduation rates, smoothing the way for students transferring from community college, offering financial aid and adding online classes to draw non-traditional students.
Doubling down: McCain, Flake don’t soften edges despite poll showing
WASHINGTON - What do you do when you are listed as one of the most unpopular people in your home state? If you're a U.S. senator from Arizona, apparently you stick to your guns.
Mexican Baseball Fiesta coming to Cubs’ Sloan Park
MESA —The Chicago Cubs are looking to bring more of a “fiesta” atmosphere to Sloan Park.
Grand Canyon water pipeline slated for multimillion-dollar replacement
GRAND CANYON - An aging pipeline bringing water to residents, resorts and 6 million visitors a year at the Grand Canyon has broken about 80 times since 2010 and needs a multimillion-dollar replacement, park officials say.
Despite more judges, immigration courts backlog grows to record high
WASHINGTON - Immigration court cases waiting to be heard hit an all-time high of 607,755 in June - 10,031 of them in Arizona - despite the hiring of more judges and a Trump administration directive to expedite cases.
Triple digits? Done properly, training in intense heat can have advantages
PHOENIX -- In the 2017 version of the Black Canyon Ultras 100-kilometer race, which began in Mayer and finished in New River, 74 participants -- nearly a quarter of the competitors -- did not finish the race. Some dropped out before even starting and some attempted to complete the race but could not.
Women who travel spend billions but still do all the work, including laundry
PHOENIX – Women plan travel and men go along with the plans, according to new marketing research that also shows generational differences among millennial, Gen X and boomer women who travel.
Expensive, slow, frustrating: Renters, landlords have little government support
MESA – Francesca Sutton was excited to move out of her apartment and into her first rental home. She didn’t expect the scorpions.
Majority of state’s Native Americans now speak only English at home
WASHINGTON - Families in more than half of Native American homes in Arizona now speak only English at home, according to new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau.
August 10, 2017 Newscast
We take a look at how new technology is being used around the state for health and safety
‘Hard choices’ at VA include possible cut to unemployability benefit
WASHINGTON - Faced with a "hard decision" on the budget, the Department of Veterans Affairs is again considering new limits on the Individual Unemployability benefit that currently helps more than 200,000 disabled veterans.
Great deals drive golfers to feel the heat on Valley courses
PHOENIX -- With a floppy hat on her head and sunblock in hand, Viv Hynes prepares to play a round at the TPC Scottsdale golf club.
Rural schools face challenges in teaching STEM
HOLBROOK – Devin Etsitty, 17, remembers a time when he didn’t like science, technology, engineering or math, but teachers at Holbrook High School were determined to change his mind. They appointed him to lead a new program to promote STEM education.
Arizona edges to front of states eyeing blockchain technology
WASHINGTON - Before Arizona could be recognized as a leader in blockchain technology legislation there was one major challenge - helping lawmakers "get your head around" exactly what the technology is.
ATMs dealing in digital currency making digital cash a reality
WASHINGTON - They look like ATMs and they work like ATMs - you walk in and feed the machine your cash. Just don't call them money machines, because these ATMs don't give back cash, they give back bitcoin credits along with a receipt.
Income for African Americans fell in last decade, Census says
WASHINGTON - Per capita income for African Americans in Arizona fell over the last decade, the only racial or ethnic group that did not see an increase for the period 2006 to 2015, according to new data from the Census Bureau.
Hallucinations, cramps, even death: Sports in Arizona heat can be dangerous
PHOENIX — Exercising in the Arizona heat can be a dangerous -- and mind-altering -- decision.
In Focus, episode 10: Arizona’s new detection system for wrong-way driving
On this episode of In Focus, we discuss wrong-way driving and the new technology that the Arizona Department of Transportation is installing on the Interstate 17. Digital Producer Alexis Kuhbander speaks to someone who barely avoided a wrong-way collision, along with a public safety official and vehicle-detection system expert, who highlight the importance of the thermal enhancements.
International students find assistance adjusting to life at U.S. universities
TEMPE – More than a million international students attend American colleges and universities, but often struggle with homesickness, learning the nuances of the English language and making friends outside of people from their home country.
August 21, 2017 Newscast
A look at D.C. politics through an Arizona lens from our Washington bureau.
Thousands of Arizonans attend viewing parties to catch rare solar eclipse
PHOENIX – People began lining up near the Hayden Library on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus by 7 a.m. Monday to snag some free solar-safe glasses and watch the Great American Eclipse.
Phoenix leaders pledge to keep Trump rally safe; some schools, businesses to close early
PHOENIX – Local law enforcement leaders, school officials and businesses are bracing for President Donald Trump’s visit to Arizona on Tuesday, with public officials saying they are calmly working to avoid violent clashes between supporters and counter-protesters expected to clog downtown Phoenix.
Military bases’ contamination will affect water for generations
VICTORVILLE, Calif. - Once a fighter jet training base critical to the Cold War, little remains of the former George Air Force Base but rows of dilapidated houses, a dismantled military hospital and dangerous chemicals from pesticides, jet fuels and other hazardous wastes that have poisoned the water for decades.
City prepares, reacts to Trump’s rally in downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – One downtown Phoenix group estimated 25,000 people will converge in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday – both to support and oppose – President Donald Trump at his rally. He plans to appear at 7 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Trump visit to Arizona comes as party fight for Flake’s seat heats up
WASHINGTON - The primary race for Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake's seat is heating up as one of Flake's main antagonists, President Donald Trump, is visiting the state.
Day of peaceful protests ends with tear gas as faction confronts police
PHOENIX - Police deployed tear gas, concussion grenades and pepper balls to disperse the crowd near the Phoenix Convention Center as tensions rose following a campaign-style rally Tuesday night by President Donald Trump and counterprotesters.
Trump hints of future pardon for Arpaio, scolds Arizona senators McCain, Flake
PHOENIX – President Donald Trump returned to Phoenix on Tuesday, greeted by warm temperatures and warmth from supporters crowded into the downtown Phoenix Convention Center and flinging heat about illegal immigration, the media and Arizona leaders.
August 23, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
An in-depth look at youth sports, including training, health, and bullying.
Millions consumed potentially unsafe water in the past 10 years
WOLFFORTH, Texas – As many as 63 million people – nearly a fifth of the country – from rural central California to the boroughs of New York City, were exposed to potentially unsafe water more than once during the past decade, according to a News21 investigation of 680,000 water quality and monitoring violations from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Phoenix officials promise ‘thorough’ review of police response after Trump rally
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said Wednesday the city’s police department will conduct a “thorough and transparent” review of the police response after President Donald Trump’s downtown rally Tuesday night.
Trump comments on NAFTA talks put some Arizona businesses on edge
WASHINGTON - One day after President Donald Trump's prediction that the U.S. could "end up terminating NAFTA at some point," business and political leaders expressed hope Wednesday that negotiations on a new deal will still be allowed to play out.
Schools fail lead tests while many states don’t require testing at all
WASHINGTON, D.C. – When Ceon Dubose Palmore got thirsty at school, an administrator had to escort the 15-year-old past trash-bag-covered fountains to a faucet two floors down.
Arizona group wants $57 million Volkswagen settlement to go toward electric school buses
PHOENIX – A local grassroots environmental group gathered outside the Arizona state Capitol on Thursday to draw attention to diesel pollution. They want state officials to use the nearly $57 million the state will receive from the national Volkswagen settlement to replace diesel school buses with electric buses.
Zinke recommends keeping all national monuments, downsizing some
WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Thursday he will not call for the removal of any national monuments but will recommend downsizing an unnamed "handful" of monuments in a report to the White House.
Phoenix Latino bloggers look to increase potential through community engagement
PHOENIX — A local nonprofit provided much-needed resources and training for aspiring Latino bloggers Wednesday evening at Compass Business Solutions in downtown Phoenix. Collectivo’s mission is to provide networking opportunities specifically catering to Latinos.
Farming activity contaminates water despite best practices
CASCO, Wisc. – Lynda Cochart did not realize her water was contaminated with coliform bacteria until she contracted MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant skin infection. She believed it came from the water in her well in Casco, Wisconsin. “There’s no other way I could have gotten it,” she said.
President Trump grants pardon to former Sheriff Joe Arpaio
President Donald Trump has pardoned former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the White House announced late Friday afternoon.
Court orders Arizona federal judges to stop shackling defendants
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday ordered district judges in Arizona to stop shackling defendants unless they first determine that restraints are needed for "maintaining security and order" in the court.
Pentagon recognizes SRP for programs supporting Guard and reserves
WASHINGTON - When Adam Douglas is not senior project manager in the Salt River Project's Enterprise Applications Group, he is Capt. Adam Douglas of Arizona's Army National Guard - a juggling act made possible through the SRP's service member support programs.
Arizona lawmakers praise, condemn Trump’s pardon of Arpaio
WASHINGTON - In Washington, reaction to President Donald Trump's pardon of former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was swift and strong.
Academies over club soccer? Casa Grande program leads the charge
PHOENIX - As Major League Soccer made developing local talent for its teams a priority in recent years, the Grande Sports Academy was an early player in the trend of the sport’s elite moving away from U.S. club and high school programs in favor of attending academies.
August 28, 2017 Newscast
Highlights from the Education team, including a report on school lunch costs.
Industrial waste pollutes America’s drinking water
PHOENIX – In Ringwood, New Jersey, Ford Motor Co. dumped more than 35,000 tons of toxic paint sludge onto lands occupied for centuries by the Turtle Clan of the Ramapough Lenape tribe, poisoning groundwater with arsenic, lead and other harmful chemicals.
Phoenix launches independent investigation of police response to Trump rally protesters
PHOENIX – The city is hiring an outside firm to conduct an independent review of the controversial police response to protesters after last week’s presidential rally.
Arizona agencies send help to Hurricane Harvey victims
PHOENIX – Hundreds of Arizona residents are sending help to Texans displaced by Hurricane Harvey by donating money, food, supplies and other aid to Arizona relief organizations, sports groups, grocery stores and other businesses.
Tempe mosque opens its doors in hopes of changing perceptions
The doors to the Tempe Islamic Community Center were wide open on Friday evening as the community hosted an “Mosque Open House” night.
Arizona natives join thousands as ‘Ministers March for Justice’
WASHINGTON - Tucson native Daniel Viehland felt it was his duty as a Christian and a white person to march in Washington on Monday - 54 years after Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and two weeks after white supremacists rallied just two hours away.
Gender equity program brings women of color into STEM fields
PHOENIX – For years, white males have made up the majority of the STEM field.
Arpaio’s lawyer files motion to vacate conviction after presidential pardon
PHOENIX — Attorneys for former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio filed a motion Monday, seeking to have his federal criminal contempt of court conviction vacated.
Arizona ‘Hyperloop’ team doesn’t win international competition, but vows to continue
PHOENIX – Dozens of students from several Arizona universities spent the weekend in Hawthorne, California, competing at the SpaceX headquarters to build a high-speed transportation pod.
Just days after his pardon, Arpaio muses about possible future moves
WASHINGTON - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio may be out of trouble, but he's not getting out of the limelight. Just days after President Donald Trump pardoned Arpaio late Friday for a criminal contempt of court conviction, the former sheriff was musing Monday about remaining active in Arizona politics.
Phoenix Chinese community shocked by sale of cultural center property
PHOENIX – Members of the Chinese community in the Valley say they were caught off guard by the sudden sale of the property where their cultural center is located.
Arizona cuts to college student support still among steepest in nation
WASHINGTON - State support for students at Arizona's three public universities has fallen by 53.8 percent since 2008, more than three times the national decline over the same period, according to a new report.
FAA ordered to toss out Sky Harbor flight paths that raised noise levels
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Tuesday ordered the Federal Aviation Administration to throw out a controversial flight path plan for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport that sparked tens of thousands of noise complaints from neighbors.
Court rejects bid to declare Sonoran Desert bald eagle endangered
WASHINGTON - A federal court has rejected a bid to declare the Sonoran Desert bald eagle an endangered species, saying the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acted properly when it determined the birds were no different than other bald eagles.
International signees could help accelerate rebuilding process of ASU men’s tennis
TEMPE — Following an eight-year period without a men’s tennis team, Arizona State is back with a highly regarded collection of international players.
Colonias on the border struggle with decades-old water issues
YUMA, Ariz. – Nestor Alaniz didn’t get a permit to build a well in his mother’s backyard, and he didn’t get it inspected.
Shane Doan inspired growth of Arizona hockey community
PHOENIX — After Coyotes forward Shane Doan announced his retirement in a letter to the team and his fans, members of the Arizona hockey community reflected on the impact he had on the sport locally.
DACA support continues as community awaits Trump’s decision
PHOENIX — For the second day in a row, protesters gathered outside the Immigration & Customs Enforcement office in Phoenix. A tent was set up, under which protestors sat for a moment of relief from the sweltering heat. There were two coolers filled with water, Gatorade and snacks for protesters. A banner hung from the tent reading “Dreamers will be deported. What will you do?”
Trump threatens shutdown over border wall funding
PHOENIX — While visiting Phoenix last week, President Donald Trump threatened to shut down the government in order to pressure congress into funding his proposed border wall. It was one of his main campaign promises and one he’s made clear he intends to keep.
High turnout for city council meeting as police are under review
PHOENIX - Just as the Phoenix Police Department is conducting an investigation into its response in the aftermath of last week’s protests following President Donald Trump’s visit, community members and organizers showed up Wednesday to the Phoenix City Council meeting to express their concerns during a demonstration they called, “Phoenix Police Department Violence.”
August 31, 2017 Newscast
Highlights from Cronkite Sports including a tour of Sun Devil Stadium renovations
Controversy over banner with crossed-out swastika prompts meeting with Rising FC
PHOENIX -- Controversy surrounding a banner featuring a crossed-out swastika has prompted a Saturday meeting between Phoenix Rising FC and Los Bandidos, a group that supports the soccer club.
DACA: The process and the impact of its possible removal
PHOENIX — In a waiting game full of anxiety and uncertainty, thousands of DACA recipients in Arizona are waiting to see if the Trump administration will rescind the program that has allowed them to stay legally in the country they call home.
Conservation groups to continue Sonoran bald eagle protections
PHOENIX – Local conservation and environmental organizations plan to expand efforts to protect and grow Sonoran bald eagle populations after a federal court decision to deny the birds a spot on the endangered species list.
Reflections of Tillman accompany unveiling of bronze statue
TEMPE — “Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It lead us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” -- Pat Tillman.
Soccer team provides safe outlet for African refugees in the Valley
PHOENIX — The Maricopa Mulenge Football Club started out as a few guys playing soccer together in a local park and now, this team has become a safe outlet for part of the African refugee community here in the Valley.
Native American tribes fight for clean water and more money
CROW AGENCY, Mont. – When John Doyle first noticed signs of trouble in the Little Bighorn River, he was still a young member of the Apsaalooke Nation in southeastern Montana.
Arizona files lawsuit against Chandler-based opioid company, accuses it of fraudulent practices
PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Chandler-based opioid manufacturer Insys Therapeutics Inc. and three doctors. The suit alleged that they participated in fraudulent practices, which led to overprescription of a powerful opioid drug, according to a statement released Thursday.
Tempe firm wins contract for construction of border wall prototype
WASHINGTON - A Tempe company was one of four firms named Thursday to build the first prototypes of President Donald Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico, Customs and Border Patrol officials announced.
Ministers plan fast to support DACA as White House weighs program
WASHINGTON - Arizona minister Noel Andersen joined dozens of faith leaders outside the White House where they vowed Wednesday to mount a fast over the next week as the fate of a deferred deportation program for minors hangs in the balance.
Seeing the light: Despite fears, few eye injuries turn up after eclipse
WASHINGTON - After they stared into the darkness, it seems Americans are still seeing the light. A little over a week after the shadow of the Great American Eclipse crept across the country, it appears that people who took the time to watch the eclipse also heeded public warnings and took precautions to protect their eyes.
Through the hardships of the grind, Diamondbacks players are driven by family and fortune
PHOENIX — Some refer to it as a marathon. Others allude to a battle of wits between the strong and the weak-minded. No matter how it’s phrased, MLB’s 162-game regular season is a grueling six-month fight from start to finish.
Arizona gas prices bumped by holiday, hurricane; still relatively low
WASHINGTON - Gas prices in Arizona rose 5 cents a gallon this week - 4 cents since Thursday - squeezed by the typical rise in holiday demand and a drop in supply from Gulf Coast refineries shuttered by Hurricane Harvey.
DACA repeal could have negative economic impact in Arizona
PHOENIX — Through DACA, Lili Sanchez has been able to obtain work as a licensed real estate agent and provide for her two young children. The fate of her profession and source of income now rests entirely in the hands of President Donald Trump. If the program is repealed, Sanchez will have few options left and will have to start from zero again.
Students mark moment of peace and unity at Maryvale High School
PHOENIX – Jaqueline Guerra walked into the middle of the athletic field at Maryvale High School, surrounded by ribbons of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors seeking peace and unity in troubled times. After the cheers died down, she spoke.
Phoenix, Tucson get middling scores in UN look at cities’ sustainability
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said in his State of the City address this year that Phoenix had been "recognized for our leadership on sustainability," but a new study suggests it may have room to improve.
As ‘gig economy’ grows, labor experts split on whether it’s good or bad
WASHINGTON - Most workers will get holiday pay if they clock in on Labor Day, but for a rapidly growing sector of the labor force it could be just another day on the job.
September 4, 2017 Newscast
A look at how Arizona dealt with record-breaking heat this summer of 2017.
Trump’s DACA decision brings tears, uncertainty, determination for recipients
WASHINGTON — Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday President Donald Trump’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program constructed under the Obama Administration.
From ‘fulfills a promise’ to ‘wrong’ and ‘heartless,’ online reaction to DACA news is swift
News that President Donald Trump is rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program brought reaction on social media from U.S. government officials, former President Barack Obama, and Arizona state officials.
Immigration attorneys say DREAMers will be left in limbo
PHOENIX — Arizona immigration attorneys said the six-month winding down of the dreamers’ program leaves thousands in limbo.
Arizona business leaders say DACA repeal could have millions in economic impact
PHOENIX – One local business leader said if authorities remove all of the state’s DACA recipients from the economy, it would be the equivalent of removing the population of Kingman in northwest Arizona.
September 5, 2017 Newscast
The recent decision to end DACA and how thousands of recipients are responding.
Arizona lawmakers sour on plan to revoke DACA, vow to work on new bill
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats, joined by some Republicans, had harsh words for the Trump administration's Tuesday announcement that it will revoke the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program unless Congress can agree on a replacement in six months.
White House says phasing out DACA is least harmful to young immigrants
WASHINGTON - Trump administration officials defended their proposal to "wind down" a deferred deportation program over the next six months, calling it the least disruptive way of terminating a program that has protected 800,000 young immigrants.
Advocates’ response to DACA decision is swift, broad-based, emotional
WASHINGTON - Immigration advocates vowed they would go to court to block a Trump administration plan to wind down a deferred deportation program for young immigrants, almost as soon as Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the plan Tuesday.
Marchers go from White House to ICE offices to protest DACA decision
WASHINGTON - Hundreds of demonstrators marched peacefully - but not quietly - in Washington Tuesday to protest the Trump administration's decision to "wind down" deferred deportation protections for illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.
Arizona officials want tougher controls on opioid prescriptions
PHOENIX – Arizona officials on Wednesday said they want to limit doctors to prescribing no more than five days’ worth of opioids for people who haven’t already been on the powerful pain medication.
Little People group says wrestling event in Chandler hurts, discriminates
CHANDLER - Leaders of the Phoenix area chapter of the Little People of America are upset organizers of a Chandler festival hired and promoted an “extreme midget wrestling” event, saying the term is derogatory, painful and may violate federal laws protecting people with disabilities.
Now Division I, advancing to NCAA Tournament is GCU’s ‘sole focus’
PHOENIX — The momentum built slowly over the past four years as the men’s basketball program at Grand Canyon University awaited Division I eligibility.
DACA: legally, what happens now?
PHOENIX - Tuesday’s announcement on the phase-out of the DACA program left recipients with many questions regarding what their legal options are and what steps they now may need to follow.
State officials warn of mercury levels in fishing areas; launch online guide to safe consumption
PHOENIX – Arizona environmental officials on Wednesday warned visitors and residents to only eat limited amounts of certain kinds of fish contaminated with mercury found in three fishing areas in the state, adding to a growing list of advisories against fish consumption in lakes and streams.
Arizona higher education administrators work to reassure DACA students
PHOENIX — Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump would be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA.
One day after DACA decision, Democrats push for vote on DREAM Act
WASHINGTON - Arizona DREAMers joined other advocates on Capitol Hill Wednesday as Democrats called for a quick vote on a "clean" DREAM Act, which would keep many of the protections that could be lost if DACA is revoked.
Appeals court gives restaurant workers another chance in wages lawsuit
WASHINGTON - A group of Arizona restaurant servers will get another day in court to prove their claim that their employers failed to pay them sufficiently for work that should have paid them minimum wage.
Senate probe blasts Chandler-based Insys for practices on painkiller
WASHINGTON - A Senate investigation released Wednesday claims that Chandler-based pharmaceutical company Insys Therapeutics used "aggressive and likely illegal techniques to boost prescriptions" of a painkiller that contained the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.
GCU students’ love of ‘boarding’ drives launch of electric longboard company
PHOENIX – Levi Conlow and Nathan Cooper have been “boarding” all their lives — skateboarding, wakeboarding and snowboarding.
Bites increase during rattlesnake birthing season
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona is in the middle of rattlesnake birthing season, leading to an increased risk of snakebites, according to poison control experts.
Political message a sign of tension as Roosevelt Row development continues
PHOENIX — It’s a blindingly bright Tuesday morning in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row arts district. Despite the lack of people on the sidewalks, it is anything but quiet. The sounds of construction fill the air at the intersection of Third and Roosevelt streets, and a promotional sign for the new Broadstone Roosevelt Apartments, which formerly read “Never Stop Exploring,” was altered with spray paint to read “Never Stop Exploiting.”
What do cars, phones and Rising players have in common? All equipped with GPS
TEMPE — After suffering a right groin injury, Matthew Watson’s recovery was accelerated by learning he favored his left leg during competition. How did the Phoenix Rising FC defender find out?
Trump tweets Dreamers have “nothing to worry about” for six months, Twitter users react
PHOENIX — President Donald Trump’s tweet early Thursday morning about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, left some wondering what he meant exactly, with many Twitter users expressing confusion.
Film screening in Tempe opens door to discussion of portrayal of Latinas in media
TEMPE — A film about a young Latina in Los Angeles torn between her personal ambitions and her conservative family’s expectations opens the door to a conversation about the need for the authentic portrayal of Latinas in film.
September 7, 2017 Newscast
DACA updates, release of AZ merit scores, and the Phoenix City Council rally.
Arizona lawmakers weigh in on case pitting gay rights, religious rights
WASHINGTON - Three Arizona lawmakers were among the scores of House and Senate members who filed a court brief Thursday defending the Colorado cake shop owner who was sued for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.
Advocates warn that cuts to EPA budget will be felt in Arizona programs
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality got $315 million in funding for specific federal programs over the past five years - funding that could be endangered by proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency budget.
Southwest Valley officials to cut salt cedar trees invading Gila River bed
BUCKEYE — Local leaders say salt cedar trees are invading the Gila River, causing flood andfire hazards and choking native vegetation and wildlife habitats. They say it’s time for the trees, planted a century ago to slow erosion, to make their final stand.
Local attorney helps DREAMers plan for uncertain future
PHOENIX — After President Donald Trump’s official DACA decision was announced earlier this week, DREAMers now turn their focus to what could be next for them.
As GCU completes Division I transition, relationship with Pac-12 remains complicated
PHOENIX — Although Grand Canyon’s transition to Division I is complete, its relationship with the Pac-12 remains complicated.
ASU’s DACA students meet, plan action
PHOENIX — On Thursday evening, Arizona State University students crowded into a makeshift conference room, pulling chairs into a circle. When there wasn’t any room left, some students sat on the floor in the middle. They took turns introducing themselves – sharing their names, their majors and their fears about the repeal of DACA.
Valley residents head to Texas to provide aid and supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey
CHANDLER – The moon was still visible when close to a dozen Valley residents gathered at a gas station in Chandler. They were about to begin their long drive toward Houston, Texas, to deliver supplies and aid to the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
A wheelchair and pursuit of knowledge: Mauritius man travels 11,000 miles to Phoenix
PHOENIX - At 7 years old, Jean-Francois Favory walked into a government hospital for a surgical procedure in his home country of Mauritius. When he woke up, he learned the unthinkable: He no longer had use of his legs.
Democrats raise the stakes in push to get vote on ‘clean’ DREAM Act
WASHINGTON - Hispanic House members took a page from President Donald Trump's playbook Friday, saying they are willing to risk a government shutdown later this year if they cannot get a vote on the DREAM Act.
Sierra Vista firm gets contract for part of border wall construction
WASHINGTON - A Hispanic-owned construction company from Sierra Vista won one of four contracts awarded this week to build prototypes of President Donald Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico, the second round of awards in as many weeks.
AzMERIT scores show modest gains, decreases in Phoenix school district
PHOENIX — AzMERIT test results for the 2016-2017 school year show students still struggle to pass the standardized tests, with Phoenix Union High School District showing success in some areas but decreases in others, district officials said.
Study: Phoenix arts generate more than $400 million to economy
PHOENIX – Ballets, art exhibits and plays may serve as a pastime for some, but a new report shows arts-related activities contribute much more than personal enjoyment.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital prepares to open new emergency department to accommodate patient growth
PHOENIX – Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s new emergency department greets visitors with a plethora of brightly colored art installations – from plastic flowers that seem to blossom out of the ceiling, to framed Warhol-esque animal caricatures that line the hallways.
Meet A Muslim Day aims for open dialogue
TEMPE — On Saturday afternoon, Latif Ahmed stood on a sidewalk in Tempe holding a red, white and blue sign reading “I’M A MUSLIM ASK ME ANYTHING.” He laughed when asked if the American color scheme was purposeful.
September 11, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
9/11, the impact of Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Harvey relief.
Volunteers give back in day of service honoring Sept. 11 victims
PHOENIX – Dozens of volunteers dig trenches in a half-empty lot on the anniversary of Sept. 11, surrounded by the scent of dirt and sweat as the skeleton of a house looms over them.
Flagstaff official says cities should use disasters to prepare for future
WASHINGTON - For Flagstaff, the wake-up call came seven years ago when the town suffered through the Schultz fire, a massive blizzard, floods, tornados and more.
A new study says fats are good for heart health
PHOENIX – A new study shows people with heart disease still may be able to enjoy fatty foods. Increasing the intake of fats could be good for heart health.
Mission Possible Cafe provides community with Mexican cuisine, job training
PHOENIX — The new Mission Possible Cafe is opening in central Phoenix and is giving its employees the valuable work experience they need.
DACA recipient reflects on rough road ahead
PHOENIX - Shock, fear and uncertainty are all common feelings for Liliana Reyes during this time period of her life. Just nearly a week after learning of President Donald Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Reyes, a third-time DACA recipient, is trying to put together a plan for a future that seems uncertain.
Accomplished ASU women’s triathlon team attracting large-scale interest
TEMPE -- The Arizona State women’s triathlon team took no time to see success at the NCAA level, and the Sun Devils already are tasked with repeating as national champions in just their second season.
September 12, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The dangers of social media, snakebite prevention, and Hurricane Irma.
Ongoing problems land tribal oversight agencies on GAO ‘high-risk’ list
WASHINGTON - Federal agencies that oversee tribal schools, lands and health care still suffer from weak leadership, a lack of oversight and mismanaged resources, despite nearly a decade of prodding from the Government Accountability Office.
Critics: Hunters’ rights is wrong argument for bill allowing silencers
WASHINGTON - Gun-control advocates blasted a hunters' rights bill in a House hearing Tuesday, calling it little more than a "cowardly" attempt to ease restrictions on silencers and armor-piercing bullets being pushed by the gun lobby.
ACLU says minority students, those with disabilities unfairly punished at school
PHOENIX – The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona has joined forces with several schools in the Valley to minimize discriminatory school discipline of minority students and students with disabilities.
South Phoenix hopes light rail extension will bring end to historic segregation
PHOENIX - Tall corporate buildings, brand new modern apartment complexes and fancy restaurants compose most of Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. However, just a few miles down, south of Salt River, it’s a different story. Small, family-owned businesses, abandoned buildings and empty lots become the scenery.
Scottsdale company teaches motorists to avoid wrong-way drivers
SCOTTSDALE – Business owners in Scottsdale horrified by a string of wrong-way collisions in Arizona have developed new technology designed to help motorists stay safe.
September 13, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on the Phoenix light rail expansion and responses to the Share Act.
Court rejects claim that cops planted evidence in 1984 kidnap-murder
WASHINGTON - A federal court Wednesday rejected a death row inmate's claim that FBI agents and Pima County Sheriff's deputies planted evidence that led to his conviction for the 1984 kidnapping and murder of an 8-year-old Tucson girl.
Sinema, McSally invited to White House for bipartisan tax reform talks
WASHINGTON - Arizona Reps. Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally were among a bipartisan group of 13 House members invited to the White House to talk about tax reform Wednesday with President Donald Trump.
Tribal agencies cite progress on audit issues, senators want to see more
WASHINGTON - Leaders of federal agencies serving Indian Country told a Senate panel Wednesday they have made some progress on dozens of problems cited in Government Accountability Office audits, but lawmakers said much more needs to be done.
Tupac? Bette Midler? Valley high school pregame football music runs gamut
PHOENIX -- Football now comes with a soundtrack. From high school to the NFL, athletes can be spotted before games with a popular piece of equipment.
Chinese community fights back for its cultural center
PHOENIX – Dozens of voices were heard during Tuesday’s Phoenix City Council meeting, where a large number of members from the Valley’s Chinese community came out in defense of the cultural center they say is ground zero for their community in the Valley.
After the end of DACA, supporters and dissenters look to DREAM Act
PHOENIX — Two weeks after DACA was rescinded by President Donald Trump, many supporters and dissenters have now shifted their focus to the DREAM Act.
Teaching medical workers to recognize and help human trafficking victims
PHOENIX – Phoenix has been identified by the Department of Justice as a major human trafficking destination but a local hospital is training health care workers to spot and help the men and women who have fallen victim to prostitution.
As Democrats announce deal, Trump tweets, DREAMers and advocates react
PHOENIX — In a case that seems to be about he said/she said/he said, one thing is for sure: DREAMers say they are still not clear on the potential future of the program that allows them to stay in the United States.
Plans to reduce number of Grand Canyon bison advance on two fronts
WASHINGTON - Plans to reduce the size of a destructive herd of Grand Canyon bison took another step forward this week, when a House panel approved a bill to require culling, just weeks after the National Park Service approved its own plan.
Buzz on rumored DACA deal dissolves to drone on what was really said
WASHINGTON - It was the greatest political deal that was - until it wasn't. Unless it still is. After Democratic leaders said Wednesday night that they had reached a deal with President Donald Trump to preserve DACA, without a border wall requirement, social media exploded - along with some Republican members of Congress.
Despite slow going, faith leaders vow to continue push for DREAM Act
WASHINGTON - As he prepared to leave Washington and head back to Sahuarita after two weeks of praying and lobbying for the DREAM Act, the Rev. Randy Mayer said he was frustrated by the slow progress - but not surprised.
Equifax data breach spurs rush to protect online information: six tips to help
PHOENIX – Expect more online scams after the latest online hack at Equifax compromised the personal information of as many as 143 million Americans, Arizona experts said.
September 15, 2017 Newscast
Arizona sends help to Hurricane Harvey victims, the latest on DACA and more.
Schools’ chief Diane Douglas remains lukewarm about AzMERIT test
PHOENIX – Diane Douglas, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, discussed her lukewarm attitude toward the AzMERIT test and seemed puzzled when asked about Proposition 305, a ballot measure asking voters to stop the expansion of school vouchers in Arizona. Recent AzMERIT results showed a slight improvement over the previous year.
Valley workers had highest wage increases in US
PHOENIX – Wages in the Phoenix metro area increased more than anywhere else in the United States in the past year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
White privilege isn’t so black and white
PHOENIX – To community members and Valley residents who gathered at First Church UCC to discuss ‘white privilege,’ the topic is no black and white matter.
Appeals court sides with Tucson police officers in fatal 2014 shooting
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Friday that two Tucson police officers who shot and killed a man as he came at them, snarling and wielding a broken hockey stick, are protected for their actions by qualified immunity.
Community leaders and organizations team up to collect funds for DACA renewals
PHOENIX - Local organizations, community leaders and immigration attorneys are teaming up to give donations, organize fundraising events and offer free legal services for the DACA recipients who have less than a month to apply for renewals.
Cool it: From slushy ice to high utility bills, sports in desert can be costly
GLENDALE-- Going to the rink in shorts and flip flops is a perk that comes with playing hockey in Arizona. Behind the scenes, however, the heat is a strain on the state’s professional teams, especially from a financial standpoint.
Trump deals with Democrats and DREAMers decide whether to believe
PHOENIX — “It’s like another board game for them. Both the Democrats and the Trump administration. It’s always a game and they’re gambling with our lives,” Francisco Luna said.
From desert wheat in Arizona to pasta in Italy
CASA GRANDE — Italian pasta chefs are known for crafting dishes that are as much local culture as they are food. What is less well-known is that Arizona’s desert durum wheat is a common ingredient in Italian pasta.
September 18, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The dangers of drug abuse, the story behind a Vietnam Veteran, and more.
When ‘deplorable’ is a compliment: Trump backers rally on National Mall
WASHINGTON - Glendale resident Tahnee Gonzales admits she wasn't thrilled that President Donald Trump negotiated with Democratic leaders last week on immigration - but that wasn't about to keep her from traveling across the country to support her president.
Rep. Grijalva arrested protesting outside of Trump Tower in New York City
Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Tucson was arrested Tuesday morning during a protest in front of the Trump Tower in New York City, according to information from his campaign office.
Phoenix officials work to expand and improve city light rail system
PHOENIX – Officials are building a light rail station in east-central Phoenix with a platform for better wheelchair access, and will be improving passenger pickup times at two of the city’s most popular stations.
Tell us: Are you concerned about the new iPhone’s facial recognition technology?
The new iPhone 8 and iPhone X use facial recognition technology that could cause several different privacy issues.
Economist: Lack of postsecondary education will hurt US economy
SCOTTSDALE – What’s the biggest threat to the future of the United States economy? Former White House economic advisor Todd Buchholz said it’s not global warming or the debt – it’s the lack of postsecondary education.
Virtual reality could be Diamondbacks’ next preparation tool
PHOENIX — Since the turn of the century, virtual technology has increasingly become the new reality. From gamers to journalists to healthcare workers, the real-world uses of VR technology are endless.
September 19, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill, Hurricane Maria, and more.
McCain coy on new GOP health care bill that Flake, Ducey are backing
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. John McCain, a key vote in the failure of the last Obamacare repeal attempt, refused to say Tuesday how he will vote on a new GOP plan, which is being supported by his fellow Republicans, Gov. Doug Ducey and Sen. Jeff Flake.
Senate eyes bill on online sex trafficking; critics say it goes too far
WASHINGTON - When prosecutors tried to bring criminal charges against backpage.com in connection with alleged sex trafficking, a California judge dismissed the case last month saying the website enjoyed immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
APS official: Red tape slows utilities’ efforts to prevent forest fires
WASHINGTON - When overgrown forests clash with energy infrastructure - devastating fire and power outages can follow. But current law puts up bureaucratic hurdles that make it hard for utilities to do the forest clearing that could prevent those fires, and then holds them responsible when fires break out, an Arizona Public Service official told a Senate committee Tuesday.
After Montana outcry derailed career, Phoenix College coach Pflugrad looks for second chance
PHOENIX — Though the Phoenix College football staff resists the name “Last Chance U,” it feels that way at times for Robin Pflugrad.
DREAMers consider risk of ICE using personal information against them
PHOENIX — Adonias Arevalo, an organizer with the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition, looked directly at his audience during the community meeting and asked a question: “How are you feeling today?”
In record time, Queen Creek’s Casteel High becomes dominant football program
QUEEN CREEK — Two-plus years. That’s how quickly Casteel High School developed a dominant football program.
West Valley developments aim to keep residents from commuting
GOODYEAR – West Valley government and business leaders are developing shopping, entertainment and job hubs in a continued effort to keep residents from being siphoned to other areas in the Valley.
September 20, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on the powerful earthquake that hit central Mexico and more.
Volunteers help DACA recipients through ‘nerve wracking’ renewal process
PHOENIX — As the weeks go by, DACA recipients know time is running out. That’s why on Wednesday morning, several of them walked into the Phoenix offices of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA). They wrote their names on a sign-in sheet and carried folders of paperwork. They took seats next to volunteers.
With as few as 100 left, Arizona turtle wins endangered species status
WASHINGTON - It may not be surprising that an "aquatic desert" turtle faces long odds in life, but environmentalists and biologists still welcomed this week's endangered species designation for the Sonoyta mud turtle.
Environmentalists, ranchers trade barbs in killing of Mexican gray wolf
WASHINGTON - Environmentalists and livestock owners are pointing fingers after government agents killed an endangered Mexican gray wolf last month for preying on cattle, the first wolf killed for depredation in 10 years.
Suns celebrate 50 years in Phoenix by renovating 50 Arizona basketball courts
PHOENIX — A group of excited kids at Neighborhood Ministries, clad in black Phoenix Suns shirts and sitting on basketballs distributed by the team, awaited the chance to play on their new basketball court.
Tribal leaders urge colleagues to consider marijuana businesses to boost revenue
PHOENIX — Tribal leaders from California and Washington discussed Thursday the potential opening of legal marijuana businesses on tribal lands.
Challenger Space Center exhibit to highlight Diamondbacks STEM Showcase
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks will welcome more than 5,000 Arizona K-12 students and their families to Chase Field on Friday as part of their fourth annual Science of Baseball STEM Showcase.
A cleaner Santa Cruz River helps Tucson community connect
TUCSON - Jason Ground has two main reasons to enjoy the stretch of the “new” Santa Cruz River that runs through Tucson.
September 21, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The future of NAFTA, the Phoenix Suns give back, and more.
Purchase opens 32,600 acres near Coronado Forest to hiking, hunting
WASHINGTON - The Interior Department's purchase of a plot of private land will allow public access to 32,600 acres of previously isolated forest land, a move that drew praise from wilderness advocates and hunters alike this week.
Napolitano has hopes for NAFTA talks, despite U.S.-Mexico climate
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano thinks there is a deal to be had in the current renegotiation of NAFTA, if the deterioration of relations between the United States and Mexico doesn't get in the way of finding common goals.
Would you drink beer made from wastewater?
PHOENIX – Wastewater. We use it to irrigate fields, to flush toilets and to make one of America’s favorite beverages – beer.
Columbine shooting survivor shares experience of opioid abuse and recovery
PHOENIX – Teachers yell at students to get under tables and the sounds of gunfire ring in the air. One moment, Austin Eubanks was walking the halls of Columbine High School with his best friend. Minutes later, he was huddled under a table. He and his best friend were shot.
‘Pay to Play’ an increasing burden for parents of Arizona high school athletes
PHOENIX-- When Denise Wilson’s children first approached her about participating in high school sports, she had no idea how much it would cost. She knew she would have to supply them with the proper shoes and attire, but she never imagined the total cost over the years would exceed $7,000.
In Focus, Season 2 Episode 1: Odd Squad Family
In the first episode of In Focus Season 2, the Odd Squad Family tells the story of how their rap group started, how they manage the business side of the music, and entertain us with a little freestyle rap.
Officials dedicate Florence post office to WWII veteran
FLORENCE – The day he turned 17, Adolfo “Harpo” Celaya enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
September 22, 2017 Newscast
Arizona's Confederate monuments, the future of light rail and wastewater beer.
Consul of Mexico in Phoenix expresses appreciation for help, says more is needed
SCOTTSDALE — Nearly three days after a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit central Mexico, efforts to find victims trapped in the rubble and help survivors continue.
McCain to vote against health care bill, likely dooming GOP effort
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain said Friday that he cannot "in good conscience" vote for the latest plan to replace Obamacare, a surprise announcement that may have killed the bill for Senate leaders who can only afford to lose two GOP votes.
Napolitano: DACA must be protected until immigration reform arrives
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano called for statutory protection for DACA recipients, but expressed little confidence Friday it will come from a Congress that has been unable to pass real immigration reform the country "sorely needs."
Arizona poverty remains among highest in nation, despite recent gains
WASHINGTON - Despite posting a sharp decrease in its poverty rate over the last two years, Arizona continued to have some of the highest poverty in the nation in 2016, the latest Census numbers show.
Valley Fever researchers use $4.8 million grant to speed development of vaccine for dogs
TUCSON – Researchers at the University of Arizona say they’ve made progress in developing a vaccine that could protect dogs from Valley Fever, a potentially deadly respiratory disease common in the Southwest.
New ASU dorm features Amazon Echo Dots, other new tech to create ‘engineering mindset’
TEMPE – The typical college dorm doesn't have 3-D printers, laser cutters and Bluetooth-enabled washers and dryers on-site. But the new Tooker House on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus touts the kind of technology and innovation the students living there hope to one day create.
Tell us: What aspects of health care reform are important to you?
Senate Republicans are trying again to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act — or Obamacare — by fast-tracking the so-called Graham-Cassidy bill, which is expected to come up for a vote before Sept. 30.
‘Más,’ the play about the ethnic studies ban in Tucson, premieres in Phoenix
PHOENIX - A circle of yellow cempasúchil flowers. An altar with books and candles. A religious portrait. A basket in the middle. All symbolic elements the Mexican culture uses to honor and represent death.
Choreographer shows power of street dance activism
PHOENIX — Dance has long been considered a physical form of socialization and fun.
From clenching a fist to taking a knee, sports, social issues on perpetual collision course
PHOENIX — After a weekend of political protests in the sporting world, Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson said the attention athletes place on social issues can accomplish only so much unless there is significant action behind it.
September 25, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on athlete activism, the Grand Canal construction, and more.
A collection of autism resources in Arizona
PHOENIX — Workforce opportunities, scholarship aid for education, therapeutic methods, sports opportunities and more. The Cronkite News team has put together a collection of stories that highlight some of Arizona's resources that aid the autism community.
Arizona assistant among those arrested in college basketball bribery scandal
A far-reaching scandal that includes charges of bribery by Arizona assistant coach Emanuel “Book” Richardson sent shockwaves through the college basketball community Tuesday.
Valley Venezuelans react after country is included in Trump’s latest travel ban
PHOENIX - Until recently, President Donald Trump’s travel bans included countries where primarily the Muslim religion was dominant. That changed, however, over the weekend, when he included two new countries: North Korea and Venezuela.
September 26, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Reports on a corruption investigation, The Arizona Teachers Academy, and more.
Franks back with ‘pain-capable’ bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks
WASHINGTON - House leaders said they hope to have a vote as soon as next week on a bill by Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, that would prohibit abortions in most cases after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Lawmakers seek solutions as wildfires burn hole in firefighting budget
WASHINGTON - The 2017 wildfire season is already one of most expensive on record, with a $2.35 billion price tag burning through the Forest Service's budget, lawmakers and Agriculture Department officials said Tuesday.
GOP leaders drop health care bill after McCain, others state opposition
WASHINGTON - Senate leaders abandoned their latest effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, saying Tuesday that they would turn their attention to tax reform after key GOP defections doomed the health care proposal.
How would Pat Tillman react to anthem controversy? Friend Staat has an idea
PHOENIX -- The controversy over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem -- that divided fans and drew the ire of President Donald Trump -- thrust an unlikely figure in the spotlight.
Gilbert deli creates jobs for adults with autism, developmental disabilities
GILBERT – The co-owner of a Gilbert deli shop said he doesn’t base his success on the number of customers who walk through his doors – he’s more interested in the number of jobs he can provide.
Avondale school district uses escape room to teach students critical thinking
AVONDALE – Locks, puzzles, keys. One hour later, as a countdown clock ticked away the minutes, students finish their escape into an innovative learning experience.
Academy offers free college tuition to recruit future teachers who stay in Arizona
TOLLESON – Jose Valadez thought he’d never be able to have “the really nice things,” like a college education.
Iranian-American community rallies to register voters
PHOENIX - On National Voter Registration Day, Ali Scotten stood outside Caspian Food Market. He held a clipboard and walked back and forth in front of the store. His goal was to register Iranian-Americans to vote, and what better place to do that than a grocery store which sells Iranian food?
September 27, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Plans for a Vietnam memorial wall in Gilbert, tattoo health risks and more.
Copper project in Florence wins appeal, could break ground this winter
WASHINGTON - Florence Copper officials could break ground on a $24 million "in-situ" copper mining facility by December, after an administrative appeals board last week turned down objections to the project from the Town of Florence and another opponent.
Sex trafficking in Indian Country a ‘significant problem,’ senators told
WASHINGTON - Sex-trafficking in Indian Country is a significant problem, with tribal women and children suffering at higher rates than the general population, a panel of experts and activists told a Senate committee Wednesday.
San Luis teacher honored with Esperanza Latino Teacher of the Year Award
SAN LUIS - Every year, the organization Chicanos Por La Causa, honors Latino teachers in Arizona who go above and beyond — inside and outside their classrooms — with the Esperanza Latino Teacher of the Year award. This year, three teachers from Maricopa County received the award but it was one teacher from San Luis who really stood out.
Number of firearm background checks declines in Trump era
PHOENIX — In August 2017, Arizona saw a 12 percent decrease in gun background checks compared to August 2016. Background checks have continued to decrease since President Donald Trump has taken office.
‘Removing his wings’: Repeal of DACA has local boxer in fight to stay home
PHOENIX — When the White House announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, undefeated boxer Alexis Zazueta began his most important fight yet: to stay in his hometown of Phoenix.
Emergency response training teaches safety during fires, floods
PHOENIX — In the past month, Arizonans have watched hurricanes and earthquakes devastate communities around the world. Now, some citizens are preparing for a disaster closer to home.
As border wall prototype construction starts, Arizona geographer speaks up
PHOENIX - Leaving behind violence and poverty, a Central American family travels thousands of miles by foot, train, and bus. Once they finally arrive at the U.S. border, they have one more difficult decision to make: carry a bag full of marijuana and cross the desert with some help, or risk their life and cross alone.
Bike paths and walkways mark grand goals for Grand Canal
PHOENIX – Work is underway to transform the Grand Canal from barren paths to a well-lit, artistic magnet for bicyclists and hikers.
Bilingual open mic night speaks to a community hungry to connect through language
TEMPE -Sexual assault. S.B. 1070. Cultural Identity.
Hate crimes involving anti-Semitism on the rise in Arizona
PHOENIX - A woman woke up one morning and found the menorah adorning her yard had been twisted into a symbol of hate overnight: a swastika.
September 28, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on Puerto Rico recovery, World Rabies Day, and more.
Arizona teen joins Capitol push to replace diesel buses with electric
WASHINGTON - Metro Tech High School senior Axel Vargas doesn't dislike all school buses - just the diesel ones whose emissions he says are hurting the air quality and affecting the health of him and his classmates.
As Scalise returns to Capitol, Flake repeats call for renewed civility
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, repeated his concerns Thursday that a breakdown of civility in politics has led to gridlock and, in extreme cases, attacks like those on former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in 2011 and Rep. Steve Scalise in June.
Sky Harbor satisfaction rankings jump, officials credit emphasis on customers
PHOENIX – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has spent hundreds of millions of dollars making improvements to the airport in the past few years.
Study: Young people risk health, career with tattoos
PHOENIX – A national study warns that youths, some as young as 8 years old, are getting tattoos and body piercings that risk their health.
Diaper Bank organizes diaper drive for Texas, Florida hurricane victims
TEMPE – The volunteers stood in the shade of a bank parking lot, carrying water bottles, waiting for people to send relief to hurricane victims in Florida and Texas.
Tribal Justice: Native Americans hope acknowledging the past will shape a better future
PHOENIX — Law students, professors and tribal members gathered recently at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law in downtown Phoenix to watch the new documentary "Tribal Justice."
Phoenix Chamber event: Experts optimistic, but cautious about economic growth
PHOENIX – Local economist Elliott Pollack said he’s optimistic about the future of both the regional and national economy, pointing to positive indicators such as employment, population and housing growth.
Sinema’s long-expected challenge to Flake shakes up Senate race
WASHINGTON - One day after Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's long-anticipated announcement of a 2018 challenge to Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, a liberal group was pledging to raise money for her and two political consultants changed their outlook on the race to "toss up."
Officials: Nothing to worry about – yet – when health programs expire
WASHINGTON - With Congress focused on the fight over an Obamacare replacement, lawmakers failed this week to take action on programs that protect 22,000 low-income kids in Arizona and help pay for uncompensated care at state hospitals.
Donkeys? Elephants? Nah. This campaign pits dogs and hedgehogs
WASHINGTON - It's a classic Washington rags-to-riches story. Born in tough conditions, he made his way to Capitol Hill, where he's now running in an election against tough odds. But this is not a typical politician.
Tell us: What is your connection to the Las Vegas shooting?
Cronkite News is reporting on the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival near the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday. We would like to speak to anyone who has a connection to the incident.
In Focus DACA Special Report: Episode 1
In the first episode of In Focus DACA Special Report, we look at the status of immigration policy as the clock ticks on a deadline for Congress.
On heels of FBI corruption scandal, questions surround Arizona program, Sean Miller
PHOENIX -- On the heels of the FBI’s three-year investigation of a college basketball corruption scandal, questions about the state of Arizona’s program and the impact it will have on coach Sean Miller remain.
‘Completely different level’: Diamondbacks seek wisdom from those with postseason experience
PHOENIX -- The next time the Arizona Diamondbacks take the field, things will be a bit different. The painted logo behind home plate, the decor around the stadium, the atmosphere, the audience. But one thing will remain the same.
Arizona benefits as climate change alters wine production
COTTONWOOD - Some wine specialists foresee climate change eventually reducing the amount of wine produced. However, with every new harvesting season, winemakers find different ways to adapt to new weather challenges.
Arizonans rush to donate blood in wake of Las Vegas shooting
PHOENIX – Arizonans showed up in droves Monday to donate blood to help the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, and officials said the American Red Cross and United Blood Services collectively sent hundreds of “blood products” to help those injured.
Arizona officials remain tight-lipped about security plans for upcoming events, but vow they’re taking precautions
PHOENIX – One local security expert called Sunday’s mass shooting in Las Vegas an “unusual circumstance,” and it’s not something professionals would have necessarily anticipated.
Las Vegas mass shooting: ‘I know people that died and can’t really get the images out of my head’
PHOENIX – As Arizona joined the rest of the nation in grief and horror over a deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas where at least 59 people were killed and more than 500 wounded, Arizona residents scrambled to see whether loved ones and family who had attended the concert were safe.
Relief efforts and tales of survival among the Valley’s Puerto Rican community
PHOENIX — In a warehouse in north Phoenix on Saturday morning, a woman sat on the floor among piles of toothbrushes, toilet paper and soap. She packed a cardboard box full of diapers then taped it shut. A man picked up the box and set it against the wall. The woman started fresh with a new box, carefully packing newborn diapers.
October 2, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history and more.
Peabody says potential buyers could keep Navajo Generating Station open
WASHINGTON - Navajo leaders expressed hope Monday that the Navajo Generating Station will be able to continue operations past 2019, after Peabody Energy said it had come up with a list of potential investors in the plant.
Giffords to Congress: ‘The nation is counting on you’ after Las Vegas
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords turned and shook her fist toward the Capitol Monday after telling lawmakers "the nation is counting on you" to act in the wake of Sunday's mass shooting in Las Vegas.
Valley tech startups struggle to secure capital, organizations try to fill gap
MESA – Spencer Thomason’s startup beat out 63 others at this year’s Venture Madness competition.
Lovullo preached the ‘L’ word, and Diamondbacks players listened
PHOENIX -- When a sports organization hires a new head coach or manager, many place an importance on creating a new culture in hopes of altering past results.
New Phoenix Zoo exhibit teaches kids of all ages about dinosaurs, conservation
“Dad! Look!” Three-year old Anthony Contrades runs toward his dad as he watches a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex lean down and roar.
Vice President Pence arrives in Phoenix to tout Trump tax plan
PHOENIX – Vice President Mike Pence arrived in the Valley on Tuesday to stump for the Trump administration’s tax plan with Gov. Doug Ducey and others in a series of private conversations.
Survivors describe chaos, carnage of Las Vegas shooting aftermath
LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Strip, normally teeming with neon, noise and people, was quiet as the city continued to recover from Sunday's deadly mass shooting that left at least 59 dead and more than 500 injured.
October 3, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the aftermath of Las Vegas, natural disaster recovery, and more.
House approves ban on abortion after 20 weeks; chances slim in Senate
WASHINGTON - The House voted along party lines Tuesday to approve Rep. Trent Franks' bill that bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy except in cases of rape, incest or threats to the life of the mother.
Senate committee members look for answers to threat of DACA demise
WASHINGTON - Senators agreed Tuesday that a legislative fix will be needed to protect DACA recipients, but differed over how far it should go and how to get there with just five months until the current program expires.
Infant mortality: How racism may contribute to higher rates in the African-American community
PHOENIX – Immediately after Magan Carter’s baby was born, doctors put feeding tubes down his throat and hooked him up to an oxygen machine. He couldn’t breathe and had to use a feeding tube. Amari was in an incubator for three months.
What happens to DACA recipients who can’t renew?
PHOENIX - Jazmin Nuñez spends her days at Living United for Change In Arizona (LUCHA) helping DACA recipients navigate the murky waters of their future.
On heels of NCAA kickback scandal, Arizona’s Miller to make first public appearance
PHOENIX -- Even though a week has passed since news broke of FBI arrests related to an NCAA kickback scandal, the University of Arizona and many of its college basketball peers remain a part of the national discussion.
Touch learning + community = independence for kids with Down syndrome
SCOTTSDALE – A sensory touch technique can help people diagnosed with Down syndrome learn math and other lessons more readily, according to the leaders of a local nonprofit.
October 4, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Reports on the 'Right to Try' Act, the results of the Arpaio hearing and more.
Bradley delivers ‘never forget’ moment in Diamondbacks’ Wild Card victory
PHOENIX -- Before Wednesday night’s 11-8 National League Wild Card victory over the Colorado Rockies, Archie Bradley had just one request for Arizona Diamondbacks fans:
Senators tell DACA recipients that ‘stars align’ for Dream Act passage
WASHINGTON - Senate sponsors of the latest Dream Act assured over 100 young immigrants Wednesday that "the nation is poised to do the right thing" and protect them after the DACA program expires next year.
Arizona expert tells panel Equifax breach could be worse than thought
WASHINGTON - A Senate committee Wednesday chastised the former head of Equifax for a data breach that exposed financial data of as many as 143 million Americans to hackers - a number that one Arizona expert said could be even higher.
The faces of intersectional feminism
PHOENIX - Feminists from around the Valley traveled to Arizona State University’s downtown campus Wednesday to honor civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez, who spoke about her contribution in the 1947 Mendez v. Westminster case that ended segregation in California.
Phoenix nail artist capitalizes on Instagram success
PHOENIX – In the past decade, nail art has become one of the hottest trends in the nail care industry.
In the face of tragedy, Phoenix community offers a message of love
PHOENIX — Jose Guadalupe Conchas stood in front of five candles adorned with black roses, and carefully lit each one as a symbolic tribute to the recent string of disasters, natural and man-made.
Chinese community carries on concurrent suits in further attempts to save cultural center
PHOENIX — Members of Arizona’s Chinese community are facing an uncertain resolution when it comes to the future of their beloved cultural center. On Tuesday, a federal judge decided not to grant the Arizona Foundation for Chinese Religious Rights, or AFCRR, an injunction it sought halting any new construction on the site.
Black women and community members march for unity in Phoenix
PHOENIX - On an empty lot at the corner of 13th and Jefferson Streets, community members and leaders gathered Saturday for a march under the hot Valley sun. The theme was the empowerment of African-American women.
Former Suns Gorilla Rojas finds a voice for self-improvement and motivation
PHOENIX — In the 1980s, during halftimes, timeouts and other breaks in Phoenix Suns games, all eyes were on Henry Rojas, though much of the crowd did not know it.
DACA renewals come to a close, those affected look to the future
PHOENIX - Jazmin Nuñez was born in the United States, and therefore is a citizen — but her sister is not. That’s why for the past month, Nuñez has worked hard to help people do what her own sister can’t: renew their DACA status.
October 5, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on the hopes for the Dream Act, World Teacher Day, and more.
Despite outreach efforts, 42,200 immigrants fail to meet DACA deadline
WASHINGTON - More than one in four of the estimated 154,200 immigrants who stand to lose their DACA protection in the next five months did not meet Thursday's deadline to apply for a renewal, according to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Flake bill to shield DACA recipients has green card path, border funds
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake unveiled a proposal Thursday that would extend some protections for DACA recipients in exchange for border security funding and new restrictions on who could be eligible for deferred deportation.
Graham optimistic about chances for Franks’ abortion bill in Senate
WASHINGTON - Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, on Thursday promised a vote "sooner rather than later" on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which passed the House earlier this week but has regularly died in the Senate.
ADOT trains truckers from Mexico to pass safety inspections, increase business
NOGALES, Mexico – Sixty truck drivers scribbled notes in a Mexican warehouse last month as they listened to a United States border inspection officer describe the types of things officers examine during border inspections.
In Focus, Season 2 Episode 2: Redhill
In the second episode of In Focus Season 2, we interview local alternative band Redhill. Two of the band's members tell us the story behind their unique orchestral style, their tour in London and how they build their fan base.
Miller preaches eliminating ‘clutter’ as top-ranked Wildcats practice under cloud
TUCSON -- The University of Arizona basketball team held its first media appearance since allegations broke that assistant coach Emanuel “Book” Richardson paid bribe money to a player to sign with the team.
Going for broke: Many pro athletes still struggling with finances
PHOENIX — Mike Tyson. Allen Iverson. Diego Maradona. Terrell Owens. Four major athletes, four major sports.
Grappling with mental health common after traumatic events
PHOENIX — Those impacted – directly or indirectly – by traumatic events such as the Las Vegas shooting can experience changes in their mental health for days, weeks and even years after the fact.
Goofy, grounded, ‘Game of Thrones’ fan: Pinnacle’s Rattler more than standout quarterback
PHOENIX — He is a “Game of Thrones" fan, likes action and comedy movies and is the No. 1 ranked football recruit in Arizona for the class of 2019.
Rubberized highways, roofing cool urban heat islands in Arizona
PHOENIX – Pavement originally built for durability and noise reduction can curb rising temperatures from urban heat islands – meaning the ribbons of freeways threading the Valley may lessen the effect of climate change, according to a new report.
Scottsdale sisters organize book drives for hurricane victims
SCOTTSDALE – Organizations and individuals have collected food, clothes and other necessities to help hurricane victims. However, two Scottsdale sisters wanted to do something different and held a book drive at Cochise Elementary School and Arizona School for the Arts.
‘Tour de Hispanica’ a celebration of language and culture
PHOENIX — Hispanic Heritage Month is observed across the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and it celebrates the cultures, customs and traditions of many Latin countries.
‘We gave everything’: Dodgers end Diamondbacks’ surprise season
PHOENIX -- From the moment the first pitch was thrown in the National League Division Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks never appeared to be their true selves.
If an Arizona resident harvests rainwater, will rebates come?
TUCSON — Tucson and other parched Arizona cities offer rebates for businesses and homes that harvest rainwater, but the practice struggles to gain momentum in the Valley.
Tiny home trend slow to grow in Arizona, but developers plan new projects
PHOENIX – Tiny housing has been a hot topic the past few years, with shows such as “Tiny House Hunters” and others appearing on HGTV and tiny house communities popping up across the country.
Arizona academy gives free music lessons, instruments to youth
PHOENIX – A local music academy wants to make sure students learn to play an instrument even if they can't afford it, underscoring a federal guideline that says music is crucial to a quality education.
Earth Day founder Denis Hayes has new quest: use the Valley’s sun to power ‘living buildings’
TEMPE – Denis Hayes, a co-founder of Earth Day in 1970, is working toward a greener future that focuses on developing “living buildings” that rely on nature, the sun and the rain, to operate.
October 11, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The future of a cashless society, the benefits of meditation and more.
Court reinstates suit against Pinal deputy who fatally shot unarmed man
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said a Pinal County sheriff's deputy must face a lawsuit brought by the family of an unarmed man he shot twice in the back in Eloy in 2014.
House advances bill to limit president’s creation of national monuments
WASHINGTON - A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a Republican bill that would sharply curtail the Antiquities Act, which allows presidents to order the creation of national monuments.
Want a chef to prepare dinner at your house? There’s a Phoenix app for that
PHOENIX – Roza Ferdowsmakan has loved food since she was 13 and spotted a strange-looking pie at a dinner party.
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta says she wants to build a wall in Congress
PHOENIX ‒ Dolores Huerta is a woman of many facets. Political activist, union leader, mother and a civil and women's rights icon. She is also one of the most underrated public figures in recent history.
Report: Arizona among states with numerous financial complaints from older consumers
PHOENIX – Arizona ranks among the top states for financial complaints by older consumers, a consumer group said in a report released Thursday.
Adults with autism will get a new housing community in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Denise Resnik carefully places the blueprints on a shelf because she wants them on display. They illustrate Resnik’s nearly 20-year journey to create an inclusive community housing project for her son and other adults with autism.
The flipside of cheerleading: a prevalence of catastrophic injuries
After a third concussion, Lisa Caiazzo was terrified for her daughter’s future.
Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone wants ‘no politics in policing’
PHOENIX — Even when he was 20 years old, Paul Penzone knew he wanted a career in law enforcement. Now as Maricopa County Sheriff, he’s working on changing the legal and political legacy of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
October 12, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Tackling California wildfires, interviewing Maricopa Sheriff Paul Penzone and more
Advocates: Trump immigration demands complicate DACA replacement
WASHINGTON - Advocates and lawmakers in Arizona say the path to a bill protecting DREAMers got more difficult this week, when the White House issued a list of immigration policy priorities that it said must be part of any DACA legislation.
Friendship of Suns’ Booker, Ulis ‘greater than basketball’
PHOENIX — Since Kentucky’s 2014-15 Final Four season, NBA teams have drafted 12 players from the men’s basketball program, including Suns guards Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis.
In Focus DACA Special Report: Episode 2
In the second episode of In Focus DACA Special Report we examine the increasingly complex politics of Congress’ efforts to replace the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which the Trump administration plans to stop on March 5.
Arizona forestry department sends 150 firefighters to California to battle wildfires
DEER VALLEY – Arizona firefighters are helping to battle northern California wildfires that have burned more than 222,000 acres, killed more than 30 people and left hundreds missing, state officials said.
Interior Department may expand recreational shooting on federal lands
TUCSON — Target shooting, hunting and fishing could be expanded on public lands under a federal proposal drawing attention in Arizona.
Zinke vows to stamp out ‘virus’ of harassment at national parks
WASHINGTON - The National Park Service has a "significant problem" with harassment of its workers, a culture that is going to change starting "here and now," administration officials promised Friday.
EPA scraps Clean Power Plan, but utilities still vow lower emissions
WASHINGTON - Arizona utilities and regulators said they plan to continue working toward the lower carbon emission goals that had been set in the EPA's Clean Power Plan, even though federal officials said this week that they are scrapping the program.
Experts: Trump actions targeting Obamacare could cut into enrollment
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's actions this week to dismantle Obamacare created what health experts called "political smoke" just weeks before the next open enrollment period, which they said could hurt enrollment for 2018.
NAU’s ‘real Lumberjacks’ find thrill in logging sports competition
FLAGSTAFF — Although Northern Arizona University’s students are nicknamed Lumberjacks, it’s the school’s logging sports team that fully encapsulates the meaning of attending college near the Centennial Forest.
Sundt company, community college build careers in construction
COOLIDGE – The Sundt Construction, Inc. and Central Arizona College are training students to become the next construction professionals.
Buckeye school district expands preschool program
BUCKEYE – The Buckeye Elementary School District has opened a second preschool to accommodate growth in the West Valley.
Arizona law enforcement agencies work to increase diversity, recruit young people
PHOENIX - Arizona law enforcement agencies seek to fill hundreds of vacancies, focusing efforts on increasing diversity and recruiting high school- and college-age students.
Phoenix-based meditation studio hopes to expand into national franchise
PHOENIX – Eastern cultures have practiced the art of meditation for centuries. But its popularity has spread to the West in recent decades.
‘He only wanted to help’: 13-year-old brings popular charity to Sloan Park
MESA — In his first at-bat of the Game Day USA Junior All-American Games, Sam Love faced an 0-2 count with the bases loaded. Love fouled off a few before finding his money pitch.
October 16, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Transformation of Tent City Jail, anticipation of Day of the Dead, and more
McCain calls on U.S. to lead world, reject ‘spurious nationalism’
PHILADELPHIA - An emotional Sen. John McCain called on the U.S., “the most wondrous nation on Earth,” to resume its role as world leader and reject “half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems.”
Schnepf Farms among Valley’s top pumpkin patches
QUEEN CREEK — Schnepf Farms opened the gates to its Pumpkin and Chili Party fall festival on Oct. 5, and community members swarmed to the attractions. Schnepf Farms encompasses 300 acres packed full of activities ranging from pumpkin and vegetable picking to roller coasters and a 20-acre corn maze in the shape of former Arizona Coyotes hockey player Shane Doan’s face.
Baby, it’s cold inside: Cryotherapy popular route to treat sports injuries
TEMPE -- As Nick Crawford begins filling a chamber with fresh, oxygenated air, Brayden Smith puts on a robe and prepares for his weekly cryotherapy session at the Cryo Recovery Lab in Tempe.
Cancer survivor says Trump plan sabotages health insurance coverage
PHOENIX — Teary-eyed and frustrated, two-time cancer survivor Toni Bannister said Tuesday that Trump administration moves to dismantle the Affordable Care Act leave people vulnerable.
October 17, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the opioid epidemic, the proposed health care bill, and more
Arizona astronomer among first to see kilonova, a cosmic ‘train wreck’
WASHINGTON - It was what one scientist described as "a giant explosive train wreck that makes gold" in the cosmos, and a University of Arizona astronomer was one of the first to get a look - even though the actual event was more than 130 million years old.
Ward formally kicks off Senate campaign with conservative big guns
WASHINGTON - Republican Senate hopeful Kelli Ward flexed newfound political muscle Tuesday with a planned campaign kickoff in Scottsdale that promised appearances by conservative heavy-hitters, radio host Laura Ingraham and former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon.
ICE to turn focus on businesses that hire undocumented immigrants
WASHINGTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to boost its efforts targeting businesses by "four to five times" and will prosecute employers who knowingly hire illegal workers, the acting director of the agency said Tuesday.
Sparring partners: Trump warns McCain he will ‘fight back’ at some point
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. John McCain and President Donald Trump have been at odds for years, but the sparring reached a new height Tuesday when Trump warned that he will fight back at some point "and it won't be pretty."
Tell us: How has Meals on Wheels America impacted your life?
The Trump administration is proposing cuts to the Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs, which include the Congregate, Home-Delivered and Nutrition Services Incentive Programs.
New initiative focuses on connecting Maryvale residents to jobs
PHOENIX – Like many community members who live in or around Maryvale, Lupe Ybarra needs a job.
Through crafts, community spreads Dia de los Muertos tradition
PHOENIX - A woman sat at a table, patiently sewing an orange sugar skull with blue eyes and a pink button nose. She untangled a ball of yarn and worked nimbly, adding a flower bow and a black mouth.
October 18, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The debate over gun control, Arizona State Fair safety and more
Sessions: DACA bill needs border security, ‘more than just amnesty’
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions told a Senate panel Wednesday that he could accept a DACA replacement bill if it is coupled with border security measures, and that any deal has to be "more than just an amnesty."
Kitchen on the Street bridges weekend gap in childhood hunger
PHOENIX – Kitchen on the Street works to close a gap in childhood hunger by giving students bags of nutritious food to eat over the weekend – enough to feed them until they return to school to get meals.
Losing Lake Powell’s quagga mussel invasion battle, but trying to win the war
PAGE – Ecologist Mark Anderson still sometimes tears up thinking about March 3, 2013, when an adult quagga mussel was discovered — the definitive sign of a possible aquatic apocalypse — clinging to a boat hauled from the waters of Lake Powell.
New device checks for traumatic brain injuries
PHOENIX – A new device can check for brain injuries like concussions and bleeds in less than an hour, according to Arizona medical leaders who are using the technology.
October 19, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Automated bartender technology, the future for DACA recipients, and more
Senators say feds leave local officials on their own on cybersecurity
WASHINGTON - An empty chair fielded question after question from an angry Senate panel Thursday, after a White House cybersecurity coordinator invoked executive privilege and skipped the hearing.
Three Arizona military bases now being tested for water contamination
WASHINGTON - The Air Force will begin testing the groundwater at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for contamination from dangerous chemicals in firefighting foam that was used at the base, according to the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center.
In Focus, Season 2 Episode 3: Blaine Long
In the third episode of In Focus Season 2, we interview Arizona-based Americana musician Blaine Long, who released his latest album after appearing on NBC's The Voice.
Despite location and lack of exposure, Desert Edge football continues to excel
GOODYEAR — Twenty miles from downtown Phoenix, 40 miles from Chandler and 30-plus from Tempe and Scottsdale. That’s how far Goodyear Desert Edge High School is from some of the Valley’s highly populated high school football cities.
Officials hope new traffic light technology will reduce congestion on Bell Road
SCOTTSDALE – Fifty thousand vehicles drive on Bell Road every day, making it one of the busiest roads in the Valley. The road spans about 34 miles and crosses through several cities, from Surprise to Scottsdale.
Arizona Humane Society encourages fostering to reduce ‘astronomical’ cost of caring for kittens
PHOENIX – Tiny meows echo through the room as volunteers in yellow smocks feed, weigh and record every kitten in the Arizona Humane Society’s Bottle Baby Intensive Care Unit.
Education leaders demand Ducey give teachers 20 percent raises
PHOENIX – Leaders of a major Arizona teacher organization said Friday they were outraged when Gov. Doug Ducey reportedly gave several members of his staff 20 percent raises while teachers are getting a one percent salary increase, saying educators deserve more money.
Maryvale residents express concerns about hospital closure
PHOENIX – Maryvale residents said they were concerned about the recent announcement their nearest hospital would close, leaving some to question where they will go in an emergency.
‘The Hawk’ remembered fondly at Suns memorial service
PHOENIX — Standing a full 6 feet 8 inches tall, Connie Hawkins’ impact on Phoenix Suns basketball was as large as he was.
Candlelight vigil in Phoenix brings awareness and lights up the topic of mental illness
PHOENIX — “Let’s all take one deep breath together, and I’d like you to turn to the person to the left, or right of you and I’d like you to say to them, ‘I’m glad you’re here and I will not forget this moment,’” said Jenny McLellan, in front of those who attended the 22nd Annual Candlelight Celebration for Mental Health Awareness in downtown Phoenix.
Plan keeps most of Sonoran Desert National Monument open to shooters
WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Land Management on Friday recommended closing 53,300 acres of the Sonoran Desert National Monument to recreational shooting, but keeping the remaining 443,000 open to shooters.
Advocates urge colleges to aid DACA students, lawmakers urge restraint
WASHINGTON - Colleges and universities may not be able to change immigration law, but they can do more to help those students faced with losing their protection from deportation.
Teammates mourn loss of Moon Valley football player
PHOENIX -- Described as “kind to everyone” and having “so much heart” by teammates, Moon Valley High School’s Carlos Sanchez remained on the minds of those close to him.
Tell us: Have you sold or purchased a firearm through a personal sale?
Arizona is one of the states that does not require firearm owners to be permitted in order to purchase a firearm, and does not require background checks for person-to-person firearm sales.
Antique dealers see controversial African-American memorabilia as part of history
MESA – Visitors to antique shops on Main Street in Mesa will see stores crammed with primarily benign American memorabilia. A 19th century record player, a vintage 1990s Barbie, or a campaign button promoting Richard Nixon for president line the shelves.
Phoenix Police Department seeks to diversify by promoting wide array of career possibilities
PHOENIX – Hundreds of people gathered at the Phoenix Convention Center last Friday to learn more about the diverse opportunities within the Phoenix Police Department, and for many it was also a chance to see if they had what it takes to join the ranks.
Attendees, Phoenix officials praise inaugural Lost Lake Festival
PHOENIX – Thousands of people converged in central Phoenix this past weekend as part of the inaugural Lost Lake Festival, a three-day music, arts and food event. Despite earlier concerns about security issues and potential traffic snarls, attendees and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said the event “exceeded expectations.”
Scottsdale student’s study lands spot in national science competition
WASHINGTON - A study that asks the question, "Can Technology be Used to Modify Behavior and Reduce Rates of Melanoma" may sound pretty dry - but for Scottsdale eighth-grader Arjun Moorthy, it's personal.
More drama for Suns after point guard Bledsoe sent home
PHOENIX — Following three straight losses to start the season, two of which were by over 40 points, the Phoenix Suns have experienced a season’s-worth of turmoil in just 24 hours, as the team fired its head coach and appears to be on track to lose its starting point guard.
October 23, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The Arizona Teachers Academy, the impact of the Lost Lake Festival and more.
AIA: Moon Valley followed protocol after player collapsed
PHOENIX -- A cloud loomed over Moon Valley High School Monday as students and staff mourned the loss of one of their own. Carlos Sanchez was a junior at the school and a player on the varsity football team. During Friday’s game, he collapsed on the field after a play that resulted in his head hitting the ground hard.
Cardinals stick with Stanton, add Bercovici to practice squad
TEMPE -- The Arizona Cardinals are taking a closer look at their quarterback situation after losing Carson Palmer to a broken left arm.
Flake will not seek 2018 re-election for Senate seat
PHOENIX - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake announced Tuesday he would not seek re-election in 2018.
‘First time I saw a cactus’: Diamondbacks reflect warmly on Arizona Fall League
PHOENIX -- The Arizona Fall League breeds Major League Baseball’s future top talent. Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Kris Bryant and countless others have played in the developmental league that sends approximately 60 percent of its players to the majors.
October 24, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Senator Jeff Flake's announcement, renovation of Park Central Mall, and more
Phoenix official: Working with feds on immigration hurts local policing
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney joined local officials from across the country Tuesday who said it's not their job to do the work of federal immigration authorities.
At least 1,100 in Arizona could lose TPS coverage, face deportation
WASHINGTON - Yesenia Chavarria traveled from Arizona and joined scores of immigrants outside the White House Tuesday to plead for an extension of their temporary protected status, a problem one expert calls "the most important issue most people have never heard of."
Flake won’t run again, opening likely ‘free-for-all’ in Senate race
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, walked away from a 2018 re-election bid Tuesday, saying in a speech on the Senate floor that he "will not be complicit or silent" about the ongoing degradation of the political climate.
After toiling overseas, 27-year-old Suns rookie Mike James is talk of town
PHOENIX -- The first time Devin Booker played with Mike James on the Suns’ summer league team, he had questions.
Phoenix charter for homeless students struggles with funding, academic success
PHOENIX — The Children First Leadership Academy in Phoenix was given a big, fat F by the Arizona Department of Education’s new rating system, but one reason its academic success is low may be a shortage of funding for the population the school serves.
High schoolers write 1,000 thank you notes to first responders in Las Vegas mass shooting
PHOENIX – Students from a Peoria high school penned 1,000 hand-written notes of appreciation for first responders in the Las Vegas mass shooting.
Fear of deportation makes the painful experience of domestic violence worse
PHOENIX - Shantelle Satchel was 17 years old when she met the man who would change her life forever back in Milwaukee. Two years later, he shot her in the face because he saw her getting out of a car with two men.
October 25, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The new Dream Act proposal, the future for Arizona agriculture, and more
Navajo, other tribes call land-use bill a step in the right direction
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders backed a House bill Wednesday that would give tribes the ability to control more of their land, instead of having to get federal approval for virtually any use.
Democrats renew call for a quick vote on a ‘clean’ Dream Act bill
WASHINGTON - Democratic lawmakers said Wednesday that there is a growing sense of urgency for a Dream Act vote - and a growing sense that they will delay the next budget bill in December if there is not a vote by then.
Phoenix, health advocates launch plan to curb spread of HIV and AIDS in Arizona by 2030
PHOENIX — Joshua Olson received the news no one wants to hear — he had contracted HIV from someone he dated.
Through open mic, Valley community bands together to help those still affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
PHOENIX — Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island of Puerto Rico roughly 36 days ago, a number etched in Amber Cordoba’s mind as she thinks about the destruction and chaos faced day after day by those still on the island.
Health care leaders, police and prosecutors join forces to research concussions in domestic violence victims
SCOTTSDALE – Maricopa County prosecutors, Mesa police and health care leaders are teaming up to research the prevalence of concussions in domestic violence victims.
Owner of Chandler drug company charged with bribery, fraud
PHOENIX – The founder and owner of the Chandler-based pharmaceutical company Insys Therapeutics Inc. was arrested in Phoenix on Thursday, charged with using bribes and fraud to profit from illegal distribution of a fentanyl spray meant for cancer patients.
October 26, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the opioid crisis, the HIV epidemic in Arizona, and more
Lawmakers, advocates blast ‘misguided’ Grand Canyon fee hike plan
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers and advocates are condemning proposed fee increases at the Grand Canyon and 16 other parks, a move the National Park Service said is badly needed to fund billions in backlogged maintenance projects.
Hundreds of bodies found near the border remain unidentified
TUCSON — Artist Alvaro Enciso lives on the Northeast side of Tumamoc Hill in a house full of art, including three-foot white crosses created to deliver a deeper message about death.
Arizona officials praise Trump’s declaration of public health emergency for opioids
PHOENIX – State leaders and public health officials on Thursday praised President Donald Trump after he declared a public health emergency on the nation’s opioid crisis, saying it’s a good first step. However, at least one local health care professional said it wasn’t enough.
Arizona State Fair officials say there have been no serious injuries at the fair this year
PHOENIX – How safe are the rides at the state fair?
Playing the odds: Valley surgeon lives double life as successful poker player
A local surgeon likes to play the odds, just not in the emergency room.
In Focus DACA Special Report: Episode 3
In this third episode of our In Focus DACA Special Report, we take a step back from the ongoing fight over the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to take a look at similar threats to the future of the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) program. It’s what one advocate calls “the most important issue you’ve never heard of.”
Foreign language teachers innovate to create a more engaging environment for students
TEMPE — One takeaway from the Arizona Computer Assisted Language Learning conference was that mixing technology and languages, could soon make textbooks a thing of the past.
Fifty-eight years after he last played, ASU quarterback returns to Sun Devil Stadium
TEMPE -- Nestled between two buttes sits iconic Sun Devil Stadium. The structure that opened in 1958 and has hosted the Pope, the Rolling Stones and countless football games has also undergone multiple transformations throughout the years.
Moon Valley High School remembers fallen teammate
PHOENIX -- Moon Valley High School captains brought out a No. 33 jersey to the coin toss. They placed white roses at the 33-yard line. And fans and players alike partook in 33 seconds of silence for the late Carlos Sanchez.
Tolleson high schools crack down on motorists who ignore stop signs on buses by installing cameras
TOLLESON – Tolleson Union High School District has installed cameras on 20 of its buses to deter motorists who ignore the stop signs that come down when students get on or off the bus. The district plans to add 18 more by the end of November.
ASU DREAMers and supporters march in favor of DACA, against in-state tuition lawsuit
PHOENIX ‒ With only four months left to pass legislation to protect DREAMers, dozens of Arizona State University students gathered Thursday on the Tempe campus to advocate for a solid DREAM Act, while also protesting against the lawsuits that would deny them access to in-state tuition.
Buyer beware: Experts say home sellers don’t have to disclose murders, hauntings
TEMPE – When Patricia St. Vincent bought a 1910 colonial revival house in Tempe more than 30 years ago, the seller congratulated her and said, “You bought yourself a haunted house.”
Zombie Walk returns after being resurrected by Arizona Hemophilia Association
PHOENIX — Bloodied, flesh-eating, hungry zombies filled the streets of the Warehouse District in Phoenix on Oct. 28.
October 30, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Criminal activity linked to opioid crisis, a new TSA requirement, and more!
Tucson latest Arizona airport to roll out new TSA screening policy
DULLES, Virginia - Tucson International last week became the latest airport in Arizona to roll out enhanced security measures that will require travelers to put any electronic device larger than a cell phone into a separate bin.
Bats doing well in Arizona, despite being battered elsewhere
WASHINGTON - Bats can rest easy in Arizona. Literally. The state's climate appears to have helped hold off, for now, a disease that has afflicted bats during hibernation in at least half of the country.
Students march for DACA, against Arizona Attorney General’s lawsuit
“When student rights are under attack, what do we do?” “STAND UP, FIGHT BACK!” TEMPE - Last Thursday, the student organization Undocumented Students for Education Equity lead a march in support of DACA students. Dozens of students marched through Arizona State University’s main campus, chanting and holding signs.
Four Latinos form Arizona’s first legislative LGBT Caucus
PHOENIX - Six years ago, it was a young intern who helped save Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford’s life in a shooting that shocked Arizona and the nation. Now, that same intern has made history again by helping to found the first LGBT Caucus in the Arizona Legislature.
Día de los Muertos: Honoring the past while making a statement about the future
PHOENIX — “This connects us to our ancient, indigenous past.”
Community groups call on Ducey to ‘commit to action on climate change’
PHOENIX — Leaders of environmental, business and faith groups on Tuesday urged Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to take on climate change by embracing solutions such as renewable energy and battery technology.
October 31, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Senator John McCain's speech to the U.S. Naval Academy and more
Supreme Court won’t hear Arizona case on custody fight over tribal kids
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has refused to hear an Arizona case that pitted a non-Indian mother and Indian father against one another in a fight for custody of their children.
Flake, Kaine renew call for Congress to weigh in on ongoing military use
WASHINGTON - When Congress first authorized military action against terrorists in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Jeff Flake was a freshman member of the House and Tim Kaine was still mayor of Richmond, Virginia.
Supreme Court lets stand lower court rulings in Scottsdale police shooting
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court let stand a ruling that a Scottsdale police officer was justified when he shot and killed a man who threatened two people with a knife and advanced toward officers with two halves of a pool cue in his hands.
Emotional McCain urges midshipmen to fight for ideals ‘under attack’
WASHINGTON - An emotional Sen. John McCain returned Monday to the U.S. Naval Academy where he entered public service more than 60 years ago, and called on midshipmen there to always to "do the right thing" and fight for American ideals.
From naps to Disney music, pregame rituals part of Valley high school football scene
PHOENIX -- Marshawn Lynch eats Skittles and Cam Newton wears special shoes. NFL players, however, aren’t the only ones with pregame rituals.
No. 3 Wildcats men’s basketball ‘itching’ to play after challenging offseason
TUCSON -- With the offseason dominated by talk of an FBI investigation, the Arizona men’s basketball team is happy to shift the topic of conversation.
Chicanos Por La Causa hopes to inspire community members to give back to a part of Phoenix
PHOENIX - Not too many people would be excited to get up before sunrise on a Saturday morning but that is exactly what hundreds of people did in one Valley area, not only cleaning it up but also aiming to give those who live there a sense of pride in their neighborhood.
Penzone to inmates on hunger strike: Food is nutritious, not delicious
PHOENIX – Maricopa County jail inmates went on a three-day hunger strike over the quality of meals served behind bars, but Sheriff Paul Penzone said Wednesday that taste is not the point.
November 1, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Details on the Affordable Care Act open enrollment and more
Arizona Obamacare premiums may drop, as troubled enrollment opens
WASHINGTON - Arizona is one of the few states expected to see a decrease in average premium costs during the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period that opened Wednesday - if consumers can figure out how to sign up.
As tax reform looms, tribal leaders complain about being left out – again
WASHINGTON - A day before House Republicans were expected to unveil their plan to overhaul the tax code, tribal leaders and senators complained Wednesday that Indian Country once again does not have a seat at the table.
Forest bill aimed at cutting wildfires called ‘giveaway’ to loggers
WASHINGTON - A divided House on Wednesday approved a bill that supporters said would boost wildfire prevention efforts, in part by excluding forests from environmental requirements.
Feds consider lifting ban on uranium mining around Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration may reverse a 20-year moratorium on new uranium mining claims on 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon, a move that environmental groups said could lead to long-term harm to water quality and wildlife in the region.
The fate of thousands of unaccompanied children is decided in immigration court
PHOENIX - They arrive at the federal courthouse each Friday, their hair neatly combed, dressed in the best clothes they own or can borrow.
The San Carlos Apache struggle to deal with garbage
On a riverbank in Arizona’s San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, residents take part in vibrant ceremonies practiced for generations, celebrating a woman’s coming of age or praying for a sick person’s recovery.
Art exhibit in Phoenix gives young Hispanic immigrants a way to express themselves
PHOENIX — Thousands of miles from home, ten 17-year-old young men living in Arizona found a way to connect to their roots.
Mesa police chief brings new perspective to force
MESA ‒ For new Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista, engaging with the community is just as important, if not more, than “catching bad guys.”
November 2, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Debate over use of police force, Arizona Sports Hall of Fame additions, and more
Doan, Majerle among 5 inducted into Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
PARADISE VALLEY — Anthony Robles was born with just one leg. But he never let that hold him back.
White Mountain Apache seek tweak to law to let water project advance
WASHINGTON - A White Mountain Apache leader told House members Thursday that the tribe desperately needs to "replace the failing and terminal groundwater well system," but that current Interior Department regulations are preventing the tribe from moving forward on the project.
In Focus, Season 2 Episode 4: Kaylor Cox
Kaylor Cox is a 20-year-old country musician from South Dakota who has been living in Tucson for the past nine years. She recently played the Oro Valley Music Festival and has opened for well-known country artists. Today, Kaylor is working full-time on her music and is getting ready to move to Nashville to further her career.
Thunderbird High students take the stage to honor theater teacher’s legacy
PHOENIX – Students exhale loudly as they do their breathing exercises in the theater, preparing for a play one year in the making.
‘I just couldn’t breathe’: A transgender man’s journey
PHOENIX – Sam Staas was designated female when he was born. It took years before he realized he was a boy.
Questions, emotions remain after medical examiner’s ruling on Moon Valley player death
PHOENIX — Even with an initial ruling of “blunt-force trauma,” questions and emotions run deep about the death of a Moon Valley High School football player.
House extends children’s health coverage, but Senate outlook unclear
WASHINGTON - The House Friday passed a GOP bill to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program for five years by pulling funds from other programs under Obamacare, angering Democrats who called the cuts unnecessary.
Study: Latinos more likely to distrust tap water, seek other sources
PHOENIX — Dolores Escobar takes a 30-minute bus ride every Sunday from her house to the closest water-vending machine and carries eight empty gallon jugs with her to refill them.
Officials urge transportation workers to report suspicious behavior after New York terrorism attack
TOLLESON – Officials with the Arizona Trucking Association said they have been urging their members to keep their eyes open for suspicious activity on the road.
Plans for Latino Cultural Center raise questions, but advocates stay hopeful
PHOENIX — A recent report about the future of a proposed Latino cultural center in Phoenix found “a significant need” for the center, a place where local artists and community will have a voice in arts that reflect their heritage.
Hockey, pro soccer part of ASU’s plan for multi-use Sun Devil Stadium
Arizona State hockey. Professional soccer. Goat yoga.
Arizona lawmakers split as House begins work on GOP tax-reform plan
WASHINGTON - The House began work Monday on the largest tax reform push in over three decades, with most Arizona lawmakers tentatively embracing the concept even as they expressed reservations about details in the 429-page bill.
Young rider seeks ‘adrenaline rush’ in miniature bull riding
NEW RIVER — Brady Turgeon, one of the nation’s top miniature bull riders, has been on the backs of animals for as long as he can remember.
Arizona has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the country
PHOENIX - With every mass shooting - from the 26 people killed and 20 wounded in a Texas church this weekend to the 58 dead and 515 wounded at a Las Vegas concert in October - comes the call for stricter measures to prevent mass shootings and domestic terrorism.
Local First Arizona festival expands to include all state-based businesses
PHOENIX — In a park that is usually near-empty, tents from local restaurants, breweries and shops lined the grass as hundreds of Valley locals swarmed for Local First Arizona’s 13th annual Arizona Fall Fest on Saturday, an event that exclusively showcased state-owned businesses.
November 7, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Arizona gun sale statistics, Maricopa County election process and more
Immigrants wary as DHS ends Nicaraguan protection, extends Hondurans
WASHINGTON - Arizona immigrants with Temporary Protected Status who were looking to the Department of Homeland Security for clues to their future in the U.S. may have been left with more questions than answers after an announcement Monday.
McSally’s entry into Senate race could set up ‘war’ in GOP primary
WASHINGTON - Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, has told House colleagues that she will run next year for the seat being vacated by Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, setting the stage for what could be a fractious primary fight with Kelli Ward.
After Texas tragedy, Phoenix religious communities consider security
PHOENIX — “They’re our brothers and sisters that are just a couple states away,” Margarete Nasir said. “The church was a small church like ours.”
Copperstate 4 Wheelers complete annual cleanup across Tonto National Forest
Every November, volunteers from Copperstate 4 Wheelers spread out across Tonto National Forest on a mission to collect and haul out tons of trash.
November 8, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Maricopa County election results, a new trend in stroke risks, and more
Hopi to elect new leaders as planned plant closure threatens tribe’s financial future
SECOND MESA – Houses and corn fields dot the Hopi reservation, spread across three mesas in northeastern Arizona and circled by the much larger Navajo Nation. The seemingly barren Hopi land carries a rich, centuries old history and, now, an uncertain economic future.
Court: Online service must identify anonymous users to grand jury
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that an online job-rating site has to turn over the identities of anonymous users who posted comments about a company being investigated for its handling of a Department of Veterans Affairs contract.
1 Arizona filer in 5 took state, local deduction House wants to drop
WASHINGTON - A GOP tax-reform plan to eliminate deductions for state and local income and sales tax payments would affect one in five Arizona taxpayers, who used it to deduct more than $3.5 billion from their 2015 income.
Chinese community waits for temporary injunction decision on cultural center
PHOENIX — The future of the Chinese Cultural Center is still uncertain as the community awaits a judge’s decision in an upcoming hearing.
What Maria washed away: Puerto Ricans resettle in Arizona
FOUNTAIN HILLS — Maria Torres sat in her daughter’s living room remembering the day Hurricane Maria made landfall in her town of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, and changed her life forever.
P.E. teacher named 2018 Teacher of the Year
PHOENIX – P.E. teacher Josh Meibos held back tears as he was named the Arizona Teacher of the Year, seven years after he leaped from a job as a retail store manager to a career in education.
November 9, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
WWI National Memorial project, Phoenix Raceway renovations and more.
Arizonans join hundreds in raucous protests demanding action on DACA
WASHINGTON - Hundreds of protesters packed the lobby of a Senate office building Thursday, their chants echoing off the marble walls as they demanded that Congress vote to protect DACA recipients.
Hunters may be solution to reducing destructive bison herd at Grand Canyon
GRAND CANYON – A spring used to rush through a hillside on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, nourishing bats, mule deer and other wildlife — that is, until bison trampled the watering hole into a mud puddle.
Left behind: Vietnam Wall collects almost 250,000 mementos to fallen
WASHINGTON - On a cool November morning, New Hampshire resident Howie Howe came to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington and stopped to see the names of two foster brothers that are etched on the wall.
Consumer advocates: New protections on high-interest, short-term loans take ‘first step’
PHOENIX – Consumers seeking last-minute loans will soon have new protections.
Automated bartending hits Valley, but will it replace humans?
SCOTTSDALE – Robots can drive our cars, pick our tomatoes and change our thermostats for us. But would you want a robot to pour your next beer or wine?
‘We would play on the moon’: Coaches OK with prep title games in Tucson
PHOENIX -- The last time Tucson hosted a state title game in high school football was 2009.
November 13, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on the 'Adopt a Soldier' program, a local arts fair and more
As society grapples with how to treat vets, challenges continue to shift
WASHINGTON - Brad Allenby remembers being an Army officer during the Vietnam era and watching fellow soldiers return from the war suffering from trauma from what they had experienced there - trauma made worse by their reception at home.
Arizona faith leaders call on McCain, Flake to fight repeal of Clean Power Plan
PHOENIX — Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman described the scene of a beautiful sunset — caused by pollution leading to ugly results like asthma.
With nod to roots, developers plan to retrofit Park Central Mall into modern cool
PHOENIX – When Park Central Mall opened in 1957, the cars packed into the parking lot had fins, Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” was on the radio and shoppers were riding the escalators at a gleaming, two-story Goldwater’s department store, founded by the family of the man who would run for president seven years later.
November 14, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Groups call for action on climate change, a new Phoenix bike program, and more
Despite slowing, foreign student numbers in US, Arizona inched up
WASHINGTON - A report Monday revealed for the first time "a very real drop" in new enrollment by international students in U.S. colleges and universities in 2016-2017.
In Focus DACA Special Report: Episode 4
They are the minority of the minorities, the recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals who come from countries you may not immediately associate with DACA. In this fourth episode of our In Focus DACA Special Report, we talk with the young immigrants from countries other than Mexico - who account for one in five of the 800,000 DACA recipients in the U.S.
Tell us: How did the Great Recession affect you?
It was nearly 10 years ago — December 2007 — that the National Bureau of Economic Research marks as the start of a deep recession the United States, what is often called the Great Recession.
Local Latino veterans come together to share art, hope to leave legacy of their service
PHOENIX - Memories of the battlefield were brought back to life at “Los Veteranos De Arizona” art exhibit.
Do you use Tonto National Forest? Officials want to hear from you
MESA – Hunters, conservationists, hikers and campers are being courted by Tonto National Forest to help determine a future that balances preservation and tourism.
As NAFTA staggers, Arizona keeps pushing forward to maintain its trade relationship with Mexico
PHOENIX ‒ As a border state, Arizona plays a dual role in some of President Donald Trump’s policy proposals. It wants the border to be shielded from drug smuggling and undocumented immigration, but still be open for trade with Mexico.
November 15, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on a Supreme Court same-sex wedding cake case and more
Backers hope Route 66 ‘historic trail’ designation can drive tourism
WASHINGTON - Anyone who doubts the lure of Route 66 should talk to Winslow Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Hall, who said that capitalizing on the historic highway was key to revitalization of the historic downtown.
Giffords assures crowd at Capitol ceremony she’s ‘still fighting’
WASHINGTON - It's been almost six years since Gabrielle Giffords walked the halls of the Capitol, but her time away does not appear to have reduced the number of friends and supporters the former Tucson congresswoman has here.
Phoenix neighborhood grant provides low-cost access to Grid Bikes
PHOENIX – The city is bringing a bike share program to a central Phoenix neighborhood at a fraction of the usual cost, teaching about safety and providing exercise options to residents who wouldn’t be able to afford the program.
Mesa sets its eyes on e-commerce with Mexico
MESA – As trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada is debated by top negotiators in Mexico City, one Arizona city is working on a long-term, million-dollar project that will potentially increase trade with Mexico.
Hold your horses: Equine therapy a game-changer for those in need
Jack Mills lived in a world of his own as an infant, unable to connect on a social or emotional level.
Suicide survivor shares story of grief, healing
PHOENIX — On May 2, 2015, Zach Giron died by suicide. Since then, his mother Gina Gillis has struggled to grieve for her 26-year-old son, asking questions that have no answers.
November 16, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Domestic abuse in Native American communities, letters to Vegas and more
Arizona lawmakers split along party lines as House approves tax cut
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers fell in line with their respective parties Thursday as the House voted 227-205 for a $1.5 trillion tax-cut plan, making good on Speaker Paul Ryan's promise to get a bill passed before the Thanksgiving recess.
Domestic violence: A deadly problem among Native American communities
PHOENIX — Kayla White was 12 years old that winter morning when her life was changed forever. On Jan. 2, 2009, White’s mother was killed by her father, becoming a victim of domestic violence.
In Focus, Season 2 Episode 5: Miss DJ MJ
Miss DJ MJ is a local Arizona DJ who doubles as a financial advisor. She has played around the country for popular clubs, private events and for major celebrities. While she continues playing for celebrities and events, Miss DJ MJ also helps people with their financial needs.
Mixed Americans: How multiracial families talk about race
TEMPE – When Talia Fuentes fills out the race/ethnicity portion of the United States Census, she checks three boxes: Hispanic, Native American, and Caucasian. But up until 2000, Fuentes, and others like her, would have only been able to check one box.
Several firsts among Phoenix mayoral candidates
PHOENIX - One Phoenix mayoral candidate could make history with their win, and one already has.
‘I have nothing to say’: Graham mum about job speculation
TEMPE -- From national media voices to Arizona State football fans, debate has resumed about the future of coach Todd Graham.
November 20, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The fight against drug abuse, Museum of the Bible grand opening and more
Steve Bannon comes to Tucson, hundreds protest
TUCSON - The groups were separated by a street, metal barriers and police officers. On one side, a man shouted into his megaphone. “The people united will never be defeated!” On the other side, a woman yelled into her megaphone. “The people united, are gonna be deported!”
ASU ‘evaluating’ whether Charlie Rose will keep 2015 Cronkite Award
PHOENIX — Arizona State University officials are “evaluating” the 2015 award presented to former CBS anchor Charlie Rose by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, after the Washington Post detailed allegations of sexual harassment made by eight women.
Health leaders to offer opioid education to student-athletes across Arizona
PHOENIX — Arizona health professionals have educated 4,000 students on the effects of opioid abuse and plan to expand the program to student-athletes statewide by January.
Let It Out: Alma Telibecirevic
Alma Telibecirevic grew up and went to college in Sarajevo, Bosnia, during the Balkan wars in the 1990s.
Snowbowl bypasses Mother Nature, makes own snow for opening
FLAGSTAFF – If it wasn’t for little more than a mile stretch of man-made snow spanning 25 acres atop the Arizona Snowbowl, one might think it was summer in Flagstaff.
November 21, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Arizona Snowbowl season opening, drug abuse among teens and more
Report: State’s drug, alcohol, suicide death rates to climb by 2025
WASHINGTON - A new report says death rates in Arizona from drugs, alcohol and suicides could grow by 38 percent over the next decade unless action is taken now to head off the problem.
November 22, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
How one foundation is bringing the holiday spirit to foster children and more
Arizona HR expert: ‘Time will tell’ if high-profile sexual harassment allegations impact number of claims
PHOENIX – Companies interested in providing a safe work environment must do more than just run training sessions, say human resources experts as high-profile allegations of sexual harassment and assault surface almost daily.
Valley clinic provides access to free medical care for immigrant community
PHOENIX - It can be daunting to try and get health care when someone does not speak the language or does not have the legal status to navigate an already complicated system.
For political pros, keeping Thanksgiving civil is a political art itself
WASHINGTON - Three things are likely to ruin an otherwise good Thanksgiving: too much alcohol, too-dry stuffing and talking politics at the dinner table. But how do you navigate the holiday when talking about politics is not just a hobby, but your career?
As title game nears, Casteel football program provides comfort for principal battling cancer
QUEEN CREEK — Principal Sandy Lundberg represents the identity of the Casteel High School football program: Fight. Drive. Perseverance.
Small businesses plan for long weekend of shopping
PHOENIX - Lauren Booth, merchandiser for Bunky Boutique, sits at the little wooden register in the corner of the downtown Phoenix store, stamping cards in preparation for the busy weekend to come.
Police push back on report criticizing body-worn camera policies
WASHINGTON - Police department policies on the use of body-worn cameras, including policies of three Arizona departments, present the possibility for abuse of the technology, according to a report released this month by a national civil rights group.
Good Book gets good look in town where The Word is usually political
WASHINGTON - The Washington monument that Mark Singer and Kim Bongiorno came to see wasn’t old and it wasn’t on the National Mall and it wasn’t dedicated – strictly – to U.S. history. But don’t tell the Scottsdale couple that it wasn’t worth the trip.
Advocates worry FCC changes to Lifeline could hit Indian Country hard
WASHINGTON - The Federal Communications Commission is moving to rein in a low-cost telephone service for low-income customers that critics say will hit Indian Country hard if fully implemented.
Trans Queer Pueblo organizes Phoenix show giving support to LGBTQ immigrant community
PHOENIX — Growing up as a member of the LGBTQ community can already be a struggle for many. For some Latino youths, their journey is made even more difficult because of several factors such as the conservative, male dominated and religious nature of their culture.
ASU rescinds Cronkite Award given to Charlie Rose in 2015
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication has rescinded the 2015 award of excellence given to news anchor Charlie Rose after the longtime anchor was accused of several instances of sexual misconduct.
In Focus DACA Special Report: Episode 5
On one side of the debate are the people who are demanding protection for those covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. They march. They chant. They protest. On the other side, opponents are just as convinced of their positions. But maybe not as loud.
Sumlin expected to be among candidates considered during ASU search
When Arizona State beat the University of Arizona in the Territorial Cup, it looked like coach Todd Graham had saved his job.
Unhappy with ‘average’ performance, ASU fires football coach Graham
TEMPE -- “You always want to leave a place better than you found it, and I really feel like we’ve done that.”
St. Luke’s Medical Center teaches Phoenix bystanders to ‘Stop the Bleed’
PHOENIX — When there's an emergency, the first rule is to call 911.
Phoenix Zoo breeds Mount Graham red squirrels to save them from extinction
PHOENIX – A lightning strike that set the Pinaleño Mountains in northern Arizona ablaze months ago decimated the population of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel, leaving few survivors and lending urgency to conservation efforts to save the species from extinction.
November 27, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
The dangers of fentanyl, expectations for a new ASU head football coach and more
Trump ‘Pocahontas’ remark overshadows Code Talkers event
WASHINGTON - Tribal groups reacted swiftly Monday after President Donald Trump used an event honoring Native American Code Talkers to call a Democratic senator "Pocahontas," what critics called a slur that marred an otherwise positive event.
Scottsdale furniture consignment shops join ‘shared marketing’ effort to boost sales
SCOTTSDALE – Competitors working together? That’s not a typical business practice, but representatives from five Scottsdale furniture consignment stores said their collaboration has helped boost the local industry.
November 28, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the GOP tax plan, Trump's controversial comment and more
Environmentalists sue to block ‘dangerous’ Rosemont copper mine
WASHINGTON - Environmental groups sued the Forest Service this week to block what they called the "dangerous" Rosemont copper mine, citing concerns ranging from habitat destruction to drinking water contamination at the project southeast of Tucson.
Arizona residents, Trump take competing tax plan appeals to Capitol
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump was on Capitol Hill Monday to lobby senators for a GOP tax cut plan - and so was Tucson resident Cindy Winston, who was there to lobby against the measure.
Life after pro basketball? NBA G League Education Program offers some answers
PRESCOTT VALLEY -- For Anthony Bennett, a career beyond the basketball court is hard to imagine.
Vendors hope new market in South Phoenix brings business, sense of pride to area
PHOENIX - Selling jewelry, clothing and food wasn’t the only idea behind La Luna Markets.
Fentanyl seizures increase at Arizona border
PHOENIX - Agents have seized 140 pounds of fentanyl at Arizona's ports of entry in 2017, a 600 percent increase from 2016, according to a report from United States Customs and Border Protection.
November 29, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
Officers crack down on holiday DUI's, the world's largest telescope and more
Arizona rancher, official tell Congress states need voice in water regs
WASHINGTON - Federal regulation of waterways may not be the first issue that comes to mind in a desert state like Arizona, but don't tell that to Pima County cattle rancher Jim Chilton.
House panel OKs bill to allow concealed gun carry across state lines
WASHINGTON - A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would let gun owners with concealed-carry permits cross state lines without prior approval, as long as they followed local concealed-carry laws.
Title games return attention to AIA realignment process
PHOENIX — As football powerhouses Scottsdale Saguaro and Peoria Centennial prepare for Saturday’s state title games, debate about conference realignment continues.
The Christmas tree shortage of 2017 traces back to recession in 2007
PHOENIX — Arizona’s current Christmas tree shortage began 10 years ago when the recession hit.
Experts: Holiday spending off to strong start, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to full-time jobs
PHOENIX – Americans are dealing out more cash this year for the holidays, but experts say that’s not necessarily a good thing for those looking for work in Arizona.
Arizona theater company hopes to combat lack of deaf actors in media
PHOENIX — This isn't the first time Hollywood has been scrutinized for its lack of diversity and inclusiveness on screen. A recent study shows nearly all fictional characters with disabilities are portrayed by able-bodied actors. Movies like “Wonderstruck,” where hearing actress Julianne Moore plays a deaf character, show how the deaf community is underrepresented in mainstream media. However, it is not due to a lack of available deaf actors.
‘I knew something was wrong’: Valley youth hockey aims to improve concussion awareness
PHOENIX – As he caught an edge on the ice and catapulted backward toward the boards, Sheldon Wilson abruptly hit his head and had to be removed from the ice.
Phoenix Open honored internationally for sustainability efforts
SCOTTSDALE -- Ever since Waste Management and the Thunderbirds partnered up for the Phoenix Open, sustainability and conservation have been a priority.
From disconnection to opportunity: Zip Code Project aims to reconnect the ‘disconnected youth’ of Arizona
MARYVALE — Teen pregnancy, difficult living situations, immigration status and mental or physical disabilities are some of the reasons young people in the United States become ‘disconnected.'
Once a victim, Cardinals running back Johnson supports anti-bullying campaign
PHOENIX— Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is no stranger to the issue of childhood bullying.
November 30, 2017 Newscast | Cronkite News
New police camera technology, National Christmas Tree Lighting and more
Venezuelan teens came to Arizona for basketball, but were left homeless
BUCKEYE - They were teenagers from Venezuela, drawn to Arizona’s Elite 1 Academy with hopes of playing college basketball or making it to the NBA.
At open season midpoint, Obamacare sign-ups boom in state, nation
WASHINGTON - Halfway into the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment season, the number of people signing up per day is sharply higher than it was last year, with about 500 more Arizonans signing up every day this year.
Too historic to tear down? Battling over blighted houses in Bisbee
BISBEE – Longtime Bisbee resident Renee Reed remembers how the dilapidated home across the street used to look.
In Focus, Season 2 Episode 6: Musical Instrument Museum
On the final episode of Season 2 of In Focus, we went to the Musical Instrument Museum for a different approach on the Arizona music industry.
Flake wants to back tax bill if it comes with DACA protections
WASHINGTON – Sen. Jeff Flake announced on Twitter his support for a tax reform bill if it included a “growth-oriented” solution for DREAMers, as well as the elimination of the “$85 million expensing budget gimmick.”
Racism and social media: ASU anti-harassment program provides insight, tips
TEMPE — Social media has given bullies the power to hide behind keyboards for years and it’s not uncommon to see arguments and personal attacks break out in the comments section on Facebook.
DHS backs new death records database despite concerns, delays
PHOENIX – Several Arizona funeral home directors say a new online system to process death certificates has led to delays in cremations and burials.
Flake joins McCain as Republicans line up behind Senate tax-cut plan
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake ended his holdout Friday and agreed to vote for the GOP tax-cut plan, joining fellow Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain and helping Republican leaders get the margin they needed to pass the bill.
Tucked in: Digitally native mattress companies extend to brick-and-mortar retail spaces
PHOENIX – It’s a Saturday morning in downtown Gilbert, and, for September, temperatures are still sweltering. The sun beats down as a local farmer’s market sells homemade jams and families walk their dogs. The buzz of couples chattering over brunch can be heard from the sidewalk. But, tucked just behind the restaurants that line Gilbert’s Heritage Square, people line up to be one of the first 100 customers to claim a free Tuft & Needle pillow at the grand opening of its fourth brick-and-mortar location.
Arizona’s Talking Book library officials say visually, physically impaired patrons increasingly turn to digital materials
PHOENIX – Craig Turner opens one of many cardboard boxes that had just arrived at the Talking Book library early one October morning. He finds a surprise among them: A thank you note from a patron.
Herm Edwards: motivator, commentator … and now ASU football coach
TEMPE -- Arizona State not only introduced Herm Edwards as its 24th head football coach but also a new organizational structure that more resembles the NFL than college football.
Citizenship requests hit new high in state, nation, more growth likely
WASHINGTON - Naturalization applications in Arizona jumped 48 percent over the past three years, to more than 19,000 last year, a number that advocates expect will continue to rise as immigrants look for reassurance in the current political climate.
UA doctor’s drug could buy time between rattlesnake bite and anti-venom treatment
TUCSON – As soon as a rattlesnake sinks its fangs into a victim, the venom starts traveling through the bloodstream. Within seconds, people can experience pain, swelling, bleeding and trouble breathing.
December 5, 2017 Newscast
Research on rattlesnake venom, rising stroke rates and the HPV vaccination.
Justices grapple with baker’s right to deny service to same-sex couple
WASHINGTON - Supreme Court justices wrestled Tuesday with the line between art and commerce in the case of a Colorado baker who said making a wedding cake for a same-sex couple would violate his First Amendment rights.
Firefighter fitness: drag tires, run stairs and punch holes in an attic. Do it again.
PHOENIX – Firefighters routinely work on staying in shape with training that goes beyond running or doing – think of punching a hole in a ceiling or carrying 100 pounds up the stairs.
ASU adds interfaith, ablution rooms to Memorial Union to accommodate religious practices
TEMPE – Arizona State University recently added an interfaith reflection room and ablution rooms to its Memorial Union to accommodate students who want to practice their religious beliefs.
December 6, 2017 Newscast
DACA recipients' future, meet a Muslim day and a DACA boxer career in jeopardy
Ports of entry in Arizona face infrastructure and staffing challenges
PHOENIX – From a farm or a maquila in Sonora, Mexico to a supermarket store in Chicago, the journey of products coming from Mexico is a long, sometimes slow one. But according to border experts and officials, it’s during customs inspections at the border where the process gets delayed the most because ports of entry are understaffed and their need for investment is often overlooked.
Archaeology professor, students dig into Bisbee baseball history
BISBEE – The students digging beneath the stands at Bisbee’s Warren Ballpark have unearthed a few artifacts that provide a glimpse into what life was like for fans of the century-old ballpark: firearm cartridges, broken glass bottles, bus tokens.
Repercussions: How does lack of diversity affect policing?
PHOENIX – Arizona police departments don’t always reflect the racial diversity of the communities they serve, but experts disagree on the degree to which that makes a difference.
Arizona law enforcement doesn’t reflect state’s diversity
WINSLOW – Despite national calls for more diverse law enforcement agencies, very few, if any, Arizona police departments reflect the demographics of the communities they serve - though diversity is not always their top priority.
Some Arizona residents push back against police through protests, ballot box
PHOENIX – As thousands of protesters hit the Phoenix streets in July 2016 to protest the killings of black people by police, the Rev. Jarrett Maupin felt their anger.
Arizona police departments try to repair rifts with communities
PHOENIX – When Jeri Williams took over as Phoenix police chief last year, she made it a point to address the tension between law enforcement and the community.
About this project
"Racial Divide," an in-depth look at race and policing in Arizona, is the fall 2017 graduate student project for Cronkite News. The students spent the past three months collecting data from Arizona law enforcement agencies, conducting dozens of interviews and examining the role race plays in policing our communities.
December 7, 2017 Newscast
Catching identity theft, predators on social media and recreational shooting
Franks to resign in face of House Ethics probe of possible harassment
WASHINGTON - Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, said Thursday he will resign in the face of a House investigation of his discussions with female staffers about his and his wife's search for a surrogate mother to help them have more children.
Arizona-based exorcist: Half of world’s population has demons, he turns to Skype to release them
SCOTTSDALE – Mother Teresa, the Roman Catholic nun who devoted her life to serving the poor, was exorcised on her deathbed in late 1996, according to published reports, because the Archbishop of Calcutta feared she was “being attacked by the devil.”
Going for the bronze: Advocates push low- to no-cost ACA health plans
WASHINGTON - With one week left to sign up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, advocates are urging Arizona consumers to "window shop" for insurance plans that may be cheaper than they expected or, in some cases, essentially free.
Franks abruptly quits Congress, hours after setting Jan. 31 resignation
WASHINGTON - Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, abruptly announced his immediate resignation from Congress Friday, just hours after he said he would step down Jan. 31 in the face of a House Ethics inquiry.
Phoenix telephone museum re-opens doors, but still faces challenges
PHOENIX – A number of telephone history museums – which celebrate everything from telegraphs and telephone booths to rotary and flip phones – have closed in the past few years.
Progress on new binational drought plan in Colorado basin slow going
WASHINGTON - States, federal and Mexican officials hailed a binational agreement this fall that they said could lead to a radical shift in how the region prepares for and responds to drought.
From transplants to entertainment options, building fan base in Valley challenge for sports teams
PHOENIX -- It’s a Saturday evening at Gila River Arena in Glendale and the Arizona Coyotes are hosting the Winnipeg Jets. A few minutes into the opening period, fans continue to find their seats and settle down for a night of hockey. As the puck finds the back of the net and the horn sounds, a roar of excitement fills the arena.
In Focus DACA Special Report: Episode 6
In September, we began a countdown to Dec. 8, the day some Democratic lawmakers hoped would let them force a vote on the Dream Act by threatening to scuttle the budget that expired that day, potentially shutting the government down. Dec. 8 has come and gone. The budget has passed and the government is open, for now. And Congress is no closer to passing legislation to protect recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals than they were three months ago.
An Arizona dairy woman grows appreciation for female farmers
BUCKEYE — Sine Kerr cultivated her love for farming as a girl in rural Buckeye, participating in her local 4-H group and playing at friends’ houses whose families had farms and ranches.
Section 113, Row 15, Seat 12: one seat, four nights, four Suns fans
PHOENIX -- Once upon a time, the Suns were the face of the Valley. They were the community's first major sports team, beginning play in the 1968-69 season.
Dessert delivery company explores ‘ghost restaurant’ concept in Valley
PHOENIX – Averie Brookes was hanging out with friends late one evening last year when their sweet cravings kicked in.
Beyond the face paint: Sports fandom rooted in connections
TEMPE — Scott Johnson, an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, has not missed watching a game in nearly 20 years, he said.
Her son gone, mother reaches out to prevent student suicides
PHOENIX – “I love how you treat me,” was one of the last things 18-year-old Mitchell Warnock said to his mother before committing suicide a year ago.
Displaced youth find ‘family’ in Tucson program
TUCSON – Sarina LaMadrid’s mother was in and out of her children’s lives.
December 14, 2017 Newscast
West Valley developments, Park Central renovations and diverse employment
Virtual reality? Facial recognition? Stadiums, fan experiences evolving
The evolution of stadiums and sports fandom, from virtual reality to facial recognition, will impact the way we view sports.
Improving the game day experience: ASU football fans speak out
Mediocre attendance has led many to question why ASU struggles to attract a full house at Sun Devil Stadium.
Police Chief Jeri Williams calls community engagement critical to success
Police Chief Jeri Williams brings ‘different hats’ to her job, including deeply-rooted ties to the city.
St. Vincent’s renovates urban garden, plans to project as teaching tool for kids, homeless
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s 1-acre urban garden in Phoenix grows fruits and vegetables to provide healthy food to needy families.
Construction claws back from recession, ‘new normal’ still unclear
WASHINGTON - A decade after the start of the Great Recession, Arizona's hard-hit construction industry has come back, but experts are wondering how far it can go this time.
Fitzgerald autograph among hot sports collectibles in Valley
Owning sports memorabilia allows a fan to not only feel a special connection to a player but also gives them an opportunity to display their loyalty to a player or team.
Cyber warfare range opens in Phoenix, trains public to fight threats
The Arizona Cyber Warfare Range – Metro Phoenix opened this fall at Grand Canyon University and allows the public to try their hand at breaking into computer systems, cracking passwords and experimenting with malware.
After reeling with U.S. economy, immigrant remittances rebound
WASHINGTON - The global scale of the Great Recession was reflected in remittances, the money immigrants send to family back home, which dropped from $55 billion to $50 billion in one year.
Catering to corporate fans priority at Valley sporting events
The Waste Management Phoenix Open and Phoenix International Raceway both have invested large sums of money into new luxury suites and experiences for their corporate fans, and corporate fans in turn invest in sponsorships and hospitality to attract clients.
Arizona-based women-only boxing franchise expands to keep up with fitness trends
Over the past several years, women-only fitness facilities have exploded in popularity. Boxing gyms, such as the Jabz franchise, have played a role in that growth.
‘Unsustainable’ growth gives way to slow recovery on state jobless rate
WASHINGTON - Unemployment rates in Arizona inched down to 4.5 percent in October, falling to the lowest rate since the start of the Great Recession and capping one of the longest recoveries on record in the state.
Arizonans pay less for funeral services compared to rest of nation
It's cheaper to die in Arizona compared to other states. The national median cost of a funeral, which includes viewing and burial services, is $7,360. But it's about $6,681 here.
Recession created ‘perfect storm’ for sharp rise in student loan debt
WASHINGTON - Arizonans came out of the recession with more than twice the student debt that they carried 10 years ago, as economic forces that came with the recession created a "perfect storm" for rising debt.
DJs, dancers, DROPIT: Suns make in-game entertainment priority, too
T-shirt cannons, DJs, dancers. Suns know they must entertain fans with more than just basketball.
Caught in hard-hit fields, Latinos help themselves escape recession
WASHINGTON - Arizona Hispanics were heavily represented in construction and agriculture, two industries hit hard in the recession, but that seems to have driven many Latinos to start their own businesses to get work.
Native Americans’ recovery from recession brings little advancement
WASHINGTON - A decade after the start of the recession, Native American poverty and unemployment was twice as high as the rest of the state and per capita income was less than half, margins that have barely budged since the recession started at the end of 2007.
Scottsdale ranked No. 8 in country for vegan and vegetarian ‘friendliness’
Scottsdale has so many offerings, Wallethub recently ranked the city at No. 8 for vegan and vegetarian “friendliness” in the country.
Mexicans work to reclaim corn as their own
QUERETARO, Mexico - NAFTA has battered small Mexican farmers, but plans to renegotiate the trade pact have prompted a grassroots and political push here to reclaim a trade that was once at the heart of Mexico.
Mexico seeks edge with high-tech ‘Agroparks’
COLON, Queretaro, Mexico - On 700 acres of what looks like industrial park lies is could be Mexico’s farming future – Agropark, government-backed high-tech greenhouses that use high-tech methods to grow specialized products for export.
Tree thinning tackles Ponderosa pines to lessen Coconino wildfire danger
PHOENIX - After a season marked by catastrophic wildfires in the West, government forestry and conservation leaders in Arizona have accelerated a tree-thinning program in the Coconino National Forest.
Trump’s rhetoric awakens new spirit, new questions in Mexico
Mexico has seen rapid growth in education levels and financial status since the signing of NAFTA, and Mexicans now want to be seen as an equal partner to the U.S., a desire only fueled by the rhetoric of the Trump administration
Mixed feelings on NAFTA in Mexico as talks on pact continue
QUERETARO, Mexico - While some in Mexico are pushing the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mexican critics of the treaty say it’s time for their government to take a hard look at its shortcomings.
Mexicans and Americans – a complicated relationship
QUERETARO, Mexico - A Cronkite journalist goes on a listening tour in Mexico to hear about hundreds of years of history and the different takes on the current, complicated feelings that regular Mexicans have toward the United States.
Renovations, name change brings a new look and feel to Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE — Big changes are in the works at Phoenix Raceway. On top of its massive renovation, the track unveiled its announcement of a title shift on Sept. 26. The track has signed ISM Connect as its naming rights partner. The transition to becoming ISM Raceway, effective 2018, is the first time in the track’s history that it has sold such rights.
Arizona rancher on Mexico border uses science to breed sustainable cattle
Nogales, AZ cattle rancher Dean Fish bases his business practices on a three-legged stool of sustainability "to produce a safe, wholesome, tasty, nutritious product that’s going to go on America’s dinner plate."
Number of Latino business owners on rise in Arizona
The number of Latino-owned businesses in Arizona doubled from 2007 to 2015, according to recent data released by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Adaptive education helps children diagnosed with autism
PHOENIX — Any parent or guardian of a child with autism understands sending their student off to school to seek an education may result in an experience unlike the rest of their peers.
Millions of Americans turn to bottled water, but is it safer than tap?
Bottled water has become the No. 1 beverage choice in the U.S., but most bottled water is either spring water or purified tap water.
Couples, small businesses adjust as Arizona wedding costs top $25,000 mark
PHOENIX — As wedding prices rise in the Valley, Arizona couples and small businesses juggle costs, trends and constantly evolving technology.
‘I listen to him’: ASU seniors reflect on Graham, final game
TEMPE - With their college football careers coming to an end in Friday’s Sun Bowl, Arizona State seniors were melancholy about a journey that will reach the finish line at the same time Todd Graham’s does.
December 27, 2017 Newscast
Research on rattlesnake venom, rising stroke rates and the HPV vaccination.
Promoters to launch Ace Comic Con in Glendale as comic book industry experiences revival
Experts said the comic book industry has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to the internet, movie adaptations and conventions. A new convention will hit Glendale next month.
Fresh Express mobile market sells thousands of fruits and vegetables to low-income areas
A truck delivers fresh produce to low-income areas via mobile Fresh Express market.
Fiesta Bowl coaches, A.D. react to ASU football hire, structure
Fiesta Bowl coaches reaction to Arizona State's hiring of Herm Edwards.
December 29, 2017 Newscast
DACA recipients' future, meet a Muslim day and a DACA boxer career in jeopardy
Penn State survives scare, maintains perfect Fiesta Bowl mark
Despite late scare by Washington, Penn State endures in Fiesta Bowl.
Twenty years after ASU career ended, Tillman legacy endures
TEMPE - Twenty years ago today, Pat Tillman walked off a football field for the last time as an Arizona State football player. No one knew then that he would later become a symbol of perseverance, selflessness, bravery and, ultimately, sacrifice.
In Mexico, loving the mountains to death
LA SIERRA GORDA, Queretaro, Mexico – The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve covers nearly 1 million acres that shelter 2,200 species of plants and animals, but ever-increasing numbers of people who come to visit can pose a major threat if not regulated carefully, activists worry.
Military accepts transgender recruits, but advocates won’t give up fight
WASHINGTON - Transgender individuals will be able to openly enlist, re-enlist and serve in the military beginning Jan. 1. Advocates in Arizona welcomed the shift, but don't believe this is the end of their fight.
January 1, 2018 Newscast
Catching identity theft, predators on social media and recreational shooting
Williams police test gun-mounted cameras
The Williams Police Department is testing technology that could become the newest way to record police activities: gun-mounted cameras.
Journey to learn Mandarin Chinese from kindergarten to 8th grade gives global education
DEER VALLEY – Eighth-grade students at Gavilan Peak School in the northwest Valley have been immersed in Mandarin Chinese class since they were in kindergarten, even taking math and science classes in the complex language.
West Valley school prepares high school students for aviation jobs
Officials at the Central Campus of Western Maricopa Education Center have slowly grown one of their programs to train students for one of Arizona's most in-demand careers: aviation.
As we live longer, what will happen to quality of life?
Medicine and technology can extend lives, but a great quality of life requires involvement with family and friends.
Arizona school principals, superintendents mentor colleagues to handle stress, conflict
School administrators handle a mountain of stress and conflict as they fulfill their passion as educators. Four times a year, Arizona principals and superintendents meet for training to learn how to manage that stress.
Ending the stigma: Programs create conversations about mental health in Arizona schools
There are no standards for mental health education in Arizona schools. Each individual school district decides whether or how it will teach mental health.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey pushes efforts to reduce recidivism
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has announced several new programs to try to reduce recidivism among convicted felons.
Thousands of refugees came to Arizona in 2016, but fewer arrived last year
Refugees from war-torn countries continue to come even as politicians try to stop them.
Two Kenyan sisters fled violence and found refuge in Mesa
The sisters grew up fearing death, but now write poetry.
Agents tell panel it will take more than a wall to fully secure border
WASHINGTON - Frontline border agents told a House panel that a wall is just one thing needed to secure the border, saying they also need better technology, more officers and better incentives to attract and keep agents.
Flake, McSally join talks at White House on DACA, immigration reform
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among a score of House and Senate members at a White House meeting aimed at resolving an impasse over immigration reform and the soon-to-expire deferred deportation program known as DACA.
Arpaio bid for Senate shakes up already tumultuous primary campaign
WASHINGTON - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Jeff Flake "for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump."
Iranian Bahá’í refugees find religious freedom in Arizona
Thousands of Bahá'is in Iran have been dismissed from jobs and colleges or aribitrarily arrested
Valley DACA recipients react to federal judge’s decision on program
PHOENIX - A federal judge’s late night decision on DACA stirred up mixed reactions from recipients in the Valley.
Arizona schools help refugee children adjust
At least 1,500 to 2,000 refugees under the age of 18 and need schooling and other training to help them adjust.
White Mountain Apache water measure sidetracked by labor language
WASHINGTON - A bill to provide desperately needed water project funding for the White Mountain Apache tribe was expected to pass easily this week, but instead became the focus of a partisan fight over labor regulations.
Feds say states can move forward on plans for Medicaid work requirement
WASHINGTON - Federal officials issued guidelines Thursday that will let Arizona and nine other states move ahead on proposals to require that able-bodied Medicaid recipients are either working or involved in "community engagement activities" to be eligible for coverage.
Nonprofits: Arizona needs more foster families for refugee children
Phoenix is one of 12 U.S. cities that accept refugee children under the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program. Though Arizona accepted thousands of refugees last year, only 21 foster families are licensed to help them.
McSally embraces Trump, her military service as she enters Senate race
Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, announced her bid for Senate Friday, immediately becoming the frontrunner in a crowded Republican primary field whose winner is expected to face an unusually tough Democratic challenge this fall.
Ducey unveils optimistic fiscal 2019 budget with emphasis on school spending
A $100 million investment in K-12 education makes up 80 percent of Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed fiscal 2019 budget.
Court reverses death sentence in brutal Mohave County triple murder
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court overturned the death sentence in a brutal 1996 triple murder near Kingman, saying Arizona courts did not give enough weight to the killer's troubled childhood and mental health issues.
Facing fears: iPhone X’s new facial recognition raises concerns
Is it worth getting the Apple’s iPhone X? The new phone has a new facial recognition feature that could cause several privacy issues. iPhone X’s facial recognition will make using the phone more accessible, but it will also make phones less secure from hackers.
Trump tweets ‘DACA is probably dead’ after renewal of applications resumes
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Saturday night they would continue accepting requests to renew DACA.
‘It’s a historical day’: UA introduces first African-American head football coach
On the heels of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the University of Arizona introduced the football program’s first African-American head coach.
Arizona: False alarm like Hawaii’s unlikely; people should still prepare
WASHINGTON - Arizona emergency management officials said they have safeguards in place that should prevent a false alarm like the one that rattled Hawaiian residents, who received an erroneous report of a ballistic missile attack.
Valley DACA recipients and advocates protest amid program uncertainty
DACA recipients gathered outside the Arizona Democratic Party Headquarters to protest for a permanent solution for Dreamers and reacted after news that Trump administration will seek SCOTUS interference.
Arizona education gets low marks on another annual report card
Education Week ranked AZ 45th in the country for education, amidst belief that Gov. Ducey’s proposed budget may help schools.
Flake, McCain: Trump attacks on media hurt democracy, help autocrats
WASHINGTON - Arizona's two Republican senators took President Donald Trump to task in separate forums Wednesday, saying his attacks on the press and "fake news" embolden dictators to crack down on media abroad and endanger democracy at home.
Tempe City Council to vote on opposition of border wall
The Tempe City council will meet tonight to vote for the opposition of the border wall.
January 18, 2018 Newscast
Research on rattlesnake venom, rising stroke rates and the HPV vaccination.
As federal shutdown looms, legislators approve Arizona CHIP health care funds for children
HB 2127 passed the Arizona House Health Committee Thursday, removing an automatic trigger that would have frozen funds for KidsCare if federal funding lapsed
DACA advocates push for action as clock ticks down on budget deal
WASHINGTON - As congressional lawmakers were wrangling over a deal Thursday to keep the government open past a Friday budget deadline, about 200 DACA advocates were urging Congress to include protection for "Dreamers" as part of any budget bill.
Two polls show ‘stunning reversal’ in recent Mexican attitudes toward U.S.
WASHINGTON - Mexican attitudes toward Americans have gone through a "stunning reversal" since the election of President Donald Trump, with most Mexicans holding an unfavorable view of the U.S. for the first time ever.
Local Valley program gives Latinos the power of entrepreneurship
Local First Arizona's business accelerator program promotes growth of local Latino businesses.
Superhero fans celebrate increasing diversity in comic books
ACE Comic Con attendees celebrate the growing diversity of characters in superhero movies and comic books.
It’s all in the details: Polishing cars into moneymakers at Barrett-Jackson
Detailers at Barrett-Jackson make sure hundreds of cars are ready for auction.
Tempe City Council fails to pass border wall resolution
Tempe City Council will not be joining other Arizona cities in taking a stance against President Donald J. Trump’s proposed border wall along the U.S.-Mexico Border.
Arizonans at March for Life upbeat on pro-life prospects in Washington
WASHINGTON - Arizonans were among thousands of pro-lifers at the 45th March for Life in Washington with high hopes for their cause, as the GOP controls both Congress and the White House.
Grand Canyon partly open, blunting biggest hit of government shutdown
WASHINGTON - As Congress met this weekend in an effort to end the government shutdown before it could enter its third full day, the costliest impacts of the shutdown in Arizona have been blunted - for now.
Nearly 22,000 unite to push for political power at Women’s March in Arizona
Nearly 22,000 people marched in solidarity with it's millions across the globe.
Ducey calls special session on opioid crisis
Gov. Doug Ducey called for a special legislative session to combat the opioid epidemic in Arizona.
Furloughed federal workers feel like ‘pawns’ in shutdown fight
WASHINGTON - More than 55,000 federal workers in Arizona will be back on the job Tuesday, after Congress ended a three-day government shutdown. But workers worry they could soon be right back in the same situation.
January 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The 2018 Phoenix Women’s March, the March for Life, and more
National report card ranks Arizona near bottom of states for highway safety
WASHINGTON – Arizona was third-worst in the country for highway safety in 2017, based on its relative lack of driving-safety laws, a new report says. But one official said the Arizona does not get credit for the good it does.
Pinnacle basketball: 3 Division I recruits, 3 different sports, 1 team
A USC baseball commit, Oklahoma football commit and star sophomore basketball player all play for the Pinnacle basketball team.
On cold, dark morning, teams count the homeless in Maricopa County
The annual Point-in-Time homeless count took place Tuesday morning.
January 23, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the DACA reform debate, the Arizona Cardinals' new coach and more
New solar panel tariffs will be felt by Arizona companies, consumers
WASHINGTON - New tariffs imposed Tuesday by the Trump administration on imported solar products will benefit domestic manufacturers, but could hit consumers and other parts of the solar energy industry hard, experts said.
Supreme Court rejects appeal of longest-serving Arizona death-row inmate
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has refused to hear the appeal of a repeat murderer and rapist who has been on Arizona's death row for 40 years for a string of grisly crimes in Maricopa County in 1976.
No More Deaths volunteers arrested as group accuses Border Patrol of destroying humanitarian aid
No More Deaths, an immigrant advocacy group that leaves water and aid supplies along desert routes for undocumented migrants trying to cross the border, alleges that Border Patrol agents have dumped thousands of gallons of water left for crossers in the past few years.
Doctors call woman’s recovery from Las Vegas shooting ‘miraculous’
Jovanna Calzadillas is heading home from a Phoenix hospital, three months after she was shot in the head after a mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival. She was not expected to live but doctors – and her family – refused to give up.
January 24, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The effect of TPS ending, Las Vegas victim ready for hospital discharge and more.
Despite few details, Arizona mayors like Trump’s infrastructure pledge
WASHINGTON - Arizona mayors were among more than 100 officials at a White House meeting where President Donald Trump pledged a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure, promising to release details sometime after next week's State of the Union address.
Border program breaks down walls, brings American musicians and Mexican children together
Bisbee based artist creates program that unites U.S. musicians and Mexican children, breaking down borders and walls through music
Penzone says mending relations with the Hispanic community is an ongoing process
One year after being elected, MCSO Sheriff Paul Penzone talks about efforts to improve relations with the Hispanic community.
News of 2019 WWE Rumble has fans, including World Series star, giddy
The WWE’s Royal Rumble, coming to Phoenix in 2019, has local fans in a frenzy of excitement
Trump citizenship remarks give immigration negotiators glimmer of hope
WASHINGTON - A reported White House plan that could give DACA recipients a path to citizenship will help those working toward an immigration reform compromise "a great deal," said Sen. Jeff Flake, conceding that there is still a long way to go.
Ducey signs sweeping law to confront Arizona opioid crisis
Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday signed into law a sweeping plan to confront the opioid crisis that provides $10 million for treatment, restricts timetables for opioid prescriptions and protects from drug prosecution Good Samaritans who call for emergency help if someone overdoses.
When TPS ends: One Valley Salvadoran family’s story
As the Trump administration ends TPS, Salvadoran parents are facing a mountain of worry. Wilber Delgado and his wife, Eva Pineda, struggle as they live not knowing what the future will look like for them and for their children.
Both sides blast Trump immigration plan – as racist or as a giveaway
WASHINGTON - A White House plan to give a path to citizenship for 1.8 million immigrants in exchange for a border wall and tougher immigration policies was attacked from all sides, called racist by one side and a shameless giveaway by the other.
‘Sky’s the limit’: Phoenix Open happy to keep growing
What started out as just a normal tournament on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has now turned into one of golf's greatest spectacles.
Hispanic chamber: If Salvadorans with TPS are deported, Arizona’s economy would suffer
Arizona's economy will be affected by the termination of TPS for people from El Salvador.
January 29, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
New medical-marijuana bill proposal, recycling tips and more
Customs rotates officers into Nogales to deal with staffing shortages
WASHINGTON - Ports of entry at Nogales are as many as 300 U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers shy of their approved staffing levels, according to the officers' union, leading to long lines that threaten the region's economy.
Wish you were here: CBP tries to sell Nogales to reluctant officers
WASHINGTON - In an effort to better sell Southwest border posts to recruits, Customs and Border Protection brought recruiters from field offices around the country to Tucson, where they took port tours and learned firsthand all the benefits that come from living and working in Arizona.
Bill would limit marketing, publishing information about medical-marijuana dispensaries
A Mesa Republican has introduced legislation to limit marketing and the publication of information by medical marijuana dispensaries.
Do you use current events in Arizona classrooms?
Cronkite News wants to understand how journalism can work for Arizona teachers. We’re exploring how to deliver and present stories in a way that teachers and students can use inside and outside of the classroom.
On pointe: Teen with disability dances toward joy and a fuller life
15-year-old diagnosed as a child with a disability disorder takes ballet and finds her joy, improvement in motor skills
Phoenix Open reaching out to Hispanic community
A new Spanish-language website for the Waste Management Phoenix Open is aimed towards broadening the sport of golf in the Hispanic community. Tournament chairman Carlos Sugich sees this as a big chance to appeal to the demographic.
Nikola Motors Co. to build 1-million-square-foot manufacturing plant in Buckeye, move headquarters
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced on Tuesday Nikola Motor Co. is moving its manufacturing and headquarters to Buckeye.
January 30, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A campaign to outlaw 'dark money,' how a greenhouse is changing lives and more
Tribes say ‘no thanks’ to plan for scaled-back Bears Ears monument
WASHINGTON - Leaders of five tribes, including the Navajo and Hopi, accused lawmakers of "cherry-picking" tribal members to support an 85 percent reduction in the Bears Ears monuments, and said proposed tribal management of the new monument would be in name only.
Gosar call to arrest illegal immigrants at Trump address causes stir
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among a number of Democrats who invited DACA recipients as guests for the State of the Union address, where another state lawmaker said the immigrants should be arrested by Capitol Police if they cannot provide their papers.
Same speech, different views: Democrats, GOP differ on State of the Union
WASHNGTON - The White House promised that President Donald Trump's first official State of the Union address to Congress and the nation would be a unifying message, but Arizona lawmakers found little to agree after the 80-minute speech Tuesday.
As monsoon storms grow stronger, county works to keep trails safe for park visitors
As researchers predict monsoons to grow more powerful, Maricopa County parks may face increased erosion from runoff.
Valley Hispanic immigrants react to President Trump’s State of the Union
Promise Arzina, a local immigrant advocacy group in Phoenix, had a viewing gathering to watch President Trump give his SOTU speech, as they anxiously waited on any news regarding immigration reform.
New bill would prevent displaying ‘Redskins’ in Arizona public-funded stadiums
Local politicians hope to limit what they perceive as disparaging professional sports team logos in public-funded stadiums.
President Trump’s focus on MS-13 may not reflect Arizona’s gang reality
While President Trump's State of the Union emphasized MS-13's violence, Arizona law enforcement sees more significant threats.
January 31, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
State of the Union address, the art of winemaking and more
Arizona Rep. Don Shooter expelled from House over sexual harassment
Arizona House of Rep. Don Shooter has been expelled from the Arizona House of Representatives over sexual harassment allegations.
Phoenix recycling officials: Plastic bags contribute to lost time worth about $1 million
Officials estimate they lose about $1 million a year in lost time at their recycling plants because of improper recycling, mostly because of plastic bags.
February 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Expulsion of Arizona Rep. Don Shooter, the 2018 Phoenix Open and more.
With a week to next shutdown, no obvious progress on budget, DACA bills
WASHINGTON - With a week before the budget expires, and Congress off until Monday, there is little outward sign of progress on spending or DACA bills that could head off the next government shutdown. But officials are optimistic a deal will get done.
District 8 House seat likely to remain Republican, despite crowded race
The race to replace Rep. Trent Franks in the U.S. House of Representatives has inspired a political free-for-all between almost 20 candidates in the West Valley.
Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center keeps head up despite struggles to stay open
The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center advocates and mentors local artists in metro Phoenix. Lately, though, the nonprofit has been struggling to keep its doors open, as grants and funding continue to overlook it.
Virtual reality arcades entertain with immersive games
Virtual reality arcades are coming to the Phoenix area as the technology and industry grow.
‘It brings back memories’: Mueller plays Open in front of GCU-heavy crowd, including father
At the Waste Management Phoenix Open, shades of green are everywhere. But as the final group of the day made its way around TPC Scottsdale Thursday, it was a different color that dominated the gallery: purple. Jesse Mueller had a large Grand Canyon University following.
Trash talk: Sustainability more than just word to Phoenix Open
The Waste Management Phoenix Open takes its trash talk seriously. Its goal of zero waste takes time and energy but officials believe its worth it. The tournament has been honored because of it.
Arizona Republicans short on time to replace Shooter in Legislature
With the Legislature already in session, Republican leaders have about a week to put forth candidates to fill the vacancy left by the expulsion Thursday of Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, for sexual misconduct.
February 2, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Replacing Ariz. Rep. Don Shooter, lead testing in public schools and more
Authorities charge Mesa man who sold ammo to Las Vegas shooter
The Mesa man who authorities say sold ammo to mass shooting suspect Stephen Paddock before his deadly Oct. 1 attack has been charged with manufacturing armor-piercing rounds.
Despite gains, Arizona blacks still lag in employment, income
WASHINGTON - Despite falling unemployment that President Donald Trump touted, African Americans still lag the rest of Arizona: The 9 percent jobless rate in 2017 was almost twice the state average, while black incomes were lower and poverty rates higher.
Good Samaritan law will protect drug users who help opioid victims
A former narcotics undercover officer says Arizona's Good Samaritan law is a good idea. Arizona became the 41st state to enact such a measure.
Arizona medical-marijuana marketing becomes more mainstream
The marijuana industry's marketing efforts have matured since Arizona voters legalized its use in 2010, industry experts said. Many dispensaries now use "softer" terms to describe their projects.
ASU professor’s STEM initiative puts Phoenix, Egyptian students in the same virtual classroom
The Leadership Through Problem-Based Learning Initiative is a STEM program available to young women at Xavier College Preparatory, a Catholic all-girls high school in Phoenix, and Al Farouk Islamic Language School in Cairo who problem-solve with real-world biology and physics problems.
McCain backs immigration bill blasted as ‘waste of time’ by Trump
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that gives DACA recipients a path to citizenship and calls for beefed-up border security - but excludes border wall funding, causing the president to brand it a "waste of time."
February 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A proposed immigration bill; FAA ready to discuss noise complaints
February 6, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The fight for a secure border, broadband access in Yavapai County and more
‘It’s a sad day’: Reaction strong to news of football being cut at Maricopa County community colleges
Former ASU coach Todd Graham, others react with disappoint to news of community college football cuts in Arizona.
200 protesters march at Arizona Capitol to oppose shutdown of Navajo Generating Station
A march took place Tuesday to protest shutting down the Navajo Generating Station.
House OKs harassment bills in wake of charges against Franks, others
WASHINGTON - The House gave final approval to measures aimed at protecting congressional workers from sexual harassment. It comes just two months after the abrupt resignation of Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, in the face of a harassment investigation.
Crime victims tell lawmakers, toughen immigration before saving DACA
WASHINGTON - A Mesa woman whose son was killed by an undocumented immigrant in a 2014 drunken driving accident was in Washington to tell lawmakers that border security and immigration enforcement must come before any "amnesty" bills.
Tempe group turns old ASU vinyl banners into tote bags
ASU's Zero Waste department partnered with the Centers for Habilitation to turn non-degradable plastic banners into tote bags.
New technology helping athletes with mental game
For years athletes have been training their muscles to make themselves better at their respective sport. Versus technology is helping athletes with a new innovative approach to training their mind, which could eventually help non-athletes in their everyday lives.
Art in motion: South Phoenix light-rail extension will include 11 cultural art installations
Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix asked community members to select 14 artists nationwide to create 11 art installations for the South Phoenix light rail extension.
Endangered fish have re-emerged in the Santa Cruz River, but will they last?
Experts warn that raw sewage still threatens to contaminate the river's water and its wildlife.
February 7, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The push for a clean Dream Act, FAA flight path changes and more
Gosar dismisses failed censure attempt over State of the Union tweets
WASHINGTON - Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, rebuffed House Democrats' failed attempt to censure him for tweets about undocumented immigrants at the State of the Union, calling the censure move "left-wing non-sense to silence my speech."
Pelosi’s marathon DACA speech inspires advocates, GOP remains silent
WASHINGTON - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's unprecedented, all-day floor speech demanding a vote on DACA legislation became a rallying cry for advocates, as Congress prepares to vote on another budget extension to keep the government open.
Is 2018 the year Arizona bans texting while driving?
Arizona Senator Steve Farley attempts to pass a bill prohibiting texting while driving. Out of 47 states, Arizona is the last to cave in.
A Gilbert legislator seeks to ban enforcement cameras
Rep. Travis Grantham says the cameras don't keep streets safer.
Arizona ranks 36th in prosperity, according to new report
Arizona ranked 36 out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for its residents' "ability to save and build wealth," according to Prosperity Now's 2018 scorecard.
President Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric deters families, not drug smugglers
The number of immigrants illegally crossing into the U.S. from Mexico has decreased since President Donald Trump was elected, but drugs keep coming in.
Want to experience Phoenix Open’s 16th hole? Now you can … virtually
Imagine being in the grandstand, cheering and booing as tee shots approach the hole and 5-foot putts miss to the right on the famous 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Now imagine watching and experiencing the hole from anywhere in the world using virtual reality.
Meatless Mexican: Vegan food truck takes cuisine back to its roots
Vegan couple, Jose and Leticia Gamiz, own a Mexican vegan food truck in the metro Phoenix area.
Arizona residents: What are your thoughts on sustainability?
Sustainability affects everyone, and everyone plays a role in it as individuals. Cronkite News wants to know what sustainability means to you.
February 8, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A proposed abortion bill; the effort to keep homeless veterans off the streets
State ready – again – to fund Grand Canyon if government shuts down
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey renewed his vow this week that the Grand Canyon will not shut down even if the federal government does - and if that happens, the feds are sitting on tens of thousands of state dollars left over from previous shutdowns.
Arizona lawmakers split on bill to continue funding federal government
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on a budget that would have kept the government running past 12:01 a.m. Friday, with opposition coming from an unusual coalition of budget hawks and immigration advocates upset by the bill.
Arizona could allow tax payments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
Senate Bill 1091 introduces two cryptocurrencies Arizonans could use to pay state taxes.
Arizona farmers, pressured by grinding drought and urban sprawl, look for ways to save water
Faced with water shortages and economic pressures, farmers are trying to efficiently water their crops.
Both sides of immigration issue face off outside Sen. Flake’s Phoenix office
DACA and TPS campaigners held a demonstration outside of Senator Jeff Flake's office where they were met with Pro-Trump protesters.
February 9, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
New budget deal, DACA protests, a new sexual harassment bill and more
Finalists hope Native American vets memorial is place of honor, healing
WASHINGTON - The charge for the National Native American Veterans Memorial was daunting: Design a memorial that honors the contributions of every tribe to every war fought for the U.S. More than 100 took up the challenge, and five design finalists have been chosen.
Legislators propose tougher laws to stop wrong-way crashes
Law enforcement agencies are paying a heavy cost to fight wrong-way driving, while legislators work to create solutions to reduce the number of wrong-way drivers.
February 12, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on the $1.5 trillion national infrastructure plan and more
Authorities grant stay to undocumented immigrant and father of five who sought sanctuary at Phoenix church
Jesus Berrones, an undocumented father of five whose story has garnered international attention, is spending his days and nights in a room at a north Phoenix church.
Tribal leaders call on Washington to respect Native sovereignty
WASHINGTON - The federal tax overhaul passed last year is "completely unacceptable" to Native Americans, one more example of what happens when tribes are not included in federal decision-making, said a national tribal leader.
Counting on conversations with people who are homeless to reveal respect, gain resources
The 2018 Point-in-Time homeless count took place on Tuesday morning. Volunteers took to the streets before sunrise, as the temperature hovered around 40 degrees.
MCSO trains K-9 dogs to protect and serve
MCSO trains canines to detect drugs and apprehend suspects Visuals: broadcast package by Richard a couple of weeks ago
‘Wanting to die’: Sexual assault victim shares story with athletes, including ASU’s
The impact of Larry Nassar's crimes is far-reaching and has prompted college athletic departments across the country to have deeper conversations about sexual assault on campuses. That includes Arizona State, which has an education program in place and brought in a victim of sexual assault to speak to the team.
February 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The push for an immigration deal; the trending decline in bee population.
Second federal judge rules against Trump’s DACA decision
The Trump administration's decision on DACA was blocked by a federal judge for the second time.
Court revives suit by protesters at Border Patrol checkpoint at Arivaca
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ordered a new hearing for Arivaca protesters who said the Border Patrol violated their First Amendment rights when they tried to monitor a border checkpoint for potential racial profiling.
Arizona Democrats call Trump’s 2019 budget plan a ‘slap in the face’
WASHINGTON - Some Arizona Democrats were labeling the Trump administration's proposed $4.4 trillion fiscal 2019 budget "disastrous" and a "slap in the face to Americans." But one Republican said it's a "good start," but Congress has to make tough choices.
Senate begins debate on immigration reform with deadlines looming
WASHINGTON - The Senate has plenty of options, and not much time, as it begins the debate with less than three weeks until the current Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program expires. And Senate leaders said they expect to move on to other topics after Friday.
Getting worse before it gets better: DEA agent predicts deepening opioid epidemic
At the second annual Arizona Opioid Summit, experts traded knowledge on the opioid epidemic and how it affects Arizona.
February 14, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The fight against opioid abuse; Florida school shooting and more
Claims of better tribal school oversight draw lawmakers’ skepticism
WASHINGTON - A Bureau of Indian Education official told a House panel that his agency is making "strong improvements" in the oversight of tribal schools, despite a long history of problems and proposed cuts to the bureau's budget - claims greeted skeptically by lawmakers.
Gubernatorial hopeful Garcia optimistic on Democratic chances in 2018
WASHINGTON - After years of incremental improvement, Democrats have a "great chance" of turning Arizona blue this year, gubernatorial candidate David Garcia said. But experts and state GOP officials said Democrats have made similar claims before, and nothing's changed this year.
Court proceedings continue after arrests of No More Deaths volunteers
Since the arrest of nine No More Deaths volunteers, the tension between the advocacy group, Border Patrol, and the desert land management along the U.S.-Mexico border has turned No More Deaths' 15-year winning streak in court now on its head.
Lawmaker: Lack of regulation on Arizona tattoo industry is ‘shocking’
Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, introduced a bill that would require body art establishments - which covers places that do tattoos, piercings, branding and scarifications - to get a health certificate.
A recycling deep dive: Golf balls that land in water hazards often find new life
Divers are responsible for the recovery of millions of golf balls from lakes each year. They are recycled and then resold.
Giving the light: SRP employees help restore power in Puerto Rico
Employees from Salt River Company (SRP) returned to the valley last week after spending a month restoring power in Puerto Rico. They share their experiences working through the damage of Hurricane Maria, and tell us how the people of Puerto Rico reacted to their help.
‘He still smiles’: MacLeod honored as son recounts former Suns coach’s battle with Alzheimer’s
While basketball is a significant part of John MacLeod’s legacy, his ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s — which he was officially diagnosed with in 2008 — is part of his story, too.
Pima sheriff welcomes Sessions’ pledge to crack down on opioid fight
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions' vow to not "cede a single community, one block or one street corner, to violent gangs and drug dealers" in the fight against opioids was well received at a meeting of sheriffs that included Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier.
Witnesses say environmental rules hinder Border Patrol agent access
WASHINGTON - Nogales rancher Dan Bell told lawmakers that the best way to help the border environment might be by removing environmental regulations that hinder access by Border Patrol agents.
Arizona schools to join national protest of gun violence
Lawmakers have introduced several bills this legislative session that would place bans or preventative measures on the sale, distribution and accessibility of firearms.
Advocacy group warns public about ‘regressive’ policies on environment, solar industry
Members of a nonprofit environmental advocacy group on Thursday urged the public to pay attention to governmental policies they call "regressive."
Severe flu season affects thousands of Arizonans
Widespread flu activity has made the 2017-18 season one of the worst in years, especially in Arizona. Every county in the state has confirmed an influenza infection this season, and about 19,000 more Arizonans have been infected compared with last year.
Congress takes a week off as DACA deadline looms, Dreamers fret
WASHINGTON - Despite days of open debate, the Senate failed to agree on immigration reform this week. With a March 5 deadline on DACA looming - and Congress on recess next week - there is little time to find a way to protect about 800,000 young immigrants who could face deportation.
‘Hardest thing I’ve ever had to do’: Cubs’ Rizzo reflects on returning to hometown after school shootings
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo was back at training camp Monday after attending a vigil at his alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, in the aftermath of a school shooting there last week.
Kelli Ward is only true conservative running for Senate, Sen. Paul tells Scottsdale rally
Sen. Rand Paul doubled down on his endorsement of U.S. Senate candidate Kelli Ward at a Friday rally, while Ward outlined some of her campaign promises.
February 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Protests following the Florida school shooting, Havasupai falls and more
East Valley Krav Maga center teaches women to defend themselves
In Arizona, some women are making moves, literally, to protect themselves using an Israeli self-defense system called Krav Maga.
Arizona Latinx performers: Using the stage as a platform to show their pride and culture
The mariachi group showcases young musicians and performers whose motivation for playing mariachi music is the same: to represent their Mexican culture with pride.
February 20, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Suicide prevention efforts in Arizona schools; annual Chinese Cultural Festival
Crowded field for House special election raises more than $1.1 million
WASHINGTON - With a week to the special primary for the 8th Congressional District, FEC reports show a Democrat has raised and spent more than any of the 20 candidates in the heavily Republican district, but analysts say that funding is not likely to help in the general election.
Got rage? Break stuff in the anger room and you’ll feel better
The rage room, where people can smash away with anger by taking a hammer or bat to vases, TV sets and keyboards.
Advocacy groups pressure state to ban bee-killing pesticides
One local consumer group is calling for state officials to ban private sales of bee-killing pesticides
Arizona public schools still working to get lead out of drinking water
Less than half of Arizona school districts working to complete corrective action on water fixtures containing elevated lead levels found after ADEQ voluntary screening process.
Gun control bills stall in Arizona Legislature
Republicans in the Arizona House effectively ended all talk of gun control in the Legislature Tuesday, stopping an attempt to force a vote on a bill to ban bump stocks.
February 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Student rally for stricter gun control; the push for an immigration deal
300 Mesa High students walk out in support of stricter gun control
About 300 Mesa High School students walked out in support of gun control and solidarity with Parkland, Fla. school shooting victims. The pop-up protest started on Snapchat
In wake of shooting, educators look at social media impact on students
WASHINGTON - In the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that left 17 dead, Arizona educators said they regularly grapple with the benefits and drawbacks of social media that gave students a firsthand account of the trauma, while empowering them to act.
One year later: Family of deported Arizona mom describes living a ‘nightmare’
This story is a follow-up to Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos' deportation, which took place in February of last year. Her children describe trying to adjust to life without their mother. Meanwhile, in Mexico, Guadalupe battles depression and struggles to begin a new life without her husband and children.
Arizona falconry takes flight in efforts to promote conservation
A three-day Arizona Falconers Association Desert Hawking Classic showcased falconers - people who train birds of prey to hunt for sport.
Gallego, Latino community promotes Clean Power Plan
Congressman Ruben Gallego opposed the Trump administration's proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan, touting its importance at a round table conference organized by National Council of La Raza Action Fund.
February 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Fire prevention statewide; a new plan to restore Blythe, California
Feds’ plan could add food stamp work requirement in most counties
WASHINGTON - A USDA plan to more strictly enforce a work requirement for able-bodied food stamp recipients could mean the rule would apply in all but the two Arizona counties with the highest jobless rate - down from the current 12 counties and most Indian reservations.
Firearms-related deaths increase among Arizona children
As the nation still grieves the loss of 17 high school children from the most recent mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, Cronkite News took a deeper look into just how many deaths among children are rooted from firearms in Arizona.
February 23, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on the gun control debate and a water watch app
Student protesters march in Phoenix, call for removal of school resource officers
Students and activists marched through downtown Phoenix Friday calling for the removal of school resource officers from Arizona schools, saying they inspire fear in students of color.
Tempe opens low-income housing targeted to veterans, families
Tempe opened a 50-unit development, Valor on Eighth near downtown that has been leased to 45 low-income residents, including 13 veterans and their families.
Flake plan to raise age limit for long guns leaves both sides unhappy
WASHINGTON - When Sen. Jeff Flake said he would work to restrict access to AR-15 rifles for those under 21, he somehow managed to unite pro-gun advocates and gun control groups who think little of his response to the Florida high school shooting.
Phoenix DACA recipients and advocates uncertain about SCOTUS decision
Today the United States Supreme Court declined to hear the case of Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of University of California. This was President Donald J. Trump administration's request to bypass the liberal-leaning federal appeals court to end the DACA program on March 5.
February 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
President Trump addresses school safety; the debate over gun reform and more
Court lets stand ruling that ‘paternity’ law is same for women and men
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday let stand an Arizona ruling that said paternity should be applied the same way in same-sex marriages as it is in opposite-sex marriages when it comes to determining parental rights.
House gives final OK to bill extending AMBER alerts to Indian Country
WASHINGTON - The House gave final approval to a bill that will give tribes direct access to funds that will let them quickly post AMBER alerts to counties within reservation borders, a moves sparked by the 2016 abduction of Navajo girl.
Supreme Court takes age discrimination suit from Arizona fire district
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will consider an Arizona appeal that asks whether the Age Discrimination in Employment Act applies to government agencies with fewer than 20 employees, a case that grew out of the firing of two Mount Lemmon firefighters.
Art worlds connect at Arizona-Mexico border event
The Binational Border Residency facilitated an event where artists, dancers and residents from Mexico and Arizona converged at the border fence.
Lesko, Tipernini win hotly contested District 8 congressional primary
WASHINGTON - Voters went to the polls Tuesday for a special primary election to replace former Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, but the nearly 2,000 who had showed up by late morning were dwarfed by the more than 101,000 mail-in ballots in the race.
Leaving tracks: Adrenaline-fueled count shows scant growth in Mexican gray wolf population
The latest Mexican gray wolf survey shows an increase of just one wolf in the past year, bringing the number to 114.
Leaving tracks: Experience the capture of wolf No. 1553
The endangered wolf population is closely managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Follow the team as they capture, examine and release a wolf.
Spotlight not just on Arizona’s Sean Miller, but college basketball, too
A report that an FBI wiretap intercepted Sean Miller discussing payments to a star basketball player has raised questions about the past and future of the sport and triggered reaction from many that they’re not surprised about the current firestorm.
February 27, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A bill to help police officers who struggle with PTSD; the opioid epidemic and more
Arizona teachers: How do you feel about gun control?
The latest school shootings in Parkland, Florida, have led to recommendations that teachers take on responsibilities beyond the classroom, such as carrying guns in school.
Dust storm warning system planned between Phoenix, Tucson
Arizona officials plan to launch a new system along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson to warn drivers about dangerous dust storms.
Sen. Jeff Flake and injured coach reflect on congressional baseball game shooting
Cronkite News reporter, Noëlle Lilley, returns to Washington, D.C., to follow-up on the aftermath of a shooting that targeted Republican members of Congress nine months ago.
3 major retailers across the country ban sale of guns, ammunition to customers younger than 21 years old
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Dick's CEO said they will no longer sell assault rifles or high capacity magazines.
Black firefighter shares life lessons on and off job
Courtney Jenkins, who once headed a group of black firefighters, has taken on leadership roles from recruitment to community outreach during 26 years with the Phoenix Fire Department.
February 28, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
District 8 congressional election results; World Championship Hoop Contest
Arizonans join hundreds paying respects to Billy Graham at Capitol
WASHINGTON - Arizona residents Crystal Van Dyke and Jamie Wooldridge were some of the first in line to pay respects to famed evangelist Rev. Billy Graham as he was lying in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, one of few civilians accorded the honor.
Democrat who lost Tuesday primary for Congress eyes August do-over
WASHINGTON - Even before losing the Democratic primary in the special election to replace former Rep. Trent Franks, Brianna Westbrook had her sights set on a fall primary when the seat will be up again. Hours after Tuesday's loss, she said she already has 800 petition signatures for an August bid.
Mobile app uses Arizona’s outdoor enthusiasts to collect data about water resources
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality released a new app to crowdsource data about natural streams, rivers and lakes in Arizona.
Arizona’s Miller to remain coach, calls report ‘inaccurate, false and defamatory’
Sean Miller will remain coach of the Arizona men's basketball team. He said Thursday that reports he discussed payment to a player were false.
Valley Jewish groups stand in solidarity with Dreamers
Valley Jewish groups and DACA recipients held a rally at Cesar Chavez Plaza to draw attention to the need for a clean dream act.
A 36-hour tattoo, other stories from Cactus League body art
Tattoos are more than just body art to many major league players. They can be markers on a player's life timeline.
Hands, heart and feet: Havasupai children write letters urging Trump to ban canyon mining
The Village of Supai, located inside the Grand Canyon, believes that its water supply will be affected by a uranium mine that sits above its watershed. The tribe is now working to try to stop mine production.
March 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Gun debate in Washington D.C.; Jewish community hosts rally for 'DREAMers'
March 2, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A show of support for Queen Creek High School students; DACA and more
Parents, advocates rally after Queen Creek High loses five to suicide
Parents and suicide prevention advocates rallied in front of a Queen Creek school that has lost five students to suicide since May
Arizona gun shop owner on retailers’ new restrictions: ‘I can understand why they did it’
David LaRue, the owner of Legendary Guns Inc. in Phoenix, said he was skeptical the decision by several major retailers this week to restrict gun sales would cause a boost to his business.
Families with firearms can take steps to keep their kids safe
Families with firearms in the home can take classes to learn how to keep children safe and introduce them to shooting when they're ready.
Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival offers a taste of Asia to Valley residents
Phoenicians came together to celebrate the year of the dog at annual Chinese Cultural Festival.
March 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Borderlands reporters bring you stories on TPS, Mesa sanctuary church and more
Arizona representative, DACA recipient arrested at immigration march
WASHINGTON - Arizona state Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, and Phoenix Dreamer Karen Ibarra were arrested by U.S. Capitol Police along with scores of others in Washington to protest Congress' failure to act on immigration reform, on what was supposed to be the last day of the DACA program.
Hate crimes continue to strike minority communities in the Valley
Hate Crimes continue to happen and threaten minority communities across the valley. Cronkite News takes a deeper look into the demographics and reasoning behind hate crimes.
Bats, boxes and bridges: Officials build new homes for bats in Marana
Migratory Mexican free-tailed bats are coming home to new habitats tailored to their roosting needs.
March 6, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Stories on the homeless count, homemade wine, opioids and more
No sweat in esports, but plenty of mental rigor, cosplay fans and money
Esports, or video gaming competitions, is surging on campuses and in professional leagues, offering scholarships and prizes reaching $20 million.
Shifting gears: Female mechanic empowers women to enter automotive world
A female auto-repair shop owner works to increase the number of women in a male-dominated industry.
A single decision seven years ago altered career path of Suns’ Devin Booker
Devin Booker is one of the hottest young stars in the NBA. One decision during high school helped make it possible.
March 7, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Stories on an after-school skating program, dance therapy and more
Waiters, bartenders worry that proposed rule to pool tips will hit pay
WASHINGTON - A Labor Department proposal to allow businesses to pool tips at restaurants and bars is meant to help "back of the house" workers like cooks and dishwashers, but bartenders and waitresses are worried that it will mean a severe hit to their main source of income.
March 8, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Government and justice stories on an active shooter training and more
Full circle: Urban Native American family keeps Apache traditions alive through hoop dancing
An award-winning hoop dancing family holds on to tradition and shares their culture through dance.
After ‘excruciating’ wait, Sun Devils learn NCAA Tournament fate: They’re in
For the first time since the 2013-14 season, the Sun Devils are going to the NCAA Tournament.
‘We deserve better:’ 17-year-old activist joins legislators calling for gun control laws
A teenage activist, Democratic lawmakers and an educator called for Arizona to pass gun control laws. A Republican-controlled Legislature has stymied such bills this session saying they are unnecessary.
UA’s Miller braces for Buffalo, NCAA Tournament stage and off-the-court questions
Ahead of Arizona's first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament, Arizona men's basketball coach Sean Miller spoke to the media on Monday.
March 12, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The demand for gun reform; the uncertain future for 'DREAMers'
AZ teachers talk: Should teachers carry guns in the classroom and other issues raised by Parkland shooting
As student protests continue throughout Arizona and around the nation, teachers are being confronted with issues ranging from protecting students to carrying a gun on campus.
TicketGuardian 500 showcases renovation project at ISM Raceway
Thirty years have passed since the track made its debut as a stop on NASCAR’s premier league schedule, making it due for a $178 million pitstop.
A long road to Dayton: ASU seniors laid foundation for team’s success
Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley and his three senior guards have often talked about how the last three seasons have laid the foundation for a renaissance of the basketball program.
Planned Parenthood evokes ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ to oppose abortion bill
Women clad in red cloaks to evoke The Handmaid's Tale were among pro-abortion rights advocates on Tuesday who opposed a Senate bill requiring those seeking an abortion to explain their reasons before undergoing the procedure.
March 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Phoenix area students prepare to rally for stricter gun control
On eve of student walkouts, advocates send silent message of lives lost
WASHINGTON - Thousands of shoes lined the lawn in front of the Capitol to represent all the children killed by firearms in the past six years, a diaplay meant to prod lawmakers to action on gun legislation and to bring attention to a planned student walkout against gun violence.
17 lives, 17 minutes: Students rally, walk out of schools to mark one month since the Parkland shooting
Students are gathering at the Arizona Capitol, walk out of schools across the state and nation to protest gun violence.
Arizona, California mayors unite to tackle affordable housing, homelessness issues
Several mayors from across the country - including Los Angeles, Phoenix and Mesa - have joined a coalition to find solutions to address the lack of affordable housing in their areas.
Quick turnarounds prepare ASU for First Four opponent
The Sun Devils face Syracuse Wednesday night, just over 72 hours after finding out when and where the game would be.
Schools’ response to student walkouts varied across state, nation
WASHINGTON - High school students across the country walked out of class to demand action on school safety, but how far they walked and what they faced when they walked back in varied. In Arizona, there was no set policy on how schools should manage protesting students.
March 14, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Students rally for gun reform nationwide on National School Walkout Day
‘My heart’s broken’: End of season means end of ASU’s Guard U
Arizona State's loss to Syracuse in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament also meant the end of Guard U in Tempe.
Chispa Arizona wants Volkswagen settlement money used to replace diesel school buses
Chispa Arizona's campaign Clean Buses for Healthy Niños has recently gained the support of environmental groups and Councilwoman Kate Gallego.
From ‘awkward’ to ‘living the dream’: Translator for Brewers’ Ji-Man Choi pulling unique double duty
The Milwaukee Brewers' interpreter for Korea's Ji-Man Choi is embracing the experience, even though he admits at first he had some awkward moments. Now he calls it "living the dream."
Herd mentality: Arizona sends 60 elk to restore West Virginia population
Arizona elk arrived last weekend to West Virginia in an effort to help restore their once extinct elk population.
Voices in protest: Community speaks out about gun violence
Cronkite News spoke to protestors at a rally at the Arizona state Capitol on Wednesday, the one-month anniversary of the shooting.
Flake renews criticism of Trump, GOP on eve of New Hampshire speech
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake doubled down Thursday on his criticism of President Donald Trump and the GOP's "seeming amnesia" in the face of Trump's attacks on democratic institutions, one day before a scheduled speech at a New Hampshire political event.
March 15, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
President Trump's proposed border wall; national park cactus thieves and more.
Face-off: Protesters show up at ‘Pro-America’ rally in Phoenix park
A Make America Great Again rally was held at Cactus Park to show support for President Donald Trump's conservative agenda, while Antifa protesters showed up as well.
Legal language: Inmate’s coarse wording does not bar suit against cops
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday reinstated an Arizona inmate's excessive force lawsuit against the Phoenix Police Department, saying his allegation that officers "beat the crap out of" him is not unconstitutionally vague.
Flagstaff officials, then Gov. Ducey, ask for tighter controls of gun sales, more mental health money
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Flagstaff officials and legislative candidates are all proposing school safety reforms in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida shooting
Local expert and national reports indicate Arizona bridges are generally safe
One local expert on bridge safety said Arizona's bridges are generally safe even though the federal government has listed hundreds of them in poor or "structurally deficient" condition.
Chandler recycling company gives jeans a new life
Bonded Logic Inc., a south Chandler textile recycling company, collects thousands of pounds of denim each year and gives them new life as insulation for homes and office buildings and fiber for bedding.
March 16, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Ducey's tweet storm over gun reform, match day and ecovillages
Quarterback Sam Bradford ready to move past ‘dark times’ and lead Cardinals
Sam Bradford has long been defined by injuries. As the Cardinals' new quarterback, he hopes to be defined by his success.
Swipe right: UA medical students meet their match for residency programs
Graduating students at University of Arizona College of Medicine learned where they are headed for the next four years of residency during a nationwide Match Day event.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Arizona’s death penalty law
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to the way Arizona decides which criminals can be sentenced to death, a process critics say is so broad that virtually every convicted murderer is eligible for execution.
Tribes, hit hardest by opioid crisis, have least access to federal help
WASHINGTON - Rural Native Americans have been significantly harder hit by the opioid crisis than any group in the nation, and the problem may be even worse than that because of racial misclassification on death certificates, federal data show.
Living in the margins: ‘Ecovillages’ take sustainability to personal level
Throughout Arizona, a number of commune ecovillages express a new sense of urgency, not just for sustainability but for community in general
Ryan Zinke, tribal leaders discuss solutions to Native American opioid epidemic
Ryan Zinke came to Arizona to meet with tribal leaders to discuss solutions for opioid crisis, which affects Native Americans on a high scale.
Valley DACA recipients and advocates claim a win after SCOTUS decision on driver’s licenses
The United States Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear Arizona Dream Act Coalition v. Brewer, which was an attempt to deny driver's licenses to DACA recipients, and in turn, ADAC won.
March 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The debate over border security; Saving bighorn sheep in Arizona and more.
Interior Secretary Zinke visits Arizona borderlands to talk up Trump’s wall
The Sec. of the Interior visited the US, Mexico border over the weekend to talk with local experts and tribes about the feasibility of a border wall in Arizona.
Saving lives: Nonprofit trains public to administer naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses
Sonoran Prevention Works provides free training for people about opioid devastation and how to use an overdose reversal drug, which is gaining attention among government, law enforcement and the general public.
House panel weighs plans to close $11.6 billion parks repair backlog
WASHINGTON - With $11.9 billion in deferred maintenance at national parks, $530 million of it in Arizona alone, witnesses at a House hearing agreed that something needs to be done to fix the repair backlog, but they disagreed on how to pay for it.
National parks in Arizona using microchips and photo-mapping to deter thieves
Technology such as microchips in cacti at Saguaro National Park and a photo mapping system at Petrified National Forest is being used to deter thieves.
#RedForEd: Teachers call in sick over low pay, protest state proposal on tax cuts for wealthy
Over 300 teachers from the Pendergast Elementary School District protested low education salaries in a #Redfored demonstration at the Arizona Capitol.
Wildflower Bread Co. owner says DACA employees crucial to company’s survival
Owner of AZ-based restaurant chain, Wildflower Bread Company, is speaking out in support of his DACA employees. On of them describes the support she has received from the company.
March 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Educators rally for better pay at the Arizona Capitol; the DACA debate
Maricopa County again leads nation’s counties in population growth
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County once again saw the largest population gains among the nation's counties, according to the Census Bureau, which said the county added 73,650 new residents between 2016 and 2017 to top 4.3 million residents for the first time.
Democratic activists urge Gov. Ducey to take bigger steps toward gun safety
Community Activists Jennifer Longdon and Lawrence Robinson gather outside the capitol to share their reactions to Governor Doug Ducey's "Safe Arizona Schools Plan."
Arizona desert bighorn sheep thrive with help of conservationists – and hunters
Protecting Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep has been successful, but conservationists know that while the sheep are tough, they're also fragile.
‘Let’s build bridges’: Former Mexican President Vicente Fox talks about marijuana, Trump and trade
Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, visited Phoenix this week to talk about the cannabis industry and to promote efforts to legalize marijuana.
Peanuts and Cracker Jack? Try Dutch Bros. and Portillo’s at Chase Field this season
Peanuts and Crackerjacks? Try Dutch Bros. and Portillo's at Chase Field this season. Diamondbacks expanding their dining and entertainment options.
Doctors use experimental skin spray to help woman heal from flesh-eating bacteria
Doctors applied ReCell, a skin spray that ensures faster regeneration of cells, to help a Peoria woman recover from necrotizing fasciitis, a deadly illness. They had to get special approval from the FDA to use the burn spray on flesh-eating bacteria.
March 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
ADOT's wrong-way driver detection system; college costs and more
Young Progressives of Arizona kick off activist training to make their voices heard
Young Progressives of Arizona held its first monthly meeting in Mesa, where high schoolers and adults came together to share stories
Immigration poem wins Mesa Community College student a trip to national competition
Jacobo Perez, a Mesa Community College English major, won first place in poetry for his poem, "How to Cross the Border Illegally or How to Make Tamales de Rajas," in the Maricopa Community College District Creative Writing Competition. His poem is about the people who cross the U.S.-Mexico border and the stories they rarely tell.
Phoenix cannabis company uses Super Bowl trash to make concrete in struggling California town it owns
American Green uses trash to create durable, energy-absorbing concrete to rebuild the small town of Nipton, California
March 23, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
March for Our Lives, gun control, the spending bill and the Cavalia horse show
‘Death is not new to us’: High school gun-control activists plan Phoenix March For Our Lives
High school students are spending hours prepping for the Phoenix rally of March for Our Lives, a nationwide movement on Saturday.
Arizona business leaders stress need for pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients
Arizona business leaders discuss DACA on same day President Donald Trump signs new spending bill.
Giffords joins lawmakers, students at Capitol March for Our Lives rally
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords did not speak, but her presence was clearly felt at a news conference of Democratic lawmakers and students from around the country who were demanding tougher gun laws, a prelude to the national March For Our Lives after Parkland, Florida, school shooting.
McCain called friend, a ‘character’ as Naval Academy honors ailing senator
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Arizona Sen. John McCain was recalled as both a friend and as one of the "most colorful characters" at the U.S. Naval Academy during a ceremony Friday where he was honored as one of the academy's distinguished graduates.
Students, parents, teachers pack D.C. streets at March for Our Lives
WASHINGTON - The March for Our Lives was organized by students but the estimated hundreds of thousands who crowded the streets of Washington at a peaceful, hopeful really Saturday to call for increased gun regulations represented multiple generations.
Milk-alternative industry booming; raw milk might save dairy market
In 2018, the milk-alternative industry is expected to top $16 billion in revenue worldwide, according to Innova Market Insights. Younger generations in particular are switching their recommended daily calcium and nutrients to a variety of milk replacements.
Global Market demonstrates pop-up concept can benefit nonprofit organizations
Smaller businesses and nonprofit organizations have been trying to take advantage of the pop-up shop trend.
Arizona bill would legalize needle-exchange programs, bring volunteers out of legal gray area
A bill decriminalizing needle exchange programs has passed the Senate and now is in the House. The bipartisan measure would help programs like Shot in the Dark provides resources to people struggling with addiction.
March 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on the debate over gun reform; school safety and more
Uber self-driving cars suspended from Arizona roads; Waymo moves ahead
A day after Gov. Doug Ducey suspended self-driving Uber cars on public roads, Waymo, on Tuesday announced plans to begin ride-hailing service in metro Phoenix by the end of the year.
Vegan grocery store opens in Glendale, a first for Arizona
Owners of a vegan grocery store in Glendale hope the store, which offers groceries completely free of animal products, will attract customers from the Phoenix area.
The green light: ASU, Salt River Fields team up, move forward to make sustainability priority
Salt River Fields, the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies, generates not only revenue but trash from stadium concessions. In a partnership with the teams, the ASU School of Sustainability has turned this trash into an experiment.
March 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Waymo's plan for a self-driving vehicle service in Arizona this year and more
Census plan to ask citizenship status on 2020 form sparks backlash
WASHINGTON - For the first time in 70 years, Americans will be asked to report their citizenship status when they fill out their 2020 Census forms, a change that angered immigrant advocates who fear it will harm minority representation and lead to a less-accurate census.
Mesa entrepreneur ignores heart doctors’ warnings, launches career in fitness
The founder and face of LFTD.Lifestyle - a fitness supplement and lifestyle brand - said his desire to get into the profession was driven by reasons much deeper than financial gain.
Arizona snowpack near record low this year, but SRP says the situation isn’t dire yet
Arizona's snowpack this year is far below normal, leaving reservoirs short on water supplies, but SRP officials are trying to use more groundwater as a supplement.
#RedForEd teachers demand 20 percent salary hike, more money for education
Arizona teachers angry about salaries considered among the lowest in the nation rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday, part of a continuous wave of protests in the #RedForEd movement.
Death of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike may bring Amber Alert to Native American reservations
A federal bill that would bring the AMBER Alert system, which notifies citizens that a child is missing or abducted, to Native American reservations is to be decided by President Trump's signature.
March 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The Red for Ed movement; helping homeless veterans and more.
Trump administration seeks rule change linking immigration status to use of public benefits
A leaked draft of a proposed policy change from the Trump administration details how an immigrant seeking permanent residency in the U.S. can become a public charge and possibly face deportation depending on their use of public benefits.
Alamo Lake boating and fishing takes hit during dam maintenance by Corps of Engineers
Critics say the timing of Alamo Lake maintenance is bringing negative economic and ecological consequences.
Move to change Cesar Chavez Day to ‘National Border Control Day’ spurs anger
Cesar Chavez Leadership Academy's parade consisted of participants honoring Cesar Chavez and showing disapproval for Gohmert's suggested holiday name.
Arizona sees continued solar job growth, despite national dip in 2017
WASHINGTON - Solar jobs in the U.S. fell last year for the first time since 2010, but Arizona bucked the trend and remained one of the biggest states in the country for solar jobs, a new report says. The annual Solar Census said jobs in Arizona grew 15 percent, to 8,381 positions in 2017.
March 29, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Phoenix Red for Ed rally; The push for Amber Alert access on tribal lands
Path to citizenship is long, frustrating and expensive
The pathway to citizenship differs based on your status and legality in the country. The pathways to citizenship is still unclear for thousands of DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants, while residents have the upper hand.
Pascua Yaqui lead shift in tribal courts’ handling of domestic violence
WASHINGTON - A five-year-old law that let Native American tribes prosecute non-Natives in domestic violence cases "has fundamentally changed the landscape of tribal criminal jurisdiction in the modern era," according to a new report.
Eye on the ball: Humidor debuts in D-backs opener
The Diamondbacks on Feb. 13 announced they would incorporate a humidor for the 2018 season to increase weight on the balls and decrease and how far they travel.
Tech behind cryptocurrency craze could disrupt medicine, housing and ID security
Experts say blockchain, the network behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrency, could ease people's lives by transforming how they store and share medical, legal and personal data.
How does social media affect you?
Social Media experts and psychologists suggest there are ties between social media use and depression and negative self image. Cronkite News wants to know how social media use has affected you.
Grading teacher salary: See how other states pay educators
Cronkite News looked at how Arizona teacher pay stacked up against the national averages.
April 2, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Arizona DACA students fight to keep in-state tuition; A 911 text service
Arizona Supreme Court hears arguments on in-state tuition for DACA recipients
Dozens of DACA recipients rallied outside of the Arizona Supreme Court Monday advocating their right for in-state tuition rates.
Supreme Court reverses ruling against officer in Tucson police shooting
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday that a Tucson police officer cannot be sued for shooting a woman who refused to drop a knife as she stood in her driveway in 2010, with the justices taking the unusual step of reversing a lower court without holding a hearing on the case.
Trump declares DACA deal dead, blames Democrats for its failure
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump declared "DACA is dead" in a series of weekend tweets, blaming Democrats for failing to find a replacement for the deferred deportation program that he said last fall he would revoke.
What are your thoughts on #RedforEd?
Arizona teachers, among the lowest paid in the nation, are demanding a 20 percent pay raise and more resources for the classroom. Cronkite News wants to know, what do you think about the demands of the Red for Ed movement and the governor’s response?
Arizona teachers plan walk-ins demanding pay raise, additional education funding
Rather than close classrooms, Arizona teachers hold walk-ins for teachers and parents to show solidarity in the education funding fight.
School resource officers called a key safety tool, but critics fear discrimination
After the Parkland shooting, school resource officers have come under the public spotlight. Arizona has more than 100 officers at schools from Paradise Valley to Tolleson and Gov. Doug Ducey has pushed for more funding for officers on school campuses, while activists question the role of police at schools.
Keep watching the skies: Fountain Hills earns ‘dark sky’ designation for lighting limitations
Fountain Hills is deemed one of the world's 18 dark sky communities by the International Dark Sky Association for preserving their nights skies.
Sheriffs wait to see details on Trump plan for soldiers on the border
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's announcement that he plans to send U.S. troops to patrol the border left southern Arizona sheriffs looking for details before committing to the "big step" that Trump said is needed until a border wall can be built.
#RedForEd teachers protest low education funding in ‘walk-in’ demonstrations
Arizona teachers demonstrated throughout the Valley Wednesday in the first of a series of planned “walk-ins” designed to raise awareness and support for the growing #RedForEd movement.
McCain, Udall honored for their legacy of supporting Grand Canyon
Sen. John McCain was one of two people honored Wednesday with the dedication of a plaque at Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim. The National Park Service and the Grand Canyon Association unveiled the tribute for Sen. McCain and the late Representative Morris Udall near Mather Point.
Seeking allies: First openly gay NBA player calls on league stars to join the cause
Former NBA player Jason Collins called for more LGBT support by active players and front offices.
April 4, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Sen. John McCain is honored at the Grand Canyon. Red for Ed and more.
‘It’s time we get serious’: Local ranchers support Trump’s plan to militarize border
The White House announced President Trump’s plan to sign a proclamation deploying National Guards troops to the southern border.
Ducey welcomes Trump plan to send National Guard troops to border
WASHINGTON - The secretary of Homeland Security said her agency is working with border governors to send National Guard troops to the southern border as quickly as possible to support Customs and Border Protection, a move welcomed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
Text 911: Maricopa County improves emergency system to serve the hearing impaired
Maricopa County provides way to text in an emergency, helping people with disabilities.
Arizona communities receive thousands of dollars to clean up contaminated or blighted ‘brownfields’ properties
Throughout Arizona, local communities have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from an Environmental Protection Agency grant to clean up, redevelop or demolish properties once contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants.
ASU initiative aims to ‘CounterAct’ sexual violence through the arts
The CounterAct initiative, a new project through ASU, aims to catalyze 880 creative actions to counter the 880 acts of sexual violence that occur in the U.S. each year.
April 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
President Trump wants Amazon to pay more taxes; gun reform and more
Latino voters in Arizona could make the difference in upcoming elections
Leaders in the Latino community believe that Arizona can become a swing state if more Latinos get involved in the political process and vote.
Ducey sending 150 Arizona National Guard troops to border, but questions remain
Gov. Doug Ducey plans to deploy 150 National Guard members to the Mexico-U.S border.
Spring sprung: NOAA sees warmer, drier spring in Arizona, Southwest
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center are calling for a spring with above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation this year, as Arizona enters its 21st year of drought conditions.
Prior Guard deployments to border got lukewarm reviews by auditors
WASHINGTON - As Arizona prepare s to send 150 National Guardsmen to the border as part of President Donald Trump's plan to support border agencies, government audits of Guard deployments by previous administrations said were inefficient despite some success in slowing border crime.
Feeling disenfranchised by Phoenix Pride, undocumented LGBT people find their own way to celebrate
With the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade now just one day away, organizers and members of Trans Queer Pueblo, a community organization providing political, economic, and social services to undocumented LGBT people of color, have wrapped up a week of action leading up to Sunday’s events.
Trump administration lifts environmental obstacles to building border wall in New Mexico
The Department of Homeland Security has expedited construction of the reinforced border wall in New Mexico by waiving 20 environmental laws.
Undocumented LGBTQ protesters clash with Phoenix police at Pride parade, vow to hold own event next year
Leaders of Trans Queer Pueblo said 2018 Pride Festival organizers and Phoenix Police made it clear the group was not welcome. Next year, they’ll launch their own event.
Diamondbacks’ Salas, De La Rosa first pair of Mexican teammates since 2004
Arizona Diamondbacks relievers Fernando Salas and Jorge De La Rosa represent the franchise's first pair of Mexican teammates since 2004.
April 9, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Gov. Doug Ducey's efforts on border security; gun reform and more
Arizona Supreme Court strikes down in-state tuition for DACA students
The Arizona Supreme Court decided on Monday that DACA recipients will no longer receive in-state tuition nearly a year after the Arizona Board of Regents announced it would continue to offer in-state tuition for DACA students.
Gov. Ducey sends 225 National Guard troops to Mexican border
Gov. Doug Ducey sent 225 National Guard troops to the border on Monday five days after President Trump’s request.
Plane truth: Airline quality at highest level in decades, report says
WASHINGTON - Despite a "rough year for airlines in the public's eye," the industry had the best year ever in terms of passenger service in 2017, according to the latest edition of annual airline quality report.
Vroom service: Veterans rev up on racetrack to speed PTSD recovery
Veterans battling PTSD buckle up in Vetdrenaline races, sparking a surge of adrenaline that safely mimics their military experience.
Playing through: Veterans find relief from PTSD on golf course
Dave Delano suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and is deemed unemployable. After battling PTSD on his own, he uses golf and the Veteran Golfers Association as a release and an outlet.
Malibu bans plastic utensils and straws; Arizona unlikely to do the same
The Malibu City Council has decided to take action by voting in February to ban all of their restaurants from supplying customers with plastic utensils and straws.
April 10, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on sending troops to the border; Equal Pay Day and more
Arizona fourth- and eighth-graders trail U.S. on math, reading scores
WASHINGTON - Math and reading test scores for Arizona's fourth- and eighth-grade students fell below their peers nationally in 2017, says a new national report that showed the state students falling short in all but eighth-grade math scores.
#RedForEd: Teachers ‘walk-in’ at Arizona schools as strike threat looms
Arizona teachers “walked in” to classes for the second time in as many weeks Wednesday as Red for Ed leaders debated whether to shut down schools statewide with a strike.
Number of homeless people not in shelters is up 27% in the past year in Maricopa County
The preliminary results of the 2018 Point-in-Time show a 27% increase in unsheltered homelessness in the last year.
April 11, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The census debate in Washington, D.C.; the opioid epidemic and more.
Hispanic Caucus vows to stop Census citizenship question ‘at all costs’
WASHINGTON - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus said it will block "at any and all costs" plans to ask a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, calling the proposal a "blatant intimidation attack" on minorities that will dissuade immigrants from participating
Arizona National Guard announces details of Operation Guardian Shield along border
The Arizona National Guard announced on Wednesday they plan to send 338 ground and air soldiers to prepare for Operation Guardian Shield and mobilize them to support the Department of Homeland Security’s mission in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Doctors’ lack of awareness of Valley fever puts many sufferers at risk
Valley fever, a respiratory disease caused by a fungus in Arizona and parts of California, is unknown to many doctors and residents in Arizona, which puts them at risk, experts say.
Ducey proposes 20% raise for teachers by 2020; Arizonans voice opinions on #RedForEd
Arizona residents share their thoughts about the demands of the Red for Ed movement and the governor’s response.
Democrats get tips on selling progressive points in conservative areas
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats at a Washington training session on how to sell a progressive message to the voters in conservative districts didn't agree on all points, but they all said they plan to stick to their guns and that they think Democrats have the best chance in years in the state.
Lawmakers, witnesses grapple with how to save Navajo Generating Station
WASHINGTON - Witnesses and lawmakers called for action to head off the 2019 closure of the Navajo Generating Station, a move that could mean the loss of thousands of jobs at the plant and the coal mine that fuels it. But few options were offered on how the plant might be saved.
From miles away, a doctor can see a stroke victim – and save a life
People who need treatment within minutes of having a stroke get to help quickly on an emergency mobile unit that connects onboard cameras to doctors at a hospital miles away, according to Barrow Neurological Institute.
Puerto Rican retirees face uncertainty on pension cuts after Hurricane Maria
As Puerto Rico grapples with massive debts, a struggling economy and a growing exodus of residents to the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, is pushing to cut government retiree pension benefit payments by an average of 10 percent.
April 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Activists' reaction to Ducey's plan, safety of pedestrians and more
#RedForEd: Teachers, legislators skeptical of Ducey’s plan for raising teacher salaries
Educators and lawmakers expressed skepticism about Gov. Doug Ducey’s plan to increase teacher salaries over the next three years, saying there is no indication of where that money will come from.
Coloring care: California nonprofit makes new crayons out of broken pieces, donates them to children’s hospitals
A California-based nonprofit is collecting used crayons to repurpose them into new ones for children’s hospitals in Phoenix, Mesa and other parts of the U.S.
Hackers pose danger to patients with pacemakers, other medical devices connected to internet
Cybersecurity experts say medical devices such as implanted pacemakers are vulnerable to hackers, who could potentially gain control of the signals they send and receive – putting patients’ lives in danger.
April 16, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Arizona school safety; whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon and more.
Border deployment may only involve 2,000 Guardsmen, no work on wall
WASHINGTON - The National Guard will send 2,000 troops to the border, half as many as originally expected, where they will serve at least through September in limited support roles - but will not work on a border wall, federal officials said Monday.
Augmented reality lab combines math, engineering to improve brain-cancer outcomes
Mayo Clinic’s augmented reality lab provides surgeons and patients a 360 view of brain tumors or spines affected by scoliosis. The simulations help surgeons come up with the least invasive form of surgery and pick the best route for radiation and chemotherapy.
Tat tunes: Soundwave tattoos allow people to play songs, audio clips through app
Four Phoenix tattoo artists are licensed by California-based Skin Motion, which developed an app that can read a sound wave stencil tattooed on skin and play back a recording over a smartphone
ACLU wants Greyhound to end ‘warrantless searches’ of passengers by Customs and Border Protection agents
The ACLU sent out a letter to Greyhound addressing their warrantless searches and incidents.
April 17, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Grand Canyon visitor fees to increase; the Red for Ed movement
Supreme Court voids law allowing deportation in ‘crimes of violence’
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Tuesday voided a federal law allowing deportation of immigrants who commit "crimes of violence" as unconstitutionally vague, a decision hailed by Arizona immigration lawyers as a "promising step forward."
Court OKs special prosecutor to fight Arpaio’s push to clear his record
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court approved the hiring of a special prosecutor to challenge former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's claim that his contempt of court conviction should be vacated after his presidential pardon, after the Justice Department said it sided with Arpaio.
Warning: Genetic health tests aren’t always good for you
Genetic testing is gaining popularity and can be beneficial but consumers have to watch out for company quality in an industry with limited government regulation, a legal expert says.
Upper Colorado River leaders: Arizona ‘threatens’ delicate water balance
Members of the Upper Colorado River Commission sent a letter late last week to Arizona water officials, saying the state is threatening the water supply for nearly 40 million people
Need a boost? One Scottsdale company provides trendy IV vitamin drips
Businesses across the country – including here in the Valley – have begun using IV drips to deliver health and wellness treatments.
Arizona educators voting on whether to walk out for better pay, more classroom dollars
Educators across the state are deciding if they will walk out of schools to protest low wages and a lack of funding for support staff, unswayed by Gov. Doug Ducey’s promise of a 20 percent salary increase.
April 18, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Reports on Gov. Doug Ducey's 20 by 2020 plan; why some Californians are relocating to Arizona; the DACA debate and more.
Immigration court backlog likely to grow in face of cuts, experts say
WASHINGTON - More than 684,000 cases are waiting to be heard in immigration courts across the country - 10,422 of them in Arizona - a number that is only expected to grow if the administration cuts an immigrant legal assistance program and adds case quotas for judges, advocates said.
Pace picks up as vote nears in special election for 8th District seat
WASHINGTON - With days to the 8th District election, most experts say Democrat Hiral Tipirneni has an uphill fight against Republican state Sen. Debbie Lesko in the heavily GOP district, but Democrats are eager to vote in this special election season, leading to a close race in a normally safe district.
Something in the water: A high school on the border and its many successful athletes
Rio Rico High School has nine state championships in cross country and track and field since 2000 and 86 individual gold medals in state competition.
Arizona study finds ZIP codes serves as indicator of community health
A health study by the Arizona Partnership for Healthy Communities shows disparities among communities.
California’s cost of living pushes people to move to Arizona
One California company is relocating its operations to Goodyear, creating 30 new job opportunities.
Slurs, support on social media mark gun-control movement
Social media sparked the national, student-led gun control movement but Phoenix leaders also say reaction is a duel between support and opposition, with some gun advocates hurling curse words, insults and threats at high schoolers.
Red for Ed: Teachers to walk out over low pay, inadequate classroom spending
Arizona educators overwhelmingly voted to walk out to demand higher pay, Red for Ed leaders announced Thursday night.
Immigrant and women’s rights activist to be freed on bond from Eloy Detention Center
Immigrant and reproductive rights activist Alejandra Pablos was set to be released through a bond decided by an immigration judge in Eloy.
Arizona students stage ‘die-in’ outside governor’s office to demand action on gun violence
Students in Arizona and across the nation walked out on the anniversary of the Columbine school shooting in a growing movement supporting gun control.
April 20, 2018 Newscast
Cronkite News presents “Full Circle,” a special edition newscast that takes you behind the scenes
State getting convictions as it slowly works through rape kit backlog
WASHINGTON - Since 2016, Arizona has methodically worked its way through a backlog of 6,424 rape kits that had been sitting in evidence rooms for years, testing more than half by this spring resulting in eight hits on suspects in previously unsolved crimes.
#RedForEd: Ducey vetoes 10 bills to pressure Legislature to fund raises for teachers
As Gov. Doug Ducey vetoed bills and called for legislators to give him a state budget including a 20 percent teacher salary hike, school districts around the state began informing parents that schools would likely be closed as educators prepare to walk out April 26.
Students deem ‘die-in’ gun-control protest successful despite lack of response from Gov. Ducey
Five high school students spent six hours inside of the executive tower in an effort to spur action on gun violence from Gov. Ducey.
Domestic abuse is the new realm of concussion studies
Football and other sports have been focus of discussions about brain injury, but experts are also looking to address the needs of domestic abuse victims.
Photo series: Entrepreneurs in their element
Our photo series highlights more than 20 metro Phoenix entrepreneurs: their triumphs and challenges, and why basing their businesses and careers in the Phoenix metropolitan area helps them thrive.
Swinging for the fences: Chandler bat company finds it way to major leagues
With Major League Baseball back in action, the crack of a wooden bat returns as one of the soundtracks of summer. Some of that sound is courtesy of Valley-based Zinger Bats. The company provides bats for all levels of baseball, including the major leagues.
Feds no longer collect school shooting data, advocates left to scramble
WASHINGTON - As students walk out of classes to protest gun violence, the federal agency that had collected data on school shootings quietly stopped gathering it last year, leaving advocates scrambling to make sense of varied and sometimes conflicting private records.
April 23, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on a 'die-in' at the Arizona Capitol; Sky Harbor Airport opens an urgent care center; the Red for Ed movement and more.
Bill to fund White Mountain Apache water project stalls – again
WASHINGTON - A bill to give the White Mountain Apache access to water-project funds stalled in the Senate over House language to exempt tribal businesses from National Labor Relations Board oversight, delaying a project the tribe has been trying to get off the ground since 2010.
Rat poison in prey threatens owls, other animals across Arizona
People use rodenticides to kill rats, but the pesticides kill other wildlife, especially great horned owls.
Lesko tops Tipirneni, keeps Congressional District 8 in GOP hands
Voters in the West Valley went to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballot for Republican Debbie Lesko or Democrat Dr. Hiral Tipirneni in the 8th Congressional district. The special election is to replace Rep. Trent Franks.
Catch some Z’s: Lack of sleep can put you in ER
Chronic sleep disorders can lead to health problems, including serious illness or death, according to sleep specialists.
River dreams: Native female entrepreneur starts Grand Canyon rafting company
After fighting for nearly two decades, Patricia Cesspooch just started her own business on the Colorado river.
Family struggles to care for daughter in wake of Puerto Rico power outages
A Puerto Rico couple struggles to care for Melissa Rivera, who has cerebral palsy and multiple maladies, in wake of Puerto Rico power outages.
April 24, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Highlights on the Congressional District 8 special election; Red for Ed walkouts; the benefits of home schooling and more.
Sinema outpaces likely GOP challengers, raises $8 million in Senate bid
WASHINGTON - New campaign filings show Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, has raised $8.2 million, more than the three leading GOP contenders for Senate combined, and a recent poll showed her winning a matchup against any of the three leading Republicans. But experts say it's early yet.
Federal judge rules United States must keep DACA and accept new applications
A Federal judge ruled on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security must continue to accept renewal and new DACA applications and have 90 days to explain why they rescinded DACA last year, otherwise, all DACA applications must be processed.
April 25, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A DACA ruling; the Maricopa County homeless population and more
When a loss is a win: 8th District results called a warning for GOP
WASHINGTON - First-time Democratic candidate Hiral Tipirneni lost to Republican Debbie Lesko in Arizona's 8th District, but experts say Democrats can still consider the closer-than-expected race a victory in the staunchly conservative district - and a warming for to the GOP for fall.
#RedForEd: What’s about to happen when teachers walk out
Arizona educators will walk out Thursday in a historic strike. The move will impact hundreds of thousands of students throughout the state.
GOP lawmakers make ‘surreal’ return to field where gunman opened fire
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Gloomy skies and a rain-soaked field did not stop Republican lawmakers from returning to practice Wednesday at the baseball field where a gunman opened fire last summer, wounding House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and three others, a return one lawmaker described as "surreal.".
Gene therapy targets incurable diseases, but costs are high and there are risks
Gene therapy, which modifies genes, is starting to get off the ground and its treatments can cure or mitigate otherwise untreatable diseases.
Tens of thousands hit street to protest education funding in Red for Ed march to Capitol
Thousands of Red for Ed protesters marched to the Arizona State Capitol Thursday in a historic demonstration against years of education budget cuts, demanding higher pay and increased classroom funding.
National Park Service works to attract more ethnically diverse visitors
More than six million people visited Grand Canyon National Park in 2016 but only a small percentage were minorities. Representatives are working on ways to draw more diverse visitors.
April 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest on the Red for Ed walkout; lawmakers discuss border security funding; local Syrian community responds to recent U.S. airstrikes and more.
What you should know about your health care data
Businesses and research groups know a lot more about you than you might think. Access to personal data can improve health care, but it also poses privacy risks.
Future takes flight: Navajo youths copilot planes over the Grand Canyon
The teenage squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s Arizona wing, named after a Navajo Code Talker, soared over the Grand Canyon in their first flights.
Ducey: Lawmakers agree to raise pay for teachers, support staff
Gov. Doug Ducey announced Friday he had reached an agreement with lawmakers that would provide 20 percent raises to Arizona teachers among other concessions as educators continue their second day of a statewide strike.
April 27, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Updates on the second day of #RedForEd walkouts, possible water contamination in Tucson and more
Arizona ranks high for hit-and-run deaths, AAA report shows
WASHINGTON - Arizona had the fifth-highest fatal hit-and-run rate among states in 2016, a year that saw the most hit-and-runs fatalities nationwide, according to the AAA, which said that pedestrians and cyclists are the two most likely victims of hit-and-run accidents.
Fontes says multistate database could ease, improve voting process
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said a new "master database of voters" should help Arizona and other states improve the accuracy of voter rolls and increase access to voter registration, by combining the Social Security death index with voting and drivng records from multiple states.
Change in Park Service policy catches some seasonal workers off-guard
WASHINGTON - The high season is beginning in the national parks, but union officials say some of the seasonal employees who would normally be brought on to help are instead being turned away under a previously unenforced rule.
Shoebox of hope comes full circle to health care, housing for the homeless
A nun who is a doctor established Circle the City, a medical-care facility for people who are homeless. The work started with her collecting donations in a shoebox. It expanded in April to a second location.
Dominican presence in baseball remains strong thanks to trailblazer Felipe Alou
The strong Dominican presence in Major League baseball has a lot to do with Felipe Alou, who was a trailblazer from that country.
Extreme heat, other environmental factors could threaten health of Arizona residents
Not only are rising temperatures affecting Arizona, but climate change and other factors could be potentially damaging for the health of Arizona residents. Residents will need to take precautions as these changes worsen.
Supreme Court decision could open door to legalized sports betting in Arizona
As gambling has grown in popularity, anticipation is high for a Supreme Court ruling that would pave the way for more legalized sports betting. The decision, expected by late June, could open the door to legal sports gambling in Arizona.
A lack of inclusive sex education in Arizona could cause a rise in HIV/AIDS diagnoses
A community sexuality educator at Planned Parenthood of Arizona believes the lack of inclusive sex education is leading unknowing young people to partake in risky and potentially life-threatening sexual behavior.
Scientists test device that can extract water from dry Arizona air
A new device, created by MIT scientists, extracts water from the desert air in Tempe.
Self-driving car industry continues to speed ahead
The Phoenix metro area is a hotspot for testing self-driving vehicles, with companies like Uber and Waymo taking advantage of limited regulations in Arizona.
Yuma plant meant to conserve water will cost millions to update
In 18 years, the Yuma Desalting Plant has only run three times and now needs millions of dollars to repair and upgrade.
May 2, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Stories on an after-school skating program, dance therapy and more
Fans ‘think we are superheroes’: Athletes move to forefront of mental health discussion
During this first week of Mental Health Awareness Month, the stories of athletes’ struggles, too, are being told. “I feel like (fans) think that we are superheroes to everybody,” Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis said. “We go through things in life, even though you guys see us on TV playing a game we love and having fun. We still go through our ups and down as well.”
Facing fear: Silence often hides domestic violence in Hispanic community
De Colores is a Chicanos Por La Causa based shelter that caters to Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence.
May 3, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Government and justice stories on an active shooter training and more
Hazardous materials: Agencies respond to scores of spills and accidents in Arizona every year
In the past decade, hundreds of hazardous materials incidents resulted in deaths, injuries and costly cleanups in Arizona.
Tens of thousands of Arizona businesses have yet to renew ‘sales tax’ license
The Arizona Department of Revenue is reminding businesses to renew their Transaction Privilege Tax license, as about 98,000 businesses had yet to renew as of April 25.
Arizona podcasters work to attract listeners, amplify storytelling
Podcasting has become more popular and people are embarking on startups in metro Phoenix.
How Monopoly, Jenga and Battleship show cryptocurrency’s energy drain is no game
Computers in Steve Irwin’s garage in Sun City make him $450 every day by mining for cryptocurrency. But the online currency network also eats energy.
In Focus: Season 3, Episode 1 – Outside the box
In the first episode of season 3 of In Focus, hosts Alexandra Watts and Atlan Hassard bring you stories about sustainable creative solutions to common problems in Arizona.
Without researchers or funds, Puerto Rico universities grapple with future after Hurricane Maria
College-educated professionals, such as doctors and scientists, have left Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
Few Arizona buildings certified as ‘net zero,’ extreme climate poses challenges
The International Living Future Institute, a nonprofit that challenges communities to build sustainable environments, has certified DPR Construction’s Phoenix headquarters as a net zero energy building.
Arizona, U.S. and tribal officials work to save native Apache trout from extinction
The Apache Trout are the state fish of Arizona, but they face of variety of dangers to their survival.
Arizona State University professor’s ‘teach in the dark’ lessons connect communities after Hurricane Maria
Arizona State University professor from Puerto Rico launches #TeachingInTheDarkForPuertoRico effort to raise awareness in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
May 7, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Sustainability reporters have stories on plastic bag recycling, bees and more
FanDuel? DraftKings? Not in Arizona, where participation in DFS sites remains illegal
Participation in daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites such as FanDuel or DraftKings is illegal in Arizona, and experts don’t anticipate change anytime soon, despite the efforts of many.
Puerto Rico school turns adversity into strength after Hurricane Maria
The principal, teachers and parents at a Puerto Rico school rebuilt after Hurricane Maria left behind a field of fallen trees, mounds of mud, flooded classrooms and torn electrical wires.
Climbing from homelessness to give back
Rudy Soliz, a worker at Justa Center for people 55 and older who are homeless, said he knows what it’s like for people to look down on you.
Border towns struggle with students who live in Mexico, learn in Arizona
Experts estimate that thousands of children who live in border towns in Mexico cross the border every day and go to school in the United States.
After decades, tribal courts, police slowly regaining lost authority
WASHINGTON - Decades after Congress and the courts sharply limited Native Americans of the ability to enforce their laws, lawmakers have only recently started to restore that authority to tribal courts and cops.
May 8, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The Cronkite News money team brings reports on new business opportunities, trade and funding sources that are fueling the Arizona economy.
A tale of two towns: Puerto Ricans rebuild with hope for brighter future
This is a tale of two Puerto Rican communities, 8 miles apart – separated by winding roads but divided by more than geography.
Smart dressers: Technology flourishes in wearable fashion designs
A model in a pink bodysuit and a red, high-waisted couture skirt featured smart technology designed to ease a woman’s menstrual cramps. Such smart technology was featured in the Wearables in Smart Fabrics Fashion Show in Phoenix.
Arizona, Mexico officials work to make the road to Rocky Point safer
Officials say they hope a binational effort could boost tourism and safety in Rocky Point, a tourist hotspot that attracts many Arizonans.
May 9, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The Cronkite News D.C. bureau brings reports on tribal schools, Arizona's special olympics, a look back at the baseball game where a gunman opened fire on members of Congress and more.
Despite gains, Native American employment still lags behind nation
WASHINGTON - Native American unemployment has fallen sharply, from 40 percent in 1968 to 12 percent in 2016, but that is still more than twice the national average at the time and experts say it masks pockets of high unemployment on reservations and rural areas where systemic challenges remain.
Keeping NFL dreams alive: Indoor football offers stage for Rattlers, others
Players who were overlooked by the NFL are getting a second chance with indoor football leagues. Rattlers players are using the stage as an opportunity to showcase their skills
The right stuff: Young women take rising interest in taxidermy
There's an emerging trend of young women getting into the art of taxidermy these days, and many of them practice "ethical taxidermy." That means they only use the carcasses of animals that died accidentally or of natural causes.
Big hearts built tiny homes for homeless veterans
A Phoenix nonprofit is helping to build three tiny houses for veterans who need homes. Founder Elizabeth Singleton said more than 600 people have applied.
May 10, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News government and justice reporters bring reports about public policy, law enforcement, the courts and the state legislature.
Native Americans close the gap – almost – on U.S. life expectancy
WASHINGTON - Life expectancy for Native Americans is decades longer than it was in the 1960s, nearly closing the gap with the rest of the U.S. population, government data show. But experts say pockets of problems remain, particularly on traditional reservations.
Groups restoring former WWII-era African-American officers club at Fort Huachuca
An abandoned Army building at Fort Huachuca, which was a WWII-era African-American officers club, received a half-million dollar grant to be repurposed for the Sierra Vista community.
Saluting history: WWII museum honors veterans by preserving their stories, vintage planes
At the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa, volunteers keep history alive through storytelling and by keeping the museum’s vintage planes airworthy. Passengers can tour the museum and planes or take flight on one of several of their World War II aircraft.
May 11, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite Sports brings reports on youth soccer, fencing, waste at the Phoenix Open and more.
For the love of the gaming: South African esports team relocates to Phoenix
Why did a group of gamers from South African move nearly 10,000 miles to Phoenix? The competition. For the love of the game, they left family and friends behind.
Lack of resources leads to grim statistics in Native American schools
WASHINGTON - Fifty years after President Lyndon Johnson called on Congress to help Native Americans, that have been gains in tribal education, but American Indians still trail in test scores and graduation rates, a delay experts blame on a continuing lack of resources and funding.
Tucson entrepreneur finds his groove cutting records out of unusual materials
Michael Dixon makes lathe-cut records – sometimes on Plexiglas, sometimes on anything he can find: old X-rays, plastic plates, mirrors and even CDs.
Distance, language can still pose challenge to Native American voting
WASHINGTON - Overt challenges to Native Americans voting are a thing of the past, experts say, but casting a ballot can still be hard for tribal members who may face language barriers, registration difficulties and scant access to polling places and government services that can ease the process.
Despite snub, Phoenix Rising confident of future with Major League Soccer
Early snub not enough to keep Phoenix Rising down. New investor, stadium plan has club confident about a future in Major League Soccer.
May 14, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News consumer reporters bring stories on the health and well-being of Arizona communities.
Clean Energy ballot initiative could take Palo Verde nuclear plant off the grid
A ballot initiative to promote renewable energy in Arizona could force the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to close.
‘Chain migration’: The definitions, history and faces behind family-based immigration
Family-based immigration, which is the standard term used by immigration lawyers and professionals, is the most common way for people to immigrate to the United States and reunite with their families. Critics refer to it as “chain migration,” and the Trump administration has publicly expressed its adamant opposition.
Advocacy group pushes back against seed saving prohibitions
Seed saving has been around for more than 10,000 years, but one group is worried the technique is threatened by seed companies.
May 15, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Borderlands reporters bring stories on DACA, Native American hoop dancing and more.
With Suns poised to select another one-and-done player, debate about value continues
On eve of NBA Draft lottery, Devin Booker and other Suns reflect on he one-and-done rule. It worked for the Suns standout. But questions remain if the rule is doing its job.
Rebooting education: Federal and state funds bring high-speed internet to rural areas
A $1.8-million award, the result of a state and federal funding initiative, was granted to a group of schools and libraries in Yavapai County to improve broadband access for entire communities.
May 16, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News education reporters bring a series of stories on the state of schools and the future for students in Arizona.
Groups work to help Puerto Ricans recover after Hurricane Maria
Public and private groups traveled Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to help with cleanup efforts and assist residents.
Phoenix trains apprentices to become sanitation workers
Phoenix offers the Solid Waste Equipment Operator Apprenticeship – an intensive, yearlong paid program to give prospective sanitation workers intensive training.
May 17, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The Cronkite News D.C. bureau brings reports on the census, border wall, guns and more.
Hurricane provides opportunity for Puerto Rico’s battered tourism industry
Puerto Rico’s tourism industry appears headed toward recovery: Hotels are opening, cruise ships have returned and the airport is bustling.
Taking a load off: Weight cutting growing issue in mixed martial arts
In mixed martial arts, weight cutting is commonplace as fighters prepare to compete at the highest level. The process can be dangerous.
Innovative programs aim to offset state’s shortage of mental health beds
WASHINGTON - The U.S. has only about a quarter of the beds that experts say is the safe minimum, and Arizona has only about a third of the national rate, but analysts and advocates said the state should get credit for innovative programs it does supply.
Arizona’s water supply plagued by drought, SRP managers work to ensure steady supply
Water managers at Salt River Project say metro Phoenix has enough water, despite continued drought.
In Focus: Season 3, Episode 2 – To conserve and protect
In the second episode of season 3 of In Focus, hosts Atlan Hassard and Alexandra Watts bring you stories about animal conservationists who are taking steps to protect native species.
May 18, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News government and justice reporters bring reports about public policy, law enforcement, the courts and the state legislature.
‘Hotel living,’ long drives: NBA’s two-way contract provides challenges, opportunities for players
Between Prescott Valley, where the G League Northern Arizona Suns play, and Phoenix is 92 miles of highway. Danuel House and Alec Peters are quite familiar with a route that is their regular commute to play for the Suns. It’s just another day in the life of a two-way player.
New football league has investors, TV deal and now Neuheisel to coach Valley team
Rick Neuheisel, who grew up just miles from Sun Devil Stadium, was named coach of the Phoenix franchise in the upstart Alliance of American Football league Friday. The new league will start play in 2019.
Some Arizona Republicans join Democrats to reject House farm bill
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among 30 Republicans who crossed the aisle and joined all House Democrats to send the $868 billion farm bill to defeat Friday, with Democrats angry at food stamp cuts and the GOP lawmakers hoping to use the bill to force an immigration reform vote.
Court: Inmate can sue state for being forced to work religious holiday
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled that a "devout Christian" Arizona inmate can sue prison officials who make him work on a religious holiday, forcing him "to choose between my God's laws and (prison) rules," in violation of his First Amendment rights.
Scottsdale bike-sharing companies see rapid growth, but ditched bikes cause concerns
Bike-share programs are seeing rapid growth in the East Valley, but they must deal with the ways consumers misuse their services.
Scottsdale app eases finding baby sitter, furthers evolution of location-based apps
ZipSit, an app headquartered in Scottsdale, connects babysitter and parents, the latest in a technology trend that connects strangers to make life easier.
Puerto Rico’s push for food independence intertwined with debate over statehood
Hurricane Maria has reignited a small movement in Puerto Rico aimed at strengthening the local food system so the island can survive and thrive without dependence on the mainland U.S.
Despite WNBA’s recent success, players think league could do more
The WNBA considers last season one of its most successful, with average game attendance reaching a six-year high and record-breaking numbers in merchandising and social media engagement. However, many of the league’s best players are not as thrilled. They think the NBA, the parent company of the WNBA, could do more in terms of marketing.
San Carlos Apache activist joins D.C. rally for ‘fundamental rights’
WASHINGTON - Native Americans face a slew of challenges, said Wendsler Nosie Sr., one of a number of speakers at a wide-ranging rally by dozens of activists as part of the Poor People's Campaign that touched on everything from voting rights to fights over the minimum wage.
Arizona ultrarunners turn nocturnal during summer months
As temperatures rise during Arizona’s hot summer months, the growing community of ultrarunners need an outlet to train while staying safe. The Insomniac Night Series provides an outlet for all types of distance runners to race safety and build relationships in the process.
Arizona students gather to remember victims of Texas school shooting
Students, activists, families and faith leaders gathered Monday night to commemorate the 10 victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting.
Arpaio submits signatures for U.S. Senate race, vows that he’s a serious candidate
Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Tuesday submitted more than 10,000 signatures in his bid to qualify as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Second-grader uses fire-safety training to save her family from burning home
Monibelle Townsend, 7, learned house fire-safety techniques from Phoenix firefighters days before a fire destroyed her home.
Paper chase: Phoenix Union helps with financial aid forms to get more students into college
More Phoenix students are filling out their FAFSA and going to college with the help of an innovative program created by Phoenix Union High School District and the Be A Leader Foundation.
McSally, immigration agency directors decry ‘loopholes’ in asylum law
WASHINGTON - Leaders of the three main border agencies told a House subcommittee that loopholes in immigration law are letting large numbers of immigrants seek asylum by claiming "credible fear" of harm if they are sent home - but said it's up to Congress to fix the problem.
Arizona promises ‘most fan-friendly’ Super Bowl in 2023
The NFL announced on Wednesday that Super Bowl LVII, to be played in 2023, will return to the Arizona Cardinals’ home field, University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. It will be the third time the venue has hosted the event.
More than 4,000 acres of land in northern Arizona to be auctioned for gas and oil exploration
A Trump administration plan calls for auctioning off about 4,200 acres of public land for oil and gas development in northern Arizona.
Phoenix City Council votes to sue over citizenship question on 2020 Census
Phoenix City Council voted on Tuesday to pursue litigation against a 2020 Census question that asks about citizenship status.
After years of trying, Congress gives ‘right to try’ drug bill final OK
WASHINGTON - It took two years of trying, but Congress gave final approval this week to so-called "right-to-try" legislation that, if signed by the president, would give patients with terminal diagnoses access to experimental drugs that could save their lives.
Tucson teen reaches finals before bowing out of National Geographic Bee
WASHINGTON - A Tucson middle-school student was one of the final competitors - and one of only a handful of girls - to make it to the last rounds of the 30th annual National Geographic Bee competition in Washington this week.
Eagle eyes: Nest watchers safeguard the next generation of Arizona bald eagles
Nest watchers collect data that helps scientists understand how the eagles interact with the environment, alert biologists to birds in distress and keep people, paragliders and, more recently, drones, away from sensitive nest sites.
‘The closer’: Bidwill credits Gov. Ducey with sealing Arizona Super Bowl bid
Cardinals president Michael Bidwill credits Gov. Doug Ducey will helping woo NFL owners, who awarded Super Bowl LVII to Arizona. The 32 NFL teams unanimously approved the decision on Wednesday morning in Atlanta.
Tempe, ASU to study wastewater for clues about opioid use
Tempe and Arizona State University are each contributing $35,000 to monitor city wastewater, believing it will help tailor programs to fight the opioid crisis.
Border Patrol praises cooperation of Arizona National Guard along the border
The collaboration between the National Guard and Customs and Border Patrol as part of Operation Guardian Support has so far proved to be beneficial in the efforts to secure the Arizona-Mexico border.
Critics: DeVos should retract undocumented students remarks or resign
WASHINGTON - Democratic lawmakers and advocates demanded that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos disavow her statement that schools can decide whether to turn over undocumented students to immigration officials. And if she does not, they said, she should resign.
Adults with Down syndrome are more independent, experts say, but face challenges in getting old
A new generation of adults with Down syndrome is the most independent ever, in part because of parental demands. Yet new challenges loom at the same time their world is expanding
Stand or stay away: Reaction mixed to NFL’s new anthem policy
The NFL's new policy on the national anthem has prompted a mixed reaction. The owners voted that players must stand at attention or wait in the locker room.
Proud and close-knit : A Phoenix neighborhood unites under Old Glory
One Phoenix neighborhood has rallied together behind the American flag.
Restrictions on prop weapons put in place at Phoenix Comic Fest
Participants in Phoenix Comic Fest have had to rethink some of their props, thanks to new security changes.
Beating a hasty retweet: Avoiding the downsides of social media
WASHINGTON - Social media are filled with images of seemingly perfect people living seemingly perfect lives, but don't show the depression and anxiety that experts say can come from increased social media use. With thoughtful posting and viewing, they say, there are ways to counter the downsides of social media.
AIA goes to mat for girls wrestling, adds it for 2018-19 school year
The Arizona Interscholastic Association added girls wrestling for the 2018-19 school year, joining a list of less than 10 states that have the sport.
Development in New River draws attention to subdivision laws
Residents of New River, still reeling from a water crisis, try to tackle a potentially illegal subdivision going up in their neighborhood.
Phoenix, Buckeye among biggest-, fastest-growing cities in U.S. in 2017
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona cities were among the fastest-growing in the nation in 2017, according to new estimates by the Census Bureau, which said Phoenix saw the second-biggest growth, adding 65,852 new residents, and Buckeye posted the fifth-fastest growth rate at 5.9 percent.
How mended relationship between Cardinals, Glendale helped return Super Bowl to Arizona
The reality of the Valley securing another Super Bowl seemed unlikely in the near future. A patched-up relationship between the Arizona Cardinals and the City of Glendale changed everything.
New River to get new water supply, but can the deal control development in the area?
Communities north of Phoenix want to control water as a way to control development. But it’s not popular with everyone.
Rolling Thunder brings Washington a raucous reminder of POW/MIA issue
WASHINGTON - Tucson veteran Dan Grannan said his “goosebumps had goosebumps” after his first Rolling Thunder Run in 1992, and the camaraderie has kept him coming back to join tens of thousands of motorcyclists who come to Washington every Memorial Day to remember POT/MIAs.
Ducey: Evolution should still be taught in schools
Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday said he believes that evolution should remain a part of Arizona’s science education curriculum, referring to state schools’ superintendent Diane Douglas attempts to remove or water down references to evolution.
May 29, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at potential curriculum changes; Stanton's last day as Phoenix mayor; Scripps National Spelling Bee; and more.
Study puts Hurricane Maria’s death toll at more than 4,600; some residents still struggle with power
At approximately 6:15am Hurricane Maria made landfall in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico as a strong category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155mph.
Story of the 1,475 missing immigrant children is more complex than it appears
New laws that require undocumented families to be detained separately at the border add to concerns over the almost 1,500 immigrant minors who are unaccounted for by the U.S. government.
Control tower demolition latest step in renovation of ISM Raceway
The 130-foot-high Race Control Tower at ISM Raceway will be demolished, paving the way for a brand-new tower structure as part of the $178 million ISM Raceway Project.
NCAA returns to Valley as organizing committee makes pitch for Final Four return
NCAA officials came to the Valley Wednesday to listen to a pitch from local organizers about a future Final Four. They hope to land the game in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
May 30, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at Arizona's efforts to battle opioid addiction; the dangers of dirty pools; the Scripps National Spelling Bee; and more.
Arizona leaders say state has made progress on opioid crisis, but concerns about border security remain
Rep. Martha McSally on Wednesday blamed the country’s lack of border security as one reason for Arizona’s opioid epidemic.
Educators not surprised by Fort Worth’s play to lure Arizona teachers
WASHINGTON - State educators said they were not surprised to see a Texas school district erecting billboards around Phoenix in hopes of luring underpaid Arizona teachers away - and said they wouldn't be surprised if the effort is successful.
Bee happy: Arizona students at spelling bee aim to enjoy the moment
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - None of the eight Arizona students at the Scripps National Spelling Bee made the list of 41 finalists who will vie for the national title, but they tried to "relish the experience" of being among the 519 spellers to make nationals from millions who competed nationwide.
In midst of drought, Moon Valley, Lookout Mountain golf courses to stop irrigating with drinking water
PHOENIX – Arizona is in its 21st year of long-term drought but some golf courses are still using drinking water to irrigate. Two Phoenix golf courses developed a plan to change that.
May 31, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at mental-health crisis plans; a rise in bear activity; the threat of Las Vegas strikes; and more.
DHS secretary visits Nogales, says undocumented children aren’t lost, ‘they don’t want to be found’
The 1,475 undocumented children reportedly lost in the federal system “are not lost,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen told reporters “they just don’t want to be found.”
Ethics panel confirms Schweikert probe; supporters rush to his defense
WASHINGTON - The House Ethics Committee confirmed that the Office of Congressional Ethics has referred an investigation of Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, and a legislative aide, reportedly over campaign consulting payments to the office chief of staff.
Experts: Don’t look to monsoon season for weather relief any time soon
WASHINGTON - With Arizona in the grip of a years-long drought, conditions are ripe for spawning intense wildfires and haboobs from the high winds and lightning that typically form the early part of the monsoon season that begins in two weeks.
New steel, aluminum tariffs worry Arizona firms, raise trade war fears
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration said it will let tariffs on steel and aluminum imports take effect Friday, a move that critics warned could spark a "tit-for-tat trade war" with Mexico, Canada and the European Union.
In Focus: Season 3, Episode 3 – Neighborhood eco-watch
In the third episode of season 3 of In Focus, hosts Alexandra Watts and Atlan Hassard bring you stories about sustainable Arizona residents who engage with their communities.
Flagstaff bans recycling of plastics other than bottles, jugs and jars
Flagstaff residents have been able to recycle any type of rigid plastic with number labels one through seven. Now only numbers one and two will be accepted in curbside bins.
Punching through Parkinson’s: Boxing gym trains patients with degenerative disease
Phoenix-area boxing trainer Marty Barrett opened 12th Round Fit Boxing gym to help train individuals with Parkinson's disease to curb their symptoms.
Arizona unemployment remains at 4.9%; national level at 18-year low
Arizona’s unemployment rate is at 4.9 percent while the national average is at an 18-year low.
June 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at light rail expansion; extreme heat; the latest unemployment figures; and more.
Free-speech ruling in Trump Twitter case echoes Arizona debate
WASHINGTON - A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump violated critics' free-speech rights when he blocked them from his official Twitter account, a ruling the ACLU thinks should also apply to lawmakers in Arizona who have blocked constituents' from their social media sites.
Court sides with baker who refused same-sex couple’s wedding cake
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, saying it would violate deeply held religious opposition to same-sex marriage. The court said Colorado officials showed “clear and impermissible hostility” to the baker's religious claims.
Sexually transmitted diseases up 19% in Arizona, perhaps because of greater awareness
A state public-health spokeswoman said improvements in treatment, screening and even dating apps may contribute to an increase of reported cases in 2018 compared to the same period last year.
June 4, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex rights; the Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign; E. coli outbreaks; and more.
As heat bears down, nonprofits help to hydrate those in need
Valley nonprofits are using their resources to help those in need bear the scorching conditions.
Reagan, Fontes settle suit over Arizona’s voter registration process
WASHINGTON - Arizona election officials have agreed to settle a lawsuit that claimed the state's two-track voter registration process, with one track requiring proof of citizenship, was unduly burdensome and "irrationally" disenfranchised thousands of voters.
Stubbornly steadfast: Mules have kept the Grand Canyon moving since the 1880s
Cars and trucks have replaced mules in most places, but the beasts of burden still reign supreme at the Grand Canyon. Every day, mules at the Grand Canyon carry supplies, souvenirs, trash and people up and down the South Rim.
Experts warn swimmers to beware of water-borne parasites and bacteria
Summer heat attracts swimmers to hotels and public pools but a report from the Centers for Disease Control says cases of crypto virus and other bacteria rise as more people dive into their vacations.
June 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at better pavements; light rail expansions; and more.
June 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at the future of the Miss America competition; a new campus for ASU; wildfire dangers; and more.
Mesa approves deal to build ASU satellite campus for media, technology in downtown
The Mesa City Council has struck a $65 million deal to bring an Arizona State University campus to downtown Mesa, a move some business owners and residents lauded as an economic boon and a few residents worried will bring higher taxes.
China’s policy shift forces U.S. cities to tighten recycling rules to reduce contamination
China has processed roughly half of the world’s plastic and paper recyclables for over a decade. But last summer, it announced new standards on how much trash can be in the trash.
June 6, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at education funding; the signing of the Veterans Affairs Mission Act; an increase in activism; and more.
Solar flare: Dynamic Ayton could be answer to Suns’ struggling franchise
Deandre Ayton’s presence in Talking Stick Resort Arena illustrated more than just the opportunity to draft a basketball player. It revealed an opportunity to change the fortunes of a franchise.
Native American coal miners seek 90-day pause in shutdown of Navajo Generating Station
Three hundred Navajo Generating Station supporters attend a rally in hopes to obtain a 90-day pause from the Central Arizona Project to keep the plant open.
Officials warn that West faces another ‘challenging’ wildfire season
WASHINGTON - Federal officials warned a Senate panel that the West should prepare for another "challenging" wildfire season, particularly in the drought-ravaged Southwest, after a 2017 season that was the most expensive on record in terms of firefighting costs.
School’s out, lunch is on: Kids get free, nutritious meals in summer
Free meal programs throughout Arizona feed children while school is out for the summer. St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and the Peoria Unified School District also offer activities.
Renovated after flood damage, Burton Barr Central Library set to reopen
The Burton Barr Central Library announced that it will reopen on June 16th after 11 months of making flood repairs
Game on: Boys & Girls Club upgrades technology to benefit teens
The I.G. Homes branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix added video game consoles to its teen center because it believes in the benefits. A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics supports the belief.
Flake, on Senate floor, slams Trump on trade, lack of ‘grown-up leadership’
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake took the Senate floor to "sound the alarm" on President Donald Trump's trade policies in a speech that quickly became a discourse on liberty, freedom and America "turning our back" on its responsibility as a world leader.
Water savings and checking accounts: How cities bank on future supply underground
The snowpack feeding the region’s rivers was near record low this year, so managers are looking to future water supplies underground.
Monsoon rescues are free, despite ‘stupid-motorist law,’ Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office says
Monsoon season sparks rumors about the enforcement a ‘stupid motorist law’ where drivers can be charged the cost of being rescued from storm floods. MCSO deputies want residents to know that they won’t make people pay.
Marvin Bagley III’s winding, complicated journey brings him back to Phoenix
Marvin Bagley III's journey began in Tempe and now has stopped in Phoenix. The Suns brought the basketball standout in for a tryout and he said he felt "disrespected."
Middle-age suicides on rise, new CDC report says
High suicide rates have largely been associated with younger populations, but middle age suicides are beginning to rise throughout the country, a new report says.
Trump plan to boost coal eyed cautiously by Navajo power plant backers
WASHINGTON - A White House plan to prop up failing coal and nuclear power plants by making utilities buy some energy from them has drawn criticism across the political spectrum, but supporters of the Navajo Generating Station, slated to close next year, are looking closely at the plan.
Ducey touts state drug program that aims to keep families together
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey touted an Arizona program that aims to keep families together while parents are seeking treatment of opioid addiction, telling a Washington seminar that the SENSE program should be a model for the nation.
ICE chief defends arrests as ‘focused on criminals,’ advocates disagree
WASHINGTON - The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement defended his agency against charges of racism, saying that 89 percent of those ICE arrested last year had a criminal history, but advocates say most were for minor crimes - not the "bad hombres" the president talks about.
Better WiFi, heat-resistant engines and, far, far on the horizon, self-piloting passenger planes
Before new technology can be used in the aviation industry, the FAA requires it be put through strict testing measures for certification.
Obama Foundation launches community organizing initiative in Phoenix
The Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps teaches 35 young people to take action and make change in their communities.
A brain matter: Former Cardinals among those in concussion lawsuit against NFL
For many observers, the 2011 lawsuit against the NFL for concussion-related injuries is all about numbers. For nine Cardinals players, it is about much more.
June 11, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at what it takes to be a police officer; the need for donated blood; a new shelter for the homeless; and more.
Phoenix Rising FC coach Patrice Carteron leaves team for Egyptian club
Phoenix Rising FC coach Patrice Carteron is leaving the team after one year. The soccer coach is taking a new job, a player confirmed on Monday.
Sessions limits asylum claims for victims of domestic, gang violence
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that immigrant victims of gang violence or domestic abuse will no longer be able to claim asylum in the U.S., saying the law was not designed to "alleviate all problems" and is being abused by immigrants.
Red Cross launches #MissingType campaign to raise awareness about blood donations
The Red Cross launched a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of volunteering during a time of year where blood donations are down.
Suns, Phoenix clash with Goldwater Institute over arena-renovation records
Deliberations related to the Phoenix Suns’ desire for a $450 million renovation of its arena began Tuesday morning at Maricopa County Superior Court over a dispute about documents not made public.
June 12, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at families being separated at the border; Native American unemployment rates; and more.
Tucson activists denounce immigrant family separations
Community activists said the Trump administration is criminalizing immigration by wrenching children from their parents at the border and other tough-on-immigration policies.
March for Our Lives holds second ‘die-in’ at Capitol on Pulse shooting anniversary
About 30 students representing March For Our Lives held a second “die-in” at the Arizona Capitol on Thursday.
Got milk? D-backs and Shamrock Farms make sure needy folks have plenty
Food banks across Arizona struggle to keep milk on the shelves, with 95 percent of food banks surveyed by the Arizona Milk Producers saying they’ can’t meet the demands of the public.
Washington’s Stanley Cup rally draws fans from Arizona, Puerto Rico
WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of Washington Capitals fans celebrated the team's Stanley Cup victory Tuesday, packing the National Mall with a sea of red jerseys under a clear blue sky - but not all of those cheering were Washingtonians.
Flag days: First business joins Arizona program on air-quality alerts
The nearly 250 employees who work at Coreslab Structures in Phoenix could have looked up one June morning to see a yellow flag flying on top of their building.
June 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the latest on the immigration debate; students learning about law enforcement; a study of officer-involved shootings; and more.
Phoenix chief asks city to fund study into increase in officer-involved shootings
The city of Phoenix’s Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee has forwarded a proposal to spend $149,000 on a study that could help prevent the number of police shootings from rising.
Human rights survey: LGBTQ teens in Arizona feel unsafe in their communities
The survey of 12,000 youths – including 330 in Arizona – show many LGBTQ youths still suffer compared to those who are cisgender, leaders of the Human Rights Campaign said at a news conference in Phoenix
Tribal affairs agencies make progress, not enough to satisfy senators
WASHINGTON - Federal agencies that oversee Indian affairs are making progress toward fixing management shortcomings that landed them on a list of "high-risk" agencies, but not enough progress to satisfy some senators and auditors who say more needs to be done.
House leaders derail plan to force vote on bipartisan immigration bills
WASHINGTON - House leaders derailed an attempt by Democrats and moderate Republicans to force a vote on a bipartisan package of immigration reform bills, announcing instead that they will bring two Republican bills to the floor, possibly as soon as next week.
Action plans: Arizona groups teaching millennials and minorities to get involved politically
Arizona organizations are teaching political moves to millennials, Latinos and other racial and ethnic minorities, whether that’s voting, protesting or running for office.
June 14, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at women in Arizona government; new software in the battle against opioid addiction; the loss of a soldier from Chandler; and more.
Wildfires have burned 75,000 acres in Arizona, but experts had predicted more
: Wildfires have burned through about 75,000 acres in Arizona already this year. But experts say those numbers are encouraging – especially because Arizona’s monsoon season officially starts Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
A year after shooting, Congressional Baseball Game makes a statement
WASHINGTON - A year after he was severely wounded in a politically motivated gunman's attack, Rep. Steve Scalise took the field Thursday and recorded the first out for Republicans in the annual Congressional Baseball Game, the perfect opening to a Washington tradition that preaches bipartisanship.
In Focus: Season 3, Episode 4 – Big city, green living
In the fourth episode of season 3 of In Focus, hosts Atlan Hassard and Alexandra Watts bring you stories about the people trying to make urban living more sustainable.
Phoenix Rising soccer eyes growth in Valley Latino community
Phoenix Rising FC hopes to grow its popularity in the Valley as it eyes a potential Major League Soccer bid. One area of focus is the Valley’s more than 1.3 million Latinos.
CBP chief looks to expand vehicle-scanning technology at Nogales port
WASHINGTON - "Non-invasive inspection" technology at the port of Nogales - essentially a drive-through X-ray to scan vehicles - has worked so well that the head of Customs and Border Protection said this week he wants to expand its used there on passenger and commercial vehicles..
Monsoon season is here: What to do when the weather turns dangerous
Monsoon storms create extreme weather conditions including dust storms/Haboobs, thunderstorms, flash flooding and increased fire danger. Navigate the season with tips from experts.
From pools to popsicles, Phoenix Zoo works to keep animals cool
Zookeepers at Phoenix Zoo provide animals with options to keep them cool.
‘Looking for someone like me’: JJ Nakai blazes trail for younger Native American basketball players
Junior college point guard JJ Nakai led Pima Community College in scoring and assists and made 40 percent of her 3-pointers.
Colorado River reservoirs expected to be less than half full by Sept. 30
Reservoirs along the Colorado River are projected to be less than half full by summer’s end, potentially marking a historic low mark for the river system.
June 18, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at the Mi Arizona movement; the state's efforts to save the Apache trout; video-game addiction; and more.
Sportsmen push to keep uranium mining ban near Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - Arizona wildlife groups have launched a campaign to block what they fear is a Trump administration effort to reopen 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon to uranium mining, saying the environmental risks are too great.
Researchers: Maricopa County’s low vaccination rates could put larger population at risk
Maricopa County may soon see an influx of preventable diseases because of parents opting out of vaccinating their children.
Puente Arizona speaks out against separation of families at the border
‘Crime against humanity’: Pressure mounts against ‘zero tolerance’ policy separating children from families at border
June 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at the border-policy protests; what you need to know about active-shooter situations; a possible treatment for epilepsy; and more.
Poll shows 66% of Americans disagree with border policy: What do Arizona leaders say?
Although several prominent Arizona Republicans haven’t made public statements about the controversial move, many of the state’s elected officials also have come out against the policy.
Zinke has ‘no intention’ of revisiting Grand Canyon uranium mining ban
WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has "no intention to revisit uranium mining" in and around the Grand Canyon, his spokeswoman said, after outdoorsmen's groups launched a campaign urging him to keep a 20-year mining moratorium in place.
Family separations spark feuds across Capitol; DHS defends handling
WASHINGTON - As Democrats rallied against the government's separation of families at the border, immigration agencies defended the treatment of children in shelters and President Donald Trump lobbied GOP House members on immigration bills he claims could stop the separations.
June 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at a shift in border policy; how the opioid crisis and border security are related; how police are helping the homeless; and more.
Pharmacy chain CVS adds medication drop-off sites in Arizona, another move in opioid battle
Arizona is expanding drop-off services for unused and old medications to 13 CVS pharmacies and at least three police stations in a continuing battle against opioid overdose and addiction.
Phoenix Council to proceed with light-rail extension to South Phoenix, but requests design evaluation
The Phoenix City Council on Wednesday voted to proceed with the development of the South Central light-rail extension after a contentious meeting with residents earlier this week.
House immigration vote nears, but GOP fighting puts outcome in doubt
WASHINGTON - The House is poised to take action on two Republican immigration-reform bills, but it was not clear Wednesday if House leaders would be able to muster enough support to pass either. Democrats oppose both and GOP conservatives appeared to balk.
Trump ends family separations, stands firm on ‘zero tolerance’ policy
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered immigration officials to keep undocumented immigrant families together, after weeks of mounting criticism over his administration's "zero tolerance" policy that led to the separation of families at the border.
ASU partners with Valley Metro to equip buses with thermal sensors
Arizona State University partners with Valley Metro to provide buses with thermal sensors that will collect data in hopes to determine how they can impact heat reduction efforts.
Short and sweet: The month Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley spent together at Hillcrest
Within minutes of each other Thursday, Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley walked across the NBA Draft stage in Brooklyn and into the lives they have long imagined, the ones they have prepared for, the ones that have been expected by those around them.
‘A lot like Garnett’: Suns pick Deandre Ayton compared to former NBA MVP
Following his pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns, the one and only team he worked out for this offseason, the NBA draft’s presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton, was asked which player’s game his most resembles.
June 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the developments on immigration policies; light-rail expansions; how to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs; and more.
Arizona reboots talks on drought plan while rest of Colorado River Basin watches
Arizona water officials prepare for talks regarding a drought plan for the future of the Colorado River | KJZZ
Native American lawmakers combat Trump stance on immigration
Indigenous people are among the thousands of immigrants being detained the border, according to the Arizona Legislature’s Indigenous Peoples Caucus. Arizona leaders from the Pascua Yaqui, Tohono O’Odham and Navajo nations said the issue goes back generations and told the story of a Guatemalan girl separated from her mother | Cronkite News
AZ ACLU worries Trump’s executive order too vague to halt family separations
Leaders of the Arizona ACLU and a Tucson-based coalition fighting to change immigration policy fear President Trump’s executive order will not end family separation and encouraged people to remain vigilant on immigration issues | Cronkite News
As expected, Suns use franchise’s first-ever No. 1 overall pick on Arizona’s Ayton
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - For the first time in franchise history, the Phoenix Suns had the first pick at the NBA draft Thursday and they looked close to home, choosing the University of Arizona center Deandre Ayton, a choice that came as no surprise to fans, analysts - or Ayton himself.
Immigration reform stalls in House, as GOP-backed plan is shot down
WASHINGTON - Some conservative House Republicans bucked their party's leaders Thursday and joined Democrats to kill a GOP-backed immigration reform bill, dimming chances that any reform bill will pass the House.
Your vote, your voice: What do you want in election coverage?
Politics are confusing. Help us design the perfect political affairs show to change that by taking part in a crowd-sourced project that will help us make relevant, easy-to-understand Arizona political news coverage.
The inside track: UA offers only program focused solely on horse racing industry
Zach Taylor grew up around horses. His mother owned trail horses when Taylor was a boy in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Patriot Movement AZ supports preservation of Chinese Cultural Center
Leaders of the Chinese community advocating for the preservation of the center reached out to the Patriots group for its support of small business.
June 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the developments on immigration policies; the Supreme Court's ruling on cell phone privacy; and more.
Victims’ families take plea to White House for stringent border laws
WASHINGTON - The separation of families at the border has sparked a firestorm of criticism, but the "Angel Families," who have lost a family member to crime committed by an immigrant, were at the White House to tell the president that separation is a small price to pay for border security.
Arizona wildlife managers rely on public to help stop poaching
Nearly 100 wildlife managers travel across the state to monitor hunts, check tags and licenses and try to catch poachers.
Gamers push back against World Health Organization’s ‘gaming disorder’ classification
The World Health Organization classified gaming disorder as a mental health condition akin to gambling addiction.
‘Just a normal kid’: Spencer Rattler tries to stay grounded as attention picks up steam
Spencer Rattler is a 17-year-old high school senior, but the Pinnacle quarterback has been on a national stage for years.
June 25, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the H2B visa system; the latest on the Red for Ed movement; the rise of stay-at-home dads; and more.
Yuma lettuce growers work to rebuild consumer trust after E. coli outbreak in March
An E. coli outbreak sickened people in 35 states was linked to Yuma, where 90 percent of leafy greens in the U.S. are grown.
Abortion, travel ban advocates make voices heard outside Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court handed down major rulings on pregnancy centers and on President Donald Trump's travel ban, but protesters outside the court were determined to have the last word, with noisy but well-behaved crowds swelling as the surprise decisions came down.
June 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at the Supreme Court's latest rulings; Phoenix Children's Hospital's rankings; immigration reform; and more.
Anti-abortion advocates hail Supreme Court decision on pregnancy centers as free speech win
Supreme Court rules 5-4 that pregnancy centers do not have to provide information about health care services, including abortions.
Supreme Court ruling on travel ban stuns Muslim community
A Somali immigrant says the ban is personal because relatives are still trapped in the country. Rep. Paul Gosar said the ban keeps America’s borders safe. VERTICAL: Borderlands
Slim hopes for immigration bill, despite E-Verify, farmworker visas
WASHINGTON - House leaders added employer checks and an expanded farmworker visa program in their latest attempt to get an immigration bill that can pass, but most lawmakers leaving a GOP caucus meeting the day before an expected vote appeared skeptical of its chances.
Immigrant mom sues to be reunited with daughter taken at Arizona border
WASHINGTON - A Guatemalan woman who was separated from her 12-year-old daughter after they crossed the border near San Luis, Arizona, said she will sue the federal government in an effort to get her child back.
More than 100 Confederate symbols removed in past three years nationwide, but none in Arizona
Local and state governments have removed at least 110 Confederate tributes and monuments since the 2015 attack in Charleston.
June 27, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at air pollution in Arizona; the latest bid to reform immigration laws; National HIV Testing Day; and more
IT company expands to Phoenix, adds to Arizona’s booming tech sector
Milestone Technologies Inc., a managed service provider is expanding to Arizona and will bring 100 jobs in the next nine months.
Study: Phoenix region among worst for air pollution, researchers recommend changes
Metro Phoenix was among the top 5 largest metro areas with the most days of smog in 2016, according to a national study by an Arizona research group.
House soundly rejects last-ditch effort to pass immigration reform bill
WASHINGTON - A last-ditch effort to get an immigration reform bill through the House was soundly defeated Wednesday, with almost half of the Republicans joining all Democrats to reject the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act on a 301-121 vote.
Navajo, others testify for bill to expand protections for ‘downwinders’
WASHINGTON - Navajo officials and residents urged a Senate committee Wednesday to expand coverage of a fund that compensates uranium miners and "downwinders" - people who lived downwind from Cold War nuclear tests.
Feds to reconsider yellow-billed cuckoo’s threatened species status
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said they will re-evaluate the threatened species status of the western yellow-billed cuckoo, after petitions from Arizona miners, ranchers and other groups argued that the species is no different from thriving eastern populations of the bird.
The Goldilocks approach: Arizona HOAs strive to balance lush grass with water conservation
Lawns and landscaping are polarizing symbols when talking about water use in the desert. Some communities are paying homeowners to rip out their grass. Others, like this Chandler HOA, are trying to save water on the green fields that residents adore | KJZZ
On the fast track: Abby Meulebroeck, 15, off to strong start in male-dominated motorsport
Pyrotechnic flames shoot into the air as cars cross the finish line in the first heat of the Father’s Day weekend races at Arizona Speedway. Up next is Abby Meulebroeck.
Red, white and ouch: Phoenix Fire warns public about dangers of fireworks
The Phoenix Fire Department on Thursday held a safety briefing to demonstrate the risks of igniting legal – and illegal – fireworks
Ethics panel moves ahead on probe of Schweikert office finances
WASHINGTON - The House Ethics Committee said Thursday it is moving ahead with its investigation of Rep. David Schweikert and his chief of staff for possible misuse of office funds and improper campaign contributions - a move the Fountain Hills Republican said he asked for to clear the air.
June 28, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the dangers of fireworks; immigration-policy protests; court proceedings for immigrant children; and more.
‘Something special’: World Cup popularity endures even without U.S. team
The World Cup, even without the participation of the United States National Team, has once again become a major event both in Arizona and around the country
Melania Trump visits west Phoenix shelter for migrant children
First lady Melania Trump visited the Southwest Key shelter in Phoenix Thursday to talk to staff and children housed there.
In Focus: Season 3, Episode 5 – Smart sustainability
In the final episode of season 3 of In Focus, hosts Alexandra Watts and Atlan Hassard bring you stories about new technologies that incorporate sustainability.
Reclamation commissioner to Arizona: Get a water deal done this year
Commissioner of Reclamation Brenda Burman told an audience of water stakeholders in Tempe that they weren’t trying to scare people, only make plain the risks of significant shortage on Lake Mead.
More than 150,000 Mexican citizens living in U.S. registered to vote for July 1 election
This is the first year that Mexican citizens living abroad were able to register to vote without having to return to Mexico. More than 150,000 citizens living in the U.S. registered for the July 1 elections.
Grassroots group works to save wild horses on parched Navajo Reservation
Last month, more than one hundred horses were found dead, drowned in the thick mud surrounding a dried up watering hole on the Navajo Nation.
June 29, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the drought in Arizona; wild horses in the Navajo Reservation; and more.
A Fourth without fireworks: Flagstaff has been there before
Fireworks are an iconic part of the celebration of Independence day, but they are only a small part of planned events in Flagstaff
July 4 is deadliest day to drive an off-road vehicle, group warns
Off-highway vehicle riders are more susceptible to fatal accidents in July than any other time of year.
Grand Canyon University returns to nonprofit status
Grand Canyon University, a private Christian school in Phoenix, announced Monday it will be returning to its status as a nonprofit entity, which it last held in 2004.
Families Belong Together protest brings hundreds to Arizona Capitol
The Families Belong Together movement drew about 800 people to the Arizona Capitol on Saturday to protest the treatment of migrant families separated at the Mexican border under the Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" policy on illegal entry into the U.S.
July 2, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the latest immigration-policy protests; forged signatures on petitions; a new way to celebrate Independence Day; and more.
Advocates, administration spar over pending citizenship applications
Immigrant-rights activists accused the Trump administration of erecting a "second wall" to potential immigrants by slowing citizenship application processing but federal officials strongly denied it, saying new citizens are being sworn in at "virtually the same rate" as always.
That’s the ticket: Pro teams hope to create lifelong fans with student pass programs
PHOENIX -- In a city filled with transplants, Valley sports teams are left fighting for the fandom and support of many who have already pledged their allegiances to other teams.
Replace your gas-powered lawn mower to help us all breathe easier
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has partnered with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to persuade residents to swap their gasoline machines for electric mowers.
More Arizona communities cancel firework shows because of extreme fire danger
Prescott Valley, Show Low and Heber-Overgaard join the cities cancelling Fourth of July Fireworks show this year.
GCU’s non-profit status could open door for athletic competition against ASU
PHOENIX -- Facing bankruptcy, $20 million in debt and an enrollment of fewer than 1,000 traditional students, Grand Canyon University took on investors in 2004, making it the nation’s only for-profit university to compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Realtor group files petitions to bar Arizona from ever imposing a tax on services
Although Arizona does not tax personal services, such as car repairs and child care, an Arizona Realtors group on Tuesday filed petitions bearing more than 400,000 signatures, hoping to get a measure on the November ballot that would bar the state from ever imposing such a tax.
July 3, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at tax petitions; a discussion between President Trump and Mexican Ambassador Gutiérrez; a July 4 naturalization ceremony; and more.
Mexican ambassador: Mexico’s relationship with Trump in ‘better shape’
Two days after Mexico elected a new president, the Mexican ambassador to the U.S. said his country's relationship with the Trump administration is in better shape than it was a year and a half ago, but that there is still room for improvement.
Mowers in sheep’s clothing: Flock clears vegetation around solar panels in southeastern Arizona
These sheep work for food, eating mesquite and tall grass at a solar farm that powers 20,000 homes in southern Arizona. Livestock landscapers can be used to trim the land around freeways or cut down on the brush that feeds wildfires.
What to do when an undocumented family member is arrested
Immigration attorney Rekha Nair says a lack of information – and plenty of misinformation – surrounds immigration detention.
From border town to Belmont: Bob Baffert points to family, Nogales ranch as roots to horse racing success
From border town to Belmont: Bob Baffert points to family, Nogales ranch as roots to horse racing success.
Rise in rabies cases expected to continue as summer heats up in Arizona
Rabies cases in Arizona have risen sharply this year compared to the same time last year, and state health officials said the problem is only likely to get worse as the weather heats up.
July 4, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A look at stories affecting Arizona's National Parks. The Havasupai Tribe lacing up and running in hopes of preserving a future for the next generation. An Arizona park turning to technology to try and stop theft. What the National Park Service is doing to bring in more diversity. How a new rafting company is putting its oars into the Colorado River.
HIV testing lags in Arizona; new cases have risen since 2011
As Arizona rates of HIV rise, organizations across the Valley provide free testing for the community at several participating Walgreens locations.
Citizenship question on census will intimidate immigrants, skew headcount, Latino leaders say
Latino leaders at a NALEO convention in Phoenix were worried a citizenship question on the 2020 census will suppress responses by undocumented residents and reduce funds for programs like Title 1 for education.
Bid to put recreational marijuana on November ballot fails
Safer Arizona, a group advocating the legalization of marijuana use, fails in their pursuit of making it on the November ballot.
July 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how volunteers are helping people beat the heat; the Invest in Ed act; a new way to look at the immigration debate; and more.
‘Good riddance’: Democrats, environmentalists cheer Pruitt’s departure
Arizona Democrats and environmental groups welcomed the resignation of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, who aggressively rolled back agency regulations even as he was dogged by ethical questions.
Strapped for workers, employers wait – and wait – on H-2B visa program
With unemployment near record lows, businesses are having trouble finding American workers to take jobs, and a guest-worker visa program that would let them bring on temporary foreign workers is costly, complex and capped tens of thousands of jobs below demand.
‘Stay positive’: Liberty High football’s Hunzinger finds inspiration in cancer diagnosis
Even thought Liberty High School football standout Zach Hunzinger was diagnosed recently with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, he is determined to continue playing football and hopes to inspire others.
Saving Arizona wildlife: State officials, nonprofit help drought-stressed animals
State officials and a nonprofit group are hauling water and hay to animals struggling in the wild.
July 6, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how the immigration debate is now reaching the armed services; different ways scientists are avoiding heat disasters; and more.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva: Secrecy surrounds Tucson shelter housing migrant children
Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva on Friday toured a Southwest Key facility in Tucson where he decried the dozens of migrant children who are locked away from their parents and out of view of the public, with some of them as young as 5 years old. The children smiled and greeted the Congressman, he said.
Vegas lights shine bright on Deandre Ayton in Suns debut
All eyes were on the Suns' No. 1 draft pick, Deandre Ayton, as he made his debut in the Las Vegas Summer League.
ASU’s Bobby Hurley visits Vegas to support Shannon Evans’ ‘new journey’
Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley came to Las Vegas to watch his former players. He was able to see one in the NBA summer league.
‘I meant it’: After loss, Marvin Bagley acknowledges grudge against Suns still alive
Marvin Bagley acknowledges grudge against Suns still alive after his Sacramento Kings fall in NBA Summer League play.
Audit: Hiring of customs, border agents better, but still falling short
Customs and Border Protection is getting better at attracting and hiring job applicants, but it still has thousands of vacancies in its law enforcement ranks, a recent GAO audit says, burdened by a cumbersome hiring process and weak retention rates.
Power mostly restored to Buckeye after monsoon storm wreaks havoc
A violent monsoon swept through the West Valley on Sunday evening, temporarily shutting off power for around 21,000 Arizonans.
July 9, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the latest on the SCOTUS nomination; a rise in fentanyl seizures; and more.
Advocates on range of issues anxious over Trump’s Supreme Court nominee
Even before President Donald Trump nominated U.S. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court nominee Monday night, advocates for a range of issues were bracing for what might come next, how the next justice might affect the court and whether his nomination could be blocked.
Kyl to help shepherd Supreme Court nomination through Senate
The White House has tapped former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl as "sherpa" to help guide the Supreme Court nomination of U.S. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh through the Senate, where he is expected to face a contentious confirmation process.
Report: Hispanic motorists in Maricopa County still arrested, searched more often
New data on the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office shows racially biased policing has continued, even as some Latino elected leaders in NALEO say the state’s reputation is improving.
‘Deeply problematic’: Cardinals criticized for promoting Bidwill’s support of SCOTUS nominee
Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill triggered controversy when a story about his backing of President Donald Trump’s nomination for the Supreme Court was posted to the team-affiliated website and Twitter.
July 10, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at new rainbow crosswalks in Phoenix; monsoon storm damage; an addition to the Mesa Police Department; and more.
After Thai drama, cavers insist sport is safe if you’re prepared, alert
Caving enthusiasts in Arizona say there is an important lesson in the headline-grabbing story of the boys trapped in a cave in Thailand: Be prepared so the sport can be enjoyed, not feared.
ASU grad in Thailand: Country felt ‘lots of relief’ after cave rescues
ASU grad Breanne McNitt said Thailand went from a country "on edge" to one feeling "lots of relief, everywhere" when 12 boys and their coach were rescued from the cave where they had been trapped for almost three weeks.
Mesa police add their first therapy dog to special victims unit
Mesa police have adopted their first therapy dog. Macy, a 16-week-old English Labrador puppy, will be trained to work in the special victims unit.
Monsoon rains douse campfire ban in Coconino National Forest; restrictions remain elsewhere
Visitors can now build fires in the Coconino forest but restrictions remain in place for other Arizona forests, including Gila, Tonto and Kaibab national forests.
Ducey: AZ will spend $2.9 million to fight border-related crime
Gov. Doug Ducey said the state will spend $2.9 million in 2019 on an ongoing multiagency effort to stop drug trafficking and human smuggling at the border.
July 11, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at why the Border Strike Force is receiving more funding; a Native Art Camp; a playdate at the nation's Capitol; and more.
Court reduces death sentence in killing where defense ‘utterly failed’
A federal appeals court reversed the death sentence handed down to a Prescott man for the 1987 murder of his lover's husband, saying attorneys "utterly failed" to investigate claims that would have argued against capital punishment.
Cashing out: Legalized sports gambling raises concerns about addiction
As legalized sports gambling becomes more prominent, fears rise about increased addiction.
July 12, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at efforts to diversify the iconic Barbie doll; precautions taken against election hacking; how kids are beating the heat in Scottsdale; and more.
Arizona rancher says ‘dysfunctional’ rules hurt environment, ranchers
The president of the Arizona Farm Bureau told a House panel Thursday that regulations meant to help the environment are actually doing the opposite, in part by harming ranchers who are in the best position to help.
Plan to ‘modernize’ Endangered Species Act called ‘extinction bills’
A group of Western lawmakers unveiled a package of bills to "modernize" the Endangered Species Act by allowing more local input and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts, but critics quidkly labeled the proposals "extinction bills."
As fentanyl overdoses rise, cartels are eager to funnel more of it through Arizona
Federal and state authorities continue to battle Mexican drug cartels as the opioid epidemic is fueled by the lethal synthetic opioid fentanyl.
From injured turtles to sustainable clothing: Former Hamilton standout finds his passion
Montreal Alouettes linebacker Glenn Love Jr. found a passion outside of football that also helps the environment.
July 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how homeschooling is on the rise; temporary housing for unaccompanied migrant children; mangled metal after the heavy storms; and more.
Court: USGS not liable in fatal 2012 Verde River helicopter crash
A federal appeals court said the government cannot be held liable after a helicopter struck an unmarked U.S. Geological Survey cable and crashed, killing the pilot and three passengers, even though the cable over the Verde River was "virtually invisible to aircraft pilots."
Killer heat: Phoenix seeking solutions, hopes to become leader in climate mitigation
PHOENIX – In 2017, the Phoenix area hit a new record: more than 155 heat fatalities and the final tally could be even higher. City leaders are taking notice. Earlier this year, former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton deemed it “a public health crisis.”
‘It doesn’t matter where children are born’: Migrant foster program may relaunch in Phoenix
FLAGSTAFF – Refugio, a Neighborhood Ministries program, allowed foster parents in cities across the U.S. to care for unaccompanied minors. The yearlong program ended three years ago but organization leaders are trying to revive the program in Phoenix.
A short wait: NCAA awards Phoenix its second Final Four
Just over a year after hosting its first Final Four, the NCAA awarded Phoenix the 2024 Final Four Monday, showing it values experience and community involvement.
July 16, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at organizations pushing for more voter registration; a camp for adults; why Apple Snails don't belong in our rivers; and more.
Latest restrictions on Obamacare could mean higher premiums in Arizona
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration's decision to suspend billions in Obamacare "risk adjustment" payments to insurance companies could hit tens of thousands of Arizonans in the pocketbook, as insurance companies grapple with new market uncertainty, according to both advocates and insurers.
Arizona officials target species of invasive snail in the lower Salt River
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game & Fish Department wants to get rid of applesnails in the Salt River, and officials have enlisted the public’s help to clear the snails from the area.
Study: Arizona No. 43 in voter turnout; minorities, youth and poor are hurt most
PHOENIZ – Arizona ranks 43rd in the nation in voter turnout, with the poor and the young least likely to exercise their right to vote, according to the study, released at a press conference Tuesday by the Arizona Clean Elections Commission and the Morrison Institute.
July 17, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at challenges Native Americans face when voting; how binge-watching shows may be harming the planet; how a church leader is working to keep everyone safe; and more.
Trump reversal on Russia doesn’t come soon enough for Arizona lawmakers
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers agreed that President Donald Trump was wrong to claim Monday that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 election, although their reactions to the since-withdrawn statement ranged from condemnation to rationalization.
Tribal leaders tell Senate voting barriers are persistent, systemic
WASHINGTON - Native Americans have been "systematically denied access to fair representation" as a result of persistent barriers to voting, advocates and tribal leaders told a Senate roundtable.
Arizona is among top states for renewable energy, report says
The Environment Arizona & Policy Center released a report on Tuesday that focuses on how well the nation is utilizing renewable energy.
New Arizona law helps combat PTSD among first responders
PHOENIX – The Officer Craig Tiger Act will encourage first responders to seek counseling after traumatic experience on the job.
No earmarks? No problem. Pork-barrel spending still rising, report says
WASHINGTON - Pork-barrel spending more than doubled over the past year, with the federal government allocating $14.7 billion to fund 232 earmarks, what one lawmaker called the "gateway drug" for politicians to higher spending.
After seven weeks apart in Arizona, migrant family reunited in D.C.
WASHINGTON - With a bouquet of roses and open arms, Miguel Calix waited nervously at Washington-Reagan National airport for his wife, daughter and stepdaughter to arrive on a flight from Phoenix, where they had been separated and detained after trying to cross the border and seek asylum from Honduras.
As Trump continues to explain Putin remarks, lawmakers continue to feud
WASHINGTON - A day after President Donald Trump walked back his statements on Russian meddling in U.S. elections, the issue still simmered Wednesday in Washington where some lawmakers said the president cannot make up for his "ridiculous" original statement.
July 18, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the shortage of truck drivers; the reunification of migrant families; and the programs offered at the Phoenix Conservatory of Music.
Phoenix works with community to replace aging public-housing complex
Phoenix has received a tax credit to redevelop the A.L. Krohn East apartments in central Phoenix, a public housing complex built in the 1960s.
March for Our Lives taking push for gun-law reforms, voter registration on the road
Arizona March for Our Lives leaders are organizing a summer bus tour to educate young people about gun violence and register them to vote.
Senate blocks Flake resolution seeking answers on Trump-Putin summit
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jeff Flake vowed to try again after the Senate blocked a vote on his resolution supporting U.S. intelligence agencies, rejecting Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 elections and seeking details on the Trump-Putin summit.
‘Everyone can see themselves in Barbie’: Iconic doll better reflects global diversity
PHOENIX – Mattel, like many companies adapting to a multicultural world, has been working to diversify the shape, races, ethnicities and occupation of Barbies.
Extreme-heat warning for this week prompts renewed plea for water donations
Next week is forecast to be a scorcher in the Valley, and city officials are asking for more water donations to help those in need.
Endangered species changes either ‘long overdue’ or ‘massive attack’
WASHINGTON - Trump administration plans to revamp the Endangered Species Act were hailed as "long overdue" by industry groups, even as environmentalists called the changes a "a massive attack on imperiled wildlife."
July 20, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News looks at a plea for water donations; a big Navajo solar farm; and more.
Proposed law would require Arizona to compile statistics on veteran suicide
PHOENIX – Three years after a veteran’s suicide, friends and family call legislators to action.
July 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the how the city of Tempe is selling the rubber of the old Tempe Town Lake dam; a design incubator that is helping local designers compete in the fashion industry; and more.
After two years, Congress OKs bill to let Apache move on water project
WASHINGTON - The House gave final approval to a bill that would let the White Mountain Apache proceed on desperately needed improvements to their water system, ending two years of back-and-forth debate in Congress on what most said was a simple issue.
Mesa firm gets front-row seat at White House ‘Made in America’ showcase
WASHINGTON - Andrew Medway wasn't sure how his Mesa business, Lanternland Lighting, was picked to represent Arizona at the White House's "Made in America Showcase," but he was still excited to be there Monday among companies that made everything from spacecraft to MoonPies.
Lori Piestewa, 11 others to be inducted into first Native American Hall of Fame in October
The first National Native American Hall of Fame will induct 12 honorees in October. Arizona’s Lori Piestewa is among those who will be celebrated.
ADOT workers on South Mountain Freeway muscle through the summer heat
PHOENIX – As the summer heat kicks into high gear, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ensuring its 1,500 workers stay safe while constructing the long-envisioned South Mountain Freeway.
July 24, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Road work in the heat; a $30 million redevelopment grant; and more.
Border Patrol official says Guard deployment has had ‘tremendous value’
WASHINGTON - The chief of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson sector told a lawmakers that the deployment of more than 600 National Guard troops to Arizona's border has had "tremendous value" for border agents, but critics said the troops are being "misspent on political show."
Cactus League economic impact makes double-figure jump
SCOTTSDALE -- Equipped with an IPad or IPhone, Saager Buch made his way to groups sitting on the lawns of Cactus League ballparks. Disinterested in the games at hand, the junior research economist at the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State’s W. P. Carey School of Business approached the masses with a survey.
How Arizona’s largest aquarium keeps its sharks happy, healthy
SCOTTSDALE – OdySea Aquarium depends on advanced filtration systems and tons of raw fish to keep its creatures alive and well in the middle of the desert.
July 25, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Should police patrol school hallways?; the Arizona national guard beefs up border security; a look at Meals on Wheels; and more.
Court: Former Arizona broadcaster owes millions in taxes on sale
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled that the former owners of an Arizona broadcasting company owe $15 million in taxes on the 2001 sale of their business, saying part of the sale had "no legitimate economic purpose ... other than to avoid paying the taxes."
Unlikely allies back bill to fund $11.6 billion in national parks work
WASHINGTON - Reps. Raul Grijalva and Rob Bishop agree on almost nothing, but the two came together to back a bipartisan bill that could steer billions in federal energy revenues toward a national parks maintenance backlog that reached $11.6 billion last year - $531 million of it in Arizona.
A weighty issue: NFL linemen must contend with post-football pounds
Maintaining optimal NFL weight of 300+ pounds – especially for players in the trenches – often requires unhealthy practices. When there’s no need to be that heavy, what do former players do?
Anti-Defamation League review: 6 Supreme Court cases that delight conservatives, dismay liberals
An Anti-Defamation League annual review of SCOTUS opinions paints a picture of this year’s Supreme Court decisions on immigrant detentions, voting rights for minorities, religious rights at a Colorado bakery and anti-abortion pregnancy centers. How people view those decisions depends on their ideology, a panel of legal and political experts says.
Think you can escape pollution by going to a national park? Think again
The air in two popular national parks in California is as dirty as it is in Los Angeles – the smoggiest city in the country.
July 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
What foods have the lowest impact on the environment?; A nonprofit works to deliver water along border; a look at 28th anniversary of Americans with disabilities act; and more.
Court rejects ICE probe sparked by Maricopa deputies’ illegal search
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court overturned immigration violations against a Valley business, saying that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation of the firm was tainted by an illegal 2013 raid by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
Gosar, Biggs join handful of Republicans filing to impeach Rosenstein
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among the handful of Republicans who called for the impeachment against Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general overseeing the Justice Department probe of possible Russian election meddling.
Phoenix hopes to build mill to recycle certain plastics, easing pressure on landfills
PHOENIX – It’s been six months since China stopped importing most plastic and paper waste from U.S. cities. And the void left is massive.
Cardinals take chance on German football player’s dream to play in the NFL
The Arizona Cardinals signed German Football League player Moubarak Djeri as a free agent despite his limited football experience. He came from Germany to tryout for the team, and impressed coaches and scouts.
Heat puts extra pressure on Tempe Meals on Wheels volunteers
As the summer heat drives people out of town, Tempe Meals on Wheels is seeking additional volunteers to help serve more people with mobility issues.
July 27, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
An evolution in police training; an app for college-bound; and more.
Non-native tamarisk are demonized across the West, but are they really the enemy?
LONGMONT – A poster says “WANTED -- Dead, Not Alive!” The tree has become a scapegoat for our relationship with water in the West.
Remembering the legacy of ‘Those Dam Women’
LAS VEGAS – Women may not have done actual construction work on the Boulder dam, but that is the only thing they didn't do for the project and the town.
From ‘Average Joe’ to ‘Ninja Warrior’: Popularity of TV show spurs growth in ninja-training gyms
SCOTTSDALE - Tucked into an alcove of the AZ on the Rocks climbing facility, Lee Kates works on a ring-climb obstacle. The 36-year-old uses two small red rings and the momentum of his body to climb up and down the pegs of a wooden plank.
‘Fight the bite’: August rains bring risk of mosquito-borne illnesses
PHOENIX — Preventing rainwater from pooling is a good way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and spreading disease, like the west nile.
July 30, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how to protect your family against mosquito-borne diseases; an interactive mural that teaches people how to register to vote; how the light rail is going paperless; and more.
Clean Elections commissions interactive mural on Roosevelt Row to spur younger people to vote
PHOENIX – The Citizens Clean Election Commission commissioned a mural along Roosevelt Row to attract inspire the younder generation to vote.
Analysts downplay Trump threat to shut down government over immigration
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump repeated a threat to shut down the government this fall if Congress does not approve the immigration reforms he wants, including funding for a border wall, but analysts say the threat is likely little more than a political ploy.
Court: Widow waited too long to sue VA for delays in husband’s care
WASHINGTON - An appeals court said a Navy widow whose husband died from kidney disease waited too long to sue the Veterans Affairs medical center that delayed his treatment, only to send a letter two weeks after his death urging him to seek immediate care.
Flush with success: Low-flow toilets are water-conservation champ
LONGMONT – In water conservation the modern toilet reigns as M.V.P. in cutting Western water use, give some props to the toilet.
July 31, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at Waymo's new partnership with Valley Metro; the latest storm damage; a camp that teaches children how to preserve marine life in the middle of the desert; and more.
Gender gap in pay begins with children’s allowances, app maker’s analysis suggests
PHOENIX–Parents pay boys a weekly allowance twice as high as they give girls, according to a study from a Phoenix area company that sells an app to track children’s chores and finances.
Immigration, border agencies defend handling of family separations
WASHINGTON - Immigration officials defended the integrity of their agencies' handling of family separations at the border, with one witness telling a Senate panel Tuesday that Border Patrol agents don't leave their "humanity behind when we report for duty."
Court affirms Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office racial profiling ruling
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court upheld orders imposed by a lower court on the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for its practice of racial profiling under former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, citing the office's "repeated bad-faith violations" of injunctions.
The Grind: How two Sun Devils in minors are making a push for big league call-ups
An inside look at how ASU products Andrew Aplin and Darin Gillies are pushing for their first Major League Baseball call-up after more than 800 combined games in the minors.
Lawn time ago: Tucson saves water with desert landscaping, synthetic grass
TUCSON – Tucson residents have looked to new landscaping options in order to conserve their use of water.
Phoenix partners with California company to turn palm fronds into feed for livestock
PHOENIX–Phoenix is working with California-based Palm Silage Inc. to divert 34,000 tons per year of palm fronds from landfills and reuse the vegetation as nutritional feed for livestock.
August 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at developments in treating childhood cancers; the proliferation of "Ninja Warrior"-style gyms; and more.
Tucson mom joins other parents pressing EPA for ban on toxic chemical
WASHINGTON - Tucson mom Linda Robles joined other parents in Washington to demand that the Environmental Protection Agency ban TCE, the chemical she blames for the death of one daughter and the birth defects of her other children.
Simulation gives Gilbert caregivers an idea of what it’s like to live with dementia
GILBERT – Staff at a Gilbert assisted-living facility participated in a dementia simulation to better understand the cognitive difficulties common to older people.
As more Western cities turn to recycled water, they may face a curious obstacle: The ick factor
DENVER – Communities in some very dry states have had to get creative about where to get their water, sometimes purifying sewage into drinking water.
Vehicle crashes and fatalities continued to rise in 2017, ADOT report shows
From 2010 to 2017, motor-vehicle crashes have increased 16 percent, the Arizona Department of Transportation says. Fatalities increased in 2017, to 1,000, from the previous year.
Raising the steaks: Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald sees giving back as his personal responsibility
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is entering his 15th season with the Cardinals and continues to carry his spirit of giving to the Arizona community and nationwide.
Phoenix Zoo makes a mini monsoon storm for super-small snails
Bradley Poynter leads the conservation team at the Phoenix Zoo, and recently faced a problem when trying to get certain snails to mate.
ACLU drops suit against Gosar for blocking social media accounts
WASHINGTON - The Arizona chapter of American Civil Liberties Union withdrew a lawsuit it had filed against Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, after he blocked two constituents from his social media accounts, with both sides claiming victory in the dispute.
August 3, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at education issues on election ballots this November, Arpaio vs. Ward for senator and more.
Study: Droughts are growing hotter under climate change
Arizona is in its 21st year of drought, and climate change is bringing longer, more intense heat waves.
Gallego: Latino and immigrant hate are ‘one and the same’
U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, said Latinos have become entangled in rising anti-immigrant hate over the past couple decades.
August 6, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
The D.C. bureau brings reports on how requirements for work visas impact the economy, the national spelling bee and more.
Toilet water mold, fast food and futons: Many minor leaguers live below poverty line
Baseball is a $10 billion a year industry, but many of its minor leaguers live well below the poverty level.
Fall elections, recess mean immigration reform chances continue to dim
WASHINGTON - After a year of squabbling on immigration reform, and despite the nudge from the president, experts say it's increasingly unlikely that anything will get done by this Congress. Just like the last several Congresses.
Free speech or hate speech? Americans struggle to decide when that line is crossed
Many people struggle with the boundary between offensive protest speech and hate speech.
AIA decision to allow year-round practice still sparks concern about sports specialization
A year after the AIA legislative council’s decision to allow year-round practices, Arizona still divided on its link to sport specialization.
Slow drip: Decades-long court battle over water hampers investment in rural Arizona
For Arizona's Out of Africa, investors would want assurances the site had a defined water source and buy-in from the community.
Arizona GDP grew 2.5 percent in first quarter, ahead of national rate
WASHINGTON - Arizona's gross domestic product grew by 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2018, driven by increases in real estate and retail trade, according to a report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which said the national GDP grew 2.2 percent in the same period.
August 7, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports controversy over light-rail expansion, efforts to help hearing-impaired voters and more
Transgender sex workers vulnerable to violence, but when is it a hate crime?
Society shuns transgender people from corporate jobs because of their gender identity, forcing them into sex work and other means of underground economy.
Arizona maintains thousands of water catchments to ensure healthy wildlife populations
Game & Fish Department employees maintain thousands of water catchments across the state. It’s increasingly important as the decades-long drought grinds on.
From MLB to youth sports, baseball sees increased arm injuries in pitchers
Major League Baseball and youth baseball have seen a growing trend of arm injuries that may be tied to systemic overuse in pitchers.
August 8, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports what it takes to become a police officer, how seniors can avoid ID theft and more.
As elections near, interest in schools fades for some campaigns
WASHINGTON - When Arizona teachers walked out of their classrooms in April to demand more funding for schools, it forced the issue of education into the headlines. Three months later, those headlines appear to be a distant memory to some campaigns.
Can artificial intelligence recognize hate speech? Cal-Berkeley researchers think so
A group of researchers is fighting online hate speech by teaching computers to recognize it on social-media platforms.
Beyond the reservation: NABI focuses on education as well as basketball
The NABI Foundation invites Native American basketball teams to compete in tournaments, while also offering lessons in the importance of healthy living and education.
August 9, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on the number of families declining vaccinations, the impact of an E.coli outbreak and more.
Ugly legacy of the ‘lynching era’ continues to resonate in America
The lynching era’s legacy can still be seen today. Senators introduced legislation in June to make lynchings a federal crime, saying it is long past due.
Tweet retreat: Twitter purge trimmed lawmakers’ followers, impact small
WASHINGTON - When Twitter purged suspicious accounts last month, almost every member of Arizona's congressional delegation saw his or her followers drop, but the hits were small and experts say they will likely have little long-term impact, with some accounts already rebounding.
All in a (12-hour) day’s work: Lawmakers log long hours despite gridlock
WASHINGTON - With the House on recess for August and Congress gridlocked, it's easy to think that lawmakers aren't working hard but that confuses their work product with their work ethic, said one expert, who points to a study showing House members typically work 70 hour weeks.
August 10, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on boxing for Parkinson's patients, Valley Final Four bid and more.
A year after U.S. left Paris climate pact, mayors still cling to fight
WASHINGTON - Little has changed since last summer, when the U.S. pulled out of the Paris Accords on climate change and five Arizona cities joined hundreds around the country that vowed to live up to the Paris standards - but the Arizona cities appear to be sticking to their guns.
Native American farmers plan moves to global market, greater sustainability
Native American communities are trying to grow their agriculture presence even larger to preserve their culture and traditions.
No More Deaths duels with Border Patrol over water and food drops for migrants
No More Deaths volunteers have been working for a decade to provide gallons of water and food drops to migrants illegally crossing from the Mexican border.
August 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on how researchers are working to beat the heat, destructive weather conditions and more.
Arizonans got 78.3 million robocalls in June, part of a boom nationwide
WASHINGTON = Robocalls skyrocketed for every area code in Arizona in the first half of this year, reaching 78.3 million calls in June alone, according to a new report that said the state mirrored a national spike, where robocalls totaled 4.1 billion for June.
After 11 years, legal, bureaucratic battles over Rosemont Mine continue
WASHINGTON - A proposal for a massive open-pit copper mine in the Santa Rita Mountains will be back in court this month, the latest twist in an 11-year battle over the Rosemont Mine that pits supporters who cite its economic benefits against opponents who it's "the absolute worst place" for a mine.
Just for kicks: Arizona sneakerheads pay big bucks for elite shoes
Sneakerheads are growing in the Valley. They are navigating a rapidly-changing retail industry to find the most unique and artistically-inspired shoes.
August 14, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on how sheep are helping the environment; how the state is protecting native fish and; more.
Environmentalists want Glen Canyon Dam removed, but is that possible?
Thousands of tons of concrete changed the Colorado River forever when the Glen Canyon dam was built. We look at the history and the role for the next generation
August 15, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on adults earning their high school diplomas; circus school; and more.
Tribal energy loan program starts, more than a decade after its OK
WASHINGTON - More than 10 years after it was first approved, a federal loan program for tribal energy development projects will finally accept its first applications next month under ther Department of Energy's $2 billion Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program.
Tribally owned solar power plant beats skeptics, odds on Navajo Reservation
WASHINGTON - When the Kayenta Solar Project went online last year, the 27.3-megawatt plant became the largest tribally owned renewable power plant in the country, generating enough power for 18,000 homes on Navajo lands. But many thought the day might never come.
Santa Cruz River in jeopardy if international sewage pipe ruptures again, experts fear
Experts warn of threats to the Santa Cruz River a vital sewage pipeline bursts as it did last year, spewing millions of gallons of waste into a wash that feeds the river.
August 16, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on gaming harassment; American football in Mexico; and more.
Court rejects Gila River tribe’s suit against VA over cost of vets’ care
PHOENIX - The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have to reimburse the Gila River Indian Community for health care it provided to tribal veterans, after a federal court ruled that the decision should be left to the VA secretary.
Church ‘campout’: Faith community provides food, shelter for homeless in Chandler
Churches and volunteers provide homeless individuals with food and shelter. In Chandler, AZCEND’s 90-day program is helping people get back on their feet.
Movies, classes, yoga: ASU 365 Community Union expected to transform Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is close to becoming a community union equipped with restaurants, a running track and classrooms.
Kombucha couture: Valley designer looks to grow her own clothing
TEMPE - Arizona designer, entrepreneur and professor Galina Mihaleva is merging biology, technology and fashion in her most innovative and sustainable idea yet - kombucha couture, fashion designed from a sustainable textile.
Millions are victims of hate crimes, though many never report them
Many victims of hate crimes are reluctant to report them, and reported crimes do not always lead to arrests, prosecutions or even a record of hate crimes.
SunZia power lines would destroy wetlands, kill birds, opponents say
SunZia, a $2 billion project to carry wind-generated electricity from New Mexico to Arizona, faces opposition from community groups about environmental concerns.
Ducey, Arizona sheriffs join White House event defending ICE agents
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey joined a handful of state and local officials at a White House event praising border officers for putting their lives on the line to defend residents of Arizona, at a time when critics of the Trump administration's border policies are calling for the abolition of ICE.
August 17, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News presents “Full Circle,” a special edition newscast that takes you behind the scenes.
August 20, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on number of families turning away from vaccination, impact of E.Coli outbreak; and more
Rising hate drives Latinos and immigrants into silence
More than one in five suspected hate crimes victimized Latinos, according to a News21 analysis of responses to the National Crime Victimization Survey data from 2012 to 2016.
Man behind Miss Gay America wants young LGBTQ people to know they are valued
Michael Dutzer, drag performer and owner of the Miss Gay America pageant, wants to provide a sense of hope for young LGBTQ people.
It’s not just you. The mosquitoes really are worse this year.
There’s a new type of mosquito roaming the southern United States. You might have heard of it — it’s the Aedes mosquito — and it first showed up in 2010.
August 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on controversy over light rail expansion, efforts to help people who are hearing impaired become better informed voters; and more
Head games: Debate surrounds U.S. Soccer’s decision to ban, limit headers
The U.S. Soccer Federation's decision to ban headers for young players continues to spark debate.
Lack of trust in law enforcement hinders reporting of LGBTQ crimes
Violent crimes and other hate incidents against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans are consistently not reported and prosecuted because of chronic distrust between the LGBTQ community and police.
August 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on impact on the economy due to requirements for work visas, Arizona students at the National Spelling Bee; and more
Advocates urge Senate to help ‘heal this wound’ of native language loss
WASHINGTON - The government must help reverse generations of federally backed assimilation programs that left Native Americans "robbed of the ability to speak our own language," advocates told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Drinking clubs for white millennial men, or fraternities for hate?
The Proud Boys and Identity Evropa say they're defending the endangered white race, but those who track hate groups say they're part of a “millennial male phenomenon” that's changing the face of white nationalism.
Critics call reported school gun plan ‘absurd,’ misuse of federal funds
WASHINGTON - A reported plan to let local schools use federal funds to buy guns and gun training sparked an immediate backlash from Arizona advocates and educators, who called the idea "absurd - and dangerous."
DHS relents, Mexican woman can visit terminally ill husband after pleas for clemency
An Arizona congressman is pleading with the Dept. of Homeland Security to allow a Mexican woman the chance to see her terminally ill husband one last time.
August 23, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on the successful Final Four bid, how boxing helps patients with Parkinson's; and more
School choice, low taxes land Arizona in state freedom rankings’ top 10
WASHINGTON - Arizona's school choice laws, liberal land-use policies and rules for concealed-carry of guns combined to help boost it into the top 10 in a "Freedom in the 50 States" report, but not everyone agreed with the report's definition of what's best for freedom.
McCain discontinues cancer treatment, a year after diagnosis
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain has discontinued treatment for the deadly brain cancer he has been living with since last summer, his family announced Friday., more than a year after he announced his diagnosis with glioblastoma.
‘You’re not going to wake up’: In wake of concussion survey, former football prospect shares story
PHOENIX – A new survey says more Arizona parents aren’t allowing their children to play football due to concussion fears. A former ASU commit shares his story.
Cases of missing and murdered Native American women challenge police, courts
Native American women across the country are being murdered and sexually assaulted on reservations and nearby towns at far higher rates than other American women.
August 24, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on becoming a police officer, how senior citizens can avoid identity theft; and more
Sen. John McCain dies one year after brain cancer diagnosis, leaves legacy of leadership
Arizona senator who went from defiant prisoner of war to straight-talking Republican presidential candidate and conservative ideologist died Saturday at 81.
‘We are a better, stronger country because of him’: Political leaders reflect on Sen. John McCain
National and Arizona political leaders from President Donald Trump to former President Barack Obama, Sen. Jeff Flake to Rep. Andy Biggs shared condolences and memories on the death of Sen. John McCain.
‘You are not forgotten’: Arizona residents honor John McCain
PHOENIX – Across Arizona, as a the sun set on a motorcade carrying the body of Sen. John McCain, others honored him in words and in actions.
Cronkite News special report: McCain’s legacy
Cronkite News reports on the life and legacy of Sen. John McCain
Sen. John McCain leaves long legacy, empty Senate seat
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will appoint Sen. John McCain’s successor, and the law states that replacement must be the same party as McCain, who was a Republican.
Sen. McCain to lie in state at Arizona Capitol on Wednesday; mourners continue to pay respects
As Arizonans continued to mourn Sunday, Gov. Doug Ducey said Sen. John McCain will lie in state at the state Capitol on Wednesday, which is McCain's birthday.
In the sports arena, John McCain also packed a punch
John McCain had a large impact on the Arizona sports community, but the senator's reach in the sports arena was felt around the country.
Experts say Ducey faces ‘unenviable’ task in picking McCain replacement
WASHINGTON - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has steadfastly refused to discuss a replacement for Sen. John McCain until after the senator's funeral, but political consultants say the governor faces an "unenviable" task when he does name an appointee.
Record turnout of 1 million voters expected in Tuesday’s primary election
State officials say that nearly 3 out of 4 of those expected to vote in the Aug. 28 primary have already cast early returns. State and Maricopa County officials said for the equipment has been checked and is secure for those who vote in person.
Businesslike Herm Edwards prepares for debut as Arizona State football coach
A businesslike Herm Edwards said Monday he was confident for his debut as Arizona State football coach. The Sun Devils open the season Saturday against Texas San Antonio.
Joe Biden, McCain children, Larry Fitzgerald to speak at senator’s Arizona memorial
Former Vice President Joe Biden, a longtime friend and colleague, will speak at the Arizona memorial service for Sen. John McCain. Arizona residents also will be able to say goodbye at a Wednesday viewing in the Capitol rotunda.
Sen. John McCain says farewell
Sen. John McCain wrote a farewell letter to “my fellow Americans” and “especially Arizonans,” thanking them for the privilege of serving them, expressing his love for the country and voicing his hope that citizens’ love of country will triumph over “challenging times.”
Arizona business leader hopeful as U.S., Mexico agree on NAFTA update
WASHINGTON - Few details were released, but one Arizona business leader said the mere fact that the U.S. and Mexico unveiled a trade agreement Monday should "calm concerns" over the future of NAFTA after President Donald Trump and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announced a tentative deal.
On eve of primary, officials confident election systems are secure
WASHINGTON - Arizona elections officials say they are confident in the security of the state's election infrastructure, after two years of working on the problem and the infusion of millions in federal funding to bolster security.
White House reverses course, returns flag to half-staff to honor McCain
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump reversed course Monday and ordered the flag over the White House lowered to half-staff to honor Arizona Sen. John McCain after briefly raising the flag Monday, less than two days after the senator's death.
Election Day: Computer problems at polls vex voters in Maricopa County
Voters and local media report technical problems with computers in Arizona’s largest county as polls opened across the state Tuesday in the primary election.
‘I was heartbroken’: Larry Fitzgerald recalls time shared with John McCain
An unlikely friendship developed between Larry Fitzgerald and Sen. John McCain during the time the two shared in Arizona.
Hold off on new stationery: Senators balk at naming building for McCain
WASHINGTON - Senators agree that they need to find some way to honor the legacy of Arizona Sen. John McCain, but this is Washington - there has to be a committee first, an apparent blow to a proposal to rename the Russell Senate Office Building for McCain.
Supervisors reject request to extend poll hours in Maricopa County because of computer delays
State and county election officials asked that polling hours be extended past 7 p.m. because of technical problems at more than 60 polling locations but the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors said extended hours would be too confusing for voters in Tuesday’s primary election.
Graham, other senators recall facets of friend, colleague McCain
WASHINGTON - As senators delivered glowing tributes to John McCain, Sen. Lindsey Graham reminded them of another side of his friend: Every one of them had "had their head ripped off time by him at some point in time," but McCain could work with those same people the next day. It was one of a number of remembrances this week by senators, some tearful, of the Arizona icon.
Gaynor beats Reagan, will face Hobbs for secretary of state
Early elections returns Tuesday night showed Steve Gaynor had a strong lead over Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, whose tenure was marked by controversies over long lines at polling places.
Ducey and Garcia set for governor’s race in November
Early election results showed Republican Gov. Doug Ducey held a substantial lead over former Secretary of State Ken Bennett in Tuesday night’s primary election.
McSally, Sinema to face off for Senate seat in November
The 2018 primary election to replace Sen. Jeff Flake is one of the biggest races in the state, with implications on the balance of power in Congress for the next two years.
‘Sometimes, just standing sends a message’: Honor guards pay homage to McCain
Members of volunteer POW/MIA/KIA Honor Guard have been paying their respects to Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former POW who was a champion of veterans and their causes.
Scenes from the Capitol: Arizonans say goodbye to Sen. John McCain
Hundreds of people paid their respects to Sen. John McCain, who died Saturday after a battle with brain cancer, at the Arizona Capitol rotunda.
‘Go in peace’: Family, friends honor John McCain as Arizona icon
Close friends and family members gathered at the Arizona State Capitol Wednesday to honor Sen. John McCain in a private ceremony. “Imagining Arizona without John McCain is like picturing Arizona without the Grand Canyon,” Gov. Doug Ducey said.
Court agrees man could face torture, death if returned to El Salvador
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court overturned an immigration board's decision to deport an Arizona man to his native El Salvador, rejecting the lower court's "glib characterization" that murders, beatings and home invasions did not constitute persecution.
Listen: McCain leaves legacy of community connections
Sen. John McCain’s connections to community ran deep, whether through a high school student learning about his legacy, a native of the Philippines honoring her father’s military service by showing up at the public viewing of a fellow veteran, or a Phoenix woman who said his Senate office saved her.
Maricopa County voting issues continue to raise eyebrows of watchdogs
WASHINGTON - A civil rights watchdog group that tracks elections said it was greatly concerned that 62 Maricopa County polling stations failed to open on time Tuesday, and "very disappointed" that county officials refused to extend voting hours to let people cast a ballot.
‘Amazing Grace’: Scenes from Sen. McCain’s memorial
More than 15,000 people paid respects to Sen. John McCain at the Capitol and hundreds lined the route to carrying the casket to a memorial service at North Phoenix Baptist Church. Later Thursday, the senator will be flown to Washington, D.C. for services later this week.
‘My departure is at hand’: Two of McCain’s children read Bible verses at his funeral
Sen. John McCain's funeral begins Thursday morning, and his children, Bridget and Andrew McCain, read these Bible verses at his service.
‘We shall not see his like again’: John McCain leaves Arizona for the final time
Former Vice President Joe Biden, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and businessman Tommy Espinoza, close friends of John McCain, eulogized the Arizona senator during a memorial service Thursday, just before his body was flown out of the state.
Drought, wildfires take toll on Colorado river-rafting industry
River rafting companies in Colorado are having a tough time this season because rivers are running low.
Photo essay: John McCain memorials and services
Sen. John McCain is remembered by family, friends and hundreds in Phoenix before his body lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
For Tucson native, being even small part of McCain rites is ‘humbling’
WASHINGTON - Tucson native Joshua Carrigg grew up hearing about Arizona Sen. John McCain, so it was a "humbling" experience when Carrigg - now Army 1st Sgt. Carrigg - led the military detail that received McCain's casket when it arrived at Joint Base Andrews.
Gas prices up, so is travel as Arizonans grab end-of-summer holiday
WASHINGTON - Gas prices are up, but that does not seem to have dampened desire for travel this holiday weekend, with airlines predicting a record 16 million fliers and AAA Arizona expecting strong motor traffic closer to home for the weekend.
Vietnamese restaurant was unlikely healing spot for McCain, other POWs
ARLINGTON, Va. - A Vietnamese restaurant may seem an unlikely place for Vietnam veterans to gather, but for more than 30 years the vets - including Sen. John McCain and many other former prisoners of war - have been coming to Nam Viet on Tet, the Vietnamese new year, to reminisce and to heal.
Having a field day: ASU’s Johnson makes sure Sun Devil Stadium is game-ready
TEMPE – Arizona State’s Athletic Grounds Facilities Manager Brian Johnson takes care of Sun Devil Stadium and prepares it for ASU football games.
Thousands line up for McCain, called one of our ‘bravest souls’
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. John McCain lay in state Friday in the U.S. Capitol, honored by the nation's top elected officials and then by thousands who waited in wilting heat for the chance to file past his flag-draped casket.
Vietnam Wall ceremony pays final tribute to key part of McCain’s history
WASHINGTON - Applause is not often heard around the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but that was the response from a few hundred people who came to see Cindy McCain place a wreath in honor of her husband, Sen. John McCain, who spent years as a Vietnamese prisoner of war.
Museum honors McCain with portrait that captures his ‘timeless values’
WASHINGTON - Images of Sen. John McCain have been hard to avoid for the past week - McCain the POW, the presidential candidate, the maverick politician. But until Monday, few had seen the photo of McCain now displayed at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
Politically powerful pack McCain service that’s more laughter than tears
WASHINGTON - There were more laughs than tears for Arizona Sen. John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral, where his funeral service Saturday drew scores of political power players of the last four decades - but not the current president.
Tapped out, or plenty to tap? Developers argue there’s more water in the Colorado River Basin
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Pipelines that would draw more water from the Colorado are being proposed even though the river is approaching historic low levels due to climate change and population growth. Critics argue the river already is near collapse.
Missing this Labor Day? Labor, as builders scramble to find workers
WASHINGTON - A report by the Associated General Contractors of America showed that 80 percent of construction firms nationwide reported having trouble filling skilled craft positions this year - 82 percent of firms in Arizona said they have had trouble.
‘Success can be a disease’: Arizona State happy with win but Herm Edwards seeks improvement
TEMPE - Arizona State feels good about its season-opening victory, but coach Herm Edwards does not want his team to get complacent. Michigan State is coming to town.
Jon Kyl named McCain’s replacement in Senate
Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl has been announced and confirmed as McCain's replacement for the senate seat, according to tweets posted by Sen. Jeff Flake, Cindy McCain, and Gov. Doug Ducey.
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi continues to redefine ‘clutch’
PHOENIX – When it comes to clutch plays, no player better defines the experience than the Mercury's Diana Taurasi.
From Tillman talk to economic impact, Nike’s Kaepernick deal sparks debate
PHOENIX – When Nike unveiled a new advertisement featuring former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, reaction was strong, including whether the late Pat Tillman should be brought into the debate.
Thanks to new sponsorship, Arizona Cardinals’ home to be renamed State Farm Stadium
GLENDALE – University of Phoenix Stadium will have a new name soon: State Farm Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals reached a deal with the insurance giant for facility naming rights.
Experts: Constituents should see smooth transition from McCain to Kyl
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey's of former Sen. Jon Kyl to fill the seat of the last Sen. John McCain, coming just days after McCain's funeral, should provide what will be a "near-seamless" transition as far as constituents are concerned, with Kyl inheriting McCain's office and, likely, much of his staff.
First day of hearings on Kavanaugh nomination highlights partisan divide
WASHINGTON - In the first of what is expected to several days of contentious hearings, Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake was generally upbeat about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh but said he wants to question the Trump nominee on his views on separation of powers and executive privilege.
China ups ante in trade war, imposes tariff that could doom U.S. paper recycling
China’s latest round of retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. includes “recovered fiber materials,” the recycled paper, newspaper and cardboard we put in the recycle bin.
Advocates urge Brnovich to pull out of states’ challenge to Obamacare
WASHINGTON - Health care advocates urged Attorney General Mark Brnovich to pull Arizona out of a multistate lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, saying the court case could deny coverage to vulnerable state residents.
One day after appointment, Kyl sworn in to fill McCain’s Senate seat
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jon Kyl was welcomed back to the Senate with smiles, handshakes and applause Wednesday as he was sworn back in, less than 24 hours after he was named to fill the seat of the late Sen. John McCain.
Flake presses Kavanaugh on separation of powers, protections for Trump
WASHINGTON - Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh dodged pointed questions from Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, on the separation of powers and whether the president can be shielded from obstruction of justice charges while in office.
Pinal sheriff joins GOP lawmakers, White House meeting on border issues
WASHINGTON - Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb told a Washington audience that sheriffs see the problems that come with illegal immigration firsthand and that, as a result, they "want to be part of the solution."
From refugee camp to Central High: Kwete brothers making most of athletic opportunities
The Kwete brothers moved from an African refugee program to Phoenix two years ago. Now they are using their athletic abilities to open up opportunities they never imagined when their family fled the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo.
September 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on disaster prep classes for students, programs fighting hunger during summer; and more.
September 6, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News reports on the cost of being a disabled athlete, bringing football across the border; and more.
Where the Suns do shine: Hall of Fame inductees spotlight journey of NBA franchise
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Former Suns players Grant Hill, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd and Charlie Scott as well as former executive Rick Welts will be honored with eight others in a ceremony Friday at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ceremonies.
Hispanic Caucus joins critics calling Kavanaugh a potential ‘disaster’
WASHINGTON - As Senate Judiciary Committee hearings ground into their third day, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus added its voice to the chorus of groups criticizing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who caucus members said would be a disaster not just for Latinos but for the nation as a whole.
Despite rough patches, officials recall McCain’s service to Native Americans
WASHINGTON - Mention the late Sen. John McCain and images of a war hero or a presidential candidate come to mind - but for far longer than he spent in those roles, McCain was a friend, and sometimes irritant, to Indian Country, say many who called him a firm advocate for tribal rights.
For first time, gamers can customize female players for NBA Live
PHOENIX -- For the first time, video gamers can customize female players for NBA Live. They can also pattern their play after top WNBA players.
September 7, 2018 Newscast
Cronkite News reports on sheep helping solar plants, how the state protects fish; and more.
After years of increases, Arizona 2019 health premiums likely to drop
WASHINGTON - After several years of double- and triple-digit increases in health insurance premiums, Arizona could see premiums fall more than 4 percent in 2019, one of only 11 states looking at a drop, and a sharp turnaround for Arizona.
Families rally for border enforcement, as Trump eases wall demands
WASHINGTON - One day after President Donald Trump stepped back from demands for border wall funding in the next budget, family members of people killed by undocumented immigrants rallied Friday to demand tougher enforcement of immigration laws.
Caltech scientist uses drones to herd birds away from aircraft
A California Institute of Technology scientist and his colleagues worked on an algorithm that enables a single self-guided drone to herd a flock of birds away from an airport.
Los Angeles seeks sustainable solutions for persistent problem of homelessness
About 60,000 people are homeless in Los Angeles, and Mayor Eric Garcetti recently declared homelessness in this city a state of emergency.
September 10, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at ASU's big football win; a call for more diverse representation on boards of education; a new way to detect Alzheimer's early; and more.
From shipyard to Top 25 coach: San Diego State meaningful to ASU’s Edwards
TEMPE – From head coach Herm Edwards to defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, San Diego State has special meaning to ASU football staff.
Kyl brings experience as a senator, baggage as a lobbyist to new job
WASHINGTON - Jon Kyl's history in the Senate made him an attractive candidate to replace the late Sen. John McCain, but it's Kyl's history as a lobbyist in the years since he last held the office that has some government watchdog groups saying voters have reason to be concerned.
Navajo group takes protest against coal-fired power plant to Manhattan
NEW YORK - A group of Navajo environmentalists took their fight against the Navajo Generating Station to Manhattan where they protested at the offices of an investment firm that might save the plant, which employs hundreds but is routinely cited as one of the most-polluting in the nation.
Bias-response teams criticized for sanitizing campuses of conservative voices
Conservative students, controversial national speakers and followers of the alt-right movement claim colleges are sanitizing campuses of dissent, in violation of the First Amendment’s right to free speech.
Hopi Tribe trial to adjudicate water rights begins
The first in a series of trials looking at water rights for the Hopi Tribe starts on Tuesday in Maricopa County Superior Court. But the results will take a while.
September 11, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Today we look at the nation remembering the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks; outreach by a Latino voting rights group; bringing agriculture to classrooms; and more.
Arizona remembers 9/11: A look at how we honored the victims
TEMPE - Arizonans pay tribute to the victims of 9/11, from the flag display at Tempe Beach Park to behind the wheels of Harleys in Scottsdale.
Advocates target millennial Latino voters with social media campaign
WASHINGTON - If you want to boost votership, you go to where the voters are. And in the case of millennials, that's probably the Internet, so Mi Familia Vota's campaing to reach millennial Latino voters this fall is heavy on use of social media, text messaging and digital delivery of voter information.
Football, not just fútbol, is taking root in Mexico, especially along the border
SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO, Sonora, Mexico – Outside of the United States, American football isn’t king like it is domestically. Still, the sport has seen significant growth in Mexico, specifically along the border. While some cities have established football programs, San Luis Rio Colorado is just beginning to grow the sport.
Maricopa County to rely ‘completely on county employees’ for Nov. 6 election
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes addressed the polling problems faced during the 2018 primary election and steps the county is taking to improve for the general election.
Democrats push back against GOP plan to change Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON - Democratic lawmakers said that efforts by House Republicans and the Trump administration efforts to revamp the Endangered Species Act disregard science and ignore the impact that climate change is having on wildlife and their habitats.
Report: Border wall hurts wildlife, people now, full wall will be worse
WASHINGTON - The existing partial border wall with Mexico has caused environmental damage, harmed border communities and failed to make the country safer, and a complete border wall would only make things worse, said a new report, which called for a pause on construction of a full wall.
Appeals court rejects Democrats’ challenge to Arizona’s voting laws
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court rejected Democratic challenges to two Arizona voting laws, upholding a lower court that said the rules put a minimal burden on voters and there was no evidence they were aimed at minority voters.
Sept. 12, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at a rise in online-degree program enrollment; voting difficulties in Arizona; pedestrian-friendly updates in Phoenix; and more.
Policing the jails: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office works to diversify ranks of detention officers
Spanish speaking detention officers like Valeria Cazares are part of efforts by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to bridge a communications and cultural divide with inmates.
The place to be: Grand Canyon soccer leads nation in average attendance
PHOENIX – The Havocs have built a student section that supports Grand Canyon sports with a fiery passion, and no one is benefiting more than the men’s soccer team.
ACLU lawsuit: Phoenix police wrongfully used tear gas, pepper bullets against anti-Trump protesters
The ACLU and activists have filed a class-action lawsuit against Phoenix, claiming police overreacted with projectiles and pepper spray at an August 2017 rally near the Phoenix Convention Center.
Sept. 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at Red for Ed's push for a permanent funding plan; how population growth is leading to crowded mountain-bike trails; the addition of WNBA superstars to the NBA Live video game; and more.
Poverty rate falls in Arizona, but still exceeds national average
WASHINGTON - An estimated 88,529 Arizonans rose out of the ranks of poverty last year, but that still left about 1 million - or one state resident in seven - living below the poverty level, according to new Census data that show the state's poverty level fell faster, but remained higher, than the nation in 2017.
Grijalva, Bishop craft surprise deal to save fund for public lands
WASHINGTON - A House committee unanimously approved a surprise, bipartisan plan to save a popular land conservation fund Thursday, just weeks before the $900 million Land and Water Conservation Fund was set to expire, a victim of partisan feuding.
Helium producer leases land near Petrified Forest; environmentalists worry about harm to animals, water
A Canadian energy company plans to use newly acquired leases to expand its exploration for helium in northeastern Arizona. Environmentalists fear that could harm water supplies and endangered species, such as the yellow-billed cuckoo, that live nearby.
Pat Tillman’s legacy to be honored in football game between alma mater, Liberty High
PEORIA - The late Pat Tillman's legacy will be honored when his alma mater, Leland High School, plays Liberty High in Peoria for a football game.
A good run: Eno Benjamin’s strong start hints at big things for ASU
TEMPE - Running back Eno Benjamin is off to a strong start for Arizona State football.
Gray wolf faces new challenge: National Academies of Sciences review
WASHINGTON - The long-running fight over the Mexican gray wolf moved from southeast Arizona to a Washington conference room, where a National Academies of Sciences panel will try to determine if the Mexican gray wolf just another wolf, or is it a distinct - and endangered - breed of its own?
Free thinkers: Advocates tout universal basic income, despite critics
WASHINGTON - Despite reports showing rising incomes and falling poverty, advocates of universal basic income - regular govenment payments to citizens, with no preconditions and no strings attached - say it's as timely now as ever. But critics say UBI is too costly and too impractical to ever come to be.
‘Bisbee ’17’ documentary recounts ‘shameful moment’ in Arizona history
More than a century ago, leaders in the Bisbee mining community forced out 1,200 mostly immigrant miners who were demanding higher wages. Director Robert Greene and producer Bennett Elliott recently discussed “Bisbee ’17,” their documentary about Bisbee residents re-enacting a point in history that still resonates today.
More play: New Arizona law requires schools to provide two recesses
GILBERT – A new Arizona law requires district and charter schools to expand recess from once a day to twice a day for kindergarten through third grade. It will extend to Grade 5 by August 2019.
Despite cries for Rosen, Cardinals coach Wilks sounds committed to Bradford
TEMPE – As fans clamor for Josh Rosen, Cardinals coach Steve Wilks sounds committed to Sam Bradford.
Sept. 17, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A photographer makes a difference for the homeless; cryotherapy helps soccer players avoid injury; and more.
Flake joins other senators, wins delay on Kavanaugh after allegation
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake and a handful of other Republican senators broke with leadership Monday and won a delay of a scheduled vote on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, after allegations of a decades-old sexual assault surfaced.
Despite thin record on Native law, tribes wary of Kavanaugh nomination
WASHINGTON - Tribal and legal officials could not point to a specific case on Native American rights that Brett Kavanaugh ruled on as a judge, but said his writings as a lawyer and his rulings in environmental and voting rights cases give them pause about what sort of Supreme Court justice he might be for Indian Country.
Sept. 18, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how a nonprofit is helping people with disabilities to vote; the Biodesgn Institute expanding at ASU; how a food truck is helping Arizonans with Down syndrome; and more.
Court: Bartenders, waiters entitled to higher pay for non-tipped work
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled that Arizona bars and restaurants cannot pay tipped employees less than minimum wage for doing work that does not directly generate tips, a decision that one attorney called "a game changer" for the industry.
Protesters walk out of hearing on rules for holding immigrant youth
WASHINGTON - Immigrant-rights advocates carrying signs - and babies - walked out of a Senate hearing to protest its review of a court ruling that limits the amount of time the government can hold immigrant children, limits that were key to the administration's ending its policy of separating families at the border.
Phoenix takes steps toward a more pedestrian friendly downtown
PHOENIX – Phoenix widened sidewalks and narrowed the street on a block in downtown Phoenix in an effort to attract pedestrians and boost business.
Arizona’s first malt house saves water and supports local breweries
CAMP VERDE – Sinagua Malt, a sustainability focused startup, makes conserving water economically viable for Camp Verde farmers.
They also serve: 4,254 volunteers keep Arizona national parks humming
WASHINGTON - Last year, 4,254 people donated more than 200,000 hours of volunteer work at 16 national parks in Arizona, orienting visitors, maintaining historical collections, monitoring wildlife and more. And despite reports of friction at an East Coast park, Arizona staff and volunteers seem to get along fine.
New center to research early detection, treatment of Alzheimer’s and other diseases
TEMPE – ASU and Banner Health opened a research center to help detect, prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Sept. 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how one Phoenix group is helping troubled veterans; how the American Red Cross is assisting victims of Hurricane Florence; a campaign to keep Arizona freeways cleaner; and more.
Red Cross mental-health volunteers help victims deal with emotional trauma from Hurricane Florence
PHOENIX – The American Red Cross is helping victims of Hurricane Florence cope with the disaster.
With grant gone, Pima County sheriff hints he’ll need local dollars for border efforts
TUCSON – After the Pima County Board of Supervisors rejected to approve a federal grant aimed at border patrolling, Sheriff Mark Napier has to find another way to get funding for his department.
Fontes labels primary elections a ‘success,’ discusses plan for improvements in November
PHOENIX – After several polling issues during the primary election in August, the Maricopa County Elections Department is setting plans in place for the general election to ensure a smoother experience.
September 20, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News presents in-depth reporting on border issues, sustainability, education, politics, health, business and justice in Phoenix and across Arizona.
A year after Hurricane Maria, panel wants 9/11-level probe of response
WASHINGTON - A panel of experts meeting on the first anniversary of Hurricane Maria's devastating hit on Puerto Rico called for a 9/11 Commission-style investigation into the government's response to the storm, the deadliest American natural disaster in a century.
Reading the tea leaves: Political pollster explains what to look for
PHOENIX – Arizona’s midterm voter polling numbers show Gov. Ducey and David Garcia are in a close race. Voters should use caution when using polls to interpret the upcoming election.
Southern Arizona wind farm investigated after death of bat, eagle
COCHISE COUNTY – State officials referred Red Horse II Wind Farm to the U.S. Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division in connection with the death of a federally protected golden eagle and a lesser long-nosed bat.
September 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News presents in-depth reporting on border issues, sustainability, education, politics, health, business and justice in Phoenix and across Arizona.
Potential buyer for Navajo Generating Station out, plant closure likely
WASHINGTON - The investment firm that was interested in buying the Navajo Generating Station broke off its pursuit this week, making the closure of the plant next year and the loss of hundreds of jobs appear more likely.
Immigration judge criticizes quotas, wants independence from Justice Department
WASHINGTON - The president of the National Association of Immigration Judges criticized Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday for what she called unrealistic standards his Justice Department has set for immigration courts.
Saguaro High community, led by famous alumni, rallies around deli owner
SCOTTSDALE – Casella’s Deli has been an important part of the Saguaro community for more than 40 years and hundreds came to support the owner during his difficult time.
Off the beaten path: Crowded trails lead to frustration, unsanctioned treks
PHOENIX - Heavy Phoenix traffic is extending beyond paved roads. Gridlock on hiking trails is leading people off sanctioned paths and creating tension among users.
September 24, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Cronkite News presents in-depth reporting on border issues, sustainability, education, politics, health, business and justice in Phoenix and across Arizona.
New Trump plan would restrict green cards for immigrants who use public funds
PHOENIX – After the Trump administration announced potential new rules on public assistance for legal immigrants, lawyers and advocacy groups are advising immigrant families to seek legal counsel.
Changing hands: Cardinals opt to go with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals named rookie quarterback Josh Rosen their starter on Monday. Rosen was drafted 10th overall by in the 2018 draft.
‘We want to change the narrative’: Suns eye significant turnaround
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns kicked off the 2018-19 season with their annual media day. They hope their mix of veteran experience and young talent will culminate in more wins this season.
Ducey, Garcia clash over education, border security in first televised debate
PHOENIX – Incumbent Gov. Doug Ducey and Democratic rival David Garcia clashed Monday night over education and border security during a live, televised debate on Arizona PBS.
Interior secretary’s Grand Canyon visit highlights need for funds to fix infrastructure
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE – Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke visited Grand Canyon National Park Saturday to bring attention to a multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog at National Parks.
Art exhibit aims to break down walls near Arizona-Mexico border
SAN LUIS – An Arizona Library is making it possible for two towns to unite together through artwork, despite being physically separated by a border fence.
Sept. 25, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A new bill could provide millions to fight valley fever; the deadline to register to vote nears; and more.
Report: Aging legislatures overlooking concerns of younger voters
WASHINGTON - Legislators in Arizona and across the country are far older than their constituents, and issues important to young people are taking a backseat at state and national levels as a result, according to a report released Tuesday.
Hungry for jobs, people with Down syndrome learn to cook
PHOENIX – Kris Mills, the owner of a food truck, teaches people with Down syndrome how to cook to improve their chances of getting jobs.
City Council votes to continue south Phoenix light-rail extension
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council approves Valley Metro's plans as is will move forward with the light rail expansion in Phoenix in the next four years.
Arizona prosecutor assisting with Kavanaugh hearing faces enormous political pressure
PHOENIX – Maricopa County prosecutor Rachel Mitchell will help question Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh in a Thursday hearing in Washington.
Sept. 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how a transborder sewage pipe is failing; the Arizona prosecutor assisting the Kavanaugh hearing; how Tempe schools are battling vaping among teens; and more.
Flake calls for civility, open minds at hearing for Kavanaugh, Ford
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said he has not made up his mind on allegations of sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and he urged fellow senators to keep open minds when Kavanaugh and one of his accusers testify Thursday.
‘Love it, don’t trash it’: Freeway litter across metro Phoenix costs millions to clean up
PHOENIX – Contracted crews pick up litter from Phoenix highways five days a week, at a cost to taxpayers of more than $4 million in 2017.
Hotshots: Support, criticism follow news of new Arizona pro football team’s name
TEMPE – A new football league has stirred controversy with the name "Hotshots." For some, its a tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots. For others, it's exploiting a tragedy.
Testimony in Kavanaugh hearing was must-see TV, ASU professors say
TEMPE – Two ASU professors joined the large audience turning to their televisions for Kavanaugh’s hearing Thursday.
Sept. 27, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's proceedings; a shortage of pilots in the Air Force; a local dragon boating team connected by more than their sport; and more.
Protesters for, against Kavanaugh stage spirited, largely civil rallies
WASHINGTON - While senators heard the conflicting stories of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and accuser Christine Blasey Ford, hundreds of anti-Kavanaugh protesters and a smaller number of supporters rallied outside the hearing for hours of spirited, but mostly civil, debate.
Maricopa County prosecutor takes center stage in questioning of Ford
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County prosecutor Rachel Mitchell took center stage at the Senate Judiciary Committee, gently probing a "terrified" Christine Blasey Ford about her charge that she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when they were both teens.
Flake votes to approve Kavanaugh – for now – demands an FBI probe
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake provided a key vote Friday to advance Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, but warned that he will not give final approval until the FBI investigates sexual assault allegations against the nominee.
NCAA, Arizona universities look to address lack of women coaching women’s sports
PHOENIX – The NCAA and Arizona universities are paying close attention to the issue of gender discrepancy when it comes to coaching women's sports. Since the passage of Title IX, the percentage of women coaches has declined.
Sept. 28, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at Sen. Jeff Flake's stance on the Judge Brett Kavanaugh hearing; Arizona mayor candidates meeting for multicultural voters; what will happen to the money from the land and water conservation; and more.
Arizona could lose millions without federal grant program for outdoor recreation
APACHE JUNCTION – The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides millions of dollars to Arizona outdoor projects, expired September 30.
Arizona braces for Rosa, which already has caused flash floods in southern Arizona
PHOENIX – Showers and thunderstorms are expected to last through Wednesday as remnants of Tropical Storm Rosa move Arizona.
Top of his class: As Cardinals struggle, Rosen makes mark among rookie QBs
TEMPE – Despite the Arizona Cardinals starting 0-4, rookie quarterback Josh Rosen has created a buzz and posted even better numbers than his elite peers in Week Four of the NFL season.
Arizona economic groups cheer new trade deal between U.S., Mexico and Canada
PHOENIX – Canada on Sunday agreed to join the United States and Mexico in the trade deal that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, and some Arizona officials applauded the decision.
Justices press both sides in Mount Lemmon Fire District age-bias case
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court began its 2018 term with an Arizona case that asked whether federal age discrimination laws applied to small government agencies like Mount Lemmon Fire District, where two former officers filed a discrimination claim after they were laid off in 2009.
Oct. 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the new trade deal among the U.S., Canada and Mexico; a muralist hoping to inspire new artists; a program bringing information about the Arizona public universities to students; and more.
Supreme Court lets stand ban on new uranium mines around Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court let stand an Obama-era 20-year moratorium on new uranium mines on about 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon, declining to hear a challenge to the ban by mining groups who said the ban was an overreach by government bureaucrats.
Treatment plant battles leaking sewage pipe, heavy metals that kill key microbes
NOGALES – A 70-year-old pipe that brings wastewater from Mexico to the U.S. is causing concerns for health and the environment.
Oct. 2, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Remnants of Hurricane Rosa drench Arizona; Naco residents cope with a sewage spill; and more
Gosar vs. Gosar ads bring buzz to Democrat, but upset odds still long
WASHINGTON - Democrat David Brill got national attention with ads in which six members of the Gosar family slam the politics of their brother, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott. But what Brill apparently did not get was new voter support in his bid to unseat Gosar, according to a poll released last week.
Rosa’s record rains: Arizona gets drenched as tropical depression barrels through
PHOENIX – Remnants of Hurricane Rosa dumped more than two inches of rain on the Phoenix area over 48 hours, causing traffic collisions during the morning commute, closing several schools and spurring calls from people greeted with water inside their homes.
After angry Kavanaugh hearing, Flake, Coons renew bipartisanship call
WASHINGTON - Four days after brokering a deal to investigate Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, GOP Sen. Jeff Flake and Democratic Sen. Chris Coons said they fear the partisanship seen at the Kavanaugh hearings will poison not just Congress but the Court - and U.S. democracy.
‘They make your day bright’: Hockey team serving the disabled community a big hit
PEORIA – The first special needs ice hockey team in Arizona is rewarding for its founder, head coach and players.
How Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination hearing unfolded
This is an overview of the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearings on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court.
Hydrologists fan out across metro Phoenix to gauge flooding left in Rosa’s wake
PHOENIX – Following record-setting rain, the United States Geological Survey spent Tuesday measuring the impact of flood water on Phoenix’s waterways.
Report: DHS was not prepared to enforce ‘zero tolerance’ border policy
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security was not fully prepared to enforce the Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" immigration policy or handle its consequences, which included separating parents and children, the department's inspector general said in a recent report.
Former ASU swimmer joins athletes urging protection from sexual assaults
WASHINGTON - Former ASU swimmer Jancy Thompson said the sexual abuse she suffered for five years at the hands of her coach for USA Swimming "lives in my bones" to this day, which is why she was on Capitol Hill with other sexual abuse survivors calling for stronger protections.
October 3, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Scientists are measuring the impact of Rosa’s rain fall on Phoenix waterways; and more
Beach cleanups help keep plastic out of Great Pacific Garbage Patch
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Santa Monica volunteers gather at the Pier North beach each year to collect trash littered on the coast. Through the nonprofit organization, Heal the Bay, their efforts help to address the constantly growing Great Pacific Garbage Patch between California and Hawaii.
From the Netherlands to Japan: ASU women’s soccer has international flavor
TEMPE – The Arizona State women's soccer team is thriving after recruiting players from around the world.
Federal judge temporarily halts Trump administration’s order ending Temporary Protected Status
GOODYEAR – A federal judge in California on Wednesday temporarily halted a federal order that removed Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 immigrants nationwide. About 1,100 TPS holders from El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras live in Arizona.
Oct. 4, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Some Arizona farmers are saying "not so fast" to NAFTA's replacement; a group is pushing to use sunshine to power businesses; and more
Kyl, Flake vote to move Kavanaugh one step closer to confirmation
WASHINGTON - As expected, Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, said he will vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Sen. Jeff Flake has said he plans to vote yes as well.
Arizona law professors among thousands urging a ‘no’ vote on Kavanaugh
WASHINGTON - More than 2,400 law professors, including at least 22 from Arizona, had signed on to an open letter of opposition to the possible confirmation of Supreme Court Brett Kavanaugh, saying they have concerns about his temperament and partisanship after his combative committee appearance last week.
Deadline to register for November election is Tuesday, Oct. 9
PHOENIX – The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November election is Tuesday, Oct. 5.
Cochise County vaccinating Naco residents after sewage spill reaches residential areas
NACO – Cochise County Health Officials are working to find a solution to the raw sewage spill that is causing concern within the community.
Report: Dip in gaming revenues offset by other gains at Arizona casinos
WASHINGTON - Gambling revenues dipped slightly at Arizona's tribal casinos in 2016, but those losses were more than offset by a strong jump in non-gaming revenues that helped boost total income to $2.23 billion for the year, just shy of pre-recession levels, a new report says.
Flake ends weeks of wavering, is expected to vote to confirm Kavanaugh
WASHINGTON - After weeks of "lingering doubt," Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake indicated Friday that he expects to join fellow Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl and vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who is now likely to be confirmed by a one-vote margin Saturday.
Flake, Kyl join razor-thin majority to put Kavanaugh on Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sens. Jeff Flake and Jon Kyl fell in line with other Senate Republicans Saturday to confirm Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court by the narrowest of margins as protests continued inside and outsde the Capitol and at the court..
‘Everyone’s got a story’: Portraits at André House show humanity, stories of people who are homeless
PHOENIX – Amateur photographer Samuel MacDonald shoots formal portraits at André House to show people that being homeless does not diminish their value. “You are someone who is beautiful,” MacDonald said.
Water thieves, beware: This Colorado ‘water cop’ is on the case
CORTEZ, Colo. – Dave Huhn is a sheriff’s deputy for Montezuma County, Colorado, a stretch of sagebrush mesas and sandstone cliffs bordering Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Unlike other local law enforcement throughout the West, Huhn specializes in the complex world of water law.
Kroger to phase out plastic bags at all its grocery stores over 7 years
PHOENIX – Kroger, which owns Fry’s Foods, will phase out plastic bags by 2025. It’s the most recent company to respond to the backlash against single-use plastics.
October 8, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
Sustainable farming; a 70-year-old pipeline needs repairing; and more
Oops or Shine On? Phoenix program helps residents recycle better
PHOENIX – A recycling program launched this month gives residents individualized feedback on what they can and cannot recycle.
Intel, hoping to become ‘water neutral,’ funds Nature Conservancy project on West Clear Creek
PHOENIX – Intel announced a water restoration goal last year: Restore 100 percent of its direct global water use by 2025. Water is a growing concern for many companies, many of which want to become 'water neutral.'
October 9, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
A new law gives students two recesses; a nonprofit helps the LGBTQ community find jobs; and more
‘Somebody’s going to have to use less’: Colorado River managers grapple with drought plans
PAGE - The seven states along the Colorado River are trying to find a solution to preserve the declining river, which provides water to 40 million people.
Oct. 10, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at Hurricane Michael's landfall in Florida; why voter registration numbers are rising; how Prop 305 might influence the school-voucher program; and more.
Kyl presses Nielsen on weekend release of migrant families from custody
WASHINGTON - Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, acknowledged the "enormous strain" that border officials are under, but still pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen for answers after the release of hundreds of migrant families in southern Arizona this weekend.
Arpaio mulls Supreme Court appeal of contempt-case special prosecutor
WASHINGTON - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will likely appeal to the Supreme Court, his attorney said Wednesday, after an appeals court rejected his latest bid to have his contempt of court conviction vacated, after he was pardoned of the crime by President Donald Trump.
U.S.-Canada trade deal gives AZ dairy farmers hope, but worries about Mexico tariffs remain
MESA – Mexico-Canada Agreement gives farmers more access to Canada’s dairy markets but two Arizona experts say farmers have been suffering from retaliatory tariffs Mexico imposed on U.S. agriculture.
Report: Arizona saw biggest post-recession tuition increases in the U.S.
WASHINGTON - Arizona universities have posted the largest tuition increases in the nation since the start of the recession, with the $5,355 increase per student more than twice the national average, says a national survey that blames much of the increase on cuts to state support for higher ed.
Oct. 11, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how climate change is affecting the rise in wildfires in the West; politicians pushing the 'Build the Wall, Enforce the Law' Act; how one Arizona State University student organization encourages Latino students to pursue design and architecture; and more.
Health insurance premiums to drop about 10 percent in Arizona next year
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said health care premiums are expected to drop about 10 percent next year in Arizona, one of 17 states expected to see declines as the rate nationally is predicted to fall by 1.5 percent for the first time since enactment of the Affordable Care Act.
Changes to state’s Medicaid program meant to improve patient experience, efficiency
PHOENIX – Arizona officials merged its system for mental health care and physical ailments under the state Medicaid program known as AHCCCS. The move on Oct. 1 is meant to increase efficiency and improve service to 1.5 million low-income residents.
‘Our fish’: Dedicated biologists scour Colorado River to help endangered species survive
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Wildlife officials use electrified rafts to momentarily stun fish and pull them out of the water. They remove non-native fish – such as smallmouth bass – and eventually discard them in a local landfill.
Enrollment surge at South Mountain High School could boost athletic programs
PHOENIX – Enrollment at South Mountain High School has suffered in recent years because of competition from charters. The addition of its Academies program has boosted the number of students and could benefit the athletic programs.
Despite recent upheaval, Suns remain optimistic, bring in Jamal Crawford
PHOENIX – Despite recent upheaval, including the firing of their general manager, the Suns remain optimistic and are looking forward. On Friday, veteran guard Jamal Crawford visited the team.
Senate, House take early recess as contentious midterm elections loom
WASHINGTON - The Senate left for its October recess two weeks earlier than planned Thursday, following the lead of House members who went home early to dive into their re-election campaigns as contentious midterm elections loom.
Court lets stand death sentence against man in insurance policy killing
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court let stand its earlier ruling against an Arizona death row inmate who brutally murdered his new wife near Phoenix just before Christmas 1988 - one day after a $400,000 insurance policy on her took effect.
McSally, Sinema stress voting records during their only Senate debate
PHOENIX – Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema attacked each other’s voting records during a live debate Monday night, 22 days before Arizona is elects one of them to the U.S. Senate.
Teen tobacco use down, but e-cig use draws health officials’ concern
WASHINGTON - With teen use of cigarettes and other tobacco products declining, Arizona health officials say their "No. 1 priority" now is reducing e-cigarette use, or "vaping," by high school and middle school students in the state.
Trump will visit Arizona for the first time since contentious 2017 rally
PHOENIX — President Donald Trump plans rally on behalf of Senate candidate Martha McSally on Friday in Mesa, his first visit since the aftermath of a downtown Phoenix rally led police to deploy rubber bullets on a crowd of protesters.
Oct. 15, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how DACA recipients are figuring out to how to pay for college after courts ruled to cut their in-state tuition; how Arizona is working to make voting machines secure and accurate; and more.
One class at time: ‘Dreamers’ find it hard to afford college after court ruling
PHOENIX – The aftermath of the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that struck down in-state tuition for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients has placed a heavy financial burden to students wanting to continue their college education.
The cost of drought: Less water from Lake Mead in 2020, higher rates for consumers
LAKE MEAD – Access to one-seventh of Arizona’s share of water from Lake Mead could evaporate by 2020 if drought if lake water levels continue to drop. And that could cost consumers.
Rosen remains confident, Wilks realistic as Cardinals’ broken offense takes center stage
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals offense ranks dead last in the NFL but Rosen remains confident, while Wilks takes a realistic approach to Cardinal woes.
Suns’ Deandre Ayton to begin NBA career against friend and rival Luka Doncic
PHOENIX – Rookies Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks begin their NBA careers against each other Wednesday in Phoenix. Their may be a discussion between the two about a ping pong game.
Repeating history: McSally’s treason accusation is tried-and-true political tactic
TEMPE – Political opponents are increasingly hurling accusations of treason at one another, a history professor said one day after Republican Martha McSally flung the word at Kyrsten Sinema in their only debate for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona. Sinema called the accusation “ridiculous.”
Oct. 16, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how mental health professionals feel the pain of their patients' suicides; Monday night's heated debate between U.S. Senate candidates; how Apple watches may not have accurate health information; and more.
Suns’ Booker on Ayton: ‘My job is to make it special for him’
PHOENIX -- With Deandre Ayton set to begin his NBA career, Devin Booker hopes to give the rookie more wins than he experienced early in his Suns career.
Thinning effort to restore ponderosa forests to their natural state inches forward
FLAGSTAFF – For decades, land managers and ranchers in northern Arizona dealt with forest fires in a way that led to an overpopulation of trees. Now, agencies are working to fix that — but the sheer number and high cost of doing so is one hurdle they’ll have to overcome.
Hurricane tag team of Rosa and Sergio set rainfall records for October
PHOENIX – After remnants from two tropical systems strike Arizona, Phoenix set a new rainfall record for October.
Arizona has had at least eight cases of mysterious, polio-like disease
WASHINGTON - Arizona health officials have confirmed at least eight cases of acute flaccid myelitis since 2014, an extremely rare polio-like "mystery disease" that leaves its mostly young victims with weakness and paralysis in limbs or other muscles. They are among 386 confirmed cases nationwide.
Why there’s a legal fight to protect the native roundtail chub
The roundtail chub is a minnow native to Arizona. The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for not protecting it as an endangered species.
Photo exhibit reveals tension over who has the right to tell migrant stories
Tom Keifer’s project “El Sueño Americano” incited migrant artists to ask for inclusion and spaces to share their stories.
Who pays? Who knows? Air Force One campaign trip costs hard to gauge
WASHINGTON - Presidents fly Air Force One for official business as well as campaign events, like Friday's rally in Mesa, but political parties are supposed to pick up the tab - at $140,000 an hour - for political trips. That's something watchdog groups say is hard to track.
Trump threat to use military to close the border met with skepticism
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump threatened to "seal the southern border" with troops if that's what it takes to stop the latest caravan of Central American migrants heading to the U.S., a tweet that was greeted skeptically in Washington where many saw it as a political ploy, not a policy statement.
Trump rallies Mesa crowd to support Republican McSally in tight Senate race
MESA – President Donald Trump told a crowd of thousands in a Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport hangar Friday night that a vote for U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally would be the "second-best vote you ever cast." The greatest vote was for him, he said.
Stakes are high as playoffs arrive for Phoenix Rising
SCOTTSDALE -- Stakes are high as the Phoenix Rising host their first-ever playoff game. A strong performance could help make a case for the team landing a Major League Soccer franchise.
The O.C.: It’s goodbye, Mike McCoy, hello, Byron Leftwich as Cardinals make changes
TEMPE – The Cardinals' tumultuous season took another wild turn with the firing of offensive coordinator Mike McCoy Friday. Fan frustration hit a crescendo with the team's ugly 45-10 loss to the Denver Broncos that cemented their spot as the lowest ranked offense in the NFL.
NOAA: Arizona outlook promises warmer, wetter winter – but not too wet
WASHINGTON - Arizona will see a wetter and warmer winter than usual, with a weak El Nino system bringing steady, mild rains to the state that, combined with recent rains, could help put a nick in the state's drought conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
Trump plan to boost Western water by easing rules worries advocates
WASHINGTON - The White House released a plan Friday that it said would improve water reliability and availability in the West by streamlining regulatory processes and conducting expedited reviews on water projects - a proposal that environmentalists said they were "sure it's a bad idea."
Reports show Senate race on track to be among state’s costliest
WASHINGTON - The race to replace Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, could be one of the most expensive Senate races in state history, with the two leading candidates raising a total of $28.6 million through September and outside groups spending another $33 million on the race already.
Tribal officials, Democrats push back on 9th Circuit judicial nominee
WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to proceed this week on a judicial nominee for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes Arizona, despite the objections of both tribal officials and committee Democrats.
Western wildfires will increase because of climate change, UA researchers say
VENTURA, Calif. – In the past year, California has seen two of its largest wildfires in state history. University of Arizona professor, Don Falk, projects the West will see an increase in area burned by these wildfires within the next two decades.
Why do we keep building in fire-prone areas? Money is one reason
YORBA LINDA, Calif. – Despite the growing risk of disastrous wildfires in Southern California, thousands of homes are being built in areas that are prone to burning. A proposed development near Yorba Linda offers a look at how such housing projects get approved, and how taxpayers ultimately are on the hook.
Excitement about Herm Edwards-led ASU program has shifted to wait-and-see mentality
TEMPE – The buzz about Arizona State's football program has shifted. What was once excitement is now "let's wait and see."
Oct. 22, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how local faith leaders have taken in immigrants; women who are heating up the welding industry; and more.
Prop 127’s potential to reshape Arizona energy has electrified supporters and opponents
PHOENIX – A proposition on Arizona’s Nov. 6 ballot would mandate that utility companies get more energy from renewable sources. The state’s largest power provider, APS, opposes it.
Proposition 305: Should Arizona expand state’s school voucher program?
PHOENIX – Proposition 305 would expand the state’s school voucher program. Proponents say it would mean more school choice. Opponents say it would redirect public education money to religious and other private schools.
Scottsdale middle schooler takes her science project to Washington
WASHINGTON - Scottsdale eighth-grader Akshaya Venkatesh saw a problem - food waste - and developed what she thinks might be a solution, a phone-based app to connect groups that need food with those who have too much. That work made her one of 30 finalists in a national science fair for middle schoolers.
O’Connor diagnosis brings flood of tributes from friends, colleagues
WASHINGTON - A flood of professional and personal tributes poured in from Arizona and across the nation for former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor following her announcement that she was stepping away from public life after receiving a diagnosis of dementia.
Immigrant apprehensions up in 2018 in Arizona, all of Southwest border
WASHINGTON - The number of people apprehended at the Arizona border jumped more than 50 percent in fiscal 2018 from the year before, U.S Customs and Border Protection said, with increases in the Tucson and Yuma sectors outpacing the rate of growth along the rest of the Southwest border.
U.S. Senate race: National security is top issue for McSally
PHOENIX -- Rep. Martha McSally is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Jeff Flake. Her Democratic opponent is Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, and it is expected to be a tight race.
U.S. Senate race: Health care is top issue for Sinema
PHOENIX -- Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Jeff Flake. Her Republican opponent is Rep. Martha McSally, and it is expected to be a tight race.
Missing in Arizona Day: Searching for loved ones in bones and DNA
PHOENIX -- Families bring medical records, photos, fingerprints and DNA of missing relatives to forensics experts and law-enforcement officials at Missing in Arizona day, an Oct. 28 event on Arizona State University’s west campus. The event is mean to help identify those who disappeared.
Cardinals’ Rosen plans to resume studies, support justice reform, environmental causes
PHONEIX – Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, who supports local high school STEM programs, plans to resume classes at UCLA this summer.
Grand Canyon Park superintendent reassigned while under federal investigation
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon National Park’s superintendent, Christine Lehnertz, has been reassigned while the Office of the Inspector General investigates undisclosed allegations.
Latino voter turnout likely to rise, driven by immigration, health care
WASHINGTON - Just under a half-million Latino voters are expected to go to the polls in Arizona this fall, a 33 percent increase from the 2014 midterm elections that reflects growing numbers and hot-button issues like immigration and health care, according to a new report.
Judicial nominee defends tribal law record in low-key Senate hearing
WASHINGTON - Federal appeals court nominee Eric Miller tried to dispel concerns about his record on tribal law, telling a Senate committee that his previous work on behalf of clients did not reflect how he would rule as a judge and that tribal sovereignty "pre-exists the Constitution."
U.S House, District 1: Tom O’Halleran cites good jobs, better education as priorities
U.S. Rep Tom O’Halleran said he’ll push for more jobs and quality-of-life issues if voters send him back to Congress, representing District 1.
U.S House, District 1: Wendy Rogers echoes Trump, ‘We must build the wall’
Three unsuccessful congressional bids did not deter Lt. Col. Wendy Rogers, who hopes to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran in Arizona’s District 1.
U.S. House, District 2: Ann Kirkpatrick vows to fight for health care, DACA
Three-term congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick is seeking a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, this time running in Tucson and southeastern Arizona against political newcomer Lea Marquez Peterson.
U.S. House, District 2: Lea Marquez Peterson labels herself an independent voice
Republican candidate Lea Marquez Peterson, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 2, labels herself as an independent voice who would appeal to a split district in southern Arizona. She is running for a seat in the House vacated by Martha McSally.
U.S House, District 3: Raúl Grijalva seeks 9th term, poverty and education are top issues
U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva said his biggest challenge, if re-elected to his ninth term representing Congressional District 9, is to take on a leadership role if the Democrats win a majority in the House. Meanwhile, he says, Arizona has a lot of issues he needs to tackle.
U.S House, District 3: Nick Pierson vows to focus on jobs, immigration issues
Nicolàs “Nick” Pierson is the Republican candidate in the race for the 3rd Congressional District, hoping to unseat Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, who has held office since 2003.
U.S. House, District 5: Andy Biggs seeks second term, focuses on immigration, taxes, repealing Obamacare
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for his second term in Congress, seems to be the most invested in illegal immigration, taxes and repealing Obamacare.
U.S House, District 4: David Brill calls health care biggest issue for voters
Dr. David Brill, a Democrat and VA administrator from Prescott, is challenging incumbent Rep. Paul Gosar for at seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 4th Congressional District.
U.S House, District 4: Paul Gosar touts his track record, pushes for deregulation
U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar answered questions about the issues facing Arizonans and his re-election campaign to the state’s 4th Congressional District.
Likely closure of coal-fired power plant bringing dramatic change to Navajo Nation
LECHEE CHAPTER HOUSE, Navajo Reservation – SRP announced last year it planned to shut down the Navajo Generating Station ahead of schedule because producing electricity from coal is much more expensive and dirtier than natural gas. No other job on the Navajo Reservation pays as well as the Navajo Generating Station. Revenue, taxes and royalties from coal make up about a third of the Navajo operating budget and most of the Hopi Tribe’s budget.
U.S House, District 6: David Schweikert has ‘fixation’ on retirement security
David Schweikert, an incumbent running again for District 6 for the House of Representatives, sees health care and border security as top issues in his district.
U.S House, District 6: Anita Malik emphasizes education, health care
Anita Malik is running for office as the Democratic nominee for District 6 of the U.S. House of Representatives. She plans to focus on issues including universal health care, education and economic stability. She says her background as a COO of a technology company and having run her own business gives her a better understanding of how to bring together private and public sectors.
U.S House, District 8: Hiral Tipirneni seeks health care reform, gun violence solutions
Former emergency room physician Dr. Hiral Tipirneni said she’s prioritizing health care, economic growth and improvements to education in her campaign to represent Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
U.S House, District 5: Joan Greene vows to fight corruption, boost schools
Joan Greene says pushing back against corruption, improving funding for education and protecting victims of sexual assault are among issues important to her as she vies for a seat representing the 5th Congressional District.
U.S House, District 9: Greg Stanton touts mayoral experience, job creation, bipartisanship
Former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton talks about how his six years as the mayor of Phoenix would translate into action in Washington, D.C., if he is elected to represent the 9th Congressional District.
U.S House, District 9: Steve Ferrara stresses need for autonomy and bipartisanship
Dr. Stephen Ferrara, the Republican candidate for the 9th Congressional District, stressed the importance of state control and bipartisan respect when making decisions for the future of Arizona’s health care and education systems.
U.S House, District 8: Debbie Lesko makes protecting citizens her top priority
Republican congresswoman Debbie Lesko, running for re-election in District 8, is an advocate for increased border security and military funding.
Phoenix Rising fueled by painful memory as playoff push continues
SCOTTSDALE – The Phoenix Rising hope to exorcise some bad memories when they take on the Swope Park Rangers in a United Soccer League playoff game.
Protesters call for end to ‘hottie’ Native American costumes based on stereotypes
PHOENIX – More than 23,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Yandy.com to stop selling more than 40 Native American costumes organizers say misrepresent and sexualize indigenous people. Protesters said the Phoenix-based company should show the same respect it offered when a social-media furor led it to pull a costume inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale.
After tumultuous season, UA basketball returns with zero starters, numerous questions
TUCSON – The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team returns to the court after a season of high drama. With no returning starters, expectations are lower than normal.
Oct. 25, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at Proposition 127; how faith leaders are combatting the opioid epidemic; the history of athlete protests; and more.
Court gives tribe, environmentalists new chance to fight uranium mine
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said the Havasupai tribe and environmental advocates can challenge an existing uranium mine on land near the Grand Canyon where mining was recently banned, a partial reversal from an earlier ruling that sided with the mining company.
Governor: Doug Ducey cites education, public safety among top priorities
Doug Ducey is the 23rd governor of Arizona, and he hopes to keep his seat at the state’s highest political office. He’s running for re-election, facing off against Democratic challenger David Garcia.
Governor: David Garcia focuses on education
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Garcia, whose top issue is improving public education, hopes to unseat incumbent Gov. Doug Ducey. He sat down with Cronkite News for a face-to-face interview about the issues, his qualifications and his favorite phone app.
Attorney General race: January Contreras touts her public service
Arizona Attorney General candidate January Contreras, endorsed by former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, is running on a platform dedicated to public service and political transparency.
Attorney General: Mark Brnovich pledges to keep focus on consumer protection
If elected for a second term, Attorney General Mark Brnovich vows to continue to focus on consumer protection, which is what he focused on during his first term. His says his office has returned a “record amount of restitution” to Arizona consumers, upwards of $40 million.
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Frank Riggs wants best teachers, good pay
Frank Riggs says his executive, educational and political leadership experience make him the perfect person to make changes in Arizona education.
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Kathy Hoffman would address teacher shortage, bilingual programs
Democratic candidate for superintendent of public instruction Kathy Hoffman said her hands-on experience in the classroom makes her the best prepared for the job. “The real experts of education are educators,” she said.
State Mine Inspector: Bill Pierce criticizes agency’s inadequate budget
Bill Pierce, Democratic candidate for state mine inspector, speaks about the budgetary challenges facing the office, including staffing issues and the dangers of abandoned mines.
State Mine Inspector: Joe Hart seeks improved public safety, more training for miners
State Mine Inspector Joe Hart, who faces Democrat Bill Pierce on Nov. 6, touts his experience in the mining industry and the Legislature and pledges to do more to keep miners and the public safe.
Arizona Corporation Commission: Rodney Glassman vows to restore integrity to regulatory board
Arizona Corporation Commission candidate Rodney Glassman is confident that his education in arid land resource sciences and environmental law, combined with his dedication to restoring integrity to the five-person board, will help him win in November.
Arizona Corporation Commission: Sandra Kennedy wants a second chance to help ratepayers
Democrat Sandra Kennedy says she would work to end corruption, lower utility rates and make the Arizona Corporation Commission more customer-friendly if returned to office.
Arizona Corporation Commission: Justin Olson pledges to keep putting ratepayers first
Incumbent Arizona Corporation Commissioner Justin Olson has a history in tax and finance and said he plans to use his tax policy expertise to reduce rates and bring increased savings to customers.
Arizona Corporation Commission: Kiana Sears says experience as energy consultant sets her apart
Kiana Sears, a Democrat running for the Arizona Corporation Commission, vowed to help Arizona families by keeping utility rates low.
State Treasurer: Kimberly Yee pledges to push for lower taxes, financial education
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Yee says that as state treasurer, she would promote lower taxes and bring more jobs to the state.
State Treasurer: Mark Manoil calls for big structural changes in state government
Mark Manoil, who is running for Arizona State Treasurer, said structural programs in Arizona’s government are holding the state back from what we should be able to achieve.
Secretary of State: Steve Gaynor vows to ‘fix’ broken election system
Steve Gaynor was relatively unknown in state politics before deciding to run as a Republican for Secretary of State.
Secretary of State: Katie Hobbs intends to improve election security in Arizona
Katie Hobbs discusses the importance of election security and voter outreach to the Secretary of State’s office.
ICE housing migrants at motels
The flow of undocumented migrants who are entering the United States and seeking asylum has prompted Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house many families in locations throughout the state.
Historic Phoenix restaurants are rare but leave lasting impacts
PHOENIX – Sing High Chop Suey House served its last meal after 90 years in downtown Phoenix, joining other longtime restaurants that closed recently, taking customers’ memories with them.
Grand Canyon gap: Arizona national parks need $531 million to fix roads, buildings
GRAND CANYON – Arizona national parks and monuments need $531 million to maintain hundreds of roads and buildings. But budget problems put that on hold in Arizona and across the U.S.
Supreme Court’s Prop 207 ruling breaks no new ground, stokes political feuds
WASHINGTON - Eight weeks after it ordered a school-funding tax initiative pulled from this fall's ballot, the Arizona Supreme Court explained its 5-2 ruling Friday in a 23-page opinion that critics said shows the state's political system is "rigged" against education.
Under stars, surrounded by stars, Phoenix Rising stay alive in playoffs
SCOTTSDALE -- With the some of the state's top sports figures coming out to watch, Phoenix Rising FC knocked off the Swope Park Rangers to stay alive in the playoffs.
Phoenix Jewish community focuses on safety, solidarity after Pittsburgh massacre
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Jewish community is already planning on how they can make their synagogues safer after the Pittsburg massacre on Saturday that left 11 people dead.
Footsteps into America: A migrant’s journey of struggle, hope and the unknown
TUCSON – More than 100 Central America migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. formed a temporary community at a Tucson motel in October. Their story is at the center of a national debate over immigration.
Rookie Josh Rosen displays confidence, development in win
TEMPE – Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen showed both his confidence and ability to learn from the past in Arizona’s 18-15 win Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers.
Oct. 29, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how Phoenix's Jewish community is reacting to the unthinkable; new information on a growing operation at the U.S.-Mexico border; and more.
Administration plans to send 5,200 active-duty military to assist at border
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration confirmed plans to send 5,200 active military troops to help "harden" the Southwest border to deter a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants headed north through Mexico, with the first 800 troops already on their way.
Long hours, low pay, but poll workers are still signing up – for now
WASHINGTON - Arizona election officials are optimistic they will have the thousands of poll workers trained and ready to go on Election Day, but said that long days and an aging pool of workers is making it harder to staff up at the polls every year.
Trump wants to revoke birthright citizenship, but can he act on his own?
PHOENIX – President Trump plans to revoke the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship clause by way of executive order, stirring constitutional scholars and citizens who disagree.
Arizona community honors 11 lives lost in Pittsburgh synagogue massacre
Jewish leaders and community members across metro Phoenix came together Monday night in Scottsdale to honor the 11 lives lost in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on Saturday.
Oct. 30, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how the Valley's Jewish community is remembering the 11 lives lost on Saturday, President Trump's proposal to end birthright citizenship; changes made to this year's flu vaccine; and more.
Trump’s aim of skirting birthright citizenship draws backlash, skeptics
WASHINGTON - Arizona native Francisco Fernandez holds a college degree and a job with a nonprofit in the nation's capital - none of which, he said, would have been possible without the citizenship status conferred on him at birth, a right that could be dismantled for others if President Donald Trump has his way.
Arizona flu season off to a fast start; health officials push flu shots
WASHINGTON - Three weeks into this flu season, the Arizona Department of Health Services had already confirmed 96 cases, slightly above last year's numbers but close to three times the number of confirmed cases at this point in a typical year.
Nov. 6 looking like April 24 all over again in Lesko-Tipirneni rematch
WASHINGTON - Republican Debbie Lesko's April special election win in the 8th Congressional District was surprisingly close over well-funded Democrat Hiral Tipirneni. Their Nov. 6 rematch looks a lot like April, with Tipirneni heavily raising funds and a poll showing only a few points between the women.
TGen’s MindCrowd seeks 1 million people around the world to help cure Alzheimer’s
PHOENIX – Technology offers a new approach for research into Alzheimer’s and brain function. MindCrowd, a project from TGen, wants to screen a million people for memory and attention ability.
Appeals court rejects latest challenge to state’s ‘ballot harvesting’ law
WASHINGTON - Yet another legal challenge to Arizona's "ballot harvesting" law was shot down in federal court Wednesday when a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to overturn the law known as HB 2023 - what one critic dubbed the "you can't help your elderly and disabled neighbor vote law."
Oct. 31, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at new concerns for Halloween this year; how some kids got the treat of citizenship along with their goodies; the latest on early voting trends; and more.
Arizona lacks vehicle idling regulations, encourages voluntary action
FLAGSTAFF – Although Flagstaff launched an anti-idling initiative, the city and Maricopa County lack vehicle idling regulations.
ACA open enrollment begins with lower prices, more choices in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Open enrollment began Thursday for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, with most Arizonans seeing more choices and better prices, a sharp change from recent years when the state was the poster child for Obamacare problems. Open enrollment runs through Dec. 15.
Nogales awaits arrival of U.S. troops as migrant caravan plods north
NOGALES – The Nogales mayor, a business owner and a resident are among the 20,000 residents in this Arizona border city awaiting the arrival of U.S. troops. President Trump ordered the deployment of 5,200 troops along the U.S. Mexico border to handle a migrant caravan traveling through Mexico from Central America.
‘Aggressively pursuing the facts’: Board of Regents meets to discuss UA basketball program
PHOENIX – The Arizona Board of Regents met Thursday to discuss allegations against the University of Arizona basketball program. The chair said Thursday the group is "aggressively pursuing the facts."
Nov. 1, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how parts of Arizona are curbing texting while driving; how one artist is educating the public on a new piece; and more.
Down in the mud: Arizona researchers probe seabed for clues about monsoons
TUCSON – Geologists at the University of Arizona have recently linked mud from the deep sea to the North American monsoon.
Young-voter turnout up sharply, but still trails most other age groups
WASHINGTON - Young Arizonans are casting ballots at more than three times the rate they did in 2014, according to an analysis of early voting, the possible result of high-profile voter registration efforts like March for Our Lives. But their participation still lags well behind most other age groups.
Green nominee’s withdrawal injects new drama into tense Senate race
WASHINGTON - Green Party nominee Angela Green's decision to pull out of the Arizona Senate race and back Kyrsten Sinema was the "best possible news" the Democratic nominee could have received in the waning days of her tight race against Republican Martha McSally, analysts said.
Rocks vs. Glocks: Trump backs off suggestion that soldiers fire on migrants
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump backed off his statement that active-duty soldiers on the border should respond to rock-throwing migrants as if the soldiers had been attacked with a firearm, saying Friday that such immigrants would be "arrested for a very long time."
‘The stars came out’: Drogba helps send Phoenix Rising into title game
IRVINE, Calif. -- Phoenix Rising FC invaded Orange County and painted it red. The team is headed to the United Soccer League title game after beating OCSC Saturday night.
With Pac-12 South title in sight, Edwards focuses on UCLA
TEMPE – ASU has a chance to claim its first Pac-12 South title since 2013, but coach Herm Edwards made it clear Monday he is focused on UCLA.
Transgender rally at state Capitol encourages voting
PHOENIX – The LGBTQ community and its supporters rallied at the state Capitol and hope to encourage others to vote
Battles over Props 127, 305 and Senate seat, with last-minute push for voters
PHOENIX – As voters head to the polls on Election Day, Maricopa County elections officials are pledging problem-free voting and election advocates are making a final push among Latinos and other residents. Newcomer candidates clamoring for votes include teachers and Native American women.
Women account for 39 percent of Arizona ballot, among highest in nation
WASHINGTON - The 90 women on the ballot for state or federal office in Arizona this year, account for a record 39 percent of the candidates running, up from just 14 percent in 1974 and reflecting a national trend in what many predicted would be the Year of the Woman in elections.
Seeing Stars: Midterm ballots include James Bond, JFK, Elvis, others
WASHINGTON - James Bond and Cesar Chavez are on the ballot this year - just not the James Bond or the Cesar Chavez most people think of. The two Arizona candidates are among the many around the country whose names may make voters to a double-take, including JFK, Elvis and Chuck Norris.
Nov. 5, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how Maricopa County has prepared for tomorrow's election; why more Native American women are running for legislative seats; and more.
Election Day starts with ‘bumps’ and ends with long voting lines in Maricopa County
PHOENIX — Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said the election system faced some hiccups during voting Tuesday, and some voters had to deal with long waits, technical snafus and closed polling locations.
Election Day: Results roll in, voters share their stories
PHOENIX – Cronkite News reporters fan out across the state to share stories from Election Day. Find election results and voter experiences.
Phoenix Rising’s road to their first USL Cup Final
Phoenix Rising is focused on their match against Louisville City in the USL Cup Final, but are still hopeful in becoming an MLS franchise.
Supreme Court sides with Arizona firefighters in age-bias lawsuit
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said two Arizona firefighters can sue the Mount Lemmon Fire District for age bias after being laid off when they were the oldest employees there, rejecting the department's claim that it is not subject to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Doug Ducey wins second term as Arizona governor
PHOENIX – Republican Gov. Doug Ducey thanked supporters Tuesday night after voters reelected him to the post. The Associated Press called the race for Ducey early in the evening.
Prop. 127: Voters reject drastic reshaping of Arizona’s energy future
PHOENIX – Arizona voters rejected Proposition 127, according to the Associated Press. The initiative would have required the state’s regulated utilities to get 50 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2030.
Early returns show McSally, Sinema race for Senate remains too close to call
PHOENIX – Early returns in the race for Arizona’s open U.S. Senate seat showed a sliver of votes separating Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, after a campaign featuring millions of dollars in attack ads and verbal sparring over patriotism, voting records and alleged lies.
Voters reject controversial Proposition 305 school voucher measure
PHOENIX – Proposition 305, which would have vastly expanded a program that allows parents and guardians to use tax dollars to pay for private school tuition, was rejected by voters, the Associated Press reported.
Is the changing climate making you anxious? You’re not alone.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Some experts say climate anxiety is a growing mental health problem. The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association have published reports about how the fear of climate change can harm mental health.
Ex-felons can reclaim voting rights, but hundreds of thousands don’t
WASHINGTON - A recent study estimated that as many as 212,170 Arizonans were not able to cast a ballot in this year's elections because of a felony conviction in their past. Former felons can regain the right to vote in Arizona, if they pay their debts, but many are not aware of the process.
1.7 million votes and counting: Officials say wait until Thursday for results of McSally, Sinema Senate race
PHOENIX – Only a small fraction of votes separate Arizona Senate candidates McSally and Sinema. McSally is ticking ahead with 99 percent of precincts counted.
Hiccups and ‘voter fatigue’: Election Day challenges discussed
PHOENIX – While some people faced difficulties casting their ballot in the 2018 midterm elections, others are at work looking for new ways to make the voting process easier and more accessible.
Nov. 7, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the overall voting experience and possible improvements for the next election; how painting can be therapeutic; and more.
With Senate seat in the balance, GOP lawsuit claims inequality in vote count
PHOENIX – Thousands of Arizona votes were still being counted as Republican Party leaders in Maricopa, Apache, Yuma and Navajo counties filed a lawsuit Wednesday night, claiming unequal enforcement of the state’s Election Day deadline.
Nov. 8, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at a Valley football player who's turning heads; the GOP lawsuit to block some early-voter ballots; and more.
Costly and nasty: Failure of Prop. 127 won’t stop renewable energy push, experts say
A California billionaire funneled millions of dollars to back renewable energy initiatives in Arizona and Nevada. Nevada’s passed. But in Arizona, that financial influence didn’t convince voters to say yes to following California’s renewable energy path.
Court – again – puts brakes on administration plan to overturn DACA
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Thursday rejected a Trump administration request to move forward with its plan to end the Obama-era DACA program, saying the deferred deportation plan should stay in effect while legal challenges are pursued.
Advocates want lame-duck border law pause; White House eyes new rules
WASHINGTON - Advocates from Southwest border communities on Thursday called on Congress to resist the urge to ram through border laws in the coming lame-duck session before the newly elected, more Democratic, Congress is sworn in next year.
Dream season ends: Phoenix Rising fall short in USL championship
KANSAS CITY -- Phoenix Rising FC's dream season came to an end Thursday night when the team lost to Louisville City FC in the United Soccer League championship.
Hunters help safeguard Arizona’s deer and elk from chronic wasting disease
GREER – Hunters and Arizona Game & Fish workers are continuing the long fight to keep Arizona’s deer and elk safe from chronic wasting disease.
Sinema wins Senate seat, will become first woman U.S. senator from Arizona
PHOENIX – A settlement was reached Friday afternoon in a lawsuit filed by several Republican parties over still uncounted early ballots. The agreement allows all 15 counties in Arizona to “cure” the remaining early ballots through 5pm on November 14.
But wait, there’s more: Arizona political ad spending hit new highs
WASHINGTON - It's not your imagination: Spending on campaign ads in Arizona reached a record $129 million this year, part of a national trend that saw cable and broadcast election ad spending top $3 billion for the first time in a midterm election cycle.
Despite slight drop, Arizona still leads nation in women officeholders
WASHINGTON - Despite a record number of women running for office this year, Arizona will actually lose one female elected official when congressional and legislative delegations take office in January, but the state still leads most of the rest of the nation when it comes to electing women.
‘Showdown on the Rez’: ASU women take basketball game to Navajo Reservation
FORT DEFIANCE – The Arizona State women's basketball team continues its long relationship with the Native American community by playing a basketball game against Baylor on the Navajo Reservation.
NAU policies on composting, single-use plastics are catching on in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona University has a robust composting program and recently banned plastic straws in dining halls. Now these efforts are showing up in Flagstaff businesses.
Arizona Korean War veterans hold fast to memories of the ‘forgotten war’
WASHINGTON - Pat Haggard has spent most of his 89 years in Arizona - but for a couple years in the 1950s when he headed thousands of miles from home to fight in Korea, in what is often called the forgotten war. Now, he and other vets are remembering, and being remembered, in an Honor Flight.
At ease: In Pat Tillman’s hometown, a community works overtime to protect his legacy
ALMADEN VALLEY, Calif. – Fearful of exploitation, Pat Tillman's hometown works hard to protect the legacy of the former football standout who died defending his country.
California wildfire death toll rises to 44; Arizona firefighters assisting efforts
LOS ANGELES – Arizona officials plan to send about 150 firefighters and dozens of engines to California to help fight wildfires there. The wildfires sweeping across Southern California have destroyed hundreds of homes, ravaged beloved landmarks and park space and killed at least two people and injured several more.
Jax throws for Twins, serves for United States Air Force
Air Force’s Griffin Jax using World Class Athlete Program to compete for Minnesota Twins.
Nov. 13, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at what the election of Kyrsten Sinema means for Arizona politics; how Arizona is helping fire-ravaged California; and more.
Sinema lands in Washington, a day after McSally concedes Senate race
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema was in Washington Tuesday, one day after Republican Martha McSally conceded in the one of the narrowest, most closely watched Senate races in the country to eke out a 1.72 point lead, becoming the first Democratic senator from the state since 1994.
Kirkpatrick, Stanton join freshmen in strong Democratic House class
WASHINGTON - Former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and two-time former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick joined more than 80 other newly elected House members for freshmen orientation in Washington, where Democrats prepare to seize control of the lower chamber for the first time in eight years.
Too many deals will make drought plan unworkable, Ducey warns
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has written an op-ed outlining some requirements he has for Arizona’s internal deal on drought. It came two days ahead of an important meeting of the board of the agency that runs the Central Arizona Project canal system.
Nov. 14, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the devastating California wildfires; how schools and teachers can earn a bonus when their students perform well on AP tests; and more.
Gosar shouted down at right-wing groups’ event on social media access
WASHINGTON - Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, had to call Capitol Police after protesters disrupted a forum he joined with right-wing groups - groups the protesters called racists and extremists - complaining about their social media access being restricted over comments on immigration and Islamic law.
Flake threatens judicial nominations to force vote on special counsel
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said Wednesday he will oppose all judicial confirmations until Senate leaders agree to allow a vote on a bill that would keep the White House from interfering in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of possible Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Report: Crimes against Native women vastly underreported in urban areas
WASHINGTON - A lack of solid data in government and law enforcement records has led to the underreporting of hundreds of deaths and thousands of missing persons cases for Native American women and girls who are living in urban areas, a new report says.
Showdown on the Rez: ASU women’s basketball trip rewarding for all
FORT DEFIANCE – Arizona State women’s basketball brought the game of basketball to the Navajo people.
Forest Service chief grilled over charges of sexual harassment in agency
WASHINGTON - Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen came under fire for her department's handling of sexual harassment complaints, with members of a House committee demanding faster, more thorough responses to reports of harassment and abuse.
Flake threat to scuttle judicial nominees is scuttled by delayed vote
WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed votes on 15 judicial nominees - including one from Arizona - temporarily scuttling a plan by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, to force a vote on the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act by opposing all judicial nominees until a vote on the act is allowed.
Nov. 15, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how Eloy amended a contract that allowed a private company to run one of the largest detention centers in the country; how the Scottsdale Fire Department helping fight California wildfires; and more.
Scottsdale firefighters pitch in to battle Woolsey Fire near LA
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has sent more than 160 Arizona firefighters to Southern California to help contain the Woolsey Fire. Capt. Al DiBenedetto with the Scottsdale Fire Department and three crew members are working in the hills and the mountains in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Violence burdens ‘bone and skin’: Indigenous women run in prayer to outpace pain
BAPCHULE – Women in the Gila River Indian Community prayed for an end to violence against indigenous people days before a new report found that Arizona has the third-highest number of missing and murdered indigenous women cases.
Advocates push back against border wall funds, citing other U.S. needs
WASHINGTON - One day after lawmakers met with the president to discuss border wall funding, advocates fanned out across Capitol Hill to tell members of Congress, current and incoming, that billions of dollars targeted for a border wall could be better used for needs inside the country.
Breaking into construction: How an ADOT program attracts women and minorities
MIAMI – A program from ADOT, the Arizona Department of Transportation, is helping women and minorities gain the skills they need to get jobs in the construction industry.
Advocates urge troop withdrawal; DHS repeats need to ‘harden’ border
WASHINGTON - Advocates urged the White House to bring active-duty troops home from the border for Thanksgiving and end what they called a "needless," politically motivated deployment, as Department of Homeland Security officials reiterated the need for troops to help "harden" ports of entry.
Record midterm election turnout still shows problem in voter numbers, experts say
PHOENIX – Despite record-setting numbers in the November midterm election, turnout will likely remain a problem in Arizona, policy experts said Monday. But they expect a trend towards split-ticket voting, where people choose by candidate rather than party, to continue.
Nov. 19, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the final results of Arizona's midterm election; how a national holiday is helping to make some families more complete; and more.
Alzheimer’s research funding reaches $1.9 billion, but experts say it’s still not enough
PHOENIX – Federal research funds that could lead to the prevention, cure or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has reached $1.9 billion annually but still lags far behind research money for cancer and HIV/AIDS, experts said.
A new experience for Edwards and Sumlin coaching their first Territorial Cup game
Arizona State and Arizona have new additions to this year's Territorial Cup game.
Foreign-born doctors are vital to Arizona’s rural communities
SHOW LOW – To fulfill their program requirement, foreign physicians are choosing to work in underserved areas, aiding many communities and people in need of medical services while these areas struggle to find more primary care physicians.
White House vows to fight ‘absurd’ ruling against asylum restrictions
WASHINGTON - The White House vowed to fight a federal judge's ruling that temporarily blocked restrictions on asylum seekers, who administration officials said threaten to "incapacitate our already overwhelmed immigration system."
Mexican ambassador expresses confidence new trade deal will get done
WASHINGTON - The Mexican ambassador to the U.S. said he is confident final details can be worked out a new trade deal between the two countries and Canada, despite President Donald Trump's "colorful," sometimes disruptive rhetoric on border security as negotiations have progressed in recent months,
Refugees and disaster victims offered free housing in Arizona through Airbnb
PHOENIX – Airbnb has created the Open Homes program that allows hosts to open their homes to refugees at no cost. Through this program, refugees are given the chance to connect with their community and get their feet back on the ground.
Buckle up? Not in every seat in Arizona, which some experts frown on
WASHINGTON - Buckling up saves lives, particularly during the busy holiday travel season, but safety experts saw Arizona's relatively lax seatbelt laws leave a lot to be desired. One state expert disagrees, saying Arizona actually does better on seatbelt use than many states with stricter laws.
Vaquita’s last stand: The struggle to save the world’s rarest marine animal
SAN FELIPE, Baja California – The vaquita porpoise is a victim of the Sinaloa drug cartel who fish for a species in the same waters and sell on the Chinese black market. Part 1 of this series examines the dangers the totoaba trade presents to the vaquita and the efforts to fight back against illegal fishing.
Coyotes thankful for family, friends and much better start to season
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes are happy to have families in town as they gear up for a big stretch of games.
Nov. 21, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at travel warnings this holiday season; Arizona seat belt laws; and more.
Vaquita’s last stand: Fishermen want to help but need to feed their families, too
SAN FELIPE, Baja California – In the Upper Gulf of California, many people fish to survive. And while some fishermen support efforts to save the vaquita, others feel that their own survival and way of life is being destroyed. Part 2 of the series delves into the experiences of local fishermen and their complex relationship with the vaquita.
More endangered California condors soon will soar above Pinnacles National Park
SOLEDAD, Calif. – The number of California condors has steadily grown over the past 30 years, from 22 left in the wild to about 500 now. Through recovery programs and collaborations in California, Arizona and Idaho, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, endangered California condors are bred in captivity and released into the wild. In December, three birds will be freed at Pinnacles National Park.
Partnership unveils program to identify, head off youth sports injuries
WASHINGTON - A Mayo Clinic official was in Washington recently to join other youth sports leaders launching a national collaborative project aimed at preventing youth sports injuries through greater awareness, better data collection and tools like a quick field test for concussions.
Drought, heat and urbanization putting the squeeze on Arizona lemons
PHOENIX – Despite rising demand and prices for lemons, Arizona’s industry has no room for growth. Overallocated water rights, high temperatures and the loss of cropland are the reasons.
Natural disaster, unnatural calm: Trying to stay upbeat after hurricane
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. - They lost everything in Hurricane Florence, but weeks later the residents of a shelter in Morehead City, North Carolina, were trying to look at the positives of the experience, as community and familiy came together, with one resident saying they had all been blessed to be here."
Vaquita’s last stand: Saving the porpoise may depend on creating a legal market for totoaba
SAN FELIPE, Baja California – A plan to capture and breed the endangered vaquita marina in a giant ocean aquarium failed, but out of that came a new plan: use the aquarium to breed totoaba, the fish targeted by poachers. Conservationists hope by creating a legal market for totoaba, vaquita no longer will be killed by poachers’ gillnets.
Early snowfall delights skiers, but the drought is far from over
GREELEY, Colorado – Snow has returned to the Rockies this winter, raising hopes of a drought recovery, but experts say that optimism is likely premature.
Border clashes in Tijuana have immigration advocates mobilized
PHOENIX – Asylum seekers face difficulties at the Mexican-American border with tear gas and border closures in Tijuana, but pro-immigrant groups want to help.
Moving on: ASU receiver Harry declares for NFL Draft
TEMPE – Junior wide receiver N’Keal Harry announced his decision to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft on Monday.
Nov. 26, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how one ASU football star is going pro; issues at the border; how California is looking to rebuild after wildfires; and more.
Border tear gas incident renews wall debate, but little change expected
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republicans backed President Donald Trump's renewed demands for border wall funding after migrants were tear gassed as they tried to rush the border near Tijuana, but experts don't think Congress will OK funding in its remaining few weeks, or shutdown government over the issue.
Pack your patience, check your car and take it slow for holiday travel in Arizona
PHOENIX – Police and travel experts are prepared for the rush of holiday travelers on the road from November to January.
Do you have what it takes? FBI invites reporters to work out with agents for a day
PHOENIX – The FBI invited media members to participate in their fitness test, one of the tests FBI applicants must pass in order to get hired by the Bureau.
Nov. 27, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at combating impaired driving over the holidays; how llamas may be a key to fighting the flu; and more.
Supreme Court limits ability to designate endangered species habitat
WASHINGTON - A Supreme Court ruling makes it harder for the government to designate critical habitat for endangered species, a decision hailed by business and property rights groups but one that environmentalists say will weaken endangered species protections.
Challenge to Phoenix’s gay anti-discrimination law heading to Arizona high court
PHOENIX – Arizona’s highest court is set to decide whether a Phoenix law aimed at prohibiting businesses from discriminating against LGBTQ people violates the state’s constitution.
Trailblazing lawmaker Ed Pastor remembered as tireless advocate, ‘legend’
WASHINGTON - Ed Pastor, 75, a trailblazing Arizona lawmaker who was the first Hispanic from the state elected to Congress, died Tuesday in Phoenix, his family said. Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags in the state to be flown at half-staff for Pastor, whom Ducey called "an Arizona trailblazer and public servant."
Cardinals’ running back Derrick Coleman shares his journey with deaf students
PHOENIX – Derrick Coleman, the NFL’s first legally deaf offensive player, shared his story with the Phoenix School for the Deaf.
Nov. 28, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at the late Ed Pastor and his legacy of public service; how climate change is affecting local breweries; and more.
Dry and getting drier: Water scarcity in Southwest is the new norm, study says
GREELEY, Colo. – The Fourth National Climate Assessment makes it clear – climate change is happening, it’s human-caused, and it could make life increasingly difficult.
Nov. 29, 2018 Newscast | Cronkite News
We look at how one organization is using tennis as a learning tool; how Alzheimer's does not just affect the elderly; and more.
Border safety, trade are high on agenda for Republican governors
SCOTTSDALE – The Republican Governors Association held its annual convention in Scottsdale where governors collaborate and discuss their plan for their state.
As deadline looms, lawmakers push to save popular public lands fund
WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers gathered to push for renewal of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which directs millions from offshore oil leases toward public lands and recreation projects amid fears that Congress is running out of time to save the program.
Arizona Gov. Ducey to ask for $30 million in budget proposal for drought plan
PHOENIX – The head of the state water department said Gov. Doug Ducey will ask for significant state dollars in his upcoming budget proposal to help make the Drought Contingency Plan a reality.
Syphilis is on the rise across Arizona, particularly in women and babies
PHOENIX – More cases of syphilis have been reported in the state of Arizona. Specifics groups impacted are women and babies.
Freshman hazing: Stanton draws short straw in lottery for Hill offices
WASHINGTON - They won their elections, but the really important contest for members of the incoming freshman congressional class came with the traditional lottery drawing to see who gets first pick of the House offices the will be their workspaces for the two years.
After Grijalva calls for him to resign, Zinke responds with blistering tweet
WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke blasted Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, on Twitter Friday after the congressman wrote an editorial calling on Zinke to resign "immediately" in the face of multiple, ongoing ethics investigations.
Hikers discover oldest prehistoric footprints found at Grand Canyon
PHOENIX – Hikers at the Grand Canyon have found a set of 28 small footprints on a slab of rock that had fallen from the canyon wall. It turns out that the set of tracks is about 310 million years old – nearly 250 million years before the age of dinosaurs.
Luke Air Force Base feels effects of national shortage of pilots, instructors
GLENDALE – Luke Air Force Base is feeling the effects of a national pilot shortage. Their primary concern is staffing instructor pilots. Across the state, high school students are training in different areas impacted by this pilot shortage.
ASU grad hoped to raise ‘a little’ to aid synagogue; nets $1.2 million
WASHINGTON - Shay Khatiri, an ASU grad and Iranian immigrant, has no ties to Pittsburgh, but he wanted to do something after the Oct. 27 synagogue attack there killed 11. So he set up a GoFundMe account that he thought might raise $700. It wound up raising more than $1.2 million.
U.S. Forest Service under fire for cutting old-growth trees in eastern Arizona
FLAGSTAFF – The decision to cut more than 1,300 old-growth trees last summer in an Arizona forest has been criticized for breaking trust with the thinning project's backers. This at a time when forest management is receiving national attention for the role it plays in preventing catastrophic wildfires like the ones we're seeing in California.
Activists fight to protect forgotten south Phoenix cemetery
PHOENIX – Activists are speaking out to preserve an unmarked south Phoenix cemetery that has been vandalized for decades.
Will Arizona’s saguaros survive climate change and drought?
TUCSON – Fueled by climate change and prolonged drought, the establishment of young saguaro cactuses in Saguaro National Park has nearly ceased for decades.
Farmers, USDA celebrate demise of pink bollworm, a cotton-killing pest
PHOENIX – The pink bollworm has destroyed cotton crops in the United States for a century. But it’s been eradicated from cotton-producing areas in the lower 48.
Why llamas may be the key to help humans fight off the flu
LA JOLLA, Calif. – A recent study examines how llama antibodies may be the key to combating the influenza virus. Scientists at California’s Scripps Research Institute have found that mice, given fatal doses of flu strains, successfully fought them off.
ASU, Arizona make effort to enroll Chinese students
TEMPE – The Arizona Office of Tourism and Arizona State University specifically market to Chinese international students to attend school in Arizona, hoping to encourage friends and family to visit.
Arizona Western eliminates football, leaving only one JC in state with sport
PHOENIX -- After junior colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District eliminated football, Yuma's Western Arizona did the same Wednesday, leaving only one program left in the state.
Dewey-Humboldt Town Council condemns coyote-killing contests
FLAGSTAFF – The Dewey-Humboldt Town Council passed a resolution Nov. 20 condemning animal-killing contests. The resolution comes three weeks before a coyote contest in central Arizona.
‘Goldy’ gone: Arizona sports scene suffers another blow as Diamondbacks trade Goldschmidt
PHOENIX – The Arizona sports scene suffers another blow after the Diamondbacks decide to trade the most popular player on the team, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
Caught between DACA and ACA, Dreamer’s hopes for kidney transplant dim
PHOENIX - Paul, 21, has been waiting for a transplant since his kidneys stopped working at age 2, but the wait has been complicated by the fact that Paul, a DACA recipient. He has learned that immigration status doesn't determine your place on the transplant list, as much as your ability to pay.
A battle beneath the waves: Purple urchins thrive, starving out red urchins used in sushi
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Red sea urchins are harvested for their gonads, which are eaten as a sushi delicacy known as uni. Climate change has led to an increase in the purple sea urchin population, which is out-competing the red sea urchins for food.
Pulling no punches: 14-year-old girl aspires to be first Navajo boxer to win Olympics
CHINLE, Ariz. – Mariah Bahe dreams of becoming the first Navajo boxer to win Olympic medal.
Native Americans hope to protect ancestral sites threatened by multibillion-dollar copper mine
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – In the wake of the Oak Flat protests, Resolution Copper funds a program in which Native Americans record culturally significant sites with an uncertain future.
Victims of Baptist Foundation scheme still recovering 20 years later
PHOENIX – Anne Mezzapelle Cacace was one of 11,000 investors who lost $580 million when the Baptist Foundation of Arizona, or BFA, a registered nonprofit, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1999, in what prosecutors described as a Ponzi scheme. To this day, it is considered one of the largest affinity frauds in U.S history.
Population boom in West putting humans closer to devastating wildfires
DENVER – Nearly half the population of the West lives in an area with potential for wildfire danger. And both the risk of fire and the population in harm’s way are rising in this fast-growing part of the nation. Eighty-four percent of the risk area has not yet been developed.
In a hole: Arizona officials lack funds to find, secure at least 100,000 abandoned mines
PHOENIX – Arizona has an estimated 100,000 abandoned mines, according to the Arizona State Mine Inspector’s Office. However, officials have only identified about 19,000 of them. As more people move to and visit Arizona – many eager to explore the state’s more remote lands – the chances of people coming across one of these hazardous mines only increase.
A bookie, a bet, a basketball player: 25 years ago, point-shaving scandal rocked Arizona State
PHOENIX – Twenty-five years ago, a point-shaving scandal rocked the Arizona State basketball program but how could this scandal affect the sports betting future.
Arizona’s two abandoned-mine inspectors face daunting task: ‘We’re all by ourselves’
WICKENBURG – Meet Jerry Tyra, one of only two abandoned-mine supervisors in Arizona. The pair face an uphill battle trying to identify the estimated 100,000 abandoned mines in the state and render them safe, or at least safer.
Despite fits and starts, officials optimistic a water deal is close
WASHINGTON - After months of meetings, progress toward Arizona's portion of a multistate drought contingency plan has been a two-steps-forward, one-step-back affair, but those involved in the process think they're getting close to a deal they can present to the Legislature this spring.
Santa Monica moonscape: Biologists consider ways to restore badly burned national recreation area
LOS ANGELES – Scientists with the National Park Service are just beginning to assess and restore vast tracts of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which lost 88 percent of its land to the devastating Woolsey Fire in November. Their first task is to eliminate opportunistic invasive plants.
Street medicine: Bringing health care to Phoenix’s unsheltered homeless
PHOENIX – As Phoenix’s unsheltered homeless population continues to grow, a new collaborative street medicine program connects those in need to existing health care services.
Challenges to law could redefine Native American foster care, adoptions
PHOENIX - The Indian Child Welfare Act is designed to keep Native American children in Native families and communities, and in touch with their heritaage, but 40 years after its passage the law faces rising numbers of legal challenges and a critical courtroom loss.
Played among livestock, medicinal plants, ‘rez golf’ builds community among Navajo
LOW MOUNTAIN – “Rez golf,” played with secondhand clubs on rugged courses amid rocks, livestock and medicinal plants, is gaining popularity among Navajos.
Move over, single-use plastics: Gilbert company makes Earth-friendly replacements
GILBERT – An Arizona company is working to get rid of all single-use plastics in grocery stores. This year the Gilbert-based company, Footprint, started producing paper straws, and has plans to expand overseas.
Alzheimer’s disease also upends the finances and lives of those caring for patients
PHOENIX – More than 14 million people are expected to have Alzheimer’s by 2050, but the brain disease affects people of all ages as caregivers grapple with the social and financial costs of a devastating diagnosis.
Barley shortage tied to climate change could have you crying in your craft beer
PHOENIX – A recent global study said beer prices could double under extreme heat and drought trends. Phoenix-area breweries said that prediction, if true, would affect them the most. However, they believe they’ll be able to find ways to adapt to the rising temperatures and drought conditions.
Top federal water official gives states Jan. 31 deadline to pass Colorado River drought deal
LAS VEGAS – Water leaders throughout the West now have until Jan. 31 to finish deals that would keep the Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs from dropping to deadpool levels.
Hispanics, blacks more likely to develop Alzheimer’s; cardiovascular diseases may be a factor
LAVEEN – The family network of care for Santiago González has become, over the years, as familiar as the lyrics of his favorite music. The family is like those of many of more than millions diagnosed in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s. But older Hispanics are more likely than older whites to be diagnosed with the brain disease, which affects memory.
Honoring tradition: All-Indian rodeo brings together tribes for riding and dancing
WHITERIVER – Each summer since 1925, Native people have gathered in Whiteriver to test their skills in the saddle and celebrate who they are.
Time is running short for Colorado River managers to hammer out drought plan
LAS VEGAS – Water managers across the West, particularly in Arizona, are under pressure to implement a contingency plan to keep dwindling reservoirs from collapse.
Arizona delegation brings new faces, less seniority to next Congress
WASHINGTON - When the 116th Congress convenes in January, something notable will be missing in Arizona's delegation: About 73 years of collective Capitol Hill experience. The loss of senior members drops the delegation's average tenure from just under nine years in the last Congress to just over five now.
Same record, different culture: On heels of bowl loss, ASU players optimistic
LAS VEGAS – Even after ASU’s loss in Las Vegas Bowl, players are confident football culture is better in Tempe.
A year after its supposed demise, DACA renewals struggle along
WASHINGTON – A year after the Trump administration said it would end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program had received more than 230,000 DACA renewal applications after a court ordered the program kept alive while legal challenges played out - which they continue to do.
Newly empowered House Democrats set priorities for next Congress
WASHINGTON - The first order of business in the new Congress, HR 1, is a three-pronged package of top Democratic election reform efforts, a clear signal from Democrats that they want to flex their muscle after midterm elections saw the party gain 40 seats and retake control of the House.
BLM OKs pozzolan mine in Skull Valley, despite public fears and opposition
PRESCOTT – Despite public opposition, the federal government has given the green light to a pozzolan mine on public land southwest of Prescott. Pollozlan is used to fortify concrete.
Ducey taps McSally for McCain’s seat; state to have two women senators
WASHINGTON - Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, lost her bid to replace Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake this fall but won a seat in the Senate after all, when she was tapped Tuesday to replace the late Sen. John McCain, giving the state two female senators, both freshmen, in the next Congress.
Scientists to look for toxic metals in Lake Powell after Gold King Mine spill
PHOENIX – Three years after an accidental spill from a Colorado gold mine, scientists are getting the chance to thoroughly analyze its impact on Lake Powell. They’re looking for traces of toxic metals in wastewater accidentally released by the Colorado Gold King Mine in 2015.
Immigration reform likely to make – limited – gains in next Congress
WASHINGTON – Lawmakers and analysts believe there will be some progress on immigration reform after the new Congress is sworn in next month.
‘Nobody wants to be told what to eat’: Rising meat consumption contributing to climate change
PHOENIX – Americans are eating record amounts of beef, pork and chicken, despite campaigns to discourage consumption to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. One way is to educate younger people, but getting humans to switch behaviors is difficult.
Grijalva could bring dramatic shift as head of resources committee
WASHINGTON - After six years as the ranking Democrat on the House Naturall Resources Committee, Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, is in line to be its next chairman and he's promising vigorous oversight of the department whose secretary, Ryan Zinke, resigned before Democrats could take over.
Arizona, New Mexico and Sonora team up on deal to ship natural gas to Asia
PHOENIX – The governors of Arizona, New Mexico and Sonora, Mexico, have agreed to a four-year pact to promote the production and transmission of natural gas produced in New Mexico. The gas is to be piped through Arizona to Sonoran ports on the Sea of Cortez, where it will be processed and sent to Asia.
New Congress likely to resume torrid pace of judicial confirmations
WASHINGTON - Democrats are gearing up for change in Washington after their midterm election surge, but the GOP still holds the upper hand in judicial nominations, with the Senate likely to resume the torrid pace of confirmations for President Donald Trump's judicial nominees next year.
Mountains around Phoenix formed by eons of pushing, pulling and hitting
PHOENIX – How did the mountains surrounding the Phoenix area form? Some blocks rose to become mountains while others dropped to form valleys. This was the birth of the undulating basin and range system that today wraps around the Colorado Plateau.
First in Congress? Get in line, as more women, minorities head to Hill
WASHINGTON - When Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema is sworn in next week, she will be the first woman to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate - a distinction that barely stands out in a Congress filled with firsts, as more women and minority lawmakers head to Capitol Hill than ever before.
Going solo: These women find hiking alone to be empowering
PHOENIX – More women are getting outdoors to hike and camp, but not with a group and not with a man. They’re striking out alone. We talk to three of them.
In rural Pennsylvania, family detention a world away from the border
WASHINGTON – A former nursing home in eastern Pennsylvania has been converted to a family detention center immigrants, one of three such facilities in the country. Protesters want the facility shut down, but federal officials are eyeing ways to expand the number of such facilities.
Rolling easy: Barriers to hiking are falling for some with disabilities
PHOENIX – People with disabilities are finding allies and new ways to get outdoors. One of those allies is Ability360 of Arizona, which works to give people with different abilities the chance to live independently.
Hiking is for everyone, but not everyone feels welcome to hike
PHOENIX – Not everyone feels welcome on hiking trails, for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s about physical ability. Sometimes it’s about transportation. And sometimes it’s about the color of your skin.
Educators hope that ‘Year of the Teacher’ could be first of many
WASHINGTON - Sparked by movements like Arizona's "Red for Ed," a record 1,800 teachers were on ballots across the U.S. this fall and an estimated 1,100 won, not a perfect score but what educators believe is the start of a movement toward more activism and more attention to their issues.
ASU groundskeeper leaves his stamp on Cheez-It Bowl
TEMPE – Meet Brian Johnson, Arizona State’s athletic grounds facilities manager. He spends the bulk of his time during football season caring for the fields at Sun Devil Stadium, but he recently helped with the Cheez-It Bowl at Chase Field.
Cuts in refugee admission defended as necessary, decried as ‘disastrous’
WASHINGTON - Three months after the Trump administration cut the number of refugees the U.S. will accept to the lowest level since 1980, aid groups in Arizona say they are already feeling the effects of the move they call disastrous but supporters say is necessary.
‘Our stories need to be told’: Grand Canyon park enlisting Native input as it marks 100 years
FLAGSTAFF – Native voices are being heard as Grand Canyon National Park gets ready to celebrate its centennial next year. Park officials are converting the Desert View overlook and watchtower into a cultural site featuring tribes who have called the canyon home for hundreds of years.
Phoenix and some companies offer options for recycling holiday lights
PHOENIX – Phoenix now offers light-recycling services. Residents can drop off lights at one of two transfer stations, starting the day after Christmas.
New houses, built to fire code, burned down anyway in California’s 2017 Thomas Fire
LOS ANGELES – California's building codes are not keeping up with the severe, wind-driven wildfires that are becoming the norm.
With changing sports climate, Pac-12’s black coaches feel responsibility to guide athletes
PHOENIX – Pac-12’s black coaches use their own history to help navigate the waters of social debate for their young players -- the majority of whom are black -- while reconciling issues of personal growth, future marketing concerns and public backlash.
Profits and flames: Private firefighters an option for the wealthy
BOISE, Idaho – Some insurance companies are including private firefighting as part of coverage.
Tree rings give clues as to how climate change could shift drought in the Sonoran Desert
TUCSON – The tree ring lab at the University of Arizona recently looked at tree rings to make conclusions about shifts in the tropical belt for 800 years.
From 0-12 to undefeated: UCF one of most ‘intriguing stories in college football’
SCOTTSDALE – Thanks to a senior class that persevered through a winless season, UCF is on the doorstep of back-to-back New Year’s Six bowl wins.
Filling bellies and landfills: Meal prep kits are convenient, but at a cost
LOS ANGELES – Those prepared meal kits delivered to your door offer quick convenience, but they leave a larger environmental footprint than you might think. They also require consumers to think about proper disposal of packaging, particularly plastics.
Report: Arizona kids more fit than U.S. kids, but U.S. is pretty sorry
WASHINGTON - Arizona's schoolkids are doing better than their peers nationally when it comes to physical activity, according to a national report card.But that's nothing to brag about: The report card said kids nationwide are not even close to being active enough.
Bridging baseball’s language gap: Journey of D-Backs’ Takahashi shows value of being multilingual
SCOTTSDALE – Baseball has become increasingly bilingual in the last half century, with more than a quarter of major league players coming from Latin American countries. No person is more emblematic of the uniqueness of this setting and this sport than the D-Backs’ Takahashi.
In Fiesta Bowl, LSU kicker Tracy breaks ASU Gonzalez’s record, thanks Desert Vista’s Culp
LSU kicker ColeTracy breaks Zane Gonzalez’s record, thanks Desert Vista’s Connor Culp after Fiesta Bowl performance.
Mexican immigrants in U.S. continue drop, driven by politics, economics
WASHINGTON - The number of Mexican-born immigrants in the United States dropped by about 300,000 people between 2016 and 2017, according to Census Bureau data, part of a years-long shift that experts say is likely driven by changes on both sides of the border.
Save water, drink beer: Camp Verde collaboration swaps corn for barley
CAMP VERDE – A collaboration among Camp Verde farmers, investors and the Nature Conservancy has reduced Verde River water usage by getting farmers to swap our summer corn for winter barley, a key ingredient in beer.
With deadline looming, can Arizona Legislature agree to complex drought plan?
PHOENIX – Arizona’s 90 lawmakers have to approve a Drought Contingency Plan by the end of January, but can they digest the complexities and produce a plan that’s equitable for farms and cities?
Additional carcinogens prompt changes at groundwater plant at Tucson Superfund site
PHOENIX – The operators of a treatment plant near a Superfund site in Tucson have made some changes after the discovery of perfluorinated chemicals in groundwater. Authorities blame the contamination on manufacturing activities and unlined landfills near the airport decades ago.
Food insecurity a challenge for nearly half of college students in the U.S.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 48 percent of college students in 2016 reported food insecurity. Some universities, including Arizona State University and Santa Monica College in California, have programs to help.
Nonprofit shop is a hub for Tempe cycling community – and a recycling project
TEMPE – Bike Saviours, a cooperative in Tempe, not only teaches customers how to fix their bikes, its volunteers help them build bikes from scratch using donated parts.
Officials hopeful ‘fire funding fix’ helps tame brutal wildfire seasons
WASHINGTON – After years of wrangling, Congress last year passed the "fire funding fix" that creates a $2.25 billion emergency fund that federal officials can tap when the cost of fighting wildfires exceeds the budget, as it has done regularly for years now.
Former Arizona forester taps years of history in new Forest Service job
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona State Forester Vicki Christiansen will draw on her years of experience as she takes on her new role as chief of the U.S. Forest Service, which faces problems of funds, growing wildfires and a lingering culture of harassment at the agency.
Future for Mexican solar seems bright, even under new administration
HERMOSILLO, Mexico – Several large solar projects in Sonora are soon to come fully online, including one of the largest in Latin America. Much of this expansion came from energy reforms pushed by President Enrique Peña Nieto, but with a new administration in power, will the progress continue?
Phoenix couple’s nonprofit helps more Haitian children get adopted
PHOENIX – Craig and Kathi Juntunen adopted three children from Haiti, and that experience inspired the couple in 2006 to launch Chances for Children, a foundation for Haitian orphans.
Beetles vs. birds: What happens when fighting nature with nature backfires?
COTTONWOOD – Beetles used in a biological control program from nearly two decades ago continue to threaten nesting habitat for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
Wonders of ancient city of Teotihuacan inspire Phoenix artist
PHOENIX – Phoenix artist Diana Calderon continues to draw inspiration from a trip two years ago to Teotihuacan, an ancient city in central Mexico known for its enormous stone temples and monuments. But she doesn’t have to travel nearly as far now, thanks to an exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum.
On eighth anniversary of shooting, Giffords in D.C. to support gun bill
WASHINGTON - Eight years to the day after an attack that killed six and wounded 13, one of those victims, former Tucson Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, was back in Washington Tuesday to tell Congress it's time to act on gun control.
Partnerships are crucial to saving dogs at Maricopa County shelter
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is always tight on funds and its facilities overcrowded. But thanks to creative marketing and partnerships, the county is able to place 95 percent of the dogs in homes.
Pride in the ‘two-spirited’: Navajo LGBTQ youth find unlikely champions in their elders
UPPER FRUITLAND, N.M – Lesbian, gay and bisexual Navajo youngsters are getting support from their elders, who believe that “two-spirited” people have sacred roles to play in traditional Navajo society.
Special K: Despite skepticism, Cardinals believe they have winner in Kliff Kingsbury
TEMPE – In one of the more divisive hirings of the NFL offseason, the Arizona Cardinals introduced Kliff Kingsbury as their new head coach Wednesday.
Shutdown, additional requests for water could disrupt Arizona drought plan
PHOENIX – The federal government’s partial shutdown is hampering Arizona’s efforts to forge a drought contingency plan, and requests for additional water could make the task even more difficult.
As shutdown drags on, some lawmakers defer pay – but only for now
WASHINGTON - As thousands of federal workers in Arizona go without pay this month, at least six members of the state's congressional delegation are deferring their salaries while the government shutdown lasts, and some have vowed to turn their paychecks over to charity.
Bill targeting ‘unfair’ trade in Mexican produce would raise prices, critics say
NOGALES – Fruit and vegetable growers in Arizona and Mexico say a bill in Congress intended to address unfair practices by Mexican growers would help producers in Florida but force higher prices for U.S. consumers.
Court says Tucson woman can use battered woman syndrome as defense
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ordered a new trial for a Tucson woman who was convicted of illegally buying a gun for a violent former boyfriend, saying she was wrongly denied the chance to present evidence of battered woman syndrome in her defense.
Milstead, after White House event, says wall is needed for border ‘crisis’
WASHINGTON - Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Frank Milstead, after a White House meeting on border security, said there is an "ongoing crisis" at the border and he called on Washington to fund a border wall to help stop it.
‘Let’s get to work’: Ducey touts accomplishments, lists water and education as top priorities
PHOENIX – In his annual address to the Arizona Legislature, Gov. Doug Ducey said he was “ready to get back to work” and that both Republicans and Democrats “think there is common ground to work together.” But newly ascendent Democrats vowed things will be different this legislative session.
Biggs, Gosar among handful to oppose back pay for furloughed feds
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said that furloughed federal workers will get back pay when the government shutdown ends, but a bill to do just that was opposed by Arizona Republican.Reps. Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar because it would apply to future shutdowns as well.
New fellowships help train doctors in battle against drug addictions
PHOENIX – The opioid crisis has underscored the shortage of U.S. doctors trained in addiction medicine, but two new Arizona fellowships hope to encourage more doctors to enter the field.
ASU’s visit to Navajo Nation was about more than just basketball
FORT DEFIANCE – The Arizona State women’s basketball team went to the Navajo Reservation to play basketball. It came back with a greater understanding of the Navajo culture.
Supreme Court won’t hear Arizona law denying bail in sex-assault cases
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to revive a voter-approved Arizona law that would deny bail to suspects in sexual assault cases, declining without comment to review a 2018 Arizona Supreme Court ruling that struck the law down as unconstitutional.
Lawmakers, advocates say shutdown’s impact hits hardest in tribal areas
WASHINGTON - House Democrats called together experts to testify on the challenges that urban and rural tribal communities are facing on health, accessibility and land management under the government shutdown, now the longest in history at 25 days Tuesday.
Arizona’s drought plan faces several obstacles, and time is just one of them
PHOENIX – Arizona lawmakers say they’ve made progress on a drought contingency plan, but much remains to be done before a Jan. 31 deadline imposed by federal water managers.
Roll with it: Toilet paper, trash show brisk business at Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - Despite a partial government shutdown, the Grand Canyon is still doing a brisk business, according to an unusual measure: Workers took out tons more trash and took in miles more toilet paper over the holidays than they would over a typical holiday season.
Arizona mom joins activists protesting Wheeler nomination to head EPA
WASHINGTON - Phoenix environmental activist Columba Sainz joined other moms Wednesday in Washington, where members of the Moms Clean Air Force turned out to oppose Andrew Wheeler's nomination as the next head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
With no JC football left in state, 11 players file lawsuit alleging ‘racial bias’
PHOENIX – With no junior college football left in state, a group of football players at schools in the Maricopa County Community College District are alleging in a suit that the move unlawfully eliminates opportunities for minority students.
4 No More Deaths volunteers found guilty of entering refuge, abandoning property
TUCSON – Four No More Deaths volunteers were found guilty on Friday for charges involving leaving aid in restricted areas of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
A trip to India set Cindy McCain on a mission against human trafficking
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey and Cindy McCain, co-chair of the Arizona Human Trafficking Council, discussed their work to slow human trafficking and work with traumatized victims. The council has trained 31,000 people – first responders, counselors, nurses, and juvenile probation officers – so spot signs of human trafficking
Citing discrimination, JC football players explain suit against MCCCD
Citing racial bias, junior college football players explain suit against Maricopa County Community College District.
Court: Tucson man wrongly jailed cannot collect for years behind bars
WASHINGTON - A Tucson man who spent 42 years in prison on 28 arson-related murder counts that were later vacated cannot now collect damages for the years he spent behind bars, a federal appeals court ruled, adding that it took "no pleasure in reaching this unfortunate result,"
March madness: Arizonans head to Washington for busy weekend of demonstrations
WASHINGTON - Arizonans Miguel Valladares and Amanda Blackhorse are in Washington this weekend to march for a cause.But not the same cause. And not the same march.They are among thousands packing the city for three major marches in two days, followed by Monday's MLK Day parade.
‘Maverick Mural’ in Scottsdale provokes squabble over property rights
SCOTTSDALE – A mural honoring Sen. John McCain in Scottsdale’s Old Town arts district has been put on hold because a local business owner objected, claiming his property rights have been infringed upon.
Rainy day fund, drought and teacher pay: Ducey proposes 2020 budget
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20 would set aside twice as much as last year for a rainy day, continue a salary hike for teachers and prepare the state for water shortages in the future.
Time is right: Pacers among behind-the-scenes stars of Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon
Rarely acknowledged, pacers are the unsung heroes of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix.
At Indigenous Peoples March, different reservations, same stories
WASHINGTON - The first-ever Indigenous Peoples March brought thousands from all over the country and as far away as Australia and the Caribbean to raise awareness on issues many attendees share, from violence violence against Native women to environmental problems.
March for Life draws upbeat pro-life crowd on chilly Washington day
WASHINGTON - Arizonans joined tens of thousands in Washington at the 46th March for Life, an annual gathering to protest the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognized a woman's right to an abortion, but marchers this year were optimistic that the tide may be turning their way.
Arizonans travel to D.C. for ‘powerful and electrifying’ Women’s March
WASHINGTON - The crowd was smaller and the emotions may have been less raw, but for thousands who turned out Saturday for the Women's March in Washington the event was still "powerful and electrifying," as one Arizona resident put it. It was echoed by "sister" marches around the country.
Asian-Americans working to make their voices heard in Arizona
PHOENIX - The Asian population in the U.S. has grown faster than any major ethnic or racial group in the past 15 years but in Arizona, where they account for just 3.5 percent of the population, it can be easy to be overlooked. But a group of advocates is out to change that.
Drought hangover: ‘OK’ snowpack in Colorado won’t be enough to replenish reservoirs
GREELEY, Colo. – Despite decent snowpack in the Southern Rockies, drought and heat have sapped soil moisture in the Colorado River Basin, which leaves the vast area “in a deep hole” in terms of refilling dwindling reservoirs.
Future of Suns, Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix causing angst
PHOENIX – With the potential of the Diamondbacks and Suns leaving downtown Phoenix, growth of the area could slow down.
Arizona’s indigenous women led the Phoenix Women’s March
PHOENIX – At the head of this years Phoenix Women’s March were indigenous women bringing awareness to missing and murdered native women.
Thousands march in downtown Phoenix to celebrate MLK Day
PHOENIX – On Martin Luther King Day, thousands of people marched in the streets of downtown Phoenix to remember him
Arizona high court hears appeal of Phoenix law protecting LGBT rights
PHOENIX – The Arizona Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over the non-discrimination ordinance Phoenix approved in 2013 to protect the rights of gay Americans. The Christian owners of a calligraphy studio argue the law violates their rights to free speech and religion.
Arizona comes up short again on highway-safety report for lack of laws
WASHINGTON - A new report says Arizona continues to be one of the worst states in the nation for its highway safety laws, falling "dangerously behind in adoption of ... optimal laws," but state officials disputed the report that they said overlooks many of the state's traffic-safety efforts.
Year after young daughter suffers stroke, father celebrates recovery by running marathon
TEMPE – Neal Oseland runs the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon to celebrate his daughter Megan’s inspiring recovery from a stroke last February.
Opinions divided on whether former ASU standout Barry Bonds belongs in Hall of Fame
PHOENIX – Opinions are split on whether former Arizona State standout Barry Bonds will find his way into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
What’s next for No More Deaths after latest convictions of volunteers?
TUCSON – No More Deaths has a long history of battling authorities over the aid the group provides for migrants along the border. Now that four more volunteers have been convicted, what’s next for the group?
Done deal: Phoenix City Council approves renovation of Suns’ Talking Stick Resort Arena
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council voted 6 to 2 in favor of a $230 million arena deal for the Phoenix Suns.
Arizona Corporation Commission adopts first rules to encourage electric vehicles
PHOENIX – Arizona last month adopted its first policies to encourage electric vehicle use. It won’t come cheaply, but the costs of incentives and infrastructure could actually be less than the environmental and health costs of the status quo.
Mannion attracts headlines but Pinnacle’s Brown turning heads, too
PHOENIX – Pinnacle’s Nico Mannion snags headlines but teammate Trent Brown turning heads, too.
‘Enough is enough’: State considers cellphone ban for drivers weeks after officer’s death
PHOENIX – Three weeks after Officer Clayton Townsend was hit and killed at a traffic stop, allegedly by a motorist who was driving and texting, state Sen. Kate Brophy McGee introduced a “hands-free” bill to prohibit the use of a cell-phone in a moving vehicle.
Giles, other mayors blast plan to ask citizenship status on 2020 Census
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles derided the Trump administration's plan to ask people their citizenship status on the 2020 census, calling it a "just stupid" move that could lead to undercounts that cost local governments federal funding and congressional representation.
Central Arizona Project supports draft legislation for drought contingency plan
PHOENIX – The board of the Central Arizona Project on Thursday voted to support the draft legislation for the Drought Contingency Plan, a major water savings deal in the Colorado River basin.
Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix brings snow to the desert
PHOENIX – The Foundation for Blind Children had a snow day, and for many students, it was their first time experiencing it.
It’s the law that can’t be obeyed: Firms hire with E-Verify on hiatus
WASHINGTON – Arizona law requires businesses to use E-Verify, a system that checks job applicants' citizenship status, but with the government shutdown halting the service employers have to roll the dice and hope any new hires check out after government, and the service, come back.
Congressional leaders, Trump reach deal to reopen government – for now
WASHINGTON – White House and congressional officials announced a plan to temporarily reopen the federal government Friday, as the partial government shutdown was about to begin its sixth week and furloughed workers were set to skip a second paycheck.
Venezuelans in the Valley rally in support of Venezuela’s new opposition leader
TEMPE – The Venezuelan community in Arizona gathered to express support for Juan Guaidó and optimism for the future of Venezuela.
Asylum seekers coming through the southern border ordered to wait in Mexico
PHOENIX – Asylum seekers coming through the southern border ordered to wait in Mexico.
From ‘green blob’ to majestic sentinel: The science of saguaros
PHOENIX – Saguaros are known around the world as a symbol of the American West, but scientists still are unlocking the secrets to how these giants grow and why they only grow in the Sonoran Desert.
Arizona skateboards shred the Union Hills Classic competition
GLENDALE – Arizona skateboarders competed in Cowtown Skateboards’ Union Hills Classic skateboarding competition
‘STOLEN’: Arizona approves digital license plates
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has approved digital license plates for use in Arizona, which is the second state to do so after California.
Open season: PGA Tour’s most popular tournament is underway
SCOTTSDALE – The Waste Management Phoenix Open kicked off Monday with the Kadima.Ventures Pro-Am and practice rounds for PGA Tour pros.
Shutdown cost economy $11 billion, but long-term effects likely minimal
WASHINGTON - The five-week government shutdown shaved as much as $11 billion off the gross domestic product while it lasted, and while much of that lost activity will come back when federal workers are repaid, other officials said the impact on individuals should not be minimized.
Apple of his eye: Children inspire visually impaired runner after lifetime of heartache
GILBERT – After a lifetime of heartache, Ryan Davies finds motivation in running marathons.
Standing up for veterans who need haircuts, housing and other help
PHOENIX – Stand Down, a nationwide event conducted in Maricopa County for nearly two decades, once served only about 200 people. But in January, thousands descended on the State Fairgrounds for services from barbers, doctors and judges.
Former ASU teammates raise money, awareness for spinal cord injuries
PHOENIX – Cory Hahn and Trevor Williams created Project 34 and launched Dingers in the Desert, a home run derby to benefit those who have suffered spinal injuries.
The (baseball) stars come out for Day 2 of Waste Management Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Day Two of the Waste Management Phoenix Open featured Special Olympics and several baseball stars, including Archie Bradley.
How Arizona national parks survived the longest government shutdown in U.S. history
GRAND CANYON – With community help, the two national parks in Arizona that remained open during the federal government shutdown are still beautiful and saw little negative impact.
Special Olympians, local celebrities take center stage at Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Herm Edwards, Archie Bradley among those sharing stage with Special Olympics at Phoenix Open.
‘Afflicted not addicted’: Chronic pain sufferers rally for access to opioids
PHOENIX – About 40 people rallied at the Arizona Capitol Tuesday to support chronic pain sufferers, who said state laws that limited opioid prescriptions to alleviate a national crisis also restrict access to people who desperately need them.
Pentagon defends use of active-duty troops to support border security
WASHINGTON - Pentagon officials told House lawmakers that there's nothing unusual about the 2,300 active-duty troops at the border, saying it mirrors deployments under previous administrations, but critics said the use of forces other than the National Guard is "highly unusual."
Estrada says border wall alone is not the best way to stem drug trafficking
WASHINGTON - Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada said a border wall would do "very little" to stop the flow of drugs, most of which come in to the U.S. through ports of entry, which require more personnel and better technology.
Arizona bills to expand non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ have bipartisan support
PHOENIX – Arizona lawmakers have tried in previous sessions to update the state’s non-discrimination laws to add protections for the LGBTQ community, but they failed to gain enough traction. They’re trying once again. This time, with more bipartisan support.
Tucson faces potential legal battle with state over sanctuary city petition
TUCSON – Voters will decide if the petition becomes city code, but the courts will decide if it stays.
Waste Management Phoenix Open finding creative ways to remain ‘greenest show on turf’
SCOTTSDALE – With more sustainability initiatives than ever, the WMPO looks to complete their seventh zero-waste year.
Celebrities, weather talk dominate Day 3 of Waste Management Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – For all the entertainment celebrities provided during Day 3 of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, an undercurrent of concern was present, too, about rain that could reveal itself this weekend.
From Justin Verlander to Jake Owen, celebrities showcase their skills at Phoenix Open Pro-Am
SCOTTSDALE – The WMPO brought together various celebrities and professionals to participate in the 2019 Annexus Pro-Am
Look out, Phoenix Open 16th hole, you may have some competition
SCOTTSDALE – Upgrades around TPC Scottsdale to help improve the fan experience at the Waste Management Phoenix Open are already paying dividends on the first day of the tournament.
Archie Bradley loses clubs, Justin Thomas gains (more) respect at Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Archie Bradley loses his clubs, Justin Thomas gains even more respect on Day 4 of Phoenix Open.
Despite gaps in science, cloud seeding embraced by some water managers
WOLCOTT, Colo. – Cloud seeding, in which silver iodide is introduced into snow storms, has been around for years, despite solid science on its effectiveness. But with ongoing drought and a warming climate, more water experts in the West are willing to give it a chance.
Arizona lawmakers agree on crucial drought contingency plan
ELOY – Arizona lawmakers approve a drought contingency plan that addresses declines in water levels in Lake Mead, the Colorado River reservoir that provides water to many users in Arizona.
Number of Arizonans who see climate change as ‘serious problem’ jumps
WASHINGTON - The number of Arizonans who believe climate change is a "serious problem" has grown sharply in recent years, according to a poll that claims Western-state voters worried about water and climate issues and disappointed in recent federal rollback of environmental protections.
Turnaround in Tucson: Adia Barnes restoring winning culture at Arizona
TUCSON – Arizona hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2005. But this season, under former Wildcats standout Adia Barnes, they are on the cusp of ending the drought.
Transgender troops in limbo as courts, Pentagon debate right to serve
WASHINGTON - Since leaving her dream job as a Navy pilot because she is transgender, Brynn Tannehill has seen her hopes of re-enlisting repeatedly raised and dashed as the Pentagon and the courts flip-flop on the issue, leaving Tannehill and thousands of other service members waiting and watching.
Rickie Fowler rebounds to victory, rain doesn’t slow Phoenix Open final round
SCOTTSDALE – Rickie Fowler takes lead, Jarrod Lyle honored, rain threatens Sunday's early tee times at Phoenix Open.
Late push for Salton Sea improvements complicates Colorado River drought plan
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Arizona approved a drought contingency plan ahead of a federal deadline Thursday, but the state and California still have work to do before the deal can be implemented. California is taking water from Lake Mead in case the plan fails.
Anxiety and uncertainty for Arizona transgender veterans after Supreme Court ruling
TUCSON – A recent Supreme Court ruling allows Trump’s ban on transgenders in the military to go into effect. Sue McConnell, a Vietnam veteran, shares her story of survival as a transgender in the military.
Bald eagle web cam at Lake Pleasant captures real-time drama of survival
LAKE PLEASANT – It’s bald eagle nesting season in Arizona, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department has a web camera trained on an eagle nest at Lake Pleasant.
Rain falls, Fowler rises: Best moments from the Waste Management Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – The Waste Management Phoenix Open hasn't always been kind to Rickie Fowler. For a short time on Sunday, it looked like that might be the case again.
James Harden back on old stomping grounds, ready to conquer NBA streak, Suns
SCOTTSDALE – James Harden is back in old stomping crowds, ready to conquer NBA streak, Phoenix Suns.
Pentagon more than doubles active-duty troops deployed to border
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department will send an additional 3,750 active-duty troops to the southern border to string razor wire help with surveillance, bringing the number of soldiers supporting Customs and Border Protection officers to 4,350.
Move it: Educators encouraged by early results of Arizona recess law
PHOENIX – Recently passed Arizona recess law requiring two recess periods per day has already made a positive impact on students.
Experts give 4 reasons why Trump can’t declare a national emergency to build a wall
PHOENIX – Two legal experts say President Trump can’t use a national emergency to build a border wall.
Arizona lawmakers deliver messages with State of the Union guests
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers can each bring a guest to the State of the Union address and most do it to send a subtle - or not so subtle - message. Arizona lawmakers are no different, with guests including a Border Patrol agent and a DACA, a teacher and a conservative talk show host.
Give it time, high school football’s Open Division will be a hit, California officials say
PHOENIX – A deeper look into the Arizona Interscholastic Association's new Open Division for high school football.
Poll: Phoenix residents want answers about government shutdown during State of the Union
PHOENIX – An informal poll on President Trump’s State of the Union address showed most respondents want him to discuss the recent government shutdown.
Trump call for unity appears to do little to sway divided Congress
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump used his first speech to a divided Congress to call for unity and a plea to "govern not as two parties, but as one nation." But the reaction to his State of the Union address fell largely along party lines, which was mirrored in the Arizona delegation's response.
A Sunday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open with amateur golfer Matthew Wolff
SCOTTSDALE – In his PGA Tour debut, Oklahoma State golfer Matthew Wolff finished 3-under and tied for 50th at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Clean-water permits take longest in Arizona, study of Southwestern states says
PHOENIX – It takes longer to get a construction permit under the Clean Water Act in Arizona than in any other Southwestern state, a new University of California-Irvine study says. The question is why.
Arizona food banks prepare for possible government shutdown – again
PHOENIX – Food banks that helped furloughed federal employees learned lessons that will help if the government shuts down again.
Life in the G League: Northern Arizona Suns stay mentally prepared for the call-up
PRESCOTT VALLEY – Life in the G League can feel as if it is the furthest thing from professional basketball. Teams play in small gyms in front of sparse crowds in cities without international airports. But it is also a place where Northern Arizona Suns plays can chase their dreams.
Where’s the hype? National Signing Day much quieter with NCAA rule changes
TEMPE – The hype that used to accompany national signing day is no long present. The NCAA's decision to add an early signing period has changed the dynamic.
‘Done’ isn’t done: What’s happening with the Colorado River drought plans?
GREELEY, Colo. – The Drought Contingency Plan is designed to rein in water use and — at least for six years — prevent the whole system from crashing.
Discussion of Arizona basketball unrest finds its way to Board of Regents meeting
TEMPE – Although many thought the storm surrounding the Arizona men’s basketball program had dissipated, new developments have put the program back in the national spotlight.
Nogales demands removal of razor wire CBP added to downtown border fence
NOGALES – Nogales residents are upset at the federal government’s refusal to remove the concertina wire, saying it’s a safety hazard and a threat to the city’s economy.
Grand Canyon, other parks, to be reimbursed for funds spent in shutdown
WASHINGTON - The National Park Service will reimburse parks, like the Grand Canyon, that were forced to dip into local maintenance funds to stay open during the government shutdown. But critics say parks should never have had to use their own funding to stay open and worry about long-term effects.
Senate postpones debate on bill that would legalize sports betting across state
PHOENIX – The Committee of Commerce removed SB 1158 from today’s agenda due to new revisions and amendments such as the removal of the emergency clause need to be made to the bill prior to a vote.
West Nile virus now is a permanent part of Arizona’s ecosystem, study finds
PHOENIX – A study from Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute discovered the sometimes-fatal disease known as West Nile virus is in Arizona to stay. It also found that Maricopa County is a breeding ground for infestations in adjoining states.
Dolphins in the desert: Can they be properly cared for in Arizona?
PHOENIX – The fourth dolphin death since 2017 has prompted the closure of Dolphinaris Arizona east of Scottsdale while experts investigate. But can dolphins thrive in captivity, especially in the desert?
Arizona, other states in ‘governors challenge’ target veteran suicides
WASHINGTON - Arizona was one of seven states that met with federal officials and veterans groups in Washington to map out a strategy for reversing the high rate of suicides among vets, a particular problem in Arizona which had the sixth-highest veteran suicide rate in the nation in 2016.
Arm injuries for young pitchers? AIA, athletes take strides toward prevention
PHOENIX – Due to the rise of arm injuries in youth baseball, physical therapy and pitch counts are ways to prevent serious injury.
Fischer Institute teams with JAWKU to help athletes improve crucial 40-yard dash times
PHOENIX – JAWKU, Fischer Institute partnering to more accurately test athletes prior to March’s NFL combine.
Pro-life groups seize on Trump call for federal late-term abortion ban
WASHINGTON - Even though Arizona has some of the strongest anti-abortion laws in the nation, pro-life advocates hailed President Donald Trump's call last week for a federal ban on late-term abortions, as pro-choice gave such a measure little chance of succeeding in a divided Congress.
Keel: State of Native nations ‘strong,’ but feds need to do their part
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders Monday called on federal lawmakers to avoid another government shutdown, saying the 35-day shutdown that ended in January was felt across Indian Country, hitting everything from housing to tribes' efforts at economic development.
An open House: Jaelen proud of dad Eddie but readily admits he has own big-time goals
PHOENIX – Jaelen House has a famous dad but he’s determined to set his own mark.
Pride defines historic day as top female wrestlers compete in state high school tournament
PRESCOTT – Pride, excitement highlight girls’ participating in first AIA state wrestling championship.
45-mile walk shows solidarity against mine planned under land tribes consider sacred
OAK FLAT – Dozens protest in hopes of keeping sacred land alive.
Officials testify on climate change’s outsized effect on Indian Country
WASHINGTON - An Inupiaq witness said melting glaciers led to erosion around rural villages. A Quinault Indian Nation member said treaty-protected fishing has dried up. And a Tohono O'odham official said floods are stronger and droughts longer. All were testifying on the effects of climate change on Indian Country.
Kelly announces Senate bid, opening high-stakes race to unseat McSally
WASHINGTON - Former astronaut Mark Kelly said he will seek the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2020, jumpstarting what experts were already predicting would be one of the "most competitive" races of the year in the bist to unseat Republican Sen. Martha McSally.
‘In God We Trust’ license plates spark funding furor
PHOENIX – The specialty license plate “In God We Trust” has come under fire because Alliance Defending Freedom, the group behind the plate, is designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its anti-LGBTQ views.
Phoenix mayoral candidates face off over light rail, Suns arena and homelessness
PHOENIX – Phoenix mayoral candidates Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela debated how to approach issues like the Suns’ arena renovations, light rail expansion and homelessness at the Burton Barr Library.
$300,000 down the drain: Rubber ducky, grease and currency clog treatment plant, cost taxpayers
SURPRISE – Surprise residents toss toys, money and food byproducts like grease into their drains that end up clogging equipment at the Surprise South Water Reclamation Facility. A new campaign teaches Surprise residents to save taxpayer money with proper disposal.
Arizona’s top 10 specialty license plates
PHOENIX – Arizona offers more than 60 specialty license plates, according to ADOT. The most popular plates include veterans, Arizona Cardinals, and military support.
As border budget talks wind down, rhetoric from warring sides heats up
WASHINGTON - As congressional negotiators reportedly closed in on a border-security funding compromise, advocates on both sides were complaining about the deal - with immigration advocates saying it gives too much, and strong-border supporters saying it needs to give more.
Senate OKs open-space bill, reviving Land and Water Conservation Fund
WASHINGTON - After months of gridlock, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill that permanently authorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a popular program that sent almost $240 million to Arizona for parks and open space projects over the years before expiring last fall.
No longer on the fringe: Technology makes golf accessible to disabled community
PHOENIX - Golf is accessible to the disabled community through technology such as the Paramobile
Moms Demand Action supports bill to ban guns for people convicted of domestic violence
PHOENIX – Moms Demand Action, a group committed to ending gun violence, talked with state lawmakers to lobby for support of SB 1219.
Employees hustle ‘nonstop’ to meet blossoming demand for Valentine’s Day roses
PHOENIX – Workers at a Phoenix flower wholesale distributor say demand for Valentine’s Day roses has spiked in recent years.
New name, upgrades unveiled at Milwaukee Brewers’ Maryvale stadium
PHOENIX – After nearly 10 months of restorations, the Milwaukee Brewers unveiled changes to their spring training facility earlier this week, including a new name.
Sinema joins GOP, two Democrats, to confirm Barr as attorney general
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema was one of just three Democrats who crossed party lines and voted to confirm William Barr as attorney general, despite critics' concerns that Barr might not defend probes of the Trump administration. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, also voted for Barr.
Hatchery near Flagstaff undergoes $3.3 million in renovations to raise trout in the desert
FLAGSTAFF – Sterling Springs Hatchery near Flagstaff is undergoing a $3.3 million renovation to repair old infrastructure, as well as add technology that will allow the facility to operate with less water, all in an effort to grow fish in the desert.
Arizona reaction to Trump’s border emergency splits along party lines
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers' reaction to President Donald Trump's declaration of a national border security emergency split along party lines, with Democrats calling it "fear-mongering" that sets "a dangerous precedent" while Republicans said the action is needed to "protect American lives."
Constitutional experts express concerns after Trump declares state of emergency
PHOENIX – President Trump declared a national state of emergency on Friday, and law experts are worried about the legality of the action as well as which statutory powers the president will seize.
Supreme Court to decide if 2020 Census can ask about citizenship
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court agreed to fast-track a case asking whether the Census Bureau can ask people their citizenship status, a move that advocates and local government officials fear will suppress immigrant participation in the count that is used to allot congressional seats and federal funds.
Find a lawyer: Arizona Bar’s online site matches clients, attorneys
PHOENIX – People can post their legal needs on the State Bar of Arizona’s Find-a-Lawyer online service to seek the right attorney for their needs. The pilot program is part of national trend to simplify the process of hiring an attorney to settle disputes.
A CO₂ sponge: Arizona scientist working to combat rising carbon dioxide levels
TEMPE – A recent study shows an uptick in carbon dioxide levels last year, meanwhile scientists at Arizona State University’s Center for Negative Carbon Emissions are working on innovative technology that captures the greenhouse gas from the atmosphere.
UA professor sues state over denial of health-care coverage to transgender employees
TUCSON – Transgender state employees in Arizona are excluded from insurance coverage of transition surgery and related medical treatments, according to a lawsuit filed by University of Arizona professor Russell Toomey. The ACLU-backed suit says the policy violates his civil and constitutional rights.
Lawsuits, rallies protest Trump declaration of national border emergency
WASHINGTON - Hundreds gathered outside the White House to protest President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, a move the protesters called a "massive abuse of presidential power" that is not an actual emergency.
‘I have 100 percent trust’: Nico Mannion remains confident in commitment to Arizona
PHOENIX – Even after coaching changes, top Arizona basketball recruit Mannion reaffirms his commitment to Sean Miller, Arizona.
Betting on your favorite teams still on hold in Arizona Legislature
PHOENIX – With the reversal of PASPA, sports gambling has been a hot topic. What would it look like in Arizona and how much value does it really have to the state?
Luke AFB F-35 facility funds could be tapped for border wall emergency
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers vowed to fight the loss of any funding at Luke Air Force Base, where up to $40 million in construction projects could be tapped under President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration that could divert billions from Pentagon projects toward a border wall.
Senate bill would outlaw dropping off early ballots on Election Day
PHOENIX – Senate Bill 1046 would prevent voters who receive their early ballots in the mail from dropping them off on Election Day. Advocates say it would simplify elections and opponents say it would hamper voter rights.
Arizona junior college baseball a proven feeder system to next level
PHOENIX – Junior college baseball players provide an immediate impact for teams as Arizona State and Grand Canyon work to keep local junior college talent in the state.
16 states file lawsuit against Trump’s national emergency; Arizona isn’t one of them
PHOENIX – President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border on Friday, prompting 16 states to file a complaint against him. Arizona was not one of them.
Lane change: Old road recycled to build a new stretch of I-10
PICACHO – What happens to roads after they’re torn out? About 80 million tons of asphalt are recycled every year throughout the U.S., but the Arizona Department of Transportation is using old pavement from Interstate 10 to build new eastbound lanes near this unincorporated community.
Bill would have repealed requirement that doctors try to save fetuses that survive abortion
PHOENIX – Members of the Arizona House Judiciary Committee debated a bill that would repeal a law that requires doctors to attempt to save the lives of babies born alive during an abortion, showing battle-scarred divisions.
Produce rescue: Nogales group feeds vulnerable communities as it fights food waste
TEMPE – A nonprofit organization in Nogales assists elderly, low-income, undocumented and disabled people in Arizona by giving them affordable fruits and vegetables.
Scientists downplay radiation threat from uranium ore stored at the Grand Canyon
GRAND CANYON – Three buckets of uranium ore stored for years in a building at the Grand Canyon probably didn’t endanger visitors or park workers, scientists say, but a few other questions remain.
Federal charges against four No More Deaths volunteers are dropped
TUCSON – Federal charges have been dropped against four humanitarian aid workers who faced misdemeanor charges involving their work on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
What the hail? Spring training interrupted by cold, heavy rain
PHOENIX -- The first game of the Cactus League season was postponed Thursday when heavy rains fell on the metropolitan Phoenix area, keeping fans at home and grounds crew busy.
Tucson council votes to support Nogales in fight against razor wire
TUCSON – The Tucson City Council voted Wednesday night to support the border city of Nogales in its fight with federal authorities and the U.S. military over concertina wire strung along the border fence.
FDA vs. SPF: Feds say new look at sunscreen regulations long overdue
WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration wants to take a closer look at ingredients and labeling for sunscreens, updating regulations that have not been changed "in literally decades" But it also said people should still slather up, "given the recognized public health benefits of sunscreen use."
As trade deal looms, North American farm officials pledge cooperation
WASHINGTON - The top agriculture officials from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. reiterated the importance of North American trade and cooperation Thursday in their first joint meeting since the release of a replacement deal for NAFTA that is now struggling toward passage.
Ending the stigma: Mental health in college sports
PHOENIX – In this podcast, we explore the continuing common stigma surrounding mental health in college sports and its student athletes.
Ducey’s budget would add $56 million to day care subsidies for low-income families
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed budget would increase the day care subsidy by $100 per child and add another 5,000 children to the program.
As fentanyl seizures rise, so do safety concerns around the deadly drug
WASHINGTON - Fentanyl seizures are just a fraction of total drug seizures in the country, but it is one of the deadliest drugs, with as little as 2 milligrams being a potentially fatal dose. That's raised alarms as Customs and Border Protection officers seized a record 254 pounds in Nogales in January.
AIA’s handling of playoff game scheduling after storm hits Prescott Valley draws criticism
PHOENIX – Scheduling decisions surrounding basketball tournament games in Prescott Valley, which was hit by a severe winter storm, have left many coaches and fans critical of the Arizona Interscholastic Association.
At Nogales ports of entry, CBP uses technology, and instincts, to detect drugs
NOGALES – The record-breaking fentanyl bust at a commercial port of entry in Nogales in late January was the result of a variety of technology CBP has been using for years.
‘Full speed ahead’: Mark Kelly launches Senate bid at Phoenix rally
PHOENIX – Former Astronaut Mark Kelly launched his campaign for U.S. Senate Sunday afternoon in downtown Phoenix, attracting several hundred supporters to hear his plan for Arizona.
100 years: Grand Canyon National Park celebrates the past, prepares for the future
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE – As Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its centennial, staff members are promoting sustainability efforts that will preserve the park for generations to come, despite the challenges that increased traffic has brought.
Venezuelans in Arizona want aid for their home country; other groups say ‘hands off’
TUCSON – During a deadly weekend of protests in Venezuela, many advocacy groups oppose U.S. involvement in Venezuela, while some Venezuelans in Arizona say it’s the only option for a country in disarray.
Examining the complicated relationship between AAU and high school basketball
PHOENIX – In this podcast, we examine the relationship between high school and AAU basketball and whether or not the two can coexist peacefully.
As tribes voice opposition, sports betting bill moves forward with 6-3 vote
PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate Appropriations Committee voted in favor of sports betting bill SB1163.
Giffords, Democrats rally at Capitol for gun background-check bill
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords rallied House lawmakers to support a bill that would expand the requirement for background checks on private gun sales, a bill critics charge is "well intentioned, but will not solve the problem" of gun violence.
Arizona lawmakers split on party lines in vote to block Trump emergency
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split down party lines as the House voted 245-182 to terminate President Donald Trump's declaration of national emergency at the southern border, a move Trump said is needed so he can shift $6.7 billion toward construction of a border wall this year.
Sunlight for nighttime: Arizona’s largest utility plans to expand battery storage
PHOENIX – Arizona Public Services Co. plans to add battery storage to its existing solar plants and build new plants by 2025.
Alzheimer’s advocates support bill requiring dementia training for care providers, first responders
PHOENIX – Caregivers and nonprofit leaders support SB 1357, which would create a coalition to study and recommend mandatory Alzheimer’s training for health care professionals and first responders.
Thursday forecast: Temperatures rebound, will stay near average for the week
PHOENIX – A warm up continues across the state as high pressure builds in later this week
House OKs open-spaces bill that includes thousands of acres in Arizona
WASHINGTON - A planned La Paz County solar farm is just one of nine projects in Arizona, - and scores nationwide - that will advance after the House gave final approval to a bill reauthorizing the popular multibillion-dollar Land and Water Conservation Fund, among other provisions.
Background-check bill passes, splitting House and Arizona delegation
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers voted along party lines as Democrats pushed one of their top priorities through the House, advancing a bill to strengthen background checks on gun transfers.But the Bipartisan Background Check Act of 2019 ix expected to face a ttoughher fight in the Senate.
Esports state championship delayed but still on its way to Arizona high schools
SCOTTSDALE – The AIA will allow Arizona high school esports teams to compete for the chance of being named state champion in either Overwatch or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Phoenix mayoral candidates argue pension debt, Suns arena and public safety
PHOENIX – Daniel Valenzuela and Kate Gallego faced off in their final public debate in the Phoenix mayoral race on Arizona PBS.
Maricopa woman shares story in call for an end to mandatory arbitration
WASHINGTON - Many people sign them without thinking - the terms and condititons for a job or purchase that require disputes to be settled by arbitration, not in court. But some in Congress want to do away with such clauses, which they say benefit big organizations over consumers and workers.
A timeline: Key moments in the establishment of Grand Canyon National Park
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE — Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its centennial birthday this year and we’ve charted some of the pivotal moments in the canyon over time.
Has ASU baseball turned the corner? Sun Devils off to 8-0 start
TEMPE – Sun Devil baseball has used a small roster filled with powerful bats and versatile pitchers to jump to an early 8-0 start.
Cutting athletic funding at inner-city schools can have long-term impact
PHOENIX – In this podcast, we examine the loss of funding for inner-city high school athletic programs and the impact it has on its athletes.
Needed or misguided? Permanent ban on uranium mining near Grand Canyon draws mixed reaction
GRAND CANYON – A bill that could permanently prevent uranium mining on more than a million acres of land around the Grand Canyon is something conservation groups and tribes in northern Arizona call long overdue but mining companies condemn.
Weekend forecast: Highs in the 70s and a few clouds
PHOENIX – Across the state, temperatures are increasing throughout the Valley just in time for the weekend
Tribal members push less government, more sovereignty to conservatives
WASHINGTON - The audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference had heard the message of low taxes and local control from speakers before, but maybe not from this group - Native Americans calling for less government oversight on reservations and greater tribal sovereignty.
Big-game hunting in Sonora boosts economy and conservation
RANCHO GRANDE, Mexico – Sonora is becoming a destination for U.S. hunters, thanks to low fees and public-private management programs designed to support healthy populations of mule deer and desert bighorn sheep.
Transgender soldiers say ban will backfire, but Pentagon defends policy
WASHINGTON - Transgender soldiers told a House panel that the Trump administration's plan to reimpose a ban on transgender service would backfire, as Pentagon officials defended the move that they said will allow them to better assess military readiness.
‘Historical trauma’: Native communities grapple with missing and murdered women
SELLS – A complex legal process, inconsistent data and a lack of attention contribute to the forgotten missing and murdered indigenous women. The #MMIW movement is advocating for women who no longer have a voice.
Deadlines are hard to pin down in drought planning for Colorado River
PHOENIX – Arizona was under pressure to sign its part of a plan to save Lake Mead by Jan. 31. It made the deadline, but federal authorities said the deal wasn’t quite done and set another deadline, but it also has come and gone. The real deadline looms in August.
Mix of pesticide and fungicide suspected cause of bee deaths in California almond groves
PHOENIX – Researchers in Ohio blame a toxic mixture of a pesticide and fungicide for the destruction of thousands of the honeybee colonies shipped to California to pollinate almond trees in 2014.
Targeting a killer: UA researchers discover potential birth control for mosquitoes
TUCSON – A University of Arizona research team discovered a protein in mosquitoes that could lead to mosquito birth control, reducing such mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus.
Title X fund limits would have ‘huge impact,’ Planned Parenthood says
WASHINGTON - A Trump administration plan to bar federal family planning funds from facilties that provide or endorce abortions will have a "huge impact" on Planned Parenthood Arizona, but the group said it will not back down for the "gag rule" that drew legal challenges this week ffrom 22 states.
Spring training facilities: What happens the other 10 months of the year
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Nick Welter dives into what happens at Tempe Diablo Stadium when the Los Angeles Angels leave town after spring training.
From the grandstands to the couch: More high school games available online
PHOENIX – Popularity and availability increases for high school sports live online.
A rippling tragedy: Law would require review, standards to prevent maternal deaths
PHOENIX - SB 1040 would require an advisory committee to research and prevent pregnancy-related deaths and injuries. Arianna Dodde, 23, died in August, shortly after giving birth to her third child.
Border communities refine tactics to deal with onslaught of fentanyl overdoses
NOGALES – Law enforcement in border communities are taking a proactive stance against fentanyl overdose deaths through community engagement and naloxone training.
McSally says she was raped in military, ‘horrified’ by Air Force’s response
WASHINGTON - Sen. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, revealed during a hearing on sexual assault in the miltary that she was raped by a superior officer while in the Air Force but was too "ashamed and confused" to report it, and that when she tried to report it years later she was "horrified" by tthe reponse.
Despite last year’s promise, Legislature still has no code of conduct
PHOENIX – Nearly a year after Arizona legislative leaders promised a code of conduct would be adopted to hold members’ actions accountable, no such code has emerged from the committees tasked to draft it.
Yuma mural highlights endangered pronghorn and marsh bird unique to the Southwest
YUMA - The latest mural from the Endangered Species Mural Project is in Yuma and focuses on the endangered Sonoran pronghorn and the Yuma Ridgway’s rail to bring awareness to these animals.
Phoenix fashion show shines spotlight on refugees and their contributions
PHOENIX – The International Rescue Committee in Phoenix hosted a celebration of cultural diversity and unique businesses run by refugees in the valley.
‘It could be me’: Native American teen teaches self-defense to keep indigenous kids safe
MESA - Kylie Hunts-in-Winter, 16, teaches self-defense classes, part of a community effort to lower the risk of missing and murdered indigenous women.
A deeper look at the rising popularity of esports and gaming
TEMPE – In this podcast, Christian Thurley discusses the rising popularity of esports and gaming as it continues to grow and gain recognition.
Technology revitalizes Native American boarding school exhibit at the Heard
PHOENIX – Heard Museum highlights the personal stories of students who attended American Indian boarding schools in new exhibit.
Arizona lawmakers hope to close insurance-coverage gap in telemedicine
PHOENIX - Private insurers cover telemedicine in 11 specialties, such as trauma, mental health and cardiology, and even that is limited to rural areas. A Senate bill would expand coverage.
As e-cigarette use climbs, schools address the problem with vape detectors and information
PHOENIX – As vaping grows, raising health and addiction concerns, Arizona schools are installing vape detectors in bathrooms and bringing in addiction experts to educate students. State lawmakers also are trying to regulate the growing industry.
Weather update: March 11, 2019
PHOENIX – Expect rain in metro Phoenix over the next few days, along with lower temperatures. But a warmup is expected by the weekend.
Extended campaign for Phoenix mayor will be decided Tuesday
PHOENIX – Polls are open Monday and Tuesday as former Phoenix City Council members Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela hit the final stretch of the mayoral runoff.
City officials weigh local impact of plan to trim immigrants’ benefits
WASHINGTON - A Trump administration plan to limit public assistance for legal immigrants simply "passes the buck down to cities who are going to have to figure out how to pay" for the lost benefits, officials were told at a National League of Cities conference.
‘A treasure for humanity’: Binational group looks for inventive ways to protect Sonoran Desert
EL DESEMBOQUE, Mexico – Next Generation Sonoran Desert Researchers was formed nearly a decade ago to tackle such conservation challenges as climate change, mega-development or a border wall in different ways.
Wednesday forecast: Rain returns to the Valley, temperatures stay below average
PHOENIX – The Phoenix area will experience below average temperatures for the next few days, with rain chances continuing through Wednesday morning.
UA professor cautions senators to go slow in bid to protect personal data
WASHINGTON - A University of Arizona law professor said she was "delighted" to see lawmakers considering federal laws on data privacy, but cautioned members of a Senate panel against rushing into data privacy laws that could wind up hurting consumers in the long run.
Democrats unveil bill to give DACA, TPS recipients path to citizenship
WASHINGTON - House Democrats unveiled legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for an estimated 2 million immigrants protected under the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, Temporary Protected Status and other immigrant protection programs targeted by the White House.
Gallego wins big in runoff to become second woman elected Phoenix mayor
PHOENIX– Kate Gallego won the runoff election for Phoenix mayor Tuesday night, handily defeating former City Councilman and firefighter Daniel Valenzuela.
Thursday forecast: Winds back off, temperatures huddle below average
PHOENIX – Sunny and dry conditions will take shape as high pressure builds in this weekend
Arizona again rejects push to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment
PHOENIX – Virginia failed to pass the ERA in February. Now, advocates are looking to Arizona to ratify the sweeping Equal Rights Amendment, which Congress passed in 1972.
House panel votes to restrict power of DHS to bypass regulations for wall
WASHINGTON - A House committee voted along party lines to rescind the law that lets the secretary of Homeland Security waive regulations that get in the way of a border wall, a move critics say is used increasingly by the Trump administration as it presses forward on the wall..
Snarky comment in college admissions investigation has ASU supporters up in arms
PHOENIX – Arizonians are taking to social media after Mossimo Giannulli made a negative comment about Arizona State University in the wake of college bribe scandal.
Jaguar attack at zoo may reflect new normal of selfie culture, expert says
PHOENIX – A woman who was attacked by a jaguar Saturday at the Wildlife World Zoo while taking a selfie reflects behavior that has become the new cultural norm, a social media researcher says.
Tribal officials worry Bears Ears cuts leave sacred spaces vulnerable
WASHINGTON - A Hopi leader joined officials from the Pueblo of Zuni and the Ute Indian tribes to tell the House Natural Resources Committee about worries over cultural stes at Bears Ears National Monument after the president slashed its size from 1.35 million acres to about 200,000.
Court says hunters can off-road in national forest to retrieve big game
WASHINGTON - Big game hunters in Kaibab National Forest are free to drive off-road to collect their kills, a federal appeals court has ruled, rejecting claims by environment groups that off-road vehicles would threaten the forest and threatened species that live there.
Game track: Arizona, Sonora install cameras to monitor large animals along the border
EL RANCHO LAS AGUILAS, Mexico – Sonoran and Arizona game officials recently set up dozens of remote cameras to track large animals, many of whom range back and forth across the border with Mexico.
Arizona researchers find new ways to monitor snowpack – right down to your neighborhood
TUCSON – Researchers from the University of Arizona now are able to precisely track snowpack across the United States, which will help as the West gets drier and hotter..
Friday forecast: Here comes the sun!
PHOENIX – Temperatures will continue to rise through Wednesday of next week, when clouds and a chance of sprinkles return.
Advocates call for funding, data to find missing, murdered Native women
WASHINGTON - Advocates told a House subcommittee investigating the problem of missing and murdered indigineous women that the issue is conplicated by a lack of solid data, a shortage of funding and a legal maze that Native victims and families often face when trying to report crimes.
Managers react as Major League Baseball invokes new rules to improve pace of play
PHOENIX – Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced a handful of rule changes that will take effect over the next two seasons.
Arizona cattle rancher uses science to beef up industry
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS – For 30 years, cattle rancher Chuck Backus used traditional methods to raise his herd in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains. Then, the former scientist turned to gene selection, artificial insemination and humane treatment to breed tastier beef for the multi-billion cattle industry.
At Sloan Park, Cubs fans embrace spring training
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Garrett Otto visited Sloan Park in Mesa to find out what makes the Cubs' spring training home so special.
Warm temperatures and sunny skies for St. Patrick’s day
PHOENIX – Temperatures continue to increase throughout the weekend and the rest of next week.
Meet some of the Western students behind the U.S. Youth Climate Strike
DENVER – Tens of thousands of students across the U.S. including in Arizona demanded political action on climate change Friday.
Arizona sheriff, advocates on hand for Trump veto over border emergency
WASHINGTON - Backed by sheriffs and members of "angel families," including three from Arizona, President Donald Trump vetoed a bill that would have blocked his declaration of a national emergency at the border. It was the first veto of his term, but will not clear the way to funding a wall.
Court: Troubled defendant still has a right to reject insanity plea
WASHINGTON - A man who claimed he repeatedly stabbed his cellmate because he was possessed by demons will get a new trial after a federal appeals court ruled his lawyer wrongly pressed an insanity defense against his wishes, even if his possession defense would have been "wholly ineffective."
Arizona vigil for New Zealand victims wields love to overcome hate, terrorism
TEMPE – Hundreds gathered at the Islamic Community Center of Tempe Saturday night to hear lawmakers, civil rights activists and local leaders of faith organizations voice their support for the Muslim community in wake of the New Zealand terrorist attack.
Tuesday’s forecast: Sunny and unseasonably high in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Sunny and dry conditions Tuesday will give way to clouds and rain Wednesday.
Influx of migrants dropped off by ICE has churches, faith groups near breaking point
TOLLESON – Local churches’ resources are being stretched as more and more migrants are being dropped off by ICE.
ASU’s second straight NCAA Tournament appearance filled with entertaining storylines
ASU has made the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years for the first time since 1980 and 1981.
EPA plan to ease mercury standards raises ire of moms’ group, activists
WASHINGTON - A Phoenix mom joined dozens of activists who called the EPA's plan to relax standards on power plant emissions, like mercury, an "attack on American children," but one industry official said the ruls has cost billions for negligible benefits.
Deep snow in Rockies should stave off Colorado River water crisis – for now
GREELEY, Colo. – High snowpack in the southern Rocky Mountains this winter will likely stave off a shortage declaration in the Colorado River watershed in 2020, relieving pressure on water managers attempting to navigate future scarcity.
Esports in high school: A closer look at newest AIA sanctioned activity
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Christian Thurley discusses the newest AIA sanctioned sport, esports, and the decision to move it back to fall 2019.
Wednesday’s forecast: First day of spring should be a warm one
PHOENIX – The Phoenix area will experience above average temperatures as we head into the first day of spring.
Hurley, Mullin: From Dream Team competitors to NCAA Tournament rivals
DAYTON, Ohio – Bobby Hurley and Chris Mullin once squared off in a Dream Team competition. Now they meet in the NCAA Tournament
Ducey and Mexico’s ambassador stress bilateral ties and NAFTA replacement
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Martha Bárcena stressed the importance of ratifying the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement at a luncheon Tuesday.
Pentagon could divert $30 million Fort Huachuca project to border wall
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has identified $150 million of military construction projects in Arizona that could be tapped to fund a border wall, with a $30 million project at Fort Huachuca the likeliest target in the state, under President Donald Trump's declaration of a nationa border emergency.
Supreme Court upholds law denying bail to some undocumented immigrants
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that some undocumented immigrants can be held without bail, possibly years after they have committed a deportable crime, while authorities determine their deportation status, a ruling critics said could open the door to abuse.
Using pain to help others: Opioid crisis is personal for Safford mayor and his wife
SAFFORD – Safford Mayor Jason Kouts and his wife Maria lost their 25-year-old son Josiah to an opioid overdose in January 2018, but they’re using the pain to help others struggling with addiction.
Event in Tucson reveals what it’s like to Walk a Mile in a Refugee’s Shoes
TUCSON – The second annual Walk a Mile in a Refugee’s Shoes event on Thursday showed participants the hard truth of what it’s like to live as a refugee in the United States.
Arizona primary elections might be held earlier in August
PHOENIX – A bill in the Arizona Legislature would change the date of primaries to the first Tuesday in August, instead of 10 weeks out from a general election.
A full-Dort press: ASU advances in NCAA Tournament behind standout freshman
DAYTON, Ohio - Arizona State knocks off St.John's to advance in NCAA Tournament.
Thursday forecast: Lower temperatures, rain and snow up north
PHOENIX – A cold front will knock Thursday’s temperatures down and bring rain and snow to the high country.
To finish drought plan, Colorado River water managers ask Congress for approval
GREELEY, Colo. – Water managers in the Colorado River Basin are a step closer to approval of a drought contingency plan meant to buy the Southwest more time to adjust to climate change and overuse of scarce resources.
Experienced ASU women hope for strong NCAA Tournament start
TEMPE - The ASU women’s basketball team hopes for a strong start in the NCAA Tournament.
Scat party: To unlock the secrets of urban coyotes, biologists turn to poop
LOS ANGELES – The National Park Service is gathering, dissecting and cataloging poop to better understand how coyotes have carved out such a comfortable life in the hybrid ecosystem they share with humans.
Friday forecast: Bring on the heat!
PHOENIX – Temperatures increase across Arizona. Even after a break from the precipitation over the past few months, certain areas are still above average moisture levels.
FDA approves first drug to fight postpartum depression, but its costs are high
PHOENIX – Postpartum depression affects up to 1 in 7 new mothers. Zulresso, an expensive new FDA-approved drug, may help combat this.
Ball and Oats: ASU’s Hurley will square off with former team, assistant in NCAA Tournament
TULSA, Okla. – For the second straight time this tournament, Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley is matched up against a familiar face on the opposite bench.
Trump attacks on McCain seem to be stirring up support for late senator
WASHINGTON - It's no secret that President Donald Trump is not a fan of the late Arizona Sen. John McCain, but instead of weakening the McCain fan club the president's latest string of attacks, from weekend tweets to a speeh Wednesday, may be having the opposite effect.
Napolitano questions need for Trump order to enforce campus free speech
WASJHINGTON - Former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, now president of the University of California System, said that a Trump administration policy that threatens to strip funding from colleges in the name of free speech is "unnecessary and, in some respects, undesirable."
Florida or bust: Despite 2,000-mile journey, ASU women focused on NCAA Tournament
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Although others have complained that Arizona State was sent to the Coral Gables regional of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, the Sun Devils are focused on winning.
Venezuela unrest has Cactus League player Sanchez worried about family
GLENDALE – Unrest in Venezuela has White Sox infielder Yolmer Sanchez concerned about his family's safety.
Weekend forecast: Warm but occasionally cloudy
PHOENIX – Things are heating up this weekend, but expect overcast skies Saturday. And our first 90-degree day of the year could come next week.
Liberty High football player Zach Hunzinger shares his story of cancer … and beating it
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Jacob Lev takes you through the journey of Zach Hunzinger after being diagnosed with cancer.
A bloom for the books: Rainfall, cool weather create spring wildflower spectacular
PHOENIX – Arizona’s wildflowers are covering the desert, creating an exceptional and unprecedented bloom this spring. Record rainfall combined with lower temperatures are behind this colorful flower display.
McSally talks about sexual assault task force, funding for border wall
GLENDALE – Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., speaks about a task force that aims to combat sexual assault in the military and funding for a border wall.
End of Cheatham’s journey at ASU suggests beginning of another chapter in basketball
TULSA, Okla. – The dream came to an end for Arizona State basketball – and Zylan Cheatham – in the NCAA Tournament. But what a journey it was.
ASU women’s basketball team turns back clock in NCAA Tournament win over UCF
Arizona State defeats Central Florida in a physical, defensive game to advance to the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Sweet 16 and always been missed: ASU women hope to advance in NCAA Tournament
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Arizona State women’s basketball program is in a familiar spot as it prepares for the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. It wants to get to a less familiar spot: the Sweet 16.
‘Lesson in toughness’: Grit helps ASU women advance to Sweet 16
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Sweet 16 has been elusive in recent years for the Arizona State women's basketball team. Not this time. The Sun Devils go to the wire and beat Miami.
Jobs, recreation, high rents and traffic: Four ways a growing population changes Arizona
PHOENIX – Growth in the Southwest brings jobs and city plans for recreational development to Arizona, but also clogs roads and leads to rent hikes.
Tuesday forecast: Temperatures continue to climb
PHOENIX – A big ridge of high pressure will bring the warmest weather of 2019 so far to the state.
An exoneration of the president? Democrats, legal experts say it’s too soon to tell
PHOENIX – Several members of the Arizona congressional delegation gave their take on Attorney General William Barr’s summary of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.
Supreme Court denies Maricopa appeal to wash its hands of Arpaio policy
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has refused to hear Maricopa County's claim that it should not be held liable for the actions of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his deputies for a policy of racial profiling of Latino drivers, letting a circuit court ruling against the county stand.
For most Arizona lawmakers, Mueller report is not the end of the issue
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers' reactions to the report on the Mueller investigation were much like the summary itself - open to interpretation depending on which side of the aisle was talking and far from the last word on the topic.
New Chicanos Por La Causa center to empower Maryvale community through education, jobs
PHOENIX – The new center by Chicanos Por La Causa aims to drive employment and improve education rates in Maryvale through partnerships with Walmart and the Maricopa County Community College District.
When life gives you lemons: Arizona might declare lemonade as its state drink
PHOENIX – Senate Government Committee voted 6-1 to advance a bill that would make lemonade Arizona’s state drink.
Back to the future: Hickory golf clubs centerpiece of popular tournaments
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Nick Welter will be hitting the range with The Society of Hickory Golfers, a group that organizes hickory golf tournaments around the globe.
Murray, Rosen? Cardinals’ Kingsbury remains coy when asked about No. 1 pick
PHOENIX – Kliff Kingsbury discussed the difference between NFL and college coaches while discussing the team’s plans for the No. 1 pick.
Wednesday’s forecast: Bring on the heat!
PHOENIX - A big ridge of high pressure will bring the warmest weather of 2019 so far to the state.
Another big event for Arizona: ISM Raceway lands NASCAR’s Championship Weekend
AVONDALE – NASCAR's Championship Weekend for the 2020 season will be at ISM Raceway. The announcement comes less than a year after a $178 million track renovation.
Pentagon moves ahead on border wall, as House can’t override Trump veto
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's proposed border wall continued to inch forward this week, as the Democrat-controlled House failed Tuesday to block the border emergency declaration that let the Pentagon approve $1 billion in wall work Monday.
Republicans blast Green New Deal, Democrats say GOP is playing politics
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema was one of just three Democrats to vote against the "Green New Deal," as the expansive environmental bill faced its first test vote in the Senate and a renewed round of criticism from Republicans who called it a job killer
Task force to study abuse of tribal youth, after IHS doctor convicted
WASHINGTON - The White House unveiled a task force that is charged with finding ways to prevent the sexual abuse of children in the Indian Health Service, after an IHS pediatrician's conviction last year on four counts of abuse during stints on different reservations.
Grappling with costs, Tucson is rethinking its recycling program
TUCSON – Tucson officials expect the city’s recycling program to lose $3.3 million in fiscal year 2018-19, and they’re looking at ways to save the program.
Migrants dropped off by ICE outside Phoenix bus stations are left with few resources
PHOENIX – Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently released more than 100 migrants outside a Phoenix Greyhound station, with few resources.
Thursday forecast: We can put those umbrellas away
PHOENIX - Sunshine is back in the forecast heading into the weekend.
Proposed budget cuts for Special Olympics concern those who could be impacted in Arizona
PHOENIX – With news of a budget proposal that calls for eliminating funding for the Special Olympics, those in Arizona who could be impacted by the cuts express concern.
Water officials press Senate on urgency of Colorado River drought plan
WASHINGTON - The director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources joined other state and federal water officials who told a Senate panel that there is an "urgent need" to authorize a multistate drought contingency plan for the Colorado River basin.
Tucson Cine Mexico, in its 16th year, celebrates thriving Mexican film industry
TUCSON – Tucson Cine Mexico launched its 16th annual festival Wednesday night celebrating Mexican cinema through film screenings and discussions with Mexican filmmakers.
Play ball: Diamondbacks open season with new look, on and off field
PHOENIX – The 2019 Major League Baseball season begins today and the Arizona Diamondbacks have undergone changes, both on the field and in the stands.
Training, change in tactics can reduce dangers to police officers handling drugs
PHOENIX – Newer and more powerful drugs like fentanyl and concerns for officer safety have complicated once routine police work, such as field testing suspected drugs. An Arizona toxicologist and some law-enforcement agencies said training makes a difference. Vertical: Government/health
From Scottsdale to Albuquerque: Rockies take road trip to connect with Triple-A community
ALBUQUERQUE – Three MLB teams started their spring training wrap up by traveling to their respective Triple-A affiliate team home, including the Colorado Rockies who traveled to New Mexico to play the Albuquerque Isotopes.
Arizona lawmakers, House split in vote against transgender military ban
WASHINGTON - Two days after courts removed the last hurdle to a Trump administration ban on transgender military service, the House voted 238-185 to condemn the ban - but not block it. Arizona lawmakers, like the rest of the House, split on party lines for the vote.
Report: Mexican gray wolf is a subspecies, keeps endangered status
WASHINGTON -The endangered Mexican gray wolf is still endangered - for now - after a six-month National Academy of Sciences study determined that it is subspecies separate from other gray wolves, which just lost their endangered species status.
ASU women’s basketball hopes to lead Turner Thorne to first Final Four
PORTLAND – ASU women’s basketball hopes to lead Charli Turner Thorne to her first Final Four.
Bill to slice minimum wage for young part-time workers heads to Senate
PHOENIX – House Bill 2523, which would allow employers to pay part-time workers under the age 22 less than the Arizona minimum wage, passed the Arizona Senate Commerce Committee Thursday.
Weekend forecast: Low- to mid-80s through the weekend
PHOENIX – The Phoenix area should expect temperatures in the low 80s over the weekend with clear skies on Sunday.
Border fencing in Yuma County debated as migrant families continue to arrive
YUMA – Residents and workers in Yuma County questions the effectiveness of more border fencing in combating illegal immigration.
Hiring of women in football among the issues discussed at recent NFL meetings
PHOENIX – Among the discussions at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting was the hiring of women in more jobs on and off the field.
The Red Fury: Phoenix Rising’s passionate fan base
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Garrett Otto talks with some of Phoenix Rising's proudest and loudest fans as they prepare for the 2019 season.
Hard-working senior class leaves mark on ASU women’s basketball program
PORTLAND – The Arizona State women's basketball team saw its season end in the Sweet 16, sending off a hard-working senior class.
Population of migrating monarchs dwindling, but experts say it’s not all doom and gloom
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – The monarch butterfly is being considered for federal protection, but not all experts agree it’s endangered. Citizen scientists are playing a pivotal role in providing data to determine whether they should be.
McSally, Biggs question DHS on release of migrants into Arizona communities
PHOENIX – Sen. Martha McSally hosted a closed-door roundtable Monday with Homeland Security officials over the release of apprehended migrants into Arizona communities.
Tuesday’s forecast: Sunny, breezy and warm
PHOENIX – Expect sunny skies with temperatures in the 80s for most of the week.
Surge of migrant families taps out CBP, strains community resources in El Paso
EL PASO – The temporary detention area underneath the bridge over the Rio Grande in El Paso has closed, but a lack of resources threatens future migrants.
Arizona filmmakers spark discrimination discussion at ACLU event
PHOENIX – “You Racist, Sexist, Bigot” features the stories of Arizonans of different races, sexuality, religion, political beliefs and gender to start difficult discussions about discrimination.
Lawmakers, business leaders wary of Trump threat to close Mexico border
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump repeated his threat to deal with a surge of migrants by closing the U.S.- Mexico border, a move that has been called a potential "economic catastrophe" for Arizona, which did $16.7 billion in trade with Mexico in fiscal 2018.
Mexican engineer turning prickly pear juice into biodegradable plastic
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – A professor of chemical engineering in Mexico is making biodegradable plastics from the juice of prickly pear cactus.
Gov. Ducey urges public to stay vigilant during wildfire season
PHOENIX - Arizona's wildfire threat remains high, despite having one of the wettest winters on record. Gov. Ducey urged residents to remain vigilant.
The Art Resource Center recycles with an artistic twist
TEMPE – The Art Resource Center, a nonprofit recycling center in Tempe, offers schools and nonprofits a variety of recycled materials to use in art projects free of charge.
Could CBD be the miracle athletes are looking for?
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Jacob Lev speaks with Ricky Williams and John Callahan about CBD, a fast-rising product showing promise in numerous medical applications.
CBP cuts Sunday hours at Mariposa port to free officers for border duty
WASHINGTON - Customs and Border Protection said it is stopping Sunday inspection of commercial trucks at Nogales in order to shift officers elsewhere on the border, sparking an outcry from produce companies who fear damage to their time-sensitive industry.
Alliance of American Football suspends operations just 8 weeks into first season
PHOENIX – The Alliance of American Football, which has faced financial trouble since its inception, opted to suspend operations Tuesday.
A long road: Opioid-addicted rural residents travel hundreds of miles to reach methadone clinics
MORENCI – Most of Arizona’s 12 methadone clinics are in the Phoenix area, leaving rural residents recovering from opioid use to travel miles for such treatment.
Thursday forecast: Warm and dry conditions continue
PHOENIX – Some passing clouds and breezes are expected across the state. A big high pressure ridge could bring the first 90s of the year to metro Phoenix.
Arizona House moves forward on code of conduct before session ends
PHOENIX – The House approved a motion by voice vote to move forward with a code of conduct that Republican leaders promised last year.
Ducey supports short shutdown to secure border if Congress won’t act
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey said maintaining trade with Mexico is important but gave conditional support to a "short as possible" border shutdown, then shifted blame to Congress which he said has been playing politics with the issue of border security.
Gila River leader says feds’ inattention to roads drives other problems
WASHINGTON - Road problems caused by poor maintenance by the Bureau of Indian Affairs is more than an inconvenience for tribes, who say poor roads make it hard for people to get to school, jobs and health care, but there is little they can do to fix the federally owned roads.
Arizonans join critics of Trump’s call to weaken unaccompanied minors law
WASHINGTON - Critics say a plan to make it easier to return unaccompanied mintors to their home countries is just the Trump administration "targeting chlldren," but the White House says it would merely speed the return of thie children to the countries that want to take care of them.
Buckle up, Arizona: Students promote back seat safety belts
BUCKEYE – Verrado High School students began a campaign to promote seat belt safety amongst their peers. They plan to introduce it as a bill in the next legislative session.
ASU’s Burr, Esmay carving out new roles in White Sox organization
GLENDALE – Ryan Burr and Tim Esmay both had important roles at ASU not long ago, but now the two are back together in the White Sox organization.
El Niño predicted to linger through summer, but what does that mean for Arizona?
PHOENIX – Arizona’s wet winter was fueled by a climatological pattern known as El Niño, and forecasters say the pattern is expected to last through the summer. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a wetter monsoon.
Phoenix officials pleased with cancer screening program for first-responders
PHOENIX – A cancer screening program for Valley police and firefighters has detected several cases of cancer, but all were caught early enough to successfully treat.
Partisan House vote renews Violence Against Women Act, Senate fate unclear
WASHINGTON – Two months after it let the Violence Against Women Act lapse, the House voted Thursday to renew the 25-year-old law that extends protections for victims of domestic violence, and renewing protections for Native American women.
Tribal leaders urge House to extend funding for water settlements
WASHINGTON - Tohono O'odham Chairman Edward D. Manuel told a House panel that lack of water has been killing crops and livestock - and, essentially, the tribe's economy - and things will only get worse if federal funding is allowed to lapse.
McSally draws on history, calls on colleges to stop sexual assaults
ANNAPOLIS, Md. _ In a different year, Sen. Martha McSally might not have been on a U.S. Naval Academy stage urging college officials to step up and stop sexual assaults on their campuses. But that was before the Arizona Republican revealed she had been raped by a superior officer in the Air Force.
Quick hits: An inside look at the 2019 NFL Annual League Meeting
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Nick Welter shares his experience at the 2019 NFL Annual Meetings that were held at the Arizona Biltmore.
Weekend forecast: Rising temperatures through Monday
PHOENIX – The Phoenix area should expect temperatures in the low to high 80s this weekend, with 90 degree temperatures at the beginning of the week.
Logging by copter: Millions spent to thin forest on steep slopes of Mount Elden
FLAGSTAFF - Flagstaff and federal officials are using a helicopter to thin the forest on Mount Elden to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the city’s watershed.
Religious group claims ‘Bodies Revealed’ exhibit uses cadavers of Chinese prisoners
SCOTTSDALE – The Odysea Aquarium says its “Bodies Revealed” exhibit in Scottsdale uses donated bodies to teach hundreds of paying customers about human anatomy. But a religious group and other critics for decades have claimed the cadavers are of persecuted Chinese prisoners displayed without consent.
Namaste: At Laveen Elementary, yoga is complementing detention, slowing office referrals
LAVEEN – Laveen Elementary sees improvements in behavior among student after implementing yoga before school and when complementing detention.
Climate experts want science embedded in local decisions
PHOENIX – A group of scientists, climate experts, and government officials from around the country want to make what we know about climate change more integrated with run-of-the-mill choices about infrastructure and zoning. It would be a sort of climate service, akin to the National Weather Service.
Virulent Newcastle disease found in Arizona chicken flock for first time
PHOENIX – Virulent Newcastle disease has been found in an Arizona chicken flock for the first time since the outbreak began last year in California. It’s been found in Arizona near Flagstaff in a backyard flock of eight chickens.
Shift of CBP officers has led to border slowdown that’s hurting trade
WASHNGTON - President Donald Trump may have backed off his threat to close the border, but business leaders form both sides of the border say there is a very real slowdown in crossings that's hurting businesses, after the redeployment of Customs and Border Protection officers.
Tuesday’s forecast: Quite warm, and sunny and windy
PHOENIX – The beginning of the week is going to be in the upper 90s, but a cooldown starts Wednesday and we might see some rain.
Sewage flowing into Nogales Wash raises concerns about water supply for both Mexico and U.S.
NOGALES, Mexico – Wastewater that contains raw sewage has been flowing into the Nogales Wash in Sonora, Mexico since mid-January, spurring concerns about the water supply for several communities.
Coyotes proud of season but disappointed to finish short of playoffs
For the seventh straight season, Coyotes have missed the playoffs, the second-worst drought in the NHL. However, the players, who cleaned out their lockers Monday, still feel encouraged.
Mexican gray wolf numbers rise, but long-term viability still a concern
WASHINGTON - There were 14 more Mexican gray wolves in the wild last year, a "huge relief" to conservationists but not nearly enough for them to stop worrying about the long-term viability of the endangered animal, which now numbers 131 in Arizona and New Mexico.
House, Senate OK Colorado River drought plan, capping years of debate
WASHINGTON - Two weeks after water officials told Congress of the "urgent" need to approve the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan, the House and Senate both passed the plan, moving one step closet to ending years negotiations by seven states in the river basin.
In the land of coal, Navajo Nation looks to renewable energy
FLAGSTAFF – The Navajo Tribe has long been dependent on coal for good jobs, but its leaders now are embracing renewable energy sources, including solar.
‘Helping humanity’: Senior centers use crafting skills to give back
TEMPE – Senior centers across Arizona are using their crafting skills for a good cause, creating blankets, caps and scarves for communities, organizations and nonprofits in need.
The student, the employee, the NBA 2K player
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Christian Thurley talks about the journey of ASU student Austin Garrison and his path to qualifying for the Top 150 players in NBA 2K.
CBP: Southern border apprehensions topped 360,000 in first half of year
WASHINGTON - Frontline border officials told a Senate panel that the crisis at the southern border is real and that "something has to change" to combat the growing number of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, which topped 360,000 for the first half of fiscal 2019.
Vice President Mike Pence to visit Nogales, inspect border wall draped in razor wire
PHOENIX – Vice President Mike Pence returns to Arizona on Thursday, this time to tour the Border Patrol station in Nogales, Arizona.
Pentagon awards $1 billion in border-fence projects in Yuma and N.M.
The Pentagon announced late Tuesday it has awarded about $1 billion for replacement border fence projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Joey Daccord makes history, becomes first ASU player to compete in NHL
From the NCAA Tournament to the NHL, Joey Daccord made a quick transition from playing for the Sun Devils to playing for the Senators.
Arizona becomes the first state to recognize all out-of-state occupational licenses
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB 2569, which recognizes occupational licenses granted by other states.
Suns hope to redirect future, find stability amid lost season
PHOENIX – The Suns regressed this season but hold out hope that they can win with their young core.
Thursday forecast: Breezes continue, staying clear of the 90s
PHOENIX – Winds will remain gusty across Arizona, with temperatures staying on the low side.
University of Arizona researchers revel as photo of black hole unveiled
WASHINGTON - University of Arizona researchers were part of a team of scientists that said it had "seen the unseeable" when it unveiled first-ever images of a black hole deep in space, an image that capped years of work and a global effort to see what had been theoretical.
Friday’s forecast: Rain chances return heading into your weekend
PHOENIX – Isolated showers are forecast Friday evening in Phoenix, but skies should clear up for the rest of the weekend.
I am woman, hear me ‘fore’: ASU golfers part of historic event at Augusta
TEMPE – Three members of the Arizona State women's golf team participated in an amateur tournament last week, the first time women have ever competed at Augusta, the traditional site of the Masters Tournament.
Planned Parenthood says Arizona abortion restrictions unconstitutional
PHOENIX – Planned Parenthood Arizona filed a lawsuit in federal court Thursday challenging the legality of a number of Arizona abortion restrictions.
Twins peek: Scott, Mark Kelly help NASA study effects of long-term space travel
WASHINGTON – Scott and Mark Kelly were identical twins when Scott went into space, but would they be identical when he came back to Earth 340 days later? NASA says yes – eventually. Long space travel does affect the body, but most changes are reversed within a few months, a study of the twins showed.
At the border, Pence calls on Democrats to fix ‘our broken asylum system’
NOGALES – Vice President Mike Pence visited Nogales on Thursday amid what the Trump administration calls a “border security and humanitarian crisis.”
Change to Clean Water Act would have repercussions, even in the arid West
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a reversal of Obama-era definitions in the 1972 Clean Water Act.
Nogales seeks a fair deal from binational commission on costs of treating wastewater
NOGALES – A federal bill would establish fair treatment between Nogales and the International Boundary and Water Commission, which handles transborder treaties and their application.
‘A really sad night’: Beloved sports shrine Don & Charlie’s closes its doors
SCOTTSDALE – After nearly 40 years in business, Don & Charlie’s closed its doors Wednesday night leaving behind a full legacy.
Drop in vaccination rates puts Arizona at risk of outbreak, AZDHS warns
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services issued a report on Friday warning that higher exemptions from vaccines are putting the state at risk this year for an outbreak of preventable diseases like measles and mumps.
Advocates work to slow the revolving door of repeat prisoners
TEMPE – Criminal justice officials and community members at an Arizona Town Hall session discussed ways to reform the state’s broken criminal justice system.
Experts say Arizona tribes’ role in drought negotiations marks turning point for inclusion
SACATON – The Drought Contingency Plan aimed at preserving water levels in the Colorado River Basin has been signed into law. Arizona’s tribes had a critical role in the plan’s negotiations, something experts say sets a new precedent for tribal water rights.
Elevating hope: Program offers support to Phoenix’s struggling students
PHOENIX – Targeting individual students, Elevate Phoenix provides curriculum and support to help students who are at risk of dropping out of school.
Tuesday’s forecast: Sunny, breezy and warm
PHOENIX - Showers and lower temperatures to start the week, with things heating up toward the weekend.
Arizona’s messy tax system hampers small businesses battling online retailers for tax fairness
PHOENIX – The Arizona Legislature is considering a bill that would require online retailers who do not have a physical facility in the state to pay sales taxes on goods purchased by Arizonans. However, the state’s 93 city tax codes complicate the issue.
Murray? Rosen? Cardinals remain coy about quarterback decision for NFL draft
TEMPE – Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim and coach Kliff Kingsbury addressed the quarterback situation for the upcoming NFL draft. Sort of.
Making your wishes known: Advance directives pushed for Healthcare Decisions Day
PHOENIX – Health professionals are recommending that the public take the time to fill out advanced directives, which tell them what patients would want when they can’t speak for themselves.
Wednesday’s Forecast: Rain chances make way for sunshine
PHOENIX – Rain chances return for the Valley Tuesday evening through Wednesday later afternoon.
Behind the scenes at the Cronkite News sports bureau
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Jacob Lev shadows several members of the Cronkite News sports bureau to see what their jobs entail.
A tale of two cities: What Baltimore can teach Arizona about fighting fentanyl overdoses
PHOENIX – After researchers proved fentanyl testing strips were the most accurate method of detecting the opioid, Maryland decriminalized them. But they’re illegal in Arizona, which advocates say is only making the overdose problem worse.
Mother urges Phoenix police to carry life-saving overdose drug
PHOENIX – Only 100 of Phoenix’s specialty police officers carry Narcan, a nasal spray form of naloxone. A mother who lost two children to opioid overdoses is trying to change that.
Weather conditions set Maricopa County up for better air than last year
PHOENIX – Maricopa County is seeing improvements in air quality from last year.
Thursday forecast: The 90s are back, staying sunny and dry
PHOENIX – High pressure returns to the Southwest, bringing the 90s back to central Arizona.
Influx of migrants, overstretched charity prompt Yuma mayor to declare a state of emergency
YUMA – 1,300 migrants have been processed through one shelter in Yuma in the past three weeks, and resources are stretched so thin that Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls is calling on the federal government to provide funding.
Court overturns death sentence in 1987 execution-style Yuma murder
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Wednesday overturned the death sentence for Theodore Washington, the last of three defendants still on death row in the 1987 execution-style murder of Sterleen Hill during a "disastrously violent home invasion" in Yuma.
House Ethics panel releases details in ongoing probe of Schweikert
WASHINGTON - The House Ethics Committee released details of its probe of Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, that began last year finding "substantial reason to believe" he may have approved improper office expenditures and campaign contributions.
Local group, with help of 3 veterans, removes graffiti from Florence boulders
FLORENCE – Natural Restorations, a local nonprofit that removes trash and graffiti from outdoor areas, removed 20,242 square feet of graffiti from the boulders in Florence during a two-week project.
Community leaders at breaking point as thousands of migrant families released in El Paso
EL PASO – Organizers and volunteers at shelters across El Paso struggle to keep pace with the release of migrants into the community, while migrants who faced cold and uncomfortable conditions at detention centers set out on their journeys as they await court hearings.
Census: Maricopa County – again – saw country’s biggest population gains
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County again saw the largest population increase of any county in the nation last year, adding 81,244 residents to make eight straight years of gains, according to new Census estimates, which show every county in Arizona but Santra Cruz adding population in 2018.
Friday forecast: Triple digits are back
PHOENIX – With temperatures speculated to hit 100 degrees Friday, the air quality is expected to be unhealthy because of weather conditions and ozone levels in Phoenix.
Same report, different take for state lawmakers eyeing Mueller report
PHOENIX - Arizona lawmakers looked at the same 448-page Mueller report and saw two different things, with two very different reactions, depending on which side of the aisle they are on. If there was a common thread, it was that nobody's mind appeared to be changed by the report.
From basketball to group homes: ASU’s Charnea Johnson-Chapman is shifting her passion
Charnea Johnson-Chapman’s rocky journey to Arizona State has energized her to pursue opening group homes.
Advocacy group: Gila River is America’s most endangered
PHOENIX – The Gila River faces a consequential year in 2019. It is the deadline to finalize an environmental review for a Gila River diversion project in New Mexico. The project has long been up in the air.
Tucson’s Benedictine Monastery more than just a shelter for migrant families
TUCSON – The Casa Alitas shelter at the Benedictine Monastery in Tucson provides transportation, medical care and guidance for migrants claiming asylum in the United States.
From baseball to aeronautical engineering: Horizon’s Kody Huff covers all bases
PHOENIX – Although Kody Huff is a terrific baseball player, he also goes the extra mile in his leadership role to elevate his teammates play.
Dreams coming true for ASU hockey player Joey Daccord
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Nick Welter shares the incredible story of ASU goaltender Joey Daccord, who became the first Arizona State player to sign an NHL entry-level contract.
Better mental health services key to reducing police-involved shootings, Phoenix police say
PHOENIX – Phoenix police blame a growing number of 911 calls involving people with mental health issues for a spike in officer-involved shootings.
Weekend forecast: Clear skies ahead
PHOENIX – Sunny skies are expected throughout the weekend, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s.
Mueller report says Russian hacking once went through Arizona server
PHOENIX - The road from Washington to St. Petersburg apparently passes through Arizona, according to the Mueller report, which said Russian intelligence officers used a "leased computer" in Arizona to help funnel information stolen from hacked Democratic Party computers.
Electric scooter companies fight to keep rolling in Mexico and U.S.
MEXICO CITY – Like in metro Phoenix, electric shared scooters arrived in Mexico City with disruptive technologies and concerns. While some see in them innovation and an opportunity to fight urban problems such as air pollution or traffic, others think that these vehicles need to be regulated — or even eradicated.
Less than 40% of Arizona doctors use prescription drug database, despite state law
PHOENIX – Arizona law requires doctors to check a state database before they write a new prescription for a controlled substance, such as prescription opioids. But more than 60% do not.
Arizona supports ‘Waters of U.S.’ rule change, but wants to delay enactment
PHOENIX – Arizona supports a proposed federal rule change redefining what’s considered a “Water of the United States,” but is asking for more time.
Golf, softball: Andersen siblings have it covered at Arizona State
TEMPE – Abby and Mason Andersen have a lot in common. They are siblings. They are star athletes at Arizona State. And, according to their dad, they are best friends.
Tuesday forecast: Cloudy and warm
PHOENIX – Cool weather to begin the week, but 100 degree temperatures on the horizon at the later end of the week.
Report: Phoenix, Tucson among fastest-warming cities in nation since 1970
WASHINGTON - Phoenix and Tucson were two of the fastest-warming cities in the nation over the last five decades, according to a new report that said Tucson's average increase of 4.48 degrees was third-biggest in the country and Phoenix's 4.35-degree rise was good for fourth place.
WATCH LIVE: Choose Your News special, 5 p.m. MST
Watch Cronkite News--live on Arizona PBS or right here --Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. MST. Live viewers can vote via smartphone and determine which story we'll expand on during the broadcast.
Migrant medical costs, Arcosanti experiment and day care inspections
PHOENIX – In Tuesday’s 5 p.m. broadcast, viewers decided which interviews they wanted to see on air. But we’re offering all the content here: the full stories, the in-depth interviews and the community comments.
PodShare makes living near the beach affordable, if you don’t mind 37 roommates
VENICE, Calif. – Communal living is growing in popularity as rent and home prices climb in cultural hubs in Los Angeles. Companies like PodShare are capitalizing by renting dozens of bunks in affluent neighborhoods.
Poll shows parents want climate change taught – what that looks like in one Arizona classroom
PHOENIX – A new poll shows Americans want schools to teach climate change. One Chandler high school teacher says she has talked about how the Earth’s climate is shifting for nearly 20 years in her earth and environmental science classes.
Wednesday’s forecast: It’s dry heat
PHOENIX – Wednesday will remain sunny and dry ahead of Friday, when we likely will see the first 100 degree day of the year.
Phoenix bishop brings anti-abortion, traditional marriage message to D.C.
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted was a featured speaker at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, telling a packed room that abortion is "an unspeakable crime," that leaders must open their hearts to Jesus Christ and that there is a "weakening of marriage" in the U.S.
As Hermosillo grows at the edges, some see a future in the center
HERMOSILLO, Mexico – Hermosillo, Mexico, has tripled in area since 1990, but there are signs of revitalization in the city’s charming center.
Low and slow: Car clubs celebrate unique lowrider culture of the Southwest
SAN DIEGO – San Diego’s Day at the Bay showcase wows audiences with lowriders from car clubs across the Southwest.
Thursday forecast: Hot, with a high pollution advisory
PHOENIX – High pressure returns to the Southwest over next few days, bringing the first triple digits of the year to the Valley.
Critics blast DHS environmental waivers that clear way for border wall
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said ti will waive dozens of environmental, health and other laws to clear the way for construction on about 58 miles of border barriers, including 12 miles of fencing near Yuma, in a move quickly attacked by lawmakers and environmentalists.
Crossing a line: Military encounter at border sparks Trump threats
WASHINGTON - A peaceful border encounter between U.S. and Mexican soldiers earlier this month became a political issue Wednesday when President Donald Trump picked up the incident and threatened in a tweet to send armed soldiers to the border in response.
Battling tariffs, drought and milk substitutes, Arizona dairy farmers expand their global reach
PHOENIX – Arizona dairy farmers are forming partnerships and seeking larger foreign markets in the wake of tariffs and persistent drought.
It’s official: Lemonade will not become Arizona state drink
PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate voted 18-12 against making lemonade the official drink of the state of Arizona. Some lawmakers voted no because they said there are more important bills to decide.
Mexico becomes top U.S. trade partner for first time
HERMOSILLO, Mexico – Mexico has long been Arizona’s top trade partner. Now, for the first time, our southern neighbor is also the No. 1 trade partner with the United States.
Friday forecast: Air quality is still a concern
PHOENIX – Temperatures across Arizona are going up while air quality in Phoenix is going down.
Report: Latino voters flexed muscle in 2018, set to be a force in 2020
WASHINGTON - A new report says Latinos are on track to be the largest minority voting group in 2020, when an estimated 32 million will be eligible to vote, and that they began to make their influence felt in 2018, when a surge of Latino votes tipped Senate races in Arizona and Nevada to Democrats.
Crossroads: Ridesharing, delivery services, population boom challenge transit planners
PHOENIX – Transportation planners in Maricopa County work to provide sustainable mobility for a growing metro Phoenix.
Coming clean: A snapshot of Arizona’s energy makeup
RED VALLEY – There’s a long history of oil and gas production in the western U.S. including here in Arizona. As part of a collaboration with Elemental, we explain what Arizona’s energy mix is.
Mothers and supporters of breastfeeding gather at Capitol for Nationwide Nurse-In
PHOENIX – About 20 people showed up to the Nationwide Nurse-In at the state Capitol to show their support for breastfeeding protections.
Weekend forecast: 90 degree temperatures throughout
PHOENIX – The Phoenix area is expecting to stay in the 90s through the weekend, while northern Arizona will be in the 70s and 80s.
Put down the phone: Arizona bans cellphone use while driving
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2318 on Monday, which outlaws texting and driving or operating any hand-held mobile devices.
A virtual wall may be the solution to protect wildlife at the border
PHOENIX – The Center for Biological Diversity says animals like jaguars are at risk of harm if President Trump builds a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Tech company, Quanergy Systems, says it has an alternative that can be used to create a virtual wall instead, possibly offering a solution to the wildlife problem.
Court lets class-action suit proceed against state for foster care
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court said a class-action lawsuit over the state's care of foster children can proceed against the Arizona Department of Child Safety and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.
Scout’s honor: Despite trying schedules, baseball’s talent evaluators committed to craft
PHOENIX – The life of a baseball scout is not easy. But for talent evaluators like Jon Kazanas, the joy that comes from finding prospects makes it worth it.
With Venezuela in turmoil, migrants and refugees turn to Peru
Peru has welcomed with open arms more than 700,000 Venezuelan migrants. The inflow is both a test and an opportunity for the country’s economy.
Supreme Court turns down Arpaio, who vows fight to vacate conviction
WASHINGTON - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio vowed to continue fighting to clear his name of a criminal contempt of court conviction for racial profiling, after the Supreme Court rejected his challenge of an appeals court ruling in the case.
Bottled up: Brewers’ pitcher on a mission to cut single-use plastic
PHOENIX – Milwaukee Brewers lefthander Brent Suter is encouraging his team to go green by replacing plastic water bottles with reusable glass bottles.
Rising cost of migrant health care is straining charities and Border Patrol
TUCSON – With an increasing number of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, the cost of caring for their medical needs is rising as well.
‘The cellphone does everything’: Smartphones, internet access are key tools of 21st century migration
Cellphones and internet access are key tools for the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees who are fleeing violence and poverty.
Robocalls hit 3 million a day in Arizona, but help may be on the way
WASHINGTON – Despite efforts to block them, robocalls keep coming, with almost 3,2 million such calls made per day to Arizona phone numbers in the first four months of this year. New regulations and new technologies might help stem the tide, but not everyone is convinced.
Venezuelan professionals find it costly, difficult to pursue careers in Peru
LIMA, Peru – Educated professionals are fleeing Venezuela in droves, but continuing their careers in Peru – home to more than 700,000 expatriates – has proven difficult.
Bringing closure: Volunteer group searches for migrant remains near the southern border
SOUTHERN ARIZONA – Aguilas del Desierto is a nonprofit group that scours the desert for the remains of migrants lost in Arizona and California.
String of Grand Canyon fatalities isn’t unusual, officials say, no changes planned
GRAND CANYON – The death of a 70-year-old woman in April marked the fourth fatality in five weeks in or near Grand Canyon National Park. The deaths weren’t unusual, park officials say, and no new safety policies will be implemented
Bus of dreams: Ganado driver hopes to inspire students with snapshots, words of greatness
GANADO – Bus driver Freddie Yazzie inspires students with photos all over bus of other students who succeeded in Navajo community.
Venezuelans in Peru worry that media’s focus on crime spurs lies, hatred
As Peru works to take in more than 700,000 migrants from Venezuela, social media stokes unwarranted fears of crime and violence.
Good news for ASU: Pac-12 secures Arkansas Little Rock for wrestling expansion
PHOENIX – Reacting to concerns it could lose its automatic NCAA qualifiers status in wrestling, the Pac-12, which feature powerhouse Arizona State, is on the hunt for an affiliate school to join the conference.
Arcosanti: Grand experiment in sustainable living approaches its 50th year
ARCOSANTI – A reflection of 50 years of experimentation at the world renowned urban laboratory Arcosanti, and where the project will go next.
Schools in Peru are under added pressure from wave of Venezuelan migrants
Although overwhelmed and short of money, educators in Peru are scrambling to accommodate an influx of Venezuelan school children.
Peru holds out some hope for Venezuelan migrants with HIV
As access to medication dwindles, Venezuelans with HIV flee to Peru in search of life-saving resources.
Why are so many horses dying? Turf Paradise looks to find answers
PHOENIX – A spike in horse fatalities at Turf Paradise have left the track searching for answers.
Plan to forgive public-service workers’ student loans off to rocky start
WASHINGTON - The government promised college students in 2007 that if they took their degrees into a public-service profession, they could apply to have their remaining student debt forgiven after 10 years. But in the first year, just 0.33 percent of 29,000 loan forgiveness applications were approved.
At a downtown Phoenix center, the tables are turning for people with HIV
PHOENIX – “Cookie” King, who was diagnosed with HIV 34 years ago, works at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS helping those who walk the path she once walked. The need is great, because Maricopa County is a hotspot for HIV occurrences.
Outside the box: One reporter’s quest to stop junk mail
LOS ANGELES – Is it possible to end junk mail for good? No, but you can take some steps to lessen the daily avalanche.
Sewage is the real border crisis for many towns and cities
NOGALES – A failing, aging network of pipes and wastewater treatment plants that run from Mexico into U.S. cities is causing public health and environmental concerns for California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
Doing more time: Ex-felons face long odds, long wait to restore voting rights
TUCSON - The years paying off their debt to society is just the starr for ex-felons who are trying to regain their votiing rights - they face more years and hurdles in Arizona, one of the more difficult states to get the vote back. But former felons say it's worth the fight, and some state officials and advocates agree.
‘A blind eye in medicine’: Bias can affect the health of patients of color
TEMPE - Unconscious bias, inconsistent training and a lack of racial and ethnic diversity among doctors leads to disparities in treatment, new research shows.
Thin on broadband: Tribal areas still struggle with lagging technology
WASHINGTON - To some Hopi, "just Google it," is an inside joke - only about 29% of Hopi households have broadband internet access, compared to 79% in Arizona and 78% nationwide. On tribal lands across Arizona, fewer than half the homes have broadband access, stifling business, health and schooling.
Trout in Arizona: Hatchery upgrades will improve the state’s sports fishing industry
FLAGSTAFF – Nearly 60% of the state’s trout begin their lives at Sterling Springs Hatchery, which is being upgraded to save water and money.
Red tape, chaos in Venezuela prevent ‘brain drain’ from aiding Peru
Venezuelan’s “brain drain” of medical professionals could benefit Peru, but bureaucracy and unrest in Venezuela pose huge obstacles.
Capitol Hill internships always paid off – this summer they’ll pay, too
WASHINGTON – Students heading to Washington for Capitol Hill internships this summer will see something that many haven't seen there in decades - a little pay for their long hours and hard work. Congress this year set aside money to pay interns, and most Arizona lawmakers said they plan to do so.
Arizona farmers can legally grow industrial hemp, but will they take the risk?
CASA GRANDE – Paco Ollerton, a third-generation cotton farmer, is carefully looking at growing industrial hemp – a crop that has attracted many with its environmentally friendly claims – this summer, as it will be legal to grow in the state May 31.
Rare frog fossil sheds light on a gap in Arizona geologic record
PETRIFIED FOREST – Paleontologists have discovered a rare frog fossil that dates back to the late Triassic period.
Fecal treatment leads to improved lives for children with autism
GILBERT – ASU researcher James Adams said microbiota transfer therapy has been useful in treating children with autism and their gastrointestinal issues. Ben Bonaroti participated in the treatment in 2014 and his quality of life improved.
Venezuelan artists strive to survive, make a difference in Peru
Talented Venezuelan migrants in Peru share their stories about trying to earn a living through art.
Influx of Venezuelans sorely tests Peru’s economy and labor market
The Peruvian labor market is being transformed by an influx of more than 700,000 Venezuelans, a number that could double by year’s end.
Henry Cejudo reflects on Maryvale roots as he prepares for UFC championship bout
PHOENIX – As Henry Cejudo prepares for his fight against Marlon Moraes for the vacant bantamweight championship at UFC 238, he thinks back to his roots in Maryvale.
Smartphones, Snapchat, Instagram transform how today’s teens bully each other
PHOENIX – Increased accessibility to Wi-Fi, cellphones and social media platforms continues to transform how teens bully one another.
Maricopa County includes pets in annual homeless survey for the first time
PHOENIX – Questions about pets were included into the Point-in-Time Homeless Count for the first time.
A different border crisis
NOGALES – For many along the border, the real crisis isn’t security or immigration, it’s wastewater flowing under and over the boundary. The four U.S. states along the southern border are dealing with an aging system that no one wants to pay the millions needed to fix.
New law changes how English Language learners are taught. But what comes next?
MESA – A new law aims to help students who don’t speak English natively succeed, but how will educators implement it?
In Indian Country, potholes can be a bump in the road to an education
WASHINGTON - Of all the problems facing tribal schools, impassable roads are not the biggest problem, "but it is the most annoying one." With three-fourths of Bureau of Indian Affairs roads unpaved, students are often stranded and districts are forced to spend precious resources on bus repairs.
Dust, particle pollution disproportionately affect Latino and poor communities
PHOENIX – Latino and lower-income communities of Phoenix are breathing in more polluted air than residents in other parts of the city, and a new report indicates it’s part of a national trend.
Kitchen-inspection reports for day cares and schools are available – if you look
PHOENIX – Maricopa County restaurant inspectors include day care services and school kitchens in their assessments, but schools are not required to notify parents of violations
Wilderness of the world: Reconnecting with nature helps struggling teens, families heal
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – Teenagers struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and other issues are walking through their problems, thanks to the Anasazi program.
Death of a dream: Two responses to migrants who go missing in the desert
SOUTHERN ARIZONA – As thousands of migrants cross the Arizona desert, there are mechanisms in place to help them survive the dangerous journey. However, many don’t make it. Once that happens, another painful, and costly ordeal, begins for the families back home.
Inmates at Arizona prison prepare retired greyhound racers to live with families
ELOY – More than a dozen inmates at Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy spend their days working with former racing greyhounds to rehabilitate and train the canines and prepare the dogs to go home with a family.
Fare enough: Uber, Lyft surge ahead of cabs in campaign expense reports
WASHINGTON - Congressional lawmakers may not have voted on ride-sharing legislation, but they are voting with their pocketbooks, with campaigns spending more than 2.1 millon in 2017-18 on Uber and Lyft, far outstripping taxis. Arizona lawmakers were part of the trend, reporting $20,000 on the services.
Giants’ Tony Watson embraces special connection with civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr.
SCOTTSDALE – San Francisco Giants reliever Tony Watson embraces special connection with civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.
Lack of funds makes it more difficult for refugee women in Arizona to set up new lives
PHOENIX – Due to the responsibility of child care, a higher rate of experiencing sexual violence, financial dependency and less access to education and lack of confidence, refugee women experience tribulation when resettling in new countries.
Final 100 miles of the Colorado highlight how badly the river is overtaxed
SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO, Mexico – By the time the Colorado River reaches the border with Mexico, it’s pretty much spent. Ninety percent of the river’s water is used in the U.S., which has dramatic effects on northern Mexico.
For homeless young adults, HomeBase offers structure, shelter and a way out
PHOENIX - They are called unaccompanied homeless youth, the 18- to 25-year-olds who face their own set of challenges and needs as they try to get back on their feet. The U.S. has as many as 36,000 of them on a given night, but a transitional housing facility in Phoenix is designed to help them out.
Public health vs. parent choice: The vaccination debate in Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona public health officials continue to warn that the state is at risk for an outbreak due to plummeting vaccination coverage rates, and lawmakers are fighting for legislation on both sides of the debate. Parents continue to question the safety of vaccines, but there are still no viable solutions on the table.
The Facebook battlefield: Two mothers on opposite sides of the vaccination divide
PHOENIX – Two mothers share common ground, like suburban life, charter schools, and family dinner. They also want to keep their children healthy and safe, which is where their lifestyles divide. One believes in vaccinations, the other does not.
As the Colorado River Basin dries, can an accidental oasis survive?
CIÉNEGA DE SANTA CLARA, Mexico – More than 40 years ago, agricultural runoff diverted to northern Mexico created the largest wetland in the Sonoran Desert. But as water becomes ever more scarce, can it survive?
Hopi journalist leads others on journey of Phoenix Indian School, other Native American history
PHOENIX – Patty Talahongva grew up on the Hopi reservation, practicing traditional Hopi ways and Catholicism. After she attended Phoenix Indian School in the late 1970’s, she began to learn more about the fraught history of boarding schools. Today, she works as a journalist and as a curator at her former school, now a museum and community center, helping to teach the surrounding community more about Native American culture and history.
‘These are parks’: Signs of life returning to the depleted Colorado River Delta
LAGUNA GRANDE, Mexico – Small restoration sites along the Colorado River are showing scientists and the public what the delta once looked like and the wealth of wildlife it supported.
Federal appeals court orders BLM to reconsider how Chaco drilling permits impact environment
PHOENIX – A federal appeals court has ruled the Bureau of Land Management needs to reconsider how drilling permits could impact natural resources in the area around Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico
Punk with a purpose: Hardcore band’s shows help flood of migrant families in Tucson
TUCSON – Musicians in the Tucson Hardcore punk scene stage clothing and donation drives to benefit migrant and indigenous communities.
Citrus squeeze: Pushed by development, costs, citrus shrinks in state economy
The number of citrus operations in Arizona fell about 40 percent from 2012 to 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as farms have been buffeted by encroaching development, drought, disease and scarce water resources.
Power play: Led by ASU, collegiate hockey flexes its muscle in Arizona
TEMPE – When the Arizona State men's hockey team made history by being the first independent team to make the NCAA Tournament since 1991-92, it showed that collegiate hockey is making its mark in Arizona.
Buckeye had nation’s fastest growth, Phoenix added most people in 2018
WASHINGTON - Buckeye saw its population grow by 8.5% from 2017 to 2018 and Phoenix added 25,288 new residents in the same period, claiming the top spots among U.S. cities for growth that year, the Census Bureau said, as Arizona continued its steady population rise.
Trump OKs Navajo Nation disaster declaration in wake of February storms
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration for the Navajo Nation that will allow it to seek reimbursement for funds it spent responding to a February storm that dumped snow on the reservation, isolating some communities and leading to flooding in other areas.
ASU men’s golf enters NCAA Championships with international flair
TEMPE – The Arizona State men's golf team begins its quest for a third national title Friday when it competes in the NCAA Championships at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It brings with it an international flair.
Amid trade war, Chinese company is buying shuttered U.S. paper mills
PHOENIX – A Chinese company is buying and renovating long-closed paper mills in the U.S. as the U.S.-China trade war continues to heat up.
Census: Arizona continued to lag far behind U.S. on school spending
WASHINGTON - New Census Bureau figures show that per-pupil spending in Arizona's public schools was fourth-lowest in the nation in 2017, still mired at the back of the pack even though spending rose faster that year in the state than it did in the rest of the country.
‘One team, one heartbeat’: Arizona softball ends Women’s College World Series drought
TUCSON – With their Super Regional victory over Ole Miss, the Arizona Wildcats are headed to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2010.
Kinaaldá: A Navajo girl comes of age in traditional ceremony
LUPTON – Kieloh Nellie Poolah, 11, came of age in the eyes of her Navajo community in February. Surrounded by four generations of women in her family, she completed a series of tasks and hours of prayer to complete the Kinaaldá ceremony.
The Navajo mother: Nellie Shirley
HOUCK – Nellie Shirley was born in 1932 on the Navajo Reservation and has lived there except during the years she attended boarding school. After her parents died when she was 13, she was sent to two schools where she was able to strengthen her Catholic faith as well as embrace her Navajo culture.
‘They choose not to know’: Victims, advocates combat sex trafficking in Arizona
PHOENIX – Cronkite News reporters Jake Goodrick and Alicia Longo produced three supplemental videos to accompany a Frontline on PBS documentary about sex trafficking in Arizona.
‘Rock crispy treat’: Mesa students design storm-drain grate that blocks trash
MESA – Using gravel and epoxy, two Red Mountain High School seniors have come up with storm-drain grate that traps trash but lets the water flow through easily.
Spellbound: Eight Arizona schoolkids compete in National Spelling Bee
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., - Eight Arizona elementary and middle school students went to Washington to compete against almost 600 other students in the 92nd Scripps National Spelling Bee, but only one, from Fort Defiance, still had a shot at the finals after the first three rounds of competition.
Buffelgrass Blues: Campaign kicks off in Phoenix parks to combat an invasive species
PHOENIX – Buffelgrass, an invasive species from South Africa, is the focus of an eradication campaign by Phoenix and several conservancy groups.
The winners and losers in Arizona’s $11.8 billion budget
PHOENIX – Teachers, victims of child sex abuse and low-income kids were among the winners in the budget the Legislature passed late Monday.
Pros, no cons: With hiring of Marvin Lewis, ASU shows strong belief in NFL model
TEMPE – Marvin Lewis is another addition to the Sun Devils staff with time in the NFL.
Mueller restates Russia report, as lawmakers restate their positions
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers did not appear to be swayed Wednesday by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's careful recap of his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, with both Democrats and Republicans digging in to their previous positions on the report.
‘It’s pretty emotional’: ASU baseball ready for first regional since 2016
PHOENIX – ASU baseball is headed back to the postseason after a two-season hiatus.
Court orders new hearing for groups trying to ban lead ammo in Kaibab
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Thursday ordered a new hearing for environmental groups trying to ban the use of lead shot in Kaibab National Forest that they said poses a threat to endangered California condors who ingest the toxic metal.
No More Deaths isn’t on trial, prosecutor says in opening, Scott Warren is
TUCSON – The trial of Scott Warren, a volunteer for No More Deaths, gets underway in Tucson. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
U.S. court upholds ban on Mexican seafood to protect endangered porpoise
PHOENIX – A federal appeals court has upheld a ban on Mexican seafood caught with gillnets in the northern reaches of the Sea of Cortez, which is meant to protect the vaquita marina porpoise.
For good measure: Analytics a part of youth baseball, too
PEORIA – The data revolution has trickled down to youth baseball, thanks to technologies like GameChanger and a popularizing of the analytics movement.
Trump plan for tariffs on Mexican goods finds little support in Arizona
Arizona lawmakers, business officials and experts Friday blasted President Donald Trump's threat to impose a tariff on Mexican goods in hopes of cutting immigration, calling his plan everything from "terribly damaging" to "unhinged."
Power to the people: Utilities from around the U.S. pitch in to bring electricity to Navajos
DILKON – Utilities from around the country have helped connect more Navajo homes to the electrical grid. The 15,000 homes without power represent 75% of the homes in America that still are not electrified.
Unusually wet winter and spring pushes Arizona out of short-term drought
PHOENIX – The U.S. Drought Monitor has declared the 48 contiguous states free of extreme or severe drought for the first time in almost two decades.
Street cred: ‘Muhammad Ali Way’ helps keep mission of boxing great, Barrow Institute going
PHOENIX – On the third anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing, friends and family came together to honor the former heavyweight champion of the world with the unveiling of “Muhammad Ali Way” while also celebrating the declaration of June 3 as “Muhammad Ali Day” in the city of Phoenix.
Could climate change and lower birth rates be linked? UCLA researcher says yes
LOS ANGELES – As global temperatures continue to rise, a researcher suggests it could negatively affect human reproductive health.
South Sudan never far from mind of Northern Arizona Suns’ Peter Jok
Peter Jok of the Northern Arizona Suns hopes to make impact in South Sudan
Democrats push Dream Act through House, outlook in Senate less certain
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines, like much of the rest of the House, as Democrats pushed through a bill that would protect millions of "Dreamers" from deportation and create a pathway to citizenship, a bill Republicans said would only lead to more illegal immigration.
‘Raised in a bat bag’: Kevin Cron feels prepared for Diamondbacks opportunity
PHOENIX – Kevin Cron, an Arizona product, has shown more maturity than most Diamondbacks rookies
How the sounds around you could be a harbinger of climate change
PHOENIX – An Arizona State University professor uses sound to help understand the environment, which potentially could help predict climate change.
Phoenix Rising prepares for Lambert, Flemmings losses to Jamaican national team
TEMPE – Phoenix Rising prepared to lose Kevon Lambert to international duty until July.
Tribal leaders, lawmakers push bill to ban mining near Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - Tribal and environmental officials urged House lawmakers to protect sacred land and natural resources by passing a mining ban on just over 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon, a move critics called "ill conceived" and driven by "scare tactics."
Rising fans, players back LGBTQ charities for Pride Month
TEMPE - Campaigns from both players and supporters are seeking to raise money this June for LGBTQ charities
Peaches and team: 7-year-old cancer patient finds support from all-girls baseball teammates
CHANDLER – When they learned Leighton Accardo was battling cancer, teammates on her all-girls baseball team rallied around her.
Can the government be sued for climate change? Appeals court hears arguments
PHOENIX – Judges from the U.S. Appeals Court for the 9th Circuit heard arguments in a landmark case on climate change Tuesday.
Southern border apprehensions surge to highest rate in 10 years
WASHINGTON - The number of migrants apprehended at the southern border surged to 144,278 in May, bringing the total for the first eight months of fiscal 2019 to 676,315, already more than any full year in the last decade, leaving authorities and aid groups "bursting at the seams."
Cross-border shooting in Nogales likely to turn on ruling in Texas case
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court will consider if a Mexican family can sue a Border Patrol agent who was standing in Texas when he fatally shot their teenage son who was in Ciudad Juarez - a ruling that will affect a nearly identical case in Nogales, where a Sonoran family is suing over their son's death.
VA expands veterans’ access to health care from private providers
PHOENIX – The Department of Veterans Affairs increases access to health care for veterans by relying on private providers.
Timely tips for staying safe during Arizona’s monsoon season
PHOENIX – Arizona’s monsoon season will likely arrive later than usual this summer, which means more time to prepare for the sometimes violent storms.
Through injury, motherhood and doubt, Jessica McDonald ready to represent Arizona at World Cup
PHOENIX – Arizona’s Jessica McDonald been through it all. Now she’s a World Cup player for the U.S. women’s team.
A natural path: Mother chooses midwife over hospital for second birth
PHOENIX – Katrina Huynh chose a midwife to deliver her second child, seeking a more organic, intimate experience around pregnancy and childbirth.
Excessive heat, high fuel loads in Arizona have experts predicting wildfires through fall
PHOENIX – The Woodbury and Mountain fires burning in the Tonto National Forest aren’t a threat to people, but both indicate what could be a trend over the next few months: as vegetation grows from the wet winter and dry out, Arizona is a tinderbox.
Supreme Court to hear murder appeal that could affect 20 death-row cases
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will hear the appeal of an Arizona death-row inmate who claims state courts wrongly used old law to reaffirm his death sentences for two 1991 murders - a ruling his attorneys said could affect as many as 19 other capital cases in Arizona.
Hepatitis A outbreak reaches 8 Arizona counties
PHOENIX – More than 350 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Arizona.
Arizona Game and Fish debates banning ‘coyote killing contests’
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has proposed a rule that would ban so-called coyote-killing contests. KJZZ spoke to people on both sides of the issue.
Efforts to protect butterflies, desert fish would get millions under Extinction Prevention Act
PHOENIX – Some threatened and endangered Arizona species may receive federal funding under a bill being proposed by Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona.
Beer factor: Phoenix Rising’s recipe for success includes hops, barley
SCOTTSDALE – Dollar Beer Night has been a success for Phoenix Rising FC. Not only is the team 11-0 in those games, but attendance has received a bump as well.
Hung jury in trial of No More Deaths volunteer charged with harboring migrants
TUCSON – Humanitarian aid worker Scott Warren’s federal trial ended without a verdict.
Federal, Arizona tribal leaders seek solutions to violence against women
SACATON – Federal officials met Tuesday with tribal leaders in Sacaton in the Gila River Indian Community to discuss the violence faced by native women in Arizona.
On stressed Colorado River, states test how many more diversions watershed can bear
COAL CREEK CANYON, Colo. – The Colorado River is short on water. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at a slate of proposed water projects in the river’s Upper Basin states of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Denver Water wants to increase the size of one dam by 131 feet and fill the human-made lake with more water from the headwaters of the Colorado River via a tunnel that traverses the Continental Divide.
Turning children into animal caregivers at summer camp
PHOENIX – Young people attending animal summer camps in the Phoenix area are learning about the compassionate care of animals.
Pima official defends clean-water rule that farmers blast as burdensome
WASHINGTON - Both sides at a Senate hearing on the Waters of the U.S. rule agreed they want clean water, but a Pima County official said a Trump plan would open the door to pollution while farm groups said an Obama-era rule was too burdensome and confusing to be effective.
Ranchers want dams to protect against drought, but could dams worsen climate change?
BIG PINEY, Wyo. – Ranchers in Wyoming want more water storage, but that will mean less water going into the Colorado River.
With guidance of ASU greats, Chun An Yu makes second consecutive appearance at US Open
PHOENIX – Chun An Yu makes his second consecutive appearance at the US Open.
Report: Undocumented immigration into U.S., especially from Mexico, is down
PHOENIX – Undocumented immigration from Mexico has dropped so significantly over a decade that Mexicans no longer make up the majority of those living in the U.S. illegally, according to a Pew Research Center report.
Ducey, at White House, touts benefits of new occupational licensing law
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey touted Arizona's first-in-the-nation universal licensing recognition law at the White House Thursday to a receptive audience of governors and the president, who were there to talk about their ideas to improve workforce mobility.
Coming of age: ASU golf coach Thurmond takes daughters on trips of a lifetime
PHOENIX – Arizona State's Matt Thurmond has a special birthday gift for his daughters when they turn 14.
7-year-old girl dies crossing border; authorities blame smugglers
TUCSON – Federal agents found the body of a 7-year-old girl near the Arizona-Mexico border Wednesday morning
Utah presses forward on pipeline despite strains on Colorado River
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Despite legal agreements on drought in the Colorado River Basin, southwestern Utah communities are pushing for expensive water projects.
Podcast: Volcanic soil, old artillery shells challenge crews managing the Maroon Fire
FLAGSTAFF – Firefighters were controlling a wildfire near Flagstaff, but unusual circumstances complicated the process: unusual volcanic soil and a “no-go zone”.
Phoenix Rising’s Wheeler-Omiunu has many talents but focus now is ‘play and get better’
TEMPE - After two seasons on the bench with Atlanta United, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu is focused on playing time in the desert.
As Peru welcomes Venezuelan refugees, its immigration system is overwhelmed
As more Venezuelans fleeing the economic and political crisis in their homeland arrive daily in Peru, the Peruvian government readily acknowledges it can’t keep up with the applications for temporary or permanent residency.
Salt River Project prepares businesses for monsoon season
TEMPE – Power outages at home are upsetting, but they can cause severe economic damage to businesses. The Salt River Project is helping decision-makers prepare their companies before monsoon storms start.
On the border of a new future: Young Venezuelans in Peru
Youth emigrating from Venezuela experience a mix of optimism and apprehension about starting their new lives in Peru.
Arizona ranks 46th for childhood well-being, Kids Count report says
PHOENIX – The annual Kids Count report ranks Arizona 46th in the nation for childhood well-being, 43rd for economic well-being, with lack of affordable housing as a key factor.
Arizona lawmakers Grijalva, Schweikert focus of House ethics probes
WASHINGTON - Experts say it is "more of a coincidence than anything" that Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat, and David Schweikert, a Republican, are both being investigated by the House Ethics Committee, but they caution that neither lawmaker should take the probes lightly.
Family suing Phoenix for police brutality rejects apologies from mayor, chief
PHOENIX – A couple held at police gunpoint – shown in a viral cellphone video released last week – say the apologies of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Police Chief Jeri Williams are insincere and that further action should be taken.
A child of two nations: Hope for ‘democracia’ in Peru spurs new parents
A newborn represents the vanguard of a new generation of Peruvians born to Venezuelan refugee parents
Vapors, oils and brownies: AZ Supreme Court decision boosts medical marijuana industry
PHOENIX – In the wake of a state Supreme Court decision allowing extracted marijuana products, the foundation of the industry’s future may rest on concentrates, or extracts.
Pride and joy: Mercury event benefits LGBTQ community, local businesses
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Mercury's Pride Night served to deepen the team's relationship to its LGBTQ fans and expanded its audience in the process.
Hearing climate change: An Arizona researcher’s quest to understand climate through sound
PHOENIX – Garth Paine, who co-leads Arizona State’s Acoustic Ecology Lab, studies how sounds can help understand the environment and potentially help predict climate change.
Trump’s pledge to quickly deport ‘millions’ earns praise, provokes alarm
PHOENIX – Trump pledges to deport ‘millions’ of undocumented immigrants President Donald Trump pledged to have federal authorities remove millions of undocumented immigrants next week, setting off a flurry of warnings from immigration advocates to prepare families for possible deportation.
Coconino official urges feds to live up to responsibility to fund parks
WASHINGTON - A Coconino County supervisor urged lawmakers to "make sure the federal government meets its responsibility" of maintaining national parks, which face almost $12 billion in needed backlogged maintenance projects - $313.8 million in the Grand Canyon alone.
Frustrated Phoenix residents make voices known after viral police video
PHOENIX – A community meeting held by Phoenix’s mayor and police chief focuses on allegations of police brutality.
Even as they adapt to life in Peru, Venezuelans dream of returning home
Many of the 700,000 Venezuelans who moved to Peru in recent years dream of returning home, which could slow their integration into Peruvian society. Even though Spanish is spoken in both countries, there are many differences between the nations..
Sewing class in Peru is ‘home’ for Venezuelan woman
A Peruvian woman opens her arms to Venezuelan refugees fleeing turmoil in their home country.
Phoenix budget approved after 3 hours of anger, pain and demands for police reform
PHOENIX – A 3-hour session of public ire and angst over community-police relation ended with Phoenix City Council voting 7-2 to approve a city budget. The council also pledged to set up reforms that could include a citizens review board.
Environmental groups call for McSally to support climate change proposal
PHOENIX – Arizona environmentalists gathered Tuesday outside Sen. Martha McSally's Phoenix office to demand action on climate change.
Cameras and coexistence: Learning to live with jaguars
SAHUARIPA, Mexico – Jaguars once roamed the Americas from Argentina to Arizona. To ensure the survival of the endangered cat, conservationists are working to change the minds of ranchers in Sonora, Mexico.
And your point is? Drafting the right guard could be key to Phoenix Suns’ success
PHOENIX – All eyes are on the Phoenix Suns today, who have the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft. Most analysts expect the team to select a point guard.
Groundwater pumping diminishes streams across the country, study finds
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Rivers and small streams across the U.S. are declining from groundwater pumping according to new research.
At bat for kids: Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Escobar driven to give back
PHOENIX – After a challenging upbringing in Venezuela, Diamondbacks third baseman Eduardo Escobar is committed to service.
Arizona National Guard chief defends role of troops at border
WASHINGTON - The head of the Arizona National Guard defended the use of military troops on the border, telling a House subcommittee that their support puts more Border Patrol officers on the front lines - what one official called "badges back to the border."
Giffords back on Capitol Hill to push for vote on background-check bill
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords joined Democratic leaders to demand that the Senate vote on a bill to toughen background checks for gun buyers. It is the third time this year that Giffords - severely injured in a 2011 shooting - has lobbied on Capitol Hill for the bill.
Phoenix Suns’ decisions in NBA Draft leave fans with more questions than answers
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns' decisions on NBA Draft night left some fans still confused about direction of team.
Arizona acupuncture board takes on the opioid crisis
PHOENIX – Arizona’s acupuncture board is certifying auricular acupuncturists for work in chemical dependency programs.
Corridors for cats: Conservationists work to keep jaguar populations genetically viable
ALAMOS, Mexico – Jaguars in Sonora and Sinaloa come and go through a series of corridors, which keeps these core populations genetically diverse. If those corridors are destroyed, the northernmost jaguars in the Americas could die out.
Roosevelt Lake residents ordered to evacuate due to Woodbury Fire
PHOENIX – Evacuations have been ordered for the Superstition Wilderness area as the Woodbury Fire continues to blaze. The fire near the Superstition Mountains has been burning for almost two weeks.
Breaking the mold: Diversifying Arizona’s modeling industry
PHOENIX – Several members of the Arizona fashion scene are striving to bring plus-size models, as well as those who are more diverse racially and ethnically, to the forefront.
Arizona’s average age still below U.S., but it’s catching up fast
WASHINGTON – Arizona's average age of 37.9 in 2018 was relatively young compared to other states, but the rise in age from 2010 was twice the national average and second-highest in the U.S., new Census data show, as births fell and older residents continued to move in.
It’s rattlesnake season. Are you prepared?
SCOTTSDALE – The Phoenix Herpetological Society offers training classes on how to handle venomous snakes.
Why some tattoo artists choose vegan inks over traditional formulas
PHOENIX – Some Phoenix tattoo artists are choosing to use vegan inks instead of non-vegan tattoo inks for ethical and practical reasons.
Arizona Game & Fish supports ban on certain types of hunting contests
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has voted to ban hunting contests that charge hunters fees, and then award prizes for killing the most of certain types of predatory and fur-bearing animals.
After nervous moments, Coyotes’ Chayka, Soderstrom pleased with how draft unfolded
GLENDALE – After nervous start, Coyotes GM John Chayka and top pick Victor Soderstrom pleased with how draft unfolded.
Phoenix Rising’s Flemmings, Lambert prepare for Jamaica-Curacao clash
LOS ANGELES – Potential injuries could boost selection chances for Phoenix Rising’s Junior Flemmings and Kevon Lambert ahead of Tuesday’s Jamaica-Curaçao soccer clash.
Chemical retardant used to fight wildfires could pose harm, group says
PHOENIX – Fire retardant is one of several tactics being used to battle the Woodbury Fire east of Mesa. But this mixture of water and chemicals has raised questions with some people who believe it can be dangerous to people and the environment.
What has bats, balls and an Arizona fanbase? Hint: It’s not baseball
SCOTTSDALE - Even though it’s more popular in other countries, cricket has found a surprising home in Arizona.
Board of Education declines changes to sex education policy
PHOENIX – No further changes will be made to Arizona’s sex education classes, the Board of Education decided Monday.
Critics attack Trump administration push to expedite uranium mining
WASHINGTON - Tribal members, environmentalists and lawmakers told a House panel that including uranium on a list of "critical minerals" opens the door to expedited mining that will put tribal lands and national parks at risk, but supporters of the Trump administration plan said it's necessary for national security.
Phoenix Rising’s Flemmings secures start, helps Jamaica land quarterfinal spot
LOS ANGELES – Phoenix Rising's Junior Flemmings secures starting spot , helps Jamaican national team advance to Gold Cup soccer quarterfinal.
‘It’s our turn’: Phoenix police supporters rally outside City Hall
PHOENIX – About 50 demonstrators rallied Wednesday to show support for police in the wake of protests over a viral video of a controversial police stop.
Maricopa County approves updates to vote-counting system to avoid snafus
PHOENIX – The Board of Supervisors will spend $6.1 million over three years to upgrade voting systems, and it hired an executive to oversee elections.
Law firm releases details on 109 Catholic clergy accused of sexual abuse in Phoenix
PHOENIX – A report including details and photos of 109 Catholic clergy members was released by a Minnesota-based law firm on Wednesday. The report includes information that predates the founding of the Diocese of Phoenix in 1969.
Navajo, Hualapai water-rights bills get warm reception in House hearing
WASHINGTON - Navajo and Hualapai tribal leaders urged House lawmakers to support a handful of bills that would guarantee water to their tribes in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico and fund the water treatment plants and pipelines to deliver it.
Arizona lawmakers split as House, Senate pass emergency border funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona representatives split down party lines Tuesday as the House approved $4.5 billion in emergency border funding, setting up a showdown with the Senate which passed its own version of the measure Wednesday.
Hawaii at their fingertips: Middle-school students take virtual field trips
PHOENIX – Virtual technology that is changing industries from manufacturing to medicine is being incorporated into virtual field trips in a collaboration between Arizona State University and Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii.
Spry rollers: Figure skaters on wheels committed to their sport
MESA – Phoenix Roller Sports Club practices figure-skating on wheels
ASU basketball searching for answers as summer workouts begin
TEMPE – Sun Devil basketball looks to regroup after first NCAA tournament appearance under Hurley.
Supreme Court rejects – for now – citizenship question on 2020 Census
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court handed a temporary victory to opponents of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, saying the government will have to go back and make a better case in court if it wants to include the question that critics say will suppress minority participation.
Climbing in Joshua Tree: Breaking bones and belaying friendships
JOSHUA TREE, California – Two climbers trace the evolution of the sport through their 40-year friendship. Todd Gordon and Tucker Tech pioneered many of the routes in Joshua Tree National Park, as visitors surge to nearly 3 million a year.
If you can’t stand the heat, you’re probably not Rattlers material
MESA – The desert heat doesn’t stop the Rattlers from being the hottest team in the IFL.
Emergency border funds get final OK, after some odd political turns
WASHINGTON – Congress gave a final OK, and the president is expected to sign, a border funding bill that does not include many migrant protections the House wanted - but it does send $4.59 billion to border agencies that said they could run out of funds to handle the surge of migrants at the border.
K-12 teachers learn ways to bring Native American history and traditions to the classroom
PHOENIX – Native American history, culture and art were the focus of the Heard Museum’s second annual Teacher Institute.
Town shows its gratitude for the sacrifices of the Yarnell Hill 19
YARNELL – The sixth anniversary of the Yarnell Hill Fire was remembered in a ceremony on Sunday. The town continues to heal, grow and show gratitude in the wake of the tragedy.
Ice, ice maybe: Could NHL’s Winter Classic make future stop at Sun Devil Stadium?
GLENDALE – The Coyotes hope to see a Winter Classic in their future, possibly at Sun Devil Stadium.
‘Isolated events’: Families of Hacienda HealthCare residents voice support for troubled facility
PHOENIX －Despite recent reports of a rape and improper patient care, several families of residents there say Hacienda HealthCare is the best run facility of its kind in Phoenix.
Protesters gather across Arizona to demand officials close immigrant detention centers
EL PASO, Texas – A group including Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton, D-Phoenix, recently visited immigration detention facilities in Texas. Stanton said the facilities don’t meet American values.
Making the transition: Ex-players Ramage, Gavin look for coaching success with Rising
TEMPE – Former Phoenix Rising FC players Peter Ramage and Blair Gavin are bringing their experience to the coaching staff.
From Bowling Green to South Korea: Merrill Kelly’s path to Diamondbacks was humbling one
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, a 30-year-old rookie, has experienced it all on his way to the majors
A shoe, a governor, a quarterback: Kaepernick remains impactful figure as Ducey, Nike drama reveals
PHOENIX – A string of early morning tweets by Gov. Doug Ducey revealed the state would no longer offer Nike any financial incentives to build a new manufacturing plant in Goodyear. An opinion by Colin Kaepernick triggered the move.
Making America grill again: Cost of cookouts little changed this year
WASHINGTON - The American Farm Bureau said the cost of a traditional Fourth of July cookout for 10 rose less than 1 percent from last year to just is just $5.28 per person this year, according to its annual market survey. And the cost is even lower in Arizona, the farm bureau in the state says.
Phoenix to look into new system to track, measure police conduct
PHOENIX – Phoenix will take steps to collect and analyze data on police performance, the City Council decided Tuesday. It also is considering a poll to measure community attitudes toward police and a civilian oversight board.
‘A flowing stream from here on out’: Tucson using effluent to revive ‘dead’ stretch of river
TUCSON – The Santa Cruz River west of downtown Tucson is receiving treated wastewater under a Heritage Project meant to restore riparian areas and replenish aquifers.
Trump vows Census will ask citizenship; critics decry ‘scare tactics’
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump vowed that his administration is "absolutely moving forward" with a push to include a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, just hours after the Census Bureau said it would not do so, a reversal advocates dismissed as a "scare tactic" by the president.
Heavy pro-Mexico crowd helps push team past Haiti and into Gold Cup final
GLENDALE - Over 60,000 fans, most of them supporting El Tri, showed up in Glendale to cheer Mexico on to a 1-0 victory over Haiti.
Phoenix police roll out more body cameras; 950 officers now have them
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Police Department continued its rollout of body-worn cameras, issuing the devices to about a dozen officers Wednesday in the Cactus Park Precinct in north Phoenix.
Goodyear mayor sides with Nike in dispute involving Ducey, controversial shoe
PHOENIX – Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord opts for Nike plant in her city.
No bursting in air: Carefree uses drones instead of fireworks to celebrate the Fourth
PHOENIX – Drones can replace Fourth of July fireworks without the risk of fire or frightening animals and also help military veterans who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.
BLM considering restrictions on dispersed camping on fragile lands in Utah
MOAB, Utah – Camping far from the crowd is an American tradition, but it can damage the environment. Public-lands managers are considering ways to curb the abuse.
Throwing a lifeline to poor patients ‘dumped’ by health care providers
PHOENIX - The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986 bars hospitals from refusing healthcare for those in need and makes it illegal to dump patients on the streets, but the practice persists. That's where groups like Circle the City come in.
The heat is on: Coaches, athletic trainers work to keep high school athletes safe
GILBERT – Athletic trainers and coaches are working to keep high school football players safe during the hot summer months.
U.S. recyclers hope to upgrade infrastructure to end dependence on China
PHOENIX – A $2 trillion infrastructure bill died last spring, so the beleaguered U.S. recycling industry is seeking funds through EPA grants to states.
Advocates: High court’s ruling in death-row case could affect 19 others
WASHINGTON - There is no question that James McKinney murdered two people in botched Phoenix-area burglaries in 1991, buit should he be put to death for it? When the Supreme Court takes up that quesiton this fall, it could also be deciding the fate of 19 other Arizona death-row inmates.
Signed, sealed and delivering: ASU’s Dort debuts with Thunder in Summer League
LAS VEGAS – Things didn’t go Luguentz Dort’s way on draft day, but he is still living out the dream of playing professional basketball.
Heat relief: Valley organizations work to keep vulnerable populations safe
PHOENIX – Every summer, a coalition of organizations provides hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites across metro Phoenix to prevent heat-related deaths among vulnerable populations.
From high school to NBA: Suns’ Jalen Lecque forges nontraditional path
LAS VEGAS – One year removed from high school, Jalen Lecque looks to make his mark on Summer League Suns.
Public speaks out after Starbucks barista asks Tempe officers to leave
PHOENIX – Six officers were asked to leave a Tempe Starbucks on the Fourth of July after a barista said their presence made a customer feel unsafe.
NBA peers, former teammates expect Zylan Cheatham to find success in league
LAS VEGAS – Zylan Cheatham has had an opportunity to show off his skills for the New Orleans Pelicans in Summer League
From Diamondbacks executive to GCU player, baseball a Bell family affair
PHOENIX – Luke Bell, the Diamondbacks’ 34th round draft pick, continues a baseball-led family legacy
Salt shakers: Removing brine from river water causes earthquakes along Utah-Colorado line
MONTROSE, Colo. – The Colorado River has been dammed and diverted for massive cities and large-scale farming, which has led to all kinds of unintended consequences.
Arizona quakes are mostly minor, but hundreds happen every year
PHOENIX – The aftershock of the Southern California earthquakes was the first quake Arizonans have felt since 2015, but the Grand Canyon State has hundreds of minor quakes each year.
Jamaica Reggae Boyz Flemmings, Lambert return to Phoenix Rising
TEMPE - Rising’s Junior Flemmings and Kevon Lambert are back in Phoenix after a spell with the Jamaican National Team
Blood draw: American Red Cross issues urgent call for help during shortage
The American Red Cross has scheduled blood donation opportunities throughout the Valley through the end of July to help stop a shortage of blood. This summer the organization has seen a decrease in blood donations across the country.
Arizona has had fewer wildfires than last year, but the blazes are bigger
PHOENIX – There are fewer wildfires in Arizona this year compared to last, but these blazes are burning significant acreage.
Court vacates sentence for teen gang member given life without parole
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court vacated the sentence for a Phoenix-area gang member who was still a teen when he got a mandatory life without parole sentence for crimes that "terrorized" the Salt River reservation in the 1990s.
Cyberbully solutions: Target becomes an activist; ASU researchers develop Instagram app
PHOENIX – Cyberbullies targeted Grace Martinez, tormenting her on social media. Now she uses her voice to stand up against bullies while ASU researchers develop an Instagram app for parents, teens.
Pedestrian deaths in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District are highest in U.S., report says
PHOENIX – Arizona's 7th Congressional District is the most dangerous district for pedestrians in the U.S., according to a group that advocates for safe streets.
Ducey not among governors supporting 55 mpg fuel efficiency standards
PHOENIX – Governors of 23 states and Puerto Rico this week urged the Trump administration to adopt a stronger emissions standard for vehicles. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey was not one of those governors.
Cold call: Even in the heat, Arizona’s ice rinks must deliver
SCOTTSDALE – Keeping it cool: Arizona ice rinks use a lot of planning to help keep their business afloat
Lack of broadband puts tribal, rural areas ‘in jeopardy,’ lawmakers told
WASHINGTON - The Havasupai tribe is falling behind in education, health and emergency needs because - like millions of residents in rural communities - it lacks affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband, a tribal councilwoman told House lawmakers in a hearing on rural broadband.
Burning questions: How to deal with 157-degree dashboards, dead batteries and blowouts
PHOENIX – From draining batteries to tire blowouts, the intense heat of the Arizona sun damages cars.
Serious distance runners can’t stay away from Flagstaff, lure of high altitude
FLAGSTAFF - Elite endurance runners are racing to be part of Flagstaff, Arizona community
With ICE sweeps looming, immigration rhetoric heats up on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON - Immigration rhetoric heated up on Capitol Hill, with.deportation sweeps expected to start in major cities this weekend and footage of migrant families held in what critics call "deplorable" conditions at the border sparking outrage from both sides of the aisle.
Ant antibiotics: Could ASU research lead to human applications?
PHOENIX – A recent Arizona State University study has shed new light on antibiotics produced by ants, and the lead author said he believes the work could have human applications.
Migrant shelter in Tucson may move to former juvenile detention facility
TUCSON – Leaders of a short-term shelter for migrants seeking asylum are asking Pima County to lease three units of an old juvenile detention facility. The dormitory-style space for about 300 migrants would include a commercial kitchen and laundry.
New Trump administration rule makes asylum harder for Central Americans
PHOENIX – Migrants heading to the U.S. southern border now face additional hurdles to gain asylum protection from the federal government.
Discipline and sacrifice: Taekwondo studio leads its students to better lives
CHANDLER – At the storefront NB Taekwondo & Fitness Center in Chandler, students of all ages stream through the door, looking to improve their coordination, burn off energy or get in shape. Johnny Nguyen hopes they will walk out with changed lives.
Brandon Clarke lights up NBA Summer League, takes home MVP award
LAS VEGAS – Phoenix native Brandon Clarke is already showing he may be the steal of the NBA draft
Versatility the key for newest Rising player, Liverpool import Corey Whelan
TEMPE - Liverpool product Corey Whelan’s versatility is the main driving force behind Phoenix Rising seeking his signature
Racist? House vote puts members on record over Trump ‘go home’ tweets
WASHINGTON - The House on a mostly party line vote condemned President Donald Trump's "racist comments that have legitimized and increased fear and hatred" in response to the president's tweets that progressive congresswomen should "go back" to the countries they originally came from.
‘One small step’ was a breakthrough in radio communications
PHOENIX – The radio transponders used on the Apollo 11 moon mission were developed by a division of Motorola in Scottsdale, which had never tested them in space.
‘It’s been a good summer’: Phoenix Suns regroup as season approaches
PHOENIX – As the Phoenix Suns look to secure their first winning record in six seasons, the front office assured onlookers that the moves they’ve made this summer will provide both immediate and long-term success.
‘Non-soon season’: Arizona’s dry heat is delaying the start of summer rains
PHOENIX – Arizona’s rainy season has yet to begin due to a delayed start to crucial weather systems. Though monsoon season holds 30 percent of the Valley’s rainfall, Phoenix has seen none since the start of June.
House panel OKs bills to rein in mining around Grand Canyon, elsewhere
WASHINGTON - Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee beat back a series of GOP amendments before advancing bills to restrict mining around the Grand Canyon and on tribal lands in Arizona and New Mexico, and rein in uranium mining.
21st-century druids: No animal sacrifices, but connected to community, history
PHOENIX – Mark Bailey is a 21st century druid, a member of Arizona’s Grove of the Rising Phoenix. He doesn’t sacrifice animals or worship nature, and he has nuanced beliefs about an afterlife. Druids are steeped in more than two millennia of Indo-European history.
As golf takes center stage, ASU continues preparations for NCAA championships
PHOENIX – With ASU as the host site, Scottsdale’s Grayhawk golf course is hosting the 2020-22 NCAA golf championships.
Phoenix Rising chasing history as Dollar Beer Night returns
TEMPE – Phoenix Rising is just one game shy of FC Cincinnati’s league record winning streak. They can tie the streak against Austin Bold on Friday.
Puerto Ricans in Valley demand island governor’s resignation over offensive messages
PHOENIX – The publication of offensive messages from Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló’s private chats has sparked protests in Phoenix and across the U.S.
Two Arizona Democrats vote for impeachment, others take pass – for now
WASHINGTON - Four Arizona Democrats had previously called for impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, but an impeachment inquiry vote this week took a surprising turn when just two of those four voted for it.
‘Like the chain saw’: Drones have become a lifesaving tool for fighting wildfires
MIAMI – Federal wildfire managers increasingly are turning to drones to monitor blazes across the West in terrains where hotshots’ lives would be at risk.
30 more Phoenix police officers trained to use Narcan in opioid overdoses
PHOENIX – NARCAN’s nasal spray will reverse the potential overdose with the hope of saving lives.
McSally, Kelly raise $13.9 million for anticipated 2020 Senate race
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally and her likely Democratic challenger, Mark Kelly, reported raising just under $13.9 million in the first six months of this year and had a combined $10.3 million on hand for an election that's still 16 months away, new campaign finance reports show.
Cheers: Rising tie win streak record, dominate Austin on Dollar Beer Night
TEMPE – Phoenix Rising’s not-so-secret weapon – Dollar Beer Night – struck again as the team tied the USL Championship win streak record with a 6-0 thumping of Austin Bold
Arizona school districts can’t find enough bus drivers
PHOENIX – On any given school day, Mesa Public Schools, the largest school district in Arizona, is short about 80 bus drivers. Glendale, Payson and Prescott school districts have confirmed shortages as well.
Phoenix Sky Harbor switches to desert landscape to save water, money
PHOENIX – Xeriscaping uses native, drought-resistant plants to conserve water. Sky Harbor says the redesign will save Phoenix $400,000 and 5 million gallons annually.
50 years later, Arizona still plays a big role in exploring the universe
PHOENIX – Arizona helped put men on the moon, and the state’s institutions continue to make strides in mapping the cosmos.
Diamondbacks’ Adam Jones comes face to face with his history: the Orioles
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks outfield Adam Jones will have mixed feeling when he faces the team he played with for 11 years, the Baltimore Orioles.
NPS considering improvements to telecommunications at Grand Canyon
PHOENIX – The public has until Aug. 11 to comment on plans to improve telecommunications at Grand Canyon National Park.
As Museum Fire grows, neighborhoods north of Flagstaff are on edge
FLAGSTAFF – The Museum Fire burning a mile north of Flagstaff has residents in the area on high alert as crews battle the 1,800 acre blaze.
Tourism tension in Instagram age: $1 billion in AZ taxes, challenges to preservation
PHOENIX – Tourism continues to expand in Arizona, a boon for jobs, development and tax revenue, but the growth presents challenges to preserving the natural beauty that draws visitors to the state.
Advocates decry Trump administration plan to rein in food stamp access
WASHINGTON - Arizona is one of the 43 states that could be affected by a USDA proposal to tighten restrictions on access to food stamps for those receiving other financial assistance, saving billions of dollars while affecting as many as 3.1 million people nationwide.
Monsoon storms help slow Museum Fire, but raise flood concerns
FLAGSTAFF – The Museum Fire burning one mile north of Flagstaff is now more than 1,800 acres, but rains Tuesday helped firefighters slow the blaze. With more rain in the forecast, though, the threat of flooding is real.
More mosquitoes lead to rise in West Nile cases in Maricopa County
PHOENIX – Wetter weather this spring led to more mosquitoes in Maricopa County, with 34 confirmed cases of West Nile already reported.
The ‘trip of a lifetime’ to China awaits ASU hockey program
TEMPE – After first NCAA tournament apperance, ASU Men's hockey team will kick off the 2019-20 season with an adventure to China.
VA touts ‘transformation,’ five years after Phoenix hospital scandal
WASHINGTON - Five years after the Veterans Affairs hospital in Phoenix made national headlines for falsifying records about patient wait times, agency officials told House lawmakers that the system has seen a "tremendous transformation," with wait-times on par with or better than private practice.
‘Madhouse on McDowell’ lands new tenant: soon-to-be uprooted Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum lands a new tenant: the uprooted Phoenix Mercury.
Barr orders resumption of federal executions; Navajo among those targeted
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr ordered a resumption of federal executions and named a Navajo double-murderer as one of the first five death-row inmates who will be put to death. Lezmond Mitchell is scheduled to be executed Dec. 11 with a fatal injection of pentobarbital.
Rising’s Dumbuya won’t be beaten by wingers or heat
TEMPE - The heat may be a challenge for Mustapha Dumbuya, but Rising’s full-back is one of the quickest players on the team
Private drone hampers battle against Museum Fire, which now is 12% contained
FLAGSTAFF – Firefighters continue to try and get the more than 1,900 acre Museum Fire north of Flagstaff under control, but drones are making that effort harder.
Court upholds conviction in ‘cold-blooded’ murder of Phoenix family
WASHINGTON - A federal court rejected the appeal of an Arizona death-row inmate who murdered four Phoenix family members in their home in retribution for a petty theft by another of the family members, saying it presented "one of, if not the, strongest" cases for the death penalty it had seen in years.
Lawmakers spar over family separations, detention center conditions
WASHINGTON - A House panel grilled administration officials over migrant family separations and conditions at border detention facilities, but the hearing produced more partisan sparks than answers - although both sides agreed that the situation at the border has reached crisis levels.
As Southwest water managers grapple with climate change, can a ‘grand bargain’ work?
GREELEY, Colo. – A temporary fix to the Colorado River's scarcity problem has turned attention to how to manage the water supply for 40 million people across the Southwest.
Sons of Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade attend academy at GCU determined to forge own paths
PHOENIX – The sons of Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade are participating in the NCAA’s newest basketball academy at GCU.
Diamondbacks’ Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray involved in trade speculation as deadline nears
PHOENIX – With the Arizona Diamondbacks possible sellers at the MLB trade deadline, star pitchers Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray could be on the move.
Phoenix Mercury rookie Sophie Cunningham enters All-Star break on high note
PHOENIX – Mercury rookie Sophie Cunningham has shined for Phoenix in her first season with the team.
Phoenix launches downtown ‘giving meters’ to help fight homelessness
PHOENIX – Phoenix has designated four downtown parking meters decorated by local artists to accept donations for PHX C.A.R.E.S. to help fight homelessness.
Advocates vow Supreme Court ruling not last word on border wall funds
WASHINGTON - Immigration advocates are vowing to continue to fight the use of Defense Department funds for construction of a border wall, after the Supreme Court late Friday lifted lower courts' injunction on the funds transfer.
Cruise ships to launch in December, even though port at Rocky Point isn’t ready
PUERTO PEÑASCO, Mexico – The first cruise ship to ply the Sea of Cortez will launch in December, using small tender boats to ferry passengers to and from land while work continues on port facilities.
Diana Taurasi’s back injury tests her patience, serves as reminder of WNBA pay disparity
PHOENIX – In a storied 15-year career that has included WNBA championships, Olympic gold medals and a number of individual accolades, few firsts remain for Diana Taurasi to accomplish. Learning to overcome a back injury is one.
Courts reject environmental lawsuit to block Navajo coal mine expansion
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said environmental groups cannot sue to block expansion of a coal mine owned by the Navajo Transitional Energy Co., because the company is an arm of the Navajo government and thus immune from civil suits.
Senate hears problems, differs on answers to border detention crisis
WASHINGTON - With border apprehensions at their highest level in a decade, all sides at a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing agreed that the situation at immigrant detention facilities has reached crisis levels. But potential solutions remained elusive.
Pigskin and eggs? ASU football reacts to possible 9 a.m. kickoffs
TEMPE – Trading hot dogs and burgers for orange juice and eggs, 9 a.m. kickoffs at Sun Devil Stadium are a possibility.
Kings, queens and inbetweens: Diversity in Phoenix’s drag scene
PHOENIX – Diverse drag performers are challenging norms in Phoenix’s nightlife. Drag kings, assigned female-at-birth queens, alternative performers and people of color are taking stages across the Valley.
A big deal: Just before the trade deadline, Diamondbacks ship Greinke, acquire Leake
PHOENIX – As trade deadline clock ticks, Diamondbacks trade Zack Greinke, acquire Mike Leake.
Brnovich makes long-shot pitch to Supreme Court to take opioid lawsuit
WASHINGTON - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the Sackler family from "looting" Purdue Pharma of billions of dollars being sought by victims of the opioid crisis the company is accused of helping create.
Devils and the deep Red Sea: Gonzalez, Foster hope to leave mark with Cardinals
GLENDALE – Former Sun Devils Zane Gonzalez, D.J. Foster look to build upon a new regime with Cardinals
Federal judge halts planned open-pit copper mine in mountains south of Tucson
PHOENIX – A federal judge has blocked a Canadian mining company from moving forward with plans to dig an enormous open-pit copper mine south of Tucson. The company plans to appeal the decision.
New Coyotes owner Meruelo seeks financial sustainability, larger Hispanic fan base
GLENDALE – The new majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes hopes to attract a larger Hispanic audience to games.
Senate GOP steamrolls Democrats, gets immigration bill out of committee
WASHINGTON - A sharply divided Senate Judiciary Committee pushed through a GOP-backed bill that would force migrants to apply for asylum at facilities outside the U.S., raise the limit on how long immigrant children can be held in detention and add 500 new immigration judges, among other changes.
Arizona could make major changes to renewable-energy mandate
PHOENIX – The Arizona Corporation Commission is considering several proposals that would change energy regulation in the state, including how much power comes from renewables.
Who will start? ASU football searches for clarity at the quarterback position
PHOENIX – With season nearing, ASU football looks for starter at quarterback.
Dwindling groundwater, ever-deeper wells could spell trouble for Arizonans
PHOENIX – Dropping groundwater levels have prompted many states, including Arizona, to dig deeper wells.
‘We need to live our values every day’: Warren’s Tempe town hall spotlights immigration reform
PHOENIX – Sen. Elizabeth Warren spoke to an estimated 3,500 people in Tempe on Thursday about her 2020 presidential election platform, emphasizing an overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws.
Syringe program for addicts operates in legal gray area as debate continues
PHOENIX – Organizations offering drug users clean needles and educational materials have been linked to decreases in bloodborne diseases, but they’re forced to operate in a legal gray area in Arizona.
Guns from U.S. partly fueling crime rise in Mexico; business group says
MEXICO CITY – The Mexican Employers Confederation expressed alarm at rising rates of violent crime since President Andrés Manuel López Obrador took office in December, and it blames some of the situation on weapons smuggled in from the U.S.
From dance studios to ASU to possibly the Olympics, breakdancing surges in popularity
MESA – What started as a fad in the 1970s is now being considered for Olympic competition. Breakdancing is back and finding its way to dance studios and college classrooms.
Goofball: Dangerous drug combination increases likelihood of opioid overdoses
SCOTTSDALE – A dangerous new drug trend – mixing heroin and methamphetamines – has experts worried.
Childhelp center places help for abused children under one roof
PHOENIX – Police, prosecutors, mental-health counselors and medical-services employees work together to help abused children at the Childhelp Children’s Center in Phoenix.
Tiny terrors: Mosquitoes in Arizona and how to avoid them
PHOENIX – Several kinds of mosquito live in Arizona. Some can be dangerous, transmitting diseases like the West Nile virus. Some are just annoying. We show you how to stop them.
Marvin Lewis hopes to ease ‘amigo’ Herm Edwards’ transition to second season as ASU coach
TEMPE – Arizona State coach Herm Edwards has a long history with Marvin Lewis and believes his friend will make an impact on the ASU football staff.
How Arizona’s outdoor workers stay safe in the heat
PHOENIX – Arizona’s outdoor workers share tips on how they stay safe and cool during the summer, as no federal safety standards are in place to protect them. But a new bill aims to change that.
Excavations reveal little wealth disparity in ancient Teotihuacán civilization
TEOTIHUACAN – Scientists sifting through the ruins of Teotihuacán say there appears to have been little wealth disparity in one of the largest cities in the ancient world. “You can have a complex urban society without a high level of inequality,” one ASU researcher says.
Taliesin West added to World Heritage List after 15-year wait
SCOTTSDALE – Taliesin West in Scottsdale and seven other Frank Lloyd Wright structures were inducted last month.
‘Large and in charge’ drag queen inspires youth, other queens of color
PHOENIX – Black, “large and in charge” drag queen Rosie Cheeks wants to encourage other people of color and people of all sizes to be comfortable in their skin.
NCAA Basketball Academy stops at GCU, gives top high school players taste of college expectations
PHOENIX – In an attempt to address issues surrounding summer basketball that sparked the involvement of the federal government, the NCAA Basketball Academy debuted, making a stop at Grand Canyon University.
Native American history in Washington – it’s more than just a museum
WASHINGTON - Search for "Native American landmark in D.C." and you're likely to get the National Museum of the American Indian - and little else. But a new app highlights 17 sites for tourists, from the Iwo Jima Memorial to Congressional Cemetery, with Native American links..
The impact of Mexico’s worst mining disaster, five years later
BAVIÁCORA, MEXICO – Mexico’s largest mining company spilled nearly 11 million gallons of copper sulfate acid solution carrying heavy metals into the Bacanuchi and Sonora rivers in 2014. To this day, residents claim life has not been the same since.
Tolleson opens new high school with state facilities funds
PHOENIX – The Arizona School Facilities Board helps fund new school constructions and building renovations for schools across Arizona. West Point High School in Tolleson district is one of more than 320 new schools built with the help of state money.
Vulnerable communities adapting to ever-present threat of wildfires
PINETOP-LAKESIDE – Pinetop-Lakeside is among the latest U.S. cities to take advantage of a federal program aimed at creating “fire-adapted” communities where humans and forest meet.
Monsoon madness: You say dust storm, I say haboob
PHOENIX – Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident of metro Phoenix, you may wonder how haboobs got their name (or vociferously defend calling them dust storms), what causes them or how you can steer clear of their dusty wrath.
27 seasons and counting: Despite competition for sports entertainment dollar, Arizona Rattlers endure
PHOENIX – Even in a community where competition is heated for the sports dollar, the Arizona Rattlers have found a way to stay relevant.
The heat is on: Ways coaches and athletic trainers keep athletes safe
GILBERT – Athletic trainers and coaches are working to keep high school football players safe during the hot summer months.
Out of sight is out of mind: Small communities struggle in the shadow of larger disasters
OSO, Wash. – Communities devastated by smaller disasters receive a fraction of the national attention and the funding.
Wildfire-vulnerable communities search for ways to live with growing threat
SHINGLETOWN, Calif. – Despite federal fire suppression costs quadrupling and an increase in employed firefighters, the damages caused by wildfires has increased fivefold.
Resource centers nourish parents, young children with food and education
PHOENIX – Maricopa County family resource centers take a holistic approach to child development in a state where education markers like reading ability rank consistently low compared to other states.
Developments in disaster-prone areas mean big bucks for builders but can put homeowners at risk
ELFIN FOREST, Calif. – Some places burn and flood repeatedly. We’re building homes there anyway.
Rosie the Riveter 2.0: Welding, wielding power in male-dominated industry
GOODYEAR – Rachel Miller is her generation’s Rosie the Riveter, becoming a welder in an industry where there are still few women.
Big dogs may be key to protecting Arizona herds from Mexican gray wolf
EAGAR – Livestock guardian dogs could help ranchers protect their cattle from Mexican gray wolves.
Without federal disaster aid, states are left to fend for themselves
BONDURANT, Wyo. – Without a federal major disaster declaration, FEMA assistance isn’t available. Either states pay to rebuild, or people are on their own.
‘Deaths of despair’ grew slowly in Arizona, but still higher than U.S.
WASHINGTON - "Deaths of despair" - the catchall name for deaths from drug overdoses, alcohol and suicide - have grown more slowly in Arizona than in the nation as whole since 2005, but death rates in the state still exceed the nation in every category, according to a national survey.
Extreme weather galvanizes believers of climate change but doesn’t persuade skeptics
SMITH ISLAND, Md. – Scientists point to worsening floods, more powerful hurricanes and larger wildfires as evidence of climate change – but many Americans remain unconvinced.
Monsters, pinball and improv: 3 ways to find your niche in metro Phoenix
PEORIA – How do transplants find their way in the fifth biggest city in the country and the fastest growing county? These three groups have formed communities in metro Phoenix.
Making a home for fish in the desert takes a little help – and a lot of PVC
RIO VERDE – The Arizona Game & Fish Department is making “fish cities” to help fish that live in lakes around the state.
With so much construction, why is affordable housing so scarce in Phoenix?
PHOENIX – Phoenix is booming, but much of the new housing is unaffordable to people who aren’t wealthy.
For low-income Arizonans, housing vouchers don’t guarantee a place to live
Affordable housing is out of reach for many families in Phoenix, where median incomes are lower than the national average and rents are rising quickly.
Arm-wrestling champion reflects on his journey
SCOTTSDALE – Travis Bagent is a world champion arm wrestler from West Virginia. He sat down with Cronkite News to talk about his journey to become a professional arm wrestler and his path since becoming a champion.
Phoenix’s Champion schools reimagine the relationship between sports and education
PHOENIX – One Phoenix charter school is using involvement in sports and physical training to build up students in and out of class.
Environmental groups call on Arizona to close uranium mine near Canyon
FLAGSTAFF – Conservation groups are demanding that a uranium mine near the South Rim be permanently closed because it could pollute groundwater.
‘Sport Is Your Gang”: Thai boxing program appeals to impoverished young people
PHOENIX – Thailand’s version of boxing has become a force for change in underserved communities worldwide.
Protesters, proponents and the cultural clash over Phoenix police
PHOENIX – Police departments have looked to technology for solutions to criticisms, such as body-worn cameras to monitor police and public behavior and early-intervention software to sniff out bad behavior. Experiments with better community engagement, including civilian review boards with subpoena power, also are being considered or field-tested. Phoenix police plan to launch accountability procedures to document every time an officer draws a gun.
Kayenta Mine layoffs hit, as Navajo Generating Station closure looms
WASHINGTON - The last 265 workers at Kayenta Coal Mine are being laid off this month, another step toward the looming closure of the Navajo Generating Station that will bring the loss of hundreds more jobs this winter.
Wells Fargo agreement called ‘tremendous victory’ for consumers, Navajo
WASHINGTON - Consumer advocates said that Wells Fargo's $6.5 million settlement of a Navajo Nation lawsuit that charged the bank with preying on tribal members is a "tremendous victory" for Native communities targeted by such practices.
Sports leagues taking steps to further protect fans from balls, bats and pucks
PHOENIX – Sports fans around the world are at risk of serious injury every time they enter a stadium, arena or golf course. Teams and leagues are taking further steps to keep fans safer.
Diana Taurasi returns as Phoenix Mercury prepares for playoff run
PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi's return is a difference-maker for the Phoenix Mercury, who have high hopes for the postseason.
Court upholds ruling that town conspired with fundamentalist church
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court upheld a lower court's finding that Colorado City, Arizona, had been run as an extension of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, violating non-members' rights in the process.
A year later, some efforts to honor McCain move forward as others stall
WASHINGTON - Senators have added the late Sen. John McCain's name to defense and veterans bills, and one Arizona school district plans to name an elementary school in his honor, but other tributes to the longtime Arizona lawmaker appear to have stalled in the year since his death.
Transgender golfer shares challenges of life on and off the green
GOLD CANYON – Bobbi Lancaster is a transgender woman who lived most of her life hiding who she was. She found solace in golf, but at some point, she had to live as herself, off the course.
Arizona ranked 29th in study of highway conditions and congestion
PHOENIX – Arizona was No. 29 in the Reason Foundation’s annual Highway Report, which ranks states in such categories as traffic fatalities, pavement condition, congestion, spending per mile and time wasted in rush hour.
Disability service providers feel overlooked in state-Flagstaff wage spat
WASHINGTON - As state and Flagstaff officials battle over who should bear the cost of the city's higher minimum wage on state contracts, service providers for people with disabilities say they feel caught in the crossfire.
Phoenix light rail to expand with the defeat of Prop 105
PHOENIX – Voters soundly rejected Proposition 105, which would have killed Valley Metro light rail in Phoenix and redirect the funds to street repairs. They also defeated Proposition 106, dealing with public pensions.
When politics, sports collide: It’s not just about soccer for some Rising support groups
TEMPE – Activism has become a more prominent part of sports fandom. The evidence can be found at Phoenix Rising games.
DHS plan to close Flores ‘loophole’ likely to get tied in knots
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration unveiled new rules to replace the Flores agreement, a 1997 court ruling that severely limits the amount of time migrant children can be held by the government, but advocates say plan is flawed and that Flores is not likely to go down without a fight.
Experts: $20 million for school suicide prevention welcome, more needed
WASHINGTON - Education and government officials called a $20 million grant for suicide prevention programs in Arizona schools an important first step to deal with a growing problem, even as they said much more needs to be done.
50 grades of shade: Researchers find that it’s not all created equal
TEMPE – Scientists use information from an instrument called MaRTy to help cities like Tempe and Phoenix understand what makes for the best shade in extreme heat.
Best of luck to Luck: Larry Fitzgerald, Kirk in full support of retiring quarterback
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk talk Andrew Luck retirement.
Rosemont copper mine suffers another setback in decade of legal battles
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended a Clean Water Act permit for the proposed Rosemont copper mine site in southern Arizona, the latest development in more than a decade of legal challenges from tribes and environmental groups.
The tough gets tougher: McSally again faces primary race in Senate bid
WASHINGTON - Arizona's Senate race, already expected to be one of the toughest in the nation, got tougher this week when Phoenix businessman Daniel McCarthy announced a Republican primary challenge to incumbent Sen. Martha McSally in her 2020 re-election bid.
Arizona joins other states calling on Supreme Court to overturn DACA
WASHINGTON - Arizona joined 12 other states this week that asked the Supreme Court to roll back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which they say has caused "irreparable harm" to their states.
Deadlines loom for Navajo looking to take part in land buy-back program
WASHINGTON - Time is running out for Navajo landowners who want to take part in the second round of a $1.9 billion federal program to buy back scattered and isolated parcels of land on the Navajo Nation. Friday is the last dayNew Mexico residents to apply while those in Arizona and Utah have until Sept. 30.
Heat-relief shelters are helpful, but their hours of operation limit effectiveness
PHOENIX – There are scores of locations in metro Phoenix where homeless and low-income people can get relief from extreme heat. But most operate during daylight hours only, leaving the vulnerable to fend for themselves overnight.
Arizona officials fear fallout as new tariffs on Chinese goods start
WASHINGTON - Arizona business leaders said they worry that a 15% tariff on $300 billion in Chinese goods that takes effect Sunday will backfire and end up hurting economic growth at home. The new tariffs target consumer and electronic goods heading into the holiday season.
The mental health struggle of storm survivors: ‘It follows them forever’
MOORE, Okla. – Families, community members, psychologists and school officials say more must be done to help survivors of natural disasters recover emotionally and mentally.
A family affair: Father, son make mark as graffiti grows in acceptance
PHOENIX - Some dads play catch with their sons. Noe "Such Styles" Baez painted graffiti with his son Champ, paving the way for what may be the only father-son graffiti team in the increasingly popular world of graffiti art.
State boards waste little time approving professional licenses under new law
WASHINGTON - The state is already approving licenses under a new law that requires most professional licensing boards and commissions to accept valid out-of-state licenses, avoiding the cost and hassle of training and testing for an Arizona license to do what they already know how to do.
Upgrades to begin soon to keep Interstate 17 underpasses from flooding
PHOENIX – Four underpasses along Interstate 17 will be upgraded to help alleviate flooding during heavy rains.
12 Valley police agencies join program linking to video-doorbell owners
WASHINGTON - A dozen Valley police departments are among 400 in the U.S. partnering with video-doorbell maker Ring to connect police and local homeowners who use the company's technology, raising concerns among some privacy advocates. But police say the program is safe and helps solve crime.
Hurricane Dorian’s impact far-reaching as Arizona sports community affected
PHOENIX – Even though it is 2,100 miles away, Hurricane Dorian has sparked conversation in the Arizona sports community. Some Valley-reared athletes attend colleges on the coasts of Florida and South Carolina.
Arizona to get $20 million of $1.8 billion fed fund to fight opioids
WASHINGTON - Arizona will get more than $20 million in State Opioid Response grant funds from the federal government, part of $1.8 billion in grants the Trump administration said it was releasing to states Wednesday.
Yuma border projects get Pentagon funding, as Fort Huachuca takes a hit
WASHINGTON - Border construction near Yuma will receive almost $1.3 billion of the $3.6 billion the Defense Department said it will divert from other planned military projects - including $30 million from a project that had been scheduled for Fort Huachuca.
March for Our Lives Arizona steps into gun violence fray in communities of color
PHOENIX – Congressional candidates and members of the Arizona Legislature spoke at a town hall about gun reform organized by 17-year-old Genesis Rivas, director of special projects for March for Our Lives Arizona.
New rules expand hunting on most national wildlife refuges in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Hunting groups are applauding new federal rules that create longer seasons, extend hours and expand methods for hunting and taking different types of game on 1.4 millino acres of national wildlife refuges.- more than half of that land in Arizona.
Navajo council votes to oppose possible HUD limits on home-loan program
WASHINGTON - The Navajo Nation Council voted unanimously Thursday to oppose a HUD draft plan that critics say could put income restrictions for the first time on applicants to the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program, but which HUD says has been misinterpreted.
Deferred action on DACA: Program lives on; advocates worry for how long
WASHINGTON - Two years after the Trump administration announced plans to kill Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program still has a pulse - though advocates worry about how long that might last, and the Supreme Court could settle the question this fall.
Becoming Kyler Murray: Cardinals quarterback refined skills in heart of football country
ALLEN, Texas – To understand Kyler Murray, who makes his first NFL start with the Cardinals Sunday, is to appreciate his roots in Texas and Oklahoma.
State GOP looks to clear nomination path for Trump by canceling primary
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's road to renomination could get easier through Arizona, with the state Republican Party looking to join three other states and drop its presidential primary next year - a move used before by both Democrats and Republicans in the state.
Report: Using funds to keep parks open in government shutdown violated law
WASHINGTON - The Trump Administration violated federal law when it diverted funds for national park improvements toward keeping places like Grand Canyon National Park open during the last government shutdown, a new report from the Government Accountability Office said.
Ethics panel releases details of new probe of GOP Rep. David Schweikert
WASHINGTON - Potential challengers to Rep. David Schweikert were quick to jump on new ethics revelations Friday that there was "substantial reason to believe" the Fountain Hills Republican may have used congressional staff and resources to benefit his political campaigns.
Wildlife service considers changes to habitat area for endangered Mount Graham red squirrel
PHOENIX – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to revise the critical habitat of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel.
Cardinals not surprised by Kyler Murray’s late-game theatrics
TEMPE – Although it wasn't how they envisioned the game going, the Arizona Cardinals were still pleased by the late-game skills quarterback Kyler Murray revealed in a tie against Detroit. And they werent
Mesa mayor, others in Washington to urge action on gun background checks
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles was in Washington Monday with police chiefs and mayors from across the country, meeting with senators and White House officials to urge action on House bills that have been stalled in the Senate since February.
Border apprehensions fell sharply, but still at highest level in years
WASHINGTON - Apprehensions at the southern border dropped sharply in August, to just over 64,000 people, in part because of increased cooperation from Mexican authorities, a Customs and Border Protection official said. But apprehensions were still the highest of any August in the last five years.
More PFAS contamination found in Tucson groundwater, but drinking water not affected
PHOENIX – High concentrations of toxic chemicals have been found in groundwater near Tucson’s airport, but the city’s drinking water does not appear to be in jeopardy. Authorities suspect the chemicals came from foam used to fight fires at an Air National Guard base.
Electric vehicle chargers at Grand Canyon reduce ‘range anxiety’ for park visitors
PHOENIX – BMW of North America donated 100 electric vehicle charging stations to national parks across America, including six at Grand Canyon National Park.
House members again push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill, despite long odds
WASHINGTON - Despite repeated failures, Republican leaders rallied Tuesday in support of their latest version of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, called "the most important bill in Congress."
Advocates alarmed by reports administration may lower refugee cap again
WASHINGTON - Advocates reacted with alarm Tuesday to published reports that the Trump administration may again cut the number of refugees allowed in to the U.S., a move they said would endanger vulnerable people and tarnish the country's standing.
Millennials use technology to ensure the future of Arizona ranching and farming
PHOENIX – We talk to three Arizona millennials working to ensure the state’s farms and ranches are sustainable and profitable.
‘It was tough’: Leilani Mitchell boxes out adversity, leads Mercury to playoffs
PHOENIX – Despite fighting a variety of odds, Leilani Mitchell has been a difference-maker for the Phoenix Mercury as they begin postseason play Wednesday.
Never forget: Phoenix commemorates 18th anniversary of 9/11
PHOENIX – Phoenix dignitaries, first responders and members of the public marked the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at a memorial at City Hall.
Court: Death-row inmate should get new chance to show lawyer failed him
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled that an Arizona death-row inmate should have another chance to prove his attorney did not fully investigate evidence of his intellectual disabilities in his trial for a 1989 Phoenix double-murder.
House panel’s votes on gun bills give likely preview of battles to come
WASHINGTON - A House panel worked late into the night in a sometimes heated, sometimes emotional hearing on gun-control bills Tuesday, a potential preview of congressional debates to come in the weeks after a string of mass shootings.
House panel questions officials on efforts to help Native women
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers questioned administration officials Wednesday on what they are doing to deal with the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women - and they weren't always satisfied with the answers.
Axing the stereotype, NAU’s coed lumberjack sports model inclusivity, gender equality
FLAGSTAFF – Men and women at Northern Arizona University compete on equal footing in collegiate logging sports, where technique, accuracy and finesse matter more than size and strength.
‘It brings flashbacks’: Hurricane Dorian devastation call to action for Suns’ Ayton
PHOENIX – Deandre Ayton donated $100,000 to the Bahamas in Hurricane Dorian relief efforts along with supplies and money collected from an item donation drive at a local Fry’s Food Stores.
Footy, anyone? Australian Rules Football finds home in Arizona
TEMPE – Australian Rules Football is largely unknown in the Valley, but has given those playing a community of friends. It also gives those that are passionate about the sport an opportunity to play professionally through the USAFL.
Air Force nominee Barrett gets gentle treatment at confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON - Arizona businesswoman Barbara Barrett might have been the subject of a Senate hearing Thursday on her nomination to be the next Air Force secretary, but it was President Donald Trump who was often the focus.
Opponents promise Supreme Court decision won’t be last word on asylum
WASHINGTON - Critics vowed Thursday that the Supreme Court's decision to allow the Trump administration's restrictive asylum policy move forward will not be the last word and that they intend to keep challenging the plan.
Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em: Flavored vape ban alarms Arizona retailers
WASHINGTON - Arizona vape-store owners were alarmed by the Trump administration's announcement Wednesday that it plans to begin enforcing rules that would drive flavored e-cigarettes out of the market, an industry official said.
Children with a parent behind bars face deeper struggles with mental health
PHOENIX – A new study finds that children with an incarcerated parent are more prone to mental health struggles as kids and adults.
‘I’m not really a freshman’: ASU’s Jayden Daniels confident in first road test at Michigan State
TEMPE – Jayden Daniels made headlines as he became the first true-freshman quarterback to start at season-opening game at Arizona State. On Saturday, he will play his first road game as a college quarterback in East Lansing, Michigan, against No. 18 Michigan State.
Spark from machinery caused Museum Fire north of Flagstaff, Forest Service says
FLAGSTAFF – Fire investigators say the wildfire near Flagstaff in July, which burned nearly 2,000 acres, started from efforts to try and prevent future wildfires.
Fires in the Amazon: Arizona researchers determine what’s true, what’s not
PHOENIX – There’s a lot of misinformation about the thousands of fires burning in the Amazon rainforest including some of the images. Researchers in Arizona help sort through some of the confusion.
Businesses welcome, environmentalists dread end of Obama-era water rule
WASHINGTON - Farming, real estate and manufacturing representatives applauded as EPA and Army officials moved to end an Obama-era rule that expanded waters subject to regulation - a move environmental groups warned would mean virtually no protection for the nation's waterways - especially in the West.
One act, two takes: Tucson mosque debates whether act was hate crime
WASHINGTON - When tenants of a student housing complex poured beer and tossed cans from a balcony onto children in the Islamic Center of Tucson's parking lot last month, some city officials saw a hate crime, but mosque representatives have been hesitant to call it that.
Phoenix Rising’s 20th straight win sullied as referees abandon match over player safety
SCOTTSDALE – A 20th straight victory by Phoenix Rising took a dark turn when fans threw items on the field and the game against L.A. Galaxy II was abandoned.
Ducey brings pitch for new North American trade deal to Washington
WASHINGTON - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey joined business leaders in Washington on Monday to push for final approval of the "critical" U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement and protect trade that is worth billions in trade to the state.
Arizona Supreme Court: Freedom of speech trumps anti-discrimination law
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Supreme Court Monday sided with two Phoenix women who said a city law aimed at preventing discrimination would have forced them to violate their Christian faith by creating custom invitations for same-sex weddings.
Topography can mitigate climate impacts on saguaros, research shows
PHOENIX – Researchers looking at nearly 50 years of data are finding insights into the health and propagation of the iconic saguaro cactus.
Court identifies First Amendment right for witnesses to hear executions
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that witnesses to Arizona executions have a First Amendment right to hear the entire execution process to help determine if executions are done "in a humane and lawful manner."
Forgone forgiveness: New try at student loan repayment shows few gains
WASHINGTON - A congressional attempt to salvage a foundering student loan forgiveness program was only marginally better, with just 4% of Arizona applications approved in the second round - and that was four times better than the national rate.
Learning the ropes: Young climate activists get ready for world protest
PHOENIX - With the U.N. climate summit Monday, thousands of people around the world will take part in a global climate strike. And students will play a major role.
Giffords report claims gun violence in Arizona costs state billions
WASHINGTON - A new report claims that Arizona loses as much as $1.9 billion every year to costs directly associated with gun violence, from lost wages to expenses on everything from health care to police and criminal justice.
Phoenix business owner says SBA can do more to help small firms launch
WASHINGTON - A Phoenix business owner told House members Wednesday that the Small Business Administration is doing a better job of giving minority-owned, small businesses a leg up, but that the agency still needs to improve. The commen
Tribal leaders, lawmakers chide FCC for lack of progress on broadband
WASHINGTON - Tribal representatives told a Senate committee Wednesday that the Federal Communications Commission is not doing enough to ease the regulatory burdens that keep Indian Country from getting wireless broadband access.
Vaquita marina sightings give conservationists hope for the critically endangered porpoise
HERMOSILLO, Sonora, Mexico – Late last month, scientists spotted six vaquita marinas – the world’s smallest porpoise, found only in the Sea of Cortez – their first sightings this year.
Tax dollars at work: Maricopa trailblazer in esports community with creation of city sanctioned league
MARICOPA – The next evolution in esports innovation: The City of Maricopa has funded the first recreational Esports League in Arizona.
Audit shows deep, worsening trauma for migrant children in custody
WASHINGTON - An inspector general's report on the mental health of migrant children in federal detention found multiple shortcomings in how officials cared for children in custody last fall, with significant trauma and worsening mental health problems.
McCain, McSally: State at forefront on human trafficking, more work remains
WASHINGTON - Officials at a forum on human trafficking said Arizona is "leading at the state level" on prevention, but warned that people need to remain vigilant to what one speaker called a trafficking "epidemic" in the state.
Sinema censure effort stalls; progressives say they made their point
WASHINGTON - An intraparty threat to censure Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is on hold for now, but progressives who called for the vote said they achieved their goal of putting the freshman Democrat on notice over her voting record.
Census says 55,000 Arizonans lost health insurance coverage last year
WASHINGTON - The number of Arizonans without health insurance rose by about 55,000 people last year, according to the Census Bureau, as a relatively strong economy was offset by hefty cost increases. The total number of uninsured Arizonans stood at 750,000, or 10.6% of Arizona's population.
‘Dead wrong’: ASU changes minds, finds confidence after MSU victory
EAST LANSING, Mich. – As Arizona State heads into Pac-12 play against Colorado, it has confidence from its upset victory over Michigan State.
Diamondbacks teammates believe Eduardo Escobar ideal candidate for Clemente award
PHOENIX - From the work he does in the local community to the leadership he brings to the Diamondbacks clubhouse, teammates believe Eduardo Escobar is a worthy candidate for the 2019 Roberto Clemente Award.
‘We have to live with it’: Students demand climate action today to ensure a greener tomorrow
PHOENIX – With the U.N. climate summit Monday, thousands of people around the world took part in a global climate strike. And students played a major role.
Arizona-based Texas Tech fans still support Cardinals coach Kingsbury
TUCSON – Even after his time at Texas Tech, Arizona-based alums still support Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Wet and wild: More severe weather expected in Arizona this week
PHOENIX – An intense area of low pressure combined with rich moisture from remnant tropical storms will bring a mix of severe weather across Arizona today.
Native American communities, hard hit by the opioid crisis, seek innovative solutions
Statistics show the opioid crisis is a growing problem among Native Americans, prompting organizations to look for solutions.
Ice time: With Fry’s guidance, hockey participation among females in Arizona booming
GLENDALE – After starring in the 2014 Winter Olympics, Lindsey Fry has made an impact on female hockey participation in Arizona. The state is No. 1 in growth during the last five years.
‘It’s been unacceptable’: Panthers expose Cardinals’ struggles on defense
TEMPE – A big reason the Arizona Cardinals have started 0-2-1 is their inability to stop opposing team's tight ends.
Despite ‘modest gains,’ schools continue to see severe teacher shortage
WASHINGTON - Arizona schools started this academic year with 21% of all teaching positions vacant, and nearly half of the teachers who were on the payroll did not meet the state's certification standards, according to a new report. And that was an improvement from last year.
Migrant families sue over ‘extraordinary harms’ of family separation
WASHINGTON - Five asylum-seeking families have sued the government for the "substantial and ongoing trauma" they say they suffered after being separated from one another when they crossed the border from Mexico into Arizona last year.
West Nile virus at record high, leads to 16 deaths in Arizona
PHOENIX – The West Nile virus is at a record high in Arizona, with 156 cases so far this year, according to AZDHS. State health reports said that, by late September, 16 people have died.
Arizona official touts ‘holistic’ approach to combating trafficking
WASHINGTON - Human trafficking is a massive problem, which is why Arizona has adopted a "massive approach" to dealing with it, a state official told a gathering of government and business leaders in Washington on Tuesday.
Democrats, GOP hold competing hearings on endangered species bills
WASHINGTON - House Democrats and Republicans held competing hearings on proposals to amend the Endangered Species Act on Tuesday, where each side took up their own bills just days before the Trump administration rolls out changes to the decades-old act.
Pelosi backs impeachment inquiry, Arizona delegation members not swayed
WASHINGTON - Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Tuesday that the House would open a formal impeachment inquiry on President Donald Trump, but her announcement did not appear to change any minds in the Arizona delegation.
‘You can’t trust adults’: Mountain Pointe scandal raises questions about win at all costs culture
CHANDLER – An assistant football coach's decision to leak game plans to opposing coaches raises questions about the culture of sports.
‘Many lives at risk’: What pollution rollbacks could mean for California and Arizona
LOS ANGELES – The Trump Admin rolls back the Clean Air Act that has helped reduce smog and keep clean air in the West Coast.
Start of missing, murdered women panel moving ‘at speed of bureaucracy’
WASHINGTON - State officials agree on this much: "Not one red penny" of the $150,000 allocated for a task force on missing and murdered indigenous women that was created in May has been seen yet. But they disagree on who's to blame.
Lawmakers agree Trump should turn over documents, disagree on end goal
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers agreed Wednesday that President Donald Trump must turn over documents in the latest probe of his administration, even as they disagreed on what those documents mean and how the investigation should proceed.
Both sides now: Arizonans rally to stake out opposing border positions
WASHINGTON - Arizonans on opposite sides of the immigration debate were in Washington Wednesday where they rallied on opposite sides of the Capitol in hopes of making their respective cases to Congress.
Return to Cal stirs memories for ASU’s Herm Edwards, who put himself in the record book
TEMPE — Arizona State’s Herm Edwards and Rob Likens have fond memories of the time they spent at Cal.
International flair: GCU men’s soccer attracts international players from 10 countries
PHOENIX – The GCU Men’s soccer team prides itself in diversity as almost half of the team members are internationally born.
Potential deportation of medically vulnerable migrants halted, but questions remain
PHOENIX – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will again process deferred action requests for humanitarian reasons, reversing the agency’s decision to kill the program.
March for Our Lives Arizona honors gun-violence victims, plans next steps on reforms
PHOENIX – Congressional candidates and members of the Arizona Legislature spoke at a town hall about gun reform organized by 17-year-old Genesis Rivas, director of special projects for March for Our Lives Arizona.
Trump administration reduces numbers, tightens criteria for refugees
WASHINGTON - Refugee organizations in Arizona and nationally said they were disappointed, but not surprised, at a Trump administration plan to reduce the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. to the lowest level in modern history next year.
Arizona lawmaker brings personal story, gun-reform plea to Washington
WASHINGTON - State Rep. Jennifer Longdon, D-Phoenix, didn't need to tell congressional lawmakers Thursday about the harm firearms can do: She showed them, when she rolled her wheelchair into a House hearing on the costs of gun violence.
‘Don’t demolish – deconstruct’: Companies give new life to discarded building materials
MESA – The sustainable benefits of the reuse and restoration of building supplies is made possible through companies like Stardust Building Supplies, Harvest Eco-Salvage and the Freecycle Network.
From running back to wrestler, Julia Chambers is stiff-arming skeptics, thriving at Skyline
MESA – Although she faced skeptics, Julia Chambers decided to pursue playing running back at Skyline High School. She is also a state champion wrestler and an accomplished track and field athlete.
Global economist warns AZ business leaders of possible 2020 recession
SCOTTSDALE – Consumer spending is up and economic growth in Arizona and the rest of the U.S. is on the rise, but investor caution is one sign pointing to a potential recession in 2020, global economist Bernard Baumohl told Arizona business leaders.
Congress again voids Trump’s border emergency declaration; veto likely
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines this week as Congress voted again to terminate President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border, which he has cited to justify use of Pentagon funds for border construction.
ICE officials say immigration crackdowns don’t make them the ‘bad guys’
PHOENIX – Albert Carter, acting field office director of Enforcement Removal Operations, says ICE officials are just doing their job to secure public safety. Arizona immigration activist Salvador Reza disagrees.
Utah rolls back hydroelectric power plans for Lake Powell pipeline
SALT LAKE CITY – The proposed 140-mile pipeline would have pumped water from Lake Powell into southeastern Utah to St. George. Utah officials are scaling the plan back because of environmental concerns.
Ducey on Fair Pay to Play: ‘I don’t want to see a state, especially California, have a competitive advantage’
PHOENIX – Arizona sports figures divided over California law that will allow college athletes to sign endorsement deals and hire agents.
Monsoon 2019 closes as the driest on record for a handful of Arizona cities
PHOENIX – No thunderstorms were the theme this season, as multiple cities across Arizona dealt with one of the driest monsoon seasons on record.
‘He wants to be great’: Cardinals’ Kingsbury remains optimistic about Murray, team
TEMPE – Even though the Arizona Cardinals have started 0-3-1, coach Kliff Kingsbury still feels good about the progress of quarterback Kyler Murray and his team.
Volker steps down from State Department role, stays at McCain Institute
WASHINGTON - Kurt Volker is still serving as executive director of the McCain Institute, after resigning as U.S. special envoy for Ukraine when his name surfaced last week in a whistleblower's report on President Donald Trump's dealings with that country.
‘Asthma Alley’: Long Beach ranks worst in U.S. for air quality
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Out of the 100 largest cities in the country, Long Beach, California, ranked last in air quality.
Barrett nomination, despite hiccup, expected to proceed through Senate
WASHINGTON - Arizona businesswoman Barbara Barrett's nomination to be Air Force secretary is expected to proceed without incident when the Senate returns from its two-week recess, despite concerns of one Senate Democrat who had threatened to hold it up.
Restrictive election laws, lack of polls hamper Native American voters, leaders say
PHOENIX – The voting rights of Native Americans in Arizona are routinely suppressed by a slew of requirements and practices, such as photo ID laws and a scarcity of polling places, Navajo and Gila River leaders said Tuesday at a congressional hearing in Phoenix.
Tribal health insurance coverage rose, but still trailed U.S. average
WASHINGTON - The number of people who showed up at at Indian Health Service facilities with health insurance rose from 64% of patients in 2013 to 78% in 2018, according to a GAO report that said growth was highest in states, like Arizona, that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare.
Yee, in Washington, backs $5 billion tax credit plan for school choice
WASHINGTON - Arizona has long been at the forefront of the school choice movement, but State Treasurer Kimberly Yee told a Washington audience more can be be, as she joined others to support the Trump administration's proposed $5 billion Education Freedom Scholarship program.
Improving the health of ‘invisible’ farmworkers is a community effort in Willcox
WILLCOX – Access to health care is a big challenge in rural and agricultural areas, and some 53 percent of farmworkers in the U.S. have no health insurance. One program in Arizona is trying to fix that by teaching residents in a community filled with farmworkers to take better care of themselves.
Former top MLB picks Lewis, Moniak stare pressure in face at Fall League
SCOTTSDALE - For the first time since 2011, the Arizona Fall League is showcasing two former No. 1 overall MLB Draft picks in Royce Lewis and Mickey Moniak. Despite the pressure of the first pick label, both players are not letting the selection define their careers.
‘He got a bad rap’: Friends, NFL executives remember Bill Bidwill’s humble, caring side
TEMPE – Bill Bidwill may have been an enigma to Cardinals fans and others who knew him only through his public persona. But in their tributes to him in the wake of his death at 88, Bidwill’s close friends and associates describe a humble, joke-telling man with a deeply caring nature.
Biggs take reins of Freedom Caucus at tough time for conservatives
WASHINGTON - Democrats have a 38-seat majority in the House and are pressing an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump, but as Rep. Andy Biggs takes over the conservative Freedom Caucus the Gilbert Republican says he's ready for the fight.
Trump sees treason in whistleblower, but it’s not so clear-cut to ASU prof
WASHINGTON - To President Donald Trump, the White House whistleblower who reported concerns about his call with the Ukrainian president is comparable to a spy and a traitor.To ASU professor Marianne Jennings, whistleblowers aren't sinners - but they aren't always saints, either.
From out of baseball to Olympian: Jeremy Wolf’s path to Aliyah and Team Israel
SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale’s Jeremy Wolf is a Jewish-American Olympian with a heart for baseball’s minor leaguers.
Mushroom crop in southern Arizona forests capped by dry monsoon season
TUCSON – Mushrooms are a rare delicacy, but after less rain this summer due to a dry monsoon season, they've been harder to find in southern Arizona.
Navajo, Hopi will have objects, human remains repatriated by Finland
WASHINGTON - The Hopi and Navajo are among 26 tribes that will see the return of ancestral remains from Finland, where the items have been held in a museum after being taken from Colorado almost 130 years ago.
‘We’ve got to keep going’: Mountain Pointe determined to move forward after scandal
TEMPE – Mountain Pointe coach Rich Wellbrock is determined that his players move forward and not focus on the scandal surrounding a former assistant coach.
Quarterback coup: Pinnacle emerging as factory for Division I talent
PHOENIX – First came Brian Lewerke. Then Spencer Rattler. Add J.D. Johnson as the latest quarterback at Pinnacle High School that will take his talents to a Division I program.
South Phoenix business owners wary of light rail expansion, seek city assistance
PHOENIX – With the rejection of Proposition 105, the expansion of the light rail in south Phoenix will begin in November. A group of businesses is organizing to demand that Phoenix officials support them with subsidies in anticipation of business losses during years of construction.
Volker resigns from McCain Institute, says impeachment testimony ‘becoming a distraction’
WASHINGTON - A day after he spent 10 hours before House committees that are pressing an impeachment inquiry of the president, Kurt Volker told staff Friday at the McCain Institute for International Leadership that he is still their executive director - but for how much longer remains unclear.
Big changes in forecast: Breezes and cooldown by Thursday
PHOENIX – A hot start to the week will come to an end by Thursday as the next cold front will drop temperatures and make for windy conditions across the state.
Do not adjust your TV: NHL puck now changes color when it’s too warm
GLENDALE – For this hockey season, game pucks are securing a little extra attention. The NHL is giving them a thermochromic coating that is purple when frozen but turns clear as the pucks thaw above freezing temperatures.
Court stays execution of Navajo man to hear claim of possible jury bias
WASHINGTON - A divided appeals court has stayed the scheduled December execution of Lezmond Mitchell, a Navajo double-murderer, saying it needs time to consider his claim that he was not allowed to question jurors for potential racial bias.
Volker quits McCain Institute, fears Ukraine testimony ‘a distraction’
WASHINGTON - Three days after he told staff at the McCain Institute that he was still their executive director, Kurt Volker resigned Monday because his role in a House impeachment inquiry "risks becoming a distraction" to the institute's work.
Supreme Court will not hear Maricopa County appeal of Arpaio ruling
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday let stand lower court rulings that said Maricopa County is responsible for controversial policing practices of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department under former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Aging baby boomers spur critical need for specialists in geriatric emergency care
PHOENIX – Banner University Medical Center is among 100 or so hospitals in the country to have a certified geriatric emergency department. But as baby boomers age, the need for specialists in older care is urgent.
Well above par: Topgolf thinks innovation, introduces esports lounge
GILBERT – The growth of esports is evident in the decision by Topgolf to expand its reach and form a partnership with Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL.
Goodbye, Mr. B: Friends, family, team celebrate life of Cardinals’ Bidwill
PHOENIX – People gathered at Saint Xavier Catholic church to celebrate the life of Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill.
‘Stop the Madness’ GOP rally criticizes AZ Dems for backing impeachment inquiry
CASA GRANDE – Arizona Republicans opposed to an impeachment inquiry into President Trump on Tuesday
CBP: Close to 1 million apprehended at southern border in fiscal 2019
WASHINGTON - Border officers apprehended nearly 1 million migrants at the southern border in fiscal 2019, an 88 percent increase over the previous year, according to Customs and Border Protection numbers released Tuesday.
Arizonans rally as court weighs LGBT, transgender workplace protections
WASHINGTON - Arizonans were among the hundreds who ralledi outside the Supreme Court as it considered one of the most emotional questions of its term - whether employment laws that prohibit discrimination "because of ... sex" also apply to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Climate change will continue to scorch the Southwest, data predict
PHOENIX – Data compiled from Climate Central shows the effects climate change has on major cities and national parks in Arizona.
An inside look at the College Football Playoff selection
GRAPEVINE – Every year, the College Football Playoff invites students to Grapevine, Texas, to participate in mock selection exercises and see what the team ranking process is all about.
Endangered porpoise protections falling short, conservationists and fishermen complain
PUERTO PEÑASCO, Sonora – Fishermen and conservationists say Mexico’s “zero tolerance” efforts on poachers in the Sea of Cortez aren’t enough to protect the vaquita marina, and shrimp fishermen have vowed to ignore a recent ban on using nets.
Before the flood: System to predict rising water is tested in Phoenix and Flagstaff
APACHE JUNCTION — New technology is using image processing to increase public safety when water rises.
Transfers Jaylen Fisher, Isiah Brown add to excitement surrounding GCU basketball
PHOENIX – The GCU men’s basketball team welcomes two new transfer players, Jaylen Fisher and Isiah Brown.
Town hollow: Report says lawmakers had few town halls; GOP had none
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers have held just 28 town halls this year - 19 of those by Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Sedona. Neither of the state's senators have had a town hall this year and no Republicans in the state's House delegation had done so, a new report says.
Arizona lawmakers join critics of Trump’s troop withdrawal from Syria
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers joined a growing bipartisan chorus critical of President Donald Trump's decision to pull American troops from Northern Syria. Sen. Martha McSally is one of several Republicans who said the move could allow a return of the Islamic State that could threaten the U.S.
‘Public charge’: How changes to federal guidelines could affect immigrants who rely on benefits
PHOENIX – Trump administration changes to the so-called public charge rule affecting immigrants have been delayed but nevertheless are stirring widespread confusion and fear in immigrant communities. An expert answers questions.
‘They don’t know any better’: Why being naive is a good thing for ASU football’s freshmen
TEMPE – Freshmen, including the quarterback, have powered Arizona State football this season. Their accompanying naiveté has proven to be a good thing when the stakes are high.
Court: Woman injured by leaking breast implant cannot sue manufacturer
An appeals court said federal law protects the manufacturer of a leaking silicone breast implant that injured a Gold Canyon woman, who tried to sue the company for damages from the implants she received after a cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy.
Despite ICE detainer ruling, business as usual for Arizona sheriffs
WASHINGTON - Two weeks after a federal court halted some detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Arizona law enforcement agencies say they are still doing business with the agency as usual.
Trump’s emergency wall funding declaration was ‘unlawful,’ court says
WASHINGTON - A federal judge in Texas Friday blocked an administration plan to use $3.6 billion in Pentagon funds for border wall construction, calling President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to secure the funds "unlawful."
‘Coach, I got you’: Jayden Daniels says it, does it in ASU win over WSU
TEMPE – Late in the game, quarterback Jayden Daniels looked at coach Herm Edwards and told him he would get Arizona State a victory. He delivered as promised.
Breakfast and a side of bipartisanship: Lawmakers revive get-together
WASHINGTON – It's a contentious time in Washington, but – for an hour a month at least – Arizona Democrats and Republicans sit down to chat over breakfast.
‘Repugnant to the American dream’: Federal judges block controversial immigration policy
PHOENIX – Changes to federal public charge policy set to take effect on Oct. 15, have been blocked by a judge in New York. Arizona advocates are working to spread the word to immigrant families.
New Scottsdale production company hopes to change landscape of esports in Arizona
SCOTTSDALE – A new production company dedicated to esports has opened in Scottsdale and hopes to put Arizona on the esports map.
Advocates worry as ‘domestic violence green cards’ get greater scrutiny
WASHINGTON - Applications for "domestic violence green cards" have risen steadily since the 2013 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, but the percentage flagged as possibly fraudulent has risen even faster. But advocates say greater attention does not mean more problems.
Safe passage sought for wildlife trying to cross busy highway in northern Mexico
ĺMURIS, Sonora – Researchers with the Wildlands Network are looking for ways to assist animals trying to cross Highway 2, which bisects a crucial wildlife corridor in northern Sonora, Mexico.
Frank Lloyd Wright house, once listed for $2.6 million, sold at auction
PHOENIX – The Norman Lykes House, which is the last property Frank Lloyd Wright designed, was sold at auction for $1.7 million. Some of the most unique parts of the home are also the most sustainable.
Breaking the silence: Native Americans overcome taboos in battle against suicide
WHITERIVER – Native Americans have the highest suicide rates in the U.S., and youth are especially affected. Both on reservations and in cities, efforts are underway to build resilience and break the taboo of talking about mental health.
Here’s the kicker: Once a walk-on, Cristian Zendejas plays key role for ASU
TEMPE - Cristian Zendejas, son of ASU legend Luis Zendejas, is now starting for the school for which his father played. And he is trying to make his own way.
Schweikert among 129 House Republicans who join rebuke of Trump on Syria
WASHINGTON - Three Arizona Republicans held fast with President Donald Trump as the House voted 354-60 Wednesday to rebuke the president's decision to pull U.S. troops out of northern Syria, leaving former U.S. allies, the Kurds, open to attacks by Turkish forces.
No talks between company, union, as Asarco strike enters its third day
WASHINGTON - Union officials said there were no talks Wednesday between them and Asarco, as a strike against the copper mining, smelting and refining company by about 1,775 workers in Arizona and Texas entered its third day.
Senate approves Arizonan Barrett as fourth female Air Force secretary
WASHINGTON - The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to confirm Arizona businesswoman Barbara Barrett as the next Air Force secretary, one day after brushing aside an attempt to stall her nomination over Air Force use of Trump hotels for official business.
Climate whiplash: Four Corners residents and ranchers adapting to weather extremes
MANCOS, Colorado – Too hot and dry one season, too wet the next. That’s the predicament ranchers in the Four Corners area are facing, and they’re searching for ways to adapt.
Prediabetes screenings may lower rate of diabetes among Hispanics, Native Americans
PHOENIX – Screening for prediabetes may help lower the chance of being diagnosed with the illness.
Lawmakers optimistic for bill on National Museum of the American Latino
WASHINGTON - The dream of a national museum dedicated to the Latin American experience took one step closer to reality Thursday, as lawmakers and advocates touted a bill that they think has a good chance of putting a museum on the National Mall.
Impeach Trump? Not an option for his supporters at Capitol Hill rally
WASHINGTON - With chants like "Pelosi's got to go" and "Four more years," hundreds of protesters marched to the West Lawn of the Capitol to voice their support for President Donald Trump - and disdain for Congress.investigating his possible impeachment.
Arizona’s groundwater replenishment program facing an uncertain future
PHOENIX – A new report by Arizona State University reveals concerns over how a key water management tool could work for ensuring there’s water for future development.
Neutral zone: ASU football coach Herm Edwards will talk objectivity, passion as Cronkite professor
PHOENIX – He "plays to win the game," but he teaches, too. Arizona State football coach Herm Edwards will be in classrooms at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication this spring as a professor of practice.
McSally urged to oppose Trump’s rollback of Obama fuel economy standards
PHOENIX – Two Democratic legislators want Sen. Martha McSally to oppose the planned rollback of fuel economy standards by the Trump administration. These standards reduce the amount of air pollution given off by vehicles by forcing manufacturers to make cars with better fuel efficiency.
Fundraising shows Schweikert down, but analysts say he’s not out yet
WASHINGTON - Rep. David Schweikert's fundraising is down, he has a well-funded Democratic challenger and his office is dogged by ethics complaints. All that combines to make the 6th District competitive, but it doesn't mean the Schweikert should be counted out yet, analysts say.
Johnson & Johnson settlement on surgical mesh includes $2.8 million for Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona will receive $2.8 million of a nearly $117 million settlement from Johnson & Johnson over safety concerns of a surgical mesh product.
Warmer temperatures expected this week across Arizona
PHOENIX – There’s a weak storm system on the horizon later this week, but overall, weather for your work week is expected to be pleasant.
New Fry’s grocery store ends food desert for downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX - A new Fry’s Food and Drug will open in downtown Phoenix on Wednesday, the first grocery store in an urban area dotted with new businesses and housing.
Cardinals come alive with play of Chase Edmonds, return of Patrick Peterson
TEMPE – Guess who has won three straight games? An Arizona Cardinals team that many wrote off showed strength on both sides of the ball in a victory over the New York Giants.
AIA clears schools named in leaked information scandal, expresses concern about reporting
PHOENIX – The Arizona Interscholastic Association decided to clear schools that were connected to the scandal involving a former Mountain Pointe assistant coach.
McSally to pen memoir – just in time for her 2020 Senate bid
WASHINGTON - Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., announced a book deal Monday that will put her memoir, "Dare to Fly," on bookshelves in May, just six months before she stands for re-election.She's just the latest to pen a book, joining former Arizona Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake as election-year authors.
Justice Department pressing ahead with plan to collect immigrants’ DNA
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department is moving forward with plans to collect DNA samples from immigration detainees, including those without criminal offenses, raising alarms among both privacy and immigration advocates.
Report: Phoenix sixth-highest metro area in nation for gun suicides
WASHINGTON - The Phoenix metro area had the sixth-highest rate of firearm suicides among the nation's urban areas, according to a new report by House Democrats tying the availability of guns to the prevalence of gun suicides.
Taking flight: 100 Angels nonprofit provides medical relief to migrant families
PHOENIX – A new nonprofit, 100 Angels Foundation, provides medical relief to migrant families in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and other countries.
A summer for change: The new-look Suns attempt to fix Phoenix’s basketball culture
PHOENIX – With their revamped roster and new head coach, the Phoenix Suns are looking to change the way they are looked at around the NBA.
Fair game: Esports makes its mark at Arizona State Fair
PHOENIX – The Arizona State Fair featured a decked out esports exhibit for the first time, with thousands of dollars in prizes.
Census officials will work to accurately count all communities in 2020
PHOENIX – Census officials emphasized improvements in accuracy for 2020 to reduce historical undercounts of minorities.
Officials: State making gains on teacher vacancies, still has way to go
WASHINGTON - Arizona school officials told a Washington forum Tuesday that the state has made strides in teacher recruiting and retention, but there is still a long way to go to fixing a problem that saw 21% of teacher jobs vacant at the start of this school year.
Asylum granted: LGBTQ Guatemalan couple begin a new life in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Asylum seekers find a new life as a lesbian couple in Phoenix with the help of Trans Queer Pueblo, as well as building a community in the LGBTQ community.
Suns cultivate family culture through Oubre’s Valley Boyz pop-up shop
PHOENIX – Kelly Oubre Jr.'s pop-up shop that donated funds to Deandre Ayton's hurricane relief cause was a reflection of the family image the Phoenix Suns hope to cultivate this season.
Arizonans among House Republicans who stormed impeachment hearing
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers were among dozens of Republicans who stormed the House impeachment hearings Wednesday to protest the closed-door meetings and demand that Democrats open the proceedings.
Arizona joins more than 40 other states in antitrust probe of Facebook
WASHINGTON - Arizona joined 46 other states and territories this week in antitrust investigation of Facebook, including whether the social media giant violated consumer data privacy and whether it is a monopoly that has driven up advertising prices and suppressed competition.
House panel OKs update to mining law; critics say it will kill industry
WASHINGTON - A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to an overhaul of a 147-year-old federal mining law that supporters called "antiquated," while opponents called the update a "point-blank" blow to the mining industry.
Periods get political: Arizonans rally to demand end to ‘tampon tax’
PHOENIX – Amid a growing push for “menstrual equity,” dozens of activists from across Arizona convened for the first National Period Day protest to call for an end to taxation of menstrual products and more widespread availability of items to help those who can’t afford them.
With GCU setting the pace, Arizona is becoming a hotbed of college esports
PHOENIX- ASU, GCU, UofA look strong, optimistic for the future of Arizona after the first Arizona Esports Collegiate Cup.
Arizona Fall League players aren’t fans of ‘Robo Ump’
SCOTTSDALE – Major League Baseball’s latest Fall League experiment is one of the most controversial among baseball purists: the Automated Strike Zone.
Arizona saw some of deepest cuts, biggest tuition hikes since recession
WASHINGTON - Arizona universities suffered the largest percentage cuts in state aid to higher education since the start of the recession and saw the second-largest increase in student tuition at the same time, a new report shows.
New rules gives ASU baseball opportunity to play Team USA
PHOENIX - Thanks to a recent adjustment in the NCAA’s rules, ASU baseball will play an exhibition game against Team USA, which is preparing for Olympic qualifiers.
More efficient than solar panels? Rust, saltwater show renewable-energy promise
LOS ANGELES – Scientists in California and Illinois may have found an efficient renewable energy source that’s cheaper than solar panels: rust and saltwater.
Longtime NFL coach Wylie surprise addition to Hamilton High coaching staff
CHANDLER - For the 2019 football season, Bob Wylie finds himself in a new and unexpected role: coach on the Hamilton High School football team.
Money to burn: Forest Service wildfire fund ends its year in the black
WASHINGTON - For the first time in nine years, the U.S. Forest Service ended the fiscal year without depleting its fire suppression budget and having to borrow money from other projects to continue fighting wildfires.
Two worlds, two cultures united
PHOENIX – In the United States, centuries of immigration and culturalization have generated a fusion of cultures from different Spanish-speaking countries
Two weeks into strike against Asarco, contract talks at a standstill
WASHINGTON - Two weeks into their strike against Asarco, union officials said negotiations with the copper mining, smelting and refining company remain at a standstill and workers are starting to feel the pinch.
It’s a ‘new season’: Phoenix Rising FC shifts into postseason mode
SCOTTSDALE – After a recording-breaking regular season, Phoenix Rising FC will start its USL Championship Playoffs run Saturday night against Austin Bold FC.
For Syrians in Arizona, distant war affects life in their new homes
WASHINGTON - Arizona has taken in 1,291 Syrians since 2014, but for those refugees the war back home is never far away, whether they are worrying about loved ones or worrying about saying something here that can get family members there in trouble with one side or the other.
Boo and brrr: A chilly Halloween in store for Arizona this year
PHOENIX – The lowest temperatures so far this season will set in for Halloween across the state, along with continued breezes across northern Arizona for the entire week.
Diuretic? Ayton’s suspension raises questions about knowledge, intent
PHOENIX – Deandre Ayton’s suspension for a banned diuretic was a shock. Here’s what you need to know about the Phoenix Suns star’s positive test.
‘I feel good’: Despite tough loss, Cardinals’ Kyler Murray says he feels better than ever
TEMPE – Despite a tough loss to New Orleans, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray says he feels better than ever and is ready for Thursday's meeting with the San Francisco 49ers.
ASU’s players go west, game against UCLA goes south
PASADENA – Many Arizona State players were excited to return to California. UCLA was not a welcoming host.
‘Operation Kayla Mueller’ stirs memories of Arizonan killed in Syria
WASHINGTON - One official called it fitting: The military operation that tracked down and killed the leader of the Islamic State this weekend was named for Kayla Mueller, a Prescott native who was killed while being held by that group in Syria in 2015.
1 million agave: Ambitious binational restoration plan to plant agave, protect bats
ÁLAMOS, SONORA – Bat Conservation International has an ambitious plan to plant 1 million agave in the U.S and Mexico in the next 10 years. Agave is a key plant for migrating bats.
No money, no lights: Shutoff of senior woman’s electricity leads to calls for reform
PHOENIX - The Arizona Corporation Commission is spending the next few months pursuing reforms for the utility companies it oversees in Arizona. There is no state government standard as to how and why a user’ who is behind payments on a bill has their utilities shut off.
Ranked matchup reveals complex position Pac-12 is in with its TV network
PHOENIX – Opportunities are plentiful for the Pac-12 Networks’ future as the conference prepares for 2024, but the path to get there will continue to be challenging.
Ka-ching: NCAA opens door for college athletes to receive endorsements
PHOENIX – Jayden Daniels, in his Sun Devil gear, appearing on a TV commercial for BoSa Donuts? That may finally be a possibility. In a unanimous vote, the NCAA Board of Governors voted to permit students participating in athletics the “opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness."
Vet still proud to have served his country – even after it deported him
WASHINGTON - Hector Barajas-Varela told a House panel he is proud to have served as a paratrooper in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division - even after the country deported him twice. And he is not alone: More than 44,000 noncitizens served between 2013 and 2018, and 250 vet faced deportation in that time.
Grant allows Native American nonprofit to expand medical services in Phoenix
PHOENIX - A federal grant awarded to Native American Connections in Phoenix will allow the group to provide primary care medical services to patients. The group already offers substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
High school, high score: AIA kicks off first ever esports season
PHOENIX – The Arizona Interscholastic Association has officially launched the state's first high school esports league
Pumpkin decor attracts trick-or-treaters but also wildlife, Game & Fish warns
FOUNTAIN HILLS - Did you know that pumpkins attract Arizona wildlife, which could put your pets and property at risk of being attacked?
Asarco, striking workers set to resume contract talks in two weeks
WASHINGTON - Striking Asarco workers say contract talks with management have been set for Nov. 14, a month after close to 1,800 workers walked off job sites and onto picket lines at facilities in Arizona and Texas.
Democrats roast CIS head over plan to end ‘medical deferred action’
WASHINGTON - The acting director of Citizenship and Immigration Services insisted to a House panel that there are no new plans to end "medical deferred action," but Democrats called the administration "cruel" for considering the notion in the first place.
House OKs permanent ban on mining 1 million acres around Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - The House voted 236-185 Wednesday to permanently ban uranium mining on just over 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon, on a largely party line vote in which each side accused the other of fear-mongering.
Arizona recycling programs are in trouble, thanks to residential contamination
PHOENIX – Recycling programs across Arizona are in jeopardy as contamination from residents and tariffs from China remain in place.
Manufacturing jobs now outnumber construction jobs in Arizona, Ducey says
PHOENIX – Jobs in manufacturing have now outpaced construction jobs in Arizona. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and U.S. Commerce Department Secretary Tom Gilman spoke at Ping’s headquarters about the boom in manufacturing jobs over the past three years.
Racist taunts aimed at Native American high school athletes denounced
SCOTTSDALE – Salt River High School volleyball players were targets of racial taunts. Their governing body is organizing a committee to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Arizona lawmakers split by party, as House OKs next impeachment steps
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines Thursday as the House passed a resolution that lays out the framework for the next public phase of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
He was a robber, she sold drugs; only one can get help with school
WASHINGTON - The American Opportunity Tax Credit lets people, including former inmates, claim a credit for college education expenses - unless they were convicted of a drug crime. Lawmakers are trying to lift that ban, saying someone jailed for drugs should not be denied benefits a murder can get.
Arizona farmers like – but don’t love – ‘agricultural immigration’ bill
WASHINGTON - Arizona farm groups said a proposal to expand the immigrant workforce and make it easier for those workers to stay in the U.S. is an important first step toward solving the problem of getting and keeping reliable workers - but only a first step.
Phoenix Rising FC looks to avenge loss to Real Monarchs in USL Championship Playoffs
SCOTTSDALE - After winning its first-ever penalty shootout, Phoenix Rising FC will play the Real Monarchs in the Western Conference Semifinal in the USL Championship Playoffs with revenge on its mind.
No falling back: Why does Arizona opt out of daylight saving?
PHOENIX – When most people throughout the county adjust their watches, Arizona doesn’t. Why doesn’t Arizona participate in daylight saving time?
There’s no denying in baseball: Remembering the women who played the game
SCOTTSDALE – The International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) is making steady progress toward building a museum and education center in Rockford, Illinois, to honor women in baseball.
Por Tu Salud wellness program benefits businesses and their Hispanic employees
PHOENIX – A new initiative helps Arizona companies create and promote a culture of good health among Hispanic employees. The initiative is free for Arizona businesses.
Rain chances return this week; temperatures to stay elevated
PHOENIX – A weak storm will move across Arizona midweek, increasing rain chances on Wednesday. Temperatures remain above normal through the weekend.
Star students: ASU team watches as its project is launched into orbit
WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. - A concussive boom radiated out from the launch pad as nine Arizona State University students watched a rocket carry their "nanosatellite" - and four years of their work - into the sky Saturday on its way to the International Space Station.
As valley fever education increases, so does the infection’s reach
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – With valley fever being rare outside of California and Arizona, California places legislation to warn at- risk workers.
Swing state 2020: With the election a year off, Arizona could become a key player
PHOENIX – With 52 weeks left before the presidential election, is Arizona a red state or a blue state?
Lawyers leery of ICE’s move to schedule court dates for DACA recipients
WASHINGTON - Lawyers in Arizona and southern Nevada are alarmed after receiving notices that Immigration and Customs Enforcement wants to set new court dates for their clients who are currently protected from deportation by DACA.
Who’s that with Rodgers, Mahomes on TV? It’s a State Farm agent from Tempe
TEMPE - Local State Farm Agent Patrick Minnis on his unlikely rise to fame.
Tucson voters handily reject sanctuary city proposition
TUCSON – Voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly defeated Proposition 205, which would have declared Tucson the state's first sanctuary city. The vote came amid warnings from the Trump administration of possible federal sanctions costing the city millions of dollars.
Trump boasts of record judicial appointment pace, promises more to come
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump boasted Wednesday about the record 158 federal judges that have been confirmed under his watch, with dozens more to come as he carries through on a campaign promise to remake federal courts - a prospect that alarms liberal groups.
‘In this for the long haul’: How a labor organizer’s daughter became a force for rural health care
PHOENIX – Jill Guernsey de Zapien She helped start a program in southeastern Arizona to bring better care to rural residents, particularly farmworkers.
Water from air: ASU professor’s technology produces clean drinking water around the globe
PHOENIX – Zero Mass Water, a company created by ASU professor Cody Friesen, uses solar panel technology to produce clean water from the air for local schools and underserved communities across the globe.
‘Unbelievable’: Pinnacle’s J.D. Johnson grateful that Michigan honored his scholarship
PHOENIX — Michigan quarterback commit J.D. Johnson was forced to medically retire from football, but the Wolverines will honor his scholarship.
Preterm births inched up in Arizona, but 2018 rate still beat nation
WASHINGTON - Rising rates of preterm births in 30 states - Arizona included - are a sign that health care providers are "failing our many mothers and babies," say advocates, as the release a report showing premature births hit 9.5% in Arizona and 10% nationally last year.
Border-state voters poll shows dim view of border policy, Border Patrol
WASHINGTON - Just over half of voters in southern border states disapprove of the way President Donald Trump is handling border and immigration issues, and no more than 40% of those polled had a "great deal/a lot" of trust in the way Border Patrol officials are doing their jobs.
Federal grant helps Phoenix clinics provide low cost dental care
PHOENIX – Mountain Park Health Center has been awarded a $300,000 federal grant to update equipment and expand its dental program.
Leftover pumpkins feed hungry animals instead of landfills
PHOENIX – Every year after Halloween, pumpkins get thrown in the trash, but MacDonald's Ranch finds better uses for leftovers from their pumpkin patch.
China trip offered Sun Devils another step in evolution under Bobby Hurley
TEMPE - With a group full of returners and high-quality recruits, head coach Bobby Hurley is aiming to lead the Sun Devils to their third-consecutive NCAA Tournament.
It’s on: Democrats name Arizona a battleground, GOP says it’s ready
WASHINGTON - The Democratic National Committee confirmed this week that Arizona is one of eight battleground states it has targeted for the 2020 elections, already hiring organizers in the state and focusing on suburban and Latino voters.
SRP confirms that last day for Navajo Generating Station just days away
WASHINGTON - The Navajo Generating Station will shut down for good in a matter of days, the plant's owners said, , once the plant burns through its remaining supply of coal. It's the final chapter in a two-year fight to save the aging plant, the affiliated Kayenta coal mine and their hundreds of jobs,
Phoenix Shanti Group to close, but leaves legacy of AIDS/HIV treatment
PHOENIX – Phoenix’s longest-serving treatment center for HIV+ people in metro Phoenix is set to close in 2020.
Pinal County’s future water shortfall leaves some developers in limbo today
PHOENIX – A new model from the Arizona Department of Water Resources for Pinal County predicts that demand for water will outstrip availability over the next 100 years, leaving some developers wondering whether they can build at all.
Arizonans have hand in, eyes on this week’s Supreme Court DACA hearing
WASHINGTON - Yazmin Irazoqui-Ruiz and Reyna Montoya will be watching as the Supreme Court considers the fate of DACA Tuesday. The two Arizona DACA recipients were cited in the dozens of brief filed in the case, including opposing briefs from the state and from Arizona advocacy groups.
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, wild horses are an asset, not a headache
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. - While Western communities struggle to control wild horse populations that are overwhelming the federal lands they roam, a small town out on an island off Virginia's Eastern Shore has turned the presence of wild horses from a problem to an asset.
Falling foot traffic across border worries businesses, state officials
NOGALES, Ariz. - Business owners in Nogales worry that long wait times at the border are driving down the number of pedestrians who cross to shop in Arizona, a drop that state officials worry could be felt throughout Arizona's economy if crossing times don't improve.
DACA activists vow to keep up the fight as Supreme Court weighs program’s fate
PHOENIX – Arizona DACA recipients wavered between expectation and resignation Tuesday while the Supreme Court considered the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative, a 2012 presidential order that protects 660,000 people from deportation across the country.
Justices concede likely impact of DACA ruling, still question program
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court grappled with the push to end the DACA program, with some justices suggesting that the Trump administration's justification did not take into account its full impact and others agreeing that the government had provided more than enough reasons for its decision.
Advocates chant ‘home is here’ as Supreme Court hears DACA challenge
WASHINGTON - Protesters from across the country, including several from Arizona, crowded the street outside the Supreme Court, chanting "si, se puede" and "home is here" as justices inside the court weighed the future of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Court weighs whether Border Patrol can be sued in Mexican teens’ deaths
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court seemed split on whether the family of a Mexican teen shot across the border by a Border Patrol agent in Texas can sue the agent. A court in Texas said no, but a court in a nearly identical Nogales case said those parents could sue for the death of their teen son in 2012.
Navajo pull backing for tribal energy company over coal mine purchases
WASHINGTON - The Navajo Nation said Tuesday it is canceling indemnity agreements for the Navajo Transitional Energy Co., fearing the tribe's finances could be "placed in a state of uncertainty" by the company's recent purchase of three coal mines.
Ants are experts at avoiding traffic jams, researchers find
PHOENIX – The secrets of ant cooperation could help ease congestion on roads and wherever there are dense flows of particles or bits of information.
Ricky Rubio brings flashes of Steve Nash back to Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – Devin Booker may be the face of the franchise, but Ricky Rubio has been a steadying force behind the Phoenix Suns’ success.
High-profile public impeachment hearings get off to a low-decibel start
WASHINGTON - The much-anticipated first day of open House impeachment hearings arrived Wednesday with none of the drama of recent high-profile events like the Kavanaugh confirmation, with one Arizona lawmaker describing the hearing as "pretty dry."
More than a name: Son of a Hall of Famer, Hamilton’s Brenden Rice hopes to forge own path
CHANDLER – A legacy runs deep when you are related to the greatest wide receiver to ever play football. However, for Brenden Rice, it is the legacy he makes separate from his father which means more to him.
La Mora lays victims to rest, but Mormon community’s future in Mexico isn’t clear
LA MORA, Sonora, Mexico – : The murders of six children and three women this month have prompted some members of an offshoot Mormon community in northern Sonora to move. But others are determined to stay in a place they say is like no other.
Phoenix recycling will end unless rates are hiked, officials warn
PHOENIX — The public works department for Phoenix explained to the city council this week if solid waste rates don’t increase, cuts to programs like recycling will need to be made.
#ElPasoStrong: Walmart near border reopens three months after mass shooting
EL PASO, Texas – Walmart associates return to work at the Cielo Vista Walmart three months after a gunman massacred 22 people and wounded 24 others.
Advocates aim to energize Latino voters, as their clout at polls grows
WASHINGTON - With Hispanics expected to be the largest bloc of minority voters by the 2020 elections, advocates hope to capitalize with a multimillion-dollar campaign focused on five states, including Arizona, that will be aimed at boosting Latino civic engagement across the board.
Family apprehensions at border fell below adults apprehended in October
WASHINGTON - For the first time in at least a year, more adult immigrants were apprehended at the southern border than families in October, according to numbers released Thursday by Customs and Border Protection.
Marlee Smith blazes her own path on ASU wrestling team
TEMPE – Marlee Smith becomes second female walk-on wrestler in ASU wrestling history
Bluegreen Vacations 500 reflects popularity of NASCAR in Arizona, host of 2020 championship
AVONDALE – Although thousands of people in the Valley flocked to ISM Raceway over the weekend to cheer on their favorite drivers, the Bluegreen Vacations 500 drew just as many people from outside Arizona.
Grijalva, House Democrats demand probe of troops deployed to border
WASHINGTON - Dozens of House Democrats renewed calls Friday for the Defense Department to investigate the legality of President Donald Trump's decision to deploy thousands of active-duty and National Guard troops to the U.S-Mexico border.
Protesters demand end to Phoenix police crime-suppression sweeps on light rail
PHOENIX – The nonprofit group LUCHA gathered in front of Phoenix Valley Metro headquarters in downtown Phoenix to demand it stop working with the Phoenix Police Department.
‘Fighter from day one’: Tracy Cortez’s toughness leads her to UFC
SCOTTSDALE – Tracy Cortez was always tough. She took that no-nonsense approach and landed in the UFC.
Farm-to-school programs revitalize health in nutritionally underserved communities
MESA – Latino communities have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, in part because of food deserts and the abundance of unhealthy food choices. To find a lasting solution, an elementary school in Mesa is teaching children about nutrition and agriculture through gardening.
In or out?: Millions affected by Equifax breach must decide this week
WASHINGTON - As many as 3 million Arizonans whose personal data may have been exposed in a 2017 data breach have to decide by Tuesday whether to be part of a settlement with Equifax for that breach. Advocates say the settlement is not much, but that consumers should probably take it.
Suns break ground on $45 million training facility with high technology, high-end amenities
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns broke ground on a new state-of-the-art training facility on Wednesday, signaling a new for the rebuilding organization.
Rain, lower temperatures will mean umbrellas and coats this week
PHOENIX – A series of storm systems will move across Arizona by Tuesday, increasing rain chances and decreasing temperatures.
Border wall opens – temporarily – for the annual Misa Fronteriza along the Rio Grande
EL PASO, Texas – El Pasoans, citizens of Ciudad Juarez and Las Cruces, N.M., gathered on opposite sides of the Rio Grande Canal to celebrate their religion and the bonds that transcend the border.
What’s up with David Johnson? Cardinals’ running back seeing little action in ’19
TEMPE - Inside the strange benching of Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson and what could be next for the star player.
‘Broken promises’ report details government’s history of failing tribes
WASHINGTON - A U.S. Civill Rights Commission report on how the federal government deals with Native American tribes details decades of underfunding, poor data collection and lack of coordination - and its authors say little has changed since their first report 15 years ago.
Lawmakers spar over Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ rule for asylum seekers
WASHINGTON - House members sparred Tuesday over the Trump administration's so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum-seekers, with Democrats calling it unsafe and "abhorrent" and Republicans saying it has helped reduce a massive backlog in immigration courts.
Volker defends role in talks between White House, Ukrainian government
WASHINGTON - Former McCain Institute Executive Director Kurt Volker told the House Intelligence Committee Tuesday that he was unaware of any efforts to get the Ukrainian government to interfere in U.S. politics in exchange for military aid.
Former ASU receiver Rashad Ross finds next chance in XFL
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Between the cuts, fresh starts and family tragedies, Rashad Ross has plenty of motivation as he heads into the inaugural XFL season with the LA Wildcats.
Prescription for nature: Grant aims to boost patient health through park time
PHOENIX – A new initiative encourages Arizona health care providers to “prescribe” park time for patients. It’s part of a larger effort to get people out and about to help battle mental and physical problems.
A pitch for brotherhood: Somali refugee starts soccer team for fellow Africans
PHOENIX – Since arriving in the United States as a refugee from Somalia 13 years ago, Mahad Mohamed has united Arizona’s African refugee community with soccer.
Aussie rules: Aron Baynes evolves into Phoenix Suns’ modern center
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns may not have known what they had when they traded for Aron Baynes this offseason, but they do now. He’s one of the best-shooting centers in the NBA.
House panel OKs pot decriminalization, as poll shows support in Arizona
WASHINGTON - A House committee gave preliminary approval to a comprehensive marijuana reform bill that would decriminalize the drug while erasing pot convictions stretching back decades.The vote came the same day a new poll showed a slim majority of Arizonans support marijuana legalization.
Food insecurity is at a decade low in Arizona, report says
PHOENIX – Not having access to food is an issue across the country, but in Arizona, food insecurity has decreased over the past 10 years.
Big storm sends surviving high school football teams scrambling ahead of semifinals
PHOENIX — Arizona high schools adjust football practice schedules with rare heavy rain and thunderstorms hitting the state Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ottawa University football: From nonexistent to playoff contender in just two years
SURPRISE – Strong leadership, talent and team chemistry have propelled the football team at Ottawa University of Arizona (OUAZ) to the NAIA playoffs. Two years ago, they didn’t exist.
House panel advances bill to expand farmworker visas, green card access
WASHINGTON - A House committee gave preliminary approval to a bill that would add 20,000 farmworker visas and let some workers apply for permanent legal residency, despite Republican concerns that it could open the door to more illegal immigration.
Thanksgiving travelers told to expect record-breaking passenger numbers
WASHINGTON - A total of 55 million people are expected to travel over the 12-day Thanksgiving travel season, with 31.6 million of them taking to the skies, both increases over last year. Busiest will be the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after - which could set a one-day record of 3.1 million fliers.
Improving gender diversity among baseball scouts is goal of recent Women’s Sports School event
PEORIA – The Women’s Sports School held their first scouting program to encourage women to work in baseball operations.
Native Americans have the most difficulty accessing clean water, report says
DENNEHOTSO – Unregulated drinking water sources are the greatest public health risk on the Navajo Reservation, according to the EPA.
Impeachment impasse: Few minds appear changed by weeks of testimony
WASHINGTON - Two months of investigation and two weeks of televised hearings do not appear to have changed any minds in Arizona's congressional delegation about the potential impeachment of President Donald Trump, a situation so far mirrored in the public, according to recent polls.
Duck and cover: ASU football stuns No. 6 Oregon on national stage
TEMPE – On a national stage, Arizona State upset No. 6 Oregon, hurting its College Football Playoff hopes.
Skeletal spectacle: Victoria, the world’s largest touring T. rex, debuts in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Victoria, one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever uncovered, is making its world debut at the Arizona Science Center.
Arizona poll: Republicans, Democrats far apart on immigration, gun control, climate
PHOENIX - A Morrison Institute for Public Policy poll shows Republicans’ and Democrats’ have “separate thoughts” on immigration, climate change, affordable housing and gun control, among other issues. The poll may also reveal the growing political power of independents in Arizona.
DHS to send migrants from Tucson to El Paso, to be sent back to Mexico
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said it will bus asylum seekers from Tucson to El Paso, Texas, where they will be sent back to Mexico to await a decision on their claims under the Trump administration's Migration Protection Protocols.
Arizona saw children’s obesity drop after WIC required healthier foods
WASHINGTON - The obesity rate among young Arizona children in the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program declined from 2010 to 2016 after the program changed its rules to require healthier food, one of 41 states to see obesity rates fall, a new report says.
Dodgers turkey giveaway brings community together near Thanksgiving
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers spent a day of their offseason giving back to the community with a turkey giveaway at Dodger Stadium.
Where should Phoenix build the Latino Cultural Center?
PHOENIX – As Phoenix moves forward with plans to build a Latino Cultural Center, the location remains uncertain.
E-cruitment: Arizona universities work to secure prospects for new esports programs
PHOENIX – GCU, ASU and others are taking different approaches to lure students to join in on the esport action
Cold turkey: Chilly and wet Thanksgiving expected across Arizona
PHOENIX – Rain and snow will be the theme for Thanksgiving this year as a series of storm systems barrels over Arizona.
Trump creates panel on issue of missing, murdered indigenous women
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump authorized creation of an eight-member panel of federal officials Tuesday to coordinate the federal response to the problem of murdered and missing indigenous women.
Water transfer from Colorado River to central Arizona faces stiff opposition
PHOENIX - Queen Creek wants to buy an annual entitlement to Colorado River water from a farming and investment company that owns land in far west La Paz County. The proposed water transfer is already drawing criticism and concern.
Advocates urge immigrants to act fast, as higher citizenship fees loom
WASHINGTON - Immigration experts and advocates in Arizona are urging people to file their paperwork as soon as possible as federal agencies eye steeper processing fees across a broad range of citizenship forms.
Family, country – Suns? Arizona lawmakers on what they’re thankful for
WASHINGTON - Impeachment. Immigration. Investigations. Looming elections - with all the chaos in Washington, it might seem like there's not a lot to be thankful for. Which may be why Arizona lawmakers' thoughts turned to home when they were asked what they are thankful for this holiday.
Groups say new federal law gives leg up in fight against animal cruelty
WASHINGTON - Arizona ranks high on the list of "most humane states," but officials and animal advocates are still welcoming a new federal law they said will let them fight animal cruelty that crosses state lines.
Historically left out of Western water talks, tribes intend to have greater influence in future
GREELEY, Colo. – Native American tribes have senior rights to about 20% of the water in the Colorado River Basin, but they aren’t using all of it. Some tribal leaders say they intend to exert those water rights, which would have repercussions throughout the Southwest.
To ease teacher shortage, pilot program in Tucson offers free tuition, $1,000 a month
TUCSON – The University of Arizona’s “Pathways to Teaching” program helps people who have already taken 60 hours toward a college degree finish studies that will lead to teaching certificates. Supporters say the pilot program is one small step to decrease teacher shortages and increase retention.
Online shopping, extended sales dim, don’t defeat, Black Friday frenzy
WASHINGTON - Earlier sales and expanded online shopping options have cut into Black Friday's appeal, but they have yet to knock it from its position as the elbow-throwing, hectic start of the holiday shopping season for many. Call it Blackish Friday.
Arctic to Arizona: NAU professor explains how climate change affects everyone
FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona University professor Ted Schuur discusses climate change in light of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
More rain expected this week, but temperatures will be seasonal
PHOENIX – A fast-moving storm will move across the state by midweek, aiding rain chances and keeping temperatures near normal.
Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury ’embarrassed’ by 28 point loss
TEMPE - The Arizona Cardinals have begun their search for answers following a puzzling 34-7 loss Sunday to the Los Angeles Rams.
Death row sentence overturned after lawyers ‘dropped the ball’ in case
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court overturned an Arizona death row inmate's conviction for the 1994 sexual assault and murder of a 4-year-old Tucson girl, saying attorneys in his case "dropped the ball" by failing to challenge the state's evidence.
What’s next? As women’s wrestling grows, the landscape of opportunities changes
TEMPE – The opportunities for young female wrestlers to keep training after high school continue to grow as the sport gains popularity in the United States.
California schools must eliminate lead in water, but what about nearby homes?
LOS ANGELES – California passed a law requiring schools to test for lead in their drinking water, but businesses and homes don’t have this same requirement.
Phoenix Open officials disappointed Phil Mickelson won’t play, optimistic show will go on
PHOENIX – Phoenix Open officials are disappointed that Phil Mickelson won't play in Waste Management Phoenix Open in 2020 but they are optimistic show will go on.
Senators grill military chiefs over private housing ‘slumlords’ on bases
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers grilled military branch heads over poor living conditions in privately managed military housing complexes, with Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., comparing the private operators to "slumlords," as a new GAO report showed deep problems with program oversight.
Maricopa tapped for program aimed at HIV prevention for uninsured
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County is one of dozens of state and local governments tapped Tuesday to be part of a federal initiative to combat HIV infections, one step in an ambitious plan to end HIV in the U.S. by 2030.
‘One true state champion’: How first year of Open Division has played out for Arizona high school football
PHOENIX - While they aren’t defending their dynasties in their conferences, Chandler and Saguaro will square off for a bigger title.
ALL In launches initiative to help Latinx students bridge education gap
PHOENIX - Education activist Luis Avila, after working in education reform for more than 20 years, launched Arizona Latinos in Education on Monday, creating the ALL In initiative to help Latinx students have a fair shot at school.
Arizona lawmakers follow party line in impeachment hearing questioning
WASHINGTON - The House Judiciary Committee ended a daylong hearing into possible articles of impeachment Wednesday against President Donald Trump with bitter partisan sparring, and Arizona lawmakers on the panel largely followed suit.
Dominating Sun Devils leading the effort to make triathlon a sanctioned NCAA championship sport
TEMPE - Triathlon can earn NCAA championship status when six more colleges add varsity women’s teams, and ASU is leading the effort on and off the three-sport course.
Entrepreneur program empowers Native women to forge a brighter future
PHOENIX – A class of Navajo women entrepreneurs graduate from a free business training program to start their own businesses and help their communities.
Navajos express mixed opinions on Trump impeachment probe
WINDOW ROCK – Cronkite News reporters Jordan Elder and Chelsea Hofmann traveled to the capital of the Navajo Nation to find out what citizens there thought about the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
‘Chaotic, beautiful thing’: The story behind Party Hard Wrestling, Arizona’s weirdest independent wrestling promotion
MESA – “Too art for the wrestling crowd, too wrestling for the art crowd,” Party Hard Wrestling has become a fixture of the Arizona independent wrestling community.
‘He’ll be great down there’: Marvin Bagley likes brother Marcus’ commitment to ASU
TEMPE - Arizona State’s newest addition, four-star recruit Marcus Bagley, has the support of his brother, NBA standout Marvin.
Climate activists call for Phoenix, cities around the world, to declare emergency
PHOENIX - Climate change protesters congregated in Phoenix and other town halls across Arizona Friday, continuing #FridaysforFuture climate strikes.
Report: 636 violent attacks on migrants under ‘remain in Mexico’ policy
WASHINGTON - A new report claims there have been 636 violent attacks on asylum seekers returned to Mexico under a Trump administration policy, with close to half of those incidents coming in just the last two months.
Democrats go to court to gain top listing on Arizona ballots
PHOENIX – Political advocacy groups are suing Arizona, claiming a ballot order statute puts Democrats at an unconstitutional disadvantage on election day.
System will study headwaters of the Colorado to gauge stream flow, soil moisture, evaporation
GREELEY, Colo. – A new high-tech monitoring program is set to take shape in the headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers.
Supreme Court rejects Brnovich attempt to fast-track opioids lawsuit
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected Arizona's attempt to fast-track a case against the owners of Purdue Pharma in an effort to protect assets of the company for victims of the opioid crisis.
Supreme Court to hear appeal of double-murderer on Arizona’s death row
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court will be asked Wednesday to consider whether a jury should hear double-murderer James McKinney's argument that trauma from a "horrific" childhood must be considered when weighing the death penalty. The ruling could affect as many as 19 others on death row.
Revived stretch of Santa Cruz River provides oasis for wildlife
TUCSON – Dragonflies, toads and birds are just some of the wildlife showing up since treated wastewater began flowing into the Santa Cruz River channel in June.
Debate continues over BLM move as workers face decision deadline
WASHINGTON - Bureau of Land Management employees in Washington have until this week to decide whether to accept a transfer out West - including to Arizona - a move that supporters say makes sense but critics call an attempt at "dismantling" the agency.
Return to ‘the Rock’: Original Alcatraz occupier retraces steps during 50th anniversary
SAN FRANCISCO – Dennis Turner was one of the original activists who helped take back Alcatraz Island for Indigenous people in the fall of 1969. Last month, he and his family revisited “the Rock” on the 50th anniversary of the “Red Power” occupation.
As wins, bowls, fans elude Wildcats, spotlight is on football coach Kevin Sumlin
TUCSON – The excitement that accompanied the hiring of Kevin Sumlin has died down after the team has struggled for two straight seasons
Tackle this: Decline in youth football participation raises questions about future
PHOENIX – Youth tackle football numbers have been dropping steadily for years. With flag football on the rise and legislation a possibility, are we looking at the end of youth tackle football?
Justices seem skeptical of death-row inmate’s claim for new hearing
WASHINGTON - Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical Wednesday of the notion that Arizona double-murderer James Erin McKinney should get a new sentencing hearing, asking if that would not be a "windfall" for McKinney at the expense of his victims' families.
Kyler Murray’s performance in 2019 will reflect efforts of Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury
TEMPE – Arizona Cardinals know the performance of quarterback Kyler Murray will reflect on coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Gym or gingerbread? Prime athletes must resist temptations of holiday goodies
LOS ANGELES – The holiday season may seem like a free pass on fitness for many, but what about athletes who have been training hard all year?
Why are racehorses still dying? Authorities struggle to find the answers
ARCADIA, Calif. – Horses are dying at a rapid rate at Santa Anita Racetrack, home of the 2019 Breeders’ Cup. But betting on horses continues at a rapid clip, even as experts look for the reasons behind the deaths.
Role reversal: Teen caring for father with Alzheimer’s shares her experience
CERRITOS, Calif. – Emily Jenkins has helped care for her father since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about 10 years ago. She just turned 19.
Sky rivers: A new scale categorizes power of crucial atmospheric flows
LA JOLLA, Calif. – Researchers with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have created a new scale to characterize atmospheric rivers, based upon their intensity and potential impacts.
With execution on hold, Navajo inmate presses court on jury bias claim
PHOENIX - A federal appeals court panel grappled Friday with how - or why - convicted Navajo double-murderer Lezmond Mitchell could question jurors from his trial 16 years ago about possible racial bias in their deliberations.
Dodgeball for adults? Yes, and Phoenix is home to four of best players in country
PHOENIX – Four Arizona players are among the best dodgeball players in the country and are traveling across the world to compete.
‘We can help ourselves:’ Native women come together to confront high rates of maternal mortality
WINDOW ROCK – Death due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth should be preventable with the right intervention and care. Recent investigations have put a national spotlight on the issue, but Native Americans are often left out of the conversation. Now, they’re changing that narrative.
Q&A: Facts and figures on maternal mortality in the U.S.
PHOENIX – What is maternal mortality, and what’s being done to reduce it? Here are five facts about the issue and what steps Congress and the states have taken to address it.
As maternal mortality rises in U.S., California bucks the trend
PHOENIX – The maternal mortality rate in the United States has continued to rise in recent years, but California is reversing the tragic trend.
Arizona veterans of 1998 impeachment see similarities, deeper divides
WASHINGTON - No one in Arizona's congressional delegation has been through an impeachment vote before, but lawmakers who were in Congress for the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton remember angry phone calls from sharply divided voters - much like the situation today.
ASU esports seeks official program status with more institutional support
PHOENIX – Despite fielding some of the top esports teams in the country and boasting one of the largest clubs on campus, the ASU esports association is fighting for more support from ASU administration.
2020 census: Middle Easterners and North Africans don’t fit the box
PHOENIX – For one historically underrepresented group in the United States, the 2020 census was supposed to be their chance to finally have their voices heard. Until it wasn’t.
More sober, less excess, but the office holiday party makes a return
WASHINGTON - Almost 76% of U.S. companies were planning to hold a holiday party this year, the most in several years, according to an annual survey, that said while they won't have the excesses of the '80s and '90s the rise in parties reflects a stable economy.
‘That would be dope’: Booker, others hope Suns join 23 other teams in NBA 2K League
PHOENIX – Twenty-three of the NBA’s 30 franchises sport a NBA 2K League team. The Suns are not one of them. Star guard Devin Booker is one of many who would like to see that change.
Arizona volunteers plant hope for the future of monarch butterflies
PHOENIX – As part of a 50 year plan to revive the population of migrating monarch butterflies, Arizona Game & Fish Department is working with volunteers and other organizations to plant milkweed to make “waypoints” for the insects.
Arizona lawmakers split, as House takes historic vote to impeach Trump
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split along party lines Wednesday as the House took a historic vote to impeach President Donald Trump, making him just the third president to be impeached and the first while facing re-election.
Latinos left behind as big tech continues to grow
TUCSON – The tech industry continues to grow nationwide, but its workforce still is nearly 70% white. Less than 7% of workers are Hispanic.
With drought plans finished, water managers pause Colorado River negotiations
LAS VEGAS – With the drought contingency plan finished, water managers from across the Southwest recently gathered in Las Vegas to figure out what’s next. Climate change already is restricting the arid region’s water supplies, and there’s little agreement on how to bring balance to the Colorado River Basin.
House overwhelmingly approves new trade agreement with Canada, Mexico
WASHINGTON - Just hours after a bitterly partisan impeachment vote, the House turned around Thursday and gave overwhelming bipartisan approval to a new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement that could affect billions of dollars in annual trade for Arizona.
Making the leap: ASU League of Legends player ‘Breezyyy’ Keesey turns pro
TEMPE – Three years ago, Brindon “Breezyyy” Keesey tried out for the Arizona State University League of Legends team and didn't make the cut. Now, Keesey has signed a contract to play for 100 Thieves and has become the second ASU player to go pro in any esport.
Damming the Little Colorado River for power projects is opposed by tribes, environmentalists
PHOENIX – Two hydroelectric storage projects are being proposed for the Little Colorado River and environmental activists as well as the Hopi Tribe, and the Navajo Nation, are opposed.
Parties ratchet up rhetoric against lawmakers after impeachment vote
WASHINGTON - The House vote to impeach President Donald Trump was just minutes old when the emails started flying, as national political parties attacked lawmakers considered vulnerable in 2020 - including three in Arizona - hoping to leverage their impeachment votes against them.
‘We need each other to heal:’ Native Americans help Native Americans overcome domestic violence
LAS VEGAS – Domestic violence affects 4 out of 5 Native American women – more than triple the national average. But some have found healing through what’s known as “Gathering of Native Americans” programs. These culture-based education sessions seek to foster healing through embracing community and tradition.
A moving story: Arizona still nets a gain of residents from other states
WASHINGTON - Arizona continues to be a net importer of people, taking in 2.2 million new residents from other states from 2010 to 2018, while losing 1.7 million to other states in that period.They came from Maine to Hawaii and they went to every state, according to Census Bureau data.
NCAA ‘football factory’ is based on brotherhood
BELLFLOWER, Calif. – St. John Bosco football head coach Jason Negro has turned the California program into a national powerhouse, where NCAA talent is produced consistently.
Jury still out, but officials hopeful about ridesharing to medical care
WASHINGTON - Uber to parties, Uber to work, sure. But to the doctor's office? For some Arizona Medicaid recipients, the answer may be yes, and the state will pick up the tab.The first-in-the-nation program is just six months old, but state officials are enthusiastic about its prospects.
Native American leaders determined to prevent repeat of last census undercount
PHOENIX – National and local organizations, including the Phoenix Indian Center, are working to ensure a more accurate count for Native Americans in the 2020 census.
Water for wildlife: Catchments prove lifesavers across Arizona
PEORIA – Life-bearing water makes its way to remote locations with the help of large tankers and the occasional helicopter to make sure wildlife survive. Filling and maintaining Arizona’s water catchments is a full time job for members of the Game & Fish Department.
Art of the seal: Arizona honors high school graduates in music, dance, theater and more
PHOENIX – The Arts Education Proficiency Seal gives high school students a chance to show their mastery of the arts.
Mark of the conquistadors: Legacy of Spanish debated in Southwest
SANTA FE, N.M. – The Spanish soldiers and fortune seekers who arrived in Mexico 500 years ago brought death and destruction along with their Catholic faith, activists say. But others note how much good Hispanics have contributed throughout the Southwest.
Could baseball influencers such as Jomboy, PitchingNinja offer solution to MLB’s marketing woes?
PHOENIX – At a time when MLB needs to grow the game, content creators like Jomboy and PitchingNinja make baseball fun and accessible to casual sports fans.
Creating a SPARK: Tempe school employs VR, robots and other innovative techniques
TEMPE – Green screens, robots, 3-D printers and virtual reality are being used at a new elementary school in Tempe to take traditional learning to the next step.
Mark of the conquistadors: Music gives voice to colonized peoples
MEXICO CITY – In Mexico City, indigenous musicians find common ground with rock and hip-hop artists as they tell stories of oppression and dispossession.
Both sides left wanting by 2020 budget’s $1.375 billion for border wall
WASHINGTON - The $1.4 trillion budget that Congress passed last week contained $1.375 billion for border wall construction in fiscal 2020 - what one expert called a "mixed bag" in which neither side got all it wanted.
Loosely knit organizations along U.S.-Mexico border support deported vets
TIJUANA, Baja California, Mexico – U.S. veterans deported to Mexico find resources with the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, run by Hector Barajas-Varela, who joined the U.S. Army at age 17.
Mark of the conquistadors: Mexico grapples with the polarizing legacy of Spain
MEXICO CITY – Five hundred years after the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the nation still is coming to terms with the conquistadors, who slaughtered millions as they brought benefits to the New World.
Air-to-ground missions: WSU, Air Force offer different styles in unique Cheez-It Bowl meeting
SCOTTSDALE – Washington State and Air Force will bring dramatically different offensive styles to the Cheez-It Bowl in Chase Field.
Could Chaparral’s Jack Miller be Ohio State’s next star quarterback under Ryan Day?
SCOTTSDALE – Could Chaparral's Jack Miller be Ohio State's next standout quarterback? Many, including Ryan Day, think so.
Critics light up decision to halt planned lightbulb-effiency rules
WASHINGTON - A Trump administration plan to roll back stricter regulations on energy-efficient lightbulbs may have done the impossible - put environmentalists and some utility companies on the same side of an issue.
A hope that all mothers and children are reunited
TIJUANA, Baja California, Mexico – Yolanda Varona, who helps run The Bunker in Tijuana, was deported to Mexico in January 2010 without the chance to say goodbye to her children. Varona founded a support group for deported mothers, like herself, who have been separated from their children in the U.S.
‘I carried my addiction into civilian life’
TIJUANA, Baja California, Mexico – Vietnam Veteran Richard Avila returned from Asia addicted to drugs and was discharged from the Marines after being arrested for drug possession. After many run-ins with the law, he was deported in 1996, but returned multiple times and eventually served three years in federal prison before being deported a final time.
High profile Ohio State-Clemson semifinal meeting pleasing to fans, Fiesta Bowl officials
SCOTTSDALE – Fans, Fiesta Bowl officials are grateful for a College Football Playoff semifinal meeting between high profile teams Ohio State and Clemson.
‘Patriotism and support’: Cheez-It Bowl winner Air Force feels the love from Arizona
PHOENIX – Air Force felt the military support from Arizona as it bettered the Washington State air raid offense with its triple option to win the Cheez-It Bowl.
A new look: Wildcats come to Tempe and knock off ASU women’s basketball
TEMPE – After a stint of dominating in the state, the Arizona State women's basketball team finds itself in an unfamiliar position: playing second fiddle to Arizona.
A sack, a review, a targeting call: Momentum shift helps Clemson move past Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl
GLENDALE – Ohio State head coach Ryan Day shouted a thundering “no,” toward the referee. Restrained by another Ohio State staffer, Day soon saw his team’s strong start to the College Football Playoff semifinal evaporate after the game’s most monumental call.
Cactus juice used to make nontoxic, biodegradable plastic bags
PHOENIX – Scientists in Mexico have found a sustainable alternative to plastic bags. Using juice from the prickly pear cactus, they’ve produced plastic that can decompose in just a few weeks rather than the several centuries it takes for traditional plastic bags.
Trump administration’s push for U.S. uranium production opposed near Grand Canyon
TUSAYAN – President Donald Trump has listed uranium as a “critical mineral,” which may encourage domestic uranium mining. The Nuclear Fuel Working Group has not issued recommendations yet, but uranium mining companies want quotas lax oversight, while environmental activists push for a ban on uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.
As Dabo Swinney predicted, Clemson completes successful decade, wins Fiesta Bowl
GLENDALE – As Dabo Swinney predicted, Clemson has dominated college football or a decade and landed right where the coach believed: with another chance to play for the College Football National Championship game.
FDA’s sudden increase in legal tobacco age catches retailers off-guard
WASHINGTON - Retailers and local leaders said they were "caught with their pants down" by a Food and Drug Administration announcement last week that it had raised the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.
Drone on the range: Farmers take to the skies to save water and money
MARICOPA – Drones are monitoring some crops to help save water while gathering detailed information that can help with crop cultivation and monitoring soil conditions.
Hip hop nonstop: Walden Grove dance team becomes internet sensation
SAHUARITA – Whether it’s following the yellow brick road, capturing the golden snitch or saving the world from Thanos, a performance by the Walden Grove High School Performing Arts Crew is destined to go viral.
New overtime rule could affect up to 20,000 Arizona workers in new year
WASHINGTON - As many as 20,000 Arizona workers could be guaranteed overtime pay when they do overtime work under a Labor Department rule that takes effect Jan. 1, the first change to the rule since 2004. But critics say that's still only a fraction of the workers who need protection.
Minimum wage increase puts Arizona near top; advocates say more needed
WASHINGTON - Arizona's minimum wage rises from $11 to $12 an hour on New Year's Day, a move advocates said is "long overdue" but also a long way from solving the state's poverty issues.Business officials counter that the higher wage will only make jobs more scarce for people looking for work.
Navajo Generating Station, coal mine face years of breakdown, cleanup
WASHINGTON - They may have turned out the lights, but the party's not over at the Navajo Generating Station and Kayenta coal mine. The facilities' owners face years of decommissioning and cleanup and possible decades of environmental monitoring of the sites, which closed for good this fall.
Veterans connect with next generation through storytelling
PHOENIX – The Veterans Heritage Project connects the next generation of students to veterans and history through interviews.
Experts: Tariffs on French cheese, wines, more will cost U.S. consumers
WASHINGTON - When France decided to tax America's tech companies, the Trump administration hit the French where it hurts - in exports of cheese, Champagne and handbags.But trade experts and Arizona business owners say U.S. consumers and small businesses will end up paying the price.
Snowbirds: Why are white pelicans wintering in Arizona?
PHOENIX – Decreasing water levels in white pelicans’ natural habitats are forcing the wetland birds to migrate to find refuge in the Arizona’s maintained lakes.
Do uniforms play a role in college football recruiting?
LOS ANGELES – In the age of social media, an endless array of football uniform styles and combinations can dazzle during recruitment of top athletes.
Feds waived environment, other regs on 90 miles of state border in 2019
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration waived environmental and other regulations on nearly one quarter of Arizona's border with Mexico last year to ease the way for border wall construction, a review of government documents shows.
Arizona inched up among states on rates of women murdered by men
WASHINGTON - For the first time in five years, Arizona was back among the top 10 states for highest rates of women murdered by men in 2017, the most recent year studied by the Violence Policy Center in its annual report.
Native Americans fight historical discrimination to lower diabetes, obesity rates
PHOENIX – Obesity and diabetes disproportionately affect Native Americans, and many communities are taking steps to curb the costly, devastating and sometimes deadly diseases.
Small town to big city: Ryggs Johnston finds success with ASU golf
TEMPE – The transition from small-town life to big-city expectations can be a challenging one. Ryggs Johnston has done his best to make an impact on the Arizona State men's golf team.
Reported hate crimes fell in Arizona; advocates skeptical of real gains
WASHINGTON - Reported hate crimes in Arizona fell to the lowest rate in five years in 2018, a drop that outpaced a slight drop nationally, according to the latest FBI data, but advocates cautioned against celebrating too soon, noting that not all hate crimes are reported.
Phoenix police shootings dropped in 2019, after sharp spike in 2018
WASHINGTON - New data from the Phoenix Police Department show shootings by city officers fell sharply last year, from 44 incidents in 2018 to just 15 in 2019, bringing the city more in line with its average of recent years.
Farmers switch irrigation to save water, keep the Colorado River from growing saltier
PAONIA, Colorado – Microsprinklers are replacing flood irrigation along some parts of Colorado’s Western Slope, which is saving farmers water and reducing the amount of salt and selenium flowing each year into the Colorado River.
NASA’s search for life on Mars is joined by scientists from Arizona
PHOENIX – Scientists at Arizona State University and the USGS Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff are working on a new Mars rover that they hope will be the first to bring samples back to Earth.
The hidden homeless: Growing number of older people living on the streets
PHOENIX – Central Arizona Shelter Services says it helped more than 1,300 people older than 55 who are experiencing homelessness in the 2018-19 fiscal year. That’s nearly 30% of the total the agency served. And homelessness for Arizona residents is on the rise, according to the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Despite relatively short tenure, Arizona delegation making waves
WASHINGTON - Arizona's congressional delegation has an average tenure well below that of other states, but they have combined important committee and caucus posts with aggressive media appearances to give the delegation a presence bigger than its relatively short tenure would indicate.
Degrees of difficulty: Millions have some college, no degree to show
WASHINGTON - Arizona had almost 600,000 "noncompleters" last year - those with some higher education but no degree to show for it - and the state is not alone. Up to 36 million Americans are noncompleters, says a report, that says colleges need to do better at working with nontraditional students.
The Colorado River is overcommitted – here’s how that happened
PHOENIX – When Western leaders divided up the life-giving waters of the Colorado River in the 1920s, they overestimated how much water was available. That “structural deficit” of 1.5 million acre-feet plays a role in the river’s dire situation today.
ASU develops program to prevent debilitating chronic anxiety in children
PHOENIX – Compass for Courage is helping children deal with and avoid the disabling mental disorder, which can change the way children typically learn, behave and handle their emotions.
Census studied citizenship question even after losing in Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - Even as it was losing the fight last summer to put a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, the bureau was running tests it says show the question would not have hurt response rates.The findings will not affect the 2020 Census, but advocates call it an unwelcome distraction.
Feds say tiny snail in Utah, Arizona can no longer be listed as endangered
WASHINGTON - The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service said it plans to take the Kanab ambersnail, a tiny snail found in just three sites in the Colorado River watershed, off the list of endangered species in light ot new evidence that the snail is not genetically different from other, more common ambersnails.
Teamwork will be key to balancing the overcommitted Colorado River
PHOENIX – Conservation and innovation, along with historic partnerships among the Colorado River Basin states, will be needed to eliminate the difference between what’s been promised and what’s actually in the riverbed.
Help wanted, and wanted, and wanted: Census to hire 57,000 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - The Census Bureau wants you - specifically 57,000 of you, the number of people needed to fill jobs in Arizona alone for the decennial census in 2020.It's part of a push to hire 500,000 workers nationwide, for enumerators who will go door to door, but for other jobs as well.
Despite slight uptick, millennials still face homeownership challenges
WASHINGTON - Millennial homeownership rose slightly in 2017, but was still lower than the rate boasted by Generation X and Baby Boomers at the same age, as the recession and student loans have put millennials behind previous generations in their ability to build wealth for the future.
Turf battle: Hydrogels could help ASU West save water and money
GLENDALE – Potassium-based granules that suck up water and release it when needed are being injected into ASU West soccer fields, which use 11 million gallons a year.
For seventh straight decade, Arizona should gain House seat from Census
WASHINGTON - The only things certain in life are death, taxes - and, for the last six decades, that Arizona would gain seats in Congress.That streak is almost certain to continue this year, when the census will likely show the state has gained enough residents to add another seat in the House, its 10th.
As state looks to redistricting after 2020, painful lessons from 2010
TUCSON - Arizona is one of 18 states where independent panels, instead of lawmakers, draw congressional and legislative lines, but the last redistricting devolved into fights, threats and legal battles that show how high the stakes can be and how hard it is to keep deeply divisive politics out of it.
Arizona lawmakers, House, split on vote demanding end to attacks on Iran
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split along party lines Thursday as the House passed a nonbinding resolution calling on the president to end the use of U.S. military "to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military."
Salt River students discover ancestral roots through language, weaving
PHOENIX – Salt River Schools students are learning to speak O’odham and participating in cultural activities founded on traditions.
Social seclusion cited as one factor affecting senior health
WASHINGTON - Pick up the phone and give Grandma a call - advocates say more quality time with elderly citizens could help turn around Arizona's faltering standing in a national report on senior health, with experts citing social seclusion as one of the biggest factors affecting senior health.
U.S., Arizona life expectancy fell, driven by deaths of younger people
WASHINGTON - After decades of increases, life expectancy in the U.S. ticked down slightly over three recent years, a drop blamed on a rise in "cause-specific" deaths like suicides and drug overdoses. The decline was mirrored in Arizona, but life expectancy remained higher than the national average.
Arizona State women send message after upsetting Ionescu-led No. 2 Oregon
TEMPE – With Oregon superstar Sabrina Ionescu in the picture, the Arizona State women's basketball team was presented with a tough challenge.
Irish and non-Irish boost traditional Gaelic sports in Southern California
WEST HOLLYWOOD – With a large boom of Irish immigrants in Los Angeles during the 1980s came a wave of Gaelic football clubs popping up across Southern California. Some clubs have survived, some were reimagined and some are newly formed. Three teams fit those descriptions, and their stories are told through the unique characters on each.
High suicide rates in Arizona lead to prevention awareness efforts
PHOENIX – The local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors walks around Arizona to bring awareness to the problem, especially among ages 15-34.
As strike against Asarco enters fourth month, workers remain determined
WASHINGTON - Union leaders say the close to 1,800 striking Asarco workers in Arizona and Texas remain "strong" as the strike entered its fourth month Monday, with little hope of a settlement in sight.
Autistic students at Phoenix school have a better shot at success through scholarships
PHOENIX – The Gateway Academy, a private school for high-functioning students with autism, recently was certified as a school tuition organization
Phoenix considers asking residents to donate to plant more trees
PHOENIX – Phoenix is considering accepting private donations to plant more trees along streets and in public spaces. But who would decide where those trees go, and who would make sure they stay healthy?
Heat deaths continue to rise, as federal disaster relief continues to lag
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency doles out billions annually in response to tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters, but the deadliest disaster goes largely unfunded - extreme heat, cited as the cause of death for about 100 people a year in Maricopa County alone.
Genetic testing urged for women with a family history of breast cancer
PHOENIX – Medical professionals highly recommend that women with a family history of breast cancer be tested for mutations on two genes known as BRCA.
Lawmakers send well-wishes as Kirkpatrick seeks care for alcohol dependence
WASHINGTON - Colleagues of Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick offered prayers and well wishes for the Tucson Democrat after she announced Wednesday that she is seeking treatment for alcohol dependence, which she said was to blame for a serious fall last week.
Court says Arizona assault merits deportation for Iraqi refugee
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said an Iraqi refugee can be deported after he was convicted in Arizona of aggravated assault - a first-time offense that netted him a sentence of just 48 hours behind bars - because if was crime involving "moral turpitude."
Arizona lawmakers vote on party lines to forward impeachment to Senate
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers voted on a straight party line Wednesday to forward two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate for trial, a 228-193 vote that was as predictable as the arguments for and against it.
Climate change, and our response to it, is making life harder for desert tortoises
LAS VEGAS – The desert tortoise is well equipped to handle a hot and dry climate, but climate change, and large scale developments are making the land they roam hotter and drier.
Hispanic children less often diagnosed with autism, CDC says
PHOENIX – Autism is diagnosed 1.6 times less often in Hispanic children when compared with their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. Language is just one of the reasons, experts say.
Anti-social media: McSally brush-off of reporter as ‘hack’ goes viral
WASHINGTON - Impeachment may have been the business of the day, but Arizona Sen. Martha McSally's videotaped brush-off of a CNN reporter as a "liberal hack" was the moment of the day, earning the freshman senator a rebuke from the network - and tens of thousands of Twitter likes.
Arizona one of seven state legislatures Democrats target for takeover
WASHINGTON - Arizona is one of seven states where Democrats plan to "fight like hell" to turn the state government from red to blue in 2020 and experts say that after gains in the 2018 elections, a takeover of the Arizona House and Senate is not out of the question.
Native American veterans still struggling to get the health care they were promised
KYKOTSMOVI – Access to VA health care has been a challenge for Native Americans for decades, and they suffer some of the worst health outcomes. Now, advocates are hoping a new law could expand health care for Native American veterans.
Court affirms two convictions in 2010 murder of Border Patrol agent
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday affirmed the convictions of two Mexican men in the 2010 murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, who was killed in a gun battle near Rio Rico.
New rules on school prayer, religious groups, hailed and assailed
WASHINGTON - Arizona religious groups said the Trump administration's release this week of regulations aimed at protecting religious expression "rights a serious wrong," but others expect the moves will have little practical impact.
Arizonans join smaller, calmer, but still impassioned Women’s March
WASHINGTON - Snow and near-freezing temperatures were not about to keep Sierra Maughan of Arizona from joining thousands of others who marched in Washington Saturday in the fourth annual Women's March, an event repeated in marches around the country.
Water-well metering to prevent groundwater depletion proposed in Legislature
PHOENIX – The lack of groundwater regulations in most of Arizona, along with reports of industrial farms extracting huge amounts of water from threatened aquifers, has gotten the attention of legislators.
Communities along Rio Sonora may finally get relief from 2014 toxic mine spill
HERMOSILLO, Sonora, Mexico – A recent ruling by Mexico’s Supreme Court has residents of the Rio Sonora Valley hopeful they’ll finally get relief from a toxic mine spill that occurred more than five years ago.
‘A clean slate is needed’: Arizona lawmakers urged to reform criminal justice system
PHOENIX – Criminal reform advocates are asking Arizona legislators to change laws that keep hundreds of formerly incarcerated people from voting or getting jobs.
As impeachment trial begins, Arizonans play official, unofficial roles
WASHINGTON - Testimony in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump began Tuesday, with at least two Arizonans looking on in unofficial capacities as senators engaged in an all-day debate of procedure.
Bill would prohibit transfers of some Colorado River water to central Arizona
PHOENIX – A Republican lawmaker from Kingman has introduced legislation that would bar “fourth priority” water contracts along the Colorado River from being transferred to growing cities in central Arizona.
Speak Up, Stand Up: Arizona students gather to address suicide, bullying, addiction
PHOENIX – Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life held its fourth annual conference to promote suicide and bullying prevention among Arizona students, with largest attendance yet.
Feds say humpback chub has recovered to point it’s no longer endangered
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said recovery efforts for the humpback chub have been so successful that the Colorado River fish can be downgraded from endangered to threatened, but some environmentalists worry that it may be too soon to make that move.
DNC sees Maricopa County voters as key to making Arizona a 2020 battleground
WASHINGTON - Democratic National Committee officials said they plan to focus aggressively on Maricopa County voters as part of their efforts to swing Arizona, one of six battleground states where the party plans to invest millions in 2020 - a move Republicans call too little, too late.
Mesa’s Giles leads panel of mayors grappling with immigration policy
WASHINGTON - They were Democratic and Republican mayors from cities large and small across the country, but officials on the panel Wednesday on immigration agreed - it's an issue they all grapple with, said Mesa Mayor John Giles who led the U.S. Conference of Mayors event.
A rush of blood to the head: How do grasshoppers deal with being upside down?
PHOENIX – Insects spend a lot of time upside-down and sideways, and now scientists have learned more about how their circulatory and respiratory systems handle the pull of gravity in awkward positions.
Arizona in Focus: What it takes to make sure wildlife have water
PEORIA – For decades, the Arizona Game & Fish Department has trucked and flown water out to catchments so that wildlife large and small have access to this precious resource.
Despite distracted-driving law, Arizona still ranks low on highway safety
WASHINGTON - Arizona enacted a ban on texting while driving last year, after 10 years of trying, but it still wasn't enough to pull the state from the bottom of a national report card on traffic safety laws.
Gallego discusses challenge of affordable housing in booming Phoenix
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told an audience of elected officials in Washington Thursday that while cities across the country are forced to be creative in the fight to provide affordable housing, it's a particular challenge in her city.
Advocates: EPA’s new clean-water rules hit Arizona, Southwest hardest
WASHINGTON - Clean-water rules unveiled Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency could remove the vast majority of Arizona's waterways from federal oversight, a change environmentalists call bad news in a region where water is "super precious."
Rideshare fee hikes on hold until high court rules on Sky Harbor complaint
PHOENIX – Phoenix has agreed to stay its planned fee hikes on Uber and Lyft rides to and from Sky Harbor International Airport until the state Supreme Court rules on whether the increases are unconstitutional.
Arizonans join thousands – and, in a first, a president – at March for Life
WASHINGTON - Tempe resident Katie Forbes was at the 47th March for Life because she finds the national event's "magnitude and scale" encouraging for anti-abortion groups at the event, which this year drew a first-ever personal appearance by a sitting president.
Once almost a Suns player, Kobe Bryant’s ties to Suns run deep
PHOENIX – Through wins and losses, Kobe Bryant’s impact on Valley is far-reaching.
‘Kobe gave it life’: Bryant’s appreciation for women’s game evident in connection with Taurasi, Mercury
PHOENIX – Kobe Bryant had appreciation for Mercury, women’s game.
Coronavirus hits AZ: Officials confirm case in Tempe, one of five in U.S.
PHOENIX – A Maricopa County resident who recently returned from Wuhan, China, is one of five confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the U.S. That person was identified as a "member of the ASU community," but officials would not say whether the patient is a student or employee.
Court voids state ‘ballot harvesting’ ban, out-of-precinct voting rule
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court Monday overturned Arizona's ban on ballot-harvesting and its policy of rejecting ballots accidentally cast in the wrong precinct, calling both reflections of the state's "long and unhappy history of official discrimination" in elections.
Supreme Court says ‘public charge’ rule can take effect – for now
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday that the Trump administration can enforce its proposed new "public charge" rule that will require immigrants show they will not need public assistance before they can gain admission to the U.S.
Junior achievement: After weathering storm, this class ready to lead ASU baseball back to Omaha
PHOENIX – Arizona State baseball is back to preseason favorite and is powered by a talented junior class.
Help for the homeless: Point-in-Time Count to reveal scope of problem, resources
PHOENIX – Volunteers and workers conduct the annual Point-in-Time Count of people who are living in shelters or outside of shelters to determine the scope of needs for those who are homeless.This year, for the first time, data was collected on a smartphone app. The information will be analyzed and sent to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Critics call proposed ban on ‘birth tourism’ misdirected, unenforceable
WASHINGTON - Critics are calling a Trump administration plan to curb so-called "birth tourism" unenforceable at best and "rooted in misogyny, xenophobia and racism" at worst, and say it is targeting the wrong people.
Jury duty: After week of sitting, senators take active impeachment role
WASHINGTON - Senators are supposed to be jurors in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, but while there are some similarities these "jurors," who wander off during testimony, occasionally nod off and almost certainly began the trial with their minds already made up.
From club fitting to Phoenix Open qualifier: Alex Smalley takes fruitful trip to Valley
SCOTTSDALE – Alex Smalley, 23, earned a spot in the Waste Management Phoenix Open after a strong performance in the Monday qualifier.
What you need to know about novel coronavirus and how to avoid it
PHOENIX – Cases of novel coronavirus, which has spread from China to the U.S., continue to grow, but the risk to Americans who have not visited Wuhan, China, is low, the CDC says.
‘Don’t try that Duke stuff here’: ASU men’s basketball team reflects on Kobe Bryant
TEMPE – Bobby Hurley and ASU basketball team mourn Kobe Bryant’s death.
Arizona firms cited for role in hundreds of millions of scam robocalls
WASHINGTON - A federal court Wednesday ordered two Paradise Valley residents to stop operating businesses that prosecutors said were used to funnel hundreds of millions of robocalls per month from overseas scammers.
Businesses, officials hail USMCA signing, worth billions to state trade
WASHINGTON - Arizona businesses and elected officials hailed Wednesday's signing of the new United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement that they say preserves markets worth more than $20 billion in trade and 228,000 jobs in the state in 2018.
Education Department release unwittingly reveals student data
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Education has asked a Phoenix reporter to destroy records it sent him that later revealed parent names and account information of more than 7,000 students in the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
House panel OKs bill to undo Trump changes to Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON - A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would reverse Trump administration changes to the Endangered Species Act, after a heated debate between members over which side had the best interest of the act at heart.
Proposed bill would ban transgender females in Arizona from competing in women’s sports
PHOENIX – An Arizona lawmake wants to ban transgender students from playing female sports and calls her "Save Women's Sports Act" an issue of fairness. But others call the bill discriminatory and dangerous.
No limits: Amy Bockerstette is back, spreading her message of inclusion at Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Amy Bockerstette, a new crowd favorite at the Waste Management Open, inspires peers at Tesori Foundation Clinic.
Bill would expand anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ community statewide
PHOENIX – Phoenix and other cities protect residents and visitors based on race, disability and ”gender identity or expression,” but several lawmakers and community leaders say it’s time for a statewide law. SB 1321 would ban discrimination in housing, jobs and other areas based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Court upholds ruling against state prisons for poor inmate health care
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court upheld a contempt order and a $1.44 million fine against the Arizona Department of Corrections this week, saying the agency has been "deliberately indifferent" to health care for inmates.
Biggs, Schweikert cross aisle as House trims president’s war powers
WASHINGTON - Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert were among just 11 Republicans who crossed party lines Thursday as the House voted to limit the president's ability to pursue military action without approval from Congress.
From UArizona to the Super Bowl: Earl Mitchell’s long, winding journey
PHOENIX – The former University of Arizona tight end Earl Mitchell is making his Super Bowl debut Sunday, as a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.
Phoenix replacing more diesel-fueled garbage trucks with environmentally friendlier natural gas vehicles
PHOENIX – To reduce emissions by city vehicles, Phoenix will use a $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to purchase more garbage trucks fueled by compressed natural gas.
Sinema, McSally split as Senate rejects call for impeachment witnesses
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema broke her silence Friday, voting with other Democrats in a failed attempt to call more witnesses in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, which now heads to a final vote next week.
Bucket hats, beef jerky: Joel Dahmen embraces the chaos of Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale resident and PGA Tour professional Joel Dahmen feels right at home with the rowdy atmosphere at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Above par: With perfect weather, wild 16th hole, Phoenix Open delivers
SCOTTSDALE – Blue skies, competitive golf and a high energy 16th hole result in a well receiver Phoenix Open.
Scientists hope to win global competition with concrete that incorporates and reduces carbon dioxide emissions
PHOENIX – A UCLA team is developing a concrete that aims to reduce carbon emissions from ordinary concrete production.
Bloomberg: ‘The road to the White House runs through Arizona’
PHOENIX – Democratic presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg held his largest campaign rally in Phoenix on Saturday.
Trump vows ‘positive’ State of the Union; analysts aren’t so sure
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Tuesday's State of the Union Address will have a "very, very positive message." But with the speech coming a day after the Iowa caucuses and a day before the Senate votes on his impeachment, some experts expect to see a more partisan address.
Four Corners drought in 2018 was worsened by human-caused climate change, researchers say
PHOENIX – New research says human-induced climate change played a big role in the Four Corners drought of 2017 and 2018, which caused $3 billion in losses and prompted an emergency drought declaration on the Navajo Nation Reservation.
‘Here, we’re really one program’: Prudhomme leads both men’s, women’s GCU tennis teams to success
Phoenix – Grand Canyon University’s Greg Prudhomme is the head coach for both the men’s and women’s team, and he’s finding success with both.
Walking the walk: Inspirational leader with cerebral palsy treks four rounds of Phoenix Open with Jon Rahm
SCOTTSDALE – D.J. Gregory continues charitable tradition by walking course with ASU alum Jon Rahm.
Guesting game: Lawmakers send messages with State of the Union guests
WASHINGTON - One veteran of State of the Union addresses says the guests are "often as interesting as what's on stage." Arizona lawmakers got that message, bringing guests to President Donatd Trump's speech to highlight issues ranging from health care to immigration and border security.
Health provider offers cooking classes to address high rates of diabetes among Native Americans
PHOENIX – Native Americans have the highest rates of diabetes in the U.S., and to address the issue, the Phoenix organization Native Health is offering a free, 20-week course focused on healthful cooking and eating. The best part? Participants go home with the ingredients needed to make diabetes-friendly meals.
State of disunion: Arizona lawmakers react to Trump speech at tense time
WASHINGTON - For more than an hour Tuesday, President Donald Trump talked about the "Great American Comeback" that has occurred under his administration, in a State of the Union address that Democrats said described instead "a parallel universe."
Arizonans among surprise Trump guests for State of the Union address
WASHINGTON – A young boy from Scottsdale and the parents of slain Prescott native Kayla Mueller were among President Donald Trump's surprise guests for his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
ASU shot putters Washington, Noennig making waves on national scale
TEMPE – Arizona State throwers Turner Washington and Samantha Noennig are ranked among the top three in the nation for the longest shot-put throw.
ASU Esports Call of Duty squad seeks success in first competitive tournament
TEMPE – ASU Esports Call of Duty team is playing in its first competitive tournament.
Sinema, McSally fall in line with parties as Senate acquits Trump
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators fell in line with their respective parties Wednesday as the Senate voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment that could have forced his removal from office.
At ease: Despite national backlash, many support appearance of Pat Tillman statue in NFL ad
PHOENIX – A Super Bowl ad by the NFL that features the late Pat Tillman has divided a football community debating its intent. The statue of the former Arizona State and Cardinals defensive player at State Farm Stadium is part of a commercial celebrating the league’s 100th anniversary.
Evolving culture helps ASU football program sign Top 25 recruiting class
TEMPE – Herm Edwards and staff discuss the new opportunities as well as challenges involved in a program skewing upward.
Early-voting bill would disenfranchise many Arizonans, protesters contend
PHOENIX – Senate Bill 1032 would throw out a vote if the envelope containing the ballot wasn’t signed as required as well as prohibit election officials from signing the envelope on the voter’s behalf.
Closing loopholes or slamming doors? Advocates blast SNAP changes
WASHINGTON - Advocates told a House subcommittee Thursday that a Trump administration plan to "close loopholes" in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would actually slam the door on millions of recipients, including as many as 72,000 in Arizona.
‘Perfect droughts’ were common in the past, researchers say, and could get worse
PHOENIX – “Perfect droughts,” when diminished streamflow and precipitation affect all of a region’s water sources, occurred in California an average of six times a century for the past 600 years, University of Arizona tree-ring experts say, and they could become longer and more common in the future, irrespective of climate change.
Rising drug prices stoke national debate, and a bold plan in California
LOS ANGELES – California could be the first state to make its own generic drugs if the state legislature approves the governor’s recent proposal.
How Willie Knierim got his groove back, found success with ASU hockey
TEMPE – Willie Knierim initially played at Miami (Ohio) for two seasons, but returned to junior hockey in an effort to find his groove. Now, he’s playing some of his best hockey in Tempe.
Most ASU students studying in China return home over coronavirus fears
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – ASU students studying abroad in China were given permission to leave their programs early due to the coronavirus outbreak and resume studies in U.S.
What are those purple circles? High school athletes embrace cupping to aid recovery
PHOENIX – Those in the industry have found no downsides in cupping therapy, which is being used more in high school athletics.
Rain and snow Monday night, followed by a drop in temperatures
PHOENIX – A slow-moving storm will sweep across northern Mexico, increasing rain and snow chances across Arizona Monday night. Temperatures will stay low through much of the week.
Blasting for border wall is typical of feds’ neglect of tribes, leaders say
WASHINGTON - Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris said the "controlled blasting" in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, for a border wall that will ultimately cut through his reservation, is just the latest example of the federal government ignoring its duty to consult with tribes.
Sharp: Tribal sovereignty still threatened from ‘every corner’
WASHINGTON - Despite some "encouraging developments," threats to tribal sovereignty still come "from every branch and every corner of federal and state governments," the president of the National Congress of American Indians said Monday.
The 500 club: ASU’s Turner Thorne endures with success, connections with players
TEMPE – Charli Turner Thorne has built a successful model as a coach through relationships, and she recently reached a significant milestone with her 500th win as a head coach.
Third time’s a charm: GCU baseball feeling like this could be year to crack national tournament
PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon University baseball team is entering its third season of Division I postseason eligibility, and head coach Andy Stankiewicz feels he has the pieces to reach the tournament.
More than Lillard’s cousin: Blevins takes circuitous route to find success with NAZ Suns
PRESCOTT VALLEY – Northern Arizona Suns rookie Keljin Blevins has found a groove in the NBA G League, thanks to his unusual journey.
TGen researchers in Flagstaff developing an additional test for novel coronavirus
LOS ANGELES – With 13 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States, researchers in Flagstaff are working on a test for patients that could be widely implemented if it’s approved by the FDA.
To salvage recycling, Phoenix increases solid waste residential rate by 24%
PHOENIX – Residents will see their recycling and composting rates go up over the next two years. The rate increase comes after two years of China cutting back on what types of recycling it will accept, meaning less revenue to offset the city’s recycling program.
Arizona officials keep an eye out, as Defense budget again targets A-10
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials said they will fight to make sure that Davis-Monthan Air Force Base does not take a hit as a result of the Pentagon's decision to retire 44 A-10 fighter jets, a mainstay at the Tucson base.
‘What’s old is new again’: Advocates say tribal voting hurdles remain
WASHINGTON - Voting barriers for Native Americans have always existed, but polling cutbacks, discriminatory voter ID laws and lack of funding are making things worse, advocates told a House panel Tuesday - the same day a federal court reinstated an Arizona law against "ballot harvesting."
Endangered species throw roadblock in path of Rosemont Copper mine
WASHINGTON - A federal judge has overturned environmental permits for the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine, saying the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service failed to consider the mine's impact on several endangered species in the Santa Rita Mountains.
Veterans with PTSD turn to sports, physical activity as alternative method of treatment
PHOENIX – Study finds that participating in intense sports and other outdoor activities is an effective alternative treatment for PTSD.
Kobe’s wise words taken to heart by Devin Booker and other young NBA stars
LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant had a huge impact on high school players and young NBA athletes because he was once one of them, trying to make it in the world.
‘Let them play’: LGBTQ community protests proposed transgender sports bill
PHOENIX – The LGBTQ community gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to protest a proposed bill that targets female transgender athletes.
Tribal officials press for more, and more predictable, federal funding
WASHINGTON - Tribal officials this week raised issues ranging from polluted water to underfunded police but there was one message they all had for House lawmakers - the government needs to be a more reliable partner on critical projects
Panel says Grijalva can subpoena ‘stonewalling’ administration officials
WASHINGTON - The House Natural Resources Committee granted Chairman Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, the authority Wednesday to subpoena administration officials, after committee Democrats said they were "left with no choice" in the face of bureaucrats' resistance.
McSally officially enters costly, high-profile race to keep Senate seat
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally officially kicked off the campaign to retain her seat this week, entering a race already awash in cash and which one national analyst calls the "marquee Senate race of the cycle."
ASU forward Jalen Graham honors Kobe Bryant with jersey number, new tattoo
TEMPE – Arizona State freshman Jalen Graham wears a piece of his heart on his Sun Devils jersey.
A fighting chance: MMA comes to downtown Glendale
GLENDALE – RUF38 is hosting an MMA event in downtown Glendale Saturday and promotions company hopes to make inroads in area.
Ahead of ‘public charge’ change, advocates struggle to keep Hispanic families enrolled in benefits
PHOENIX – Advocates continue struggling to keep qualified Hispanic families enrolled in public programs like food stamps and cash assistance amid changes to the so-called public charge rule. The U.S. Supreme Court last month decided to let the rule take effect, and that happens on Feb. 24. It allows immigration officers to consider applicants’ use of public benefits, including Medicaid, in deciding to grant green cards, visas and changes in residency.
When dad plays in the NHL: Children amused, confused by father’s job
GLENDALE – For children of NHL players past and present, grasping what their dad does for a living doesn’t happen until they’re older.
Divided House votes to reset deadline to ratify Equal Rights Amendment
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines Thursday as the House voted to give the Equal Rights Amendment another chance by removing the deadline for states to ratify the proposed constitutional amendment.
Lawmakers blast plan to shift $3.8 billion from Pentagon to border wall
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration plans to tap the Pentagon for another $3.8 billion in military funds to pay for border wall construction this year, a move critics blasted as "theft," a raid and a money grab.
Prescott, Phoenix, Prescott, Phoenix: Suns’ Lecque logs miles as he chases dream
PHOENIX – Jalen Lecque goes back and forth from Prescott to Phoenix as he chases dream of securing full-time spot with Suns.
New mental health center adds 192 beds to underserved Maryvale neighborhood
PHOENIX – The Valleywise Behavioral Health Center, which will provide nearly 200 beds and other patient services, has opened in the old Maryvale Hospital.
Two weeks after he nearly was released, Danny Marshall is starting in center for ASU
Walk-on pitcher Danny Marshall gets the start on opening night for ASU baseball, seeing the field for a team he dreamed of playing for
‘There’s nothing to be afraid of’: Arizonans gear up for the 2020 census
PHOENIX – U.S. Census Bureau specialists met with Phoenix residents to discuss the importance of participating in this year’s headcount, which determines seats in Congress and how federal dollars are distributed to states and municipalities.
Democrats bring presidential debate to Phoenix, days before primary
WASHINGTON - The Democratic National Committee on Friday tapped Phoenix to host a presidential primary debate next month, a move that state Democrats called an acknowledgment of Arizona's increasing importance in the 2020 election.
Immovable objects: Asarco, striking workers at odds after four months
WASHINGTON - Striking Asarco workers passed four months on the picket line Thursday, but union officials insist they have strong community support and that workers are committed to staying out until they get a fair deal.
‘Othered’: Coronavirus fears spur bias against Asian Americans
LOS ANGELES – Fears about the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus that’s affecting tens of thousands in China are motivating racism against Asian Americans in the U.S., where 13 cases but no deaths have been reported.
A Tucson tandem: Wildcats’ Dooney, Boissiere rated among top first basemen in country
TUCSON – Dayton Dooney and Branden Boissiere were at the forefront of a standout Arizona offense as freshmen last spring and are now receiving national recognition.
Gaming for dollars: ASU esports community expands reach, raises money for charity
TEMPE – ASU Esports Association and other local gamers raise money through gaming to support local hospitals through Extra Life
Report: Low pay makes disability caregivers a ‘workforce in crisis’
WASHINGTON - Arizona fared relatively well in a national report card on its care for people with developmental disabilities, but advocates fear those services are being threatened by low pay and high turnover rates for caregivers creating a "workforce in crisis" - in states across the country.
Arizona middle school students compete to plan the cities of the future
WASHINGTON - They have four-, 10- and 20-year plans for their own lives, but the three Maricopa Wells Middle School students in Washington this week for an engineering competition were also looking farther down the road - to what a sustainable Salt Lake City might look like in 100 years.
Healing arts: Recovering from sexual assault through creativity
PHOENIX – Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Art as therapy, whether through visual, performance or other means, is being used as a recovery system from sexual assault.
‘No intimidation’: Dunk hints at versatility of Suns rookie Cameron Johnson
PHOENIX – Forward Cameron Johnson made his first NBA start recently, marking a new milestone on the Suns rookie’s young career.
Here comes the boom: Arizona girls high school wrestling participation nearly doubles
PRESCOTT VALLEY – Arizona High School girls wrestling just finished a second season as a sanctioned sport, and it is already experiencing rapid growth.
What you need to know about Trump’s visit to Phoenix on Wednesday
PHOENIX – President Trump’s campaign rally is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Find out how to get tickets and what to expect.
DHS waives more regulations to speed construction of border wall
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration took another step toward expediting construction of a border wall Tuesday, announcing it is waiving federal contracting regulations to fast track construction in four states, including Arizona.
Officials say Arizona Boy Scouting unaffected by national bankruptcy
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials said Boy Scouting in the state will not be affected by the Boy Scouts of America's decision to file for bankruptcy Tuesday as the national group grapples with up to $1 billion in damages from decades of sexual abuse lawsuits.
Cheers and jeers: Trump supporters, opponents gear up for his Phoenix rally
PHOENIX – President Trump will rally supporters Wednesday night at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix.
Alabama softball transfer Madison Preston searched for a better fit, found it in Tempe
TEMPE - Alabama transfer Madison Preston fits in on a team deep in other transfer players on ASU softball.
Cheat wave: Baseball’s latest scandal triggers new level of emotion
Scottsdale - At Cactus League media day in Scottsdale, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and managers weighed in on why the sign-stealing incident has drawn such a buzz, compared to other baseball scandals.
Trump swipes at foes, touts record, vows to hold Arizona in November
PHOENIX – In his 10th visit to Arizona in five years, President Donald Trump lashed out at Democrats, extolled the state of the economy and dismissed the idea that the Grand Canyon State could turn from red to blue.
Rally tallies: Campaigns come to town, often leave unpaid bills behind
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's campaign returned to Arizona - where Tucson and Mesa say he still has not paid $145,000 for city services he ran up during previous rallies. But analysts say Trump is not alone, that campaigns do not have to reimburse local governments, and often don't.
Pro-refugee resolution passes Arizona Senate after push from local activists
PHOENIX – A state resolution praising refugee contributions in Arizona was passed in the Senate after a full day of lobbying from local activists. A similar resolution awaits a vote in the House.
Hockey program gives opportunities to adults with intellectual disabilities
PEORIA – Picture this: “Pinball Wizard” blasting through AZ Ice Peoria. The rink split with hockey players in jerseys modeled after the Arizona Coyotes. Creative goal celebrations as players circle around the rink several times.
WNBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement could help address overuse injuries
PHOENIX – Overuse is a huge problem in youth sports but it is also a big issue with WNBA players. However, the new CBA may help solve the issue.
In early battleground states, Bloomberg’s partner addresses old allegations of harassment
PHOENIX – As Michael Bloomberg faces renewed attention to allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace, his longtime partner, Diana Taylor, was defending him in Arizona.
Judge caps time CBP can hold migrants in ‘degrading’ Tucson centers
WASHINGTON - A federal judge ruled that Customs and Border Protection cannot hold immigrants for more than 48 hours in its Tucson-area facilities, which he said were not designed to meet "basic human needs ... for extended periods."
Vaccinations give migrants hope and health as they wait to enter the U.S.
SAN LUIS RÍO COLORADO, Mexico – With U.S. officials rejecting requests to vaccinate those held in border facilities, some organizations are working to get migrants the health care they need – on the Mexican side of the border – before they request asylum in the states.
Not ‘just a bunch of meathead workouts’: Players descend upon Arizona to prepare for NFL combine
PHOENIX – To help make their case for the upcoming NFL Draft, a collection of college football players have descended upon the Valley for combine-specific training.
Planes, no trains and automobiles: ASU men’s hockey team gives phrase ‘tough road series’ new meaning
TEMPE - Two continents. Ten states. It’s tough being the lone Division I men’s hockey program in the Southwest.
Airlines, CDC work to more quickly track passengers exposed to coronavirus
LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities issue rule to require airlines to share data of coronavirus exposures more quickly.
FEC filings show Arizonans favor Trump, Sanders with campaign dollars
WASHINGTON - New campaign finance reports show Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders had raised $768,054 in Arizona through Jan. 31, well ahead of the No. 2 Democratic fundraiser, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren's $416,518. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, raised $1.4 million in the state.
While collegiate esports are on the rise, sports games are being left behind
PHOENIX - With collegiate esports growing rapidly, sports games are being left behind without help from developers.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant mourned by players and fans at memorial in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – Basketball legends and family gather in Los Angeles to celebrate the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, who were killed in a helicopter crash Jan. 27.
Homeland Secrets: Federal law enforcement shootings
PHOENIX – Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE, have been involved in at least 13 shootings nationwide, most in the last two years, according to an investigation by the Howard Center at ASU.
Supreme Court refuses to hear Arizona challenge to California tax law
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear Arizona's challenge to California's "extraordinarily aggressive" application of a tax against thousands of out-of-state companies, including as many as 13,000 in Arizona.
Coronavirus victim out of quarantine, officials see ‘no risk’ of spread
WASHINGTON - The Maricopa County individual who tested positive for novel coronavirus has been released from quarantine after receiving multiple negative tests for the virus, the Maricopa County Public Health Department said in a statement Friday.
Why Palo Verde, the country’s largest nuclear plant, is cutting its wastewater use
PHOENIX – Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station west of Phoenix is trying to reduce its use of wastewater in the nuclear cooling process by using even dirtier water.
Transgender group applauds transfer of detainees from criticized ICE facility in New Mexico
PHOENIX – Twenty-seven transgender migrants have been moved from a detention center in New Mexico to other facilities. The Cibola County Correctional Center in New Mexico has long been criticized for alleged mistreatment and improper care of transgender detainees.
Supreme Court upholds death sentence for Phoenix double-murderer
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the death sentence for Phoenix double-murderer James McKinney, rejecting his argument that he should have been sentenced by a jury and not by the Arizona Supreme Court.
Court says Mexicans cannot sue Border Patrol agents in fatal shootings
WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a Border Patrol agent in Texas who shot across the border and killed a teen in Mexico cannot be sued by the boy's parents for the death, a ruling likely to affect an almost identical cross-border shooting in Nogales.
Phoenix City Council approves first civilian review board of police conduct
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council on Tuesday approved civilian oversight of the Phoenix police that combines a new city agency and a community review board that will have the power to investigate complaints against police, recommend policy changes directly to the police chief and set up community outreach.
UNESCO urged to protect World Heritage Site threatened by border wall construction
HERMOSILLO, Mexico – The Trump administration’s border wall construction is threatening El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, according to a petition by conservationists and the Tohono O’odham Tribe.
$13 and rising: Flagstaff grapples with highest minimum hourly wage in Arizona
FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff businesses are struggling to deal with Arizona’s highest minimum wage, which will climb to $15.50 an hour in two years. Voters in 2016 approved a proposition to help provide a living wage for workers.
Maricopa County becomes largest county to approve Second Amendment sanctuary measure
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors declares the county a sanctuary for gun rights, drawing an array of criticism from those concerned about gun violence and regulation.
Blasting sacred sites for border wall ‘forever damaged’ tribes
WASHINGTON - An emotional Tohono O'odham Nation chairman told lawmakers Wednesday that blasting on sacred sites in national monuments to build a border wall near his reservation has "forever damaged our people."
Kirkpatrick returns to Capitol after taking leave for alcohol treatment
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Tucson, returned to Congress Wednesday and pledged to be back on the campaign trail Saturday after a self-imposed six-week leave of absence to get treatment for alcohol dependence.
2020 election changes include new equipment for Maricopa County, a switch from arrows to ovals
PHOENIX – New state legislation will improve procedures for voters in Maricopa County.
Hot planet: January 2020 was warmest January in 141 years of records, NOAA says
PHOENIX – January 2020 was the warmest January recorded across the world. But what does that mean for Arizona?
Two Arizona witnesses, two very different views at border wall hearing
WASHINGTON - While Tohono O'odham Chairman Ned Norris Jr. repeated his opposition Thursday to the border wall and the damage it's causing sacred sites, Arivaca rancher Jim Chilton testified that a wall is needed to protect his land and his family.
Court refuses to vacate Arpaio conviction, but limits its future impact
WASHINGTON - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is still guilty of criminal contempt, but that finding cannot be used against him in any future court proceedings, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. And Arpaio said he's OK with that.
Work ethic, talent propel Richardson into ASU basketball history
Work ethic, talent and adaptability made Reili Richardson the all-time assists leader in ASU women’s basketball history
ASU students describe rush home from China after coronavirus
LOS ANGELES – ASU students studying with the Chinese Language Flagship Program in Nanjing, China returned home as COVID-19 advances.
Court rejects claim that Ducey’s pick of McSally was unconstitutional
WASHINGTON - Martha McSally can still claim the title Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., after a federal court this week rejected a claim that her 2018 appointment by Gov. Doug Ducey was unconstitutional because of the almost-two-year gap from the appointment to the next election.
Socialism shares stage with conservatism at annual CPAC conference
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Grand Canyon University student Talesa Jaramillo-Ortiz was excited to be celebrating with like-minded activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference here - even as she worried about the specter of socialism in this fall's elections, a theme that permeated the annual event.
Verde River watershed gets a grade of C+, but that ‘actually is very good’
CAMP VERDE — The first-ever Verde Watershed Report Card gave the river a C+. The report takes into account the quality of the habitat, the community and the water in and along the Verde River.
Advocates think health care funds safe – for now – but worry about trend
WASHINGTON - Arizona health care advocates are confident that President Donald Trump's plan to slash billions from health services is "dead on arrival" in Congress - but that doesn't mean they're happy with the administration's direction.
AZ public health leaders prepared to battle coronavirus, Ducey says
PHOENIX – Arizona health officials have the go-ahead to test at the state level for coronavirus cases and are awaiting test results for a second potential case of COVID-19, a novel disease that has sickened nearly 89,000 worldwide and killed six in the U.S.
Supreme Court vacates ruling in Nogales cross-border shooting
WASHINGTON - Advocates were not surprised but still "truly heartbroken" Monday when the Supreme Court overturned a lower court that had said a Mexican family could sue a Border Patrol agent in Nogales who shot and killed their son in 2012.
Knowledge of the Holocaust wanes for millennials, Gen Z
PHOENIX – Studies show that knowledge of the Holocaust is declining, even as anti-Semitism is on the rise and survivors mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Oskar Knoblauch has told his story of surviving the Krakow ghetto in Poland to hundreds of students and supports making Arizona the 13th state to mandate genocide education.
Mexican government’s ‘Health Windows’ aid U.S. immigrants with preventative care
TUCSON – Ventanilla de Salud is a free program funded by the Mexican government that gives immigrants access to affordable health care. Last month, volunteers provided free checkups across Tucson.
‘We are not ready for this’: Tribes struggle to deal with COVID-19
WASHINGTON – Tribes around the country are scrambling to protect their people from the novel coronavirus, but they face an uphill battle because of lack of funds for Indian health care programs coordinated by the U.S. government.
Schools scramble to evacuate more students from coronavirus hot spots
WASHINGTON - Universities across the state are scrambling to bring students home from study abroad programs in countries with a high number of cases of COVID-19, the flu-like disease caused by the novel coronavirus, but it hasn't always been a smooth process.
Small-business owners outline big problems with online sales tax ruling
WASHINGTON - Prescott businessman Brad Scott told lawmakers Tuesday that a Supreme Court ruling that was supposed to help small businesses compete against online retailers is instead threatening to drive small firms like his out of business.
Clean energy produced on Navajo land could help power Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – With the recent closure of the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station, the Navajo leaders are looking to jump start the tribal economy by partnering with Los Angeles to bring clean energy to the second-largest U.S. city using resources on tribal land.
COVID-19 in Arizona: What you need to know about the novel coronavirus
PHOENIX – Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 in the Grand Canyon State, from symptoms and prevention to testing and travel.
Man vs. mussel: Buckeye mayor testifies on threat from invasive species
WASHINGTON - Buckeye Mayor Jackie A. Meck joined other witnesses before a Senate committee Wednesday to talk about threat that invasive species, like quagga mussels and salt cedars, post to water supplies in the West.
House passes $8.3 billion coronavirus bill; Biggs one of two ‘no’ votes
WASHINGTON - The House late Wednesday approved $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the coronavirus outbreak. The bill passed by an overwhelming 415-2 vote - with Reb. Andy Biggs, R-Peoria, counting for one of the two "nays."
Trump touts economic accomplishments to receptive Latino business group
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump told an audience of Latino business leaders Wednesday that Hispanics are seeing economic gains across the board as a result of tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks that have led to " the booming Trump economy."
Plan to equip all DPS officers with body cameras has some public advocates skeptical
PHOENIX — Local activist groups weigh in on Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget plan to provide all Arizona state troopers with body cameras in the next fiscal year.
Snowbowl renovation gains speed with Forest Service approval of new ski lift
PHOENIX — Arizona Snowbowl will replace an aging ski chairlift in need of repair with a much faster one, opening next season as part of a multimillion dollar, multiyear expansion, resort officials say.
From spring training to Suns, Arizona sports community bracing for coronavirus impact
PHOENIX – As sporting events are canceled around the world, or at least played in empty stadiums and arenas, concern about the coronavirus has seeped into the Arizona sports community. Local teams and governing bodies are preparing for a worst-case scenario.
Despite early exit, ASU women remain optimistic after Pac-12 tournament loss
LAS VEGAS – It was a tough day for Arizona State's seniors as the Sun Devils lost to California in the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament.
Universities implement travel restrictions, self-quarantines amid spread of COVID-19
PHOENIX – Universities in Arizona and around the U.S. are implementing new travel restrictions and possible student quarantines to minimize potential danger related to COVID-19. Some schools have halted all nonessential campus-related travel to countries with high watch level ratings as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tokyo Olympics may be in jeopardy as COVID-19 cases continue to rise
LOS ANGELES – With the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, the 2020 Summer Games could be postponed or canceled.
Sanders reaches for inclusivity, slams Biden at Phoenix rally
PHOENIX – Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, battling Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination, called on thousands of supporters days ahead of the 11th Democratic debate, which will be in Phoenix.
‘Selling a dream’: Adia Barnes leads turnaround of Arizona women’s basketball
LAS VEGAS – A team that hasn't been invited to the NCAA Tournament in 15 years is making some postseason noise. The Arizona women's basketball team rolled to a victory over California in the Pac-12 tournament and is started to reflect the personality of its coach, Adia Barnes.
Arizonan Bryce Duke debuts for MLS club in LA at age 19
LOS ANGELES - Bryce Duke is an Arizona native and was just picked up by a Major League Soccer team, Los Angeles Football Club. He was 18 years old when he was picked up.
Endorse check: Value of Arizona endorsements mixed in presidential race
WASHINGTON - Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who got the most Arizona endorsements, dropped out of the presidential primary. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders got none and is polling at a steady 30% in the state. Campaigns tout them, but analysts say endorsements "matter a lot less than they used to."
Activists cite rising heat deaths, pollution, fires in asking Phoenix to declare climate emergency
PHOENIX – Arizona environmental groups gather in front of City Hall to ask Phoenix to declare a climate emergency.
Healing walls: Murals at Flagstaff hospital help patients with mental health struggles
FLAGSTAFF – Inside the behavioral health unit of Flagstaff Medical Center, bright colors and Native American symbols burst from the walls – in murals painted in yellows, greens and blues. The paintings span most of the inpatient section, where people receive treatment for depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. They not only help patients feel more at home; some say they can help them heal.
Court ruling on Cuccinelli reverses – for now – limits on asylum claims
WASHINGTON - Soon after being named acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ken Cuccinelli sharply reduced the amount of time migrants have to make their case for asylum. One problem - Cuccinelli was not legally the acting director, a court ruled, voiding the policy in the process.
As Western coal-fired plants close, who gets their water?
CRAIG, Colorado – Coal-fired power plants use millions of gallons of water, but as more of these plants are shut down, what will become of the water they draw from the overallocated Colorado River?
As Ionescu nears end of college career, Arizona sports figures give nod of respect
LAS VEGAS – Sabrina Ionescu has quickly become a transcendent athlete and those in Arizona involved in sports have noticed.
Arizonans keep watchful eyes on bald eagles nesting near humans
RIO VERDE – Bald eagle breeding season has arrived in Arizona, and an interesting job comes from it: keeping an eye on potential parents and their nests.
Cultural barriers challenge Native Americans seeking cancer treatment
PHOENIX – Kristine Rhodes was diagnosed with noninvasive cervical cancer at 19, which led to a year of treatment – and another battle: facing the stigma of cancer in Native American communities. Despite some strides in improving health care and treatment in Indian Country, persistent cultural barriers can prevent patients from getting treatment.
As crowd watches Pac-12 Tournament, NCAA says no fans for March Madness
TEMPE – The stakes are high for rivals Arizona and Arizona State in the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament.
Wild horses and burros in Arizona find new homes through federal incentive program
MARANA — The Bureau of Land Management manages thousands of wild horses and burros across the West, but the population is too high and that has the agency trying something new — an incentive program.
Arizona’s three universities hope to increase Arizona Teachers Academy enrollment
PHOENIX – Arizona’s state universities are working to enroll more students in the Arizona Teachers Academy as Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget proposes more funding through the New Economy Initiative.
Climate change already is diminishing the Colorado River, U.S. researchers find
GREELEY, Colo. – Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey have found that the Colorado River Basin is extremely sensitive to slight variations in temperature. For each degree that average Celsius temperatures rise, they found, flows in the Colorado are likely to decline more than 9%. It’s a problem that will only get worse as the planet continues to warm.
Coronavirus shakes Arizona sports community with more postponements, cancellations
PHOENIX – The sports world is reacting to the coronavirus by canceling many events, leaving much uncertainty among players, fans and leagues.
Ballot zombies: Early voters’ choices made moot by Democratic shakeup
WASHINGTON - When voters go to the polls Tuesday, they will be handed a ballot listing 18 Democrats who were running for president - 12 of whom have pulled out of the race since the ballots were printed in December. Voters next week know that; early voters did not.
Grape news: Verde Valley close to becoming a designated wine region
WASHINGTON - Wine drinkers may soon be able to reach for that Verde Valley vintage, if local wineries and vineyards have their way. Their application to make the Verde Valley a federally recognized American Viticultural Area is nearing approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
From autism diagnosis to Boston Marathon: Carla Simon set to make history
TEMPE – Carla Simon is set to run in the Boston Marathon, becoming the first female Special Olympics athlete from Arizona to compete in the race.
Diamondbacks minor-leaguer tests negative for coronavirus as team adjusts to new normal
PHOENIX – An Arizona Diamondbacks player has tested negative for the coronavirus as the team adjusts to a new normal.
Soak city: A colder storm is barreling toward Arizona
PHOENIX – Another storm will impact Arizona later this week. Rain and snow chances will increase by Wednesday, along with temperatures dropping below normal.
AIA votes against postponing or canceling spring championship season
PHOENIX – Amid concerns over COVID-19, the state of Arizona put all school activities on a two-week hiatus, but the AIA is optimistic that spring sports will resume soon.
Officials say primary voting will go on, with COVID-19 precautions
TEMPE - The Democratic presidential primary will be held Tuesday as scheduled, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has driven some other states to cancel in-person voting, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said in a statement Monday.
Small-business leaders upset as House passes second coronavirus bill
WASHINGTON - Business leaders pushed back Monday against a coronavirus relief bill the House passed over the weekend that calls for extended sick leave, as well as new funding for testing, school lunches, senior nutrition and more.
Diamondbacks, other MLB clubs will provide $1 million for ballpark employees
Diamondbacks, other MLB clubs will provide $1 million for ballpark employees The Arizona Diamondbacks, along with 29 other MLB clubs, announced Tuesday that they will donate $1 million apiece to ballpark employees affected by the season’s delay.
Despite COVID-19, poll officials report steady turnout, smooth voting
TEMPE - Polling officials around Arizona said voting in the state's presidential preference primary Tuesday was decidedly calm in the midst of a decidedly anxious time in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, with high turnout but generally smooth operations..
Biden wins Arizona primary in apparent three-state sweep of Sanders
WASHINGTON - Heavy early voting and a steady stream of voters at polling places were boosting turnout in Tuesday's Arizona primary, where former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders competed in a slimmed-down Democratic presidential field.
Lower carbon-capture costs could entice businesses to address climate change
PHOENIX – A Republican plan to mitigate climate change would permanently grant tax breaks for businesses that reduce carbon emissions and purchase equipment with technology to capture emissions from the atmosphere. But is “direct capture” an effective tool?
Pac-12 officiating has improved, despite complaints from fans, commissioner says
LAS VEGAS – The Pac-12 believes it has made some strides in officiating. Larry Scott likes the changes and thinks basketball is in a good spot as well.
Cincinnati Reds employee at Goodyear Stadium tests positive for COVID-19
PHOENIX – A Cincinnati Reds employees who worked at the club's spring training facility in Goodyear has tested positive for COVID-19, team team announced Wednesday.
Senate OKs COVID-19 bill mandating paid leave, readies new relief bill
The Senate gave overwhelming approval Wednesday to a multibillion-dollar coronavirus relief bill, the second such bill in two weeks, and immediately turned its attention to a third bill that could have a $1 trillion price tag.
‘You can’t become what you can’t see’: Women’s hockey comes to Tempe
TEMPE – Some of the best women’s hockey players showcased their skills to fans in Tempe. Many hope this will inspire more growth for girls’ hockey in Arizona.
After clear victory in Arizona, Biden looks to be in control
PHOENIX – Coming out of the Arizona primary, former Vice President Joe Biden has emerged as the clear Democratic frontrunner ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Grand Canyon lodging, food services shuttered in face of coronavirus
WASHINGTON - Grand Canyon National Park is still open, but the same cannot be said for lodging and food services in the park, which will be shuttered for the next two months by concerns over coronavirus. Operations will be suspended from noon Friday through at least May 21.
Study: Arizona hospitals could be overwhelmed by COVID-19 case surge
WASHINGTON - A surge in coronavirus patients could overwhelm Arizona hospitals in the coming months if action is not taken now to expand hospital capacity and curb infections, according to a new study by the Harvard Global Health Institute. And the state is not alone.
Federal government keeps immigration courts open despite coronavirus risks
PHOENIX – With several immigration courts still open across the country, the idea of courthouses acting as incubators and disseminators of the virus remains a concern.
Out of the shadow: Dasean Lecque chasing success of highlight reel older brother
TEMPE – With his older brother Jalen Lecque in attendance, sophomore guard Dasean Lecque helped lead No. 1 Desert Vista to a win against No. 11 Mountain Pointe in an All-Ahwatukee 6A Boys State Championship game in Desert Financial Arena.
‘How can I pay the bills’? Freelancers, other journalists impacted by COVID-19’s suspension of sports
PHOENIX – Nine freelancers and sports journalists share how they’ve been impacted by COVID-19 and the suspension of sports.
Arizonans react to governor’s latest moves to halt coronavirus
PHOENIX – Gov. Ducey activates the National Guard to help stores and food banks and signs an executive order that places restrictions on businesses and delays expiration dates on driver’s licenses. Arizonans took to social media to weigh in.
White House: Plan to turn away migrants aims to protect public health
WASHINGTON - Border officials will start turning away all undocumented migrants and asylum seekers beginning Saturday, in what President Donald Trump called an effort to protect "our border agents, migrants and to the public at large" from COVID-19.
U.S., Mexico to limit ‘nonessential’ border crossings to stem COVID-19
WASHINGTON - The U.S. and Mexico will stop all "nonessential" border crossings after midnight Friday in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but goods and essential workers will still be allowed to cross, the White House announced Friday.
‘Ko-be! Ko-be!’ Bryant’s last trip to Phoenix was memorable for Booker, fans
PHOENIX - Kobe Bryant terrorized the Phoenix Suns for two decades, making many enemies in the Valley. For one night in 2016, all of that was forgotten as the Suns and their fans celebrated the career of the Black Mamba.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Two deaths reported, drive-thru testing set to begin
PHOENIX – Banner Health launches drive-thru testing, Gov. Ducey debuts a statewide hotline and other updates about how COVID-19 is affecting the Grand Canyon State.
Is cheerleading a sport? Some concussion experts say it should be classified as one
PHOENIX – The American Academy of Pediatrics in November identified cheerleading as having one of the highest rates of concussions during practices, second to boy’s football. Cheerleader Ella Johnston suffered a concussion during practice that is taking a long recovery.
2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed, veteran IOC member says
LOS ANGELES – COVID-19 has spread over the nation quickly and sports have been canceled, and now the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games have been postponed.
Mr. Smith goes home from Washington: Hill offices adapt to teleworking
WASHINGTON - Voters with concerns about the stimulus bill working its way through Congress can still share their opinions with their representatives in Washington - even though their representatives may not actually be in Washington as offices there, like the rest of the nation, are learning to telework.
Economic stimulus bill stalls in Senate, as Democrats, Republicans feud
WASHINGTON - The Senate deadlocked for a second day Monday on more than $1 trillion in proposed support for an economy buffeted by coronavirus, as Democrats said the bill gives too much to corporations and Republicans accuse Democrats of making it a liberal wish list.
A dove, a fastball and the day Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson had PETA calling
Former Diamondbacks star Randy Johnson’s fastball famously exploded a dove mid-flight on this day in 2001
On this night, Suns’ Booker did something Jordan and Bird never did
PHOENIX – Until this day three years ago today, only five players in NBA history had scored 70 points or more in a game. On March 24, 2017, Devin Booker of the Suns joined them.
8 things to know about the novel coronavirus, wipes and ‘Dr. Germ’
TUCSON – Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona, aka “Dr. Germ,” discusses research on disinfectants’ power to kill the coronavirus, how smartphones can spread COVID-19 and how well microfiber works.
COVID-19 in Arizona: No shelter-in-place, beware of home remedies
PHOENIX – Gov. Ducey details “essential services” that can remain open during outbreak and other updates about how COVID-19 is affecting the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona jobless claims skyrocket, as coronavirus starts to hit economy
TEMPE - Nearly 30,000 Arizonans filed unemployment claims last week, more than eight times the average weekly rate of 3,500 claims before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, state officials said Tuesday.
Mayors ‘flabbergasted’ at list of services Ducey order would protect
PHOENIX - Arizona mayors Tuesday questioned Gov. Doug Ducey's inclusion of golf courses, salons, laundries and other businesses in the definition of "essential services" that local governments would be barred from closing in response to the coronavirus.
‘On cloud nine’: Four years ago, Ryan Hingst tossed ASU’s 10th no-hitter
PHOENIX – Four years ago, Ryan Hingst made ASU baseball history when he pitched the 10th no-hitter in program history, calling it the best baseball moment in his career.
COVID-19 in Arizona today: Navajo Nation sounds alarm as cases jump to 49
PHOENIX – There are 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus among Arizona State University students, and more of the latest news about the novel coronavirus
Maricopa County ranks No. 2 for potential census undercount, report says
PHOENIX – Low self-response rates and other factors will be a major issue for underserved communities in the 2020 census, which already is underway.
Arizonans stuck in Peru, like thousands hit by COVID-19 border closures
WASHINGTON - When countries started closing their borders this month in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it left thousands of Americans like Arizona State University senior Gabriela Fioretti.trapped overseas and struggling to find a way home from what was supposed to be a short trip.
Senate approves historic $2 trillion economic stimulus package
WASHINGTON - The Senate gave unanimous approval late Wednesday to a historic $2 trillion economic stimulus package that calls for direct payments to taxpayers and hundreds of billions in relief for small businesses and targeted industries, like airlines.
From Desert Vista to Cardinals: Devon Kennard excited to return home
PHOENIX – For new Arizona Cardinals linebacker Devon Kennard, a homecoming to the Valley wasn’t expected, but it was definitely more than welcome
So close: Arizona was destined for Final Four until Illinois showed up
PHOENIX – It was a dream season for the Arizona Wildcats until the squared off with Illinois in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Coronavirus now ‘widespread,’ could peak in late April
PHOENIX – With COVID-19 cases detected in 13 of Arizona’s 15 counties, legislators approve aid for seniors and taxpayers coping with pandemic.
With stay-at-home orders and fundraising, Indian Country combats COVID-19
PHOENIX – As Native American tribes work to secure federal funding set aside for COVID-19 relief, their leaders are taking steps to meet the immediate needs of their communities. The Navajo Nation has provided funding as well as regular updates through social media and YouTube. Community volunteers are organizing to raise money and get vulnerable residents essential supplies.
Distance spurning: State OK on social distancing; counties, not so much
WASHINGTON - Arizona did relatively well in a new study of social distancing, but the same could not be said of how well most counties in the state follow the practice that is aimed at stemming the coronavirus' spread.
Jobless claims jump 3 million in a week, Arizona mirrors national trend
PHOENIX - New unemployment claims rose to almost 3.3 million last week, an increase of 3 million over the previous week and the highest on record, new Labor Department numbers show, and economists say this could just be the beginning of a jobs spiral from the coronavirus.
Phoenix, Gilbert restrict some activities, but most Arizona parks and trails remain open
PHOENIX – Arizona parks and recreation services are faced with the decision of whether to keep them open or close them down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. So far, most have kept hiking trails open, although some services are curtailed and traffic is being regulated.
Deadline to request early ballot for SRP Board election is 5 p.m. Friday
PHOENIX – 5 p.m. Friday is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot to elect members of the board of the Salt River Project, which provides water and or electricity to 2 million residents of metro Phoenix.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Schools aren’t required to make up lost days, workers will be paid
PHOENIX – School districts are distributing meals to students, the elderly won’t have to get their vehicles’ emissions tested and other updates from the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona’s 1988 win over North Carolina laid foundation of college basketball powerhouse
PHOENIX – Coach Lute Olson’s 1987-88 Arizona team beat North Carolina to reach the Final Four, setting the standard for a program that would become a perennial college hoops power.
Could spring training trigger a spike in coronavirus cases like Mardi Gras did in New Orleans?
Could the high rate of COVID-19 infections in New Orleans be a harbinger for the Phoenix metropolitan area? That’s what some are wondering after a recent spike in Louisiana is being attributed, in part, to the large influx of visitors during Mardi Gras celebrations, which occurred around the same time as spring training and the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
COVID-19 being felt in donations, hours, adoptions at animal shelters
PHOENIX - The spread of COVID-19 has "deeply affected" Arizona animal shelters, which are discontinuing some services, cutting hours and trying to juggle between taking animals in and adopting them out to stretch resources while protecting pets and people.
Trump signs $2 trillion relief bill hours after House rushes it through
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package just hours after it was rushed through the House Friday, clearing the way for aid to businesses, increased benefits for workers and direct payments to taxpayers.
Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and the day WrestleMania came to Glendale
PHOENIX – On March 28, 2010, the professional wrestling world had its eyes on Glendale, as 72,219 spectators filled what is now known as State Farm Stadium. The flagship competition of World Wrestling Entertainment delivered one of the sport's most memorable main events.
‘Everything was possible’: 23 years ago, Arizona knocked off No. 1 seed North Carolina
PHOENIX – After losing its last two games of the regular season, questions remained about how the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team would fare in the 1997 NCAA Tournament.
Seven seconds or less: 15 years ago, Suns clinched division title as Richardson set records
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns 2005 team was known for its fast-paced playing style that was unlike anything the NBA landscape had seen before.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Stay-at-home order starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday
PHOENIX – Public schools are closed for the academic year; a lawsuit is being filed on behalf of displaced university students and more updates from the Grand Canyon State.
‘It’s just really sad’: High school athletes hit hard by news of extended school closure
PHOENIX – The news of schools staying closed until the end of the spring semester has hit high school athletes hard, especially seniors who won't be able to return next year.
Phoenix Suns make broadcast history with radio call of NBA 2K20 showdown
PHOENIX – The Suns have been making the best of a difficult situation by streaming NBA 2K20 games that coincide with their regular-season schedule. On Friday, they took it up a notch with a live radio broadcast of the game.
As COVID-19 cases rise, so do hospital workers’ worries about equipment
WASHINGTON - Arizona hospitals are rationing and ordering workers to reuse protective equipment like masks, gowns and eyewear in an attempt to head off shortages expected with the surge in COVID-19 patients in the state, a move some worry will put workers and patients at risk.
March 30, 2020, Newscast | Cronkite News
The latest update on COVID-19 cases in Arizona; animal baby showers; and more
Tucson barbers, salons open, despite city order closing other businesses
TEMPE - When Tucson Mayor Regina Romero ordered nonessential businesses to close Saturday to halt COVID-19, she could only ask barbershops and salons to go along, after Gov. Doug Ducey declared them "essential services" - a designation that remains in his statewide "stay-home" directive.
Andy Benes, other key figures recall Diamondbacks’ debut 22 years ago
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks played their inaugural game on March 31, 1998 against the Colorado Rockies at what was then known as Bank One Ballpark.
A decade since SB 1070: We want to hear how it affected you
PHOENIX – Arizona’s Legislature passed SB 1070 nearly a decade ago, but its after-effects can still be felt today. Cronkite News wants to hear your story.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey’s stay-at-home order isn’t enough, some elected officials say
PHOENIX – A Tucson nursing home reports two dozen COVID-19 cases, Arizona prisons are delaying admission of new inmates and Tucson police orders residents to stop partying.
Phoenix Phantomz giving women opportunity to play tackle football
PHOENIX – The WFA and the Phoenix Phantomz are providing women an opportunity to play football.
The push to get vital COVID-19 information to Arizonans who don’t speak English
PHOENIX – With federal officials facing criticism over delays in translating vital information about COVID-19, organizations and local governments have stepped in to fill the void by offering their own translations on TV and social media of guidelines meant to combat the disease.
Owner Michael Bidwill leads a big Cardinals drive – for blood donations
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals and owner Michael Bidwill hosted the first of three blood drives at State Farm Stadium on Tuesday. The Cardinals and the Arizona Coyotes have both taken part in the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Officials call for Grand Canyon closure to help stem coronavirus spread
TEMPE - Arizona lawmakers joined local and tribal officials Tuesday calling on the Interior Department to reverse its "reckless" decision to keep Grand Canyon National Park open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brnovich weighs in as Ducey’s ‘stay home’ order takes effect statewide
TEMPE - Gov. Doug Ducey's "stay home" order had not even taken effect before critics were arguing Tuesday over whether it is enforceable and if it goes far enough to protect Arizona from the spread of coronavirus.
Shelves are bare but grocery warehouses are on the case, industry leader says
PHOENIX - Panic led to hoarding but warehouses are being replenished, Mark Miller, president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance says. The popularity of delivery services are on the rise, and industry employees who are working hard for Arizona residents appreciate the support, Miller says.
As baseball remains on hold, Diamondbacks’ Hall reflects on emotional, financial challenges
PHOENIX – Checking in with Arizona Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall about an Opening Day that was lost – for now.
On the move: Running an important part of Brett Hundley’s life on, off the Cardinals’ field
PHOENIX – Brett Hundley has always been a mobile quarterback, but he has used his passion for running to help him stay in football shape for most of his life.
Why the air in metro Phoenix is fresher these days
PHOENIX – Metro Phoenix was below average for moderate ozone days for the month of March. ADEQ is studying the reasons for this – including COVID-19 and recent wet weather.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Unemployment checks with an extra $600 could come next week
PHOENIX – Phoenix Zoo announces major staff cuts, Gov. Ducey asks the Trump administration for a disaster declaration and other news from the Grand Canyon State.
An alley-oop and a national title: 29 years ago, Bobby Hurley helped Duke to its first championship
PHOENIX – Twenty-nine years ago, Bobby Hurley was a key player in Duke’s first national title.
EPA defends plan to ease compliance requirements in face of coronavirus
PHOENIX - The Environmental Protection Agency defended its plans to waive some environmental compliance requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak, insisting the policy chage is "not a license to pollute," but environmentalists were not convinced.
COVID-19 fears close Grand Canyon National Park after weeks of pressure
PHOENIX - The National Park Service abruptly closed Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, bowing to weeks of pressure after health officials expressed "extreme concern" about the potential for spread of COVID-19 in the park.
‘It’s a weird mindset’: Canadian swimmer reflects on delay of Summer Olympics
LOS ANGELES – Olympian Taylor Ruck of Canada Swim was in disbelief after hearing the news about the Summer Games being postponed.
On the verge of something special, GCU beach volleyball’s season upended
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon Beach Volleyball was ranked No. 7 in the nation, having notched three wins over ranked opponents already this year, before the coronavirus pandemic upended its season.
One year later: The demise of the AAF through a player’s eyes
TEMPE – One year after the Alliance of American Football shut down operations, Arizona Hotshots defensive lineman Dylan Wynn recounts the day it all ended.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Detainees call for immigration courts to halt in-person hearings
PHOENIX – Valley Metro changes bus route schedules, Arizona State University moves graduation ceremonies online, and other news about the COVID-19 pandemic in the Grand Canyon State
ASU’s Brinson Pasichnuk helped build culture, rewarded with NHL contract
TEMPE – ASU’s Brinson Pasichnuk ranked third nationally among defensemen this season with 37 points in 36 games played. His 11 goals placed him second nationally among defensemen.
ASU cancels May commencement due to coronavirus, joining NAU, UArizona
PHOENIX – Arizona State University made an unprecedented decision Thursday morning to cancel in-person commencement ceremonies in May.
New jobless claims shatter week-old records in state, across nation
WASHINGTON - New jobless claims continued to soar to record heights in Arizona and the nation, with state filings jumping from the then-record 29,333 claims two weeks ago to 88,592 last week. It cames national claims jumped from 3.3 million to 6.6 million.
Down for the count: Tribes’ Census response lags far behind state, U.S.
PHOENIX - Tribal response to the 2020 Census badly trails state and national rates, according to Census Bureau data, with the already-challenging task of counting in tribal areas further complicated by the arrival of COVID-19.
Struggling in silence: Latinas face higher risk of postpartum depression
MESA – Latina mothers face a 40% greater risk of developing postpartum depression, according to a recent study. Counselors around the Valley are helping women beat these odds.
Arizona broadcasters McConnell, Schulte and Bloom adjusting to a world without sports
PHOENIX – The sports hiatus affects players and fans but also the broadcasters of the teams no longer playing. Greg Schulte, Matt McConnell and Jon Bloom shared their thoughts on how the pandemic has affected their lives.
ASU launches drive-thru testing for essential workers after weeklong delays
PHOENIX – The ASU Biodesign Institute started their drive-thru testing for first responders and healthcare personnel after over a week of push back.
In era of COVID-19, virtual reality could change how world plays, consumes sports
PHOENIX – Virtual reality could provide fans and spectators with experiences previously thought only possible at in-person events.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Hair salons, massage parlors, other businesses ordered to close by 5 p.m. Saturday
PHOENIX – Navajo Nation calls for resources, ASU launches drive-thru testing and more in today’s COVID-19 report.
19 years ago, Bob Brenly made Diamondbacks debut, showed what rookie manager could do
PHOENIX – After major league catcher Bob Brenly retired from playing, he bounced between coaching and broadcasting before moving from the Diamondbacks broadcast booth to manage the team.
‘Overwhelming’ demand on first day of $349 billion small-business aid program
WASHINGTON - Banks and small businesses reported an overwhelming volume of calls and some confusion Friday as the Small Business Administration launched the first phase of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package in the face of COVID-19.
Thirteen years ago, Mercury pulled off blockbuster trade for Tangela Smith that paid dividends
PHOENIX – Thirteen years ago, the Phoenix Mercury traded their No. 1 pick for Tangela Smith, and it paid dividends.
21 years ago, pitching legend Randy Johnson made his Diamondbacks debut
PHOENIX – On April 5, 1999, it was Opening Day in Los Angeles. The Arizona Diamondbacks were on the road to begin the year and new acquisition Randy Johnson was the starter.
Benes, Garagiola Jr. reflect on Diamondbacks’ first franchise victory 22 years ago
PHOENIX – After opening their inaugural season with five straight losses, the Diamondbacks won the first game in franchise history, a home victory over the San Francisco Giants in 1998.
Despite school shutdown, remaining physically active critical to children’s health
PHOENIX – Even as children are stuck at home because of COVID-19, away from their classrooms, doctors are stressing the importance of parents keeping their children physically active.
Breaking Tradition: 23 years ago, Gil Morgan won first seniors major at Desert Mountain
PHOENIX – Gil Morgan ran away with a victory despite adverse weather at the 1997 Tradition tournament in Scottsdale, his first time winning a golf major at any level
Judges call for all immigration courts to close in wake of coronavirus
PHOENIX – Several judges and court staff members are calling on the Department of Justice to close all U.S. immigration courts temporarily to protect themselves and migrants from the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Weekend surge in cases, but flu threat appears less this year
PHOENIX – Arizona declared major disaster by President Trump, Navajo towns report more cases after one school remained open for a day, and other news about how COVID-19 is affecting Arizona.
For Coyotes president Ahron Cohen, creating a vibrant hockey culture is top priority
GLENDALE – Since he took over as president in 2018, Coyotes president Ahron Cohen has strived to build a stronger hockey culture in Arizona
April 6, 2020, Newscast | Cronkite News
Phoenix neighbors share what they have; a dream come true for ASU hockey star; and more
Kirkpatrick says Air Force targets Davis-Monthan for bulk of A-10 cuts
TEMPE - The Air Force plans to retire 42 A-10 aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson next year, according to a state lawmaker, a move that would cut the base's fleet of the storied "Warthogs" in half.
DACA recipients still can renew despite closure of citizenship offices nationwide
PHOENIX – Days after closing down all of it's offices, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service issued a statement saying the agency would reuse previously submitted biometric data to process certain work authorization applications, including those Dreamers need as part of their renewal process.
In a season of turmoil, Coyotes clinched first Pacific Division title eight years ago
PHOENIX – The then-Phoenix Coyotes, led by goalie Mike Smith, clinched first place in the Pacific Division on this day in 2012, then followed it with the deepest playoff run the team has made since arriving in the Valley.
‘We’re in crisis mode’: Coronavirus putting pressure on food and shelter nonprofits
PHOENIX – Homeless shelters and food banks are seeing an increase in demand as COVID-19 rampages through the state. And time and money are running out for nonprofits.
This is Madness: Computer simulator sent Arizona State on Cinderella run in virtual tourney
PHOENIX – Arizona State was this year’s March Madness Cinderella, at least in a virtual world created by one Twitter user.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Immigration employees test positive, small-business evictions halted
NOGALES – As Arizona grapples to contain deadly COVID-19, Yavapai County reported its first death on Monday, and deaths related to COVID-19 are projected to peak mid April statewide.
MLB’s idea to play every game in Arizona might be desert mirage, some believe
PHOENIX – Baseball reporters Zach Buchanan and Bob Nightengale believe MLB’s proposal to play all of its 2020 games in Arizona is flawed in several ways.
Rx for a feud: Ducey COVID-19 treatment order splits health officials
TEMPE - While President Donald Trump touts an anti-malarial drug as a possible coronavirus treatment, Gov. Doug Ducey is allowing its use in limited circumstances in Arizona - dividing advocates over whether he's gone too far or not far enough.
Virtual vitality: Coyotes inject life into postponed season with help from NHL 20
PHOENIX – With regular season game-like production and play-by-play by Matt McConnell, the Coyotes are showing what would have been their matchups on NHL 20, the video game.
Texas group empowers Latino parents to advocate for children with disabilities
AUSTIN, Texas – VELA is an organization that provides support and resources to mostly Hispanic and immigrant families whose children have disabilities. Founded in 2010, it serves about 1,500 families annually – helping to close a significant gap in health care for Hispanics.
Seder-in-a-box and drive-in church: Worship during social distancing
TEMPE - Seder in a box, drive-in services and televised Masses are just some of the ways religious leaders are coping with social distancing guidelines as they try to celebrate some of the most-important holidays on the religious calendar, with Easter, Passover and Ramadan all in April.
24 years ago, Arizona’s new NHL team announced its nickname
PHOENIX – On this date in 1996, the Winnipeg Jets traded in their wings for paws after their relocation to Phoenix.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Two inmates test positive; state gets a ‘C’ in social distancing
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey orders travelers from out-of-state to take precautions, more drive-thru testing promised and additional updates from around Arizona.
Report: Migrant workers faced dangerous conditions even before COVID-19
WASHINGTON - Migrant farmworkers are in "serious danger" of contracting coronavirus because of ongoing poor conditions like overcrowded housing, buses and lack of access to healthcare, according to a new report.
Sanders drops out, but Arizona supporters say they are still in the fight
TEMPE - Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders suspended his 2020 Democratic presidential bid Wednesday, but his Arizona supporters said they will still push his message of Medicare for all, eliminating student debt and raising the minimum wage.
Urban farm provides homeless shelter residents with good food and opportunities
LOS ANGELES – An urban farm in Los Angeles provides food, therapy and paid job training for residents of a homeless shelter across the street. Called Grow Good, this nonprofit organization offers an innovative solution to homelessness, helping the city’s underserved individuals gain their independence once again.
Thirty years ago, Phoenix Suns set record for most free throws made in game
PHOENIX – The Suns in 1990 set the NBA all-time record for free throws made by a team.
Kingsbury believes continuity will help Cardinals weather challenging offseason
PHOENIX – The Cardinals went through massive turnover last offseason. Now, with a sense of identity and direction, they have the system in place for players when football resumes.
WNBA player and Phoenix native Sydney Wiese tests positive for COVID-19
PHOENIX – Wiese hopes her recent experience allows millenials and members of Gen Z to embrace knowledge on this subject
COVID-19 in Arizona: Social distancing, face masks may be flattening curve of hospitalizations
PHOENIX – Ducey announces students in rural communities will receive 200 internet hotspots, a Page man allegedly urged violence against Navajos, and other updates on how COVID-19 is affecting Arizona.
Food-stamp purchases could soon go online under SNAP pilot program
PHOENIX - Arizona food-stamp recipients may soon be able to buy their groceries online, after the federal government's swift approval this week of the state's request in the face of coronavirus-related stay-at-home orders.
State, national jobless claims continue surge, experts see no end
PHOENIX - Another 129,215 Arizonans filed for unemployment last week, boosting the number of new jobless in the state above a quarter million since March 1, according to the latest numbers from the Department of Economic Security.
Turmoil to success: Coyotes wrapped 2010 with 107 points, their best regular season to date
PHOENIX – The Coyotes’ 107-point season in 2010 turned out to be their best regular season to date.
COVID-19 stay-at-home orders increase the risk of domestic violence, experts warn
PHOENIX – Self-isolation and stay-at-home orders force victims of domestic violence to live in unsafe homes, advocates say.
Duncan Shin hopes journey through Minnesota, WHL leads to NHL
TEMPE – Chander native Duncan Shin was drafted in the second round of the inaugural WHL U.S. prospects draft by the Vancouver Giants. Playing in Minnesota for one of the most prominent hockey schools in North America, Shin has a bright future ahead of him.
As collegiate esports explode, Grand Canyon remains frontrunner
PHOENIX – Since arriving in 2018, Albert Lee has been creating an esports paradise for Grand Canyon University.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Navajo leaders exposed to illness; state to get 100 ventilators from FEMA stockpile
PHOENIX – Breakdown of cases by ZIP code is coming to Arizona, and other news from around the Grand Canyon State.
Border officials use COVID-19 fear to turn away 6,306 at southern border
PHOENIX - Border Patrol agents turned away 6,306 migrants at the southern border in just 10 days after President Donald Trump authorized the immediate return of immigrants and asylum seekers under a 1944 law to check communicable diseases like COVID-19.
Businesses running out of time, as delays plague week-old loan program
WASHINGTON - While Congress and the White House are promising to add billions to the Paycheck Protection Program, some small businesses say they are just trying to hang on long enough to get the money there now.
Eleven years ago, Major League Baseball awarded Diamondbacks All-Star Game
PHOENIX – Eleven years ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks were granted their wish: They were awarded the 2011 All-Star Game.
Arizona Housing Fund hopes to move people from the streets into homes
PHOENIX – The Arizona Housing Fund will provide grant money to nonprofits to bring low income, supportive housing to the market.
Gun sales rose to record levels in March, as COVID-19 fears climbed
PHOENIX – Arizona processed a record 82,771 background checks on would-be gun buyers in March, as fears of the coronavirus drove people to gun shops in what one shop owner called "panic time."
Clean playgrounds keep kids active – and parents sane – during COVID-19
PHOENIX – An Arizona window-washing business voluntarily started cleaning playgrounds to help kids stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FaZe Adapt, other high profile members of gaming community raise funds for Phoenix Children’s Hospital
PHOENIX – In partnership with Extra Life, FaZe Adapt raises money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital in the wake of the global pandemic.
As Coyotes adjust to paused NHL season, half of staff given furloughs
PHOENIX – Coyotes furlough half of employees through June 30 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Sporting events, recreational opportunities impacted around the world by COVID-19
TEMPE – Despite the relatively strict guidelines we are now living under in the U.S., other countries have enacted much harsher penalties for disobeying COVID-19 response measures, even for recreation.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Map tracks cases by ZIP code; federal relief coming to universities
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services releases new data on COVID-19, and Yuma County reports the first COVID-19 related death.
Prescott’s bid to draw more groundwater could threaten Verde River
PRESCOTT – In the wake of a growing population and planned housing developments, the Prescott City Council has proposed a water policy it says would provide water for the city’s current and future residents.
To meet high demand, Laveen district bringing lunch to some students by bus
PHOENIX – Laveen Elementary School District innovated to meet the demand for free and reduced-price lunches for Arizona children unable to attend school because of novel coronavirus.
Punt, pass and click: High school coaches get creative for spring football
PHOENIX – With their spring programs canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, high school football coaches have found creative ways to communicate with and coach their teams.
One year ago, Phoenix lost John MacLeod, winningest coach in Suns history
PHOENIX – Legendary Suns coach John MacLeod died on April 14, 2019, but his dedication to his players and colleagues left a lasting impression on the Valley.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Navajo police say weekend curfew was effective, urge drivers to slow down
The COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow as ZIP code and demographics data were released, jails and detention centers prepare for more cases, and more news from the Grand Canyon State.
ASU basketball lands highest ranked recruit ever in Josh Christopher
PHOENIX – ASU men’s basketball landed a commitment from Josh Christopher on Monday night. Christopher is the highest-rated recruit in the ESPN100 era to commit to ASU and the second five-star to James Harden.
EPA won’t expand pollutant rule; ‘mistake’ during COVID-19, critics say
PHOENIX - The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it will not expand Obama-era air quality standards, a move environmentalists call "the wrong thing to be doing" during a global pandemic that threatens lung health.
Coronavirus relief payments start landing in Arizonans’ bank accounts
TEMPE - Thousands of dollars started arriving in Arizonans' bank accounts this week as the first payments from the massive coronavirus relief package began to be distributed in the form of expanded unemployment benefits and direct stimulus payments.
Dating from home: How to find or keep love alive in the time of coronavirus
PHOENIX – Despite stay-at-home orders and other restrictions, couples and those hoping to find love are using creative ways to date from a distance.
Seven years ago, Mercury made transformative draft pick: Brittney Griner
PHOENIX – Seven years ago, the Phoenix Mercury drafted Brittney Griner with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. She transformed the franchise.
Driving’s down – and that’s driving down insurance claims, premiums
TEMPE – Social distancing may drive you up the wall, but it could be also drive down your car insurance. With fewer cars on the road, claims have dropped as much as 90% in major cities, and most insurers have responded by pledging rebates, credits or direct payments to customers as a result.
‘I was in shock’: Seniors on ASU women’s basketball team adjusting to abrupt end
PHOENIX – Four members of the Arizona State women’s basketball team this year were looking forward to their first experience in the NCAA Tournament. One was senior Ja’Tavia Tapley, who has lost her only shot to play during March Madness. But that isn’t the only impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Tapley.
COVID-19 in Arizona: State to provide antibody tests to first responders, add drive-thrus for public
PHOENIX – Stimulus checks arrive, unemployment claims rise and other news from around the Grand Canyon State.
Hospitals near ‘financial extinction’ from limits to prep for COVID-19
WASHINGTON - Arizona hospitals are facing "dire financial consequences" and furloughing staff, as cutbacks meant to prepare for COVID-19 cases have instead cost them as much as $575 million a month, about 30-40% of normal revenues statewide.
Fifteen years ago, ASU found unique way to honor Tillman: Pat’s Run
TEMPE – On April 16, 2005, friends and family of the late Pat Tillman honored him with the first edition of Pat’s Run in Tempe. It has grown into the largest timed running event in Arizona.
Custody, co-parenting and coronavirus: Q&A with a child custody expert
LOS ANGELES – Jann Blackstone, a former child custody mediator with the California Superior Court, weighs in on how divorced parents can come together for their children during the era of COVID-19.
‘Better safe than sorry’: Athletes react to loss of NCAA winter and spring sports to COVID-19
LOS ANGELES – The NCAA’s decision to cancel all sports because of COVID-19 has left athletes missing their sport.
Arizona Supreme Court, coping with COVID-19, hears first case via video
TEMPE - Arizona Supreme Court justices - sitting at an appropriate distance from one another - heard arguments from attorneys via videoconference this week for the first time, as the high court tried to to continue its work while employing safe practices in the face of COVID-19.
COVID-19 in Arizona: 11,000 small businesses approved for loans
PHOENIX – Confirmed cases surpass 4,000 and the death toll stands at 150; peak of need for medical care predicted for April 30; and other updates from around the Grand Canyon State.
No peanuts, Cracker Jack or fans: Baseball in Taiwan offers sneak peek of what MLB in Arizona might look like
PHOENIX – Is there a way baseball could be played in Arizona this season? The CPBL League in Taiwan shows there could be a way.
Trump taps three Arizona lawmakers for ‘opening America again’ group
PHOENIX - Both Arizona senators and a House member were named Thursday to President Donald Trump's "Opening Up America Again" task force, which is charged with looking at ways to start easing business and social restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus.
State, U.S. jobless claims dip slightly, but still ‘shockingly high’
WASHINGTON - After three weeks of record-breaking unemployment filings, jobless claims for the state and the nation dipped slightly last week, but they were still in what one economist called "shockingly high" territory.
Mercury mulling ways to complement their ‘big-three’ in WNBA Draft
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury have the 10th overall selection in the WNBA’s April 17 player draft. Mercury coach Sandy Brondello said she’s confident the right player will be available when the Mercury pick.
Nineteen years ago, Diamondbacks’ Luis Gonzalez tied major league home run record
PHOENIX – In April of 2001, Luis Gonzalez hit 13 home runs in one month to tie a major league record, but it was only the beginning of the Diamondbacks’ magical season.
Experts ask death penalty states for scarce drugs that can treat COVID-19 patients
PHOENIX – Doctors raised concerns that powerful pharmaceuticals used in executions are needed to treat COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Plasma from recovered patients used for treatment
PHOENIX – Jobless claims continue to stay high, advocates urge release of incarcerated and other news from around the Grand Canyon State.
Researchers investigate whether warmth and humidity will slow COVID-19
PHOENIX – In the race to predict the end of the pandemic, MIT and Harvard University researchers have studied climate and the spread of cases to discover trends.
Myth is reality: Discovery of bald eagles nesting in a saguaro confirms longtime speculation
PHOENIX – Biologists have documented the first sighting in decades of bald eagles nesting in the arms of a saguaro cactus near an undisclosed reservoir.
‘I feel at home’: Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins already connecting with team
GLENDALE - Newly acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is beginning to familiarize himself with the Cardinals organization.
Businesses hurry up and wait, as relief funds dry up, new fund stalls
WASHINGTON - Mesa business owner Savannah Sander hoped a Paycheck Protection Program loan would keep her business afloat, when the $349 billion fund ran out of money week. Now, all she and other business owners can do is wait while Congress fights over plans to add another $251 billion to the program.
Tribal leaders struggle against ‘very slow’ allocation of COVID-19 aid
PHOENIX - The Navajo Nation has the country's third-highest rate of COVID-19 infections, but it has watched funds go to less hard-hit areas in a "very slow" federal aid process, Navajo President Jonathan Nez said Friday, part of an online discussion of federal response to coronavirus in Indian Country.
Phoenix Mercury trade first round selection to bolster backcourt, secure Walker-Kimbrough
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury added three guards on draft night and traded first-round pick Jocelyn Willoughby to secure point guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Double duty: 14 years ago, Diamondbacks’ Gonzalez became member of exclusive group
PHOENIX – Fourteen years ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks' Luis Gonzalez joined 20 others players in major league history to compile at least 300 home runs and 500 doubles in a career.
Twenty-three years ago, Cardinals kept ASU quarterback Jake Plummer in Arizona
PHOENIX – On this day 23 years ago, the Cardinals selected Arizona State quarterback Jake Plummer in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft
Dairy farmers forced to adjust their practices during COVID-19 pandemic
The dairy industry has been forced to resort to extreme practices to offset sales lost because restaurants and schools have been shut down to stop the spread of novel coronavirus.
Patience, workouts and video games: Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly tries to keep perspective with season on hiatus
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly is eager to get back on the field, but understands that other things take priority over baseball’s return.
Arizona researchers intend to play key roles in defeating COVID-19
PHOENIX – Researchers in Arizona are teaming up to create a genomics union that will analyze the virus’ genetic codes and hopefully reveal critical information that could help create diagnostics and develop a vaccine.
To address overwhelming need, Arizona nurses deploy to Colorado
PHOENIX – As communities across the country struggle to contain the novel coronavirus, Arizona nurses mobilize to help a hard-hit area of Colorado.
NABI cancellation means much more to Native American community than just loss of basketball
PHOENIX – The biggest Native American basketball tournament in the country was canceled. It has greater impact than just the lack of basketball.
Game 4 of 1976 Western Conference semifinals proved to be turning point in Suns history
PHOENIX – Westphal, Erickson help lead the Suns over the Supersonics and to new heights 44 years ago.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Protesters demand that Arizona reopen; experts say far more testing is needed first
PHOENIX – Arizona must double the number of tests it conducts before reopening for business, an expert says; water shortage might be contributing to cases of the disease among Navajos; and other updates about how COVID-19 is impacting Arizona.
Court upholds real-world conviction in case that used virtual currency
TEMPE - A federal court said that laundering money with virtual currency is still a real-world crime, upholding five money-laundering charges against an Arizona man who took more than $160,000 from undercover agents who claimed it was from drug deals and exchanging it for bitcoin.
Former ASU basketball player Michelle Tom helping Navajo Nation fight coronavirus
PHOENIX – Former ASU basketball player Michelle Tom is battling the coronavirus from a small, rural hospital near the Navajo Nation. And she needs help.
Remarkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkable: 18 years ago, Diamondbacks’ Johnson struck out 17 against Rockies
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson etched his name into the record book with a historic start against the Colorado Rockies on April 21, 2002.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey ‘cautiously optimistic’ about reopening next month, single-day death toll hits a record 21
PHOENIX – Navajo leaders urge compliance with weekend curfew, Banner Health furloughs employees while expanding telehealth offerings, and more updates from around the Grand Canyon State.
Eight years ago, Torres hit left indelible mark on Coyotes’ history
PHOENIX – In 2012, a brutal, blindside shoulder hit by the Coyotes’ Raffi Torres sent Chicago’s Marian Hossa to the hospital.
More questions than answers to Trump threat of immigration suspension
PHOENIX – Trump tweeted his intention Monday night to temporarily restrict immigration to the U.S. by signing an executive order, inciting confusion and uncertainty.
Feds kill 4 Mexican gray wolves, days after announcing population gains
PHOENIX - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized the killing of four endangered Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico during one week in late March, a move conservation groups call a significant setback to wolf recovery.
Church, Chandler nonprofit team to keep homeless people safe during coronavirus
PHOENIX – Valley Unitarian Universalist church in Chandler has become the sole provider for those who might otherwise be on the street during COVID-19.
Even though NFL draft will be different, Cardinals’ Justin Pugh suggests it might be better
PHOENIX – In an effort to isolate, prospects will have to experience NFL draft day from home. Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Justin Pugh, who celebrated draft day with his family, says to enjoy it.
Feeding sea urchins could be one way to restore the West Coast’s vital kelp forests
LOS ANGELES – The purple sea urchin population decimated kelp forests on the West Coast, where researchers are working to bring the creatures under control and supply them to restaurants around the world.
‘I know you didn’t want to be a hero’: 16 years ago, nation stunned by death of Pat Tillman
TEMPE – Pat Tillman’s death while serving in Afghanistan was a crushing blow to the Arizona community and those around the nation. The former Arizona State and Cardinals defensive standout was killed on this day in 2004.
COVID-19 in Arizona: 13 residents dead, 28 infected at assisted living facility in Chandler
PHOENIX – Arizona national forests impose campfire restrictions, Phoenix votes to help fund the homeless and vulnerable, St. Mary’s Food Bank donates to Navajo Nation, and more updates from the Grand Canyon State.
With much of the planet on lockdown, Earth Day goes digital
PHOENIX – The 50th anniversary of Earth Day looks a little different because of COVID-19, but that isn’t stopping Arizona environmental groups from celebrating.
Cold beer, hot takes: TV’s most popular sports personalities happy to share their opinion
PHOENIX – The changing sports landscape has shined a spotlight on television’s hierarchy: TV sports personalities like Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless yield multi-million dollar salaries for expressing their thoughts.
Critics say Trump order on immigration does little but stir up anxiety
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's executive order suspending immigration in the face of the coronavirus will "not have much of an effect" on the jobs the president said he's trying to protect, experts on both sides of the issue said Wednesday.
Eight years ago, Coyotes clinched first playoff series win since relocation
GLENDALE – It’s been eight years since the then-Phoenix Coyotes won a playoff series. On that day, they defeated the pesky Chicago Blackhawks
No one-hit wonder: Cardinals’ Jordan Phillips determined to prove 2019 wasn’t a fluke
PHOENIX – After posting a career high in sacks for the Buffalo Bills, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips aims to be productive for the Cardinals.
‘Beyond disheartening’: Suns broadcaster Leander proud of daughter’s stand at stay-at-home protest
PHOENIX – ICU nurse Lauren Leander is making headlines after standing up to protesters demanding that stay-at-home orders be lifted, and her father is proud of her.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Elective surgeries to resume, despite projected peak in mid-May
A state senator has confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19, the Navajo Nation is joining a lawsuit against the federal government for withholding funds, and other updates from the Grand Canyon State.
House OKs $484 billion in COVID-19 relief, loans could go out this week
WASHINGTON - Money could start flowing to distressed small businesses as early as this week, after the House overwhelmingly approved a $484 billion measure that refills the exhausted Paycheck Protection Program and adds funds for hospitals and other services.
418,000 jobless claims crater 10 years of new jobs in just five weeks
PHOENIX - New jobless claims in Arizona over the past five weeks have wiped out two-thirds of the new jobs created in the state over 10 years, according to the latest numbers from the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Josh Christopher’s high school teammates weigh in on leadership he brings to ASU
PHOENIX – ASU’s newest recruit, five-star Josh Christopher, was a tremendous talent in high school. His teammates also say he was quite the leader.
Almost a Raider, forever a Cardinal: Arizona drafted Larry Fitzgerald 16 years ago
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals were thrilled that Larry Fitzgerald, a wide receiver out of Pittsburgh, fell into their laps with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.
Cardinals draft pick Isaiah Simmons brings versatility, big game experience
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals filled multiple holes on their defense with one player when they selected Clemson’s versatile Isaiah Simmons with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
School leaders say move to distance learning highlights digital divide
TEMPE – The scramble to deliver lessons remotely because of COVID-19 has been a challenge for all schools in the state, but a particularly difficult one for districts on the wrong side of the digital divide, school leaders said this week.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Testing allowed for more people under new guidelines
Testing numbers have dropped, more inmate infections expected, UArizona wastewater testing expands to LA and NY, and other news from around the Grand Canyon State.
‘I was shocked’: Arizona Cardinals land Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals were pleasantly surprised to find that Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones was available in the third round of the the NFL Draft.
53 seasons ago, nickname of Phoenix’s new NBA franchise was revealed
PHOENIX – When Phoenix was awarded an NBA franchise, team executives wanted to make sure they gave it a proper nickname. Fifty-three years ago, the name was announced.
Suns sharpshooter Rex Chapman broke an NBA playoff record 23 years ago
PHOENIX – Twenty-three years ago, Rex Chapman became the first NBA player to drill nine 3-point shots in a single playoff game for the Phoenix Suns. That record stayed in place until Klay Thompson came along.
16 years ago, Sarver purchased Phoenix Suns for record $401 million
PHOENIX – The $401 million price tag for the Suns was an NBA record at the time of the sale, but 16 years later, the blockbuster purchase hasn’t panned out to be all it was expected for Robert Sarver.
8 ways to teach kids to manage money as coronavirus keeps families at home
Teaching children to develop a work ethic, be responsible and share with others is an important part of parenting. A co-founder of the BusyKid app says money management tools help build such life skills.
COVID-19 in Arizona: ‘Testing blitz’ announced to check 60,000 more Arizonans
PHOENIX – Local first responders now have access to antibody testing, COVID-19 is permanently shuttering local businesses, and other updates from the Grand Canyon State.
Even without baseball, images from shortened Cactus League season endure
PHOENIX – A photo retrospective of Cactus League spring training workouts and games remind us of what we’re missing with sports halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upstart head start: Some challengers better funded than incumbents
TEMPE - The coronavirus had already made 2020 an unusual election year when campaign finance reports added another twist, showing challengers in some congressional races raising far more than the incumbents they hope to unseat.
Making do: After canceled season, ASU’s Torkelson awaits MLB Draft
PHOENIX – Spencer Torkelson is controlling what he can, not dwelling on the cancellation of his junior season at Arizona State and awaiting the Major League Baseball Draft.
‘Borrowing from the future’: What an emerging megadrought means for the Southwest
PHOENIX – A new report finds the period from 2000 through 2018 was the driest 19-year span since the late 1500s, and humans are partly to blame.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Mayors will await governor’s lead on reopening state
PHOENIX – Congress announces small business funding through CARES Act Training, the first prison death from COVID-19, and other updates from the Grand Canyon State.
Despite funds, lawmakers say tribes still shortchanged in COVID-19 aid
TEMPE - Native American tribes have been severely hit by the coronavirus but have received only a fraction of the help they need from the federal government, said lawmakers, who called the impact on businesses and health on reservations "particularly worrisome."
Jobless benefits expand next month, but advocates worry it’s not enough
TEMPE - Arizona unemployment benefits will expand next month to cover workers who are not now eligible, to last longer than before and to pay more in weekly benefits to some jobless workers. But advocates say that while the change is welcome - it's probably too little, and too late.
On the right track: Olympic hopeful Cole Walsh keeping focus during COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – Pole vaulter Cole Walsh, an Olympic hopeful, is using what he’s learned during his journey to help him stay positive and fit during quarantine.
A nod of respect: Bobblehead craze still going strong in 2020
PHOENIX – Bobbleheads are highly popular, not only with fans but the professional teams who give them away.
COVID-19 in Arizona: State stay-at-home order extended to May 15
Navajo Nation distributes aid as state death toll tops 300, Arizona corrections officers threaten to walk out, city officials warn it could take Phoenix six years to recover jobs lost in the past six weeks, and other news from the Grand Canyon State.
Plan to ‘revive’ uranium mining called unneeded, unwanted by advocates
PHOENIX - Environmentalists are blasting a Trump administration call for "bold action to revive and strengthen the uranium mining industry," an industry whose history they say has left a "toxic trail" through the Grand Canyon.
April 29, 2020 Newscast
Organizations helping disabled immigrants; panic among shoppers continues; and more
Nonprofit, 5 Arizona companies give back to first responders
As COVID-19 sweeps Arizona several companies are redirecting their businesses to meet the demands of first responders.
Offline and left out: Not all Arizona students can connect for remote learning
PHOENIX – Arizona schools are working to provide resources to families that are without internet connection in the wake of school closures because of the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Trump to visit Phoenix mask maker during Ducey stay-home order
ACLU protest for prisoner rights, ASU to resume in-person classes in fall and other headlines from the Grand Canyon State.
Trump’s Phoenix trip first in weeks, as he aims to ‘move around’ more
PHOENIX - President Donald Trump will visit Phoenix next week to tour a Honeywell facility that was revamped last month to make N95 masks, his first trip away from Washington in more than a month. It comes as the state continues tts social distancing policies.
Court upholds death penalty for only Native American on U.S. death row
WASHINGTON - An appeals court Thursday upheld the death sentence for Lezmond Mitchell, the only Native American on federal death row, and one of five inmates targeted last year for execution under a revived federal death penalty policy.
Small farms struggle to get federal relief funds or emergency help from USDA
PHOENIX – Although big agriculture producers continue to operate during the pandemic, small farms are struggling to sell to consumers with restaurants and schools closed.
How to find a job when so many are out of work
PHOENIX – Some Arizona industries such as medical, sales, food and delivery companies are hiring and developing social distancing protocols to protect employees.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey faces pushback from religious groups and state attorney general
PHOENIX – Third prisoner dies in Arizona prisons, counterfeit cleaning materials seized and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
4 inmate deaths from COVID-19 possible; critics assail prisons’ response
WASHINGTON - As many as four inmates may have died from COVID-19, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, which critics charge is not doing enough to protect prisoners and guards from infection in the tight quarters of a prison.
‘Nobody saw that coming’: Jordan documentary offers inside look at superstar
LOS ANGELES – “The Last Dance” is a documentary showing Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ road to another NBA title in the 1997-98 season.
New jobless claims fall, but unemployment rolls keep growing
WASHINGTON - The number of new jobless claims fell for a second straight week, but the number of unemployed continued to rise in Arizona and the nation in what one expert calls a shock to workers and a "huge shock" to the system.
Whack-a-troll: Watchdogs scramble to keep up with COVID-19 scams, fraud
PHOENIX - Authorities and consumer watchdog groups say the threat of COVID-19 and the national focus on it have combined with the speed and anonymity of the internet to spread scams that have left them scrambling to keep up with the fraudsters.
Getting schooled: Even in virtual classroom, ASU’s basketball teams set high standards
TEMPE – Arizona State men’s and women’s basketball doing well in online class format
Pageant winner steps up to help her tribe and winds up shipping masks across North America
PHOENIX – When Stormie Perdash was asked to help make face masks for those living on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, she had no idea how big a project it would become. Perdash, who serves as Miss Shoshone-Bannock, is shipping masks across the U.S.
‘This was a lightning bolt’: Baseball insider Pedro Gomez reflects on shutdown of sport
PHOENIX – ESPN baseball insider Pedro Gomez is learning to adjust to life without the sport but hopes to see the game return soon.
Mother and son percolate coffee business to hire the formerly incarcerated
PHOENIX – One coffee at a time: A former sex offender and his mother hire formerly incarcerated workers for Java Justice. The new business is part of reforming a system that punishes people long after they have left prison.
As blood donations fell, FDA eased rules to roll up a sleeve and give
WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration has eased some long-standing restrictions on blood donations in order to help blood banks keep up with demand, as infection concerns and COVID-19 stay-home orders were leading to widespread cancellations of blood drives and donation appointments.
With season on hold, Rangers manager Woodward remains in Arizona, focuses on outreach
SURPRISE – Chris Woodward’s first season as Texas Rangers manager was an overall success, but with season two on hold, he waits in Arizona and reaches out to community.
Celebrations scrapped, flights canceled and many tears shed: College graduation in the era of COVID-19
PHOENIX – Commencement is just one of the watershed events upended by COVID-19, prompting colleges and universities across the nation to cancel or postpone ceremonies or create a virtual alternative.
The Coronavirus Chronicles
The Coronavirus Chronicles takes viewers through several weeks of the biggest coronavirus stories since the outbreak began – while offering an inside look at how the newsroom navigated bringing stories of a worldwide crisis to audiences.
Mental well-being is a priority for NHL and Coyotes as season remains on hold
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes went from physically preparing for a playoff push to mentally preparing for a canceled season. It hasn’t been easy.
Green burials adapt to protect ‘death care’ workers in the time of pandemic
LOS ANGELES – The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the safety of morticians and other death care workers. Green burials are adapting to changes, allowing body bags to be buried and discouraging embalming for the safety of death care workers.
Report: Thousands of DACA recipients work on COVID-19 front lines
PHOENIX – A new report estimates that up to 200,0000 DACA recipients are in jobs on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 - health care, teaching, agriculture and food services - with as many as 6,800 undocumented workers in such fields in Arizona alone.
‘Coronavirus Chronicles’: Cronkite News special highlights pandemic coverage
The Coronavirus Chronicles takes viewers through several weeks of the biggest coronavirus stories since the outbreak began – while offering an inside look at how the newsroom navigated bringing stories of a worldwide crisis to audiences.
Collegiate wrestling struggling to keep its foothold in the West
TEMPE - Collegiate wrestling is struggling to have a presence in the West as more programs are being cut.
‘It strengthened us’: Texas group boosts mental health of Latinas by bringing moms and daughters together
AUSTIN, Texas – Among teens, Latinas face high rates of attempted suicide. One Texas group is helping them build resilience by strengthening the bond between mothers and daughters.
Invisible no more: Artist paints her endometriosis journey to raise awareness of misunderstood disease
PHOENIX – The menstrual disease endometriosis often is thought of as "just a bad period,” but it’s much more complex – and painful – than that. Phoenix artist Amanda Adkins shares her personal story to empower other women to talk about endometriosis.
State taking steps to reopen economy, but reviving it could take years
WASHINGTON - Arizona took another tentative step toward reopening the state's economy Monday, when dine-in restaurants were allowed to resume limited service. But while reopening the economy could come relatively swiftly, experts say reviving the economy could take years.
Memories of Arizona Sundogs have Prescott Valley longing for another hockey team
PRESCOTT VALLEY – Although the Arizona Sundogs folded in 2014, a group of fans in Prescott Valley are longing for the return of hockey there.
With safety measures, many Arizona parks and trails remained opened during stay-at-home order
PHOENIX – With Arizona’s stay-at-home order extended until May 15, some parks and trails will continue to stay open with necessary precautions.
During pandemic, NHL prospect Kyle Aucoin counts on perspective learned from his father
PHOENIX – After coronavirus halts hockey, NHL prospect Kyle Aucoin returns home, works out with his father, former Coyotes player Adrian.
No pressing the flesh, but candidates learn to campaign under COVID-19
TEMPE - Faced with the stay-home orders and social distancing of COVID-19, candidates have suspended rallies and in-person campaigning, have staffers working from home and are scrambling to find ways to reach voters while competing for donations and media attention in the face of a pandemic.
Recycling increases in Phoenix during the pandemic
Recycling programs throughout Arizona have struggled during the COVID-19 outbreak, as they work to collect recyclables safely.
Recharging batteries: MLB’s postponement hurts bonding between pitchers, catchers
SURPRISE – The relationship between pitchers and catchers in baseball is important, and it can define a game, a season even a legend.
Baseball’s international pull includes Diamondbacks fan in Scotland
PHOENIX – Major League Baseball is trying to expand its international fanbase and that includes the Diamondbacks, who have a big supporter in Scotland.
Tool shows what many know: Arizona communities at high risk for wildfire
PHOENIX - A new U.S. Forest Service tool removes any doubt that wildfire poses a high risk Arizona properties, mapping the state in blazing reds and flaming yellows, but officials hope the tool can help community leaders and fire experts take steps to reduce risk to homes and businesses.
As if firefighting wasn’t dangerous enough, crews grapple with COVID-19
TEMPE - As if fighting fires wasn't dangerous enough, firefighters now have to worry about COVID-19 while they're on the job, making for what fire officials say will be the "most challenging season we're going to have."
Teaching model ‘flips’ traditional classroom in Arizona
PHOENIX – The teaching model of the flipped classroom – where students are lectured at home and apply their knowledge in class – has spread across the world, but it’s not widely used in Arizona schools.
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WASHINGTON - Border officials will start turning away all undocumented migrants and asylum seekers beginning Saturday, in what President Donald Trump called an effort to protect "our border agents, migrants and to the public at large" from COVID-19.
CPR goes AWOL: Life-saving act less likely in Hispanic neighborhoods
PHOENIX - A recent study found that CPR is less common in neighborhoods that are primarily Hispanic, and that chances of surviving a cardiac arrest in those neighborhoods are low. The situation is made more worse by a reluctance by residents of Hispanic neighborhoods to call 911, another study shows.
Powwows move online to keep Indigenous communities together
PHOENIX – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Native Americans have come together online in virtual powwows.
Groups step up efforts to help refugees grappling with COVID-19 fallout
PHOENIX - COVID-19 has hit refugee communities harder than most, but in spite of that - or maybe because of it - support from aid groups is as strong as ever, working to provide refugee families with information, support financial aid, even computers to help their children continue their schooling from home.
Scottsdale mayor says COVID-19 hurt U.S. ‘psyche’ along with economy
WASHINGTON - The financial and health effects of COVID-19 have been well documented, but Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane said Wednesday that he is just as concerned about the impact the pandemic has had on the American psyche.
Survey: Latino families, businesses say they were left out by CARES Act
PHOENIX - About half of low-income Latino households and just as many Latino-owned businesses said they have not received any support from the massive COVID-19 relief bills, according to a nationwide poll released Wednesday.
Opinions on water, willingness to protect it varies by region, survey finds
American Public Media surveyed more than 1,000 Americans about their thoughts on water quality and availability. Among the findings is that knowledge of water issues isn’t the biggest predictor of whether someone takes action. Personal connections to rivers, lakes and oceans lead to people taking more conservation measures.
Buckeye bumped from top spot; Valley cities still post big population gains
PHOENIX - The city of Buckeye got bumped from the top spot for population growth rate in 2019, but its 56.6% population increase since 2010 was still enough to make it the second-fastest growing city in the nation for the decade. Phoenix, meanwhile, had the nation's biggest gains over the decade.
Holidays, on ice: COVID-19 upends Memorial Day weekend travel plans
The travel forecast for this Memorial Day weekend is fuzzy - just another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, as restrictions and concerns about the virus are scrambling trip planning. The traffic will likely not be near the 43 million Americans who traveled last year, but after that it's anybody's guess.
Limited Memorial Day reopening of Grand Canyon ‘premature,’ critics say
PHOENIX - The Grand Canyon will reopen on a limited basis for Memorial Day weekend, a move critics call "premature" during the COVID-19 pandemic and "tone-deaf" in the face of startling infection rates in the neighboring Navajo Nation.
Softball community faces its toughest opponent yet: COVID-19
PHOENIX – The softball community, from high school athletes to college stars, are finding their dreams squashed by the coronavirus.
Report: Treasury formula for COVID-19 funding shortchanges some tribes
Arizona tribes were among those who could get too much - or too little - COVID-19 relief funding under a Treasury Department funding formula that is based on "probably not the best numbers," according to the author of a new report.
Tribe aims to improve dental health by bringing smiles to the dental visit
SAN CARLOS - Fear of the dentist was just one of the problems facing the San Carlos Apache tribe, where tooth decay among kindergarteners exceeded both state and national levels, but tribal health officials are working to improve the situation a number of ways, including demystifying a dental visit.
Veterans cemeteries go virtual for Memorial Day services this year
PHOENIX - Veterans' cemeteries will still be open for visits, but in a bow to COVID-19 health concerns, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services will be going online with the annual Memorial Day ceremony and related events at the state's three military cemeteries.
Athletes’ indifference toward sports contributed to retirement of Trevor Browne’s Michael Fletcher
PHOENIX – After more than 20 years of coaching boys tennis at Trevor Browne, Michael Fletcher is stepping down. Among the reasons for his decision: “Kids are not interested in playing sports anymore.”
Remote control: Even away from players, Pac-12 football coaches try to stay on track for season
PHOENIX – Separate physically but not socially, Pac-12 coaches have remained engaged with their players virtually as they plan for a football season with many question marks.
As holiday crowds packed tourist spots, fears rose of COVID-19 spread
Memorial Day weekend crowds that one official said were "off the charts" at Arizona vacation spots have health experts worried that tourist behavior could lead to an increase of COVID-19 of cases.
COVID-19 can’t stop Muslims from celebrating Eid – with some tweaks
PHOENIX - Faced with the challenge of balancing one of the holiest days of the with safety concerns sparked by COVID-19, Arizona Muslims came up with some novel ways to observe Eid al-Fitr, from parading in their cars to praying in masks on prayer rugs that were 6 feet apart.
Amid conflict over Salt River horses, a controversial fence is finished
MESA – Amid conflict over Salt River horses, a controversial fence is finished
Pac-12 OKs in-person workouts, tries to solve puzzle of COVID-19 state rules
PHOENIX – Although the Pac-12 delivered news that suggested an on-time start to the college football season is possible, it must wait to see how the six states that house the conference teams will handle the pandemic.
Mexico changes renewable energy rules, citing COVID-19 pandemic
MEXICO CITY – New regulations introduced by the government favor the fossil fuel industry and may stifle the renewable energy market in Mexico, critics say.
Despite slight dip, Phoenix still ranks high for solar power in cities
PHOENIX - Phoenix dipped slightly in a national ranking of solar power capacity, even as the total amount of power generated and the power per person increased from last year, according to a national report released Wednesday.
Cities, counties to get $441 million in direct COVID-19 relief funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona cities and counties will get access to nearly $600 million in COVID-19 relief funding, part of the more than $1.8 billion awarded two months ago to Arizona under the federal CARES Act.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Second surge in cases, deaths continues unabated
As the pandemic affects communities all over the state, a look at how many new cases and deaths are reported by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Navajo COVID curve flattens, but leaders fear post-holiday spike in cases
PHOENIX – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez says the curve of positive cases on the reservation has begun to flatten, and officials announce another weekend curfew.
Temperature checks, no high fives: AIA announces guidelines for high school athletes to return to sports
PHOENIX – The Arizona Interscholastic Association issued coronavirus guidelines Thursday for the possible return of high school athletics during the fall.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Schools and youth sports to reopen; death toll at 857
PHOENIX – With Arizona still in phase one of the federal guidelines to reopen, state officials are pushing to reopen schools and restart youth activities for the summer and fall.
Bills seek to limit puberty blockers, other medical treatment for transgender youth
TUCSON – Legislation cropping up nationwide aims to restrict medical treatment to transgender youth and potentially criminalize doctors who provide it. Advocates call the proposals an unprecedented attack.
Preliminary OK for Little Colorado dam proposals worries plan’s critics
PHOENIX - Federal regulators have given a Phoenix company the green light to study a hydropower project for the Little Colorado River, what opponents fear is a first step toward "destroying incredibly rare, beautiful, sacred resources."
COVID-19 in Arizona: 790 new cases breaks record for second straight day
PHOENIX – With Arizona gradually reopening, the number of new COVID-19 cases across the state has reached its highest point since the start of the pandemic.
Mayors glad to get COVID-19 relief funding, wish it had arrived sooner
WASHINGTON - Mayors around the state said they welcome the $441 million in COVID-19 relief funding released by the state this week - they just wish they could have welcomed it sooner. The comments came as the state released $441 million in relief funds from the federal CARES Act, passed two months ago.
Phoenix officials issue warning to protesters: Officers will not tolerate criminal activity
PHOENIX – Phoenix officials on Saturday braced for another night of protests and said they would continue to allow for peaceful demonstration. However, officers will take action if demonstrations turn criminal.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey declares state of emergency, issues curfew to last all week
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, setting a curfew starting at 8 p.m. Sunday and lasting for one week.
Night of relative calm follows curfew order; enforcement uncertain
After days of clashes between protesters and police, Arizona spent a relatively quiet night Sunday under a statewide dusk-to-dawn curfew that was ordered by Gov. Doug Ducey Sunday. It's unclear how much impact the curfew order had - and it's also unclear how strictly it will be enforced.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Navajo Nation sees a spike in cases
PHOENIX – Sky Harbor Airport requires masks, Casa Grande officials want public input on spending COVID-19 funds and other stories from around the Grand Canyon State.
Get this: Under likely NBA proposal, 26-39 Suns still have shot at postseason
PHOENIX – The Suns haven’t played a game since March 10. The drought could be coming to an end soon.
As tensions mount over Floyd death, coaches from high school to pros step out of comfort zone
PHOENIX – Arizona has many coaches of color. With the recent events, how do they address racial injustice with their players? Or do they ignore it entirely?
After days of rage, Arizonans speak of their frustrations, fears and hope
Cronkite News spoke with several Arizonans protesting the deaths of black people at the hands of police, including a college activist who encourages credible activism, an interior designer who wants others to realize what African Americans need, and a business owner worried about looting but hopes the protests will bring real change.
June 1, 2020, Newscast
Reaction to protests in Phoenix and Scottsdale; masks now required at Sky Harbor Airport and more.
‘We got a second chance’: Coyotes thrilled to be among 24 teams to resume play
PHOENIX – On May 26, the NHL officially announced the format for returning to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘I can’t breathe’: Protesters take to the streets of Phoenix
PHOENIX – Protesters nationwide have expressed anger and frustration over racial inequities in the U.S. Cronkite News documents the protests held in Phoenix.
COVID-19 in Arizona: First death reported in Santa Cruz County
PHOENIX – Federal statistics reveal high rates of infection among Arizona nursing home residents, Mesa announces plans for dine-in restaurants and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
Tribal leaders, advocates question reopening at Grand Canyon, other parks
PHOENIX - Arizona tribal leaders told House lawmakers Tuesday that moves to reopen national parks are being made without needed health safety measures to protect tribal members or park visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arizona lawmakers see Trump pledge to deploy troops as a promise – or a threat
PHOENIX – President Donald Trump's pledge to deploy "thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers" to put down protests was seen as either a promise or a threat, depending on which Arizona lawmaker was reacting to his comments.
Hundreds of protesters flow into downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – Waves of protests, rolling across Arizona in the last several days like a tributary in a national unleashing of fury and grief over the deaths of black men at the hands of police, kept flowing on Tuesday night.
Curfew curtailing casinos? Don’t bet on it, owners say
After being closed for months by COVID-19, casinos around Arizona had just started to reopen when a statewide dusk-to-dawn curfew took effect Sunday. But casinos around the state said their hours are unchanged, curfew or no curfew.
COVID-19 pandemic forces Mercury to cut players without seeing them
PHOENIX – The Mercury cut four players despite not having a training camp yet because of the coronavirus pandemic.
June 3, 2020, Noon Update
Cronkite News brings you Arizona's three most searched stories in today's Clickable Countdown.
It’s official: Phoenix Suns will play again this season
PHOENIX – After months of speculation, the Phoenix Suns will be one of the teams whose NBA season will resume in Orlando. Their path, however, won’t be easy.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Navajo Nation cancels July 4 celebrations, ends weekend curfew
PHOENIX – Arizona’s number of positive cases continues to grow, schools scramble to prepare for the coming year and other stories from around the Grand Canyon State.
GOP eyeing new convention sites, raising hopes of Arizona officials
With the Republican National Committee actively seeking new homes for its August convention, some in Arizona are angling for the state to get in line with the long list of other potential suitors.
June 3, 2020, Newscast
Former Pres. Obama praises demonstrators; Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams on racism; and relief efforts on the Navajo Nation.
Phoenix Council rejects plan to boost funds for police oversight
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council narrowly rejected a plan Wednesday that would have sharply increased funding for a newly established civilian oversight committee for the police department.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Deaths top 1,000, new cases set fourth record in a week
WASHINGTON - Coronavirus-related deaths in Arizona passed 1,000 on Friday, as 16 new deaths brought the state's total to 1,012 since the first death was reported in mid-March.The grim milestone came as new COVID-19 cases continued to soar, with a new daily of 1,579 new cases Friday.
ASU drops new Cronkite dean after reports of racist remarks to Loyola students
Arizona State University officials announced late Sunday that they have rescinded the offer to the incoming dean of the Cronkite School, just days after tweeted allegations that she had made racist comments to students at her current school.
Heat-relief providers face two battles: Arizona summer and COVID-19
PHOENIX – Efforts to provide hydration, cooling and temporary shelter to needy populations now must also balance the health and safety of their workers and guests, as CDC guidelines restrict their capacity and increase the need for donations.
As George Floyd protests continue, Cardinals’ Kingsbury calls for accountability, justice
PHOENIX- Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury addressed the George Floyd protests, hopes conversations with players continue throughout season.
COVID-19 in Arizona: State officials press hospitals to activate emergency plans
PHOENIX – As Arizona’s largest health system and COVID-19 cases rapidly increase, Banner Health’s Intensive Care Units are threatening to reach maximum capacity.
Phoenix Council OKs budget with $3 million for new police review office
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council approved a sharp increase in funding for a new police oversight office Monday, after first making sure that the extra funds would not cut into a planned 1% pay raise for city workers.
Arizona Democrats among those backing sweeping police reform bill
Congressional Democrats unveiled a sweeping police reform bill Monday that would ban the use of chokeholds and make it easier to hold officers accountable, a bill that one Arizona police group blasted as "one-sided" and "disappointing."
Community groups step in to provide immigrants COVID testing, relief
PHOENIX – Congress has provided medical and financial relief to millions of Americans dealing with COVID-19, but many immigrants are excluded – leaving advocacy groups to provide economic, medical and emotional support.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Navajo leaders lay out plan to spend relief funds, shield elderly from ‘this monster’
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona hits its highest seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases to date, 1,070 Arizonans now have died of the disease, first responders are tested in Flagstaff and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
June 9, 2020, Noon Update
Top stories today include a sweeping police reform bill, hospitals activating emergency plans and the push to remove a confederate monument in Phoenix.
Hospitals adapt to keep beds available as surge in COVID-19 cases tests system
Surging numbers of COVID-19 cases in Arizona have pushed some hospital intensive-care units to their limits in recent weeks, but health experts around the state said hospitals still have room to adapt - for now.
Phoenix police ban chokeholds in wake of Floyd death, protest clashes
The Phoenix Police Department will ban the use of chokeholds on suspects, a change aimed at regaining community trust in the wake of George Floyd's choking death two weeks ago while he was in Minneapolis police custody.
June 9, 2020, Newscast
Phoenix city council votes on police oversight; COVID-19 impact on summer travel; and light rail funding.
June 10, 2020, Noon Update
Rise in COVID-19 cases; Mega Millions jackpot ticket sold in Glendale; and Prescott Rodeo expected to take place with precautions.
Different worlds, same inspiration: Cardinals’ Kirk, Suns’ Baynes moved to speak after Floyd protests
PHOENIX- Different worlds, same inspiration: Cardinals’ Kirk, Suns’ Baynes moved to speak out after Floyd protests
COVID-19 in Arizona: Cases spike in Maricopa County jails
PHOENIX – A growing number of inmates in Maricopa County jails have tested positive for COVID-19; Arizona scientists develop genetically engineered mice for vaccine testing; blood donations are being tested for antibodies; and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
June 10, 2020, Newscast
Concerns over increase in COVID-19 cases in Arizona; more restrictions to prevent wildfires; new esports facility coming to ASU.
Floyd’s brother testifies to House, as lawmakers debate best way forward
WASHINGTON - The brother of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests, told a somber House committee Wednesday that he hopes his testimony can bring changes so that Floyd's "death will not be in vain."
Higher asthma rate among challenges LGBTQ youth face during pandemic
LOS ANGELES – With higher rates of asthma, homelessness and unsupportive home environments, many LGBTQ youth face unique challenges during COVID-19, and a Phoenix nonprofit is developing resources to help.
Masks during workouts, daily health checks highlight UA’s return to sports in COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – Director of Athletics David Heeke and Dr. Stephen Paul of C.A.T.S Medical Services addressed the re-entry plan for athletes, Football players will start returning June 15.
June 11, 2020, Noon Update
Arizona’s most-searched stories: NASCAR’s Confederate flag ban, latest unemployment numbers
Ducey says state will keep reopening despite surge in COVID-19 cases
PHOENIX – Facing rise in COVID-19 cases, politicians and health experts voice concern for Arizona’s plans to continue reopening businesses that were shut down in March. In other news, state health officials reported a total of 31,264 cases of COVID-19 and 1,127 deaths.
Mayors: COVID-19 followed by second ‘pandemic’ of police relations
WASHINGTON - Cities were already grappling with the health and economic impact of COVID-19 when protests uncovered what one mayor Thursday called the "second pandemic" - a fractured police relationship with minority communities.
Amid COVID-related harassment of Asian Americans, experts stress need for mental health care
Asian Americans historically have been less likely to seek mental health care than other Americans, but amid harassment and some violence related to COVID-19, experts urge those in need to seek help.
June 11, 2020, Newscast
Latest on Confederate monuments; COVID-19 updates; ASU first baseman first round MLB pick
Spencer Torkelson joins ASU elite after selected No. 1 overall by Tigers
PHOENIX – ASU slugger Spencer Torkelson is drafted No. 1 overall by the Detroit Tigers in a historic ASU draft.
No reason to ‘make anybody uncomfortable’: NASCAR’s Bowman supports Confederate flag ban
PHOENIX – NASCAR drivers such as Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace react to the banning of Confederate flags at all future NASCAR events
COVID-19 in Arizona: Native American communities hit harder than some states, research finds
PHOENIX – Arizona sets a single-day record for new cases; more swab testing will be available in Phoenix; tiny Guadalupe reports high infection numbers; and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
GAO: Border officials spent migrant care funds on canines, ATVs, more
PHOENIX - Customs and Border Protection officials spent funds that were supposed to go to medical care and migrant processing facilities to pay for computer upgrades, canine units, ATVs and other items instead, a new government report shows.
June 12, 2020, Newscast
Jail inmates testing positive for COVID-19; ASU requiring face masks; Sun Devils heading to the big leagues.
College arms, bloodlines tell the story for Diamondbacks in MLB draft
PHOENIX- After losing rotation piece Taijuan Walker and acquiring All-Star Madison Bumgarner, the Diamondbacks opted to supplement their pitching stock in the draft.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Some restaurants close again, masks in public remain optional despite rise in cases
PHOENIX – Despite a steady rise in cases and several business closures due to the pandemic, Gov. Doug Ducey has not required Arizonans to wear masks in public.
Supreme Court expands ‘sex discrimination’ to protect LGBTQ workers
PHOENIX - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Civil Rights Act protections against "sex discrimination" also protect gay or transgender employees from discrimination, even if they are not specifically mentioned in the 1964 law, a ruling welcomed as long overdue by Arizona advocates.
June 15, 2020, Newscast
COVID-19 spike closes restaurants; skateboarders protest against racism; DACA recipients in limbo
Administration unveils sweeping plan to tighten rules on asylum-seekers
PHOENIX - The Trump administration has unveiled its furthest-reaching plan yet to change asylum law in the U.S., redefining the meaning of "persecution" and raising the bar for refugees seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture, among other changes.
Masks, tests and quarantines: ASU unveils plan for workouts during the pandemic
PHOENIX - ASU unveils plan for athletes to return for voluntary workouts amid COVID-19 pandemic.
University of California divests from fossil fuels, puts $1 billion into clean energy
PHOENIX — UC moved $1 billion in investments from fossil fuels to clean energy, the largest divestment in the movement away from coal, oil and gas, but that movement does not yet include Arizona universities.
Lawsuit seeks trade sanctions against Mexico for failing to protect endangered porpoise
HERMOSILLO, Mexico – The Center for Biological Diversity and the Animal Welfare Institute are demanding the United States formally certify that Mexico’s failure to end fishing practices that endanger the tiny vaquita marina porpoise violates an international treaty, requiring the U.S. to prohibit all wildlife imports, including seafood.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Case numbers break daily record set four days earlier
PHOENIX – As Arizona faces thousands of new cases over the past week, experts blame an increase in public outings and raise fears of more hospitalizations.
June 16, 2020, Newscast
Trump’s visit causes health concerns; government helps small businesses; Flagstaff considers closing streets
Senate OKs up to $1.9 billion a year for parks repair, land acquisition
PHOENIX - Senators broke into applause Wednesday as they gave overwhelming approval to a bill allocating up to $1.9 billion a year for public lands acquisition and national park maintenance fund, a bill advocates said is "55 years overdue."
New Coyotes CEO Gutierrez looks to mobilize Arizona’s Latino community
GLENDALE – Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo announced Xavier A. Gutierrez as the franchise’s new President and CEO. Gutierrez is the first Latino President and CEO in NHL history and hopes to mobilize the community.
June 17, 2020, Noon Update
New news update: The Brush Fire burns in Phoenix; COVID-19 pandemic predictions; teachers return to class survey.
Phoenix Rising players await news on resumption of USL Championship season
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC and the USL Championship are set to resume play July 11. More details are expected to come shortly.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Medical professionals urge mask mandate
PHOENIX – With cases of COVID-19 in Arizona rising by more than 1,000 a day, members of the medical community have written letters asking state officials to issue new pandemic guidelines.
‘I stand for what is right’: Cardinals’ Murray will kneel during national anthem
PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said he will join others and plans to kneel during national anthem.
Ducey recommends mask use, tells cities and counties to make and enforce local rules
PHOENIX – Pledging harsher enforcement of state rules for restaurants and public spaces, Ducey allows local leaders to mandate the use of face masks in public.
Arizona’s Bush Fire – now the largest in the country – forces evacuations
The Bush Fire, northeast of Mesa, is home to the largest fire in the country. Nearly 1,500 people were forced to evacuate.
Census field workers back on Navajo Nation, with work cut out for them
Experts can cite any number of historical and logistical reasons why Native Americans have relatively low response rates to the Census, but they point to a very new, and very specific challenge this year - COVID-19, which has hit tribes hard while keeping enumerators out of the field..
Supreme Court reverses Trump administration, saves DACA – for now
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court breathed new life into the endangered DACA program Thursday, ruling that the Trump administration's attempt to end the program was arbitrary and capricious and must be reversed.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Gila River hotels, casinos close for two weeks after worker death
PHOENIX – Mask requirements are in development by city and county leaders, and other headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
DACA recipients arrested in protests face risk of deportation
PHOENIX – DACA recipient Johan Montes Cuevas was held in ICE custody for two days after videotaping police aggression from his vehicle.
‘I can breathe again’: DACA recipients, experts react to Supreme Court ruling
PHOENIX - Advocates and DACA recipients celebrated the Supreme Court ruling Thursday that upheld the deferred deprotation program the Trump administration tried to end. But how long that celebration will last is unclear, as the court said the administration still has the authority to end DACA.
Arizona afire: Crews scramble to control 11 blazes in the state
PHOENIX — Twelve fires actively burn in Arizona forcing an increase in residents to evacuate and in acres of forests set ablaze, but low winds may help some areas as they work towards containment.
How safe is fishing during the pandemic? Very, if you follow basic rules
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game & Fish Department has a new video that details safe fishing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Free-ish’: Juneteenth events celebrate past with an eye on the present
PHOENIX - Juneteenth has always celebrated the day 155 years ago when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the last slaves in Texas, but organizers say this year's events in Arizona will also have an eye on the present.
Native American groups address mental and behavioral health as COVID-19 wears on
PHOENIX – As coronavirus ravages the Navajo Nation and other Native American communities, experts are worried about the effects on mental health, and they’re going online to address those concerns.
Arizona Smash community faces challenge during pandemic
PHOENIX – Super Smash Bros. eSports tournaments in Arizona are on hold. That changes a gaming experience and community meant to be savored in person.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Phoenix City Council votes to mandate masks
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council voted 7-2 to mandate face masks outdoors and in businesses in light of Doug Ducey’s decision to allow city councils to implement and enforce their own mandates.
June 19, 2020, Newscast
Summer camps during COVID-19; tensions over Trump's Tulsa visit; Juneteenth holiday
COVID-19 is creating communication barriers for the deaf community
PHOENIX – People who are deaf or hard of hearing have special difficulties when it comes to communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as masks that prevent “face reading.”
In crossing Arizona’s last free-flowing river, border wall construction also erodes trust
BISBEE – Cochise County officials and conservationists are frustrated that Customs and Border Protection is ignoring local input as it pushes ahead with a barrier across the San Pedro River, which flows north from Mexico and is one of the last undammed rivers in the Southwest.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Phoenix mayor says mask requirements won’t be enforced at Trump rally
An Arizona sheriff tested positive for COVID-19 but says he will not wear or enforce face masks, while some Arizonans wait more than 10 hours in the heat to receive testing.
Trump in Yuma to mark 216 miles of border wall, still a work in progress
PHOENIX - President Donald Trump is set to visit Yuma Tuesday to mark the completion of 216 miles of border wall - well shy of the 450 miles he vowed to have built by the end of this year. But experts note that, with elections this fall, the administration has a powerful incentive to keep pressing ahead.
Districts, parents still unsure how to safely open Arizona schools
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Education has guidelines for schools to help them reopen in the fall. Now it’s up to districts to figure out the best options.
‘This is our moment’: Mercury, WNBA brace for complications as they prepare to return
PHOENIX - From COVID-19 concerns to racial injustice, the WNBA, Mercury brace for complications as they return to court
COVID-19 in Arizona: State sets another record for new cases
PHOENIX – Arizona set a record Tuesday for the number of new COVID-19 cases in a day, the second record in less than a week, with 3,591 new cases confirmed by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Immigration advocates criticize Trump’s new visa restrictions
PHOENIX – President Trump extended a freeze on green cards for new immigrants and signed an executive order to suspend new H-1B, L-1, J and other temporary work visas for skilled workers, managers and au pairs through the end of the year.
Two Arizona tribes, advocacy group join suits over EPA’s clean-water rule rollback
PHOENIX - Two Arizona tribes and a Phoenix-based advocacy group joined a pair of lawsuits this week to reverse a Trump administration clean-water rule that critics said would open the "vast majority of Arizona’s waterways" to pollution and degradation.
Tribal leaders say border wall, other projects continue to threaten sacred, historic sites
PHOENIX - As President Donald Trump was hailing the pace of border wall construction Tuesday, Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr. was bemoaning a project he says continues "to destroy … sacred sites.” Norris was one of five tribal leaders talking about the threats to sacred sites.
Trump tours, touts border wall; critics blast his ‘little pep rally’ in midst of pandemic
PHOENIX - President Donald Trump toured a new section of border wall in Yuma, crediting it not only for reducing border crossings and drugs but also for helping prevent "a coronavirus catastrophe" on the southern border, a claim derided by Democrats at time when COVID-19 infections are surging.
For now, no border wall will split Cocopah reservation along the Colorado River
TUSCON – The Cocopah Indian Tribe has lived along the river delta for centuries.
COVID-19 in Arizona: 79 deaths sets record for single-day reporting
Hospital beds approach capacity as federal officials warn Arizona’s surge must be contained in the coming weeks.
Play ball: Diamondbacks, MLB prepare to play America’s pastime in coronavirus era
PHOENIX – Facing a unique challenge, Major League Baseball owners and players agree to begin a 60-game schedule starting in late July. Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the organization is ready
June 24, 2020, Newscast
Wrap up of President Trump’s Arizona visit; mail-in ballot verification process; COVID-19 economic impact.
Northeast states slap quarantine on Arizona travelers to stem COVID-19 spread
TEMPE - Arizonans will face a 14-day quarantine if they travel to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, whose governors announced the restriction Wednesday to keep people from COVID-19 "hot spots" from bringing the infection with them.
Arizona jobless rate drops sharply, but still at twice pre-COVID levels
WASHINGTON - Arizona posted one of the sharpest unemployment drops in the country in May, falling from a historic high of 13.4% in April to 8.9% last month, according to the latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tucson chief offers to resign over handling of police-custody death in April
Two months after an Arizona man died in Tucson police custody, a federal investigation into the death is underway and the municipal government is in turmoil.
Cattle damage to Arizona’s Verde River spurs legal action
PHOENIX – The Center for Biological Diversity and its partners are seeking to sue the U.S. Forest Service over cattle damage in the Verde River watershed.
Phoenix Rising, GCU athletes self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19
PHOENIX – Local teams in Arizona are seeing positive cases of COVID-19. Phoenix Rising FC and GCU Men’s Basketball join the Suns and Coyotes as the latest teams to have positive cases.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey stands firm on staying open, urges Arizonans to ‘do the right thing’
PHOENIX – Cases continue to spike, Navajo police officer funeral held and other headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
COVID-19 spike prompts Maricopa County JCs to push for cancellation of sports for year
PHOENIX - A spike in coronavirus cases in the state has prompted the presidents of 10 schools in the Maricopa County Community Colleges District to push for a cancellation of all sports for the 2020-21 season.
Williams joins chiefs, mayors seeking ways to improve police-community relations
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams joined mayors and big-city police chiefs from around the country Thursday for a U.S. Conference of Mayors virtual panel looking at police reform and racial justice, as cities across the country grapple with the fallout of George Floyd's death at police hands.
Arizona lawmakers split on party lines as House passes police reform bill
PHOENIX - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines Thursday as the House passed a Democrat-backed police reform bill on the one-month anniversary of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police.
June 25, 2020, Newscast
Ducey addresses COVID-19 spike; Trump freezes visas; No D-Backs fans in stands
San Pedro River, squeezed by growing population, is subject of two lawsuits
PHOENIX – The Sierra Club announced it has joined the Center for Biological Diversity and a number of other conservation groups in two lawsuits to protect the San Pedro River, one of the last undammed rivers in the Southwest.
Amid COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter, providers push for equity in treating eating disorders
PHOENIX – Women of color, particularly Black women, often have been underdiagnosed and undertreated for eating disorders, but amid calls for equity, some providers are trying to change that.
Recruiting in coronavirus era: Arizona football prospects still committing to Division I programs
PHOENIX – Despite visiting campuses few times if at all in some cases, class of 2021 prospects are committing at record rates. Here’s why three from Arizona high schools decided to join them.
As return of season nears, Phoenix Rising schedule heavy on West Coast teams
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC will be staying on the West Coast for much of the remainder of the season, as it was announced it will join Group B for the restart of the USL season.
Critical of critical habitat: Endangered turtle haven abuts border wall
PHOENIX - The endangered Sonoyta mud turtle was granted 12.3 acres of protected habitat this week - but supporters worry that that habitat may no longer provide all the protection the turtles need, since it will be right next to the site of border wall construction.
Tucson officials rally behind police chief, reject resignation after in-custody death
PHOENIX - Tucson officials turned down Police Chief Chris Magnus' tendered resignation this week after city officials, and even the family of a man who died in police custody, rallied behind the chief.
June 26, 2020, Newscast
Scottsdale venues investigated; police reform act moves through Congress; NASCAR releases noose photo
Arizona elections officials defend mail-in voting after Trump’s criticism
PHOENIX – President Donald Trump took aim at states trying to expand mail-in balloting at a rally in Phoenix this week, and the secretary of state and the Maricopa County recorder are speaking up.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Clubs close after citations, push back on Ducey’s call-out of ‘bad actors’
PHOENIX - Members of Diamondbacks organization test positive, Rep. Stanton criticizes Maricopa County for lack of contact tracing and more headlines from the Grand Canyon State.
Chinese international students face COVID-19 dilemma: Stay put or spend big bucks to go home
PHOENIX – China has more international students studying in the U.S. than any other country, but COVID-19 has presented them with a dilemma: Stay and face losing their visas, or spend thousands to get home.
High winds, parched conditions prompt red flag wildfire warnings
PHOENIX – The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for most of Arizona on Monday, meaning the state is at a heightened risk of fire due to dry conditions and high winds.
Diamondbacks’ Mike Leake first MLB player to opt out of season amid pandemic
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake became the first known Major League Baseball player to opt out of the season, general manager Mike Hazen said Monday.
Court affirms ruling that Pentagon funding of border wall is ‘unlawful’
PHOENIX - Just days after President Donald Trump was in Yuma to praise construction of the border wall last week, a federal court reaffirmed its ruling that the administration's method of funding that construction was "unlawful."
Responding to surge, Ducey orders bars, theaters closed, delays school reopening
Movie theaters, bars, water parks and other places where large crowds can gather were ordered to close in response to troubling growth of illness and reports of crowds at river-tubing and outdoor recreation areas in Arizona this past weekend.
June 29, 2020, Newscast
Gov. Ducey closes bars, water parks; WhatsApp helping in pandemic; and Diamondbacks roster released.
The new FPS ‘Valorant’ is a big esports hit in Arizona schools
PHOENIX - The new FPS “Valorant” from Riot Games has made a big splash among the esports scene in Arizona. Members of collegiate esports organizations in Arizona discuss their thoughts on the game so far.
ADOT rolls out new dust detection system to help drivers on I-10
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has a new dust detection system along 10 miles of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson to help drivers stay safe during dust storms. The technology arrived just in time for Arizona’s monsoon season.
June 30, 2020, Newscast
Arizona closures; V.P. visit postponed; UArizona pauses plan to bring back athletes.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Navajo will not ease restrictions, despite improving numbers
PHOENIX – The number of new COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation is on a downward trend, but tribal leaders said that does not mean they are ready to ease up on health restrictions. They plan to continue 57-hour weekend lockdown for the next three weeks, as the tribe works to bring numbers even lower.
Arizona’s top football recruits continue to leave state for college
PHOENIX – ASU and UA have 15 combined players committed in the class of 2021. None of them are from Arizona. Why are the state’s top players going out of state for college?
An ‘emotional,’ financial drain: Gym owners blindsided by Ducey’s order to shut down
PHOENIX – The news that gyms would need to shut down as part of Gov. Doug Ducey’s latest executive order to slow the spread of the coronavirus has blindsided those who work in the industry.
‘Help is on the way’: Pence makes house call to Arizona amid COVID-19 surge
PHOENIX – Vice President Mike Pence praises Gov. Doug Ducey’s efforts to curb spread of disease and pledged federal support
Arizona business leaders have high hopes as USMCA takes effect
WASHINGTON - It just took effect Wednesday, but Arizona business leaders were optimistic about the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the trade deal replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement that economists say was worth billions in trade and thousands of jobs in Arizona alone.
July 1, 2020, Newscast
Vice President Pence visits Arizona; gyms take issue with Ducey's closure order.
Activists, parents call for the removal of police from schools
PHOENIX – As school districts across the country remove police from schools, many in Phoenix and Los Angeles are calling for similar action.
Torn between humanitarian ideals and U.S. pressure, Panama screens migrants from around the world
LA PEÑITA, Panama — Tens of thousands of migrants from around the world are making a dangerous journey through Panama – fleeing violence, poverty and prejudice, most trying to reach the U.S. and Canada. For many migrants, Panama is their first encounter with the U.S. immigration system.
Bombs bursting online: Towns work to balance fireworks, COVID-19 safety
PHOENIX - This Fourth will be a first for many in Arizona: The first time fireworks are replaced by sparklers, or are a drive-through or online event, or are watched in masks at a healthy distance. While planners juggle festivities with COVID-19 health concerns, they insist the celebrations will go on.
COVID-19 in Arizona: School officials say delay helps, but much still needs to be done
PHOENIX - Gov. Doug Ducey this week delayed the start of schools to Aug. 17 in light of COVID-19 infections, but parents and school administrators said that while the delay is welcome they are still scrambling to figure out how to reopen schools safely this fall.
July 2, 2020, Newscast
Where to watch fireworks safely; recruiting college athletes during the pandemic.
Mutual aid groups band together to help those in need during COVID-19
PHOENIX – Groups around Arizona are coming together to provide mutual aid, and help people with food, rent and care packages during COVID-19.
Grand Canyon businesses claw back, slowly, after 2019, 2020 setbacks
PHOENIX - This was looking to be a bounceback year for Grand Canyon-area merchants after a down 2019, but that all changed when COVID-19 hit. After closing for part of the spring, the park has reopened on a a limited basis and tourists are coming back, but business officials say times are still tough.
Arizona activists share favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quotes, explain why his words still resonate
Activists in Arizona describe how their favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quotes apply to the fight to end racial injustice and police brutality.
Turf wars: Despite its benefits, artificial grass still raises questions about injuries to athletes
PHOENIX – Although artificial turf has greatly improved since its introduction in the 1960s, studies suggest it is still likely to cause more injuries among athletes than its more expensive counterpart: natural grass.
American expats find opportunity in Panama, despite the pandemic
PANAMA CITY – Panama no longer is just for retirees. Young professionals and couples from the U.S., Canada and other countries are increasingly making the move to the small Central American country of 4.3 million residents.
Central Arizona housing boom tees up opportunity for water investors
PHOENIX – The Phoenix water-investment company Greenstone stands to make millions if state and federal regulators approve the transfer of water rights from La Paz County land it owns to fast growing Queen Creek. Critics call the deal a start down a slippery slope as urban areas of the state attract more and more people during a long term drought.
COVID-19 in Arizona: State surpasses 100,000 cases
PHOENIX – Lack of European tourists will hit the tourism industry, White Mountain Apache Tribe gets federal aid, and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
ASU researchers develop cheaper, faster saliva test for COVID-19
PHOENIX — Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a COVID-19 saliva test that’s cheaper than nasal tests, and it’s easier to administer.
Vigils continue as police release partial video of weekend fatal shooting
PHOENIX - Phoenix police released partial video Monday of the fatal shooting by officers this weekend of a man in Maryvale, but that did little to satisfy activists who are pressing for more footage to be released to the public.
July 6, 2020, Newscast
COVID-19 cases top 100,000; staying safe while voting, high school athlete runs 4-minute mile
As training camp nears, Arizona Coyotes must take on playoff mentality
PHOENIX - The Arizona Coyotes can’t wait to return to the ice after COVID-19 cut short the regular season. They’ll go right to the playoffs.
The one that got away: A look at Glen Canyon 40 years after it was filled
When work on the Glen Canyon Dam was finished on the Colorado River in 1966, it marked an important development for water management in the West and created Lake Powell. It also marked a grim milestone for environmentalists who have never forgotten the loss of the spectacular canyon.
Right to legal counsel for minors grew out of Arizona case from 1964
PHOENIX – The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Arizona case known as Gault was a landmark moment in juvenile justice: Children were officially recognized as having the same legal rights as adults. But more than 50 years later, legal experts say the goal of the ruling has failed.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Judge refuses to block Ducey order closing gyms
PHOENIX – A Maricopa County judge on Tuesday refused to block Gov. Doug Ducey's order closing gyms across the state, ruling that Mountainside Fitness could not show that the abrupt shutdown order violated the law.
White House calls for quick return to school; some Arizona parents, educators balk
PHOENIX - A White House panel of parents, teachers and school administrators said Tuesday that reopening schools this fall should be the nation's top priority, but some teachers and parents in Arizona said they worry that schools here will not be able to find safe ways to do it.
Phoenix district cuts school resource officers, saying time is right to act
PHOENIX - Advocates called Phoenix Union High School District's decision to do away with school resource officers a good first step toward ending police presence on school campuses, but only a first step.
Tribes say delayed COVID-19 funds hurt coronavirus relief, other efforts
PHOENIX - At a time when some Native American communities continue to struggle with the most basic needs, tribal leaders Wednesday called it "an outrage" that tribes had to wait months for coronavirus relief funds.
Northern Arizona Suns decide to leave Prescott Valley for Phoenix area
PHOENIX – Citing economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NAZ Suns announced they will leave Prescott Valley for a location closer to the Valley.
COVID-19 in Arizona: State leads U.S. in growth of new cases, analysis says
PHOENIX – Doctors and health experts worry about the future of Arizona under COVID-19.
July 8, 2020, Newscast
Arizona as ‘global pandemic hotspot;’ Pence addresses schools reopening; Suns’ Deandre Ayton on NBA bubble.
Arizona advocates fear fallout from Supreme Court’s contraception care ruling
PHOENIX - Arizona health care advocates said they are bracing for a flood of people seeking contraceptive care after the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that employers can deny the coverage on religious or moral grounds.
Pandemic’s isolation, economic strain increase mental health concerns for LGBTQ youth
PHOENIX – COVID-19 isolation may be adding to challenges among LGBTQ youth, but there’s help available.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Pandemic inspires Cardinals kicker Gonzalez to take action
PHOENIX – COVID-19 has put live sports on pause and has affected players and conferences to adapt to the new norm.
July 9, 2020, Newscast
ICU bed demand grows; grads uncertain about college; D-backs baseball returns
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey stays the course despite intense criticism he hasn’t done enough
PHOENIX – From presidential hopeful Joe Biden to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Ducey has faced stark opposition to his choice to refrain from imposing statewide safety measures to combat COVID-19.
Biggs joins White House push to reopen schools; educators push back
PHOENIX - Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs led a group of Republican lawmakers to demand that schools reopen as usual in the fall, the latest salvo in a days-long Trump administration campaing on the issue - a move that educators overwhelmingly oppose without proper COVID-19 safeguards in place.
‘We have to do something’: Inmate’s brother seeks his release to escape COVID-19 behind bars
PHOENIX – The Navajo County Jail in Holbrook is one of many national detention centers under fire for treatment of patients before a COVID-19 outbreak. Two brothers tell COVID-19 horror stories behind bars, while a third fights for their rights, possibly their lives.
Ducey’s order delaying school start has one lawmaker questioning his authority
PHOENIX – The start of in-person classes for Arizona public schools has been delayed by the governor, not the Legislature.
Arizona community reacts to Washington nickname controversy
PHOENIX – Amid pressure from sponsors, Washington’s NFL team is undergoing discussions to change its name, a move prominent voices in the Arizona Native American community feel is overdue.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Pac-12 opts for conference-only games, ASU won’t release test results
PHOENIX – The Pac-12 is expected to announce a conference-only schedule. Meanwhile, Arizona State opts not to release COVID-19 test results.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Mayors urge Ducey to impose statewide restrictions
TUCSON - A day after he imposed new restrictions to curb the steep increase in COVID-19 cases in the state, Gov. Doug Ducey was still coming under fire Friday for not doing enough, with a group of mayors, among others, calling for stricter and statewide action.
Smoking could worsen progression of COVID-19, research finds
PHOENIX – A recent analysis by the University of California, San Francisco finds the progression of COVID-19 is far worse in smokers and former smokers. The advice of health experts? Quit.
How Arizona’s COVID-19 pandemic unfolded: A timeline
Cronkite News compiled responses and efforts from Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Booker misses his dog, Ray a workhorse, Bidwill out of hospital
PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns adjust to life in the bubble. Some Diamondbacks players stayed in Arizona during break. Michael Bidwill released from hospital.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Boutique fitness studios fight to stay open despite executive order
PHOENIX – Hospitals see a rise in use of ICU beds and ventilators; the death toll reaches 2,245; senior citizens seek pen pals; and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
Migrant detention center operators defend response to COVID-19 in facilities
PHOENIX - The head of the private company that runs a migrant detention center in Eloy told a House panel Monday he is "immensely proud" of its operations, even as lawmakers questioned its response to the COVID-19 crisis.
AZ leaders applaud NFL Washington team name change
PHOENIX - Arizona Native American voices respond to the news of the Washington team name change.
July 13, 2020, Newscast
Reopening schools debate; unemployment benefits vanish; Washington football team name change
One Cuban migrant family’s long, perilous journey to freedom
PHOENIX – Cubans seeking political asylum are increasingly taking a long, dangerous, intercontinental journey.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Cardinals’ season ticket holders await news, JC baseball players react
PHOENIX - Season ticket holder for Arizona Cardinals await news, Coyotes back on ice and JC baseball players reaction to canceled season.
Rise in homelessness feared after eviction moratorium ends
PHOENIX – School districts make plans to reopen or go remote, an Arizona teacher dies after working remotely with other teachers, and other headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
Despite widespread criticism, Mercury players adjusting to life in WNBA bubble
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury have been inside the WNBA’s “bubble” at IMG Academy for about a week and, despite the criticism from other players on social media, they seem to be adjusting well.
July 14, 2020, Newscast
Educators urge Ducey to postpone school start; White House introduces jobs campaign; Phoenix Rising plays second game
Abrupt reversal of ICE rule lets international students in Arizona breathe easier
PHOENIX - The Trump administration Tuesday dropped a proposal to order international students home if their schools were not offering in-person classes this fall, a move challenged in court by 18 states and colleges across the country, including all three of Arizona's public universities.
Good roads, bad drivers: Arizona interstates deadliest in nation, report says
WASHINGTON - Arizona's interstate highways are in generally good shape, but they experienced the highest rate of fatalities in the nation in 2018, according to a national report released Tuesday.
As pandemic rages, farmworkers say employers are ‘prioritizing production over … lives’
The spread of COVID-19 has forced scores of agricultural workers throughout the Southwest to make a choice between their health and their incomes.
Former NFL standout Chris Long helps bring Navajos much needed water
PHOENIX - One in three Navajo Nation residents don’t have a sink or toilet, according to DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project. Chris Long and his foundation have pledged $100,000 to improve water access for the Navajo Nation.
July 15, 2020, Newscast
States pause reopening; virus lives on masks; former DBacks player becomes YouTube star
Democrats climate plan signals shift toward environmental justice
WASHINGTON – House Democrats released a 547-page action plan outlining goals and legislation for combatting the climate change crisis.
Coronavirus sports roundup: California shutdown limits Rising FC’s dining options, Suns’ Johnson beefs up
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC heads to California, where dining options are limited. Meanwhile, the Suns’ Cam Johnson bulks up and the NFLPA worries.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Expert paints mixed picture of virus situation in state
PHOENIX - The head of Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute painted a glum picture Wednesday of current COVID-19 trends in the state, but he also suggested that the trend could be slowly improving.
Hoffman ‘not optimistic’ schools will be ready for Aug. 17 in-person reopening
PHOENIX - Arizona Schools Superintendent Kathy Hoffman said Wednesday that the already delayed Aug. 17 start of in-person classes may have to be pushed back again in light of continuing concerns about COVID-19 safety.
House panel told deaths of children in CBP custody could have been prevented
PHOENIX - Medical experts told members of Congress Wednesday that the deaths of two children in Customs and Border Protection custody could have been prevented, but called the deaths "symptoms of a more extensive system that requires much improvement."
As deadline looms, Congress urged to reauthorize diabetes program for Native Americans
PHOENIX — Some in Congress, with the support of Indian Country leaders, want to extend the Special Diabetes Program for five years and bump the yearly funding to $200 million from $150 million.
Improperly disposed of PPE raises environmental concerns
PHOENIX – An influx of disposable personal protective equipment produced in the fight against the novel coronavirus is raising alarms among conservationists and scientists.
Coronavirus sports roundup: NFLPA ranks Arizona as No. 2 hotspot; Spencer Rattler-led Sooners healthy
PHOENIX – Arizona second-worst hotspot NFLPA says, 72 NFL players test positive for COVID-19 and Spencer Rattler-led Sooners healthy.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey extends eviction moratorium until Oct. 31
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey extended his moratorium, which was slated to expire next week, a change lawmakers and housing advocates had lobbied for to avoid a surge in homelessness.
July 16, 2020, Newscast
Morgues prepare for worst; UArizona releases fall plan; Mercury stars discuss season
‘They’re scared’: A look inside the COVID-19 crisis in Arizona prisons
Complaints of insufficient safety measures and subpar medical care continue to plague Arizona prisons.
Mi Familia Vota urges Hispanics to vote by mail or take health precautions at polls
PHOENIX — Mi Familia Vota and other nonprofits are advising Hispanics in Maricopa County to vote by mail to avoid exposure to COVID-19 at the polls.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Suns energized; Coyotes await games with no fans
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams likes team’s energy, while Coyotes try to imagine games with no fans.
COVID-19 in Arizona: White House report names state one of 18 COVID-19 ‘red zones’
PHOENIX - Arizona is one of 18 states in a COVID-19 "red zone" that should take stricter action to curb the rapid spread of the virus, according to an internal White House report that ranked states with more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents last week and those with positive test results above 10%.
July 17, 2020, Newscast
Coronavirus task force: Arizona in red zone; sign up for free saliva test; high school football recruiting goes virtual
Haitians make long continental transit in hope for a better future
LA PEÑITA, Panama – Despite the dangers of the jungle, increasing numbers of Haitian nationals are risking the journey to leave their Caribbean island homeland, which is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, according to the World Bank.
Phoenix Rising FC’s rivalry with New Mexico United is young but spirited
PHOENIX - The USL Championship league has its newest rivalry as Phoenix Rising FC and New Mexico United already have bad blood brewing.
147 deaths Saturday set single-day record
GILBERT – About half of the state's ventilators are in use, and the Navajo Nation reports progress in slowing the growth of new cases.
Arizonans recall John Lewis, heap tributes on late civil rights leader
Arizona lawmakers and advocates were unsparing Monday in their praise of the late Rep. John Lewis, using words like hero, giant and legend for the man one described as "living, breathing history."
Coronavirus sports roundup: Diamondbacks experience baseball with cardboard cutouts, fake crowd noise
PHOENIX - Diamondbacks catch first glimpse of pandemic baseball on Sunday. Additionally, players across the NFL organize a social media blitz to tackle concerns about the start of NFL training camp.
July 20, 2020, Newscast
States report alarming coronavirus numbers; NFL players speak out as training camps get underway
USCIS balks on taking new DACA applications, despite court order
PHOENIX - The federal government is not accepting new applications for protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, despite a federal court order that it resume doing so, but is instead "reviewing the court decision" before moving forward.
Legal challenges to border wall continue – and so does construction
PHOENIX – The border wall construction continues despite multiple legal challenges from conservation groups who claim biodiversity is being altered and environmental laws ignored to fast-track construction.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Cuomo’s ‘no fans’ announcement eye-opening for Arizona collegiate programs
PHOENIX - Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement Tuesday that the state of New York will not allow fans to attend college sporting events in the fall shed light on an interesting discrepancy between New York and Arizona.
Court rejects long-simmering challenge to Proposition 123 school funding
PHOENIX - A federal appeals court Tuesday rejected a long-simmering challenge to Proposition 123, the voter-approved 2016 measure that is set to redirect an estimated $3.5 billion to Arizona public schools over a decade.
Critics: Trump order to exclude undocumented migrants in census will fail
PHOENIX - President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will exclude undocumented immigrants in the 2020 Census when it comes to allocating seats in Congress, a move critics called unconstitutional and unenforceable.
Navajo leaders consider phased reopening as soon as next week
Navajo leaders said they could begin moving toward reopening in phases as early as next week, but they continued to urge caution and said the reservation’s weekend lockdown will continue for another two weeks.
July 21, 2020, Newscast
Scientists examine COVID-19 antibody therapy; voter opinions on marijuana legalization shift
‘Alien abductions’ of humpback chub help frame future of Colorado River
Field research in the Grand Canyon is just restarting after being banned all spring as a coronavirus precaution. Reporter Judy Fahys of InsideClimate News visited last year and discovered why this data-gathering is crucial for the environment and for people who rely on the water that runs through it.
Hobbs confident safeguards in place for smooth, secure Aug. 4 primary
PHOENIX - A lot goes into a successful election, and in the era of COVID-19 that includes 3,200 gallons of hand sanitizer, one of several items on a list that includes gloves, masks and face shields as officials prepare for a safe and secure Aug. 4 primary.
Coronavirus sports roundup: COVID-19 hits Suns’ Aron Baynes hard
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns center Aron Baynes learned quickly that the coronavirus is no joke. The Suns' Ricky Rubio has landed in Orlando, and the NFL says fans must wear masks in 2020.
July 22, 2020, Newscast
Rare condition pops up among children exposed to COVID-19; effects of no fans on athletes
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey asks Congress for employment support
PHOENIX – As Congress develops the next phase of COVID-19 aid, Arizona’s senators and governor are airing their concerns about what the state needs.
How rap and ‘How I Met Your Mother’ helped ASU’s Jon Rahm ascend to top of World Golf Ranking
PHOENIX – Jon Rahm recently became the No. 1 golfer in the world rankings, but it was his process and career at ASU that made him into the man he is today, those close to him say.
Comet NEOWISE draws eyes to skies for first time in thousands of years
PHOENIX – Comet NEOWISE will be the closest to the Earth on Thursday. It was discovered in late March here in Arizona, and it’s been visible in the night sky since early July.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Mercury honor Breonna Taylor; fake fans to highlight games at Chase Field
PHOENIX – Mercury, Suns players begin making decisions about social justice messages on jerseys. Fox announces virtual fans for MLB games.
Confederate monuments removed in Arizona amid broader push
PHOENIX – The local chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy said it removed the monuments to be cleaned after they were vandalized.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey extends bar, gym closures; passes on mask mandate
PHOENIX - Gyms, bars, nightclubs and more will remain closed past next week as the state fights a disease that is "highly contagious and in every part of the state," Gov. Doug Ducey said Thursday, even as he declined to require the use of masks statewide.
July 23, 2020, Newscast
Ducey talks schools reopening; two Confederacy monuments removed; comet Neowise gets close to Earth
Ducey, Hoffman pledge flexibility, but say school doors will open Aug. 17
PHOENIX - Arizona schools must open their doors to at least some of their students on Aug. 17, state officials said Thursday, but districts will have the flexibility to offer alternative schooling to students who want to stay home.
Northern Arizona Suns leaving Prescott Valley? Not so fast
PHOENIX – Despite a press release stating their intent to leave, the Northern Arizona Suns have not yet made a decision on whether to move from Prescott Valley for the 2020-21 season.
Coronavirus sports roundup: AIA moves forward with fall plan; Rising FC concerned with field conditions
PHOENIX – After Gov. Doug Ducey unveiled his plan for schools to reopen, the Arizona Interscholastic Association continued to prepare for a season of fall sports. Rising FC concerned about fields and Diamondbacks mourn loss of scout.
Arizona communities at high risk during wildfire season
Conservationists say it's important for Arizona communities to learn how to live with fire, to thin fuel in and around their communities.
Unhappy hour: Bar owners sue, call Ducey closure order unconstitutional
Gov. Doug Ducey concedes "businesses and employees have sacrificed" in the fight against COVID-19 - but some of them are tired of sacrificing. A lawsuit by 50 bar owners claims Ducey's order closing their businesses is unconstitutional.
Testing increases, demand and result times inconsistent
PHOENIX – State leaders say schools have flexibility as academic year approaches, bars to sue after Ducey extends closure and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
Fuel buildup puts Arizona communities at wildfire risk
Researchers say one way to live with fire is to thin fuel. In the desert, that means brush and invasive grasses. In the high country, that means ponderosa pine.
Coronavirus sports roundup: ASU swimming’s decision to redshirt could have ripple effect
PHOENIX - Arizona State says every member of swimming/diving team will redshirt for 2020-21 season. Beloved Chandler coach dies. Diamondbacks react to Marlins positive tests.
Volunteers wanted for vaccine trials held in Tucson
PHOENIX – Doctors voice support for closures while bar owners decry them, and other headlines from around the Grand Canyon State. Phase 3 of COVID-19 vaccine trials has begun in Tucson, Arizona.
30 years on, ADA changes minds along with limitations for Arizonans
PHOENIX - A lot has changed in the 30 years since passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which not only removed physical and legal barriers but forced Americans to see people with disabilities "as fully human" in the words of one Arizona advocate.
Lawsuit claims concussions turned ASU linebacker Jason Franklin’s dreams to despair
PHOENIX - Jason Franklin was a walk-on football player for Arizona State University. Two years after he died by suicide, his family filed a suit claiming he received four concussions in practice that led to deteriorating mental health. Franklin’s brain showed signs of CTE.
Efforts to cool Phoenix include pale pavement coating to reflect sunlight
PHOENIX – An off-white asphalt sealant could help mitigate Phoenix’s urban heat island troubles by reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing and holding it overnight.
Coronavirus sports roundup: No fans allowed for next 3 Rising home games
PHOENIX - No fans will be allowed for next three Phoenix Rising home games. In initial NFL camp testing, 21 players test positive.
ASU confirms students will return to campus in fall, anonymous account demands right to party
PHOENIX – Arizona County used federal stimulus money to increase contact tracing and COVID-19 tests; Navajo Nation extends the state of emergency through Aug. 16.
DHS halts DACA applications, shortens renewals as program is ‘reconsidered’
PHOENIX - The Trump administration said it will stop accepting new DACA applications and will limit renewals to one year while it undertakes a "full reconsideration" of the policy - a move critics called little more than a ruse to renew efforts to kill the program.
July 28, 2020, Newscast
Robots help with COVID-19 tests; insurers address school liability; sports announcers adjust
Arizona dairy farms pivot from restaurants to food banks as COVID-19 shifts demand
PHOENIX – The Arizona dairy industry has taken a major hit as a result of closing restaurants and fast-food chains that would typically be purchasing cheese and other dairy products in bulk.
Head games: Former volleyball player believes concussions led to mental health issues
PHOENIX – Concussion education is important to Stephanie Cahill. She played high school volleyball from 14 to 16 years old and suffered five concussions, two of them while playing club ball. Now 23, she believes the anxiety and depression she has experienced since the injuries are related.
With little guidance, schools offer range of ‘pandemic schooling’ plans
PHOENIX - With little guidance on how to meet a state order that schools open Aug. 17 for some type of in-person teaching, schools are scrambling to figure out safe options and coming up with a range of plans for what one official calls "pandemic schooling."
Proposal to protect Joshua trees from climate change proves divisive
PHOENIX – A petition to list Joshua trees as threatened in California has residents of one small town in disagreement, with some arguing the protections will negatively impact the town’s economy.
On their way north, pregnant migrants brave a harrowing jungle crossing in Panama
BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama – Panama has been overwhelmed by the increasing numbers of migrants coming through the Darién jungle that separates it from Colombia – an increasing number of them are pregnant women.
Schweikert admits House ethics violations, agrees to reprimand, $50,000 fine
Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, has admitted to 11 counts of campaign finance violations, misuse of office funds and other charges, and has agreed to a reprimand and a $50,000 fine , the House Ethics Committee said Thursday.
COVID-19 on pace to become third-leading cause of death in state
Six months after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Arizona, the disease is on pace to become the third-leading cause of death in the state this year, following only cancer and heart disease, according to state data.
Navajo ‘Water Warrior’ drives miles during COVID to deliver to those in need
PHOENIX – Water is a precious commodity in rural Native American communities like the Navajo Nation, where a virus that requires good hygiene has taken an especially heavy toll. One man is looking to help, by delivering barrels of water to those in need.
Ball-tracking technology changes way fans consume, practice golf
PHOENIX – In recent years, Toptracer ball-tracking technology has changed the way fans watch and practice golf.
It’s Bizzaro World: Pac-12 football schedule has ASU-Arizona opening season
PHOENIX – The college football season is closer to becoming a reality. The Pacific-12 Conference released its schedule Friday and it revealed a new twist for Arizona State and Arizona. They open the season in Tucson.
Colorado’s abandonment list incentivizes water users to take share, exemplifies complex policies
“Use it or lose it.” That saying is at the heart of how water is managed in the Western U.S. Laws that govern water incentivize users to always take their full share from rivers and streams, or risk the state taking it from them.
Nicaraguans seek refuge in Panama, cementing the country’s status as migrant destination
PANAMA CITY, Panama – Nicaraguans fleeing political and economic conditions in their country are moving south to Panama, against the normal tide of immigration in the hemisphere.
Food insecurity amid COVID-19 prompts Native Americans to return to their roots
PHOENIX – There are few grocery stores in Indian Country, so as COVID-19 leaves shelves scarce, Indigenous communities are returning to their food-growing roots.
Experts: Latino youth ‘invisible’ in juvenile justice data
Many experts agree Latino, Indigenous and Hispanic youth are misidentified and poorly counted in county, state and national statistics due to inconsistencies in definitions, categories or even having the option to self-identify at all.
Western states look to sewers to track next coronavirus outbreak
Right now, there is no reliable way to predict where the next potential coronavirus outbreak will be. But many western states are looking to get a handle on the disease by diving into the sewer.
Cubans looking for freedom increasingly land in Panama
PANAMA CITY, Panama – Increasingly, Cuban migrants travel through Panama hoping to reach the United States. While some reach the U.S.-Mexico border, others give up and stay in countries that were not their original destinations.
Many Navajos face pandemic without running water, tribal members urged to ‘lift each other up’
One grassroots organization – The WATERED – has delivered hand-washing stations to more than 110 households on the 27,000-square-mile Navajo Nation reservation.
Program offers alternative for youth who commit misdemeanors, gains national attention
PHOENIX – In King County, Iziah Reedy was sent to a seminar after getting caught with a gun. In Phoenix, he was sent to jail for getting caught with stolen sneakers. His story exemplifies the differences in the juvenile justice system.
Fighting for his life: Once a ‘menace to society,’ boxing brought Adam Stewart peace
PHOENIX – By the time he was 17, Phoenix's Adam Stewart was abusing meth and spending time in prison for armed robbery and aggravated assault. Then boxing found him and in June came confirmation of his success: a televised bout on ESPN.
As feds debate COVID-19 deal, clock is ticking on state eviction protection
WASHINGTON - Arizona renters may have breathed a sigh of relief last month when Gov. Doug Ducey extended a moratorium on residential evictions to Oct. 31 - but Oct. 31 could come as soon as later this month if renters don't file the right paperwork with their landlords.
Ready, set, go: Louis Tewanima Footrace runs virtually Sept. 6
The COVID-19 pandemic means the 47th annual Louis Tewanima Footrace will be conducted virtually, from a location of each runner’s choosing. Organizers said the 2020 race, which honors a member of the Hopi nation who won a silver medal in the 1912 Olympics, will still foster community.
ASU study: ‘Team Kids’ may improve perception of police through cop-kid activities
PHOENIX - Racial differences in the perceptions of police legitimacy begin in childhood, but they may be improved by programs like Team Kids Challenge, where police and kids interact in non-confrontational settings, a recent study found.
Migrants face life-threatening illnesses because of dirty water in Panamanian camps
BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama – For the hundreds of migrants in a Panamanian migrant camp, a nearby river provides their drinking water and bathwater – and serves as their toilet – leading to illness.
COVID-19 threatens migrant, officer safety at cramped ICE detention centers
PHOENIX - More than 440 detainees at the four Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers in Arizona have tested positive for COVID-19, and advocates are suing for the releas of detainees, which they insist is "the only appropriate remedy."
Crimes in Tucson, Phoenix fell in second quarter, as COVID-19 took hold
Crime fell in Phoenix and Tucson in the second quarter of the year, a period when a COVID-19 stay-at-home order was in effect, but while property crimes in both cities dropped aggravated assaults rose - possibly because of pandemic-related stress.
Enlisting excellence: ASU men’s hockey, tennis programs draw top 10 recruits
PHOENIX – ASU men’s tennis and hockey each have landed top 10 recruiting classes, an achievement for relatively young programs.
Experts: Border wall construction may imperil sacred source of water in desert
Along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, Hia C-ed O'odham and the Tohono O'odham – along with wildlife – have relied on Quitobaquito Springs. Some experts worry that ongoing border wall construction may further imperil the freshwater source.
Talking ‘the talk’: Black leaders in Arizona recall sobering rite of passage
PHOENIX - For any teen, a driver’s license is a rite of passage. But for Black teens in America, the freedom that comes with car keys also comes with “the talk”: The time when Black parents sit their children down to explain what to do if stopped by a police officer.
As providers turn to telehealth during COVID-19, calls rise for more resources in Indian Country
PHOENIX – With telehealth expansion, community leaders and medical providers see a chance for improved health outcomes amid COVID-19 and beyond, but a lack of infrastructure hinders access for some on tribal lands.
‘Keeping the culture alive’: Native dance goes digital during pandemic
PHOENIX – Native communities have cancelled traditional gatherings because of COVID-19. But Tiny Rosales, a member of the Ojibwe tribe, has found a way to “to keep the people dancing” by creating a space on Facebook to host virtual Native dance competitions.
Health officials report increases in drug overdoses, suicides during COVID-19 pandemic
PHOENIX - As social distancing and isolation continue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many states across the country are reporting an increase in reported drug overdoses and suicides, including Arizona.
Arizona Medicaid recipients topped 2 million after five-month surge
WASHINGTON - The number of people on Arizona's Medicaid rolls topped 2 million this summer, boosting enrollment 8.7% during a five-month surge in enrollment that coincided with COVID-19's hit to the state's health and its economy.
The basketball is in overseas court for former ASU player Eric Jacobsen
PHOENIX – Former ASU basketball player Eric Jacobsen continues to make a living overseas, re-signing in June as a forward with the Sendai 89ers in Japan.
Pac-12 postpones all sports to 2021 because of COVID-19 concerns
The Pac-12 Conference postponed all sports to 2021 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Asians make long transcontinental journey to reach U.S., new opportunities
LA PEÑITA, PANAMA – An increasing number of migrants from far-flung places in Asia are attempting to get to the United States via a long journey through South and Central America.
Cactus Bowl awaits news on progress of 2020 season, sponsorship deal
PHOENIX – The Cactus Bowl has had its fair share of sponsors over the more than 30 years it’s been played in Arizona, with national companies putting their name to the annual Arizona-based college football bowl game. Cheez-It is the latest sponsor to leave.
School-to-prison pipeline has deep roots in tangled history of tribal schools
PHOENIX - Juvenile incarceration disproportionately affects Native American youth, a disparity experts trace back to U.S. assimilation policies of the 19th and 20th centuries - which included tribal boarding schools and the trauma that some have linked to them.
Rollin’ in their 5.0s: These high school athletes know how to make the grade
PHOENIX – Juggling athletics and academics can be tricky for high school students. These three managed to do it and maintained 5.0 GPAs in the process.
Given history of discrimination, can community help Black-owned businesses survive COVID-19?
PHOENIX – Black-owned businesses were particularly hard-hit when the spread of COVID-19 shut down or restricted nonessential activity throughout the country last spring, leaving many to wonder whether they could survive the plummet in daily customers.
‘It just feels like they’re forgotten’: Navajo women mobilize to protect elders from COVID-19
SCOTTSDALE – Considered the most respected members of Indigenous communities, elders hold immense cultural wisdom. But COVID-19 has hit them especially hard.
Miss Navajo Nation is a ‘glimmer of hope’ for community during pandemic
PHOENIX – After winning the title of Miss Navajo Nation in September, Shaandiin Parrish immediately got to work on the cultural preservation and advocacy efforts central to the role.
ASU student project highlights differences between kids’ self image, how they feel schools see them
Dawn Demps launched a project asking kids who had been suspended to draw their feelings about school. Demps, a Ph.D. student at Arizona State University, found that most kids saw themselves achieving their dreams, but thought the school viewed them as failures. She is writing an article about her project to discuss the results.
Missing you: High school football programs face safety and money woes in COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – High school coaches are eager to get the season started in person, but the pandemic has caused uncertainty and will affect fans, players and funding for high school sporting programs across metro Phoenix.
Slow COVID-19 test results prevent effective contract tracing, health expert says
PHOENIX – Public health expert Will Humble explains contact tracing and R0 values, and their impact in the spread of COVID-19.
Hispanic Democrats identify Arizona as a battleground state in 2020 elections
WASHINGTON - Arizona was identified as one of six battleground states for this fall's election, a status that state Democrats said has been 10 years in the making. The comments came at a forum of Hispanic lawmakers on the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
A convention without convening: Democrats open virtual nominating event
PHOENIX - Tucson Democrat Hope Busto-Keyes has been to political conventions before, but never to one like the Democratic National Convention that kicked off Monday - faced with the threat of COVID-19, the convention has shifted almost entirely online.
Arizonans share health care struggles in Democratic convention speeches
When Kristin Urquiza wrote her dad's obit after his COVID-19 death, the Democratic National Convention was last thing on her mind. But Urquiza was there this week, with fellow Arizonan Jeff Jeans, to speak to the convention about health care concerns.
Navajo president speaks at convention as one of Democrat’s ‘rising stars’
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is one of 17 Democratic "rising stars" from across the country who have been tapped to share the job of delivering the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday.
Arizona teacher gets turn in spotlight, as Democrats officially nominate Biden
When Arizona school teacher Marisol Garcia delivered the state's votes for the next Democratic nominee, she talked about schools as much as votes - part of an unorthodox roll call of the states in an unorthodox Democratic National Convention.
Trump visits border for second time since June; Democrats blast visit
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump was in Yuma Tuesday for the second time in as many months to inspect the border wall he said has "closed up the border," But Democrats derided the Yuma visit as little more than an "inaccurate and desperate" campaign stunt.
Digital Democrats: Delegates miss camaraderie, but stay focused on goal
WASHINGTON - First-time Democratic National Convention delegate Cynthia Engstrom may not have the perspective of nine-time delegate Cynthia Ford, but they both agree on one thing: .Something gets lost in the experience when a convention is held online like this one.
Choir gave Arizona native chance to sing at convention – and much more
WASHINGTON - Phoenix native Holly Binswanger met her husband, Eric, through Commonwealth Youthchoirs, so it was natural the choir director would think of her when looking for voices from all 50 states to sing at the Democratic National Convention this week.
Thousands in Arizona join virtual watch parties of virtual convention
PHOENIX - They couldn't provide the balloons, but organizers of hundreds of virtual watch parties did provide the camaraderie for thousands of Arizonans who gathered around their laptops to watch the Democratic National Convention this week.
Whose party is it?: Democrats cite Republican support for Biden
WASHINGTON - It was the Democratic National Convention, but some Republicans - including some from Arizona - had featured roles, outlining their dislike of President Donald Trump for a national audience or admiration for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Postal Service cuts already being felt in Arizona, raise election fears
WASHINGTON - Spoiled medication and missing rent checks are among the problems that Arizonans have seen as a result of recent postal system changes, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said during a committee grilling of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who defended his actions.
Latinos criticize lack of prominent roles at Democratic convention
WASHINGTON - Hispanic Democrats are upset with what they see as a failure to adequately feature Latinos in the just-ended Democratic National Convention, but Biden campaign officials claim it was the "most diverse national political convention in history."
COVID-19 is a ‘crisis within a crisis’ for homeless people
PHOENIX – Homeless people are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, but its impact on them is largely a mystery as data collection is sparse and, minus any coordinated federal response, local governments must figure out how to protect their homeless during the pandemic.
The ununited state of juvenile justice in America
As a child in the United States, justice depends on where you live, the color of your skin, which police officer arrests you, or which judge, prosecutor or probation officer happens to be involved in the case. Juvenile courts across the country processed nearly 750,000 in 2018 and about 200,000 of these were removed from home and locked away.
Republicans defend Postal Service, accuse Democrats of scare tactics
WASHINGTON - Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, joined a chorus of Republicans defending Postal Service changes and accusing Democrats of trying to create problems with this fall's election. Democrats pushed back, repeating charges that the agency is endangering the vote.
Arizona delegates fall in line as GOP unanimously renominates Trump
WASHINGTON - It took less than a minute, but Arizona's Republican National Convention delegates cast all 57 of their votes Monday for President Donald Trump, part of a suspense-free nomination that opened a stripped-down convention.
Flake, Kolbe join former GOP lawmakers backing Biden over Trump
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake and Rep. Jim Kolbe joined two dozen former GOP Congress members backing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, saying President Donald Trump "is not capable of doing the job."
Months later, communities still await federal aid for the homeless
Congress rushed an aid package for the nation’s homeless residents, but four months after passage of the CARES Act, most of that $4 billion has not reached those in need.
‘A disjointed system’: Policing policies fuel criminalization of youth
After decades of police reform, kids of color are still vastly overrepresented in arrests and police use of force.
Navajo on death row faces execution Wednesday, barring last-minute action
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court late Tuesday rejected a petition to delay the execution of Lezmond Mitchell, a Navajo on federal death row who is scheduled to be put to death Wednesday evening for the murders of a Navajo woman and her granddaughter.
Politics and bedfellows: Nez, Lizer address Democratic, GOP conventions
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer spoke to the Republican National Convention - a week after President Jonathan Nez addressed Democrats. Lizer brushes off the split: "We are working both sides, and we are well represented in Washington."
‘Angel Mom’ stirs up devil of a furor over anti-Semitic tweet
WASHINGTON - Mary Ann Mendoza, the Mesa mom and evangelist for get-tough immigration policy, was pulled from the Republican National Convention speakers list Tuesday for retweeting a conspiracy-laden, anti-Semitic diatribe hours before her speech.
Homeless workers face heightened risks in the pandemic
Many homeless people work low-wage essential jobs while living in unsanitary conditions, putting them at higher risk of catching and possibly transmitting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
More than 1,600 kids in detention have tested positive for COVID-19
COVID-19 affects the juvenile justice system with a rising number of positive cases, as juvenile detention facilities evolve their health care protocols to help slow its spread.
Appeals exhausted, Navajo double-killer executed despite tribe’s objections
WASHINGTON - Lezmond Mitchell on Wednesday became the first Native American in modern history to be executed by the federal government over the objections of a tribal government for a crime committed between Native Americans on tribal land.
USCIS delays furloughs with ‘drastic cuts’ that sharply reduce service
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it is making "drastic cuts" that will affect all agency services, including naturalizations, in order to avoid furloughs of nearly 70% of its workforce at the end of this month.
Patchwork education system in juvenile centers often falls short
The lack of consistent and uniform policies, along with a lack of data, conceal how – or if – young people learn in detention facilities.
Homeless people in rural America struggle to find help
Homeless people in rural areas are vulnerable to COVID-19 because of health disparities and lack of access to medical care. And with schools closed, homeless students struggle with food security and internet access.
Diamondbacks, Mercury postpone games in reaction to Blake shooting; Councilman DiCiccio rips NBA
PHOENIX – The shooting of Jacob Blake led to protests around the country, including Arizona, where the Mercury and Cardinals postponed events.
‘Football takes a back-burner’: Cardinals cancel practice amid Jacob Blake protests
PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals Coach Kliff Kingsbury canceled his team’s practice Thursday in reaction to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
To reach freedom, migrants risk Panama’s Darién Gap, the most dangerous jungle in the world
Desperate migrants from across the globe are increasingly braving Panama’s Darién Gap – considered the most dangerous jungle in the world.
Loyalty points: Ducey heads to White House for Trump acceptance speech
WASHINGTON - Most Republicans watched President Donald Trump's acceptance speech from their couches but Gov. Doug Ducey watched from the South Lawn of the White House, the latest example of Ducey's increasingly cozy relationship with the administration.
Kayla Mueller’s parents at RNC praise Trump, remember slain daughter
WASHINGTON - When the White House asked Carl and Marsha Mueller if they wanted to speak at the Republican National Convention, the Prescott couple jumped at the opportunity to speak about "Kayla and how much more we felt helped by this administration."
Phoenix march organizers echo themes of massive D.C. anti-racism rally
WASHINGTON - As tens of thousands gathered in Washington Friday for the "Get Your Knee Off Our Necks" anti-racism rally, organizers in Phoenix were preparing for their own "solidarity march" to protect police violence and recommit to Martin Luther King's ideals.
COVID-19 work-arounds are silver linings for homeless programs
New initiatives to protect the homeless from COVID-19 are the pandemic’s silver lining, providing a roadmap for better medical care, addiction treatment and housing.
‘Hit twice as hard’: Children with disabilities face onslaught of challenges
Children with disabilities are more likely to enter the juvenile justice system because of harsh school disciplinary practices.
‘Groundhog Day’: Coyotes’ mental fortitude tested inside Edmonton bubble
PHOENIX - The 2019-2020 Stanley Cup playoffs presented a unique challenge in testing the mental limits of the Coyotes, outside of hockey.
Goodbye Suns, hello Indoor Football League: Prescott Valley lands new team
PHOENIX - Indoor Football League Commissioner Todd Tryon introduced Prescott Valley’s latest arena football team at Findlay Toyota Center.
Schweikert, Biggs rally Republican crowd during convention watch party
PHOENIX - There was enthusiasm in the room at Republican watch party Thursday, but Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, said enthusiasm went beyond that room to "our community where that enthusiasm of Republicans is spiking."
A silver boon: Lute Olson gave Arizona a championship, Tucson an identity
PHOENIX – He went to 23 NCAA Tournaments in 24 seasons. He gave the University of Arizona its only men's basketball national championship. Lute Olson was may things to many people – coach, friend, father, grandfather – but among his greatest accomplishments was giving the city of Tucson an identity.
State passes 5,000 COVID-19 deaths, but overall numbers trending down
WASHINGTON - Arizona passed 200,000 COVID-19 cases this week and the death toll from the disease topped 5,000 Saturday, but despite those somber milestones experts said the numbers are all moving in the right direction - for now.
‘Super-predator’ legacy: How children end up in the adult justice system
Tens of thousands of kids are prosecuted as adults each year, and some serve out their sentences in adult prisons.
COVID-19 pandemic adds twist to U.S. Open tennis tournament
PHOENIX – With the U.S. Open beginning after so few tournaments this year, the players' mentality and physicality will be put to the test.
Suicide hotline offers young people hope, chance to talk with peers
PHOENIX – Teens help by hotline during times of high stress.
Suicide may run in the family. A closer look at genetic risk.
For decades, researchers have looked to human genetics for linkages to mental illness. Patterns of inheritance are murky, but it is clear that “stuff runs in families,” says Dr. Douglas Gray, a psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Utah School of Medicine.
Diamondbacks’ day of trades including fun-loving, beard-wearing Archie Bradley
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks shake up franchise, trade away Archie Bradley and Robbie Ray.
Threatened American Airlines layoffs leave Arizona employees anxious
WASHINGTON - American Airlines' announcement that it could furlough up to 19,000 workers on Oct. 1 has left the airline's roughly 10,000 employees in Arizona worried, but hopeful the state can avoid the worst of the cuts.
Officials take steps to head off flu, as state continues COVID-19 fight
WASHINGTON - State officials Monday laid out a plan for "aggressively" combating the upcoming influenza season as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, with the first step being to urge people to get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Native youth navigate complex, contradictory jurisdictions
Burdened by generations of historical trauma, Native youth navigate a convoluted justice system that few other children face.
Panama confronts human traffickers where a major migration route bottlenecks
Migrants are increasingly paying organized criminal groups to take them through Central America and Mexico and into the U.S. illegally.
Payroll ‘holiday’ begins, but it’s not clear that anyone’s celebrating
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's payroll tax holiday started Tuesday, but no one involved with the program could say how many businesses will actually participate in the voluntary program, and how many workers might be affected.
Rio Salado restoration efforts get boost with federal ‘partnership’ designation
WASHINGTON - Federal officials on Tuesday named a 58-mile stretch of the Lower Salt and Gila rivers an Urban Waters Federal Partnership location, a designation that could bring millions in funding to efforts to revitalize the stressed Valley waterway.
Youth of color disproportionately represented in the justice system
Youth across the country commit the same types of crime, but disparities affecting young people of color have continued to grow.
Experts fear pandemic could spur dramatic spike in homelessness
A July report by University of Arizona researchers predicts the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic shutdown could increase homelessness in the state by 16% to 42%. But experts also say the pandemic could be an opportunity to find a way to actually prevent, mitigate and solve homelessness.
Are you ready for some football? AIA gives OK to start fall sports
PHOENIX – After a meeting by the executive committee, the Arizona Interscholastic Association gave the OK Wednesday for fall sports to compete.
ICE ramps up arrests, including 67 in Arizona, after lull from COVID-19
WASHINGTON - ICE this week touted the arrest of more than 2,000 immigrants, 67 of them in Arizona, in a five-week nationwide sweep as the agency recovers from a dip in apprehensions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EPA unveils Western office to focus on abandoned mine tracking, cleanup
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans Wednesday for a new office that will focus on tracking and cleaning up abandoned mines in Western states, a particular problem in Arizona with uranium and other mines.
Street love: Why kids join gangs despite the risks of arrest and violence
At-risk children are exposed to factors that increase their likelihood of joining a gang, leading to higher rates of imprisonment and violence.
Herm Edwards calls the police … for deep conversation about social justice
TEMPE - Edwards addresses important social injustice issues and the coronavirus pandemic with students and his players.
Daily COVID-19 testing could help Pac-12 return to play earlier than expected
Pac-12 sports could resume sooner rather than later after announcing partnership with COVID-19 testing corporation.
ASU President Crow voices confidence in COVID-19 efforts, school prepared to go remote if necessary
TEMPE - In an online forum with students, ASU President Michael Crow shared updates on the ASU community and its COVID-19 efforts.
ASU launches 25-point plan to support Black faculty, staff, students
PHOENIX – ASU says its social justice plan includes moves to hire more Black faculty, develop graduate and doctoral fellowships from underserved communities and build a multicultural space – a plan met with measured praise on Thursday.
American Airlines says Arizona to lose fewer jobs than first threatened
WASHINGTON - American Airlines told more than 1,300 Phoenix employees in July they were at risk of furlough or layoff this fall, but the company insisted this week that the actual impact on Arizona workers will be smaller.
Tribe renews voting site push, sets up showdown with Pima recorder
WASHINGTON - At least two Pima County supervisors will "press forward" to get an early voting site reinstated on the Pascua-Yaqui reservation, setting up a showdown with the county recorder who rejected the request again this week.
Arizona bars reopen amid COVID-19 guidelines
PHOENIX – Arizona bars reopened after the state health department released a report showing moderate community spread of COVID-19 in most counties. Three bars had liquor licenses yanked.
Nearly three-quarters of youth behind bars suffer from mental health issues
Kids in the juvenile justice system struggle with mental health issues at higher rates, yet they often don’t receive treatment.
Coyotes’ Gila River Arena will be used as voting center for General Election
PHOENIX - The Coyotes announced Gila River Arena will be used as a polling place from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 for the upcoming election.
Arizona suspends sports following COVID-19 spike; ASU says ‘no’ to releasing athlete data
PHOENIX – Arizona suspends athletic activity until Tuesday and women’s soccer activities for two weeks out of precaution of spreading COVID-19. ASU says it won't release athlete-specific information.
LA28 unveils official logos for 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games
LA28 has released their new and animated logo designed by athletes, artists and celebrities.
Sky Harbor scrubs airport as fliers take off for Labor Day weekend
PHOENIX – Sky Harbor airport has installed germ-zapping LED tech on escalators, placed social distancing signs on floors and throughout terminals and has workers scrubbing windows and surfaces.
Trump faces criticism on remarks about service members, Arizona Sen. John McCain
Arizona politicians and veterans responded to a story by The Atlantic which alleged that Trump referred to Americans who died in war as “losers” and “suckers,” among other remarks regarding veterans and service members.
Judge halts plan to end census early, as Arizona, tribal responses lag
WASHINGTON - A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Census Bureau plan to end its counting a month earlier than planned, ruling in a suit joined last week by the Navajo Nation and Gila River Indian Community.
Diamondbacks believe David Peralta Field a ‘natural fit’ for Wickenburg
The Arizona Diamondbacks and David Peralta invest in refurbishment of park in hopes of generating economic growth for Wickenburg.
Next Generation: Grappling with loss of life and connection, Native youth transform into the leaders of tomorrow
PHOENIX – With COVID-19 disproportionately affecting tribal nations, Native youth are stepping up to help others, preserve their culture and start the healing process.
Phoenix Raceway will challenge young drivers on Championship Weekend
PHOENIX- Young playoff drivers hope to contend for title in November after a challenging 2020 NASCAR Championship Weekend
‘It’s in our DNA’: Phoenix pitches to host NCAA Women’s Final Four
PHOENIX- Phoenix's 2026 bid is the city's first since it lost out on hosting the tournament to Cleveland in 2007, but they think they've changed.
COVID-19 cases on reservation at lowest point since May, but Navajos urged to remain vigilant
PHOENIX – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said there was only one case of COVID-19 in a 24-hour period but warned of a possible spike in the wake of the three-day Labor Day weekend.
Nearly 1,000 fans OK’d to attend Phoenix Rising match at Casino Arizona Field
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising will make history Friday as the first professional sports team in Arizona to welcome fans back in-stadium following the COVID-19 shutdown.
ASU President Crow vows to release cumulative COVID-19 testing data
PHOENIX – President Michael Crow and other Arizona State University officials defended the university’s method of counting COVID-19 cases in a virtual press conference Wednesday.
Report: Arizona had highest ‘housing loss’ rate; more evictions coming
WASHINGTON - Arizona had the highest rate of "housing loss" in the nation, according to a new national study, and that was before what experts called a “tsunami of evictions” that is expected to hit this fall.
Coconino official joins plea for continued federal support of rural counties
WASHINGTON - Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta urged federal officials Wednesday to honor their commitments to fund rural counties, where increased demand for services from COVID-19 comes "at a time when we are stretched very thin to provide them."
After NCAA ruling, athletes work to reconcile activism with personal branding
After NCAA ruling, athletes hope to use personal brand and platform to speak to their audience on social justice issues.
Chadwick Boseman’s death reveals cancer disparities in the Black community
African Americans have the highest mortality rate for all cancer combined, and Chadwick Boseman’s recent death has encouraged conversations about getting screened.
Fried chicken, candied yams and a helping hand: Cardinals’ Peterson provides meals to homeless
PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals star Patrick Peterson begins year-long “P2 Tuesdays,” serving his favorite meals to the people of UMOM.
Phoenix city manager rejects Black Lives Matter street mural near arena
PHOENIX – Phoenix city manager Ed Zuercher on Wednesday rejected a proposed Black Lives Matter street mural in downtown Phoenix. In a letter, he said there was a concern about “safety, risks and federal guidelines for markings on streets.”
As workers call for aid, Senate again stalls on COVID-19 relief bill
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Thursday failed to advance a new COVID-19 relief bill, continuing months of partisan stalemate over a Democratic plan the Republicans call a "liberal wish list" and a GOP bill Democrats deride as "emaciated."
Tribal leader says ensuring accurate census is a ‘life and death’ issue
WASHINGTON - Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis told a House panel Thursday that an accurate Census count could be a "matter of life and death" for tribal communities.
Critics: Feds reopened tribal schools without asking or advising tribes
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers and tribal leaders berated the Bureau of Indian Education on Thursday for a school reopening plan that prioritizes in-person learning, despite tribes' opposition to the plan in the face of COVID-19 health concerns.
NASCAR playoff teams prepare for Phoenix Championship Weekend by fine-tuning at Richmond
PHOENIX - NASCAR playoff teams have one final shot at refining their notes for Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway with the Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond.
Fleeing chaos, Venezuelans flock to Panama but struggle to find work
PANAMA CITY, Panama – 150,000 Venezuelans have fled to Panama, where they are reshaping the country’s labor force and cultural life.
Cardinals mulling pregame tone after NFL opener featured boos
PHOENIX - From social justice issues to a dynamic offense featuring Hopkins, Murray, Fitzgerald, the Arizona Cardinals’ 2020 season is one to watch.
Pages through screens: ASU women’s basketball team reads books to children virtually
PHOENIX – The ASU women’s basketball team partnered with the Washington Elementary School District on Sept. 6 for National Read a Book Day, delivering what is usually an in-person experience virtually.
‘We 22’: Black leaders in ASU Athletics act to empower student athletes beyond the field
The death of George Floyd lent new urgency to a new pledge, We 22, named for 22 Black members of ASU’s athletic department who will undertake seven actions that include spurring voting and activism, encourage ethnic studies and bolster economic education.
Court halts Trump plan to exclude undocumented migrants from census
WASHINGTON - A federal court Thursday blocked President Donald Trump's plan to exclude unauthorized immigrants from the census, calling the order a clear violation of the law would cause lasting damage.
As smoke chokes the West, California governor says fires show reality of climate change
Wildfires forced evacuations and caused at least 20 deaths as firefighters worked to beat back flames in California and beyond
Bye-bye bipartisanship: Unity after 9/11 attacks is a relic in 2020
WASHINGTON - In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, lawmakers from both parties gathered on the steps of the Capitol and began singing "God Bless America" - but that was then. Experts and tourists alike found it hard to imagine such a scene repeating itself in today's climate.
Migrants hope to work legally in Panama, but some jobs are off-limits
PANAMA CITY, Panama – The nation of Panama reserves 56 professions for citizens only, leaving otherwise qualified migrants struggling to find legal employment.
Rising together: Phoenix FC welcomes fans back amid COVID-19 pandemic
SCOTTSDALE – In the first pro sports event played before a live crowd since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix Rising FC gave a small but devoted crowd reason to celebrate. There were a few boos, too.
Deaf students at Arizona school will learn virtually, but not without obstacles
Sequoia Deaf School, part of the Edkey Inc. charter school group in Mesa, has 52 students in grades K through 12 enrolled for the 2020-21 year. The experience navigating the pandemic illustrates some of the challenges deaf students face in returning to the classroom.
System could help tribal members past – one – voter registration hurdle
WASHINGTON - Advocates said a new policy that lets Arizona residents without traditional street addresses register to vote online is not perfect - but it's a vast improvement over the old process.
Unified Cardinals opt to stay in locker room during national anthem vs. 49ers
The Cardinals returned to the locker room during the national anthem, unified in protesting racial injustice.
As polls show him trailing in Arizona, Trump stops in Phoenix to woo Latino voters
PHOENIX – In a matter of days, both the Trump and Biden campaigns have sought to win over a key demographic that could make or break the November election: Hispanic voters.
September 14, 2020, Newscast
Trump holds roundtable with Latinos; Jill Biden makes virtual visit; helping kids with back-to-school anxiety.
Arizona nonprofits boost aid to help refugees deal with the pandemic
Refugees in Arizona receive grants, loans, care packages and other resources to help combat the hardships of COVID-19.
Hopkins, Murray steal show, but Cardinals GM Keim earns praise, too
PHOENIX - Murray and Hopkins stole the show Sunday during the Cardinals game against the 49ers, but Keim’s offseason efforts set the tone
State pushes flu vaccinations to avert flu-and-COVID-19 ‘perfect storm’
Just over two in five Arizona adults got a flu shot last year, a number state officials are desperate to improve on before the onset of both influenza and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this fall, what could be a "perfect storm" of illness.
Affirmative action on California’s ballot again, echoing Arizona’s debate in 2010
Affirmative action is on the ballot in California in 2020, and every professional sports team in Northern California recently endorsed Proposition 16.
On anniversary of 2001 hate crime, Sikhs still fight for understanding
WASHINGTON - Mesa gas station owner Balbir Singh Sodhi was killed in a Sept. 15, 2001, drive-by shooting, the first victim of a post-9/11 hate crime. But almost 20 years later, members of Sodhi's Sikh faith say they are still struggling for understanding.
September 15, 2020, Newscast
Clear masks help hard of hearing community; combating vaping in Arizona; and life on Venus?
‘Nothing we saw coming’: Arizona sports card market takes off during pandemic
PHOENIX – While many small businesses in Arizona have suffered, the sports trading card trading market has boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Peddy cure: Guard’s game-winning shot is antidote in Mercury victory
PHOENIX – The path of Phoenix Mercury guard Shey Peddy to the WNBA was not an easy one, but despite her struggles she managed to lift her team into the second round of playoffs.
ASU researchers developing coronavirus test that could get results in 10 minutes
TEMPE – ASU researchers are trying to create a rapid saliva-based coronavirus test that can detect the virus in 10 minutes or less.
September 16, 2020, Newscast
Ivanka Trump visits the valley; ASU wants crackdown on bars; Big 10 football back soon.
Ivanka Trump stumps for father, attends business roundup hosted by Ducey
PHOENIX – In a roundtable hosted by Gov. Doug Ducey, Ivanka Trump speaks on business issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and hears from local business owners and leaders.
Report: Arizona teens paid to file social media posts for campaigns
WASHINGTON - Facebook and Twitter opened investigations this week into a number of Arizona teenagers' social media accounts for operating fraudulent profiles and spreading misinformation in support of the Trump campaign, reportedly for pay.
Feds reaffirm western yellow-billed cuckoo’s threatened species status
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said Wednesday that the western yellow-billed cuckoo should remain a threatened species, rejecting an appeal by miners, ranchers and other groups that claimed the bird no longer needs protection.
Long shots: If COVID-19 vaccine comes, Arizonans may not line up to get it
WASHINGTON - Federal health officials told a Senate panel Wednesday that limited amounts of a COVID-19 vaccine could be available as early as November - but that doesn't mean Arizonans are willing to try it, according to a new poll.
Arizona expected to clear over the next few days, but smoke could return
PHOENIX – Meteorologists predict less smoke in Arizona for the next few days, but it could return as wildfires continue to ravage large parts of California, Oregon and Washington.
Tribe rushes to beat use-or-lose deadline on COVID-19 relief funds
WASHINGTON - Spending $177 million may not seem like a problem, but it is a challenge for Navajo Nation leaders who could lose those federal COVID-19 relief funds if they don't find projects that can be completed by the end of this year.
Puerto Rican heritage important to Desert Edge standout Steven Ortiz Jr.
PHOENIX – Desert Edge standout Steven Ortiz Jr. wants to share his love of football with the Puerto Rican community.
With his coach as his caddie, ASU’s Kevin Yu steady in third U.S. Open appearance
PHOENIX - Arizona State fifth-year senior golfer Chun An Yu represents the youngest of seven Sun Devils competing in the 120th U.S. Open, but he’ll get some help with ASU head coach Matt Thurmond alongside him as his caddie.
Black and brown people at a crossroads as COVID-19 vaccine trials seek participants
As COVID-19 ravages Black and brown communities, public health officials are calling for their participation in vaccine trials.
Retired doctor walking to all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks for patient safety
PHOENIX- Dave Mayer plans to travel to all 30 Major League baseball stadiums, advocating for patient safety initiatives.
Arizona officials work to boost census responses with time running out
WASHINGTON - Arizona continues to have one of the nation's lowest Census response rates with as little as two weeks left for the count. With congressional seats and potentially billions of dollars at stake, state officials renewed appeals for Arizonans to respond.
Signing of Damion Lowe strengthens defense, creates possible dilemma for Phoenix Rising
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising bolstered their defense Wednesday by signing Jamaican international Damion Lowe, but the deal could have one major drawback.
Golf in Sun Devil Stadium? Creativity in play for 365 team during COVID-19
TEMPE - Golf in Sun Devil Stadium? Creativity in play during COVID-19 pandemic
September 18, 2020, Newscast
Vice President Mike Pence visits; latest poll numbers; dates set for return of high school football
As schools reopen, Arizona confronts high rates of COVID-19 in youth
PHOENIX – Across the U.S., the number of COVID-19 cases in young people has passed 500,000. More than 26,000 cases are in Arizona, and experts say that’s partly because of the state’s large population of youth of color who are more vulnerable to the virus.
AIA updates key COVID-19 metric, opens door for more teams to play
PHOENIX - The AIA’s decision to adjust a key COVID-19 metric will allow more high school football teams to compete this fall.
California guidelines aren’t blocking Pac-12 football, governor says
The addition of the Sophia 2 test to the Pac-12 will help schools maintain safety, but will not impact Los Angeles schools who are not even cleared to play yet.
Making ‘dreams come true’: New technology puts players in command of recruitment process
TEMPE - A downloadable app looks to provide players, parents and coaches with the tools needed to boost opportunities to compete at the next level.
From showdown to stalemate, Pascua Yaqui voting site feud continues
WASHINGTON - What was a showdown between the Pascua Yaqui tribe, the Pima County Board of Supervisors and the county's recorder has now turned into a stalemate after the board voted to OK an emergency voting site on tribal land and the recorder refused.
Repeated Trump, Pence visits cement Arizona’s status as a battleground
WASHINGTON - If there was any doubt that Arizona will be a battleground in this fall's presidential election, a look at the travel itineraries this week of the first and second families should clear it up, with a Trump or a Pence in the state four of five days.
Arizona jobless rate plummets in August, nearing pre-pandemic levels
WASHINGTON - Arizona's unemployment rate plummeted last month to almost pre-pandemic levels, falling from 10.7% in July to 5.9% in August, and dropping below the national average, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Arizona users shrug at U.S. ban on TikTok, WeChat as Chinese spy tools
WASHINGTON - Arizona users of the popular apps TikTok and WeChat brushed off federal government threats Friday to prohibit the platforms, and downplayed concerns that the two products are being used as a tool for Chinese spying.
Arizonan on Trump’s short list for Supreme Court has low profile
WASHINGTON - When President Donald Trump sits down to pick a Supreme Court nominee to take the seat of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday, Phoenix native Bridget Bade will be on the list. But while Bade is on the shortlist, she also has a relatively short resume.
COVID-19 means no fans, but Arizona Cardinals still fired up for home opener
PHOENIX _ Kyler Murray’s legs could be critical in the Arizona Cardinals' showdown with the Washington Football Team and a sack-frenzied front-seven.
‘We get more followers in times of crisis’: As pandemic limits in-person action, activism goes digital
Online activism is on the rise as organizers find creative ways to replace in-person protests and still show their support for movements like Black Lives Matter.
Personal essay: Capturing and documenting trauma in Panama
A photojournalism student writes about her experiences with the people who journeyed through the dangerous Darién Gap in Panama.
‘That was my identity’: COVID-19 pandemic costing stadium workers their jobs
PHOENIX – When the COVID-19 pandemic halted sports, those who work at stadiums and depend on the games to make their living were sidelined right along with those who played them.
Pac-12 must satisfy six states before kicking off football season
PHOENIX – The Pac-12 Conference has a puzzle to solve before returning to sports action with its schools spread across six states, each with varying state health requirements that must be met.
Push to replace Ginsburg renews focus on high-stakes Arizona race
WASHINGTON - Arizona's already high-profile Senate race drew new attention with the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and news that a new Arizona senator could be seated in time to vote on her replacement.
Ginsburg’s decades on high court included numerous Arizona rulings
WASHINGTON - Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote more than 200 Supreme Court opinions and countless dissents since 1993 - including some directly affecting Arizona, from a Mount Lemmon age discrimination case to overhaul of the state's death penalty.
September 21, 2020, Newscast
Thousands mourn Ruth Bader Ginsburg in D.C.; Maricopa County supervisors consider mask mandate
State trooper who killed Dion Johnson will not face charges, county attorney says
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel said Trooper George Cervantes will not face criminal charges for shooting and killing Dion Johnson in late May. She said it was self-defense.
‘The sky’s the limit’: Diamondbacks believe rebuild off to promising start
PHOENIX - Despite sitting in last place in the NL West, the Arizona Diamondbacks think they're in a good position to rebuild by next few seasons.
So you want to transfer? How changing high schools for sports works during COVID-19 era
PHOENIX- The COVID-19 era has prompted some Arizona high school athletes to want to transfer. Here is what the AIA allows.
Suns determined to be all in on NBA’s commitment to social justice movement
PHOENIX - The NBA’s players briefly silenced their game to be heard, and now players and teams, including the Phoenix Suns, are teaming up to take action against social injustice.
Movement to defund police gains urgency in Arizona
Community members, activists and police experts discuss the movement of defunding the police departments as cities across the nation begin to reform their law enforcement.
‘Crazy, crazy’ real estate market puts Gilbert near top of rankings
WASHINGTON - A tight housing market was one of the factors that made Gilbert the fifth-best real estate market in the country in a recent report that ranked four other Valley cities - Peoria, Surprise, Tempe and Chandler - in the top 25 in the country.
This is how voting by mail will look in Arizona in November
PHOENIX – Secretary of State Katie Hobbs explains how voting will look this November and the steps Arizonans must take to vote by mail.
September 22, 2020, Newscast
Group demonstrates COVID-19 impact; researchers on herd immunity; cancellation of Arizona Fall League
Despite COVID-19 pandemic, soccer standout Struckman embracing life at MIT
PHOENIX - Former Phoenix Rising FC Youth player Isabella Struckman adapts well to life at MIT despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
‘Get down! Get down!’ Murray’s athleticism exciting, scary for Cardinals’ Kingsbury
The athleticism of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is exciting for fans but also makes coach Kliff Kingsbury nervous.
Admirers line up to pay respects to Ginsburg, a ‘lion of equality’
WASHINGTON - Long lines formed outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as admirers came to pay their final respects to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal icon whom one mourner called a "lion of equality."
September 23, 2020, Newscast
Mourners gather at Supreme Court for RBG; undocumented families fear Census count; and the potential impact to Arizona
Maricopa official: Disinformation poses threat to election security
WASHINGTON - Election officials need to be as concerned about voting disinformation as they are about people tampering with ballots themselves, a Maricopa County official said Wednesday during a forum on securing the election.
Sinema pushes Wolf on damage from border wall; Wolf cites security
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema confronted the acting head of Homeland Security Wednesday over border wall construction she said has ignored the needs of local communities and bypassed environmental assessment reports.
September 24, 2020, Newscast
Breonna Taylor decision ignites protests; Republicans for Biden; COVID-19 affects migrants seeking asylum
‘Baby-Friendly’ hospitals tackle health disparities by encouraging Native mothers to breastfeed
A hospital on the Fort Apache Reservation in eastern Arizona is one of several overseen by the Indian Health Service that aims to encourage more Native American women to breastfeed.
What recent polls can tell us about the Arizona Senate race
Some new polls have Mark Kelly leading by almost 20 points. But the gap might not actually be that large. We dug into the data.
California will allow former inmates to have records expunged so they can fight fires
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation that will give inmates who worked in fire camps the chance to apply to have their records expunged immediately after they are released from custody.
‘Cruel irony’: COVID-19 stalls momentum of women’s soccer
PHOENIX - After winning the World Cup in 2019, the U.S. national team helped women's soccer skyrocket in popularity. Then COVID-19 hit.
Census: Number of Arizonans without health insurance rose again in 2019
WASHINGTON - The number of Arizonans without health insurance jumped to more than 800,000 last year, the third consecutive year of increases for the state, the Census Bureau said. And experts say the number will likely get worse this year because of COVID-19 .
Pac-12 conference calls audible, will return to football competition Nov. 6
The Pac-12 became the last Power Five conference to announce its return. Will play seven games.
COVID-19 not top health concern of voters in Arizona, other battlegrounds
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 may be getting the headlines but it's not the top health care issue on the minds of voters in a number of battleground states, including Arizona, according to a poll released Thursday.
Bizarre ending to Phoenix Rising match rattles USLC Group B playoff picture
PHOENIX - The bizarre ending to Saturday’s Phoenix Rising versus San Diego Loyal match has turned USLC Group B into a four-way dogfight.
Election 2020 snapshot: Arizona’s data dashboard
Arizona has secured its spot as a battleground state in this fall's election. Cronkite News will provide key election data to keep you up to date on what's happening in the state.
‘Very real’: Mental health issues spike in high school athletes due to lack of sports, study shows
PHOENIX - The continuous uncertainty of the pandemic has brought along an increase in anxiety and depression among high school athletes.
Former Arizona Fall League players reflect on cancellation of season
PHOENIX - MLB has decided to cancel the 2020 Arizona Fall League season, prompting some players to look back on memories in the Valley.
COVID-19 in Arizona: Ducey says state will remain open, prepare for fall
Ducey attributed an expected rise in cases to better testing, while the Navajo Nation locks down to prevent an outbreak and student mental health raises concerns across the Grand Canyon State.
September 25, 2020, Newscast
Honoring Breonna Taylor and Dion Johnson; Pac-12 football returns; water park planned for Glendale
With clock ticking – and state lagging – Census court fight continues
WASHINGTON - A see-saw legal battle over the 2020 Census continued Friday, with the government pushing to end the count in just five days while local governments, including two Arizona tribes, hoped to extend it to Oct. 31.
Action on missing, murdered women legislation caps years of advocacy
WASHINGTON - Native American advocates and families have worked for years to draw attention to Indian Country's epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The federal government finally passed legislation that could help do something about it.
‘It’s about humanity’: Vigil honors Dion Johnson, other Black victims of police violence
PHOENIX – More than a hundred people gathered outside Phoenix City Hall for a peaceful candlelight vigil to honor the lost lives of Breonna Taylor, Dion Johnson and all Black lives lost to police violence. The vigil was also held to protest the lack of charges filed against the officers responsible for the deaths.
Alone among Democrats, Sinema stays silent on GOP Supreme Court push
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is the only Senate Democrat who has not come out against President Donald Trump's plan to quickly replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pick many say should wait until after the election.
‘A lot of differences’: Experts address health disparities among Asian American subgroups
Health disparities in Asian Americans too often are overlooked because research and data consider this demographic to be a monolith. But experts note how disparities come into focus when examined by country of origin.
Heat, smoke, pandemic: Dangers multiply for farmworkers in 2020
LOS ANGELES – The race to deliver fresh foods during peak harvest season means farmworkers are facing the threats of climate change acceleration and COVID-19.
Diamondbacks’ Kole Calhoun right at home in first season of Arizona homecoming
After spending the bulk of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, Arizona native Kole Calhoun joined the Diamondbacks and has made an impact in an abbreviated 2020 season.
Will Arizona’s return to high school football turn into recruiting advantage?
PHOENIX – Arizona high school players and coaches start competition this week. Is this giving state schools a recruiting advantage?
Arizona poverty rate continued fall in 2019, still topped national rate
WASHINGTON - The poverty rate in Arizona fell for the eighth straight year in 2019, to 13.5%, but while advocates welcomed that as "great news" they also cautioned that the state's economic gains were not shared equally by all Arizonans.
USCIS scrambles to resume naturalizations after COVID-19, budget cuts
WASHINGTON - After 15 years in the U.S., Perla Macias dreamed of the day when she would become a citizen - but her dream was delayed six months this year as COVID-19, then budget cuts, hit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' ability to deliver services.
Court says House can sue White House over funds diverted to border wall
WASHINGTON - Critics of the Trump administration's border wall on Monday welcomed a court ruling that breathed new life into a congressional lawsuit challenging the White House's decision to divert funds to the project from other agencies.
September 28, 2020, Newscast
Advocates raise concerns about COVID-19 at ICE facilities; relief drive helps Navajo Nation; pandemic impacts high school athletes
Navajo drives unite two goals: COVID-19 relief and upping census participation
The Navajo Nation is holding relief drives across the reservation to gather COVID relief supplies and signing residents up for the census.
Tale of two brothers: Brinson, Steenn Pasichnuk share hockey journey from ASU to San Jose
PHOENIX- From their childhood days of ice fishing on Moose Lake in Bonnyville, Alberta to building the hockey program from the ground up at Arizona State, Brinson and Steenn Pasichnuk have been inseparable every step of their hockey journey.
Cardinals own mistakes, but remain confident in playoff chances
PHOENIX - The Cardinals took responsibility for their loss to the Detroit Lions, but expressed confidence that they could bounce back and contend for the NFC West crown.
September 29, 2020, Newscast
Debate watch parties coast to coast; Guadalupe fights COVID-19; changes for high school football fans
Feds cite safety for Quitobaquito closing; critics see other motives
WASHINGTON - The National Park Service cited public safety concerns for its decision this week to prohibit access to a sacred Tohono O'odham site, a move that comes amid rising tensions between border wall protestors and federal agents.
Napier rejects Democrats’ claim of racist infiltration of police
WASHINGTON - Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier pushed back against claims that white supremacists have infiltrated police agencies, telling a House committee Tuesday that he has "simply not been exposed" to any evidence of that.
Hopi leader: Congress must act to save ‘life changing’ diabetes program
WASHINGTON - A "life-changing" diabetes program for Native Americans will expire Dec. 11 if Congress doesn't take action, a move that Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma said it is "critical" for tribes across the nation, including his.
Arizona’s lack of mental health care providers comes into focus as COVID-19 increases depression, anxiety
Arizona has one of the biggest shortages of mental health care providers in the U.S., and that’s prompting some groups to find ways to help people through problems related to COVID.
Hooligans With Heart: Phoenix Rising’s Red Fury reaches out to refugees
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising FC supporters group the Red Fury raises funds for refugees at the North Phoenix Christian Soccer Club.
Democrats pounce on Trump income tax story, renew calls for transparency
President Donald Trump denies it, Arizona Republicans largely ignored it but state Democrats pounced on it - a New York Times report this week that the president paid as little as $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017.
Snap decision: High school football back this week after AIA OKs return
PHOENIX - Amidst COVID-19, high school football gets underway this week. Here is a look at some of the top teams in Arizona.
After forfeiting point to protest racial slur, San Diego Loyal take on Rising
Phoenix Rising take on San Diego Loyal, the club that protested an opposing player’s use of a racial slur and forfeited a point.
No ‘proud’ moment: Reaction to Trump gaffe goes from dismay to distress
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his debate comments on the right-wing extremists known as the Proud Boys, but reaction from officials in Arizona from dismissal to dismay.
Judge halts fee hike that would have nearly doubled cost of citizenship
WASHINGTON - A federal judge late Tuesday blocked a steep increase in application fees set to take effect Friday for people seeking U.S. citizenship, an increase that advocates feared would have locked many immigrants out.
Attending a high school football game? Here’s what you need to know in COVID-19 era
PHOENIX - After the AIA approved the resumption of fall sports, attendance limits were left up to the school districts.
California condor release watched virtually around the world
On Saturday, the Peregrine Fund held its annual California condor release virtually, releasing four condors into the population of about 500 in the world.
Phoenix Rising FC’s Flemmings denies homophobic slur as scrutiny mounts
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising FC is under international scrutiny after an opposing player accused forward Junior Flemmings of directing a homophobic slur at him.
Chaparral, Saguaro football game canceled after player tests positive for COVID-19
PHOENIX - Scottsdale Unified School District officials announced Wednesday a member of the Chaparral varsity football tested positive for COVID-19.
Mothers, midwives and mortality: Why some Black women seek a holistic approach
Black women are up against staggering odds when it comes to infant mortality. Here’s how midwives are working to combat the statistics in an era of pandemic.
October 1, 2020, Newscast
Misogyny and female sportscasters; schools concerned about sports return; virtual election campaigning.
State passes COVID-19 milestone, as final county meets reopening mark
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials hailed a COVID-19 milestone Thursday, when the final county in the state crossed a coronavirus transmission threshold that lets some shuttered businesses begin the process of reopening.
Nationwide airline layoffs hit hundreds of workers in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Hundreds of Phoenix-based flight attendants were among 19,000 American Airlines workers furloughed or laid off nationwide Thursday, one day the end of a federal stimulus package that had been preserving airline jobs for the past six months.
‘Long-haulers’ battle COVID-19 for months, but research into why is scant
PHOENIX – While the average person with COVID-19 recovers within weeks, there is growing awareness of patients whose symptoms last far longer. These “long-haulers” may face organ damage or such debilitating symptoms that even climbing a flight of stairs can set them back.
What’s next? Taurasi’s popularity is off charts, but GOAT’s future remains mystery
PHOENIX - What’s next for Diana Taurasi? Her GOAT T-shirt broke the Mercury merchandise store but will she even be with team next season?
Queen Creek School District’s Eastmark High School unveils football program
MESA - Varsity sports are finally underway at Eastmark High School in the AIA 3A Queen Creek School District.
MMA menagerie: Local fighters take the spotlight in busy competition weekend
PHOENIX- Local fighters, including connections with the MMA Lab, are spotlighted in a busy competition weekend
Hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness still debated after Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis
After President Trump’s positive COVID-19 test, discussions have picked up regarding the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine.
October 2, 2020, Newscast
Trump test positive for COVID, schools issue consequences for parties, AZ businesses reopen
Trump COVID-19 diagnosis scrambles Arizona events; Biden still to visit
WASHINGTON - News that President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 led to well-wishes from Arizona lawmakers, a scrambling of his planned visits to the state next week - and some grumbling about the lack of safeguards at previous Trump rallies.
Judge blocks ‘unlawful’ plan to end Census Monday; Arizona still lags
WASHINGTON - A federal judge reiterated her order Thursday that the Census Bureau continue its count until Oct. 31, saying plans to end on Monday were "erroneous ... unlawful" and they undermined the credibility of a count in which Arizona is lagging.
Supreme Court to review Arizona voting laws overturned as discriminatory
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear Arizona's defense of two election laws, on ballot-collecting and out-of-precinct voting, that were struck down by a lower court earlier this year as racially discriminatory.
UArizona and partners work to increase colorectal cancer screenings among American Indians
PHOENIX - Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Native Americans, but various groups are working to change that.
After last-place finish, Diamondbacks reflect on pandemic-shortened 2020 season
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2020 season, members of the Diamondbacks organization reflected on a disappointing season and looked ahead to the offseason and 2021
Swipe right on 2020 election: Groups vie for young Arizona voters in new ways
PHOENIX – Election advocates deploy social media, handwritten notes and even dating apps to reach young voters for the 2020 election.
Suns’ Ty Jerome helps raise awareness for Hoops 4 Humanity initiatives through fantasy football
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns guard Ty Jerome teamed up with the Brogdon Family Foundation to raise awareness and money for Hoops 4 Humanity by playing fantasy football.
After years of sitting on sidelines, Arizona sports executives team to address social injustice
After years of sitting on the sidelines, Arizona sports franchises are trying to become a model for the social-change movement.
McSally begins Spanish-language ads in Senate race, well behind Kelly
WASHINGTON - Sen. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, bought $110,350 worth of ads on Spanish-language TV stations this week and last - just a quarter of what her Democratic challenger has spent over the past two months.
Going the (social) distance: High school football survives week one during COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – It looked different, but Arizona high school football made it through week one, with masks, social distancing and fewer fans
Sierra, in Hopkins ICU, becomes fourth state lawmaker hit by COVID-19
WASHINGTON - Arizona Rep. Lorenzo Sierra, D-Avondale, was being treated in the intensive care unit of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Monday for "complications related to COVID-19," one day after being hospitalized with the virus in Washington.
NASCAR Xfinity Series title contenders ponder chances at Phoenix Raceway
PHOENIX - Following one of the most competitive regular seasons in NASCAR Xfinity Series history, some top title contenders express their confidence in and concerns about the championship event at Phoenix Raceway.
From riches to rags: Aiding athletes with financial woes drives former ASU standout Zach Miller
PHOENIX- He banked millions carving running lanes and catching touchdown passes in the NFL. His new mission aims to secure millions for his peers.
As championship in home state nears, Alex Bowman learns he’ll take over No. 48 in 2021
PHOENIX - For the Arizona-native, earning the opportunity to race for the NASCAR championship in his home state is something that's 20 years in the making.
Phoenix Rising’s Flemmings lands 6-game suspension for alleged gay slur
PHOENIX - The USLC announces it has levied a six-game suspension and fine against Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings for his alleged use of a gay slur.
Court blocks order giving voters more time to fix unsigned mail ballots
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Tuesday temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that would have given Arizona voters five days past Election Day to fix early ballots that were accidentally filed without a signature.
Maricopa official confident polls will run smoothly as early voting starts
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County officials said they are "ready and prepared" for the start of in-person voting Wednesday, despite a recent national report that identified it as one of seven Arizona counties at high risk of a poll worker shortage.
Advocates rush to register voters after judge extends deadline 18 days
WASHINGTON - Arizona nonprofits are working "nonstop" to register voters before opponents can overturn a federal judge's ruling that extended the state's voter registration deadline from Monday to Oct. 23.
Sen. McSally, Mark Kelly clash over issues ranging from COVID-19 to border security in Senate debate
PHOENIX – Martha McSally and challenger Mark Kelly clashed over border security, COVID-19 response, and China in the only public debate of the 2020 U.S. Senate race.
October 3, 2020, Newscast
Vote by video conferencing, COVID disparities, equal pay for U.S women's soccer team
Bill pressures CDC to give Native Americans better access to federal health data
PHOENIX – A bipartisan bill co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran of Arizona reaffirms that Native Americans are entitled to federal health data, which could help them in the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribal officials say it addresses a long-standing issue.
Detention center in Eloy has most COVID-19 cases of any ICE facility
PHOENIX – La Palma Correctional Center in Eloy has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases of any immigrant detention facility in the country.
Making a splash: Resort, lagoon and sky bar added to Glendale sports entertainment district ahead of Super Bowl
GLENDALE – The Crystal Lagoons Island Resort and water park are being planned for a sports entertainment district in Glendale. It could help anchor economic development along Loop 101, city officials and developers said.
In COVID-19 world, ASU hockey settles for no home games, complete Big Ten schedule
PHOENIX – Arizona State men's hockey will play 28 games against seven Big Ten teams, all on the road, as programs across the country scramble for ways to adjust in a pandemic world.
Findings into alleged homophobic slur inclusive but Rising ready to ‘move forward’
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising FC said it will accept the results of an investigation into an alleged homophobic slur said by Junior Flemmings.
Arizona’s Sumlin asymptomatic after testing positive for COVID-19, urges players to remain diligent
PHOENIX – Arizona football coach Kevin Sumlin expresses gratitude for his asymptomatic condition after testing positive for COVID-19.
October 7, 2020, Newscast
AZ US Senate debate, Vice President Pence to rally in Peoria, how the COVID Hotline is working
As COVID-19 upends volleyball season, Tolleson, Phoenix Union districts improvise
PHOENIX - The AIA girls volleyball season will be played without districts that decided to postpone or cancel fall sports, including the Tolleson Union and Phoenix Union school districts.
Climate change likely to keep hammering Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs
The Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs don’t have much relief in sight, according to a new model from the Bureau of Reclamation. Because of this year’s hot and dry conditions, the model shows an increasing likelihood of an official shortage on the river in the next five years.
Pence draws contrasts between Biden, Trump at campaign event in Peoria
PEORIA – Mike Pence campaigned Thursday at TYR Tactical in Peoria, which makes protective vests for military and police, drawing stark contrasts between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
October 8, 2020, Newscast
Presidential candidates visit AZ; California gyms fight to reopen; how art can heal
Kayla Mueller’s story featured in debate, recalled in Phoenix event
WASHINGTON - Family friends said Prescott residents Carl and Marsha Mueller are "overwhelmed" by a whirlwind three days that saw the indictment of terrorists accused of killing their daughter, Kayla, whose story was featured in Wednesday's vice presidential debate.
Biden, Harris get on the bus for small businesses in Arizona
PHOENIX – Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris, on their first trip to Arizona, dropped by small businesses they say need relief from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rising enter playoffs minus coach Rick Schantz, league-leading scorer Junior Flemmings
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising FC will face Sacramento Republic FC Saturday at Casino Arizona Field, without their coach and their league-leading goal scorer.
‘We’re living in a global pandemic’: High schools adapt to fluid football schedules
SCOTTSDALE – A global pandemic has caused chaos with Arizona high school football competition. Teams like Saguaro are just trying to go with the flow.
Gyms have reopened in Arizona while California gyms are suing to do the same
The California Fitness Association is filing suit against California in an effort to reopen gyms and facilities throughout the state that were closed because of COVID-19.
Arizona’s Tracy Cortez hopes to shake rust off at UFC’s Fight Island
PHOENIX - Can Tracy Cortez make it eight straight wins? The Arizonan hopes to show off her skills at UFC’s Fight Island.
U.S. Senate: Mark Kelly committed to bipartisanship, investing in Arizona’s future
Mark Kelly said Arizonans want an independent leader to address the issues they are facing. Therefore, he offers bipartisanship and looks to the state’s future to solve today’s problems.
U.S. Senate: Martha McSally sets sights on economic comeback
Sen. Martha McSally advocated for cutting taxes, limiting regulations and bringing jobs back from China to engineer a “great American comeback.”
October 9, 2020, Newscast
Flu shot vaccinations; bar owners upset over take-out liquor rules; mental health in students of color.
Sharpshooters could target Grand Canyon bison by 2021 under herd plan
WASHINGTON - State and federal officials have agreed on a plan that includes bringing in volunteer sharpshooters to cut the number of bison on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, perhaps as early as next year.
CDC: Masks, business limits helped curb spread of COVID-19 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report Friday credited mask mandates and business restrictions for slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona, reversing an early summer spike blamed on an early easing of restrictions.
Tucson’s Alex Bowman honored to take over famed No. 48 from Jimmie Johnson
Tucson native Alex Bowman is being rewarded for his hard work with one of most prestigious honors in NASCAR history – taking over the famed No. 48 for seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson.
Hot up ahead: Arizona will have more ‘extreme heat’ days, researchers say
PHOENIX – A new Arizona State University study finds climate change and urban development will increase extreme heat for Arizona, and other cities, over the coming decades.
Money talks: How Arizona’s pro sports franchises compare to the competition
A look at how Arizona's major pro sports franchises stack up against others teams in the league, based on Forbes' value rankings of 2020/
With captain Ekman-Larsson staying, Coyotes ready to ‘get back to work’
PHOENIX – Although the Arizona Coyotes announced several signings at the beginning of the NHL free agency period, the big news was that Oliver Ekman-Larsson will remain with the club.
Goodbye, Columbus?: Arizona celebrates first Indigenous Peoples’ Day
WASHINGTON - After years of advocacy by tribal groups, Arizona on Monday celebrated its first Indigenous Peoples' Day, but the proclamation designating the day was just for this year and it still shared the calendar with Columbus Day.
October 12, 2020, Newscast
Confirmation hearings begin; making Indigenous Peoples' Day permanent; wildfires affect farmworkers
Proposition 207 would legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 or older
If passed on Nov. 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, would legally allow people 21 or older to possess and use up to 1 ounce of marijuana in Arizona. There are strong voices on both sides of the issue.
Advocates worry ‘food insecurity’ gains could be upended by COVID-19
WASHINGTON - Advocates fear that years of steady improvements in the level of "food insecurity" among Arizona children could be reversed this year by the economic toll of COVID-19, a shift that could have long-lasting effects.
Fire officials claim success in fighting COVID-19 while fighting fires
WASHINGTON - Battling wildfires while battling the COVID-19 pandemic "definitely added a new challenge" for Arizona fire officials this year, but it's a challenge many say they have met.
As Jupiter dazzles in the night sky, new research suggests its moons are warming each other
PHOENIX – A recent study at the University of Arizona helped researchers understand how “tidal heating” among Jupiter’s many moons is raising their temperatures.
Legal sports betting in Arizona still on the back burner in 2020
LOS ANGELES — Arizona would become the 23rd state to pass legislation on sports betting.
Glutton for punishment: Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck bobs and weaves his way to success
TEMPE - Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck, who turned to boxing in the offseason, stepped up when the team needed him.
U.S. House, District 1: Tiffany Shedd focuses on border security, tax cuts, health care
Tiffany Shedd is seeking election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, pushing for border security, tax cuts on small businesses and affordable health care.
U.S. House, District 1: Tom O’Halleran calls for unity, more information on COVID-19
Congressman Tom O’Halleran is seeking his third term as representative of Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. O’Halleran calls for unity for all people, no matter their political beliefs.
Proposition 208 proposes income surtax on high earners to fund education
Proposition 208 proposes a 3.5% income tax raise to increase funding for teachers, support staff and education programs.
October 13, 2020, Newscast
Mental health crisis training; migrant apprehensions drop; adult children are moving home.
Supreme Court’s Census ruling a ‘bitter pill’ to tribes, advocates
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court Tuesday said the Census Bureau can stop its count of the population, a blow to tribal leaders and local advocates for underrepresented communities in Arizona who said they would be hit hardest by an undercount.
COVID-19, faltering economy cited as border numbers plummet for 2020
WASHINGTON - The number of migrants apprehended at the southern border fell sharply in fiscal 2020, a drop analysts attribute in large part fears of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic havoc left in its wake.
Arizona faces back-to-back court hearings with weeks to Election Day
WASHINGTON - The road to the ballot box in Arizona apparently runs through the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard two cases in just the past two days concerning ballots and voter registration in the state.
Glendale homeowners association orders removal of Black Lives Matter sign
GLENDALE – A Glendale HOA sent a violation notice to a homeowner for displaying a Black Lives Matter flag on her home, raising questions about the power of HOAs to dictate political expression.
As costs rise and participation falls, nonprofits helping families pay for youth sports
PHOENIX – Valley of the Sun YMCA and the Caris Sports foundation help assist parents and club teams with sports program costs that would otherwise keep their kids on the sidelines.
In our ‘DNA’: Phoenix to host 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four
PHOENIX - The NCAA names Phoenix as the host of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
Pac-12 players want parents to attend games, share petition aimed at government officials
Despite doubt that fans would attend Pac-12 football games in 2020, some conference players and parents are petitioning state and local officials to allow them to see their sons play.
Rising COVID cases leave Arizona ‘headed toward exponential growth,’ expert warns
PHOENIX – With COVID-19 cases rising across the state, one health expert is warning of a repeat of big spikes and calling for more personal responsibility to reduce the trend.
October 14, 2020, Newscast
Children struggle in the pandemic; Census 2020 ending date; a new poll about Phoenix Police Department
Groups mount ‘all hands’ push to count people with Census cut short
WASHINGTON - Arizona advocacy groups mounted an "all hands on deck" push to boost last-minute census response rates after the Census Bureau announced plans to end the 2020 census count Thursday, two weeks earlier than expected.
State, tribal leaders condemn use of force against border protesters
WASHINGTON - Tohono O'odham and congressional officials are condemning the "utterly shameful" use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a small group of people during a peaceful border wall protest Monday near Ajo.
Rush to register voters is on after court shortens registration window
WASHINGTON - Voting rights groups who thought they had until Oct. 23 to register new voters were scrambling Wednesday after a federal court set a new registration deadline of 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
Arizona’s top high school golf programs square off in the Duke Open
PHOENIX – A quality field at the Duke Open could provide a sneak preview of the upcoming high school boys golf state championship.
Fire damage, ‘smoke taint’ add to challenges for Napa wineries during peak of harvest
LOS ANGELES – Napa Valley wineries have combated smoke taint, coronavirus restrictions and wildfire destruction in 2020, requiring experts to look at the future of wine and the impacts of climate change.
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc on schedules, blowouts prevail in high school football
PHOENIX - The AIA’s 6A conference has seen 25 of 34 matchups won by 17 or more points. Blowouts prevail during pandemic.
As Western fires burn, focus narrows on forest management. But it’s easier said than done.
The massive fires that have burned this year don’t just alter forests, they impact water supplies. But a record-breaking wildfire season could refocus efforts to better manage forests.
Add COVID-19 to list of things driving Arizona teachers from jobs
WASHINGTON - Arizona schools have long struggled with teacher shortages but the problem was made worse this year by COVID-19, which has led to more teachers quitting or taking leave, school officials said.
Court: Mailed Navajo ballots should not get extra time to be counted
WASHINGTON - Native Americans may face barriers to voting in general, but that is not enough to require that ballots mailed from the Navajo Nation get 10 extra days to be counted, a federal appeals court said Thursday.
U.S. House, District 2: Ann Kirkpatrick puts health care at forefront
Kirkpatrick said the pandemic has been managed fairly well in Arizona, giving much of the credit to mayors and local efforts.
U.S. House, District 2: Brandon Martin wants secure borders, in-person voting
Republican Brandon Martin plans to increase border security and push for local control of pandemic efforts if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives District 2.
October 15, 2020, Newscast
Local high schools have in-person classes; AZ teachers are bolting; election results could be delayed.
A country club for racing enthusiasts, Inde Motorsports Ranch ups its game
PHOENIX - Inde Motorsports Ranch, a 2.75-mile private road course in Willcox, is being resurfaced, among other surprises, to provide members with a one of a kind experience.
For the West’s drinking water, wildfire concerns linger long after smoke clears
Wildfires don’t just cause problems while they’re burning. For municipal drinking water systems, fires are felt for years after they’re snuffed out.
Magic Kingdom fans impatient over continued closure of Disneyland
ANAHEIM, California – Impatient Disney fans and city officials wait for Calif. Gov. Newsom to reopen theme parks.
Shuttered by COVID-19, concert venues band together for a virtual show
WASHINGTON - A Phoenix concert promoter is one of the organizers of an online concert of top acts this weekend that aims to raise money for, and awareness of, the dire straits concert venues around the country face because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Arizona cities defend progress after slipping in clean energy ranking
WASHINGTON - Local officials pushed back against a new report that showed three Arizona cities slipping in a national ranking on clean-energy policies, saying the report does not appear to reflect their clean- and renewable-energy efforts.
Who’s your Dadashov? Five takeaways from Rising’s victory over Reno
PHOENIX – Five takeaway's from Phoenix Rising FC's victory over Reno to advance to the conference finals.
Pandemic puts NHL scouts in ‘adapt or die’ situation
PHOENIX – Scouting has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic picked up steam in mid-March, forcing hockey talent evaluators to embrace new approaches when assessing NHL prospects.
Firefighters work through PTSD with peer support, counseling
GLENDALE – Arizona firefighters have to fight post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma in addition to flames. A counselor and peer support training help six metro Phoenix fire departments.
U.S. House, District 3: Raul Grijalva says change requires investment in people
Rep. Raul Grijalva talks about climate change, COVID-19, education and what the future of America could look like.
U.S. House, District 3: School choice, illegal immigration top issues for Daniel Wood
Daniel Wood, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 3, stresses the importance of reforming immigration laws. He also says that while the initial pandemic response was good, it’s now time to get more people back to work.
Giles joins mayors questioning reliability of shortened census count
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles joined mayors from around the country Monday questioning the reliability of the just-ended census and demanding that the Census Bureau be given more time to verify its count of the U.S. population.
Xavier, Pinnacle girls golf teams set to battle for State Preview title
Xavier and Pinnacle will be among the top girls golf programs competing in the State Preview invitational tournament, a week ahead of the state championships.
NAU linebacker has spotlight in Biden ad during Monday Night Football
LOS ANGELES – NAU linebacker Tristen Vance will be featured in an ad on Monday Night Football supporting Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
October 19, 2020, Newscast
President Trump visits Prescott; a free online service helps immigrants; 200 families exposed to COVID-19
Supreme Court to hear Trump plan to use Pentagon funds for border wall
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider whether the Trump administration can use an emergency declaration to divert $2.5 billion on Defense Department funds to construct the southern border wall.
Arizona Senate race breaks record, pulling in whopping $133.7 million
WASHINGTON - Arizona's Senate race is now the state's most expensive campaign, with the latest Federal Election Commission filings showing the two candidates have pulled in a staggering $133.7 million so far.
Trump stops in Prescott, Tucson draw GOP crowds, Democratic jeers
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump was met by boisterous MAGA-hatted crowds in Prescott and Tucson on Monday, the final stops on a Western swing as the campaign entered its final weeks. But not everyone was putting out the welcome mat.
U.S. House, District 4: Affordable, accessible health care is top priority for Delina DiSanto
Delina DiSanto, who is challenging incumbent Paul Gosar in the House of Representatives, District 4 race, says Americans need better choices for health care plans.
U.S. House, District 4: Federal ‘overbearance’ is our biggest problem, Paul Gosar says
U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, the Republican incumbent for House District 4, says the overbearance of the federal government is one of the greatest issues in Arizona. He also has concerns about election security because of mail-in voting.
Arizona State completes upgrades to women’s soccer, lacrosse ‘dream’ fields
PHOENIX- Athletes and coaches from Arizona State’s women’s soccer and lacrosse teams praise the university’s recently renovated and upgraded fields.
Former ASU softball star Macha knows thing or two about curveballs, and COVID-19 threw one
CHANDLER - Breanna Macha, who pitched at Red Mountain High and ASU, left her job as New Mexico’s pitching coach due to COVID-19, and reinvited herself.
Homeowners who avoid wildfire damage can find themselves in new flood zone
Major wildfires have burned through the Western U.S. this year, and people who live near burn scars can find themselves in a new flood zone.
Trailblazing Pac-12 shows the way on diversity among head coaches
NCAA Division I Football is deficient when it comes to Black head coaches.
After big Monday night win, Cardinals prepare for matchup against undefeated Seahawks
PHOENIX - NFC West tilt looks to be Arizona’s biggest game of the season so far
Out of respect for LGBTQ community, Rising will relinquish home field if they advance to final
PHOENIX – If Phoenix Rising FC wins on Saturday, it said it will relinquish home field advantage for the USL Championship Final out of respect for the LGBTQ community.
October 20, 2020, Newscast
Teachers are retiring in AZ; diversity among head coaches; celebrating Halloween safely this year
‘We help with loneliness’: Iranian American Society maintains sense of community online
The Iranian American Society of Arizona is working to provide physical and emotional comfort to members who are struggling to get through the COVID-19 pandemic – especially older people who now are more isolated.
U.S. House, District 5: Joan Greene faults COVID-19 response, touts health care as economic key
Joan Greene emphasized truth and science in her discussion about COVID-19, solutions for race relations and ways to bring the community together.
U.S. House, District 5: Andy Biggs stands against abortion, gun control
U.S. House District 5 Incumbent Andy Biggs is pro-life, pro-border and anti-mask. In November, he seeks reelection to his third term in Congress.
Virtual learning poses unique challenges for Arizona’s 148,000 students in special ed programs
PHOENIX – Arizona students in Individualized Education Programs are facing unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, as are their parents and teachers.
U.S. House, District 6: David Schweikert focused on border security, business taxes, slowing COVID-19
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert is seeking reelection to House District 6, with low taxes on businesses and border security among his top issues.
U.S. House, District 6: Hiral Tipirneni touts her health care experience, focuses on economic security
As a doctor, House District 6 candidate Dr. Hiral Tipirneni says she has an inside track when it comes to battling the coronavirus and providing affordable health care.
U.S. House, District 6: Independent Tom Lewellen says repairing Social Security, Medicare are top issues
Independent candidate Tom Lewellen, a technology industry executive and entrepreneur, says he hopes to attract disconnected voters as he vies for a seat representing the District 6 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
‘I need to learn’: Phoenix Rising FC reinstates coach Rick Schantz
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising reinstates coach Rich Schantz, who apologizes and receives vote of support from Collin Martin.
Dodgers host postseason drive-ins for fans during World Series games against Rays
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have opened the gates of Dodgers Stadium and their parking lot for fans to watch them play in the postseason in a socially distanced way of a drive-in watch party.
COVID-19 cases surging toward 1,000 a day, ASU expert warns
PHOENIX – Arizona is experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases that’s similar to what the state saw in mid-June, said Joshua LaBaer, director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute.
U.S. House, District 7: Ruben Gallego cites climate change, Native issues as key
Incumbent Ruben Gallego gives Arizona’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic a C or C+ and worries about misinformation being spread by Russia this election season.
U.S. House, District 7: Arizona should have trusted the people on COVID-19, Josh Barnett says
Josh Barnett, the Republican candidate for District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives, said his No. 1 issue is human and child trafficking, followed by immigration. He said that these problems are all tied to the border, and that a plan to reform the entire system is needed.
October 21, 2020, Newscast
COVID vaccine underway in AZ; McSally's plans for Supreme Court nominee; ASU's diverse athletics
GOP expects Schweikert to hold off challenger; analysts aren’t so sure
WASHINGTON - A national Republican campaign official expressed confidence Wednesday that Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, can fend off a challenge from Democrat Hiral Tipirneni, who leads in some polls and has raised millions more for her campaign.
McSally heaps praise on Barrett on eve of first confirmation vote
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Martha McSally left little doubt how she plans to vote on Supreme Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination, calling Barrett "a gift to America" during a brief meeting Wednesday.
COVID-19 safety a priority as youth soccer returns, yet concerns about compliance remain
PHOENIX - Youth soccer returned to the Valley with many COVID-19 safety protocols in place, but there's concern about how seriously they'll be taken.
It may be a redshirt season but ASU swim, dive teams still putting in work
PHOENIX - The ASU swim and dive teams are redshirting this season but are still finding ways to prepare for future seasons.
APS wants to raise rates, but during pandemic, many Arizonans aren’t on board
PHOENIX – APS has proposed a $184 million rate hike, but opponents say that ignores the financial burden ratepayers have borne since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
U.S. House, District 8: Debbie Lesko applauds COVID-19 response, backs law enforcement
Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, wants to continue to focus on the economy. Following previous policy, Lesko said Arizona can get back to where it was economically pre-COVID-19.
U.S. House, District 8: Michael Muscato looks to revive economy, put people over party
Michael Muscato looks to disrupt what he sees as ineffective leadership as he vies for a seat representing the 8th Congressional District. Immigration, health care and climate change are among his campaign’s main focuses.
Data on COVID-19’s impact on schools is available from Maricopa County
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health provides information and guidance about the spread of COVID-19 in school communities.
University of Arizona team cheers success of asteroid-contact mission
WASHINGTON - After years of work, $800 million and 200 million miles in space, it all came down to six seconds - the time OSIRIS-REx spent on the surface of near-Earth asteroid to collect a small sample before heading back to Earth and its University of Arizona designers.
Friday is deadline to request mail ballot, arrange for remote voting from hospitals, nursing homes
PHOENIX – Friday at 5 p.m. is the deadline to request a ballot-by-mail or a special election board for voters in hospitals and nursing homes.
September jobless rate rose, as more workers got back in labor force
WASHINGTON - Arizona's unemployment rate bounced back up to 6.7% in September, but economists say there may actually be some positives behind what look like negative numbers at first glance.
October 22, 2020, Newscast
Voting in care facilities; Proposition 208 debate continues; Latino students in the classroom
Black advocates spotlight uneven rates of food allergies in children
Across the U.S., Black advocates are working to combat food allergy disparities in children of color and push for action to help.
Phoenix Rising FC hopes to keep dreams of first-ever title alive
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising FC have aspirations of winning their first-ever USL Championship, but they must first find a way past El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday at Casino Arizona Field.
Can Safford’s Gaethje 2.0 upset undefeated Nurmagomedov at UFC’s Fight Island?
Safford-born Justin Gaethje looks to dethrone reigning lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov on Fight Island.
Contracts, production trucks, national spotlight: ESPN showcases Hamilton, Saguaro
PHOENIX - Hamilton and Saguaro football players will showcase their talent on ESPN.
Ready for some football? Finally, so is Chaparral High after COVID outbreak
SCOTTSDALE - Chaparral Firebirds football is set to take on the Brophy Broncos on Friday in their season opener.
October 23, 2020, Newscast
Covid-19 fears, postal service worry about voters in AZ; Phoenix Rising reinstates coach
U.S. House, District 9: COVID-19 relief package, climate change are top priorities for Greg Stanton
If reelected, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton says his focus will be providing COVID-19 relief and improving Arizona’s economy.
U.S. House, District 9: Dave Giles emphasizes individual freedom in bid for Congress
Dave Giles says education and security are top priorities for Arizonans as he vies to represent the 9th Congressional District in Congress.
Maricopa County Sheriff: Jerry Sheridan wants to repair law enforcement’s relationship with the public
Jerry Sheridan, former chief deputy for Sheriff Joe Arpaio, said he would improve officer morale and strengthen relations with minority communities if elected Maricopa County sheriff.
Maricopa County Sheriff: Paul Penzone wants to build more trust in law enforcement
After taking over a sheriff’s office with a history of racial profiling in 2017, incumbent Paule Penzone hopes to build trust and relationships.
Judge denies early Pascua Yaqui voting site, ending years-long feud
WASHINGTON - The Pascua Yaqui Tribe will not get the early voting location it has been asking for since 2018, after a federal judge flatly denied the request he said would overburden an elections office "already stretched to its breaking point."
Trump cites Arizona’s success fighting COVID-19, as cases resume rise
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump cited Arizona early in Thursday's presidential debate, claiming the "very big spike" in COVID-19 cases in the state is "now gone." Except that cases in the state are rising and health officials are urging people not to let down their guard.
Report: Migrant deaths in the desert have reached seven-year high
WASHINGTON - Remains of 181 migrants were found in the Arizona desert through the end of September, 37 more than in all of last year and the most since 2013. The increase comes in a year of extremely harsh weather, but also of fewer border crossings.
Rising to the top: Dramatic victory has Phoenix one win from USL title
SCOTTSDALE – Penalty kicks? No problem. Phoenix Rising FC does it again in dramatic fashion and advances to USL Championship Final against Tampa Bay.
With recent victory, Joey Logano focused on NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 in Phoenix
Joey Logano follows the yellow brick road to victory at Kansas Speedway and locks himself into the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway.
‘She couldn’t get her head above water’: Pandemic adds to challenges for family caregivers
PHOENIX – More than 50 million caregivers in the U.S. help loved ones with dementia or other ailments. It’s a grueling job anytime, but with support programs closed, the pandemic is taking an extra toll.
Separate and unequal: Pay gap affects women, minorities, families
PHOENIX – Women across the U.S. experience a pay gap that varies based on their location, job or race. The Arizona pay gap is 3 cents less than the national average, but it widens based on demographics and industry.
Even against backdrop of pandemic, Pinnacle girls take aim at state golf title
Fresh off of a victory at Tuesday’s State Preview at Aguila Golf Course in Phoenix, the Pinnacle Pioneers girls golf team appears poised to bring home a second straight Division I state title.
Judicial Performance Review is a tool for Arizona voters, but it’s not often used
Voters in Maricopa and three other Arizona counties have the right to decide whether Superior Court judges should keep their jobs. But most voters don’t have a clue on how to make an informed decision, so they skip that part of the ballot. But there is a way to learn more.
Arizona senators split as divided Senate puts Barrett on Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - Arizona conservative groups hailed the confirmation of "capable, brilliant" Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, after a rushed vote Monday that split the Senate along party lines.
October 26, 2020, Newscast
Senate confirmation vote; recreational marijuana in AZ; Latino vote in the presidential election
As COVID adds hours and challenges, teachers look to Proposition 208 for more school funding
Teachers say a proposal to increase funding to schools is especially vital amid the pandemic, but opponents worry about the effect on small businesses.
Delay of game: Pac-12 players focus on learning while awaiting start to pandemic-shortened season
PHOENIX- They are not thrilled, but players in the Pac-12 are making the most of their unexpected time off to learn more about the game of football.
Kyler Murray welcomes primetime with open arms, delivers another rich performance
PHOENIX - The red-hot Cardinals toppled Seattle, at home, for the first time since Russell Wilson’s NFL debut in week one of the 2012 regular season.
The problem with plastics: Production outpacing efforts to keep it out of rivers, oceans
Arizona State is part of a monumental international study showing how our addiction to plastic is choking the planet’s oceans and waterways.
Arizona natives Cody Bellinger, Aaron Slegers represent opposite sides in World Series
PHOENIX - Arizona natives Cody Bellinger, Aaron Slegers represent opposite sides in a World Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.
October 27, 2020, Newscast
Political spending in the Valley; impact of youth voters; transition program for adults with disabilities
Air Trump: Cost of trips to campaign events still hard to pin down
WASHINGTON - When Air Force One touches down Wednesday for two Trump campaign stops in Arizona, it will be the jet's 20th campaign trip in eight days. But watchdog groups say it is very difficult to find out how much of the travel bill taxpayers are being stuck with.
Neither youth nor pandemic can stop Xavier girls golf from winning 37th state title
TUCSON – The Xavier Prep Gators held off the Pinnacle Pioneers by three strokes to take home the Division I girls golf state title.
#ChalkTheVote: Arizona families hit the sidewalks to encourage voting
PHOENIX – #ChalkTheVote is an effort to get families across the nation to write messages on sidewalks to encourage neighbors to vote. Nearly 300 families in Arizona have participated so far.
Brophy enters boys state golf tournament with confidence after Hamilton victory
TUSCON - The Brophy Prep Broncos look like the team to beat at the state tournament after gutting out a five-stroke victory at the Duke Open over reigning state champion Hamilton Huskies.
Voters at Gila River Arena among million-plus in county to cast early ballots
PHOENIX - More than a million voters in Maricopa County have cast early ballots. Some were at Gila River Arena.
October 28, 2020, Newscast
Swinging AZ voters, the second wave of coronavirus in AZ, helping patients with sickle cell disease
Los Angeles just won NBA, MLB crowns, but COVID-19 has parades on hold
LOS ANGELES – In 2020, the Dodgers took the World Series, the Lakers became NBA champs and COVID-19 robbed Los Angeles sports fans of their chance to officially celebrate.
Arizona’s status as a toss-up gives voters clout, draws Trump, Harris
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris were back stumping in Arizona Wednesday, evidence of what one report calls the high "voter power" of residents of the swing state.
As COVID-19 cases surge anew, some towns lift mask mandates
WASHINGTON - Payson Mayor Tom Morrisey thinks mask-wearing is one of the best ways to stop COVID-19 - but he doesn't want to force residents to do it. Payson is one of a number of towns that lifted mask mandates recently, despite a surge in cases statewide.
7 common mistakes to avoid when voting (no, don’t mail that ballot)
PHOENIX – Voters tend to overlook a few things when filling out ballots. Common mistakes are waiting too late to mail the ballot, using a fake drop box, missing or mismatched signatures, overvoting and using the wrong color ink.
Humans (and dogs) grateful Phoenix parks have reopened during COVID-19 pandemic
PHOENIX - A look at how the City of Phoenix is handling the usage of athletic fields and parks after reopening in early October.
Coyotes at center of ‘cancel culture’ debate after cutting ties with draft pick Mitchell Miller
PHOENIX - The Arizona Coyotes cut ties with 2020 fourth-round draft pick Mitchell Miller, who admitted bullying Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, an African-American classmate with developmental disabilities, four years ago.
FCC grants no-cost broadband spectrum licenses to 11 Arizona tribes
WASHINGTON - The Federal Communications Commission has granted broadband spectrum licenses to 11 Arizona tribes in what FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called "a major step forward in our efforts to close the digital divide on Tribal lands."
Corporation Commission: Shea Stanfield hopes to turn Arizona blue and green
Democrat Shea Stanfield wants to root out dark money and implement greener policies if elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Corporation Commission: Anna Tovar wants to ensure renewable energy is affordable
Moving Arizona to clean, renewable energy and creating healthier environments statewide is a goal of Anna Tovar, the Tolleson mayor who is running for the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Corporation Commission: Bill Mundell aims to make Arizona solar capital of the world
William “Bill” Mundell wants to stop unjustified APS rate increases and end corruption within the Arizona Corporation Commission. He also wants to make Arizona the solar capital of the world.
Corporation Commission: Eric Sloan wants a ‘fair deal’ for Arizona ratepayers
After watching the Arizona Corporation Commission approve continuous rate increases, Eric Sloan wants to be elected to the commission to protect Arizonans and give them a fair deal.
Corporation Commission: Jim O’Connor looks to stand up to utilities companies
Jim O’Connor says that over his 20 years in Arizona, he has seen utilities become more and more expensive. He wants to rely on his extensive experience in the investment and securities industries to be an effective commissioner for the people.
Corporation Commission: Affordable, reliable utilities a priority for Lea Márquez Peterson
Lea Márquez Peterson, seeking election to the seat she was appointed to in 2019, wants to bring change and integrity to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
October 29, 2020, Newscast
Latino vote impact; college football players discuss social issues; palm trees struggle in AZ heat
Trump support among Latinos steady; still trails Democrats by far
WASHINGTON - Recent polls suggest that about one in three Latino voters will support President Donald Trump this fall. But the also show that, while Trump's numbers may be higher than expected, Latino voters as a whole are firmly in the Democrats' camp.
Ducey defends shift in guidelines for return to virtual schooling
WASHINGTON - The Ducey administration defended its decision Thursday to make it harder for Arizona schools to revert to virtual education, from in-person or hybrid schooling, in the face of surging COVID-19 cases.
‘It’s surreal’: Lucky Cardinals fans keep their Red Sea distance, see game of season
PHOENIX - For the first time this season, Cardinals allow fans to attend games. The experience was surreal.
As corporate America responds to racism, some firms vow to address health disparities
As corporate America refocuses on racial equity after the death of George Floyd ignited nationwide protests against racial injustice, some firms are pledging to help remedy health disparities in communities of color
Two-Time for a beer? Former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip launches Arizona brewing company
PHOENIX - After the idea sparked in 2018, the Michael Waltrip Brewing Company has launched in Arizona with three different styles of beers and is looking to open a fully-operating brewery in Phoenix.
College football’s bowl season is on, including three games in Arizona
Bowl Season released its schedule for this year's games and Arizona will host three bowl games as a part of college football’s postseason.
Scary local talent will be on display during UFC Fight Night on Halloween
PHOENIX – Local talent from Tempe, Surprise will be well-represented on Halloween on ESPN+ during UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas
From pandemic to national scrutiny, Rising head to USL Championship after challenging season
PHOENIX - The Rising faced many adversities this season, yet they are one game away from winning the USL title.
Voters, officials prepare for possible intimidation at the polls
Officials concerned over voter intimidation at the polls this year look to educate voters on what intimidation is and how to report it.
October 30, 2020, Newscast
Common mistakes voters make; processing ballots are processed; celebrating Día de Los Muertos
Arizona voters have already cast a record 2.3 million early ballots
WASHINGTON - Arizonans are already setting voting records this year, driven by a bitterly contested presidential race, a large number of new voters and COVID-19 fears that voting in-person may not be safe.
Cities, police brace for possible unrest after heated election
WASHINGTON - National and local law enforcement agencies are preparing to respond in case civil disturbances break out after Tuesday's elections, which experts fear may have a "different venue for challenging election results, namely in the streets."
Halloween 2020: A different kind of mask, but just as scary this year
WASHINGTON - When health officials said Arizona residents could enjoy trick-or-treating this year if they found "various creative ways" to distribute candy during a pandemic, they may not have anticipated the creativity the day's fans would show to have their holiday.
Just before the election, poll on climate change suggests Arizona voters want more federal action
PHOENIX – Arizonans are more concerned with climate change and the environment this year, and it may affect their candidate choice in the election.
Shot on ghoul: Chychrun, Coyotes delight fans looking for safer Halloween at drive-thru event
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun greeted and treated fans during a Halloween drive-thru event at Gila River Arena on Saturday.
Arizona collegiate athletes speak out on importance of voting
Athletes at NAU, ASU and UArizona making voices heard about importance of voting
Halloween nightmare: Two Cardinals test positive for COVID-19
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said two players tested positive for COVID-19 during the team’s bye week, but he anticipates proceeding as usual for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Contracts, obligations to international teams contributed to USL Championship title game cancellation
PHOENIX – Expiring contracts and commitments to international teams made rescheduling the USL Championship title game impractical, which also played a role in cutting short Phoenix Rising FC's season.
Arizona officials expect crowded polls, but hope for smooth final day
WASHINGTON -Election officials anticipate longer-than-usual lines at polling places Tuesday, but said early in-person voting in the state has been going "very, very well" so far," despite the challenge of COVID-19, massive turnout and fear of violence.
November 2, 2020, Newscast
Changing your vote in AZ; using Tik Tok this election; Pac-12 players make use of their time off
Elections and chill: Officials temper hopes for election-night returns
WASHINGTON - County recorders say they do not expect problems - in fact, they believe Arizona is in better shape than most states - but are trying to tamp down expectations in light of what could be record-breaking turnout for a highly emotional campaign.
TikTok politics: Video-sharing app users move from hobby to headlines
WASHINGTON - TikTok users are finding the video-sharing platform is more than just a medium for frivolous clips. It can also be an effective way to share campaign messages of politicians - all without the interference of political ads or the politicians themselves.
What’s at stake in Arizona’s 2020 election
PHOENIX – The polls are open in Arizona: Mail-in ballots and early voting make it unlikely presidential results will be announced tonight. Many have speculated whether this could be the year the battleground state swings blue for the first time since ’96.
Election updates: Voters defy COVID, misgivings to make their voices heard
Millions of Arizona residents have already voted in this swing state but people are showing up in person at polls around Arizona to vote for President Trump or Joe Biden for president, for or against Proposition 207 to legalize recreational marijuana and Prop 208 to fund education.
Campaign donors gladly put their money where candidates’ mouths are
WASHINGTON - All politics may be local, but it's also personal for donors who put their money - often again and again, only a few dollars at a time - where candidates' mouths are, helping presidential campaigns raise $25.7 million in Arizona this year.
Party? Hardly. COVID-19 puts a damper on post-election celebrations
WASHINGTON - In an election year like no other, election night Tuesday will look like no other as campaigns scramble to find pandemic-safe ways to gather supporters together to celebrate their hard work and to announce a victory. Or a concession.
Finally: ASU set to begin play as delayed Pac-12 schedule could work to league’s advantage
TEMPE – Exactly 312 days. That’s how much time will have passed since Arizona State’s last game when it takes the field Saturday against No. 20 USC.
Blue wave in the Grand Canyon State: Biden, Kelly projected winners as Arizona takes center stage in 2020
PHOENIX – Amid a pandemic that changed the way Americans live and vote, Joe Biden was called the winner over Donald Trump in Arizona, leading a blue wave that flipped the longtime Republic stronghold to a Democratic presidential candidate for only the second time since 1952.
November 3, 2020, Newscast
Monitoring the polling on Election Day; the voting process in AZ; a COVID-19 storm
Maricopa County voters lean toward Democrats for sheriff, county attorney
PHOENIX – Democrats took an early lead for some of the most high-profile offices in a county that has historically leaned Republican. Maricopa County also saw historic turnout for this election.
Officials ‘braced for the worst,’ but report little voter intimidation
WASHINGTON - Elections officials feared cases of voter intimidation would mar Election Day in Arizona, but said Tuesday they had seen few problems over the course of the day and that the issues they did encounter were quickly resolved.
Arizona on path to approve Prop 207 to legalize marijuana, clear criminal records
PHOENIX – Arizona voters appeared poised to approve the legalization of recreational marijuana, with the Associated Press declaring the measure had passed Tuesday night. The measure also would allow certain marijuana offenders to seek to have their criminal records expunged.
Kelly leads McSally after high-profile, high-cost campaign for Senate
WASHINGTON - Senate Democratic challenger Mark Kelly opened a sizable lead in early returns Tuesday over Republican Sen. Martha McSally, who was desperately fighting to hold the seat she was appointed to just two years ago.
Proposition 208 on path to victory; would provide school funds that legislators have not
Proposition 208, which has roots in the statewide Red for Ed movement two years ago, would provide millions for public education by imposing a surtax on earnings over $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for couples. Opponents say this is no time for tax hikes on anyone.
As most House members head to reelection, Schweikert trails Tipirneni
WASHINGTON - Democratic challenger Hiral Tipirneni clung to a narrow lead Tuesday over embattled Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, in early returns in the race for Arizona's 6th District seat in Congress.
‘Long time coming’: Latino voters help flip Arizona, tighten key races
PHOENIX – Arizona appears to have selected a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since Bill Clinton’s reelection in 1996. Latino voters have been mobilizing since the state enacted the divisive immigration law known as SB 1070 in 2010.
Officials: COVID-19 keeps coming for Arizona, and the death toll could be ‘staggering’
PHOENIX – Health officials Wednesday warned of a “staggering” death toll in Arizona as cases of the novel coronavirus continue to rise unabated.
November 4, 2020, Newscast
The presidential race in AZ; how news outlets project a winner; a pilot program to cool pavements
Is ‘wave’ permanent? That’s a political question, not a hairstyle
WASHINGTON - Democrats made impressive inroads in Arizona on Election Day, but experts say it may be too early to determine whether the voting was a "blue wave" - or just "blue-ish."
Hobbs learns Sharpie ballot rumor, like marker’s ink, is hard to erase
WASHINGTON - State election officials are trying to knock down a social media report - since labeled "false information" - that the everyday Sharpie was used in a scheme to invalidate ballots of unsuspecting voters. Sharpie votes still count, officials said.
Arizona MMA prospects Logan, Fortune looking to secure victories on network event
PHOENIX - Local MMA prospects Bryce Logan and Tyrell Fortune are looking to secure victories on Thursday night on CBS Sports Network.
Working the vroom: Arizona represented behind the scenes within NASCAR
PHOENIX - It’s easy to get lost in the superstars behind the helmets, which is why the thousands of men and women working countless hours behind the scenes are often overlooked across NASCAR. Although far and few in between, there are motorsports aficionados who hail from Arizona playing some of the most pivotal roles within the sport and they’re executing their jobs exceptionally.
Against the stream: Live sports return to TV, but not everyone is watching
PHOENIX - TV ratings for sports have dropped during the pandemic. There are several reasons for this, according to polls and experts.
Hot races, new battleground status make Phoenix tops for political ads
PHOENIX – A slew of high-profile races and Arizona's new status as a battleground state made Phoenix the top market in the country for presidential political advertising during this election season, according to a recent report.
State tops 250,000 COVID-19 cases, 6,000 deaths, renewing safety calls
WASHINGTON - Health officials repeated calls for Arizonans to take commonsense health measures, as the state passed two grim COVID-19 milestones this week, topping 6,000 deaths Tuesday and 250,000 total cases on Wednesday.
Some Maricopa County races narrow, flip as counting continues
PHOENIX – Democrats took an early lead in some of the high-profile offices in Maricopa County, but as more ballots are tallied, Republicans appear to have taken the lead in several. There are thousands of ballots left to count, however.
November 5, 2020, Newscast
Arizona ballots still being counted; election protests in Phoenix; anti-war vigil in D.C.
Vote counting anxiety rises as Trump-Biden race tightens in Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona draws national attention, Trump supports protest the election process and “Sharpie-gate” rumors add to unfounded tensions as the vote count continues in Arizona. Some media outlets have called the state for Joe Biden, but election officials caution that some 200,000 ballots still need to be counted in Maricopa County alone.
Churches adjust to COVID-19 restrictions in Southwest, many pray to reopen in California
LOS ANGELES – Coptic Christians in Southern California are struggling to find places of worship because of restrictions on capacity under state pandemic restrictions.
Arizona’s renewable energy future at play in Corporation Commission races
PHOENIX – As election results come in, the Secretary of State’s Office shows that two Republicans and a Democrat appear to be leading in the race for three Arizona Corporation Commission seats.
From mullets to memories: Arizona pair embraces playing for upstart Coastal Carolina
Long snapper CJ Schrimpf and cornerback Derick Bush are Arizona natives making a big impact on one of college football’s most exciting teams in 2020, Coastal Carolina.
Each Election Day, voters with disabilities combat barriers to cast ballots
PHOENIX – Some 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote in this year’s election, but they face unique challenges in ensuring their ballots get cast and counted.
The final lap: Dissecting the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway
PHOENIX - A look at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway in a battle that is expected to be one of the most even-matched in the sport’s history.
Arizona’s football opener against Utah canceled due to COVID-19
After Utah’s roster fell below the PAC-12’s required number of available scholarship players, the conference decided to cancel Arizona’s season opening game against the Utes.
Social media disinformation tactics that attempted to deceive Arizonans in the 2020 elections
Disinformation has been spread over social media throughout the 2020 election.
Schweikert takes, expands lead, but Tipirneni vows to continue fight
WASHINGTON - Several days of counting have flipped the outlook for the 6th District House race, with Rep. David Schweikert now leading Democratic challenger Hiral Tipirneni by just under 12,000 votes after trailing her on election night.
November 6, 2020, Newscast
The race for Arizona is tight; a border patrol raid; a community's effort to stop the spread of covid-19
Hundreds gather outside Maricopa election center for third day of protests
PHOENIX – As tensions continue to rise over the results of the 2020 election, supporters of President Donald Trump on Friday gathered outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in downtown Phoenix. It was the third day of protests.
Presidential race called for Biden, Arizona plays key role
PHOENIX – Several national news outlets have called the presidential race for former Vice President Joe Biden, who is projected to become the 46th president of the United States. Arizona played a key role in the election.
Tipirneni concedes to Schweikert in District 6, as incumbents sweep
WASHINGTON - Democratic challenger Hiral Tipirneni conceded to Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, in the race for Arizona's 6th District congressional seat Saturday, after days of counting saw her election night lead evaporate.
Biden claims ‘clear victory’ as Arizonans await final vote counts in razor-thin election
PHOENIX – Amid celebrations on one side, and vows to keep fighting on the other, Arizonans on Sunday awaited final vote counts even as President-elect Joe Biden claimed a “clear victory."
Monday Morning Sun Devil: USC finish shows ASU how much work it has to do
PHOENIX – Although Arizona State controlled most of its opening game with USC, an inability to execute down the stretch doomed the Sun Devils.
Arizonans will be watching closely when Supreme Court takes up ACA
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Tuesday takes up the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act - again - in a case advocates say could affect health coverage for up to 233,000 Arizonans if the law is overturned. Arizona is part of the suit trying to reverse the law.
Telehealth is the best option for some but not all, mental health experts say
PHOENIX – Arizona mental health providers say virtual care is effective, although there are some difficulties.
Trump lawsuit targets Maricopa vote count, as gap with Biden narrows
WASHINGTON - The Trump campaign added Arizona this weekend to the list of states where it has gone to court to challenge the ballot count, charging that Maricopa County rejected ballots that should have been given a second review.
November 9, 2020, Newscast
Protest in Phoenix after the election; a celebration in D.C; volunteers honor Vietnam veterans
Pandemic shines light on complex coexistence of modern times, traditional ways on Navajo Nation
PHOENIX – People went to medicine men in Indian Country for help, exposing them to the virus and tensions between modern medicine and traditional ways.
2020 delivers setbacks for long-planned Western water projects
Proposals to divert water in New Mexico, Nevada and Utah have run up against significant legal, financial and political roadblocks this year.
Room and cardboard: ASU will fill up Sun Devil Stadium with fan, celebrity cutouts
PHOENIX - If fans look a little, well, stiff at Saturday’s Arizona State game, don’t be alarmed. They are cardboard cutouts..
Rising through the ranks: Developmental drivers take next leap at Championship Weekend
AVONDALE - Before a new NASCAR Cup Series Champion was crowned, other celebrations for the sport’s lower divisions took place. All of the young drivers competing for their future in NASCAR delivered an impeccable racing product and they undoubtedly earned their titles of “Champion.”
‘Not sure I could have dreamt that any better’: Elliott wins Cup Series Championship
AVONDALE- It was a monumental day in the racing world, as fan-favorite Chase Elliott became a NASCAR Cup Series Champion for the first time at Phoenix Raceway. The moment symbolized the departure of a legend in Jimmie Johnson and served as a passing of the torch at Hendrick Motorsports.
COVID-19 and Veterans Day: Remember your mask as you remember our vets
WASHINGTON - Faced with the task of balancing Veterans Day with COVID-19 safety precautions, Arizona organizers have come up with everything from virtual events to "reverse" parades. But the all had the same goal: honoring America’s veterans.
Navajo hemp investigation expands to federal marijuana, labor probe
WASHINGTON - A Navajo Nation probe of a controversial, Navajo-owned hemp operation has turned into a federal investigation into reports of marijuana production, interstate drug trafficking and violations of labor and child labor laws.
November 10, 2020, Newscast
Marijuana charges dismissed; Cindy McCain pleased with election results; record Latino voter turnout
Cannabis farms struggle to survive California wildfires without insurance
LOS ANGELES – Cannabis farms struggle to survive California wildfires without insurance
New field, new challenges await Sun Devils after delay of women’s soccer season
PHOENIX – Despite a disappointing 2019 season and the COVID-19 pandemic that delayed the 2020 season u, Arizona State coach Graham Winkworth believes the women’s soccer program is on the cusp of national prominence.
Soldiering on: After layoff, guardsman wins ‘best warrior’ competition
WASHINGTON - Daniel D'Ippolito's situation was hardly unique he was laid off in March, one of thousands in Arizona who lost jobs to COVID-19. What he's done since is unique, becoming a national finalist in a grueling Army contest of skills and stamina.
Despite ‘eerie’ vibe, NASCAR Championship Weekend a hit with drivers, fans
AVONDALE – COVID-19 meant a limited amount of fans could enjoy Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Despite the restrictions, fans and drivers called it a success.
November 11, 2020, Newscast
Cronkite News honors those who fought for our country on this Veteran's Day.
COVID-19 challenges add intrigue to first AIA high school football rankings
PHOENIX – COVID-19 challenges add intrigue to first AIA high school football rankings released by AZ Preps 365. As usual, surprises are part of the mix
Native American Basketball Invitational returns in 2021 after ‘devastating’ decision to cancel
PHOENIX - After canceling the 18th annual NABI tournament due to the COVID-19, the NABI Foundation announced the event will return to Arizona in July.
Burned acreage up sharply, as Arizona 2020 wildfire season winds down
WASHINGTON - The acreage torched by wildfires in Arizona was up sharply this year, but fire officials said it was still not a particularly bad season in terms of lives lost and structures burned in the blazes.
Arizona State football game against California remains in doubt
PHOENIX - As Californi continues to fight local COVID-19 protocols in Berkeley, its game against Arizona State in Tempe may or may not happen.
Forecast calls for drier, warmer winter to follow ‘nonsoon’ summer
WASHINGTON - State and federal weather officials are predicting a warmer and drier than normal winter for Arizona, which would come on the heels of the driest monsoon ever recorded in the state.
Field of flags tries to make sense of staggering COVID-19 death toll
WASHINGTON - A field in Washington flutters with more than 200,000 white flags, one for each person killed in the U.S. by COVID-19. The artist behind the exhibit hopes it the sometimes-numbing numbers real as cases surge in Arizona and across the U.S.
November 12, 2020, Newscast
Double lung transplant patient recovers; ballot count hearing starts; high school student-athletes
Trump’s voting irregularity claims get cold reception in court hearing
WASHINGTON - Trump campaign lawyers dropped claims of voter fraud Thursday, telling a Maricopa County Superior Court judge instead that they were in court to point out "good faith errors" by election officials that could have affected the vote count.
Big Ten, here we come: ASU hockey team opens season at Michigan
TEMPE -Arizona State men's hockey team ready for fresh start after lost NCAA Tournament opportunity last season.
ASU’s Herm Edwards, multiple players test positive for COVID-19 as game vs. Cal canceled
PHOENIX - Multiple ASU football players and coaches, including coach Herm Edwards, tested positive for COVID-19, causing ASU’s game versus Cal this Saturday to be canceled.
Youth advocacy groups kept voters safe and informed on Election Day
LOS ANGELES – Young people stepped up on two fronts this Election Day: volunteering to replace older poll workers who feared exposure to COVID-19 and pushing more of their peers – an age group with historically low turnout – to register and vote.
Loose spectator protocols for high school football fans during COVID-19 era stirs debate
GILBERT - As the AIA football season progresses and many teams continue to experience COVID outbreaks that force teams to shuffle schedules, some people are turning to Twitter to expose schools that aren’t enforcing safety protocols.
Phoenix Rising re-sign eight starters, Junior Flemmings not among them
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising announced the re-signing of eight starters on Friday, but questions remain about how they will fill the remaining spots on their 2021 roster.
November 13, 2020, Newscast
AZ turns blue as ballot counting wraps up; youth voters this election; ASU football game canceled
COVID-19 vaccine test subjects weighed risks, rolled up their sleeves
WASHINGTON - Tubac Fire Chief Cheryl Horvath and Rep. Amish Shah, D-Phoenix, don't have much in common, but both wanted to help fight COVID-19. So they signed up to be test subjects in clinical vaccine trials, just two of the thousands of volunteers nationwide.
McSally concedes to Kelly, capping costly and high-profile Senate race
WASHINGTON - Sen. Martha McSally conceded Friday to Democratic challenger Mark Kelly, 10 days after the polls closed. Political vets say the numbers often take the decision to concede out of a candidate's hands - but that doesn't make it any less painful for the loser.
As it drops one challenge, GOP files new suit over election returns
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Republican Party filed a second legal challenge Thursday to Maricopa County's election returns, even as attorneys for the party were conceding that an earlier suit would not make a difference in the presidential results.
Trump backers take their turn, crowding Washington streets in protest
WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of people turned the streets of Washington into a sea of flags and banners Saturday, marching and chanting in support of an embattled President Donald Trump as his election chances falter.
Pick one: California multisport athletes forced to choose, putting college recruitment at risk
ANAHEIM, California – Because of the pandemic, California high school athletes who play multiple sports are facing tough decisions that could affect their chances of college recruitment.
‘Disruptive and cruel’: Native Americans worry as Supreme Court weighs repeal of health care act
PHOENIX – The Affordable Care Act expanded the number of Americans covered by private or public health insurance, but also included a number of provisions specific to Indian Country. As the Supreme Court considers a potential repeal, Indian Country watches and waits.
Delay of games: Back-to-back cancellations leave ASU football on uncertain path
TEMPE – After canceling its second straight game, ASU football's path to the postseason is in question. However, when the Sun Devils return to the field, there still might be a route to the Pac-12 Championship Game.
AIA recommends postponing start of winter sports seasons
Monday afternoon, the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) recommended to its executive board that the board postpone the start of the high school winter sports season.
From Tennessee to Georgia to Arizona, three friends share thrill of Cardinals’ ‘Hail Murray’ win
PHOENIX – Three friends, all exuberant Arizona Cardinals fans, rejoiced together despite being separated by thousands of miles as the “Hail Murray” delivered a 32-30 Arizona Cardinals victory.
November 16, 2020, Newscast
Covid-19 vaccine distribution; Million MAGA March in D.C.; the next step for recreational marijuana in AZ
Mount Graham red squirrel makes comeback, but not out of the woods yet
WASHINGTON - The endangered Mount Graham red squirrel, driven to the brink of extinction by wildfire just three years ago in southern Arizona, has seen its numbers more than triple from 33 to 109 animals, following federal, state and local preservation efforts.
Ballot count complete, but Republicans press ahead with challenges
WASHINGTON - Arizona elections officials finished counting the last of more than 3.4 million ballots over the weekend and are vowing to certify the results in the next two weeks, despite ongoing challenges from state Republicans.
‘This is trauma’: Some Latino children face mental health struggles during pandemic
PHOENIX – The coronavirus pandemic has upended children’s lives and, for some, harmed their mental health. Researchers and social workers say that Latino children are especially vulnerable to suffering poor mental health during COVID, and the ramifications could be long-lasting.
From chasing to racing: Former ASU defensive end Mills finds thrills as NASCAR jackman
PHOENIX - Kellen Mills excelled as a walk-on defensive end for Arizona State and is now responsible for a complete culture change at Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR.
Arizona comes up short on report on lung cancer screening, treatment
WASHINGTON - Arizona was in the bottom tier in three of six categories in a new American Lung Association report, which put the state dead-last for the number of patients who receive treatment after getting a diagnosis of lung cancer.
November 17, 2020, Newscast
Petition for safer AZ schools; police officer survives COVID-19; women of color dying during childbirth
Want to play golf with Bobby Hurley or Sean Miller? Auction gives you the chance
PHOENIX - Coaches vs. Cancer has partnered with numerous Division I men’s basketball coaches to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. These coaches will donate a round of golf to the highest bidder in partnership with a Member for a Day.
Pinnacle’s Nico Mannion, two Arizona teammates await fate in NBA Draft
Three former UArizona players enter the draft with a lot of upside but also a lot of weaknesses; an overview of Josh Green, Nico Mannion and Zeke Nnaji
New Mexico State basketball relocates to Phoenix for 5 weeks because of COVID-19
The New Mexico State men’s basketball team is moving to Phoenix due to COVID regulations in their state.
Carbon free energy required by 2050 under Arizona Corporation Commission proposal
PHOENIX – The Arizona Corporation Commission has proposed that public utilities be carbon free by 2050, updating a plan enacted in 2006. If approved after hearings and public comment, it would help Arizona catch up with other Southwestern states that already have such regulations.
Ducey acts to reduce COVID risks from Thanksgiving travelers and winter visitors
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey and the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, Cara Christ, addressed concerns about holiday travel and assisting those most affected by the pandemic.
November 18, 2020, Newscast
Gov. Doug Ducey's conference; will a lockdown happen in AZ; GOP trying to stop election certification
Coconino official backs bill to burn forest waste for renewable energy
WASHINGTON - Coconino County Supervisor Art Babbott urged senators Wednesday to pass a bill that would let limbs and trees left over from forest maintenance be burned for renewable energy.
In emotional Senate farewell, McSally thanks voters, wishes Kelly well
WASHINGTON - A sometimes emotional Sen. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, gave her farewell address on the Senate floor Wednesday, saying that "serving and fighting for Arizona as a U.S. senator has been the opportunity of a lifetime."
Judge promises quick decision in latest Arizona GOP attack on election
PHOENIX - A Maricopa County judge said he would decide by Thursday morning whether to let the Arizona Republican Party proceed with its challenge to Maricopa County's audit of ballots from this month's election, an audit the party claims violated state law.
Community health centers struggle to serve and survive during pandemic
PHOENIX – Community health centers are a vital part of the nation’s health care system, helping 29 million people in medically underserved communities regardless of their ability to pay. But COVID-19 has hit these clinics hard, and some are struggling to survive.
No average Guy: Apache Junction football player remembered for drive, compassion
PHOENIX – Stage 4 melanoma took the life of Apache Junction football player Alex Guy but his legacy lives on.
Flagstaff’s Snowbowl Ski Resort ready to open with COVID-19 restrictions
Even with COVID-19 restrictions, Flagstaff’s Snowbowl Ski Resort is set to open.
AIA: Winter high school sports can resume on Jan. 5
PHOENIX - The AIA announced Thursday winter sports can resume Jan. 5, with the last allowed day of competition Feb. 19. Practice will resume for a minimum of 14 days before competing.
Suns’ addition of Chris Paul brings praise from former coach
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns acquired Chris Paul in a blockbuster trade, sending four players from the Valley to the Oklahoma City Thunder
November 19, 2020, Newscast
Traveling safely during Covid-19; surge in hate crimes; winter sports postponed
Schools welcome state mandate for masks in classrooms, buses, events
WASHINGTON - Arizona health officials on Thursday mandated that students wear face coverings in school, on buses and at school activities, an emergency order that school officials called a step in the right direction, but not enough.
Another judge dismisses another GOP suit over election, ballot count
PHOENIX - Arizona Republicans suffered another blow Thursday to their legal challenges to the election when a Maricopa County judge dismissed a suit claiming that Maricopa County officials' audit of ballots was in technical violation of state law.
‘It’s creating a new normal’: A Navajo school district and its students fight to overcome amid COVID-19
PIÑON – Even in the best of times, Native American K-12 students have faced an uphill battle to getting a high school diploma. Now COVID has brought new challenges, but one district is doing everything it can to help its students persevere.
California high school athletes travel to Arizona to keep playing through COVID-19
SAN CLEMENTE, California – California high school athletes can only play competitively out of state and must travel to Arizona with their families to stay in game-shape.
Football game cancellations rampant among Arizona high schools as COVID-19 cases rise
SCOTTSDALE – After shuffling their schedule four times, the 4-1 Saguaro Sabercats can say they have a grind to be eligible for the 2020 AIA playoffs.
November 20, 2020, Newscast
ICUs projected to increase; safety measure Valley Metro is taking; McSally says farewell
ASU basketball’s crowded backcourt gives ‘Guard U’ a preseason top 25 nod
LOS ANGELES – ASU basketball kicks off Wednesday night when the Sun Devils play Rhode Island in the 2020 Empire Classic. Coach Bobby Hurley and players talk about the upcoming season.
Mayors again call for statewide mask mandate as COVID-19 cases surge
WASHINGTON - Democratic mayors from around the state urged Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday to impose a statewide mask mandate, as COVID-19 cases surged past 4,000 for a second straight day and state hospitals neared capacity in their intensive care units.
Lost on the front lines: Health care workers in Southwest who died fighting COVID-19
Health care workers faced serious dangers during the pandemic, and some lost their lives caring for others.
Rarefied air: collegiate runners flock to Flagstaff to train
Collegiate runners from around the country are drawn to Flagstaff, Arizona to train at high elevation while attending classes remotely.
Nico Mannion, former NBA father Pace, reflect on former Pinnacle standout landing with Warriors
Three Arizona Wildcats and a former Arizona high school standout were among the players who heard their name called during the 2020 NBA Draft.
Holiday travel down this year, but millions still hit roads, airports
WASHINGTON - Thanksgiving travel is expected to be down sharply this year because of COVID-19, but as many as 50 million Americans are still expected to travel this week despite pleas from health experts to stay home.
After weeks of fighting, ballot counting may be near finish in Arizona
WASHINGTON - All 15 Arizona counties had submitted official election results by Monday to the secretary of state, who will certify them in the next week or sooner - ending a contentious weeks-long battle over a normally routine process.
November 23, 2020, Newscast
AZ hospitals COVID restrictions; Sky Habor Airport COVID test; program for those who lost their job
Inequality in dermatology brings misdiagnoses for patients of color
PHOENIX – Images of patients with dark skin are hard to come by in both research and textbooks, and that’s created inequities in the field of dermatology for patients of color – a problem highlighted during COVID-19.
November 24, 2020, Newscast
More AZ families need food this Thanksgiving; a voluntary curfew; how to avoid a stressful Thanksgiving
COVID-19 cases could push hospital beds, staff to limit, official says
WASHINGTON - The recent surge in COVID-19 cases could push hospital staff and hospital bed capacity to the limit in coming weeks, particularly if people are not careful over Thanksgiving, an Arizona hospital official said Tuesday.
Food banks receive government help to fill bellies during holidays
PHOENIX – St. Mary’s Food Bank and Local First Arizona partner with local governments to provide meals to those in need this holiday season.
How Arizona universities are riding the waves of COVID-19
PHOENIX – ASU, NAU and UArizona grapple with the coronavirus with similar but separate approaches to COVID-19 to tests, teaching and telling the public what they’re doing.
Copper rush: Opponents worry feds have fast-tracked Resolution mine OK
WASHINGTON - Activists worry that the Trump administration has fast-tracked the final environmental impact statement for the massive Resolution Copper mine, a project planned for lands near Superior that are claimed as sacred by the San Carlos Apache.
‘So glad to be back’: Herm Edwards reflects on isolation after ASU cancels 3rd game
PHOENIX - Arizona State canceled its game against Utah, but expressed optimism that it could play Dec. 2 against UCLA. Coach Herm Edwards also shared his experience fighting COVID-19 in isolation.
Surging COVID-19 numbers prompt Tucson public schools to halt remainder of football season
Gabriel Trujillo, superintendent of the Tucson Unified School District, made the difficult decision to suspend the remainder of the football season for the Tucson schools, which were set to compete with Tolleson and Phoenix schools in their own postseason tournament, separate from AIA competition.
That’s awkward: Trump touts Arizona election review that won’t happen
WASHINGTON- When the Trump campaign announced Tuesday that the Arizona Legislature would hold a public meeting next week to review this year's elections, there was just one problem. Nobody told state lawmakers, who said it's not happening.
Appeals court upholds child pornography conviction of Tucson man
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Wednesday upheld a Tucson man's conviction and sentence on child pornography charges, rejecting his argument that procedural problems at trial kept him from presenting his defense.
1 in 10 Maricopa County residents have likely had COVID-19, new study finds
PHOENIX – As health experts worry about spiking COVID-19 infections, a study by the Maricopa County health department estimates that 1 in 10 residents may already have had the disease – far more than official counts.
‘We hold these truths to be’ A, B or C? Citizenship test gets harder
WASHINGTON - The civics test. long been a crucial part of the citizenship process, gets its first update in decade next week, with twice the questions but the same passing score. USCIS calls it needed upgrade, critics see anti-immigrant motives behind the move.
Kelly already playing part of senator ahead of next week’s swearing-in
WASHINGTON - He won't be sworn in for several days yet, but Sen.-elect Mark Kelly is already acting the part, meeting with the governor and senators, naming a transition team and hosting town halls. There's little time to waste: His swearing-in could come next week.
From NFL to American Gladiator to firefighter, Hamilton’s Mark Tucker has found his calling
CHANDLER – Mark Tucker, assistant coach of football powerhouse Hamilton High School, has a backstory that includes the NFL and the American Gladiators.
Proposition 207: What happens before recreational marijuana becomes legal in Arizona?
PHOENIX – Legalization of marijuana use will bring new business to existing dispensaries, add opportunities for marjiuana growers and lead to moves to expunge criminal records.
New-look Suns come out of bubble, into spotlight
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns ended the 2019-20 season in a bubble at Orlando’s Walt Disney World. Now the team and the rest of the NBA is preparing to launch a shortened and condensed 2020-21 season as a global pandemic continues to rage.
Census: Not sure it can exclude migrants, but wants to be left to try
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration said it does not know how many immigrants might be excluded from the Census, but it still urged the Supreme Court on Monday to overturn lower courts that blocked the proposal.
November 30, 2020, Newscast
AZ certifies election results; healthcare emergency in the future; patients receive plasma
State leaders deride daylong rehash of rejected voting irregularities
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's attorneys presented hours of rehashed claims of previously rejected voting irregularities during a daylong meeting Monday that legislative leaders called an "illegitimate" exercise meant to undermine confidence in the elections.
Navajo health director named to Biden’s advisory board on COVID-19
WASHINGTON - President-elect Joe Biden has said dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic will be one of the first orders of business for his administration, and the director of the Navajo Health Department will be there to advise him on it.
‘Devastating’: Brophy Prep swimming reflects on season halted by COVID-19
PHOENIX - Brophy Prep reflects on a streak of 32 straight titles in boys swimming ending because the Broncos were unable to compete due to COVID-19.
52% of young adults now live at home – the highest rate in 80 years
More than half of young adults 18 to 29 live with their parents, the Pew Research Center has found, and the COVID-19 pandemic is driving that rise.
Phoenix City Council expected to decide fate of local sports tournaments this week
PHOENIX - As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Arizona, the Phoenix City Council must make a decision about cancelling local sports tournaments.
December 1, 2020, Newscast
A new curfew in Tucson; a lawsuit against Prop 208; Washington, D.C.'s newest merchandise
State posts new COVID-19 case record, as possible holiday surge looms
WASHINGTON - Arizona reported a record 10,322 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, more than twice the previous high, as cases surged ahead of a holiday season that one health expert said could be a "real scary time."
Phoenix Suns expect to experience cultural change after addition of Chris Paul
The addition of Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns is expected to benefit the organization on and off the court.
Mesa teachers union urges district to halt in-person classes
The Mesa Education Association, which represents teachers, has asked Mesa Public Schools to return to remote learning because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Maricopa County. District officials say they’ll respond on Thursday.
Kelly takes oath, casts first vote as Arizona’s newest senator
WASHINGTON - Mark Kelly can drop "senator-elect" from his title .Less than a month after Election Day, Kelly was sworn in as the junior senator from Arizona on Wednesday and will serve the remaining two years of the late Sen. John McCain's term.
December 2, 2020, Newscast
Citywide curfew in Tucson; two AZ hotels detain immigrants; Mountain View athlete breaks barriers
Ducey rejects new COVID-19 limits, as models foresee swamped hospitals
WASHINGTON – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey again rejected calls for tougher statewide COVID-19 restrictions Wednesday in the face of what experts called a pending "catastrophe," opting instead for more funding for nurses and more pleas for personal responsibility.
Tolleson, Chandler communities saddened by COVID-related deaths of two beloved coaches
PHOENIX - Tolleson assistant baseball coach Ash Friederich and Chandler swim and dive coach Kerry Croswhite lost their lives after contracting COVID-19.
Gilbert’s Made With Love Market reopens, brings together small business owners
GILBERT – The Made With Love Market made a comeback since shutting down back in February and remain optimistic with the upcoming holiday season.
Superspreaders, clusters and dead ends: Research reveals more about how coronavirus spreads
PHOENIX – Research reveals the nature of coronavirus transmission, and how some people become superspreaders while others give the virus to no one.
‘It’s go time’: Booker, Ayton eager to start after key offseason additions
PHOENIX- All-star guard Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton share their thoughts about new additions, shifting Suns’ culture
December 3, 2020, Newscast
COVID vaccine free for AZ residents; Mesa schools ask to go online; immigration is over criminalized on TV
Navajo warn hospitals at ‘breaking point’ in worsening COVID-19 surge
WASHINGTON - With a shortage of beds, oxygen and staff, the Navajo Nation can no longer depend on regional aid and is sending critical patients farther afield for care, officials reported Thursday.
Once used to track foodborne illnesses, UArizona team now traces COVID contacts
Volunteers from the University of Arizona’s SAFER team are conducting two functions the CDC says are essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19: contact tracing and case investigations.
Home on the road: COVID-19 closures mean Lakers fans will travel to see the champs play
LOS ANGELES – Because Staples Center will be closed when the NBA season starts, Lakers fans will have to travel to other states to watch their team and make their presence felt. They believe they can counteract the disadvantages of playing on the road.
Greatness of Mesquite quarterback Ty Thompson to be featured in 4A semifinal
PHOENIX- Ty Thompson has made a name for himself while becoming the No.2 QB in his class. The Oregon commit is two wins away from another championship.
Teams, families scramble following Phoenix City Council decision to cancel sports tournaments
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council’s decision to cancel sports tournaments has forced event organizers and teams to scramble for solutions to keep kids on the fields.
December 4, 2020, Newscast
Coronavirus exposure among AZ delegates; alternative COVID-19 test; border walls impact on the environment
First COVID-19 vaccines, vaccinations expected in Arizona by Dec. 15
WASHINGTON - Arizona health officials said they expect to get the first of more than 380,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 15 and will begin vaccinating health care workers and first responders shortly thereafter.
Even in COVID-19 climate, job security an issue for coaches, including Arizona’s Sumlin
PHOENIX – Kevin Sumlin’s time in Arizona could be running out. The third-year coach’s seat is growing hotter by the minute, riding a 10-game skid into a showdown with Colorado.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: Reflecting on late game turnovers, future recruits
PHOENIX – Late-game turnovers doomed the Arizona State football team in its loss to UCLA, but the Sun Devils were encouraged by the progress shown in the second half.
No cold elders: Volunteers provide firewood for Navajo families ahead of winter
Because many Navajo rely on firewood to heat their homes, volunteers with the nonprofit Chizh for Cheii provide elders across the reservation with free firewood.
Navajo program again distributes reservation coal to heat tribal homes
WASHINGTON - For the fifth straight year, the Community Heating Resource Program is helping Navajo residents stay warm through fall and winter months by distributing coal to tribe members for free from the Navajo Mine - one ton at a time.
Immigration advocates hail DACA reinstatement; DHS promises appeal
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration said Monday it will abide by a court order - for now - to start accepting new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applications.
December 7, 2020, Newscast
AZ House and Senate are closed; Navaja Nation ICU beds fill up; remembering Pearl Harbor
What to know about open carry gun laws in Arizona
Arizona has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the U.S., a country that considers gun ownership a constitutional right under the Second Amendment.
Biosphere 2 study: Tropical forests may be more resilient to rising temperatures than predicted
PHOENIX – Researchers discovered at Biosphere 2 near Tucson that tropical forests may be more resilient to warming temperatures than originally thought, but they are still facing other negative effects of climate change.
Holiday punch: COVID-19 worries mean no holiday party for most offices
WASHINGTON - Offices across the country are canceling holiday parties, finding ways to celebrate virtually or with other COVID-19 safeguards in place. Just 23% of businesses said they plan a year-end party this year, a reversal from the 76% who did so last year.
December 8, 2020, Newscast
New record COVID cases; jury trials suspended in Maricopa County; equine therapy in AZ
Pandemic, Trump and racism drive voter turnout in some tribal communities
Native American voters say they were driven to vote by COVID-19, racism and President Trump’s disregard for sacred tribal land.
Struggles of Cave Creek district are emblematic of Arizona schools during COVID-19
CAVE CREEK – Cave Creek Unified School District students, parents and teachers are dealing with long term substitutes reflecting the struggles of other schools.
House calls: Arizona lawmakers land in COVID-19 quarantine more often
WASHINGTON - Four of Arizona's nine House members have quarantined since the start of COVID-19, either because they were exposed or tested positive themselves, giving Arizona has the highest percentage of delegation members who have quarantined.
December 9, 2020, Newscast
AZ Republican party lawsuit; coronavirus testing trends; 49ers and Cardinals are sharing a stadium
Michelangelo up close: Exhibit brings replicas of Sistine Chapel masterpieces to Phoenix
PHOENIX – Phoenicians can travel to Italy this winter with a trip to “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” at the Croft Downtown in Phoenix’s warehouse district. Life-size prints of the famous frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings so visitors can get a closer look.
Transgender patients face uphill battle for care amid discrimination, doctor shortage
PHOENIX – The estimated 1.4 million adults in the United States who identify as transgender face numerous obstacles when seeking health care.
Three Arizona tribal leaders on diverse slate of 11 electoral voters
WASHINGTON - The slate of 11 Democratic electors who will cast Arizona's Electoral College votes Monday for President-elect Joe Biden includes, for the first time, leaders of three tribes: the Gila River Indian Community, Navajo Nation and Tohono O'odham Nation.
December 10, 2020, Newscast
ICU beds at 90% capacity; Tolleson HS continues online learning; rain showers in the Valley
‘I am that character’: New Marvel heroes battle underrepresentation of Native Americans in comics
FLAGSTAFF – Marvel releases new comic book about indigenous heroes
As legal challenges continue to fall, Biden electors set to meet, vote
WASHINGTON - Add one more thing to the list of normal activities upended in 2020 - the normally mundane job of the state's presidential electors has been thrust into the spotlight by ongoing GOP attempts to upend the election of President-elect Joe Biden.
A mother’s journey: How one Arizona woman navigated domestic violence amid a pandemic
Experts around the world are reporting increasing domestic violence during the pandemic. But in Arizona, some advocates say victims may not be in a position to seek help or move into a shelter. This is the story of one woman who found the courage to do just that and, along with her children, come out on the other side.
December 11, 2020, Newscast
AZ has the highest spread of COVID-19; coronavirus in City of Nogales; oral hygiene event helps thousands
Invisible chapters: Writing the Black community into stories of libraries, bookstores and publishing
TUCSON – The Kindred program at Tucson’s main library is one solution to a lack of African American representation in libraries, on bookshelves and at publishing houses.
How a small Arizona town saved itself from the COVID-19 food crisis
Ajo, Arizona, is an unincorporated community 110 miles south of Phoenix. It borders the Tohono O'odham Indian Nation, serving as a hub for supplies for some of the 7,500 people who live on the reservation. The Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture is a nonprofit working in agricultural education, culturally appropriate food and economic development. When the coronavirus pandemic hit Ajo, the shelves of its one grocery story were cleaned out. The organization's all Native American board stepped up to feed its community.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU rout in Territorial Cup reflects state of program
PHOENIX – Arizona State’s rout in Territorial Cup shows why ASU made the right decision when it thought outside the box and plucked Herm Edwards from ESPN.
December 14, 2020, Newscast
Electoral college meet today; UA's "freezer farm"; AZ teachers leave the classroom
Diversifying the pack: Cross fostering helps Mexican wolf population boost genetic mix
ALPINE – With fewer than 200 Mexican wolves living wild in Arizona, biologists on the ground and in Missouri have helped implement a cross-fostering program to increase the genetic diversity of wolf packs.
‘I wanted to do more than hold a sign’: Street medic crew forms out of Black Lives Matter protests
PHOENIX – Desert Action Medical Network is a group of street medics – from paramedics to people with basic first-aid knowledge – who have attended more than 80 protests in metro Phoenix, offering medical care to more than 60 people.
‘Yelp’-like reviews for social justice? ASU civil rights center seeks ways to target systemic inequality
PHOENIX – Ehsan Zaffar, a federal civil rights lawyer, is leading the initiative for a civil rights center at Arizona State University.
Over par: Arizona’s golf scene thrives during COVID-19 pandemic
PHOENIX – With more free time, Arizonans are flocking to play golf in 2020. See how courses have adjusted their operations to stay open during the pandemic, and how they’ve fared.
High-stakes races sparked high-dollar giving by Arizona voters in 2020
WASHINGTON - Arizonans were heavily invested in this fall's elections in more ways than one, donating a total of at least $110 million to support candidates and high-profile ballot initiatives, a sharp increase from the $60 million state voters donated just four years ago.
December 15, 2020, Newscast
Election lawsuit dismissed; young voter turnout; store employees in distress this holiday season
As Lake Powell recedes, river guides race to document long-hidden rapids
Climate change and growing population across the Southwest are pushing Lake Powell to historic lows and revealed some long-lost features along the Colorado River.
Phoenix PD offers officers mental health training; community members say that’s not enough
The efforts, and backlash, of Phoenix Police Department’s handling of mental health scenarios is being highlighted.
December 16, 2020, Newscast
Pima County under curfew; Navajo Nation receives vaccines; FDA approves at home test
They shoot, they score: Coyotes’ goal to increase youth hockey participation a success
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes have been seeking to increase youth hockey participation in the state of Arizona. With various youth development programs and outreach efforts, the Coyotes’ efforts are making an impact in the state.
With focus on COVID-19, experts fear opioid crisis may worsen unseen
WASHINGTON - With the world focused on COVID-19, local and national experts say a growing number of opioid overdoses and deaths is being overlooked, an increase they fear may be driven in part by the pandemic's upheaval to lives and our livelihoods.
December 17, 2020, Newscast
Health workers receive vaccine soon; FBI's first Navajo Nation poster; youth sports not shutting down
Gun sales hit record in 2020, driven by pandemic, protests, politics
WASHINGTON - Background checks for gun purchases in Arizona hit their highest level ever in 2020, driven by an unprecedented convergence of a pandemic, a summer of national unrest and a presidential election, experts said.
6 Arizonans discuss the impact Ruth Bader Ginsburg had on their lives
PHOENIX – Six women residing in Arizona put into words the impact of the life and career of the woman many knew as the Notorious RBG.
Colorado River Basin winter forecast signals dry times ahead
This year the sprawling western river basin saw a dry spring, dry summer, dry fall, and now – a dry start to winter. So far, this has been among the driest years on record for portions of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Nevada.
December 18, 2020, Newscast
AZ ICU beds at 93% capacity; ASU cancels Spring Break; AZ vaccine distribution update
Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU builds for 2021 as line play shows program’s growth
PHOENIX – The improvement along both lines is a big reason ASU is positioned for a big 2021 season. Plus, why Zak Hill’s offense is already a success.
ACA enrollment uptick a ‘pleasant surprise’ after years of declines
WASHINGTON – After years of steady declines, enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage ticked up in Arizona and held steady in the U.S. this year in what one advocate called a "pleasant surprise" after a challenging year.
Trouble sleeping this year? You’re not alone, Arizona researchers say
PHOENIX – In this episode of Arizona in Focus, sleep researchers explain why so many people during the COVID-19 pandemic are struggling with insomnia.
Biden’s work cut out for him in plan to undo Trump immigration policy
WASHINGTON - President-elect Joe Biden has promised to roll back many Trump administration immigration policies - but he's got his work cut out for him.
Record heat proves to be a queen palm’s worst enemy
PHOENIX – Queen palm trees, widely used in landscaping in metro Phoenix, have become a victim of Arizona’s record-breaking heat in 2020.
After four years of tumult, businesses hopeful for Biden trade policy
WASHINGTON - Trade between Arizona and Mexico has been stable under the Trump administration, with a dip this year blamed on the pandemic, and an outlook that has one expert hoping for a "renaissance" in North American trade.
Saltwater lakes beneath Mars’ surface raise new questions about life on the red planet
PHOENIX – New radar data from the Mars Express spacecraft reveals three saltwater lakes below the surface of the red planet. In this episode of Arizona in Focus, we look at what the lakes might be like and whether they indicate life.
Waymo’s driverless ride service moves metro Phoenix toward autonomous future
PHOENIX – Google’s self-driving company, Waymo, introduced a fully driverless ride hailing service to parts of the East Valley this fall. Arizona in Focus looks at how today’s decisions will shape the future of autonomous vehicles.
‘My story is not done’: Eddie Johnson begins 20th season as voice of Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – After a successful career in the NBA, Eddie Johnson finds himself in Phoenix serving as broadcaster for Suns and taking time to motivate others.
Tribal leaders optimistic about Biden; Haaland nomination a good start
WASHINGTON - The federal government may not have a stellar track record when it comes to keeping promises with Native Americans, but tribal leaders in Arizona said they think, and hope, President-elect Joe Biden could be the exception.
No fans, no vaccine, no problem: It’s not ideal but Suns excited to showcase new look
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns ended the 2019-20 season in a bubble at Orlando’s Walt Disney World. Now the team and the rest of the NBA is preparing to launch a shortened and condensed 2020-21 season as a global pandemic continues to rage.
Biden firm on uranium-mining ban around ‘jewel’ of the Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration cited national security for its efforts to boost uranium mining, but environmentalists saw it as an attempt to mine near the Grand Canyon. President-elect Joe Biden may shut that door for good.
Nonprofit Soldier’s Best Friend pairs rescues with veterans to become service dogs
PHOENIX – Arizona nonprofit Soldier’s Best Friend adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them along with veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury to become service dogs.
Arizona health experts discuss ASU-developed saliva test, other innovations spurred by COVID-19
PHOENIX – Two Arizona health experts talk about some of the medical innovations that have taken place since the COVID-19 pandemic began in this episode of Arizona in Focus.
Researchers at Petrified Forest discover fossil of a reptile with claws and a beak
PHOENIX – Researchers in the Petrified Forest National Park have discovered a new species of prehistoric reptile that offers a glimpse into Arizona’s past.
After years of lowered refugee admissions, Biden plans sharp reversal
WASHINGTON - After years of steadily slashing the number of refugees it will accept, President-elect Joe Biden has said that he plans to raise the number of refugees who can be admitted.
A free ride: Erick Cedeño cycles 2,200 miles to experience the Underground Railroad
PHOENIX – Cyclist Erick Cedeño retraces footsteps of the Underground Railroad on wheels.
If ancient drought choked the Southwest for centuries, what does the future hold?
Caves in the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah tell a story linking climate change to a “worst-case scenario” with potential impact on 56 million water users in the West.
Prom dress calling attention to missing, murdered Indigenous women added to Smithsonian exhibit
WASHINGTON – The Smithsonian contacted Isabella Aiukli Cornell about including her prom gown in a new exhibit called "Girlhood," which calls attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s movement.
‘Pushing a rock up the hill’: Former Valley star Tank Johnson leads fight against private prisons
LOS ANGELES – Former NFL player and McClintock High’s Tank Johnson now looks to end prison privatization
For Sonora’s tianguistas, other informal workers, COVID-19 brings unique challenges
Tianguistas – flea markets – in Sonora have been effectively shut out from their main supplier. The COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions have hit the industry hard.
Ajo group bands together to fight food insecurity during COVID-19
AJO – When COVID-19 crashed the food systems in Ajo and the nearby Tohono O’odham Nation, locals stepped in to fill the gap. After the shelves of the town’s lone grocery store were picked bare in April, one nonprofit transformed a cafe into a de facto food pantry.
As protests for racial justice divided the country, ASU hockey star found his voice
PHOENIX – In an open letter, ASU hockey player Dominic Garcia revealed that he had faced racism in the past.
As pandemic surges, officials call COVID-19 fatigue real and dangerous
WASHINGTON - With more than a half-million COVID-19 cases in the state, and records set regularly for new cases, hospitalizations and deaths, health experts worry about pandemic fatigue - and fear that people will let their guard down at the worst possible time.
‘Divas’ and suckers: The fight to save endangered Colorado River fish
Dams throughout the Colorado River watershed create barriers and alter flows that make life harder for native fish. For decades, millions of dollars have been spent on recovering the river’s fish species on the brink of extinction.
Arizona hate crimes bounced back in 2019, experts fear a surge in 2020
WASHINGTON - Hate crimes in Arizona bounced back in 2019 after a sharp drop the year before, and advocates say they fear the numbers are only going to continue to rise when the tumult of 2020 is reported.
Democrats pass independents, can’t overtake GOP in voter registration
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats registered more new voters in the last election cycle than any other party, moving ahead of independents in registration for the first time in 10 years - but still failing to overtake Republicans.
Lending a hand(print): Athletes raise awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous women
PHOENIX –Although it is a national cause, athletes around Arizona have taken part in the movement to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
Digitized health records, safety apps could be game-changer for athletes at every level
PHOENIX – PRIVIT, a leader in the protected health-information field, feeds off a year of uncertainty and aims to impact the way organizations prioritize health care history.
Toned down Fiesta Bowl still has meaning for Oregon, Iowa State
PHOENIX – This Fiesta Bowl will be like no other, especially for the two teams – Iowa State and Oregon – who have had to prepare for the high profile college football game during a pandemic.
Sticks and zones: The right hockey equipment can elevate a player’s game
PHOENIX – From peewee to pro, every hockey player’s stick comes down to personal preference in construction and superstition.
Not the ‘blue wave’ they hoped for, but Democrats made gains in 2020
WASHINGTON - For years, Democrats have argued that Arizona was about to turn blue. But while they grabbed the top two races on the ballot, Democrats made little headway in state, local or other congressional races - close, but not the "blue wave" they were hoping for.
Study: Post-9/11 vets more likely to be employed, and in steadier jobs
WASHINGTON - Post-9/11 veterans are not only more likely to be employed than the general population, they are also more likely to be in jobs that are immune to recession, according to a recent report by the Census Bureau.
Longtime friends, Valley quarterbacks Purdy, Shough square off in Fiesta Bowl
PHOENIX – The Playstation Fiesta Bowl features two major college programs with a common theme: They both sport former Arizona high school quarterbacks. Brock Purdy and Tyler Shough meet again.
‘It’s everything’: Fiesta Bowl turns into memorable day for Brock Purdy, Iowa State
GLENDALE – In a Fiesta Bowl billed as a meeting between two local standout high school quarterbacks, it was Brock Purdy who won the day over Tyler Shough.
Trump makes way in at least one part of Washington – souvenir shops
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump continues to challenge President-elect Joe Biden's win, but it's time for Trump to go in some parts of Washington - the souvenir shops, to make way for Biden-Harris swag.
Balancing act: Olympic athletes try to ramp up training, avoid injury after COVID-19 delay
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic put the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on hold for a year. Now, athletes must balance the intensity of training needed to return to peak performance in the summer of 2021 against the risk of injury that comes after shutting down during the outbreak.
Watching brother win Fiesta Bowl a special moment for Florida State’s Chubba Purdy
GLENDALE – Watching his brother win the Fiesta Bowl was a special experience for Florida State’s Chubba Purdy.
Report: ‘Child care deserts’ hit poor, rural Arizona families hardest
WASHINGTON - Arizona has 304,180 infants and toddlers who need child care but only 234,270 slots to accommodate them, with poor and rural families most likely to be left out, which did not come as a surprise to state child care advocates.
January 4, 2021, Newscast
ASU offers free COVID test for all; AZ teachers plan sick out; Fiesta Bowl game recap
Phoenix Rising believes new stadium will bring improved fan, player experience
PHOENIX – The year 2021 means a new stadium for Phoenix Rising FC, which believes an improved fan experience will occur, too.
Cherokee Trail of Tears just one of many forced removals of Eastern tribes to Oklahoma
WASHINGTON – The Trail of Tears, the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma, was one of the most inhumane policy implementations in American history – but it was not an isolated incident.
January 5, 2021, Newscast
Arizona COVID-19 cases peak, school districts rethink school openings, AZ governor's virtual state address
When wildfire burns a high mountain forest, what happens to the snow and runoff?
GREELEY, Colorado – Researchers are studying burned areas high in the Colorado Rockies to see how wildfires affect snow accumulation, snowmelt and water supplies across the West. They’re finding that there’s no simple answer.
California to phase out Division of Juvenile Justice, creating an opportunity for substantial reform
As California moves to phase out the Division of Juvenile Justice, counties have an opportunity to create community based solutions.
73 years after Robinson broke color barrier, baseball struggles to lure Black players
PHOENIX – According to SABR, there has been a decline of African American players in MLB nearly every year since 1981, and by 2016 that number plummeted to 6.7%, the lowest percentage since 1957.
Making their pitch: Women on Angel City soccer club forging bonds with community
LOS ANGELES – Angel City FC, the newest women’s professional soccer franchise, arrives in 2022 but already is trying to impact women’s sports and the Los Angeles sports culture.
The fight at home: Suicide rate is highest among younger military veterans
Younger veterans ages 18 to 34 commit suicide more often than all other age brackets, and most of them had not experienced combat, recent reports say. Veterans Affairs is trying to address the issue.
Four decades after memorable run with ASU, Lionel Hollins still thriving
PHOENIX — Former ASU basketball standout Lionel Hollins is still finding success, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Independent music venues struggle to stay afloat during pandemic
LOS ANGELES – Months without revenue have hurt independent music venues around the globe and multiple other professions within the music industry.
The other pandemic: Loneliness widespread with the loss of social connections
PHOENIX – Behavioral scientists say people suffer when their desire for belongingness is not met, and they feel they have become a burden to those around them. Both of these feelings have been amplified during COVID-19.
Arizona lawmakers split on party lines over challenges to electoral votes
Arizona lawmakers voted mostly along party lines on the 2020 Electoral College votes certifying Democrat Joe Biden as 46th U.S. president.
As soccer season nears, ASU’s Barbieri remains stranded in Brazil
PHOENIX – COVID-19 has shut down travel from Brazil, leaving ASU women’s soccer Lara Barbieri stranded in Brazil.
At Teen Lifeline, teens help in ways only they can
When distressed teens call Teen Lifeline, a peer-to-peer crisis call center in the Phoenix area, it's not an an adult health professional picking up the line but a teen their own age, a model experts consider the gold standard in youth crisis communications.
Research finds COVID may worsen symptoms of those with Tourette’s
PHOENIX – Researchers are trying to gauge the physical and mental effects of COVID-19 on the estimated 1% of the worldwide population who suffer from Tourette syndrome, a condition characterized by motor and vocal tics.
Female inmate firefighters build character but often can’t use fire skills after release
PHOENIX – Incarcerated firefighters have battled blazes since the 1980s, for less pay and diminished chances of becoming firefighters after release. But that could be changing.
House votes on removing, possibly impeaching Trump after mob attacks
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines late Tuesday as the House took up a resolution urging Vice President Mike Pence to remove President Trump from office - or face the threat of a second impeachment.
Agencies seek plasma donations to treat COVID-19 patients
PHOENIX – Agencies are heightening calls for plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients to help treat those infected. Some research shows convalescent plasma may help speed recovery from the coronavirus that causes the disease.
For the love of animals: High suicide rates reflect the many stresses of veterinarians
Veterinarians have a much higher suicide rate than the general public, which is something many vets are reluctant to talk about. Advocates say the veterinary field must do more to address the issue.
‘Life Is …’ documentary confronts youth suicide in Arizona
The documentary "Life Is ...," which confronts youth suicide in Arizona, analyzes the underlying societal, cultural, technological and medical causes behind the state’s troubling statistics and offers resources and potential solutions.
Arizona lawmakers split as Trump impeached by House for a second time
WASHINGTON - No Arizona lawmakers broke party ranks as the House Wednesday impeached President Donald Trump on a mostly party-line vote, just one week after a deadly mob attack on the Capitol that critics said was incited by the president.
Arizona attempts unprecedented mass vaccination as COVID-19 surges
PHOENIX – Arizona health officials have opened a 24-hour drive-thru vaccination site at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, as part of efforts to get the COVID-19 shot to more people more quickly.
Sprint to the start: Coyotes ready for unique season following shortened training camp
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes begin an unprecedented shortened 2020-2021 season following a 10-day training camp. The players treated the scrimmages as “real games” with no preseason exhibition schedule.
‘Kill the Indian, save the man’: Stories of Indian boarding schools still echo
WASHINGTON – Six rows of white tombstones stood firmly in the dewy Pennsylvania grass, bearing the names of children who lost their lives while being forced to assimilate to a new world.
January 14, 2021, Newscast
Governor to attend Biden’s inauguration; state opens second stadium for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
Reading, listening, learning: ASU Libraries provides public BLM resource guide
PHOENIX – ASU Libraries supports its community by creating a comprehensive resource guide on anything and everything related to Black Lives Matter.
He’s ready to rumbbbbbble: Former ASU wrestler Levi ‘Tucker’ Cooper embracing WWE
PHOENIX – Former ASU wrestler and All-American Levi Cooper is now a WWE superstar with Monday Night Raw.
Officials prep for possible inauguration protests at Arizona Capitol
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Capitol is surrounded by two rows of chain-link fence and police presence has been increased, as authorities brace for possible violence in response to the inauguration next week of President-elect Joe Biden.
Health officials ramp up COVID-19 vaccines with new sites, eligibility
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Health Services said Friday it is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination programs, adding distribution at pharmacies and at a second state-run site in the East Valley and broadening the number of people eligible for the vaccine.
Washington in unprecedented lockdown days before Biden’s inauguration
WASHINGTON - When President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in Wednesday, it will be in front of a National Mall fenced off to crowds, just one in a series of extraordinary security measures put in place the face of threats of armed protests by right-wing and pro-Trump groups.
‘They really do exist’: Coyotes fans welcome in-person experience
GLENDALE - The Arizona Coyotes opened the 2020-2021 season at Gila River Arena as a limited number of socially distanced, masked-up fans cheered.
January 15, 2021, Newscast
200,000 Arizonans receive vaccines, Pima County medical examiner's office reaches capacity
‘I’m not surprised’: Report of harassment by fired Mets GM prompts anger, shock
PHOENIX - News that former Diamondbacks executive Jared Porter sent sexually explicit texts to a female reporter drew widespread criticism.
Distant but devoted, Biden supporters gear up for virtual inauguration
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 and heightened security have made the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden a largely virtual affair. But after a year of virtual conventions, virtual schooling. even virtual legislating, Arizonans are taking the distance inauguration in stride.
January 19, 2021, Newscast
Appointments for vaccine open up, helping Arizonans in need, new Arizona Science Center exhibit
Trump pardons former Rep. Rick Renzi for fraud, extortion convictions
WASHINGTON - In one of his last acts as president, Donald Trump pardoned two Arizonans, including former Rep. Rick Renzi, who was convicted of extortion, racketeering and other charges, and a one-time bank robber who supporters say turned his life around.
Biden’s path to citizenship for immigrants could face an uphill battle
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden unveiled a sweeping immigration reform bill that would create changes for DACA, undocumented immigrants and ban on travel from Muslim-majority countries.
Battling adversity all season, ASU men’s basketball enters rivalry week with nothing to lose
TEMPE - Battling adversity, ASU men’s basketball enters pivotal rivalry week
New administration may mean changes with U.S. relationship with Mexico
MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador was one of the few leaders to visit former President Donald Trump in the White House. Will the relationship hold between the United States and Mexico?
Lakes Mead and Powell could drop to lowest ever; Colorado River drought plan triggered
A recent federal forecast predicts one of the Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs, Lake Powell, will dip below a critical threshold within the next two years. That projection forces several states to start planning for an even drier future.
‘No surprise to me’: Dominant Ayton an expectation for Suns
PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton broke out for his best two games of the 2020-21 season this week. But nothing he did was anything his coaches and teammates felt was out of reach.
Flurry of Biden orders on COVID-19 raise some doubts, but more hopes
WASHINGTON - Almost half of the 24 executive orders President Joe Biden signed in his first two days in office dealt with COVID-19, which White House officials say shows their top priority. But Biden cautions that solving the problem will take time.
January 21, 2021, Newscast
A daily rise in COVID cases, Arizonans react to the inauguration, the three major COVID vaccines
Senior season in a pandemic: How COVID-19 altered futures of ASU athletes
PHOENIX – Many senior athletes at ASU had their final season of collegiate play canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That number has only grown as many fall and winter sports have been canceled or postponed due to the risks of the pandemic.
As Americans roll up their sleeves, here’s how three COVID-19 vaccines compare
PHOENIX – COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca have met the same standards set by the FDA, but each is different in makeup and how it fights the virus.
January 22, 2021, Newscast
COVID-19 update, public health order in Navajo Nation, winter storm coming to Arizona
Border wall foes hail order halting project, but say it’s only first step
WASHINGTON - Border wall opponents said President Joe Biden's order to pause construction of the wall is "a huge win." But they also said it's not the end of the fight, noting that they want to make sure no more is built - or that it's taken down.
‘Frustrated’ Suns looking for late-game answers after back-to-back overtime losses
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns led in the final two minutes of regulation in both of their games against the Denver Nuggets over the weekend but could not hold on in consecutive overtime defeats.
Medical schools face calls for more change as states declare racism a threat to public health
PHOENIX – As states declare racism a public health crisis and launch efforts to address institutional racism, experts are looking to medical schools to combat disparities in health care.
Play ball? Cactus League asks MLB to delay start of spring training
PHOENIX – With less than a month until the scheduled start of spring training in Arizona, the Cactus League wants Major League Baseball to delay the start of the spring training season to allow more time for COVID-19 cases to decrease.
A year after first case in Arizona, COVID-19 is now a leading killer
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 is on the verge of becoming the leading cause of death in Arizona, surpassing cancer and closing in on heart disease, according to the latest data from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Federal committee recommends more research, care for patients with sickle cell
PHOENIX – A comprehensive report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine calls for more research and treatment for sickle cell disease.
NHL pulls microchipped tracking pucks after complaints about playability
PHOENIX – Only six days into the 2020-2021 season, the NHL removed microchipped pucks following concerns voiced by players and coaches.
January 25, 2021, Newscast
Snow comes to Arizona, school teachers speak out, a marijuana dispensary in Tuscon
January 26, 2021, Newscast
One year since the first COVID patient, marijuana sales in the Valley; winter storm warning
Dreamers in Arizona have mixed feelings about Biden’s immigration plan
PHOENIX – Recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program have mixed feelings about the immigration plan outlined by President Joe Biden.
Masked men, disinfected gym give high school basketball game in Ahwatukee unique feel
PHOENIX – 6A state title favorite Mountain Pointe and central region rival Corona del Sol matched up under a bizarre set of circumstances thanks to COVID-19.
Schilling falls 16 votes shy of Hall of Fame, asks to be ‘removed from ballot’
PHOENIX – As Curt Schilling falls short of the Hall of Fame for the second time, voters and experts discuss whether he’s worthy of an induction despite controversial conduct from the former All-Star pitcher.
Pascua Yaqui win water funds, first of $150 million for Arizona projects
WASHINGTON - Pascua Yaqui Council members called it "a blessing" - the $900,000 in federal funds for a project to deliver irrigation water to the tribe's lands. It's the first project under a $150 million fund that state lawmakers won.
January 27, 2021, Newscast
COVID cases reach 100 million, faster vaccine distribution, former MLB player not called to Hall of Fame
Unemployment dips in Arizona for December, but jobs are still tight
PHOENIX - Unemployment levels for Arizona are down in December to a jobless rate of 7.5% – lower than some months of 2020 – but still higher than the same month in 2019 and the current national average.
Expert: COVID-19 cases may have leveled off after deadly winter surge
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 cases in Arizona may have reached a plateau after a deadly two-month surge, one health expert said Wednesday, but that does not mean the pandemic is under control.
Advocates, lawmakers hail Biden pledge to respect tribal sovereignty
WASHINGTON - Native American policy experts and Arizona lawmakers welcomed President Joe Biden’s order calling for stronger relations with tribal governments.
Murals in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District feature Indigenous and Latino artists
PHOENIX – Four Indigenous and Latino artists were chosen to exhibit their artwork quarterly on a shipping container near the Roosevelt Row Welcome Center in Phoenix.
The deadliest year: Overall death toll grew by 25% in Arizona in 2020
WASHINGTON - Total deaths in Arizona rose 25% from 2019 to 2020, with some counties seeing increases near 50% for the year in which COVID-19 became the state's top killer. While COVID-19 is likely the main cause, it may have driven an increase in other deaths, too.
January 28, 2021, Newscast
COVID vaccine registration changes, a needle shortage, two AZ lawmakers involved in Capitol riot
COVID-19 forces Arizona community college baseball to prepare differently for spring season
PHOENIX - After a limited fall baseball season due to conference restrictions, Central Arizona and Yavapai are moving quickly to get up to speed with their season openers just a couple days away.
Arizonans prepare for a March for Life with no marching, more surfing
WASHINGTON - In any other year, scores of Arizonans would be in Washington this week for the National March for Life, an annual anti-abortion event. But during COVID-19, this year's virtual event will have less marching, more surfing.
Vaccinating the homeless: Some have received doses, others await their turn
LOS ANGELES - The homeless community is among the most at-risk communities facing COVID-19. Many still await their vaccines – from Phoenix to Los Angeles.
January 29, 2021, Newscast
Venues receive help, Republican lawmakers push for new voting restrictions, 2nd hottest year in Arizona
‘She’s got a part of us with her’: Donor family confident son’s heart is in the right place
PHOENIX - ASU freshman Olivia Eisenhauer waited two years for a heart transplant after suffering two cardiac arrest episodes. With a new lease on life thanks to the heart of a 22-year old accident victim, Eisenhauer has no plans to stop from pursuing her dream as a sports broadcaster
‘That’s who we are’: Suns show promise in blowout win over Warriors
PHOENIX – After losing fourth-quarter leads in each of their last four losses, the Phoenix Suns fixed some pressing issues in their dominant win over the Golden State Warriors Thursday.
Bitter Ahwatukee basketball rivals reflect on why they marched for justice
PHOENIX – “Everyone needs to hear our voices” — Why bitter Ahwatukee basketball rivals marched together for justice and how they plan to carry their message forward.
Ban on new private prison contracts will not reach ICE detainees
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden's order that the Justice Department stop contracting with private prisons could affect thousands of inmates.
How dry is the Colorado River Basin? We explain it in 5 numbers
Things are very dry in the Colorado River Basin already this year. And the situation could get much worse for the water that 40 million people across seven western states rely on.
Coyotes struggle without injured captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson
GLENDALE – Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been a captain and mainstay on defense for the Arizona Coyotes for about a decade. Without his presence for the last seven games, the Coyotes have struggled to keep their heads above water.
February 1, 2021, Newscast
A new mass vaccination site, AZ Republicans change affiliation, smaller crowds at the Phoenix Open
Vaccine site opens at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, making it Arizona’s second
PHOENIX – After success at State Farm Stadium, state health officials have expanded to another vaccination site for COVID-19. Now Arizona awaits more doses from the federal government.
During pandemic, GCU works to balance high energy fan base with safety measures
PHOENIX – In a year where home-court advantage doesn’t mean as much as it used to, GCU works to balance high energy fan base with safety.
‘A modern-day legend’: Former ASU baseball coach Pat Murphy reflects on Dustin Pedroia
PHOENIX - Pat Murphy coached Dustin Pedroia for three seasons, says he was one of the best players in ASU baseball history.
Mercury get their G.O.A.T.: Diana Taurasi signs multi-year deal
PHOENIX - Diana Taurasi signs a multi-year deal keeping her in Phoenix. Taurasi looks back on her career with the Mercury, the relationships she has built here, and her hopes for the future.
February 2, 2021, Newscast
Historic voter turnout discussion, a variant of COVID-19 in AZ, beds for homeless people controversy
Health officials keep close eye as COVID-19 variants found in Arizona
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 infections in Arizona appeared to be leveling off last week when officials confirmed that a variant of the virus, first found in the United Kingdom, had been found in the state.
State superintendent calls for equal funding for remote learning, help for mental health
PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman discussed funding, virtual learning and mental health in Arizona schools during her third annual State of Education address.
Hobbs calls for expanded voting rights, blasts GOP election proposals
WASHINGTON - Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said the 2020 elections "challenged our democracy in ways we've never seen before" but that officials still delivered a safe, secure election with record-breaking turnout.
Overcoming vaccine doubts, fears requires outreach and education, experts say
PHOENIX - As rollout of COVID-19 vaccines continues, Mayo Clinic and other organizations are working to get skeptics, including some people of color, on board.
Parents of Basha player push for change after viewing son’s nightmarish injuries on live stream
PHOENIX – After their son’s serious injuries during a high school soccer game that they watched on a video stream, Jason and Holli Stella are hoping to get visiting-team parents into the stands in Arizona.
Although little fanfare greeted Oubre’s return, former Suns player still missed
PHOENIX – Kelly Oubre Jr. returned to Phoenix for the first time since he was traded in the deal that brought Chris Paul to the Suns. And although the Suns have improved with Paul in the fold, they miss their former teammate and enjoyed seeing Oubre back at Phoenix Suns Arena.
Cactus League scrambles to resolve ticket sales, attendance with start of season nearing
PHOENIX – Cactus League teams announced that they are preparing for an on-time start to opening weekend of spring training games, currently scheduled for February 27.
‘The People’s Open’ will be short on people, people’s champion Mickelson this year
SCOTTSDALE – With limited fans due to COVID-19, one of the Waste Management Phoenix Opens’s biggest draws – three-time champion Phil Mickelson – is skipping it again this year.
February 3, 2021, Newscast
A race to get vaccinations in AZ, helping kids during the pandemic, CARES money for Title 1 schools
Arizona mayors join plea for $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill with city aid
WASHINGTON - Six Arizona mayors were among hundreds who urged Congress to pass a $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief bill that includes $350 billion for state and local governments who say they are on the front lines of the crisis.
Supreme Court halts hearings on Trump border cases after Biden reversals
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court postponed upcoming hearings on two Trump administration immigration policies Wednesday, after both had been reversed on the first day of President Joe Biden’s term.
Apache make emotional appeal to court to halt proposed copper mine
WASHINGTON - Members of Apache Stronghold told a federal district judge, in sometimes tearful testimony Wednesday, that a proposed copper mine at Oak Flat would destroy a "holy place" for Native Americans and needs to be stopped.
How university students and faculty are joining mask innovation race
PHOENIX – As the fight against COVID-19 rages on, such schools as University of California, San Diego and Arizona State University, are reimagining the technology behind crucial face masks.
‘I’m learning from him every day’: Devin Booker values connection with Chris Paul
PHOENIX – Expected to be a key addition for his leadership, Chris Paul guided the Suns to back-to-back close wins over Dallas and values his relationship with Devin Booker.
In COVID era, players adjusting to ‘weird’ Phoenix Open with limited fans
PHOENIX - The Waste Management Phoenix Open, while greatly reduced in spectators, is one of only a few stops on the PGA Tour to allow fans.
AIA changes course, allows parents to attend high school away games
PHOENIX – Citing improved COVID-19 metrics, the AIA executive board ruled Thursday that up to two parents or legal guardians can attend their children’s away games.
Pandemic exposed social inequities, created backlogs of care, Mayo specialists say
PHOENIX – A panel of Mayo Clinic specialists reflected on the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the medical community’s response, sharing lessons they learned along the way.
February 4, 2021, Newscast
One year after COVID outbreak, city of Phoenix helps homeless population, cyber security risk
Hobbs, other state officials discuss 2020 election ‘conspiracy circus’
WASHINGTON - Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs told a national panel Thursday that the best way to combat election misinformation is with truth, even if "there are some folks who are never going to believe anything I say."
Hurley, ASU took a tumble but now have an opportunity to stick the landing
TEMPE – ASU’s recent wins could be turning point in season
From Tyrann Mathieu to Bruce Arians, Super Bowl LV has strong Arizona ties
PHOENIX – The Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off in Tampa Bay Sunday in Super Bowl LV with a surprising amount of Arizona connections.
Luxury suites, players lounge: ASU excited for addition of multi-use sports facility
TEMPE – Luxury suites, players lounge: ASU excited for addition of multi-use sports facility
February 5, 2021, Newscast
Reactions to immigration plans, dancers during COVID-19 restrictions, Girl Scout cookies sales
Lost jobs and rising hunger: St. Mary’s Food Bank shifts gears during COVID-19
PHOENIX – Many people who used to donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank are on the receiving end as job losses increase. The food bank has expanded assistance and added new safety protocols to distribute food.
Auditor says DHS knew ‘zero-tolerance’ would split families at border
WASHINGTON - Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions knew the Trump administration's immigration policy would separate families at the border but moved ahead with it anyway, a Justice Department official told lawmakers.
Nevada farmers look to Australian water market as Southwest U.S. dries out
Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin is similar to the Colorado River Basin. Selling water is as easy as selling a couch on Craigslist.
Suns coach Williams on Kaminsky start: It’s ‘the way we’re going to do this moving forward’
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns replaced Cameron Johnson with Frank Kaminsky in the starting lineup against Detroit, a move they will stay with moving forward.
As Super Bowl nears, affection for former Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu runs deep
PHOENIX – One thing became clear leading up to the Super Bowl: The affection for former Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu runs deep.
‘A gut punch’: Pedro Gomez’s impact on baseball, journalism was far-reaching
PHOENIX – ESPN’s Pedro Gomez wasn’t just a national personality. He made an impact on many in Arizona, where he lived.
Arizona gets grades from failing to ‘OK-ish’ for anti-tobacco efforts
WASHINGTON - Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. but two recent national reports say Arizona - like most states - needs to do more to help people break free from using tobacco products.
February 8, 2021, Newscast
President visits vaccination site, foster care children struggle with virtual school, minimum wage rally
Workers rally in Phoenix, U.S. for $15 minimum wage, end of reliance on tipping
PHOENIX – Leaders in Arizona labor organizations joined a nationwide rally for a $15 minimum federal wage and to get rid of tipping. President Joe Biden added the measure in an economic stimulus plan to relieve the fallout from COVID-19.
Biden holds up Arizona’s mass vaccination sites as a model for nation
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden called Arizona's around-the-clock COVID-19 vaccination site at State Farm Stadium a "model for the nation" Monday.
Warriors’ Nico Mannion set to make NBA G League debut with Santa Cruz
PHOENIX – Nico Mannion and the Santa Cruz Warriors begin their season on Wednesday in the NBA’s G League.
After abrupt end to 2020 season, ASU softball ready to run it back in ‘21
TEMPE - After an abrupt end to the 2020 season, Arizona State softball is focused with an offense ranked in the top three and three players with preseason honors: Kindra Hackbarth, Alynah Torres and Jazmine Hill.
Enough habitat exists to support return of Mexican wolves in Southwest, study says
PHOENIX – A study shows abundant “high quality” habitat for Mexican wolves, calling on wildlife officials to combine recovery efforts. In the U.S., advocates fight a recent ruling to remove the wolves from the Endangered Species list.
Glendale native McDowell looking to build off career NASCAR season in 2021
PHOENIX - Michael McDowell picked up four top 10s in 2020 and wants to grow from that in 2021 while also wearing his Arizona pride on his sleeve.
The realism of imitation firearms: Who benefits and who suffers?
PHOENIX – Realistic imitation firearms are useful for training and profitable for gun manufacturers. But since 2015, 212 deadly police shootings nationwide have had victims holding fake weapons.
1 in 4 Arizonans still insist Trump won, as second impeachment begins
WASHINGTON - As the Senate began debate on a historic second impeachment of former President Donald Trump, a recent poll shows that over half of Arizona Republicans believe Trump was the rightful winner of the November election.
February 9, 2021, Newscast
Early voting list, President Biden's moratorium on deportations, Ford Hall of Fans competition
Pandemic prompts changes to HIV testing and treatment across Arizona
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic has forced local HIV service providers to get creative and adapt, launching such services as Zoom appointments, drive-thru, at-home and mobile testing.
The Oregon Trail: Many of Arizona’s top football prospects migrating to Pacific Northwest
PHOENIX – The state's best high school football talent is going to Oregon thanks to a combination of attractive facilities, coaching continuity and good old-fashioned hard work.
Ping pong and 7 games vs. Blues: Pandemic wreaking havoc on Coyotes schedule
GLENDALE – A six-game road trip turned into an eight-day stop in St. Louis for the Arizona Coyotes. But they’re trying to remain flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Never pay debts with gift cards, new Arizona consumer program warns
SCOTTSDALE – Attorney General Mark Brnovich and members of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance announced an awareness program to keep Arizonans from falling victim to gift card fraud.
Optimism grows as COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up, cases fall, but experts warn against complacency
PHOENIX – Recent statistics on falling COVID-19 infections and rising vaccinations are reasons for optimism, health officials say, but now isn’t the time to lower our guard against a disease that has killed nearly 15,000 Arizonans.
February 10, 2021, Newscast
Second impeachment trial, the pandemic's impact on Arizona, who will receive another stimulus check
Suns’ Williams responds to Cuban decision: National anthem holds ‘special place in my heart’
PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams offered his thoughts on the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to not play the national anthem in any of their first 13 preseason and regular-season home games.
Monty Williams’ ‘winning culture’ helps Suns overcome injuries, rotation changes
PHOENIX – Even though his team has rarely had its full rotation available, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has helped it stay poised with his principles and belief.
Despite another stoppage, ASU men’s basketball looks to keep its momentum
TEMPE – The Sun Devils return to play after multiple COVID-related postponements threatened to harm the momentum gathered in back-to-back wins.
Want to attend spring training? Cactus League teams begin to roll out plans
PHOENIX - As Cactus League teams begin to roll out spring training plans, questions about ticket sales and fan attendance remain.
Registering for COVID-19 vaccinations frustrates Arizona seniors
PHOENIX – Many older Americans are reporting difficulties getting information about COVID-19 vaccines or making appointments to get shots.
February 11, 2021, Newscast
Vaccine rollout in rural communities, Mesa Public Schools vaccinate teachers, ASU men's basketball
State delivers 1 million COVID-19 shots, but work is just beginning
WASHINGTON - Arizona delivered its 1 millionth COVID-19 vaccine just two months after the first doses were administered, but there's still a long way to go.
NRC credits Palo Verde response to worker’s license application error
WASHINGTON - Operators of the Palo Verde nuclear power plant told the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Thursday they have addressed oversights regarding the error with an operator's application.
Court: Holiday did not give Arizona voter an extra day to register
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Thursday rejected a Maricopa County man's claim that he was denied the right to vote in 2016 because the last day to register fell on a holiday, and he registered a day later.
ASU commit Ty Murchison finds ‘home feeling’ in joining budding program
TEMPE – Ty Murchison is the second full-time U.S. NTDP player to commit to Arizona State. Murchison couldn’t resist smiling as he took in the “unreal experience” facing his future teammates last week at Oceanside Ice Arena.
Young and hungry: ASU women’s basketball back at full strength, poised to make a run
TEMPE – Charli Turner Thorne’s ASU women’s basketball program is used to high level performances, but this pandemic season brought with it many new challenges, including not having a full roster for nearly all its games this season.
What a distant quasar and a ‘young’ black hole could reveal about the universe
PHOENIX – A team of UArizona astronomers searches to answer how galaxies formed millions of years ago after discovering the most distant quasar ever found, which is powered by a supermassive black hole.
February 12, 2021, Newscast
Allowing some asylum-seekers into the U.S, mental health taught in schools, changes to the NHL season
Hamilton’s Logan Saloman emerging as one of nation’s top pitchers
CHANDLER – Hamilton Huskies star Logan Saloman is already one of Arizona’s best baseball prospects and regarded as one of the nation's best high school players.
EPA awards $220 million for uranium mine cleanup on Navajo Nation
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it will award contracts worth up to $220 million to three companies for the cleanup of some of the hundreds of abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation.
Federal judge rejects Apache Stronghold request to block Oak Flat mine
WASHINGTON - A federal judge Friday refused to order a halt to the proposed Resolution Copper Mine on Oak Flat, land that opponents say is sacred to the Apache people and will be destroyed by the mine.
Sinema, Kelly vote to convict, as Senate acquits Trump of incitement
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators joined all Democrats and a handful of Republicans Saturday in an unsuccessful attempt to convict former President Donald Trump in a historic second impeachment of the same president.
Earnhardt’s unfortunate role of safety pioneer evident during Daytona 500 crashes
PHOENIX – Dale Earnhardt caused NASCAR to change its safety standards. Near the 20th anniversary of his death at Daytona, memories of the driver are still strong.
ASU sophomore David Puig taking dead aim at Mickelson’s record
TEMPE – David Puig has the chance to be the first Sun Devil to win three straight tournaments since Phil Mickelson did so in 1991.
From BMX bikes to Daytona 500: Glendale’s McDowell an unlikely, humble champion
PHOENIX – Glendale’s Michael McDowell wins Daytona 500 in an upset. Acquaintances back home remember him.
February 15, 2021, Newscast
Wall construction halt causes divide in Yuma, mask mandate in Tempe, Daytona International Speedway
Arizona primary care physicians want to help seniors struggling to register for vaccination online
PHOENIX – Older Arizonans are falling by the wayside in accessing statewide vaccination appointments. The next step is to get the vaccines in the hands of primary care physicians for a less difficult registration process.
Experts: New enrollment for Obamacare could be ‘really good’ for state
WASHINGTON - Health advocates welcomed Monday's reopening of enrollment for Affordable Care Act coverage for the next 90 days, saying the opportunity could be "really good for Arizona."
‘Saving up for playoff money’: Suns fans excited to return to games, cheer on competitive team
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns allowed fans to attend their home games for the first time last week. They have yet to lose with fans in attendance.
Marijuana and mental health: Examining a complicated relationship
Marijuana no longer is just a wild herb grown in a garden. Experts say the way cannabis is grown today could harm a user’s mental health.
Anatomy of a postponement: How a COVID-19 test halted Desert Vista, Mountain Pointe game
PHOENIX – After a player on Desert Vista tested positive for COVID-19, Mountain Pointe’s game with the Thunder was called off. Here’s how both teams handled the disruption, and how the players stayed engaged during their quarantine.
February 16, 2021, Newscast
Valley hospital's visitation rules change, Arizona's housing market is booming, Phoenix Suns fan capacity
As demand surges, advocates worry food stamps miss eligible families
WASHINGTON - The number of food stamp recipients in Arizona has surged over the past year, but advocates worry that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is still only reaching a portion of those eligible for assistance.
Doctors call for action to eliminate vitamin D deficiencies to help fight COVID
PHOENIX – Some studies have linked deficiencies of vitamin D to severe and sometimes fatal cases of COVID-19, and experts say even the relentless Arizona sun doesn’t provide optimal levels.
‘Short Leash Line’ sparks Coyotes in historic series with Blues
PHOENIX – The “Short Leash Line” of Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz and Conor Garland scored nine goals and 20 points, lifting the Arizona Coyotes over the St. Louis Blues in an unprecedented, playoff-like seven-game series.
ASU baseball team ready to roll no matter what 2021, pandemic have in store
PHOENIX – The Arizona State baseball team enters this season motivated and prepared after last season’s abrupt ending. Using a combination of returning veterans and fresh faces, the Sun Devils hope to exceed expectations.
Two Diamondbacks players test positive for coronavirus
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Diamondbacks opened spring training on Wednesday with news that two players had tested positive for the coronavirus.
COVID vaccines and supplies delayed by severe weather across most of the U.S.
PHOENIX – Shipments of the COVID-19 vaccines and supplies are being delayed because of severe storms across the country. Meanwhile, Arizona’s positive cases are trending downward.
February 17, 2021, Newscast
Ash Wednesday traditions change, UA researchers build a telescope for NASA, Spring Training starts today
Debating grading: Bill, executive order will not affect student grades
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Education wants to make sure parents understand their kids will be getting letter grades this year - and to drive home the point, the department sent the message in capital letters.
Report: Arizona continues to trail other states in higher-ed support
WASHINGTON - Arizona continues to be one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to funding higher education, still reeling from deep budget cuts that were made during the recession, according to a new national report.
ASU pitching staff enters season healthy after long, uncertain offseason
TEMPE – The cancellation of the 2020 baseball season was slow and uncertain, leading to a strange offseason. But thanks to a strong, flexible plan, Arizona State’s pitching staff enters the 2021 season at nearly full health.
Mural featuring Phoenix Suns, Mercury highlight teams’ commitment to social justice
PHOENIX - Five Phoenix Suns and Mercury figures are featured in one of the Black History Matters murals. Twenty-eight can be found around the city.
Oklahoma tribe volunteers pass out food boxes, supplies amid harsh winter weather
CARNEGIE – In sub-freezing weather conditions, more than 20 Kiowa tribal employees in Oklahoma volunteered to hand out food boxes for those in need.
Suns’ woes with closing games reappear in ‘disgusting’ loss to Brooklyn Nets
PHOENIX - After a six-game winning streak in which they appeared to solve late-game mishaps, the Phoenix Suns encountered some familiar struggles in their 128-124 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.
‘ESAs are merely a Band-Aid’: Arizona education advocates oppose bill to expand school vouchers
PHOENIX – Arizona legislators are considering expanding school vouchers to more students, drawing opposition from educators who want more funds directed into public schools.
Masks off: Bill would allow Arizona businesses to ignore city, county mandates
PHOENIX – The House Commerce Committee voted Tuesday to approve a bill that would allow businesses to choose whether to follow mask mandates issued by cities and counties.
February 18, 2021, Newscast
Winter weather in Texas impacts Arizona, ASU and NASA's mission to Mars, AZ Diamondbacks upcoming season
Three influential Arizonans share their goals and challenges – and their inspiration
February is Black History Month, and Arizona PBS is honoring the contributions and achievements of Black Americans. Meet three influential leaders who have made an impact on our community.
Sedentary and stressed? Get outside to improve health during COVID, experts advise
PHOENIX – Despite the pandemic, state parks saw record visitation over parts of 2020, and experts continue to encourage more outdoor activity for both physical – and mental – health.
Vaccinated seniors set sights on travel and reunions with family and friends
PHOENIX - Seniors in metro Phoenix are being prioritized in Arizona’s phase 1B of vaccinations, and many are planning for what they want to do next.
February 19, 2021, Newscast
Investigation into fake COVID-19, food assistance grows, teachers worry about coronavirus in classrooms
Arizona efforts to boost electric cars get so-so grades in new reports
WASHINGTON - Arizona got middling scores in two new national reports on states' efforts to boost the number of electric vehicles on the road, which advocates say is proof that the state has a long way to go.
‘The balance of risk has shifted’: Cancer screenings plunge during pandemic
PHOENIX – Preventative cancer screenings have plummeted during the pandemic, prompting cancer specialists to work to increase awareness about the need for early tests.
Leighton Accardo’s spirit guides Lyndsey Fry through 96-mile rollerblading fundraiser
PHOENIX – Lyndsey Fry, the Arizona Coyotes’ Director of External Engagement & Female Hockey and the President of the Arizona Kachinas Hockey Association, rollerbladed 96 miles across the Valley to raise money for a newly created scholarship fund in honor of Leighton Accardo.
Want to buy spring training tickets? Four Cactus League teams already sold out
PHOENIX – Cactus League teams have limited quantities of tickets on sale for single games. Four teams have already sold out because of the restrictions put in place by the pandemic.
February 22, 2021, Newscast
Students return to school, county libraries expand internet access, a powerful mural in Phoenix
State of tribal nations ‘strong’ despite crises, but feds need to help
WASHINGTON - The state of Indian nations is strong, but the federal government still needs to "come to terms with the right of tribal Nations to chart their own course and their rightful place," a tribal leader said Monday.
Oklahoma works with tribes, Indian Health Service to distribute vaccines despite storms
As Oklahoma battles severe winter weather, state health officials and the Indian Health Service work to continue administering the coronavirus vaccine.
Investors now can bet on California’s water, helping agriculture withstand dry spells
Some California farmers are hopeful opened economic options will help balance high water prices during the summer, while extreme weather and droughts continue.
How a recruiting ploy became a durable bond between Sun Devil wrestlers
When ASU wrestler Cohlton Schultz was dealt the unthinkable, his first friend on the team, Chad Porter, was there for him in a way no one else could be.
Tiger Woods in ‘serious but stable condition’ after rollover accident in LA
LOS ANGELES – Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, called 911 after seeing a vehicle flipped over on the side of a winding residential road early Tuesday.
February 23, 2021, Newscast
COVID vaccine in communities of color, Arizona's congressional districts change, Arizona Coyotes rewind
Snub hub: Suns’ Devin Booker left off All-Star roster again, while Chris Paul named reserve
PHOENIX – Even though Chris Paul was named to the NBA All-Star Game, the bigger news was that Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker was snubbed.
Critics grill Haaland; backers point to historic nature of nomination
WASHINGTON - Republican senators tried to pin down Rep. Deb Haaland at a hearing on her nomination for Interior secretary, pushing her on fossil fuels and job losses they said would come from President Joe Biden's proposed energy policies.
Senators press Capitol police on security breakdowns before Jan. 6 riot
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema joined other senators asking police officials Tuesday how it is that an FBI report warning of the deadly Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol did not reach the right officials before the attack.
For LGBTQ seniors, COVID-19 worsens an epidemic of loneliness
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic has left an epidemic of loneliness for LGBTQ+ seniors in its wake. However, local communities are finding ways to get these seniors social once again.
Residents near Luke AFB offered bottled water after chemicals detected
Those east of Luke Air Force Base are being offered bottled water in response to groundwater contaminated with potentially harmful substances.
Suns get look at second-half schedule, learn Devin Booker added to All-Star Game
PHOENIX – The Suns are set to play 17 games against teams which have a record of .500 or better in the second half of their schedule.
February 24, 2021, Newscast
COVID deaths surpass 500,000, two voting policy heard by SCOTUS, Suns players in NBA All-Star game
Despite grim milestones, experts say state has turned corner on COVID-19
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 still infects thousands and kills hundreds a week in Arizona, but the numbers are getting better. With cases, hospitalizations and deaths down and vaccinations up, experts say the state may have turned the corner.
Judge tells lawmakers Arizona federal courts are overloaded, overworked
WASHINGTON - The federal district court in Arizona has been struggling to keep pace with a staggering civil and criminal caseload in the growing state, and it needs more judges to keep up, a judge from the court told lawmakers Wednesday.
On the rise: Expensive youth sports clubs have deepened the economic divide
PHOENIX - Club sports are run by private associations that, unlike school-sponsored sports programs, charge high fees to participants who hope to enhance their individual or team skills. It is deepening the economic divide.
Surprise college baseball tournament provides sneak preview of spring training protocols
SURPRISE, AZ - The city of Surprise hosted eight college baseball games over the weekend, offering a glimpse of safety protocols that will be seen all around the Valley at stadiums this spring.
Pause on leasing public land for oil and gas extraction draws mixed reaction
PHOENIX – Land, and specifically what to do with land, has been among the most divisive topics in U.S. history since the arrival of European settlers in 1492. More than 500 years later, little has changed.
February 25, 2021, Newscast
Activists demand ICE detainees get vaccinated, anti-Trump billboard new display, stadium preparations
Arizona State gymnastics team vaults into spotlight with convincing victory over Arizona
TEMPE – Look out: The Arizona State gymnastics team scored a season-high 197.450 against Arizona and is ranked 17th in the country.
House passes LGBTQ rights bill; critics say it tramples religious rights
WASJHINGTON - The House voted Thursday to expand civil rights protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy, a move supporters said will grant those groups "the full equality under the law they deserve."
28 paintings highlight famous – and less familiar – figures in Black history
PHOENIX – Twenty-eight murals and other paintings in central Phoenix honor Black History Month. The art showcases icons and less familiar faces.
Despite Coyotes’ offensively challenged defensemen, Jakob Chychrun remains offensive force
GLENDALE – The Coyotes have had trouble finding offense from their blue line, with the exception of Chychrun
‘No comparison’: ASU baseball fans frustrated with Pac-12 prohibition on fan attendance
PHOENIX – A handful of SEC teams and all 15 Cactus League teams are allowing a limited number of fans. Will the Pac-12 Conference let Arizona State follow suit?
Nearly one year removed from abrupt end to 2020 basketball tournament, Pac-12 readies for ‘21 version
PHOENIX – Nearly year removed from abrupt end to 2020 basketball tournament, Pac-12 readies for ‘21 version
Arizona Department of Corrections fined $1.1 million for neglecting health care benchmarks
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Corrections was fined $1.1 million for the month of February after information came to light regarding the violation of a set of health guidelines agreed upon with the state.
February 26, 2021, Newscast
Preventing migrant deaths at U.S. border, free COVID-19 testing, 28 murals honoring Black figures
House OKs bill to ban mining on 1 million acres around Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - The House voted Friday to permanently ban new mining claims on more than 1 million acres around Grand Canyon National Park, with supporters calling protection of the landmark canyon a "moral issue."
With spring sports season underway, Arizona high schools await decision on COVID-19 protocol
PHOENIX – The spring sports season could mean new COVID-19 protocol for high school athletes.
GAO: Pentagon estimates of border duty costs, impact were unreliable
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon did not have reliable estimates for the cost of its work supporting Homeland Security efforts on the southwestern border and did not assess the impact of those efforts on military readiness, a new report says.
Zoom gives Arizonans a voice at Capitol, but getting to speak isn’t that simple
PHOENIX – A procedure requiring Arizonans who want to testify before House and Senate committees to visit the Capitol in person is hindering the public’s ability to participate in the legislative process.
Wait, Watt? Cardinals surprise league by securing popular defensive end
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a surprise Monday and signed Houston Texans J.J. Watt
‘Superspreader events’: Experts worry hockey arenas a toxic formula for COVID-19
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes are one of a handful of teams in the National Hockey League to allow fans into their arena to attend games. The Coyotes claim that this can be executed safely for fans for experts say otherwise.
March 1, 2021, Newscast
Holocaust education in Arizona schools, a FAFSA drive-thru; Defensive End J.J. Watt comes to the Valley
Feds rescind OK for copper mine at Oak Flat, seek ‘thorough review’
WASHINGTON - The government Monday rescinded its approval for a proposed massive copper mine at Oak Flat, just days before it was to transfer thousands of acres of federal land for the project.
Inhaled smoke could raise risks of COVID-19 for firefighters, expert warns
PHOENIX – Smoke inhalation can have a deadly effect on active firefighters. COVID-19 has been particularly difficult for those who are in the line of duty. Southwestern firefighters share their experiences with the illness, the safety procedures they follow at work and their vulnerability to deadly diseases.
North Dakota stars Schmaltz, Caggiula embrace ‘exciting’ reunion with Coyotes
PHOENIX – Forwards Nick Schmaltz and Drake Caggiula have reunited as teammates with the Arizona Coyotes. It's no surprise to see some of their early chemistry, going back to their days on the championship-winning "CBS" line at the University of North Dakota.
Masks can come off for high school winter playoffs, spring sports, AIA board votes
PHOENIX - AIA Executive Board votes to remove mask mandates for athletes and officials in the field of play for winter sports playoffs and spring sports
Art installation honors thousands of Arizonans who’ve died of COVID-19
TEMPE – Two memorials displayed at the Arizona Heritage Center honor the 511,000 COVID-19 deaths across the nation.
March 2, 2021, Newscast
Honoring Arizonans lost due to COVID-19, Glendale schools closing, six Dr. Seuss books lose publication
Supreme Court hears Arizona voting law case with national implications
WASHINGTON - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich argued that voting laws overturned for reflecting the state's "long and unhappy history of official discrimination" are no more the "common-sense and commonplace" voting protections and should be restored.
The key to the Suns’ defensive success: a ‘versatile’ Deandre Ayton
PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns All-Star guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker are expected to carry their team nightly, but it’s on third-year center Deandre Ayton to finish games.
In rapidly warming and drying Colorado River Basin, the negotiating table is being set
For 40 million people in the U.S. and Mexico, the water supply of the Colorado River basin is in jeopardy.
Placing a bet at Chase Field? Sports gambling in Arizona moves closer to reality
PHOENIX – Both the House and the Senate are sifting through bills that could legalize sports betting in Arizona.
Deployed, then unemployed, military veterans fight to find jobs
PHOENIX – The transition process from military service to civilian life can be a rough one for veterans. Arizona veterans have help.
March 3, 2021, Newscast
In-person versus remote learning, grandparents raise their grandchildren, Arizona's best boxer returns
Ducey orders schools to offer in-person classes; ASU expert urges caution about lifting mask rules
PHOENIX – Dr. Joshua LaBaer of ASU Biodesign Institute discussed recent COVID-19 and vaccination metrics at a press conference on Wednesday.
Officials grill water utility over response to earlier Luke AFB spill
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Corporation Commission grilled a West Valley water company Wednesday, asking why it did not respond more aggressively after chemical agents were discovered in water from its wells five years ago.
Committee vote moves Haaland one step closer to historic Interior post
WASHINGTON - A Senate committee narrowly voted Thursday to advance Rep. Debra Haaland's nomination to be the next secretary of Interior, moving her one step closer to becoming the first Native American to head a Cabinet-level agency.
Black and blue line: Coyotes’ Niklas Hjalmarsson committed to blocking shots
PHOENIX - Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson skated in his 800th career game in the National Hockey League Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings, continuing to perfect his craft in blocking shots.
Summer school an expanding option for students who struggled with online learning
PHOENIX – Some states have made summer school mandatory, but in Arizona, it’s up to individual districts.
Diamondbacks’ ‘superstar’ Marte starting point for rest of team’s lineup, defensive alignments
PHOENIX – Ketel Marte was called a superstar by Mike Hazen and Asdrubal Cabrera, and the Diamondbacks intend to treat him as such by basing the team around him.
Foreign bodies: International players, coaches give ASU volleyball unique makeup
PHOENIX – The Arizona State volleyball team hopes to build a successful program with a collection of international players.
March 4, 2021, Newscast
In-person learning to resume, expand access to ballot boxes, minority communities struggle for vaccine
Ducey back-to-school order leaves educators shocked, scrambling, upset
WASHINGTON - Educators across the state Thursday were calling Gov. Doug Ducey's surprise back-to-school order disruptive, challenging and frustrating, a last-minute complication to reopening plans that many schools already had in the works.
‘He stands up to anybody’: Conor Garland is crucial component for Coyotes
GLENDALE – Conor Garland’s return to the Coyotes lineup on Wednesday signaled why he is a critical component in Arizona’s offense.
As survivors pass on, more Holocaust education could be headed to Arizona classrooms
PHOENIX – Rep. Alma Hernandez’s bill, which would require Holocaust be taught at least twice from the seventh to the 12th grade, has Arizonans talking about Holocaust education in grade schools.
New health care partnership will help the underserved in Maricopa County
PHOENIX – A new health care partnership will utilize Arizona medical students to provide affordable medical care to uninsured people in Maricopa County.
California tries to tamp down Salton Sea dust after years of delays
California is spending more than $200 million to stabilize the banks of the Salton Sea, fed mostly by water from the Colorado River. It is good news for those who live nearby and are concerned about their health, but the restoration could also impact everyone else who draws water from the river.
WWII veteran celebrates his 94th birthday in a vintage plane, thanks to nonprofit
MESA – Norman Langeliers, who was in the Navy during World War II, celebrated his 94th birthday last month by flying in a vintage trainer at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa.
March 5, 2021, Newscast
Children on autism spectrum, prevent kids from using tobacco, program help Mexican women start a business
Knack for the comeback: Resilient Coyotes start slow, finish strong
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes have a knack for coming from behind. Despite a habit of slow starts, the team has played well under late-game pressure this season.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU football growth measurable as spring practice starts
PHOENIX – Arizona State has built its program under Herm Edwards with an eye for players with unique athletic traits. As Edwards enters his fourth season with the Sun Devils, his vision is starting to come into focus.
Is it ethical for teams to allow fans back into sporting events?
TEMPE – The Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes and many Cactus League teams are allowing limited fans back into the stands. But officials wonder: should they?
Arizona seeks surface water protections after Clean Water Act rollback
Arizona's rivers, lakes and streams have not been fully protected by the Clean Water Act since June 2020. A change to the law during former President Donald Trump's administration limited the number of federal protections. As a result, a new bill -- which is moving through the state legislature -- was created. Representatives from state organizations and state lawmakers weigh in on whether the new bill will meet the needs of Arizona's waterways.
March 8, 2021, Newscast
Students new education goals, people over 65 connect with teens; head coach reflects on battle with cancer
Sinema faces blowback for minimum wage vote; long-term damage unclear
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said she still believes the Senate should take up a higher minimum wage, but that didn't keep critics from lighting into her after her Friday vote to keep the higher wage out of the latest pandemic relief package.
From food robots to an app for loneliness, COVID drives technological research
PHOENIX – From robots to deliver food to kiosks that measure vital signs, COVID-19 has driven numerous technological advances – and some Arizonans are playing a role.
Five takeaways from Suns team that produced NBA’s second best record
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns were pleased by finishing with the NBA’s second-best record through the first half of their season. But as their coach Monty Williams says, they can’t get too happy on the farm.
Confidence is key: As Pac-12 tourney looms, ASU’s Kimani Lawrence steps up
TEMPE – Senior Kimani Lawrence has taken his game to the next level the past few weeks. With some minor adjustments and confidence, Lawrence has turned into one of ASU’s best players late in the season.
Named a head coach at 20? Pima CC’s Smith reaching goals ‘earlier in life than expected’
TUCSON - Marcus Smith, the head golf coach at Pima Community College, is the youngest head coach in collegiate history.
Detector dogs trained to sniff out COVID-19 in Sonora, Mexico
HERMOSILLO, Mexico – Nine dogs in Sonora, Mexico have been trained to detect COVID-19. These COVID-sniffing dogs work at mass-testing centers and help provide screenings for asymptomatic patients.
COVID-19 relief would overhaul, boost aid for 1.5 million Arizona kids
WASHINGTON - As many as 1.5 million Arizona children could benefit from an expansion of the child tax credit that would mean monthly checks to parents of up to $300 per child if approved by Congress as part of the COVID-19 relief bill this week.
March 9, 2021, Newscast
Community colleges to offer four year degrees, Reddit stock push, one woman makes history in the NFL
HoopHall West showcase event had all-Arizona look in COVID era
PHOENIX — For eight years, the Basketball Hall of Fame brought some of the nation’s premier high school basketball teams to the Valley for a jam-packed day of basketball. This year, the pandemic forced the HoopHall West event to showcase only Arizona schools.
ASU men’s basketball team wins opener in Pac-12 Tournament
TEMPE – The Arizona State men's basketball team beat Washington State in the Pac-12 tournament opener as it tries to preserve a season that has been a disappointment to this point.
ASU will send eight to NCAA Wrestling Championships after dominating Pac-12 event
PHOENIX –Arizona State will send eight to the NCAA Wrestling Championships thanks in part to five individual title winners at the Pac-12 tournament. Anthony Valencia became the first four-time Pac-12 champion for ASU since 2003.
Historic drought brings lean times for Sonora ranchers, farmers
Recent data shows most of Sonora’s 72 municipalities have some level of drought, which means there’s really nowhere for ranchers to take their animals to graze. Feeding them is “impossible, economically speaking,” one ranching representative said.
March 10, 2021, Newscast
Helping homeless people with medical care, funding for Latino communities, a Valley hiker inspires others
Diamondbacks reaffirm plan to start season at 25% capacity, while Rangers opt for 100%
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks will start the season with 25% capacity at Chase Field, while the Texas Rangers announce they will have 100%capacity in opener.
House gives final OK to relief bill that will send billions to Arizona
WASHINGTON - The House gave final approval Wednesday to the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill, a sweeping measure that will directly touch almost every Arizonan and will send billions in aid to the state.
Biden insists border’s closed, unveils plan to halt migrants at source
WASHINGTON - The White House had a strong message on Wednesday for migrants who are flocking to the southern border in hopes of getting into the U.S.
Rising gun sales could result in more deaths, injuries and suicides, health experts fear
PHOENIX – Health experts are calling for action to help prevent firearm injuries or deaths after record sales last year. That surge coincided with increasing psychological distress brought on by the pandemic.
After season of unique challenges, Valley high school basketball teams start playoffs
PHOENIX – Despite several challenges, Valley basketball teams made it through the regular season and are set to start the state playoffs. Traditions like senior night took on a new meaning in a season unlike any that players and coaches have experienced.
March 11, 2020: The day that sports stood still
PHOENIX - One year ago, Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID, leading to a national shutdown. Athletes, coaches and media reflect on the 24 hours that changed everyday life in the United States.
Call of the wild: Record number of sandhill cranes winter in Arizona this year
TOMBSTONE – A record 47,000 sandhill cranes were recorded in mid-January between Whitewater Draw and the nearby Willcox Playa, which is a dry lake most of the year.
After historic regular season, GCU turns attention to WAC Tournament
PHOENIX - After winning their first Division I conference title in a unique season, GCU is now trying to win its first conference tournament and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
March 11, 2021, Newscast
House conservatives call for stricter border laws, Arizona native frog threatened, the day sports stopped
The Dvorak notebook: Bergeron film, the Vrbackhander, hidden quick wit
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes forward Christian Dvorak has evolved into the team’s top center in his fifth season. His successful campaign employs unique tools of the trade.
What a good girl: Coyotes’ service dog in-training will soon help veteran in need
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes partnered with a foundation in Phoenix that pairs service dogs with veterans, fostering a dog for two years. Luna recently graduated to advanced training and will soon be paired with a veteran.
ARCA Series provides young drivers chance to compete at top tracks, including Phoenix Raceway
PHOENIX – The ARCA Menards Series is the first stepping stone for many young drivers. They get experience driving at Cup tracks and in Cup-style stock cars.
March 12, 2021, Newscast
Doctors warn Ducey, Gila county offers the vaccine to everyone, bringing Native American voices to life
State officials confident they can meet Biden’s May 1 vaccine deadline
WASHINGTON - Arizona health officials said the state is already on track to meet President Joe Biden's challenge of allowing all adults to register for COVID-19 vaccinations by May 1.
It’s too soon for Ducey to lift COVID restrictions, doctors warn
Several Arizona doctors on Friday assailed Gov. Doug Ducey’s plan for businesses and schools to return to mostly normal operations, saying the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is not under control.
Court rejects death-row inmate’s appeal in 1991 Tucson rapes, murder
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday upheld the convictions of an Arizona death-row inmate for the rapes of three Tucson women, one of whom was murdered, over the course of several weeks in 1991.
As U.S. tourists head south to escape the pandemic, Mexican travelers head north
MEXICO CITY – The pandemic has affected tourism in the U.S. and Mexico but, both countries are now seeking a break across the border.
Truex Jr. snaps Phoenix Raceway drought while Arizona drivers struggle at Instacart 500
AVONDALE – Martin Truex Jr., a prestigious veteran in the NASCAR Cup Series, won for the first time in his Phoenix Raceway career while Glendale native Michael McDowell did not have much success at his home track.
In a year of NCAA basketball uncertainty, GCU only Arizona school going dancing
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon and five Pac-12 schools will be participating in what will be the strangest March Madness tournament we have ever had. So how did each school get there and what will it be like in Indiana this weekend?
Senate makes history with vote confirming Haaland as Interior secretary
WASHINGTON - The Senate Monday confirmed New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as the next Interior secretary, a historic vote that makes her the first Native American to head a Cabinet agency.
Kiowa elder bonds with 10-year-old actress on ‘News of the World’ movie set
On the New Mexico set of the Tom Hanks film “News of the World,” a Kiowa elder bonded with a 10-year-old German actress over tribal language and customs.
Sharpen your pencils: Many Arizona schools reopen for in-person instruction
Many Arizona schools reopened for in-person instruction Monday, including schools in Maricopa and Pima counties. Gov. Doug Ducey issued the order to reopen March 3.
March 15, 2021, Newscast
Filipino nurses likely to contract COVID-19, making teachers feel supported, ASU and Chegg partnership
Health clinic for the uninsured faces more challenges during pandemic
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic has brought even more challenges to the all-volunteer effort of Phoenix Allies for Community Health.
Kiowa actor ‘stood a little straighter’ after landing role as a chief of his tribe
After nearly 30 years of playing indigenous characters, Kiowa tribal member Gary Tsoodle finally played a Kiowa.
Tuesday Morning Sun Devil: Returning running backs, national recruiting position ASU for success
TEMPE – Arizona State’s rushing attack was prolific in 2020, but it could be even better in 2021. Plus, how some true freshmen are already impressing in their quest to crack the depth chart.
Four takeaways from Coyotes team on edge of playoff picture
PHOENIX - The Arizona Coyotes have reached the first half of the shortened season with an even .500 record. On the outside looking in, the Coyotes’ playoff hopes bank on an uptick in offensive production and defensive efficiency.
High school hockey: Notre Dame Prep Saints go marching in … to nationals
TEMPE - The Notre Dame Prep Saints secured a 2-1 victory over the Pinnacle Pioneers during the state championship game on Friday and advance to nationals.
Phoenix among U.S. sites for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine trials on kids
WASHINGTON - Children from 6 months up to 12 years old could soon start getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Phoenix as part of a trial by drug-maker Moderna of the effectiveness of its two-dose vaccine on young people.
March 16, 2021, Newscast
Efforts to reopen Arizona schools, AZ Department of Corrections is fined, Women's NCAA tournament
Dry to the bone: Can Booker, Murray break decades-long Arizona pro sports drought?
PHOENIX – Arizona is experiencing a major drought when it comes to championships for the four major professional sports franchises. Are we nearing the end?
City of Phoenix unanimously votes to reopen outdoor park amenities, select pools
PHOENIX – During Tuesday’s meeting the city of Phoenix unanimously voted to reopen outdoor park amenities, select pools and implement a plan for easter weekend.
Recreational marijuana sales race ahead, but industry equity falls behind
TEMPE – Arizona started recreational marijuana sales in January, months earlier than expected. Sales have been so heavy that lines form at some dispensaries. Still, the industry struggles with social equity and diversity in the workforce.
March 17, 2021, Newscast
Moderna trial comes to Phoenix, healthcare during the pandemic, monarch butterflies are endangered
Judge: Tape shows Chansley’s ‘detachment from reality’ in riot defense
WASHINGTON - An attorney for Arizona native Jacob Chansley, the face-painted "Q-Anon Shaman" charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, downplayed government video showing his client as part of the mob that broke into the building and confronted police.
DHS chief defends Biden border policy at time of ‘historic’ challenges
WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended strong immigration policies amid "historic and unprecedented challenges."
Filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket in Arizona? You could be breaking the law
PHOENIX - The sports betting landscape has seen significant changes since the last time the NCAA Tournament was played. While sports betting is still illegal in Arizona, there are still options for Arizonans wanting to get in on the action.
In-person trail racing in high demand as COVID-19 restriction fatigue sets in
PHOENIX - Aravaipa Running offers in-person trail races as a safe alternative to virtual racing.
March 18, 2021, Newscast
House bill aims to help Dreamers, Black Restaurant Week, local boxing gym survive during the pandemic
Thrift shops and sustainable fashion outlets thrive during the pandemic
PHOENIX - While most businesses have been suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, thrift stores across Arizona have been experiencing success.
Prepping for the end of the world, under the surface of the moon
A University of Arizona team is creating a plan for a doomsday vault filled with cryogenically preserved materials.
House OKs bills easing path to citizenship for undocumented residents
WASHINGTON - The House passed a pair of bills Thursday that would provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers and legal status to undocumented farmworkers.
Arizona neighborhoods join Little Free Pantry movement to fight hunger
As food insecurity rises, Arizona communities are setting up neighborhood “little” pantries to get food and supplies to those in need.
Ahead of WAC expansion, Grand Canyon basketball sets model for sustained success
Grand Canyon University’s men's basketball team reached a significant milestone by making the NCAA Tournament for the first time at the Division I level. A year before the Western Athletic Conference adds five new teams, GCU is trying to assert itself among its peers.
Tribes to get record funding from American Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON – Native American tribes nationwide will receive more than $31 billion as part of the American Rescue Plan, the largest one-time investment to Native American communities in history.
Arizona sports community speaks out against violence targeting Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders
PHOENIX – Stop AAPI Hate released a national report on March 16 that showed the increase in hate incidents against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. On the same day, eight people, six of them Asian American women, were gunned down in three Atlanta spas.
‘Words matter’: Asian Americans frightened, frustrated by continued hate crimes
PHOENIX – Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have seen increases in hate crimes. After this week’s Atlanta murders, Arizona advocates are voicing the need for change.
Bryce Drew returns home, brings burgeoning GCU team to NCAA Tournament
PHOENIX – GCU, led by coach Bryce Drew, has made its first NCAA Tournament in school history. A look at what this means for the program, and the importance of being back in Indiana, where Drew has had many memorable moments.
March 19, 2021, Newscast
Immigration bill conflicts Senate, disadvantaged school receive help, adopt a tortoise
School yard: Officials welcome new 3-foot rule for COVID-safe students
WASHINGTON - Arizona school and health officials welcomed Friday's announcement that COVID-safe social distancing for students can be reduced from 6 feet to 3, but they did not appear to be rushing to embrace the lower standard.
Bull session: Young Colten Fritzlan highlights PBR rodeo event in Glendale
GLENDALE – Rodeo is a longstanding tradition in western culture, running deep roots in families across the United States. At 21, Colten Fritzlan is one of the most promising bull riders in the country.
‘Keep building’: Suns respond after loss to NBA’s worst team, continue fighting toward top of standings
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns have had an inconsistent first five games after the NBA All-Star break. They know they will have to correct their woes quickly as they build toward the postseason.
Despite NCAA Tournament loss, GCU finds itself in national spotlight
Even though it lost in its first NCAA Tournament game, Grand Canyon won, too, by appearing under a national spotlight.
With pro sports under scrutiny, Rangers announce Charley Pride Fellowship for diverse students
TEMPE – Late country music legend and Texas Rangers part-owner Charley Pride left his mark on both the music and baseball communities. Now, through the Rangers’ Charley Pride fellowship program, his impact will continue to be felt.
Behind Derick Brassard’s hat trick, Coyotes end troubling road trip on high note
PHOENIX – Derick Brassard’s hat trick sparked the Coyotes’ offense in a 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks Saturday night, giving Arizona some much-needed momentum after a rough road trip.
A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin.
A showdown is looming among the states that rely on the Colorado River for drinking and irrigation water. Negotiations are set to start on the river's future among worsening drought conditions.
Despite steep decline, monarch butterflies aren’t as endangered as other species, agency says
PHOENIX - The number of monarch butterflies continues to decline, and conservationists fear not enough is being done to protect the species.
House OKs ERA bill, Violence Against Women Act in Women’s History Month
WASHINGTON — The House reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act and lifted the deadline for ERA ratification during Women’s History Month.
Arizona women’s basketball team ends drought, advances in NCAA Tournament
After a 16-year drought, the Arizona women’s basketball team notched its first NCAA tournament win since 2005 on Monday.
March 22, 2021, Newscast
Vaccine eligibility expands, marijuana seizures at the border decline, athletes talk about mental health
State to offer COVID-19 vaccine to those 16 and up starting this week
WASHINGTON - Arizona will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to state residents as young as 16, throwing open a process that for months has prioritized older and ailing residents and frontline workers.
Deep pool of talent: Arizona State women’s water polo team off to strong start
PHOENIX - After sweeping San Jose State this past weekend, Arizona State women’s water polo has an overall record of 9-4 and a two-game winning streak.
Tuesday Morning Sun Devil: Young football assistants raising talent level, expectations
TEMPE – While the Sun Devils prepare for the 2021 season, it’s become evident that several young assistant coaches will be critical to key position groups reaching their goals. Hear how these first and second-year assistants are approaching building their units throughout recruiting and on-field development.
Chiricahua leopard frogs face habitat challenges as Phoenix Zoo works to save them
PHOENIX - Chiricahua leopard frogs, native to Arizona, have been named a threatened species since 2002, but a Phoenix partnership is trying to help.
‘One generation away’: Diné College fights to keep Navajo culture alive during pandemic
The Navajo Nation has been hit hard by COVID-19. Schools and teachers like those at the Diné College in Tsaile pass on traditional knowledge in the face of a pandemic.
Tribes welcome COVID-19 relief funds, say deep-rooted problems remain
WASHINGTON - Advocates said the billions in aid slated for Native Americans under the latest COVID-19 relief bill is welcome, but they told a House committee Tuesday that a one-shot infusion will not solve all the challenges facing tribes.
March 23, 2021, Newscast
Gun control at federal and state level, protecting frontline workers, ASU football player stays in Tempe
UArizona women go to battle with BYU, eye trip to Sweet 16
PHOENIX – After winning its first round game against Stony Brook, Arizona faces Brigham Young University with a spot in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 on the line.
Monty Williams on Suns bench: ‘I have not coached a group like this before’
PHOENIX – The Suns have had several players in and out of their rotation this season. Their coach, Monty Williams, said their bench has remained professional throughout each change.
Why this Japanese musician performed on Piestewa Peak every morning for a year
PHOENIX – Ken Koshio specializes in the ancient Japanese taiko drumming, and for a year, he committed to welcoming the start of each day at the top of Piestewa Peak. His performance often drew an audience.
March 24, 2021, Newscast
Airport sees increase in travelers, caregivers with dementia patients, NCAA dead period
Arizona vaccination slots fill up within minutes; more appointments available Friday
PHOENIX — Appointments were all booked within 20 minutes of opening at 8 a.m. Wednesday, but the state will have more slots available Friday.
Mohave County, Navajo officials push to broaden ‘downwinder’ coverage
WASHINGTON - Federal law compensates people who lived downwind of nuclear test sites, including many residents of northern Arizona - but not in most of Mohave County. Arizona officials told a House panel its time to change the boundaries and right that wrong.
Tribal leaders ask for more funding, less meddling for water projects
WASHINGTON - Arizona tribal officials told a Senate committee Wednesday that the federal government can help address a crisis with water infrastructure on their lands through more funding, and less meddling.
Sweet 16 and never been missed: UArizona women break out of anonymity, advance in NCAA Tournament
The Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team survives upset scare from BYU, advance to Sweet 16 for first time since 1998.
ASU basketball watches Jaelen House enter transfer portal, secures key 6-11 recruit
TEMPE - The Sun Devils face a slew of departures this offseason but the unexpected loss of Jaelen House, who entered the transfer portal last week, could turn out to be one of the biggest losses of the offseason.
Baseball in a border town: Nogales finds its favorite pastime a ‘release’ from pandemic
NOGALES – A city that has had enormous success in baseball has finally come back to life after the pandemic.
March 25, 2021, Newscast
Arizona mask mandate lifted, food banks helps families in need, funding for water projects
Ducey orders Arizona businesses to reopen, calls for end of local mask mandates
Gov. Doug Ducey’s latest executive order prohibits local mask mandates and allows for gatherings of more than 50 people. Bars also will be allowed to operate normally, without serving food.
Arizona tribes get $88 million more for housing in COVID-relief bill
WASHINGTON - Tribes in Arizona will get another $88 million in housing grants - the most of any state - from the $450 million in tribal housing assistance released Thursday by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Neighbors hope for relief from crematorium smoke as COVID-19 deaths decrease
PHOENIX – Maricopa County’s air quality department lifted regulations for crematoriums to operate past sunset. Public records show county residents have filed nearly 20 complaints about smoke coming from across the county.
Report: Arizona a ‘shining example’ for Democrats wooing Latino voters
WASHINGTON - Democrats looking to win the Latino vote should take their cues from Arizona, which was held up as a "shining example" of how it's done by the author of an election post-mortem on the Latino vote.
A player remembered, a community crushed: Friends mourn loss of GCU’s Oscar Frayer
PHOENIX – Just three days after playing in Grand Canyon's first NCAA Tournament, Oscar Frayer died in a car accident in California. Friends mourn the loss of the standout.
Group steps up to get supplies to Navajo veterans during pandemic
PHOENIX – When two Arizona veterans heard that veterans on the Navajo reservation were struggling during the pandemic, they felt it was their duty to help. So they started raising money to get supplies directly to them.
Special Olympics athletes build connections, form community through esports
WADDELL - Special Olympics athletes immerse themselves in esports teams to help alleviate the loss of social connections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PPE trash, plastic – and feces – mar many beaches and scenic spots across the Southwest
LOS ANGELES – Face masks, plastic bottles and other items are showing up more and more in nature since the beginning of COVID-19 as people go outdoors.
Arizona highway deaths rose during pandemic, as driving was declining
WASHINGTON - Traffic deaths in Arizona surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, even as the number of miles driven in the state appeared to be decreasing, according to preliminary statistics from 2020.
March 26, 2021, Newscast
Helping those facing deportation, arts during the pandemic, Indigenous artist wins distinguished award
Dementia patients at greater risk for COVID-19, study shows
PHOENIX – There are times when the residents in Marian Gutierrez’s group home are blissfully unaware: unaware of the pandemic gripping the globe, of the political turmoil it has caused and the lives it has stolen. Yet they aren’t exempt from the pain it has inflicted.
Professional bull riders Whitehorse, Jesus find strong support from Native American community
GLENDALE – PBR riders Keyshawn Whitehorse and Cody Jesus are from the Navajo Nation. When the PBR comes to Arizona, many Native American fans show up to support them.
TGen is testing cats and dogs in Arizona for COVID-19
PHOENIX – The Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix has launched a new project with the Arizona Department of Health Services to better understand how COVID-19 affects pets.
From cerebral palsy diagnosis to soccer scholarship: Gavin Kohner headed to Clemson
PHOENIX – Gavin Kohner, a senior at Northwest Christian School who plays paralympic soccer, landed a scholarship to play at Clemson University.
Contactless, cashless and chicken bacon: Diamondbacks introduce new protocols, food items at Chase Field
PHOENIX – New additions aim to make Diamondbacks’ fan experience as safe and enjoyable as possible at Chase Field.
March 29, 2021, Newscast
Undocumented immigrants and CARES Act assistance, a bar in Tempe receives help, Conference of Champions
Feds extend eviction moratorium for 90 days to slow COVID-19 spread
WASHINGTON - A federal eviction moratorium that was scheduled to end Wednesday has been extended through June 30, good news for the close to 114,000 Arizona renters who think they are at risk of eviction.
‘We’ve peaked at the right time’: UArizona women roll to first Final Four in program history
The Arizona women’s basketball team advanced to the first Final Four in program history to face perennial power UConn in national semifinals.
Need rescue? Hikers lost or lacking supplies can find help from satellite communication device
PHOENIX – SPOT is a company that makes a tracking device hikers can use to call for help when in desolate areas. But the Coconino County Sheriff’s office says it has its positives and negatives.
Tuesday Morning Sun Devil: Lucas pushes teammates, tells them, ‘I came back here to be legendary’
TEMPE – ASU wrapped up its spring season Sunday at Sun Devil Stadium. Coaches and players are confident they have the leadership and talent to succeed in the fall.
March 30, 2021, Newscast
Students in need of extra school help, regulations on rental homes, Non-Fungible Tokens in digital world
A place at the table: Latinas in Arizona strive for representation in politics
PHOENIX - 2020 was the first year a Latina was elected to statewide office in Arizona; in fact, two Latinas were: Anna Tovar and Lea Márquez Peterson.
Businesses get another 60 days to apply for pandemic relief assistance
WASHINGTON - Arizona business officials welcomed Tuesday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, a multibillion-dollar pandemic-relief program for businesses that one official said has been "keeping people open from day to day" over the past year.
Advocates call on Biden to ‘tear down this wall,’ repair border damage
WASHINGTON - Advocates called on President Joe Biden to "tear down this wall" Tuesday and fulfill his campaign promise of stopping the border wall construction that he put on hold in January.
Tribal efforts to preserve languages get boost from COVID relief funds
The American Rescue Plan will set aside $20 million to help Native American nations preserve their languages. The funding is designed to help assure the survival of tribal cultures, spiritual identities and forms of traditional communication.
Navigating college recruiting process proved challenging for sand volleyball standout during pandemic
PHOENIX – A lack of spots due to funding, limited campus tours, and being evaluated solely on film are just some of the obstacles that Arcadia High School senior Lauren Sayre encountered while deciding where she would play sand volleyball at the collegiate level.
March 31, 2021, Newscast
PPP Loan deadline extended; advocating for the Asian American community, celebrating Cesar Chavez Day
Phoenix explorer, entrepreneur will be on first civilian crew to go into space
PHOENIX – A Phoenix professor will be among the crew members to fly on the first all-civilian space flight that SpaceX launches this fall.
Colorado River tribe aims to establish ‘one unified voice’ in policy talks
The Fort Yuma-Quechan Indian Tribe is situated at a nexus in the Colorado River Basin. The tribe is also at a policy nexus on the river. With irrigated agriculture part of the tribe’s past and present connection to the river, the Quechan tribe is intimately tied to future policies on the Colorado River. KUNC’s Luke Runyon interviewed the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe’s president Jordan Joaquin to hear his perspective on future policy talks that will be with President Joe Biden's administration.
‘Fourth wave’: As mask mandates are lifted, Arizona health researchers urge COVID-19 caution
Researchers at ASU call for social distancing and mask wearing to continue in the face of a possible fourth wave and local mutating strains of COVID-19.
Limited Cactus League attendance has ripple effect on local businesses
TEMPE – For plenty of Arizona businesses, March is the busiest month of the year thanks to an influx of tourists for spring training. But in 2021, with the pandemic limiting Cactus League attendance, restaurants didn’t see the same sales spike they usually do.
Death, taxes and April 15? Maybe not. Tax filing dates shift in 2021
WASHINGTON - The IRS extended the tax-filing deadline to May 17 because of COVID-19, but the due date remained April 15 in Arizona - until Monday. Lawmakers approved an extension last week, the governor signed it Monday, just 10 days before the usual tax day.
Dry soils plague Colorado River Basin, absorbing runoff needed downstream
ASPEN, Colorado – The amount of moisture held in the ground can play a big role in how much water makes it down to rivers and reservoirs in the Colorado River Basin – and eventually into the pipes that feed homes and businesses.
RezTok: Indigenous storytellers find stronger voice on popular platform
PHOENIX – Native American artists and creators have found a home, a community and a voice in TikTok. They use their voices to uplift their communities and their relatives.
April 1, 2021, Newscast
COVID-19 variant in Arizona, Native communities during pandemic, Major League Baseball is back
Arizona adds its own variant to the growing list of COVID-19 mutations
WASHINGTON - The more than 840,000 COVID-19 cases in Arizona include coronavirus variants from the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, California - and, as of last month, a new homegrown version that has since been detected in Texas and New Mexico.
Lower income, Hispanic neighborhoods lag on vaccinations
PHOENIX – Although vaccinations are now open to most Arizonans, some neighborhoods are lagging behind – notably those that are lower income and predominantly Hispanic.
Underdogs? Disrespected? Despite obstacles, UArizona women find themselves in Final Four
TUCSON — Coach Adia Barnes’ long road has led her to the Final Four, where her team is the lowest seed still remaining in the NCAA Tournament and hopes to continue to surprise the sports world.
In the NCAA Women’s Tournament, those who spend big win big (only Arizona defies odds)
PHOENIX — Data collected from the U.S. Department of Education reveals a correlation between the spending habits of a Sweet 16 team and how far it advances in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
Comcaac Nation in Sonora demands water with historic gathering
Members of the Indigenous Comcaac Nation have long struggled for access to clean water in their two towns on the Sea of Cortez.
Praise God, but take precautions: Faiths juggle holy seasons, pandemic
WASHINGTON - As major religions observe a second holy season under the specter of COVID-19, faith leaders in Arizona find themselves juggling the spiritual needs of worshipers with the physical realities of protecting them in a pandemic.
ASU women’s basketball struggled in postseason but believes experience will pay off
TEMPE — In four games of postseason play, the ASU women’s basketball team had their weaknesses exposed. However, the postseason experience was necessary for the development of Charli Turner Thorne’s young Sun Devils.
April 2, 2021, Newscast
Travel guidance if fully vaccinated, coronavirus impacting education in Arizona, holiday weekend forecast
‘Sorry, buddy’: Athletes saying ‘no’ to autograph seekers symbolic of COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – People with time during a pandemic are revisiting their sports memorabilia collections and that business is booming. Getting those collectibles autographed is another story, though.
Scottsdale’s Carlee Turner, Boston Pride overcome adversity to win National Women’s Hockey League title
PHOENIX – Despite thoughts of retirement amid a COVID-19 outbreak, Carlee Turner and her Boston Pride teammates overcame adversity to win the NWHL’s Isobel Cup.
How Arizona’s Havasupai Tribe has kept COVID-19 out of its community
One Arizona community near the Grand Canyon has utilized its isolated location as a defense, sacrificing tourism business.
UArizona women’s NCAA Tournament run defies odds, builds for future
They were a No. 3 seed. They have one of the lowest budgets of NCAA Sweet 16 teams. Little was expected of them. And yet the Arizona Wildcats played in the NCAA Women's Tournament national championship game.
Indoor drive-thru vaccination site opens at warehouse in Mesa
PHOENIX – New indoor drive-thru vaccination site opens at Dexcom’s regional distribution center in Mesa, and the State Farm Stadium site in Glendale has made changes to its hours of operation
Court backs asylum, says woman’s feminism would endanger her in Mexico
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court Monday backed the asylum claim of an undocumented immigrant in Phoenix who said her feminist political beliefs would put her in danger if she was returned to Mexico.
April 5, 2021, Newscast
An indoor vaccine drive thru, teaching people about COVID-19 through animation, an ASU basketball standout
Arizona Christian football navigates split season, COVID-19 outbreak to land spot in NAIA playoffs
PHOENIX - ACU Firestorm football chose to play a non-conference schedule in the fall, and a conference schedule in the spring. At 8-1, they’ve handled this COVID-19 altered season while maintaining success.
New restrictions on sex education advance to House
PHOENIX - Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill that would require written consent to discuss gender, sexuality and HIV/AIDS in the classroom.
Announcer’s slur during high school game raises concerns about streaming service’s lack of oversight
PHOENIX - Matt Rowan is the latest example of an announcer who said inappropriate comments on the air, raising concern about streaming services’ lack of oversight.
Deja vu all over again? Three takeaways from Diamondbacks’ early season struggles
PHOENIX - Similar to last season, the Diamondbacks are off to a 1-3 start after facing the Padres. A struggling offense and pitching rotation are keys to understanding why.
‘Therapy is for white people’: Black mental health experts work to overcome stigmas
PHOENIX – The pandemic exacerbated health disparities among Black people, but getting culturally appropriate services remains a challenge.
April 6, 2021, Newscast
Anti-abortion bill #SB1457, health dangers women firefighters face, Arizona's only Black-owned brewery
To mandate or not mandate? Greater access to COVID-19 vaccine raises ethical questions in sports world
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 vaccine has brought potential relief to what has been a stressful year in sports. But not everyone is open to taking the vaccine, with some expressing medical and ethical concerns.
April 7, 2021, Newscast
Phoenix to continue mask mandate, concerns over mail in voting bills, Valley golfers change the game
Wear your mask despite governor’s order, COVID researchers advise
PHOENIX – Dr. Joshua LaBaer of ASU’s Biodesign Institute discussed recent COVID-19 and vaccination metrics at a press conference on Wednesday.
21st century Jim Crow: Arizona activists, faith leaders decry ‘voter suppression’ bills
PHOENIX – Arizona advocacy and faith-based organizations joined a national controversy over voting rights at the state Capitol on Wednesday, criticizing a state bill and other legislation as voter suppression efforts that recalls Jim Crow.
Arizona fires Sean Miller, looks for coach who can win games, generate dollars
PHOENIX – The University of Arizona men’s basketball team is among the top profiting college basketball programs in the country. They are looking forward to a successful and competitive future with a new head coach.
Despite push to schedule executions, attorneys plan to continue fight
WASHINGTON - While Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is pushing to schedule executions for two death-row inmates who he said have exhausted their appeals, advocates for the men said they still intend to fight.
‘Water protector’: Indigenous illustrator wins Caldecott Medal for children’s book
Michaela Goade is the first Indigenous illustrator to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal for best American picture book for children. The artist won the honor for “We Are Water Protectors,” written by Carole Lindstrom.
‘Dog-flipping’ on the rise as more Americans seek companionship during pandemic
PHOENIX – With many people searching for companions during the pandemic, dog thieves are reselling of desirable pooches for thousands of dollars.
Former ASU guard Jaelen House eyes GCU, could join former teammates
PHOENIX - ASU transfer Jaelen House announced that GCU and New Mexico are his top two destinations. What would the former Sun Devils guard bring to the Lopes?
Sports, politics collide again as Mickelson, McIlroy address voting rights and Texas passes anthem bill
PHOENIX — Sports, politics collide again as Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy address voting rights, while Texas senate passes National Anthem bill
April 8, 2021, Newscast
Former representative efforts to decrease gun violence, new migrant facilities, extending foster care
March saw record-high number of unaccompanied minors stopped at border
WASHINGTON — The number of migrants apprehended at the southern border surged in March to one of the highest monthly totals on record, and the almost 19,000 unaccompanied youth stopped there set a record, the latest data shows.
Celiac? Hashimoto’s? Torn ACL? Nothing can slow ASU soccer’s Cori Sullivan
PHOENIX – Two years away from the pitch was enough time to nearly snatch Cori Sullivan’s dreams of playing college and professional soccer. Despite battling Celiac disease, Hashimoto’s disease and a torn ACL, she’s back.
Valley roller skaters adapt during pandemic, embrace community to overcome adversity
PHOENIX – As roller skaters navigate COVID-19 shutdowns and reopenings, they’re searching for a place to roll – and a community.
Hey batta batta: Diamondbacks home opener brings changes, return to normalcy
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks believe Chase Field is fully equipped to safely host 20,000 fans for Friday’s home opener and the subsequent home series. After a rough road trip to start the season, the team is looking forward to the support.
The Kessel Run: Coyotes forward not slowing down during ironman streak
PHOENIX – Kessel will play in his 885th straight game when the Coyotes face the Vegas Golden Knights Friday, extending his ironman streak in pursuit of Doug Jarvis’ record.
Seeing red: Bill would cut voter-approved education funds, school supporters say
PHOENIX – Parents, teachers and students converged on the state Capitol grounds to oppose SB 1783, saying it undermines Proposition 208.
April 9, 2021, Newscast
Biodiversity at the border wall, Indigenous people and the coronavirus, Diamondbacks home opener tonight
Christ: Slight bump in COVID-19 numbers cause for concern, not alarm
PHOENIX - The state health director said Friday that a "very, very small" increase in COVID-19 numbers is cause for concern but not alarm, and should serve as a reminder that people still need to observe health protocols.
UArizona will lead space telescope mission to learn how galaxies evolve, form stars
PHOENIX – University of Arizona was chosen to lead the 2024 NASA mission called Aspera. The mission will help researchers understand the flow of gas around galaxies.
Shoddy weight rooms? Poor branding? WNBA stars praise college players for exposing NCAA inequality
PHOENIX – After some college players exposed disparities in how the NCAA treats its women’s and men’s basketball tournaments, several WNBA stars praised their college counterparts for taking a stand.
‘Still expected to look like Barbie dolls’: Gender equality in sports media an ongoing battle
PHOENIX – Gender inequality in sports media is not a new issue. And despite gains women have made in the industry, problems persist.
April 12, 2021, Newscast
Tucson Police Chief nomination as CBP commissioner, broken campaign promise, boat racing on hidden lake
Tucson police chief, critic of Trump border policy, tapped to run CBP
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden nominated Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus to be head of Customs and Border Protection, an agency facing surging numbers of migrants.
Biden cites infrastructure needs in Arizona, other states, to push plan
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal spelled out constructions needs in all states, including Arizona.
Arizona study examines health risks faced by female firefighters
PHOENIX - A University of Arizona study examines health effects that female firefighters experience, such as risk of cancer and reproductive issues.
Through challenging season, Suns rookie Jalen Smith relying on strong foundation to make ‘every day count’
PHOENIX - Jalen Smith’s rookie season has been challenged by circumstances out of his control. But his foundation has helped him persevere through difficult times before, and he is confident it will do so again.
There’s a new Doan in town: Son of former Coyotes standout commits to play hockey at ASU
PHOENIX – Josh Doan, son of former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan, has signed a letter of intent to play hockey at Arizona State this fall.
Diamondbacks, other MLB teams overwhelmed by concessions complications on opening weekend
PHOENIX - Long waits and technical issues created confusion and frustration for fans at Diamondbacks, Giants and Dodgers games.
Sports betting by summer? Could be, as Arizona Senate sends gambling bill to governor
PHOENIX – Senate Bill 1797 and and House Bill 2772 passed through the Arizona State House and Senate, paving the way for legalized sports betting within the state.
Superior mayor, tribal officials spar over bill to stop Oak Flat mine
WASHINGTON - Superior's mayor testified that the Pinal County town would suffer a "devastating" blow to its economy if Congress canceled a massive copper mine at Oak Flat - a move opponents say must be done to protect the environment and sacred sites there.
Buttigieg: Indian Country investment a priority of infrastructure plan
WASHINGTON - Indian Country infrastructure needs, for everything from water to housing to broadband, are a high priority of the Biden administration's $2.2 trillion American Jobs Plan, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said this week.
Do not adjust your television: Truth is, many streaming service subscribers can’t watch Suns, Diamondbacks, Coyotes
PHOENIX – For fans in Arizona and across the country, watching local sports teams on their streaming devices has become more and more of a challenge.
April 13, 2021, Newscast
Johnson and Johnson's vaccine on hold, helping homeless Indigenous veterans, legalizing sports gambling
With Jaelen House New Mexico-bound, transfer merry-go-round continues for ASU men’s basketball, others
PHOENIX – With five players in the transfer portal, ASU men’s basketball is facing a huge roster reconfiguration. So far, three transfers are set to join the Sun Devils in their place.
5 gun bills – 3 from Democrats – are on different paths in the Arizona Legislature
At least five gun bills introduced in the Legislature show the tension between Second Amendment supporters and gun safety advocates. In Arizona, Republican lawmakers narrowly carry the day.
Betting at the TPC: Phoenix Open course will be site of year-round sportsbook operated by DraftKings
PHOENIX – PGA tour and DraftKings announced plans for a premier retail sportsbook located at TPC Scottsdale.
April 14, 2021 Newscast
A gun violence memorial in D.C., electric car plants in Arizona, a Valley runner pushes through tragedy
Giffords, congressional Democrats call for action on gun reform bills
WASHINGTON - Backed by a field of flowers that represent the thousands killed by gun violence each year, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords joined Democrats who said Congress can act on gun reform or "can let the shooting continue."
Mural honors resilience, spirit and future of Salt River Pima-Maricopa people
PHOENIX – A black and white portrait of a teenager from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community adorns the Monroe Building in downtown Phoenix.
Snowfall in the West indicates 20-year drought will persist and intensify
With temperatures rising and precipitation falling, it's likely drought conditions across the West will worsen.
Arizona universities take different approaches to resuming club sports in COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – The four major universities in Arizona are dealing with club sports differently during COVID-19 era.
Governor signs tribal gaming compact, legalizes sports gambling in Arizona
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey and the state of Arizona have signed into law the new tribal gaming compact. Included in this new compact is House Bill 2772 which legalizes daily sports fantasy.
April 15, 2021 Newscast
Sports betting bill is legalized, the mental health of children, local roller derby league gives back
‘It’s about everybody’: Joe Black, Jackie Robinson’s roommate, also was MLB trailblazer
PHOENIX - The late Joe Black was the first Black baseball player to win a World Series game, in 1952. The Arizona Fall League MVP award is named after him.
Hey, taxi (squad)! Coyotes’ call-ups making difference during playoff push
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes are in the midst of a tight playoff race in the West Division. Their postseason chances may hang in the balance with the recent success of their taxi squad call-ups.
Vans hit the road to administer free COVID tests in Phoenix’s underserved communities
PHOENIX — Phoenix is partnering with health care companies to send vans into underserved communities to provide COVID-19 testing to those who might not otherwise have access.
Potential jaguar habitat at U.S.-Mexico border identified by UArizona researchers
TUCSON - University of Arizona Ph.D. student Ganesh Marin discovered a young male jaguar lurking along the Arizona-Mexico border.
April 16, 2021, Newscast
Arizona National Guard are busier, bringing live theater home, the price of exoskeletons
Biden balks at first chance to raise refugee cap from Trump-era lows
WASHINGTON — Refugee advocates were "deeply disappointed and frustrated" by the Biden administration's failure Friday to reverse historically low Trump-era refugee limits this year, something then-candidate Joe Biden had promised to do.
Ramadan fast presents Arizona’s Muslim athletes with unique challenges, benefits
PHOENIX – The intermittent fasting that accompanies Ramadan presents unique challenges to Muslim athletes, especially amid Arizona’s torrid heat.
Palo Verde generator helps Southwest meet climate goals, but future of nuclear is debated
PHOENIX – A new NREL study finds that LA could eliminate fossil fuels from its power grid by 2035. The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station west of Phoenix is part of the solution, but critics say it's a temporary solution to meet climate goals in both California and Arizona.
With first Colorado River shortage almost certain, states stare down mandatory cutbacks
Twenty-one years of drier, warmer weather have left Lakes Mead and Powell at historically low levels, and the first official shortage declaration from the Department of the Interior is almost certain later this year.
Rehab to rebound: Despite injury, Sandra Day O’Connor softball star continues to make impact
PHOENIX – Jocelyn Erickson is a top-ranked recruit in the class of 2022, and is committed to Oklahoma to play softball. After tearing her ACL and meniscus in a January basketball game, Erickson continues to leave a mark on her coaches and teammates during her rehab.
April 19, 2021, Newscast
Fentanyl seizures at U.S. border, COVID-19 vaccine passport ban, domestic violence shelters in Arizona
Analysts say ‘America First’ flap not likely to hurt Gosar in long run
WASHINGTON - Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar has tried to distance himself from reports he was backing a caucus that would defend “Anglo-Saxon political traditions,” but political analysts say the flap is unlikely to harm the conservative Republican’s re-election prospects.
ASU professor uses art to educate Latinx community about COVID
PHOENIX – An Arizona researcher is blending research and art to help educate the Latinx community about COVID-19.
Who are these Diamondbacks? Injuries, inconsistency plague start but team remains confident
PHOENIX - The Diamondbacks are two-plus weeks and 16 games into the 2021 season and have yet to find any consistency in any area of the game while also dealing with the injury bug. Unlike the 60-game season last year, the D-Backs have plenty of time to return to health and play to their potential.
Jake Plummer, other athletes continue to push for pro-marijuana change in sports
PHOENIX – Athletes across various sports continue to push for the use of marijuana in their sports
‘Step toward justice’: Local, national sports communities react to Derek Chauvin verdict
PHOENIX - On the heels of the Derek Chauvin verdict, local and national sports communities react to the news. The death of George Floyd had prompted protests across the sports world.
Ducey orders National Guard to border to respond to surge in migrants
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey ordered 250 Arizona National Guard members to assist state and local law enforcement agencies at the border, as migrant apprehensions rise to their highest number in years.
April 20, 2021, Newscast
Mask mandates on campus ends, city’s most vulnerable vaccinated, FilmBar survives in the pandemic
State school officials rebuff Ducey’s decision to lift mask mandate
WASHINGTON - Education officials rebuffed Gov. Doug Ducey's decision this week to lift the mask mandate for state schools, with many districts planning to ignore what they called an "irresponsible" decision in a state where COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Relief, but a vow to fight on: Arizonans react to Chauvin convictions
PHOENIX – The excruciating video of George Floyd’s murder last year led to three guilty verdicts Tuesday against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 46 seconds, galvanizing a global battle against police violence toward Black people.
Are we ‘normal’ again? Answers to 13 questions on changes in COVID-19 protocols
Masks in schools, travel to the Grand Canyon and other parks, eating inside restaurants: As life returns to “normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic, what are the rules and regulations? Here are 13 FAQs about the transition from pandemic restrictions.
Rush Hour 4? How a playbook, barber shop and chicken feet bonded ASU’s Jackson He, Rachaad White
TEMPE – ASU running backs Jackson He, Rachaad White have been labeled as a ‘Rush Hour’ duo for their close friendship on and off the field.
Time to sue? Legal action may be necessary to secure more minority head coaches in NFL, experts say
PHOENIX – Time to sue? A Global Sport Matters panel discussed whether legal action could push the NFL and its team owners to hire more minority head coaches.
April 21, 2021, Newscast
Threats against elected officials, seasonal allergies and COVID-19 symptoms, tennis during the pandemic
Tribal officials outline infrastructure gap ‘big as the Grand Canyon’
WASHINGTON - Tribes face a digital divide "as big as the Grand Canyon" and a "not even quantifiable" lack of utility access, just two of the problems outlined at a House hearing Wednesday on infrastructure needs in Indian Country.
Cities push residents to save their little piece of Earth on Earth Day
WASHINGTON - Think globally, act locally, as the saying goes, and 10 Arizona cities are taking the message to heart Thursday to mark the 51st annual Earth Day, planning everything from tree plantings to community cleanups.
Critics blast bill that would purge names from list of mail-in voters
WASHINGTON — Voting rights advocates and Arizona Democrats on Wednesday denounced a bill that would remove voters from the Permanent Early Voting List, calling it an attempt to disenfranchise up to 150,000 voters, particularly those of color.
Polo with handlebars? Community bonds over upper crust sport that replaces horse with bike
PHOENIX - Every Sunday, Arizona Hardcourt Bike Polo meets at Cielito Park. Bike polo creates a tight knit community that brings the players back every week.
As air travel increases, so do concerns about COVID-19 safety measures
WASHINGTON - With vaccination efforts in full force, airlines and airports are on their way to bouncing back from a year in which passenger traffic fell as much as 96% because of the pandemic, officials told a Senate panel - but health safety remains a concern.
Alcohol use among older adults increased during pandemic
PHOENIX – The yearlong pandemic has increased anxiety and isolation, which has spurred an increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among older Arizonans, health officials say.
Corporation Commission votes to strengthen policies on power disconnection
PHOENIX – The Arizona Corporation Commission votes to amend power disconnection policies. If finalized, the rules would go into effect in summer 2022.
April 22, 2021, Newscast
Major wildfires coming, safe air travel amid the pandemic, Native American cuisines in the Valley
Although it feels like reality show, changes to ASU men’s basketball lineup very real
TEMPE – It has been a hectic offseason for Arizona State men’s basketball. After a complete overhaul of the roster, coach Bobby Hurley still feels encouraged about the state of the program.
Top two Arizona high school prospects Kath, Selvidge making waves before MLB draft
PHOENIX – Desert Mountain’s Wes Kath and Hamilton’s Brock Selvidge may hear their names called in Major League Baseball's draft in July.
‘A perfect storm:’ Body-image struggles, eating disorders converge during pandemic
PHOENIX – A new study finds pandemic-related stress may be linked to body image issues and social media can harm those with eating disorders.
April 23, 2021, Newscast
First Lady's trip to Navajo Nation, border businesses recover, vaccination campaign in Latino communities
Mesa school district to phase out mask policy, others keeping theirs
On Monday, Mesa Public Schools will allow students to go maskless while outside. If the district does not see any spikes, it will begin to recommend – but not require – masks starting May 3.
Get ready for a busy year fighting wildfires, experts in Arizona warn
Arizona had one of its driest monsoon seasons on record last year, which will directly impact wildfires this year. Experts predict this could be another big year for fires across the state.
Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed looks to put lingering knee injury behind him
In spring training, Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed suffered a knee injury that sidelined him until the second week of the season. He says the injury has played into his slow start but now it’s behind him.
EASE up: New ASU program supports engineering students with autism
PHOENIX – Research shows that students with autism lack social support once they enter college. An ASU program is aiming to fix that, by pairing students on the spectrum with peer mentors.
Diamondbacks grant helps Coronado High improve facilities, enhance safety
SCOTTSDALE – Before last season, Coronado High Athletic Director Anthony Miller reached out to the Arizona Diamondbacks about the organization’s grants, hoping to improve the Scottsdale school’s facilities. The Diamondbacks not only helped last year, they provided another grant to Coronado this year.
Since inserting centerfielder Pavin Smith at leadoff, Arizona Diamondbacks are 5-1
PHOENIX - Pavin Smith, one of the Diamondbacks top prospects, has been forced to take on a new role this season: leadoff-hitting center fielder. The college first baseman turned corner outfielder has taken to his new role and his team has reaped the benefits.
Picture of success: A look at Suns’ journey to 42 victories from behind the lens
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are second in the NBA’s Western Conference, generating plenty of buzz about the team’s playoff potential. This is what their success looks like in pictures.
Arizona near top of states for bills aimed at voting rights, limits
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers began the year with the third-highest number of voting restriction bills in the nation, but it appears only a few will survive as the Legislature winds down. But voting rights activists say those few bills will still disenfranchise minority voters.
April 26, 2021, Newscast
A look back at our top education stories, budget cuts impact schools, federal funds to make schools safer
Border deployment the latest in National Guard’s ‘roller coaster’ year
WASHINGTON - Last week's decision to send the Arizona National Guard to the border was another deployment in a busy year that has seen Guard members go from stocking grocery shelves to fighting wildfires to setting up vaccination sites - and helping at the border.
Run the land: Native women across the U.S. take to the roads and trails
TUCSON – A Navajo woman started an Instagram account that became a global running community. Now, Native Women Running inspires Indigenous women around the world.
Downward facing … poultry? Chicken yoga is newest animal therapy trend
PHOENIX – Puppy yoga, goat yoga and now chicken yoga. Silkie chickens added to the emotional, mental and spiritual health of yoga practitioners at a one-time session at a downtown Phoenix business.
April 27, 2021, Newscast
Arizona's seat in the House of Representatives, Yuma farmers during COVID-19, ASU tennis player turns pro
‘Bigger than he is’: Goligoski’s veteran leadership fueling fight through Coyotes’ playoff race
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski has turned the corner with an increase in offensive production while mentoring his young teammates during the Honda West Division postseason race.
California amusement parks reopen at 25% capacity with limits on out-of-state visitors
LOS ANGELES – Many theme parks in California have begun to reopen at limited capacity, but most only will admit state residents at first.
Travel nurses, staffing industry pushed to the limits by COVID
PHOENIX – After more than a year of witnessing relentless death on the front lines, the critical workforce of travel nurses is burning out – with lasting repercussions on the health care industry.
April 28, 2021, Newscast
Voter privacy during the 2020 election, Arizona Army National Guard administer vaccines to inmates
Arizonans with disabilities get COVID vaccinations, thanks to group effort
PHOENIX – Over 1,600 people got their first COVID-19 vaccinations at a recent event targeting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
For Arizona’s Letuli, connection with Dodgers helped her with breast cancer battle
PEORIA – In December of 2016, Jessie Letuli was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Los Angeles Dodgers helped her get through it.
Not just for the pros: Arizona high schools, colleges turning to baseball analytics, technology
PHOENIX – At the high school, junior college and Division I levels of baseball in Arizona, teams are beginning to use advanced technology to improve their players.
Threats against state, congressional lawmakers jumped in recent years
WASHINGTON - Threats against members of Congress rose from 3,939 in 2017 to 4,500 in just the first three months of 2021, and threats are up against Arizona state lawmakers, too, evidence of a U.S. political divide that one researcher calls "incredibly dangerous."
April 29, 2021, Newscast
2020 election audit continues, a ban on menthol cigarettes, a bill that helps undocumented farm workers
‘I instantly knew he was dead’: Drug overdoses surge during pandemic, piling tragedy upon tragedy
TUCSON – While stay-at-home orders kept people safe from contracting COVID-19, home is where isolation and limited access to treatment fueled substance use disorders and led to a spike in overdose deaths.
With drug overdoses rising, leaders take action
PHOENIX – Amid record overdose deaths in the U.S., policymakers are proposing measures to expand treatment, reduce the chance of overdose and direct more funding to the problem.
Why this ‘radical librarian’ believes libraries, to address inequity, should keep buildings closed
Fobazi Ettarh believes reopening in-building library services to the public highlights disparities between the less fortunate and the well-off. Ettarch says it’s best to keep libraries closed to force a long-term solution.
High school hockey in desert flourishing despite lack of sanctioning by AIA
PHOENIX - Hockey is one of the few sports not sanctioned by the AIA, but it has managed to be successful. Much of that has to do with the Arizona High School Hockey Association.
April 30, 2021, Newscast
DACA recipients in federal jobs, legislation on mail-in ballots, a disabled golfer goes overcomes hurdles
With legalized sports betting coming to Arizona, concerns about gambling addiction increase
The ability to attend a sporting event, place a bet on a team and possibly return home a winner will soon be a reality in Arizona. So, too, could an uptick in gambling addiction, some worry.
Music to their ears: After yearlong wait, ASU marching band members reunite to play live
After a yearlong wait, the Sun Devil Marching Band had its first and last live performance of the year at a recent soccer game. It was a much-needed gathering.
Asylum seekers dropped off in towns that have few resources get help from nonprofits
SOMERTON – As the Biden administration eases restrictive policies, asylum seekers are being released in border towns with few resources. In response, three nonprofits have formed the Arizona California Humanitarian Coalition.
May 3rd, 2021, Newscast
Grand Canyon junction rename, sex trafficking in Maricopa County, local marching band returns to the field
A Community’s Response: Reflections from the White Mountain Apache Tribe a year into the COVID-19 pandemic
WHITERIVER – COVID-19 devastated Native American communities. With the spotlight often on places like the Navajo Nation, the much smaller White Mountain Apache Tribe quietly battled to save its people.
Pushing past limits, Joe Delagrave embraces different role: accomplished Paralympian
PHOENIX – Joe Delagrave’s life was just beginning to take shape as he neared his sophomore football season at Winona State University. Although a boating accident left him in a wheelchair, he found a new calling.
Wearing retro on your sleeve: Vintage T-shirts pop up in resale stores, markets across Phoenix
PHOENIX – Metro Phoenix is home to a new wave of vintage resale that specializes in T-shirts, jeans and outerwear from the ’70s to the mid-2000s. The trend started on resale apps like DePop and Poshmark and ballooned into physical shops across the country, with pop-up markets and at least four storefronts opening locally.
May 4, 2021, Newscast
Proof of work search for unemployment, recount efforts in Maricopa County, Mercury home opener coming up
Initial response strong to special Affordable Care Act open enrollment
WASHINGTON - A special open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act coverage drew 528,005 new enrollees nationwide in its first six weeks, with 9,569 of those consumers in Arizona, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
One move ahead: Growth of chess soars during pandemic, especially online
PHOENIX – From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of chess has escalated to new heights in a virtual setting, thanks to the emergence of the sport’s popularity from “ Twitch and surging online platforms.
Laboring to remain healthy: COVID-19 takes toll on Arizona farmworkers
YUMA – Migrant farm workers in Arizona, considered essential workers, often struggle to say healthy and get vaccinated during the pandemic.
May 4th, 2021, Newscast
Executive order requiring proof of work, Covid-19 briefings; Cinco De Mayo celebrations in the Valley
Muscogee Nation drops colonial era name in rebranding
Leaders of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation say they are dropping “Creek” from the tribe’s name as part of a rebranding effort. But not all members are on board, and some say their identity is being stripped away from them.
A pain, a diagnosis, a tumor, a fight: Northwest Christian’s Floyd uses faith, determination to persevere
PHOENIX – The diagnosis was shocking: cancer. But that hasn’t slowed Northwest Christian soccer player Wilson Floyd from waging a fight, or her team from winning a title.
Fight over Oak Flat mine draws support of diverse religious groups
WASHINGTON - The Oak Flat copper mine battle has gone from an environmental to a religious fight, with groups ranging from the Sikh Coalition to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints backing a White Mountain Apache claim that the mine will destroy sacred lands.
Making waves: Drag boat racing finds home at Buckeye’s Hidden Lake
BUCKEYE – Tucked south of Buckeye, Hidden Lake is home to Arizona Drag Boat Association races, where competitors from across Arizona and elsewhere the country come to compete at speeds up to 120 mph.
May 6th, 2021, Newscast
A judge rejects the eviction moratorium, Sen. Mark Kelly talks STEM, a sports book in Downtown Phoenix
New frontier: Athletes, teams dipping their toes into cryptocurrency, NFT pool
PHOENIX – Athletes, teams and leagues across sports are dipping their toes into the NFT cryptocurrency pool. Athletes including Taijuan Walker and Rob Gronkowski have already jumped in.
Wildfire prevention gets boost from behind bars with expanded program
WASHINGTON - It's important to have boots on the ground when battling wildfires, and state officials will soon be able to put 1,400 more boots on the ground - in the form of up to 700 prison inmates, who will be used to do forest maintenance under a new law.
Water speculation is ‘all the problems’ in one, Colorado group warns
Last year, Colorado lawmakers pointed a finger at what they consider a growing threat: speculative investments in water rights. Since then, a state work group has been examining the issue, and the process raises questions about how the West divvies up water.
5 transgender military veterans discuss abuses, how political changes can alter lives
PHOENIX – Transgender military veterans have faced a constant shift in policy, depending on which party is in power. Five of them talk to Cronkite News about their experiences.
Faith, fitness, furtherance: Arizonans find resources for positive change amid COVID-19 pandemic
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic paused the lives of many Arizonans for an extended period of time. Some found resources that helped turn their challenges into a positive situation.
Native-owned SkyDance Brewing moving to its own location
Oklahoma’s first Native American-owned brewing company, inspired by the recipes of the owner’s father, will open an independent location this summer.
May 10th, 2021, Newscast
Update on presidential election audit, vaccinating the Latino community, Arizona Coyotes coaching staff
Researchers spelunk the Grand Canyon to document its beautiful, confounding springs
Research examining how water flows in Grand Canyon springs could shed light on understanding the link between ground water and surface water in the Colorado River system.
Diamond in the rough: Japanese Americans imprisoned at Arizona camps during WWII found solace in baseball
PHOENIX – Baseball served as a distraction for some Japanese Americans who were imprisoned at Arizona camps during WWII
Arizona law enforcement struggle to halt deadly street racing
Arizona law enforcement officials are trying to address the street racing problem across the state as public complaints and the death toll continues to mount.
May 11th, 2021, Newscast
The latest on vote-by-mail ballots, wildfires burning across Arizona, veterans heath in the current age
Another Hill to climb: Obscure law denies Dreamers congressional jobs
WASHINGTON - One benefit of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is work authorization, but it does not extend to Capitol Hill - a surprise to some Arizona Democrats who are now trying to change the law.
After Tocchet’s departure, Armstrong, Coyotes look ahead to busy summer
PHOENIX – The first domino fell Sunday when Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong announced the team has mutually parted ways with coach Rick Tocchet. Now, Armstrong’s vision for the future has officially begun.
‘It was an open country’: Gadsden resident reflects on life along the border
YUMA – Louie Gradias of Gadsden has witnessed the drastic evolution of the southern border over his 79 years and has many stories to tell.
No 9-irons needed: Disc golf participation soars during coronavirus pandemic
PHOENIX – When the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to most recreational sporting events and activities, people began looking elsewhere for exercise and competition. Many found disc golf as the answer.
May 12th, 2021 Newscast
SB 1485 removes residents from mail in ballot list, fire restrictions are back, a digital state ID
Git-r-done delegation: State ranked OK on congressional effectiveness
WASHINGTON - They didn't have the high profiles or long tenure of some other members, but Arizona lawmakers in the last Congress ranked relatively high on a recent scorecard of congressional effectiveness, finishing 10th in the House and 14th in the Senate.
Phoenix police keep tabs on social media, but who keeps tabs on cops?
PHOENIX - Police took to monitoring activists' social media in a year that saw Black Lives Matter rallies, anti-lockdown events, election protests and the Capitol riot - but experts worry that many agencies are operating under barebones surveillance guidelines.
May 13, 2021, Newscast
Children ages 12 to 15 can get the COVID-19 vaccine, updated mask mandates, gas prices are up in Arizona
Safer shopping: Scottsdale mother invents recyclable shopping cart liner
Andi Barness-Rubin, a Scottsdale mother of three, created Cart Safe, a recyclable shopping cart liner, during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the user from bacteria.
Filipinos make up 30% of COVID-19 deaths among nurses in U.S., study says
PHOENIX – Filipino nurses on the front lines fighting COVID-19 experience higher infection rates and deaths from the disease. According to National Nurses United, 4% of registered nurses in the U.S. are Filipino, but 30.1% of all COVID-19 related deaths among RNs have been Filipino.
‘Tighten the screws’: As Suns near first playoffs since 2010, keys to success emerge
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are about to make their first appearance in the NBA playoffs since the 2009-10 season. Although they already feel as if they are in that environment, several keys have emerged that could help them find success.
May 14, 2021, Newscast
Schools hold graduation ceremonies, $300 unemployment supplement ends, wildfires continue to burn
Service time manipulation: Debate rages as MLB teams hold off on bringing up top prospects
PHOENIX – It’s hardly a secret that MLB teams often delay calling up some of their top prospects. While many are critical of the process, immediate change is unlikely.
‘It hasn’t stopped’: Arizona volunteers try to stem the tide of migrant death in the desert
AJO – Hundreds of people die in the Sonoran Desert each year attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Local humanitarian aid organizations continue to provide crisis aid to prevent suffering and death.
Lesser of two evils? Suns secure No. 2 seed in Western Conference, will play Lakers or Warriors
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns locked up the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since the 2006-07 season. However, their first-round opponent will present difficult challenges.
May 17, 2021 Newscast
The Maricopa County audit is on pause, today is Tax Day, a sheriff has his own streaming show
New study makes case for jaguar reintroduction in Arizona, New Mexico
A new study suggests jaguars could be successfully reintroduced to parts of their historic range in Arizona and New Mexico, where the large cats were wiped out by humans decades ago.
Arizona bill targeting transgender athletes could impact state’s ability to host NCAA events
PHOENIX – Although Arizona is the site of two NCAA softball regionals this week, that might not be the case next year if the state passes a law targeting transgender athletes.
Supreme Court to consider if two death-row inmates get new hearings
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said it will consider whether two Arizona death-row inmates should get new hearings on claims that attorneys who represented them decades ago failed to present evidence that could have spared them.
May 18, 2021 Newscast
Tension in the Maricopa County audit, the race for Governor, Arizonians are happy following the 2020 year
The drag show must go on: 4Some Revue adjusts to performing during pandemic
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges for many live performers and that includes a Phoenix drag show. The group 4Some Revue implemented many safety measures, which has allowed the entertainers to perform live again.
Korematsu Day rises from injustices of Japanese internment camps during WWII
Jan. 30 will be known as Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Arizona to honor an activist who fought for justice in a country that forced Japanese Americans into camps.
May 19, 2021, Newscast
Maricopa County audit continues, Navajo Nation has biggest land mass, asylum seekers get support
Over GOP objections, House OKs panel to probe Jan. 6 Capitol assault
WASHINGTON - The House voted Wednesday to create a bipartisan 9/11-style commission to investigate the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, despite the opposition of 175 Republicans, including all four from Arizona.
‘Last responders’ answer the call to bury the dead in a year of unprecedented tragedy
PHOENIX – Sometimes called the “last responders,” funeral home workers overcame challenges this past year to help bury the many victims of COVID-19.
On deck: When ASU’s Hackbarth twins play softball, family is never far behind
PHOENIX – The parents of Maddi and Kindra Hackbarth have missed only one series in the Arizona State twins’ softball career. A challenge time in the first days of the girls’ lives are at the root of the deep bond.
May 20, 2021 Newscast
New CDC guidelines, five women for Arizona Supreme Court, Phoenix Suns to play LA Lakers
Election officials can fight fraud; fighting misinformation is tougher
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County's chief information security officer said the county handled cyberthreats to the 2020 elections, but handling public perception of the results in the face of rampant social media misinformation has been more of a challenge.
Affordable Care Act sign-ups continued surge in Arizona, U.S. in April
PHOENIX – Volunteers are helping Arizonans find health insurance they can afford after President Biden extended the Affordable Care Act signup dates to May 15.
Blade runner: Despite amputation, softball player perseveres with perspective in tow
PHOENIX – Paradise Valley CC softball player Emily White finds perspective despite undergoing amputation following car accident
Declining Lake Powell levels prompt Colorado River states to form new plan
Declining levels at the second-largest reservoir in the U.S. have spurred officials in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico to search for ways to prop it up.
May 21, 2021 Newscast
Election machines safety in future elections, local rally is set in Mesa, Phoenix Suns to play LA Lakers
Following year of challenges, ASU women’s golf begins NCAA championship play at Grayhawk
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona State is slated to host the next three years of men’s and women’s NCAA golf championships at Grayhawk Golf Club. It’s the first time the Sun Devils have hosted since 1992, and it’s an exciting opportunity for the women’s golf team, which began stroke play Friday.
On Mental Health Awareness night, Phoenix Rising fans welcome ability to connect with others
CHANDLER – On Mental Health Awareness night, Phoenix Rising FC fans welcome opportunity to connect with others in COVID-19 era.
One for the aged: Is Mickelson’s victory at 50 sign of things to come in sports?
PHOENIX – Phil Mickelson made history as the oldest golfer to win a major. Will the sports world see other older athletes find success?
Do voting laws protect or restrict access? House echoes state debate
WASHINGTON - House members stuck largely to talking points at a hearing on the effect that voter ID laws have on election access, with Republicans dismissing suggestions that they hit minority voters harder and Democrats citing a string of studies that say they do.
May 24, 2021 Newscast
Higher prices at the grocery store, high school senior dream comes true, Phoenix Suns playoff win
‘This is a Suns town’: As team embarks on Game 2, it remains atop Phoenix sports hierarchy
The excitement surrounding the Phoenix Suns, who are back in the playoffs after a 10-season drought, confirms that they remain atop the Phoenix sports hierarchy.
Mercury fans’ excitement about in-person return dampened by news of Diana Taurasi injury
PHOENIX – Fans returned to a Phoenix Mercury game for the first time in over a year. The excitement was damped by news Tuesday that Diana Taurasi is out for four weeks.
May 25, 2021 Newscast
State Legislature tackles budget, Moderna seeks FDA approval, Suns get ready to take on the Lakers
Arizona’s current historic drought may be ‘baseline for the future’
WASHINGTON - Arizona and other Western states just lived through the driest year in more than a century, with no drought relief in sight in the near future, experts told a House panel Tuesday.
New Phoenix Rising stadium offers better experience for fans, athletes
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC kicked off its season on April 30 and sits in first place in the USL Western Conference Pacific Division standings.
May 26, 2021 Newscast
New care options in west valley, Save our Service Members campaign, push for changes in election laws
Arizona’s ‘Hip Historian’ makes impact on Arizona’s transgender history
PHOENIX – A headstone in Greenwood cemetery honors Nicolai De Raylan, a gender pioneer who was buried without a headstone in 1906. Marshall Shore, also known as Arizona's Hip Historian, raised the money for De Raylan's headstone because without one, “he was erased from time.”
Vet touts Arizona efforts to help veterans get jobs, despite COVID-19
WASHINGTON - A employment program for veterans that began in the days after 9/11 paid off last year when the COVID-19 pandemic rattled employment for vets in the state and across the country, an advocate told House lawmakers Wednesday.
Vaccinated and restless, holiday travelers return at near-2019 levels
WASHINGTON - Travel experts say that with more people getting vaccinated and the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic easing, they expect the number of Memorial Day travelers to bounce back to almost pre-pandemic levels this holiday weekend.
What’s a stinger? Chris Paul’s injury not uncommon but recovery tough to predict
The excitement surrounding the Suns who are finally back in playoffs is at stake as Chris Paul is battling a shoulder injury that is limiting his play and availability that the Suns so desperately need.
Arizona lawmakers ask for more federal assistance at border
The Arizona Legislature on Monday passed a resolution to ask for more federal assistance combating the recent increase in illegal border crossings from Mexico.
As Lakers return to LA for Game 3 of NBA playoffs, players work to find rhythm
LOS ANGELES – The Lakers starting line-up has only played five games together this season. So they are still trying to learn to play with one another while also playing in the NBA Playoffs.
‘So extra’: How Phoenix boutique Mucho Más got bigger during the pandemic
Mucho Más is a boutique in central Phoenix that found success when the owners expanded their business in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 27, 2021 Newscast
Identification bill voted down, cactus flowers blossom, ASU Prep students chose a virtual path
Celebrate holiday with a healthy dose of caution – emphasis on healthy
WASHINGTON - Arizona residents should feel comfortable celebrating Memorial Day this year, but health experts said they still need to be careful to keep from repeating last year's mistakes, when unguarded partying led to a "lethal July."
‘How to’ guide: Northern Arizona Wranglers built football team from scratch during pandemic
PHOENIX – From their expansion announcement in August to their first game in May, the Northern Arizona Wranglers of the Indoor Football League had to undergo all the steps of franchise creation amid a pandemic. Despite this, they still seek to build an authentic relationship with their local community.
Convergence of Mickelson’s success, NCAA championship have Grayhawk at top of game
SCOTTSDALE – Grayhawk Golf Club is at top of game with NCAA championships, Phil Mickelson success.
Spur Fire destroys homes in Arizona mining community
PHOENIX – The Spur Fire in the mining community of Bagdad, Arizonahas demolished more than 25 structures and homes, forcing the town to evacuate. The wildfire was 50% contained as of Friday afternoon.
May 28, 2021 Newscast
Northern Arizona town evacuates, Gov. Doug Ducey signs mental health bill, Restaurants Week recovers
A year after Memorial Day went virtual, in-person events welcomed back
WASHINGTON - With vaccinations rising and new COVID-19 cases falling, Memorial Day ceremonies around the state and the nation that were forced to go virtual last are scheduled to be held in person again this year - a welcome change for those who observe the day.
Biden’s ambitious higher cap on refugee admissions unlikely to be met
WASHINGTON - Both sides agree on one thing about the decision to raise this year's cap on refugee admissions from a historic low of 15,000 to as many as 62,500 - the U.S. is not going to come close to hitting that new ceiling.
May 31, 2021 Newscast
A look back at our health team stories; COVID-19 impacted rural communities, preventing bad habits
Amid nationwide Daylight Saving Time push, Arizona golf industry content with standard time
PHOENIX – The golf industry has historically advocated for the expansion of Daylight Saving Time nationwide. But even as a movement for permanent DST ramps up around the country, Arizonans are content with Standard Time, due to the intense afternoon heat.
Worsening drought in the West weighs on farmers’ mental health
Farms in the Four Corners region are experiencing extreme drought conditions, which have been hard for both crops and farmers' mental health.
June 1, 2021 Newscast
Tulsa Race Massacre 100 years later, school funding for students, the 5th Suns game in the playoffs
Osaka’s withdrawal from French Open puts spotlight on mental health, media expectations
PHOENIX – Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open after refusing to partake in media availability raises questions about media responsibility and mental health.
Tribal police may detain non-tribal members, Supreme Court rules
WASHINGTON - Tribal police have the authority to detain non-Natives traveling through reservation land if the officer has a reasonable belief that the suspect violated state or federal law, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
Mass effort across Arizona results in millions of vaccinations
PHOENIX – From university campuses to the Navajo reservation, doctors, nurses, members of the armed services and everyday volunteers have participated in an enormous vaccination effort to help Arizonans return to normal life.
Desert Challenge Games afford athletes with disabilities a chance to compete again
MESA – It looked like any other competition at the Kino Aquatic Center, save the assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches and prostheses. And for athletes unable to take steps down into the pool, a built-in power lift was available.
Uber, DoorDash settle state claim, end breaks for Black businesses
WASHINGTON - Uber Eats, Postmates and DoorDash said they will no longer waive delivery fees for customers who order from Black-owned restaurants in Arizona, to settle charges by the state that the deals violated the Arizona Civil Rights Act.
Brenly’s durag comment draws cries of racist undertones, cultural insensitivity
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks analyst Bob Brenly finds himself under the spotlight after comments about a player's durag were deemed to have racial undertones.
June 2, 2021 Newscast
Arizona's next governor candidates, increasing the number of female farriers; the upcoming monsoon season.
Phoenix nonprofit gets vaccines to those experiencing homelessness
PHOENIX – Circle the City provides health care for more than 7,000 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Since January, the group has been providing vaccinations to this population through clinics and special events.
‘Locked in’: Postseason highlights growth of Suns’ Deandre Ayton
After skeptics questioned the abilities of No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton, the Suns big man is coming up big in postseason.
Their season on the line, Lakers aren’t sure Anthony Davis will play Game 6
LOS ANGELES – Down 3-2, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a do or die Game 6 Thursday night with their star’s availability still uncertain.
Arizona Wildcats football to host capacity crowds, ASU ‘progressing’ in that direction
PHOENIX – The Arizona Wildcats announced Wednesday their intention to host the full complement of fans at Arizona Stadium. Arizona State said it is “progressing” in that direction.
June 3, 2021 Newscast
Finding homes in the valley, providing relief from the heat, former Arizona high school soccer star
Cities wait, worry over state budget that poses ‘huge hit’ to revenues
WASHINGTON - With less than four weeks remaining in this fiscal year, local governments in Arizona are anxiously watching state budget negotiations that they fear could end up delivering a "huge hit" to city and town finances.
The kids are all right: ASU fields youngest roster in NCAA Baseball Championship
PHOENIX – When Arizona State kicks off the Texas Regional round of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, it will field the youngest roster in the tournament.
Vaccination rates drop, but officials still hopeful state can hit goal
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 vaccination rates have fallen sharply in Arizona, but health officials are still hopeful the state can reach a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goal of vaccinating 70% of Arizonans by July 4.
Arizona secretary of state, former TV anchor and others join 2022 governor race
TEMPE – As more prominent Democrat and Republican candidates announce their candidacy for governor of Arizona, here’s the breakdown of the major players.
June 4, 2021 Newscast
Tackling vaccination gaps, getting ahead in EMT training; UArizona diver is an Olympic favorite
Three, two, one … Arizona high schools to weigh adopting a shot clock for basketball
PHOENIX — Most youth who have played basketball at the park or in their driveway have likely done this: pretended to hit a high-stakes shot as the buzzer sounds.
Arizona plans to use gas chamber again, sparking revulsion, disbelief
WASHINGTON - Reports that Arizona is preparing to execute death row inmates with gas similar to what was used in the Holocaust have brought responses ranging from "concerned" to "horrified," but the most common reaction was disbelief.
Baseball coach Tracy Smith, ASU part ways after underwhelming postseason performances
PHOENIX – Arizona State baseball will immediately start the search for a new head coach after mutually agreeing to part ways with Tracy Smith, the school announced Monday.
Unfinished border barriers harm environment, National Park Service, Arizona rancher say
ORGAN PIPE CACTUS NATIONAL MONUMENT – Rancher Kelly Glenn-Kimbro and the National Park Service’s Rijk Morawe agree that Trump’s border wall has failed to secure the southern border and has significantly damaged habitat.
June 7, 2021 Newscast
Arizona reaches a vaccine milestone, summer travel season, the second round of the NBA Playoffs
Daughter in sports? Role models, parental support can help keep girls participating
PHOENIX – A Women’s Sports Foundation study found parental support plays a significant role in girls in sports. That’s because girls face more stereotypes and have less societal support than boys.
June 8, 2021 Newscast
Wildfires burn across the state, droughts in the southwest, Arizona high school sports medicine program
Hot, dry forecast offers little hope for relief as wildfires rage
WASHINGTON - A half-dozen wildfires were burning close to 140,000 acres across Arizona Tuesday and growing, as heat, wind and drought conditions complicated firefighting efforts, officials said.
Tucson halts operations at water plant threatened by toxic chemical
WASHINGTON - Tucson officials said they will indefinitely suspend operations at one of the city's water treatment plants to keep it from being overwhelmed by an underground toxic chemical plume.
Ducey to terminate federal unemployment benefits for Arizonans
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and about half of other state governors have decided to prematurely end the increased unemployment benefits that President Joe Biden had promised would be in place until Sept. 4. Starting July 10, Ducey will end the extra $300 per week benefit for Arizonans.
How will youth sports leagues, parents react now that COVID-19 vaccine available for adolescents?
PHOENIX – With the release of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents coinciding with the start of many youth sporting events, parents and tournament organizers are faced with decisions related to protocol and expectations.
Celebrity fans, high ticket prices, national attention: Yup, the Phoenix Suns have arrived
From high-profile fans to high-priced tickets, the Phoenix Suns are enjoying the fruits of playing under a national spotlight.
‘Boots on the ground’: How Phoenix plans to help small businesses
PHOENIX – During Tuesday’s Phoenix City Council meeting, members approved a variety of ways to spend $193 million the city received last month from the American Rescue Plan Act.
June 9, 2021 Newscast
Fentanyl test strips, extreme drought changes snake behavior, basketball playoffs help boost AZ Business
Citing physiological benefits, experts say Coyotes shouldn’t lose sleep over move to Central Division
PHOENIX – The Coyotes are moving to the Central Division next season and will face teams who are much further east. Although the move may seem unintuitive to fans, academic research indicates that the Coyotes’ divisional opponents may be at a physical disadvantage when traveling to Gila River Arena.
Concert, theater owners call pandemic relief fund efforts a ‘disaster’
WASHINGTON - Arizona business owners said a federal program aimed at helping theaters and concert venues shuttered by COVID-19 "has been a disaster," taking until this month to deliver the first grants from a fund that was approved last year.
Arizona’s first excessive heat watch of 2021 issued, and where to find help
PHOENIX – The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch warning for next week with temperatures projected to be as high as 117. What the warning means, how to prepare for that type of weather and a look at Glendale’s heat relief stations.
June 10, 2021 Newscast
Governor Doug Ducey discusses Mescal and Telegraph Fires and ASU student to compete in the Tokyo Olympics
Mike Magpayo, Jackson He helping to combat Asian American stereotypes in college athletics
PHOENIX – Mike Magpayo found out he made history while watching “SportsCenter” on the couch with his wife Caroline and his 6-day-old son Luka.
After pandemic, renovations, road trip, Rattlers return to Phoenix Suns Arena
PHOENIX – When the Arizona Rattlers return to Phoenix Suns Arena for their 2021 home opener Saturday night, it will be their first game there in just under two years. Philip Rakoci, a Rattlers fan and self-described “wildlife comedian” from Casa Grande, knows exactly how long has passed.
Best in history? That’s what Suns’ Ayton thinks about 2018 NBA draft class
PHOENIX – During the Suns’ successful quest to eliminate the Lakers in the Western Conference quarterfinals, Suns center Deandre Ayton averaged 15.8 points and earned a shooting percentage of 77.6.
Western states looking closely at water supplies, including some duck ponds in Colorado
Water supplies are so tight in the West that many states keep close watch over every creek, river, ditch and reservoir. A complex web of laws and rules makes sure water is put to use. To prevent any waste, Colorado has started cracking down on what may seem like a drop in the proverbial bucket.
National park visitors – and money – returning after 2020 plunge
WASHINGTON - After hitting a 40-year low in the pandemic year of 2020, national park visitors - and their dollars - are steadily returning, but they are still below pre-pandemic levels, according to new National Park Service data.
June 11, 2021 Newscast
Arizona expands fire precautions, new addition to 2022 senate race, the Delta COVID19 Variant
Title fights in UFC 263 will highlight big night at Gila River Arena
PHOENIX – Arizona’s first UFC promotion since 2019 is also the biggest in the state’s history. A crowd of over 18,000 is expected at Gila River Arena for UFC 263 Saturday night to watch two championship bouts.
As wildfire season looms, some areas still recovering from 2020 blazes
As the Western U.S. steels itself for another summer of dry, fire-prone conditions, some are turning their attention to recovering from last season’s blazes that left behind areas prone to mudslides and dangerous runoff.
Sister act: Sister cities, many in Arizona, step up if nations falter
PHOENIX - When President Dwight Eisenhower unveiled the forerunner to Sister Cities International, he saw the federal government as a sometime obstacle to world peace and encouraged local communities to do their part. When the pandemic hit, that’s exactly what they did.
Red tape and the ‘mask god’: Group looks back on successful PPE drive
PHOENIX - Sam Wang's "anti-epidemic diary” shows photos of grateful medical personnel, police and firefighters around stacks of boxes that hold some of the 158,000 masks secured for them at the pandemic's start by a volunteer group of Chinese Americans in Arizona.
Airport, TSA officials say as passengers return, so do security delays
PHOENIX - Due to the low volume of air travelers at the height of the pandemic, getting through security was quick and easy. But passengers are coming back and travelers now should come prepared for a process that's a bit more difficult, officials say.
June 14, 2021 Newscast
Arizona is under excessive heat warnings, O- blood shortage, fans welcome home the Phoenix Suns
‘Basketball on grass’: Canadian Football League provides alternative path for Arizona athletes
PHOENIX – Arizona athletes are among those who have turned to the Canadian Football League as an alternative means of pursuing a professional football career.
Derby Dames turn to community for help in preserving Arizona’s only banked roller derby track
PHOENIX – Like many other businesses, the Arizona Derby Dames had to close their doors in March 2020 due to COVID-19. They were about to begin their 16th season. Instead, they had to hang their helmets and store their skates.
June 15, 2021 Newscast
Executive order about vaccine requirements, monsoon season begins, police officers connect with youth
Tempe mayor calls for ‘continued and increased’ housing, transit funds
WASHINGTON - Tempe Mayor Corey Woods told a Senate panel that cities like his need federal funding for affordable housing and public transit, saying local investment alone cannot do the job. His testimony came as Washington wrangles over massive infrastructure proposals.
Transitioning from coal is the goal – how to get there is the question
WASHINGTON – Navajo and Hopi witnesses agreed the region needs to move away from its economic dependence on coal, but specific proposals on how to get there remained elusive after a House hearing Tuesday.
Waiting to exhale: Chris Paul news has Suns fans in frenzy about ‘cursed’ franchise
Phoenix Suns fans believe their franchise is one of the unluckiest in the world. The Chris Paul news has them in a frenzy.
Border officials eye Monday reopening to nonessential travel with hope
WASHINGTON - Border officials urged lawmakers to stick to a plan to reopen the border to nonessential travel Monday, even as they said more needs to be done to prepare for the expected surge in traffic.
ASU students react to Ducey’s order blocking mask and vaccination policies
TEMPE – Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order banning Arizona universities and community colleges from requiring unvaccinated students to wear masks and to get tested regularly. Students weigh in on the order.
June 16, 2021 Newscast
The case against Prop 208, ASU's mask and vaccination policy, Chris Paul and the COVID-19 protocols
Peoria parents hope military mental health act spares others their pain
WASHINGTON - Patrick and Teri Caserta hope no one has to go through what they did in 2018 when their son died by suicide while in the Navy. That's why the Peoria parents were on hand to support a bill to give service members confidential access to mental health care.
From doughnuts to cash to … pot? Incentives rise as vaccination rates slide
MESA – With vaccination rates declining, public and private entities are trying to reverse the trend. From free doughnuts to cold, hard cash, individuals stepping up to get pricked can be rewarded in many ways.
Academy contract, online classes: At 16, Niall Dunn embracing opportunity with Phoenix Rising
CHANDLER – Phoenix Rising FC’s Niall Dunn is doing his best to juggle life as a professional and a teenager. He is embracing the opportunities, and the sacrifices.
Phoenix Mercury continue to look for identity after losing fourth straight game
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury are looking for their identity after losing their fourth straight, even though Brittney Griner and Skylar-Diggins Smith have stepped up with Diana Taurasi in the lineup.
Tribal leaders bring litany of needs to hearing on federal funding
WASHINGTON - To the Tohono O'odham, it's schools and health care. To the Hopi, it's a badly needed jail improvements. Those were among the laundry list of needs outlined at a hearing on federal facilities in Indian Country, a situation that one lawmaker called a "travesty."
June 17, 2021 Newscast
Special funding to combat wildfires, delta variant of COVID-19 in U-S, a new volleyball league for women
‘Their dream starts now’: Section 7 high school basketball event attracts top teams, college coaches
PHOENIX – The Section 7 basketball tournament at State Farm Stadium begins Friday, and will feature three days of intense interstate basketball competition in front of prominent college coaches.
Should we be concerned about new COVID-19 outbreaks around the globe?
PHOENIX – As some countries begin to ease COVID-19 restrictions, what’s the risk of an additional, and deadlier, surge? Experts say variants and varying vaccination rates will determine the chances around the globe.
Arizona baseball team confident as it prepares for Vanderbilt in College World Series
OMAHA - The University of Arizona baseball team feels confident as it takes on defending national champion Vanderbilt in the College World Series.
Arizonans host a range of events to mark brand-new Juneteenth holiday
WASHINGTON - The federal Juneteenth holiday may be brand new, but you might not know it from the number of celebrations already planned to mark the day in Arizona, with celebrations across the state scheduled to start Friday night and continue through Saturday evening.
June 18, 2021 Newscast
Funding to fight wildfires, realtors invest in Arizona housing, an art gallery turns into a skate shop
In nearly five-hour battle, Vanderbilt beats Arizona in College World Series
OMAHA, Neb. – Time wasn't on Arizona's side in the College World Series. A baseball game that went almost five hours ended with a Vanderbilt victory.
Arizona’s aerospace and defense industry has close financial ties to Israeli security
PHOENIX – Amid recent violent clashes in the Middle East, Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted "Arizona stands with Israel." Beyond the show of support, Arizona also is where the Iron Dome, a key Israeli defense technology, was created.
D-I-S-R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Widespread appreciation grows for Devin Booker after regular season indifference
PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns fans long lamented Devin Booker was the most disrespected player in the NBA. His performance in the playoffs has raised his national profile, leading to widespread Booker appreciation
Advocates: Affordable Care Act here to stay, as more Arizonans enroll
WASHINGTON - Arizona advocates are breathing "a sigh of relief" this week after the Supreme Court again refused to invalidate the Affordable Care Act, a decision that should preserve the health care program for at least several years.
On to Tokyo: Phoenix Mercury big three named to Team USA Olympic roster
PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skyla Diggins-Smith are thrilled to represent the Phoenix Mercury after being named to the Olympic team.
Academic benefits a go: NCAA loses Supreme Court case on compensation
PHOENIX - The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that restrictions the NCAA attempted to put on the academic benefits, like laptops and study abroad funding, are unconstitutional. Schools can now provide any academic benefits they want.
June 21, 2021 Newscast
Wildfires spark evacuations, poverty challenges for a non-profit, U of A in the College World Series
Can’t smell because of COVID-19? Retraining your nose might work, experts say
PHOENIX – Nearly 75% of COVID-19 patients experienced some loss of smell, but most got it back within a few weeks. For those still suffering, treatments to retrain the nose show promise.
Baseball’s Arizona rookie league to return after yearlong absence – without rookies
PHOENIX – The Arizona League, where teams are usually composed of rookies, is coming back after Minor League Baseball was canceled in 2020. But because it begins before the draft, there will be no rookies to start.
June 22, 2021 Newscast
National Forest closures, protesters at Kyrsten Sinema's office, pandemic affected poverty efforts
Arizona kids’ health, schooling fare poorly – again – in annual report
WASHINGTON - Despite gains in some areas, Arizona continued to rank among the worst states in the nation for education, according to the latest version of a national report that measures children's wellbeing across several areas.
Sinema defends filibuster on same day it’s used to stall voting rights
WASHINGTON - Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., repeated her refusal to end the filibuster Tuesday, the same day that Republicans used the maneuver to block debate on sweeping voting rights legislation that has already passed the House.
What is ‘brain fog,’ and why are COVID-19 long-haulers more susceptible?
PHOENIX – The National Institutes of Health is working to answer such questions as why do some COVID-19 patients experience more severe symptoms, and why some survivors experience "brain fog."
‘Everything I dreamed it would be’: Arizona optimistic despite early exit from College World Series
OMAHA - Arizona was eliminated from the College World Series after losing to Pac-12 rival Stanford in its second game. Although the Wildcats’ trip to Omaha was short, their season was a memorable one
Want to pay less for a Suns playoff ticket? Go to Los Angeles
PHOENIX - Tickets to see the Suns and Clippers are cheaper in Los Angeles, leading some Suns to consider a road trip.
Officials ‘devastated’ as feds extend nonessential border travel ban
WASHINGTON - Border officials said they were "devastated" this week to find that the federal government has extended a COVID-19 ban on nonessential border crossings for another month, potentially crippling businesses there.
Navajo have COVID-19 under control, but still leery of Delta variant
WASHINGTON - The Navajo Nation has yet to record a single case of the Delta variant of COVID-19, but now is not the time for tribe members to let down their guard, Navajo President Jonathan Nez said Wednesday.
June 23, 2021 Newscast
The Walnut Fire evacuations, Arizona Senate passes a budget, Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul expected to be back
From Tempe to Torrey Pines: Rahm surrounded by ASU family during historic U.S. Open win
PHOENIX – When Jon Rahm won the U.S. Open Sunday, he made ASU the first school to have alumni win back-to-back majors since 1996. He and Phil Mickelson contribute to the legacy that makes ASU golf one of the top programs in the world.
Another dry year on the Colorado could force states and feds back to negotiating table
The Drought Contingency Plan signed in 2019 was meant to provide a roadmap to negotiating the persistent drought, but water managers may need to rethink things – perhaps as early as next year.
As Telegraph Fire nears containment, a first look at the damage
GLOBE – The Telegraph Fire is one of the largest Arizona wildfires in the state’s history. Experts said the area, east of metro Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest, is accustomed to seasonal wildfires and expected to recover.
June 24, 2021 Newscast
Equestrians effected by wild fires, bipartisan infrastructure deal, Native American school investigations
Biden, senators tentatively agree on $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators announced agreement Thursday on a "historic" $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan that is heavy on construction but does not include the "human infrastructure" the White House originally wanted.
Border Patrol chief out, as White House grapples with immigration
WASHINGTON - The chief of Border Patrol was forced out this week after just 17 months in the job, a move that critics blasted as a politically motivated decision by the Biden administration.
Shipping sage and praying on Zoom: How an Indigenous healing practice survived the pandemic
PHOENIX – For centuries, Native Americans have used talking circles to solve problems and provide healing. During the pandemic, these practices moved online and outdoors to help those in need.
Arizona groups mobilize to help India through its COVID-19 crisis
PHOENIX – Indian Americans in Arizona are providing much needed resources to help India navigate a spike in COVID-19 cases. Organizations are sending food, money, oxygen tanks and mental health assistance to help Indians navigate the pandemic.
‘It’s about time’: Remembering Ford Smith, the lone Arizonan to play in the Negro Leagues
PHOENIX - Ford Smith, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs after returning from World War II, is the lone Arizona to play in the Negro Leagues.
Enduring trauma: Indigenous boarding schools will be investigated, Interior Secretary Haaland announces
PHOENIX – There’s a legacy of abuse-ridden boarding schools for Indigenous children in America. Recently, mass graves of Native children were found at boarding schools in Canada. U.S. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland announced the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to identify boarding school facilities and burial sites across the country and review enrollment lists.
‘An unlikely friendship’: Biden taps McCain for UN ambassador-rank role
WASHINGTON - Presidents typically pick ambassadors for technical skills or their political connections, but in the case of President Joe Biden tapping Cindy McCain to a United Nations post, it is probably a little bit of both, experts say.
June 25, 2021 Newscast
Fire evacuations near Flagstaff, Vice President Kamala Harris at the border, autism center in Tucson
Money for tweets, autographs? Ahead of new law, Arizona’s NAIA athletes not capitalizing on compensation rules
Phoenix - The NCAA will have to deal with the consequences of a new Arizona law that allows athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness rights. However, the NAIA has allowed NIL deals for months, but Arizona athletes have not capitalized.
‘Shazam!’ Behind-the-scenes look at Suns radio broadcasting playoff games during pandemic
PHOENIX – NBA players and coaches often say competition during the postseason is on a different level. The same goes for the radio broadcasters who bring the excitement of the game through the airwaves.
Growing small towns along Colorado’s Front Range plan for less water
SEVERANCE, Colorado – As persistent drought strains Colorado and tens of thousands of newcomers move to the bustling Front Range each year, small towns like Severance are thinking about growth and water usage in ways they never have before.
Court orders new hearing for death-row inmate in Bullhead City murders
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Monday ordered a new hearing for an Arizona death-row inmate, saying his attorney did not fully investigate the history of abuse and mental health issues that could have been used in his defense for two Bullhead City murders.
9,000 and counting: Mercury’s Diana Taurasi reaches another scoring milestone
PHOENIX - Diana Taurasi becomes first WNBA player to hit 9000 career points in a win against Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday
June 28, 2021 Newscast
Evacuation orders roll back in Strawberry and Pine, wetter monsoon season, Phoenix Suns fan support
Could sports gambling be boon for women’s sports? Bet on it, some say
PHOENIX – As sports betting becomes legal across the United States, some see potential for an increase in attention on women’s sports because bettors might feel invested. Others aren’t so sure. Either way, both industries are taking off and they’re doing it together.
With the country reopening while COVID’s still out there, how safe is it to fly?
PHOENIX – As more Americans get vaccinated, travel is picking up for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. But does your dose really make it OK to fly commercially? Experts say it’s safer than you might think.
Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: How to know which is which
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, nearly 3,000 people go to the emergency room every year due to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Here's how to know when you're experiencing what, and the best ways to avoid them.
June 29, 2021 Newscast
Smoke drifts into the valley, 53 heat deaths investigated, bill aiming to reform prison sentences
Former Arizona champion jumper using pandemic as motivation in senior season at UCLA
LOS ANGELES – Nine-time Arizona High School state champion long-jumper and hurdler Jai Gruenwald hopes to reach new heights in her senior season at UCLA.
‘They can judge me’: Paul George pushes aside criticism, hopes to force Game 7
PHOENIX - Paul George has been the subject of criticism for his postseason struggles but a strong outing against the Suns has changed the perception.
Supreme Court ruling in Arizona case expected to have national impact
WASHINGTON - Both sides in the election law debate agree on at least one thing: The Supreme Court's expected ruling Thursday in an Arizona election law case will be felt well beyond the state's borders.
June 30, 2021 Newscast
Stories in technological advances in Arizona, from NASA's new Mars rover to cyber security advances
First lady urges COVID vaccinations as delta variant surfaces in Arizona
PHOENIX – First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff stress the importance of community protection from COVID-19 as health officials express confidence that wider immunizations will keep the delta variant from running wild.
Want a Suns ticket for $26,505? That and more as the franchise prepares for NBA Finals
PHOENIX – Deandre Ayton danced off the floor. Chris Paul wiped away tears. It was a moment Phoenix Suns fans will never forget Their team is on the way to the NBA Finals.
At this senior living facility, Tour de Zest participants pedal against ageism
PHOENIX – Residents at La Siena, a Phoenix senior living facility, are participating in a Tour de France-themed competition: the Tour de Zest. They want to show ageing doesn’t mean you stop living.
Advocates blast Supreme Court decision upholding Arizona election laws
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court Thursday rejected claims that Arizona's ballot-harvesting and out-of-precinct election rules discriminate against minority voters, a ruling that one critic said "takes a sledgehammer" to equal voting protections.
Fireworks still on tap despite ‘crazy hot, potentially dry’ July 4th
WASHINGTON - With the pandemic winding down, cities and towns across the state are looking toward a more typical Fourth of July this year - and typical in Arizona means balancing the desire for fireworks against the potential for wildfire.
July 1, 2021 Newscast
Struggles of firefighters, hottest average temperatures in history, Phoenix Suns in NBA Finals
‘You’re it!’ Local parkour athlete plays, commentates competitive tag
PHOENIX - World Chase Tag is a competitive ruleset for tag that has increased rapidly in popularity in the U.S. A Phoenix-based parkour athlete, Fernando Arce, is the captain of Team Ollo and will provide color commentary at August’s tournament.
Hermosillo pedestrians face many dangers, but work to remedy them is underway
Like Phoenix, Sonora’s capital Hermosillo has struggled with pedestrian safety. In recent years, dozens have been killed and hundreds have been injured. But many are responding to the issue, hoping bring those troubling numbers down.
Vax backtracks: State, U.S. miss goal of 70% vaccinated by July Fourth
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden said he wanted to see 70% of adults get at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by the Fourth of July, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Arizona and 30 other states are falling short, as is the U.S. as a whole, at 66.8% of adults vaccinated.
Red, white and burn: Be smart about fireworks this Fourth of July, experts advise
PHOENIX – Dry conditions across Arizona have prompted officials to urge residents to educate themselves on firework safety and attend a professional display this Fourth of July weekend.
July 2, 2021 Newscast
Infrastructure at Sky Harbor Airport, community college enrollment rate drops, a Buckeye track team
AZ goes EV: Rate of electric car ownership relatively high in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Arizona had 28,770 registered electric vehicles in June, government data shows, the seventh-highest number among states. When ownership is measured per 1,000 residents, Arizona inches up a notch to sixth place, with just over four EVs per 1,000 people.
Taking AIM: Arizona hospitals band together to fight maternal mortality
PHOENIX – Pregnancy-related deaths have been rising in the U.S., especially among Black and Indigenous women. In Arizona, a new effort aims to address that by providing hospitals with standards of care to help spot complications before it’s too late.
From tragedy to triumph: Suns’ Chris Paul, Monty Williams share deep bond
PHOENIX – Chris Paul and Monty Williams have been through a lot together. They reunited in Phoenix, where the Suns will play Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
After the flames: Santa Catalina Mountains rebounding from Bighorn Fire a year ago
TUCSON – A year later, plants and wildlife are returning to the Santa Catalina Mountains after one of the state’s largest wildfires destroyed nearly 120,000 acres.
July 6, 2021 Newscast
Save money and power in the heat, more fires over the weekend, donkeys change the environment
The Cam Payne trail: NBA G League experience in Texas prepared Suns guard for success
PHOENIX - Between January and March 2020, Cameron Payne used a stint with the Texas Legends of the G League to prove that he belonged in the NBA. He confirmed that again in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Traffic stop: Commuting times, costs fell sharply during pandemic year
WASHINGTON - The COVID-19 pandemic led to sharp drops in commuting last year, with cities in Arizona and across the U.S. seeing drops of 50% or more in the number of hours and dollars they wasted, and the gallons of gas burned, while stuck in traffic, a new report shows.
Arizona’s ban on mask mandates in schools criticized by health experts
PHOENIX – Health experts speaking on behalf of the Committee to Protect Health Care have expressed concern regarding Arizona’s decision to ban mandatory mask-wearing and COVID-19 testing in public schools.
July 7, 2021 Newscast
Mask requirements in schools, improving unemployment benefits, expand possibilities for artists
Ice cream and puppets: Arts grant funds mobile family theater
PHOENIX – “Sesame Street” puppeteer Stacey Gordon received a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts to bring a mobile puppet show to metro Phoenix children of all ages.
A PSA on SPF: Tips on getting the most protection from sunscreen
PHOENIX – Arizonans are at a particular risk for skin damage by the sun, wearing sunscreen prevents exposure to harmful UV rays and sunburns.
‘This funky game’: Korfball players struggle to grow sport in Arizona and U.S.
PHOENIX – In the 1980s, David Warren of Maricopa was part of the United States korfball team that earned a bronze medal at the World Games. Since then, the sport has faded even further into the background.
As Chris Paul chases title, question lingers: Will he play for Suns next season?
Chris Paul joined elite company in Michael Jordan after his finals debut. But will he still be playing for the Suns next season?
Black-footed ferret on the way back, but hurdles remain, experts say
WASHINGTON - Federal officials want to greatly expand habitats for black-footed ferrets in Arizona and possibly into neighboring states, but the endangered animal, once thought extinct, still faces several hurdles, experts say.
July 8, 2021 Newscast
Investigation into possible election interference, lawsuit against Google, new heatwave over the southwest
‘You feel like you can’t get a break’: The Colorado River struggles to water the West after two decades of drought
After another dry year, the waterway that supplies 40 million people is parched as climate change upends the water cycle in the Southwest. Scientists say the only way forward is to rein in demands on the 1,450-mile long Colorado River’s water to match its decline.
They’re not counting their chickens but … Suns fans torn between sweep, Game 5 at home
PHOENIX - The Suns’ dominant win against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night had fans flying high, suggesting a sweep is possible. But some admit they would rather see a Game 5 at home.
Arizona venues get $45 million in COVID relief, but many still waiting
WASHINGTON - Federal officials have awarded $45.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds to 68 Arizona concert venues, a vast improvement over the single grant awarded a month ago but still far short of the need, advocates say.
July 9, 2021 Newscast
Critical race theory, state parks open up with restrictions, Phoenix Suns win game 2 of NBA Finals
Drier springs produce hotter summers in the withering Southwest, study says
Warmer air holds more moisture, but over the past decades in the U.S. Southwest, humidity has decreased as temperatures have risen, which robs soil of its moisture. A new study by UCLA researchers paints a grim picture for the future.
Lucky sucker: Endangered fish’s status improving; critics not so sure
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said the endangered razorback sucker has made enough of a comeback that it is time for the status of the Colorado River fish to be upgraded from endangered to threatened.
Even with loss, Suns fans embrace experience of Road Game Rally in arena
PHOENIX – Even those the Suns were playing in Milwaukee, fans enjoyed the experience of the Road Game Rally in Phoenix Suns Arena
July 12, 2021 Newscast
Coronavirus cases trend upwards, 10 new bills signed into law, Phoenix Suns lose game 3 of NBA Finals
Destination Mars: Elon Musk’s plan to colonize space starts with test flight this month
PHOENIX – In his quest to start a colony on Mars, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is launching his Starship into orbit this month to test whether it’s possible to send passengers safely into space and to other planets. NASA’s ultimate goal also is to explore Mars.
All over the map: From Phoenix to Tucson, Arizona orienteering clubs embrace varied terrain
PHOENIX – Arizona’s varied terrain makes it a great state for orienteering, a sport in which competitors race from point to point while testing their navigational skills.
July 13, 2021 Newscast
The extreme heat leave remains on the U.S./Mexico border, two hiking spots may close, flash flood warning
Arizona executions put on hold over state snafu with drugs to be used
WASHINGTON - The state's plan to execute two death-row inmates as early as this fall were derailed Monday when the Arizona Supreme Court ordered the state to first determine the viability of its execution drugs before pressing ahead.
Migrant deaths in the desert at record levels as heat wave pounds West
WASHINGTON - The number of migrant deaths recorded in the Arizona desert so far this year is on pace to break the record set just last year, as migrants attempt the crossing in the face of a record-breaking heat wave.
Direct child tax credit checks start for thousands of Arizona families
WASHINGTON - Thousands of Arizona families will start getting direct payments from the federal government this week under the expanded child tax credit program, part of the American Rescue Plan that could mean up to $300 per child per month for the next year.
Experts skeptical Suns’ statement condemning violence will curb disorderly fan behavior
PHOENIX - The Suns’ latest statement condemning violence at Phoenix Suns Arena came in response to a brawl at a watch party. Experts in the psychology of sports fandom question the real-life impact of such a statement.
July 14, 2021 Newscast
Talks about infrastructure funding, former AZ Senator nominated as ambassador, wildfire land cause floods
Gallego, other officials join White House push for infrastructure plan
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego joined other mayors and governors at the White House Wednesday to push for the administration's $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, a measure she has said is needed to reverse decades of "massive underinvestment."
California’s college athletes eye their first payday under new NCAA rule
LOS ANGELES – The NCAA recently changed the collegiate game forever by allowing players the right to profit off their name, image and likeness.
Cha-ching: Suns playoff run a boost for local businesses, city image
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns’ playoff run has brought excitement back to the Valley and money to the pockets of local businesses following the challenges of the pandemic.
Hiking trails on Piestewa, Camelback will close during extreme heat
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board approved a pilot program which restricts access to hiking trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when an excessive heat watch is in place.
Flake a ‘risky’ pick as Turkish ambassador, but likely to be confirmed
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a Republican never-Trumper with no formal diplomatic experience, was a "risky" pick by President Joe Biden to be ambassador to Turkey, but analysts said he is still likely to win confirmation by the Senate.
July 15, 2021 Newscast
2020 election audit hearing, Child Tax Credits roll out today, severe flooding in Flagstaff
No end in sight for Maricopa election audit, or for feuding over it
WASHINGTON - The private firms auditing Maricopa County elections said they have reviewed the more than 2 million ballots but will be unable to deliver a complete report without cooperation from county officials, during what critics called a sham hearing on a sham audit.
Colorado River Basin reservoirs begin emergency releases to prop up a troubled Lake Powell
Emergency water releases from reservoirs upstream of Lake Powell began Thursday to preserve its ability to generate hydroelectric power.
School nurses find new ways to provide care during COVID-19
PHOENIX – For many families, school nurses are the first line of defense for children’s health care. But when schools transitioned to remote learning during COVID-19, nurses had to adapt to meet the needs of their students. One New Mexico district did just that.
FDA approves Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, but concerns raised about cost, effectiveness
For the first time since 2003, the Federal Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder. But with limited clinical trials and a hefty price tag, officials are skeptical about Aduhelm.
Two Arizona runners go the distance, from altitude training in Flagstaff to representing U.S. in Tokyo
PHOENIX - Emily Sisson and Rachel Schneider will run the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters, respectively, at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics. The two live and train in Arizona and attribute the altitude in Flagstaff, and the heat in Phoenix, as part of their success.
Arizona Democrats call for audit probe, as federal panel starts its own
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats on Friday urged Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate the state Senate audit of Maricopa County's election, which they called a politically motivated sham, just one day after a congressional panel launched its own probe of Cyber Ninjas.
July 16, 2021 Newscast
New cases from Delta Variant, election interference investigation, Pete Buttigieg talks infrastructure
Q&A: How one warrior mobilized to deliver water to the Navajo Nation
PHOENIX – A year since its founding, a water access campaign on the Navajo reservation has delivered more than 250,000 gallons of water to those in need. Founder Zoel Zohnnie talks about how he has kept the effort going and lessons learned.
‘Nuestro equipo’: Diamondbacks’ City Connect jerseys showcase community of Hispanic fans
PHOENIX - The Diamondbacks debuted their City Connect jerseys with “Las Serpientes” across the front. The jerseys are one example of the Diamondbacks’ commitment to Arizona’s Hispanic community.
Hydropower worries grow as Colorado River reservoirs continue to dry up
Water to drink also is water for power production, and planners are worried as the current megadrought in the Colorado River Basin strains the operation of Lake Powell’s Glen Canyon Dam.
Jobs of desperation: How rideshare, food delivery workers lose in the gig economy
Rideshare and food delivery work became even riskier during COVID-19, which put thousands of people out of jobs and into the gig economy. Some now are trying to unionize to negotiate better pay and conditions.
July 19, 2021 Newscast
Election audit study, masks for all in schools, businesses around the Grand Canyon struggle
An accident, a loss, an alley-oop: Suns playoff run helps fan persevere after painful year
PHOENIX – When David Boothe is down, the Suns are always there to lift him up. Motivated by Monty Williams’ personal mantra, Boothe hasn’t given up hope despite difficulties with his business and a life-altering motorcycle crash.
As Suns’ Deandre Ayton thrives in postseason, Bahamian community celebrates
Back in the Bahamas, the community is celebrating the success of Suns big man Deandre Ayton
Navajo officials confident about reopening amid spread of delta variant in U.S.
PHOENIX – Cases of the delta variant are rising in the U.S., but the tribe’s president and officials with the Navajo Department of Health express confidence about reopening the reservation at 50%.
July 20, 2021 Newscast
The Delta variant sampled nationwide, supporting For the People Act, Suns in game 6 of NBA Finals
With Senate again up for grabs, 2022 already a multimillion-dollar race
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has a huge fundraising lead over potential challengers to his 2022 re-election bid, but analysts say that's still no guarantee in a campaign where both parties are fighting to take control of an evenly divided Senate.
En route to fifth Olympics, Tucson’s Abdi Abdirahman, 44, outraces Father Time
PHOENIX - Abdi Abdirahman, 44, has not let age nor injuries deter him from competing in his fifth Olympics. He is the oldest U.S. runner ever to qualify for the Games.
Now what? Uncertainty of Paul, others leave big questions about Suns’ future
PHOENIX - Questions remain about what the Phoenix Suns will look like next season. Odds released for next season suggest a lack of confidence.
July 21, 2021 Newscast
Hesitancy remains about COVID-19 vaccine, Arizona fire restrictions lifted, life expectancy drops
Poll shows Arizonans aren’t concerned about COVID-19, despite rising cases
PHOENIX – A survey of 1,000 adults by OH Predictive Insights in early July found the percentage of Arizonans concerned about COVID-19 is less than those slightly or not at all concerned – even as the delta variant of the coronavirus spreads in the state.
Border encounters surge, as migrants make repeated crossing attempts
WASHINGTON - The number of migrants stopped at the Southwest border continued to surge last month, to the highest level for June in at least 20 years, but officials caution that those numbers could have been inflated.
Court: Shooter cannot sue for expulsion from House in harassment case
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Thursday refused to reinstate former Arizona Rep. Don Shooter's challenge of his 2018 expulsion from the Legislature for violating its policies against sexual harassment and creating a hostile workplace.
Promise, the world: ASU’s Amukamara takes international stage with Nigeria in Olympics
PHOENIX – Promise Amukamara becomes the first ASU women’s basketball player to go to the Olympics. The player, who excelled at Apollo High School in Glendale, will represent Nigeria in Tokyo.
ASU partnership provides free hearing services to low-income Arizonans
PHOENIX – The Speech and Hearing Clinic at ASU, in partnership with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, has launched a program to provide free hearing care to low-income Arizonans.
Plumbing the Rockies: Vast infrastructure gets water where it’s needed
In Colorado, most of the water is in the western part of the state, but 80% of residents live east of the Rocky Mountains. A complex network of tunnels and canals supplies those cities, but is that system still viable in a warming, drying West?
July 22, 2021 Newscast
Flash flood watch in 12 counties, job recovery in Arizona, scavenger hunt style games in Scottsdale
DACA recipients’ future uncertain – again – after latest court ruling
WASHINGTON - A federal judge's ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is unlawful should have no practical impact on more than 600,000 covered immigrants for now, but may have an emotional impact.
Skateboarding, Arizona’s Jagger Eaton make Olympic debut
PHOENIX - When Jagger Eaton was 4, his dad built a skatepark in Mesa called Kids that Rip. Now, Eaton is competing for Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo games.
‘We had to keep going’: After COVID setbacks, Navajo police chief looks forward
WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Police Chief Phillip Francisco reflects on a year of resilience after COVID-19 put the department’s limited resources to the test.
Once the ‘smaller guy,’ ASU Josh’s Doan embraces invitation to World Juniors showcase
TEMPE - Josh Doan, the son of Arizona Coyotes standout Shane Doan, is among the young stars invited to the World Junior Summer Showcase. The path wasn’t always easy.
July 23, 2021 Newscast
Expanded Child Tax Credit, Boys and Girls Club location closes, the drought expands in the northwest
Lake Powell drops to record low as demand continues to outpace drought
The nation’s second-largest reservoir, Lake Powell, is fell over the weekend to 3,555.1 feet above sea level, the lowest point since it was filled in the 1960s. It joins downstream Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir, which also fell to a historic low level this summer.
Arizonans in Tokyo: Athletes with local ties to watch in the Tokyo Olympics
PHOENIX - Team USA has over 600 athletes competing at Tokyo 2020. Nineteen of those athletes hail from the state of Arizona. Here’s a list of the Arizona athletes you’ll see at the games.
Suns’ naming rights deal with Footprint provides chance to increase fans’ environmental awareness
PHOENIX - The Suns’ naming rights agreement with Footprint is the most recent of several deals between sports franchises and sustainability-focused companies. It provides a unique opportunity to encourage environmentally friendly behavior among fans.
Welcome to the Sho: Slugger, pitcher Shohei Ohtani dazzling Angels fans
LOS ANGELES – Drawing comparisons to Babe Ruth, Shohei Ohtani continues to set records in his fourth year and make history in the MLB.
Minimum wage earners can’t afford a two-bedroom rental anywhere, report says
PHOENIX – Americans need to earn $20.40 an hour for a one-bedroom rental and $24.90 an hour for a two-bedroom unit, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. But the average hourly worker makes $18.78 an hour.
July 26, 2021 Newscast
End the filibuster protest, U.S. travel restrictions continue, Arizona athletes competing in the Olympics
Legislation to change Native American team names lacks momentum in Arizona
PHOENIX – Colorado and Nevada recently passed laws restricting team names and mascots that reference Native American culture. One former state legislator who tried to make progress in this area thinks changing Arizona will be a challenge.
Arizona professor will lead NASA project to locate menacing objects near Earth
PHOENIX – NASA has appointed a professor at the University of Arizona to lead the Near Earth Object Surveyor project, which involves building an orbiting infrared telescope that scans space for potentially harmful asteroids.
A Dreamer’s dream: DACA status almost tripped NAU runner’s Olympic hopes
PHOENIX – Luis Grijalva, a Northern Arizona University track and field athlete and DACA recipient from Guatemala, has spent several weeks petitioning the United States government to allow him on a plane to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics. Grijalva finally learned the good news Monday.
July 27, 2021 Newscast
January 6th riot Committee hearing, new mask guidance from the CDC, new machines for Arizona Coyotes
As cops testify on Capitol attacks, GOP lawmakers blast ‘sham’ inquiry
WASHINGTON - Police officers gave hours of emotional testimony about being on the front lines at the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, while separate groups of GOP lawmakers attacked the Tuesday hearings as a sham and defended the rioters as "political prisoners."
Tourists returning to Grand Canyon, but businesses still feel pandemic effects
GRAND CANYON – More tourists are coming to the Grand Canyon, but some businesses are struggling to stay afloat while pandemic restrictions are lifted.
July 28, 2021 Newscast
The governor's stance on mask mandate, Pfizer booster shot trial, protecting the Grand Canyon
Schools chief, health experts call for more precautions after Ducey stands firm on mask protocols
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey vows to keep Arizona’s ban on mask mandates in place despite the CDC’s updated guidelines asking vaccinated people to wear them. Health experts worry the effects this will have as school is starting for many in the state.
Justice Department issues clearest warning yet on Arizona election audit
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department issued guidance Wednesday on voting rights and on the pitfalls of post-election audits, reminders that were sent to all states but clearly aimed at Arizona and its audit of Maricopa County elections.
Masks can reduce risk of Valley fever, Arizona experts say
PHOENIX – Wearing a mask not only protects you from COVID-19, it also may help protect you from Valley fever, a fungal disease prevalent in desert soils.
‘Hold tight’: Highly touted Diamondbacks prospect Alek Thomas excited for future
PHOENIX – Playing in his second Futures Game in 2021, Alek Thomas is just one example of the talent in the Diamondbacks’ farm system. His family, many of whom live in Tucson, are thrilled he’s coming up in their home base.
Critics: $5.7 million in private funds for ballot audit taints results
WASHINGTON - The private firm hired to audit Maricopa County's 2020 elections said this week that its work was funded by $5.7 million in donations from conservative groups, a revelation that raised as many questions as it answered for critics.
July 29, 2021 Newscast
$100 incentives for COVID-19 vaccine, monsoon helps Arizona's drought, a 16-year-old headed to college
Lake at new SoFi Stadium captures and reuses recycled water
LOS ANGELES – The new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Rams and Chargers will play this season, includes an artificial lake that can capture and reuse stormwater.
Former Wranglers preach patience, stability for new USFL
PHOENIX - The founder of The Spring League has announced his intention to bring back a new iteration of the 1980s United States Football League, to begin play in 2022. Players from the previous league have plenty of suggestions for the new USFL’s leadership.
House rejects extra funding to help tribal courts after McGirt ruling
WASHINGTON - The House this week rejected a proposal that would have added $154 million to the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget to help tribal courts cope with an influx of cases after a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that expanded tribal jurisdiction.
Few rental assistance dollars reach renters, as eviction moratorium ends
WASHINGTON - The federal government's COVID-19 moratorium on renter evictions ends Saturday, leaving thousands of Arizona renters vulnerable while state and local officials have distributed just a fraction of the funding aimed at keeping people in their homes.
Ducey asks U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, outlaw abortions
PHOENIX – Ducey has argued that the power to make the decision to allow abortion should be made at the state level, not the federal government. If Roe v. Wade were overturned, access to legal and safe abortions could be banned almost immediatiely.
July 30, 2021 Newscast
Mask requirements in some cities, independent voters increase in Arizona, more flash flood watches
Environmental remediation costs present challenge for Coyotes’ proposed Tempe arena site
PHOENIX – The Coyotes’ plan for a new stadium in Tempe will have to contend with a proposed $70 million payment for environmental remediation costs. Experts say they will encounter plenty of challenges in the cleanup process, but might be rewarded in kind by the city.
Even in an epically dry year, water flows into parched Colorado River delta
Seven years ago, a pulse of water on the Colorado River at the U.S.-Mexico border temporarily reconnected it to the Pacific Ocean. Mexican and American environmental groups are working to bring water back into this part of the estuary and study what happens.
Delta force: What makes the COVID-19 variant different, and dangerous
PHOENIX – After a brief period of decline, COVID-19 cases are back on the rise in the United States and experts say the delta variant is to blame. It has been called delta the “fastest and the fittest” of variants for its high transmissibility and rapid spread.
August 2, 2021 Newscast
Maricopa County election audit continues, the eviction moratorium expires, Chris Paul and the Suns
Pet owners urged to keep close eye on animals during extreme heat
When the summer brings high temperatures and higher humidity, the Arizona Humane Society ramps up its efforts to rescue pets left outside.
Attorneys waive fees to prepare name-change petitions for LGBTQ+ community
PHOENIX – In June, attorney Daniel Riley started pro bono name changes for trans and nonbinary people. “It gives them the power to decide who, when and where they're going to share their story,” he said.
August 3, 2021 Newscast
No subpoena in Maricopa County election audit, record rainfall, two popular hiking trails close
Yurok Tribe in Northern California grows solutions in soil of crises
The COVID-19 pandemic, record drought in Northern California that has decimated fish populations and the persistent washout of the main highway have awakened the Yurok Tribe to food insecurity in the area.
Vision quest: New ASU baseball coach Bloomquist has high expectations for program
PHOENIX – One of ASU’s many successful baseball alumni, Willie Bloomquist, rejoins the team this year as its coach. From a high school player desperate to play in Arizona to a veteran athlete bringing real-world experience to the field, his dedication to the Sun Devils has never wavered.
August 4, 2021 Newscast
More mask mandates in places, eviction moratorium extended, COVID cases among children are rising
Sonoran scientists start group for Latin American women in conservation fields
Women are increasingly finding a space in the male-dominated field of environmental conservation. But there are still significant barriers – from harassment to language hurdles – keeping their work in the shadows.
Shelter lockdown challenged sobriety journey for New Mexico men
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – The Good Shepherd Center in Albuquerque enforced a strict lockdown for clients in its Fresh Start substance abuse program when the pandemic began. Some men in the six-month program said it helped their recovery, others weren’t so sure.
Expanded Silver Alert system helps those with developmental disabilities
PHOENIX – In 2018, Arizona expanded its Silver Alert system to include individuals with developmental disabilities. Autism advocates and police say that while the policy is making a difference, they fear many still may not be aware of this life-saving program.
August 5, 2021 Newscast
Arizona temperatures are rising, COVID protocols in school, Mark Kelly's first speech on Senate floor
Sprint football? New Midwest league provides hopes for more westward growth
PHOENIX – Sprint football, which is college football with a weight limit, has been played as a varsity sport for decades but has been confined to the Northeast. A new league in the Midwest is providing hope that the sport might make it even further west.
Party poopers: Independent voter registrations surge as parties fall
WASHINGTON - The major political parties in Arizona have continued to lose voters since the November election, according to the latest state data, with analysts saying strident partisanship is "turning off" voters and driving them to register as independents.
August 6, 2021 Newscast
DOJ investigates City of Phoenix and Phoenix PD, Target's tuition help for workers, AZ Senator is arrested
In rush to restore budget earmarks, Arizona lawmakers made modest asks
WASHINGTON - When Congress restored budget earmarks this year, 332 House members rushed in with $7.1 billion in special requests to fund local projects. Arizona lawmakers were part of that rush, but with requests that were relatively modest compared to the rest of the House.
From a raft in the Canyon, the West’s shifting water problems are evident
In 1990, the big problem for the Colorado River was managing too much water. Now, it's adjusting to too little, a problem likely to get worse as drought and climate change pose a profound challenge for the river that provides water for more than 40 million people.
August 9, 2021 Newscast
Democrats budget resolution, redistricting for the state of Arizona, Arizona Cardinals make history
Painstaking search for new planets begins on a mountaintop in Arizona
The NEID spectrometer is trying to detect more planets outside our solar system. It uses the gravitational influence a planet has on the star it revolves around to determine the planet’s mass.
Staying afloat: How Asian communities helped their small businesses survive COVID-19
As COVID-19 battered small businesses across the country, some Asian-owned businesses found the best relief came from their communities, not Congress.
August 10, 2021 Newscast
"For the People Rally" in Downtown Arizona, Senator Tony Navarrete, ASU coaches on paid leave
Politics by proxy: Arizona House members cast hundreds of remote votes
WASHINGTON - More than half of Arizona's House delegation cast votes by proxy this year, including two who were among the top remote voters in Congress and another who once called proxy voting "shameful and unconstitutional" but did it anyway.
Nevertheless, she persisted: Woman keeps helping, despite COVID losses
She has lost 20 blood relatives and many more friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Kim Holmes keeps showing up for work as a property manager for the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma so she can be there for those who need help the most.
August 11, 2021 Newscast
Public health crisis in Arizona, COVID outbreaks in Valley schools, troubled legacy of boarding schools
Incumbents have edge, but redistricting scrambles House race outlooks
WASHINGTON - Arizona's congressional incumbents have the advantage of name recognition and massive fundraising leads - but analysts say they might need both as congressional redistricting has "put us all in a state of limbo" for the 2022 House races.
August 12, 2021 Newscast
More minority residents in Arizona; schools and businesses update mask mandates for COVID-19
A poor measure of need: Researchers urge update to decades-old federal poverty line
Researchers are suggesting a new way to measure poverty, saying access to billions of dollars in public aid are affected by a federal standard that has not been updated since the late 1960s.
Shawnee language classes move online during COVID-19 pandemic
Only about 100 people speak the ancient language of the Shawnee people, which has motivated tribal officials to educate more young people. 2020 was supposed to be the Year of the Shawnee Language in Oklahoma, but COVID-19 forced educators online. There were some positives.
August 13, 2021 Newscast
Phoenix police chief suspended, teachers challenge school districts over prohibiting mask
August 16, 2021 Newscast
A rundown of the current Covid-19 climate and Navajo Nation returning to Orange Status
Medical mistreatment, inequity lead to vaccine hesitancy for Black Americans
Historic and ongoing medical mistreatment and lack of access have informed Black Americans’ COVID-19 response: vaccine hesitancy.
Cancer diagnosis inspires physical therapist to attempt 1,200-mile off-road race
PHOENIX – A physical therapist who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the pandemic is motivated to try a 1,200-mile, women's only off-road race. And she's determined.
August 17, 2021 Newscast
Staying safe during the monsoon, debate over third vaccination, Phoenix school district require mask
From farm to table, immigrants feed America
Immigrants held together every sector of American life during the COVID-19 pandemic yet faced inequities and little help.
August 18, 2021 Newscast
School districts mask mandate, a look at the delta variant, requirements for mail-in ballots
Solutions and struggle: COVID relief highlights complexity of issues facing Native people
The pandemic exacerbated different infrastructure issues in Indigenous communities across the country.
August 19, 2021 Newscast
A new school funding tax, monsoon weather comes again, the latest on Covid-19 mandates
From housing football games to fire evacuees, Round Valley Ensphere has rich history
PHOENIX – The Round Valley Ensphere – so named for the atypical connector design implemented by the dome’s architects – purports to be the only domed high school football stadium in the country. But to focus on that label would be to sell it short. After all, it can fit more people than the combined population of the two towns it serves.
Surge in COVID-19 puts state on pace to hit 1 million cases next week
WASHINGTON - Arizona is on pace to record its 1 millionth COVID-19 infection within the next week, and health experts fear that kids in schools and the looming Labor Day holiday will only make matters worse.
Arizona Afghans relieved after Ducey’s refugee proposal, still worried
WASHINGTON - Afghans living in Arizona welcomed Gov. Doug Ducey's announcement this week that Arizona will accept refugees fleeing the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan - but they also worry that the state and U.S. responses will be too little, too late for their countrymen.
August 20, 2021 Newscast
City of Glendale and Arizona Coyotes part ways, Hopi Tribe member continues ancestral traditions
ClipDart barber business snips away inequities of Black hair styling
Kyle Parker created the ClipDart network after having trouble finding barbers who could cut and style Black hair. The business platform allows people to find barbers or have barbers come to them.
August 23, 2021 Newscast
Taxpayer's involved in election audit, COVID-19 numbers, vaccine required for Navajo Nation employees
Experts hope FDA’s full Pfizer vaccine OK boosts Arizona vaccinations
WASHINGTON – Health officials expressed hope Monday that the Food and Drug Administration's full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will boost vaccinations in Arizona, which lags well behind the national average.
Border town ‘fed up’ as ban on nonessential travel extended yet again
WASHINGTON - The federal government's COVID-19 ban on nonessential border crossings set to expire Saturday has been extended for another month, further crippling local businesses that rely on cross-border customers.
Legalization brings legitimacy to needle exchange programs in Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona’s needle exchange law is set to take effect next month. Exchange programs have been in operation in the state for years, but advocates are looking ahead to how the law will change operations.
ASU vs. Ohio State? ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12 alliance could change landscape of college football
PHOENIX – The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences announced an official alliance Tuesday – a move that could impact Arizona State, University of Arizona and the Fiesta Bowl.
Senators review draft of election audit, as critics redouble attacks
WASHINGTON - Arizona Senate Republicans are expected to begin their review Wednesday of a partial Maricopa County election audit, but critics are not waiting until then to target the report as little more than "invalid and unreliable" partisan propaganda.
August 24, 2021 Newscast
Covid-19 testing demands, weeds in the Valley are growing in response to the monsoon weather
‘It’s just something magical’: Bisbee’s historic Warren Ballpark facilitates sports in a small town
BISBEE – A decades-old ballpark in Bisbee continues to host every sporting event in town and provides a glimpse into how much sports can impact a community.
Child welfare systems face additional challenges during pandemic
Systems meant to deal with abused and neglected children are facing many new challenges in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which put many parents out of work and many families on the streets.
August 25, 2021 Newscast
Grand Canyon University not requiring masks or vaccines, getting relief from the heat at Salvation Army
Supreme Court orders Biden to restore Trump ‘remain in Mexico’ policy
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said late Tuesday that the Biden administration has to continue enforcing the Trump administration's so-called "remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers - for now.
Roll on: New mats provide greater access to LA County beaches
Wheelchair users and other mobility device users now can roll on a synthetic mat at popular California beaches without getting stuck in the sand. It gives them freedom to move closer to the waves.
With water dwindling in the Southwest, Arizona plans for coming restrictions
The federal government declared a water shortage for much of the Southwest last week, resulting in the first mandatory cutbacks for some who draw from the Colorado River. The first to see cuts will be farmers in central Arizona.
Essential but ignored: How day care powered the pandemic workforce
The pandemic exposed how vulnerable and essential child care providers are in America. The median hourly wage is $10.31, and most workers receive no benefits, but they play a crucial role in getting people back to work.
August 26, 2021 Newscast
A pollution advisory in metro Phoenix, Sky Harbor COVID-19 relief fund, West Nile virus in Pinal County
Taurasi’s return helps Mercury surge as WNBA playoff picture comes into focus
PHOENIX – After a lukewarm start to the season, the Phoenix Mercury have caught fire with five wins in a row. With the playoffs less than a month away, their timing is ideal.
Temporarily knocked out, RUF Nation returns strong, features card at Celebrity Theatre
PHOENIX – This time last year, RUF had a different name, struggled to hold events due to the pandemic and had a much darker outlook for the future of Arizona MMA. This year, a lot has changed and business is booming, including a card Sunday at the Celebrity Theatre.
As COVID-19 testing numbers rise, Embry Health hopes to expand services
MESA – COVID-19 testing numbers are increasing as schools reopen and the delta variant spreads. To counter the rise in numbers and reduce wait times, Embry Health is bringing in hundreds of new workers.
Have app, will gamble: Arizona online sports betting sites open registration Saturday
PHOENIX – Online Sports betting sites open Saturday, moving one step closer to the launch date for sports betting in Arizona on Sept. 9.
Climate advocates, lawmaker urge Sens. Sinema and Kelly to support Biden budget plan
PHOENIX – Arizona’s senators are being urged to support the “Build Back Better” budget to provide funding for clean energy initiatives and jobs to address the effects of climate change as extreme heat becomes more common.
August 27, 2021 Newscast
Study shows 1 in 3 people caught COVID-19 in the past year, extreme heat causes climate change concerns
Some schools sticking with mask mandates, despite Ducey funding threat
WASHINGTON - Friday was the deadline for schools to drop mask mandates if they wanted to be eligible for a share of millions in COVID-19 state aid, but at least several districts in the state were refusing to comply with Gov. Doug Ducey's demand.
With 253,000 Arizonans behind on rent, court halts eviction moratorium
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court's decision to overturn a national eviction moratorium late Thursday comes as an estimated one-fifth of U.S. renters are behind on the rent - including 253,000 in Arizona.
How COVID-19 and red tape pushed millions to the brink of homelessness
Across the U.S., as many as 1 in 5 renters have fallen behind on rent during the pandemic. For families who have no financial safety net to fall back on, the economic consequences of the pandemic have pushed them to the precipice of homelessness. The situation is made worse by bureaucracy.
August 30, 2021 Newscast
Tropical storm Nora may impact Arizona, European Union to put restrictions on tourists from the U.S.
As wildfires rage, federal firefighters see bump in minimum hourly pay
WASHINGTON - Fighting wildfires did not get any easier this month, but it did get a little more profitable for thousands of full-time and temporary firefighters employed by the federal government, which raised their minimum wage from $13 an hour to $15 an hour.
The results are in: Standardized test scores fell during pandemic year
WASHINGTON - Standardized test scores in Arizona fell across the board last school year, as COVID-19 upended learning through the year and led to a sharp drop in the number of students taking the tests, the Arizona Department of Education said.
Sandra Day O’Connor’s hands-on sports medicine program teaching athletic trainers of the future
PHOENIX – With over 700 athletes at Sandra Day O’Connor High School, the task of providing treatment to everyone can be demanding. But the school has three athletic trainers who double as teachers leading a hands-on program that provides treatment while preparing aspiring sports medicine professionals.
Phoenix Rising at midseason: Experts weigh in on expectations, challenges
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising has reached midseason with 41 points in their 20 games. They sit comfortably atop their division but still face road tests and a battle for top seed and home-pitch advantage in the USL playoffs.
‘A cliff effect’: As federal benefits drop, food insecurity likely to rise again
An enormous influx of federal dollars helped stem the rising tide of hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic, but what happens when those benefits end?
August 31, 2021 Newscast
Flood watches in effect for all of Arizona, state lawmakers advocate for national paid leave
Street Warriorz brings ‘Fast and Furious’ experience to Tucson Dragway
TUCSON – Street Warriorz, which started in Florida and has come to Arizona for the first time, provides a “Fast and Furious” experience to amateur street racers, keeping them and bystanders safe.
Snakes alive: Passionate fan base has Rattlers close to another championship
PHOENIX – Since 1992, the Arizona Rattlers have maintained a strong and loyal fan base through league changes and a pandemic. The “Snake Pit” gives the Rattlers a unique edge and excellent home-field advantage through playoffs.
Maricopa County health care workers ask for school mask mandate as COVID pediatric cases rise
PHOENIX – Health care workers across Maricopa County signed a letter to the county Board of Supervisors asking for mask mandates in K-12 schools as more children are being hospitalized with COVID-19.
September 1, 2021 Newscast
The end to America's longest war, more mask mandates put in place as the Delta variant grows
Court rejects Trump clean water rule with ‘significant’ Arizona impact
WASHINGTON - Environmental groups welcomed a federal judge's decision this week to overturn Trump-era clean-water regulations that were so narrow that many waterways in Arizona ended up being excluded from federal oversight.
Despite the background noise, Arizona State excited to kick off football season
PHOENIX — NCAA investigation. A Top 25 ranking after playing just four games in 2020. The uncertainty of what might come in another year of pandemic football. It’s an unusual year for the Arizona State football team, which opens its season tonight against Southern Utah.
On the crawl: Why so many caterpillars are wriggling around Arizona
PHOENIX — Arizona’s wet monsoon season helped spawn thousands of plump yellow caterpillars around the state. The caterpillars now are looking for a place to become white-lined sphinx moths.
Oklahoma tribes prepare to pivot to booster shots in COVID-19 battle
WASHINGTON - Formal guidance from the Indian Health Service on how and when to give COVID-19 vaccine booster shots is still in the works, but some tribes in Oklahoma are not waiting but getting ready with the news that booster shot guidelines are on the horizon.
September 2, 2021 Newscast
The Delta variant is affecting schools, a new mobile vaccine testing center, increase in West Nile cases
Rise of the underdog: Undrafted free agent Michael Stefanic knocking on Angels’ door
PHOENIX – Michael Stefanic is on the last rung of the minor league baseball ladder, waiting for the call to join the Los Angeles Angels. His professional career started in Arizona.
Preach: Fans excited as rivalry between Catholic schools Brophy, St. Mary’s returns
PHOENIX – A long-running rivalry makes its return as Brophy College Preparatory and St. Mary’s face off in Week 1 one of the high school football season.
September 3, 2021 Newscast
Afghan refugees in Arizona, eviction filings in Arizona trend downwards, Arizona Coyotes looking to move
Jobless rate better, but flat, as Arizona employment, workforce surge
WASHINGTON - More workers than ever before are in Arizona's labor force and the number of people with jobs has almost reached pre-pandemic levels. But the number of jobless Arizonans remains higher than it was pre-pandemic, even as unemployment fell to 6.6%.
Feds deal another setback to Rosemont mine by upholding jaguar habitat
WASHINGTON - Federal regulators on Friday rejected a mining company's request to reduce critical habitat for endangered jaguars in the Santa Rita Mountains on land that overlaps the footprint of the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine.
Chickasaw woman gets USDA post, one in a string of Indigenous nominees
WASHINGTON - For the first time in history, an Indigenous woman is overseeing U.S. agriculture law - but Janie Simms Hipp is just the latest in a number of Native Americans nominated to top posts in the Biden administration, highlighted by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
Pandemic unemployment relief ends, cutting off 45,000 jobless in state
WASHINGTON - A federal pandemic relief program that provided extra financial aid to jobless workers ended Monday, hitting more than 45,000 unemployed Arizonans who had already seen the state pull away another source of federal aid in July.
Transgender people have higher risk of heart health issues, experts say
PHOENIX — Transgender people experience elevated levels of heart health risks due to levels of stress present in this demographic, and may also avoid preventative care providers due to stigma and fear of mistreatment. Transgender men and women have a four times higher risk of heart attack than people who identify as the gender with which they were born.
Game on: Judge refuses to block new Arizona sports betting law
PHOENIX – A judge refused to block a new Arizona law allowing sports gambling to be run by professional sports teams. The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe tried to sue the Department of Gaming and Gov. Doug Ducey over violations surrounding the new sports betting laws
Few masks, much excitement: High school football returns with look of pre-COVID era
PHOENIX – Unlike the start of the 2020 season, when masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing was the norm, the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to be an afterthought for many at Friday’s high school football games.
Sharpe will play as a Wildcat, but not in Arizona; commits to Kentucky
WASHINGTON - Shaedon Sharpe's basketball journey from London, Ontario, to Glendale, Arizona, will continue in Lexington, Kentucky, after the No. 1 player in Arizona made a verbal commitment Tuesday to the University of Kentucky.
11-year minor league career ends with brawl, Diamondbacks call up for Henry Ramos
PHOENIX – Henry Ramos spent 11 years in the minor leagues across four different organizations before finally receiving the call to the show at age 29. His minor league career, however, didn’t end on the most pleasant of notes.
September 7, 2021 Newscast
A pollution advisory, reflection on the September 11th attacks, a new mobile cooling unit to beat the heat
Does controversial partnership between Barstool Sports, Arizona Bowl suggest attempt at image change?
PHOENIX - The controversial partnership between Barstool Sports and the Arizona Bowl sheds light on the media company’s attempt to reform.
Heads-up on concussions: Cardinals’ receiver Christian Kirk praises Barrow’s Brainbook
Christian Kirk and Dr. Javier Cárdenas of the Barrow Concussion and Brain Injury Center discussed the usefulness of the Barrow Brainbook for detecting concussions and other head trauma among high school athletes.
Sept. 8, 2021 Newscast
The latest on COVID-19 cases, participate in 9/11 events, wildfire threats close national forests
Delta variant continues to strain Arizona hospitals, nearly all patients are unvaccinated
PHOENIX – Although COVID-19 cases remain stable at Arizona hospitals, nearly all of them are caused by the delta variant. Valleywise Health says 97% of its hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated.
Nonprofits to mark 20th anniversary of 9/11 with national day of service
PHOENIX-Across Arizona, nonprofits are commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
ASU football coach Herm Edwards shares memories of 9/11
ASU football coach Herm Edwards shares memories of 9/11. Edwards was a first-year head coach with the New York Jets.
Former Arizona Diamondbacks President Rich Dozer shares 9/11 memories
Former Arizona Diamondbacks President Rich Dozer shares his memories of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the team's championship win.
Pick’em: Sport gambling in Arizona underway and options are plentiful
PHOENIX - With sports gambling officially legal in Arizona, professional teams celebrate partnerships with Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel and Barstool Sportsbook.
Poor nutrition heavily influences COVID-19 death toll, studies find
Obesity and dietary issues are contributing to complications and deaths from COVID-19 infections, multiple studies and health officials say.
September 9th, 2021 Newscast
Sports betting in Arizona, teaching younger generations about 9/11, electric car charging stations
White House plan would help schools skirt Ducey ban on mask mandates
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey's threat to withhold funding from schools that impose mask mandates took a severe hit Thursday, when the White House said local school districts can apply directly to the federal government "to restore funding withheld by state leaders."
Arizona players reflect as Navy, Air Force meet on anniversary of 9/11
WASHINGTON - Saturday’s football game between Air Force and Navy will be the 54th between the two teams - and their first meeting on 9/11, leaving one Arizona-born Navy player with "goosebumps just thinking about it."
Jeremy Staat, a former NFL and ASU football player, shares memories of 9/11
9/11 memories: Former ASU football player Jeremy Staat remembers
How students born after 9/11 are learning about the terrorist attacks
PHOENIX — How are educators teaching about 9/11 to students who have no recollection of that day?
Program continues to provide medical care for 9/11 survivors, first responders
Since 2011, a federally funded program has provided medical care for emergency responders, recovery workers, volunteers and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Following tragedies, Central High School finds comfort in its football community
PHOENIX - Coping with the losses of a player’s younger brother and the team’s former captain in the past four months, the Central High football team now uses the field as its sanctuary.
A coach, a player, a journalist: 3 lives forever changed on Sept. 11, 2001
PHOENIX – The tragic event of 9/11 impacted the sports world in different ways. From teams to players to coaches to journalists, memories remain vivid 20 years later. Here are some whose lives were changed.
Defense could be difference maker as ASU football chases conference title
PHOENIX - Arizona State coach Herm Edwards is known for his defensive expertise. Now, in his fourth season at the helm of the program, the Sun Devils are poised to make an impact in the Pac-12.
Tempe Healing Field returns for 20th anniversary of 9/11
TEMPE – The Tempe Healing Field 9/11 memorial is being held at Tempe Beach Park, to remember the nearly 3,000 people lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
September 10th, 2021 Newscast
A 9/11 show special and the impact that fateful day had on individuals and communities in Arizona
Fourth fire station built in Phoenix could become a full-service restaurant
Phoenix is preparing to lease the fourth fire station built in the city so it can be converted into a restaurant or small business. The transformation is part of the Margaret T. Hance Park revitalization program.
The Birds and the buzz: Cardinals spurring national chatter after dominating victory over Titans
PHOENIX – On Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals dominated one of the top teams in the AFC, making a statement and surprising the entire league.
Off and running: Arizona State’s ground game indicative of Pac-12 offensive approach
TEMPE – In two games, ASU has out-rushed opponents 515 yards to 166. Everyone knew what quarterback Jayden Daniels could do but the Sun Devils' running game coupled with a stingy offensive line have helped the team to a 2-0 start. Much of the Pac-12, long known for its passing attack, seems to be following suit.
Ban on school mask mandates violates Constitution’s ‘single-subject’ rule, opponents argue
PHOENIX – Arizona school boards want to be able to make their own decisions regarding mask mandates, but a Legislature ban will prevent them from doing so.
September 13, 2021 Newscast
Nutrition can impact COVID-19 symptoms, a progress report on education, Arizona supports small businesses
Gonzo’s World Series bat? Johnson’s 20-K ball? Cooperstown’s ‘Starting Nine’ a nod to greatness
PHOENIX – The “Starting Nine” immersive experience at the National Baseball Hall of Fame gives baseball fans a customized “must see” of some of their franchises most iconic sports moments. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ collection includes Luis Gonzalez’s bat from his World Series-clinching hit.
Delivering Pac-12 Baseball Tournament to Scottsdale ‘took a village’
SCOTTSDALE – How did the inaugural Pac-12 Baseball Tournament land in Scottsdale? Members of the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission, Experience Scottsdale and the City of Scottsdale joined forces. The Pac-12 is one of the last major conferences to add a conference tournament.
Arizona domestic violence shelters filling up again as abusers return to work
COVID-19 didn’t slow domestic violence in Arizona, but fewer victims sought shelter beds. Experts doubt Arizona's high abuse numbers will drop soon.
September 14, 2021 Newscast
Arizona's AG sues Biden administration, Arizonans get the flu vaccine, smaller arts venues to reopen
Brnovich joins Ducey, vows to block Biden’s business vaccine mandate
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in large companies is likely weeks away from being implemented, but Arizona officials are already lining up with pledges to stop it.
Poverty rate climbed in 2020, but pandemic assistance blunted losses
WASHINGTON - The U.S. poverty rate rose from 10.5% to 11.4% last year, reversing years of steady declines, but that increase in poverty was offset by pandemic relief funds and other benefits, according to new Census Bureau data.
From New Zealand to Phoenix Rising: Footballers play abroad to pursue pro soccer goals
CHANDLER - New Zealand does not have a professional men’s soccer league. How two Phoenix Rising players sought out opportunities abroad to keep their dream alive of playing professional soccer.
Maricopa County agencies push to spend federal relief funds on affordable housing
PHOENIX – Maricopa County received more than $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds that are available to help metro Phoenix end homelessness.
‘Bumper cars on steroids’: USA Wheelchair Football League debuts in Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE - Ability 360 Expo hosted the first-ever USA Wheelchair Football League national tournament in Scottsdale. Nine teams from across the country came together to compete.
Arizona audit spreading mistrust in election process across the country, officials warn
PHOENIX – A day after the Arizona Supreme Court ordered 2020 election audit documents to be made public, Secure Democracy called out the growing mistrust in the election process among voters.
September 15, 2021 Newscast
Latest on Maricopa County ballot audit, a Salvadoran restaurant, street racing in Tucson
Forest Service plan to extend forest maintenance program is put on hold
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers and advocates said they were "blindsided" by the U.S. Forest Service's abrupt announcement this week that it would halt negotiations on a proposed extension of the Four Forests Restoration Initiative.
Tucson official touts benefits of school gardens to fight kids’ hunger
WASHINGTON - The director of Tucson Unified School District's Community and School Garden Program joined advocates from around the country Wednesday at a House Rules Committee roundtable on the ways that schools can help fight childhood hunger.
‘I take full responsibility, man’: Rattlers’ Drew Powell remorseful after United Bowl loss
PHOENIX - After winning league MVP, Drew Powell’s season ended on a sour note with a loss in the United Bowl. Powell acknowledged that despite a great year, he wasn’t able to get the job done when it mattered most.
As COVID-19 pandemic wears on, demand increases for deworming drug ivermectin
Prescriptions for the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19 are increasing, and one Phoenix feed store has struggled to stock the medication, which in some forms is used to deworm large animals.
Attorneys, advocates reflect on new Native American Voting Rights bill
The Native American Voting Rights Act aims to address voting barriers related to addresses, IDs and delivering ballot in tribal areas.
From Lil Wayne to Lauryn Hill, playlist helps Mercury find their vibe
PHOENIX - Music is the driving force behind Mercury's motivation. A peek behind the scenes shows how music has helped shape the identity of the WNBA team.
Chandler vs. Cherry Creek: High school football teams leaving state to find opponents
PHOENIX - In keeping with tradition, Chandler High played an out-of-state football power and the five-time defending state champions prevailed, beating Colorado’s Cherry Creek High 17-7 in a game both high school titans used as a measuring stick.
September 16, 2021 Newscast
Protecting women's reproductive rights, Justice for Jan 6th rally, charity races during the pandemic
Fencing goes up around Capitol again, as police brace for Jan. 6 rally
WASHINGTON - Fences, cameras and barricades went up around the Capitol as federal and local police braced for possible violence at a Saturday rally defending those who were arrested in the Jan. 6 insurrection - but if anyone is coming from Arizona, they were not saying.
‘Gatos vs. Leñadores’: Arizona-NAU football game will feature nod to Hispanic heritage
TUCSON – Saturday’s Arizona-NAU game at Arizona Stadium will also be Hispanic Heritage Night, the signature celebration by a Wildcats program determined to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
Preserving the force of Navajo language: Dubbing ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’
FLAGSTAFF – Star Wars: A New Hope” was dubbed into the 700-year-old language of the Navajo in 2013 and now streams for subscribers of Disney+. The museum director who launched the dub sees it as a method of language preservation, with parallels between the tribe and “Star Wars.
Married … with gymnasts: ASU coaches balance life with guiding powerhouse program
PHOENIX – Jessica and Jay Santos, co-coaches for the Arizona State gymnastics team, have helped transform their program into a powerhouse.
Rest their Case? No chance, say Sun Devils, who are thrilled with fullback’s efforts
TEMPE – Case Hatch is making the fullback position interesting again and he’s making a big impact on the Arizona State football team.
Valley traffic returns, carbon emissions rise as COVID-19 restrictions ease
PHOENIX – COVID-19 reduced road traffic to unknown lows, but now it’s returning in full force. After carbon emissions dropped during a year of less travel, will they return to problematic levels?
September 17, 2021 Newscast
This year's monsoon weather, free legal help for those facing eviction, Mexican Independence Day
Traveling NFL fans won’t let COVID-19 stop them from getting to the games
LOS ANGELES – As the NFL welcomes fans, differing COVID-19 policies have some confused. Fan groups are back in action this season and plan on traveling, regardless of the pandemic.
Two Arizona women racing through gender barrier with help from Tucson Speedway
PHOENIX – Female racers have been in the shadows in a male-dominated sport. Two Arizona women are breaking the gender barrier with the support of Tucson Speedway.
Kyler Murray vs. Patrick Mahomes? Cardinals quarterback in early MVP discussions
PHOENIX – Through the first two weeks of the NFL season, Kyler Murray has been one of the best players in the league and has led the Cardinals to a 2-0 record. The league is taking notice and some believe he is an MVP contender
COVID vaccine, testing sites still working to provide free resources to Phoenix area
PHOENIX – Even as COVID-19 vaccination rates decrease, mobile events are being held in the Phoenix area to provide testing and vaccines to community members.
September 20, 2021 Newscast
Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children, sports gambling revenue, Hunger Action Month
Giles joins state, local officials to kick off homelessness initiative
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles joined state and local leaders from around the country to kick off a federal initiative to boost affordable housing and get 100,000 homeless households in permanent shelters, as the problem of homelessness has grown during the pandemic.
Border communities face another month of ‘nonessential’ travel limits
WASHINGTON - The ban on non-essential travel between the U.S. and Mexico will be extended another month, a "disheartening" development for border towns that have already had to cope with the travel limitation for 18 months.
3 Arizona men built popular ‘Fantasy Footballers’ podcast from lunchroom to sellouts
PHOENIX – Arizona residents Mike Wright, Andy Holloway and Jason Moore created “The Fantasy Footballers,” a podcast that has been streamed more than 36 million times and has over 263,000 YouTube channel subscribers.
Did you see that?? Hamilton football prompts national buzz after historic upset
Hamilton High School’s dramatic comeback on national TV has prompted widespread buzz after scoring 18 points in 70 seconds.
This year’s monsoon has been one of Arizona’s wettest
PHOENIX – By the end of July, Phoenix had seen 84% more monsoonal rainfall than all of last summer, and drought conditions improved in some parts of Arizona.
They ‘just want to play:’ The history of girls in the Little League World Series
LOS ANGELES – Victoria Ruelas broke a gender barrier in 1989 by playing in the Little League World Series. Today, Ellie Bruning is continuing her legacy.
Sinema urged to support Build Back Better spending plan
PHOENIX – Arizona legislators and activists from the Working Families Party met Tuesday at the Capitol to urge Sen. Kyrsten Sinema to take action on President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better agenda.
September 21, 2021 Newscast
Refugees headed to Arizona, honoring Arizona's only Hispanic governor, off-road expo at Phoenix Raceway
Arizonans join hundreds of female athletes opposing strict abortion law
WASHINGTON - Nine Arizonans are among the more than 500 female athletes who signed on to a brief to the Supreme Court this week challenging Mississippi's restrictive new abortion law, which abortion opponents see as a vehicle for overturning Roe v. Wade.
After ‘incredibly difficult’ process, Peters returns to Cardinals defensive line in big way
PHOENIX - Nose tackle Corey Peters has returned to the Cardinals' defensive front after an offseason of uncertainty that caused “a rollercoaster of emotions.” At 33, he faced rehabilitation from surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon that ended his 2020 season early and an expiring contract.
Mikey’s League changing the status quo for disabled community through sports
PHOENIX - Mikey’s League bridges the gap between accessibility and inclusivity through creating the opportunity to experience sports’ triumph and success in ways its participants will remember forever.
NAU hopes it can build on success after historic football win over Arizona
PHOENIX - The NAU football team is refocusing after a historic win against the University of Arizona. The Lumberjacks emphasize energy and effort as they prepare to move into conference play.
With new players, proposed new Tempe arena, ‘hungry’ Coyotes ready to compete
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes enter the 2021-22 season with a lot of noise outside the locker room. However, the team is excited and optimistic they can surprise those doubting the team around the league.
Jobs fair for veterans returns to Phoenix as unemployment rate falls to new low
Unemployment rates for military veterans in August were at a low of 3.8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More employers are realizing that military skills are what they’re looking for.
Expanded Child Tax Credit program did a ‘world of good,’ politicians say
PHOENIX – Since its rollout in July, the expanded Child Tax Credit program has received praise from government officials and advocates who call it a solution to “combating economic hardship and poverty in Arizona.”
September 22, 2021 Newscast
Traffic troubles, Arizona Coyotes coaching internship, a 101-year-old WWII veteran celebrated
Shuffle off the buffalo: Groups push to ship, not shoot, Canyon bison
WASHINGTON - A planned hunt of bison on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon this week appears to be moving forward, despite last-minute pleas by lawmakers in Colorado to move the animals there instead.
From Tokyo to Tempe: Sun Devils return to campus after competing in 2020 Summer Olympics
TEMPE - Three current ASU Sun Devils return to Tempe after competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics. After taking the road to Tokyo, they are reminded again what it’s like balancing schoolwork with athletics.
Losing streak, venue change don’t rattle Mercury as they enter single-elimination playoff game
PHOENIX - Heading into tonight’s single-elimination playoff game on a three-game losing streak can sometimes be a red flag. But for the Phoenix Mercury, this streak is nothing short of a red herring.
Homebuyer ‘love letters’ risk fair housing violations, but some feel risk is worth it
Arizona homebuyers are sending "love letters" to the sellers of their dream homes. But such communications may run afoul of fair housing laws.
First LGBTQ+ mariachi group is paving the way for the next generation
LOS ANGELES – The first all LGBTQ+ mariachi group sparks conversation around intersectionality and traditional machismo.
New estimates show Colorado River levels falling faster than expected
WASHINGTON - New projections show that Lake Mead and Lake Powell could reach "critically low reservoir elevations" sooner than expected, spurring experts to say that "bold actions" will be needed to change course.
September 23, 2021 Newscast
Maricopa County audit preview, Arizonas rail safety rank, UArizona's project about living on Mars
Democrats blast ‘cancer’ of Arizona election probe on eve of release
WASHINGTON - Democrats went on the offensive Thursday, saying the Arizona election audit scheduled to be released Friday is a "cancer spreading through the country" as it is mimicked by other states.
Ahwatukee brothers hope to rise in MMA ranks with unorthodox training, uniques personas
SCOTTSDALE - Two former Desert Vista wrestlers are looking to rise in the MMA ranks by being true to their beliefs and their unorthodox methods of training and dieting.
Curling in Arizona: Tempe club’s accomplishments include Olympic Trials series
TEMPE - Three member of the Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe decide to chase their Winter Games dreams and wound up in an Olympic Trials series competition.
Flavors From Afar in LA uplifts and supports refugee communities through food
LOS ANGELES – Flavors From Afar in LA’s Little Ethiopia spotlights dishes from many countries to support refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers. A portion of the profits go to causes that help refugees.
Swimming, cycling, running … and mental health training: ASU triathlon team off to strong start
TEMPE - ASU triathlon is off to a strong start after nearly two years of no competition. The team took advantage of this hiatus to mentally reflect on why they love triathlon.
Rally to support seven Arizonans charged in Jan. 6 Capitol attack
WASHINGTON - Organizers are downplaying expectations for a large crowd at Saturday's rally in Phoenix to support the "political prisoners" arrested in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol - but they are not downplaying the seriousness of their cause.
ASU-Colorado sidelines will tell important story about Pac-12 leadership role in diversity hiring
TEMPE – The Pac-12 is the only conference in the Power Five with more than 10 Black head coaching hires. Just over half of Power Five programs have never hired a Black head coach. The Arizona State-Colorado game is a symbol of the Pac-12's commitment.
September 24, 2021 Newscast
Arizona audit results coverage, hopes for immigration reform, weather balloons predictions
Maricopa election probe is complete, but fight may just be starting
WASHINGTON - After months of work and millions of dollars, the contractors investigating Maricopa County's elections were able to answer one question Friday - President Joe Biden did win. Otherwise, they spent hours raising questions and calling for more investigation.
Advocates spotlight an overlooked cause of maternal mortality: Deaths related to mental health
The national conversation around maternal mortality has served to spotlight preventable physical complications, but it often overlooks a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths: conditions linked to behavioral health.
Succulent in Arizona’s sky islands listed as ‘threatened’ under Endangered Species Act
Bartram’s stonecrop is a rare succulent native to southern Arizona and northern Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will officially list it as threatened under the Endangered Species Act this week.
Beat LA … maybe? Arizona’s frustrating rivalry with City of Angels extends to Rams-Cardinals
PHOENIX – The Cardinals beat the Jaguars to move to 3-0 for the first time since 2015. It only gets tougher from here, however, as they play the Rams next, a Super Bowl contender and a team they have not beaten since the 2016 season.
Ban on school mask mandates was unconstitutionally enacted, judge rules
PHOENIX – A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled the Arizona Legislature’s ban on school mask mandates was unconstitutionally included in budget bills, paving the way for schools to continue requiring masks.
September 27, 2021 Newscast
Mask ban was unconstitutionally, increase in West Nile virus cases, NASA's asteroid plans
Booker’s positive COVID-19 test, strong anti-vax player voices suggest challenging season for NBA
PHOENIX – The news that Devin Booker will miss the start of Phoenix Suns training camp because of a positive COVID-19 test, and his decision to keep his vaccination status private, raises interesting questions about NBA COVID protocol and how the league will move forward with some strong anti-vax voices among players.
Q&A: How a brother’s drug overdose led to one woman’s crusade for harm reduction
PHOENIX – Amid rising opioid overdoses, needle exchange programs now are legal in Arizona. An advocate for one program talks about her work and how such efforts combat addiction and deaths.
Dutch soccer player created new ASU family after moving to Arizona
TEMPE – An ASU soccer player works to adjust after moving from the Netherlands to Arizona to play college soccer.
First Native American poet laureate begins third term, releases a memoir
Joy Harjo of Oklahoma, the first Native American woman to serve as the nation’s poet laureate, has begun her third term – an honor bestowed only once before, in 1999. She also has released “Poet Warrior: A Memoir.”
September 28, 2021 Newscast
Jeff Flake and Cindy McCain's ambassadorial nominations, former foster youth, lethal counterfeit pills
McCain, Flake face light questioning in chummy confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON - It was supposed to be a confirmation hearing for the ambassadorial nominations of Cindy McCain and former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, but their appearance Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sounded more like a family reunion at times.
$4,000 for a Devin Booker trading card? Market flourishes as Valley sports teams excel
CHANDLER – Encouraged by the recent success of the Suns and Cardinals, local trading card collectors are jumping back into the scene. It’s a trend that doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, thanks to personalities like Devin Booker and Kyler Murray.
Phoenix Rising players blend Hispanic, American cultures while guiding team to postseason
PHOENIX - Mezcla. In Spanish, the word means “mixture” or “blend,” and it applies to many Hispanics in the United States who are trying to blend into American culture while embracing their own. It’s a familiar challenge for Phoenix Rising players Arturo Rodriguez and Santi Moar.
More research, better treatment for Lyme disease sought amid rising case rates
PHOENIX – The incidence of Lyme disease has nearly doubled in the U.S. since the 1990s, yet funding for research is still lacking and patients struggle to get help. Advocates say that should change, considering predictions that climate change could increase case numbers.
New law prohibits vehicles blocking sidewalks, punishable by a $250 fine
PHOENIX – A new law makes blocking sidewalks with vehicles a crime, meant to keep walkways clear for all pedestrians. It was one of 12 laws that took effect Wednesday.
September 29, 2021 Newscast
New laws in Arizona, farms turn to festivals to stay in business, more pets to shelters
COVID-19 death toll in Arizona expected to top 20,000 this week
WASHINGTON - Arizona is on pace to reach 20,000 COVID-19 deaths this week, according to state data, as the disease that seemed to be waning just months ago has come roaring back with a new variant and new battles on safety protocols.
It’s a fiesta: Cultural celebration features game between Wildcats, Mexican Winter League team
TUCSON – University of Arizona Baseball, Mexican Winter League, Wildcats, Visit Tucson, Vamos A Tucson, Mexican Baseball Fiesta
Sniffing out the waves: Doggy surfing contest brings smiles to spectators
HUNTINGTON BEACH, California – The Surf City Surf Dog competition in Huntington Beach, California, allows dogs to enjoy the water and humans to enjoy watching dogs ride surfboards.
Winter is coming: Arizona ski area receives first snow of the season
PHOENIX - Sunrise Park Resort had the first sight of snow in Arizona on Wednesday. As all of Arizona’s ski resorts begin to ramp up for another winter, they face the additional challenge of a lingering COVID-19 pandemic.
September 30, 2021 Newscast
Government shut down avoided, snow in parts of Arizona, surfing dogs at Huntington Beach
From the Hill to the mound: Playing ball is break from political brawl
WASHINGTON - Arizona Reps. Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego, both Phoenix Democrats, among the players at this week's Congressional Baseball Game that pits Republicans against Democrats, lets them let their hair down and raise money for charity at the same time.
Can you hear me now? Centrist positioning makes Sinema a player, pariah
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's refusal to back the Biden administration's $3.5 trillion social and clean-energy spending package has made her a target for Democrats - and possibly "the most powerful person in Washington right now," one analyst said.
Rise in food-stamp benefits is partly undercut by end to pandemic aid
WASHINGTON - More than 900,000 Arizona food stamp recipients will see an increase in their monthly benefits starting Friday, but activists say much more needs to be done to fight food insecurity in the state.
Like mother, like daughter: Freshman Rosholt turning heads for ASU women’s golf team
TEMPE - Calynne Rosholt is the only freshman on the ASU women’s golf team but she’s already turning heads. It must be in the bloodlines. Her mother was part of the 1990 NCAA championship team alongside current coach Missy Farr-Kaye.
Centennial remembers football standout Zach Hoffpauir, a life taken too soon
PEORIA - The Centennial High School football team retired the No. 31 to honor the late Zach Hoffpauir, who passed away in May 2020 after unknowingly taking a pill laced with fentanyl.
COVID vaccine added to requirements for immigrants seeking permanent residency
PHOENIX – Immigrants seeking permanent residency now must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, along with polio, measles and other infectious diseases. But access to vaccines around the world is uneven.
The White stuff: He can run, he can catch and he’s key to ASU’s game against UCLA
TEMPE - Arizona State running back Rachaad White’s journey wasn’t an easy one. Now, he’s one of the most electric players on the field.
October 1, 2021 Newscast
COVID vaccinations for new immigrants, wet monsoon season ends, a weekly health segment debuts
Arizonans hopeful that focus on missing Indigenous persons may pay off
WASHINGTON - Duane Garvais-Lawrence pulled into Washington, D.C., Friday, ending his second annual coast-to-coast trip to bring attention to the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous women - a trip he hopes he does not have to make again.
FlyQuest’s Go Green Initiative spotlights preservation and sustainability of esports
LOS ANGELES – FlyQuest began its Go Green initiative in 2020, and has since paired with One Tree Planted, Coral Reef Alliance and the Bee Conservatory in TreeQuest, SeaQuest and BeeQuest.
Westgate confident in future, despite Coyotes soon leaving Gila River Arena
PHOENIX – Although the Arizona Coyotes will leave after the 2021-22 season, the Westgate Entertainment District is confident it can thrive.
ASU conquers No. 19 UCLA to take the lead in the Pac-12 South
PASADENA, California – ASU faced the No. 19 ranked UCLA Bruins on Saturday night and won convincingly. Twenty-nine players are from the Southern California area; the trip to Pasadena was a chance to show out in front of friends and family.
From 4-0 to 5-11: 2012 Cardinals nothing like superior 4-0 2021 team
PHOENIX – The Cardinals are 4-0 for the first time since 2012, but they are looking to avoid the downward spiral that followed that team. It’s clear from how the current version of the Cardinals have played, this is a team wired much differently.
Arizona groups aim to influence Supreme Court in abortion-rights case
WASHINGTON - An abortion rights case that is a top issue in the U.S. Supreme Court term that began Monday has already drawn scores of legal filings - including from dozens of Arizona lawmakers, activists and advocates on both sides of the issue.
October 4, 2021 Newscast
Women's March in Arizona, Supreme Court hearing on mask mandate ban, taking tourists to space
Crowns and cowgirls: Horsemanship, pageantry part of Miss Rodeo Arizona event
QUEEN CREEK – From horsemanship tests to traditional pageant activities, the recent Miss Rodeo Arizona pageant in Queen Creek highlighted a long-standing tradition in the American West.
After more than 600 days, ASU swim team grateful for return to competition
The Arizona State University swimming program held its annual Maroon & Gold Intrasquad scrimmage on Friday to kick off its 2021-22 season. It is the Sun Devils’ first meet in over 600 days after the entire team redshirted the 2020-21 season.
‘Unacceptable’: Diamondbacks don’t finish as MLB’s worst team, but they were close
PHOENIX – Heading into the 2021 season, the expectations for the Arizona Diamondbacks were low in a competitive National League West. And after 162 games, the record shows they lived up to those expectations.
October 5, 2021 Newscast
Nursing schools in Arizona, improve water sources for wildlife, cleaning up Southern California oil spill
Robocalls dip as FCC rules kick in; advocates say more should be done
WASHINGTON - Robocalls to Arizonans dropped by more than 3 million in July, to about 84.4 million for the month, as a new federal mandate took effect that requires phone companies to implement anti-robocall measures. But advocates say phone carriers could do more.
Protesters confront Sinema directly, she calls the move ‘unacceptable’
WASHINGTON - Progressives upset with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema took their protests directly to the Arizona Democrat this weekend, ambushing her in public spaces three times to get answers on immigration reform and spending on social programs.
No Maluma, no Disney princesses: Mercury return to home court after much-debated scheduling issues
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury played its first two playoff games at arenas belonging to college teams. A look at why as the team prepares to play the Las Vegas Aces at Footprint Center with a chance to punch a ticket to the WNBA Finals.
Although youth sports receive cut of gambling revenue in New York, rules are different in Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona became the 26th state in the country to legalize sports gambling. Could youth sports benefit from the revenue the way they do in New York?
Remembering ‘3’: Arizona universities to honor Tyler Hilinski, address athlete mental health
PHOENIX – Hilinski’s Hope, partnering with more than 70 schools across the country, is leading College Football Mental Health Week. ASU players will wear the No. 3 on their helmets to honor Tyler Hilinski, who died by suicide.
U.S. border emergency spurs GOP governors’ plan on immigration
Arizona’s Doug Ducey joined nine other Republican governors to propose an action plan to the Biden administration to help ease the immigration crisis along the southern border.
Coalition targets illegal tobacco trade, with Arizona among top states in contraband
PHOENIX – The Arizona Chamber of Commerce is joining Philip Morris International in a partnership called United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade, which aims to stop illicit trade through public-private partnerships.
October 6, 2021 Newscast
Governors discuss border issues, Homeboy Industries Walk, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury doubleheader
Experts: No short-term answers to problem of drought, water shortages
WASHINGTON – State and federal officials told a Senate panel Wednesday that there may be long-term solutions to the historic drought gripping the West, and the water shortages that come with it, but that the short-term outlook remains grim.
Latino cartoonist’s ‘TOONDEMIC’ fights COVID misinformation
TEMPE – Political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz is the latest contributor to the COVID Latino project, which aims to disseminate information – and counter COVID-19 misinformation – through art.
Vroominate on this: Eased COVID restrictions bring big crowd to Monster Jam in Glendale
GLENDALE – During the pandemic, Monster Jam limited fans attending events. In 2021, 100% capacity is back and the fans took advantage when the event came to Arizona last weekend.
Punt, pass and teach social, emotional learning skills: Best coaches adjust priorities
PHOENIX - Coaches tend to make or break a child’s relationship with a sport. Equipping coaches with the proper social and emotional learning skills necessary to mentoring children on how to be better athletes and more importantly, how to be better individuals, is vital to the future of athletics.
3 ex-Suns among former NBA players charged in scheme to defraud league health care plan
PHOENIX - Nineteen people, including three former Suns, were charged with health care fraud after filing claims worth almost $4 million to the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan for medical and dental services they didn’t receive.
October 7, 2021 Newscast
Arizona election audit hearing, closing the digital divide, a cooldown is in the forecast
Maricopa officials blast election review’s ‘spread of disinformation’
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County supervisors told a congressional committee Thursday that the state Senate's review of the county's 2020 election results amounted to a "staggering refusal to follow the will of the voters."
Programs tackle diabetes prevention in Black, Hispanic youth as cases surge
PHOENIX – New research shows a surge in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in youth, and some of the biggest increases are among Black and Hispanic children. One Arizona project seeks to prevent the problem with a nutrition and exercise program focused on Latino families.
Money troubles, lingering injuries: Former Bears great Brian Urlacher helping NFL veterans
SCOTTSDALE – Many former NFL players struggle with lingering injuries and financial hardships. NFL Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher hosted a Gridiron Gala to help raise awareness.
ESPN to televise volleyball tournament featuring defending state champion Hamilton
CHANDLER – The Hamilton High School volleyball team features a trio of Division I-bound players on a quest to win another state title. ESPN is in town to cover its participation in a four-team tournament.
Team culture, international flavor fuel fast start for ASU women’s soccer
PHOENIX – With help from players all over the planet, such as Lucy Johnson and Nicole Douglas, the ASU women’s soccer program is developing an other-worldly culture.
HHS says COVID-19 vaccinations may have saved 1,000 lives in Arizona
WASHINGTON – COVID-19 vaccinations have saved an estimated 1,000 lives in Arizona and have prevented as many as 2,800 hospitalizations for the disease, according to recent estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services.
‘Just Like Home’: 50 years later, ASU players from 1971 Fiesta Bowl reunite, reminisce
PHOENIX – Five decades later, the 1971 Arizona State football team that won the first Fiesta Bowl reunited and will be honored at the Arizona State-Stanford game.
October 8, 2021 Newscast
Anger over COVID-19 protocols, drought and water levels in Arizona, football camp for elementary students
Biden reverses Trump cuts to national monuments, restores Bears Ears
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden restored Bears Ears National Monument to its previous 1.36 million-acres footprint Friday, reversing a Trump-era decision to cut as much as 85% of the southern Utah site valued for its environmental, archeological and tribal treasures.
LA wheelchair basketball program helps kids with physical disabilities stay active
LA84 and Las Floristas fund the Rancho Los Amigos wheelchair basketball program. This provides kids and adults a chance to stay active and compete in sports.
Even Colorado’s largest wildfire was no match for beavers
Beavers have shaped waterways for millions of years, which makes them capable water managers. But they “are not going to be the miracle answer” to drought in the Colorado River Basin, experts say.
What’s in a name? Plenty for people honored in Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON - As Hispanic numbers and clout continue to grow in the U.S. and the state, so have the terms to describe people with roots in Latin countries, with Latino, Hispanic and more becoming more controversial.
Sunblock for streets: Cool pavement curbs heat in Phoenix, but more testing is needed
PHOENIX – The results of Phoenix’s cool pavement study give reason for optimism, but researchers and project administrators say more testing is needed.
Mulch from above: After the fire, the work to protect water sources begins
Debris from wildfires poses a threat to water sources, prompting cities to find ways to stem that sooty runoff. One method is to use helicopters to drop bundles of mulch on charred hillsides, but it’s costly.
Arizona projects get sizeable cut of Great American Outdoors Act funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona projects got $110 million last year and will get another $159 million in the fiscal year that started this month, or more than 9% of all funding nationally under the Great American Outdoors Act for those two years.
Overlanding community seeks path to a more sustainable future
FLAGSTAFF – Overlanding is a form of self-sufficient, off-grid adventure travel that utilizes large vehicles and practices that pose a risk to the environment. The Overland Expo Foundation is striving to become more sustainable.
Rising to the cause: Team honors O’odham community with unique jerseys
PHOENIX - With the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Phoenix Rising wore warm-up jerseys paying tribute to the community, its members and its water. All proceeds from the selling of the jersey go to Three Precious Miracles non-profit organization.
Bigger than sports: Cardinals donate field, host camp at Mesquite High
GILBERT - Mesquite High School gives back to the community with the support of the Arizona Cardinals, who donated a new football field.
Valleywise Health sees ‘modest decline’ in COVID-19 cases but fears nursing shortage will worsen
PHOENIX – As more Arizonans get vaccinated, Valleywise Health reports a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases. However, the health system’s severe nursing shortage remains and could get worse.
October 13, 2021 Newscast
Hospitals beds filling up, more people are gardening, shows during the pandemic
DHS to end workplace raids, turn focus on companies exploiting workers
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said it will stop raiding workplaces to search for undocumented immigrants and will focus instead on "unscrupulous employers who exploit the vulnerability" of undocumented labor.
Nonessential border travel ban to be lifted after nearly 20 months
WASHINGTON - Fully vaccinated non-essential travelers will be allowed to cross the U.S. border from Mexico starting in November, ending nearly 20 months of pandemic restrictions that were choking businesses in border communities.
Silent storm: Extreme heat prompts new national guidelines for workers
PHOENIX – The Biden administration announced new guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat as climate change continues to push temperatures higher.
West Nile mitigation keeps Yuma County, Cocopah reservation free of virus
In a record year for cases of West Nile virus, Yuma County has none, thanks in part to a partnership with the Cocopah tribe to mitigate mosquito-borne diseases.
Former Centennial baseball player Colin Nelson transitions to coaching after leukemia diagnosis
PEORIA – Colin Nelson learned of his leukemia diagnosis before the start of his senior year of Centennial High School. He focused his recovery on returning to the field, and leaned on his baseball teammates to help him get there. After completing his final season, he joined the staff that supported him through his illness.
A call to preserve Navajo language leads two sports broadcasters on historic path
PHOENIX - Navajo Nation duo Cuyler Frank and Glenn King are inspiring the next generation of Navajo after they made history by broadcasting a Division I football game in Dinè. However, their greatest success lies in what happens after history has been made.
ASU triathlon team’s first recruit from Mexico ready to pave way for future Latin Americans
TEMPE - MJ Lopez Aguirre heads into Arizona State triathlon’s 2021-22 season with loads of international experience. As the first Sun Devil triathlete to be recruited from Mexico, she hopes to be a good representation for future Latin American members.
Supporters seek national designation for Tucson’s January 8th Memorial
WASHINGTON - Organizers behind the January 8th Memorial marking the Jan. 8, 2011, mass shooting in Tucson that killed six and wounded 13, including then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, want the site to earn a national designation, but the National Park Service is lukewarm to the idea.
October 14, 2021 Newscast
Jury selection changes, new affordable housing developments, Mercury win game 2
Citizenship applications backlog leaves thousands with cases pending
WASHINGTON - More than 11,000 citizenship applications are pending in Arizona. Federal offials blame the pandemic for the delays, but critics blame Trump-era agency cuts.
Arizona MMA fighters, past and present, headline Bellator 268
PHOENIX - Bellator 268 takes place Saturday at the Footprint Center and while the main event features two global names in Vadim Nemkov and Julius Anglickas, the card is filled with local Arizona talents, bringing a homecoming vibe to the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals.
Coyotes’ Xavier Gutierrez, NHL’s first Latino CEO, draws on life experiences to make history
PHOENIX - In 2020, the Arizona Coyotes’ Xavier Gutierrez became the first Latino president and CEO in NHL history. However, hockey long ago made an impact on him when he saw what its untapped potential could mean to a community.
Is the end near for the GOAT? Taurasi continues to prove otherwise
PHOENIX - Diana Taurasi has the ultimate chance to walk off into the sunset. Her fifth Olympic gold medal, being named the WNBA’s GOAT, welcoming her second child, and now two wins away from a fourth WNBA title, the stage is set for a Hollywood ending. But is this really the end, or just another chapter?
ASU expects a physical, passionate matchup when PAC-12 South undefeated teams battle Saturday
TEMPE - The Sun Devils are going into hostile territory when they travel to Utah Saturday night. The Utes have been historically great at home and they look to extend their home win streak.
COVID boosters for Moderna and J&J vaccines recommended by FDA advisory panel
PHOENIX – An FDA advisory committee has recommended approval of booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
Low-income voters cast nearly 40% of Arizona votes in 2020, study says
PHOENIX – Arizonans making less than $50,000 a year were responsible for nearly 40% of votes cast in the 2020 general election, a voting study says. Nationwide, that figure was 35%.
October 15, 2021 Newscast
Protesters march about climate change, vaccine passports, the future of Diana Taurasi
She got game: Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky showcase growth of league in WNBA Finals
CHICAGO – From the enthusiasm of crowds to the large attendance to the high television ratings, the WNBA finds itself in a healthy place.
As marijuana profits fade, cartels increasingly smuggle fentanyl across the border
ARIVACA – Cartels are smuggling more and more deadly fentanyl across the border, leaving Arizonans to deal with the repercussions. Nationwide, overdose deaths hit a record high in 2020 and are continuing to rise.
It’s go(-kart) time: Phoenix Kart Racing Association bonds friends, prepares pros
GLENDALE – Several Arizona track offers go-kart opportunities for future NASCAR drivers as well as those simply looking to have a little fun. Some of the top professional drivers started their careers by competing in go-karts.
Digital media company PHNX Sports brings fans-first approach to Arizona
PHOENIX – Digital media outlet PHNX Sports brings a fans-first approach to Arizona and features podcasts, postgame shows and digital content about the state’s professional and college teams as well as gambling.
VP Kamala Harris discusses Build Back Better and climate change at Lake Mead
Vice President Kamala Harris met with regional leaders Monday at Lake Mead to discuss water shortages and the importance of the Build Back Better plan, which would invest in such measures as water reclamation and recycling.
He’s not 6-0 but Cardinals are: Quarterback Kyler Murray silences critics about stature
PHOENIX – Coming out of college, questions surround Kyler Murray’s height and how it would impact his game at the NFL level. Leading the team to a 6-0 start and looking like an MVP candidate, Murray has put any doubts to rest.
October 18, 2021 Newscast
Breast cancer screenings, the Vice President visits Lake Mead, Phoenix Mercury lose in the WNBA Finals
Arizona officials cite highs, lows that will be Colin Powell’s legacy
WASHINGTON - Arizona politicians from both sides of the aisle praised former Secretary of State Colin Powell as a dedicated public servant who will inspire "generations of Americans," but who also leaves behind a mixed legacy.
Rattlers players offer guidance to college athletes amid new era under NIL legislation
PHOENIX - Arizona Rattlers players offer insight for college football players and athletes on how to navigate name, image and likeness legislation and share what they would have done if they could have pursued deals in college.
Agritainment: Arizona farms turn to petting zoos, corn mazes, concerts and festivals to survive
GILBERT – Farms across Arizona are turning to ‘agritainment’ in order to survive. From petting zoos and tractor rides to pumpkin patches, the public can pay to peek behind the scenes and have some fun.
Home away from home: ASU soccer captain forms second family outside of Mexico
ASU soccer captain Alexia Delgado moved away from her parents at 13 to pursue her dream of becoming a soccer player. Now in Tempe, the Mexican international has found a place she can call home.
Pinal County farmer struggles to grow crops with less water
CASA GRANDE – Nancy Caywood should have a full field of alfalfa now, but since the San Carlos Irrigation District shut off her water because of drought, her fields are empty and dry.
It’s a wrap and a wrist slap: Phoenix Mercury season ends with loss and questions
PHOENIX – After losing to the WNBA Finals to the Chicago Sky, the Phoenix Mercury season ends with a $10,000 fine.
October 19, 2021 Newscast
Encouraging students and faculty to get vaccinated, young girls in transportation careers, Phoenix Mercury answer the questions
Republicans press Tucson police chief on border in nomination hearing
WASHINGTON - Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus walked a fine line in a hearing Tuesday on his nomination to lead Customs and Border Protection, attempting to balance interests from Democrats and GOP senators.
ASU League of Legends enters a new era with the same winning attitude
LOS ANGELES – ASU’s League of Legends team lost three out of five starters last year and its head coach. But the team is heading into the season with the same ideology of prioritizing close relationships.
Cloudy but a chance: Suns’ opener shaded by contract controversy
PHOENIX - Hot off a surprise run to the NBA Finals, and with Chris Paul back and Mikal Bridges signing an extension, the Phoenix Suns are presumably in good spirits heading into the new season. But the lack of Deandre Ayton’s contract extension has cast some doubts.
‘Be bold. Be courageous’: Gabby Giffords opens Gun Violence Memorial in LA
LOS ANGELES – Former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was gravely wounded in 2011, opened the Gun Violence Memorial at Expedition Park on Tuesday to memorialize the 3,400 Californians who died in gun violence in 2020.
Grit, determination drive GCU women’s soccer toward WAC tourney
PHOENIX - The Grand Canyon University women’s soccer program has had a monumental start to its season. The Lopes will finish with a winning record, their first since 2015. The team is focused on staying on top of the WAC and winning the conference tournament.
Maricopa County moves to curb the opioid crisis with the approval of lawsuit settlement
PHOENIX – Maricopa County announced Wednesday that it will grant $80 million of settlement money from pharmaceutical companies to nonprofits and those harmed by the opioid epidemic.
October 20, 2021 Newscast
Vaccines approved for children, Phoenix cool pavement coating, Wiffle ball state tournament
Sinema, O’Halleran part of White House talks on Build Back Better plan
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among the House and Senate moderates who met with President Joe Biden this week, as negotiations on the administration's Build Back Better plan heated up.
Navajo president backs bill to protect Native American voting rights
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez told a Senate panel Wednesday that special protections are needed to reverse the "very disrespectful" treatment of Native Americans who face extraordinary challenges in the voting process.
Water for wildlife: Game & Fish refurbishing, replacing old catchment systems
FLAGSTAFF – A water catchment is being rebuilt near Flagstaff to provide reliable water to wildlife. It’s part of an ongoing effort by Arizona Game & Fish and volunteers to make sure there’s water for animals during hot, dry times.
Arizona’s fallen officers honored at 47th annual Peace Officers Memorial service
PHOENIX – Seventeen law enforcement officers who died over the past two years were honored at the 47th annual Peace Officers Memorial service.
How the Super Bowl at SoFi could affect Southern California’s economy
LOS ANGELES – The NFL’s 2022 Super Bowl will be held Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Southern California can expect an economic impact, but how much is the question.
October 21, 2021 Newscast
Marijuana dispensary license program, car-free streets in LA, NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Yuma mayor says surging illegal migration is stressing local services
WASHINGTON - Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls told a Washington forum this week that the rise in illegal immigration is stressing health care and nonprofits that help migrants in his town, and he's worried the situation will worsen.
Court upholds death sentence for man who burned ex-roommate to death
WASHINGTON - An appeals court Thursday rejected an Arizona death-row inmate's argument that his sentence was unconstitutional because his crime, burning a former roommate to death, was committed in a brief window when the state was revising its death penalty law.
Fire or forgive? Debate about Brennaman slur continues as more broadcasters use derogatory language
PHOENIX - In August of 2020, former Diamondbacks broadcaster Thom Brennaman was suspended by the Cincinnati Reds for using a homophobic slur. He is far from the only announcer to face consequences for similar transgressions.
Girls get the chance to speak with NASA astronaut and scientist Jessica Meir
A virtual event sponsored by Transportation YOU gave more than 50 girls ages 13 to 18 the opportunity to learn from and ask questions of NASA astronaut Jessica Meir.
‘Don’t give up’: Arizona high school football players join forces to address teen suicide
PHOENIX - Understanding the epidemic of teen suicides, Arizona high school football players work with Teen Lifeline and the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club to create PSA’s and spread the word that there is hope.
October 22, 2021 Newscast
Child care provider grants, renaming some Tempe streets, strong storms coming to the West Coast
Tucson native lands on U.S. rugby for ‘colossal’ game with All Blacks
WASHINGTON - Rugby has taken Ryan Matyas all over the world, but the Tucson native quickly runs out of superlatives when talking about Saturday's "massive," "colossal" game, when he will be playing on the U.S. national team against New Zealand's legendary All Blacks.
Obamacare enrollment in Arizona rose by 40,000, with more gains likely
WASHINGTON - More than 40,000 Arizonans signed up for Affordable Care Act health insurance in the six-month special enrollment period earlier this year, and advocates expect the numbers to keep rising in the enrollment period that opens next month.
Before NBA named female play-by-play announcers, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Cindy Brunson were blazing trails
PHOENIX — Lisa Byington and Kate Scott made history when they were named the play-by-play voices for the Bucks and 76ers, respectively. But several women in the Valley, including Ann Meyers Drysdale and Cindy Brunson, helped blaze trails.
Kingsbury finds rhythm, Cardinals roll toward Thursday battle with Packers
PHOENIX – On Sunday the Arizona Cardinals remained unbeaten, defeating the Houston Texans 31-5, but on a shortened week, the team is already preparing to host the Green Bay Packers on Thursday.
Pediatricians accepting COVID-19 vaccine appointments for kids 5 to 11 in advance of FDA, CDC approval
PHOENIX – With the expected approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children 5 to 11, pediatricians in metro Phoenix are taking advance appointments for early November to administer the vaccine.
From Hawaii to Bogota to FanDuel, former pro player on unique journey
PHOENIX – Parker Farris is studying to get his master’s degree in sports law and business after a unique pro career. Now he is seeing sports from a new perspective, one that involves sports gambling.
Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods embraced sports almost as much as public service
PHOENIX – Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods will be remembered for his presence in the political field, but will also be remembered for his love of sports, along with his outspoken takes about his teams.
October 25, 2021 Newscast
Border apprehensions in previous years, food insecurity in college students, twin football coaches
‘The ultimate umpire’: Former Attorney General Grant Woods remembered
WASHINGTON – Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods was remembered Monday as an "incredibly active public servant" whose sudden death over the weekend had the potential to deal "a pretty big blow" to moderates in the state.
Border apprehensions hit all-time high of 1.7 million in fiscal 2021
WASHINGTON - Apprehensions at the southern border hit 1.7 million in fiscal 2021, the highest in more than 60 years. Apprehensions at the Arizona border were also up sharply.
Latina moms, environmental advocates fight air pollution with electric school bus
In one west Phoenix neighborhood, Latina moms came together to combat the issue of unhealthy air by targeting school buses.
Interactive video: Explore the Arizona State Fair food, rides, animals and more
Explore and learn about the Arizona State Fair through the lens of state fair vendors, workers and fairgoers in this interactive video experience.
Arizona counties grapple with equitable distribution of COVID vaccines
PHOENIX – Some Arizona counties continue to grapple with how to administer COVID-19 vaccines equitably, even as vaccination rates still lag among some people of color and in rural communities.
Sweet spot: Nona Lee’s role with Diamondbacks leads to more diversity, inclusion
PHOENIX – Nona Lee, an executive vice president and chief legal officer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, focuses much of her time on diversity and inclusion within the organization while helping women, minority and LGBTQ+ groups in the Valley.
October 26, 2021 Newscast
COVID-19 vaccine for children, Afghan translator comes to Arizona, online dating scams
Hobbs pushes for federal voting legislation to protect workers, voters
WASHINGTON - Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs joined other election officials with tales of harassment, death threats and attacks on election integrity since the 2020 election, and urged passage of federal legislation to protect future elections.
Phoenix Rising fans rely on watch parties to show support when team is away from home
PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising FC has found a way to keep its fans engaged when the team is on the road. Watch parties are held at a variety of restaurants and bars.
USDA pledges to address longstanding discrimination against Black farmers
DOUGLAS – The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to establish an equity commission to address decades of discrimination that have kept Black farmers from being successful.
Serving some discipline: Ironwood’s guide to building elite badminton program
PEORIA – When given the task of building the girls badminton program, Ironwood High School coach Brett Stafford had to do so from the ground up. His commitment to his program has shown through in its success and growth over the past decade.
Phoenix is No. 1 in consumer transportation spending among all U.S. metros
PHOENIX – According to Consumer Expenditure Reports released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Phoenix spends more on transportation than any other metro area, particularly when it comes to car purchases.
From expansion team to World Series winner: How Diamondbacks secured championship in just 4 seasons
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks won the World Series in 2001, becoming the fastest expansion team to win a championship in history. How they did it can be traced back to the 1976 NBA Finals, where Jerry Colangelo learned a valuable lesson.
October 27, 2021 Newscast
Arizonans rally in Washington, D.C., new irrigation drip system, Navajo taco stand at the State Fair
Arizonans join rallies in D.C. urging action on Build Back Better plan
WASHINGTON - Hundreds of protesters, including several from Arizona, gathered on Capitol Hill Wednesday to demand that Democrats fulfill promises on childcare, health care and immigration reform by taking action on President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan.
MMA with a twist of cannabis: Combat sport meets marijuana at RUF, Puff & Rumble event
PHOENIX – Promoter RUF Nation hosted a unique event Saturday, and it marked the first time an MMA organization held a cannabis expo alongside a fight card in the Valley.
Ghost tours scare up more business during COVID pandemic
TOMBSTONE – During the COVID-19 pandemic, ghost tours fulfilled a rising demand for outdoor activities where social distancing was possible.
Happy to be a target: Arizona man represents state on dart’s biggest stage
GILBERT – Chuck Puleo competes in an uncommon sport, darts, at the highest level. He was recently one of two players to represent the U.S. in the PDC World Cup, one of many international events in which he has competed.
‘Living in the hell’: Interpreter is one of 300+ Afghan refugees resettled in Arizona
SCOTTSDALE – An interpreter for the U.S. military fled his native Afghanistan after the Taliban retook control in August. He and his fiance landed in Arizona with some help from a Scottsdale law group.
‘Magical’ season by Diamondbacks in 2001 still sparks fond memories for fans
PHOENIX – The 2001 World Series not only brought a championship to a D-Backs’ roster filled with veterans, it brought a championship to a hungry city that welcomed the club just four years earlier.
October 28, 2021 Newscast
Agreement on Build Back Better bill, ghost tourism in Arizona towns, J.J. Watt out for shoulder surgery
Democrats’ slimmer $1.75 trillion Build Back Better still has skeptics
WASHINGTON - Democratic leaders said Thursday that they reached agreement on a $1.75 trillion "framework" for their Build Back Better plan, a sweeping social and environmental spending plan that would increase funding for everything from child care to Medicare.
Attention: Highland football coach incorporates military background into practice and schoolwork
GILBERT - Highland freshman football coach and Air Force veteran Mark Falagrady lives and works in technology, served in the military, and coaches the freshman team at Highland High School, and he intertwines all of his backgrounds into his coaching.
Q&A: Navajo woman starts nonprofit to improve maternal health
PHOENIX – The U.S. faces higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths than other developed nations, and Indigenous mothers are 2 to 3 times as likely to die as white mothers. One nonprofit aims to help.
Carter twins bring family dynamic to coaching, teaching at Desert Edge High School
GOODYEAR - The Carter twins were determined to lead a football program together. They found the opportunity at Desert Edge, which is off to a strong 5-2 start.
On Halloween, real witches set the record straight
PHOENIX – The stereotype of warty noses, black-brimmed hats and cauldrons of evil spells come to mind when thinking about witchcraft, but for real-life practitioners this is far from the truth.
Public can comment on proposed changes to management plan for Mexican wolves
PHOENIX – Public hearings have begun over proposed changes to how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages endangered Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico. The hearings were spurred by a 2018 court ruling.
October 29, 2021 Newscast
Pfizer vaccine approved for children, Halloween weather forecast, stereotypes about witches
DHS tries again to end ‘remain in Mexico’ policy, despite court order
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said Friday it will end the Migrant Protection Protocols, its second attempt to reverse the Trump-era policy that makes asylum seekers wait in Mexico while their cases are considered.
Microorganisms in gut can be influenced by a child’s socioeconomic status, study says
PHOENIX – TGen led a nationwide study that found the microbiome of children can be influenced by their socioeconomic status.
Return of the Jedis: Lightspeed Saber League back in competition
BUENA PARK, California – Last month’s competition in Southern California was the first tournament for the Lightspeed Saber League since the shutdown from COVID-19.
Media members recall ‘emotion’ of 2001 World Series
PHOENIX – The 2001 World Series featured the newly formed Arizona Diamondbacks and the well established New York Yankees. But for both sides, reporters had to frame coverage against the backdrop of a devastating terrorist attack just months earlier.
Pulling back the curtain: A look behind the scenes of the College Football Playoff selection process
GRAPEVINE, Texas - Every year, the College Football Playoff selection committee selects the top-25 teams in the nation, including the four who participate in the playoff. This is a behind the scenes look at their process.
Protesters take sides, as Supreme Court takes up Texas abortion law
WASHINGTON - The future of abortion rights was not strictly the issue before the Supreme Court when it took up Texas' strict abortion law Monday, but that was not evident from the scores of protesters who gathered outside the court.
November 1, 2021 Newscast
Texas abortion law, pop-up vaccination events, problematic day games for ASU football
26 marijuana dispensary licenses available through Arizona equity program
PHOENIX – Social equity licenses to sell marijuana could help Arizonans, particularly those of color, who have been harmed by the long-running war on drugs.
Former Marcos de Niza kicker keeps moving forward after car crash
PHOENIX – Former Marcos de Niza kicker Krysten Muir was paralyzed from the waist down after a roll-over accident near Payson in January. Since then, she has relearned how to walk and is inspiring others. And the Arizona Cardinals and Desert Financial Foundation have established a scholarship to honor her by helping other “determined, resilient and impactful student athletes.”
Latest Datos report predicts a boom in Hispanic homebuying over next two decades
PHOENIX – “Datos: The State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market,” is a compilation of studies put out by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that highlights Latinos and housing. Nationwide, it says, 70% of new homeowners will be Latino between now and 2040.
November 2, 2021 Newscast
School mask ban ruling, first responders and COVID-19 infection, Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
Hickman: A year after 2020 elections, threats, abuse still coming in
WASHINGTON - It's been a year since the 2020 elections, but Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman said during a virtual forum Tuesday that he continues to get threats for his part in certifying the election.
Arizona Supreme Court upholds ruling that allows school mask mandates
WASHINGTON – The Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that state lawmakers could not include a ban on school mask mandates and other issues - everything from voter registration to dog-racing permits - that were rolled together in budget bills.
Memories of 2001 World Series vivid for Diamondbacks broadcaster Oscar Soria, Arizona Latino community
PHOENIX - Oscar Soria, the Spanish-language television and radio analyst of the Diamondbacks, reflects on the 2001 World Series and the impact it had on the Arizona Latino community.
Federal funds needed to help end homelessness in Arizona, advocates say
PHOENIX – Arizona housing advocates campaign for federal funding for affordable housing solutions as the kinks continue to be worked out of the Biden administration’s Build Back Better agenda.
Flying high: NAU cross country, worldwide endurance athletes use Flagstaff’s altitude as training tactic
PHOENIX - Distance runners from NAU and all over the world utilize the high altitude in Flagstaff for training. HYPO2 Sport is an altitude training organization that prioritizes athletes’ performance under elevated conditions and produces methods to take advantage of altitude.
Over 95% of employees comply with vaccine mandates, Arizona hospitals say
PHOENIX – Arizona hospitals that set a Nov. 1 deadline for employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 report a compliance rate of more than 95%.
Pediatricians ready to vaccinate ages 5-11 against COVID, urge parents to prepare kids
PHOENIX – The CDC approved the COVID-19 vaccination for children 5 to 11. Health care providers provided insight on what parents can do to prepare their child to get the shot.
November 3, 2021 Newscast
Schedule vaccine for your child, Día de los Muertos, Trevor Browne inspiring the community
Tucson chief moves a step closer to CBP job, on narrow committee vote
WASHINGTON - Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus moved closer to becoming the next commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Wednesday after a Senate committee narrowly approved his nomination.
Rosy-faced lovebirds use human innovations to keep cool when Arizona temperatures soar
PHOENIX – Rosy-faced lovebirds have found ways to survive in the Valley by using air-conditioning and water fountains. Drought and climate change are impacting this nonnative bird’s ability to survive in the desert.
Win a World Series? Far-fetched joke becomes reality for young Diamondbacks franchise
PHOENIX – On November 4, 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. Diamondbacks executives reflect on the historic win 20 years later.
Burro racing? A nod to mining, Arizona communities embrace the competition
SUPERIOR – In 1949, Colorado began racing burros to honor the tradition of donkeys and their impact on mining towns. In the last few years, Arizona has picked up the tradition, racing burros to spread awareness of burros and mining history.
A memorable presidential pitch, a head rub: Ari Fleischer, Curt Schilling reflect on 2001 World Series
PHOENIX – Though the Arizona Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series in seven scintillating games, a different fandom was equally affected by the emotion and weight of that extraordinary postseason: the fans of the New York Yankees, and especially then-press secretary Ari Fleischer.
November 4, 2021 Newscast
COVID-19 vaccines required by Jan. 1, first responders help pediatric patients, lightsaber fencing competition
White House orders workplace vaccinations, state officials vow fight
WASHINGTON - Just hours after the Biden administration issued regulations Thursday to require that businesses mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their workers, Arizona officials were vowing to fight what one called a "direct attack" on personal liberty.
El último informe de Datos predice un auge en la compra de viviendas por parte de los hispanos en las próximas dos décadas
PHOENIX - "Datos: El mercado hispano del estado de Arizona" es una compilación de estudios publicados por la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Arizona que destaca a los latinos y las viviendas. Nacionalmente, dice, el 70% de los nuevos propietarios serán latinos de aquí a 2040.
Phoenix Rising take undefeated record at Wild Horse Pass into playoffs
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Rising are unbeaten at Wild Horse Pass and look to continue that run into the playoffs, which start Saturday against RGV Toros.
From Ethier to Westphal to Meyers Drysdale, Arizona Sports Hall Of Fame class honored
PHOENIX - Ann Meyers Drysdale, Andre Ethier and the late Paul Westphal were among the inductees in the latest Arizona Sports Hall Of Fame class.
LGBTQ+ community excited, relieved that Phoenix Pride is back after COVID hiatus
PHOENIX – Phoenix Pride will hold its first large-scale, in-person festival since April 2019, and some LGBTQ+ community members hope it will provide an antidote to the isolation they have faced during the pandemic.
Nogales businesses hope reopening the border will reverse losses suffered during pandemic
NOGALES – After 19 months, Nogales will reopen Monday to nonessential travelers from Mexico, giving the Arizona border city of 20,000 hope that life and the economy may return to pre-pandemic normal.
Suns players, fans react to allegations of racism and misogyny against Robert Sarver
PHOENIX – Just hours after an ESPN story dropped about Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and allegations of racism and misogyny within the organization, the team took to the court for a game against the Houston Rockets. Players, fans and coach Monty Williams react to the news.
November 5, 2021 Newscast
Border re-opening, COVID pill on the way to FDA, reactions to Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver
Arizona lawmakers split as House OKs $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines late Friday night as the House voted 228-206 to pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, giving final passage to a centerpiece of the Biden administration's agenda.
Larson’s career turnaround leads to NASCAR Cup Series Championship
PHOENIX – On Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson capped off one of the most accomplished NASCAR Cup Series seasons in recent memory, outrunning his three title competitors in the final sprint to win the race and secure his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship. It followed a season that included a six-month suspension.
Oregon is the Pac-12’s lone hope for a College Football Playoff berth
PHOENIX – Although the Oregon Ducks hold one of the coveted top four positions in the initial CFP poll, the rest of the Pac-12’s teams are nowhere to be found.
The pandemic blew up home gardening, but will the trend wither on the vine?
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Americans to take on new hobbies. Gardening was one of the hottest trends of the year.
Let’s get physical: Chandler family thrives in roller derby, football
PHOENIX – Contact sports are in the blood of one Chandler family. The parents prefer roller derby while their sons have embraced football.
Reopening of border after 20 months is both exciting and low key in Nogales
NOGALES – Nogales had a celebratory if low-key border reopening Monday, as people in cars and on foot crossed over from Mexico for the first time since March 2020, when COVID-19 prompted the U.S. to ban all nonessential travel.
‘The Replacements’ help lead Cardinals to a win in San Francisco, improve to 8-1
PHOENIX – The Cardinals came away from San Francisco on Sunday with a victory thanks to a few players who stepped up with key players out.
November 8, 2021 Newscast
Shoppers return to Nogales, power outage at Sky Harbor Airport, trick plays help ASU football
Aducanumab is promising for some Alzheimer’s patients, but not all will get it
PHOENIX – The new drug Aducanumab underscores the importance of early recognition of Alzheimer’s disease. Some families won’t qualify for it because their loved one’s disease has progressed to moderate and severe stages.
Heat has a new enemy in Phoenix: A city office dedicated to fighting rising temperatures
PHOENIX – Phoenix has created a first-of-its-kind office to respond to rising temperatures from climate change. Heat is a greater weather hazard than floods or storms, and the new office aims to improve livability in the desert city.
Scottsdale Polo Party isn’t just for the rich and famous
SCOTTSDALE – The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships was back for the 10th Anniversary of what has been called “the best polo event in the world.” The event attracts the rich and famous, but also caters to a wider audience as the sport grows in popularity.
World class: ASU women’s soccer is a global family
TEMPE – With 13 international players on a 31-player roster, Arizona State’s women’s soccer program has mastered international recruiting like no other program in the Pac-12 Conference. Coach Graham Winkworth’s team represents 10 countries on five continents.
November 9, 2021 Newscast
Incentives for school bus drivers, hospitality industry needs workers, "instant buyers" in housing market
Los artistas hispanos se unen para luchar contra la desinformación y fomentar las pruebas y las vacunas contra COVID
PHOENIX — Los artistas hispanos ayudan a navegar la información de las vacunas COVID-19 y las pruebas a través del arte para la comunidad hispana.
Anime animosity: Critics demand Gosar be investigated for violent tweet
WASHINGTON - Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, refused to back down Tuesday from his weekend tweet of a violent cartoon that appeared to show him and other House conservatives attacking President Joe Biden and a liberal House Democrat.
With fans back, ASU wrestling hopes All-American talent leads to first NCAA title since 1988
TEMPE – The ASU wrestling program kicked off its final year at Desert Financial Arena with its annual Maroon & Gold scrimmage. With fans back in the stands, the Sun Devils hope to lean on their seven All-Americans to claim their first NCAA title since 1988.
A pound for an ounce: Cave Creek stamp mill celebrates Arizona’s gold mining history
CAVE CREEK – Cave Creek Museum is home to a fully operational stamp mill that was used to extract gold more than a century ago. The Arizona Gold Mining Experience offers a glimpse into what it was like to be an Arizona miner in 1910.
1 in 5 Arizona suicide victims were veterans, five-year ASU study finds
PHOENIX – A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that 1 in 5 suicide victims in Arizona were veterans. It also found that veterans are more likely to encounter barriers to physical and mental health before taking their lives.
November 10, 2021 Newscast
New report about veterans and suicide, bringing back the rodeo program, NASCAR fans over the weekend
2 years, 7 months, 22 days: Brandon Williams back after long hoops layoff
WASHINGTON - It was just one game for former University of Arizona basketball standout Brandon Williams, but it was a meaningful one - his pro debut with the G-League Westchester Knicks ended a two-year, seven-month, 22-day wait to get back to the game he loves.
Veterans Day Parade grand marshal reflects on experience as a chief nurse during Operation Desert Storm
PHOENIX – Col. Christine Mahon served as a chief nurse for the U.S Army Reserve for 33 years. We talked with her about her experience. Mahon will serve as one of the grand marshals for the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.
Thank a veteran? Good luck finding one in Congress, as numbers dwindle
The number of veterans serving in Congress is at its lowest point since the start of World War II, with vets making up only about 17% of current lawmakers, a decline that analysts say deprives Congress of valuable perspectives in governing.
A history of the British WWII pilots who learned to fight Nazis in Arizona
MESA – An inside look at the history and significance of the No. 4 British flight training school located at Falcon Field in Mesa.
New Academy Museum of Motion Pictures highlights diversity in film industry
LOS ANGELES – The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened Sept. 30 in Los Angeles, shines a spotlight on diversity in the film industry, as well as a trove of memorabilia from the history of Hollywood.
As 25th anniversary of last Suns coaching stint nears, Fitzsimmons remembered for positivity
PHOENIX - The late Cotton Fitzsimmons was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame after his wife JoAnn fought for his story and legacy.
Despite bumpy road, ASU football determined to find success in Pacific Northwest
TEMPE - After losing back-to-back games, Arizona State rebounded against USC and hopes for similar success in the Pacific Northwest.
Eventos virtuales enseñan Arizona votantes los cambios en la ley para mantenerse registrados
PHOENIX – La Secretaria de Estado y dos becarios que trabajan en campañas de registro de votantes dan una idea de cómo registran a las personas para votar en las elecciones. Además, errores comunes en la votación y cosas que debe saber para la temporada electoral.
Cindy McCain, Charles Barkley, others celebrate ‘extraordinary life’ of Grant Woods
PHOENIX – Cindy McCain, Charles Barkley and others spoke at a memorial service celebrating the life of former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods, who died Oct. 23 at age 67.
November 12, 2021 Newscast
Former Attorney General laid to rest, living with disabilities, the Arizona Kachinas girls hockey team
Democrats continue to press for action against Gosar, call for censure
WASHINGTON - House Democrats continued to press for action Friday against Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, over a violent cartoon video that appears to show him attacking the president and killing a liberal House Democrat.
Court: Higher water charge for public housing is not discriminatory
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Friday that an Arizona water district can charge more in upfront fees to public housing residents, even though the policy disproportionately affects minority customers and single mothers.
Arizona schools address COVID’s impact on student mental health
CHANDLER – Teens are struggling more than usual with their mental health, due to social isolation, economic instability and other worries surrounding COVID-19. Across Arizona, schools have launched efforts to help youth protect their well-being.
Keeping it in the Valley: Former Sun Devils Holland Woods, Taeshon Cherry enjoy vibe at GCU
PHOENIX – The team chemistry and culture of the GCU men’s basketball team brought former Sun Devils Holland Woods and Taeshon Cherry from Tempe to Phoenix.
NASCAR ready to debut ‘Next Gen’ car after Gen-6 retired at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – Phoenix Raceway hosted the final race of the Generation 6 era of cars on NASCAR Championship weekend. Generation 6 cars made their run from 2013-2021 and with Next Gen cars set to make their debut next season, questions loom.
November 15, 2021 Newscast
Infrastructure bill is signed, infrastructure funding impact, walkable neighborhood plans
Arizonans on hand as Biden signs bill worth billions in state projects
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers joined hundreds on the White House lawn Monday as President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that includes billions of dollars for road, transit, environmental cleanup and other projects in the state.
‘Becoming Jane’: LA exhibit explores the evolution of conservationist Jane Goodall
LOS ANGELES – Jane Goodall began living among chimpanzees in Tanzania in 1960, and over the decades she has given scientists a new understanding of our closest relatives.
Sun Devils still learning team-first lessons from Briann January
TEMPE – Arizona State honored Briann January’s college career by retiring her number at halftime of a game against Minnesota, but the Sun Devils fell short of the team-first standard she set during her career in Tempe in a 66-59 overtime loss to the Golden Gophers
‘Historical’ infusion of dollars resuscitates marginalized arts and cultural groups
PHOENIX – Eighty-eight nonprofit cultural organizations are coming back to life after the pandemic, thanks to $2.65 million in federal COVID-relief aid targeting the arts. The money was allocated by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.
November 16, 2021 Newscast
Arizona ranked seventh in lung cancer, mapping ticks in Arizona, Arizona ski resort delays opening
Tribal leaders welcome return of White House meetings after four years
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders said the just-ended White House summit on tribal affairs "shows promise" for the federal commitment to solving problems in Indian Country and to giving Native Americans a voice in the process.
Last Chance Yuma: Thriving Arizona Western soccer program bonds a community
YUMA – With 26 players from around the globe, an unlikely success story has emerged in Yuma. The men’s soccer team at Arizona Western College has found great success and is playing in the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship.
Scorching hot: Phoenix Suns win nine straight after blocking out the noise
PHOENIX - The Suns return to Phoenix after a short but successful three-game road trip, stretching their win streak to nine games. Second in the conference and the hottest team in the league, the Suns are doing all they can to keep their minds on the court – and keep out the noise.
Pack your patience: Holiday travel could reach pre-pandemic levels
PHOENIX – Experts predict that this holiday season, travel numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels, with more people traveling locally and regionally this year. Travel experts weigh in on what the holiday season will look like this year and how to prepare for holiday travel.
As COVID cases rise, officials push vaccinations and masks for the holidays
PHOENIX – Valleywise Health stresses the importance of vaccinations to combat COVID-19 and flu as cases rise and the holidays draw near.
‘Q-Shaman,’ face of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, sentenced to 41 months
WASHINGTON - A contrite Jacob Anthony Chansley, the self-described "QAnon Shaman" who became the face of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced Wednesday to 41 months in prison for his role in the assault.
November 17, 2021 Newscast
U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) censured, physician suicide rises, next generation of NASCAR vehicles
House censures defiant Gosar for violent video, strips committee posts
WASHINGTON - The House censured Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, and stripped him of his committee assignments over a violent cartoon he posted that appeared to show him killing a Democratic member and threatening the president.
Fast food workers strike in LA, push for better pay and safety standards across industry
LOS ANGELES – The fight for safer working conditions and creating a minimum standard at fast food restaurants led to workers protesting outside several McDonald's restaurants in Los Angeles on Nov. 9.
Grant helps Phoenix clinic expand mental health, substance abuse treatment for the underserved
PHOENIX – Terros Health has been awarded a $4 million federal grant to help expand mental health and substance abuse services for underserved patients and military veterans in west Phoenix.
Nonprofits, business groups help Latino-owned businesses hit hard by pandemic
PHOENIX – Salvadoreño Restaurant No. 3, like other Hispanic-owned restaurants, endured many hardships during the pandemic. Yesenia Ramirez, co-owner of the restaurant, says they had to “respond to change immediately.”
Olympian heights: Sport climbing’s debut in Tokyo Games brings increased participation at all levels
TEMPE – Despite concerns among the climbing community regarding its format, sport climbing’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games has drawn more eyes to the already rising sport. With an increase in interest, more clubs and teams are popping up across the nation, including the Sun Devil Climbing club at Arizona State University.
November 18, 2021 Newscast
Record fentanyl overdose deaths, Sky Harbor Airport needs workers, ASU women's soccer team
House approves $1.9 trillion ‘Build Back Better’ social spending plan
The House passed the 10-year, roughly $1.9 trillion "Build Back Better" bill early Friday, a plan supporters say would extend tax credits, child care, health care and more to tens of thousands of Arizonans but which still needs Senate approval.
The West needs tons of snow to escape drought, and that’s unlikely this winter
This winter isn’t expected to produce sufficient snowpack to make a serious dent in the long term drought that grips most of the Southwest, forecasters say. The reason is a phenomenon called La Niña.
Tribal members across Oklahoma reflect on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Members of Oklahoma tribes have mixed feelings on the importance of an Indigenous Peoples’ Day, especially when symbols of racism remain prevalent.
Bumpy beginnings: ASU men’s basketball eyes 3 points of improvement after 2-2 start
SAN DIEGO - The Arizona State men’s basketball team has lost two of four games in 2021. It knows it must improve in several areas, including shooting, perimeter defense, health and chemistry.
Buttigieg visits Phoenix to sign grant for light-rail expansion, tout infrastructure bill
PHOENIX – Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Phoenix Friday for the signing of a federal transit grant, which will provide $158 million toward the second phase of the Valley Metro Northwest Extension project.
MLB to provide housing for minor league players, but are more changes needed?
PHOENIX – MLB owners approved a plan to provide housing to eligible minor leaguers starting in 2022. But that’s not the only issue MLB needs to address.
November 19, 2021 Newscast
Infrastructure projects in Arizona, the "Build Back Better" bill, Arizona Fall League
Arizona law allows Indigenous students greater cultural expression at graduation
PHOENIX – Arizona passed a law that allows Indigenous students to wear culturally significant regalia during graduation ceremonies. Previously, certain schools prohibited regalia, contributing to systemic limits on cultural expression.
Webb telescope will use UArizona sensor to observe first galaxies
On Dec. 18, an international partnership will launch the James Webb Space Telescope, a cluster of infrared instruments that will peer back to just after the Big Bang. Astronomers from UArizona are involved.
Arizona standout Gile Bite Starkute putting golf on Lithuania’s map
PHOENIX – Arizona junior Gile Bite Starkute is the first U.S. college golfer from Lithuania, a country with just a handful of golf courses. She said it would be a “dream” to be the first to represent her country at the Olympics in golf.
Brnovich amends vaccine mandate lawsuit to include Phoenix first responders
PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has amended his suit against the Biden administration’s mandate that all federal employees and contractors be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January and added Phoenix fire and police associations.
November 22, 2021 Newscast
Cooler weather for Thanksgiving, workers strike at Sky Harbor Airport, one girl finds a forever family
Las empresas latinas afectadas por la pandemia sobreviven por el apoyo de la iniciativa privada y organizaciones comunitarias
PHOENIX – Salvadoreño Restaurant #3, como todos los negocios hispanos, enfrentan retos durante la pandemia. Co-propietaria Yesenia Ramirez habla sobre sus experiencias.
‘Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’: ASU’s Washington carries on family legacy
TEMPE - Anthony Washington was an Olympian in the discus throw. Now, His son Turner is dominating NCAA track and field as a thrower at Arizona State.
After years of addiction, heartbreak, former Arizona star Vance Johnson helps others
TUCSON - Vance Johnson’s past includes struggles with alcohol and prescription pill addiction after he witnessed domestic abuse growing up. Now, the former University of Arizona and NFL star is committed to sobriety and wants to help others facing substance abuse issues.
November 23, 2021 Newscast
Prescription drug prices, encouraging vaccinations for children, Tie One On for Safety campaign
Health experts: Holiday gatherings ‘should be fine’ – with precautions
WASHINGTON - Health officials said this week that it should be OK for families to gather over the holidays, as long as people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and take other precautions against the spread of the disease.
Biden releases 50 million barrels of oil in hopes of easing gas prices
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration said Tuesday that it will release 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to drive down the surging cost of gasoline and home heating oil.
‘Yer out!’ Arizona Fall League comes to close with Mesa Solar Sox victory in championship
PHOENIX - After taking a season off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Arizona Fall League came to an end with the Mesa Solar Sox capturing the title. The Solar Sox were led by their pitching in the championship game as Caleb Kilian threw six perfect innings.
You probably know the ukulele, but maybe not its history
PHOENIX – The popular Pacific Islands four-stringed instrument has a distinctive sound and is easy to play – but how should ukulele be pronounced? There are competing opinions on the topic.
‘Either shut up or lose your whole career’: Arizona coach among those calling out NWSL’s toxic culture
PHOENIX - The NWSL has faced numerous allegations of abuse from coaches and organizations alike. Now, many, including Arizona’s soccer coach, are calling out the league’s culture and calling for change.
13 and counting: How far can streaking Phoenix Suns go?
PHOENIX - As the Phoenix Suns stretch their winning streak farther and farther, the target on their backs grows bigger and bigger. Not that they mind, because in their eyes, they are hunters, not prey.
Thanksgiving dinner will cost Arizonans 5% more this year, but that’s less than U.S. average
PHOENIX – The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 36th annual Thanksgiving meal review shows Americans will pay almost 14% more for turkey and trimmings than they were last year, but in Arizona the rise is only 5%.
November 24, 2021 Newscast
Combatting food surplus, holiday shopping problems, ASU prepares for Territorial Cup game
Cardinals vs. Rising? Valley pro teams compete to help fight hunger
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising, State Forty Eight and the United Food Bank teamed up to help fight hunger within the community. They also made it a competition with the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona jobless rate continues steady decline, workforce keeps growing
WASHINGTON – Arizona's unemployment rate continued its steady decline in October, falling to 5.2%, down a full percentage point from just two months earlier and almost one-third of the state's pandemic high, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
FCS playoffs extend football season for ‘a lot of ballers’ from Arizona
WASHINGTON - None of Arizona’s three Division I football teams will vie for a national championship this fall, but 25 players with Arizona ties still have a shot - as part of the 24 teams squaring off in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs that begin Saturday.
It’s beginning to look a lot like a post-COVID Christmas for retailers
WASHINGTON - In the second holiday season of the pandemic era, goods may cost more, but Americans have more money to spend - and they appear to be eager to spend it, and that's true in Arizona, where retailers say holiday shopping is already in full swing.
Construction underway at Phoenix Open as officials plan for full capacity event
PHOENIX – With plans for fans to return to a full capacity Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Thunderbirds and tournament officials are constructing grandstands and adding new elements for the February event.
Coyotes host ‘Greek Life Night,’ help ASU fraternities, sororities raise awareness of sexual assault
GLENDALE – Fraternities and sororities at Arizona State are focused on helping to prevent sexual assault on campus. Teaming up with the Arizona Coyotes for Greek Life Night was a step toward that goal.
Cat’s out of the bag: Edwards is back at ASU
TEMPE – On Saturday ASU coach Herm Edwards told reporters he will be back next season. An NCAA inquiry and second-half season swoon had placed his future in question.
‘We cannot get complacent’: Ex-surgeon general recommends vigilance in the face of omicron variant
PHOENIX - Former surgeon general and Department of Health Services adviser Dr. Richard Carmona provides updates on the state of COVID in Arizona, and recommends a continuation of policy in the face of the omicron variant.
November 29, 2021 Newscast
Omicron variant concerns, a clothing designer give back, a Valley football team makes a comeback
‘Q-Shaman’ gets new lawyer, sets up likely appeal of Jan. 6 guilty plea
Jacob Chansley, the Arizona man who pleaded guilty to his role in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol, switched attorneys Monday, laying the groundwork for a possible appeal of his plea and 41-month sentence.
Delivering Hope: How those who’ve been there are fighting homelessness
PHOENIX – With homelessness on the rise, the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Hope Coach Mobile Outreach program takes a different approach to helping people: It employs case managers who themselves have experienced homelessness so they can better connect and build trust.
Top prospects from the state put the Arizona in Arizona Fall League
The Arizona Fall League, which features top prospects from around baseball, returned to the Valley after a one-year absence because of the pandemic and it brought some familiar faces home.
Streaks collide in the Valley as the Suns host the Warriors
PHOENIX – The Suns return home on a 16-game winning streak and can match the franchise’s longest streak by beating the Golden State Warriors tonight. However, the resurging Warriors have the league’s best record and are on a seven game streak of their own. It’s the first of three matchups in less than a month between the teams, including a marquee matchup on Christmas Day.
November 30, 2021 Newscast
A Christmas tree shortage, new tax laws this Giving Tuesday, record breaking November temperatures
Rittenhouse rejected, respected by feuding factions on ASU campus
WASHINGTON - He is not currently enrolled in any classes or present on campus, but Kyle Rittenhouse is already casting a long shadow at Arizona State University.
COVID relief funds used to build homeless shelter in west Phoenix for ages 55 or older
PHOENIX – The nonprofit CASS partnered with Phoenix and neighborhoods in west Phoenix to create Project Haven 2, a homeless shelter for ages 55 or older. The project is supported by federal COVID-19 relief funds.
December 1, 2021 Newscast
Protests about Mississippi abortion law, misinformation among Latino audiences, cool December temperatures
Hundreds rally as Supreme Court justices weigh future of abortion rights
WASHINGTON - Protesters from both sides of the abortion issue rallied outside the Supreme Court Wednesday as justices considered a strict Mississippi law that could lead the court to reverse its longstanding abortion-rights rulings.
Kyle Rittenhouse opponents, supporters rally at ASU over his possible enrollment
TEMPE – Several left-wing groups rallied Wednesday to demand that Arizona State University deny enrollment to Kyle Rittenhouse – although ASU officials say Rittenhouse isn’t enrolled and hasn’t applied for admission.
Daylight saving time harms adolescents’ health, experts warn
LOS ANGELES – The shift back and forth between daylight saving time and standard time twice a year negatively affects the health and well-being of adolescents. It affects a healthy sleep cycle, as well as impairs their ability to drive safely.
NASCAR meets esports: Tournament provides unique opportunity for Boys & Girls Club members
PHOENIX – Phoenix Raceway hosted more than the NASCAR Championship on championship weekend. The racetrack partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley to host a first-of-its-kind Rocket League esports tournament.
BYU’s Shaylee Gonzales: basketball standout, social influencer, NIL beneficiary
PHOENIX - Shaylee Gonzales found her voice on social media, and on the basketball court. Now the BYU star is cashing in and living the ultimate comeback story.
Suns vs. Warriors: A preview of postseason things to come?
PHOENIX – Tuesday’s matchup between the Suns and the Warriors lived up to its billing, as the shorthanded Suns extended their winning streak to 17 and defeated the top-seeded Warriors. Are these two franchises destined for a playoff classic?
December 2, 2021 Newscast
Blood supplies at low levels; staying safe on Arizona's lakes, volunteering this holiday season
Protesters urge Sen. Kelly to support bill to protect sacred Oak Flat
PHOENIX – About 20 protestors gathered in front of Sen. Mark Kelly’s office to urge him to save Oak Flat, a sacred Indigenous site near Superior, from copper mining.
Kliff Kingsbury speculation, Don Brown departure: Football coaching carousel impacts Arizona
PHOENIX - Even though the regular season has just finished, college football coaches are already taking new jobs and leaving programs for greener pastures. And the move are having a ripple affect in Arizona.
Despite battling Valley fever as a child, Highland quarterback Gage Dayley finds unlikely path to success
PHOENIX – After battling Valley fever when he was young, Gage Dayley’s sports path was forever changed. Now he is the starting quarterback at Gilbert Highland High School and could lead his team to the 6A state championship.
Soaring to new heights: Benjamin seeing field, finding traction in second season with Cardinals
PHOENIX - Former Arizona State star running back Eno Benjamin scored his first career touchdown for the Cardinals in Week 9 against the 49ers. He has seen increased production and is finding a greater role in his second season with the team.
Fewer Christmas trees in Oregon means fewer trees in metro Phoenix
PHOENIX – This year, droughts and forest fires in the Northwest, supply chain issues and planting times have resulted in a shortage of Christmas trees in lots across the country.
December 3, 2021 Newscast
Return to Mexico program resumes, funds for underserved communities, ASU students celebrate Hanukkah
‘Remain in Mexico’ migrant policy resumes, even as feds vow to end it
WASHINGTON - The Trump-era "remain in Mexico" policy will resume Monday, after the Mexican government agreed to accept migrants who are turned away at the border and forced to wait in Mexico for their hearing.
SRP lowers Salt River water levels, reducing eelgrass for wild horses, advocates complain
MESA – Water levels on the Salt River have been healthy all summer and have led to ample eelgrass for the wild horses that roam its banks. Now SRP is cutting back on releases into the river, and a group dedicated to the horses is worried about the horses’ food source.
Distance swimming and dim sum: ASU’s Gordon Mason takes journey from Hong Kong to Tempe
TEMPE – ASU swimmer Gordon Mason faced a long journey to reach Tempe, traveling from Hong Kong to the U.K. to Los Angeles. While on that path, he found his two greatest passions: swimming and cooking.
December 6, 2021 Newscast
Anti-viral pill used against COVID, a rise in evictions, helping children catch up in school
‘I’ll never forget’: Pearl Harbor survivor Jack Holder remembers surprise attack
PHOENIX – Eighty years after the attack at Pearl Harbor, survivor Jack Holder remembers that infamous day. Others share why commemorating this day is important to the history of the U.S.
Phoenix police oversight office’s first director begins work
PHOENIX – The city’s newly created Office of Accountability and Transparency will soon start business under its first director, attorney Roger Smith, who arrived Monday.
Neither side thrilled with immigration reforms in Build Back Better bill
WASHINGTON - Buried in the $1.9 trillion Build Back Better Plan is $100 billion for immigration reform, money that critics say has no business being in the bill and that migration advocates say does not go nearly far enough.
December 7, 2021 Newscast
Pearl Harbor anniversary, cooling off local buildings, sports at Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind
Searching for solutions to the global supply chain crisis
PHOENIX - As consumers continue to face empty shelves and rising prices, public and private experts are coming together to solve the American supply chain crisis. Read their opinions, findings and suggestions here.
‘Cars are not supposed to jump and fly’: They do at Nitro Rallycross debut in Arizona
CHANDLER – The Nitro Rallycross tour made a stop at Wild Horse Pass, where fans saw large jumps, crazy turns and top-tier drivers participating.
December 8, 2021 Newscast
A pause in COVID-19 vaccine mandate, pet adoption scams, "rez ball" returns to the Navajo Nation
Supreme Court weighs claims in two Arizona death penalty appeals
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Wednesday grappled with the question of whether two Arizona death-row inmates can pursue new claims in federal court, or whether federal law prohibits hearings into those claims.
‘Every penny counts’: Phoenix restaurants struggle to find food and workers while keeping prices low
PHOENIX – Restaurants across metro Phoenix are struggling to find a balance between finding quality ingredients without breaking the bank and raising prices. Restaurants also are experiencing staffing shortages and shipping complications that make it harder to stay in business.
Tucson chief approved – barely – to lead Customs and Border Protection
The Senate voted by a slim margin this week to make Tucson Police Chief Ron Magnus commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, confirming his appointment almost eight months after his nomination by President Joe Biden.
Rez ball rebirth in Chinle: Navajo Nation rebounds as pandemic takes toll
CHINLE – After the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on the Navajo Nation, the community of Chinle as rebounded with the return of rez ball.
December 9, 2021 Newscast
Omicron variant confirmed in Arizona, new report on vaccinations, Secretary of State issues an apology
Long Beach, LA docks work round the clock to slog through backlog of shipments
LONG BEACH, California – A major backlog of overseas shipments in L.A. and Long Beach, California, is leading to supply chain disruptions throughout the country.
Suns guard Chris Paul gives HBCUs a national stage with tournament at Footprint Center
PHOENIX – Suns guard Chris Paul hosted Four HBCUs for a basketball tournament at Footprint Center to promote diversity and equality.
With the Colorado River in crisis, those who decide its future gather with a sense of urgency
Some of the most important researchers and decision makers in Western water management will be in Las Vegas discussing the future of the Colorado River, which comes ahead of major cutbacks implemented by the federal government.
December 10, 2021 Newscast
Najavo Nation's most-vaccinated community, new COVID-19 protocols for animals, a soccer family gives back
4FRI revived: Wildfire-prevention program back on track after months of delay
WASHINGTON – The popular 4FRI forest maintenance program is back on track with a more focused, "more realistic approach" that appears to have government, industry and environmental officials in rare agreement.
Cardinals players to wear customized cleats against Rams to support meaningful charities
PHOENIX – Sixteen Cardinals players will wear customized cleats against the Rams Monday night to represent organizations that are important to them.
Hope and resilience in action: Navajo Nation continues battle against COVID
TUBA CITY – Residents of Tuba City on the Navajo Nation remain active in battling COVID-19, and they reflect on the hardships and hope that accompanied them for the past year and a half.
December 13, 2021 Newscast
COVID-19 cases one hospital group, child tax credit expiration, boxing with Parkinson's disease
‘I was struggling to survive’: Event raises awareness for suicide prevention
PHOENIX – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks suicide as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. – responsible for more than 47,500 deaths in 2019.
Fading inside: One family’s battle with Alzheimer’s amid the pandemic
MORRISVILLE, Pa. – The COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a grave toll on those with dementia. Some fell ill. Many died. Others saw their disease worsen amid isolation from loved ones. One Cronkite News reporter shares her family’s personal journey of living with Alzheimer’s during these unprecedented times.
‘At the tip of the iceberg’: Cornhole (yes, cornhole) finds international stage as it continues to grow
PHOENIX – While some see it as a simple backyard activity, cornhole has grown and attempted to stake its claim as a legitimate sport in recent years. As participation in the sport has continued to increase, it has helped develop a strong community both locally and nationally.
Experts look to providers to improve health literacy amid COVID
PHOENIX – About 80 million adults in the U.S. have limited health literacy, and older adults fare worse. Amid the pandemic, experts are calling for more training of providers to address the problem.
First phase ending for child tax credit, a ‘game changer’ for families
WASHINGTON - Arizona families may have seen the last - for now - payment Wednesday under an expanded child tax credit program that advocates say has been a "game changer" for low-income families in the state.
Kim Cota-Robles breaking barriers as Latina PA announcer for Tucson Roadrunners
PHOENIX – Tucson native Kim Cota-Robles is making history as hockey’s first Latina PA announcer, impressing Roadrunners fans and paving the way for women in sports.
December 14, 2021 newscast
More omicron cases in Arizona, food banks get relief funds, female football coach
December 15, 2021 newscast
Omicron variant surge expected, water use reduction deal, TPC Scottsdale under construction
‘It’s so joyful’: Chandler Symphony Orchestra relishes return to in-person performances
TEMPE – The Chandler Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 29th season in October after a pandemic-induced hiatus with masks, distancing and an audience.
Brains and brawn: Embry-Riddle women’s soccer team excels on, off field
PHOENIX – At a university known for its aeronautical excellence, Embry-Riddle in Prescott is also known for the standout play of its women’s soccer team.
Colleges nationwide face rapid decline in male enrollment, although ASU bucks the trend
PHOENIX – Colleges across the country are seeing significant drops in young men on campus, though Arizona State University somehow has managed to buck the trend, registering a 5% increase in male enrollment in the 2020-21 school year.
December 16, 2021 Newscast
Support for COVID-19 survivors, Phoenix employees to get bonuses for vaccinations, honoring Cotton Fitzsimmons.
Pregnant people aren’t getting COVID vaccine, health providers worry
PHOENIX – In September, the CDC said pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19 have a 70% greater chance of dying than symptomatic people who aren’t pregnant. However, thousands of pregnant people around the U.S. are hesitant to get vaccinated.
Nearly two years into the pandemic, theaters and performers adapting to the ‘new normal’
PHOENIX – Many theaters in metro Phoenix are putting on indoor performances for the first time since the pandemic started in March 2020. Despite challenges, the pandemic has allowed for a more mindful approach to planning and staging productions.
Despite football’s popularity among Hispanic Americans, participation rates remain low
PHOENIX – Over 30 million Hispanic Americans consider themselves NFL fans. Despite the numbers, that fails to translate to participation in the sport at all levels.
Unlevel pitch: The path to professional soccer is tougher for girls than boys
PHOENIX – Pathways to the professional level vary by gender in youth soccer, where girls and boys have disparate opportunities to sign a professional contract as a minor.
Hungry holidays: Break from school means break from meals for some kids
WASHINGTON - Holidays bring a break from schoolwork for students, but for more than a half-million Arizona children they can also mean a break from their only reliable source of a nutritious meal - the subsidized school meal.
Advocates gather in Long Beach to fight to end drunk driving, drugged driving
LONG BEACH, California – Families gathered in Long Beach to advocate to end drunk and drugged driving. Alcohol-related crashes increased by 9% in 2020, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Making dough: Phoenix chef leaves Microsoft to sell pastries at farmers markets
GLENDALE – Slade Grove left Microsoft two decades ago to pursue his baking hobby as a career. He won Best of Phoenix Awards and attracted the eye of Oprah Winfrey but now sells his wares at farmers markets.
Arizona hate crimes hit their highest level since 9/11, and it’s likely an undercount
PHOENIX – The 282 hate crimes reported in Arizona in 2020 were the most since 2001, when hate crimes spiked in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the FBI says.
Joshua trees are first plant to get California protections because of climate change
JOSHUA TREE, Calif. – Joshua trees have interim protections in California under the state’s Endangered Species Act, but the threat of climate change and wildfires could wipe out most of the population of the iconic yuccas.
‘Add to your world’: ASU student starts initiative to help people without homes
PHOENIX – When Tierra Hopkins began noticing how many people were experiencing homelessness, she combined her passion for fitness with a desire to help those in need.
Wet meadows in high desert restored by low-tech volunteers
Wet meadows provide critical wildlife habitat and act as natural sponges, holding water during drought. But encroachment and climate change are major threats.
Arizona bowl organizers look to bounce back from 2020’s fanless games
WASHINGTON – With COVID-19 protocols prohibiting fans at the Fiesta and Arizona bowls last year, organizers of the three college bowls in Arizona are eager to welcome fans and teams back this year.
Federal grant funds training of emergency medical services in rural communities
PHOENIX – $5.6 million has been awarded to rural communities for emergency medical services training in overdose and mental-health crisis cases. The grant is meant to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on smaller communities with fewer resources.
Arizona saw ten-fold jump in catalytic converter thefts, second-most in nation
WASHINGTON - Theft of catalytic converters - the part of a car's exhaust system that changes toxic gases to less-harmful emissions - is surging across the country, including Arizona.
Comunidades rurales reciben ayuda para casos de emergencia de salud mental
PHOENIX – Se otorgaron $5.6 millones a comunidades rurales para capacitación en servicios médicos de emergencia en casos de sobredosis y crisis de salud mental. Las ambulancias podrán llevar equipos y antídotos para sobredosis de opioides aprobados por la FDA para ayudar a las personas en todo el país.
Corridos tumbados bring modern, urban edge to traditional musical style
The new Southern California style of storytelling known as trap or 'hood corridos' offers a grittier style of storytelling than traditional Mexican corridors.
Kurt Warner’s biopic hits theaters on heels of coaching son at Brophy
CHANDLER – Football fans nationwide will have the opportunity to learn about the life of the Valley's most popular quarterback when "American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story" is released. But the football player's biggest role has included coaching his son Elijah, the quarterback at Brophy Prep.
Design chosen for quarter commemorating Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller
The design of the Wilma Mankiller commemorative quarter has been released by the U.S. Mint. It’s the third coin of the American Women’s Quarters program, which honors five women in American life.
Arizona lags in prenatal care, but ranks well in infant deaths, preemies
WASHINGTON - Arizona outperformed the nation on its rates of premature births and infant deaths, despite having some of lowest rates of prenatal care among the states, according to a recent March of Dimes report.
State statutes could protect families if Indian Child Welfare Act is overturned
The Indian Child Welfare Act, which was passed in 1978, could be overturned by the Supreme Court, advocates say, but state laws could provide some of the same protections.
Report: Census undercount may have missed 1.6 million in U.S., 48,000 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - The 2020 Census may have missed more than 1.6 million Americans, about 48,000 of them in Arizona, with the undercount disproportionately falling on minority groups, according to a recent report.
Asians, other minorities fear attacks because of race, survey finds
PHOENIX – An NPR report found that one in four Asian households in the U.S. fear physical and verbal attacks because of their race. Studies show mental health issues related to economic inequalities increased across the country during the surge in COVID-19 cases tied to the delta variant.
Fentanyl, COVID-19 help drive overdose deaths to record 12-month high
The COVID-19 pandemic and a growing unsafe drug supply combined to push overdose deaths up by 27.6% in the U.S. over a 12-month period from 2020 to 2021, a surge in deaths that was matched in Arizona.
Trap-Neuter-Return: The most humane way to save stray cats, veterinarians say
LOS ANGELES – This past summer was the worst kitten season in years due to many trap-neuter-return clinics losing funding to continue their services because of COVID-19.
Vaccine hesitancy, new variants kept COVID-19 infections from falling
WASHINGTON – Almost two years after the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Arizona, new infections in the state have reached a "bizarre plateau," rising from summertime lows in the hundreds to more than 3,000 new cases a day through the fall.
Nearly half of tribal homes lack clean water, but pandemic funds offer hope of improvements
TO'HAJIILEE, New Mexico – Across the country, 49% of Native American homes lack access to reliable water, clean drinking water or basic sanitation. Homes in the Navajo town of To'hajiilee, outside Albuquerque, are no exception.
COVID-19 on track to be leading cause of death in Arizona in 2021
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 claimed almost 15,800 lives in Arizona this year, which puts it on track to outpace both cancer and heart disease and be the leading cause of death in the state in 2021.
Game on: In college postseason defined by upheaval, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State set for Fiesta Bowl
PHOENIX – In a postseason defined by COVID testing, coaching changes, transfer portals and general upheaval, the Notre Dame and Oklahoma State football teams welcome a familiar site: the 51st edition of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
Spencer Sanders leads Oklahoma State to Fiesta Bowl win with guidance from Valley’s Tim Rattay
GLENDALE – Spencer Sanders passed for 371 yards and four touchdowns to lead Oklahoma State to a 37-35 victory over Notre Dame in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
Cahokia artspace, owned by women and led by Native Americans, cultivates ‘creative placekeeping’
PHOENIX – Cahokia is an artspace owned by women and led by Native Americans that opened Oct. 11 in downtown Phoenix. Its goal is to uplift Indigenous representation in the art world and “creative placekeeping.”
CBP agents in Nogales rely on technology in race against Mexican drug cartels
NOGALES – More than 9% of the drugs that entered the U.S. in fiscal year 2021 came over the border in Arizona, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data says. CBP has technology to help seize drugs, but agents say cartels are steps ahead.
January 3, 2022 Newscast
How schools are coping with COVID-19 surges, comic book movies translate to comic book sales.
Audit shows Border Patrol hampered by outdated technology, flawed evaluation of new equipment
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has received more than $743 million since 2017 for upgrades in border technology, but it has only bought 28% of the equipment needed to modernize systems that thwart the flow of illegal goods.
Remote work has potential to boost employment for those with disabilities
PHOENIX – People living with disabilities have some of the highest rates of unemployment. Ability360 has job training programs for those who want to be part of the workforce.
January 4, 2022 Newscast
Need for COVID-19 testing high in the Valley, how flooding is controlled in Maricopa County
As tribes wait for investigation to conclude, debate over Indian schools continues
A federal investigation into graves at Indian boarding schools has renewed debate over the schools, which were established in the 19th century to assimilate Indigenous youth into white culture by denying the use of their languages, dress and other cultural aspects.
Door-to-door campaign helps Guadalupe turn the tide against COVID
GUADALUPE – With the help of Town Council members, tribal leaders, and health care organizations, tiny Guadalupe is driving down COVID-19 cases.
South Central Mercado a creative hub of local businesses
The South Central Mercado was established in October of 2019 by Cecilia Rivera, Sam Gomez and Joe Munoz. The pop-up market gives small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs a space to create business plans and sell their goods.
Flipping the script: ASU gymnastics team eyes bid to NCAA Championship
TEMPE – Even though COVID-19 postponed Wednesday's season opener, the ASU gymnastics team is optimistic about the season and hopes to make a team run at the NCAA Championships. Junior Hannah Scharf is ready to lead the Sun Devils.
January 5, 2022 Newscast
Arizona experiencing its fastest Covid rise since the beginning of the pandemic, endangered Joshua trees could receive special protection.
Conozca la famosa Carnicería Castillo ubicada en el Sur de Phoenix
PHOENIX – Para Jose Castillo, dueño y carnicero principal, la carne asada es un arte que desea compartir con su comunidad.
These four metrics are used to track drought, and they paint a bleak picture for the Southwest
Soil-moisture data don’t bode well for the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River, which is being diminished by overuse and climate change.
Free Wi-Fi headed to Phoenix school districts to help end digital divide
PHOENIX – A project called the Digital Education Connection Canopy will provide free Wi-Fi to some Phoenix schools. The technology behind it could be the blueprint for a permanent solution to the digital divide.
Operation Restoring Veteran Hope seeks to help veterans grow and heal
PHOENIX – Operation Restoring Veteran Hope, a Phoenix nonprofit, aims to help veterans by offering health resources, community outreach and bonding at the organization’s headquarters, the Bunker.
Pandemic adds pressure on doctors, who already had one of the highest rates of suicide
PHOENIX – Physicians have one of the highest rates of death by suicide, and the pandemic has excerbated the stress on health care workers. Doctors often are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Here’s what you need to know about Phoenix’s Climate Action Plan
PHOENIX – Phoenix has updated its plan to achieve the city’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, along with plans to address extreme heat, drought, poor air quality and other issues stemming from climate change.
January 6, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News tells you the story of three women reconnecting with their ancestral foods and reclaiming their culture.
Pride of Navajo Nation: Diné College works to rebuild rodeo program amid the pandemic
TSAILE – In the heart of the Navajo Nation lies Diné College, home to a once-prominent rodeo program riddled with issues from COVID. Now the school is trying to return the program to the collegiate rodeo championships.
K-pop phenomenon entices small businesses to cater to legions of energized fans
MESA – K-pop gives boba tea shops and other small businesses the chance to capitalize on the global popularity of South Korean pop music groups like BTS.
Arizona farmer struggles with water shortage, thinks about selling her family’s land
CASA GRANDE — Arizona rivers and reservoirs saw record low water levels last year as megadrought and rising temperatures continue. The forecast for 2022 isn’t much better.
They paved paradise, put up a parking lot: Valley racing fans mourn closing of dirt tracks
PHOENIX – Dirt tracks across Arizona have a deep history in the auto racing world and have been a proving ground for the next NASCAR racers. Once they began to close, communities built within the sport.
How climate change is forcing Arizona wine growers to adapt their practices
CAMP VERDE – As temperatures rise, solar indexes intensify and weather patterns shift in Arizona, winemakers are grappling with how to adapt to climate change’s impact on their operations.
January 11, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News shares the story of the last remaining Jaguar in the wild in the United States.
Arizona State theater group is taking climate change to the stage
TEMPE – Scientists and climate experts are trying to find new ways to help people understand the impact of climate change. Instead of a bulleted presentation, some of them are turning to a different medium – the theater.
New irrigation technology could save water for Arizona farms
TONOPAH – The Central Arizona Project is working with a Tonopah farmer to evaluate technology that converts flood-irrigated fields into a drip system that uses gravity, with no external form of energy.
January 12, 2022 Newscast
The latest on COVID-19 cases here in Arizona, including whether home tests are detecting the omicron variant and how the town of Guadalupe worked to bring infections down.
Latest surge in COVID-19 cases stressing Arizona health care system
WASHINGTON - Arizona reported 18,783 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, the latest in a surge of infections that experts say is stressing a state health care system that is "not well suited" to take on more cases.
Phoenix saw 9.7% inflation in 2021, outstripping national rate of 7%
WASHINGTON – Consumer prices rose by an average of 7% in U.S. cities last year, the steepest rise in decades, and they grew even faster in the Phoenix metro area, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
January 13, 2022 Newscast
Arizona COVID-19 deaths top 25,000, new sportsbook to open at State Farm Stadium
Vicious circle: Tribal broadband program hindered by lack of broadband
WASHINGTON - Many tribes did not have the broadband access needed to apply for funds that would let them improve broadband access.
Auditoría gubernamental muestra que la Patrulla Fronteriza se ve obstaculizada por tecnología obsoleta, evaluación defectuosa de nuevos equipos
NOGALES - La Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de EE. UU. ha recibido más de $743 millones en fondos desde 2017 para mejoras en la tecnología fronteriza. Pero solo ha comprado el 28 % del equipo necesario para modernizar y coordinar los sistemas diseñados para frustrar el flujo de contrabanda y personas sin documentos.
Sinema says she backs voting bills, but rebuffs Biden, Democrats on filibuster
WASHINGTON - Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, took to the Senate floor Thursday to say she will not vote to do away with the filibuster, likely dooming the voting rights measures she said she supports.
From bingo to bocce: Unified Sports, Special Olympics step up for people with intellectual disabilities
PHOENIX – Opportunities and resources were once minimal for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Arizona and Unified Sports are determined to change that.
Trump likely to bring baggage with bragging to faithful in Florence rally
WASHINGTON - Donald Trump comes to Florence as a former president with thousands of donors in the state, a firm hand on the party and candidates clamoring for his backing.
January 14, 2022 Newscast
Arizona could lose federal COVID relief funds, a look at the Mars rover Perseverance's accomplishments this year.
Corridos tumbados aportan toque moderno y urbano al estilo musical tradicional
LOS ÁNGELES – Mientras que los corridos mexicanos tradicionales a menudo se han centrado en cuentos menos arenosos, los corridos tumbados y los hood corridos ofrecen un estilo diferente de música narrativa a una nueva generación.
With less water on the surface, how long can Arizona rely on what’s underground?
As Arizona farms and homes compete for water, the state relies on massive underground water stores. But some fear the aquifers are not the solution where the water supply is continuing to shrink.
Pima County works to reduce overrepresentation of Native Americans in its jails
PHOENIX – Native Americans are overrepresented in Pima County jails, often held before their trial or for nonviolent offenses. Community leaders are implementing programs to combat the trend, including pre-trial behavioral health diversions and warrant resolution.
January 17, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on rural hospitals.
BYU star Shaylee Gonzales, recovered from knee injury, talks about perseverance
Shaylee Gonzales was on top of the world after her freshman season in 2019 at BYU – but then she tore an ACL. She used the next year to recover, become a social media star and now she’s back on the court.
‘You can’t be a hockey player’: England’s Brendan Perlini, Liam Kirk find success across the pond
TUCSON – Former Arizona Coyotes player Brendan Perlini and the Roadrunners’ Liam Kirk find hockey success in North America after excelling at the sport in the U.K.
Criticism, support follow Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury after postseason loss
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals reflect on their 2021 season and what’s ahead following their blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams Monday. Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury hear criticism and support.
January 18, 2022 Newscast
Proposed bills at the Arizona Legislature raising concerns of the LGBTQ Caucus, Arizona man part of voting rights hunger strike in Washington, D.C.
Arizonans join Capitol protest as Senate takes up voting rights bills
WASHINGTON - The Senate began debate Tuesday on a pair of sweeping voting-rights bills, despite a GOP filibuster likely to block any vote on the bills. But advocates, including some hunger strikers, hope to bring enough pressure to bear to eventually win passage of the bills.
Arizona again ranks low on highway safety laws; state officials push back
WASHINGTON - Arizona again ranked near the bottom of states on a national report on highway safety laws, earning a "danger" rating for having just five of 16 recommended laws, but one official said the report continues to ignore key data on traffic safety.
No time to party: With omicron surging in Arizona, officials stress masks, tests, COVID vaccines
PHOENIX – COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in Arizona and have not peaked, which makes masks, vaccinations and testing important practices.
January 19, 2022 Newscast
COVID-19 spread could be slowing in Arizona, military comes to aid of Yuma hospital to treat COVID positive patients
A pesar de la popularidad del fútbol americano entre los latinos, las tasas de participación siguen siendo bajas
PHOENIX – Durante el tiempo de JR Alcantar como entrenador en jefe de fútbol americano en la escuela secundaria Cesar Chavez, con frecuencia veía a los jugadores faltar a la práctica. La necesidad de trabajar fuera del hogar para ayudar a mantener a las familias era común en un lugar donde más del 65 por ciento de los estudiantes matriculados son hispanos. Es una de las razones por las que la popularidad del deporte entre los hispanoamericanos no se traduce en participación en el campo en todos los niveles.
Mayors say immigration reform needed, but politics likely to prevent it
WASHINGTON - Mayors of Tucson and Mesa agreed Wednesday that immigration reform is needed to address the current situation at the border, but they are not confident it can get done in the current fractured political climate.
An exercise in patience: Fitness industry struggles to adjust as COVID-19 pandemic endures
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic hit many businesses hard and the fitness industry was no exception. Many athletic trainers had to find creative ways to stay afloat.
Ducey defends use of school funding in face of feds’ threat to reclaim it
WASHINGTON - Gov. Doug Ducey said Thursday that the state's use of money to support schools that reject mask mandates is "well within" federal guidelines for the funds, despite a Treasury threat to take the money back.
January 20, 2022 Newscast
Mayors from two Arizona cities travel to D.C. to discuss border issues, a member of Arizona's congressional delegation tests positive for COVID-19
Capital COVID: State, federal lawmakers face different pandemic rules
WASHINGTON - Despite a positive COVID-19 test, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Tucson, still cast votes in Congress by proxy Thursday while quarantined. But state Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Scottsdale, does not have that option, after the Legislature reverted to pre-pandemic rules this session.
Recreational marijuana sales flying high a year after Arizona legalization
TEMPE – A year after Proposition 207 took effect, recreational marijuana use has fueled growth in the Arizona cannabis industry. The Arizona Department of Revenue estimates taxable recreational marijuana sales totaled more than $528 million in 2021.
January 21, 2022 Newscast
ASU student helps homeless, BIPOC country music singers celebrate contributions
With end to Roe possible, thousands brave cold at upbeat March for Life
WASHINGTON - Arizonans were among the thousands in Washington for the 49th March for Life, an annual anti-abortion rally that could be closer than ever to its goal of having the Supreme Court overturn a 1973 ruling that recognized a right to an abortion.
Tick, tick, tick, tick: Super Bowl LVII host committee launches countdown to 2023 game in Glendale
PHOENIX – The countdown is underway for Super LVII in 2023. The Glendale event is expected to large a significant economic impact.
January 24, 2022 Newscast
Arizona kicks off School Choice Week, preparations underway to host Super Bowl next year in Glendale
DHS tightens vaccination requirements for travelers at border crossings
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security began requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination over the weekend for essential as well as nonessential travel across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Court says inmate can sue over confiscation of music, religious texts
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Monday that an Arizona inmate's lawsuit can proceed against corrections officials who confiscated his hip-hop CDs and Nation of Islam books as banned materials.
Self made: Legendary basketball coach has Seton Catholic girls aiming at another three-peat
CHANDLER – Seton Catholic women’s basketball has won 12 state championships under coach Karen Self. Now in her 30th season, she has her team in the hunt for another three-peat.
New coach Vanessa Nygaard to ‘shepherd’ Phoenix Mercury, star Diana Taurasi
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury introduced a new coach with Arizona roots. Vanessa Nygaard grew up in Scottsdale and is excited to be back in the state.
Point-in-Time head count to address homelessness resumes in Maricopa County
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Point-in-Time Homeless Count is back after last year’s was canceled because of COVID-19. The count, conducted nationwide, aims to gauge the extent of homelessness across the country.
January 25, 2022 Newscast
New COVID-19 testing sites open in Arizona, seven election bills passed by state Senate committee, Phoenix Mercury announce new head coach
Court: UArizona not liable for off-campus assault by former player
WASHINGTON – The University of Arizona cannot be held liable under Title IX for a football player's off-campus assault of his girlfriend, even though the university exercises "substantial control" over its athletes, a federal court said.
Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project projected to serve thousands of people
PHOENIX – The ongoing project aims to bring drinking water to the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Gallup, New Mexico. Some residents have received water while others are still waiting.
To Russia with love and (hopefully) money: Shadow Ridge unified floorball team lands Olympics spot
SURPRISE – Athletes from Shadow Ridge High School have qualified for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Russia, in 2023, but still need to raise money for the trip.
American Lung Association gives Arizona a failing grade for lack of regulation on tobacco products targeting teens
PHOENIX – More than 20% of high schoolers in Arizona use tobacco, especially e-cigarettes, the American Lung Association’s State of Tobacco Control report says. Overall, Arizona gets an F for its attempts to regulate the sales of flavored tobacco.
January 26, 2022 Newscast
Second anniversary of first COVID-19 case in Arizona, group offers low-cost veterinary care, floorball team needs help to go to the Special Olympics in Russia
On second anniversary, COVID-19 still racks up grim milestones in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Two years after Arizona's first confirmed case of COVID-19, the state has racked up close to 1.8 million infections and the virus has killed almost 26,000 - one of the highest death rates in the country - part of what one expert called the pandemic's "really long journey."
An incoming storm: Athletes, sports organizations ‘moving the needle’ in climate change action
PHOENIX – Professional athletes and teams across the globe have been proactive in the fight against climate change. Sports contribute largely to carbon emission, and athletes taking the cause into their own hands is happening more often.
‘A great reward for a lot of work’: Phoenix Suns extend general manager James Jones’ contract
PHOENIX — Riding a win streak and holding the top spot in the West, the Phoenix Suns signed general manager James Jones to an extension. The deal comes as the Suns hold the best regular-season record in the NBA at 97-30.
Never forget: Arizona Jewish Historical Society keeps memory of Holocaust victims alive
PHOENIX — The Arizona Jewish Historical Society continues to remember Holocaust victims through exhibits and events.
Arizona’s hot start puts men’s college basketball world on notice
LOS ANGELES – The Arizona Wildcats went from a troubled team in 2021 to a No. 3 spot in the AP rankings and a lead in the Pac-12 in 2022. Who and what brought this dramatic change to the program?
Four walls ‘don’t build a culture’: Coyotes react to report of move to ASU
GLENDALE – Coyotes head coach André Tourigny reacts to uncertainty of where the team will play games next season as reports of talks intensifying to use ASU’s multipurpose arena surface.
January 27, 2022 Newscast
Colleges differ on COVID-19 rules, health care workers issue plea for pandemic help, Suns' Bismack Biyombo making a difference on the court
Censure sensibility: Once rare, party censure rises amid polarized politics
WASHINGTON - Former President Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment - "thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican" - is being broken these days by the GOP and Democrats alike, and Arizona is no stranger to the shift, with recent censures.
Abortion fight in Arizona heating up, even as Supreme Court weighs Roe
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court is expected to weaken or reverse its Roe v. Wade abortion-rights ruling this year, but advocates on both sides of the issue in Arizona are not waiting for the court to act, with bills already filed that mirror the laws the high court is considering.
Fanáticos del valle lamentan el cierramiento de carreras de pistas de tierra
PHOENIX – La escena de las carreras de pista de tierra de Arizona tiene un legado de siete décadas. La primera gran carrera en el estado se llevó a cabo en 1951, cuando Manzanita Park presentó un evento en una pista de un cuarto de milla. Pero Manzanita se cerró en 2009. Y esta larga historia corre el riesgo de hacer una parada en boxes peligrosamente larga, ya que las pistas de tierra que alguna vez fueron reuniones familiares populares, así como los peldaños hacia el éxito de NASCAR, luchan por sobrevivir.
Bader, Arizona MMA fighters look to defend home turf at Bellator 273
PHOENIX – Bellator MMA returns to Phoenix for its first event in the new year, as Ryan Bader highlights a group of Phoenix fighters hoping to impress a hometown crowd.
Oklahoma tribal sovereignty case gets Supreme Court review, not reversal
The Supreme Court will revisit - but not overturn - its landmark 2020 decision that said a large part of eastern Oklahoma is still legally Muscogee (Creek) reservation land, a ruling that state officials claim has upended trial courts there.
Rams are just the latest team to limit playoff tickets exclusively to local fans
LOS ANGELES – Tickets to Sunday's NFC championship game between the Rams and the 49ers initially were being sold only to L.A. area residents. We look at whether this is a rivalry trick or normal postseason practice, and how it affects fans.
ASU offensive coordinator Zak Hill resigns; report says 3 other assistants out amid NCAA investigation
PHOENIX – ASU Offensive coordinator Zak Hill resigns amid NCAA investigation. Three other assistants reportedly out.
January 28, 2022 Newscast
Phoenix traffic fatalities, new flight school in the Valley, ASU fires football coaches
Familiar faces: Emotions run high as ASU’s Jacob Bullard takes on his former Texas tennis teammates
TEMPE – Jacob Bullard transferred to Arizona State after two years on the Texas men’s tennis team and promptly had to compete against his former teammates.
Pima County schools strained by lack of COVID-19 testing as FEMA sites open
TUCSON – FEMA has opened two COVID-19 testing sites in Pima County to ease the shortage of PCR and rapid COVID tests needed to keep schools open.
Four locals fight, four locals win at Bellator 273 event at Footprint Center
PHOENIX – Bellator MMA returned to Phoenix for its first event in the new year, and the event saw all four local fan favorites win their respective fights.
Families face first month without child tax credit payments since July
WASHINGTON – January was the first month since last summer that Arizona low-income families did not get a check under the expanded Child Tax Credit program, leaving parents scrambling for help and advocates worrying about an increase in poverty.
Antitrust suit can proceed against SRP over charges to solar customers
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Monday that SRP customers who also have solar panels at their homes can pursue an antitrust claim against the utility for a policy of charging them more than other customers.
Arizona Humane Society mobile clinic provides free pet care for underserved communities
PHOENIX – The Arizona Humane Society’s Healthy Tails mobile clinic offers free veterinary services, from surgery to vaccinations, deworming treatments, flea and tick prevention and microchipping.
Mom honors daughter by getting food, health care to underserved kids
MESA – After Joan Leafman’s daughter died of breast cancer, the Mesa woman started a foundation in her honor to provide food and health care to children in need. Today, Corbin’s Legacy helps operate a clinic in one Mesa elementary school, providing important screenings to underserved kids.
February 1, 2022 Newscast
TSA guns in carry-on luggage, Black History Month downtown Phoenix mural project
Despite huge funding lead in Senate race, Kelly still faces a challenge
WASHINGTON - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., raised more than $27.5 million for his 2022 reelection bid, almost twice the total raised by a half-dozen Republican challengers, but analysts said that "giant war chest" does not guarantee a win in what could be a tough year for Democrats.
Not just for seniors: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Phelps help spread pickleball fever
PHOENIX – Michael Phelps and Larry Fitzgerald competed with professional pickleball athletes in a special pro-am event on Friday as the sport continues to grow and receive more exposure.
Brian Flores’ lawsuit against NFL casts negative light on Cardinals’ hiring practices
PHOENIX — Brian Flores, the recently fired coach of the Miami Dolphins, implicated the Arizona Cardinals in the league-wide pattern of racism and discrimination alleged in his class action lawsuit against the NFL.
Bipartisan bill to promote affordable housing introduced in Arizona House
PHOENIX – Arizona state Reps. César Chávez and Steve Kaiser introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would address the state’s housing crisis by increasing the construction of affordable homes and providing aid to the homeless.
February 2, 2022 Newscast
Arizona concealed weapons on college campuses, bipartisan bill increase affordable housing, pro athletes join the pickleball
Hail to the rename: Indigenous advocates welcome new Washington team name
WASHINGTON - Native American advocates welcomed the announcement Wednesday that Washington's pro football team will now be called the Commanders, ending a yearslong fight to get rid of a name many deemed racist.
Despite lingering claims, election officials hope to put 2020 in the past
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has blasted "outlandish theories" of election deniers in the past, but he said Wednesday he is "flattered" that far-right 2020 election deniers are running for state office - it means they care enough to try to fix the system.
Wildfire restoration efforts bring back native plants and wildlife
The National Park Service has teamed up with organizations to plant 100,000 species of trees and other plants, restoring Santa Monica Mountains National Park lands after wildfires. To take care of California’s natural ecosystem, the NPS is keeping its focus on native species.
‘It’s unbelievable’: ASU baseball alumni question Hall of Fame’s snub of Barry Bonds
After Barry Bonds failed to reach the 75% mark of votes required for election into the Hall of Fame, Arizona State baseball alumni questioned the decision.
From the desert to the Olympics: Valley’s Matthew Knies to play hockey for Team USA
PHOENIX – Phoenix’s Matthew Knies was selected to play for Team USA men’s hockey during the 2022 Winter Olympics after NHL officials decided in December not to free its players to take part in the Winter Games.
Big challenge ahead for Arizona State men’s basketball as Top 25 opponents await
TEMPE — The Arizona State men’s basketball team has been on a tough stretch of losses, and the schedule only gets harder. The team hopes to bounce back from what feels like a series of unfortunate events.
February 3, 2022 Newscast
Arizona severe blood shortage, eating disorders; Pascua Yaqui Tribe building affordable homes for 200
Democrats look for help, as scores of election bills land in Legislature
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democratic Party Chair Raquel Terán says Democrats don't have the numbers to stop GOP election reform bills, so she called on an unlikely source for help: Republicans. Terán said it will take help from across the aisle to block the most-extreme bills.
200 Pascua Yaqui families getting new homes through Arizona tax credits to tribe
TUCSON – The Pascua Yaqui Tribe received millions of dollars in state tax credits to fund a new subdivision of affordable homes in southern Arizona.
Reach for the sky: Embry-Riddle fields one of nation’s top collegiate flight teams
PRESCOTT – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s flight program continues to see growth, and its flight team continues to dominate regional and national competitions.
From Chaparral to Idaho State: Charlie Ragle uses Arizona ties to recruit for his Bengals
PHOENIX – First-year head coach Charlie Ragle, looks to turn the Idaho State Bengals around. Ragle is a former three-time Arizona state champion at Chaparral High and assistant at Arizona and California.
Move 2023 Super Bowl out of Arizona? That’s what faith leaders want because of voting bill restrictions
PHOENIX – More than 200 faith leaders have signed a petition asking the NFL to move the 2023 Super Bowl from Arizona. The petition cites three Arizona bills as voter suppression.
February 4, 2022 Newscast
Annual homelessness survey helps with funds for services, L.A. prepares to host Super Bowl LVI
Court: Navajo man guilty of assault can’t be convicted of kidnapping, too
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said a Navajo man who held his girlfriend while he assaulted her cannot also be convicted of kidnapping, saying such an expansion of kidnapping would lead to a "steroidal version" of assault laws.
Las familias quedan sin pagos de crédito fiscal por hijos aunque el programa había bajado la pobreza
WASHINGTON – Las familias de Arizona se están quedando sin un pago de Crédito Tributario por Hijos por primera vez desde julio de 2021, lo que genera preocupaciones entre los defensores de que los niños comenzarán a caer por debajo del umbral de la pobreza. 1.3 millones de niños en Arizona son elegibles para el crédito y se enviaron 795,000 pagos en el mes de diciembre.
In wake of Brian Beazer’s death, Arizona Rattlers reflect on Harley-riding mascot ‘Fang’
PHOENIX – Brian Beazer, who was better known to Arizona Rattlers fans as the iconic Harley-Davidson-riding mascot ‘Fang,’ passed away at 65. Past and present members of the organization remembered him on and off the field.
Artists hope Black History Mural Project ‘educates, inspires, uplifts’
PHOENIX – The unveiling of a mural for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury at Footprint Center kicked off the 2022 Black History Mural Project. The Shining Light Foundation commissioned Arizona artists for 28 murals representing the 28 days of February, Black History Month.
Tiny fraction of DACA applications sent to ICE; still gives advocates pause
WASHINGTON - Of more than 3 million DACA applications since 2012, about 900 were referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement - still too many for advocates who said they were promised no information would be shared with enforcement agencies.
February 7, 2022 Newscast
LGBTQ protections bill, court advocates, ASU freshman golfer to play in WM Phoenix Open
Super Bowl LVI gambling could surpass $100 million in Arizona, experts predict
PHOENIX – Arizona will affect this year’s Super Bowl gambling landscape, sports betting analysts believe, and it could be significant next year when the big game comes to Glendale.
No masks, no distancing: WM Phoenix Open excited for return to normal
SCOTTSDALE – After the 2021 Phoenix Open was played with restrictions and a limited capacity, the 2022 version at TPC Scottsdale is back to normal. Players and fans are excited for one of golf’s best weeks.
Skatin’ for Leighton charity event also a nod to Coyotes executive Matt Shott
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes hosted the second annual Skatin’ for Leighton at Phoenix Raceway. Plenty of Arizona hockey community members made it out to the 12-hour charity event that was also a nod to Matt Schott.
Feds – again – deny endangered species status to Sonoran desert tortoise
WASHINGTON – The Sonoran desert tortoise has been denied endangered species status for a second time after a 14-year battle waged by advocates to protect the “ancient, iconic species of the desert.”
February 8, 2022 Newscast
School safety, State of Education address, desert tortoises are deemed not endangered
Tribal official calls on Congress to fund ‘critical’ water infrastructure
WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Pascua Yaqui told a House subcommittee Tuesday that tribes need more federal support to implement “critical” water infrastructure projects on their lands, and that includes funding as well as better communication with tribes.
In the fast lane: LA Coliseum hosts first NASCAR race in its 99 years
LOS ANGELES – NASCAR’s first Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum was popular with fans and drivers alike. The preseason exhibition race kicks off the Sprint Cup series that culminates in Phoenix in November.
Work ethic, commitment lead Zhong to Olympics as ASU hockey’s first Olympian
TEMPE – Peter Zhong, ASU hockey’s first Olympian, used work ethic and commitment to reach international hockey’s highest stage, representing China, his native country.
NASCAR roars into Los Angeles with first Clash at the Coliseum
LOS ANGELES – NASCAR’s first Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum was popular with fans and drivers alike. The preseason exhibition race kicks off the Sprint Cup series that culminates in Phoenix in November.
‘Perseverance and courage’: PGA Tour honors D.J. Gregory with Courage Award
SCOTTSDALE – D.J. Gregory, who was born with cerebral palsy, was honored by the PGA Tour with the Courage Award, after 14 seasons walking at every PGA Tour event and over $1 million raised for his foundation.
February 9, 2022 Newscast
Violent crime, graffiti busters clean up Phoenix streets; celebrities at WM Phoenix Open
Aaron Rodgers, Jon Rahm headline star-studded Pro-Am day at WM Open
SCOTTSDALE – World No. 1 golfer Jon Rahm and NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers highlight the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open Wednesday. Rodgers was happy to talk about golf but not football.
Lawmakers target rise in violent crime; Arizona rates remain above U.S.
WASHINGTON - With violent crime rates rising in Arizona and the nation, lawmakers and police groups met on Capitol Hill to push for a bill that would allocate $100 million a year for 10 years to support police agencies and increase assistance to victims and their families.
Sin máscaras, sin distanciamiento: WM Phoenix Open emocionado por el regreso a la normalidad
SCOTTSDALE – Después de que el Phoenix Open 2021 se jugó con restricciones y un aforo limitado, la versión 2022 en el TPC Scottsdale ha vuelto a la normalidad. Los jugadores y aficionados están emocionados por una de las mejores semanas del golf.
From Phoenix Open volunteer to player, ASU freshman Preston Summerhays living golf dream
TEMPE – Preston Summerhays comes from a strong lineage of golfers and has been sponsored to play in the WM Phoenix Open. A dream that he has carried through childhood, high school and college, Summerhays will now play among the best golfers in the world.
Count the Kicks campaign to combat stillbirths expands to Arizona
PHOENIX – Shawn Soumilas lost her second child in a stillbirth 12 years ago. Today, the Prescott mother is part of an effort expanding to Arizona this month to teach expectant mothers about fetal movement and tracking the health of their unborn babies.
ASU softball gears up for 2022 with new roster
TEMPE – Despite significant roster changes, Arizona State softball coach Trisha Ford has confidence in the team’s direction.
It’s official: Coyotes announce move to ASU’s multipurpose arena, addition of locker complex
PHOENIX — Following ABOR’s approval to build a new locker complex, the Arizona Coyotes announced the franchise will move to ASU’s multipurpose arena for the next three seasons with an option for a fourth.
Super Bowl LVI features Arizona ties, including Greenway High product Frank Pollack
PHOENIX – Frank Pollack, AFC champion Bengals’ offensive line and run game coordinator, is one of the many Arizona ties in Super Bowl LVI
February 10, 2022 Newscast
Possible school funding cuts, Sunday's Super Bowl, conservation plus meditation
Electric jolt: Arizona to get millions to develop EV-charging network
WASHINGTON - Arizona stands to get up to $76.5 million over the next five years to develop electric vehicle charging stations along interstate corridors, in hopes of increasing EV ownership by reducing range anxiety for drivers.
200 familias Pascua Yaqui obtienen nuevas casas a través de créditos fiscales de Arizona
TUCSON – Doscientas familias de la Pascua Yaqui Tribe van a tener una oportunidad para comprar una nueva casa asequible.
Legalized sports betting could be a step toward reducing homelessness
LOS ANGELES – A sports betting initiative that could be on the November ballot for California could help alleviate the crisis of people experiencing homelessness.
‘The sport needs it’: Fans, golfers embrace return to normalcy during Phoenix Open’s first round
SCOTTSDALE – Fans flocked to the WM Phoenix Open Thursday for the first round of the popular tournament at TPC Scottsdale. With all pandemic restrictions lifted, players and fans said they were thrilled to see the return to normalcy.
From naughty, talented ASU student to Super Bowl: A look back at Al Michaels’ career
PHOENIX – From his prankster days at Arizona State to his Super Bowl run, Al Michaels has taken an impressive path to success. Valley broadcasters reflect on his career.
Nearly $1.2 billion at risk for Arizona public schools if Legislature fails to override cap
PHOENIX – Arizona public school districts could face budget cuts of 16% if the Legislature doesn’t override the aggregate expenditure limit, a spending cap that voters approved in 1980.
Dishing the dirt: Unique layouts, surfaces challenge Supercross drivers’ event preparations
GLENDALE - The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship presents unique tracks and dirt every single race. Drivers must prepare quickly and smartly on-site while also taking advantage of track maps.
Arizona native Bryce Perkins takes difficult, worthwhile journey to Super Bowl LVI
PHOENIX – After stops at Chandler, Arizona State and Arizona Western, quarterback Bryce Perkins finds his way to Super Bowl LVI.
February 11, 2022 Newscast
Sports gambling, Capitol Police check social media, children need therapeutic foster care
Schweikert agrees to $125,000 fine from FEC for campaign violations
WASHINGTON - Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, has agreed to pay $125,000 to the Federal Election Commission for misuse of campaign funds, including charges that funds went to personal use of campaign staffers.
Rising wages could not keep pace with rising prices in Arizona in 2021
WASHINGTON - Wages rose 5.3% in the Phoenix metro area last year, but prices rose almost twice as fast, with rising fuel and food prices eroding workers' buying power despite a surging economy.
Burrowing animals, pin placements: PGA Tour rules officials quietly influential at Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Behind the chaos, PGA Tour rules officials quietly play an important role at the WMPhoenix.
After 31-year playoff victory drought, Bengals fans giddy about team’s Super Bowl appearance
LOS ANGELES – Not winning a playoff game for 31 years hasn't deterred a Bengals fan base from showing up at postseason games. Will the Super Bowl be more of the same?
Thunderbirds expect fundraising bounce back after ’21 Phoenix Open COVID-19 limitations
PHOENIX – The Thunderbirds spent a year prepping TPC Scottsdale for the 2022 WM Phoenix Open. On the heels of a limited-access tournament last year because of COVID-19, the organization is expected to raise about $10 million from this event.
WM Phoenix Open shows its 2022 hand, and it’s a pair of aces
SCOTTSDALE – Holes-in-one by Sam Ryder and Carlos Ortiz at the 16th hole headline a wild WM Phoenix Open weekend. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to 2021, when COVID-19 restrictions limited how many fans could attend.
As Rams near Super Bowl kickoff at SoFi, Cardinals fans can’t help but think of 2023
LOS ANGELES – As Arizona Cardinals fans watch the Super Bowl today, they will likely be looking forward to 2023, when State Farm Stadium hopes the big game.
Phoenix Rising ya trabaja pensando en una nueva temporada
PHOENIX – El plantel del Phoenix Rising de 22 jugadores arribó a su sede después del descanso de invierno, el técnico del equipo Rick Schantz se encuentra satisfecho después de la primera semana de pretemporada.
Breaking through the cracks: Perry High product Jalen Williams blossoming at Santa Clara
PHOENIX - Jalen Williams is having a breakout basketball season at Santa Clara University. Williams is receiving NBA attention.
Blood providers call for donors amid first national blood crisis
PHOENIX – Amid what the American Red Cross is calling the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, blood providers are urgently calling for donors. Vitalant, an Arizona nonprofit that collects blood, says thousands of blood drives have been canceled over the past 18 months.
Arizona economy nears pre-pandemic norms as unemployment rate declines
PHOENIX - Arizona’s economy has seen tremendous job growth in the past year, economists say. The Back-to-Normal report ranks Arizona fifth in the nation.
It’s not official, but Super Bowl, Phoenix Open final round likely to be in Valley on same day in 2023
PHOENIX – Although the PGA Tour has yet to release its schedule, the WM Phoenix Open final round will likely fall on the same day as the Super Bowl in Glendale, which could mean a busy week for Arizona sports fans.
Sunny, with a chance of (beer) showers: Restriction-free Phoenix Open returns in big way
SCOTTSDALE – The wildest tournament on the PGA Tour lived up to its billing as an abundance of fans enjoyed sunny skies, a celebratory atmosphere and high quality golf.
Despite gains, tribal nations seek more inclusion in national affairs
WASHINGTON - Tribal governments have "a foot in the door" with the federal government but they don't yet have a seat at the table where decisions concerning them are being made, the president of the National Congress of American Indians said Monday.
February 14, 2022 Newscast
Missing ballots bill, Scottsdale water cuts, Valentine's flowers checked at the border
Paint and pressure washing: Graffiti Busters work to keep Phoenix ahead of blight
PHOENIX – The Graffiti Busters, part of the city’s Neighborhood Services Department, work seven days a week to remove graffiti across Phoenix. The service is free for residents and businesses.
COVID and political fatigue inspired ‘lighter, comedic’ Super Bowl ads
PHOENIX – Super Bowl television commercials adopted a kinder and more humorous tone during the big game this year after a few companies built their spots around the pandemic or politics in 2021 – if they advertised at all.
A new era: Mike Candrea passes torch, remains confident in future of Arizona softball
TUCSON – Eight months after retiring as the head coach of the Arizona softball program, Mike Candrea believes the program’s future is bright under Caitlin Lowe’s direction.
Turnaround tandem: Kupp and McVay instrumental in returning the Lombardi Trophy to LA
LOS ANGELES – Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp and Rams coach Sean McVay got together back in 2017, and they haven’t taken their foot off the gas pedal since.
Survey highlights ongoing teacher shortage for Arizona schools
PHOENIX – Nearly 2,000 teacher positions remain vacant in Arizona, and teaching positions are being filled by people who do not meet the standard teaching requirements, according to the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association.
February 15, 2022 Newscast
Education spending cap, Arizona schools need nearly 2,000 teachers, Spring Training baseball on hold
Report says drought may be worst in 1,200 years, little relief in sight
WASHINGTON - The megadrought that’s gripped Arizona and the Southwest since 2000 is the driest in more than 1,200 years, and it is likely to continue for the near future, according to a new report.
Experts spotlight disparities in contraception, family planning as Supreme Court weighs key abortion case
PHOENIX – As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a key case that could scale back or overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion rights advocates are spotlighting disparities in family planning and health care access, noting women of color and those living in poverty are most likely to be affected by any change in law.
‘I didn’t have a clue’: Suns’ James Jones, Monty Williams reflect on race during Black History Month
PHOENIX – From conversations to murals,Phoenix Suns executives reflect on race during Black History Month.
February 16, 2022 Newscast
Recycling solar panels in Arizona, critical race theory bill, Supercross dirt
As assistance for renters still lags, fears of eviction rise in Arizona
WASHINGTON – The number of Arizonans fearing eviction has grown sharply since a pandemic moratorium ended in September, with advocates and landlords both saying rental assistance from the federal government has not reached renters fast enough.
Finchem, Ward targets of new subpoenas by committee probing Jan. 6 attack
WASHINGTON - The committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol subpoenaed Arizona GOP leader Kelli Ward and Rep. Mark Finchem for "information about efforts to send false slates of electors to Washington and change the outcome of the 2020 election."
Mothers of children who are Black and autistic help other families find their voices
The African American Conference on Disability, which wraps up this week in Arizona, included a session in which two mothers of children who are Black and autistic advised other families of color about getting support and services amid longstanding disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
‘This dude flies’: Remembering Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, the baseball star
PHOENIX – Before Kyler Murray won the Heisman and was drafted No. 1 in 2019, he showed potential on the diamond. Former coaches, teammates and a scout knew he was special.
When COVID knocked on the door, Pima CC athletics responded with successful protocol, ‘bubble’
TUCSON – Pima Community College’s sports injury management team created a three-step protocol to bring its athletes back safely. It was so successful, other programs reach out.
LA celebrates Rams’ Super Bowl win with victory parade
After winning the Super Bowl in their home stadium, the Los Angeles Rams celebrated their win with a parade.
Climate data reveals a hotter, drier Arizona, with more extremes possible
PHOENIX – NOAA’s 2022 Arizona Climate Summary says the state got hotter and rainfall remained highly variable from 2017-20. This might not sound like news, but experts say we need to take a closer look at the changes – especially increased nighttime temperatures in metro Phoenix.
Play ball? Not yet, as battle for MLB season carries on after spring training delayed
PHOENIX — Pitchers and catchers were supposed to report this week. But due to no new CBA, spring training in Arizona will have to wait a little longer.
Jayden Daniels’ departure from ASU sparks widespread criticism of program
PHOENIX — ASU QB Jayden Daniels announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal Thursday following a multitude of coaching changes related to the program’s investigation due to alleged recruiting violations.
February 17, 2022 Newscast
Spring training on hold, compassion area Sky Harbor, free summer programs for students
Los proveedores de sangre piden donantes ante la crisis sanguínea nacional provocada por la pandemia
PHOENIX – En medio de lo que la Cruz Roja Estadounidense llama la peor escasez de sangre en más de una década, los proveedores de sangre están haciendo llamados urgentes para que los voluntarios se presenten a donar.
Crop talk: UArizona scientists learning how plants communicate with their environment
TUCSON – Scientists at the University of Arizona are testing how plants respond to their environment. Their goal is to engineer plants so they can withstand the effects of climate change.
Mountain View coach Gary Ernst says farewell amid controversy over his departure
MESA – Gary Ernst, Mountain View boys basketball coach, was let go after 38 years of coaching. In his final game, Mountain View put on a ceremony celebrating the many years of service Ernst has given to the school and to the community.
Determined Phoenix Suns remain red hot heading into All-Star break
PHOENIX – After coming up just two wins short of the organization's first championship, the Phoenix Suns head into the All-Star break poised for another shot at the title.
Despite rising Russian tension, ‘I’m here and here I’ll stay’ in Ukraine
WASHINGTON - Despite U.S. warnings that Americans should leave Ukraine in the face of a possible Russian invasion, former Arizona resident Lada Roslycky says she intends to stay put in Kyiv, calling it "too important” to leave as the country readies to defend itself.
Wyoming made: GCU’s Carter Young achieved DI status without high school baseball
PHOENIX – Wyoming is one of only two states that doesn’t sanction baseball as a high school sport. Grand Canyon pitcher Carter Young still managed to play DI baseball by traveling and competing around the country.
Glendale’s Michael McDowell hopes to defend Daytona 500 championship with new team
PHOENIX – Glendale native Michael McDowell kicks off the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season with a chance to defend his Daytona 500 championship. He will have an entirely new team around him.
February 18, 2022 Newscast
Some AZ School districts done with masks, monarch butterfly, Barry Bonds not Hall of Fame
Suns’ Chris Paul vs. Devin Booker in NBA All-Star Game? Veteran guard’s status still uncertain
PHOENIX – Although it will be the third straight appearance for the Suns’ Chris Paul and Devin Booker, this will be the first time they will face each other in three years as teammates
Arizona, national traffic deaths jumped in 2021; state outpaced nation
WASHINGTON - Arizona traffic deaths rose 18.4% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the year before, far outpacing the national 12% increase in the same period, new federal data show. The death tolls were the highest since 2006.
24 horse fatalities during Turf Paradise racing season raise concerns
PHOENIX – With a death rate nearly twice the national average, Turf Paradise is coming under fire for 24 horse fatalities.
Speedrunning: College League of Legends tiebreaker system raises question of fairness
PHOENIX – Top-ranked collegiate League of Legends often breeze through the first few weeks of their season against mismatched competition because tiebreaker rules incentivize “speedrunning.” College League of Legends coaches say neither winners or losers benefit.
Advocates hopeful as Supreme Court agrees to hear ‘remain in Mexico’ case
WASHINGTON - The on-again, off-again fight to end the Trump-era "remain in Mexico" policy is on again, after the Supreme Court said it will review lower court rulings that have forced the Biden administration to keep the program in place, with a ruling likely by this summer.
Arizona Senate overrides education spending cap, avoids $1.2 billion in cuts to public schools
PHOENIX – In a 23-6 vote, the Arizona Senate passed SCR 1050 and overrode the Aggregate Expenditure Limit, an education spending cap that would have required a $1.2 billion cut in public school spending.
Los artistas esperan que el Proyecto del Mural de la Historia de la Raza Negra ‘eduque, inspire y eleve’
PHOENIX – La inauguración de un mural para los Phoenix Suns y Mercury en el Footprint Center dio inicio al Proyecto del Mural de la Historia de la Raza Negra 2022. La Fundación Shining Light encargó a los artistas de Arizona 28 murales que representan los 28 días de febrero, el Mes de la Historia de la Raza Negra.
Graves in 19th century Pioneer Military & Memorial Park preserved by volunteer efforts
PHOENIX – The Arizona Pioneers’ Cemetery Association is working to preserve Pioneer Military & Memorial Park, where more than 3,700 people are believed to have been buried with only 600 grave markers.
Suns face NBA stretch run without playmaker Chris Paul
PHOENIX – Chris Paul was leading the league in assists and was in the race for NBA Most Valuable Player when he suffered a thumb injury. Now, the Phoenix Suns will try to navigate the remainder of the regular season without their floor leader.
Sister act: ASU’s Gaspar twins share innate connection on, off lacrosse field
TEMPE – Twins Bella and Gigi Gaspar, star sophomore defenders for the Arizona State women’s lacrosse team, made the 1,500-mile journey from Canada to Tempe after playing every sport imaginable growing up. They also played a few pranks, too.
Backyard birds: Annual count uses citizen scientists to take snapshots of U.S. populations
MESA – Backyard biodiversity and citizen science collide at the Great Backyard Bird Count, when seasoned and fledgling birders take to their backyards, parks, nature preserves and the wilderness to share their sightings with scientists. For Arizona, the annual count gives us a snapshot of what species are here before migration starts this spring.
Navy reinforcements help Valleywise Health amid health care worker shortage
PHOENIX – Seven members of the Navy have joined Valleywise Health Medical Center to support overburdened frontline health care workers, per a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The team will stay for a month.
February 22, 2022 Newscast
Military helps hospitals, electric vehicle charging stations bill, incoming cold front
Uranium mine near Grand Canyon permitted by court, despite mining ban
WASHINGTON - A federal court ruled Tuesday that a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon can operate, even though it sits on 1 million acres that the federal government has declared off-limits to new mining.
México no solo fue representado en el hielo, sino también en el panel de jueces en estas olimpiadas
PHOENIX – Sasha Martínez, jueza y árbitra internacional de la ISU (Unión Internacional de Patinaje Sobre Hielo) es la primera jueza internacional de patinaje artístico sobre hielo Mexicana en el panel Olímpico.
International Wildcats adapting to life, tennis away from home during COVID-19 pandemic
TUCSON — Many of the international players on the UArizona men’s tennis team face challenges with travel, seeing family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
El Senado de Arizona anula el límite de gasto en educación y evita un recorte de $1.2 mil millones a las escuelas públicas
PHOENIX – En una votación de 23 a 6, el Senado de Arizona aprobó la SCR 1050 y anuló el Aggregate Expenditure Limit, un tope de gastos en educación que hubiera requerido un recorte de $1.2 mil millones en el gasto de las escuelas públicas.
Tolleson baseball bring new energy after COVID bubble kept team out of state tournament
TOLLESON – Tolleson Union High School boys varsity baseball team finds a new love for the game after missing out of the 6A state tournament last season due to district restrictions regarding COVID-19.
Mesquite’s Nate Calmese knew the shot heard ‘round ESPN’s SportsCenter was good when he let it go
PHOENIX – Calmese and the Mesquite Wildcats are headed to the 4A state title game after sinking his buzzer-beating half court shot that landed on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
February 23, 2022 Newscast
Affordable health care, Arizona musical headed to NYC, dangerous winter weather
Brnovich urges skeptical Supreme Court to let states step in if feds fail
WASHINGTON – Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it would set a “dangerous precedent” if it let the Biden administration drop an immigration policy and refused to let the states step in to defend it.
Far-left, far-right lawmakers come together to caution Biden on Ukraine
WASHINGTON - Who says bipartisanship is dead? House members from the liberal "squad" joined members of the conservative Freedom Caucus this week to urge President Joe Biden to get congressional approval before committing any U.S. troops to fighting in Ukraine.
Los defensores resaltan las desigualdades en la planificación familiar mientras la Corte Suprema evalúa un caso clave de aborto
PHOENIX – Mientras la Corte Suprema de EE. UU. evalúa un caso clave que podría reducir o anular Roe v. Wade, los defensores del derecho al aborto están destacando las desigualdades en la planificación familiar y el acceso a la atención médica, señalando que las mujeres de color y las que viven en la pobreza tienen más probabilidades de verse afectadas por cualquier cambio en la ley.
Gift of life: People of color urged to register for organ donation
PHOENIX – About 60% of the 106,000 patients awaiting an organ donation in the U.S. are people of color, with Black, Hispanic and Asian patients disproportionately represented. To overcome such disparities, advocates at the national and local level are doing more to encourage people of color to become donors.
‘The Punisher’: After life delivers a blow, boxer finds calling as coach, mentor
PHOENIX — Peter Chavez was a promising young boxer in Phoenix as a teen. Following a difficult journey, including a brief stint in jail, Chavez gave up on his dream of boxing and found his calling as a coach and mentor.
‘Go grab a basketball’: Perry High grateful 7-footer Dylan Anderson took Frank Caliendo’s advice
GILBERT – Seven-foot center Dylan Anderson played football before he picked up basketball five years ago. In that time, he thrived on the court and has committed to the University of Arizona after back-to-back standout seasons at Perry High School.
Bill banning most abortions after 15 weeks passes Arizona Senate, heads to the House
Senate Bill 1164, which would ban abortions after 15 weeks – similar to a Mississippi law now before the Supreme Court – was passed by Republicans in the state Senate and now goes to the House.
Discovery of Pluto at Flagstaff observatory continues to inspire 92 years later
FLAGSTAFF – The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff celebrated the 92nd anniversary of astronomer Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto, which now is designated a dwarf planet.
Russians in Arizona look on with dismay, sadness at invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON - It’s been decades since Paul Antseliovich and Nikolai Riasnianski left Russia, but the years and the miles have not made it any easier for the two longtime Arizona residents to watch events of recent weeks that lead up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
No Asante, no panic: Phoenix Rising remain confident as they prepare for 2022 season
TEMPE – Event without Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising feel good about the direction of the upcoming season.
Fresh sand in the desert: Arizona State debuts beach volleyball facility
TEMPE – The Arizona State beach volleyball team’s new on-campus courts opened two weeks ago. The team has been playing at an off-campus country club since the team’s inception in 2014.
All-star events? Big prize money? Disc golf takes off, opens pro season in Tucson
TUCSON – All-Star Weekend in Tucson showcased the growing popularity of disc golf. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the sports landscape, but it also inspired some to seek new outdoor options. Disc golf was that for many.
February 25, 2022 Newscast
Interrupted Spring training, bill could revive AZ movie industry, warmer weather on the way
Arizona ports of entry get at least $315 million for upgrades, expansion
WASHINGTON - Arizona is set to receive at least $315 million for improvements to three ports of entry along the Mexican border, money that officials say is badly needed to ease cross-border trade while improving border security.
Arizonans march in support of Ukraine after Russian invasion
PHOENIX – Hundreds of demonstrators marched from the Ukrainian American Cultural Center to Colter Park in Phoenix in support of Ukraine.
‘Grit and determination’: NASCAR trailblazer Wendell Scott honored with downtown mural
PHOENIX – The Shining Light Foundation recently unveiled a mural of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Wendell Scott to honor his career. Scott was the first full-time Black driver to compete in the Cup Series and also win.
Q&A: How PRJKT RUBY gets contraceptives to women in need in the U.S. and developing countries
Inspired by his daughters, Arizonan Peter Ax created a discreet and easy way to get birth control to women in need in the U.S. and donate money toward improving reproductive care in the developing world.
‘Good obnoxiousness’: From a Betty White-out to dancing unicorns, 942 Crew an ASU staple
TEMPE – From a Betty White-out to dancing unicorns, Arizona State’s 942 Crew hopes to boost student attendance.
Phil Mickelson’s reputation takes hit after Saudi golf comments surface
PHOENIX – Phil Mickelson’s comments regarding the proposed Saudi Golf League lead to lost sponsors and a step back from the PGA Tour.
Mystery of the monarchs: Western butterfly populations stage remarkable comeback
Monarch populations have been rocky over the past two decades but this year, thousands of monarch butterflies migrated west. Scientists still don’t understand why the population changes dramatically each year, but they still are urging people to make conservation efforts.
February 28, 2022 Newscast
Phoenix residents rally to support Ukraine, new Goodyear flight school, temperatures rise across the state
Supreme Court to hear Indian Child Welfare Act case involving Navajo child
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear a challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act filed by a white Texas couple that was almost denied the chance to adopt a Native American boy who was set to be placed with a Navajo family.
Court rejects family’s suit against Mesa, Gilbert police in suspect’s death
A federal appeals court said Monday that Mesa and Gilbert police cannot be sued for depriving surviving family members of their right to "familial association" with a man whom officers shot 30 times in a 2016 confrontation.
Madres de niños afroamericanos con autismo ofrecen apoyo y orientación a otras familias
PHOENIX – Aunque estudios anteriores mostraron que los niños blancos tenían más probabilidades de recibir un diagnóstico de autismo que los niños de raza negra o hispanos, esa brecha se ha reducido, según un informe del CDC. Otra investigacion muestra que los niños de color y los de familias de bajos ingresos aún tienen menos acceso a la atención y los servicios para el autismo, y las familias de color reportan una atención de menor calidad.
Stars align: Celebrities are among biggest Suns fans
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns have risen from the lowest rungs on the NBA ladder to the league’s elite over the last three seasons, and some celebrity fans, including Phoenix-raised Hollywood screenwriter Rhett Reese, are going along for the ride.
Some Arizona downwinders who blame illnesses on nuclear testing remain uncompensated
KINGMAN – Residents in lower Mohave County who attribute their illnesses to the nuclear testing at the Nevada National Security Site continue to be left out of RECA compensation. New legislation is being introduced to include them in the compensation.
Swing and a miss: MLB delays spring training, cancels early season games after talks stall
PHOENIX – Major League Baseball announced the cancellation of the first two series of the regular season following stalled negotiations between the owners and MLB’s Players Association.
March 1, 2022 Newscast
Election identification, U.S. Capital security and State of the Union, investigation of child sexual abuse prosecution in Indian Country
Biden’s upbeat State of the Union in unsteady times splits state lawmakers
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden delivered his first State of the Union address Tuesday in a speech that toggled between plans for tackling domestic challenges and reasserting U.S. international leadership.
Filling the void: Baseball fans flock to Tempe Innings Festival in absence of spring training
PHOENIX – The sights, sounds and smells of spring baseball infiltrated Tempe Beach Park last weekend for the return of Innings Festival.
Se insta a las personas de color a registrarse para la donación de órganos
PHOENIX – Alrededor del 60% de los 106,000 pacientes esperando una donación de órganosen los Estados Unidos son personas de color, pacientes de raza negra, hispanos y asiaticos representados desproporcionadamente en la lista de espera, según muestran las estadísticas nacionales. La gran mayoría de esos 106.000 están esperando riñones.
‘The system works’: Electorate defends baseball Hall of Fame process despite high profile omissions
PHOENIX – The National Baseball Hall of Fame has come under scrutiny over the last decade due to controversial omission of high profile names, including Curt Schilling and Barry Bonds.
6A showdown: Arizona’s top high school basketball teams square off for the title
PHOENIX – The 6A boys and girls basketball championships are are set to tip off tonight at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Perry and Hamilton will play for the boys title, and Perry and Valley Vista will go at each other for the girls title. Storylines run deep in both games.
Arizona bill requiring parental oversight of school library books passes Senate committee
PHOENIX – House Bill 2439 would establish parental review for books that are approved for school libraries, requiring schools to post the list of newly purchased books on their websites for at least 60 days after approval. The House-approved bill has passed the Senate Education Committee.
March 2, 2022 Newscast
AZ reacts to State of the Union, TSA reservations, girls wrestling gaining popularity
Gates expresses ‘great concerns’ about future of Arizona election integrity
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates told a national panel he has “great concerns about the future” of election integrity in Arizona, after threats following the 2020 election and as election deniers run for Secretary of State in 2022.
What happens in Vegas … isn’t always good: ASU women fall to Oregon State in Pac-12 Tournament
LAS VEGAS – Despite a late comeback, the Arizona State women's basketball team fell to Oregon State in the Pac-12 Tournament and saw its season end.
Arizona official defends ‘remain in Mexico’ policy that Biden wants to end
WASHINGTON - The director of Arizona's Department of Homeland Security told a panel of lawmakers Wednesday that the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the “remain in Mexico” policy for immigrants, is helping to keep Arizonans safe.
Child tax credit to military pensions: What to know about filing taxes this year
MESA – From the child tax credit to stimulus checks, here’s what to watch out for as you file your state and federal income taxes from 2021.
Teletherapy expanded during the pandemic, but is it effective for behavioral health?
PHOENIX – Telehealth has been a widely used resource during the pandemic, but some experts continue to weigh the pros and cons of treating certain conditions from a distance – specifically mental illness and substance use.
Crédito tributario por hijos a pensiones militares: lo que debe saber sobre la presentación de su reembolso de impuestos de este año
MESA – La temporada de impuestos se verá un poco diferente este año, desde los plazos normales hasta la escasez de personal del IRS que podría retrasar los reembolsos. Pero hay ayuda disponible para los que tienen fobia a los impuestos, y es gratis para aquellos que califican.
ASU women’s basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne steps down after 25-season run
TEMPE – Arizona State women’s basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne announced at a press conference today that she will step down from her role after 25 seasons with the program.
Heart, hope and a defibrillator: Mercury forward Tina Charles’ foundation helped save a life
PHOENIX — A Texas landscaping supervisor, had his life saved by an automated external defibrillator provided by Hopey’s Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that the Mercury’s Tina Charles started with a mission of equipping gymnasiums with AEDs to prevent sudden cardiac arrest
Rising secure deal with Bally Sports Arizona; could MLS be in their future?
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising secure deal with Bally Sports Arizona and hope continued growth includes a place with Major League Soccer in the future.
Arizona has eyes on March Madness after clinching Pac-12 regular season title
LOS ANGELES – The Arizona Wildcats clinched the Pac-12 regular season title but have much bigger aspirations as the conference tournament and March Madness approach.
March 3, 2022 Newscast
Efforts to get free COVID-19 tests to rural areas, AZ solar power fudning, MLB lockout's impact on stadium workers
Arizona’s run in Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament ends abruptly after loss to Colorado
LAS VEGAS – The Arizona women's basketball team had high hopes heading into the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament but Colorado quickly ended the Wildcats' run in Sin City.
13 bills that could affect transgender youth winding through Arizona Legislature
PHOENIX – LGBTQ advocates and transgender youth in Arizona continue to push back against 13 bills that been introduced in the Legislature this session. These bills, whether they are passed or not, can negatively affect transgender youth and their mental health.
‘Those bulls don’t know it’s a gay rodeo’: Arizona event embraces LGBTQ+ community
LAVEEN – The Arizona Gay Rodeo supports the LGBTQ+ community and shows that Western culture is all inclusive. Veteran David Limon uses bullriding to break barriers.
NHRA’s return to Wild Horse Pass concludes with end of Torrence family Arizona winning streak
CHANDLER – The NHRA missed coming to Arizona, as last year’s Arizona Nationals was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Steve Torrence missed the desert more than most with a winning pedigree.
Las escuelas luchan por llenar las aulas en medio de la escasez de maestros sustitutos
AVONDALE — Los distritos escolares luchan diariamente para llenar las vacantes de maestros. La escasez de docentes existía antes de la pandemia, con salarios bajos que provocaron que muchos dejaran sus trabajos y se cambiaran a otras profesiones. Sin embargo, la pandemia de COVID-19 agravó drásticamente la escasez. Y se pone más demanda en sustitutos.
Peoria boys basketball coach has an alter ego: Phoenix Suns superfan Mr. ORNG
PEORIA – Some days he’s “coach,” other days he’s Mr. ORNG. But he’s always embracing his unique basketball experiences.
‘It’s turned into this craziness’: Substitutes in high demand as teacher shortage has districts scrambling
AVONDALE – Candie Halberg began subbing during her retirement because she missed the kids, and wanted to be in the classroom a few days a week. But she soon was back to working full-time, due to a dire statewide shortage in substitute teachers. During the pandemic, fears of getting sick coupled with a massive teacher shortage have made an already difficult job even harder to fill.
Going to the mat for ASU wrestling: Support defines relationship of Norfleet brothers
PHOENIX — In 2021, Kendall Norfleet joined his older brother Kordell on ASU’s wrestling team. The two have thrived in the presence of each other.
March 4, 2022 Newscast
Future of winter sports competitions, ASU women's basketball long-time coach retires
Townsend drops House bid after rebuke of Rogers costs her Trump backing
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, dropped her bid for Congress Friday, after failing to get a "promised" endorsement from former President Donald Trump - and days after criticizing another Trump-backed candidate on the Senate floor.
Mercury ‘closely monitoring’ after report Russians arrested Brittney Griner on cannabis oil possession charge
PHOENIX – After a Russian news agency reported that a WNBA player had been arrested in Russia for possession of cannabis oil, the Phoenix Mercury issued a statement that they are "aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner ."
Arizona already getting ready to host the 2023 Super Bowl
LOS ANGELES – Preparations already are underway for the NFL’s big game next year. The Arizona host committee was in Los Angeles for the 2022 Super Bowl and provided some insight into plans for next year.
Reversing the desert: How an Arizona engineer is trying to heal the land and protect water
RED ROCK – A civil engineer in southern Arizona is looking at nature’s systems to reverse deserts, heal watersheds and revitalize arid land with holistic land management practices.
College Football Playoff expansion? Nimble Fiesta Bowl organizers say they’ll be ready
PHOENIX – The Fiesta Bowl is ready to host its third College Football Playoff game in December. As expansion looms, the Fiesta Bowl is awaiting what’s next for Arizona’s prestigious bowl game.
Mikey’s League fills sports void for those with intellectual, physical disabilities
TEMPE – Mikey's League began in 2019 in memory of Mikey Bender, 21, who died after losing a battle with cerebral palsy and a heart defect. The league has teamed with KinectAbility to open doors for ability sports.
Life expectancy fell a ‘shocking’ 1.8 years in 2020; COVID not sole culprit
WASHINGTON - U.S. life expectancy fell by an “unprecedented and shocking” 1.8 years between 2019 and 2020, a dramatic drop that experts say can only partly be blamed on the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After scrambling to resettle nearly 1,900 Afghans, groups await more
WASHINGTON - Refugee resettlement groups in Arizona found homes for almost 1,900 Afghan refugees from the fall of Kabul in August through February, the most the agencies said they have placed in the least amount of time. And they say they are ready to place more.
Children of incarcerated parents find joy at Prison Fellowship sports camp
MESA – The Prison Fellowship offers sports camps for children of incarcerated parents and recently stopped at Central Christian Church in Mesa. In Arizona, 11% of children have had an incarcerated parent.
Minor League Baseball celebrates game’s Black pioneers, builds diversity through ‘The Nine’
PHOENIX – Minor League Baseball new program “The Nine” aims to amplify Black voices. Teams across the country will celebrate the game’s pioneers while growing baseball’s diversity.
‘Life masks’ created to keep stories of the Holocaust alive
SCOTTSDALE – Artist Robert Sutz casts the faces of Holocaust survivors, liberators and righteous gentiles into “life masks” to preserve their stories.
What’s ‘average’? Snowpack determines health of Colorado River, and our understanding of it is changing
ASPEN, Colo. – The NOAA has almost a century of data on the snowpack that feeds the Colorado River, and it shows lighter snows and higher temperatures over time. But we compare temperature and precipitation totals to 30-year averages that shift every decade, which may be skewing our understanding of snowpack dynamics.
Twins Nyah, Olivia Moran help guide NAU women’s basketball team into Big Sky semifinals
FLAGSTAFF — Not many colleges wanted to recruit both Nyah and Olivia Moran at the same time. Northern Arizona was one of the few schools that did, and the twins are rewarding coach Loree Payne for that decison by emerging as solid options off the bench.
NAU men’s basketball team brings confidence into Big Sky tournament
PHOENIX – NAU basketball heads to Boise to take on Eastern Washington University in the Big Sky Conference tournament in Boise. The Lumberjacks have used the transfer portal and have recruited locally to build their team this year.
Vegas heartbreak: Buzzer beater brings ASU men’s basketball season to abrupt end
LAS VEGAS – After dominating much of the game, the Arizona State men's basketball team saw Stanford chip away at its lead. Eventually, the Cardinal beat the Sun Devils in the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament, bringing an end to ASU's season.
Expanded Buy Indian Act expected to provide economic boost to tribal enterprises
WASHINGTON – An update and expansion of the 112-year-old Buy Indian Act reduces red tape in procuring contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, expands access to capital for tribes and increases opportunities for Native business promotion.
Flu down for second year; reason may be as plain as the mask on your face
Arizona flu cases are down sharply for the second year in a row, a decline that health experts are attributing to the health and safety precautions that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Pressure is privilege’: Arizona men’s basketball optimistic about Pac-12 Tournament
PHOENIX — Fresh off a Pac-12 regular season title, the Arizona Wildcats are looking forward to proving themselves in March starting with the Pac-12 men’s conference tournament in Las Vegas.
Batter up! Baseball is back with new collective bargaining agreement but casualties remain
PHOENIX – Although Major League Baseball and the MLBPA hammered out a competitive-balance agreement, many connected to the game are still reeling from the lockout.
Kilts, weight-throwing, bagpipes, oh my! Phoenix Scottish Games land in Gilbert
GILBERT — Through athletics, food, dance and bagpipes, the Phoenix Scottish Games help give Arizonans and visitors a better understanding of Scottish culture.
Arizona holds off Stanford but awaits news on injured starting point guard Kerr Kriisa
LAS VEGAS – Arizona won a tough battle against Stanford, edging out the Cardinals in the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament. Not all the news was good, however, as starting point guard Kerr Kriisa went down with an ankle injury.
Oklahoma, tribes clash over jurisdiction after Supreme Court’s McGirt decision
The Supreme Court’s 2020 McGirt decision has Oklahoma and its 39 tribes negotiating over the re-establishment of reservations in the state. Western states are watching, but most have a long-established framework on issues of criminal jurisdiction.
March 10, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at how the Arizona economy changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic
Showdown: After resilient win over Sam Houston, GCU set for rival New Mexico State
LAS VEGAS – After a resilient back-and-forth win against Sam Houston, GCU will now play New Mexico State for the fourth straight time in the WAC Tournament.
Narrowing of state, U.S. gender wage gaps slow; may widen post-pandemic
The wage gap that had been narrowing between men and women stalled in 2019, according to new numbers from the Census Bureau, and advocates fear the situation will only get worse when pandemic-era data is released.
‘Weathered that storm’: Despite adversity, GCU women one win away from NCAA Tournament berth
LAS VEGAS – Despite losing some key players from last season, the Grand Canyon women's basketball team has put together 22 victories and now find themselves one victory away from an NCAA Tournament berth.
GCU men fall to rival New Mexico State in WAC Tournament semifinal
LAS VEGAS - After defeating New Mexico State in the 2021 WAC Tournament finals, the Aggies got the better of GCU in this year's semifinals, winning 75-70.
No starting point guard, no problem: Wildcats advance to Pac-12 Tournament title game
LAS VEGAS – The loss of its starting point guard raised significant concerns about Arizona's chances in the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament. The way the Wildcats found ways to win left coach Tommy Lloyd emotional.
Miller time: Even though GCU women lost WAC title game, coach’s past success suggests future is bright
LAS VEGAS – For the second straight year, the GCU women lost in the WAC Tournament final. Although they still haven’t reached their goal of advancing to the NCAA Tournament, coach Molly Miller's past success suggests the future is bright
A slam dunk: After impressive victory over UCLA, Arizona poised to land No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament
LAS VEGAS – After an impressive victory over UCLA, Arizona captured the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament title and is poised to land the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
NASCAR teams to gain real-race data in Next Gen car at Phoenix before November’s championship
AVONDALE – NASCAR makes its first stop at Phoenix Raceway this year. Teams and drivers have become increasingly comfortable with the new Next Gen car, but this weekend is significant with the challenge of Phoenix’s dogleg looming.
‘Real chance’ Kerr Kriisa could play in Arizona’s NCAA Tournament opener
PHOENIX – After capturing the Pac-12 Tournament title over UCLA, Arizona was rewarded with a one seed in the South Region of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Wildcats will play the winner of the game between No. 16 seeds Wright State and Bryant on Friday.
Chase Briscoe fulfills dream with first NASCAR Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE - Chase Briscoe fended off multiple challengers in the final restarts to win Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. Briscoe became the 200th Cup Series winner in history with his first career win in NASCAR’s top series.
Arizona lawmakers consider Medicaid expansion for postpartum care
PHOENIX – Advocates are pushing Arizona lawmakers to expand Medicaid coverage for women after they give birth to help improve maternal health outcomes and combat rising pregnancy-related deaths.
Ucranianos en Phoenix relatan devastadoras historias de familiares por la invasión rusa
PHOENIX – Natalia Savka, originaria de Ucrania, relata la lamentable situación por la que sus familiares y amistades están atravesando. Savka dice que algunos de sus familiares se vieron obligados a escapar a Polonia pocos días atrás al ver que sus vidas corrían peligro. Habitantes de Phoenix relatan cómo sus familiares viven la invasión rusa en Ucrania.
Arizona’s public universities lift mask mandates under new CDC guidelines
PHOENIX – Following updated CDC guidance that masks are not necessary for everyone in areas of low to medium transmission risk, NAU, ASU and UArizona lift indoor mask requirements.
Pandemic expulsion of migrant minors officially ends; adults still covered
The CDC ruled this weekend that unaccompanied minors should not be turned back at the border over COVID-19 concerns, a move welcomed by advocates who say the change now needs to be extended to all immigrants.
‘Pretty tough days’: With 2021 behind them, Diamondbacks excited for start of spring training
SCOTTSDALE – After a challenging 2021, the Arizona Diamondbacks are excited to put the past behind them and talk about baseball, not COVID or contracts.
March 14, 2022 Newscast
Flu cases are down, fourth Pfizer vaccination may be needed, spring training is starting up
Court refuses to order Arizona to pay for transgender teen’s surgery
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court has refused to order Arizona's Medicaid program to pay for the sex reassignment surgery of a transgender teen who claimed the state's failure to do so amounted to sex discrimination.
Renaissance festival returns, and with it, workers who depend on ‘the circuit’
GOLD CANYON – The Arizona Renaissance Festival stopped in 2020 and didn’t return in 2021 because of the pandemic, but it made its comeback this year. Crowds and workers were eager to return.
Globetrotters and funnel cakes: Prescott Valley’s Findlay Toyota Center reinvents itself
PRESCOTT VALLEY – The Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley went through an identity shift in recent years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the departure of the Northern Arizona Suns.
Building a new reservoir takes a lot of time, trucks and rock – but is there enough water?
The Chimney Hollow Reservoir west of Loveland will include the tallest dam built in the U.S. in 25 years and is meant to shore up water supplies for thousands of people in northern Colorado, but opponents wonder whether there will be enough water to keep it filled.
Legisladores de Arizona consideran expandir cobertura Medicaid para la atención posparto
PHOENIX – Los defensores están presionando a los legisladores de Arizona para que amplíen la cobertura de Medicaid para las mujeres después de dar a luz para ayudar a mejorar los resultados de salud materna y combatir el aumento de las muertes relacionadas con el embarazo.
March 15, 2022 Newscast
National League of Cities address, adult learners, ASU beach volleyball team
A year later, city officials call American Rescue Plan aid a lifesaver
WASHINGTON - A year after passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, local officials say the COVID-19 relief measure that steered $103 billion to cities - and $1 billion to Arizona cities - gave them the funds to help businesses and towns rebound from the pandemic.
Experts target obesity, diet, exercise to combat high cholesterol in youth
PHOENIX – With childhood obesity levels on the rise in the U.S., more experts are looking at how to prevent high cholesterol in youth to help avoid serious health problems later in life.
ASU men’s hockey says goodbye to Oceanside Ice Arena with a bang
TEMPE – With the impending completion of ASU’s multipurpose arena, Sun Devils men's hockey played its final game at the "blue collar" Oceanside Ice Arena, winning a chippy, physical, penalty-filled game against Long Island.
¡Americano! Musical con debut fuera de Broadway inspirado por un ‘dreamer’ de Phoenix
PHOENIX – Dreamer Tony Valdovinos de Phoenix abandonó su sueño de unirse como un infante de marina de los EE.UU. cuando descubrió que no tenía documentos. Al final de cuentas, tuvo un impacto más grande que el de ser marino, y se volvió una inspiración para otros Dreamers y el musical ¡Americano! que ahora está por debutar fuera de Broadway.
Arizona Dreamer’s journey depicted in ‘¡Americano!’, a musical debuting off-Broadway
PHOENIX – Tony Valdovinos of Phoenix gave up his dream of joining the Marine Corps when he learned he was undocumented. Ultimately, he had a bigger impact than being a Marine, becoming an inspiration to other Dreamers and the musical “¡Americano!”, which debuts off-Broadway this month.
Brandon Courtney aims for individual title as ASU wrestlers head to NCAA championships
TEMPE – The Sun Devils won six individual wrestling titles at the Pac-12 Championships. After winning its third straight title, the team heads to the 2022 Men’s NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships with seven wrestlers qualifying.
March 16, 2022 Newscast
AZ delegation reacts to President Zelensky's address to Congress, organ donor and recipient disparity, Ukraine and metro Phoenix athletes
Arizona lawmakers praise Zelensky, urge support for Ukraine – to a point
WASHINGTON – Arizona lawmakers praised the "bravery" of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and most backed his calls to Congress Wednesday for increased military and humanitarian aid to his war-torn country, but they balked at his demand for a no-fly zone.
Drop in Lake Powell could threaten power production as well as water supplies
PHOENIX – Lake Powell’s water levels have dropped below 3,525 feet for the first time in almost 50 years. The low level threatens to disrupt hydroelectricity produced by turbines in Glen Canyon Dam.
Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia until at least May 19 casts light on WNBA overseas travel
PHOENIX – WNBA players have left Russia after the arrest of Brittney Griner, who will now be detained until at least May 19. Since the arrest, more is uncovered about why players travel overseas during the offseason.
Gilbert Christian star Mitch Lightfoot winds down 6-year Kansas career with final NCAA Men’s Tournament trip
PHOENIX – Gilbert Christian alum Mitch Lightfoot winds down the sixth and final season of his collegiate career at Kansas as the Jayhawks aspire for a national championship run.
Sinema cited in new book, but analysts wonder what impact it will have
WASHINGTON – Political analysts say it's too soon to tell what impact, if any, a new book about the Biden administration's first year will have on Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, who is reportedly quoted in the book as mocking the president.
Valley ties: Arizona connections run deep in 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
PHOENIX – Six players from Arizona are on key teams in this year’s March Madness tournament, as well as five coaches who have ties to the Valley.
Arizona sportsbooks expecting large crowds, revenue for first March Madness betting cycle
PHOENIX – This is Arizona's first March Madness with legal sports betting. Sportsbooks across the state are expecting large crowds and revenue during both the men’s and women’s NCAA championship tournaments.
Some of Arizona’s top players headline NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament
PHOENIX – The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament features multiple Valley athletes competing at the highest level of collegiate competition.
Termina oficialmente la expulsión de menores migrantes por pandemia, pero adultos siguen deportados
WASHINGTON – Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades dictaminaron este fin de semana que los menores no acompañados no deben ser devueltos a la frontera por preocupaciones de COVID-19, una medida bien recibida por los defensores que dicen que el cambio ahora debe extenderse a todos los inmigrantes.
StandDown provides veterans with haircuts, legal, medical and housing services
PHOENIX – Hundreds of veterans lined up Thursday morning to receive legal, medical, housing and other services, during the 20th annual Maricopa County StandDown.
Arizona ranks high on states with offensive place names eyed for change
WASHINGTON - Arizona could be a primary target when federal officials meet with tribes next week to talk about possible new names for places that currently contain a slur against Native American women.
Quidditch casts its spell on muggles beyond Hogwarts
LOS ANGELES – How did UCLA come to dominate the world of collegiate quidditch, a sport that fuses elements of dodgeball, tag and rugby?
High price of gasoline may drive commuters toward other methods of transportation
PHOENIX – Rising gas prices mean changes for commuting around the Valley and beyond. Uber and Lyft have added fuel surcharges, and public transportation ridership has risen, as it usually does when fuel prices go up.
Despite tournament inexperience, Arizona men’s basketball brings confidence to March Madness
SAN DIEGO – The Arizona Wildcats haven’t played in an NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament since losing to Buffalo in the first round of the 2018 event. The new-look team with a new coach is excited to begin its journey in San Diego.
Back to the Cactus League: Andrew McCutchen excited for opportunity with Brewers
PHOENIX – After signing a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, Andrew McCutchen is already impacting his new teammates and is excited to return to the Cactus League.
Despite cancer diagnosis, heart attack, Rachel Matakas leads Valley Vista to third straight title
PHOENIX – The 2022 6A basketball state championship game showcased a talented Valley Vista team, but the biggest storyline of the season was coach Rachel Matakas, who suffered a heart attack at the start of the year.
Sequía en Lago Powell amenaza la producción de energía y el suministro de agua
PHOENIX – Los niveles de agua en el lago Powell, el segundo embalse más grande de los EE. UU., han caído por debajo de los 3,525 pies, un nivel crítico que la Oficina de Reclamación había pronosticado que no ocurriría hasta agosto. La disminución amenaza el suministro de agua y la hidroelectricidad para 40 millones de personas.
Moving on: Arizona men advance in NCAA Tournament despite 19 turnovers against Wright State
SAN DIEGO – Entering Friday night’s game, the news was encouraging and it appear Kerr Kriisa would play. Instead, the injured Arizona guard remained sidelined and the Wildcats struggled with turnovers in their victory over Wright State in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Sister act: Thomas siblings square off in Arizona women’s NCAA Tournament victory over UNLV
TUCSON – Despite an early scare from UNLV, Arizona pushed past the Lady Rebels with a dominant fourth quarter filled with efficient offense and solid defense. Sam Thomas was a major contributor for the Wildcats defensively, grabbing steals and blocking shots in a game that featured sister Jade on the UNLV bench.
Tommy Lloyd: Arizona fans ‘have got to be better’ in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament meeting with TCU
SAN DIEGO – Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd expressed frustration with the Wildcats fan base as well as the NCAA process of operating event attendance on the eve of the team’s meeting with TCU.
Bill to ban drive-up voting, curbside drop boxes could harm voters with disabilities, advocates say
PHOENIX – Advocates for people with disabilities are concerned about a bill in the state Senate that would prohibit drive-up voting and curbside drop-off boxes for ballots, saying more options – not fewer – are vital for helping people exercise their right to vote.
Las poblaciones de mariposas occidentales realizan una migración notable
PISMO BEACH, Calif. – Las poblaciones de monarca han sido inestables durante las últimas dos décadas, pero este año, miles de mariposas monarca migraron al oeste. Los científicos aún no entienden por qué los cambios en la población son dramáticos cada año, pero aún instan a las personas a realizar esfuerzos de conservación.
Wildcats emerge from tough times, advance to men’s Sweet 16
SAN DIEGO – Arizona taught a master class in overcoming adversity this season, and they did it again in an overtime victory against TCU that propelled the Wildcats into the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.
Friends first: Perry-Hamilton title game bigger than basketball for rival coaches
PHOENIX – Perry High coach Sam Duane and Hamilton’s Doug Harris faced off to decide Arizona’s 6A boys basketball championship. It was a surreal moment for the close friends.
Valley restaurant owners expect boost from baseball’s Cactus League
PHOENIX – Valley restaurant owners breathed a sigh of relief when baseball owners and players settled their labor dispute in time for a shortened Cactus League spring training season.
Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel resigns after leadership questioned
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel announced her resignation Monday after weeks of questions about her sobriety, chronic absences from duties and the failure of her office to file 180 misdemeanor charges in a timely fashion.
Protests demand end to ‘horrible’ rule used to expel 1.7 million migrants
WASHINGTON - Protesters rallied in towns across the U.S. and in Mexico on Monday, the second anniversary Title 42's invocation, to demand an end to the pandemic rule that has been used to expel 1.72 million migrants, including 310,088 at the Arizona border.
Lights, camera – action! Arizona film industry is growing after a decade of stagnation
MESA – After being left for dead in 2010, the Arizona film industry has grown the past few years, thanks to a network of indie filmmakers, the Phoenix Film Festival and the revived Arizona Film Office.
Bittersweet exit for Sam Thomas as Arizona women eliminated in NCAA Tournament
TUCSON – It was a sad day for sixth-year senior Sam Thomas, as Arizona suffered another slow start against North Carolina, and this time it came back to bite the Wildcats. The Tar Heels dominated in all facets during a lopsided 63-45 victory that propelled North Carolina to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015.
Getting even? Not quite, but 5A softball championship rematch delivers
WADDELL – Canyon View hoped to get even with Willow Canyon in a rematch of the 5A softball title game but it didn’t quite work out that way.
Los expertos señalan a la obesidad, la dieta y el ejercicio para combatir el colesterol alto en la juventud
PHOENIX – Con los niveles de obesidad creciendo en los Estados Unidos, más expertos están analizando cómo pueden prevenir el colesterol alto en la juventud para ayudar a evitar serios problemas de salud en el futuro.
Recycling solar panels is complicated. Here’s how one Yuma company does it.
YUMA – We Recycle Solar in Yuma is recycling solar panel waste, but there is more to be done to ensure a safe and eco-friendly process as solar power gains popularity worldwide and its waste grows.
GCU swimming and diving program’s international culture fosters athletic, personal growth
PHOENIX - The Grand Canyon University swimming and diving program has built an international culture where athletes experience other cultures in addition to their own thanks to teammates.
Mercury’s Brittney Griner in ‘good condition’ in Russian prison, State Department official says after visit
PHOENIX – Brittney Griner is in “good condition,” a State Department official said after Russia granted access to the Phoenix Mercury basketball star.
El Festival del Renacimiento de Arizona está de vuelta junto a sus trabajadores
GOLD CANYON – El Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace ha regresado a su hogar justo al sur de Gold Canyon después de una pausa causada por la pandemia de COVID-19. Con él vienen los elementos básicos del festival de larga duración: juegos divertidos, grandes multitudes y novedades anacrónicas.
With Chris Paul near return, Phoenix Suns shift focus to NBA playoffs
PHOENIX – With Chris Paul back at practice, the Phoenix Suns hope to maintain momentum as they prepare for NBA title run.
After nearly 2 million COVID-19 cases in Arizona, officials are ‘cautiously optimistic’
PHOENIX – A little more than six months after Arizona passed 1 million reported cases of COVID-19, the state is approaching 2 million. Although reported infections have slowed over the past few months, experts warn that the coronavirus that causes the disease is here to stay, and the extent of COVID’s long-term effects isn’t known.
Two Arizona tribal leaders make case for critically needed water projects
WASHINGTON – Leaders of two Arizona tribes asked lawmakers Wednesday to support funding for development of critical water infrastructure and to OK a bill that would let tribal water be sold to others in the drought-stricken state.
Judge blocks DHS rule that would have limited deportation requirements
WASHINGTON - A federal court this week blocked a Biden administration regulation that would have given border officials more flexibility on deportations to let officers focus limited resources on deporting those who pose the greatest threat.
Out of the rough: After early challenge, Sisk family bonds through golf
PHOENIX – Arizona State golfer Cameron Sisk and his brother, USC golfer Parker Sisk, are part of a family bond fueled by golf.
Arizona Coyotes Alumni Team determined to help grow hockey in state
TUCSON – As part of its quest to help grow hockey in the state, the Arizona Coyotes Alumni Team played the University of Arizona to help raise money for its program.
El alto precio de la gasolina impulsa a los viajeros a buscar otros métodos de transporte
PHOENIX – El dramático aumento en los precios del combustible en todo el país ha llevado a las empresas de transporte compartido a agregar recargos y ha empujado a los viajeros a buscar métodos de transporte más rentables. Arizona se encuentra entre los 10 mercados más caros para la gasolina, con un promedio de $4,62 por galón, según datos de la Asociación Americana de Automóviles.
Tuskegee Airmen, heralded Black aviators of WWII, honored at Luke Air Force Base
GLENDALE – The Arizona chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen gathered Monday at Luke Air Force Base for Arizona’s ninth annual celebration of the first Black aviators of the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Maricopa County led nation in population growth; Pinal, Yavapai surged
WASHINGTON - Maricopa County added more new residents than any county in the nation last year, continuing a trend that local officials call a credit to the region's opportunities and affordability.
Arizonans can move driver’s license to their phones – but not much more
WASHINGTON - Arizona drivers who take advantage of the first-in-the-nation virtual license with Apple Wallet will still need to have their current physical license when they buy a drink, get pulled over or any number of other uses, state officials said.
Arizona man gets probation for his role in ‘horrific events’ of Jan. 6
WASHINGTON - An Arizona man was sentenced Thursday to 36 months of probation and will have to spend 90 days in a halfway house for his part in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
Former ASU guard Remy Martin keys national championship hopes for Jayhawks
PHOENIX – Closing his college career at Kansas, guard Remy Martin changes national championship hopes for Jayhawks after leaving Arizona State.
Extinction is forever: Seed banks build biodiversity in the face of climate change
With changing environments and weather conditions, some plants have a hard time adapting to change and could become endangered and eventually extinct. Seed banks are preserving species and helping secure biodiversity within our changing environment.
Arizona heads home after loss to Houston, but a question remains: Will Bennedict Mathurin be back?
The No. 5 seed Houston Cougars eliminated the top-seeded Arizona Wildcats on Thursday in the Sweet 16. Star guard Bennedict Mathurin is unsure of whether he will return to Tucson next season or declare for the 2022 NBA Draft.
¡Cámara, acción! La industria cinematográfica de Arizona está creciendo después de una década de estancamiento
MESA – En 2016 la idea de revivir la oficina de cine ganó apoyo y la Autoridad de Comercio de Arizona la reabrió y contrató a Matthew Earl Jones para dirigirla. Su objetivo es restaurar a Arizona como un destino de referencia para los cineastas.
New digs, more success: Phoenix Rising look to extend home unbeaten streak against San Diego
CHANDLER — Entering Saturday’s game against San Diego Loyal, Phoenix Rising remain unbeaten in the regular season at Wild Horse Pass, which they moved into at the start of last season.
Reputation of MMA Lab grows with recent success of fighters
PHOENIX – The reputation of Arizona's MMA Lab continues to grow after 6 fighters from the gym have brought wins back to the Valley in recent weeks.
Kelly, Sinema tell Biden to think twice before ending border policy
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators urged the White House this week to keep a controversial border control policy in place unless the administration is prepared to handle the surge in migrants that would come from lifting Title 42.
For Benedictine Mesa basketball player Kate Golovkina, thoughts are with family in Russia
Challenged by distance, an ACL injury and now the war in Ukraine, Benedictine University Mesa athlete Kate Golovkina, a Russian basketball player, remains uncertain about the future.
Freshman Ralford Mullings adds to legacy of ASU’s track and field throwers
Olympic gold medalists and NCAA champions met recently for a star-studded invitational at Sun Angels Stadium, but it was Arizona State freshman Ralford Mullings who turned heads after his record-setting performance in the men's discus.
Fans are thrilled as Angel City FC makes its debut in women’s pro soccer
There’s a brand new team in Los Angeles – Angel City FC. It is the first professional women's soccer team for LA, and the Southwest.
‘I will encourage them, I will inspire them’: ASU introduces new ASU women’s basketball coach Natasha Adair
TEMPE – Arizona State introduced new women's basketball coach Natasha Adair, who said she wants to content for a national championship.
Supreme Court to hear appeal of death-row inmate in death of Tucson cop
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court Monday agreed to hear an Arizona death-row inmate's claim that he was wrongly denied the chance to tell jurors he would be ineligible for parole if they sentenced him to life instead of death.
Former UArizona athletes criticize NCAA over transgender swimmer
WASHINGTON - A letter claiming to represent former swimmers and divers from the University of Arizona urged the NCAA last week to “protect our women athletes,” after a transgender woman won a national swimming title.
Cactus League report: Brewers pitchers hope to build off dominant 2021 season
The Milwaukee Brewers are looking to follow up a dominant 2021 campaign on the mound. Many are using the abbreviated spring to their advantage to fulfill that goal, and sizable results have already presented themselves.
Homecoming: Former Pinnacle High softball star shines in return to Arizona
TEMPE – Marissa Schuld (ASU) and Taylor Fawcett (Rutgers) went to multiple state title games as the stars of the Pinnacle High School softball team. They went head-to-head for the first time as collegiate athletes in a recent tournament.
‘Never too late to pay tribute’: Arizona ceremony honors Vietnam War veterans
CAVE CREEK – Vietnam War veterans were honored at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Cave Creek on Tuesday, National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Arizona to endure another hot, dry spring as droughts persist
Arizonans hoping for a break this spring from the drought gripping the state will be disappointed, with climatologists calling for minor to exceptional drought conditions, what one calls the state's "new normal."
Sinema, Kelly piden a Biden un plan fronteriza antes de terminar Title 42
WASHINGTON – Los senadores de Arizona instaron a la Casa Blanca esta semana a mantener vigente una controvertida política de control fronterizo a menos que la administración esté preparada para manejar el aumento de inmigrantes que surgiría de la eliminación del Título 42.
Arizona tennis prodigy Kylie McKenzie sues USTA for failing to protect her from ‘known sexual abuser’
TEMPE – Phoenix-born tennis prodigy Kylie McKenzie, 23, announced in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that she is suing the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for failing to protect her from a “known sexual abuser” in former coach Anibal Aranda.
March 29, 2022 Newscast
AZ education funding bill, restaurants post-pandemic, meet ASU's Natasha Adair
ASU Esports brings gaming community together with first LAN of semester
TEMPE – With the community largely pushed online over the past two years, ASU Esports holds the first LAN meetup of the spring semester. Gamers from different backgrounds meet up to socialize and compete.
UFC standout John Moraga takes breaks from competition to focus on Maryvale, the community that raised him
PHOENIX — Phoenix John Moraga has participated in combats sports form a young age. He’s taking a break to give back to the community.
La extinción es para siempre: Los bancos de semillas construyen biodiversidad frente al cambio climático
CLAREMONT, Calif. – Hay más de 1000 bancos de semillas en todo el mundo, 20 de ellos en los Estados Unidos, que trabajan para preservar ecosistemas frágiles que se vuelven menos diversos a medida que el planeta se calienta. Mientras que ciertos bancos solo se especializan en sus especies nativas, algunos bancos almacenan semillas de todo el mundo.
Arizona court diversity urged as Ketanji Brown Jackson awaits Supreme Court confirmation
PHOENIX – As the Senate nears a vote on confirming Kentanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court, advocates are pushing to diversify Arizona courts.
Bills affecting voting, transgender children and abortion signed by Ducey
Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law a number of bills on Wednesday, including a ban on transgender girls competing in school sports, changes in voter ID and outlawing abortions after 15 weeks.
March 30, 2022 Newscast
AZ abortion and transgender children bills, electric vehicles, mask mandate lawsuit
Restricciones transgénero y prohibición del aborto entre proyectos de ley firmados por Ducey
PHOENIX – El gobernador Doug Ducey firmó varios proyectos de ley el miércoles sobre el aborto, la votación y los jóvenes transgénero, haciéndose eco de la agenda legislativa conservadora que está arrasando en muchos estados.
Former Arizona standout thrives in new role with hometown Lakers
Stanley Johnson was a star on UArizona’s 2015 Elite Eight team. But after bouncing around the NBA, the former lottery pick has found success with his hometown team, the L.A. Lakers.
‘The Cardiac Cats’: 25 years later, memories of Arizona men’s championship run endures
PHOENIX – Twenty-five years ago today, the Arizona men’s basketball team won its only national title, capping off one of the most memorable title runs in NCAA Tournament history.
Blankets of color harder to find during Arizona’s subpar wildflower season
APACHE JUNCTION – Arizona’s wildflower season has been affected by our dry winter. This year’s color show is a far cry from the “superbloom” of 2019.
Arizona experimentará otra primavera más cálida y seca debido a las condiciones de sequía
WASHINGTON – Los arizonenses que esperan un descanso esta primavera de la sequía que afecta al estado se sentirán decepcionados, ya que los climatólogos piden condiciones de sequía menores a excepcionales, lo que se llama la “nueva normalidad” del estado.
Arizona Tennis Classic returns, showcases some of sport’s top players
PHOENIX – Phoenix Country Club was host to the Arizona Tennis Classic, which showcased some of the sport’s top players and raised $115,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Highway construction to close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park after nearly four decade NHRA run
PHOENIX — The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area.
March 31, 2022 Newscast
Advocates for refugees, wildfire season outlook, more warm weather on the way
Court challenges come swiftly to voting law requiring proof of citizenship
WASHINGTON - It took less than a day for opponents to file multiple court challenges to a new Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship to vote, a measure almost identical to one rejected by the Supreme Court in 2013.
Arizona jobless rate continues to decline, now lowest in 15 years
WASHINGTON – The Arizona unemployment rate dropped to 3.6% in February, well below pre-pandemic levels and the lowest it has been since 2007, according to the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Former ASU basketball player Stephanie Norman finds coaching success with Louisville
PHOENIX – When Louisville’s Stephanie Norman, a former Arizona State player, takes the floor with the Cardinals Friday, it will be her fourth trip to the women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four as an assistant coach.
The sky isn’t the limit: Flight program in Goodyear, pioneering pilot inspire diversity in aviation
GOODYEAR – As United Airlines’ United Aviate Academy trains a new generation of pilots, the Goodyear flight program and pilots of the past inspire diversity in aviation.
The Jordan shot, the Charles dunk: Longtime Suns voice Gary Bender reflects on NCAA title games
PHOENIX – In 1982 and 1983, longtime Phoenix Suns broadcaster Gary Bender called two of the most iconic men’s basketball title games: Michael Jordan’s game-winning shot and Lorenzo Charles’ game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk.
Remembering Coach K: Former Brophy star Mark Alarie reflects on time at Duke
PHOENIX – In his 42nd and final season at Duke, coach Mike Krzyzewski will play rival North Carolina in the Final Four on Saturday. Phoenix native and former Blue Devils standout Mark Alarie reflects on his time playing for Coach K.
Phoenix Suns could set franchise record for wins against Memphis Grizzlies
PHOENIX – As the Phoenix Suns put it in extra work, they could also set a franchise record for victories if they beat the Memphis Grizzlies.
With Title 42 winding down, worries rise about handling migrant surge
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration will stop using the pandemic-era Title 42 policy to turn people away at the border effective May 23, as COVID-19 cases decline and officials insist they are prepared to handle a potential migrant surge.
Defensores judiciales instan mayor diversidad en la Corte de Arizona
PHOENIX - Mientras los demócratas en el Senado de los EE. UU. presionan para la ratificación de la jueza Ketanji Brown Jackson en la Corte Suprema, los defensores judiciales están presionando activamente para lograr una mayor diversidad en los tribunales de Arizona.
‘It’s not about talent, it’s about availability’: Shawn Poindexter’s journey from Arizona to USFL
PHOENIX – The former University of Arizona captain was potentially weeks away from his dream of making an NFL roster when he tore his ACL. Almost three years later, Poindexter and other football players who experienced similar roadblocks find themselves, of all places, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Credit crunch: Complaints about credit reports jumped in 2021, feds say
WASHINGTON - Arizonans went from filing 6,600 complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2020 to filing nearly 8,000 the next year, the most on record. And almost half of those were complaints about what consumers found on their credit reports, CFPB says.
Arizona State, Arizona softball programs heading in opposite directions
TUCSON – Arizona State recently dominated Arizona over a three-game weekend series in Tucson. The two programs are going in opposite directions, with ASU winning 14 in a row, and Arizona off to a 1-8 start in Pac-12 play.
ASU looks to strengthen tight end position with transfers Messiah Swinson, Bryce Pierre
TEMPE – During spring practice, Arizona State is getting its first looks at new tight ends Messiah Swinson and Bryce Pierre. The team hopes they can make an impact after the departure of Curtis Hodges.
Arizona among three states suing to block Biden from ending Title 42 for asylum seekers
PHOENIX – Arizona, Louisiana and Missouri have asked a federal judge to block the Biden administration from rescinding Title 42 – the policy banning asylum seekers that was enacted to protect public health during the pandemic.
El fiscal general de Arizona pide a la corte que bloquee el plan de Biden de reabrir la frontera
PHOENIX – El fiscal general de Arizona, Mark Brnovich, junto con el fiscal general de Luisiana, Jeff Landry, y el fiscal general de Missouri, Eric Schmitt, presentaron una denuncia contra la administración de Biden por rescindir el Título 42.
April 4, 2022 Newscast
Lawsuit filed over Title 42, homeowners with pets, chorale groups after the pandemic
Jardín comunitario en Phoenix promueve medidas de mitigación frente al cambio climático
PHOENIX – Blanca Abarca, líder ambientalista de la organización Chispa Arizona, prepara el jardín para la llegada de la primavera en un huerto rentado por Chispa, con el propósito de enseñarle a su comunidad a sembrar y cultivar sus propios alimentos de una manera sustentable como lo hacían sus ancestros.
Meals on Wheels, ASU study how pets affect social isolation, loneliness among older adults
SUN CITY – Researchers at Arizona State University are partnering with Meals on Wheels America for a national study to understand the influence that pets have on social isolation and loneliness.
As MLB’s Opening Day nears, players believe more work is needed
PHOENIX – Opening Day is two days away after a lockout threatened the 2022 MLB season, but players still believe more work needs to be done.
Benson Henderson signs four-fight contract with Bellator MMA despite rumors of retirement
PHOENIX – Benson Henderson signs a new contract with Bellator despite the popular belief that he would retire following his last victory at the Footprint Center.
Chandler library reopens 6 months after nearby explosion shut it down
PHOENIX – The pandemic closed Chandler Sunset Library in 2020, and a nearby natural-gas explosion closed it again in 2021. The library now is open and refocused on its community programs.
From Arizona State to Kansas, Remy Martin ends college career as national champion
PHOENIX – Remy Martin was the face of ASU basketball. After his transfer to Kansas, Martin ended up becoming a national champion.
Critics doubt administration ready for fallout from ending Title 42
WASHINGTON - For immigration advocates, the end to Title 42 couldn’t come soon enough, but critics warned this week that it's coming too soon and will "open the floodgates" to migrants at the southern border.
COVID vaccines benefit pregnant people and their infants, studies show
PHOENIX - More studies are revealing the dangers pregnant people can face if they contract COVID-19 – as well as the protection that vaccines offer them and their infants.
Welcome to the Show: Spencer Torkelson’s upbringing has him ready for big stage
PHOENIX – Former Arizona State standout Spencer Torkelson made the Detroit Tigers’ 2022 Opening Day roster. His small-town upbringing prepared him for the big stage.
Phoenix Rising FC shifts direction, looks to start U.S. Open Cup campaign with bang
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Rising begin their U.S. Open Cup campaign against fellow AZ club Valley United FC on Wednesday.
Los Angeles residents step up to help displaced Ukrainians and fighters at the front
LOS ANGELES – Ukrainian volunteers and L.A.-area firefighters loaded much needed relief supplies to the people of war-torn Ukraine on Monday at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
El cielo no es el límite: programa de vuelo en Goodyear y piloto pionero inspiran diversidad en la aviación
GOODYEAR - Mientras United Aviate Academy de United Airlines entrena a una nueva generación de pilotos, el programa de vuelo de Goodyear y los pilotos del pasado inspiran diversidad en la aviación.
Hamilton baseball wins National High School Invitational Tournament opener
CHANDLER — USA Baseball selected Hamilton High to compete against other top-ranked high school teams around the country and Wednesday they showed why they among the 16 chosen
State sets May execution, first since botched lethal injection in 2014
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Supreme Court set May 11 as the execution date for Clarence Dixon, a rapist and murderer who would become the first inmate put to death in Arizona since a badly botched lethal injection in 2014.
Where’s Phil? Six-time majors champion Mickelson misses Masters for first time since 1994
PHOENIX – Arizona State alum Phil Mickelson is absent from the Masters for the first time since 1994, and recent comments about golf in Saudi Arabia may be the reason.
Brisket, bacon and baseball: Chase Field delivers new food lineup for 2022 season
PHOENIX – Knowing food and baseball go hand-in-hand, the Diamondbacks have unveiled a variety of new menu options at Chase Field
ASU estudia cómo las mascotas ayudan a aliviar la soledad entre los adultos mayores y el aislamiento social
SUN CITY – Investigadores de la Universidad Estatal de Arizona se asociaron con Meals on Wheels America para realizar un estudio nacional para comprender la influencia que tienen las mascotas en el aislamiento social y la soledad.
Helping women start journey of personal growth inspires Fountain Hills bike event
PHOENIX — Her experience in sports and leadership roles in business has inspired Liz Caracciolo to start Inspire Events, a company that is using a bike event to build a community of women looking to start their personal journeys.
On the road again: Cardinals Caravan returns, connects with fans around Arizona
TEMPE – From Lake Havasu to Safford, the Cardinals Caravan is back on the road and reconnecting with fans throughout Arizona
Kelly, Sinema join Senate in historic vote confirming Ketanji Brown Jackson
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators joined their fellow Democrats and a handful of Republicans Thursday to confirm the historic appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court by a 53-47 vote.
Ukrainian official details horrors of Russian invasion, asks Arizona lawmakers for help
PHOENIX – Dmytro Kushneruk, the consul general of Ukraine in San Francisco, detailed the horrors of war in Ukraine and asked for assistance for citizens of the country during a special joint session of the Arizona Legislature.
With injuries piling up, San Francisco Giants open season with a new look
SCOTTSDALE – Evan Longoria and Lamonte Wade Jr will not be available to start the season due to injuries. The San Francisco Giants will have a different look on Opening Day.
History repeating itself? Before Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan staged comeback after horrific car crash
PHOENIX – Tiger Woods’ return to the Masters after a horrific car crash has precedent: Ben Hogan, too, survived an accident and staged one of golf’s greatest comebacks.
On heels of Flores’ discrimination lawsuit, ASU’s Herm Edwards, Ray Anderson push for change
PHOENIX – On the heels of news that former Arizona Cardinals coach Steve Wilks has joined a class-action racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and other teams, Arizona State’s Herm Edwards and Ray Anderson called for more change.
LGBTQ advocates want blood donation restriction lifted for gay and bisexual men
PHOENIX – U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and others are pushing for the FDA to eliminate current blood donation restrictions on gay and bisexual men.
From a junior waiting his turn to Bear Bryant’s great grandson, intrigue defines ASU’s quarterback battle
TEMPE – After the departure of former ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Arizona State has yet to name his successor for the 2022 season. This has created a competition among quarterbacks on the team including Trenton Bourguet and Paul Tyson.
Cyber experts were braced for Russian attacks before Biden’s warning
WASHINGTON - When President Joe Biden said businesses have a "patriotic obligation" to protect their networks from likely Russian cyberattacks, Arizona cybersecurity officials agreed with a nod - and a shrug. They were already on high alert and had seen an uptick in attacks.
Maricopa County Fair returns after two-year pandemic hiatus
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Fair, which runs through Sunday at the Arizona Exposition and State Fairgrounds, features a carnival, food and craft vendors, livestock events, music and live entertainment.
April 8, 2022 Newscast
FDA's discriminatory blood ban, second COVID-19 vaccine booster, Maricopa County Fair
Phoenix fellowship cultivating the next generation of urban farmers
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Urban Agriculture Fellowship Program pairs urban farmers who are struggling to find apprentices with the next generation of urban farmers. Project Roots in south Phoenix is training one of nine fellows.
Trailblazing Jamie Boggs puts GCU athletics in national spotlight
PHOENIX – Phoenix native Jamie Boggs is using her unique experience to continue to build athletics, academics and her hometown community as vice president of athletics at Grand Canyon.
ASU’s Esports Overwatch squad receives coaching session from former LA Gladiators’ David ‘Dpei’ Pei
PHOENIX – The ASU Overwatch team, which is undergoing a transition year, recently attended a coaching session with professional Overwatch coach David “Dpei” Pei.
Perry High softball team makes dramatic turnaround, aims at state title
GILBERT – Coming off a dismal 2020-21 season, the Perry High School softball team has emerged as one of the state’s bess.
Time, tradition and trust: The Navajo Nation takes on climate change
PHOENIX – The United Nation’s recent assessment of climate science found that immediate action is needed to reduce greenhouse gasses. That’s something the Navajo Nation is working to address through science, trust and time.
‘These are people, too’: Nonprofit helps ex-inmates get health care
PHOENIX – Nonprofits like one in Texas and Arizona’s Prescott Valley are helping the formerly incarcerated start again. One primary goal: Ensure they have access to the health care they need, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
After record regular season, Phoenix Suns aim to take it ‘all the way to the end’
PHOENIX – After falling short of an NBA title last season, the Phoenix Suns won a franchise-record 64 regular-season games in 2021-22, the best record in the NBA. Now they’re preparing to take a playoff run to the finish line, better known as an NBA title.
New study shows nearly half of bald eagles affected by chronic lead poisoning
PHOENIX – A new study shows that almost half of bald eagles in the U.S. suffer from chronic lead poisoning. The main culprit is lead bullets and shot used in hunting, which break apart in animal carcasses. The carcasses are scavenged by the birds, who then ingest the lead.
Spring Football Showcase provides few answers for Arizona State followers
TEMPE – The Arizona State Sun Devils held their 2022 Spring Football Showcase, giving fans their first glimpse at a defense that will be without many of last year’s top playmakers.
U.S. inflation rose at fastest rate in 40 years, Valley grew even faster
WASHINGTON - The U.S. cost of living surged 8.5% over the past 12 months, the fastest one-year increase in more than 40 years, driven by skyrocketing gas, food and housing prices, and Phoenix-area consumers have seen even sharper increases in recent months, new data shows.
Young Scottsdale sisters honor Ukrainian mother gunned down in Bucha with 53-mile bike ride
FOUNTAIN HILLS - Carina and Ariana Dinu wanted to make an impact on Ukrainian refugees after hearing the story of a Ukrainian mother who died while riding home on her bike. The two each rode 26.5 miles on Sunday to honor her memory.
African American Reconstruction teams with pro sports organizations to empower Black community
PHOENIX – African American Reconstruction, a nonprofit organization that looks to tackle issues and educate people within the Black community, has partnered with professional sports teams to help its mission.
‘A sad chapter in the history of the United States:’ Sun City man recounts Arizona incarceration of Japanese Americans
SUN CITY - Eighty years after President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, Richard Matsuishi reflects on life in the Poston War Relocation Center in Parker, Arizona. Matsuishi, now 84, was 4 when he entered the camp.
Best in the West? Sandra Day O’Connor makes case for one of top boys volleyball teams in country
PHOENIX – In a sport dominated by California and Hawaii programs, the boys volleyball team from Sandra Day O’Connor is making a case as one of top teams in country.
With playoff schedule announced, Phoenix Suns fans begin pursuit of tickets
PHOENIX — After the Phoenix Suns announced their first-round playoff schedule, fans have begun their pursuit of tickets.
COVID-related Medicaid coverage extended – for now – for 500,000 Arizonans
WASHINGTON - Federal officials threw a lifeline this week to as many as 500,000 Arizonans, just days before they were in danger of losing the Medicaid coverage they got under a COVID-19 public health emergency, which was extended Tuesday for another 90 days.
Maya’s Farm first to be saved by Phoenix Farmland Preservation Program
PHOENIX – Three years ago, Maya Dailey risked losing the urban farmland she had spent seven years renting and cultivating. A conservation easement through Phoenix’s new Farmland Preservation Program, managed by the Central Arizona Land Trust, saved Maya’s Farm.
Texas Tech’s all-time winningest softball coach now turning around GCU’s program
PHOENIX – Shanon Hays, the winningest coach in softball history at Texas Tech, is now turning around Grand Canyon’s program. The Lopes, who were 19-30 in 2021, are first in the WAC West.
Migrants wait at the border while U.S. battles over lifting COVID-19 ban on processing asylum applications
NOGALES, Sonora, Mexico – Thousands of immigrants wait along the U.S.-Mexico border for the lifting of Title 42, a policy enacted by the Trump administration that banned migrants and asylum seekers as a public health and safety measure during the pandemic. With stories of violence and leaving their lives behind in an instant, they are stuck at border crossings like Nogales, Sonora, thanks to a political battle in Washington, D.C.
April 14, 2022 Newscast
Multi-million dollar voting campaign, Alzheimer's in AZ, pets and social isolation
Migrantes esperan en la frontera mientras políticos bloquean el levantamiento de la prohibición de solicitudes de asilo por COVID-19
NOGALES, Sonora, México – Miles de inmigrantes esperan a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México el levantamiento del Título 42, una política promulgada por la administración Trump que prohibió a los migrantes y solicitantes de asilo como medida de seguridad y salud pública durante la pandemia. Con historias de violencia y dejando atrás sus vidas en un instante, están atrapados en cruces fronterizos como Nogales, Sonora, debido a una batalla política en Washington, D.C.
18 and counting: Arizona State softball team creating buzz after winning again in dramatic fashion
TEMPE – Arizona State softball sits atop the Pac-12 standings for the first time in a decade, propelled by a historic 18-game win streak and a perfect 10-0 start to conference play. ASU faces off against fifth place Utah for the second game of a series tonight.
Nogales sees border-crossing delays as trucks flee Texas border logjam
WASHINGTON - Commercial truckers were coping with longer-than-normal delays at the Nogales border crossing Thursday, as trucks trying to escape a logjam at the Texas border headed west to Arizona instead.
Remembering Jackie Robinson the person, on the anniversary of his Major League debut
LOS ANGELES – This year, April 15 marks the 75th anniversary of Dodger player Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, and his legacy lives on in more than just the sports history books.
Buffelgrass: The scourge of the Sonoran Desert is here to stay
PHOENIX — Buffelgrass is here to stay, but experts and volunteers alike said they are getting a better handle on managing it in the Sonoran Desert. This highly invasive weed fills in the natural gaps between native desert plants like saguaros, threatening their survival and increasing the risk of wildfire damage. As wildfire seasons continue to expand, getting buffelgrass under control becomes increasingly important.
‘Trust the process’: Tommy Lloyd optimistic about future of Arizona men’s basketball
PHOENIX – Exactly a year from the day he was hired, coach Tommy Lloyd reflects on his first season with the University of Arizona men’s basketball program.
Diamondbacks’ trip to New York special as trailblazer Jackie Robinson honored
NEW YORK – The Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in the ideal city to honor Jackie Robinson. New York is where the trailblazer broke baseball’s color barrier.
Arizona unemployment hit ‘historic’ low of 3.3% in March, new data shows
WASHINGTON - Arizona's unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in March, one of 17 states where the White House said joblessness reached "historic lows." It was lower than the national rate and the lowest in Arizona in a half-century, according to data released Friday.
Chandler racing school offers ‘high-def driving’ in Formula 4 cars
CHANDLER - A racing school in Chandler teaches drivers how to handle a Formula 4 car, skills that can be useful in everyday driving.
Coyotes’ franchise record for NHL debuts signals team in full rebuild mode
PHOENIX – With the newest additions of NCAA standouts Jack McBain and Nathan Smith, the Arizona Coyotes have set a single-season franchise record with 10 players making their NHL debuts in 2022. The mark confirms the team is in full rebuild mode.
2022 election: Important dates for Arizonans
As Arizona's 2022 midterm and local elections approach, here are key dates for Arizona voters.
Election 2022 snapshot: Arizona’s data dashboard
As Arizona heads toward 2022 midterm and local elections, Cronkite News will provide key election data to keep you up to date on what’s happening in the state.
Arizona PBS 2022 election debate videos
Arizona PBS will broadcast a series of debates leading up to Arizona's 2022 primary and general elections. Tune in to Arizona PBS or watch at cronkitenews.azpbs.org/election-2022.
Un grupo de mujeres trabaja para eliminar la inseguridad alimentaria en el sur de Phoenix
PHOENIX - Un grupo de mujeres ayudó a desarrollar el plan de acción alimentario del sur de Phoenix. Sus ideas y proyectos contribuyen al objetivo de eliminar los desiertos de alimentos en Phoenix y de combatir los problemas de accesibilidad que enfrentan muchos.
2022 Arizona election questions and answers
Cronkite News has compiled a list of frequently asked questions – and their answers – related to the Arizona 2022 election season.
‘Best crowd in the league’: Fans feel the love after Phoenix Suns playoff victory
PHOENIX – Fans applauded for bringing the energy in Phoenix Suns’ playoff victory over New Orleans.
Arizona Senate race nets $61.5 million; Kelly one of top U.S. fundraisers
WASHINGTON - Arizona Senate hopefuls had raised more than $61.5 million by March 31, led by Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., whose almost $39 million in campaign contributions was the second-highest in the nation among Senate candidates this cycle.
Arizonans enroll in All of Us program to increase diversity in medical research
PHOENIX – More than 50,000 people in Arizona are part of a national effort to build a new kind of medical database. The All of Us research program is an initiative of the National Institutes of Health, and its goal is ambitious: to build the largest and most diverse database of its kind.
Brittney Griner’s absence weighs on Phoenix Mercury as training camp begins
PHOENIX – As the Phoenix Mercury opened training camp, all they could think about was the absence of Brittney Griner, who remains detained in Russia on drug charges.
Where’s Kyler? Arizona Cardinals teammates not concerned about quarterback’s absence at workouts
PHOENIX – Coming off a playoff loss to the Rams, the Arizona Cardinals officially started their offseason workout program Tuesday. Among the players not there? Quarterback Kyler Murray
‘I just like being able to breathe’: Phoenix travelers react to halt of travel mask mandate
PHOENIX – Many travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were relieved to fly without masks after a federal judge halted a mandate that has been in effect and extended several times since January 2021.
Court allows Jan. 6 suit against Georgia lawmaker; could affect 3 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - A federal court said Georgia voters can press their claim that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's support for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol disqualifies her from the ballot, the same charge that has been filed against three Arizona lawmakers.
Women’s group works to eliminate food insecurities in south Phoenix
PHOENIX – A group of women helped develop the Phoenix Food Action Plan, which works to eliminate food deserts in Phoenix and improve accessibility to healthful, affordable food.
Meet Baby Ozzie: A disappointing playoff loss for Suns fans highlighted by fist-bumping infant
PHOENIX — A disappointing Phoenix Suns playoff loss, that included a Devin Booker hamstring injury, is also highlighted by a fist-bumping infant sitting courtside.
La escuela de autos de carreras de Chandler ofrece ‘conducción de alta definición’ en autos de Fórmula 4
CHANDLER – En Radford Racing School, los estudiantes aprenden a manejar una variedad de autos que se usan en las categorías de carreras profesionales y juveniles
Border numbers hit highest level in 20 years, as end of Title 42 looms
Border officials last month apprehended the most migrants at the southern border in at least 22 years, presenting a new challenge for the Biden administration's plan to end enforcement of Title 42 at the border just weeks from now.
Spivey leads boys volleyball program at Tucson Mountain View to extreme heights
TUCSON — Lindsey Spivey, the 2019 boys volleyball coach of the year, is guiding Tucson Mountain View, and her family-like approach has made the program one of the best in the state.
Referees blow the whistle on low pay, sometimes abusive conditions
LOS ANGELES – High school boys lacrosse officials in the L.A. area staged a brief work stoppage this month in response to a new pay proposal. While they’ve agreed to finish this year, the controversy raises the question of how referees are faring across the Southwest.
How two sisters who never played baseball saved Tempe Prep from a forfeited season
TEMPE — When Tempe Prep was at risk of forfeiting games, two sisters stepped in to fill the roster and have become an integral part of the Knights team.
El informe ‘Calidad del Aire’ clasifica a Phoenix como una de las 25 peores ciudades de los EE. UU. por la contaminación del aire
PHOENIX — El condado de Maricopa es uno de varios condados de Arizona que recibió una calificación reprobatoria en la limpieza del aire debido a los días con alto contenido de ozono y alta contaminación por partículas, según el último informe Estado del aire, publicado el jueves por la American Lung Association.
Arizona recruit Dylan Andrews eager to join UCLA basketball this fall
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles native Dylan Andrews played his final year of high school basketball at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler and is committed to playing for the resurgent UCLA Bruins this fall.
Sustainable drip: How some Arizona businesses are making fashion less polluting
PHOENIX – Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, second only to oil production. The nonprofit FABRIC and the Arizona Sustainable Apparel Association are guiding small businesses to adopt sustainable, ethical values from the start.
State of the Air report ranks Phoenix among 25 worst U.S. cities for pollution
PHOENIX – The latest State of the Air report from the American Lung Association gives Maricopa County a failing grade for air pollution, and found that 84% of Arizonans live in areas with high-risk of unhealthy air.
Colorado, San Pedro make annual list of ‘most endangered’ U.S. rivers
WASHINGTON – Two Arizona rivers landed on an annual list of the top 10 "most endangered" rivers in the U.S. this week, including the drought-ravaged Colorado in the No. 1 spot. The San Pedro River was in eighth place due to groundwater pumping that threatens the river.
States, feds weigh next steps amid ‘profound concerns’ over dam levels
WASHINGTON - Federal officials say they are in uncharted territory with their plan to sharply cut releases from Lake Powell, as they scramble to find ways to protect water supplies and power generation by propping up lake levels that have fallen to historic lows.
No Booker, no problem? Suns remain confident for Game 3, even without injured guard
PHOENIX – Even with Devin Booker sidelined due to a hamstring strain suffered in Game 2, the Phoenix Suns feel good about their chances against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Hey, batter batter: Offense sparks ASU softball team to nation-leading win streak
TEMPE – The Arizona State softball team is attracting national attention as it improves its win streak to 20. The streak is on the line with a three-game series against Stanford that starts Friday.
Los números fronterizos alcanzan el nivel más alto en 20 años, a medida que se avecina el fin del Título 42
WASHINGTON – Los funcionarios fronterizos detuvieron a la mayor cantidad de migrantes en la frontera sur en al menos 22 años el mes pasado, lo que presenta un nuevo desafío para el plan de la administración Biden de poner fin a la ejecución del Título 42 dentro de unas semanas.
Back-to-back victories over New Mexico United help Phoenix Rising achieve two goals
CHANDLER – Phoenix Rising FC played rival New Mexico United in back-to-back games: one in league play, one in the U.S. Open Cup. Victories in both helped achieve multiple goals.
Arizona’s growing Latino population is underrepresented among teachers
PHOENIX - A report by ALL In Education shows Latino students in Arizona falling behind because of a lack of Latino teachers in the state.
‘Happy to be back home’: Anthony Robles grateful to take over Mesa High wrestling program
MESA – After leaving Arizona State with a national title, wrestler Anthony Robles moved on to motivational speaking and broadcasting. Now he’s taking on a new challenge: head wrestling coach at Mesa High School.
As gas prices stay high, station owners continue to lose profit margins
LOS ANGELES – With fuel selling for over $4 a gallon on average across the country, it is easy to blame gas station owners. Although prices remain close to record highs, retailers are seeing fewer profits than ever. Here’s where all the money goes.
Group plans appeal in effort to keep Biggs, Gosar, Finchem off ballot
WASHINGTON - A voters' advocacy group said it will appeal a Maricopa County judge's decision to dismiss its lawsuit that sought to ban three GOP lawmakers from the ballot for their support of the Jan. 6 insurrection.
La creciente población latina de Arizona está subrepresentada entre los maestros
PHOENIX – Un informe de ALL In Education muestra que los estudiantes latinos en Arizona se están quedando atrás debido a la falta de maestros Latinx en el estado.
Oklahoma tribes strike back at critics ahead of Supreme Court arguments
WASHINGTON - Oklahoma’s Five Tribes are pushing back against critics of tribal sovereignty, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case Wednesday that could solidify the impact of its 2020 ruling that recognized reservations over nearly half of Oklahoma.
ASU paves way for women’s triathlon to become official NCAA championship event
TEMPE – In February, college triathlon hit its quota of 40 teams and is on pace to becoming an official NCAA championship sport within the next two years. A winner of five national titles in a row, Arizona State is a pioneer in the growth of this sport.
La biblioteca de Chandler reabre 6 meses después de que una explosión cercana la cerrara
CHANDLER – La pandemia cerró la Biblioteca Chandler Sunset en 2020, y una explosión de gas natural cercana la cerró nuevamente en 2021. La biblioteca ahora está abierta y nuevamente enfocada en sus programas comunitarios.
States win delay, for now, in White House plan to end Title 42 at border
WASHINGTON – White House officials said Tuesday that a potential court order delaying the end of Title 42 would only worsen the border crisis that state officials claim they are trying to prevent by seeking the order.
Chicano Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of Chicano murals, turns 52
SAN DIEGO – San Diego’s Chicano Park – which has the highest concentration of Chicano murals in the world and one of the largest collections of outdoor murals in the U.S. – celebrates its 52nd anniversary.
As nation sees wave of ‘harmful’ legislation targeting LGBTQ community, many find solace in sports
PHOENIX – Arizona’s LGBTQ community finds sporting events like the Saguaro Cup a safe space following a wave of legislation many believe is harmful.
Cochise sheriff: Border crime at ‘all-time high,’ immigration reform needed
WASHINGTON - The Cochise County sheriff told a House hearing on human trafficking Wednesday that border-related crimes are at an “all-time high,” and would only get worse without comprehensive immigration reform.
Oklahoma, tribal tempers flare as Supreme Court hears sovereignty case
WASHINGTON – An attorney for the state of Oklahoma told Supreme Court justices Wednesday that "thousands of crimes" have gone unprosecuted in the two years since the court removed state jurisdiction over many crimes in a large part of eastern Oklahoma.
‘Only the beginning’: Brandon Act meant to reduce barriers, stigma for military members seeking mental health help
PEORIA – The legacy of Brandon Caserta of Arizona lives on in the Brandon Act, which allows service men and women to seek mental health help outside the military to reduce barriers and the stigma of self-reporting.
Los estados ganan la demora, por ahora, en el plan de la Casa Blanca para terminar el Título 42 en la frontera
WASHINGTON – Los funcionarios de la Casa Blanca dijeron el martes que una posible orden judicial que retrasa el fin del Título 42 solo empeoraría la crisis fronteriza que los funcionarios estatales afirman que están tratando de prevenir al solicitar la orden.
A heart-stopping day: Camden Gianni returns from cardiac arrest to lead GCU volleyball
PHOENIX – Three and a half years ago, Camden Gianni went into cardiac arrest at Grand Canyon during a volleyball practice. After open heart surgery and a lengthy recovery process, he is now back leading the Lopes, and making his name known throughout the conference.
Yuma mother documents 4-year-old’s struggle with rare Moebius syndrome
YUMA – Moebius syndrome is a congenital condition that prevents some or all facial and eye movement and comes with other health complications. One Yuma mother has documented the journey of her 4-year-old son’s struggle with the rare disorder.
Una madre en Yuma documenta la lucha de su hijo de 4 años con el raro síndrome de Moebius
YUMA - El síndrome de Moebius es una afección congénita que impide algunos o todos los movimientos faciales y oculares, y viene con otras complicaciones de salud. Una madre de Yuma ha documentado el viaje de la lucha de su hijo de 4 años con el raro trastorno.
Arizona vet, ex-inmate shares reentry story during White House program
WASHINGTON - Surprise resident Ray Perez said sharing his story of recovery from drug problems and homelessness with other veterans and ex-inmates is "a huge component" of his work. He took it to a new level this week, sharing his story as part of a White House roundtable.
Arizona arts commission gave grants to 30 artists. Here’s how they’re using them.
PHOENIX – Dozens of Arizona artists are expanding their creative horizons, thanks to 30 $5,000 research and development grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. The grants were for artists at any stage of their careers to help them experiment with techniques, create new works and more.
Alguacil de Cochise: Crimen fronterizo en un ‘máximo histórico’, se necesita una reforma migratoria
WASHINGTON – El alguacil del condado de Cochise le dijo a un comité de la Cámara de Representantes el miércoles que los delitos relacionados con la frontera se encuentran en un “máximo histórico” y que solo empeorarán sin una reforma migratoria integral.
Glendale’s Team Solitaire shows smaller, independent groups can thrive in Supercross
GLENDALE – Some teams are literally better equipped to succeed in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship than others. But that doesn’t mean that independent racing teams, like Glendale-based Team Solitaire, can’t be competitive and have an impact on the sport.
Kayla Mueller’s parents speak as ISIS fighter is sentenced in her death
WASHINGTON - Kayla Jean Mueller's parents told a federal judge Friday that "there's not a day, barely an hour" when they don't think of their daughter, who was kidnapped in Syria and held hostage by ISIS for 18 months before being killed in 2015.
Reunited and it feels so … normal: Arizona’s Liberatore, Gorman back together in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – From little league to professional baseball, Matthew Liberatore and Nolan Gorman have taken the journey together. They were recently reunited in Memphis.
Growers turn to innovative solutions to curb rising beehive thefts
KINGSBURG, Calif. – Over a third of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts are grown in California, and many crops depend on bees to produce food. Honeybees routinely are transported farm-to-farm to do their job of pollination. But this year alone, 1,169 beehives have been reported stolen or vandalized in California.
Popular proxies: Close to 10% of House votes cast by proxy since 2020
WASHINGTON - House members have cast more than 31,000 proxy votes during more than 700 roll calls since 2020, or about 10% of all possible votes in that time. But what started as a COVID-19 emergency measure has become a routine that some say is being abused.
Arizona lawmakers among most, least likely in House to vote by proxy
WASHINGTON – Two years after the House allowed proxy voting as a pandemic precaution, two Arizona lawmakers remain among the House's most active proxy voters, while two others are among the stubborn minority that has never cast vote by proxy.
Soccer’s popularity in Arizona has helped Phoenix Rising groom top academy players
CHANDLER – The Phoenix Rising have signed two more players from their youth academy to two-way contracts, signaling the talent level in Arizona continues to rise.
Chicano Park, hogar de la mayor concentración de murales chicanos del mundo, cumple 52 años
SAN DIEGO – En el vecindario Logan Heights de esta ciudad fronteriza, generaciones han trabajado para preservar Chicano Park, un paraíso del arte y la cultura mexicano-estadounidense que cuenta con la mayor concentración de murales chicanos al aire libre en el mundo.
Sustainable in Sedona: As tourism rises, city’s free shuttles ease parking problems
SEDONA – Tourists looking for outdoor activities with social distancing flocked to Sedona during the pandemic, adding to traffic congestion and prompting the city to expedite plans to make its tourism more sustainable, including a shuttle for hikers and deterrents to off-road vehicles in certain places.
Federal government rolls out ‘extraordinary actions’ to prop up Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced two measures Tuesday to boost water levels in Lake Powell, keeping them high enough to continue generating hydropower at the Glen Canyon Dam. But experts say the new federal plans might not be enough – even for a short-term fix.
As metro Phoenix home prices rise, so does the number of people forced to rent
PHOENIX – Rising home prices in the Phoenix area are driving more people to rent rather than buy, and renters are worried that they won’t be able to keep pace with increasing rents.
The green boom: Sustainability becomes priority for Arizona sports teams, organizations
PHOENIX – From the Phoenix Suns’ Footprint Center to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Arizona is leading the charge in sports sustainability.
Can a MechanicalTree remove enough carbon to slow climate change?
TEMPE – Engineers at Arizona State University have worked on a MechanicalTree that passively collects and repurposes carbon from the atmosphere. With carbon emissions continuing to rise, they view this tree as a potential solution to slow climate change.
With travel mandate lifted, ‘one-way maskers’ and the chronically ill worry about their safety
LOS ANGELES – With a federal mask mandate for travelers now lifted, health professionals are advising “one-way maskers” – those who always mask up in public – to take additional precautions.
Losing contact: Instead, girls flag football emerging in Arizona, across U.S.
PHOENIX – Spreading the word through social media and word of mouth, Mountain Pointe High School is joining schools within the Chandler Unified School District to start girls flag football programs. The sport’s popularity is growing around the country.
Former Arizona State wrestling stars continue to impress within MMA community
TEMPE – Arizona State is not only known as a strong wrestling school, but as a mixed martial arts factory as well. Many have successfully extended their fighting careers beyond Tempe.
CROWN Act banning discrimination against natural Black hair enacted by Tempe, Tucson
TEMPE – A Tempe natural hair stylist talks about the beauty and diversity of natural hair in light of Tempe and Tucson passing the CROWN Act, which prohibits hair discrimination.
‘What is your climate future?’ How tarot card readings could ease ‘eco-anxiety’
Artist and Arizona State University professor Adriene Jenik thought giving tarot card readings on climate change was “nutty.” But scientists supported her, and now she’s given thousands of ECOtarot readings all over the world to address eco-anxiety.
Burrowing owls’ habitat losses have wildlife experts working to relocate them
FLORENCE – Burrowing owls, ground-dwelling birds that are listed as a species of concern in Arizona, continue to be at risk from ongoing development. As more open desert and farmland is developed across the state, one group is relocating burrowing owls to new sites.
As death rates rise, medical examiners struggle to keep pace with caseload
WASHINGTON - As the nation enters a third year under the threat of COVID-19, Arizona medical examiners say they are struggling to keep up with rising caseloads driven largely by rising deaths from the virus at a time when there is a shortage in forensic pathologists.
Care and comfort: From horses to micro-mini cows, animals can help with human ailments
PHOENIX – From mini-micro cows to horses, Cronkite News journalists take a look at how different animals around the Valley are helping people with a variety of ailments.
Going pro in esports? ASU Valorant players eye turning professional
PHOENIX – The college-to-pro pipeline for esports players isn’t as clear as their NCAA counterparts. For players on the ASU Esports Valorant team, their dreams of going professional are undeterred by this lack of clarity.
Forest health in Arizona: Stressed by drought and pests, trees are losing resilience to changing climate
FLAGSTAFF – Many of Arizona’s forests and woodlands are in bad shape, experts say. They’re overgrown, stressed by drought and facing increased threats from wildfires. But stakeholders across the state are collaborating to restore the forests to health. Take a walk in the woods in the Coconino National Forest to see for yourself.
Experts fear state is not prepared to handle surge in Alzheimer’s cases
WASHINGTON - Arizona is in the midst of a surge in Alzheimer's patients that is rising at the fastest rate in the nation, a crisis that advocates fear the state is not prepared to cope with.
Change of course: Modernization, COVID-19 pandemic help revitalize golf
MESA – Since COVID-19, golf has experienced a boom in popularity. Sales are up, more people are playing and the sport is growing at the professional level.
UArizona’s rainforest in the desert is a testing ground for understanding methane
ORACLE – University of Arizona assistant professor Joost van Haren is leading a research project at the Biosphere 2’s rainforest. He and his team of five student engineers are working to better understand methane emissions from the Amazon rainforest.
Surge in congenital syphilis gives Arizona second-worst rate in U.S.
WASHINGTON - Congenital syphilis cases in Arizona rose more than sevenfold from 2016 to 2020, pushing the state from the sixth- to second-worst state in the nation in that time, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Unregulated groundwater use threatens rural Arizona’s future
KINGMAN – Arizona doesn’t regulate groundwater use in rural areas, which covers 80% of the state, and it’s affecting Kingman and other communities reliant on groundwater.
The beat goes on: Drumlines reinvent themselves as important pieces in the sports world
PHOENIX – From their role in HBCU marching bands to their place in a popular movie, drumlines have become a key player in the sports entertainment world.
Players the same, but district numbers shuffled in House redistricting
WASHINGTON - Congressional campaigns are often compared to horse races, but in Arizona the jockeys and the horses were scrambled this year. Even without moving, seven of the state's nine House members landed in newly numbered districts after redistricting.
Crowded House: Redistricting, vacancies boost fundraising in House races
WASHINGTON - Arizona congressional challengers have been emboldened this year by an open seat, an unpopular president and a newly drawn district map - and they have the money to show for it, raising $13.7 million to the incumbents' $9.4 million as of March 31.
‘Solo el comienzo’: Ley Brandon destinada a reducir el estigma para los miembros militares que buscan ayuda de salud mental
PEORIA – El legado de Brandon Caserta de Arizona sigue vivo en la Ley Brandon, que permite a los hombres y mujeres en servicio buscar ayuda de salud mental fuera del ejército para reducir las barreras y el estigma de la autoinformación.
Bloom where you’re planted: How a south Phoenix farm harnesses Mother Earth
PHOENIX – Spaces of Opportunity – a partnership that includes Unlimited Potential, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Roosevelt Elementary School District – consists of small family gardens and a 10-acre incubator farm, as well as a farmers market. Its mission is to provide all south Phoenix families access to healthful, affordable food, promote active living and create strong bonds to individual cultures.
NAU’s smart bike technology can detect damaged pathways
FLAGSTAFF – A Northern Arizona University engineering team has created a prototype sensor and network that can detect damage along bike paths and alert city officials to needed repairs.
A gift horse indeed: Equestrian vaulting opens doors for those with disabilities
SAN TAN VALLEY – Salt River Vaulters, a non-profit organization that teaches equestrian vaulting, specializes in equine therapy for children or young adults with disabilities
Arizona remittances to Mexico continued to surge through pandemic
WASHINGTON - The economic upheaval of the pandemic did little to slow the amount of money sent home to Mexico by workers in Arizona, with those payments growing faster in 2020 than at any point the past nine years, bank data shows.
From India to Flagstaff: Ramesh’s journey to NAU reflects country’s passion for basketball
FLAGSTAFF – Nearly two centuries ago, basketball made its way to India, thanks to a missionary from the YMCA. Now there are three women from India who have been awarded Division I scholarships, and two of them landed at Arizona universities.
More funds sought for drone inspections of transportation infrastructure
TEMPE – New legislation sponsored by Rep. Greg Stanton of Phoenix could give more funding to state, local and tribal governments to use drones to inspect roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
On heels of Flores lawsuit, Black high school football coaches in Arizona hungry for more opportunities
PHOENIX – As the NFL deals with controversy over the dearth of Black head coaches, Arizona’s Black high school football coaches say numbers need to improve in their state.
‘We are still here’: Tribes reclaiming out-of-state ancestral homelands
Tribes that were forcibly resettled to Oklahoma are increasingly buying back or being gifted back property in their ancestral homelands - from Alabama to Michigan to Kansas - either to build economic sustainability or manage cultural preservation sites.
On the fringe: Some pros still questioning PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program
PHOENIX – As the PGA Tour moves into the second season of “PIP,” some pros still question who is truly benefiting from the program.
Jorinde van Klinken’s two titles lead way for ASU in Pac-12 Track and Field Championships
EUGENE, Oregon – Although she wasn’t satisfied with her performance, Jorinde van Klinken led the way for ASU’s women in the Pac-12 Track and Field Championships.
Warmer winters, drier summers disrupting snowmelt supplying the Colorado River
Summer monsoons don’t supply much water to the Colorado River, but climatologists say they’re needed to lower wildfire threats and raise soil moisture levels, which means that more crucial winter snowmelt will make its way downhill.
Las personas en zonas marginales de Phoenix sufren más el calor debido a la falta de sombra, poco dosel de árboles
PHOENIX – De acuerdo con el mapa de puntaje de equidad de los árboles, solo el 1 % del área de South Central Phoenix está debajo del dosel de los árboles. El mapa demuestra una estrecha relación entre la cantidad de sombra en un vecindario y el estatus social y económico de las personas que viven en ese vecindario.
Arizona housing authorities’ strict criminal background checks often bar people who need a second chance
PHOENIX – As they look for a place to live in the state’s tight rental market, applicants with criminal backgrounds seeking government-supported housing face hurdles that go far beyond what the federal guidelines require.
‘Can’t kill the dead’: Hamilton baseball team wins 6A title following controversy
TEMPE – A week after being told its season was over, Hamilton High School won the 6A baseball title following an improbable series of events.
What about Deandre? Suns’ James Jones looks forward now that offseason underway
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones eyes “consistency and continuity” as fans wonder about Deandre Ayton’s future.
Arizona traffic fatalities reached 15-year high in 2021, U.S. data shows
WASHINGTON - Arizona traffic fatalities hit their highest level in 15 years in 2021, when the state saw a 6.5% increase in highway deaths that experts blame in part on bad driving habits made worse during the pandemic.
‘Documented Dreamers’ fear deportation after aging out of visa protection
WASHINGTON - BASIS Peoria senior Ayaan Siddiqui, whose visa-holding parents brought him here at age 1, does not face deportation to India - yet. But like 200,000 other "documented Dreamers," he could when he turns 21, which is why he rallied for a bill to change that.
California to test solar panels over irrigation canals to save water, boost electricity output
TURLOCK, Calif. – The Turlock Irrigation District in central California is conducting a pilot project to save water and increase power output by putting solar panels over canals. The project might eventually help the state save up to 63 billion gallons of water per year.
Private landlords have become the key to subsidized housing
PHOENIX – Most Arizona housing authorities that manage HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program, known as Section 8, lack a formal process for approving landlords.
Battle for Arizona Avenue: Hamilton-Chandler rivalry extends to baseball with first title meeting
TEMPE – A rivalry best known for football has extended to the diamond. Hamilton High School and Chandler High School showcased their talents in the baseball 6A state championship game. Is a new rivalry underway?
Feds approve 35,000 more work visas, as firms struggle to fill open jobs
WASHINGTON - Arizona businesses welcomed the federal government's release this week of another 35,000 H-2B visas for temporary guest workers, as a tight U.S. labor market has left companies scrambling to fill vacancies.
Tribal police agencies struggle to attract, maintain officers, panel told
WASHINGTON - A Navajo Nation official told a Senate panel this week that the tribe’s police department lacks the resources to attract and retain officers, a problem that experts say is faced by tribal police departments across the country.
Public housing has been privatized in some Arizona cities
ELOY – A few Arizona cities have outsourced to private companies the management of their public housing authorities. But that transfer of oversight has led to problems such as a lack of public-facing information on who qualifies for such housing aid.
Distritos escolares de Phoenix trabajan para convertir su flota de autobuses a eléctricos
PHOENIX – Algunos distritos escolares en Phoenix ya tienen al menos un autobús eléctrico y están en el proceso de financiar otros más. Entre ellos se encuentran el Distrito Escolar Primario Cartwright y el Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias Phoenix Union, ubicados en el Sur de Phoenix, una región donde la mayoría de los residentes son de origen latino.
More Phoenix school districts adding electric buses to their fleets
PHOENIX – Phoenix school districts are changing their bus fleets to electric, and two that serve mostly Latino students – Cartwright Elementary and Phoenix Union High School – are leading the charge.
Mercury: Skylar Diggins-Smith absence not related to disagreement with Diana Taurasi
PHOENIX – Despite a bench disagreement with teammate Diana Taurasi during a loss in Las Vegas, Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith missed Thursday night’s home loss against Dallas due to a non-COVID illness and not because of a fight, the team said.
‘It’s gotta be the shoes’: Why are Scottsdale nightclubs prohibiting retro sneakers?
SCOTTSDALE – Young adults increasingly are being turned away from Scottsdale nightclubs because of their retro sneakers, such as Jordans and Air Force 1s, raising questions about what determines the selectivity.
Arizona again near bottom of states for per pupil spending, Census says
WASHINGTON - Arizona was again among the worst states in the nation for per pupil spending on K-12 education in 2020, according to a recent Census Bureau report, a ranking that advocates said was embarrassing but not surprising.
New Arizona law on sealing criminal records may help some renters, but there are limitations
PHOENIX – A new Arizona law will give those with a criminal background a chance to seal their records, which may expand access to jobs and housing – but the complexity of the process and longevity of online information may hinder the law’s impact.
‘Welcome to the party’: ASU softball rolls in Tempe, advances to super regional
TEMPE – Behind three freshmen, the Arizona State softball team dominated competition in Tempe and advances to super regional play for the first time since 2018.
May 23, 2022 Newscast
Cutting back on water use to prevent Lake Mead reductions, new exoskeleton for workers
Supreme Court rejects appeals of death-row inmates in two Arizona killings
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that inmates do not have a right to raise defenses in federal court that were rejected in state courts, denying the appeals of two Arizona death-row inmates in the process.
Title 42 remains in place at border for now – as does the fight over it
WASHINGTON - Supporters of Title 42, the pandemic-era health rule used to turn away migrants at the border, welcomed a court ruling that blocked the White House plan to end Monday, but migration advocates said it only prolongs an "outright failure" of border policy.
Jailed Brittney Griner, absent players contribute to slow start for Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – As Brittney Griner remains detained in a Russian prison, the Phoenix Mercury continue to struggle with a new coach and unavailable players.
Exoskeleton suit designed to reduce strain on manual laborers
PHOENIX – The WearTech Center, GoX Labs and Arizona State University collaborated to develop an exoskeleton suit called the PhenEx. The suit is designed to reduce the strain on workers as they lift heavy objects.
Despite state law, marijuana still banned in subsidized housing in Arizona
Both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in Arizona. But because of federal law, HUD still bans marijuana use in any type of government-subsidized housing, such as Section 8 and public housing. Marijuana and housing advocates call the policy discriminatory and counterproductive.
Are Arizona lawmakers upset about being on Russian travel ban list? Nyet
WASHINGTON - All nine House members from Arizona - and one late senator - made the list of 963 U.S. citizens Russia has imposed a travel ban on in the escalating sanctions fight between the two countries. If they're not laughing about it, most are taking it as a badge of honor.
‘Season starts on Wednesday’: Inaugural Pac-12 Baseball Tournament gives ASU another chance
PHOENIX – After an uneven and often frustrating season, Arizona State and first-year head Willie Bloomquist are savoring their opportunity to make up ground in the inaugural Pac-12 Baseball Tournament.
Peanuts, Cracker Jack and the origins of spring training: the evolution of baseball’s preseason
PHOENIX – It is hard to imagine, but spring training – a baseball fan’s rite of passage – wasn’t always part of the sports narrative in Arizona.
Sun Devils send 30 to Arkansas for NCAA West Region Track and Field prelims
PHOENIX – Arizona State arrives in Arkansas with 30 Sun Devils who qualified for the NCAA West Regional Preliminary taking place Wednesday through Saturday in Fayetteville.
Charity in virtual reality: Habitat for Humanity, law firm raise money in the metaverse
PHOENIX – Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and Rose Law Group came together to raise money for the nonprofit in the metaverse, which they say is a first-of-its-kind collaboration.
For many in Arizona, back to work does not mean back to the office
WASHINGTON - More than two years into the pandemic, a sizable number of Arizonans have yet to go back to the office. A new Census survey found just over 60% of Americans working on-site in May. In Arizona, just 58.1%. of employees were working on site.
May 25, 2022 Newscast
Arizona lawmakers call for gun reform, new fire restrictions in National forests
‘Happy New Year’: Arizona makes history, gets revenge on Oregon in inaugural Pac-12 baseball tourney
SCOTTSDALE – Chip Hale’s Arizona baseball team won the first ever Pac-12 Baseball Tournament game Wednesday. Meanwhile, Arizona State fell late to Stanford.
Climate change threatens fair and safe Winter Olympics in the future
FLAGSTAFF – Twenty-one cities around the world have hosted the Winter Olympics in the past 98 years. But by 2080, only one of these cities may be able to provide the conditions required for high level competition that’s fair and safe.
Are Mavericks crossing the line with their fine-inducing enthusiasm, especially against the Suns?
PHOENIX – After Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks were fined for a third time by the league. Are they crossing the line?
‘Shut up and dribble’? Not anymore as Steve Kerr, Mercury players use their platform
PHOENIX – In the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas, shootings, athletes including Steve Kerr and Brianna Turner continue trend of speaking out about social justice issues.
May 26, 2022 Newscast
How to save gas for Memorial Day weekend, a look at the Arizona COVID spike, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Taylor speaks out about gun control
Flagging devotion: ‘Flags-In’ event prepares Arlington for Memorial Day
ARLINGTON, Va. - As an honor guard member, Airman 1st Class Connor Zierse spends his days at Arlington National Cemetery, but Thursday was different, The former Buckeye resident was there for the “Flags-In” ceremony, helping decorate the 260,000 graves ahead of Memorial Day.
Surging Arizona gun sales could surge anew in wake of mass shootings
WASHINGTON - Gun sales in Arizona have surged in recent years and experts say they could jump again, sparked by reports of multiple mass shootings around the U.S. that have claimed dozens of lives.
I, robotics major: ASU defensive lineman B.J. Green hopes to build prosthetics for children
PHOENIX – Former ASU walk-on B.J. Green not only landed a scholarship, but he hopes his focus on robotics will allow him to design prosthetics for children who cannot afford them.
‘Hard Knocks Super Bowl’? If Cardinals go all the way, HBO’s popular series will be there
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals have been announced as the feature team in the second installment of “Hard Knocks In Season.” If they advance to the playoffs, HBO will join them.
Brittney Griner: a look back at the 100 days since Mercury star’s detainment in Russia
PHOENIX- Brittney Griner was detained 100 days ago in Russia. Frustration grows for family, friends and fans.
May 27, 2022 Newscast
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day tradition, Anthony Robles attempts to set a new world record
Arizona cities continued booming growth last year, Census Bureau says
WASHINGTON - Arizona had five of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. last year while Phoenix continued to add residents, bucking the trend of major cities that lost population during the pandemic, according to the Census Bureau.
Despite record-high gas prices, Memorial Day travel nears pre-pandemic levels
WASHINGTON – Higher prices for gas, airfares and just about everything else do not appear to be holding back travel this Memorial Day weekend, which is “falling back to pre-pandemic levels,” experts said Friday.
ASU’s first season under Willie Bloomquist over after blown lead to Arizona in Pac-12 Baseball Tournament
SCOTTSDALE – Willie Bloomquist’s first year as Arizona State baseball coach was marred by key injuries but also highlighted by breakout performances across the Sun Devils roster. ASU lost to Chip Hale’s Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 tournament Friday.
Arizona parents on the hunt for baby formula turn to each other for help
WASHINGTON - The nationwide shortage of infant formula has led to store-imposed limits on purchases, long drives and frantic internet searches by frazzled parents, who have turned to each other to make up for what they see as a lack of government action.
Chicanos Por La Causa launches $10 million ‘get out the vote’ campaign
PHOENIX – A $10 million initiative is underway to encourage the millions of Latinos in Arizona to go to the polls regardless of party affiliation. The nonprofit Chicanos por la Causa is behind this effort along with Mi Familia Vota and Promise Arizona.
Chicanos por la Causa lanza una campaña de $10 millones para salir a votar
PHOENIX – Se está llevando a cabo una iniciativa de $10 millones para alentar a los millones de latinos en Arizona a acudir a las urnas, independientemente de su afiliación política. La organización sin fines de lucro Chicanos por la Causa está detrás de este esfuerzo junto con Mi Familia Vota y Promise Arizona.
‘We’re going to carry forward Pat’s legacy’: Tillman Foundation continues its mission
PHOENIX – Eighteen years after the former Arizona State football player’s death, the Pat Tillman Foundation continues its work in developing veterans through leadership and educational development.
‘Live and learn’: ASU’s historic softball season comes to close in super regionals
TEMPE – The Arizona State softball team’s historic season comes to an end after Northwestern eliminated the Sun Devils in a super regional round of the Women’s College World Series.
Baby bump: Births in Arizona increase for the first time in seven years
WASHINGTON - The number of babies born in Arizona last year rose for the first time in seven years, to 77,735 births, stumping experts who had expected a baby bust to worsen through the pandemic. The state's numbers mirrored an increase in U.S. births.
Access to clean water, rights to Colorado River are high priorities for tribes
Access to clean water is a chronic issue for tribal communities in the Colorado River Basin, who also have been denied their rights to water from the river for a century. Two recent moves intend to address those inequities.
May 31, 2022 Newscast
Utility companies prepare for wildfire season; Griner imprisoned in Russia for more than 100 days.
Are race, gender slowing Brittney Griner’s return? Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard raises question
PHOENIX – Brittany Griner’s imprisonment for more than 100 days prompted Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard to question why she remains jailed and compares the case to that of Gabby Petito, the missing vlogger who was murdered.
‘You don’t play finals, you win finals’: ASU men’s golf competes for national title
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona State defeated the best team in the country, Oklahoma, and the defending champion, Pepperdine, to advance to the NCAA DI men's golf team championship.
After ending GCU’s dream, Delanie Wisz, UCLA advance to Women’s College World Series
LOS ANGELES – After knocking off GCU, UCLA continues its roll and will play in the Women’s College World Series, thanks in big part to Delanie Wisz.
Quarterback Kyler Murray returns to Cardinals workouts amid contract dispute
TEMPE – The excitement of quarterback Kyler Murray returning to workouts was tempered by Monday’s news that Jeff Gladney has died in a car accident.
June 1, 2022 Newscast
Prescott student makes progress in national spelling bee, ASU men's golf playing in NCAA tournament
To bee, or not to bee: Prescott girl makes National Spelling Bee finals
WASHINGTON - A Prescott 11-year-old will compete in the final round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Thursday night, spelling words like nuciform and dyspathy over two days of competition to be one of just 12 finalists from the field of 229 that started Tuesday.
Pac-12 turns heads with trio of teams in Women’s College World Series
LOS ANGELES – The Pac-12 has sent three teams – Arizona, UCLA And Oregon State – to the Women’s College World Series. Can the league out-muscle the Big 12’s big three?
‘What team is best’? Proposed open division tournament for high school basketball could provide answer
PHOENIX – High school basketball coaches in Arizona are optimistic that a proposed open division tournament will create an unmatched competitive environment and keep the best players at their home schools.
Heartbreak at Grayhawk: ASU men’s golf falls just short of national championship
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona State finished strong in the NCAA Division I men’s golf championship but fell just short against Texas for the title.
College debt relief plan could mean $111.9 million for 10,000 in Arizona
WASHINGTON - More than 10,000 Arizonans could see $111.9 million in federal student loan debt erased as part of a $5.8 billion loan discharge announced this week for former students of the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges.
After Uvalde, Arizona schools balance hard and soft deterrents to attacks
WASHINGTON - With little hope that state lawmakers will pass gun-control measures in the wake of the latest school shooting, Arizona educators find themselves balancing the competing goals of hardening schools while making them welcoming places.
One step forward: Tempe City Council votes ‘yes’ to start talks about new Arizona Coyotes arena
TEMPE – In a 5-2 vote, the Tempe City Council decided to begin negotiations with the Arizona Coyotes for a new sports and entertainment district that includes a new arena.
One pitch, one loss: Oklahoma State’s home run beats Arizona in opening round of Women’s College World Series
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Arizona Wildcats have hit a home run in each of their playoff games. That wasn’t enough against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls in the Women’s College World Series.
‘Great experience’: Pac-12 coaches, players praise inaugural conference baseball tournament in Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE – Players and coaches around the Pac-12, including Arizona and Arizona State, said they enjoyed their experience at the first-ever conference baseball tournament despite some hiccups in the format.
Bye, Bee: Prescott girl’s run through national spelling bee ends in finals
WASHINGTON - Aliyah Alpert predicted the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee would be harder than the first two days of competition. Turns out she was right. The Prescott 11-year-old bowed out of the finals in ninth place, but said she was thankful for the experience.
Mexico fans come out strong for team’s loss to Uruguay in soccer friendly at State Farm Stadium
GLENDALE – The strong run of success by Mexico’s national soccer team came to an end Thursday against Uruguay at State Farm Stadium. It was still a night to remember for nearly 60,000 fans.
GOP Senate hopefuls try to shrug off Trump endorsement of Masters’ bid
WASHINGTON - While other Republicans tried to downplay the impact of former President Donald Trump's endorsement this week of Blake Masters' bid for Senate, analysts said the nod could be the "rocket fuel" Masters needs to move to the front of a crowded field.
June 3, 2022 Newscast
Tempe holds early vote in Coyotes sports complex, National Spelling Bee wraps up.
Calm, cool and Caitlin: Arizona softball coach Lowe hits another milestone: 1st Women’s College World Series win
OKLAHOMA CITY – With a 3-1 victory over Oregon State, Arizona softball coach Caitlin Lowe wins her first Women’s College World Series game as her accomplished rookie season continues.
Growth, maturity catapult Arizona Wildcats closer to Women’s College World Series title
OKLAHOMA CITY – The development of the Arizona softball team throughout the season has the Wildcats one win away from the Women’s College World Series semifinals.
Sales of over-the-counter hearing aids await final FDA rule
PHOENIX – A final rule is expected soon that would make hearing aids available over the counter for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Proponents say the change will spur competition, lower costs and increase availability, especially for those who can’t afford the devices.
Subpoena authority could jeopardize boarding school truth and healing commission
Granting of subpoena authority could jeopardize the establishment of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools. The top Republican on key House subcommittee said the bill could lose bipartisan support.
Caitlin Lowe finds way leading Arizona softball program in Mike Candrea’s shadow
OKLAHOMA CITY – In her first season leading Arizona, Caitlin Lowe guided the Wildcats to the Women's College World Series. She leaned on several lessons from her predecessor, the legendary Mike Candrea.
Mexico, Uruguay use friendly at State Farm Stadium as World Cup tuneup
GLENDALE – With the World Cup just five months away, Mexico faced off against Uruguay in front of 57,000 fans at State Farm Stadium and used it as a World Cup tuneup.
Day drinking? That’s D.J. Humphries’ explanation for those who wonder if Kyler Murray is longterm answer
TEMPE – Amid contract negotiations, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has missed many workouts. The team, however, fully expects to get a deal done and lock him down for the future.
No-excuse mail-in voting is constitutional, judge rules in GOP lawsuit
PHOENIX – Judge Lee Jantzen of Mohave County Superior Court ruled Monday that mail-in voting does not violate the Arizona Constitution’s ballot secrecy requirements. He cited state statutes that keep mailed ballots private and secure.
June 6, 2022 Newscast
State judge rules early voting is constitutional in Arizona, efforts underway to make affordable housing more accessible
Middle seats, canceled flights, COVID exposure: Taurasi, WNBA players sound off on commercial travel
PHOENIX – More WNBA players, including Diana Taurasi, are pushing back about having to fly commercial for road trips, and the issues came to a head earlier this year after the league fined the New York Liberty franchise fined $500,000 for using private jets.
Monkeypox probably has arrived in Arizona. Here’s what to know about the virus.
PHOENIX – Health officials announced Tuesday they were working to confirm a probable case of monkeypox in Maricopa County. It would be Arizona’s first case of the virus, which is transmitted primarily via skin-to-skin contact.
Federal court refuses to block Atwood’s scheduled Wednesday execution
WASHINGTON - Convicted killer Frank Atwood was down to his last appeals Tuesday, after a federal circuit court rejected a bid to stop his Wednesday execution for the 1984 murder of an 8-year-old Tucson girl.
Arizonans join Giffords, others in Washington to rally for gun reform
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was severely wounded in a 2011 Tucson attack that killed six people and wounded 12 others, was one of several Arizonans in Washington this week to lobby for gun reform after the latest spate of mass shootings.
June 7, 2022 Newscast
Gun violence survivors rally for restrictions, portable solar panels are heading to Ukraine from Arizona.
Sun Devils send 11 to NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
TEMPE – Arizona State University is sending 11 athletes to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which run Wednesday through Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
ASU’s Dayton Carlson is confident heading onto one of track’s biggest stages: The NCAA championships
TEMPE – Dayton Carlson surprised everyone at the Pac-12 Championships last month. Everyone except himself. The ASU freshman now finds himself on one of track and field’s biggest stages – the NCAA outdoor championships this week in Eugene, Oregon.
A family affair: Arizona’s run in the Women’s College World Series points to a bright future
OKLAHOMA CITY – As the Arizona Wildcats advanced through the NCAA Tournament to reach the Women’s College World Series, players’ families followed them every step of the way. They hope to leave a mark on the next generation of softball players.
‘Everyone is welcome’: Angel City FC celebrates Pride Night
LOS ANGELES – Angel City FC hosted a Pride Night celebration Tuesday in support of the LGBTQ community. Rainbow smoke brightened the evening sky as the team ended the match in a nil-nil draw in front of 16,000 fans.
Blinken urges young journalists to defend their craft – and themselves
LOS ANGELES – The ninth Summit of the Americas kicked off Tuesday night with remarks by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but much of the discussion was on the safety of journalists in the Western Hemisphere and the growing mistrust of the news media.
June 8. 2022 Newscast
Excessive heat warnings forecast across Arizona, "inflation fees" come to restaurant tabs.
Atwood’s final appeals fail, Arizona executes second inmate in a month
WASHINGTON - Convicted killer Frank Atwood was executed by lethal injection Wednesday morning, after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid to stop his execution for the 1984 murder of an 8-year-old Tucson girl.
White House touts ‘robust’ Arizona economy; critics call that half the picture
WASHINGTON – Despite rising inflation and high gas prices, White House officials insisted this week that Arizona is sharing in the nation's "robust" economic recovery, with low unemployment, and expanding wages in the state.
ASU’s Turner Washington second in shot put; Dayton Carlson advances to 800-meter final at NCAA track and field championship
EUGENE – Arizona State’s Turner Washington took second in the shot put finals, and Dayton Carlson continued his dominance on the track during day one of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
Phil Mickelson, 16 others suspended from PGA Tour for playing in Saudi-backed league
PHOENIX – Hometown hero Phil Mickelson and 16 other professional golfers were suspended Thursday from all PGA events for their involvement with the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.
Biden announces regional migration initiative at Summit of the Americas
LOS ANGELES – President Joe Biden announced a new migration initiative Thursday during the Ninth Summit of the Americas. The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration is a commitment by countries in the Western Hemisphere to enhance stability and create opportunities for safer and orderly migration.
Several Arizona officials in the mix, as Jan. 6 committee hearings begin
WASHINGTON - The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol will start presenting evidence Thursday night from more than 1,000 witnesses - including a number of prominent Arizona Republicans.
Arizona lawmakers split as House passes gun reform after Uvalde shooting
WASHINGTON – Arizona legislators voted on party lines this week as the House rushed through a pair of sweeping gun reform bills just weeks after a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school left 19 students and two teachers dead.
Throwers launch ASU women to first place after Day 2 of NCAA track and field championship
EUGENE, Ore. – The Arizona State women are sitting in first place after day 2 of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field. Jorinde van Klinken got second in shot put. Beatrice Llano got third, and Shelby Moran fifth in hammer throw.
‘Open-air prison’ in southern Mexico traps thousands of migrants
TAPACHULA, MEXICO – Thousands of migrants are trapped in Tapachula, just north of Mexico’s border with Guatemala, where they face strict limitations on their movements, few job prospects, poor living conditions and long waits for immigration hearings. Some have labeled Tapachula an “open-air prison,” others call it the southern extension of the U.S. border.
Cornhole pros and weekend warriors meet in Mesa for national tournament
MESA – Bell Bank Park sports complex in Mesa recently hosted an American Cornhole League pro shootout and open tournament. Competitors came from across the country to join in the fun.
Advocates hope endangered status for wildflower helps save San Pedro, too
WASHINGTON – Federal officials this week declared the Arizona eryngo, a rare wildflower, an endangered species, a move advocates hope will also help boost efforts to save the San Pedro River where the plant is found.
June 10, 2022 Newscast
National forests brace for fire season, how to save on your electric bill during the scorching summer.
Despite calls for reform, guns are still a growth industry in Arizona
WASHINGTON - At a time when headline-grabbing mass shootings are driving calls for gun reform, gun manufacturing appears to still be a growth industry in Arizona, which had the third-most in the nation. The number of manufacturers grew 218% over the last decade.
Freshmen Friday: ASU’s Ralford Mullings, Dayton Carlson steal show at NCAA track and field championship
EUGENE, Ore. – Arizona State’s Dayton Carlson finished sixth and set a new school record in the men’s 800-meter final and ASU freshman Ralford Mullings broke through for bronze in the men’s discus finals during day three of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
Meredith Loewenstein reflects new look, vibe of skateboarding culture
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – In a male-dominated sport, Meredith Lowenstein, 16, is making her mark in the skateboarding world.
Throwing light on greatness: ASU’s Jorinde van Klinken ends outdoor career with discus title
EUGENE, Ore. – A soaked but smiling Jorinde van Klinken walked out of the discus cage at Hayward Field for the final time with a pitchfork emblazoned across her chest and a national title in her possession.
June 13, 2022 Newscast
Former Vice President Mike Pence is in Arizona to talk border security, Pride events around the west coast
‘Border security is national security’: Pence in Arizona to discuss immigration
PHOENIX – Former Vice President Mike Pence visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona on Monday, then addressed a crowd at the Arizona Commerce Authority in Phoenix on his vision for U.S. border security and immigration. Pence is expected to run for president in 2024 – potentially against his old boss.
Arizona’s senators part of group behind ‘commonsense’ gun-reform bill
WASHINGTON - Arizona's senators were part of bipartisan group that unveiled a compromise gun-reform proposal that is weaker than just-passed House legislation but might have the votes needed to get past a Senate filibuster.
Advocates blast Supreme Court rulings denying bond hearings to migrants
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that noncitizens being held for deportation are not entitled to a bond hearing after months in detention, decisions that advocates said could let the government keep migrants behind bars indefinitely.
‘Helpless but not hopeless’: Arizona officials join surgeon general to address burnout in health workers
PHOENIX – Health care workers have reached crisis levels of burnout, prompting the U.S. surgeon general to issue an advisory spotlighting the problem. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy visited Phoenix recently to meet with health workers and find solutions.
‘Wounded healers’: Advocates spotlight hidden struggles of young caregivers
MESA – Brenda Donovan was 12 when her mother was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. By her senior year in high school, she’d become her mother’s primary caregiver. Across the U.S., more and more people are becoming caregivers to a loved one in need – among them, young people thrust into a role for which they have little training or support.
Mercury in retrograde? Not during WNBA team’s 3-game winning streak
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury opened 2-8 to start the season, with a rookie coach, multiple player absences and Brittney Griner on players’ minds. The team has rattled-off three straight wins thanks to newfound chemistry and good health.
18 more days: Russian court extends Brittney Griner detainment
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner will remain detained in Russia until at least July 2. The announcement came on the heels of the WNBA organization’s meeting with members of the U.S. State Department.
As Pipeline Fire burns 20,000 acres north of Flagstaff, officials share safety tips
PHOENIX – The Pipeline Fire has burned over 20,000 acres just north of Flagstaff and prompted some evacuations. Before the fire broke out, the National Fire Prevention Education Team was in Arizona to talk about what Arizonans can do to prevent wildland fires, including being intentional about where you park and how you secure trailer chains.
June 14, 2022 Newscast
Pipeline Fire grows north of Flagstaff, why rural schools have different concerns about keeping students safe
Phoenix Suns vs. Seattle, Las Vegas? NBA expansion rumors pick up steam
PHOENIX – As NBA expansion rumors pick up steam, the possibility of the Phoenix Suns playing games in Seattle and Las Vegas becomes more likely.
Love high school hoops? Section Seven draws nation’s top players, college coaches to Glendale
PHOENIX – Section Seven at State Farm Stadium will feature many of the nation’s top high school basketball prospects and will draw over 500 college coaches.
Orange County Riptide of the California Collegiate League offers competitive atmosphere for top baseball prospects
IRVINE, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide of the California Colleague League brings competition for players with big league aspirations.
Supreme Court rejects Arizona’s attempt to defend ‘public charge’ rule
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed Arizona's attempt to defend a Trump-era "public charge" that would have made it harder for immigrants to gain permanent residency, after the Biden administration refused to defend the policy.
Resources, reform needed to fight gun violence, Phoenix chief tells Senate
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams urged senators Wednesday to devote more resources to law enforcement agencies to help fight the rising incidents of gun violence among youths.
Bill advances for ‘truth and healing’ panel for Indian boarding schools
WASHINGTON – A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would create a commission to investigate Indian boarding schools, despite Republican concerns over the scope and power of the commission.
Los Angeles quick to embrace women’s soccer with addition of Angel City FC
LOS ANGELES – In its inaugural season as a member of the National Women's Soccer League, Angel City Football Club quickly becomes a big hit.
‘An abandoned issue’: Migrants’ mental health mostly ignored by Mexican government
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Migrants passing through Mexico desperately need mental health care, but the Mexican government has offered little support. Shelters and NGOs in Tapachula are stepping in to provide essential psych services, but experts and frontline workers say it still isn’t enough.
Man vs. machine: Even when Suns dominated, analytical models loved the Celtics
PHOENIX – The Golden State Warriors are favorites to win the NBA title now that they lead the series 3-2, but for much of the seasons, analytical models loved the Boston Celtics.
June 16, 2022 Newscast
Gov. Ducey declares state of emergency for Pipeline Fire, libraries offer fine forgiveness
Former coach keeps spotlight on Russian detention of Brittney Griner
WASHINGTON - A plain shirt, a pin, a number. For the past 41 days, basketball legend Dawn Staley has posted that photo to her social media accounts, just part of the outpouring of support for Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who has detained in a Russian jail since Feb. 17.
A decade of DACA helped thousands in Arizona; advocates say more needed
WASHINGTON - Since taking effect 10 years ago, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, has protected 800,000 migrants, including 23,000 in Arizona. And advocates say it now needs to be expanded.
‘Beyond the disc’: Ultimate Frisbee takes off in Arizona
TEMPE – As the popularity of ultimate frisbee grows, Valley of the Sun Ultimate continues to provide opportunities for all types of players and build communities through frisbee.
‘Stabilizing the ship’: Despite turmoil, Vanessa Nygaard determined to keep Mercury on track
PHOENIX – Vanessa Nygaard had championship dreams. Despite the turmoil the Phoenix Mercury have faced, she is determined to keep the team on a positive path.
Hamilton High’s Gavin Turley hopes to make impression at MLB Draft Combine
SAN DIEGO – Hamilton High School graduate Gavin Turley is one of the top draft-eligible prospects coming out of Arizona and has his eyes set on the upcoming MLB Draft in Los Angeles
Orange goes green: ASU mall earns certification for sustainable landscapes
TEMPE – Outdoor spaces can be certified as sustainable under the SITES program. California, Texas and other states have been quick to adopt the standards, but Arizona has not. ASU is an exception.
June 17, 2022 Newscast
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams testifies before a Senate on gun reform, high school basketball hopefuls play in Glendale
Dreamer drama: Arizona man hopes play about his life drives DACA discussion
NEW YORK - Tony Valdovinos' story has taken him from Phoenix to off-Broadway and given him the chance to meet Barack Obama and "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. But what's important to Valdovinos is the message the play "¡Americano!" delivers.
Work in progress: Rattlers want to achieve more after clinching playoff berth
MESA – Despite already clinching the playoffs, the Arizona Rattlers still have plenty of objectives they want to achieve by the end of the regular season.
‘Springs are sentinels’: NAU team studies how spring water affects ecosystems
FLAGSTAFF – Spring water is a huge part of the Arizona ecosystem, feeding all the state’s perennial streams. NAU professor Abe Springer, who has been studying springs and groundwater for over two decades, talks about how they affect all the inhabitants of Arizona.
Steeped in Black history, Eastlake Park celebrates Juneteenth
PHOENIX – The historic Eastlake Park neighborhood in Phoenix held its annual Juneteenth celebration. Countless civil rights activists have graced Eastlake Park, from W.E.B. Du Bois to Martin Luther King Jr. The neighborhood is “so important to the civil rights history of Arizona," said Mayor Kate Gallego.
From Damian Lillard to Patrick Ewing, stars come out for Section 7 high school basketball tournament
GLENDALE – State Farm Stadium hosted the Section 7 tournament last weekend where top prospects including Jared McCain showcased their skills in front of over 500 college coaches. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd was there watching the nation’s best players.
New Juneteenth holiday gains acceptance – slowly – in Arizona, elsewhere
WASHINGTON - Juneteenth was a holiday for federal workers Monday, but not workers in many states, including Arizona. Some cities recognize the day but not all, and just 30% of businesses gave workers the day off. But advocates say it's still a step in the right direction.
June 20, 2022 Newscast
New concourse opens at Sky Harbor Airport; Juneteenth celebration in Phoenix.
How the Mexican government has failed to solve the migrant crisis in Tapachula, Mexico
In Tapachula, migrants sew their mouths, start fires, and blockade roads, in protest against the Mexican government’s slow process to seek asylum and work visas. In some cases, migrants have been trapped in the city for years.
International call: Arizona’s Mathurin, Koloko symbolic of talent pool in NBA Draft
PHOENIX – As the NBA Draft nears, it’s clear how much international players have impacted the league.That’s good news for Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin and Christian Koloko.
Eat, Pay, Glove: Caesars Sportsbook, Guy Fieri restaurant open at Chase Field
PHOENIX – A Caesars gambling venue has opening at Chase Field, the second major sportsbook to attach to a sports venue in Arizona. The facility includes Guy Fieri’s first restaurant in Arizona.
As budget deadline nears, Arizona educators rally at Capitol to protest public school spending
PHOENIX – Members of the Arizona Education Association rallied Tuesday at the state Capitol to again call on lawmakers to funnel a bigger chunk of the state’s $5 billion budget surplus into public school spending.
Tampon shortage spotlights fight against ‘period poverty’
PHOENIX – The latest supply chain problem – a shortage of feminine care items – has prompted Arizona advocates to renew calls for “period equity” to ensure that menstrual products are accessible and affordable for all.
June 21, 2022 Newscast
Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers testifies before the Jan. 6 Select Committee; a stolen masterpiece will soon be back in Tucson.
Bowers: Trump efforts to overturn election devolved to ‘tragic parody’
WASHINGTON - Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers told lawmakers investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection about the Trump campaign's persistent, and increasingly questionable, efforts to pressure state officials into overturning the 2020 elections.
Viral explosion brings attention to Funny Car competitor, ASU student Bobby Bode III
PHOENIX – Bobby Bode III is the youngest driver in the NHRA Funny Car racing competition. In Houston, he went viral as his car exploded, preventing him from achieving his first victory.
Firefighters get pay boost, say more needed as wildfires keep growing
WASHINGTON - Advocates welcomed the announcement that federal firefighter pay will increase by as much as $20,000 this year, a potentially "life-changing" step for the chronically underpaid crews. But they say more still needs to be done to attract and retain firefighters.
With Supreme Court on cusp of abortion ruling, Arizona advocates prepare
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a ruling restricting or overturning abortion rights within a matter of days, but abortion providers and abortion-rights groups in Arizona say they have been getting ready for months.
Heard Museum celebrates Pride Month with all-Native drag show
PHOENIX – The Heard Museum in Phoenix hosted a Native Drag Show featuring Indigenous drag queens and LGBTQ+ poets for First Friday in June, starring host Pyraddiction.
Durant? Lillard? What a Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade deal could look like
PHOENIX – Speculation about a Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade is growing. Will the Phoenix Suns star be with the team next season?
Landlords asked to help solve homelessness through new Maricopa County initiative
PHOENIX – Threshold is a centralized network of resources to support property managers so they can provide more people with affordable housing. Operated by HOM Inc., an Arizona company working with nonprofits in the state to combat homelessness, the service is funded by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which is using federal COVID-19 relief funds and general funds.
Colorado River water managers face federal call for unprecedented cuts
Water users in the overtaxed Colorado River Basin have fewer than 60 days to come up with a plan to keep 2 million to 4 million acre-feet in the system to prop up Lakes Mead and Powell, and if they can’t, the Bureau of Reclamation says it will take action.
Perry grad Jalen Williams set to become first-round NBA draft pick as brother Cody follows his footsteps
GILBERT – Jalen Williams went from unheralded college recruit to a projected first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Back at his alma mater, Perry High School, Jalen’s younger brother Cody is becoming a basketball star in his own right.
No All-Star Game starters for Phoenix Mercury; Brittney Griner given honorary title
PHOENIX – At the halfway point of the WNBA season, the All-Star Game starters were announced. For the first time since 2009, a player from the Phoenix Mercury will not start in an All-Star game.
Title IX at 50: As opportunities evolved for female athletes, so did ASU
TEMPE – As Title IX turns 50, women involved in the early years of athletics at Arizona State reflect on the era.
June 23, 2022 Newscast
Arizona lawmakers pass a budget, supply chain problems make menstrual products scarce
Passing on gas: Biden’s gas-tax holiday gets cool reception in Arizona
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden's plan to ease prices at the pump by suspending state and federal gas taxes could be running on empty, after state and federal lawmakers who would have to approve the tax holiday greeted it skeptically - or with hostility.
‘I beat the odds’: Friends, family help Arizona’s Dalen Terry celebrate NBA draft selection
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona’s Dalen Terry was selected 18th overall by the Chicago Bulls while surrounded by family and friends at his NBA draft party in Scottsdale.
Sacramento Republic FC makes statement en route to U.S. Open Cup semifinals
CARSON – Sacramento Republic FC, after losing the MLS expansion bid, defeats LA Galaxy, and Phoenix Rising to advance to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.
‘We will see desperation’: Planned Parenthood Arizona stops abortions after Roe v. Wade overturned
PHOENIX – Planned Parenthood Arizona announced Friday it had shut down abortion services in the state, citing “Arizona's tangled web of conflicting laws” after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortion opponents, meanwhile, said “life has won a great victory.”
June 24, 2022 Newscast
As the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, Cronkite News has reaction from Washington, D.C. and Arizona
Biggs: White House aide ‘mistaken’ that he sought pardon after Jan. 6
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, denied he sought a pardon from then-President Donald Trump in connection with the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, after Biggs was named Thursday in testimony to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack.
House gives final OK to compromise gun-reform bill, first in decades
WASHINGTON - The House Friday gave final approval to a bipartisan gun-reform bill that is the first major federal gun safety legislation in decades, voting just hours after the measure cleared the Senate.
Arizona officials decry, delight in Supreme Court ending abortion rights
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled Friday that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the U.S., overturning nearly 50 years of precedence and returning the power to regulate abortions to states. In Arizona reaction was swift, and ranged from anger to elation.
First woman to lead men’s team to NJCAA title? That would be South Mountain CC’s Chelsea Carroll
PHOENIX – Chelsea Carroll, the coach for the men’s and women’s golf teams at South Mountain Community College, became the first woman to lead a men’s team to an NJCAA title.
‘Immense suffering’: After Roe, groups focus on how to help pregnant people
Activists and organizations on both sides of the abortion debate are figuring out how best to help pregnant people after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 ruling that had legalized abortion.
ASU baseball commits Temmarr Johnson, Isaiah Jackson showcase skills at MLB Draft Combine
SAN DIEGO – Arizona State baseball commits Isaiah Jackson and Termarr Johnson were among the players that participated in the recent MLB Draft combine in San Diego.
‘We believe in body autonomy’: Mercury’s Brianna Turner, Vanessa Nygaard react to Roe v. Wade decision
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard and forward Brianna Turner spoke out against the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.
Arizona providers, regulators can’t agree on abortion law after Dobbs
The Supreme Court decision Friday to eliminate a constitutional right to an abortion has "unleashed chaos" for abortion providers in Arizona, where there is little agreement on where the law stands now.
Rent hikes, downtown boom spur gentrification of older Tucson neighborhoods
TUCSON - Rents are rising all over the country, but Tucson, once a sleepy, affordable city, has seen a particularly painful spike. And with rising prices, gentrification is pushing people out of neighborhoods that once were affordable.
This third-generation pilot helped ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ take flight
LOS ANGELES – Kevin LaRosa, a film aerial coordinator, talks about his role on the Tom Cruise film “Top Gun: Maverick” and how his aviation journey from a young age led him to it.
Migrants stuck in Mexico still rely on money from family to live
TAPACHULA, Mexico – While migrants remain trapped in Tapachula, in southern Mexico, the money they receive from family members is spent towards benefiting the city’s economy. But because of delays in issuing legal documentation – some migrants face economic instability and uncertain survival routes while working to survive.
COVID-19 vaccine for kids gets off to slow start in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Ten days after the FDA gave the final OK to COVID-19 vaccinations for kids as young as 6 months, health experts say response in Arizona has been tepid, with some parents hesitant and those who want their kids vaccinated having to search for available shots.
Angel City FC’s recent charter flight suggests NWSL prioritizing athlete well-being
LOS ANGELES – The NWSL emerged 16 years after the WNBA and is already ahead in terms of equality, its players say. The women’s soccer league is the first to have an airline sponsor and is allowing team to charter flights if they choose to do so.
June 28, 2022 Newscast
What's next for women's health care after the Roe decision, one fewer candidate in the GOP gubernatorial primary
Coaching partners: Husband and wife lead Scottsdale Community College women’s basketball team
SCOTTSDALE – Tasha Washington and Joe Bonham share a partnership both on the sidelines and at home. Their strong bond empowers their Scottsdale Community College women’s basketball players.
Sacramento Republic FC makes case for value of U.S. Open Cup
CARSON, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC’s Cinderella story in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup shows why the United States' oldest soccer competition is also its most important for the growth of the sport.
Phoenix Mercury ‘starting fresh’ following their breakup with Tina Charles
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury made the surprise decision to release veteran Tina Charles. The team is looking forward and has a renewed sense of hope, turning its major weakness – defense – into a strength
School lunch program, a ‘game changer’ for kids, gets last-minute reprieve
WASHINGTON - A pandemic-era program that greatly expanded access to school lunches won a last-minute extension through the summer, "fantastic" news for the tens of thousands of Arizona kids who have relied on those meals, advocates said.
Court says states can try some tribal crimes; critics call it a ‘disaster’
WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that states can prosecute non-Natives for crimes against Native people on tribal lands, a ruling that critics called a "disaster" for tribal sovereignty and an "act of conquest."
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks and souvenirs and … Diamondbacks named most affordable for fans
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks have the most affordable fan experience in Major League Basesball in 2022, according to Team Marketing Reports 2022 MLB Fan Cost Index.
Betting on women: Sports gambling app industry excited by growth of female users
PHOENIX – Although men typically represent the majority of sports gamblers, women joined betting apps at a higher rate than men in 2021.
June 30, 2022 Newscast
An in-depth look at the cost of wildfires in Arizona, a historic day at the U.S. Supreme Court
Supreme Court says ‘remain in Mexico’ policy for asylum seekers can end
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Biden administration can terminate a Trump-era policy that let the U.S. turn away asylum seekers at the southern border and force them to wait in Mexico for their court proceedings.
Brnovich will push to revive century-old abortion ban in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said he will push to revive a 120-year-old ban on abortion, changing his earlier position that a law allowing abortions until 15 weeks of pregnancy would take effect this fall.
‘We are ready to receive you’: Blue states prepare for influx of patients seeking abortion care
PHOENIX – Health care clinics in California, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington and other states are preparing to become “safe havens” for pregnant people living in states where abortion is restricted or banned, like Arizona.
While Suns sort out free agency, Mikal Bridges delivers for young basketball campers
PHOENIX – With rumors of blockbuster offseason deals in the air, Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges hosted his first youth camp at “The PHHacility” in Phoenix.
As Brittney Griner awaits trial, discontentment grows closer to home for Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX - Phoenix Mercury All-Star guard Skylar Diggins-Smith turned to Twitter Thursday night and tweeted a clown emoji that some believe was directed at Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard.
Biden to honor McCain, Giffords next week with Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON – Arizona icons Gabrielle Giffords and the late John McCain were among the 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom announced Friday by the Biden administration.
Burgers and bucks: Typical July 4th cookout will cost 17% more this year
WASHINGTON - The real fireworks for this Fourth of July weekend may be in the supermarket aisles. The American Farm Bureau's annual survey of holiday food prices found the cost of a cookout for 10 will be $69.68 this year, 17% higher than the same meal last year.
July 1, 2022 Newscast
Brittney Griner's drug trial starts in Russia, groups work to preserve Sedona's beauty while welcoming tourists
National park tourism, spending recovers from pandemic but still lags
WASHINGTON - National parks in Arizona welcomed 10.7 million visitors who pumped $1.12 billion into local economies in 2021, both sharp increases from the pandemic-induced lows of the year before, but still shy or pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent report.
Sex work equals survival for some migrant women in Tapachula, Mexico
TAPACHULA, Mexico – To survive while their journeys are stalled in Tapachula, Mexico, many migrant women turn to sex work. They face abuse, poor pay and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health care.
Hurt by suspensions, Angels pitching staff continues to struggle
ANAHEIM, Calif . – Following a collection of brawl-related suspensions, the Los Angeles of Anaheim are continuing to struggle with pitching. And it’s costing them in the standings.
New Phoenix shelter is more than a one-night stop for people experiencing homelessness
PHOENIX – A new Phoenix shelter, run by St. Vincent de Paul and funded by the city and Maricopa County, offers people experiencing homelessness more than just an overnight bed. It’s designed to give people a stable transitional situation, three meals a day and case managers to help them find permanent housing.
New Museum of the American Latino has first exhibit in Smithsonian space
WASHINGTON - "¡Presente!" opened last month in the National Museum of American History in Washington, the first exhibit by what will eventually become the National Museum of the American Latino - approved in 2020, but still years from opening a standalone museum.
Casa Grande’s Barça Residency Academy producing top level soccer talent
CASA GRANDE – FC Barcelona is known for producing some of soccer’s top talents through their academy in Spain. Since 2016, they have used the same approach in Casa Grande, where every graduate so far has played in college or signed a professional contract.
July 5, 2022 Newscast
This is the last day to register for the August primaries, Brittney Griner appeals to the president from a Russian jail
‘I’m terrified I might be here forever’: White House confirms Brittney Griner’s letter to Biden
LOS ANGELES – Brittney Griner’s wife Cherelle and the White House reacted to letter that the Phoenix Mercury star sent to President Joe Biden.
Despite improvements from 2021, Diamondbacks still struggling with NL West opponents
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks have improved since last season, but still have a lot to prove against the National league West. The team is a combined 9-19 against the division.
Future WWE stars? Two Arizona State athletes selected for sport’s NIL program
TEMPE – The WWE announced its second class of NIL athletes, and Cohlton Schultz and Case Hatch from Arizona State are among the 15 selected.
$1 billion investment to acquire, conserve water is signed by Ducey
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday signed a bipartisan bill allocating more than $1 billion for water projects and reestablishing the authority of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona.
July 6, 2022 Newscast
Gov. Doug Ducey signs water funding bill, new veteran's clinic in Phoenix opens
Arizona back in court – again – as feds sue over tough voter ID law
WASHINGTON - Voting rights advocates on Wednesday welcomed the Justice Department's decision to sue over Arizona's strict new voter ID law that federal officials called a "textbook violation of the National Voter Registration Act."
Business, political, migrant advocates kick off campaign for Prop 308
WASHINGTON - A broad-based group of political, business and immigration leaders rallied Wednesday to drum up support for Proposition 308, the ballot initiative that would guarantee in-state tuition for any Arizona high school graduate, regardless of citizenship status.
After nearly 37 years, stolen de Kooning painting is back on public display
LOS ANGELES – A Willem de Kooning painting stolen from the University of Arizona Museum of Art in 1985 is back on public display in Los Angeles. The Getty Center spent three years restoring “Woman-Ochre,” which was heavily damaged during the theft. The painting will return to Tucson this fall.
Sun Devil Stadium to host XFL player showcase as league eyes 2023 return
Phoenix - Tempe is one of six cities hosting an XFL showcase for players to potentially join the league.
Viva Las Vegas: NBA Summer League roster has international feel for Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – After a disappointing finish to their season, the Phoenix Suns are excited to see what comes out of NBA Summer League competition in Las Vegas.
On eve of Brittney Griner’s guilty plea, community holds rally for Mercury star
PHOENIX - An emotional and impassioned Cherelle Griner addressed a fervent crowd of more than 300 at the “Bring BG Home” rally at the Footprint Center Wednesday evening. Shortly after, at a court in Khimki, Russia, Brittney, pleaded guilty to bringing hash oil into the country.
July 7, 2022 Newscast
Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russian court, Gov. Ducey signs 47 bills into law
Medal of Freedom winners McCain, Giffords, others are ‘soul of our nation’
WASHINGTON - In a sometimes somber, sometimes jovial event Thursday, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 17 Americans - including the late Sen. John McCain and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords - whom he called "the soul of our nation."
Yee-Haul: Prescott Frontier Days ropes in sold-out crowds and ties family with fun
PRESCOTT – Despite rainy conditions, Prescott Frontier Days continued its annual tradition with another successful event that featured sold-out crowds and nine timed and judged competitions over seven days.
The Player Whisperer: Damian Lillard, other NBA stars flock to work with trainer Phil Beckner
PHOENIX – From a difficult upbring to an accomplished career as a player development coach, Phil Beckner’s journey is one worth following.
Former Mercury coach Brondello receives warm welcome upon return to Footprint Center
PHOENIX – Sandy Brondello, who called Phoenix home for eight years and still lives in the Valley, was grateful for the warm welcome she received upon her return to Footprint Center with the New York Liberty.
July 8, 2022 Newscast
President Biden takes action to protect abortion access, how a surfer in the Los Angeles area broke the color barrier and is being honored
Biden issues order on abortion rights along with call to action by voters
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden issued an executive order Friday aimed at protecting abortion access, even as he called on voters to turn out this fall and "reclaim the rights … taken from them" by the Supreme Court.
Court upholds Arizona prisons’ ban on explicit materials for inmates
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday upheld the Arizona prison system's ban on sexually explicit material for inmates, rejecting claims by a censored prison magazine publisher that the policy violates the First Amendment.
‘A mini-Grand Canyon’: Desert opens up as aquifers decline in Cochise County
SULPHUR SPRINGS – Cities and agricultural operations put intense pressure on groundwater supplies, but in most of Arizona, no rules govern how, when and how much can be pumped. In Cochise County, fissures are appearing as the water table falls, and some residents are pushing to establish an Active Management Area to regulate pumping.
Angel City Games set stage for 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – The Angel City Games, the largest adaptive sports festival in the western United States, brings attention to adaptive sports ahead of the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.
Surfers gather to honor Nick Gabaldón, a pioneer who inspired diversity on the waves
LOS ANGELES – Ten years ago, amid social unrest, the Black Surfers Collective decided to commemorate a person that inspired diverse communities to love the ocean. That person was Nick Gabaldón.
Abortion-rights activists rally to demand Biden take more action
WASHINGTON - Rain couldn’t stop an estimated 1,500 activists from marching to the White House this weekend in an "uprising to protect abortion rights," just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned its Roe v. Wade decision.
July 11, 2022 Newscast
High gas prices lead to increased ridership on public transportation; builders changing materials to be more eco-friendly.
Despite Supreme Court OK to end it, ‘remain in Mexico’ remains for now
WASHINGTON – Advocates waiting for the Biden administration to end the "remain in Mexico" immigration policy could be waiting weeks, or more, despite the Supreme Court ruling last week that the administration has the authority to do so.
Could overturning of Roe v. Wade impact athletic recruiting at Arizona universities?
PHOENIX – Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned by the Supreme Court, could NCAA programs in Arizona suffer recruiting consequences because of the state’s anti-abortion stance?
‘We’ve got hoopers out there’: TyTy Washington, Jalen Williams show Arizona pride in NBA Summer League
LAS VEGAS – TyTy Washington and Jalen Williams faced each other often while growing up in Arizona. But as NBA rookies playing in the Las Vegas Summer League, their matchup Saturday carried extra weight as they both took pride in repping their home state.
July 12, 2022 Newscast
New images of the universe from the Webb telescope, inflation affecting families buying school supplies
First images from Webb Telescope leave Arizona contributors ‘speechless’
WASHINGTON - NASA released "stunning" full-color images showing thousands of far-away galaxies, a dying star, a star being born and a grouping of five galaxies. The images came from the James Webb Space Telescope, which several Arizona researchers have had a hand in.
Arizona lawmakers Lesko, Biggs, Gosar cited in Jan. 6 hearing testimony
WASHINGTON - Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko expressed concerns on Jan. 5 that Trump supporters would "go nuts" if Congress did not overturn the 2020 election results, and asked House leaders for a safety plan for lawmakers, according to Jan. 6 committee hearing testimony.
More than a hotline: 988 meant to ease access to mental health services
PHOENIX – The 988 mental health hotline goes live July 16, providing an easy-to-remember and faster way to get help during a crisis. But some advocates worry the hotline needs more funding and staff.
July 13, 2022 Newscast
How small springs can be predictors of ecosystems, help for surprise DNA discoveries
‘Ready for this moment’: Former Arizona stars Mathurin, Terry, Koloko impress in NBA Summer League debuts
LAS VEGAS – The 2021-22 Arizona Wildcats basketball team was well-represented as NBA Summer League tipped off as Bennedict Mathurin, Dalen Terry and Christian Koloko all won their first games in Las Vegas.
Valley’s 12.3% inflation among highest in nation; U.S. at 40-year high
WASHINGTON - The Phoenix area posted one of the nation's highest inflation rates over the past year at 12.3%, compared to a national rate of 9.1% that was itself the sharpest rise in more than 40 years.
Arizona nominee for federal judgeship grilled by GOP senators in hearing
WASHINGTON - Republican senators on Wednesday grilled Arizona attorney Roopali Desai, a nominee to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, over her history of working for progressive causes and her work fighting claims of 2020 election fraud.
‘Locked in’: ASU’s Jordan Clark ready to drown out the noise, put in the work
TEMPE – Jordan Clark has trained hard to get to where he is now. As the son of a former Pro Bowl safety, he’s aware of the noise surrounding him, but he’s going to do what he’s always done: let his work speak for itself.
Los Angeles Sparks hope to build off success in July with successful homestand
LOS ANGELES – After starting the season 7-11, July has been kinder to the Los Angeles Sparks. They hope to keep that momentum going tonight against the Chicago Sky.
‘That’s my brother for life’: Ish Wainright reacts to news of Deandre Ayton offer sheet
LAS VEGAS – After Deandre Ayton signed a restricted free agent offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, Ish Wainright, others watch to see what Phoenix Suns will do next.
July 14, 2022 Newscast
An effort to get more COVID-19 vaccines to young children, what Valley cities are asking residents to do to conserve water
It’s on us: Town to foot public safety bill this time for Trump rally
WASHINGTON - Prescott Valley won't try to recoup public safety costs related to former President Donald Trump's rally this weekend, calling it part of what cities do. It's just as well: Other Arizona cities that tried to bill Trump's campaign for past rallies have come up empty-handed.
‘He stole my soul’: Don Frye reflects on a storied career, and one of MMA’s most memorable fights
CATALINA, Ariz. – An MMA fight took place 20 years ago that was deemed so great, so fierce that the referee had tears in his eyes. From his home in southern Arizona, Don Frye reflects on a storied, and often challenging, journey.
Water for life: Former Suns center McGee gives back through JUGLIFE charity foundation
PHOENIX – JaVale McGee is a firm believer in giving back. The former Phoenix Suns center is focused on JUGLIFE, a foundation established in 2013 to address water-related crises around the world.
Giffords goes from advocate to White House honoree to, now, film subject
WASHINGTON - It's been a good month for former Arizona representative Gabrielle Giffords. She saw the signing last month of significant gun-control legislation she long sought, was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom last week - and a movie about her life opened Friday.
House advances two abortion-rights bills, but prospects dim in Senate
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split on party lines Friday as the House passed a pair of bills guaranteeing a right to an abortion, exactly three weeks after the Supreme Court overturned that right.
ASU, NAU and Arizona represented well after Day One of World Athletics Championships
EUGENE, Ore. – It was a big day for alumni from the state's public universities. Arizona State’s Maggie Ewen (shot put), Northern Arizona’s Brooke Andersen (hammer throw) and Arizona’s Edgar Rivera (high jump) highlight competition at the World Athletics Championships
July 15, 2022 Newscast
A game to take bets on the monsoon, A professional soccer player giving new meaning to term soccer mom
The latest developments of Brittney Griner, after the 150-day mark
PHOENIX – Mercury star Brittney Griner has remained detained in Russia for over 150 days. An update about Griner’s situation since the 100-day mark two months ago.
Worlds of hurt: Devon Allen’s controversial false start ends title hopes in 110m hurdles
EUGENE, Ore. – Devon Allen’s disqualification for a false start in the 110-meter hurdles has inspired much debate because of a rule that also defines a false start as leaving the blocks too fast, which in Allen’s case was 0.099 seconds.
July 18, 2022 Newscast
Finding innovative ways to help the food supply system, using equestrian vaulting to bring people together
June border encounters top 200,000, set record of 1.74 million for year
WASHINGTON - More than 1.74 million migrants had been stopped at the southwest border through June, breaking the record set through all of the last fiscal year with three months still to go in this fiscal year.
‘Nothing here is enough’: Systemic gaps in health care system affect migrants in Tapachula
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Tens of thousands of migrants struggle to navigate a complex and underfunded network of health care resources in the southern border city of Tapachula, Mexico – despite the efforts of NGOs and government officials alike.
Diamond in the rough: DeShields turns setbacks into ESPYS nomination
Phoenix – Mercury’s Diamond DeShields has had two eye surgeries and a tumor that left her unable to walk in 2021; now, this ESPY nominee has played in nearly every game as one of the core players for the team.
Brooke Andersen joins elite company in women’s hammer throw at World Championships
EUGENE, Ore. – After Canada’s Camryn Rogers’ sixth throw came up short, Brooke Andersen stepped into the ring before her final throw Sunday having already clinched the women’s hammer throw world championship.
July 19, 2022 Newscast
Phoenix Mercury reaction to President Biden's action on U.S. hostages and detainees, Robo calls are going down, but robo texts are going up
Senate fundraising keeps up blistering pace; Kelly’s $52 million leads pack
WASHINGTON - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., reported raising almost $52.5 million as of June 30, putting him well ahead of the pack of would-be Republican challengers who are locked in the final days of a bitter primary fight.
Big 12 Conference remains open for expansion after Pac-12 merger talks end
PHOENIX – New Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said the conference is exploring all options to expand in light of USC and UCLA’s recent departure to the Big 10 conference.
July 20, 2022 Newscast
Mental health challenges for teachers, A mural in washington D.C. featuring Brittney Griner
Image of Griner graces ‘Bring Them Home’ mural of hostages in Washington
WASHINGTON - An image of Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, smiling and in a Team USA jersey, dominates the "Bring Them Home" mural in Washington. The mural features 18 Americans who are being held hostage or have been wrongfully detained overseas.
Arizona GOP censures Bowers a month after his testimony to Jan. 6 panel
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Republican Party formally censured House Speaker Rusty Bowers Tuesday as "unfit to serve" the party, less than one month after he testified to the committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Hualapai leader urges Senate to OK water plan, as wells fail in drought
WASHINGTON – Hualapai Chairman Damon Clarke told a Senate committee Wednesday that getting access to Colorado River water is "the only feasible solution" for his tribe, whose wells are failing under the stress of the continuing drought.
ASU’s Jorinde van Klinken finishes fourth at Worlds, announces transfer to Tennessee
EUGENE, Ore. – Jorinde van Klinken battled more than just her competitors Wednesday evening during the women’s discus final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field.
Arizona Coyotes enter rebuild mode with three first-round picks
SCOTTSDALE – Bill Armstrong, general manager of the Arizona Coyotes, introduced their three first-round picks to the media recently. These selections include the third pick, Logan Cooley, the 11th, Conor Geeky, and the 29th, Maveric Lamoureux.
Recent ASU transfer Lukas Sillinger plays with top 2022 draft picks at LA Kings development camp
LOS ANGELES – Lukas Sillinger plays with top draft picks, NHL experienced players and borrowed gear at LA Kings development camp ahead of joining Arizona State this fall.
Rise of the robotexts: As new rules curbed spam calls, texts took off
WASHINGTON - Federal regulations aimed at blocking robocalls appear to have had some effect over the past year, but robotexts have skyrocketed in their place, according to a recent report from the Arizona Public Interest Research Group.
Out of the Woods: Rattlers rookie DB learning the ropes in dominant season
MESA – Arizona Rattlers defensive back Kyree Woods is having a dominant rookie season as the Arizona Rattlers clinch the top spot in Western Conference standings
One year later: How Arizona’s NIL law has changed college sports
PHOENIX – College athletes in Arizona have legally been able to profit off of their name, image and likeness for just over a year now, having a dramatic effect.
Former NAU teammates Abdihamid Nur, Luis Grijalva storm to men’s 5,000m final at World Championships
EUGENE, Ore. – Former Northern Arizona teammates, Flagstaff roommates and best friends, the United States’ Abdihamid Nur and Guatemala’s Luis Grijalva will turn competitors Sunday in the men’s 5,000-meter final after top-five heat finishes in Thursday’s qualifiers at the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field.
July 22, 2022 Newscast
How L.A. County and Maricopa County are treating the surge in COVID-19 differently, a new law to crack down on party houses
D.C. services stressed by migrants bused in from Arizona, Texas borders
Washington, D.C., officials are asking federal and regional governments to help area nonprofits stretched thin by busloads of migrants who are being sent to the city by the governors of Arizona and Texas.
Journey to reach Mexico fraught with danger and uncertainty for migrants
Migrants detail their journeys to Tapachula, Mexico, and the challenges encountered on the way. Tapachula has been an immigration bottleneck for years as tens of thousands of migrants arrive and must wait for documents allowing them to continue north.
Arizona donors double down after Jan. 6 panel questions Trump election fund
WASHINGTON - Thousands of Arizonans gave a total of $1.5 million to former President Donald Trump's election defense fund, but the Jan. 6 committee said that money went to other Trump funds in what it called "a big rip off." But Arizona donors say they don't feel ripped off.
July 25, 2022, newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from the sports bureau: From the Arizona Cardinals taking the spotlight on reality TV to the science behind cornhole bags.
‘Five-alarm crisis’: Teachers face mental health crisis due to low pay, pandemic stress, scant support
Navigating low salaries, pandemic worries and burnout: Many teachers will tell you this is the job description of modern educators. The result is an expanding mental health crisis among U.S. teachers – a problem so dire that many are leaving the profession.
From the desert to the beach: Sarah Sponcil shows off skills at AVP Hermosa Beach Open
LOS ANGELES – Sarah Sponcil, one of the best beach volleyball players to come out of Phoenix, competed with Terese Cannon at the 2022 AVP Pro Series Hermosa Beach Open and the pair won its first-ever AVP title.
‘We showed them what we’re about’: NAU’s Grijalva, Nur compete in track world championships
EUGENE, Ore. – Former Northern Arizona teammates and roommates, Abdihamid Nur and Guatemala’s Luis Grijalva, competed against each other in the men’s 5,000-meter final Sunday at the World Athletics Championships.
July 26, 2022, newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories involving transportation, from an increase in ridership for buses to a new concourse for Sky Harbor Airport.
Beavers engineering resistance to onslaught of climate change
BOULDER, Colorado – Across North America, beavers create marshy mosaics to keep themselves safe, but their industriousness also is a powerful tool in fending off the damage of climate change, researchers say. But laws regarding beavers as pests need to be changed, they say.
Black migrants see nothing in Tapachula but racism and a dead end
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Black migrants fleeing violence and economic or political instability in their home countries are finding overt racism in Tapachula, where they await documents from Mexico that will allow them to continue their journeys north. But the glacial pace of the process has made the situation untenable.
From high schools to the NBA, Arizona evolving into a hotbed for elite hoops talent
PHOENIX – The surge of prep academies in Arizona has led the state to be the one who sent more basketball players to the 2022 NBA Draft, with six (and three more from college). DeAndre Ayton led the way, and this year, Dalen Terry and others followed him
It’s a TikTok party: Social media helped two businesses survive the pandemic
PHOENIX – TikTok, which has more than 1 billion users, has helped two Valley businesses take off. Viral videos for Jump Into Bliss, which rents bounce houses, and Decor by Jess, which makes party decorations, gave the businesses much-needed exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic and led to new customers.
Oklahoma tribes split over tribal status of former slaves’ descendants
WASHINGTON – Oklahoma’s five largest tribes split Wednesday on the terms of treaties signed more than 150 years ago regarding their treatment of descendants of their former slaves, and on what those treaties require.
Jamaican ‘Reggae Girlz’ soccer team continues to break new ground
LOS ANGELES – Caribbean island nation Jamaica proves that sporting achievements go beyond track and field as their women’s national soccer team qualifies for the World Cup a second year in a row.
July 28, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at stories from our sustainability team, From trying to mitigate wildfires to finding simple ways to save water
The ‘veterans’ of LA Kings development camp embrace new leadership role
LOS ANGELES – At the Los Angeles Kings development camp, the oldest of the prospects take on a new leadership role, helping the youngest players through their first camp experience.
Can’t hurt to ask: Arizona lawmakers raise earmark requests by $194 million
WASHINGTON - For a second straight year, Arizona Republicans refrained from requesting any funding for local projects in Congress, while Democrats boosted requests by $194.5 million, a 43% increase over last year, when earmarks were restored after a decade-long hiatus.
July 29, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News take a look back at stories from our health team, From efforts to get small children vaccinated against COVID-19 to why pregnant women should count the kicks
‘All I can do is wait’: Children make up a third of migrants in documentation limbo
TAPACHULA, Mexico – In one of the largest humanitarian crises currently in the Western Hemisphere, a third of migrants stranded at Mexico’s southern border are younger than 18.
Blessing or curse? Devin Booker, Diana Taurasi land on NBA 2K23 covers
PHOENIX – Some believe landing on the cover of NBA 2K is a curse, but others are celebrating the decision to put the Suns’ Devin Booker and the Mercury’s Diana Taurasi on the latest edition. They are the first Phoenix athletes to front a game cover since Larry Fitzgerald did on Madden 10.
‘The guardian angel’: Friends recall heroic final minutes in life of former Central High star Corvel Simmons
PHOENIX – In late July 2021, former Central High School football standout Corvel Simmons and his coach, Matt Allen, were discussing fears. Among Simmons' concerns? Drowning. A week later, Simmons died in a tragic paddle board accident, and as his family later learned, he died heroically.
August 1, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at stories from our social justice team, From new technology at Sky Harbor Airport to Pride events in Arizona and California
From heat deaths to worsening allergies, climate change harms health
PHOENIX – Concerns about the impact of the climate crisis on health are driving doctors, nurses, medical students and others to advocate for change. The American Medical Association recently declared climate change a public health crisis and said it would push for more policies meant to limit global warming.
2022 draft prospects come to LA Kings development camp reflecting franchise’s new direction
LOS ANGELES – The newest group of Los Angeles Kings prospects from the 2022 NHL draft come to development camp with confidence as the team takes its next steps toward Cup contention.
August 2, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at stories from our health team: From pre-natal care in a post-Rowe world to the mental health crisis in schools impacting teachers.
Supreme Court ruling against EPA hurts, may not hobble clean air in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Advocates say a Supreme Court ruling that said the EPA cannot force power plants away from fossil fuels cost the agency an effective tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions - but it's not the only tool, and help may be coming from an unlikely source.
Thom Ortiz embraces new challenge: reviving Saguaro wrestling program
PHOENIX – After six years, Saguaro High School will revive its wrestling program with Arizona State national champion wrestler and three-time All American Thom Ortiz at the helm.
Long-awaited change of course: A diverse future for golf on the horizon
PHOENIX – With the special roots of a local minority-based golf club, Desert Mashie, to now minority golf tours taking place across the country, golf has the potential for big changes in diversity for the next generation.
August 3, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our sports bureau: From a young skate boarder breaking barriers to a top award for the ASU grounds crew.
Here’s what police, car dealers recommend to deter catalytic converter theft
PHOENIX – Catalytic converter thefts are rising across the U.S. The pollution-control parts, which can cost more than $1,000 to replace, don’t come with a serial number, but one Phoenix dealership has a way to increase the likelihood of recovering a stolen converter, and police recommend drivers be intentional about where they park.
Fields of dreams: How farming and football helped Eloy harvest NFL talent
ELOY – Located midway between Phoenix and Tucson along Interstate 10 is the small city of Eloy. It’s home to just under 16,000 residents and is mostly known for world-class skydiving and copious amounts of dust. But a rich history can be found deeper in the city off Exit 208, one that involves football and sending players to the NFL.
August 4, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our sports bureau: From how you can help when the Super Bowl comes to the Valley to why more women are betting on games.
A special routine: Schweikert a top user of House ‘special order’ speeches
WASHINGTON - Arizona GOP Rep. David Schweikert, a self-described "accountant on steroids," is one of the biggest users of "special order" speeches, the end-of-day time when lawmakers are free to address an empty chamber - and C-SPAN cameras - for pet issues or peeves.
Controversial Avalanche tweet raises questions about intersection of fandom, sports journalism
PHOENIX – A celebratory tweet about the Colorado Avalanche by a sports journalist raises questions about the direction of balanced reporting, particularly in the age of social media.
August 5, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our money team: From a way to get rid of library fines to how inflation is impacting restaurants.
Fight over Resolution Copper Mine drags on – and both sides expect more
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers, federal regulators and courts have been grappling with challenges to the proposed Resolution Copper Mine in Oak Flat for years, and while the two sides agree on little, most agree that the debate is likely to continue for years to come.
‘A bunch of guys who came together’: Sunnyslope basketball’s memorable 3-year run often overlooked
PHOENIX – Sunnyslope basketball’s class of 2018 featured a memorable run with three state title appearances and back-to-back championships. Yet the program is rarely mentioned among recent high school powerhouses.
August 8, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our Los Angeles bureau: From eco friendly tourists to a law that allows parents to sue social media for children's addictions to the platforms
Tempe streetcar opens as Valley Metro expands light rail west and south
TEMPE – Valley Metro is expanding the reach of public transportation across the Phoenix area, including a recently opened streetcar in Tempe and light rail expansions northwest to Metrocenter mall and south to Baseline Road.
August 9, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our weather team: From water challenges in Valley cities to recycling solar panels
Varsity Gay League creates inclusive sports leagues where ‘everyone’s welcome’
LOS ANGELES – The Varsity Gay League, a national organization with recreational sports leagues, aims to create an inclusive environment for all athletes regardless of sexuality, ability or gender.
Housing options limited for migrants forced to wait in southern Mexico
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Migrants seeking housing in Tapachula, one of Mexico’s poorest cities, have three choices as their immigration paperwork is processed: stay in a shelter and follow its rules, rent a room if they have money, or sleep on the streets. More often than not, their accommodations depend on circumstances and the social environment.
August 10, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our politics team: From a new law that regulates party houses to bills that impact trans-gender youth
A change for the better? Arizona set to add shot clocks for high school basketball
PHOENIX – Arizona high school basketball divisions 6A-3A have decided to adopt the 35-second shot clock outlined by the NFHS. A majority of coaches are praising the decision, but logistical and financial issues are causing trouble for Arizona schools.
3D printing and foam: Arizona organizations make homes more sustainable
PHOENIX – Amid climate change and an affordable housing crisis in Arizona, organizations have developed housing solutions, including using 3D printing and plastic foam, to make buildings better for the environment and for tight budgets.
August 11, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our sustainability team: From relocating burrowing owls to creating cool corridors in Phoenix
Capitalizing on capital’s draw, street vendors peddle to protests, tours
WASHINGTON - Whether it's icy bottles of water out of a cooler in the summer, or hats and T-shirts in the winter, when political movements come to Washington they are invariably trailed by an army of vendors who capitalize on the protesters' need for food, water and souvenirs.
Olympic gold medalist Sydney Leroux redefines soccer moms across pro sports
LOS ANGELES – Sydney Leroux takes the term soccer mom to a whole new meaning.
August 12, 2022 Newscast
Polynesian pride for ASU Football; Eloy's high school sport storied history
Tribal boarding schools much improved, but legacy of old schools remains
WASHINGTON - The abuses of tribal boarding schools are in the past, but the schools are not, entirely. Arizona, once home to 47 federal Indian boarding schools, has eight tribal boarding schools today. They aren't perfect, advocates say, but a far cry from past horrors.
Since 1980, Horizon volleyball coach McKenzie has thrived in evolving sports landscape
PHOENIX – Since Ronald Reagan was president, Valorie McKenzie has been the coach of Horizon High School’s volleyball team. She has seen the high school landscape change with Title IX, college recruitment and the spread of club volleyball.
August 15, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from the sports bureau: From the Arizona Cardinals taking the spotlight on reality T.V. to the science behind corn hole bags
Concerns arise for women, LGBTQ+ community visiting Qatar for World Cup
PHOENIX – As Qatar prepares for the World Cup, fans traveling abroad are encouraged to pay attention to laws and customs in the Arab nation.
‘Growing up in trauma’: Young migrants in Tapachula cling to fragments of childhood
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Thousands of migrants pass through Tapachula, Mexico, each in a journey northward, often bound for the U.S. One in three are children, which presents special risks.
August 16, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories involving transportation: From an increase in ridership for buses to a new concourse for Sky Harbor Airport
Rollettes wheelchair dance team empowers women with disabilities
LOS ANGELES – The Rollettes Experience redefines what it means to be a strong resilient female through long-lasting friendships and seminars that empower, educate and connect women from across the world on a variety of topics.
Complex PTSD finally has a name; now those living with it want acceptance
WASHINGTON - Complex PTSD was first identified in 1988 and just recognized by the World Health Organization in recent years. But even with that, sufferers say they still struggle to get the right diagnosis and treatment for what remains a little-understood disease.
August 17, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our Washington, D.C. bureau: From the creation of a new museum to recognize Latino Americans to gun reform efforts on Capitol Hill.
Libraries drop fines, add services to entice readers to return
PHOENIX – Several libraries in the Valley have eliminated overdue fines and taken other steps to get more readers back in the fold and on the same page.
August 18, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at stories from our sustainability team: From trying to mitigate wildfires to finding simple ways to save water.
ASU’s Taryn VanThof pushing for lacrosse to become sanctioned high school sport in Arizona
TEMPE – Lacrosse is a club sport at the youth and high school levels in Arizona, but how feasible would it be to see it become an AIA sport? Arizona State’s new lacrosse coach Taryn VanThof wants to expand the game across the state.
Final ISIS kidnapper sentenced to life for role in Kayla Mueller’s death
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A second ISIS militant was sentenced to life in prison Friday for the kidnapping and killing of Prescott native Kayla Mueller, a relief to her parents who pledged to continue fighting for her memory.
August 19, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News take a look back at stories from our health team: From efforts to get small children vaccinated against COVID-19 to why pregnant women should count the kicks
Shorter showers or rip up your lawn?: Conserving water is mostly an outdoors job
PHOENIX – Saving water is critical to living in prolonged drought, but most of Arizona’s use is outdoors – three-quarters of it for agriculture. To really save water, experts say, we need to think bigger than turning off the faucet while brushing our teeth.
Once dead in the water, ASU’s swim program is thriving
TEMPE – Arizona State’s men’s swim team appeared to be dead in the water in 2008 when the athletic department, faced with budget constraints, decided to eliminate the program along with the school’s wrestling and men’s tennis teams. However, some former ASU swimmers stepped up to raise money to save a program that is thriving again.
Court: Conviction in writing, not open court, violated defendant’s rights
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Monday that a drug-smuggling defendant’s rights were violated when a district court handed down his conviction in writing and not in open court, denying him an opportunity to appear.
August 22, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at stories from our social justice team: From new technology at Sky Harbor Airport to Pride events in Arizona and California
Joe who must not be named: Democrats steer clear of Biden in campaigns
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden's name is being invoked a lot in Arizona campaigns this year - by Republicans, who routinely criticize Biden, who is all but invisible on Democratic websites. Experts are not surprised, noting Biden's low approval ratings in a midterm election.
August 23, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at stories from our health team: From pre-natal care in a post-Rowe world to the mental health crisis in schools impacting teachers
Imposing Northwestern-bound Mountain Ridge star Doost has a soft spot: mom
GLENDALE - Alexander Doost is an imposing 6-foot-6, 295 pound offensive lineman at Mountain Ridge High, who committed to Northwestern after receiving 18 offers from Power Five schools. However, he does have a soft spot. It’s for his mom, who passed away last year.
Los niños: Un tercio de los inmigrantes sin documentación
TAPACHULA, México – La avalancha de migrantes y refugiados está desbordando el sistema de inmigración, por lo que a menudo se tarda meses en conseguir las citas necesarias con ellos. En Tapachula, el lugar donde se ha producido una de las mayores crisis humanitarias del hemisferio occidental, cerca de un tercio de las personas varadas son menores de 18 años, según UNICEF.
August 24, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our sports bureau: From a young skate boarder breaking barriers to a top award for the ASU grounds crew
Arizona life expectancy fell an ‘extraordinary’ 2.5 years in 2020
WASHINGTON - Arizona life expectancy fell by 2.5 years in 2020, one of the steepest drops in a nation that saw the biggest lifespan declines since World War II. Arizona life expectancy fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 76.3 in 2020, below the U.S. average of 77 years for that year.
Two months after Roe reversal, abortion picture in Arizona no clearer
WASHINGTON - When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, it left Arizona officials, advocates and physicians with 120 years of conflicting abortion laws to untangle. Two months later, things are still tangled, with no answers expected for at least a month.
After countless battles behind the scenes, Reyes Cortez Jr. continues his family’s fight inside the octagon
PHOENIX – More than a decade has passed since Maryvale High grad Jose Cortez, an accomplished wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter, died after a two-year battle with germ cell cancer. Yet his legacy lives on with his brother and sister, both MMA fighters.
Juan Guerra returns to Phoenix in new role as Rising head coach
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising Football Club named Juan Guerra their next head coach. This came a week after the Rising parted ways with coach Rick Schantz.
August 25, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our sports bureau: From how you can help when the Super Bowl comes to the Valley to why more women are betting on games
Remembering Lute: Two years after his death, Olson remains important figure to former players
TUCSON – Two years after his death, Lute Olson’s legacy remains far-reaching. He let his players be a part of his family, both on and off the court. That family atmosphere inspired former players to seek out coaching positions, collegiately and in the NBA.
Arizona traffic fatalities fell sharply, as deaths nationally spiked
WASHINGTON - While the U.S. saw a record increase in traffic fatalities in the first quarter of 2022, Arizona highway deaths fell by nearly a third. A new report says 190 people died on Arizona roads in the first quarter of 2022, down from 277 in the first three months of 2021.
August 26, 2022 Newscast
Cronkite News looks back at stories from our money team: From a way to get rid of library fines to how inflation is impacting restaurants
Coaching trailblazers Kelsey Koelzer, Kori Cheverie aim to smash hockey’s glass ceiling
SCOTTSDALE – Kelsey Koelzer and Kori Cheverie serve as coaching in the Coyotes Diverse Hockey Coaches Internship Program.
August 29, 2022 Newscast
Student groups react to the White House plan to forgive some student-loan debt; Artemis I launch delayed.
Both sides find something wanting in Biden’s student-debt relief plan
WASHINGTON - There are nearly 900,000 Arizonans who could benefit from a White House plan for student debt relief - and almost as many opinions about whether it's good or not, with conservatives saying it goes too far and progressives saying it does not go far enough.
A tweet, an accusation, a ruling: AIA rescinds probation, Hamilton football now eligible for playoffs
PHOENIX – Due to a recruiting violation, the Arizona Interscholastic Association placed Hamilton’s football program on probation, making the team ineligible for the 2022 playoffs. Hamilton won their appeal on Tuesday to reinstate the program for the playoffs.
AVP pro volleyball hopes Phoenix digs its championship – even without a beach
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – The Association of Volleyball Professionals is bringing beach volleyball back to Phoenix after a 13-year absence. The city will host the championship event for the AVPs Gold Series Tour next month.
DACA déjà vu: Biden reaffirms, doesn’t expand, migrant protection program
WASHINGTON - The White House reaffirmed its commitment to DACA Tuesday, posting regulations to extend the 10-year-old program that has protected more than 770,000 of young undocumented immigrants, including more than 23,000 in Arizona.
August 30, 2022 Newscast
Highway deaths down in Arizona; two high schools win appeals to take the field.
Football’s popularity flags as more parents worry about concussions
PHOENIX – With increased awareness of concussions parents are not allowing their children to play football. Barrow Neurological Institute conducted a study that found that this trend has been ongoing since 2016.
‘State of siege’: Tapachula residents react to the recent influx of migrants
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Tapachula natives and local government representatives describe the drastic change in the city since the onset of the migration crisis in 2015.
August 31, 2022 Newscast
New CDC report shows life expectancy in Arizona is dropping; ASU getting ready to take on NAU in football season opener.
Abortion providers slowly return to operation, despite legal uncertainty
WASHINGTON - Planned Parenthood Arizona began offering abortions again at its Tucson facility this week, joining a handful of clinics in the state that resumed the service two months after the Supreme Court's June decision that revoked the right to an abortion.
Migrants endure wretched living conditions in Tapachula, Mexico
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Migrants throughout Tapachula are living in crowded conditions. There is little access to food and clean water.
Horizon football in pursuit of back-to-back 5A titles after ending 27-year drought
PHOENIX – Horizon high school football coach Andy Litten prepares for his team for the season by embracing the change.
Florida transfer Emory Jones prepares for debut as ASU quarterback
TEMPE – After Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU, ASU was in search of a quarterback. They found Emory Jones, a transfer from the University of Florida who has similar attributes to Daniels.
Average gas price falls below $4 in Arizona, after record-high summer
WASHINGTON - The average price for gas in Arizona fell to $3.99 a gallon Thursday, the first time in months it has been below $4 and a sharp decrease from the record high of $5.388 hit just two months ago. It's part of a steady decline in gas prices nationally.
Flip burgers for $22 an hour? California may adopt a labor-management council to set wages
LOS ANGELES – If a bill for California fast-food workers is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, a new council of industry and labor representatives could set wages and working conditions for fast-food workers.
September 01, 2022 Newscast
Inflation is making it more costly for schools to provide lunch to students, scores drop in the Nation's Report Card
Lunch crunch: Inflation has schools scrambling to afford student meals
WASHINGTON - School districts across Arizona are dealing with their own math problem: How to economically deliver lunches and breakfasts for schoolchildren when inflation has driven up the cost of food by more than 10% over the last year.
New coach, new style, big win: Phoenix Rising stay in playoff hunt
CHANDLER – Just a week ago, Juan Guerra was introduced as the new coach of Phoenix Rising FC. Players responded and the Rising find themselves back in the playoff hunt.
Mesa high schools hit coaching reset in quest to end title drought
MESA – In a push to return to its glory days, Mesa Public Schools hired six new head coaches – three each in volleyball and football – and upgraded facilities at several schools. The Mesa district hasn’t accounted for a state football title since 2002 or a state volleyball championship since 1999.
AmeriCorps grant gives Arizona food banks more resources to help food insecurity
MESA – AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, has granted $180,000 to the Arizona Food Bank Network to fund 33 VISTA positions in the state. VISTA workers will dedicate a year to giving back to food insecure communities.
September 2, 2022, newscast
No more federal free COVID tests; measles cases found in Maricopa county
Court says local health centers can challenge AHCCCS on reimbursements
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday ordered a new hearing for Arizona community health care centers that claim the state's Medicaid system is wrongly denying reimbursement for chiropractic, dental, optometric and podiatric care.
Q&A: Tragedy leads journalist to advocate for suicide prevention
PHOENIX – After Laura Trujillo’s mother died by suicide at the Grand Canyon, the journalist embarked on a journey to better understand what had happened and find ways to help herself – and others.
Union membership in Arizona inches up, still trails most of the nation
WASHINGTON - After bottoming out at 4% in 2017, labor union membership in Arizona has been slowly rising, reaching 5.4% in 2021, but it is still well behind levels of previous years and only about half of the national average.
September 5, 2022, newscast
Polynesian pride for ASU Football; Eloy's high school sport storied history.
A growing unsheltered community in Phoenix receives help from Project Connect
PHOENIX – Volunteers with Project Connect helped hundreds of unsheltered people receive health care, housing and ID services as homelessness continues to rise.
An Olympian, a burrito, a failed drug test: Former ASU runner Shelby Houlihan looks to rebound after doping ban
PORTLAND, Ore. – Inside the journey of U.S. Olympic distance runner Shelby Houlihan, who received a four-year doping ban but believes the positive drug test was triggered by a meal from a food truck.
Death by homelessness: Living on the streets cuts lives short, study finds
LOS ANGELES – A new study finds older unhoused people are 3.5 times more at risk of premature death. Leading causes are heart disease and cancer – and drug addiction.
Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes set to reunite in Week 1 clash
GLENDALE – Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury faces his former collegiate quarterback in Week 1, Cardinals running back Darrel Williams faces his former team for the first time in his career.
Federal funds for water projects a fraction of what Arizona says it needs
WASHINGTON - Arizona will get $109.5 million in federal funding this year to improve water systems in the state - a fraction of the $1.4 billion list of needs state officials say they have. And one official said "the needs are growing" for water projects around the state.
September 6, 2022 Newscast
Confusion over Arizona abortion laws, schools face teacher shortages again
Together again: Coyotes rekindle relationship with ECHL affiliate in Atlanta
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes have signed a new affiliation agreement with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL beginning with the 2022-23 season. The Gladiators coach, Jeff Pyle, seeks development and patience with team.
Year out! Diamondbacks embrace new balanced schedule for 2023 season
PHOENIX – Last week, the Diamondbacks revealed their 2023 regular season schedule and it featured an anomaly. For the first time, the MLB franchise would be taking on all 29 other teams in the league.
‘It could have been me:’ Hundreds of migrants in Tapachula die alone, unidentified
TAPACHULA, Mexico – The unidentified remains of more than 52,000 people are lying in mass graves, forensic service facilities, universities, forensic storage and safeguard centers across Mexico. This “forensic crisis” is playing out in a smaller but no less tragic way in Tapachula.
Vegan handbags made of pineapple, cactus and cork could help save the planet
LOS ANGELES – Some designers are becoming more sustainable by replacing traditional leather with such materials as pineapple, cactus and cork. They look great and are better for the environment.
Court: 292-year sentence in string of nonviolent burglaries is not excessive
WASHINGTON - A divided federal appeals court said a 292-year sentence for a string of nonviolent burglaries over three months in Bullhead City was not "grossly disproportionate" to the crime and did not violate the Eighth Amendment.
WAC championship rings represent a revival of GCU women’s soccer
PHOENIX – GCU women’s soccer transformed from an underachieving program with a bad culture to a WAC champion with expectations of defending its title in just two seasons.
NAU football refuses to be defined by season-opening loss
FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona University’s football team lost big in its season opener to Arizona State, but coach Chris Ball and his team now have their sights set on bigger goals. Ball called the game a low pressure matchup for the Lumberjacks and vowed that his team is moving forward.
Too fast, too furious: Dangerous street takeovers stymie police, anger neighbors
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Civilian Oversight Commission held a hearing to discuss the issue of street takeovers. Officers said they were so overwhelmed by the hundreds of carloads of people that can show up and the potential for violence that an entire station of officers wouldn’t be enough to deal with a major street takeover.
British community in Phoenix mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II
PHOENIX – The British community in Arizona is small but closely connected, according to David Wimberley, owner of George & Dragon. Wimberley, a British migrant, was at home when a friend called with the news: Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday. She was 96.
September 9, 2022 Newscast
Arizona remembers Queen Elizabeth II, PACT Act will help veterans receive care after exposure to toxins
Climate tool brings the bad news; advocates hope that brings good outcomes
WASHINGTON - A new online dashboard that aims to give state and local governments the real-time information they need to fight climate change paints a bleak picture for Arizona's future, calling for more heat, more drought and more wildfires.
Commander Hodges: After going undrafted, ASU alum works his way into NFL
WASHINGTON - More than 600 yards and four touchdowns as an ASU receiver were not enough to get Curtis Hodges' name called on NFL draft day. So Hodges did what he always does - he got to work. That work landed him a spot on the Washington Commanders roster.
Cha-ching! Arizona’s first year of legalized sports betting cashes in on surprising success
PHOENIX – Friday marks the one-year anniversary of legalized sports betting in Arizona. Many observers say the state has exceeded expectations.
From Paddle People to a sea of orange, Emory Jones and ASU hope to block out rowdy Oklahoma State fans
TEMPE – Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is expected to be packed and loud when Arizona State takes on No. 11 Oklahoma State in a high-profile college football matchup.
Why measles is making a comeback in Arizona
PHOENIX – There have been three confirmed measles cases in the Phoenix area, all are unvaccinated. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
Serena Williams’ retirement ripples through the Arizona tennis community
PHOENIX – Serena Williams’ retirement: Arizona tennis community discusses the impact of legend’s legacy
September, 9 2022 Newscast
Sports betting marks one year in Arizona, update on lightrail expansion projects
Angry at other states, Arizona towns, tribes rethink planned water cuts
WASHINGTON - Faced with deep cuts to the water supply, and angry that other states are not doing their share, tribes and local governments in Arizona are increasingly talking about backing off earlier offers to give up some water.
Mexicans and Guatemalans work together along shared border
TAPACHULA, Mexico – People on both sides of the Suchiate River, which separates Mexico and Guatemala, work side-by-side every day, trying to make a living. Comparisons can be made to cities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Voice of change: ASU athletes promote social justice through Black Student Athlete Association
PHOENIX – Led by former sprinter Cortney Jones, Arizona State athletes formed the Black Student Athlete Association last January hoping to promote social justice. Now an official campus organization, the BSAA aims to provide support to athletes of color and bring social-justice changes.
Slither and bound: Rattlesnakes and toads get busy during monsoon season
SCOTTSDALE – The summer Arizona monsoon doesn’t just bring dramatic storms, it’s a signal for such desert animals as rattlesnakes and toads to reproduce.
Arizona hopes to reduce enormous teacher shortage through mentoring, paid tuition
PHOENIX – The Arizona Teacher Residency is a first-of-its-kind graduate program, modeled on a traditional medical residency. It offers student teachers a two-year term in which they will receive in-classroom experience, a living stipend, a master’s degree from NAU and a job in a partnering school district. The program’s first cohort has been placed in three Title I districts.
Arizona football dwells on the wins despite loss to Mississippi State
TUCSON – University of Arizona’s football team has had a disappointing last few seasons, but coach Jedd Fisch says the team’s rebuild is starting this season after reloading the roster in the offseason. The Wildcats faced two tough opponents in their first two weeks, pulling off a surprising upset on the road at San Diego State, but falling to Mississippi State at home as their rebuild continues.
Move to Mullett Arena comes at a cost for Coyotes season-ticket holders
PHOENIX – Coyotes new move to Mullett arena in Tempe includes increased ticket prices. Although long-time season ticket holders are excited about the new fan experience, they’re disappointed about the prices.
Organizations in Tapachula work to educate migrant children despite huge barriers
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Migrant children in Tapachula seeking education face many barriers to entry, including moving from shelter to shelter, lacking proper documents to enroll in local schools or needing to work to help support their families. Some spaces offer limited schooling, but most facilities are too overrun to accommodate everyone. But one school, with limited resources, is trying to change that.
A slap on the wrist? Suns fans react to NBA’s punishment for owner Robert Sarver
PHOENIX – Over the last year, Mercury and Suns owner Robert Sarver has been under investigation by the NBA about his impact on the Suns’ workplace environment. The league suspended Sarver for the season and fined Sarver, following some detailed findings from Sarver’s tenure as the owner.
Migrant deaths declined as encounters rose; advocates warn against relaxing
WASHINGTON - Migrant deaths in Arizona's deserts have fallen sharply so far this year, even as the number of immigrants caught trying to cross the state's border with Mexico has been soaring, but advocates cautioned against reading too much into the numbers.
September 13, 2022 Newscast
The NBA fines, suspends Suns owner Robert Sarver, Glendale looks at new panhandling law
Phoenix Rising’s postseason hopes in dire shape after second straight loss
CHANDLER – After losing their last two games, Phoenix Rising is in an uphill battle for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Rising has six games remaining to turn it around and close the five-point gap between them and seventh-place Las Vegas Lights FC.
‘It’s getting close’: As the megadrought grinds on, Arizona working to meet water demands
PHOENIX – Recent NASA images of Lake Powell and Lake Mead put Arizona’s water crisis into perspective. Experts are sounding the alarm and Arizona cities and entities are instituting conservation plans, but the future of Arizona water remains uncertain.
Jake Paul, Anderson Silva express mutual respect ahead of blockbuster boxing bout
GLENDALE – Jake Paul and Anderson Silva face off in a press conference at Gila River Arena leading up to their fight on Oct. 29. The two fighters promoted their fight Tuesday getting fans excited for what's to come.
September, 14, 2022
Residency program in Arizona addresses teacher shortage, former U.N. ambassador works to get Brittney Griner released from Russian prison
Tribal leaders urge support for bills to protect cultural, sacred sites
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders urged lawmakers Wednesday to pass a package of bills that would protect cultural and sacred sites by creating a new tribal cultural areas designation and require Native input on any decisions on those lands.
Arizona women’s basketball reloads with the hiring of Wildcat great Aari McDonald as Director of Recruiting
PHOENIX — Aari McDonald was recently named the Director of Recruiting at her alma mater, Arizona. The Wildcats are already loaded with top recruits for the 2022 and 2023 seasons and adding McDonald only brings the program and coach Adia Barnes more success.
All heart: Shae Veach’s miraculous journey from heart transplant patient to the gridiron
PHOENIX - Perry high school football player Shae Veach received a heart transplant two years ago. Now healthy, Veach is playing in his first football season at Perry and continues to defeat all odds.
In the cards: Arizona show puts blossoming collecting industry on full display
PHOENIX – Cole McAuliff’s vision for the collectibles industry in Arizona has turned into putting on big shows like the Arizona State Card Show. The growth of his organization, Collectibles on College, mirrors the rise of the collectibles industry since the coronavirus pandemic.
NBA punishment of Robert Sarver sparks strong criticism; City of Phoenix to investigate
PHOENIX – The NBA’s punishment of Robert Sarver has triggered widespread criticism from players, fans and those inside the Phoenix Suns organization.
September, 15 2022 Newscast
A soldier killed during the Korean War finally is identified and put to rest, Phoenix inflation rate is the highest in the country
Flagstaff gets $32.5 million in latest release of infrastructure act funds
WASHINGTON – Federal officials announced the release Thursday of $32.5 million for pedestrian improvements along Flagstaff's Downtown Mile, the largest portion of what one official said will be biggest transit investment in the city in years.
Mesa mayor joins White House panel on hate in ‘horribly divided country’
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles joined local officials, Cabinet secretaries and community leaders at the White House Thursday - the 21st anniversary of the first post-9/11 hate crime, in Mesa - to call for renewed efforts to combat violent extremism and rising hate crimes.
Entrevista: Tragedia inspira a periodista a luchar por la prevención del suicidio
PHOENIX — Tras el suicidio de la madre de Laura Trujillo en el Gran Cañón, la periodista se embarcó en un viaje para entender lo que había pasado y encontrar maneras de ayudarse a sí misma — y ayudar a otros.
MLB approves three rule changes for 2023 season, but not everyone’s thrilled
PHOENIX — With MLB approving new rule changes for the 2023 season, what are the Diamondbacks thoughts and how will these changes affect the league next season?
Coyotes celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting Latinx-owned small businesses
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes and Dignity Health are honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to highlight small local Latino businesses.
A Sun Devil wedding: Josh and Annika Nummer tie the knot amid busy sports schedules
PHOENIX – ASU wrestler Josh Nummer and ASU volleyball player Annika Nummer tie the knot after two years of dating. Annika and Josh are balancing married life, school and being athletes.
Makes cents: Why the Arizona Cardinals rank low among NFL’s most valuable franchises
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals rank No. 30 in the Forbes 2022 NFL valuation list after a chaotic offseason that featured DeAndre Hopkins suspended and Kyler Murray’s contract extended despite Phoenix being one of the most populated regions and top markets.
Downtown residents, business owners sue Phoenix over growing homeless encampment
PHOENIX – A group of residents and business owners just east of downtown Phoenix are seeking heavier law enforcement in an area where hundreds of unsheltered people have set up camp. The group has sued the city and wants the area declared a public nuisance.
How a talking cat is shaping the fight against Asian hate crime in California
ROSEMEAD, Calif. – LA vs Hate hopes to raise awareness about hate crime by displaying its message through multiple media. One artist on board is cartoonist MariNaomi.
September 16, 2022 Newscast
Athletes are learning about dangers of excessive heat, Arizona teen encouraging others to give blood at age 16
Police-recording ban likely blocked, as Kavanagh fails to mount defense
WASHINGTON - The sponsor of a law that would have made it a crime to videotape police conceded Friday that it will not take effect, after he failed to meet a deadline to challenge a court's injunction of the law.
Aprueban salario mínimo de $22 la hora en California
LOS ÁNGELES – El gobernador Gavin Newsom de California firma una legislación para empoderar a los trabajadores de comida rápida con nuevos salarios y protecciones en el lugar de trabajo.
Skidding Diamondbacks keep sight of the future with thin postseason hopes
PHOENIX – The D-Backs have been rolling since the second half of the MLB all-star break, with a record of 25-19. The numbers offensively and on the mound have been proficient and maps what they have to do to make the postseason as well as what lies ahead in the coming years.
In a pickle: Pickleball takes off, but search for courts worries tennis players
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Pickleball is experiencing growing pains as courts are becoming harder to find. Cities are responding by building more courts and converting tennis courts, but not everyone is on board with those efforts.
‘Star’ struck: Adjusting to new hybrid role, Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons shines with huge hit in OT win
PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons has a new position this season. The team hopes the position will better amplify the uniquely gifted defender’s traits and production.
‘Back to business’: Shaun Aguano, ASU forge ahead without Herm Edwards
PHOENIX – Following a 30-21 loss to Eastern Michigan Saturday night, Vice President of University Athletics Ray Anderson reached a mutual decision to part ways with coach Herm Edwards. The following afternoon, Anderson named running backs coach Shaun Aguano as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
September 19, 2022 Newscast
Afghan refugees share their struggles one year after U.S. troops withdrew, ASU head football coach Herm Edwards is out after a loss to Eastern Michigan
After strong summer, Dylan Guenther hoping to land roster spot with Coyotes at training camp
PHOENIX – The Coyotes' 2021 first-round pick, Dylan Guenther, was determined to make a lasting impression at the 2022 Rookie Faceoff tournament. Guenther’s summer trainer outlines how he has seen the player's strength evolve.
Former NFL players start ‘Revenant’ to spark conversation around cannabis use
TEMPE – Former NFL players Jim McMahon, Kyle Turley and Eben Britton used a tour at Mint Dispensary in Tempe to promote their brand, Revenant. The hope is that their personal experience with cannabis sheds some light to its benefit toward athletes and everyday people.
‘Democracy depends on participation:’ Advocates push voter registration
PHOENIX – Advocacy groups worked to register and educate voters on National Voter Registration Day Tuesday at the Arizona Capitol and around the Valley.
Pretty in ink: Woman-owned LA studio making tattoos more accessible, inclusive
LOS ANGELES – Milla Press, 24, opened Girlxfriend LA, a tattoo studio with the goal of an unconventionally feminine atmosphere that makes a diverse set of clients feel welcome, included and supported.
September 20, 2022 Newscast
Arizona groups participate in National Voter Registration Day, tribal and environmental concerns raised with shipping containers used for border wall
Tribal officials: Court ruling poses ‘real threat’ to sovereignty, safety
WASHINGTON - Indigenous leaders called on Congress Tuesday to reverse a Supreme Court ruling that expands states' ability to prosecute crimes on tribal land, a ruling they said threatens their sovereignty and their ability to protect their citizens.
Wheels to blades: Ty Murchison’s path from roller hockey to ASU defenseman
PHOENIX – Ty Murchison’s journey has taken him from roller hockey in California to a top defenseman at ASU. Murchison’s father discusses how Ty got into hockey and the player he is today.
LinkedIn profile helps Diamondbacks outfielder make his baseball dreams come true
PHOENIX – When Diamondbacks outfielder Stone Garrett was released by the Miami Marlins organization in 2020 due to roster cuts, he took a job as a realtor in Houston, Texas. However, Garrett knew he wasn’t done playing baseball just yet.
Stick together: Former Alaska youth national champs reunite to chase women’s hockey title at ASU
TEMPE – Four ASU women’s hockey players first played on a youth team in Anchorage, Alaska together, where they won a national youth championship. They’ve reunited in Tempe, Arizona to run it back at Arizona State with their eyes on another national title.
‘Unforgiving climate’: After strong pushback, Suns majority owner Sarver says he will sell team
PHOENIX – Following strong and swift criticism, Robert Sarver announces he will sell Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
September 21, 2022 Newscast
Tucson hopes new federal funding can make city more sustainable, Suns/Mercury owner now looking to sell the teams
Romero lauds federal dollars for roads, rail, cites need for PFAS funding
WASHINGTON - Federal funding from the massive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be "critical" to Tucson's ability to address contamination of the city's water supply by the chemical PFAS, Mayor Regina Romero told a Senate panel Wednesday.
Opponents confident of meeting deadline to block school voucher expansion
PHOENIX - Organizers of a petition drive to put the state's expanded empowerment scholarship accounts on the 2024 ballot are confident they can collect the needed signatures before this weekend, when the vast expansion of the school voucher program would take effect.
‘Momentous’: Sweeping federal law will lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients
PHOENIX — Hefty prices have made it hard for retirees like Brenda Dickason of Tucson to afford medications. Provisions included in the new Inflation Reduction Act should help by capping out-of-pocket spending for Medicare enrollees and restraining some drug costs.
Arcadia coach Ray Brown teaches the game of life through football
SCOTTSDALE — Former NFL coach Ray Brown teaches his players at Arcadia high school about the importance of education and responsibility through football.
‘A new chapter’: Arizona Coyotes excited for move to Mullett Arena
SCOTTSDALE – The Coyotes play 20 of 24 games on the road to start the season and share their excitement about the home opener at Mullett Arena on Oct. 28.
Red Mountain receiver Ja’Kobi Lane leaps from benchwarmer to ‘unguardable’
MESA – As a sophomore, Ja’kobi Lane mostly sat the bench for Mesa’s Red Mountain’s football team. Now, the lanky senior describes himself as “unguardable,” and as the top-rated receiver in Arizona who has committed to play at USC, it’s hard to argue with him.
In focus: Migrants languish in Mexico’s chaotic immigration system
TAPACHULA, Mexico - Migrants have gathered in the thousands in Tapachula, seeking to apply for asylum or humanitarian visas to stay in Mexico or continue their journeys north. Protests outside Mexico’s immigration office have become more frequent as applications bog down and migrants struggle with limited access to social services and basic needs.
September 22, 2022 Newscast
A look at new election laws in Arizona, AVP beach volleyball tour comes to metro Phoenix
Ban on sexually explicit materials in Arizona schools set to take effect
PHOENIX – A state law banning any materials in public schools that contain sexual content takes effect this week, and critics worry self-censoring will put more stress on already overburdened teachers.
From roomies to Diamondbacks starters, Drey Jameson and Ryne Nelson begin big league careers in lockstep
PHOENIX — Diamondbacks pitchers Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson were roommates throughout their minor league careers. Now they both received a call to the show, just weeks apart from each other.
Arizona high school coaching community applauds promotion of Shaun Aguano to ASU interim coach
TEMPE – After more than 20 years of living in Arizona, former running backs coach Shaun Aguano was recently named Arizona State’s interim head coach. The decision was applauded by those who knew him as a Chandler High School head coach.
ASU football’s ranking tumbles: From Top 25 a year ago to bottom third
LOS ANGELES – Here’s why ASU is ranked in the mid-80s or worse headed into Week 4. And it could get worse over the next three games as the Sun Devils face top-20 competitors, including seventh-ranked USC.
‘Be patient with us’: Arizona State players seek stronger fan backing against Utah
TEMPE – Multiple Arizona State players expressed concern over the lack of fan support Saturday during a loss to Eastern Michigan. They hope for a more positive environment against No. 13 Utah.
ASU football captains: We’re ready for life without Herm Edwards
TEMPE – With Shaun Aguano at the helm for Arizona State, changes are already underway. Team captains say they are commitment to the interim coach as they enter a difficult stretch in the season.
September 23, 2022 Newscast
Former exec estimates Suns, Mercury net worth; hearing aids now sold without prescription
Near-total abortion ban back in effect, as judge revives 1901 Arizona law
WASHINGTON – A Pima County judge ruled Friday that a near-total ban on abortions in Arizona is back in effect, after she lifted a 50-year-old injunction that became moot after the U.S. Supreme Court this summer reversed its Roe v. Wade decision.
Opponents file petitions to halt voucher expansion; now the fight begins
WASHINGTON - Opponents of the state's expanded Empowerment Scholarship Accounts filed more than 140,000 petition signatures Friday to temporarily halt the program that would have allowed any student in the state to use public dollars for private education.
Do look up: Arizona scientists have hand in first ‘planetary defense’ test
WASHINGTON - When NASA smashes a spacecraft into an asteroid Monday evening to test whether it's possible to deflect a future killer asteroid, several Arizona scientists will be watching as part of the project.
No dead poets here: Program ignites interest among students blasé about poetry
LOS ANGELES – Get Lit-Words Ignite is an organization that inspires students to perform and write poetry.
Footprint in the sand: AVP Tour makes indoor stop in Phoenix return
PHOENIX – The AVP Tour visited Phoenix for the first time since 2009. The tour’s indoor Phoenix Championships got a near-universal positive reception
Talk of Robert Sarver, Jae Crowder define unusual Suns Media Day
PHOENIX – From Robert Sarver to Jae Crowder, many questions at Phoenix Suns Media Day involved people who weren’t there. Coach Monty Williams general James Jones said he they are ready to look forward.
Sinema defends filibuster at McConnell event, raising Democratic ire anew
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has been criticized for defending the filibuster before, but that did not stop her from repeating her position Monday, this time at an event hosted by the Senate's minority leader.
Abortion-rights advocates vow fight, as Arizona clinics halt abortions
WASHINGTON - Planned Parenthood Arizona said it will appeal a Pima County judge's ruling that restored a territorial-era law that criminalized abortion in the state, a ruling that has effectively shuttered abortion services in Arizona.
September 27, 2022 Newscast
Planned Parenthood requests a stay after abortion ruling; new survey shows Arizona voters have confidence in election results.
A new look is coming to the Arizona Coyotes’ black Kachina jerseys this season
CHANDLER – The popular Arizona Coyotes ‘Kachina’ home jerseys are getting a new look for the 2022-23 season with the Gila River Resorts and Casinos patch. The Coyotes organization was live from the casino to announce their new multi-year partnership extension with Gila River becoming their official brand sponsor.
What Arizona Diamondbacks fans gain from another losing season
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled in recent seasons but have also been the league’s most affordable team for over a decade running according to FCI
Some states use ‘integrity bulletins’ to provide limited police misconduct information to public
SALT LAKE CITY – About a dozen states provide what’s commonly known as “integrity bulletins,” which contain information about complaints against law enforcement and investigation outcomes, but typically don't include identifying information – such as the officer’s name.
Fact-check: Arizona secretary of state candidate says ballot harvesting altered election result
Republican secretary of state candidate Mark Finchem pointed to an election violation in Yuma Country, Arizona, saying it changed the outcome. The violation, which led to a guilty plea of ballot harvesting, involved a handful of votes. The winning margin in the race was 392, too wide for four or five votes to change the results.
Did Chandler-Saguaro rematch serve as potential postseason preview?
CHANDLER – For five years, nobody could top the Wolves. Last November, the Saguaro Sabercats were able to beat Chandler in the Open Division Championship, ending Chandler’s run. Friday showed a rematch of the game with a renewed Chandler offense.
September 27, 2022 Newscast
Southwest flight attendants picket at Sky Harbor, more bike lanes added to Phoenix streets
Opponents of expanded vouchers concede petition may have fallen short
WASHINGTON - The apparently successful petition drive that blocked an expansion of Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts may not have been so successful after all, with opponents of the law conceding they "definitely got the numbers wrong."
Ghost in the machine? These rental cars are driven by remote control
LOS ANGELES – Anyone who sees this electric rental car whiz by might think it’s yet another self-driving test car. After all, there’s no one behind the wheel. But someone is driving the car – likely from several miles away. That’s what makes this business model stand apart from the many other self-driving vehicle operations.
Arizona high school football rises to the top (10)
PHOENIX – Arizona high school football ranks in the top 10 in states with five top 100 high school football recruits.
From Rising goalkeeper to Champions League: Josh Cohen thrives in new role
PHOENIX – Josh Cohen was the Phoenix Rising goalkeeper in 2017. Five years later, he is starting in the Champions League against stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.
Vacation can wait for Diamondbacks catcher Cooper Hummel
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks have sent utility player Cooper Hummel to the Arizona Fall League to hone his skills behind the plate with the hope that he can become a regular backup to starting catcher Carson Kelly. Hummel has played in 64 games this season in various roles, including 16 starts at catcher.
To shore up dwindling ranks, police departments hire more civilian investigators
PHOENIX – Police departments – including Baltimore, Phoenix and Mesa – have hired more civilian investigators to “make sure crimes get hands-on attention” as departments face staffing shortfalls.
September 28, 2022 Newscast
Migrants from Arizona now in D.C., Hurricane Ian affects operations at Sky Harbor airport
Born without limbs, Carter Crosland defies the odds to inspire Wickenburg High School football
WICKENBURG – Coach Carter Crosland, born without limbs, has lived his life to the fullest despite all the obstacles that he has had to overcome.
Inside Zac Gallen’s career year for the Arizona Diamondbacks
PHOENIX – Zac Gallen has pitched better than anyone else in baseball this year. What’s the secret to his success?
Mike Kraus adjusting well to college coaching in first year with GCU men’s soccer
PHOENIX – The GCU men’s soccer program continues to establish its same standard of success in 2022 under first-year coach Mike Kraus. The team’s chemistry and culture has already led to one major upset this season.
Combating hate and blame: LGBTQ activists fight stigma around monkeypox
PHOENIX – LGBTQ activists in Arizona are stepping up efforts to fight stigma and intolerance amid a global outbreak of monkeypox – even as they work to get more people vaccinated against the viral disease.
September 29, 2022 Newscast
A coalition for asylum seekers demands Gov. Ducey stop busing migrants to D.C., a new report suggests a connection between suicide and problems with an intimate partner
Gallego touts local efforts in Phoenix to battle climate change
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego touted the city Thursday as a model for enduring extreme weather events, during a virtual panel on how local governments can help defend against the impacts of climate change.
‘Good Samaritan’ bill aims to allow cleanup of abandoned, leaking mines
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials have high hopes for a proposed "good Samaritan" law that could help clean up some of the tens of thousands of leaking, abandoned mines in the state by removing legal liability for those who take on the job of mine remediation.
‘Conquer that mountain’: NAU swimmer Emma Warner uses battle with cancer as motivation
FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona University swimmer Emma Warner has had cancer since she was 12. She continues to fight and hopes to inspire others in the process.
Letter of the law(s): Prosecutors confused by conflicting abortion laws
WASHINGTON - Whatever their position on abortion rights, the county attorneys who would be responsible for enforcing Arizona abortion law say they will do their best to follow it. But they're not all sure what the law currently is, after conflicting measures were approved,
Drink and don’t drive: Phoenix Rising’s Pub 2 Pitch program shuttles fans to games
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Rising’s Pub 2 Pitch program provides a free shuttle from various bars across the Valley and takes fans to the game and back.
Thursdays with stories: Horizon football players make weekly visits to elementary schools
CHANDLER – Horizon football assistant coach Tre Hickem takes his players to elementary schools each week so they can connect with youth and give back to the community.
Can ASU beat mighty USC? Maybe – if they make these football moves
LOS ANGELES – Interim head coach Shaun Aguano leads ASU to California in a Pac-12 clash with USC this weekend. The Sun Devils are huge underdogs, but if they make some key moves, they can emerge with their dignity intact. Heck, maybe they’ll win.
September 30, 2022 Newscast
Diamondbacks organist a big-league favorite; Arizona's expanded school voucher program takes effect.
Petition to block voucher law falls short; application deadline extended
WASHINGTON - The secretary of state’s office is still counting, but it had seen enough by Friday to say that a petition drive to block expansion of the state's school voucher program fell short of the required signatures.
‘Greatest show on surf’: Léon Marchand poised to be ASU’s next superstar
TEMPE – Léon Marchand did something this summer only Michael Phelps has ever done better. Arizona State’s next prodigy has his and his teams sights set for the top this season.
Murals paint memories of those lost to police violence across the U.S.
SALT LAKE CITY – Across the U.S., artists paint murals to memorialize victims of police violence. For some, they serve as public gravesites, spaces of remembrance and community. For others, they are difficult reminders of loss.
Promising future, storied past of Arizona hoops on display at Red-Blue Game
TUCSON – The Arizona Wildcats played host to their annual Red-Blue game on alumni weekend, with several former players in attendance. After losing many key players from last season, fans got a chance to see the new-look team for the first time.
Afghan refugees, many with uncertain immigration status, struggle with daily life
PHOENIX – It's been a little more than a year since the United States withdrew from Afghanistan after two decades. Refugees in Arizona are still dealing with finding jobs, technology, residency status and the memories of their escape.
Casino divide: Tribes split as California voters consider online sports betting
LOS ANGELES – A year after Arizona legalized sports betting, California may follow suit. Propositions 26 and 27 would legalize in-person and online sports betting, and expand in-person games, like roulette and craps. Tribes, however, are in a bind.
Following in his father’s skates, ASU’s Josh Doan takes team captaincy in stride
TEMPE – Josh Doan was named captain of the ASU hockey team. Doan looks to take his game to the next level this season with new found confidence.
ASU men’s basketball players secure another free ride through new NIL deal
PHOENIX – Arizona State men’s basketball players Warren Washington, Desmond Cambridge and Devan Cambridge partner with State Bicycle Co. in a new NIL deal. While NIL has provided benefits, there are concerns in the new era.
As Arizona recovers from pandemic, Black entrepreneurs still face challenges
PHOENIX – The 2022 State of Black Business report revealed that although Black business owners still have the lowest entrepreneurship rate nationally, they contribute significantly to Arizona’s economy. But entrepreneurs like Fernanda Sayles, owner of FernDiggidy Sweets & Treats, have prevailed despite hardships.
Arizona Wildcats receivers catch on in quest to become the Pac-12’s best
TUCSON – Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura had a career-high in passing yards and threw six touchdowns against Colorado, and his receiving core made several highlight plays and helped the offense break some records for the second straight game. The group will need a similar strong showing against Oregon Saturday.
Sky Harbor to build taxiway overpass with federal funds to support growing air traffic
PHOENIX – Sky Harbor is receiving federal funding to build a $260 million taxiway that will create easier flow for planes on the tarmac before takeoff and after landing. More than half the project is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
ASU president lauds interim football coach despite USC loss – but he won’t halt search
LOS ANGELES – ASU President Michael Crow speaks with Cronkite News about the search for a permanent head coach and praises Sun Devil football and interim head coach Shaun Aguano after a competitive loss to USC.
October 4, 2022 newscast
Young Latino voter population grows as November elections approach, Phoenix Sky Harbor airport gets an upgrade
Tempe plans to reopen long dormant water reclamation plant amid grinding drought
PHOENIX – Tempe plans to use $60 million to reopen the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility which closed in the aftermath of the Great Recession. The plant will help Tempe collect and recycle water as Arizona struggles with its worst drought in 1,200 years.
Fact-check: Republican Arizona secretary of state candidate aims to end mail-in voting option for millions
Election rules have become the central issue in the race for Arizona secretary of state. In a recent debate, Democrat Adrian Fontes said Republican Mark Finchem wants to make it harder for many Arizonans to cast their ballots.
Former Phoenix police official explains secrecy around union contract negotiations
PHOENIX – Activists demand more transparency during contract negotiations between police unions and cities. News21 speaks to Kevin Robisonson, a former Phoenix assistant police chief, to explain the process and why it’s kept secret.
Bolsos veganos hechos de piña, cactus y corcho podrían ayudar a salvar el planeta
LOS ANGELES – Algunos diseñadores reemplazan el cuero tradicional con materiales como la piña, el cactus y el corcho. Se ven muy bien y son mejores para el medio ambiente.
In the rise and fall of Arizona junior college football, the long fight continues
PHOENIX – In 2018, the Maricopa County Community College District shut down its football programs, leaving Arizona with no junior college football teams. Athletes and coaches have spent years picking up pieces, and a new conference rose in the Valley.
Latinos working frontline jobs powered U.S. economy during peak of pandemic, report says
LOS ANGELES – At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Latino community made significant contributions to maintaining the country’s gross domestic product. New numbers show the Latino population is making great contributions to the economy as labor workers, homeowners and college graduates.
October 5, 2022 Newscast
A lawsuit is filed over Arizona's abortion law, "wildland warriors" pitch in for National Public Lands Day
Is Pinnacle High’s Duce Robinson one of Arizona’s top recruits ever?
PHOENIX – Duce Robinson from Pinnacle High School is a multi-sport athlete and possibly one of the best recruits Arizona has produced. The five-star football recruit, with offers from the top football programs in the nation, also plays baseball and basketball.
Arizona College Prep standout Ashlyn Tierney learns the ultimate swimming lesson through anxiety disorder
CHANDLER –After losing feeling in her legs, Ashlyn Tierney was diagnosed with conversion disorder. Two years later, she’s back in the pool and breaking school records in her first year at Arizona College Prep High School.
Home, sweet home: ASU volleyball is back after a grueling five weeks on the road
TEMPE – ASU volleyball’s five weeks on the road featured a mixed bag of wins, losses, and a sprint through the airport.
Amid high inflation, St. Mary’s Food Bank serves a record number of people in need
PHOENIX – A record-breaking 50,000 families visited the Phoenix and Surprise locations of St. Mary’s Food Bank just in August. With the cost of living on the rise, Arizonans in need are turning to the food bank to help make ends meet.
DACA suffers another court setback, but program remains in place for now
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that DACA, the deferred deportation program for young migrants, was unlawfully created in 2012 but that protection for current DACA recipients can continue for now.
Mark Kelly and Blake Masters clash on immigration, abortion in U.S. Senate debate
PHOENIX – Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., GOP challenger Blake Masters and Libertarian Marc Victor clashed on the debate stage Thursday night. The U.S. Senate candidates from Arizona doubled down on their mostly party line positions on abortion, immigation and more.
Mesa High athletes memorialize former student with local cemetery cleanup
MESA – Mesa High students who participate in sports or clubs make a trip each fall to the City of Mesa Cemetery to clean up the grounds. It’s a way to give back to their community and honor the late Jackrabbit Zedo Ishikawa, who is buried there. Ishikawa’s dying words, “Carry on,” became the school’s motto, and today’s students aim to carry on the cemetery tradition.
Young Arizona Diamondbacks build hope for the future
PHOENIX – Last year the D-backs had little to no hope going into the 2022 season after recording their second worst franchise record. This year has shown that there is hope for the D-backs, who had 10 debutants in this season alone. A few of these rookies are potential franchise cornerstones.
Owning the crease: Arizona Coyotes goalie Karel Vejmelka poised to take over in net
SCOTTSDALE – Karel Vejmelka enters his second year with confidence and assurance in his game. With the team rebuilding, the Coyotes are committed to Vejmelka to anchoring them during this phase.
Arizona men’s tennis hopes offseason work leads to an NCAA championship
PHOENIX – The Arizona men’s tennis team is staying sharp with two months of fall tournaments. The team hopes the match experience gained this fall will improve the team in order to accomplish big spring goals.
‘It’s alright to be a fat bear’: Why Fat Bear Week is more than a beauty contest
WILLIAMS — Fat Bear Week started at Alaska’s Katmai National Park as a way to help people understand the importance of bears and healthy ecosystems. In northern Arizona, Bearizona has its own Fat Bear Week to show off the park’s black bears as they prepare for winter hibernation.
October 7, 2022 Newscast
NASCAR struggles with new designs, swimmer Ashlyn Tierney bounces back in the water, high school chess player looks to go national.
Arizona leaders join others at White House for forum on federal funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona local, tribal and labor leaders were at the White House Friday to hear administration officials highlight the billions in recent federal funding that is coming to states for everything from roads to water to broadband.
Fact-check: Attack on school chief Kathy Hoffman lacks key testing context
School test scores are being used to score points in the race for Arizona’s top education seat.
‘Reform around the edges’: Changes to policing have been piecemeal, not comprehensive
ALBUQUERQUE – Reforming a vast, complex system of law enforcement will require innovative and proven solutions, a holistic approach and the willingness to change. So far, we’ve seen “reform around the edges” – with individual departments, cities and states tackling elements of police reform.
6-week convergence of major sporting events could make Arizona betting capital of the world
PHOENIX – Sports gambling is expected to hit a crescendo when the Super Bowl, Phoenix Open and a CFP semifinal game are played within a six-week stretch in Arizona.
Fact-check: Yes, Kathy Hoffman lobbied to hire hundreds of counselors at Arizona schools
Demand for student mental health services has grown as educators grapple with the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on kids.
Push and pull: Unions play multiple roles in police reform efforts
MADISON, Wisc. – The power dynamic with some police unions has shifted – whether by choice or force. Some union leaders have tried to lead change, others have made concessions and some are fighting to maintain their power.
Who’s on second? Prop 131 answers with new lieutenant governor’s office
WASHINGTON - Presidential candidates do it. Gubernatorial candidates in most states do it. Arizona would join them if voters approve Proposition 131, to create an office of lieutenant governor who would be from the same party and run on the same ticket as the governor.
October 10, 2022 Newscast
On journey north, thousands end up trapped in Tapachula with little access to food, water
’Best decision I ever made’: Fall League’s Shane Loux turns to coaching after injury plagued career
SCOTTSDALE – Shane Loux had an unconventional playing career because of two Tommy John surgeries and two major gaps during his time in Major League Baseball. Now as a High-A pitching coach and Salt River Rafters pitching coach in the Arizona Fall League, Loux inspires other pitchers to make their dreams a reality.
New look, same objective: Revamped ASU softball team believes Oklahoma City attainable
TEMPE – Despite a new coach and a new mix of players, the Arizona State softball team has big Women’s College World Series aspirations.
October 11, 2022, Newscast
Cronkite News takes a look back at award winning content from our journalists.
Iconic Strong Arm was one of many saguaros killed by climate change, deadly bacteria
Climate change is becoming a deadly threat to the iconic saguaro, which is found only in the Sonoran Desert. According to cactus expert William D. Peachey, extreme temperature fluctuations and more severe storms are making saguaros more susceptible to the deadly bacteria Erwinia cacticida.
‘We can figure this out’: Police, public and policymakers work to improve responses to mental health crises
SALT LAKE CITY – Police have become the de facto mental health responders across the country, often with tragic results. Most strategies to deal with mental health calls focus on shifting funds to social services, creating diversion programs and better training for officers. Experts say the solution relies on a combination of efforts.
Kickin’ it in style: Sneaker Con Phoenix draws large crowd, immerses basketball and sneaker culture
PHOENIX – Sneaker Con, “the greatest sneaker show on Earth,” came to Phoenix for the second time, and attracted thousands, including some basketball stars. This event was special as live basketball returned for the first time since 2020.
Governor: Katie Hobbs touts her political competence – and ‘sanity’
Democratic candidate for Arizona governor, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, is running a high-stakes campaign against Trump-backed candidate Kari Lake in a race that has captured national attention.
Governor: Kari Lake, a Trump-endorsed election denier, touts lack of political experience
Former news anchor and Arizona governor hopeful Kari Lake has no political experience – and that’s exactly why she thinks she should do the job. Her campaign has been associated with proximity to extremists and election conspiracies.
Secretary of state: Voting conspiracist Mark Finchem wants to run Arizona’s elections
Rep. Mark Finchem is campaigning to run Arizona’s elections while repeatedly pushing election disinformation. He was at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, and he introduced bills in the Legislature that sought to limit early voting, restrict mail-in ballots and eliminate electronic vote counting.
Secretary of state: Adrian Fontes wants to restore faith in elections, protect choices
Democrat Adrian Fontes looks to make elections more secure and accessible for Arizona voters.
U.S. Senate: Libertarian Marc Victor’s philosophy is ‘live and let live’
Libertarian Marc Victor, who is running a longshot campaign for the U.S. Senate, calls himself a "live and let live guy." He started the “Live and Let Live Global Peace Movement,” which promotes freedom and prohibits aggression.
U.S. Senate: Mark Kelly outspends, outpolls opponent in race to keep seat
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly appears to have an edge against venture capitalist Blake Masters in the race to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Senate: Venture capitalist Blake Masters dislikes the country’s direction
Blake Masters says he’s running for the Senate because he disagrees with the way politicians have been running the country. He says his policies are aimed at creating an Arizona where he feels comfortable raising his sons.
Attorney general: Election-denier Abe Hamadeh running against ‘leftist mob’
Republican Abraham Hamadeh is in a dead heat in the race for attorney general against Kris Mayes. The Trump-endorsed candidate says he will take on the “leftist mob” that has made the country unrecognizable.
Attorney general: Kris Mayes wants to ‘depoliticize the office,’ restore voter confidence
Kris Mayes, a 51-year-old native Arizonan and former Arizona corporation commissioner, is running for state attorney general on a platform of ensuring voting and abortion rights and fighting elder abuse and fraud, as well as addressing security issues on the border.
October 12, 2022 Newscast
Early voting begins; votng materials get a translation, first game hits the ice at Mullett Arena
With an exciting young core and brand new arena, the Arizona Coyotes embark on a season like no other
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes kick off their season tonight in Pittsburgh as a new era for the franchise seems to be underway in the Valley.
As NHL season starts without Keith Yandle, former teammates remember Coyotes defenseman
PHOENIX – Defenseman Keith Yandle made a strong impression on the Arizona Coyotes organization over his nine years with the franchise, putting him among Coyotes legends.
Arizona treasurer: Kimberly Yee stresses transparency, rejects ‘social consciousness’ investing
Incumbent State Treasurer Kimberly Yee has made Arizona history twice. She was the first Asian American elected to the Legislature and the first Asian American to hold statewide office. Yee is running for re-election as state treasurer, an office she has held since 2018. In that job, she invests taxpayer money, manages the state’s cash flow and advances financial literacy.
Schools superintendent: Kathy Hoffman has ‘relentless optimism’ for public education
The superintendent’s race carries overtones of a culture war, pitting incumbent Kathy Hoffman against former superintendent Tom Horne. The election is focusing on flashpoint topics such as critical race theory, parental rights, sexual orientaton and LGBTQ issues.
Schools superintendent: Tom Horne says he’ll focus on academics, not critical race theory
Tom Horne hopes to rid Arizona’s schools of critical race theory.
‘You never forget’: Honoring Arizona’s veterans one flight at a time
WASHINGTON - Thirty Arizona veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars were in Washington this week to visit the memorials to their service, the latest of more than 2,000 vets to make the trip from the state free of charge as part of Honor Flight program.
Former ASU League of Legends player returns as coach
PHOENIX – Former ASU varsity League of Legends player returns in a head coaching role hoping to defy expectations with the new team.
Corporation Commission: Kevin Thompson aims to reduce utility rates and reverse policymaking role
Mesa City Council member Kevin Thompson said he wants to use his experience to represent Arizonans on the Corporation Commission to ensure consumers are protected and energy grids remain reliable.
Corporation Commission: Democrat Lauren Kuby sees a bright future with solar energy
Democrat Lauren Kuby is running for the Arizona Corporation Commission with Sandra Kennedy. She is a former Tempe City Council member and sustainability scientist.
Corporation Commission: Nick Myers says clean energy mandates won’t work
Nick Myers, a Republican candidate for Arizona Corporation Commission, pledges to keep utilities affordable without forcing companies to adopt renewable energy.
Robert Hassell III’s hopes for the future come to a halt in the Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – When Robert Hassell III was drafted by the Padres, he thought he would end up in San Diego. But Major League Baseball can be an unforgiving business and he was traded to the Washington Nationals. He was using the Arizona Fall League to showcase his skills before an injury sidelined him.
Corporation Commission: Sandra Kennedy seeks re-election on a platform of renewable energy
Sandra Kennedy is campaigning for re-election to the Corporation Commission on a platform dedicated to increasing the use of renewable energy and keeping utility costs low. She prioritizes water conservation and transitioning Native American communities to renewable energy.
Arizona treasurer: Longtime legislator Martín Quezada makes a bid for treasurer post
Martín Quezada has been a state legislator and school board member for much of his career. Facing term limits, he’s now vying to be the first Democrat elected state treasurer in years.
Clean Elections looks for new partner after fallout over Katie Hobbs, Kari Lake interviews
PHOENIX – Citizens Clean Elections Commission is moving forward with the search to find a new broadcast partner for the Arizona gubernatorial event after Arizona PBS scheduled an interview with Democrat Katie Hobbs, who had declined to debate Republican Kari Lake, without its knowledge.
October 13, 2022 Newscast
Honor Flight brings veterans to D.C., rain in the weekend forecast; high school basketball camp highlights stars
Court order brings abortions back, for now, but providers take it day by day
WASHINGTON - Clinics across Arizona have largely resumed offering abortions after a court last week blocked a ruling that briefly outlawed the procedure, but providers said they are taking abortion's future in the state day by day.
U.S. House, District 5: Javier Garcia Ramos running without campaign contributions
Javier Garcia Ramos has spent $4,200 campaigning to represent Arizona in Congress. His two opponents have spent a combined $1.2 million.
‘I grew to love it on my own’: Pirates prospect Jacob Gonzalez shapes career outside of father’s shadow
SCOTTSDALE – Third baseman Jacob Gonzalez, son of Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez, was drafted out of high school by the San Francisco Giants in 2017. Now he's participating in the Arizona Fall League and paving his own career path.
Home improvement: After decades at Oceanside Ice Arena, ASU men’s ice hockey set to break in Mullett Arena
TEMPE – Arizona State hockey will play in Mullett Arena for the first time this season Friday. The facility has the potential to elevate the program to the top of college hockey.
Whistleblowers: Verbal abuse from fans prompts AIA officiating shortage, Thursday night football
PHOENIX – Most officials quit the profession after just three years. The most common reason has been dealing with verbal abuse from the stands. The lack of officials has led to the AIA moving more varsity football games to Thursday night.
Title IX event highlights changes still needed for women’s soccer
TEMPE — In a panel discussion with two-time Olympian and World Cup champion, Briana Scurry highlights how far women’s soccer has come and the changes the women’s game still needs to reach equality.
U.S. House, District 2: Eli Crane limits public access, doesn’t live in district – but is Trump endorsed
GOP candidate Eli Crane doesn’t live in the district he wants to represent and has no public-facing contact information. The Trump-endorsed former “Shark Tank” contestant is a business owner in Oro Valley and first-time candidate.
U.S. House, District 3: Jeff Zink, who was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, sees election as good vs. evil
Republican Jeff Zink is running a longshot campaign against incumbent Rep. Ruben Gallego. Zink and his son have attracted attention for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. He believes that his conservative principles and religious ideology will appeal to voters in the largely Latino district.
U.S. House, District 4: Kelly Cooper hopes Trump endorsement will tip competitive race
Kelly Cooper, who joined the Republican Party last year, is his party’s candidate to represent Arizona in the redrawn 4th Congressional District. The Marine veteran faces U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, a Democrat who represented the 9th District for two terms.
U.S. House, District 5: Andy Biggs, seeking fourth term, mostly absent from campaign trail
Rep. Andy Biggs has sponsored many conservative bills during his three terms in Congress, but he has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail.
U.S. House, District 1: David Schweikert leans on conservative credentials to remain in Congress
Rep. David Schweikert is running as a reliable conservative in a redrawn district that isn’t as Republican as the one he has served for five terms. He is campaigning on issues of economic growth and stopping illegal immigration.
U.S. House, District 1: Jevin Hodge, 28, hopes to bring fresh perspectives to Congress
Jevin Hodge is running for the U.S. House of Representatives against David Schweikert, who was elected in 2010. Hodge, 28, calls himself “a young Black man running for the United States Congress who grew up without wealth.”
Like some actors, iconic Hollywood sign gets a makeover – and a closeup
LOS ANGELES – A reporter and a photographer get special access to the Hollywood sign, which is being repainted to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. It’s not just a sign, but rather a symbol of the power of storytelling and the pursuit of the American dream.
U.S. House, District 5: Clint Smith hopes to make history as a ‘unicorn’ independent
Clint Smith hopes to be the first independent elected to Congress in Arizona history. He faces incumbent Andy Biggs, a Republican who has represented District 5 for five years, and Democrat Javier Garcia Ramos, who’s self-funding his campaign.
U.S. House, District 6: Kirsten Engel promotes environmentally sustainable economy
Democrat Kirsten Engel is in a tight race to represent Arizona in the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District. Engel, an environmental attorney, faces Republican Juan Ciscomani, senior adviser to Gov. Doug Ducey on regional and international affairs.
U.S. House, District 7: Grijalva touts liberal credentials in seeking 11th term in Congress
Since winning his first election to Congress in 2002, Raúl Grijalva has become one of the most liberal voices in the House. He’s running for re-election in the newly redrawn 7th District in southern Arizona.
U.S. House, District 7: Republican Luis Pozzolo mounts a long-shot campaign
Republican Luis Pozzolo, an immigrant from Uruguay and a triathlete who started a business that sells all-natural meats, is challenging longtime Rep. Raúl Grijalva in the newly redrawn 7th Congressional District in southern Arizona.
U.S. House, District 6: Republican Juan Ciscomani wants to battle ‘the radical left’
Republican Juan Ciscomani is running for U.S. Congress on a conservative platform that includes securing the border, protecting Second Amendment rights and fighting “the radical left.”
U.S. House, District 4: Greg Stanton in a tight, closely watched race in a redrawn district
Rep. Greg Stanton, a Democrat who represented the 9th Congressional District for two terms, faces Republican Kelly Cooper in what may be the most competitive race in the state.
U.S. House, District 3: Ruben Gallego’s priorities are affordable housing, immigration reform
Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego looks to win a fifth term in the U.S. House in his race against Jeffrey Zink in Arizona’s redrawn 3rd Congressional District.
U.S. House, District 2: Tom O’Halleran faces tougher race in redrawn district that leans Republican
Tom O’Halleran is running for re-election in the newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District of Arizona. O’Halleran focuses on health care, water conservation, border security and education.
Empty Bowls event raises money to combat food insecurity, cut food waste
PHOENIX – Arizona nonprofit organization Waste Not raises funds to help food insecurity through its annual Empty Bowls event by selling handcrafted clay bowls. Proceeds go toward rescuing perishable foods from local businesses and delivering it to agencies that feed the hungry.
Camelback’s Cholla Trail reopens, providing more access to the highest peak in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain’s eastern slope, which closed in March 2020, reopened in September with safety improvements and new amenities. The landmark is Phoenix’s highest peak and carries with it decades of history.
‘Struggling’ fire districts look to Proposition 310 for new funds to help
WASHINGTON - Supporters of Proposition 310 don't think an added tenth-of-a-penny sales tax is too much to ask to help fire districts across Arizona "that are in a complete crisis." But critics say the bill is too broad, making everyone pay for the problems of a few rural districts.
Major lessons: Peoria Javelinas manager Reid Brignac imparts wisdom on young prospects in Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE - Binghamton Rumble Ponies manager Reid Brignac is no stranger to the game of baseball. Now wanting to expand his wealth of knowledge to younger prospects, Brignac has brought his talents to Peoria to manage the Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League.
‘E’ is for everyone: Queer Women of Esports fights for a safer space for all
PHOENIX – Queer Women of Esports, a nonprofit organization, is using its mentorship program to help promote and build safer and more inclusive gaming communities.
‘Would he be forgotten?’ How a niece’s crusade and military scientists led to ID of Korean War vet
TUCSON – More than seven decades after his death in the Korean War, an Army private from Douglas has finally been identified and laid to rest. Military scientists and the niece of Felix Yanez worked for years to put a name to this unknown soldier and bring him home.
Practices ‘like war’ as Sun Devils prepare for men’s basketball season
TEMPE - Competitive intensity was the theme at the first media availability for Arizona State’s men’s basketball team pm Oct. 12. Coach Bobby Hurley and point guard Frankie Collins described early practices “like war” as the Sun Devils have already begun to bond despite a lot of new faces.
ASU may not go to the Rose Bowl, but former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords will lead the Rose Parade
TUCSON – Arizona State University is unlikely to be playing in the Rose Bowl this year, but the Grand Canyon State will still be represented with former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords named as grand marshal for the Rose Parade and doing the coin toss for the bowl game.
Kelly continues to raise ‘like a maniac,’ dwarfing Masters in Senate race
WASHINGTON – Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly continued to widen his fundraising lead over GOP challenger Blake Masters, who still trailed the incumbent despite heavy spending on Masters' behalf by outside conservative groups.
October 17, 2022 Newscast
Gubernatorial candidates share economic plans, learning about Sonoran tortoises through GPS
Deep ties: North Dakota hockey teammates Schmaltz, Stecher reunited in Arizona
SCOTTSDALE – Nick Schmaltz and Troy Stecher won a NCAA National Championship with the University of North Dakota hockey team in 2016. After going their separate ways after college, the pair has reunited as Arizona Coyotes teammates.
‘Aquí para todos’: la policía en una ciudad de Colorado usa el alcance comunitario y TikTok para ganarse la confianza de los inmigrantes
AVON, Colorado – El jefe de policía de Avon, Greg Daly, dice que muchas personas en su pequeño pueblo de las Montañas Rocosas tienen miedo de llamar a la policía. Para mejorar la confianza entre la numerosa población de inmigrantes, el departamento lleva a cabo cada año una Academia de Policía para Latinos, ha contratado a más oficiales de habla hispana e incluso publica TikToks divertidos en español.
Jackpot Joey: Logano secures spot at NASCAR Championship 4 in Phoenix with Las Vegas win
LAS VEGAS – Joey Logano will look to win his second NASCAR Cup Series title in Phoenix in three weeks after he secured his ticket Sunday to the Championship 4 in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
ASU soccer’s Nicole Douglas is one for the record books
TEMPE — Nicole Douglas figures to remain atop ASU soccer’s all-time scoring list for a long time to come, but there are other aspects of her game that coach Graham Winkworth believes are too often overlooked.
‘Fresh food, fresh start’: Tucson cafe doubles as training program for people with mental illness
TUCSON – Café 54 serves as an employment training program for people with mental health conditions. Trainees work as cashiers, cooks, dishwashers and servers. The goal is to help them gain new skills and land a permanent job in the workforce.
Increasing police transparency is ‘messy,’ but efforts come from many directions
ARLINGTON, Texas – The call to increase transparency has become a standard rallying cry in police reform, but efforts have met with resistance. Some states, cities and police departments have made progress to open records. And sometimes, outside forces have stepped in when they don’t.
Brighter days ahead? Suns ready to rise above tumultuous times as 2022-23 season begins
PHOENIX – After a historic postseason loss to end last season and a wild offseason, the Phoenix Suns return to action Wednesday for their season opener. Al McCoy and Tim Kempton provide insight to what the Suns must do to continue their success in a competitive Western Conference.
Was Robert Sarver ‘canceled’? Experts debate on ‘unforgiving climate’ reaction by Suns owner
PHOENIX – After pressure from outside and within, Robert Sarver reluctantly decides to sell the Suns, blaming cancel culture for a lack of forgiveness.
Civilian oversight of police is popular, but does it work? A ‘million dollar question’
Civilian oversight agencies tout themselves as a way to improve police-community relations. We look at three different approaches – plus, what works and what doesn’t.
Fan favorite Jock Landale brings versatility, Australian toughness to Suns frontcourt rotation
PHOENIX – During the offseason, the Phoenix Suns brought in former San Antonio Spurs big man Jock Landale, a 6-foot-11, 255-pound Australian. With a crowded rotation, the center has stood out for his versatility, toughness and ability to make teammates and reporters laugh.
What is Ostarine? A look at the performance-enhancing drug that banned Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins for six weeks
PHOENIX – The NFL suspended Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins for six games because he violated the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. The researcher that developed the drug that triggered Hopkins’ positive test said it has shown up as a contaminant in other products.
Phoenix Rising coach Juan Guerra goes back to the basics after first USL postseason miss since 2016
CHANDLER – After missing the postseason for the first time since 2016, the Phoenix Rising finished a disappointing season with a win. Here’s a look back at what went wrong in 2022 and a preview of the 2023 season.
Grand Canyon’s water ‘backbone’ to get major overhaul starting this fall
PHOENIX – The historic pipeline that brings drinking water from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim fails frequently. Work will begin this fall to overhaul sections of the pipe.
Prop 132 called both rational tax safeguard, anti-democratic power play
WASHINGTON - When Arizona voted in 2020 to increase school funding by raising income taxes on higher earners, they did so by a comfortable 52-48% margin. Too comfortable for backers of Proposition 132, which would require 60% approval for any initiative that raises taxes.
October 19, 2022 Newscast
What experts are saying about Arizona’s political discourse, how parents can keep their kids safe from dangerous drugs on social media
Mets prospect Brandon McIlwain sees Arizona Fall League payoff from his years in football
SCOTTSDALE – New York Mets prospect Brandon McIlwain was a quarterback at Cal in college and also played at the University of South Carolina as a baseball player before pursuing baseball full time. While he was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2019, he opted to return to college and signed with the Mets in 2020.
Lights out: Oracle State Park hosts a star viewing party to celebrate Arizona’s dark skies
ORACLE – Cronkite News visited Oracle State Park near Tucson to see why amateur astronomers love observing the cosmos at the International Dark Sky Park.
Gila River tribe agrees to conserve water in return for federal compensation
The Gila River Indian Community has announced plans to conserve a large portion of its water supplies over the next three years and is seeking payment from a new federal program designed to incentivize such reductions.
It’s a start: Phoenix Suns turn page on controversial offseason with win against Dallas Mavericks in season opener
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns avenged last season’s Game 7 loss with a victory over Dallas. But how will this affect the rest of the Suns’ season?
October 20, 2022 Newscast
Tribes work to get younger voters to the polls, raising livestock helps pay for college
Election officials probe alleged voter intimidation at ballot drop box
WASHINGTON - Election officials reacted swiftly to reported voter intimidation this week at a Mesa ballot drop box, condemning the action and reassuring voters that they are working with law enforcement to address such incidents.
From homeschool to No. 1 in the state: Pinnacle’s Samantha Olson’s unconventional golf journey
PHOENIX – Pinnacle girl’s golfer Samantha Olson is unlike her teammates because she takes online classes instead of attending in-person. She uses remote learning to maximize her time on the golf course to improve and prepare for AIA tournaments and matches.
Heat deaths hit record in Maricopa County, but there are ways to stay safe
PHOENIX – Higher temperatures in Maricopa County have led to a record number of heat-associated deaths, according to a report released this month. Experts say people – visitors and Arizonans alike – should reconsider how to prepare for the heat to stay safe while outdoors.
Alon Leichman uses past to propel next generation of pitchers in Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – Alon Leichman, pitching coach of the Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners), has had two Tommy John Surgeries and almost needed a third during his time at UCSD. Not wanting to give up on his playing career, Leichman played for Team Israel, coaching and pitching across international competition.
Hamilton boys golf seeks four-peat in Arizona state championships
PHOENIX – The Hamilton golf team has won the Arizona state championship three years in a row. With junior star Vincent Cervantes leading the way, the Huskies look to make it a four-peat with Brophy right on their tail.
‘YOU ROCK!!!’: Digital license plate messages let drivers express themselves
LOS ANGELES – Digital license plates are pricey compared to the regular metal plates, but they’re fun, have some practical value and could save motorists from that dreadful annual trek to their state’s department of motor vehicles.
Professional Bull Riders new team series competition takes bull riding to new heights
GLENDALE – The Arizona Ridge Riders hosted the final competition of PBR’s inaugural team season. Although they lost, the event was a huge success and a turning point in PBR. The stadium was packed and the riders put on a stellar show. Jaws dropped as many riders were seen running away or being stepped on by the bulls. Austin Gamblers rider Ezekiel Mitchell had a big weekend and is a born cowboy.
Civility in elections declining as political polarization rises, but there may be hope
PHOENIX – “Coward.” “Conspiracy theorist.” “Psychopath.” These are just a few of the insults hurled at opposing candidates in Arizona political races this election season. Experts say election civility is declining as political polarization rises, and the Arizona gubernatorial race between Kari Lake and Katie Hobbs is a prime example.
‘Reforma en los bordes’: Los cambios en la policía han sido fragmentarios no integrales
ALBUQUERQUE – Reformar un sistema vasto y complejo de aplicación de la ley requerirá soluciones innovadoras y probadas, un enfoque holístico y la voluntad de cambiar. Hasta ahora, hemos visto "reformas en los bordes", con departamentos, ciudades y estados particulares que abordan elementos de la reforma policial.
Arizona high schooler makes a name for himself in the international chess world
CHANDLER – A nationally ranked chess player from BASIS Chandler is climbing up the international ranks. Sandeep Sethuraman will try to lead his team to a third state chess championship while preparing for the U.S. Masters.
Hamilton football star Terrell Suggs stayed home; it led to ASU Hall of Fame
TEMPE – Terrell Suggs, who still holds the NCAA Division single-season record for quarterback sacks, recently was inducted into Arizona State’s Athletics Hall of Fame and Distinction along with eight others. Suggs, who played at Hamilton High in Chandler, believes keeping the best local prospects at home is the key to future success in the ASU football program. He said interim coach Shaun Aguano is taking steps to make that happen.
Prop 209 would limit medical debt collection; critics say it’s too broad
WASHINGTON - Backers of Proposition 209 say the ballot measure will protect Arizona residents from crushing medical debt when they're struggling keep a home and a job so they can pay their debts, but critics say the proposal is too broad and will reward the wrong people.
Rinse, repeat? Teraya Sigler, Kendal Murphy lead Horizon volleyball’s title defense
SCOTTSDALE – Horizon High School volleyball stars Teraya Sigler and Kendal Murphy hopes to bring the team back to the 5A state championship behind their talent, consistency and improvement.
Brace yourselves: Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee announces Super Bowl 57 events
TEMPE – The NFL and Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee announced a list of events that will lead to the 2023 Super Bowl. These events will take place in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa, and each event will highlight what the cities have to offer.
October 24, 2022 Newscast
Maricopa County starts counting early ballots, protesters outside the White House demand Biden issue pardons for simple marijuana possession
Southern border apprehensions hit record 2.4 million in fiscal 2022
WASHINGTON – Border officials encountered a record of almost 2.4 million migrants at the southern border in fiscal 2022, shattering the old record of 1.7 million set just a year earlier, according to numbers released late Friday by Customs and Border Protection.
Protesters push Biden on pledge to pardon pot possession convictions
WASHINGTON - Students from across the country rallied outside the White House Monday to demand that President Joe Biden deliver on a campaign promise to release prisoners convicted of marijuana possession.
It started with a rubber chicken: The story behind the Suns’ Sunburst jersey
PHOENIX – The Suns’ decision to completely redesign their uniforms 30 years ago came during a time of dramatic change for the franchise that wasn’t for the chickenhearted.
NXTPro Hoops paves the way for Arizona’s Division II and III recruits to gain exposure
PHOENIX –Ethan Piechota is a lead scout for NXTPro Hoops that focuses on helping D-II and D-III high school basketball prospects
Prop 128 would give lawmakers more power to amend voter initiatives
WASHINGTON - Proposition 128 backers call it a commonsense plan to make it easier for the Legislature to amend voter-approved measures later found to have legal flaws; opponents call it a direct assault on the Voter Protection Act that "just reeks of trying to upend democracy."
Like father, like son: Brophy’s freshman football team excels with NFL lineage
PHOENIX – The Brophy Preparatory Academy freshman football team is filled with NFL lineage, as five players have connections with the NFL.
Phoenix Suns, WNBA react to Brittney Griner’s unsuccessful appeal of 9-year sentence
PHOENIX – Suns players, WNBA and NBA commissioner respond to Griner’s continued detainment.
Fact-check: No, assistance to U.S. tribal nations isn’t foreign aid
Republican Arizona Corporation Commission candidate Nick Myers said financial assistance given to tribal nations would be foreign aid. Federally recognized tribal nations are sovereign “domestic dependent nations” within the United States and are not considered foreign governments. Federal support in tribal areas mainly comes from the Interior Department. None comes from the State Department.
Mountain lions like P-22 are revered in California. They’re hunted in Arizona.
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles last weekend celebrated P-22 Day in honor of a cougar that roams Griffith Park – an icon in the fight to save mountain lions across the West, whether in a big-city park or in mountains and rangeland.
October 25, 2022 Newscast
Law enforcement steps up election security, Russia rejects Brittney Griner's appeal
Police promise protection as more reports of ballot box watchers come in
WASHINGTON - The Maricopa County sheriff said he plans to step up security at voting locations in the run-up to Election Day, following more reports of individuals - in some cases armed - filming and tailing voters at ballot drop boxes.
‘Urgent crisis:’ School districts stockpile Narcan as fentanyl kills more students
LOS ANGELES – School districts are stocking up on drug overdose drug Narcan as fentanyl claims the lives of more students. Seven students have died in the LA school district alone. Downey Unified School District began training and planning for emergency administrative response to the Fentanyl crisis over the summer before the 2022-23 school year. Each of their schools has several dosages of Narcan and several faculty and staff members trained to administer doses in the case of a drug-related health emergency.
Oaxacan immigrants continue Guelaguetza, a centuries-old Indigenous celebration
PHOENIX – The Guelaguetza is a colorful, Indigenous celebration that was brought to Phoenix by Oaxacan immigrants who are continuing and sharing this tradition in Arizona.
Cubs prospect BJ Murray Jr. builds relationships, represents Bahamas in Arizona Fall League
BJ Murray Jr. was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas and moved to the U.S. when he was 14 years old to pursue his baseball career. Murray Jr. was then drafted by the Cubs in the 15th round of the 2021 draft out of Florida Atlantic, building a friendship along the way.
Fact-check: Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko’s comparison of electric car and traditional batteries misses key points
Arizona Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko opposes Democrats’ climate change plans. Recently, she had harsh words for the push to expand the use of electrical vehicles.
October 26, 2022 Newscast
A new lawsuit aims to block drop box watchdogs ahead of the primary, what officials say about the risk of fentanyl in your kid's Halloween candy
Higher ed math: Proposition 308 would let Dreamers pay in-state tuition
WASHINGTON - Proposition 308 would let undocumented residents or Arizona pay in-state tuition to attend one of the state's universities. If approved, it would reverse a 2006 ballot measure that passed by a huge margin, but supporters say times have changed in Arizona.
Voters testify to fear at ballot drop boxes, urge judge to halt monitors
WASHINGTON - A federal judge could rule as early as Friday on a request to ban groups that have been monitoring ballot drop boxes, in response to voters who testified Wednesday to feeling intimidated as they cast their ballots.
How Solar Sox manager Bobby Crosby rediscovered passion for baseball after playing career derailed
PHOENIX – Bobby Crosby won the American League Rookie of the Year award with the Oakland Athletics in 2004, but he never had a better season in the major leagues. While his playing career didn’t go according to plan, Crosby has rediscovered his passion for the game as a coach and manager in the A’s organization.
Here’s the deal: Cam Johnson banking on solid play leading to huge payday with Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – Cam Johnson and the Suns failed to agree to a contract extension before the season, allowing him to become a restricted free agent in 2023. This puts pressure on Johnson to perform, but he’s trying to not let it distract from the team’s goals.
‘Coach’s dream’: Ohio State commit Dylan Raiola shows jaw-dropping skill as Chandler quarterback
PHOENIX – Dylan Raiola, an Ohio State quarterback commit and the No. 1 ranked prospect in the 2024 class, has led Chandler to an undefeated record. The junior has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his unique play style and talented arm.
South Mountain golfer Luke Greig journeys from Scotland to the U.S. in search of pro career
PHOENIX – Coming all the way from the birthplace of golf, Scottish golfer Luke Greig is starting his collegiate career at South Mountain Community College with hopes of one day turning professional.
Slow, steady and high tech: Study using GPS to track Sonoran desert tortoises
SCOTTSDALE – The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy wants to learn more about how the Sonoran desert tortoise interacts with urban development and how they move through the desert. It's using telemetry and GPS to track 22 tortoises in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Surging numbers: Driving an electric vehicle doesn’t need to cause range anxiety
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A federal law provides grants to states that draft plans to expand electric-vehicle charging stations. Arizona will receive $76.5 million over three years to boost its EV infrastructure along interstate highways.
Supreme Court delays order that Ward give phone records to Jan. 6 panel
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has granted a brief reprieve to Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward on a subpoena to turn over her phone records to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Yoga for addiction recovery and mental health expands among care providers
Within the past decade, behavioral and mental health providers have adopted yoga as a supplemental treatment tool for addiction recovery. With overdose deaths up by 30% in 2020, people are turning to less traditional methods, like practicing yoga, to get and stay clean.
Local celebrities, athletes put pedal to the medal at NASCAR Racing Experience
AVONDALE – Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR invited local athletes and celebrities to do the NASCAR Racing Experience, driving real race cars and even riding with three-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Jarrett.
Inflación, violencia y trabajo, prioridades para votantes latinos, revela encuesta
PHOENIX – UnidosUS y Mi Familia Vota han publicado una encuesta que revela los temas más importantes para los votantes latinos en Arizona en las próximas elecciones. Entre estos se encuentran la inflación, la violencia armada y el aborto.
Yuma Catholic QB Richard Stallworth aims to throw himself into Arizona’s record books as all-time passing leader
YUMA – Richard Stallworth sits atop most of Arizona’s all-time high school quarterback records. This season, he passed Spencer Rattler for most career touchdowns, and entering Friday’s game he’s only 183 yards away from being the state’s all-time passing yards leader.
Ready to rumble: Jake Paul, Anderson Silva raise stakes with special bet for Saturday’s fight
GLENDALE – Separated by a 22-year age gap, Jake Paul and Anderson Silva prepare to square off in Saturday’s blockbuster bout. But before the fighters stepped foot in the ring, the headliners made a unique bet Thursday in the final press conference before their highly anticipated fight.
Equipped to handle doubters, quarterback Emory Jones remains determined to lead ASU
TEMPE – Emory Jones is accustomed to doubters. Despite a quarterback controversy, he remains determined to lead Arizona State, which takes on Colorado Saturday.
Cubs prospect Matt Mervis uses past struggles to propel career in Arizona Fall League
PEORIA – Matt Mervis has found great success in the Arizona Fall League, but the road has not always been easy. With limited playing time at Duke, he had to work hard to prove he deserved to be where he is today.
Rising Halloween costs make trick-or-treating less of a treat this year
WASHINGTON - The only thing scarier than ghosts, ghouls and goblins this Halloween may be higher prices for candy, costumes and pumpkins: Inflation has driven up prices for all three. Americans are expected to spend a record $10.6 billion on Halloween this year.
License to vote: Prop 309 would toughen ID rules for mail, in-person voting
WASHINGTON - Backers of Proposition 309, which would stiffen ID requirements for mail and in-person voting, say it will help restore voter confidence in election integrity; critics call it a solution to a problem that doesn't exist and say it will just make it harder for some people to vote.
Judge: Ballot drop-box watchers are not a ‘true threat,’ cannot be blocked
WASHINGTON - A federal judge Friday refused to block groups that are monitoring ballot drop boxes, saying voters who complained of intimidation had not shown that the watchers posed a "true threat" to their voting rights.
Mullett mania: Arizona Coyotes earn style points in home opener as new chapter begins
TEMPE – ASU students and longtime Coyotes fans converged at Mullett Arena home opener Friday night. The turnout for the season’s first home game not only was a successful night but inspired fans for the future of the organization.
Who’s got next? Jake Paul piques interest about next opponent after victory vs. Anderson Silva
GLENDALE – Jake Paul defeated Anderson Silva Saturday night in Paul’s biggest fight to date. Who will the internet sensation take on next as his boxing career continues to ramp up?
Pain, action and hope: Activists have battled for police reform for decades
OAKLAND, Calif. – Activists are pushing for police reform, building on the struggles of the past to improve the future of policing in the U.S. To long-time activist Elaine Brown in Oakland, that means being willing to risk your job, to consistently confront the uncomfortable.
Single and loving it?: Prop 129 would limit ballot measures to one subject
WASHINGTON - Proposition 129 asks just one question: Should all future ballot initiatives ask just one question"? Supporters say limiting initiatives to a single subject will make it easier for voters, but critics call it another attempt to increase legislative power at voters' expense.
Your vote can determine the future of Arizona’s water
PHOENIX – Five seats on the Central Arizona Water Conservation District board are up for election at a time of deep drought. This 15-person board determines how 80% of Arizona's water is used.
October 31, 2022 Newscast
Flu season starts off worse than in previous years; a boxing gym holds classes for people with Parkinson's, the Puerto Rican Center of Arizona organizes fundraisers for hurricane relief
Day of the Dead, Hollywood style, comes to movie star cemetery
LOS ANGELES – Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, attracts thousands every year to Hollywood Forever. Families created altars for loved ones who have died, adorning them with photographs, decorations and some of the departed’s favorite things. The hope was, even in death, their family members might return and enjoy the tributes for one day of the year.
Tucked in Tucson, the Roadrunners pave the way for hockey in a basketball town
TUCSON – Since arriving in 2016, the Tucson Roadrunners have built a strong culture in Tucson despite the city being primarily known for their basketball.
N-ice! High school hockey thrives in Arizona despite rink shortage
PHOENIX – Despite a lack of available ice rinks and without AIA sanctioning, the Arizona High School Hockey Association has not only survived for 23 years, it has thrived.
Valley animal shelters struggle to ease overcrowding amid economic instability
PHOENIX – Metro Phoenix is experiencing an animal housing crisis of overcrowded animal shelters. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and the Arizona Humane Society are offering resources to pet owners and rolling out initiatives to get pets out of shelters and into permanent or foster homes.
Supreme Court presses state on its rejection of Arizona death-row appeal
WASHINGTON - Supreme Court justices challenged Arizona's claim Tuesday that a death row inmate should not get a chance to appeal his sentence, based on what one justice called a "Kafkaesque" ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court.
Libertarian nominee Victor drops out of Senate race, backs GOP’s Masters
WASHINGTON – Libertarian Senate nominee Marc Victor withdrew from the race Tuesday and endorsed GOP candidate Blake Masters, shaking up a race that was already tightening just a week before Election Day.
November 1, 2022 Newscast
The Supreme Court weighs in on the fate of an Arizona death row inmate, options for voters who miss the recommended mail-in ballot deadline
Obama shoots down rumors of Phoenix Suns ownership, praises team’s play
PHOENIX – Despite rumors that Barack Obama had interest in ownership of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, he shot down speculation. He also praised the play of the Suns.
Best of the best: Arizona Sports Hall of Fame inducts six Valley legends
PHOENIX – Several Valley legends were inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Tuesday, with Larry Fitzgerald and the late Pedro Gomez highlighting the class.
Coyotes honor Matt Shott’s legacy, pick up first win at Mullett Arena
TEMPE – On Hockey Fights Cancer night, Coyotes honor Matt Shott’s legacy and contributions to the organization. Coyotes win first ever game at Mullett Arena.
Observations vary by culture, but remembrance remains the heart of Día de los Muertos
PHOENIX – Although Día de los Muertos has been commercialized and thought to be the “Mexican Halloween,” it remains a day of remembrance. Those who celebrate also remember the origins of the holiday, which reach back to the Aztecs.
El Día de los Muertos varía culturalmente, pero el recuerdo sigue siendo el corazón de la conmemoración
PHOENIX – Día de los Muertos ha sido comercializado y se cree que es el “Halloween mexicano”, sigue siendo un día de recuerdo. Quienes celebran también recuerdan los orígenes de la festividad en America, que se remontan a los aztecas.
Pac-12 flexes muscle, lands 5 teams in initial College Football Playoff rankings
PHOENIX – As the Pac-12 looks to get its first team in the College Football Playoff since 2017, Oregon, USC and UCLA vy for a spot but will need help.
November 2, 2022 Newscast
Political robocalls and texts are overwhelming phones this election season, how Arizonans can benefit from traveling more sustainably
After several tries, Prop 211 backers hope to shine a light on ‘dark money’
WASHINGTON - Give $50 to a campaign and, under Arizona law, your name, address and employer are reported to the state. Give $5,000 - or more - to an independent group working to support or oppose that candidate and you do so in secret. Prop 211 aims to change that.
Judge sets limits on drop-box watchers, banning weapons, confrontation
WASHINGTON - A federal judge set new limits on groups watching ballot drop boxes, ordering them to stop confronting and filming voters, to stop carrying weapons near the boxes and to correct voting misinformation on their social media.
Game on: Hillcrest Prep poised for first season in Overtime Elite league
BUCKEYE – Hillcrest Prep was one of three teams to join Overtime Elite, a high school basketball league designed for players to get paid or receive exposure from fans and scouts. The Bruins are preparing for the league after experiencing it first-hand last season.
Hockey on horseback: Inside Shane Doan’s upcoming polo debut and training regimen
SCOTTSDALE – Shane Doan, former NHL Coyotes player for over 15 years, is preparing for a polo match Saturday. He is training this month to be ready for the match.
Call it a comeback: Centennial football eyes state title in return to prominence
PEORIA — After stumbling to a 3-7 record last season, Centennial football is returning as a top contender in the 6A division. With two games left in the regular season, the Coyotes look to go from ‘good to great.’
Hell on your cell: Arizonans got 50 million campaign robotexts this fall
WASHINGTON - It’s not just the elections that are heating up - your phone is, too. Almost 50 million unsolicited political robotexts were sent to Arizona phones this fall, according to one company's data, and more than a million robocalls were sent in the same period.
Piggin’ out for the planet: Halloween pumpkins wind up in livestock, not landfills
Pumpkin drives are becoming a popular way to give your Halloween pumpkins a second purpose while keeping them out of landfills, where they rot, generating greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change. Better Piggies Rescue and Rover Elementary School are among the groups hosting donation drives to collect pumpkins to feed them to animals or to be composted.
Back to where it all began: Three Sun Devils reunite in Arizona Fall League
PEORIA – Gage Workman, Trevor Hauver and Justin Fall were part of a 2020 ASU baseball team that lost out on half a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ending their college baseball careers. While Hauver and Workman were selected in the 2020 shortened draft, Fall was drafted the year after and the three reunited for the first time back where it all began, Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Tucson woman arrested in abortion-rights protest during Supreme Court hearing
WASHINGTON - A Tucson woman was one of three people arrested Wednesday after they disrupted a Supreme Court hearing with a protest over the court's decision to reverse its 1973 ruling that had recognized a right to an abortion.
Prop 130 could restore long-defunct property tax break for veterans
WASHINGTON - It's been 32 years since disabled Arizona veterans got the same property tax break as widows, widowers and disabled individuals. Proposition 130 restores the tax break by fixing language in the Constitution that courts said violated the equal protection clause.
Healing through culture: Increasing access to Native American practices to treat mental health
HOUCK – Traditional healing has always been a part of Indigenous culture, and it’s especially useful for treating mental health. But access often is limited. Arizona and other states are seeking authorization from the federal government to cover these services under Medicaid.
Fact-check: Kris Mayes said Arizona’s murder rate rose by 20% under Republican leadership
In the Sept. 28 attorney general debate hosted by Arizona PBS, Democrat Kris Mayes said, "We have seen over the last 10 years, under Republican agencies and Republican governors, a rise in the murder rate in Arizona of 20%."
Ride to the polls: Grassroots effort gets people out to vote on the Navajo Nation
KAYENTA – Protect the Sacred is a grassroots effort to find new and creative ways to engage with young Indigenous voters. Earlier this year, the group skateboarded to the polls for the primary election, and recently they gathered in Kayenta to ride horses to the polls ahead of Nov. 8.
Marcus Bagley looks to take ASU men’s basketball and his career to the next level
TEMPE – As Arizona State men’s basketball returns to game action, so will star forward Marcus Bagley. Bagley was a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, but only played in 15 games over the last two seasons for the Sun Devils.
Fact-check: No, Katie Hobbs did not vote to pull the Pledge of Allegiance or the U.S. Constitution from school
Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake accused her Democratic opponent, Katie Hobbs, of voting to prevent students from learning about the Pledge of Allegiance, the Constitution, and other historical American documents.
All gas, no breaks: NASCAR Cup Series Championship revs up for Phoenix finale
PHOENIX – Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain will battle it out for the title Sunday at Phoenix Raceway following a dramatic Round of 8.
Ahead of rebuilding season, Natasha Adair and ASU women’s basketball have eyes on return to prominence
PHOENIX – Arizona State women’s basketball opens the 2022-23 season Monday in Tempe. The Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the Pac-12, but coach Natasha Adair is confident she can bring ASU back to national relevance.
Fact-check: Kris Mayes exaggerates, but as AG, Abraham Hamadeh could seek jail time for abortion providers
Democratic candidate for Arizona attorney general Kris Mayes claims her opponent, Abraham Hamadeh, would target women and doctors for abortion law violations. Politifact rates Mayes' claim as half true.
Fact-check: Katie Hobbs backed bill to double Arizona gasoline taxes
In mid-October, Kari Lake said Katie Hobbs “has voted to double our gas tax.” Politifact rates that claim as mostly true.
Fact-check: Hodge: Schweikert convicted of 11 counts of House ethics violations
Jevin Hodge said David Schweikert has “been convicted of 11 House ethics violations.” Politifact rates that as true.
Fact-check: Republican Arizona school chief candidate said kids are resistant to COVID-19
Republican Tom Horne, candidate for Arizona superintendent of public instruction, said kids are resistant to COVID-19. Politifact rates that claim as half true.
Fact-checking Arizona Democrats’ claim that Abraham Hamadeh misled about his legal experience
Abraham Hamadeh worked as a prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for almost 3 years. Hamadeh said in an interview that he played a lead role and handled many trials. Court records show he worked on a total of 27 cases. None of those cases went to trial.
Former ASU infielder Jake Elmore returns to roots in the Arizona Fall League
PEORIA – Jake Elmore thought he would remain an Arizona Diamondback for his entire MLB career. However, he played for 12 teams over 13 years. Now a coach with the Surprise Saguaros, Elmore has returned to where it started in the Arizona Fall League.
Voters with disabilities have many ways to cast ballots in Maricopa County
PHOENIX – An estimated 38 million eligible voters in the U.S. have a disability, but they tend to have a lower turnout rate than voters without disabilities. A Phoenix nonprofit works with disabled residents on what to expect on Election Day.
Two good! Joey Logano secures second NASCAR Cup Series title in Phoenix
AVONDALE – Joey Logano won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in dominant fashion Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, where he joined an elite group and took his son for victory doughnuts on the track.
November 7, 2022 Newscast
Campaigns make their final pushes before Election Day, Ability360 helps make voting more accessible to disabled Arizonans
Earlier fears of short-staffed elections averted, but some fears remain
WASHINGTON - Earlier fears that voter intimidation would make it hard to hire workers run state elections have not panned out. But county recorders say they are staffed up, they concede that workers may be looking over their shoulders more this year than in years past.
The debate on debates: They grab headlines but some ask if they still matter
WASHINGTON - Debates, or lack of them, were the focus of a substantial amount of, well, debate in Arizona's elections this fall. But do they really matter anymore in helping voters make up their minds on a candidate? That all depends on who you ask.
Supreme Court asked to rule ‘gold standard’ of tribal adoption laws racist
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will consider Wednesday whether the Indian Child Welfare Act is the "gold standard" of child welfare policy or a "outrageous and unconstitutional" law that has outlived its time.
Supreme Court lets stand ruling upholding Arizona’s eight-person juries
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a challenge to Arizona's law that allows defendants in serious criminal cases to be tried by a jury of just eight people.
See updates from Arizona voters and polling locations on Election Day
PHOENIX – Voters across Arizona headed to the polls to make their voices heard this midterm election. Their votes on candidate races and propositions will determine the future of Arizona. This year, tensions are high as Arizonans decide on a new governor as well as a U.S. senator, among other races.
From oiled sand to ‘Augusta’ greens, Phoenix Country Club continues to evolve ahead of Schwab Cup
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Country Club hosted multiple tournaments, including the Phoenix Open and the PGA Tour Champions finale, Charles Schwab Cup Championship. The club has undergone many changes since its inception to enhance members and golfers’ experience.
Kari Lake dares NFL to ‘play chicken’ over 2023 Super Bowl location
PHOENIX – Republican nominee for Arizona governor Kari Lake said she will not back down over her proposed border control measures if the NFL threatens to remove the Super Bowl – something the league did before in 1990.
Judge rejects GOP request to extend voting hours after tabulation issues in Maricopa County
PHOENIX – The Republican National Committee and three prominent Arizona Republicans filed a complaint Tuesday ahead of the 7 p.m. close of election polls, requesting an extension to voting hours in Maricopa County until 10 p.m. and suspension of returns for early ballots until 11 p.m.
November 8, 2022 Newscast
We check in on polls across the state on Election Day, the number of registered voters fell in the past six months
Fact-check: Maricopa County tabulators lead to ballots with ‘no chain of custody’
Vote counting machines at about 60 vote centers in Maricopa County, Arizona, stopped processing ballots. The problem was due to a printing error. Ballots that were instead placed in a secure slot marked No. 3 remained under full chain of custody control. The county uses bipartisan teams of ballot couriers to retrieve the ballots and securely transport them to a central vote counting center.
U.S. Senate: Kelly takes lead on Masters amid voting hours dispute
WASHINGTON – Incumbent Sen. Mark Kelly was leading his Republican challenger, Blake Masters, with a narrow lead in unofficial election results.
With abortion taking center stage, Mayes and Hamadeh run neck and neck in AG’s race
PHOENIX – Arizonans had the choice to vote between two polar opposites for attorney general. Democrat Kris Mayes faced off against Republican Abraham Hamadeh, with abortion at the forefront of the election.
Secretary of State: Adrian Fontes leads over Mark Finchem
PHOENIX – Democrat Adrian Fontes, who said his goal is to bring trust back to voters, has a lead over Republican Mark Finchem, who denies the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.
Schools superintendent: Hoffman and Horne in tight race
PHOENIX – Incumbent Kathy Hoffman, running a race in which she defended her record, and Tom Horne, a Republican who preached a return to academic basics, were neck and neck as ballots were still be counted.
Arizona governor: Katie Hobbs holds narrow lead over Trump ally Kari Lake
PHOENIX – Democrat Katie Hobbs maintained a narrow lead Wednesday over Republican Kari Lake in Arizona’s race for governor. The race is one of the most competitive – and most consequential – in the country.
Propositions: Measures to limit ‘dark money’ and medical debt pass
PHOENIX – Proposition 211, the ballot measure requiring disclosure for political spending, has passed, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. House: Redistricting, midterm malaise tighten congressional races in Arizona
PHOENIX – Democrats face stiff challenges to hold their slim 5-4 seat majority in the House of Representative races in Arizona, while the GOP hopes redistricting and midterm backlash gives Republicans the lead.
From rivals to teammates to co-workers: D.J. Foster, Scooby Wright join forces as sideline reporters
CHANDLER – D.J. Foster and Scooby Wright, former rivals on the gridiron at ASU and UArizona and later teammates on the Arizona Cardinals, have seen their career paths cross once again, as they now do sideline reporting together for Arizona high school football games. They will be covering a big rivalry matchup between Chandler and Hamilton Thursday.
‘Visibility matters’: LGBTQ care coordinator aims to improve care for Phoenix-area veterans
PHOENIX – There are an estimated 1 million LGBTQ+ veterans in the U.S., many of whom are more likely to report chronic physical or mental health conditions. The Veterans Health Administration launched its LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Program to address these disparities.
‘It’s an honor to be out here’: AFL Home Run Derby participants soak in opportunity to emulate MLB
MESA – In 2008, Josh Hamilton was in his second year of his MLB career, and went on to hit 28 home runs in one of the best Home Run Derby performances in history. In the Arizona Fall League, his performance has inspired prospects to try and emulate him in the AFL Home Run Derby.
Fact-check: Tucker Carlson wrong about people not being able to vote in Maricopa County
Vote counting machines at about 60 vote centers in Maricopa County, Arizona, temporarily stopped processing ballots. Voters had the immediate option to place their ballot in a slot in the same machine to be counted later. There were reports of frustrated and irritated voters, but no accounts that anyone who wanted to vote couldn’t.
Changing of the stars: Arizona Fall League’s new rules for annual showcase a hit
MESA – The Arizona Fall League hosted its 16th annual Fall Stars Game this past weekend, with the best prospects being selected to represent the National and American Leagues. While the field of competition changes every year, the event itself has also morphed over the years.
November 9, 2022 Newscast
Red wave or blue mirage? We take a look at the election results, new law changes threshold for election recounts
‘Blue mirage:’ Why Democrats’ leads slipped, bolstering GOP hopes
Tuesday night started with a blue hue in Arizona. In the morning, there was a red glow. How could this happen?
Justices grapple with legality of Indian Child Welfare Act in marathon hearing
WASHINGTON - Over the course of three hours Wednesday, the Supreme Court grappled with whether a law meant to keep Indigenous children with Native American families should be overturned as racist and unconstitutional, as critics charge.
Fact-check: Charlie Kirk is wrong, Maricopa County did not reduce polling places in 2022 elections
"Maricopa County intentionally reduced the polling places to create issues like this. Stay in line. Vote in person," Kirk, founder and president of the conservative group Turning Point USA tweeted on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Natasha Adair brings passion, spark to ASU women’s basketball team
TEMPE – Natasha Adair takes over for longtime ASU women’s basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne and hopes her former success at previous stops translates to returning the program to prominence.
Symptoms of COVID ‘long haulers’ baffle doctors looking for treatment options
LOS ANGELES – With COVID-19 restrictions having faded away, doctors are seeing an influx of patients with long-term symptoms that are similar to the severe symptoms shown at the peak of the pandemic but are not as lethal. Doctors and other health care providers in Southern California are working with patients to correctly diagnose them and provide proper care to ease their suffering.
Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad makes up for lost time in Arizona Fall League
Heston Kjerstad was drafted second overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2020 MLB Draft. However, he couldn’t make his professional debut until two years later due to being diagnosed with Myocarditis. Now, Kjerstad is playing catch up in the Fall League.
Elections officials: 500,000 ballots still out, but vote count on track
WASHINGTON - Arizona election officials said Thursday there were still more than 600,000 ballots to be counted from Tuesday's elections, but insisted they are still on schedule to complete the count in the next few days. Even if that schedule is not as fast as some would like.
Doug Ducey, federal government battle over shipping containers at the border
YUMA – State and Yuma officials concede that placing old shipping containers at the border is not the permanent or effective solution they want, but they did it anyway. Now, what some call a political stunt has the state embroiled in a legal fight with the federal government.
‘Somebody special for our 500th ride’: 100-year-old WWII veteran flies with Grounded No More
MESA – Grounded No More, a Mesa nonprofit that takes veterans on “honor flights,” took its 500th flight with 100-year-old WWII veteran Ted Giannone, who joined the Navy at 19.
Height, goatee aren’t only reasons Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker turns heads in Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – Jordan Walker, 20, is a top baseball prospect thanks to his obvious physical talent and love for the game. The No. 6 overall prospect from Atlanta is enjoying his experience in the Arizona Fall League.
Updated recovery plan for Mexican wolves aims to reduce human-caused deaths
PHOENIX – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s final revision of its recovery plan for Mexican wolves adds additional guidance for human-caused deaths, education and livestock conflict-avoidance measures. The update, released in early October, comes after a court ruling.
Will soundproof apartments be enough? Coyotes’ proposed Tempe arena, entertainment district goes to public vote
TEMPE – Tempe City Council votes to send the Arizona Coyotes' proposed Tempe arena and entertainment district to a public vote, which will be held May 16.
ASU League of Legends builds from ground up through developmental team
PHOENIX – ASU League of Legends’ new roster is full of new faces but most come from the same place. Last year’s developmental roster.
Trash talk: Los Angeles is losing its battle with litter, and neighborhoods are stepping up
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles residents are fed up with trash they have decided to take matters into their own hands and create their own trash clubs, the city of Los Angeles, is stymied over the problem, and is heavily losing the fight against trash.
November 14, 2022 Newscast
An update on Arizona's ongoing election battles, a new housing complex provides affordable units in the expensive Phoenix area
Supreme Court orders Kelli Ward to turn over phone records to Jan. 6 panel
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday that Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward has to comply with a subpoena and turn over her phone records to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6th insurrection.
Magnus out as head of Customs and Border Protection after less than a year
WASHINGTON - Former Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus resigned as head of Customs and Border Protection over the weekend, reportedly forced out after a tumultuous year that saw record-shattering numbers of migrants stopped at the southern border.
Arizonans among those celebrating national memorial to Native veterans
WASHINGTON - A group of 51 Native American veterans from Arizona were in Washington for Veterans Day, part of a contingent of 1,500 Indigenous vets from across the country who were on hand for the formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial.
As world leaders meet to discuss climate change, action plans inch forward in Arizona
PHOENIX – As world leaders meet in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss global climate change at COP27, in Arizona initiatives are taking place to help deal with adaptation, heat resiliency and drought.
Fact-check: More than 1.13 million votes were counted within 24 hours of Election Day, not just 62,000
"We waited 24 hours and got a measly 62,000 votes," Republican secretary of state candidate Mark Finchem tweeted Nov. 9. He called the county’s election system "a national disgrace."
‘Test subjects’ in Arizona Fall League try out baseball rule changes
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Fall League got the first look into the three major changes for the upcoming 2023 MLB season. Get a look into what players in the Fall league think of the rule changes.
Cardinals lineman Kelvin Beachum, teammates ‘tackle hunger’ in Gridiron Giving Challenge
PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals tackle Kelvin Beachum has joined Verizon and the United Food Bank in a campaign to “tackle hunger” that pits Cardinals fans and followers of the New Orleans Saints in a competition to raise funds to feed the hungry.
Play ball! A day in the life of the Arizona Fall League
MESA – While the Arizona Fall League takes place from October-November, it is considered baseball’s league of the offseason. From the communications department to the players, each person has different experiences.
Katie Hobbs rallies supporters and declares victory in Arizona governor race
PHOENIX – Democrat Katie Hobbs declared victory in the Arizona governor race after holding onto a tight early lead over Republican opponent Kari Lake, who had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
First in the nation law requires tech companies to take steps to improve kids’ well-being
PHOENIX – Research shows that more young Americans are facing mental health struggles, and technology is partly to blame. A new California law requires tech companies to do more to protect the privacy and data of children online. The measure could pave the way for similar laws elsewhere.
Making a splash: Xavier swimmer Genevieve George is back in the pool after rare diagnosis
TEMPE – Xavier Prep swimmer Genevieve George is returning to form after missing virtually all of her freshman season because of a rare condition. She was diagnosed with MALS, which required her to practice and compete with a feeding tube inserted into her stomach.
Give me a C! Brain injury survivor Marlee Smith advocates for concussion victims after cheerleading accident
PHOENIX – After sustaining a traumatic brain injury when she was 16 from cheerleading, Marlee Smith’s life forever changed. She had to relearn basic life skills and is now using her experience to help others deal with concussions.
Glendale in dispute with White Sox over cost of female locker rooms at Camelback Ranch
PHOENIX – Camelback Ranch, the Glendale spring training facility, will be adding a locker room for female employees. The City of Glendale is in a dispute with the Dodgers and White Sox over should pay for it.
November 16, 2022 Newscast
Two Arizona students travel to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the Save Oak Flat Act, organizations discuss how the get out the vote efforts affected the midterms
After long fight, tribal water bills get primary OK; still far from final
WASHINGTON - A trio of bills affecting water rights and infrastructure for Arizona tribes took a step closer to becoming law Wednesday, a move one official said his tribe has been waiting for since being forced onto the reservation.
Inside the making of the Phoenix Suns’ City Edition jerseys honoring Arizona’s Native American tribes
PHOENIX — Nike’s City Edition uniforms allow NBA teams to create a new jersey that honors the culture and community through basketball. The Suns used this opportunity to unveil their ORGINATIV program, which highlights Arizona’s Native American tribes and educates fans about the culture through symbolism on the jersey and live performances.
Welcome mat: ASU wrestling set for Mullett Arena debut in home opener
TEMPE – The ASU Sun Devils wrestling team will face off against No. 3 ranked Missouri Tigers at the newly built Mullett Arena in the program’s next step toward building a national powerhouse.
Better pregame, in-game experiences? As football team struggles, ASU works to enhance game day
TEMPE – Throughout the years, ASU fans have complained about the game day experience at Sun Devil Stadium. The athletic department has focused on shorter ticket lines and better tailgate opportunities.
Brotherly love: Reunited in Arizona, McLain trio leave their baseball mark
PHOENIX – Growing up in California. brothers Nick, Matt and Sean McLain played baseball in their backyard with their parents. Now, two are in major league farm systems and another at ASU. While their paths may have intertwined, these brothers are forging their own outside of each other's shadows.
Australian sisters strengthen family bond while running at NAU
PHOENIX – Sisters Nikita and Keira Moore reunited at Northern Arizona this year after a year spent apart. The Australians have adjusted to living in the U.S. while running cross country and track for the Lumberjacks.
Arizona added 100,000 jobs in 2022, but home prices limiting growth, economist warns
Arizona’s economy is well-positioned even as the Federal Reserve hits the brakes on the economy to slow inflation, economists tell attendees at the 59th annual ASU/PNC Bank Economic Forecast Luncheon.
Tight elections for attorney general, schools superintendent could trigger automatic recounts
PHOENIX – The results of statewide elections for attorney general and superintendent of public instruction are currently within the margin for an automatic recount, with about 10,000 ballots left to be counted. The process across every county in the state would go into late December before recount results are released to the public.
Appeals court gives Resolution Copper mine opponents another chance
WASHINGTON - A federal court said it will take another look at claims that the proposed Resolution Copper mine should be delayed because it sits on land sacred to the Apache and would violate their religious rights by destroying Oak Flat.
‘Sentimental thing:’ Neon signs still cast an eerie glow, but mostly in museums
GLENDALE, Calif. – The warm glow of neon is being preserved in cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Casa Grande, Arizona. Some find it soothing reminders of yesteryear. Others just get a laugh out of some of it.
Fact-check: Democratic Maricopa County attorney candidate says Arizona has world’s eighth-highest incarceration
The Prison Policy Initiative reported, based on data from 2020 and 2021, that Arizona would have the eighth highest incarceration rate in the world if it were evaluated as an independent nation. The state incarcerates 868 people per 100,000 residents. Other measures also rank Arizona high for incarceration rates. Other agencies measure incarceration rates across different times and with different methodologies. Therefore, finding any one definitive number is difficult.
30 years and counting: Veterans, 9/11 responders reconnect at ASU football game
TEMPE – Thirty years ago, Jimmy Powers formed a group of childhood friends to attend a college football game together. Over the years, the group grew to include veterans and 9/11 responders. Two weeks ago, they attended an ASU game together.
Changing of the guard: ASU men’s basketball transfer Frankie Collins emerges as team’s leader
TEMPE – Sophomore point guard Frankie Collins, who transferred from Michigan over the summer, has been impressive for ASU MBB, improving in every statistical category. Despite low averages against Michigan, Hurley and his teammates raved about what Collins would bring to the team even during the offseason. On Thursday night, ASU defeated his former team in the Legends Classic championship.
Price is right: Arizona Cardinals deliver most affordable fan experience, study says
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals offer the most affordable experience for fans, a study says, despite struggling to have success on the field at home. The Raiders are the most costly.
At 17, Kylan Boswell already turning heads for the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team
TUCSON – Arizona Wildcats guard Kylan Boswell, who was a five-star recruit from AZ Compass Prep, reclassified to play for the Wildcats a year early. Now, after recovering from a foot injury, the 17-year-old has seen early playing time after one of Arizona’s guards was suspended for the first three games.
Coyotes break the ice on growing youth hockey with 1st Stride event
SCOTTSDALE – The Coyotes set up the 1st Stride event for kids aged from 5-9 to get their first experience with hockey and learn to roller skate and eventually ice skate.
Una madre mexicana en Phoenix busca empoderar a otras mujeres con su historia de emprendimiento
PHOENIX – Imelda Hartley dijo que pasó por momentos duros, como la violación a la que fue sometida a los 12 años a manos de un amigo de la familia. Perdió la custodia de sus hijos dos veces, todo por las mentiras de terceros que, según ella, buscaban verla destruida. Pero Hartley salió victoriosa y busca contagiar su empoderamiento a otros.
Arizona students come to lobby as courts, Congress, fight over Oak Flat
WASHINGTON - A group of Arizona high school students and alumni was in Washington this week to lobby for a bill that would block development of a copper mine at Oak Flat, land that is sacred to the San Carlos Apache.
‘We see value in you’: Arizona organization helps bridge gaps between foster kids and families
PHOENIX – An estimated 80% of the more than 400,000 children in foster care across the U.S. struggle with significant mental health issues. In Arizona, one nonprofit is working to help children persevere – by offering services for foster youth and parents alike.
From foodie to gamer, Hamilton’s Beach defined by more than volleyball
PHOENIX – Volleyball is a passion, but so, too, is cooking and gaming for Hamilton High School’s Neomi Beach.
Close to return, Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown expected to drive ‘hard bargain’ for new deal with Arizona Cardinals
PHOENIX – The Cardinals are poised to hand wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown a handsome contract extension. Brown’s initial production and his aggressive agent working with leverage Arizona forfeited to acquire the 25-year-old figures to bolster the payday.
As drama, finger-pointing unfolds in Qatar, Arizona soccer fans watch World Cup from afar
PHOENIX – From human rights controversies to corruption scandals, the host of the World Cup, Qatar, has been endlessly scrutinized. It did not keep Arizona soccer fans from watching the competition at area bars and restaurants.
Arizona votes are now counted, but election drama will go on
Arizona votes are now counted, however the ordeal goes on as three races are headed for automatic recount and two counties delay certification. Democrat Katie Hobbs defeated Republican Kari Lake in the governor race, which does not qualify for an automatic recount.
November 21, 2022 Newscast
Maricopa County releases final election numbers, Flagstaff to increase their minimum wage
Food banks get lesson in economics: More demand, less supply, higher prices
WASHINGTON – Arizona food banks head into the holiday season having to buy more food, at higher prices, for more clients, with fewer donations to help pay for it. It's a perfect storm of inflation, supply chain issues, increased demand – and a bird virus that's hit turkeys.
Arizona pet-toy maker in the doghouse with Jack Daniel’s over parody product
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider whether an Arizona manufacturer of pet toys infringed on Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 trademark with its Bad Spaniels Old No. 2 squeaky toy for dogs.
Phoenix Suns’ injury woes taking a heavy toll, halt hot start
PHOENIX – After a 6-1 start to the 2022-23 NBA season, the Suns are just 4-5 since losing Cam Johnson and Chris Paul to injuries earlier this month. Who is stepping up in their absences? How is Monty Williams managing? Let’s take a look.
ASU legends reflect on 1983 Fiesta Bowl victory, voice concerns about today’s football program
PHOENIX – During a luncheon honoring the 1982-1983 ASU football team for their victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl 40 years ago, members of that team voiced their concern over the program’s recent struggles.
Asian District Night Market in Mesa showcases small businesses, draws 10,000 people
MESA – The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce partnered with the recently named Asian District in Mesa to host the Asian District Night Market: Kamayan Festival, which showcased small businesses.
Home away from home: Phoenix Rising set for next move near Sky Harbor
PHOENIX – After the Phoenix City Council approved a new lease last Wednesday, the Rising will relocate for the third time since 2017 ahead of the 2023 USL regular season.
Turkeys gobble, but they don’t go cheap: Thanksgiving meal costs skyrocket
WASHINGTON - Consumers will face "historically high" prices for their Thanksgiving meal ingredients this year, with experts urging them to plan ahead, look for deals and be ready to substitute traditional foods for something cheaper.
Heat the turkey, not the conversation: Surviving a post-election holiday
WASHINGTON – While Americans might be tempted to discuss politics while passing the gravy this Thanksgiving, experts say that food is the only thing that should be heated at the holiday dinner table – and they offer hosts some tips for redirecting the dinner table talk.
Monday Night Fiesta: Mexico fans take over San Francisco 49ers- Arizona Cardinals game at Aztec Stadium
MEXICO CITY – The San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals faced off in the final game of the NFL International Series in Mexico City at Aztec Stadium. The Niners and the 49er faithful dominated the Super Bowl-type event’s tone and mood, helping them defeat the Cardinals.
Hotel Heave-Ho: LA unhoused could return to streets as Project Roomkey winds down
LOS ANGELES – The L.A. Grand Hotel has housed the unsheltered under a federal grant in the name of public safety during the pandemic. Now, authorities intend to lock the door on the remaining Project Roomkey participants at two hotels by February.
Hobbs presses steadily toward transition, even as challenges swirl
WASHINGTON - Ignoring challenges and election critics, Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs pressed on toward a transition Wednesday, meeting with current Gov. Doug Ducey, laying out the incoming administration's priorities and promising to be "a governor for all Arizonans."
November 23, 2022 Newscast
Indigenous people create a documentary about the Grand Canyon, how climate change is affecting temperatures in Arizona
Pac-12/SWAC Legacy Series brings social justice issues, HBCUs to the forefront
PHOENIX – Arizona and Arizona State’s basketball programs are getting a chance to learn more about historically Black colleges and universities through a partnership between the Pac-12 and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
High school students learn about artificial intelligence and related career paths
TEMPE – DriveTime, an online used-car dealership and finance company based in Tempe, partnered with the Mark Cuban Foundation to host an AI boot camp for high school students in the Phoenix metro.
‘Smooth’ ASU receiver Andre Johnson strikes right notes on football field and in rap music studio
TEMPE – Arizona State wide receiver Andre Johnson is using the offseason to start a career as a rap producer. He’s not the first ASU football player to make music, but he wants to help define the Phoenix hip-hop scene.
Move ’em out! Historic Old Tucson film studio has reopened after two years
TUCSON – Two years after COVID-19 shut it down, Old Tucson reopened in early October under new management. Hollywood filmed Westerns at the site for decades, and now visitors again can soak up some of that history.
Six in a row? ASU football hopes to continue domination of Territorial Cup series against Arizona
TEMPE – After winning just three games this season, Arizona State football is not bowl eligible. A victory over Arizona in the Territorial Cup would end the season on a high note.
November 25, 2022 Newscast
Arizona leads the nation for the amount of food waste it creates, in this special edition of Cronkite News, we look at solutions to the problem
As cartels turn to social media to push fentanyl, experts teach parents how to keep kids safe
GLENDALE – Opioid use, particularly the use of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, remains a pressing problem. As cartels do more to target young people on Snapchat and other social media, Arizona drug prevention groups are letting parents, kids and educators know what to look out for to stay safe.
Arizona nonprofit raises funds to help Puerto Ricans in Hurricane Fiona aftermath
PHOENIX – Members of the Puerto Rican Center of Arizona have held six events across metro Phoenix to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Fiona, which struck Puerto Rico in September.
Cronkite News changes name of topic category to ‘Indigenous Communities’
PHOENIX – Cronkite News is changing the name of one of our main topics – Indian Country – to Indigenous Communities. The reason: The term Indigenous is viewed by many as more inclusive.
Indigent and unclaimed: 494 people memorialized in André House candlelight vigil
LITCHFIELD PARK – André House of Arizona held its annual Thanksgiving Eve candlelight vigil for the indigent and unclaimed buried at White Tanks Cemetery in Litchfield Park, which is Maricopa County’s potter’s field.
From Todd Graham to boosters to high school coaches, ASU’s hiring of Dillingham widely applauded
TEMPE – After an emotional and positive opening press conference for Sun Devil Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, all eyes are on what he’ll be able to do once he takes over.
Maricopa, Mohave counties certify election results as Cochise County delays
PHOENIX – Maricopa County and Mohave County certified their county results for the November election, but Cochise County refused to certify its results by the legal deadline of Monday. State election officials have said they would sue Cochise County if it missed Monday’s deadline.
November 28, 2022 Newscast
The deadline arrives for counties to certify the election, a group wants to reclaim the Indigenous rodeo circuit
University researchers in Arizona, Washington collaborate to create a Valley fever vaccine
PHOENIX – A new research program combining the efforts of Northern Arizona University and the University of Washington aims to create a vaccine for Valley fever, an infectious fungal disease that poses an increasing threat as the climate gets drier and warmer.
Arizona soccer fans watch U.S. win in World Cup, reflect on strained relations with Iran
PHOENIX – As Arizona soccer fans watched the U.S. beat Iran in a World Cup match Tuesday, they acknowledged the distraction of geopolitical tensions. From an Iranian journalist scolding the U.S. team captain for a mispronunciation, to the U.S. Soccer Federation briefly displaying Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, controversy has surrounded this event.
November 29, 2022 Newscast
Supreme Court considers a challenge to U.S. deportation policies, a new partnership helps kids with their mental health
Supreme Court wrestles over state challenges to federal immigration policy
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Tuesday grappled with how strictly the federal government must enforce immigration policy, and whether states should have a say in how that policy is enforced.
A place to call home: Tempe City Council votes for public referendum on potential Coyotes’ arena and entertainment district
TEMPE – The Tempe City Council votes unanimously for a public referendum regarding the Arizona Coyotes potential new arena in Tempe on Tuesday night. What impact will this have on the Coyotes future
Double duty: Suns GM James Jones rewarded with promotion to President of Basketball Operations
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced James Jones as the team’s new president of basketball operations. This is the first time this job has been filled since 2015. It is a new position for Jones, however Jones’ impact on the organization made the ideal candidate for the job.
Organización sin fines de lucro de Arizona ayuda a puertorriqueños después del huracán
PHOENIX – Miembros del Centro Puertorriqueño de Arizona han realizado seis eventos en el área metropolitana de Phoenix para recaudar fondos para los afectados por el huracán Fiona, que azotó a Puerto Rico en septiembre.
Who’s playing in the Fiesta Bowl? Latest College Football Playoff ranking gives us an idea
PHOENIX – The penultimate College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday, giving football fans an idea of who may meet in the Fiesta Bowl. CFP chair Boo Corrigan and Fiesta Bowl COO Bob Whitehouse discuss possibilities for Michigan, Ohio State, USC and more.
November 30, 2022 Newscast
The AZ Court of Appeals hears arguments on enforcement of an 1864 abortion law, new developments in the Coyotes' proposal for a Tempe arena
Judges grill both sides in effort to untangle state’s jumbled abortion laws
WASHINGTON - Arizona Court of Appeals judges quizzed attorneys Wednesday as they tried to figure out how, or if, they can square competing abortion laws that could restrict or outright criminalize abortions in the state.
Arizona lawmakers vote to impose contract on rail workers, fend off strike
WASHINGTON - Most members of Arizona's congressional delegation joined the rest of the House Wednesday to give overwhelming bipartisan approval to a bill that would head off a national rail strike by imposing contract terms on rail workers' unions.
Shuttle Endeavour conquered space. Now it has to survive a move to a new home in LA.
LOS ANGELES – The retired shuttle’s final frontier will be a new building, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, next door to the California Science Center, where it’s displayed horizontally. The spaceship will be displayed upright, in launch position, with its enormous orange fuel tank appearing to be attached to its belly and two white booster rockets on either side and a launch gantry to view the shuttle at every viewpoint.
How one Wickenburg cattle ranch puts sustainability at its core
WICKENBURG, Ariz. – Date Creek Ranch in Wickenburg is working to demonstrate how cattle ranching can benefit the environment.
Valley homeowners take advantage of xeriscape incentives
MESA – Mesa and Chandler offer xeriscape incentives for homeowners to convert their grass lawns to more desert-friendly landscaping.
Despite a losing season, University of Arizona football is building a winning program
TUCSON – The University of Arizona football team had a combined 1-23 record over its last 24 games coming into this season, but the Wildcats were able to put together a 5-7 season this year, which was capped off by their first Territorial Cup victory in six years. The Wildcats have a lot to build on heading into the future.
Growth beyond borders: Inside the NFL’s reach in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – The NFL returned to Mexico City on Nov. 21 when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals. The NFL and its clubs started to grow their presence in Mexico last year to build their brands and gain fan growth in an interest-filled region.
Organizaciones no lucrativas ayudan a sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama
PHOENIX – Organizaciones de Phoenix unen esfuerzos para ayudar a sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama.
Band of brothers: ASU hockey’s Demetrios Koumontzis draws competitive spirit from siblings
TEMPE – Forward Demetrios Koumontzis, who is in his fifth season with the ASU hockey team, developed a competitive streak early while growing up as the second youngest of six brothers. His family made several moves just to help the boys develop their hockey skills.
December 1, 2022 Newscast
Cochise county certifies it's election results; how a push to certify doulas could lower maternal death rates.
Filipinos in LA look to a gateway as their ‘guiding star’ to salvage a neglected history
LOS ANGELES – Historic Filipinotown, or HiFi, is supposed to be the center of the Filipino community in Los Angeles, but it lacks key identifying factors that many cultural communities have in their respective districts. The strides to make this a reality have been slow, but community members have been working to make the Filipino community’s presence known.
‘Like a home:’ Filipino American students join to raise visibility, preserve heritage
LOS ANGELES – Young Filipino people turn to cultural clubs and organizations for a sense of community at the Universities to educate themselves and others. The struggle to better understand their culture and heritage has led them out of their homes and into classrooms.
This three-wheel vehicle can’t fit a family, but it can deliver their pizzas
LOS ANGELES – It may not be the ride of your dreams, but the single-seat ElectraMeccanica Solo, a Chinese vehicle imported by a Canadian company, can get you from A to B economically.
Tribal leaders welcome return of White House summit, administration pledges
WASHINGTON - For the first time in six years, leaders of federally recognized tribes from across the country gathered in Washington this week to meet with Biden administration officials in a gathering one Oklahoma leader called "extremely powerful."
Not quite universal, but families flocked to universal voucher program
WASHINGTON - Arizona parents have flocked to apply for the state's new universal Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, which let any family apply for state funds to pay for their child's schooling, regardless of need.
Hillcrest Prep, Overtime Elite excited about new deal with Amazon Prime
PHOENIX – Amazon Prime agreed to be the exclusive media rights partner for the Overtime Elite league earlier in November, which will provide plenty of exposure for Arizona’s Hillcrest Prep.
Report: Schools struggle to fill a range of jobs, in classroom and beyond
WASHINGTON - The state's longtime teacher shortage is well-known, but personnel officers said in a recent report that they have openings they cannot fill for everything from nurses to custodial employees, secretaries and administrators.
Top dogs: Cynosport World Games brings together dog agility trainers in Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale hosted the Cynosport Dog Agility World Games last weekend. The sport has seen exponential growth and a big evolution in the last three decades, according to two local pioneers of dog agility.
Page has a front row seat to climate change crisis on the Colorado River
PAGE – As the Colorado River shrinks in the hands of a changing climate, communities that rely on it are starting to feel the pinch. Smaller cities and towns in the Southwest, like Page, have a perilous front row seat as the diminished river threatens to cut off their water supply completely.
Teqball, a mashup of soccer and pingpong, aims for Olympic status. Yes, you read that right.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A new sport, Teqball, hopes to qualify as an Olympic competition by 2028 Olympics. The curved-table sport takes aspects of pingpong and soccer and blends them together to create something new.
Border surge brings shift in migrant countries, challenges to U.S. policy
WASHINGTON - The surge of migrants at the southern border has included skyrocketing numbers from countries that were barely represented in previous years, presenting a challenge that experts say the U.S. is not equipped to address.
2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four set for Phoenix return with new logo unveiling
PHOENIX – The NCAA Men’s Final Four will return to Phoenix in 2024, and the countdown clock has started with Wednesday’s logo reveal in downtown Phoenix.
‘C’ you later: Cannabis sales soar, but don’t threaten Arizona’s 5 C’s yet
WASHINGTON - Marijuana sales soared to $1.6 billion in 2021, just one year after Arizona legalized recreational use, according to an industry research group. But production in the state still lags, meaning cannabis is far from threatening the historic "5 C's" of Arizona's economy.
ASU men’s swim team strokes its way to 5th in the nation and a bright future
LOS ANGELES – The swim team is not only strong this season, but its success is being powered by freshmen and sophomores that could maintain its edge for years to come.
Brittney Griner’s release raises questions about lingering impact of Russian penal colony imprisonment
PHOENIX – Brittney Griner was released Thursday from a Russian penal colony and is headed the United States. Some worry about the lingering effects of imprisonment in a Russian penal colony.
Phoenix nursery provides model solution for newborns exposed to opioids
PHOENIX – Hushabye Nursery uses a model called Eat, Sleep, Console to treat newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome, the result of withdrawing from drugs they were exposed to before birth. The nursery gives parents and babies private rooms to allow for family-centered care, with the goal of breaking the cycle of addiction across generations.
Arizona resumed executions in 2022, outgoing Brnovich seeks one more
WASHINGTON - After an eight-year hiatus, Arizona executed three death-row inmates in 2022, the most it has carried out in a decade. And Attorney General Mark Brnovich has set the wheels in motion for a fourth execution, which could come after he leaves office next month.
Arizona slipped from top 10 in Pentagon spending, but defense economy still strong
WASHINGTON - Pentagon spending in Arizona fell sharply in fiscal 2021, part of an overall decline in expenditures nationally that bumped the state from seventh place among states to 13th, Pentagon data shows, but experts say the industry remains strong in the state.
Last-second miss: GCU men fall to North Texas in Jerry Colangelo Classic
PHOENIX – GCU came up just short against North Texas in the Jerry Colangelo Classic, named after the former owner of several Arizona teams and the namesake of GCU’s business school.
Certain sports promote stronger skeletons in kids, study finds
LOS ANGELES – A University of Indiana study found that young “unidirectional athletes,” such as swimmers and runners, have a higher risk of bone-related injuries than youngsters who pursue multidirectional sports, like football and basketball.
Busker nation: Outside of sporting events, street performers capture soundtrack of Phoenix life
PHOENIX – Outside of Phoenix sporting events and concerts, local street performers set the ambience for fans. Many of them come from illustrious musical backgrounds, and they’re hoping you’ll listen, even if just for a moment.
Bears witness: Phoenix College women’s soccer moves one title closer to building a dynasty
PHOENIX – The Phoenix College women’s soccer team has won two of the past three nationals after upsetting the No. 1 seed in this year’s Division II national championship tournament. Can the team replaces its stars and keep the momentum going into next season?
Arizona taking steps to combat maternal mortality, one doula at a time
TEMPE – A new doula advisory committee in Arizona is developing certification procedures for the nonmedical labor professionals. It will bring the state one step closer to increasing access to doulas – who, research shows, can help prevent pregnancy-associated deaths.
For love of the game: Arete Prep’s Aiden Wander leaves heart on the field after scary injury
GILBERT – Arete Prep RB Aiden Wander doesn’t remember leaving the field after suffering a concussion early in the season. His road to recovery was long and difficult, but there was never a doubt that he was going to finish out his senior year.
Student loan forgiveness program would help Black, Latino borrowers in Arizona
PHOENIX – Student loan forgiveness could eliminate college debt for thousands of Black and Latino borrowers in Arizona. According to a report from the Student Borrower Protection Center, 90% of Black and 72% of Latinx students take out loans to attend college, compared with 66% of white students.
Climate change and drought are muting bright fall colors as we know them
FLAGSTAFF – Visitors travel far and wide to view fall colors in northern Arizona, but climate change and ongoing drought are affecting fall foliage as we know it. The PhenoCam Network, based in Flagstaff, is tracking these changes.
Companionship and championships: Adult baseball league provides outlet to live out childhood
GOODYEAR – The National Adult Baseball Association plays its World Series in Phoenix every year and is one of America's fastest-growing adult baseball leagues. Mitch Gross, Chris Cumrine, Eric Alexander and Rick Fischer are four of the thousands of men that have all found a new home to play baseball.
SRP researches cloud seeding in White Mountains to create snow amid historic drought
PHOENIX – SRP is researching cloud seeding along the Mogollon Rim as Arizona continues to struggle with its worst drought in 1,200 years. The partnership with the White Mountain Apache Tribe could bring Arizona its first cloud seeding operation.
HistoriCorps volunteers help preserve structures at Crescent Moon Ranch in Sedona
SEDONA – The nonprofit organization HistoriCorp partnered with Coconino National Forest to preserve historic buildings on the Crescent Moon Ranch in Sedona, founded in 1880.
Border communities, Border Patrol brace for migrant surge as Title 42 ends
TUCSON - Record-high numbers of migrants stressed humanitarian organizations and border officials alike in 2022. Now, both groups are bracing for a new surge, with the end next week of Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that allowed 2.5 million migrants to be turned away.
From NFL to high school sidelines, Conrad Hamilton has found success revitalizing Desert Mountain
SCOTTSDALE – In his fourth season at Desert Mountain, former NFL player Conrad Hamilton has reinstituted a winning culture as one of many former pro football players finding success in the high school coaching ranks.
Two good? Perry Pumas continue dominance in search of consecutive state championships
GILBERT – Perry basketball, led by Cody Williams, Koa Peat and Sam Duane Jr., are hoping to repeat as state champions this season. After an 11-0 start, can the Pumas win back-to-back titles?
Fire districts face uncertain funding future after ballot measure’s failure
WASHINGTON – Voters said no to a plan that would have added one-tenth of a penny to the state sales tax to benefit rural fire districts, but firefighters warn that the need - and the threat to public safety - have not gone away.
Catalyst for change: How Jerry Colangelo, 1992-93 Suns transformed downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – The 1992-93 Phoenix Suns were more than a success on the basketball court, where they were good enough to reach The NBA Finals. With a new coach, a new superstar in Charles Barkley and a new arena, that team launched a renaissance in downtown Phoenix that transformed the city.
Voters limited their own power to legislate, told state lawmakers to butt out
WASHINGTON - Arizona voters this fall made it slightly tougher on themselves when it comes to passing laws at the ballot box, but they also sent a strong message to state legislators - keep your hands off voter initiatives.
Phoenix Rising coach Juan Guerra plans to take advantage of academy in future
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Rising signed the franchise’s first-ever academy player to the first team in 2021, but Niall Dunn is one of few players to earn a promotion since the academy opened in 2021. Coach Juan Guerra has plans to change that.
Statewide hotline to support mental health during and after pregnancy
TUCSON – A hotline expected to launch next spring seeks to help improve access to information and treatment options for perinatal mental health.
Colleges expect more undocumented students this spring after Prop 308
WASHINGTON - Arizona voters did a sharp about-face this fall, narrowly voting to allow in-state tuition for undocumented state residents, a 180-degree reversal of a policy that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2006 prohibiting such aid for Dreamers in the state.
‘Two minds work better than one’: Tyi Skinner, Jaddan Simmons take reins for ASU women’s basketball
TEMPE – The Arizona State women’s backcourt duo of Jaddan Simmons and Tyi Skinner, who transferred from Delaware with coach Adair, are taking charge of leading this season’s team after the Sun Devils lost their prestigious head coach, leading scorer and top rebounder.
Fighting hate: Approaches range from expanding hate crime definitions to gathering data
LOS ANGELES – The system for reporting hate in America is broken. The FBI’s database has limited scope, and people often don’t – or sometimes can’t – report hate crimes to authorities. But federal, state and local entities are tackling hate in a variety of ways – from expanding definitions and launching hotlines to capturing data.
Supporters: Debt collection act an important protection, but not a cure-all
WASHINGTON - Prop 209's backers say voter approval of the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act will go a long way toward keeping people from being "forced out on the street" for medical debt. But they say consumers will still need to be on their guard.
After overwhelming voter OK, political ‘dark money’ law hailed as model
WASHINGTON - It could be months before the impact of Proposition 211 is seen in Arizona, but experts are already hailing the new law aimed at exposing "dark money" in politics as a model for the rest of the nation.
Pitchman: Suns marketing exec Harvey Shank recalls single major league mound appearance
PHOENIX – Harvey Shank worked for the Phoenix Suns for 42 years, playing a pivotal role in securing some of the club’s most iconic sponsorships. But in 1970, he pitched a single game in the major leagues against one of baseball’s most feared lineups – and survived to tell about it.
‘It’s changing’: As police officers quit the profession in droves, an opportunity for change emerges
PHOENIX – Police departments across the country are in a workforce crisis. Some leaders see this as an opportunity, and they’re trying harder to attract candidates who reflect the communities they serve, with a focus on women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
For Arizona athletes, competing at Gallaudet means one less challenge
WASHINGTON - Challenge is a part of sports, but the challenges don't usually include being able to freely communicate with teammates and coaches. For deaf Arizona athletes on hearing teams back home, all that changed when they started competing for Gallaudet University.
Already struggling, farmers face another challenge with diesel shortage
As if this year hasn’t been rough enough on the agriculture community, with droughts and inflation, farmers can now add "global diesel shortage" to their hardship bingo card for 2022.
It’s electric: ADOT planning a statewide network of EV chargers along interstates
PHOENIX – Thanks to federal funding, the Arizona Department of Transportation will receive millions to upgrade existing electric vehicle chargers and install new ones along interstate highways.
Friendship goals: GCU trio fulfills childhood dreams of playing together
GLENDALE – Blake Reilly, Vince Reilly and Jacob Wilson lived the dream that many childhood friends only wish. The longtime teammates played travel, high school and college ball play college baseball together.
Arizona’s falling vaccination rates could lead to serious health issues in the future
PHOENIX – Arizona’s vaccination rates, which have been declining for years, dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic and haven’t rebounded since. Experts fear that could result in serious health consequences for Arizonans in the future.
Derrick Michael Xzavierro’s history-making odyssey lands him at GCU
PHOENIX – Derrick Michael Xzavierro’s journey to GCU has led him across the world from his home of Indonesia. Though he is taking a redshirt year this season, Xzavierro has already made an impact and history as Indonesia’s first Division I basketball scholarship player.
Horse slaughter in Apache-Sitgreaves forest highlights friction between animal and environmental concerns
SPRINGERVILLE – Dozens of feral horses were killed in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville in October. The presence of feral horses on federal land has angered scientists, hunters, government agencies and horse advocates, but all for different reasons.
Vietnamese EV survives Arizona’s heat, but navigating a tight U.S. market will be tougher
LOS ANGELES – Although it performed well in Arizona’s heat, the Vietnamese EV VinFast won’t have it easy competing against a cascade of new electric models on the way from established automakers, experts say.
Desert duel: Michigan, TCU set for battle in CFP semifinal at Fiesta Bowl
SCOTTSDALE – Michigan and TCU, two programs with vastly different preseason expectations, prepare to compete on college football’s biggest stage at the College Football Playoff at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Colonias residents fight long, and often lonely, fight for basic services
EL PASO COUNTY, Tex. - More than 134,000 residents to colonias - unincorporated rural communities along the U.S.-Mexico border - live withough basic services like roads, water or sewer, and the fight to change that is long and lonely, often left to residents and private nonprofits.
Water reductions for the new year may be just the beginning, experts say
WASHINGTON - Few Arizona residents will notice changes in water availability in their daily lives after Jan. 1, when steep cuts are imposed on the water the state can draw from the Colorado River. But that doesn't mean they can relax, as experts expect more cuts will be needed in 2023.
TCU’s poise amid Fiesta Bowl theatrics sends Horned Frogs to championship
GLENDALE - A calm demeanor guided No. 3 TCU through the craziness of the highest-scoring Fiesta Bowl ever and into the College Football Playoff national championship game after a 51-45 win over No. 2 Michigan.
Phoenix led the nation in inflation in 2022, but rise may slow in 2023
WASHINGTON – After a year in which the Valley saw the nation's highest inflation rate for metro areas, experts say consumers can expect inflation to ease in 2023 - but warn that it's not going away entirely.
Jim Harbaugh’s future with Michigan uncertain after Fiesta Bowl loss
GLENDALE - Michigan has now lost in back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals after its stunning Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU Saturday, sparking new questions about the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines program.
Young Diamondbacks determined to end postseason drought
PHOENIX – The young Diamondbacks core looks to spark positive change in the next few years and earn a playoff berth for Arizona.
Three years on, COVID-19 no longer grabs headlines, still poses a threat
WASHINGTON - COVID-19 is down sharply from the height of the pandemic, but it has still accounted for more than 2.3 million infections and 32,182 deaths in Arizona since the first cases were confirmed in January 2020. And health experts say it's not going away.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used ‘off label’ to treat brain injuries, but questions remain
CAVE CREEK – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being used to treat patients with traumatic brain injuries but has not been approved by the FDA.
Former Ithaca swimmer Jack Wadsworth makes waves in first season with ASU
TEMPE – New ASU swimmer Jack Wadsworth, who transferred from Ithaca College in the offseason, quickly adjusted to the Sun Devils team after a cross-country move. As the season gets set to resume in two weeks, the junior is flourishing.
Empathy and humanity are at the center of Holocaust education in Arizona
PHOENIX – Arizona teachers, including some who have visited Holocaust sites, are looking for ways to teach middle and high school students about the Holocaust and other genocides. Experts say teaching it builds empathy and warns of “the dangers of staying silent in the face of evil.”
Biden honors Bowers, others, on second anniversary of Jan. 6 insurrection
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers was honored with 11 others by President Joe Biden for their "contributions to democracy" during and after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, in a White House ceremony on the second anniversary of that attack.
Vertical farm in Avondale promotes sustainability, technology, water conservation
AVONDALE – The vertical farm OnePointOne has opened in Avondale and is growing a variety of leafy greens and strawberries. Among its benefits, vertical farming uses 99% less water than a traditional farm – which could significantly affect Arizona’s water supply.
Arizona Cardinals fire Kliff Kingsbury as head coach; GM Steve Keim steps away
TEMPE – Cardinals chairman and president Michael Bidwill spoke with reporters about the organization’s decision to move on from the former coach and general manager Monday after a dismal 4-13 regular season.
Maricopa County’s ozone pollution is high and getting worse
PHOENIX – The EPA recently moved Phoenix up in ozone non-attainment levels, from marginal to moderate. City officials are worried they won’t meet attainment by 2024, when the restrictions get tight and some businesses may not be able to operate.
As more LGBTQ+ people face eating disorders, providers work to create appropriate care
PHOENIX – With research showing that LGBTQ+ individuals face a higher risk of developing eating disorders, more and more providers are creating specialized treatment to address these disparities and ensure people get the care they need.
Police in Colorado town use outreach, TikTok to gain immigrants’ trust
AVON, Colorado – Avon Police Chief Greg Daly says many people in his small Rocky Mountain town are afraid to call police. To improve trust among the large immigrant population, the department conducts an annual Latino Police Academy, has hired more Spanish-speaking officers and even posts fun TikToks in Spanish.
Forest Service resumes cleanup of abandoned mines near Prescott after pause
PRESCOTT – The U.S. Forest Service this week resumed its abandoned mine cleanup project in the Cherry Creek Mining District near Prescott to protect the environment and human health.
Lack of players forces ASU women’s basketball team to forfeit 2 Pac-12 games
PHOENIX – Arizona State announced Wednesday that the ASU women’s basketball games against Colorado and Utah had been canceled due to student-athlete availability. The games will not be made up, and will not affect the overall records of the schools.
Arizona led nation for rise in homeless youth last year, HUD report says
WASHINGTON - Arizona saw the largest increase in the number of homeless youth in the nation last year, at a time when other large states were seeing those numbers decline, according to a recent federal report.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s best arson investigator is a 4-year-old Lab named Zeta
GILBERT – Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s arson dog, Zeta, is their best investigator of suspicious fires. The 4-year-old Labrador can quickly and precisely locate accelerants, saving the fire department time and money.
Cactus High students build a road-worthy electric vehicle
GLENDALE – As the world moves slowly away from fossil fuels, Cactus High School in Glendale is teaching automotive students how to build an electric vehicle from scratch.
Tip of the ice: Arizona hockey on the rise through Arizona Coyotes, colleges and community
PHOENIX – The rise of professional, collegiate and youth programs has allowed hockey to thrive in Arizona. While hockey was nearly nonexistent in the Valley decades ago, it has slowly become one of the premier sports in the state. Here’s how it happened.
Student gumshoes at GCU collaborate with Phoenix police to create shoeprint database
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University forensic science students and the Phoenix Police Crime Lab are building a local shoeprint database to assist investigators in identifying shoe impressions left at crime scenes.
Representation on police force builds trust with LGBTQ people
Greg Miraglia, founder of Out to Protect, said training, recruitment and officer representation on a police force are among the ways to build trust with LGBTQ community people.
GCU among universities offering scholarships to build successful esports programs
PHOENIX – As Esports scholarships become more common, Grand Canyon University tries to stay ahead of the game.
Jury convicts Arizona Oath Keeper of seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 attack
WASHINGTON - An Arizona man charged with seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 insurrection thought he was supporting peaceful protesters, his attorney argued Wednesday, but prosecutors said Edward Vallejo was played an essential role in the Oath Keepers' attack on the Capitol.
Battle for No. 1: ASU men’s basketball hosts No. 5 UCLA for Pac-12 supremacy
TEMPE – The Sun Devils have an opportunity to take first place in the PAC-12 on Thursday against UCLA. However, the red-hot Bruins continue to run the PAC-12 and enter the contest riding a 13-game winning streak.
SRP solar plant northwest of Flagstaff expected to offset 1 billion pounds of CO2 each year
FLAGSTAFF – SRP partnered with Clenera to develop the largest solar plant in Arizona. Solar and clean energy expansion in the state could lead to a low-cost carbon-free future.
Building the future: Trade occupations encouraged as demand for skilled labor grows
PHOENIX – Trade labor jobs are in high demand across the U.S., with many companies desperate for skilled laborers. TradeUp! and West-MEC are handing middle and high school students hard hats and teaching them such crucial skills as electricians, welders and mechanics.
Big shoes to fill: New Saguaro football coach Zak Hill up for the challenge
SCOTTSDALE – New Saguaro football coach Zak Hill will have his hands full with one of the best high school football teams in the state. The former ASU offensive coordinator comes in after former coach Jason Mohn’s extraordinary 11-year run with the program.
‘It was pretty special’: Cameron Johnson returns to delight of fans, helps Suns snap skid
PHOENIX – Cam Johnson made his return Thursday night against the Brookly Nets, helping the Suns hold off a late charge to pick up a 117-112 victory at the Footprint Center.
Arizona Wildcats hang hats on defense, rebound in Pac-12 race
TUCSON – After a slow start to 2023, the Arizona Wildcats defeated the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins in a key, two-game homestand. The pivotal victories put the Wildcats back in prime position in the Pac-12 regular-season title race.
Gallego makes it official, announces a run for Sinema’s Senate seat
PHOENIX - Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, made it official Monday, formally announcing a long-anticipated challenge to Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a first-term senator who recently left the Democratic Party to become an independent.
‘We were always sovereign’: Hia-Ced O’odham seek federal recognition as a tribe
PHOENIX – In Arizona, 22 federally recognized tribes inhabit nearly every region of the state, but the Hia-Ced O’odham community isn’t one of them. Some members are working to change that, and others believe it may be too difficult to achieve.
ASU puts dent in NCAA tournament hopes with homestand sweep
TEMPE – In one of the most anticipated week’s of Bobby Hurley’s tenure, with an opportunity to claim the top spot in the Pac-12 and assert their legitimacy as a NCAA tournament team, the Sun Devils were swept at the hands of their Southern California rivals.
Arizona Cardinals begin front office rebuild with new GM Monti Ossenfort
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals held an official press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 17 to name Monti Ossenfort as the club’s new general manager. This marks the beginning of a new era for Arizona Cardinals football.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs creates independent prison oversight commission
PHOENIX - Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed her sixth executive order Wednesday, establishing an independent prison oversight commission to improve the transparency and accountability of Arizona’s corrections system.
Record numbers sign up for Obamacare health coverage in Arizona, U.S.
WASHINGTON - A record number of Arizonans signed up for health insurance this year under the Affordable Care Act, as enrollment in the program continues to rebound from the Trump administration's efforts to suppress coverage.
Jimmie Johnson test drives NASCAR’s Next Gen car in Phoenix Raceway return
AVONDALE – It was a big week in the world of NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway. Not only was NASCAR testing new modifications to the Next Gen 7 car, seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson got behind the wheel of the new race car for the first time before his return to the sport.
Volunteers help Tempe kids with reading skills
Page Turners is an organization that promotes early childhood literacy. Its volunteers from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University provide free reading tutoring at the Tempe Public Library.
Arizona gets failing grades in annual Lung Association tobacco report card
PHOENIX – Arizona lags behind in policies that prevent and reduce tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association’s annual “State of Tobacco Control” report. The state received failing grades in three of five categories and did not improve on any of its grades from last year.
Brock Purdy’s sudden success in the NFL traces back to his days at Perry High School
GILBERT – The last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, quarterback Brock Purdy has led the San Francisco 49ers all the way to the NFC Championship. His time at Perry High School helped shape him into the quarterback he is today.
Beastie Boys are back as pop groups embrace pop-up museums
LOS ANGELES – A Beastie Boys pop up exhibit in Los Angeles is on trend with the growing ideology of pop-up exhibits.
Superb Bowl Sundays: Arizona has knack for delivering the goods in big game
PHOENIX – Those who have taken part in three previous Super Bowls played in Arizona remember their historical importance, the big plays and the wild finishes. Will Super Bowl LVI at State Farm Stadium in Glendale deliver again?
Former Phoenix Suns players stir memories of 1992-93 season at fundraiser
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns Charities event hosted current and former Suns players Monday at Steak 44, where the conversation centered around the 1993 NBA Finals team and the hopes for a championship in the near future.
For Bobby Hurley, WSU’s Myles Rice, Suits and Sneakers Week hits home
PHOENIX – The American Cancer Society’s Suits and Sneakers Week hits home for Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley, Washington State guard Myles Rice.
This winter’s rain and snow won’t be enough to pull the West out of drought
Rain has pummeled California and the Rockies are getting heavy snows, good news for the Colorado River, which has been crippled by a historic "megadrought." But scientists say it will take much more than one wet winter to turn around the basin's fortunes.
Music, food, gambling and – oh, yeah – golf all make up the WM Phoenix Open experience
PHOENIX – With the WM Phoenix Open coming up at TPC Scottsdale, event organizers are planning some special events. Plans include concerts headlined by Maroon 5 and The Chainsmokers and pro-ams featuring Michael Phelps and Larry Fitzgerald.
Super Bowl 57: The teams are set, and so are betting lines, ticket prices
PHOENIX – With opponents revealed, Super Bowl LVII will feature many firsts, including the first NFL title game in history with two Black starting quarterbacks.
With owners including Larry Fitzgerald, Major League Pickleball launches season in Mesa
MESA – Major League Pickleball kicked off its first event of 2023 in Mesa, Arizona this past weekend. The sport is the fastest growing sport across the U.S. and the tournament was televised on the tennis channel from Jan. 26 - Jan. 29.
Suns rising? Phoenix turning a corner after first-half struggles
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns struggled through much of the season with injuries piling up, testing the club’s roster depth. But with the return of forward Cameron Johnson and veteran point guard Chris Paul, and star Devin Booker expected back soon, the Suns may be poised to make a run after the upcoming NBA All-Star break.
NFL Green brings Arizona community together for ‘Green Week’
PHOENIX – NFL “Green Week” continued on Thursday with an event that aimed to make a larger impact on the community than only the environment. Students led the way to donate over 25,000 items to underserved communities.
Wheelchair basketball event brings top teams, Paralympians to Ability360
PHOENIX – Some of the best wheelchair basketball players in the country competed over the weekend at the 23rd Annual D1 Phoenix Invitational.
Arizona, other states propose Colorado River cuts; California pushes back
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said they will consider a plan by Arizona and five other Colorado River basin states on how to further cut water consumption, even though the biggest user in the basin - California - has not signed off on it.
‘Breaking the chain’: How George Floyd Square sparks change
MINNEAPOLIS – The aunt of George Floyd, along with others, is bringing the Minneapolis community together to spread the message of change through George Floyd Square. After Floyd’s 2020 murder at the hands of police, Angela Harrelson has found a new meaning to her life.
Arizona’s Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club keeps producing the best of the best
PHOENIX – Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club in Arizona is home to many Olympic medalists and World Champions, and according to coach Mark Perry, resources and elite talents are the reasons why.
Field of work: State Farm Stadium undergoes final preparations for Super Bowl Sunday
GLENDALE – With the Super Bowl just weeks away, the preparation for the playing surface is in full swing as the grounds crew works around the clock to ensure that the field will look good to the eyes and keep players healthy.
Super Bowl deals: Affordable events to attend leading up to the big game
PHOENIX – As the average ticket cost for the 2023 Super Bowl reaches $5,000, here are events fans on a budget can attend during the week leading up to the big game.
‘The game needs us’: MLB has diversity problem and no easy solution
PHOENIX – With no United States-born Black baseball players featured in the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, many felt as though baseball had taken a step away from building a diverse game. The next generation of players are growing within the youth community and the MLB DREAM Series in Tempe proved that the game still has more to learn.
February 1, 2023 Newscast
Gun laws at the AZ Legislature, students build electric cars and the turf is shaping up for the big game
Cochise sheriff comes to ‘share the reality’ of border in House testimony
WASHINGTON - Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels told a sharply divided House committee Wednesday that drug trafficking and illegal immigration is getting worse and that it's affecting the safety of residents in his border county.
Fight like a Devil: Inside Ryan Bader’s journey from ASU wrestling to Bellator champion
PHOENIX – Ryan Bader is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion and is fighting in the main event of Bellator’s first card on CBS Network. From his hometown of Reno, Nevada, to ASU wrestling to fighting professionally, Bader’s journey has been remarkable.
Camp Freedom collaboration car sells for $350,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE – Camp Freedom collaborated with Count’s Kustoms and Shelby America on a custom 2021 Shelby Super Snake. The funds from the auction at Barrett-Jackson will fund Camp Freedom’s work providing outdoor experiences to veterans & first responders in need.
Hospitality, tourism and sports industries come together before the Super Bowl to fight human trafficking
PHOENIX – Up to 150,000 people are expected to visit the Valley for Super Bowl LVII, and It’s a Penalty is using the exposure to bring awareness to human trafficking and convene the hospitality, tourism and sports industries to raise awareness and continue the fight against trafficking.
Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, seeks greatness in Glendale
GLENDALE – Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a win Friday against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. If all goes according to plan, this week’s trip will be better than his last.
February 2, 2023 Full Newscast
Cannabis sales to spike; backyard chickens can relieve egg price pain; Super Bowl experience ready to launch
Court says law limiting signs near Super Bowl events violates free speech
WASHINGTON - A Phoenix ordinance that let the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee accept or reject signs around the "NFL Experience" zone downtown is an unconstitutional infringement of free speech rights, a Maricopa Superior Court judge ruled Thursday.
Super Bowl brings traffic headaches. Here’s what you need to know.
PHOENIX — There is an expected increase of traffic coming with Super Bowl events across the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Glendale area. Arizona traffic departments have advice to navigate traffic and road closures.
Diamondbacks’ Ronnie Gajownik ready for historic role as first female manager at High-A
PHOENIX – Ronnie Gajownik was named the manager of the Hillsboro Hops, the High-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. She will be the first female manager at the High-A level.
Ice breakers: Arizona High School Hockey Association brings new community, awareness to hockey in Valley
TEMPE – The AHSHA was started to allow high school athletes to participate in high level hockey competition across the state. However, the AIA has not sanctioned it due to equipment costs and limitations with how many schools have participated. With the league gaining traction, hockey in the desert is thriving more than ever.
Unprecedented times: Super Bowl plus legalized sports betting could equal good fortune for Arizona
PHOENIX – The Super Bowl is widely known in the sports world as a “gamblers’ dream.” However, this year’s Super Bowl is in Arizona, the first state with legalized betting to host the big game. How does this directly impact Arizona and its economy?
From airports to Old Town, Super Bowl’s presence will be felt throughout Valley
PHOENIX – During the week leading up to the Super Bowl, the NFL’s premier matchup will leave its mark, from large-scale advertisements to celebrity parties.
February 3, 2023 newscast
A countdown to the WM Phoenix Open and Super Bowl 57 including a tour of TPC Scottsdale, a Sky Harbor Airport survival guide, how to avoid Super Bowl Scams, affordable events and short term rental options during Super Bowl week.
Mesa’s Charlie Beljan details struggles with anxiety ahead of Phoenix Open qualifier
PHOENIX – Charlie Beljan has found a way to deal with his anxiety while also finding success on the golf course. He’s now on a path to qualify for the Waste Management Phoenix Open next week.
$7,000 a night? Short-term rental prices skyrocket for Super Bowl 2023 weekend
GLENDALE – With hotel rooms in short supply, those visiting the Valley for the Super Bowl and WM Phoenix Open are turning to short-term rentals on sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. They could be in for sticker shock.
No contest: WM Phoenix Open holds up just fine against Super Bowl
SCOTTSDALE – Although this year’s WM Phoenix Open won’t have the full attention of the sports world or even the Phoenix area, the tournament is happy to share the spotlight with Super Bowl 2023 and the economic boost that comes with it.
Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball riding six-game streak, rounding into NCAA Tournament form
TUCSON – The Arizona Wildcats defeated the Oregon State Beavers Saturday to win their sixth straight game and are in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The team is playing some of its best basketball of the season and it couldn’t come at a better time. There is just more than a month of basketball ahead for the Wildcats before the Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments in March.
Threatened narrow-headed garter snake gets help from the Phoenix Zoo
PHOENIX — Forty narrow-headed garter snakes were born last year at the Phoenix Zoo’s Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center — by far the most since the program began in 2007. The center’s director is hopeful 2023 will be another successful year. The aquatic snake is threatened because of invasive species — including crawfish and frogs — climate change and development.
Kenny Dillingham’s first football signing class at ASU ripe with new talent
TEMPE – Kenny Dillingham and his staff secured 43 commitments on National Signing Day, including 15 high school prospects and 25 college transfers, in a complete overhaul of the Sun Devil football roster.
Touch down! Eagles, Chiefs land in Phoenix for Super Bowl 2023
PHOENIX – The much anticipated Super Bowl 2023 between Philadelphia and Kansas City became more real Sunday afternoon when both teams arrived in Phoenix.
February 6, 2023 newscast
Colorado River tourism, Mexican gray wolves counted, how gun bills are faring
Super Bowl 2023 week kicks off with Opening Night at Footprint Center
PHOENIX – For the first time since 2015, Arizona will play host to the Super Bowl. The privilege comes with plenty of must-see live entertainment; tailgates; festivals; and, of course, football in the lead-up to the big game at State Farm Stadium. Follow along for live updates, featuring news, event highlights and more from the Cronkite News team, before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kick off on Super Bowl Sunday.
What the Eagles and Chiefs are saying ahead of Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – For the first time since 2015, Arizona will play host to the Super Bowl. Follow along for live updates, featuring news, event highlights and more from the Cronkite News team, before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kick off on Super Bowl Sunday at State Farm Stadium.
Guesting game: State of the Union guests make political, personal points
WASHINGTON - First lady Jill Biden will host two Arizonans for the State of the Union Tuesday and state lawmakers have invited guests ranging from college student to a college chancellor, tribal leaders to business leaders, in a tradition that can have both personal and political goals.
‘Woo!’: Kansas City Chiefs revved up for Super Bowl 57 on Opening Night
PHOENIX – Super Bowl week officially kicked off Monday night at the Footprint Center. The Eagles and Chiefs took center stage in front of thousands of fans to answer questions about the Super Bowl and how they got here.
A path back to the Super Bowl: Eagles remade in Nick Sirianni’s image
PHOENIX — At Super Bowl Opening Night, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and some of his players reflected on the cultural underpinning of their path to the Super Bowl in Sirianni’s second season with the organization.
Like father, like son, like daughter: Basketball a family affair for Millennium’s Amundsens
GOODYEAR - With the 5A high school basketball playoffs underway, the Amundsen name will appear often. Father, son and daughter are all part of the Millennium program.
A taste of Philly: Where Eagles fans can find cheesesteaks, water ice and watch Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – As the big game approaches, the best of Philly food can be found at multiple restaurants throughout the Valley. Some restaurants are going all out to avoid running out of ingredients while also preparing to create a comfortable viewing experience on Sunday.
Fiery freshman Luke Potter energizes Arizona State men’s golf team
PHOENIX – After an immense amount of success in golf at the junior levels while living in California, Arizona State freshman Luke Potter’s impact on Sun Devil men’s golf has been felt since stepping on the course at the collegiate level.
Valley’s boxing reputation grows as Emanuel Navarrete defeats Liam Wilson in thrilling scrap
GLENDALE - Emanuel Navarrete won the WBO junior lightweight title with a ninth round TKO of Liam Wilson. This marks the third title fight and fifth major boxing card held in the Valley in the past year.
February 7, 2023 newscast
Human trafficking ed for hotel employees, program for faster emergency help, where to find good Philly cheesesteaks
Arizona freshman Ciscomani tapped for Spanish rebuttal to Biden
WASHINGTON - House Republicans tapped freshman Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Tucson, to deliver the Spanish rebuttal to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address Tuesday, a move that some analysts say could boost his status as a rising GOP star.
Updates: Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes take podium on Day 3 of Super Bowl week
PHOENIX – Super Bowl week rolls on with the third day of events, entertainment and media availability from the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
Minority groups may face fewer opioid addiction treatment options
LOS ANGELES – Methadone and buprenorphine are the two leading treatments for opioid addiction. Access to the two can differ based on race and economic advantages.
Arizona lawmakers agree to disagree on Biden’s border, fentanyl plans
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers agreed with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union call to secure the border and fight fentanyl trafficking, but they disagreed on how to get there - one of many areas where they split on party lines over the sometimes raucous address.
A-Rod in a Cardinals jersey? Pujols with a pitching wedge? Celebrities compete in WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – With two popular sporting events in the Valley this week, celebrities have descended on Arizona. Several, including Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Michael Phelps, headlined the WM Phoenix Open celebrity Pro-AM.
Paralyzed from waist down, Danny Fik defies odds in wheelchair sports
PHOENIX – After losing the ability to walk at 13 years old, wheelchair basketball and football talent Danny Fik has leaned into sports to help turn around his life and inspire the disabled community following in his path.
Snap, hold, kick and pray: NFL special teams are simply complex
SCOTTSDALE – For those who believe special teams is the easiest way onto a football field, the Kansas City Chiefs kicking unit begs to differ. The snap, the hold and the kick all depend on perfect execution in the blink of an eye.
From quirky designs to sentimental homage, Super Bowl logos have changed dramatically
PHOENIX – Design philosophies have changed drastically throughout 57 Super Bowls, from the simplistic logos of the ‘70s and ‘80s to the colorful logos of the ‘90s, to the sleek, corporate look of the modern NFL.
New Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia always dreamed of the NBA. Now, he’s finally made it.
PHOENIX – Following the Robert Sarver scandals, new team owner Mat Ishbia looks to correct the wrongs of Phoenix Suns past. At Wednesday’s introductory press conference he vowed to “win every kid’s heart and every person’s mindset.”
Legislature votes to lift cap on school spending for second year in a row
PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate and House have overridden the aggregate expenditure limit for the second year in a row, which will allow school districts to spend their Legislature-appropriated funds. Gov. Katie Hobbs said the action was “long overdue” and called the limit from 1980 an “archaic cap on school funding.”
February 8, 2023 newscast
Legislature votes on education spending cap, drag bill under consideration, radiation tests around the Super Bowl
Super Bowl 2023 halftime performer Rihanna discusses preparation for Sunday
PHOENIX – Fans have heard from Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs players every day this week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. Today, another big game performer will speak ahead of Sunday.
Phoenix Suns acquire Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets
PHOENIX – Mat Ishbia has made a huge overnight splash in his first move as owner of the Suns, acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets
Phoenix Public Transit expanding its Downtown Area Shuttle Circulator to connect riders to more entertainment, shopping, housing
PHOENIX – Phoenix Public Transit is turning to its riders for their opinion on where to expand the DASH bus route. The new route is being developed to connect to more entertainment, shopping, and housing.
From encephalitis to first PGA event: Brett White’s miraculous comeback leads to WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Brett White’s journey back to playing golf wasn’t easy after he was diagnosed with encephalitis. His drive and support from others have helped him land an opportunity at the WM Phoenix Open.
HomeBase Surprise tackles rising homeless youth population in Arizona
SURPRISE – HomeBase, a transitional living facility for homeless youth, opens a second facility, this time in Surprise. The program works to combat the rising rate of unsheltered youth by offering them housing and education.
Despite a busy preseason, ASU softball eyes WCWS run as 2023 season begins
PHOENIX – Jazmine Hill and Yannira Acuña earned plenty of preseason awards, including Softball America’s Preseason Top 100 Rankings and All-American recognition, but their focus is on the upcoming season and the team’s quest to Oklahoma City.
Season of change: ASU alum Darren Woodson’s defining year in Tempe
PHOENIX — Held to ASU’s modified enforcement of Proposition 48, Darren Woodson couldn’t play or practice with the program as an academically ineligible walk-on during the 1987-88 season — before he became a three-year starter, before he won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, and before he was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was a transformational year, to say the least.
February 9, 2023 newscast
Combating fentanyl deaths; finding lost treasures at Sky Harbor; Kevin Durant heads to Suns
Officials warn shoppers of fake Super Bowl LVII merchandise
PHOENIX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security are intercepting fake merchandise.
O Canada! Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin weather conditions at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Despite big-name presence at the WM Phoenix Open, a pair of lesser-known Canadians started strong in a frosty and windy tournament.
Heavy limbs come from the NAU coaching tree, including Andy Reid, who leads Chiefs in Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – Larry Kentera is a former head football coach at NAU. During his time in Flagstaff, he had four future NFL head coaches on his staff including Andy Reid, who will be coaching the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Chiefs or Eagles? WM Phoenix Open field enters Super Bowl predictions
SCOTTSDALE – With Super Bowl 57 and the WM Phoenix Open happening in Arizona at the same time this weekend, this year's field provided picks for the big game.
Clouds may steal the sunshine on Super Bowl Sunday
PHOENIX – Signs of the Super Bowl coat the streets of the Phoenix metro area. But despite Phoenix’s sunny reputation, there's a chance travelers will have to deal with rain for the big game.
Photos: Arizona Super Bowl events include music, parties, experiences, more
PHOENIX – Cronkite News photographers are capturing Super Bowl events, from the Super Bowl LVII Experience to Super Bowl LVII Music Fest and more.
February 10, 2023 newscast
In this Friday edition, we spotlight people who bring the Super Bowl to life
Super Bowl 57 to be won in the trenches, tried and true
PHOENIX – The Chiefs and Eagles have ranked toward the top of the league in scoring offense all season, but the nature behind the numbers appears to pose a contrast in style and tempo that may impact the kind of game either is most likely to win.
Backyard Bowl: Devon Allen, an Olympian, an Eagle and Brophy alum, returns home for Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – Devon Allen is a two-time Olympian and a wide receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. As a Brophy College Prep graduate, Allen is looking forward to returning home on one of the biggest stages in the world.
NFL shines spotlight on local brands and artists ahead of Super Bowl 57
TEMPE – The NFL partnered with four local Arizona brands to design unique Super Bowl 57 merchandise. The final products were put on display at a NFL retail pop-up shop in Tempe for the community to see.
Big bucks, big names: $20 million on line after PGA Tour gives WM Phoenix Open designated event status
SCOTTSDALE — The PGA Tour named the WM Phoenix Open a designated event, meaning it is one of a select group of tour stops this season with an elevated purse of $20 million and all the top golfers competing for it.
Calmer conditions lead to lower scoring at WM Phoenix Open in round two
SCOTTSDALE – After a windy and difficult first round at TPC Scottsdale, calmer conditions Friday led to lower scoring, setting up a possible battle for world No. 1 on a star-studded leaderboard.
On heels of pandemic, Valley hospitality industry eyes potential windfall from Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – The potential of a competitive game and nice weather have brought fans from around the country to the Valley. That excites hotels and restaurants who could use the economic boost.
‘A teachable moment’: Jalen Hurts, Eagles lay blueprint in Super Bowl 57 loss
GLENDALE — After his historic Super Bowl performance ended in an Eagles loss, Jalen Hurts reasserted his rapport with struggle as the source of his success.
Above the fray: Scottie Scheffler wins back-to-back at raucous WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Scottie Scheffler is unflappable on the golf course, even when that course is the TPC Scottsdale with hundreds of thousands of raucous fans there to party at the WM Phoenix Open.
Peacocks are pretty, but getting the boot when they invade neighborhoods
ARCADIA, Calif. – Southern California has been divided over peacocks for decades. Peacock lovers want them to stay even if neighbors are fed up.
WM Phoenix Open’s raucous 16th hole leaves other sports events ‘in the dirt’
SCOTTSDALE – The otherwise nondescript par-3 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open has grown from a good spot to watch golf and grab a beer to one of the most unique, iconic and raucous holes on the PGA Tour.
A dynasty is born: Kansas City Chiefs enter rare air with Super Bowl 57 win
GLENDALE – The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 to become the NFL’s newest dynasty. Historical parallels between the Patriots’ dynasty of old and the Chiefs of today are more apparent after Sunday's comeback win over Philadelphia at State Farm Stadium.
New Phoenix Suns Warren and Bazley have connections to Arizona
PHOENIX – A week after the NBA trade deadline, and the marquee name plastered all around the Valley is that of 13-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant. The former Brooklyn Net brings championship aspirations back to Phoenix, but he also brings along a familiar face. Forward T.J. Warren, who was part of the trade from Brooklyn, played his first five NBA seasons in Phoenix.
First lady Jill Biden visits Mesa Community College to talk college, jobs
MESA - First lady Jill Biden was met with nothing but praise and happy students Monday morning during her visit to Mesa Community College, where she applauded the city for its successful college scholarship program.
February 13, 2023 newscast
Super Bowl winners discuss success, Yuma nonprofits experience financial burden, First Lady visits Mesa.
Valley’s latest sportsbook expected to hit TPC Scottsdale next fall
SCOTTSDALE – The DraftKings Sportsbook, located across the street from TPC Scottsdale, is expected to be completed this fall, making it the first on-site sportsbook at a PGA Tour event.
Legend for Charity: Howie Long honored with prestigious Pat Summerall Award at St. Jude event
PHOENIX – More than 500 attendees gathered at the St. Jude Legends for Charity dinner during Super Bowl week, where former NFL great and Fox Sports NFL analyst Howie Long was honored with the Pat Summerall Award for his contributions to cancer research. More than $800,000 was raised for St. Jude families that will impact the lives of kids with cancer like Owen Church, who Long visited during Church’s treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital years ago.
Arizona Diamondbacks adding new wrinkle to jerseys with Avnet patch
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks unveiled its new jersey advertisement recently, with Avnet becoming the franchise’s new partner. The ad is a black square with the Avnet logo and text that matches some of the team’s colors. The reaction has been mixed.
Blind skateboarder is a ‘sports junkie’ who inspires others
LOS ANGELES - Learning how to ride a skateboard takes dedication and confidence, sighted or not. You can’t be afraid to fall and crash. Blind skateboarder Coco Atama isn’t afraid of falling and certainly staying true to self.
Mexican wolf program is making strides after 25 years of effort
ALPINE - The first captive-raised Mexican wolf was released into the wild 25 years ago, when the species was on the verge of extinction. The Arizona Game and Fish Department says it is proud of the progress of the wolf program, which is steadily reaching its goals.
February 14, 2023 newscast
Making cochlear implants affordable, Arizona's birthday, worms help save water
Tribe seeks burial for mountain lion P-22 in LA park
LOS ANGELES - Indigenous communities view wildlife as relatives and honor their memory by welcoming them back to nature. Even a deceased mountain lion.
Bigger bases, no defensive shifts and a pitch clock: MLB implements rule changes for 2023 spring training and beyond
SCOTTSDALE – MLB hosted a rules demonstration at Salt River Fields Tuesday to introduce media to the way the ghost runner, banned shift, pitch clock and bigger bases will work beginning with spring training and into the 2023 regular season.
ASU’s play ‘Safe At Home’ gives audiences unique, eye-opening theater experience
TEMPE – The unique play “Safe At Home,” an ASU production, gives viewers a chance to see behind the scenes at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Tour guides navigate the audience across nine scenes during a 90-minute interactive experience.
Arizona advocates win national recognition for work on Proposition 308
WASHINGTON - An Arizona nonprofit was honored here Tuesday for its push to win in-state tuition for undocumented students, a change that organizers said has moved the state from an "epicenter of hate toward immigrants into an epicenter of hope."
Student storytelling at Arizona Capitol advances immigration group’s policy priorities
PHOENIX — About 150 students with Aliento visited the Capitol Wednesday to meet with legislators to talk about immigration policy priorities, including initiatives on driver’s licenses, repealing English-only and securing funding for College Promise programs.
February 15, 2023 newscast
Students lobby legislators, cannabis and kids, how downtown Phoenix fared for the Super Bowl
The future of traffic enforcement? Officers text you the ticket
SAN ANTONIO - Former San Antonio police officer Val Garcia started Trusted Driver, which allows motorists to opt in to receiving text warnings or citations of minor traffic violations. The program also can eliminate miscommunications between driver and officer, which can turn deadly.
Former ASU baseball coach Tracy Smith returns to Valley in MLB Desert Invitational
PHOENIX – Former ASU baseball coach Tracy Smith returns to the Valley when his Michigan Wolverines compete in the MLB Desert Invitational baseball tournament.
From Div. I to JUCO… then back to DI: Hunter Omlid, Tyson Heaton take unusual paths to GCU
PHOENIX – Hunter Omlid and Tyson Heaton have take unconventional baseball journeys. Both committed to a Division I baseball program, then found themselves at Central Arizona, a junior college program, playing baseball a year later. Now, they both find themselves at GCU playing out the rest of their collegiate careers.
Lake Powell level drops to record low as feds scramble to prop it up
Water levels in Lake Powell dropped to a record low Tuesday, with continued pressure from climate change and steady demand pushing the nation’s second-largest reservoir to the lowest level since it was first filled in the 1960s.
Despite recent struggles, ASU baseball looks to end Men’s College World Series drought
PHOENIX – ASU has one of the more storied programs in all of college baseball, yet the Sun Devils have failed to reach the Men’s College World Series since 2010. Will that trend end this season? The Sun Devils enter Friday’s opener with optimism.
Hope springs anew: Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers report to spring training
SCOTTSDALE – Pitchers and catchers for the Arizona Diamondbacks reported to spring training for the 2023 season this week. The players are excited to be back in the clubhouse and eager to improve on last year’s 74-88 mark.
Native hoop dance coaches preserve history, tradition with new generation
PHOENIX – Indigenous intertribal hoop dance combines tradition and history with individuality and creativity. We tell the story of three dancers who are sharing their passion for the dance with the next generation.
Diamondbacks’ relationship with Bally Sports Arizona in limbo after parent company misses payment
PHOENIX – Diamond Sports Group, the ownership group of Bally Sports Networks, failed to make a $140 million interest payment Wednesday and is over $8 billion in debt. With TV rights in question, MLB is prepared to take back ownership of 14 teams rights, including the Diamondbacks.
Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon makes it clear: The environment is about to change
TEMPE – After a long and grueling process that saw candidates come and go, the Arizona Cardinals have finally hired their new head coach, Jonathan Gannon. The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator has to quickly collect himself and get back to work on trying to reach the Super Bowl with the Cardinals.
New Suns acquisition Kevin Durant: ‘I know what a championship would mean to this city’
PHOENIX – The deal was done but fans had yet to hear Kevin Durant speak. That changed Thursday when the newest Phoenix Suns player met the media in front of a cheering crowd.
February 16, 2023 newscast
McCarthy visits border, shipping containers become homes, unique skateboarder shares tips
Republicans, Democrats offer differing visions during respective Arizona border visits
DOUGLAS – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy toured the border Thursday with a delegation of Republican freshmen and demanded border security from the Biden administration for an area where McCarthy said Mexican "cartels are the biggest employer." Democrats brushed the tour off as just another photo op along the border.
States’ challenge to fed border policy pulled from Supreme Court calendar
WASHINGTON - Arizona was already edging away from a legal challenge by states trying to keep the Title 42 border policy in place when the Supreme Court on Thursday took the case off its calendar.
365 days: One year ago, Mercury star Brittney Griner was arrested at a Russian airport
PHOENIX – One year ago, Mercury star Brittney Griner was arrested at a Russian airport for allegedly smuggling vape cartridges. Ten months later, she was freed in a high-profile prisoner exchange and recently started making appearances in the Phoenix community.
High expectations: Brewers hope to make playoff push beginning with spring training
PHOENIX – With pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic reporting to spring training Monday and position players Thursday, the Milwaukee Brewers have high expectations for new additions as well as returning players. However, one thing remains clear: Everyone is excited to be back together in Phoenix.
Sun Devil lacrosse rides ‘The Energy Bus’ to success after an offseason full of change
PHOENIX – Arizona State University lacrosse has seen immense change since its trip to the 2022 Pac-12 championship game. The team looks to use new players and new coaches to its advantage in the upcoming season.
‘It was a tearjerker’: Charity events, fundraising also big part of WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most famous golf events of the year. Largely known for its unique atmosphere, the tournament provides more than just rowdy fans and a one-of a-kind golf spectacle. It also gives back to the community and raises millions of dollars for Arizona charities.
Arizona Wildcats ride impressive shooting to key Pac-12 win vs. Utah Utes
TUCSON – The Arizona Wildcats and the Utah Utes entered Thursday’s game in the top three of the Pac-12 standings, adding a sense of urgency to the conference matchup with just a few games remaining.
‘Legend in the booth’: Tim McCarver, voice of Diamondbacks’ World Series win, remembered
PHOENIX – Tim McCarver, legendary baseball broadcaster, died Thursday at the age of 81. He broadcasted the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series victory, which included his prediction of Luis Gonzalez’s walk-off single in Game 7.
Astronaut and artist Sian Proctor headlines ASU’s Space2Inspire events this weekend
Astronaut and artist Sian Proctor is headlining Space2Inspire this weekend at Arizona State University as part of ASU’s Black History Month celebration.
Experience with domestic violence inspires DeAndre Hopkins’ mom, Sabrina Greenlee, and Annie Apple to help others at Valley event
PHOENIX – After her experience with domestic violence, Sabrina Greenlee, DeAndre Hopkins’ mom, hosted SoftLife Fest, a celebration of survivors with music, dancing and an overwhelming sense of community.
Documentary film works to preserve the legacy of Arizonan Stewart Udall
WASHINGTON - John de Graaf says any list of Arizona political icons should include Barry Goldwater, John McCain - and Stewart Udall. But he worries that Udall, a crusading Interior secretary, is being forgotten, a slight he hopes to reverse with a new documentary on the man.
ASU film students join storytelling masterclass with NFL 360
MESA – NFL Media’s NFL 360, which creates short-form documentaries that tell the stories of individuals pushing the boundaries of football, came to ASU’s film school to teach students about their filmmaking techniques.
Phoenix officials urged to address income discrimination against renters on public assistance
PHOENIX — Residents who have struggled with high rents in America’s fifth-largest city are calling on city officials to address discrimination against renters on public assistance.
High egg prices lead homeowners to start backyard hatcheries
PHOENIX – High egg prices in grocery stores due to the uptick in bird flu have led people to start purchasing chicks for their own backyard hatcheries.
‘Super Bowl before the Super Bowl,’ 2023 Celebrity Flag Football Game anchors Super Bowl Weekend
GLENDALE – Tracy McGrady went head-to-head with Robert Griffin III in the 2023 Celebrity Flag Football Game last Saturday. The Celeb Flag Football Game is more than just a game, it’s an event supporting military foundations and local businesses.
Arizona House considers making schools offer firearms safety training in grades 6-12
PHOENIX – Arizona’s House of Representatives is continuing to advance a bill mandating that Arizona’s public middle and high schools offer training on properly handling firearms. A bill similar to HB 2332 failed last year in the state Senate, with opponents concerned the bill creates a gun culture in schools.
Cheap seats: Camelback Ranch offering affordable spring training pass to Glendale residents
PHOENIX – Camelback Ranch, the Spring Training home of the White Sox and Dodgers, is offering a resident pass to Glendale residents for spring training games. The pass, which is in its first year of this iteration, has already seen solid registration numbers.
Head over wheels: Inside NASCAR’s solution to concussion issues with enhanced Next Gen car
AVONDALE – After three NASCAR drivers suffered concussions this past season, including Arizona’s own Alex Bowman, concerns about the safety of the Gen-7 car were put into question and sparked immediate action from NASCAR.
February 20, 2023 newscast
Education Day, ADHD medication shortage, name changes for Tempe streets and parks
California banned fur sales. Will Arizona and other states follow?
LOS ANGELES – California bans the sales and manufacturing of fur, targeting a new market driven by a Gen Z consumer market that overwhelmingly prefers anti-fur products.
Rip Valley sports collectible shop aims to combine sports cards and culture
PHOENIX – Rip Valley, a sports card and collectibles shop on Roosevelt Row in the downtown Phoenix Arts District, aims to provide customers with a unique experience that combines sports culture and collecting.
Do you have climate anxiety? Help us report on the mental strain of climate change in Arizona
PHOENIX – Climate anxiety has become an increasingly common term for people worried about the future of our planet because of climate change. We'd like your help to better report on climate anxiety by sharing how climate change impacts your life.
ASU men’s basketball salvage final homestand with Senior Night victory over Utah
TEMPE – Arizona State played its final homestand of the season, splitting the two-game series with the mountain schools, Colorado and Utah. With a victory on Senior Night against Utah, the Sun Devils kept their slim hopes of receiving an NCAA Tournament bid alive.
New technology is helping Phoenix divert waste from landfills and turning it into clean compost
PHOENIX — Arizona is going greener with new technology that creates clean compost. The compost facility located in Phoenix is the first in Arizona to receive the "depackager."
‘I will never stop’: Legislative fight against fentanyl continues as drug seizures rise
PRESCOTT — Record amounts of fentanyl passing through the southern border and the death of a beloved daughter spurred a Prescott family to raise awareness and fight for new legislation in Arizona.
Back for more: Hamilton High baseball begins quest for consecutive 6A state championships
CHANDLER – Hamilton High School has turned into a powerhouse for baseball and a place for top talent to develop. This year, the team is looking to add a ninth state championship and sixth since 2014 led by four players ranked among the top 10 of the Arizona class of 2023.
February 21, 2023 newscast
Mining towns after the mine closes, Super Bowl health concerns, winter storm
Federal grant could extend broadband to 127,000 Arizona homes, businesses
WASHINGTON - The Treasury released $99.4 million in broadband funding to Arizona Tuesday, money that officials said could bring broadband internet service to an estimated 127,807 households and businesses around the state.
‘It’s not just about salary’: Workers’ market gives employees opportunities, help against inflation headwinds
PHOENIX – Tight conditions in the labor market have given workers a footing to demand better wages, compensation and working conditions.
EPA proposal would stop SRP from dumping coal ash into existing evaporation pond at Coronado Generating Station
PHOENIX — The EPA is proposing to reject an SRP application which argues that the utility should be allowed to dump coal ash into an evaporation pond at its Coronado Generating Station in St. Johns.
A gambler’s paradise? For some, the industry’s extreme growth leads to addiction and worse in the Valley
PHOENIX – With Arizona transforming into a gambler’s paradise during Super Bowl week, there is an opposite side to the giant industry that is causing clinicians and counselors to become worried.
At 20, Philip Studer is transforming North Canyon freshman basketball
PHOENIX – Philip Studer, 20, is in his second season as the freshman basketball head coach at North Canyon High School. As one of the youngest coaches at any high school in the country, Studer has used his youth to build relationships with his players and help turn the program around.
Supreme Court chides Arizona – again – for death-penalty sentencing rules
WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that an Arizona death row inmate was wrongly denied the right to tell jurors he would never get out on parole if he was sentenced to life instead of death.
GCU upset of Tennessee marks another milestone in rapid ascension of Lopes baseball
PHOENIX – GCU baseball has made tremendous progress over the last five years, earning WAC championships as well as two straight NCAA tournament appearances, including an at-large invitation last year. An upset win over Tennessee gave GCU even more national exposure.
Clutch time: GCU women’s basketball adds offense to defensive focus in pursuit of WAC championship
PHOENIX – Under coach Molly Miller, GCU women’s basketball has fallen short of making the NCAA tournament despite making the WAC tournament final the last two seasons with an improved defense. The team has improved its offense this season in search of an elusive WAC championship.
Organización sin fines de lucro apoya a mujeres latinas emprendedoras en Arizona brindándoles una espacio en sus mercados mensuales
PHOENIX — La organización sin fines de lucro, “Empowering Latina Leaders of Arizona” (E.L.L.A.), apoya a mujeres latinas emprendedoras brindándoles un espacio para promocionar sus negocios en sus eventos mensuales conocidos como Mujeres Mercado.
Downtown Phoenix businesses see range of Super Bowl crowds, from record-breaking to a snail’s pace
PHOENIX — During a busy week for the Phoenix metro area, business at downtown restaurants was a mixed bag. Some were slammed, and others were nearly empty. Official economic impact numbers have not yet been released, but officials said last week that visitors were out in force and that Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport set a single-day passenger record the day after the Super Bowl.
‘Confidence is key’: Brewers young pitching staff gets sage advice from team veterans
PHOENIX – With a mix of veterans and rookies filling the clubhouse at American Family Fields of Phoenix, the light at the end of the tunnel lies with the success of the pitching staff. Although spring training games start Friday, the overall message in the clubhouse is to learn from the veterans while soaking in every moment to play at the major league level.
Pick-Nick party: Arizona Cardinals introduce Rallis as new defensive coordinator
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals and Jonathan Gannon hired Nick Rallis and held an introductory press conference on Wednesday to formally introduce him. The defensive coordinator’s promotion makes him the youngest coordinator in the NFL.
Conservation groups, highway advocates square off on proposed Interstate 11
TUCSON — Four conservation groups have sued the Federal Highway Administration over a proposed corridor for Interstate 11, saying there hasn’t been enough consideration of how it would affect the pristine Sonoran Desert and animals in the area.
Both sides pan administration plan to tighten rules for asylum seekers
WASHINGTON - The White House unveiled a plan Thursday to deny asylum to migrants who try to cross the southwest border illegally or who do not first seek asylum in countries they cross on their way to the U.S. as they flee their home countries.
February 22, 2023 newscast
Winter storms bring winds, snow and rain across the state, hoop dancing helps in healing and a look at why one particular group of Arizonans experience homelessness more than others.
February 23, 2023 newscast
The House Judiciary Committee holds a hearing in Yuma, Muslim organizations hold an education and lobbying day at the state capitol, and opposition to a new interstate proposal.
‘Soundies’ showcase Black history on film, racism and all
LOS ANGELES — For Black History Month, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures highlighted its exhibit "Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971." It features rarely-seen film excerpts restored by the Academy Film Archive.
After a successful season, ASU men’s swimming and diving squad pushes towards Pac-12 Championships
PHOENIX – ASU men’s swimming & diving team has had an impressive season capped by Léon Marchand’s standout performances, a 7-1 record and a No. 1 ranking. Now the Sun Devils seek to carry their momentum into the Pac-12 Championships in early March.
Las minorías pueden enfrentar menos opciones de tratamiento para la adicción a los opioides
LOS ÁNGELES — La metadona y la buprenorfina son los dos principales tratamientos para la adicción a los opioides. El acceso a los dos medicamentos puede diferir según la raza y las ventajas económicas.
Baseball’s back! Cactus League expects full crowds, significant economic impact with 2023 spring training
SURPRISE – In 2018, the W.P. Carey School of Business reported that the Cactus League generated $644.2 million in economic impact for Arizona. But between the COVID-19 pandemic and MLB lockout, the economy has taken a hit. With the first normal spring training in four years beginning on Feb. 24, the Cactus League expects full crowds, and a massive turn for the better.
Calling an audible: Jake Plummer shifts attention to wellness, natural health remedies
CHANDLER – Ahead of Super Bowl 2023, former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer returned to the Valley with an event advocating for natural health and wellness remedies.
New Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing sees success on the horizon
TEMPE – Drew Petzing was introduced as the Arizona Cardinals’ new offensive coordinator Thursday, and said he was excited to work with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Poison control, dispensaries on alert as kids who accidentally eat marijuana edibles rises
Poison control centers and marijuana dispensaries are sending messages to parents as the number of children who accidentally eat their edibles is on the rise.
Abraham Toro enters Brewers camp with clean slate following wild ride to big leagues
PHOENIX – After a wild ride from Houston to Seattle and Milwaukee, Abraham Toro hopes to earn a role on the Brewers roster in spring training after a career defined by wild moments and difficulty finding playing time.
Staking a claim: Annual unclaimed property auction draws bargain hunters
PHOENIX - Coins, collectibles, jewelry - any unclaimed property left in an Arizona safe deposit box is turned over to the state, which auctions the goods off after holding them for a few years. This year's auction, held in January, brought in $329,948.50 for the state.
Top dog? Phoenix pooch paw-ticipates in Corgi Winter Nationals
ARCADIA, Calif. – The rambunctious stubby-legged dogs put their paws to work at the Corgi Winter Nationals in Southern California. A hundred corgis raced for the opportunity to become the top dog at this annual race.
McKale Mary: Cambridge’s buzzer beater stuns Arizona, keeps ASU’s postseason hopes alive
TUCSON – A dramatic buzzer beater by Desmond Cambridge Jr. in Tucson kept Arizona State’s postseason hopes alive. Arizona, meanwhile, hopes for a strong finish against Los Angeles schools.
Reality checks: MLB veterans hope one-year deals lead to major payoff
GLENDALE – Heading into spring training, many Cactus League veterans are on new teams after signing one-year contracts. There are many different factors that go into a MLB player's decision to sign a short-term deal, and a few players explained their reasoning at spring training.
February 24, 2023 newscast
On this Friday edition of Cronkite News, we focus on Black History Month – from efforts to highlight Black artists, support Black businesses and a look at local museums that celebrate Black culture and history.
February 27, 2023 newscast
Crime victims at state Capitol; tax break for renters fails; virtual reality of Anne Frank's house
Crime survivors rally at state Capitol to demand better trauma care
PHOENIX - Crime survivors and their families from across Arizona gathered at the state Capitol Monday, calling on lawmakers to fund trauma recovery centers that offer therapy and social services.
Upper Colorado River Basin states want to pause releases from Flaming Gorge
Four states in the upper basin of the Colorado River have asked the federal government to pause water releases from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir that were aimed at propping up falling water levels downstream at Lake Powell.
Something to prove: Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker returns from injury with winning mindset
PHOENIX – When Jesse Winker was a member of the Cincinnati Reds, he was known as the guy to destroy the Brewers. Now back in the NL Central division, Winker hopes his familiarity with Milwaukee will benefit him immensely.
Luke Voit, Tyler Naquin travel similar roads to arrive in Brewers camp
PHOENIX – Luke Voit and Tyler Naquin have followed similar paths in their baseball careers, and it led them both to the Milwaukee Brewers. The major league veterans signed minor league contracts on Feb. 21 and were invited to spring training as non-roster additions. They have about a month to carve out a niche that will earn them a roster spot on Opening Day.
Perry High School splits 6A soccer state championships
MESA – Perry High School fielded two teams in the 6A state championships in soccer on Saturday, but Xavier Prep High School stood in the way of a sweep.
Inner-city students receive new space to play
PHOENIX – Kaboom, a nationwide nonprofit, and Fairytale Brownies, a bakery in Phoenix, sponsored a new playground for Loma Linda School in Phoenix. The playground will help Kaboom reach its goal of ending play space inequity.
Pinal, Yuma officials tell House migration surge is overwhelming them
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials told a House panel that local law enforcement and health care workers are ill-equipped to handle the recent surge of immigration at the southern border, the latest in a string of GOP hearings attacking the White House over the border.
Super Bowl brings more opportunity for Phoenix artists
PHOENIX — Super Bowl LVII has come and gone, but its impact on the local arts community remains in the form of a larger national profile it has given several Arizona artists.
‘Are the KD jerseys here yet?’ Valley businesses excited about possible economic boost from Kevin Durant
PHOENIX – Local bars, restaurants, and sports memorabilia shops have felt the residual effects of Kevin Durant’s arrival in the Valley. Ahead of his Suns debut, downtown is prepared for an increase in foot traffic and sales.
12-year drought: Yavapai College basketball teams finish first seasons since programs cut
PHOENIX – For the first time in over a decade, basketball has returned to Yavapai Community College in Prescott. Although both the men’s and women's teams posted losing records, the programs are hopeful for the future and happy to have basketball back on campus.
Gavin Lux’s injury ignites more questions about Dodgers’ stranglehold on NL West
GLENDALE – Gavin Lux, like many young baseball players, dreamed of playing shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With that goal within his grasp, it was taken from him in an instant Monday when he tore his ACL and learned he was out for the season. The Dodgers now have a huge role to fill.
Time for change: MLB players, managers offer first impressions of pitch clock, new rules
SURPRISE – Several days into spring training, players and managers alike are forced to adjust to the pitch timer introduced for the 2023 MLB season. Key stakeholders in the change share their thoughts in this adjustment period.
African American history museum aims to preserve Black history and fight for social change
TUCSON – The African American Museum of Southern Arizona officially opened on Jan. 14, 2023, in Tucson, with the intention to “enable the community to join together and respect the past, honor the present, and pay reverence to the future while engaging and sustaining social action,” according to the museum’s website.
February 28, 2023 newscast
Spring training and Arabian Horse Show help economy, AGFD asks for help with apple snails
Tohono O’odham leader says lack of infrastructure, capital hinders development
WASHINGTON - Economic development on the remote Tohono O'odham Nation is hobbled by everything from a lack of basic infrastructure to poor access to capital, a tribal leader told lawmakers at a House hearing Wednesday on development challenges in Indian Country,
George ‘The Sodfather’ Toma sheds light on Super Bowl 57 field issues
GLENDALE – Weeks following the confetti raining down on the Super Bowl 57 champions Kansas City Chiefs, the answer to what caused poor field conditions remained at large. The man who has worked on all 57 Super Bowl fields, ‘The Sodather’ George Toma, stepped out of the shadows to spill on what caused the slippery playing surface.
March 1, 2023 newscast
Metal detectors in schools, parents rally for ESA scholarships and more winter storms.
‘My child, my choice’: Parents, children march to support school voucher program
PHOENIX – Parents, children and educators on Wednesday marched to the state Capitol to support an education voucher program that Gov. Katie Hobbs has said she wants to dismantle. Empowerment Scholarship Accounts provide up to $7,000 annually in state funds.
ASU’s resilience in Pac-12 women’s tournament exemplifies response from season-long adversity
LAS VEGAS – Though Arizona State was knocked out of the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament in the first round Wednesday, the team displayed the resilience it had all season long.
Second home? White Sox players say Camelback Ranch has feel of Chicago’s South Side
GLENDALE – Camelback Ranch, the spring training home of the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, feels like a second home to many White Sox players, as two of the practice fields have the same dimensions as their home base, Guaranteed Rate Field on Chicago’s South Side.
Getting into the swing of things: Arizona Diamondback players talk pregame routines
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks players have different routines as they prepare for games. Six players share what they do, and a look at some of the strangest superstitions around the league.
Catching on: William Contreras settles in as long-term solution to Brewers’ backstop issues
PHOENIX – The Brewers have had problems at the catching position since Jonathan Lucroy departed in 2016. This offseason, the Brewers acquired 25-year-old All-Star catcher William Contreras from the Atlanta Braves. Five years left on his contract, he seems to be the long-term answer.
Homeless encampments would be torn down, people charged under Arizona Senate bill
PHOENIX – Under Arizona Senate Bill 1413, police officers would be required to tear down homeless encampments and charge the person or people living there with criminal trespassing. The bill passed the Senate Wednesday.
LA County finally following Arizona is ending COVID-19 emergency
LOS ANGELES – The LA County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to end its COVID-19 emergency declaration. The move comes almost a year to the day after Arizona did the same.
Is it the shoes? Brandon Crawford’s effortless style a hit among San Francisco Giants fans, teammates
PHOENIX – Brandon Crawford has been described as having some of the best style in the clubhouse by his teammates. On and off the field, the Giants shortstop always has something flashy to wear.
Wildcats letdown: UCLA knocks Arizona out of Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament
LAS VEGAS - After a competitive first half between the fourth-seeded University of Arizona and fifth-seeded UCLA, the Bruins pulled away in the second half to beat the Wildcats 73-59 in the quarterfinal of the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament.
Hobbs says state will not proceed for now with court-ordered execution
WASHINGTON - Gov. Katie Hobbs said Friday that the state will not proceed with the execution of convicted murderer Aaron Gunches, one day after the Arizona Supreme Court said it had no choice but to order his death.
Aumenta número de niños que consumen accidentalmente comestibles de marihuana
Los centros de control de envenenamientos y dispensarios de marihuana están enviando mensajes a los padres ya que el número de niños que accidentalmente consumen comestibles de marihuana está aumentando.
Tiger Woods’ newest business venture opens its doors in Glendale
GLENDALE – A new mini-golf course opened its doors on Thursday in Glendale. The course is co-owned and designed by golf legend Tiger Woods.
Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone usher in new era of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching
GLENDALE – Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone are two of the best young pitchers in not only the Dodgers farm system, but also in the whole league. Despite opposite journeys to the major leagues, the two now share the same clubhouse.
Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Kyle Lewis looks to swat injury bug and return to form with new club
SCOTTSDALE – Named the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year, Kyle Lewis has caught the injury bug in recent seasons. The power hitter has played in only 54 games since his breakout campaign but hopes to get back on track as an offseason acquisition of the Diamondbacks.
Desert Botanical Garden nurtures endangered monarchs and native butterflies at Majestic Mariposas exhibit
PHOENIX – Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is opening its spring butterfly pavilion to show off native butterfly species, including the endangered monarch. The garden’s ongoing Great Milkweed Grow Out lets visitors buy milkweed for their home gardens to help increase the monarch population. Milkweed is essential for monarchs to lay their eggs and for caterpillars to eat.
Coin collectors unite: National Money Show in Phoenix features rare currency
PHOENIX – The 2023 National Money Show, hosted by the American Numismatic Association, brings hundreds of millions of dollars worth of rare coins and paper money to the Valley. The show runs through Saturday.
Arizona Cardinals facilities grade poorly in anonymous NFLPA poll
PHOENIX – Ahead of the NFL new year on March 15, the NFL Player’s Association released team report cards for various aspects of player relations. The Arizona Cardinals ranked 31st in aggregate grade.
March 3, 2023 newscast
Suns bring back iconic jersey, D-backs' musical mascot, football player takes unusual path
Rockies’ snowy winter may not mean enough runoff to replenish the Colorado
New data show a snowy start to 2023 for the Colorado River basin, with heavy winter precipitation in the Rocky Mountains projected to boost spring spring runoff into Lake Powell to 117% of an average year's flows.
‘Above all else, believe us’: Advocates say doctors can show biased behavior toward autistic adults
Several patients say doctors and others in the medical field often show biased behavior toward autistic adults. Advocates say some physicians fail to believe people when they say they are autistic, treat adults like children and use ableist language.
Rattlesnake sausages? Cactus League ballparks up their game for spring training
PHOENIX – Food can be one of the highlights for many who visit spring training games. Many stadiums, including Hohokam, Camelback Ranch, American Family Fields and Salt River Fields, are all serving up new offerings this year while also keeping the classics on the menu.
Pac-12 marks Title IX anniversary with first all-female Hall of Honor class
LAS VEGAS – The Pac-12 Conference celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX with its first all-female Hall of Honor class. The event’s success sparked possibilities for more female representation in future years.
‘Best team in the state’: Perry Pumas complete one-loss season with first-ever Open Division championship trophy
PHOENIX – Cody Williams and Koa Peat paced the Perry Pumas to help finish off a historic season on Saturday night, defeating the Sunnyslope Vikings 74-58 in the first-ever Open championship.
‘I want to win’: Former Diamondbacks star David Peralta eyes World Series ring with rival Dodgers
PHOENIX – David Peralta is one of the best Diamondbacks players of all time, helping lead the team to a 2017 wild-card appearance as a staple in the lineup from 2014-2022. This past offseason, Peralta signed a one-year deal with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers with one goal in mind.
Phoenix City Council bans “source of income” discrimination for renters, home buyers
PHOENIX — Phoenix City Council voted 8-1 to pass an ordinance banning “source of income” discrimination for anyone who rents or buys a home. The March 1 vote followed a push from Phoenix residents and affordable housing advocates who said people on public assistance and Section 8 housing vouchers face discrimination from landlords.
Student of the game: ASU junior Cris Valle working overtime as Hamilton boys basketball coach
CHANDLER – Former Hamilton basketball star Cris Valle had a dream of playing professional basketball. However, he found a true passion for coaching and giving back what he learned to the next generation of players.
Black artists connect family, culture and history
PHOENIX – Black art is the great connector – of humanity, of Black history, of family, culture and a vision of life’s value and purpose, according to several Arizona artists who paint, sculpt and create.
‘Full circle’ moment: Composer Ben Shirley returns to LA’s Skid Row
LOS ANGELES – Ben Shirley credits his time at the Midnight Mission on Los Angeles’ Skid Row for his success. Once homeless, he kicked his alcohol addiction.
‘He wants to make amends’: Can Desmond Cambridge Jr. spark ASU in intriguing Pac-12 men’s tournament?
PHOENIX – When Arizona State men’s basketball guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. drained a game-winning half court shot against Arizona, it seemed as if ASU salvaged its March Madness hopes. However, ahead of the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, that shot wasn’t as impactful as expected for either team.
‘Anything is possible’ for Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who has had a lifelong love affair with basketball
PHOENIX – Before he became the leader of the largest mortgage lending company in the country, Mat Ishbia was a driveway floor general dreaming of playing in the NBA. He never achieved the goal he imagined during those icy Detroit winters while shooting hoops with his brother Justin and his best friend Jon Borovich in the 1990s. But Ishbia might have achieved the next best thing when the former Michigan State walk-on purchased the Phoenix Suns.
Giants twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers make historic pairing in bullpen
SCOTTSDALE – With Taylor Rogers signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, fans will be doing double takes all season long. Identical twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers are looking to provide solid innings out of the Giants bullpen while making MLB history.
Phoenix mayor speaks to ASU Jewish students about tolerance, inclusion and overcoming antisemitism
TEMPE – As one of the youngest big city mayors in the country and a member of the Jewish faith, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego often speaks about tolerance and inclusion. She spoke to members of Chabad at ASU about her experiences and how she approaches leading the nation’s fifth-largest city.
Feds pause Flaming Gorge releases amid snowy winter for Colorado River
The federal government has halted releases from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir that were meant to prop up water levels at Lake Powell downstream, as heavy snows allowed the Bureau of Reclamation to end releases two months earlier than originally planned.
With his father, Pedro, on his mind, Rio Gomez returns to Arizona with Team Colombia
MESA – Red Sox minor leaguer Rio Gomez, the son of former ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez, returned to Arizona to pitch for Team Colombia in preparation of the World Baseball Classic.
With eyes on Selection Sunday, ASU men’s basketball team edges Oregon State in Pac-12 tournament
LAS VEGAS – In Arizona State’s opening game of the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Sun Devils defeated Oregon State 63-57 to set up a key game against USC.
Turf Paradise agrees to pay $150,000 in fees after concerns raised about track conditions
PHOENIX – In response to concerns raised by the newly formed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Turf Paradise has agreed to pay over $150,000 in fees to insure its track meets updated standards.
Virtual tour of Anne Frank’s house offers new way to teach about the Holocaust
PHOENIX – The Arizona Jewish Historical Society is opening a new interactive activity as part of its exhibit, “Stories of Survival: An Immersive Journey Through the Holocaust.” It utilizes virtual reality to guide visitors through the home of Anne Frank, the young girl whose life is memorialized in the diary she kept from age 13 until she was killed by the Nazis at age 16.
Colorado River senators meet quietly to facilitate states’ water talks
Senators from the seven Western states in the Colorado River basin have been quietly meeting "for about a year," to facilitate difficult discussions between the states over the future of the river.
Second-half surge pushes Arizona men past Stanford to stay alive in Pac-12 tournament
LAS VEGAS – Despite a quiet night from Kerr Kriisa, the Wildcats rallied to defeat a resilient Stanford team Thursday in Las Vegas.
With NCAA tournament implications on line, ASU men’s basketball makes strong case in USC win
LAS VEGAS – In Arizona State’s second-round game of the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Sun Devils defeated USC 77-72 to set up an in-state matchup against the Arizona Wildcats.
3 years later, ASU reflects on how COVID-19 stalled a burgeoning athletic program
TEMPE – The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on many athletic programs, but it was particularly tough on Arizona State, which was on a roll when the coronavirus halted sports.
As World Baseball Classic play nears, Royals get sneak peek at Team USA opponent Great Britain
SURPRISE – As World Baseball Classic Pool C play nears, the Kansas City Royals played an exhibition game and faced Great Britain, who will play Team USA Saturday at Chase Field.
Jimaya Neal surfaces as bright spot for ASU as it awaits NCAA Tournament news
LAS VEGAS – In Arizona State’s semifinal game of the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament, the Sun Devils lost to Arizona, 78-59. ASU now set its sights on Selection Sunday and remain pleased with the play of Jamiya Neal.
Wildcats double down with effort in Vegas, advance to Pac-12 tournament title game
LAS VEGAS – The Arizona Wildcats hope what happens in Vegas doesn't stay there. Their impressive effort against Arizona State, especially late in the game, send the Wildcats into the championship game of the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament against UCLA Saturday night.
Pac to Pac: Courtney Ramey, Azuolas Tubelis lead Arizona men to second straight tournament title
LAS VEGAS – A back-and-forth battle between UCLA and Arizona ended with a victory for the Wildcats in the Pac–12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, thanks to the prolific offense of Azuolas Tubelis and a late 3-pointer from Courtney Ramey.
Let’s dance: Arizona well represented in NCAA tournament with ASU, UArizona and GCU receiving invitations
TUCSON – Although there were a few nervous moments for Arizona State, ASU, UArizona and GCU received invitations to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, which meant three out of the state's four Division I schools will participate in March Madness.
‘Honored and humbled’ Mark DeRosa goes from microphone to manager at helm of Team USA in World Baseball Classic
PHOENIX – Mark DeRosa has been one of the faces of MLB Network since his retirement from the Toronto Blue Jays a decade ago. Since then, he has found a home behind the roundtable almost every night. Now, DeRosa takes his talents to the dugout, becoming manager of the United States baseball team in his managerial debut.
Paid not to farm? Expanded Colorado River program divides farm community
With water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead at record lows, federal officials are ready to spend tens of millions of dollars to get farmers and other water users to conserve in 2023 and keep the reservoirs from falling farther.
Mercy! Team Canada dominates Great Britain, announces presence at World Baseball Classic
PHOENIX – In the first game of two on Sunday in group C, Canada took on Great Britain and mercied them 18-8 in a matchup that only lasted seven innings but almost four hours. It was a breath of fresh air for the Canadians, who didn’t make it past the group stages in 2017 but are looking to make a serious run in 2023.
Returners Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado longed to defend Team USA’s 2017 World Baseball Classic gold
PHOENIX – Team USA hoisted the World Baseball Classic trophy at Dodger Stadium in 2017. Veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinal are the only returners to Team USA in 2023.
William Byron snatches victory amid late-race chaos at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – William Byron’s teammate Kyle Larson led 201 laps of Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. However, a late race caution opened the door just wide enough for Byron to squeeze his way to victory.
‘Where’s the River?’ event calls attention to Arizona’s depleted waterways
PHOENIX — “Where’s The River?” an environmental event hosted by the Sustainable Water Network, aims to spread awareness about Arizona’s depleting rivers and what people can do to help conservation efforts
March 13, 2023 newscast
Salt River flooding, Arizonans don't have right to repair, Glendale changes honors Taylor Swift
Sam Huff’s eye-popping power could lead to spot on Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster
SURPRISE – Arizona native Sam Huff is a catcher in the Rangers organization who has dealt with a slew of injuries over the past two years. The towering slugger looks to “power” his way onto the club’s Opening Day roster.
School advocates worry about keeping counselors as federal funding set to expire
CHANDLER – Federal funding provided during the pandemic allowed some schools to bring on extra counselors. School counselors and advocates emphasize the importance of keeping them on to work with students and families even when the funding ends.
From unknown to overnight sensation, Joey Meneses turning heads for Team Mexico at World Baseball Classic
PHOENIX – After spending more than 10 seasons navigating the minor league baseball system, Joey Meneses has become a star on the Mexico national baseball team during this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Team USA renews World Baseball Classic hopes with rout of Team Canada
After Monday’s victory against Team Canada, Team USA stayed alive with a 12-1 victory and sit only one win away from advancing to the next round of the World Baseball Classic.
Trayce Thompson writing his own tale in Los Angeles Dodgers outfield
GLENDALE – Trayce Thompson never really got his footing in the big leagues prior to last season. After a good stint with LA last season, the brother of Klay Thompson looks to be the man for Dave Roberts in center field.
Four real? ASU men’s basketball seeks to validate NCAA tournament berth vs. Nevada
PHOENIX – Nevada stands in the way of Arizona State’s NCAA tournament hopes in Wednesday’s First Four game, but coach Hurley believes his team is battle tested and prepared for the bright lights of the big dance.
Kesha Hodge Washington, Kevin Robinson claim victory in Phoenix City Council runoff elections
PHOENIX – Phoenix City Council races for districts 6 and 8 were decided in runoff elections Tuesday, with Kevin Robinson beating Sam Stone in District 6 to replace term-limited Council member Sal DiCiccio and challenger Kesha Hodge Washington claiming victory over incumbent Carlos Garcia in District 8.
March 14, 2023 newscast
Phoenix City Council election runoffs, Maricopa gliding competition, looking at Arizona dialects
World Baseball Classic’s return to Chase Field brings 2013 nostalgia
PHOENIX – This week, Chase Field is hosting the World Baseball Classic for the first time in 10 years. Team USA, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain and Colombia are playing on the world stage in Phoenix for the first time since 2013.
Under Kenny Dillingham’s direction, ASU football starts spring practice upbeat
TEMPE – New ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham roamed the field on the first day of spring practice with a microphone in his hand as he directed the Sun Devils through Day 1 drills to officially kick off spring football. His energy was contagious.
‘We’re definitely on the map’: ASU women’s hockey club set for first national tournament
PHOENIX – With the Arizona State women’s hockey team notching its highest ACHA ranking in program history, discussions about the program following the same footsteps as the men’s team joining the NCAA are heating up. Players and coaches explain why they believe their program deserves that next step.
Dementia’s dangerous rise leads legislators to ask up to $500,000 for Alzheimer’s
PHOENIX – Arizona legislators and Alzheimer’s advocates call for the state to step up in dementia care, proposing several bills, including one to bring $500,000 to AZDHS. Arizona has the fastest growth rate in the U.S. of people 65+ diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a national Alzheimer’s Association 2023 report.
March 15, 2023 newscast
New Alzheimer’s report, firearms education, ranked-choice voting and rain in the Valley
Arizona Republican legislators announce formal opposition to ranked choice voting
PHOENIX – Two bills and a Wednesday news conference signal some Arizona Republicans’ and the state’s Freedom Caucus’ opposition to ranked choice voting. The process, which would allow voters to rank candidates on preference, would be prohibited by the two bills.
Overseas and understated: Unselfish play by Tubelis, Wildcats put Arizona in position to have NCAA Tournament success
SACRAMENTO – The Arizona Wildcats feature seven European players. Their unselfish style of play, led by Lithuanian forward Azoulas Tubelis, has the Wildcats poised to make a strong postseason run.
Flagstaff competitions, businesses grow snowboarding community
FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff clothing brand, Collective Supply Co., co-hosted a snowboarding contest with Sunset Terrain Park in Arizona Snowbowl. The company aims to grow the snowboarding community and bring people together.
Team Canada pitching staff shows grit, determination but falls short at World Baseball Classic
With 21 years separating the youngest and oldest pitcher on Team Canada’s pitching staff and a median age of 29, the grit and determination shown proves you don’t need years of major league experience to represent your country on an international stage.
Hobbs: State not ready to execute Gunches by April 6; court urged to step in
WASHINGTON - With just three weeks until convicted murderer Aaron Gunches is scheduled to be put to death, a court battle continues to rage over whether the state will be ready to execute him by lethal injection on April 6.
Trevor May embraces new opportunity with Oakland A’s, brings leadership to East Bay
MESA – Trevor May signed as a free agent with the Oakland A’s this offseason. He is expected to be a dependable bullpen arm and leader for an inexperienced staff.
Ticket punched: Team Mexico advances to quarterfinals of World Baseball Classic with win over Team Canada
PHOENIX – Thanks to a clutch offensive round by Randy Arozarena and Alexis Wilson throughout group play at the World Baseball Classic, Team Mexico cruised through and punched a ticket to the quarterfinals in MIami, Florida.
U-S-A! Americans book trip to World Baseball Classic quarterfinals in win over Colombia
PHOENIX – Behind a 3-2 win over Colombia Wednesday night, Team USA moves on to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals after going 3-1 in the group stage and now faces Venezuela on Saturday.
Annual count shows Mexican wolf population reaches record numbers
PHOENIX — The 2022 annual Mexican wolf count shows the population reaching record numbers, with 241 wolves for the first time since the beginning of the program.
Arizona Wildcats end season on wrong side of history after falling to No. 15 Princeton in NCAA Tournament
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Arizona Wildcats were defeated by the Princeton Tigers in the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in Sacramento. It is just the 11th that a 15 seed has defeated a 2 seed since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
Phil Mickelson, other Sun Devil alums ready to return to Arizona for LIV Golf event
PHOENIX – Phil Mickelson and other former Sun Devils will be playing in Tucson’s LIV Golf event this weekend. This is the first event in Arizona for Mickelson since he made the switch to the controversial golf league.
ASU women’s lacrosse leans on graduate duo of ‘KB Squared’ after an offseason marked by transition
TEMPE – Katie Brodsky and Kaylon Buckner, who returned for a fifth year, will take the reins of leadership for ASU women’s lacrosse under new coach Taryn VanThof. The duo, tagged as KB Squared, have been a source of inspiration and motivation to a squad facing many changes after last season's run to the Pac-12 finals.
March 16, 2023 newscast
Initiative aims to help veteran health, baseball card trading, what rain means for drought
25 years later: Behind Bryce Drew’s 1998 buzzer beater were the unknowns of March Madness, which lend hope to GCU
PHOENIX — Though far removed from the feeling of taking a low-enrollment Lutheran university to its first Sweet 16 appearance and only one since, Bryce Drew is now the coach for a Grand Canyon program that’s approaching its second NCAA Tournament in his third season. And the situation seems even more similar since GCU is No. 14 and as much or more of an underdog against No. 3 Gonzaga than Valpo was on March 13, 1998, when the efforts of Drew and his father, Homer, combined with many others to culminate in an improbable memory made plausible.
California to store more rainwater as it vies with Arizona for flow from Colorado River
LOS ANGELES – California is taking advantage of extreme weather with a new approach: Let it settle back into the earth for use another day. As the latest batch of storms lashed the Golden State, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order this week to hasten projects that use rainwater to recharge aquifers, reversing decades of an emphasis on channeling it into drains and out to sea.
NASCAR levies severe penalties to Hendrick Motorsports, Justin Haley and Denny Hamlin for Phoenix incidents
AVONDALE – For Hendrick Motorsports and Justin Haley, NASCAR issued a historic punishment for illegal modifications made before Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. Denny Hamlin also received penalties for intentionally trying to wreck Ross Chastain during the race.
GCU men’s basketball perseveres through adversity to set up NCAA tournament date with No. 3 Gonzaga
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University men’s basketball hopes to one day build a mid-major powerhouse like Gonzaga’s. Coach Bryce Drew understands patience is key, but a good showing in Friday’s first-round matchup of the NCAA tournament will be a step in the right direction.
Legisladores de Arizona piden $500,000 para combatir Alzheimer
PHOENIX – Legisladores de Arizona y activistas hacen un llamado al estado para que mejore la atención a personas que padecen de demencia, proponiendo varios proyectos de ley, incluyendo uno para llevar $500,000 a AZDHS. Arizona tiene la tasa de crecimiento más rápida en los EE. UU. de personas mayores de 65 años diagnosticadas con la enfermedad de Alzheimer, según un informe nacional de la Asociación de Alzheimer de 2023.
Supreme Court hears Navajo water rights case with potentially big impact
WASHINGTON - When the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in Arizona v. Navajo Nation, it will be considering fairly technical legal questions, but the answers could have a large impact on water allocation in the Colorado River basin.
Even resilience can’t help GCU overcome Gonzaga in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
DENVER – The Grand Canyon men's basketball team ran out of gas against Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament. However, Friday night marked another building block for the program’s young history and it came with strong fan support.
‘I’m just heartbroken’: Last second bucket from TCU’s Coles ends ASU’s NCAA tournament run
DENVER – DJ Horne and Warren Washington led the way in points for Arizona State, but crucial turnovers down the stretch set TCU up for a last-second shot that allowed the Horned Frogs to advance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Payday: Danny Lee earns more than $4 million by winning LIV Golf Tucson
MARANA – LIV Golf made its way to Tucson for the first time this past weekend. Over three days, many notable moments happened at the Gallery Golf Club but none bigger than Danny Lee's victory that netted him $4 million.
How should fans ask for autographs at spring training? MLB players say politeness is a good start
GLENDALE – Major league players often find themselves in a mosh pit of autograph seekers during spring training and not everybody is coming out of the pack with a signature on their ball, cap or photo. However, players from the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, along with some experienced autograph seekers, say there are ways to improve the odds. Being polite is a good place to start.
Colorado counts on rebuilt bullpen to prove doubters wrong, turn around franchise
SCOTTSDALE – The Colorado Rockies were active in the pitching market this past offseason with the notable signings of Brent Suter, Pierce Johnson, and Brad Hand. These veterans look to help turn the team around after the club has recorded a losing record in 8 of its last 10 seasons.
Like father, like son: ASU’s Josh Doan signs with Arizona Coyotes
TEMPE – Following in his father Shane’s footsteps, Arizona State’s Josh Doan signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday. “It's definitely something special,” the 21-year-old forward said.
March 17, 2023 newscast
Spring training ballpark tours, history, weather, players and economic impact
Arizona governor signs executive order banning discrimination based on hair style or texture
PHOENIX – The CROWN Act, banning hair-based discrimination in the workplace, was enacted in Tempe and Tucson in 2021. Gov. Katie Hobbs’ executive order extends those protections to state workers. She hopes the order inspires similar legislation “across the board.”
March 20, 2023 newscast
Indigenous water rights, clean air march, Coyotes entertainment district opposition
Cyclists raise more than $580,000 to battle diabetes in Tour de Cure
GOODYEAR – The American Diabetes Association hosted its annual Tour de Cure to raise money to work toward a cure.
Justices grapple over Navajo water rights, government’s duty to tribe
WASHINGTON - Supreme Court justices pressed government attorneys Monday on their argument that the treaties that put the Navajo on reservation lands implied an intent - but not a duty - for the government to provide water to the tribe.
David and Goliath: PACs go head-to-head before Tempe special election for Coyotes arena
TEMPE — With a special election set for May, two political action committees are sparring over whether it’s in the city of Tempe’s best interest to break ground on an Arizona Coyotes entertainment district.
Explosives training brings military and law enforcement from around the world to Marana
MARANA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives hosts improvised explosive device exercises for public safety bomb squads and military explosive ordnance disposal units. The most recent, called Raven’s Challenge, was at Pinal County Airpark in Marana earlier this month.
Lone Rangers: First spring training throws young prospects a learning curve
SURPRISE – Kumar Rocker, Evan Carter and March Church are learning what it takes to make it to the major league in their first training camp. Veterans, coaches and players share the importance of being around proven professionals and building a routine for young guys looking to break into the majors.
FBI investigates rehab scams targeting Indigenous community
PHOENIX - The FBI is investigating scams where fake rehab groups target the Indigenous community. Officials said organizers of these "pop-up facilities'' falsely offer addiction recovery, then file documents to rake in government money before disappearing.
Diamondbacks share excitement for Merrill Kelly’s start in WBC championship
SCOTTSDALE – Merrill Kelly is the starting pitcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship. His team share excitement for the biggest start of Kelly’s life.
Ciclistas recaudan más de $580,000 para luchar contra la diabetes
GOODYEAR - La Asociación Americana de Diabetes organizó su Tour de Cure anual para recaudar fondos y trabajar en busca de una cura.
ASU men’s swimming & diving seeks NCAA title with star-studded squad
TEMPE – Bob Bowman took over the scraps of what was left of ASU’s swim program in 2015. Since then, he’s converted the program into a powerhouse, building the strongest swim team in the country. Now, they’re poised to capture the national championship.
Haboobs, swamp box and ki-yotes: Arizona residents favor protecting the ways they speak
PHOENIX - A recent poll suggests Arizona residents are in favor of protecting the unique ways they speak, and the country of Wales provides an example to do so.
March 21, 2023 newscast
Cesar Chavez’s personal bodyguard's story, Oak Flat fight, local pizza reviews
Attorneys say Resolution Copper Mine would ‘destroy’ worship at Oak Flat
WASHINGTON - Attorneys for Apache Stronghold told a federal appeals court Tuesday that the proposed Resolution Copper Mine would lead to the "complete physical destruction" of sacred lands at Oak Flat, a clear violation of religious liberty laws.
Fore Family: LIV Golf Tucson 2023 attracts friends, families
MARANA – LIV Golf is establishing itself in the golf world, creating a variety of events at the tournaments to attract fans.
Inside the Chicago Cubs’ offseason free agent spending spree
MESA – The Chicago Cubs made the most MLB signings during 2023 free agency and are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing the last two postseasons.
En garde: Phoenix Fencing Academy fosters tradition, teaches excellence
TEMPE – The Phoenix Fencing Academy is one of the only places to participate in the sport and many of the former students have gone on to be successful Division I fencers along with national champions and others who have represented their countries internationally. The founder and head coach, Will Becker, grew up fencing and the family name is one of the biggest in the sport.
Arizona Game and Fish asks volunteers to help eradicate invasive apple snails
MESA – People can help the Arizona Game and Fish Department control and stop the invasive apple snail by knocking down their pink egg masses from reeds or taking snails to the dumpster. The apple snails have been documented in several bodies of water in Arizona and are moving up the lower Salt River.
Arizona Game & Fish shows families how to enjoy nature at its annual Outdoor Expo in north Phoenix
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department hosts its annual Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility offering hands-on activities and presentations March 25-26.
From ‘lonely’ to Lily’s Pad: Tempe playground to give immunocompromised kids a chance to be a kid
PHOENIX – Children with weakened immune systems or other disabilities often can’t play with other kids. Lily’s Pad, a new playground scheduled to open in Arizona in April, is designed to help immunocompromised children build their physical and emotional health. It’s among other recreational areas across the U.S. meant to accommodate children with disabilities.
Trademarking their turf: Jack Daniel’s, Arizona dog-toy maker spar in court
WASHINGTON - An Arizona dog-toy manufacturer told the Supreme Court Wednesday that its "Bad Spaniels" squeaky toy is a "playful parody" of Jack Daniel's that does not infringe on the distiller's trademarks - arguments the distiller rejects.
Phoenix area flooding, road closures prompted by SRP water releases
PHOENIX – Winter storms have led SRP to increase water releases from two reservoirs on the Verde River that were already 83% full. That necessitated Wednesday’s releases as the reservoir system needs to be able to accommodate runoff expected in the coming weeks.
ASU quarterback competition heats up as Sun Devils enter second week of spring practice
TEMPE – After a busy offseason in Tempe for coach Kenny Dillingham, spring football will provide an opportunity to see his quarterbacks for the first time. While there may be plenty of skill at the position, only one will be labeled the starter.
UCLA’s Dylan Andrews credits time at AZ Compass Prep for success at collegiate level
PHOENIX – UCLA guard Dylan Andrews is helping the Bruins make a championship run. He believes his time spent at AZ Compass Prep helped prepare him for his college career.
Casa Grande boxing family hits Las Vegas strip in fight to put Valley on the map
CASA GRANDE – Abel Ramos and his nephew, Jesus Ramos Jr., are professional fighters out of Casa Grande. The boxers will fight on Showtime’s PPV card in Las Vegas this weekend, headlined by Phoenix native David Benavidez.
March 22, 2023 newscast
Gallery features portraits by Banksy, why SRP is releasing water, Tiger Woods mini golf course
‘Broadcast legend’ Pat McMahon of ‘Wallace and Ladmo’ still a Phoenix TV icon
PHOENIX – For over three decades, Pat McMahon brought joy to children across the greater Phoenix area on KPHO’s hit TV kid’s program, “The Wallace and Ladmo Show.”
Former ASU golfer Anna Nordqvist searches for LPGA Drive On Championship trophy in own backyard
PHOENIX – Anna Nordqvist moved to Arizona in 2006 and since then has found a home away from home. The Swedish golfer has won multiple majors but the one she won in Arizona is one of her more special wins. This week, at the Drive On Championship, Nordqvist is excited to play at home and hopefully add to her trophy case.
Phoenix council member and former U.N. climate adviser Yassamin Ansari pushes for climate action and sustainable energy
PHOENIX — She began her career as a policy adviser at the United Nations advocating for climate change. Now, as a Phoenix City Council member and vice mayor, Yassamin Ansari says that true progress toward a sustainable future starts at the local level.
Volunteers throw mud to preserve an ancient artifact at Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park
PHOENIX – The va’aki at Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park in Phoenix is more than 800 years old. Once a month volunteers come out to throw mud at the structure to stabilize it.
PHF Isobel Cup Championship brings professional women’s hockey to Arizona
TEMPE – The Premier Hockey Federation comes to Tempe’s Mullett Arena for Sunday’s Isobel Cup Championship. This marks the first time the PHF has held an event in Arizona with hopes of growing women’s hockey in the state.
March 23, 2023 newscast
Lori Piestewa honored, Latinas lead labor movement, will Arizona ratify the ERA?
Women entrepreneurs focus on business, personal growth in new program
PHOENIX – A new business growth mentorship program provides women entrepreneurs with tools and resources to run a successful business. The program is run by the ImagiNexGen Institute of Excellence and the Chicanos Por la Causa Prestamos Women’s Business Center.
Phoenix’s David Benavidez promises fireworks on Showtime PPV boxing card featuring Valley’s best fighters
LAS VEGAS – The trash talk is over, and it’s time to square up. David Benavidez, Phoenix’s best boxer and the No. 2 super middleweight in the world, takes on the toughest opponent of his career in Caleb Plant at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday.
Corbin Carroll’s $111 million extension shows Diamondbacks’ belief in prospect pipeline
SCOTTSDALE – Corbin Carroll signed the largest guaranteed contract extension for a player with less than 100 MLB service days earlier this month, and the Diamondbacks could have more talented prospects on the way to the big leagues.
De ‘solitario’ a Lily’s Pad: Parque infantil en Tempe brindará a niños inmunocomprometidos la oportunidad de ser niños
PHOENIX – Los niños con sistemas inmunológicos debilitados u otras discapacidades a menudo no pueden jugar con otros niños. Lily's Pad, un nuevo parque infantil programado para abrir en Arizona en abril, está diseñado para ayudar a los niños inmunocomprometidos a construir su salud física y emocional. Está entre otras áreas recreativas en todo Estados Unidos destinadas a dar cabida a niños con discapacidades.
A forgotten history: the Story of Dot Wilkinson, Billie Harris and the Phoenix Ramblers
PHOENIX – Many years ago, the Phoenix Ramblers brought Arizona its first state championship in 1940. Now that team is mostly forgotten to history. Superstars Billie Harris and Dot Wilkinson, through the words of Lynn Ames, explain why the Ramblers’ journey is so important to the Valley, to softball history and to women’s sporting history.
David Benavidez’s unanimous decision headlines lineup of finest Phoenix boxers on Las Vegas card
LAS VEGAS – Phoenix’s David Benavidez picked up an impressive victory in Las Vegas on Saturday as he defeated the toughest opponent of his career, Caleb Plant, by unanimous decision in front of a spirited crowd.
NFL owners meetings in Phoenix bring rule proposals for upcoming 2023 season
PHOENIX – As owners, coaches and front office executives meet at the Arizona Biltmore, changes to the operation of the games and season are considered by the NFL competition committee.
Autism rates rise in U.S., along with awareness in communities of color
PHOENIX – Autism rates in children ages 4 and 8 are rising as more children are evaluated and tested, with Black, Hispanic and AAPI children more likely to be diagnosed than white children, according to the CDC.
Glendale breaks ground on first complex to use state affordable housing tax credit
GLENDALE – Centerline on Glendale will be the first housing complex in Arizona funded in part by the state affordable housing tax credit. The complex will have 368 new affordable apartments for Glendale residents by 2024.
March 27, 2023 newscast
Deaf and blind school funding uncertain, COVID death rate, mobile home residents relocated
Success in recent NBA drafts laid foundation for Suns’ blockbuster Kevin Durant trade
PHOENIX – Since 2018, the Phoenix Suns have become one of the best teams in the NBA, and recently traded for Kevin Durant. their recent trades and drafting could lead to an NBA championship.
Not the next Michael Phelps: Léon Marchand solidifies own path to swimming stardom at ASU
TEMPE – En route to becoming a five-time NCAA champion, Léon Marchand has treated his further ascent to stardom at ASU with humility amid persistent comparisons with swimming legend Michael Phelps.
Storytellers say LA River can become tool against climate change
LOS ANGELES – In Los Angeles' Frogtown, eco-minded activists gathered around at the local brewery to hear storytellers share their personal connection to the Los Angeles River, a once thriving and unifying water source for the people and wildlife was lined with concrete and fenced in 1938.
ASU football prospects Xazavian Valladay, Kyle Soelle turn heads at annual Pro Day
TEMPE – NFL scouts from across the league came to Tempe to evaluate the Sun Devils who declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. With only one invite from ASU at the NFL Scouting Combine, prospects such as Kyle Soelle and Xazavian Valladay showcased their skills at ASU’s Dickey Dome.
Edmonton’s ‘Cheat Code’ Connor McDavid showcases skills against Coyotes at Mullett Arena
TEMPE – Oilers centerman Connor McDavid is considered by many to be the best hockey player on the planet. On Monday, he made his debut at Mullett Arena facing the Arizona Coyotes in a unique atmosphere.
Jonathan Gannon settles in as new Cardinals coach, expects DeAndre Hopkins back
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals' new front office is beginning to build a new roster together with rumors and headlines swirling around the organization. On Tuesday, new coach Jonathan Gannon gave an update on the process.
Navajo artist’s work featured on skateboard Forever Stamp
GLENDALE – The U.S. Postal Service unveiled the skateboard Forever Stamps to celebrate the community and culture the sport creates. It brought on Indigenous artists to design the stamps, one of whom was Arizona native and Navajo artist Di’Orr Greenwood.
Inspired by contract extension, brother’s success, Bobby Hurley believes ASU can be ‘exceptional’
TEMPE – Bobby Hurley signed a two-year extension with the university to continue as the men’s basketball head coach through the 2026 season. The success of his brother, Dan, in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has inspired him.
Zac Veen poised to become ‘smiley face’ of the franchise for Colorado Rockies
SCOTTSDALE – Colorado’s Zac Veen is regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, a five-tool player who towers over people at 6 feet-4, draws smiley faces in the dirt and has a knack for stealing bases.
Veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed gearing up for healthy return to Diamondbacks
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed is returning for the 2023 MLB season after missing all but 17 games in 2022 due to a shoulder injury. Now recovered, Ahmed, one of the few veteran leaders in the clubhouse, looks to help the Diamondbacks reachr their first postseason appearance since 2017.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation enters 2023 strong as ever amid absences
GLENDALE – Featuring young stars and veteran leadership, the Dodgers’ starting five boasts a wide array of stories. Regardless, the rotation enters 2023 stronger than ever, ready to compete in a strong NL West.
Report places Arizona first in U.S. for rate of COVID-19 deaths
PHOENIX – An analysis by medical-science journal The Lancet shows Arizona had the highest death rate per 100,000 people in the U.S. Researchers examined three years of data that found correlations between race, education and poverty levels and the number of deaths in the state.
Phoenix sues Tempe for breach of contract ahead of hockey arena entertainment district vote
PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is suing Tempe over the residential portion of a planned hockey arena and entertainment district that Tempe voters will decide whether to approve in a May special election.
Arizona will fail clean-air standards if other states aren’t ‘good neighbors’
WASHINGTON - Arizona is doing all it can to improve air quality but will not meet federal standards as long as pollution from other jurisdictions can drift across its borders, the director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality testified Wednesday.
Chicago Cubs’ Ryan Borucki excited for new opportunity with hometown team
New Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Borucki is not necessarily the new kid in town. Raised in Mundelein, Illinois, the former Blue Jays and Mariners pitcher signed with the Cubs during the offseason and is excited for a new opportunity with a hometown team.
No time to lose: How MLB teams plan to beat the new pitch clock
PHOENIX – The introduction of the pitch clock has changed the game of baseball forever. From a strategic standpoint, clubs around the league shared a wide array of opinions regarding the significance of the difference.
French glory: LPGA Tour’s Céline Boutier keeps focus, wins Drive On Championship
GOLD CANYON – LPGA Tour Golfer Céline Boutier was born in France and earned her tour card in 2017. Since then, she has three wins on the LPGA Tour, most recently in the Valley when she captured the Drive On Championship.
Game changers: Two years after historic broadcast, rise of women shakes up industry
PHOENIX – The first all-women’s NBA basketball broadcast happened in 2021 and two years later, women continue to make names for themselves, but sometimes change is still glacially slow.
Maricopa County leads nation in population increase, surpasses 4.5 million
PHOENIX – Maricopa County remained the fastest-growing county in the nation with a population over 4.5 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Pinal County saw the second-biggest gains in Arizona, adding 16,010 people.
Flood or feast: Drought-busting storms create winners and losers among farmers
LOS ANGELES – A series of storms have lashed California and Arizona after years of drought. Some farmers, like those growing grapes for wine, welcome the deluge while others, like those growing strawberries, say they have hurt the harvest.
ASU football pro day inspires unity one last time in final showcase for NFL scouts
TEMPE – Despite a tough season, the 2022 Sun Devil team became a family through the adversity it faced. ASU’s pro day Monday offered one last day together as a team, this time in front of NFL scouts.
Nowruz celebration hails women fighting for their rights in Iran and Afghanistan
PHOENIX – Nowruz, the Persian new year, was celebrated with an event in Phoenix this month that also commemorated women’s rights movements in the Middle East. Event organizers honored women who are advocating for their rights in Iran and Afghanistan.
March 30, 2023 newscast
AHCCCS requalifying, Phoenix's plan to raise water rates, Dodgers standout Austin Barnes
Pro-Coyotes arena groups decry lawsuit, urge Tempe voters to pass ballot measures
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes and other groups in favor of a proposed hockey arena and entertainment district in Tempe urged voters to pass ballot measures in May that would allow the project to proceed. The group also decried a lawsuit the city of Phoenix filed Tuesday against Tempe related to the development.
From Sunnyslope to San Diego State, Elijah Saunders relishes road to Final Four
PHOENIX – Sunnyslope High School alum Elijah Saunders now plays for San Diego State University which is on an improbable run to the NCAA Men’s Final Four. Elijah spoke about his time at Sunnyslope and how it helped him prepare for his time at San Diego State.
Arizona’s $58 billion in manufacturing investments among most in nation
WASHINGTON - Arizona has attracted more than $58 billion in private investments for manufacturing since 2021, among the most in the country. The White House says it shows the president's economic plan is working, but analysts say there's likely more at work there.
Milwaukee Brewers, off to 2-1 start, excited about pitching staff
PHOENIX – 2021 Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes earned the Opening Day starter spot for the Brew Crew as Milwaukee banks on pitching strength for the 2023 season.
Coyotes’ courtship of Hispanic community continues with celebration of Cesar Chavez Day
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes celebrated Cesar Chavez two days early in an effort to further integrate itself into Arizona’s Hispanic community. The team, which is the NHL’s first with a Latino CEO and president, volunteered at four different sites in Tempe.
‘I thought he was going to be with us forever’: Housing programs aim to close the gap for people with autism
PHOENIX – A report from the Greater Phoenix Housing Market Analysis shows the lack of attention given to people with autism or who are neurodivergent makes it difficult for them to get out of poverty.
Dancers battle it out in Tempe for a chance to compete on the global stage
TEMPE – About 80 dancers went head-to-head in 1v1 freestyle battles as part of the Red Bull “Dance Your Style” auditions at Arizona State University’s Galvin Plaza. The top two winners advance to regional finals in Los Angeles.
March 31, 2023 newscast
Bobby Hurley's ties to the Final Four, Suns NBA finals run 30 years ago, Logan Webb's Red Bull routine
FBI investiga estafas dirigidas a comunidad indígena
PHOENIX – El FBI está investigando estafas en las que falsos grupos de rehabilitación se enfocan en la comunidad indígena. Los funcionarios dijeron que los organizadores de estas "instalaciones improvisadas" ofrecen falsamente recuperación de adicciones, luego presentan documentos para obtener dinero del gobierno antes de desaparecer.
‘I got a Ph.D. in basketball’: Experience at Arizona pays off for SDSU assistant coach JayDee Luster
HOUSTON – San Diego State men’s basketball assistant coach JayDee Luster credits his time as a graduate assistant at Arizona under Sean Miller for helping him understand what it takes to help a team get to the top of the NCAA.
Buckeye high school installs weapons detectors in student-safety push
BUCKEYE – Verrado High School is one of the first schools in the Agua Fria Union High School District to install weapons detectors on campus. These detectors are calibrated to detect heavy metals such as firearms. Verrado is one of five schools within the district receiving detectors.
‘We couldn’t be closer:’ Hurley brothers strive to continue family legacy
HOUSTON – With UConn set to play in the championship game on Monday, Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley is living in the moment with his brother, Dan.
Kris Mayes, other AGs support FDA proposal to make donating blood easier for LGBTQ population
PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined 21 other state attorneys general in supporting a Food and Drug Administration proposal that would make it easier for LGBTQ individuals to donate blood and plasma.
April 3, 2023 newscast
Gas prices rising again, blood donation LGTQ restrictions, 2024 Final Four planning
Gas guzzler: Gas prices jump in Arizona to $4+ and rising
PHOENIX – Gas prices have been steadily increasing in Arizona since March. AAA’s gas prices markers show the average price per gallon in Arizona on Monday was 79 cents higher than the national average.
Phoenix community market creates space to support women entrepreneurs
PHOENIX - Heart and Soil People's Garden works to provide fresh produce for the south Phoenix community. The garden hosts monthly markets to support entrepreneurs, mostly women of color, and their businesses.
Phoenix Rising sets franchise attendance record in first game at new stadium
Phoenix Rising set its franchise record for attendance when more than 10,400 fans attended the team’s first game in its new stadium at 38th Street and Washington. Rising battled to a 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal in the game.
San Diego State’s loss to UConn in NCAA National Championship game does little to quiet Pac-12 rumors
HOUSTON – Despite the Aztecs' loss against UConn in the national championship game Monday night, their NCAA tournament run has solidified the athletic program’s case for a potential move to the Pac-12.
Controversial Arizona bill would allow factories to treat their own water
PHOENIX – Nestlé supports Arizona bill, SB 1660, which would allow factories to treat their own water instead of going through water providers. The bill is sparking controversy.
Arizona Gives Day collects donations to benefit over 1,000 nonprofits
PHOENIX – Amid rising inflation rates and costs, Arizona Gives Day raises funds for over 1,000 nonprofits statewide. Inflation is not only affecting the nonprofits but donors, too.
April 4, 2023 newscast
Bees are quickly dying, Donald Trump indictment, Phoenix Rising’s new stadium
Another assist: Suns guard Chris Paul helps kids read, learn with his new children’s book
PHOENIX – Chris Paul partnered with Page Turners Make Great Learners to promote his new children’s book and encourage children to read more. The 12-time NBA All-Star had so much fun doing a virtual read-along event, he invited a classroom of kids from an Atlanta-area school to a game when the Suns visited the Atlanta Hawks and met the young readers face-to-face.
Unmistakable rhythm of cumbia music grows louder in Phoenix as local DJ duo and fusion band work to create thriving scene
It’s an unmistakable rhythm that catches you by the ear and doesn’t let go. It’s the booming heart of Latin music and dance known as cumbia, and it’s a form of Latin culture that local DJ duo, Vinyl Vagos, and a cumbia fusion band known as Las Calakas are cultivating in Phoenix.
Going (Savannah) Bananas: Exhibition baseball teams take over Scottsdale, Peoria to delight of fans
SCOTTSDALE – The Savannah Bananas came to Scottsdale Stadium and Peoria Sports Complex last weekend as part of their 2023 world tour. The game featured plenty of entertainment outside of the unique Banana Ball rules.
Donate Life Arizona advocates for organ donations at the Arizona Capitol
PHOENIX – Donate Life Arizona brought together legislators and families of both organ donors and recipients at the Arizona Capitol to celebrate a record number of organ donations in 2022.
State begins to shed thousands from Medicaid, push them to other care
WASHINGTON - Arizona started purging people from the pandemic-inflated Medicaid rolls this month, a process that could end up pushing more than 600,000 people off the plan, health officials and advocates said.
April 5, 2023 newscast
Organ donations in Arizona, migrant medical emergencies, Phoenix business grants
Arizona LGBTQ+ hockey league leads the way, offering inclusive safe place to play
Arizona Legacy Pride Hockey Association, an LGBTQ+ hockey league, is working to make the sport more inclusive and accessible. In conjunction with the Arizona Coyotes, ALPHA has created a safe space for growth.
All in the family: Freshmen twins Kalek and Kaden House lead Desert Mountain basketball to best season in school history
PHOENIX – Freshmen Kalek and Kaden House, who are twin sons of Eddie House, play varsity basketball at Desert Mountain High School. One of the assistant coaches is Michael Bibby Jr., son of Michael Bibby, who is cousins with Kalek and Kaden House.
Ken Koshio marks three years of hiking Piestewa Peak every day
PHOENIX – Every morning, for the past three years, Ken Koshio has hiked Piestewa Peak, the third-highest peak in Phoenix, and played music at the top. The three-year anniversary of his prayer hike was also the 20th anniversary of Lori Piestewa’s death. She is the first Native American woman to die in United States military combat.
Arizona Coyotes’ developer threatens to sue Phoenix for ‘interference’ in Tempe arena, entertainment district
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes' development arm filed a notice of claim against Phoenix in response to a lawsuit filed by the city last week. Bluebird Development claims that the city’s suit breaks an agreement that Phoenix would not object to the development of an entertainment district that would include a new home for the hockey franchise.
April 6, 2023 newscast
Hobbs talks executions in court, Texas migrant health care, Diamondbacks home opener
Question for victims, court, is not if Aaron Gunches will die, but when
WASHINGTON - Aaron Gunches was supposed to die Thursday night. But instead the convicted murderer will spend at least two more months on Arizona's death row while courts decide if the state can be forced to carry out an execution it says it is not ready for.
Blades of glory: Wrestling sisters have big dreams, including Olympics
TEMPE – The Blades sisters committed to ASU, a school that doesn’t recognize Division 1 women's wrestling, but that doesn’t mean they no longer are competing.
Arizona tribe to get millions in federal payouts for water conservation
The Gila River Indian Community could get up to $233 million in federal funding for water conservation, one of the first to get the money under a program aimed at encouraging water cutbacks in Arizona, California and Nevada.
Kris Mayes y otros fiscales generales apoyan propuesta de FDA para facilitar donación de sangre a población LGBTQ
PHOENIX – La fiscal general de Arizona, Kris Mayes, se unió a otros 21 fiscales generales estatales en apoyar una propuesta de la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) que facilitaría a las personas LGBTQ la donación de sangre y plasma.
Nosotros program helps identify liver disease with free fibroscans
TUCSON – The Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud public health program helps the Hispanic community in southern Arizona identify and combat health issues, including through free fibroscans that identify levels of liver disease.
Diamondbacks open Chase Field with early optimism to start 2023 season: ‘Good things are on the way’
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the toughest April schedules in Major League Baseball. Finishing 3-3 after a six-game road trip to open the regular season, the Diamondbacks return to host the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers.
As heat-related deaths soar in Arizona, cities, businesses and environmental activists launch tree-planting initiatives
PHOENIX – Deaths related to heat have soared in recent years in Arizona. Several cities, businesses and environmental groups believe that planting trees should be part of the solution.
LA’s Black firefighters museum marks its 25th anniversary, but the equality fight goes on
LOS ANGELES – The African American Firefighters Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary by honoring retired Black firefighters while discussing the ongoing fight for equality.
Arizona ocupa el primer lugar en EE. UU. en tasa de muertes por COVID-19
PHOENIX – Un análisis de la revista médico-científica The Lancet muestra que Arizona tuvo la tasa de mortalidad más alta por cada 100,000 personas en los Estados Unidos. Los investigadores examinaron tres años de datos que encontraron correlaciones entre la raza, la educación y los niveles de pobreza y el número de muertes en el estado.
Big shots on campus: University of Arizona’s Jordan Geist and Delaney Schnell win NCAA national titles
PHOENIX – University of Arizona's Jordan Geist and Delaney Schnell won NCAA National Championships in the indoor shot put and platform diving to end long droughts for their respective programs.
Text ‘join’ to get COVID-19, health updates in rural Arizona
PHOENIX – The Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona sent texts about COVID-19 to 3,000 subscribers living in rural areas during the pandemic. Since then, the texts evolved to include other health-care issues for POC and other underserved communities.
Tasas de autismo aumentan en Estados Unidos, junto con la concientización de las comunidades de color
PHOENIX — Las tasas de autismo en niños de 4 y 8 años están aumentando a medida que se evalúa y se realizan pruebas a más niños. Los niños de la raza negra, hispanos y de las islas del pacifico asiático tienen más probabilidades de ser diagnosticados que los niños blancos, según los CDC.
Diagonal crossing? Tempe tests all-pedestrian crosswalk
TEMPE – Tempe recently wrapped up a four-week pilot program for an all-pedestrian crosswalk at the busy intersection of Mill Avenue and Fifth Street. Pedestrians could cross in any direction — even diagonally — when traffic was stopped.
2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm stays connected to Valley, Arizona State on PGA Tour rise
PHOENIX – Jon Rahm, an Arizona State University alumnus, won the Masters tournament on Sunday. His impact on the Sun Devil community and the Valley continues to this day.
Under new leadership, Arizona Cardinals explore options with third pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
PHOENIX – After an underwhelming 2022 season, the Cardinals are hoping to make the right selection to find success in their first year under new general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon.
Tribal leaders, lawmakers want new 1.1 million acre monument in Arizona
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders joined state lawmakers Tuesday to call on President Joe Biden to set aside more than 1.1 million acres around the Grand Canyon as a new national monument.
As states continue to bicker, feds say Colorado River cuts are coming
With states unable to agree on a plan to share Colorado River water, the feds Tuesday released their own plans, with one alternative that would benefit California by following decades of agreements and another that would spread cuts evenly among the states.
April 11, 2023 newscast
Bill to carry weapons at schools, Christian university sues school district, Rattlers’ home opener
Ebb and flow: Lacrosse in Arizona weathers growth spurts
PHOENIX – Lacrosse is most popular on the East Coast, but the sport is still finding its footing in Arizona. The lacrosse community in the state is small but mighty and is working toward sustainable growth.
Desert Vista girls basketball gains national exposure in State Champions Invitational Tournament
TEMPE – After winning Arizona’s state championship in March, the Desert Vista girls basketball team was invited to Washington D.C. to compete against the nation’s best in the State Champions Invitational Tournament.
Serie de tormentas en California y Arizona benefician a algunos agricultores mientras afectan a otros.
LOS ÁNGELES – Una serie de tormentas han azotado California y Arizona después de años de sequía. Algunos agricultores, como los que cultivan uvas para el vino, dan la bienvenida a las lluvias, mientras que otros, como los que cultivan fresas, dicen que han perjudicado la cosecha.
Thrilling comeback leads ASU baseball to 13-10 win, series sweep over Grand Canyon
PHOENIX – Contributions from Nick McLain, Jacob Tobias, Luke Hill and Luke Keaschall flipped a seven-run deficit into a three-run victory for Arizona State baseball over Grand Canyon Tuesday night.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego prioritizes homelessness, climate, infrastructure in state of city address
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stressed the importance of homelessness, climate change and infrastructure in her annual State of the City address on Wednesday.
State budget negotiations said to be close as Arizona governor celebrates 100th day in office
PHOENIX — In her first 100 days, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed more than 40 bills and created oversight commissions to find solutions to the state’s pressing problems.
Arizona providers confident abortions will continue despite court challenges
WASHINGTON - Arizona health care providers are confident they will be able to continue providing safe abortions, even as courts tangle over an order that could halt distribution of a key abortion medication.
Programa Nosotros ayuda a identificar enfermedades hepáticas con exámenes gratuitos
TUCSON - El programa de salud pública Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud ayuda a la comunidad hispana del sur de Arizona a identificar y combatir problemas de salud, incluyendo fibroscans gratuitos que identifican los niveles de enfermedades hepáticas.
Pat Tillman’s legacy lives through annual 4.2-mile race to raise money for veterans
PHOENIX – It has been nearly 19 years to date since the tragic death of former Arizona State and Cardinals football star Pat Tillman. Since then, those close to him have honored his legacy through an annual run to raise money for active duty scholars and their spouses.
‘Pick your poison’: Kevin Durant’s impact abundantly clear as NBA playoffs approach
PHOENIX – Since trading for Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns are a perfect 8-0 when Durant is in the lineup, and it’s no secret the 13-time All-Star will pose a headache for the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round series.
ASU gymnast Hannah Scharf ready to take on NCAA women’s championships as an individual qualifier
TEMPE – ASU gymnast Hannah Scharf has already cemented herself as one of the Sun Devil greats, and has one last chance to showcase her talents this season at the NCAA women’s championships.
Brice Turang before the Bigs: Eighth-grade draft hopeful, USA baseball alum, $100 home run hitter
PHOENIX — Brice Turang was the Brewers’ first round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he was still considerable steps away from tapping into his upside. In bridging the gap between his strengths and weaknesses through four grueling minor league seasons, parallels to past experiences arose that revealed his readiness when his call-up came this spring.
Phoenix turns to residents to come up with innovative solutions for providing chilled drinking water in public places
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Office of Innovation partnered with Venture Café to host the first Innovation Challenge. Five teams competed to come up with innovative solutions to provide chilled, drinking water to public places.
‘Enough bullying’: NHL Commissioner Bettman, Coyotes defend plan for new Tempe arena
TEMPE – Exasperated by protests, lawsuits and now vandalism, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan defend plans Thursday for new Tempe arena and entertainment district.
Phoenix Suns prepared for early test vs. Los Angeles Clippers in NBA playoffs
PHOENIX – The trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul will have to play to their capabilities to stop Kawhi Leonard’s Los Angeles Clippers, but they are more than up to the task.
Phoenix Suns eager to reverse postseason failures in upcoming NBA playoffs
PHOENIX – The Suns hope to end a franchise-long streak of heartbreaking playoff outings and lift up the Larry O’Brien trophy. To do that, however, Phoenix will need to go against history, unwritten rules and other factors that will stand in the way of its first title.
April 13, 2023 newscast
Tax breaks for Arizonans, Sky Harbor music program, Grand Prix of Long Beach
Orden podría detener distribución de medicamento abortivo
WASHINGTON – Los proveedores de atención médica de Arizona están seguros de que podrán continuar brindando abortos seguros, incluso cuando los tribunales discuten una orden que podría detener la distribución de un medicamento clave para el aborto.
Native Sun: How Saben Lee’s NBA dreams from Corona Del Sol days led to Arizona homecoming
PHOENIX – Former Corona Del Sol standout Saben Lee endured setbacks throughout high school and college, but all of his trials led him back home for a dream opportunity with the Suns.
Skidding tires, anxious drivers: Long Beach Grand Prix fires up this weekend
LONG BEACH, Calif. – The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach hits the streets this weekend. The main event is Sunday’s IndyCar series street race, an 85-lap, 167-mile contest that forces drivers to contend with twists, turns, bumps and obstacles. It’s a far cry from racing the oval at the Indianapolis 500.
‘I was wrongfully convicted’: Exonerated Arizonan fights to change criminal justice
PHOENIX - Khalil Rushdan spent 15 years behind bars before being exonerated with the help of the Arizona Justice Project. He and others will share their stories at a Phoenix conference of the Innocence Network, which includes groups like the Arizona Justice Project.
El estado comienza a eliminar a miles de personas de Medicaid, enviándolos a otro tipo de atención médica
WASHINGTON – Arizona comenzó este mes a eliminar personas de las listas de Medicaid auamentadas por la pandemia, un proceso que podría terminar sacando del plan a más de 600,000 personas, dijeron funcionarios de salud y defensores.
April 14, 2023 newscast
Cronkite News Weather Innovation Team takes on the so-called five seasons of Arizona
EPA’s ‘Waters’ rule fluid, as courts block enforcement in 26 states
After a years of fighting between administrations over the Clean Water Act, the on-again, off-again struggle over the Waters of the United States rule is on again. And off again, depending on where you live. Arizona is one of 24 states where the rule is in effect.
Optimism surrounds Arizona football as Wildcats aim to take next step in coach Jedd Fisch’s third season
TUCSON – Coach Jedd Fisch took the Wildcats from a 1-11 to 5-7 season in his first two seasons. Now, with key contributors from last season returning, the Wildcats believe they can keep the upward trend going and qualify for a bowl game – or more.
Pat’s Run returns to Tempe for 19th annual race honoring Pat Tillman’s legacy
TEMPE – The 19th annual Pat’s Run, a 4.2-mile race that honors former Arizona State and Cardinals star Pat Tillman took place Saturday, with runners of all ages coming together to raise money for the Pat Tillman foundation.
Houston’s Final Four success foreshadows potential economic boost for Arizona in 2024
HOUSTON – On the heels of the 2023 Final Four in Houston, the next stop for the tournament is in Arizona. The Valley of the Sun previously held the Final Four in 2017 and brought in near-record numbers.
ASU spring game gives fans first glimpse at Kenny Dillingham, new-look roster
TEMPE – Arizona State played its annual spring game and gave fans a sneak peak at what Sun Devil football will look like under new coach Kenny Dillingham. The game demonstrated his pledge to activate the Sun Devil fan base to bring back the winning ways of Arizona State football.
As questions surround Tempe entertainment district, studies predict impact ahead of May vote
TEMPE – As the registration deadline closed for voters on Monday, questions still loom over the Tempe Entertainment District’s potential benefits and drawbacks but two studies could provide some answers.
La pregunta para las víctimas y la corte no es si Aaron Gunches será ejecutado, sino cuándo
WASHINGTON - Se suponía que Aaron Gunches moriría el jueves por la noche. Pero en cambio, el asesino convicto pasará al menos dos meses más en el corredor de la muerte de Arizona mientras los tribunales deciden si el estado puede ser obligado a llevar a cabo una ejecución para la cual dicen que no están preparados
Patience pays off for ASU softball first baseman Jordyn VanHook
TEMPE – After three seasons of not seeing much playing time and a short period spent in the transfer portal following the departure of Trisha Ford, Jordyn VanHook has returned and proven herself as one of the top softball players in the PAC-12, doing so with a position change as well.
U.S. set for 75th meeting against archrival Mexico in friendly at State Farm Stadium
PHOENIX – The U.S. is set to meet Mexico on the pitch for the 75th time as they kick-off in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clásico at State Farm Stadium. The USMNT is undefeated in its previous four games against Mexico.
Arizona tribal gaming contributions up 20% over last year, nearing $2 billion mark since 2004
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Gaming announced its contributions to the Arizona community, which are up 20% from last year. Close to $2 billion has been contributed to educational, emergency and other Arizona funds.
Cactus High’s Bradey Henige fills tall order as two-sport 7-footer
GLENDALE – Cactus High School’s Bradey Henige just finished up his junior basketball season, where he emerged as one of the top players in the nation in rebounding. He also plays volleyball to help his skills on the basketball court as schools start gaining interest.
Arizona Senate bill could expand cochlear implant state Medicaid coverage
PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate has passed SB 1017, which aims to expand coverage of cochlear implants for adults through AHCCCS. Advocates say it would have a positive impact on people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill is now being read in the House.
Stanford’s Rose Zhang continuing dominance at Pac-12 Women’s Championship as World’s No. 1 amateur
PHOENIX – Through her first two years at Stanford, Rose Zhang has done everything imaginable in amateur golf except winning a conference championship. Now she is in contention of winning the Pac-12 individual championship title.
April 18, 2023 newscast
Rep. Liz Harris' replacement, safety at the Salt River, and Narcan made available
Residentes rurales reciben mensajes de texto para mejorar su salud
PHOENIX – El Centro de Salud Rural de la Universidad de Arizona envió mensajes de texto sobre COVID-19 a 3,000 suscriptores que viven en áreas rurales durante la pandemia. Desde entonces, los mensajes de texto evolucionaron para incluir otros problemas de atención médica para personas de color y otras comunidades desatendidas.
Arizona’s ‘super season’ gives state financial shot of adrenaline
PHOENIX – A May report from Arizona's Common Sense Institute showed that 6.4% of the state’s total economy comes from the sports and tourism sector. With the Super Bowl and many other major sporting events in town in 2023, Arizona saw plenty of positive economic benefits.
Winning back-to-back championships is hard enough, but Willow Canyon softball on pace for 3-peat
SURPRISE – Since the return of sports after the COVID-19 outbreak, only one team has won the 5A softball state championship and they look to do it for the third straight year in a row. Willow Canyon is a powerhouse in the West Valley, sporting a 23-0-1 record and currently ranked 15th in the country by MaxPreps.
Call it even: Suns find ‘juice,’ tie series against Clippers in Game 2
PHOENIX – After a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Clippers, the Suns remained confident in addressing their “juice” problem and faced adversity head-on to even the first-round series Tuesday in Game 2.
Parents of transgender athletes file lawsuit over Arizona transgender athlete ban
PHOENIX – The parents of two transgender youth athletes have filed a lawsuit over Arizona’s ban on transgender girls participating in girls sports.
Compassion meditation: UArizona researchers to study impact on breast cancer survivors, caregivers
PHOENIX – The University of Arizona will use a $1.7 million grant for breast-cancer survivors and their partners to practice “compassion meditation,” studying whether the program can ease their anxiety, depression and sense of isolation.
Phoenix again ranks among most polluted; people of color more likely to be exposed and develop health issues, report says
PHOENIX – The Phoenix metro area has been ranked as the fifth-most ozone-polluted city in the United States, according to the most recent State of the Air report from the American Lung Association. The report emphasized people of color are especially affected by air pollution and related health issues.
‘Pensé que iba a estar con nosotros para siempre’: Programas de vivienda buscan cerrar la brecha para personas con autismo
PHOENIX - Un informe del Análisis del Mercado de Viviendas de Greater Phoenix muestra que la falta de atención dada a las personas con autismo o que son neurodivergentes dificulta su salida de la pobreza.
Transfer portal forces reflection, changes for Arizona men’s and women’s basketball programs
TUCSON – After a subpar March Madness performance by the Arizona men’s and women’s basketball programs, it did not take long for players to take advantage of the transfer portal and choose to find a new home for next season.
Are Olympics next? With NFL’s support, flag football booming in Arizona high schools, internationally
PHOENIX – In the fall, girls flag football will become a sanctioned sport in Arizona, just part of an international explosion of the sport. Backed by the NFL and the International Federation of American Football, supporters hope the sport will be part of the Olympics by 2028
Despite hostile ‘home’ crowd, U.S. earns draw against rival Mexico in Glendale
GLENDALE – The U.S. battled back to secure a late draw against Mexico in Glendale after falling behind in the second half. The tie extends the U.S. unbeaten record against Mexico to five straight games.
On the clock: Countdown to the 2024 Men’s Final Four underway
PHOENIX – With the 2024 Men’s Final Four set to be in Arizona, the countdown for the event begins at Sky Harbor International Airport, early Thursday morning.
The hot-tub league: How a Mesa spa brought spring training to Arizona
MESA — Buckhorn Baths Motel is part of the reason why spring training is in Arizona. The spa attracted the attention of many teams looking for some much-needed rest and relaxation. But the hotel and spa has fallen into disrepair.
State challenges Biden – again – on COVID-19 vaccine mandate for contractors
WASHINGTON - Legislative leaders said they will appeal a federal court ruling that said President Joe Biden had the authority to require COVID-19 vaccinations for workers on federal contracts in Arizona.
Renaissance man: Phoenix boxer Elijah Garcia ready to fight on boxing’s biggest stage amid Valley boxing revival
PHOENIX – Elijah Garcia, one of three young fighters leading a boxing revival in Phoenix, faces the toughest test of his career against Kevin Salgado. The bout is on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year, Gervonta Davis versus Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas, and puts the up-and-coming Garcia on boxing’s biggest stage.
Have health needs, will travel: ADHS delivers vaccines, tests to underserved communities
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services takes COVID-19 tests and vaccines to low-income and other underserved communities, from migrants to Indigenous residents, across the state. Mobile units and pop-up sites offer temporary help, where needed.
Sense of urgency prompts Diamondbacks to move on from pitcher Madison Bumgarner
PHOENIX – At the time of signing All-Star left-hander Madison Bumgarner, the Arizona Diamondbacks thought they were getting an ace-caliber pitcher for a bargain. Four years later, they ended his Diamondbacks career by designating him for assignment.
‘Look good, feel good, play good’: Cardinals unveil new uniforms for first time since 2005
PHOENIX – The Cardinals invited fans and former players to attend the unveiling of the team’s new uniforms, which are a nod to tradition with a cleaner look.
April 21, 2023 newscast
How AZ got the Final Four, blind skateboarder, kids with cancer get ultimate fan experience
Proyecto de ley podría ampliar cobertura de implantes cocleares en Medicaid estatal
PHOENIX – El Senado de Arizona aprobó el proyecto de ley SB 1017, el cual tiene como objetivo ampliar la cobertura de implantes cocleares para adultos a través de AHCCCS. Los defensores dicen que tendría un impacto positivo en las personas que son sordas o tienen dificultades auditivas. El proyecto de ley ahora se está leyendo en la Cámara.
Phoenix vuelve a estar entre las ciudades más contaminadas en el informe Estado del Aire
PHOENIX – Según el informe más reciente del Estado del Aire de la Asociación Americana del Pulmón, el área metropolitana de Fénix ha sido clasificada como la quinta ciudad más contaminada por el ozono en los Estados Unidos. El informe enfatizó que las personas de color son especialmente afectadas por la contaminación del aire y los problemas de salud relacionados.
Arizona Cardinals’ roster rebuild under new regime starts in NFL draft
TEMPE – With an anticipated trade of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and quarterback Kyler Murray’s recovery from knee surgery, the Cardinals are preparing for a complete overhaul starting Thursday night.
Arizona Cardinals play coy about third overall pick, strategy ahead of NFL Draft
TEMPE – The NFL Draft begins Thursday and it is the first for Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort and new coach Jonathan Gannon. On Friday, Ossenfort and Gannon discussed the upcoming draft and a bevy of scenarios surrounding the team’s first-round pick, the third overall choice in the draft.
Arizona’s veterinary medicine grads aid shortfall of vets in nation, state
GLENDALE – Arizona’s veterinary loan assistance program will repay up to $100,000 in loans for graduates who have practiced in the state for four years. Midwestern University and the University of Arizona hope to graduate more veterinary medicine students to fill the vet shortage.
Back to black: Goth fashion hits the runways in a post-pandemic world
LOS ANGELES – Following the success of Netflix’s “Wednesday,” Goth is having yet another moment in popular culture. The mood following years of a pandemic play into the trend, and solidify its return.
Arizona’s sailing community unites on Lake Pleasant for Tall Cactus Regatta
PEORIA – The 2023 Tall Cactus Regatta was held last weekend on Lake Pleasant. Sailing in the desert may seem far-fetched, but these sailors are showing that it can and is being done.
Suns forward Torrey Craig rises to occasion in new starting role vs. Clippers
PHOENIX – On a team with a trio of superstars, few talk about Torrey Craig, but he’s easily the Phoenix Suns’ unsung hero in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
April 24, 2023 newscast
New Arizona Cardinals uniforms, invasive plants, a bill to increase parking for truckers
Arizona increase in drunken driving deaths among highest in nation in 2021
WASHINGTON - A surge in drunken driving deaths on Arizona highways from 2020 to 2021 was among the highest in the nation both in terms of percentage increase - 43% - and raw numbers, with the additional 126 drunken driving deaths taking the state's total to 421 in 2021.
April 25, 2023 newscast
A children's hospital's new sleep lab, Annual Advocacy Day at the state Capitol, passport delays.
Sandra Day O’Connor girls beach volleyball team seeks back-to-back state championships to cap undefeated season
PHOENIX – Sandra Day O’Connor’s girls beach volleyball team faces Queen Creek in the state championship on the heels of an undefeated season. Seeking back-to-back titles, the Eagles figured out a winning formula after losing seven key starters from last year.
New sunscreen choices offer ray of hope for people of color
LOS ANGELES – As temperatures rise in Arizona and California, more sun worshippers are reaching for sunscreen. And finally entrepreneurs have woken up to the obvious: the need to cater to people with different skin tones. What they're doing.
What direction should the Cardinals go? Arizona’s best eight options in NFL Draft
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals, with a restructured front office and in need of a rebuild, face a potentially franchise-altering decision with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. A shaved-down current roster for the Cardinals begs the question, trade back and fill more holes or use the pick to select a centerpiece defender to build around?
Nesta Jade Silvera, ASU’s vocal defensive captain, eagerly awaits biggest call of his life at NFL Draft
TEMPE - Arizona State defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera not only produces on the field but also served as the vocal leader for the Sun Devils this season. Bringing energy everywhere he goes, Silvera participated in multiple events leading up to the NFL Draft. He hopes to finally accomplish his childhood dream.
Arizona State women’s golf readies for regionals on heels of Beth Coulter’s second-place Pac-12 finish
PHOENIX – Beth Coulter’s second-place individual finish at Pac-12s and strong seasons from Paula Schulz-Hannsen and Ashley Menne set ASU up for a potential return to Nationals in Scottsdale.
Border towns see ‘disaster’ without federal help as end to Title 42 looms
WASHINGTON - Arizona border communities face a "humanitarian disaster" in two weeks if the federal government does not step in to help with the crush of migrants expected when Title 42 ends, local officials told a Senate panel Wednesday.
April 26, 2023 newscast
Endangered California condor, ADOT’s pothole plan, ‘Bill & Ted’s’ filming locales
Long time coming: ASU, Brophy Prep alum Drew Maggi finally makes MLB debut for Pittsburgh Pirates
PHOENIX – After a long minor-league baseball career spanning more than 10 seasons, ASU and Brophy Prep alum Drew Maggi finally made his MLB debut on Wednesday.
Arizona plans to sink more than $85 million into potholes, other repairs
PHOENIX – After a tough winter for roadways, the Arizona Department of Transportation is working to patch potholes and to resurface, repair and improve highways in Arizona. ADOT has pledged over $85 million for the effort.
Phoenix residents could see water bill increases coming soon
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is considering increases to its water rates in response to the ongoing drought and rising costs of labor, electricity and chemicals used to treat water and wastewater. Other Valley cities say their drought plans have not yet progressed to charging users more.
With tears and laughter, Mercury center Brittney Griner speaks for first time since Russian detainment
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner met with reporters for the first time since her arrest in Russia on Feb. 17, 2022, on drug-related charges. The press conference attracted local and national media and included Gov. Katie Hobbs and Griner’s wife, Cherelle.
Meditación de compasión: investigadores de UArizona estudiarán su impacto en sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama
PHOENIX – La Universidad de Arizona utilizará una subvención de $1,7 millones para que sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama y sus parejas practiquen la "meditación de compasión", estudiando si el programa puede aliviar su ansiedad, depresión y sensación de aislamiento.
Map of border surveillance towers shows growing ‘virtual wall’ along US southern border
PHOENIX – The Electronic Frontier Foundation created a map of more than 300 surveillance towers on the United States-Mexico border. EFF questions the implications of surveillance on citizens in border communities and the expansion of surveillance technology.
MLB Draft, UCLA can wait as Arizona’s top baseball prospect Roch Cholowsky eyes another state title
CHANDLER – Roch Cholowsky is Arizona’s No. 1 high school baseball player in the class of 2023 and No. 12 in the country. His mentality is to continue to win games, have fun and help lead Hamilton High to a second straight state championship.
Wet winter allows for rare ‘high-flow’ Lake Powell release to help river
An extra pulse of water was sent through the Grand Canyon this week, part of a Bureau of Reclamation “high-flow experiment” designed to move and redeposit sand and sediment from the Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona.
Arizona Sidewinders bring ultimate frisbee, community to the Valley
MESA – The Arizona Sidewinders are the first professional Ultimate team in the state of Arizona and one of eight professional women's and nonbinary Ultimate teams across the West Coast.
With former player as coach, Basha High softball heads to 6A state playoffs
CHANDLER – The last time the Basha High School softball team won the Premier Region, Kailey Pomeroy was a player on the team. Now she is the coach and leading the team into the 6A state playoffs that start Saturday.
Football’s renaissance man: Cardinals draft Paris Johnson Jr. to help protect Kyler Murray
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals' top draft pick doesn't just play football. He also speaks Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese, and started a charity for veterans while he still played at Ohio State. Paris Johnson Jr. is bringing a lot to the table and the Cardinals are thrilled.
April 28, 2023 newscast
Risks of sports gambling, women broadcasters' progress, ASU head coach interview, and movie on wrestler-turned-coach
Las nuevas opciones de protector solar ofrecen un rayo de esperanza para las personas de color
LOS ÁNGELES – A medida que aumentan las temperaturas en Arizona y California, más amantes del sol buscan protector solar. Y finalmente, los empresarios se han dado cuenta de lo obvio: la necesidad de atender a personas con diferentes tonos de piel. Esto es lo que están haciendo.
Phoenix nonprofit addresses need for children’s respite, hospice care
PHOENIX – One of three pediatric hospice homes in the United States, Ryan House provides respite, palliative and hospice care to children with chronic illnesses. The nonprofit addresses how to meet the needs of these children in a space with few solutions.
Sen. Juan Mendez, Arizona Muslim Alliance propose Arizona Office for New Americans
PHOENIX – Sen. Juan Mendez collaborates with Arizona Muslim Alliance to establish an Office for New Americans in an effort to improve immigrant rights and services in Arizona.
GCU set to play in NCAA men’s volleyball tournament for first time in program history
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University received a bid to play in the 2023 NCAA men’s volleyball tournament for the first time in program history. For some players, it’s their last chance to go out with a title.
After stop at Chase Field, Fernando Tatis Jr. prepares for first game at Petco Park since suspension
PHOENIX – Coming off a 564-day MLB hiatus because of PED suspension and injury, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. made his return at Chase Field and now will play.
After pitching struggles in Oregon, ASU baseball turns focus to Stanford series
EUGENE, Ore. – Although it came away with just one victory in its series at Oregon, the Arizona State baseball team is ready to shift its focus to the future. Especially since Stanford awaits.
ADHS entrega vacunas y pruebas de COVID-19 a comunidades desatendidas
PHOENIX – El Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona lleva las pruebas y vacunas de COVID-19 a comunidades de bajos ingresos y otras comunidades desatendidas, desde migrantes hasta residentes indígenas, en todo el estado. Unidades móviles y sitios emergentes ofrecen ayuda temporal, según sea necesario.
Phoenix company ElectraTect creating marijuana Breathalyzer
PHOENIX – Phoenix company ElectraTect is creating a marijuana Breathalyzer to help medical marijuana users and law enforcement better gauge impairment levels from THC, the major psychoactive component in marijuana.
Latinos continue to fight to play crucial roles in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES – Even as Hollywood execs talk of a changing industry that embraces a diverse landscape of filmmakers and artists, data show Latino acting roles in film and entertainment at large have steadily declined.
Sound of success: Arizona pickleball league brings together deaf and hearing communities
PHOENIX – Francisco German and Shawn Benavente started the Arizona Deaf Pickleball League in 2021. Since then, the league has 400 members and is educating others about American Sign Language.
From new program to title contender: Estrella Foothills boys volleyball ready for 4A playoffs
GOODYEAR – Estrella Foothills High School started a boys volleyball team three years ago. Now the Wolves are looking to win a state championship.
From Scottsdale CC to elite pickleball pro, Tyson McGuffin is thriving in new role
PHOENIX – These days Tyson McGuffin is the fifth-ranked pickleball player in the world, a five-time Grand Slam champion and an athlete who has landed endorsement deals with Sketchers and Selkirk. But not long ago, he was a tennis player at Scottsdale Community College.
Phoenix Union school district considers return of school resource officers on campuses to address school safety
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Union High School District is considering bringing back school resource officers on campus after dropping its contract with the Phoenix Police Department nearly three years ago. The move brings great debate among students, faculty and parents.
Finding Grandma Joyce: What happens when someone dies alone?
TUCSON – A two-year search for Joyce Maryanna Williams led to Maricopa County’s final resting place for the unclaimed, unidentified and indigent. Between September 2021 and August 2022, 718 people in Maricopa County died alone, meaning next of kin were unable to be located or refused to handle arrangements.
Goodbye, Oakland? A’s potential move to Las Vegas has familiar ring
PHOENIX – The Oakland Athletics are one of the most storied franchises in baseball. However, no one knows their story because they moved from Philadelphia to Kansas City to Oakland and now could move to Las Vegas, less than five hours from Phoenix.
Standing 4 Black Girls keeps memories alive for missing and murdered Black women
LOS ANGELES – Women’s Leadership project Standing 4 Black Girls wants to increase awareness of the issue and bring justice to the missing and murdered Black girls across the nation.
Who needs a beach? College sand volleyball thriving in Arizona, with GCU leading way
PHOENIX – Arizona’s climate makes beach volleyball a viable year-round sport. Three major colleges have taken advantage to build sustainable programs, making the state one of the best non-coastal states in the country for the sport.
Lake Havasu boating event gives unique experience to boat enthusiasts with disabilities
LAKE HAVASU – Anderson Powersports’ Desert Storm boating week at Lake Havasu kicked off in mid-April with the Krusin’ for a Kause event, which gave adults and children with disabilities a chance to take a ride in a high-performance boat.
From BYU to ASU: Will Chandler quarterback Jacob Conover’s return to Valley change career trajectory?
TEMPE – As a three-time state champion at Chandler High School, Jacob Conover’s high school career is among the most impressive in state history. Yet, his high school success hasn’t quite translated to the college level. Now, Conover has transferred to Arizona State where he hopes to recapture that promise of success.
Tempe partners with nonprofits to assist people experiencing homelessness
TEMPE — Tempe has been proactive in finding solutions to homelessness, partnering with Tempe Community Action Agency to offer shelter, assistance with rent and utilities, and job resources.
Efforts to remove invasive giant reed in Arizona rivers and lakes continues with Department of Forestry grants
PHOENIX – The Arundo has been invading Arizona, and organizations, including the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, are offering grants to groups that will work to remove the stubborn plant. The Arundo is found near many bodies of water in Arizona, and it takes up too much water for the drought-ridden state.
Eve’s Insomnia: A comic about getting help to overcome sleepless nights
Insomnia can happen to anyone, especially as life stressors like studying for exams, going through menopause or caring for a family member occur. The graphic comic, “Eve’s Insomnia,” shows the struggle toward solutions.
Struggles in the classroom prompt many with dyslexia to find sports at a young age
PHOENIX – After feeling singled out in classrooms, many people with dyslexia are turning to sports at a young age and finding peace on the playing field.
Cloudy with a chance of baseballs: MLB, college players well aware of weather’s effect
PHOENIX – For baseball fans, discussions about altitude, temperature and air density occur often, but how much of an effect do they have on the game? For players around the league and at the collegiate level, weather conditions are always a focus.
Dominican Republic border wall deepens tensions over Haitian immigration
DAJABÓN, Dominican Republic - Regulating immigration has become a hot-button political issue in the Dominican Republic and, as in the U.S., the Dominican government decided that a partial solution to this problem was to build a border wall.
No more silence: Boarding school survivor Anita Yellowhair shares her story, over 60 years later
Anita Yellowhair is a Navajo woman and a boarding school survivor. Yellowhair left her home and family in 1950, stripped of her identity and forced to assimilate into American culture alongside other Indigenous children.
Campaign, vote, repeat: Candidates started lining up for 2024 in 2022
WASHINGTON - With 18 months until Election Day 2024, close to 50 congressional hopefuls have already filed statements of interest with the state, as the need for candidates to raise funds and raise their profiles has turned campaigning into an almost nonstop pursuit.
Programa colaborativo en El Paso, Texas ofrece consultas médicas y servicios de salud básicos
EL PASO, TEXAS – Programa colaborativo en El Paso entre Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center y Doctors of the World ofrece apoyo a migrantes. El programa brinda consultas y servicios médicos.
Double standard: Duo of twins help raise level of play for ASU women’s lacrosse
TEMPE – The ASU women’s lacrosse team has a unique lineup with two sets of identical twins. Gigi and Bella Gaspar and Maddie and McKenna Riley are helping to raise the level of play in Tempe.
Los Angeles homeless shelters are opening their doors to residents’ pets
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles homeless shelters recently discovered that they can get more people off the streets by allowing their pets on the property.
Migrantes reciben atención médica en El Paso, Texas luego de una larga travesía
EL PASO, TX. –Miles de migrantes continúan llegando a El Paso, Texas en busca de oportunidades. Han abandonado sus países de origen huyendo de la violencia y la pobreza.
‘He knew how to outsmart guys’: Former coaches not surprised Cardinals hired Drew Terrell
PHOENIX – Drew Terrell is returning to the place where his football journey began. The Arizona Cardinals have hired the former Hamilton High School star as the team’s passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach.
Phoenix, Tempe at odds over whether 1994 agreement allows residential development in proposed entertainment district
TEMPE – As the battle over the proposed Tempe entertainment district is being weighed by voters in a special election, the city of Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport, the city of Tempe and the Arizona Coyotes are embroiled in a legal feud over flight noise and residential development.
With COVID-19 emergency winding down, Embry Health holds surplus sale
TOLLESON – With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending May 11, the company synonymous with testing in Arizona is winding down as well, holding a surplus supply sale.
Aumento de muertes por conducir bajo la influencia del alcohol en Arizona entre los más altos del país en 2021
WASHINGTON – Un aumento en las muertes por conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol en las carreteras de Arizona desde el 2020 al 2021 se encontró entre los más altos del país tanto en términos de porcentaje - 43% - como en números brutos, con 126 muertes adicionales por conducir ebrio llevando el total del estado a 421 en el 2021.
It’s summer and Arizona gas prices sizzle to third-highest in country
PHOENIX – Arizona gas prices remain the third-highest in the country, just in time for summer vacation season.
From Jael Mary to serving youth: Former ASU receiver Jaelen Strong has big plans for Arizona’s young athletes
TEMPE – Jaelen Strong spent two seasons at Arizona State, solidifying his position as one of the great receivers in school history. Now, after a stint in the NFL, Strong has formed 602Era, an athletic and academic organization for young athletes.
Where did the snow go? Researchers probe gap between snowfall, runoff
Every winter, high-altitude snow melts and fills reservoirs in the Colorado River basin, but some years see a big gap between the snow that falls and the water runs off. There is little data on why it happens, but researchers hope to find answers high in the Rockies.
‘Other’ no more: Census change could add MENA, Latino categories, more
WASHINGTON - The Census Bureau may change how it asks about race and ethnicity, a shift that could end what one advocate called the "painful irony" of Native Americans, Latinos and those of Middle Eastern or North African descent having to identify as white or "other."
Compañía de Phoenix trabaja en crear un detector de marihuana en el aliento
PHOENIX – La empresa Phoenix ElectraTect está creando un detector de marihuana para ayudar a los usuarios de marihuana medicinal y a las fuerzas del orden a medir de manera más precisa los niveles de deterioro causados por el THC, el principal componente psicoactivo de la marihuana.
Coyotes optimistic about future but know Tuesday arena vote could dictate trajectory of franchise
TEMPE – Despite making the playoffs just once in the past 11 seasons, the Arizona Coyotes are ready to turn the page on their rebuild. A huge vote on a new Tempe arena looms.
Gov. Katie Hobbs establishes missing and murdered Indigenous people task force
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order in March establishing an Arizona Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force. Incomplete data and a lack of collaboration among tribal and governmental entities have blocked addressing the issue.
The March of Dimes Mom and Baby Unit brings care to southern Tucson
TUCSON – The March of DImes Mom and Baby Unit isn’t a standard health care clinic, it’s a bright purple recreational vehicle. Inside are two small exam rooms, and a friendly staff prepared to help the city’s vulnerable residents with free maternity and basic health care.
Homing Project plans Pallet shelters to address Tucson’s growing homeless population
TUCSON — The Homing Project is one of two nonprofit organizations in Tucson trying to address a growing unhoused population that is affecting cities across the state. The organization plans to construct a small village of 64- or 100-square-foot shelters that can be assembled in a matter of hours.
‘Blue Zone’ comes to south Phoenix to increase longevity
PHOENIX – Life expectancy in south Phoenix during the pandemic is lower than other neighborhoods. Early last year, the Blue Zone initiative was introduced to the city which capitalizes on the development and improvement to the environment and the health and well-being of those in the community.
Golf’s growth across Valley spurs $6 billion economic boost while staying environmentally friendly
PHOENIX – A report from Rounds Consulting Group and the Arizona Alliance of Golf have found that the golf industry in Arizona contributes more than $6 billion to the economy.
Tempe voters reject Arizona Coyotes arena, entertainment district
Tempe voters rejected three propositions that would have allowed a Tempe Entertainment District, including a new Arizona Coyotes hockey arena, near Tempe Town Lake.
Food forest 360 tour: Glendale permaculture landscape designer grows produce in the desert
GLENDALE – Justin Haddad, owner and operator of Herbal.Lyf.Styl, has been growing a food forest in his backyard for the past seven years. He launched a permaculture landscape design business to help other people grow their own food forests.
WNBA’s inclusion efforts in leadership ranks receive low marks for gender, racial hiring
PHOENIX – A report from The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sport highlighted the lack of representation of women of color in WNBA leadership, making it difficult to create a lasting impact across the league.
Court rejects claim that copper mine land is needed for jaguar preservation
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that regulators were wrong to conclude that parts of Pima County targeted for a copper mine are critical to the preservation of endangered jaguars, reviving chances for the stalled Rosemont Copper mine.
From sunshine yellow to ruffles, the post-pandemic sees a fashion renaissance
LOS ANGELES – Home quarantine meant spending the day in sweats and T-shirts. But now that people are out socializing again, there is a fashion renaissance.
Arizona film tax credit expected to spur new production companies
PHOENIX – The Arizona film tax credit passed in 2022, and the Arizona Commerce Authority is in the process of reviewing comments to finalize the rules for the credit. The credit is encouraging the launch of new production companies in Arizona, such as Camelback Productions.
As sports world starts to talk about mental health, stigmas remain, especially among high school athletes
PHOENIX – High schoolers are at great risk for dealing with mental health struggles, and while sports can help in this regard, the stigmas against mental health in the sporting world can exacerbate problems.
Honor your ‘mother’: Working to keep traditional ways, types of Hopi corn
MAYER – Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a farmer from the Hopi Tribe, is focusing on bringing Hopi corn back to the dining table – not only for the health benefits but also to connect his people to their culture.
NASCAR’s Next Gen era raises questions of credibility, transparency and the future following Phoenix Raceway fallout
PHOENIX – After NASCAR penalized six different teams after the Phoenix race, the appeals sent shockwaves through the sport, leaving some to call out NASCAR’s inconsistencies in punishment and wonder how the sport will evolve.
Supreme Court dismisses Arizona’s last-ditch attempt to preserve Title 42
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has formally dismissed an Arizona-led effort to preserve Title 42, the pandemic-era immigration restriction that the Biden administration officially ended last week, saying Arizona v. Mayorkas was now moot.
From stilettos to sneakers, center offers LGBTQ youth gender-affirming clothes
PHOENIX - One-n-Ten, a Phoenix nonprofit collects and gives away gender-affirming clothes for free. Hundreds of items, including underwear, socks, binders, drag and job-interview clothes are among the offerings.
Trabajando para preservar las formas tradicionales y los tipos de maíz hopi
MAYER – Michael Kotutwa Johnson, un agricultor de la Tribu Hopi, se está enfocando en llevar el maíz Hopi de vuelta a la mesa de comedor, no solo por sus beneficios para la salud, sino también para conectar a su pueblo con su cultura.
Home free: Brittney Griner’s emotional embrace completes long return to Footprint Center
PHOENIX – Brittney Griner’s first home game since 2021 didn’t disappoint, exhibiting a dominant performance in front of a record crowd. The Mercury fell to the Chicago Sky 75-69 to drop to 0-2 this season.
Arizona, California, Nevada agree on cuts to Colorado River water use
WASHINGTON - Arizona, California and Nevada unveiled a plan Monday to save 3 million acre-feet of Colorado River water between now and 2026, a stopgap measure to buy time while authorities figure out a long-term plan for the river.
Balancing highs and lows: ASU baseball hopes to find rhythm in Pac-12 tournament
TEMPE – Arizona State baseball is focused on Pac-12 tournament play this week at Scottsdale Stadium. The Sun Devils will face Arizona and Oregon State in pool play on Tuesday and Thursday.
Watchdog fights to protect consumers, keeps tabs on utility companies and the commission that regulates them
PHOENIX – Since 2018, Abhay Padgaonkar has worked as a fierce consumer advocate, fighting for the rights of those who struggle to pay their electricity bills. Padgaonker believes that his background in engineering and financial modeling makes him uniquely suited for data analysis as he keeps tabs on utilities and the commission that regulates them.
A slice of home: Sydney Seigel’s backyard dream plays out at 2023 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship
SCOTTSDALE – Phoenix native and Pinnacle High alum Sydney Seigel competed as a member of the University of Tulsa golf team last weekend at the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club, and she brought a crowd to watch her fulfill a dream of playing close to home.
‘We’re going to bounce back’: ASU baseball optimistic despite dropping Pac-12 tournament opener
SCOTTSDALE – More than a month after losing 20-0 to the University of Arizona, the Sun Devils walked a season-high 10 batters in a 12-3 loss in the first game of the Pac-12 tournament at Scottsdale Stadium.
Congress considers making Chiricahua National Monument Arizona’s fourth national park
WILLCOX – Bipartisan bill to make Chiricahua National Monument Arizona’s fourth national park could bring more tourism to southeastern Arizona.
Chef’s special: Anthony Pressley parlays 200-pound weight loss into cooking for world’s best boxers
PHOENIX – Anthony Pressley went from overweight at 400 pounds to a performance chef for world champion boxers such as Tyson Fury and Errol Spence Jr., using the same cooking techniques that helped him lose 200 pounds naturally.
Prescott resident decries hurdles veterans face trying to start a business
WASHINGTON - An Arizona veteran who started a string of Prescott businesses after his military service ended told lawmakers Wednesday that reducing barriers and streamlining federal loan applications are essential to helping other vets become business owners.
Prosecutors seek 17-year sentence for Arizona defendant in Jan. 6 attack
WASHINGTON - Prosecutors are seeking a 17-year sentence for Arizona resident Edward Vallejo, one of nine members of the Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. It follows an emotional day of testimony by police injured in the riot.
Mohave County official blasts plans for expanded national monuments
WASHINGTON - A Mohave County supervisor said Wednesday that a proposed new national monument in northern Arizona would "devastate the economic growth potential" of the region, leaving little more than what he called "poverty with a view."
ASU’s bats wake up to secure must-win victory over Oregon State in Pac-12 tournament
SCOTTSDALE – ASU baseball earned a much-needed 14-10 win against Oregon State to stay alive in the hunt for the NCAA tournament. The Sun Devils’ win comes after a difficult loss Tuesday against in-state rival UArizona.
Gov. Katie Hobbs says no Arizonan will ‘be forced to cut their water use’ because of Colorado River conservation plan
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs made two things clear at a news conference about a Colorado River water conservation plan Thursday: Arizona will lead the way in the tri-state agreement, and Arizonans need not worry about a water-use crackdown.
With pandemic in the rearview mirror, Memorial Day travel expected to boom
WASHINGTON - Memorial Day weekend travelers are expected to pack roads and airports at or above pre-pandemic levels this year, with experts saying that an estimated 42.3 million Americans are likely to travel. Of those, about 887,000 will be from Arizona.
Experts: Arizona economy could be hit hard if default is in our stars
WASHINGTON - If the U.S. defaults on its debt, that's not be good news for anyone, but economists say it would be particularly bad news for Arizona. Tourism would likely be hit hard by a long-term breach in the nation's debt payments, according to a new report.
Former ASU pitcher Jake Borup awaits biggest save of his career: a heart transplant
PHOENIX – After suffering a massive heart attack last year, former ASU and Phillies pitcher Jake Borup awaits a heart transplant.
Mercury earn first win behind vintage Diana Taurasi double-double
PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi turned back the clock to record her first double-double of the season and lead the Phoenix Mercury to their first victory in a 90-81 win against the Minnesota Lynx.
Scott Barclay dedicates life to keeping ASU men’s gymnastics alive
CHANDLER – Former ASU gymnast Scott Barclay witnessed funding get cut from the Sun Devils men’s gymnastics program in 1993. Over the past 30 years, the ASU Hall of Famer has creatively worked to ensure the school’s decision wasn’t a death sentence for the program.
Room to boom: Pinal County housing grew at fastest rate in state
WASHINGTON - It's unclear which came first in Pinal County, the houses or the people filling them. What is clear is that both continue growing at some of the fastest rates in the state and, in some instances, the nation.
Flags for the fallen: Annual ‘flags-in’ readies Arlington for Memorial Day
ARLINGTON, Va. - In the predawn chill at Arlington National Cemetery, more than 1,000 service members hoisted backpacks and headed into the rows of headstones. Their mission: Plant thousands of small American flags at the graves of the country's fallen heroes.
Angels on Patrol aids police in helping crime victims
PHOENIX – Not every 911 call ends in an arrest, and many times police officers find themselves wanting to help crime victims and others in need without official resources to do so. That’s where Angels on Patrol comes in.
Ranchers hail, environmentalists fear Supreme Court clean water ruling
WASHINGTON - Ranchers and GOP lawmakers say a Supreme Court ruling that narrows which waters are subject to federal regulation is a win for private property rights, But environmentalist call the ruling in Sackett v. EPA "disastrous for Arizona, where water is rare."
Phoenix Police Department plans to recruit more female officers, diversify staff by 2030
PHOENIX – Phoenix signed the national 30x30 Initiative in January, pledging to recruit more female police officers and setting a goal of having 30% of its sworn Phoenix Police Department officers be female by 2030
Under ‘healthy pressure,’ ASU’s Preston Summerhays stars for hometown crowd at NCAA Men’s Golf Championship
SCOTTSDALE – ASU sophomore Preston Summerhays represented the only golfer in the 155-player field from Scottsdale, the home of Grayhawk Golf Club, and healthy pressure on himself to be the best he can be for the local fans.
‘A way to remember our country’s heroes’: Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB fans pay respect to veterans for Memorial Day
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks organization rolled out the red carpet to honor soldiers and their families with an array of celebrations throughout Monday’s 7-5 victory against the Colorado Rockies.
Hundreds gather at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona to honor fallen service members
PHOENIX – Hundreds of families attended the Memorial Day ceremony to pay respects to fallen service members at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Volunteers placed American flags on gravestones in preparation for the ceremony. Many service organizations attended the ceremony, including the Military Funeral Honor team, The Phoenix Stearman, 108th Army National Guard Band and others.
Spellbound: Arizona middle schoolers compete in national spelling bee
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Three Arizona middle schoolers are in the Washington area this week, minding theii P's and Q's - and every other letter of the alphabets, as they compete against more than 200 students in the 95th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee.
May 30, 2023 newscast
Arizona service members honor fallen at Arlington. Sug Sutton spotlighted. Phoenix bucks housing sales decline.
Photo essay: From steer wrestling to bull riding, Gart Hardt Memorial Rodeo honors those who came before
PAYSON – The recent Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo in Payson was a night of remembrance for a former rider and roper, and for those in the military for Patriot Night.
For fore-seeable future, ASU men’s golf is on the rise after NCAA Championship showing
SCOTTSDALE – After a seventh-place finish in the 2023 NCAA Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club, the ASU men’s golf team has a promising future ahead of them.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane … it’s a drone! Major League Drone Racing hosts first live preseason race
PEORIA – A new competitive sport is on the rise and it involves flying drones. Major League Drone Racing has entered their 2023 preseason with a race at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday.
Arizona delegation in rare agreement on debt limit bill – nobody likes it
WASHINGTON - The House Wednesday approved a debt-limit bill that was almost universally disliked, but which some lawmakers said they would vote for because failing to do so could spark a default on the nation's debt. Arizona lawmakers were split on the plan.
For more blue skies, Phoenix asks residents to blue-sky climate plan ideas
WASHINGTON - Phoenix wants to be more ambitious with its climate action plan, and city officials said they want residents to tell them the best way to get there. A recent public hearing included several big projects but a number of concerns at the neighborhood level, too.
The Bee is not to be: Final Arizona spellers out of National Spelling Bee
And then there were none. After surviving several rounds of competition this week, the last two Arizona contestants in the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee were eliminated Wednesday in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, respectively.
May 31, 2023 newscast
A plan by the City of Phoenix to open as many public pools as possible this summer, and how several Arizona students are performing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Finals, plus what the Phoenix Mercury are doing to bring awareness to mental health.
Sug-ar on top: Phoenix Mercury’s Sutton turning heads in WNBA return
PHOENIX – After being released by the Washington Mystics in 2021, Sug Sutton spent two years working her way back to the WNBA. Now, she is taking advantage of every opportunity to stand out with the Phoenix Mercury.
Stars in the Valley? Phoenix City Council favors hosting NBA, WNBA showcases in near future
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council will be working with the Suns and Mercury to place bids for the NBA and WNBA for hosting future All-Star games after a unanimous vote during Wednesday’s city council meeting.
All-Star Game voting opens with 8 Arizona Diamondbacks candidates listed on ballot
PHOENIX – MLB released the All-Star candidates available for voting Wednesday, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have eight players on the list. Here’s where they stand as they campaign to make the trip to T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
Arizona State University plans new medical school among efforts to address gaps in state health care
TEMPE – The Arizona Board of Regents asked Arizona’s three universities to create real-world solutions to the state’s health care crisis. ASU responded with plans for ASU Health, which includes a new medical school focused on medical engineering and technology.
Sinema sides with GOP on bill blocking Biden’s student debt relief plan
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema joined two Democrats and all Senate Republicans Thursday to narrowly approve a bill overturning a federal program that would provide student debt relief to 16 million people, including more than 300,000 in Arizona.
‘Deeply repentant’ Vallejo gets 3 years for his role in Jan. 6 attack
WASHINGTON - An apparently contrite Edward Vallejo was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison and three years of supervised release, a fraction of the sentence prosecutors sought for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Girls Ranch group home provides safe haven for teen moms
SCOTTSDALE — Girls Ranch, a licensed residential group home in Scottsdale, provides housing and comprehensive services to pregnant and parenting teens ages 12-18. Nonprofit Florence Crittenton, which runs Girls Ranch, helps these young mothers by offering child care, parenting skills and more.
Doctors, shelters stitch medical care help for El Paso migrants
EL PASO, Texas – A humanitarian matchup of medical, shelter and government workers reach out to try to help some of the thousands of migrants who cross into El Paso from its municipal twin, Ciudad Juárez in Chihuahua, Mexico. El Paso city officials estimate that an average 250 people daily – up to 1,000 daily during surges – make their way from half a dozen countries, mainly from South America.
June 1, 2023 newscast
ASU unveils plans for medical school; big sporting events coming to Valley; woman starts brewery
Senate passes 11th-hour debt ceiling bill, heading off threat of default
WASHINGTON - The Senate gave final approval late Thursday to a bill to suspend the debt ceiling, just days before Monday's "X-date" when Treasury officials said the government would run out of money and default on its debts.
A new border wall threatens fragile mangroves in the Dominican Republic
At the Dominican-Haitian border, immigration policy wreaks havoc on a fragile wetland preserve.
Eating disorders marked by diagnosis, treatment gap for men, women of color
PHOENIX – Mental health experts are finding it harder to diagnose eating disorders in men because of the lack of clinical research.
Study: Phoenix faces health crisis if heatwave, blackout hit at same time
WASHINGTON - Thousands would die, and hundreds of thousands would need emergency medical care if a blackout hit Phoenix at the same time as a multiday heat wave, a recent study says. But Valley officials say they plan for heat, and chances of those events coinciding are remote.
Quite Frank-ly, Vogel checks every box to take Phoenix Suns to championship level
PHOENIX – Frank Vogel addressed the Valley for the first time Tuesday in an introductory press conference as new Suns coach with GM James Jones.
From toilets to mattresses: Arizona officials warn motorists to “Secure Your Load” to prevent road debris
PHOENIX – Arizona safety officials say road debris is dangerous: The region saw more than 800 debris-related crashes last year, Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers said. Gov. Katie Hobbs declared June 6 Arizona’s “Secure Your Load Day.”
Defiant Republicans block gas stove bills in anger over debt ceiling
WASHINGTON - Conservative Republicans, including two from Arizona, took what was expected to be a routine party-line vote Tuesday on bills reining in federal bureaucrats and turned it into a referendum on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Audit: As border cases go up, staffing stays the same and morale falls
WASHINGTON - Staffing shortages and a surging workload at the southwest border have depleted morale among customs and border officials, who feel overworked and misused, leaving many ready to quit, a Homeland Security official testified Tuesday.
June 6, 2023 newscast
Phoenix Suns coach makes debut; Shey Peddy returns to Mercury court; gas stoves controversy
Blacks more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, less likely to be treated
PHOENIX - Black Americans are twice as likely as whites to develop Alzheimer’s disease and live with missed diagnoses and treatment gaps, studies reveal. While 10% of white adults have the disease, 19% of U.S. Black adults do, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
LIV Golf, PGA Tour merger bring money, power and ethics to forefront
PHOENIX – In a move that shook up the golf world, LIV Golf and the PGA Tour reached an agreement to merge the rival organizations. The move brought plenty of backlash and even more questions.
Phoenix official: River restoration projects bring ‘wide-ranging’ benefits
WASHINGTON - A Phoenix city official told lawmakers Wednesday that Army Corps of Engineers assistance with river restoration projects has provided wide-ranging benefits for the Valley, but that there is more to be done.
Landless San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe could finally get its own homeland
WASHINGTON - For more than 160 years, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe has lived on Navajo Nation land, and for 23 years it has had a pending treaty that would give the tribe its own lands. It's long past time for Congress to ratify the treaty, the tribe's president testified.
June 7, 2023 newscast
Phoenix completes 100th mile of cool pavement; Desert Challenge Games; high-value baseball card found
From transfers to high school stars, Arizona well-represented in Women’s College World Series
PHOENIX – The Women’s College World Series features a strong Arizona presence with players from Sandra Day O’Connor High School and transfers from Arizona State.
Truth and Healing Commission legislation heads to Senate floor
The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has sent to the Senate legislation that would create the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States.
Arizona Cardinals put focus on building team chemistry as OTAs conclude
TEMPE – Conducting OTA workouts at their training facility in Tempe, the Cardinals continued ironing out the natural kinks that come with a new coaching staff and new players.
State legislators host town hall on guardianship abuses and hear brutal realities of probate court
PHOENIX – Legislators outline a proposed bill that would provide healthier methods of guardianship in a town hall meeting at Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus.
Supreme Court pooh-poohs Arizona firm’s parody defense in trademark case
WASHINGTON - A Scottsdale company that makes doggy chew toys spoofing Jack Daniel's and other brands is not protected from trademark infringement suits by its claim that it was merely parodying, not appropriating, those brands, the Supreme Court ruled.
Mayes: Ruling dropping preventive drugs from insurance would be devastating
WASHINGTON - Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes vowed Thursday to "fight like heck" against a federal court ruling that could overturn a mandate that health insurers provide HIV-preventive medication without charge.
June 8, 2023 newscast
Local officials discuss ACA ruling; Suns coach Vogel profiled; local poet welcomes Griner to Mercury
Salt Lake? Houston? As Tempe shuts down arena proposal, courtship of Arizona Coyotes picks up
TEMPE – The Coyotes have committed to playing at Mullet Arena in Tempe for at least another year, but possibilities for a permanent home include Mesa and potentially Salt Lake City, Utah.
Fighting the heat: Arizona officials petitioning for federal aid in extreme heat situations
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Rep. Ruben Gallego are petitioning for FEMA to declare extreme heat a major disaster and taking measures to curb the number of heat-related deaths in Arizona.
Biggs, Crane among GOP holdouts; analysts unsure what holdout is for
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among a group of Republicans who said they hope to restore GOP unity - by voting against fellow Republicans. The rebels want concessions from House leaders, but critics call their Tuesday vote little more than a temper tantrum.
GOP lawmakers call for ‘war,’ Democrats for justice after Trump indictment
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers' reacted swiftly to the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump for allegedly hoarding classified intelligence documents. Democrats said the legal process needs to play out, while Republicans called the indictment politically motivated.
Wiggly workers: Arizona Worm Farm reduces food waste through vermicomposting
PHOENIX – The Arizona Worm Farm breeds red wiggler worms for vermicomposting and then sells that compost to help people start their own composting and repurposing food waste system.
After success at GCU, ASU beach volleyball coach Kristen Rohr ready to elevate program
TEMPE – Wins and losses in the sand are the ultimate reflectors of job performance in beach volleyball. New ASU coach Kristen Rohr hopes to be known for the relationships she builds, too.
New Phoenix medical center to provide health care to people who are blind or visually impaired
PHOENIX – The Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Terros Health will work together to have members of the program and surrounding community get access to health care. The new center is scheduled to open this summer.
Yampa River is a ‘roller coaster’ ride as the West replenishes its reservoirs
After an epic snow year in the mountains, the Yampa River is flowing higher than it has in a decade. As water makes its way through Colorado and Utah on its way to the Colorado River and Lake Powell, the high flows are a boon for rafters, fish and farmers.
Activist on a roll: ADA lawsuits no surprise to disabled community advocate
PHOENIX – Two Southwest-based eye surgery centers reached a $1 million settlement with the Justice Department, which accused them of discriminating against disabled patients, a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Court says Title IX covers sexual orientation, reinstates suit against UArizona
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Title IX protections prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex also protect against harassment on the basis of a person's perceived sexual orientation.
GOP feuding ends, House gets back to work with votes on guns, gas stoves
WASHINGTON - The House resumed work Tuesday after a weeklong pause when 11 Republicans, including two from Arizona, backed away from obstruction aimed at GOP leaders, clearing the way for votes to block regulations on guns and gas stoves.
June 13, 2023 newscast
Phoenix restricts dogs on trails during heat; Diamondbacks are hot; Rattlers try to secure Indoor Football League championship
Dre Brown, barber for many out-of-town athletes, built business from a mother’s gift
SCOTTSDALE – From NBA star Jamal Murray to NFL star DK Metcalf, Mug and Mane owner Dre Brown is the go-to Scottsdale barber for many celebrities and athletes. From a Christmas present, Brown found his love for cutting hair and using his gift to help others.
Mercury’s early-season woes continue as Brittney Griner injures hip in loss to Seattle Storm
PHOENIX – The severity of Brittney Griner’s injury isn’t known yet, but it’s clear the Mercury have room to improve from a 2-6 start to the season. Which areas are hurting them most?
New report shows Arizona children’s well-being improves slightly but state still ranks among the worst
PHOENIX – An annual report that measures the well-being of children shows slight improvement for Arizona kids, but it also raises child care concerns.
June 14, 2023 newscast
Phoenix Mercury considers travel adjustments; teens and summer jobs; camp for kids with asthma
Putting the rough in the diamond: Lawmakers meet for annual baseball game
WASHINGTON - When lawmakers faced off for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, it wasn't to show off their athleticism. It was to raise money for charity and have fun, but mostly it was to relax and relate to each other in a friendlier atmosphere, if only for a night.
Phoenix’s neighborhood planning boards lean on members with ties to real estate industry
PHOENIX – Village Planning Committees give residents input on zoning but many members have ties to real estate interests, an analysis found.
With no ethics board, Phoenix residents who file complaints face obstacles, silence and secrecy
PHOENIX – Six years ago, Phoenix City Council created an ethics commission to review complaints. But the city still hasn’t appointed anyone to it, so those who file complaints face nothing but frustration.
Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona to compete at inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament in November
PHOENIX – The Intersport Basketball Division announced the dates for the inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament. The field features eight teams, including GCU and NAU, and will take place in Glendale.
Arizona education leaders unveil ‘Everything to Gain’ campaign about importance of post-high school education
PHOENIX – Education Forward Arizona and business leaders reveal a new campaign to raise awareness about Arizona’s education goal: To have 60% of Arizonans with college degrees or certificates by 2030.
Lawmakers spar over BLM plan to weigh conservation in land-use decisions
WASHINGTON - A Bureau of Land Management rule that would, for the first time, count conservation as a legitimate use for public lands, along with mining, logging and other uses, is an "offensive" overreach of federal authority, Republicans said Thursday.
Justices uphold law giving Native families priority to adopt Native youth
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a federal law that requires tribal families get priority in the adoption or foster placement of an Indigenous child, a law aimed at stopping what one justice called the "nightmare" of family separation.
Hiking in the heat: Phoenix considers extending closure hours for popular trails on excessive heat days
PHOENIX – For the past two years, Phoenix officials have closed some of the city’s most popular hiking trails when temperatures have soared to cut down on the number of heat-related incidents – and the expensive rescues when hikers get into trouble. Now, they’re planning to use information they collect this summer to determine whether to make additional adjustments.
Women athletes fight for equality to level playing field in male-dominated sports
PHOENIX – With a long history of suppression, women athletes are rebelling through the domination of rugby, football and combat sports while going against the norm and paving paths for themselves.
Fore everyone: One-of-a-kind high-tech mini golf experience hits Arizona
SCOTTSDALE – Puttshack – a new upscale, tech-infused mini golf venue – opened Thursday in Scottsdale Quarter, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
Arizona’s defunct border wall leaves trail of runaway costs, error-filled invoices and questions about state’s oversight
PHOENIX – Records show Arizona’s defunct border wall cost twice the initial estimate and raise questions about the state’s oversight of the controversial, $194 million project.
Tribal artists, leaders want update to law to protect Native arts, crafts
WASHINGTON - Native American artists say they continue to struggle with the theft of their work, and tribal leaders are urging Congress to strengthen the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a 1990 law to prohibit any advertisement and all sales of counterfeit Indian arts and crafts.
Inside Shey Peddy’s speedy recovery from Achilles rupture, return to Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – Shey Peddy ruptured her achilles during the 2022 playoffs but has made her on-court return for the Phoenix Mercury after a shorter-than-average rehabilitation process.
Girls basketball takes center court for first time at Section 7 Tournament
GLENDALE – The best girls basketball players and teams took the court for their own tournament last weekend at State Farm Stadium, where college coaches from across the country lined the courts for their first in-person evaluations.
Monsoon 2023 has arrived, and Phoenix officials are asking residents to be prepared for dust, wind and rain
The monsoon runs from June 15 to September 15. Phoenix officials say they have been preparing for storms, and ask residents to do the same.
Kaiser says he’s stepping away from Legislature, but not from policy
WASHINGTON - State Sen. Steve Kaiser hopes his abrupt decision to step down will let him generate change from outside the Legislature - but he's not done quite yet, delaying his final day from last week to this Thursday so he "tie up loose ends” on a refugee workforce bill.
June 20, 2023 newscast
Arizona DACA recipients mark 11th anniversary; girls' basketball debuts at Section 7 tournament; 2023 MLB Combine in Phoenix.
Corbin Carroll’s stardom is everything Arizona Diamondbacks needed to rejuvenate franchise, fan base
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks are in first place in their division, thanks in large part to Corbin Carroll. Carroll is having an MVP-level rookie season, as he already statistically ranks among the best players in the league.
Navajo Nation’s COVID-19 curfews saddled hundreds with citations, netted no money for police, news investigation finds
PHOENIX – Officials on the Navajo Nation supported using fines collected from COVID-19 curfew violations to help the tribe’s law enforcement, but never set up the required fund.
Border encounters dipped in May, cooling fears of post-Title 42 ‘chaos’
WASHINGTON - The number of migrants apprehended at the southern border dipped in May, dampening fears that lifting the pandemic-era Title 42 expulsion rule that month would lead to a surge in individuals at the border.
Arizona official, others, urge Senate to renew economic development fund
WASHINGTON - A northern Arizona official was among a panel of local government officials from across the country who called for the "long overdue" reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration - even as they all outlined ways it could be improved.
June 21, 2023 newscast
Wildfire season prep; SCOTUS upholds Indian Child Welfare Act; Section 7 Tournament star interviewed
LGBTQIA+ inclusive adult sports leagues changing the game for Arizona’s queer athletes
PHOENIX – Queer-identifying athletes have found a way to participate in safe and respectful athletic environments through inclusive adult leagues in Arizona and across the country.
Douglas dynamo: Cochise’s JUCO basketball thrives under guidance of Jerry Carrillo
DOUGLAS – Located miles from the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona, Cochise College men’s basketball has become a powerhouse under recently-inducted Jerry Carrillo, who has 629 wins with the school since he was hired in 1995.
Proposed Arizona legislation would protect access to birth control
PHOENIX — On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, Democratic leaders vowed to preserve access to contraceptives for all Arizonians. Rep. Athena Salman, D-Tempe, said she plans to introduce a bill during the next legislative session that would assure access to birth control. Gov. Katie Hobbs joined Salman and others at a press conference Thursday to discuss the proposed Arizona Right to Contraception Act.
A year after Dobbs decision, medication abortions are largely unscathed
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruling that up-ended abortion services in the U.S. a year ago left one form of abortion largely untouched - medication abortions, which account for nearly half of all procedures in Arizona.
Supreme Court says treaty does not require feds to secure Navajo water rights
WASHINGTON – A divided Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the federal government is not required to take "affirmative steps" to guarantee water for the Navajo Nation beyond the water rights that were granted in an 1868 treaty.
June 22, 2023 newscast
Supreme Court impacts abortion; Phoenix Mercury struggles; Brophy student college scholarship
‘Rarest card in the set’: Family trades in Druw Jones rookie card for $250,000
PHOENIX – The Druw Jones rookie card was found and sold to Dave and Adam’s Card World in early June. The collectible could hold even more value in the future.
Citizen scientists measure Sedona temps, humidity for urban heat island study
SEDONA – Those people driving around Sedona on June 24 with heat sensors mounted to their cars and bikes are citizen scientists working with NOAA as part of its effort to map heat islands throughout the world. They will measure heat and humidity along designated routes in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Quarters bounce: Cities win appeals of Census’ count of group quarters
WASHINGTON - Five Arizona cities managed to add 10,000 residents in the past year, without a moving truck in sight: They successfully challenged the Census Bureau's count in 2020 of residents in group living quarters such as dorms, prisons, group homes and more.
A year later, uncertainty from Dobbs lingers over Arizona abortion care
WASHINGTON Clinics are open, the law is clear and Arizona abortion numbers are climbing to levels of last year, before the Supreme Court overturned the right to an abortion. It may feel like a return to normal, but Arizona abortion providers say there is "an environment of fear."
Camp Not-A-Wheeze offers youth with asthma a normal camp experience while educating them on how to manage their chronic disease
HEBER – Camp Not-A-Wheeze is a summer camp tailored for youth with asthma to provide them a safe and educational experience. The camp provides a majority of its campers scholarships and arms them with information on how to manage their chronic disease.
Phoenix Mercury turn page with new interim coach and outlook after Vanessa Nygaard’s dismissal
PHOENIX – Injuries and chemistry issues have dropped the Phoenix Mercury to last place in the WNBA at 2-10. The first organizational response has come in the form of Vanessa Nygaard’s firing.
Tommy Lloyd, Bobby Hurley provide offseason updates in new age of recruiting
PHOENIX – At the Section 7 high school tournament, Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd and ASU men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley reflected on the state of college basketball and how their teams are shaping up for next season.
Arizona gets $1 billion for broadband, part of $43 billion federal program
WASHINGTON - Arizona will get just under $1 billion in federal funding for high-speed internet access improvement, part of more than $42.45 billion released Monday under the Commerce Department's Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment - or BEAD - program.
From Scottsdale to Vancouver, Jaden Lipinski’s next stop is 2023 NHL Draft
PHOENIX – Scottsdale native Jaden Lipinski is projected to be drafted in Wednesday’s NHL Draft. He continues the legacy of players helping to grow the sport in the Valley as he looks to become Arizona’s next hockey star.
‘Playing with fire’: Brittney Griner discusses WNBA travel, All-Star bid
PHOENIX – Despite missing the entire season, Brittney Griner was named an honorary starter at the 2022 WNBA All-Star game. This year, after being named a starter, she will have the opportunity to be there in person.
Black community leaders advocate for bans on flavored tobacco, fight for ordinances to limit sales
PHOENIX — Black community leaders and organizations fight to make Arizona tobacco free.
Arizona Coyotes set for NHL Draft with two first-round picks and plenty of options
PHOENIX – What will the Coyotes and general manager Bill Armstrong decide to do with two picks in the first round of Wednesday’s NHL Draft? One expert predicts the organization to take a defenseman.
Animals at Phoenix Zoo stay cool with frozen treats, baths, misters and air conditioning
PHOENIX – As summer temperatures soar, Phoenix Zoo officials try to keep the animals cool by providing frozen treats – from Gatorade to blood and fish popsicles – to cool baths, misters and fans.
150,000 in Arizona lose Medicaid coverage, most for procedural reasons
WASHINGTON - More than three-quarters of the 150,000 people dropped from the state's Medicaid rolls so far this year were removed for procedural errors. But the state has received only "a handful of appeals," so it is urging current members to update their information.
Mixed record for Phoenix police’s 12 community boards meant to build trust with marginalized groups
PHOENIX – Phoenix police department touts 12 boards as a way it builds trust with marginalized communities, but it releases little information about what they do.
June 27, 2023 newscast
Free HIV testing, Mercury's interim coach Nikki Blue, lost item recovery at Salt River
What’s next in art? Da Vinci digital exhibit in Scottsdale example of growing trend
SCOTTSDALE – The Lighthouse Artspace Phoenix in Scottsdale has extended its run of “Leonardo: The Universal Man exhibit,” a 360-degree immersive art experience that uses music, narration and video. But the show is just the latest in a string of similar experiences. An ASU art history professor says this kind of projection mapping is art's next big trend.
Valley health care providers offer free HIV tests to reduce stigma and end epidemic
PHOENIX – Spectrum Medical Care and Walgreens teamed up on National HIV Testing Day to provide free HIV tests. Valleywise Health has provided free HIV testing in its emergency department since 2011. Both are working to remove barriers, break the stigma of HIV and end the epidemic.
Valley of dreams: Phoenix Suns rookie Toumani Camara in awe of NBA arrival
PHOENIX – With the 52nd pick in the draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Toumani Camara. A defensive-style player with a drive to win, Camara will fit seamlessly into Frank Vogel’s style of play.
National scorecard on electric-vehicle policies gives Arizona low marks
WASHINGTON - Arizona fared poorly across the board for policies aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, according to a new national ranking of state policies. Arizona was 26th of the 33 states ranked, slipping from 25th place in the last report.
From Russia, with question marks: Coyotes surprise many with top selections in NHL Draft
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes caused a stir when they drafted Dmitri Simashev and Daniil But sixth and 12th, respectively, in the NHL Draft Wednesday. The teammates and friends from Russia were excited about the selection but many experts from around the country questioned why the pair went so high.
A new Big 3 era: Bradley Beal excited to contend for championships with the Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – Bradley Beal addressed the Phoenix media Thursday for the first time since being traded to the Suns. He spoke on playing in meaningful games, playing with teammates Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton, and how healthy he feels.
Economic growth in Dominican Republic fueled by investment and migrant labor
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic is one of the fastest-growing countries in Latin America thanks to a boom in tourism and foreign investment. But it relies heavily on migrant labor from Haitians, who are often mistreated inside the Dominican Republic.
June 28, 2023 newscast
Swimmer at ASU excels at 14, Eddie House's twin sons, Phoenix Zoo's animal cooling measures.
Analysts: Arizona will be ‘one of the keys’ to presidency, Senate in 2024
Two recent reports identify Arizona as one of four or five battleground states for the 2024 election, with one analyst saying the state could be "one of the keys to the presidency" as well as control of the Senate.
Supreme Court rules race-based college admissions unconstitutional
WASHNGTON - A divided Supreme Court said that race-based college admissions policies are unconstitutional violations of the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. Arizona universities do not believe it will affect them, but advocates called it "a shameful day."
June 29, 2023 newscast
Remembering fallen firefighters, SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action, promoting inclusivity in pickleball.
Blood clot sidelines Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly again
PHOENIX – Merrill Kelly, an Arizona native and Diamondbacks pitcher, learns “discomfort” in calf is actually a blood clot.
Remembering heroes: New mural honors Granite Mountain Hotshots and their impact on Prescott
PRESCOTT – Ten years after the Yarnell Hill Fire, where 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots perished, a mural honoring their lives was unveiled at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.
Yarnell Hill Fire 10 years later: Lessons learned, lives remembered, community rebuilt
YARNELL – Ten years later, the story of Yarnell is one of loss but also survival. A Navajo heirloom emerging intact from the rubble. A burned, wounded cat seeking comfort from a stranger. And a firefighter, the lone survivor of the hotshots crew, trying to rebuild a life and answer a question that haunts him: “Why didn’t I die that day?”
Out of retirement: Charli Turner Thorne joins Mercury staff as assistant coach
PHOENIX – One year and a few months after retiring from ASU women’s basketball, coach Charli Turner Thorne is already back in the women’s basketball world, signing on as an assistant for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
Are the Diamondbacks poised for postseason success after strong first half?
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks’ surprising start to the season has them in an ideal position to make their first playoff appearance in six years.
Supreme Court nixes Biden plan for $430 billion in student-loan relief
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Friday struck down a Biden administration student-debt relief plan that would have aided more than 40 million people, 916,000 of whom live in Arizona and currently hold a total of $32.6 billion in loans.
Months of wet weather erase drought across the Southwest
Climate experts recently provided a briefing with updates on the state of drought in the Southwest. In a rare dose of good news, much of the region's drought has been erased by months of wet weather.
Report: Shifting to EV fleets would save state, local governments millions
WASHINGTON - Arizona governments could save almost $283 million over the next 10 years if roughly 20,000 gasoline-powered light-duty vehicles in their fleets that are due to be retired were replaced with electric vehicles, according a recent report.
For July Fourth picnic prices, inflation is down this year – but not done
WASHINGTON - Americans can expect to pay less for their Independence Day cookouts than they did last year but don't go setting off fireworks over the drop - it's still 14% higher than two years ago after a historic spike in 2022.
Get on your soap box: Bisbee Coaster Races return with rich history
BISBEE – For the first time since 2019, Bisbee will hold its Fourth of July Coaster Races. Started in 1914, racers spend thousands of dollars to build soap box derby style cars that race down Tombstone Canyon into downtown Bisbee.
Brave heart: The motivation behind Raymond Jones’ fight to stay on football field at Cactus High
GLENDALE – Growing up with a heart defect, Cactus football player Raymond Jones already works twice as hard to remain on the field. But after heart surgery in January, Jones was faced with his biggest hurdle yet.
Another summer, another lifeguard shortage, as pools cut hours, openings
A $3,000 incentive program brought a boom in lifeguard applications to the city of Phoenix this year, but not enough lifeguards and pool managers to open more than 18 of the city's 29 pools this summer.
Federal development funds will let Oklahoma tribes expand access to capital
WASHINGTON - Three Oklahoma tribal nations will receive more than 40% of the initial $73 million in funding from a federal small business initiative that for the first time is being targeted directly to tribes.
At Lake Powell, record low water levels revealed an ‘amazing silver lining’
As water levels fell to historic lows at Lake Powell earlier this year, the receding water revealed a breathtaking landscape of deep red-rock canyons that cradle lush ecosystems and otherworldly arches, caverns and waterfalls - what some call a "lost national park."
Fanfare, fights and futbol: CONCACAF Gold Cup makes pit stop at State Farm Stadium
GLENDALE – The CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament came to Phoenix and the popularity of Mexico attracted a large crowd. Coming out of its successful match, Mexico still appeared to be in the honeymoon phase with interim coach Jaime Lozano. The period was short-lived, however, as Mexico lost its final group stage game to Qatar to the ire of fans.
Suns Summer League teammates Isaiah Todd, Jordan Goodwin thrilled to be reunited with Bradley Beal
PHOENIX – Along with Bradley Beal came Isaiah Todd and Jordan Goodwin from Washington. With nothing but high praise from the two previous G League players, they hope Beal can help bring a championship to Phoenix.
Free clinic offers medical, dental and vision care at Phoenix Convention Center
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix is hosting its second Liberty and Health Alliance medical clinic. This is a free event, and it runs for three days.
‘Contact burns’ from hot surfaces lead to hospitalizations, some deaths
WASHINGTON - Burn experts are warning about roads and surfaces that get blistering hot in the summer sun, after several years when contact burns resulted in scores of hospital admissions, with the elderly, drug users and people at particularly high risk of injury.
Inmate can press claim that phone limits hurt right to stay in his kids’ lives
WASHINGTON - An inmate who claimed that the federal prison system's 300-minute-a-month limit on phone calls infringed on his ability to be involved in his children's lives should get a chance to present his case, an appeals court ruled.
Arizona dental board fails to protect public, hold dentists accountable
PHOENIX – Arizona’s dental board doesn’t protect the public, a Howard Center investigation found. The board hides details about problem dentists and, in rare cases when patients die or are seriously injured, it does little to hold dentists accountable.
ASU hockey set to join National Collegiate Hockey Conference in 2024-25
PHOENIX – For the first time since play began in 2013, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference is expanding. Arizona State has been accepted as the ninth member of the Conference beginning with the 2024-2025 season.
Kamala Harris discusses commitment to Native communities during Arizona visit
LAVEEN – Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Gila River Indian Community Thursday. She addressed disparities facing Native communities.
July 6, 2023 newscast
VP Harris visits Gila River Indian Community, Summer League preview, 80-year-old fencers in Arizona
Phoenix Suns wrap up final tune-up before NBA summer league run
PHOENIX – A team of unfamiliar faces will take the court Saturday when the Phoenix Suns open Summer League play in Las Vegas. Summer League coach Quinton Crawford and draft pick Toumani Camara address what the expectations will be Vegas.
‘Good to go’: Arizona Diamondbacks’ Kyle Lewis steps in for injured Corbin Carroll refreshed, ready
PHOENIX – Kyle Lewis has dealt with a collection of illness and injuries over the years, but his return to the Arizona Diamondbacks should help their second half push in the wake of Corbin Carroll’s shoulder injury.
Phoenix plans to give up to 600 unclaimed firearms to Ukraine police, some lawmakers object
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council recently approved a plan to donate up to 600 unclaimed firearms – valued at about $200,000 – in the city’s possession to the National Police of Ukraine. Some lawmakers have asked the city to repeal the decision.
Weaving a culture: Navajo artists at Folklife Festival mix art, history
WASHINGTON - For some, a rug is something to step on and art is something to hang on the wall. For Diné weaver Kevin Aspaas, his creations are part of the culture. Aspaas was one of two Navajo artists sharing that culture at the Smithsonian Institution's annual Folklife Festival.
Meet the Colorado River’s newest – and youngest – power player
Meet JB Hamby, the Colorado River's newest and youngest policymaker, on his home turf. Hamby serves on the board of the Imperial Irrigation District, the largest single user of Colorado River water, and was recently appointed as California's top water negotiator.
‘Swiss Army knife’: Toumani Camara puts versatility, maturity on display in NBA Summer League debut
LAS VEGAS – After the Suns selected Toumani Camara with the No. 52 pick in this year's NBA Draft, Camara looked like anything but a rookie in his first taste of NBA action.
County attorneys may challenge Hobbs order over abortion prosecutions
WASHINGTON - County attorneys are considering next steps, including the possibility of a lawsuit, after Gov. Katie Hobbs rejected their request to rescind an executive order that puts the decision to prosecute abortion cases in the hands of the attorney general's office.
GCU shortstop Jacob Wilson makes history, highlights talent in draft from Arizona
PHOENIX – Jacob Wilson makes GCU history in baseball’s amateur draft, while Arizona’s Chase Davis and ASU’s Luke Keaschall land in the first two rounds. The Diamondbacks also add to their talent.
Former Arizona Wildcat Bennedict Mathurin aims to become NBA’s premier two-way player in second season
LAS VEGAS – Bennedict Mathurin has starred in summer league, leading the Indiana Pacers with impressive scoring and a determination to improve his defense.
Inspired by strong family support, Toumani Camara makes waves in NBA Summer League with Phoenix Suns
LAS VEGAS – Toumani Camara has been heating up for the Suns at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Making the trip all the way from Belgium, his family has been loud and proud at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center.
Advocates: Family reunification policy helps some migrants, but not enough
WASHINGTON - A new immigration policy that makes it easier for people from four Central and South American countries to join family in the U.S. will help, but is still "far from" the migration solution needed, advocates said.
Nico Mannion uses summer league to make case for NBA roster spot
LAS VEGAS – After standing out at Pinnacle High and Arizona, Nico Mannion hopes summer league play can help him return to NBA.
July 11, 2023 newscast
How to stay cool; Phoenix Mercury partnership to support those wrongly imprisoned; custom equipment for fencers
Health care providers offer free help with chronic illnesses, not just urgent care, to people experiencing homelessness
PHOENIX – Valley health care providers who serve the homeless population agree that summer months are especially dangerous for those without shelter. But they add that chronic medical conditions and drug use contribute to the alarming increase in deaths among those experiencing homelessness.
Navajo president presses Congress for more time, money, for water project
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren asked senators Wednesday for more funding, and time, for a pipeline project that would create a reliable water supply for 250,000 people across Arizona and New Mexico.
Phoenix area inflation cools, but still higher than national average rise
WASHINGTON - Phoenix-area inflation has cooled since its peak last summer, but the region's 4.4% increase since last June is still higher than the national average of 3% over the same period, new data shows.
Teaching Tempe: City leaders learn to ready workers for infrastructure jobs
WASHINGTON - Tempe was one of 16 cities invited to Washington this week for a Labor Department "academy" to help local governments learn how to overcome challenges with the implementation of the "once in a generation" Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Behind the scenes: Intricate planning and preparation required to host an NCAA national championship
TEMPE – Arizona State will be the host institution for its third National Championship event in a 10-month span by the time the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four is played in April. Hosting these tournaments is no easy task and often take years of preparation.
July 12, 2023 newscast
Help for unsheltered during heat wave; inflation and animal shelters; fashion and the NBA
Protesters gather at state Capitol to challenge Tom Horne’s anti-dual language rhetoric
PHOENIX – Protesters gathered at the state Capitol Thursday to challenge the attacks by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne’s on Arizona’s dual language programs.
Inflation hits Valley animal shelters; adoptions decline amidst soaring costs
PHOENIX – With inflation rising in Maricopa County, animal shelters are feeling the impact through a drop in adoptions and an increase in animal surrenders.
Arizona Helping Hands launches mobile unit to assist foster children and families throughout state
PHOENIX – Arizona Helping Hands has extended its reach to foster and kinship families throughout the state with its new mobile unit that will help provide essentials to foster children.
Navajo witnesses clash over government’s Chaco Canyon mining ban
WASHNGTON - A moratorium on mining within 10 miles of Chaco Canyon tramples on tribal sovereignty and denies Navajo badly needed royalty payments; or it is needed to ensure oil and gas operations no longer poison the people, competing witnesses told a House panel.
How #WeAreBG campaign helped bring home Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury are the trailblazers for generating popularity and building a voice for women’s basketball. In partnership with Wasserman, the #WeAreBG campaign is one of the many ways they shine brighter spotlights on their players and their sport.
July 13, 2023 newscast
Navajo president pushes for water project; high school football team handles heat; and more
Photo essay: Arizona Coyotes prospects shine at 2023 development camp despite unknown future
SCOTTSDALE – Following an improved 2022-23 season, the Arizona Coyotes gave fans a glimpse into the future at their 2023 development camp. From July 3-7, the Coyotes held practices and a scrimmage to let their prospects get a taste of the NHL.
Hot enough for who? Report says other states may be more vulnerable to heat
WASHINGTON - Phoenix could hit 115 degrees this weekend, but a new report says the greater heat threat may be outside the Valley - and even in other states. The Census study looked at income, housing and other factors to find those most at risk for heat-related harm.
Crane’s use of ‘colored people’ in House debate brings swift condemnation
WASHINGTON - Reaction to Rep. Eli Crane's use of the term "colored people" during a House floor debate included "utter shock" and calling it a "dog whistle to white nationalists." What it did not include was much defense for the Oro Valley GOP freshman, who said he misspoke.
Save the date: Phoenix awarded 2024 WNBA All-Star Game
LAS VEGAS – Get ready, basketball fans. Among the news to come out of WNBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas was the announcement that the Mercury will host next year’s midseason event at Footprint Center.
Arizona advocates fear long-term impact of court’s discrimination ruling
WASHINGTON - Advocates say a Supreme Court ruling that struck down anti-discrimination protections will likely have little immediate impact in Arizona - beyond confusion - but they worry it opens the door to abuses down the road.
How Flagstaff, a once quaint town, transformed into capital of running world
FLAGSTAFF – For many, Flagstaff is known as the running capital of the world. A look at how it got there and how it helped create one of the best-kept secrets among collegiate sports dynasties: the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team.
Phoenix Mercury aiming to make 2024 WNBA All-Star Game ‘best ever’
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury will host the WNBA All-Star game for the third time in history, and Suns owner Matt Ishbia and CEO Josh Bartelstein say they want to make it the best ever.
Brittney Griner a star among WNBA All-Stars in emotional return
LAS VEGAS – The WNBA dedicated last year’s All-Star Game to Brittney Griner during her imprisonment in Russia. This year, Griner grabbed the spotlight on and off the court as the entire WNBA community celebrated her presence and upbeat attitude in the national spotlight.
ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham sets sights on building united, passionate program ahead of 2023 season
TEMPE – New ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham is emphasizing culture and tradition for the upcoming season. With preparations underway, the program is poised for a fresh start under his leadership.
Divorce complete: Diamondbacks split with Bally Sports Arizona, MLB takes over
PHOENIX – Fans will no longer see Diamondbacks games on Bally Sports Arizona, setting the stage for MLB to take over.
Arizona State coaches grapple with unregulated terrain of NIL and transfer portal
TEMPE – Before Name, Image and Likeness deals were OK'd by the NCAA in July 2022, Arizona State coaches focused more on recruiting and less on retaining. The transfer portal existed, but rules and regulations made its impact minimal over a long stretch of time.
Latest student debt-relief plan could mean $1 billion for 20,000 in Arizona
WASHINGTON – More than 20,000 Arizona residents would see $1 billion in student debt erased under a Biden administration plan unveiled just two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down a previous debt-forgiveness plan.
Coconino official tells House ‘anti-ESG’ bills threaten public investments
WASHINGTON - Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar told House lawmakers Tuesday that it's her job to get the best, and safest, return on public investments for taxpayers, but that "anti-ESG" legislation puts public dollars at risk.
July 18, 2023 newscast
Local center aids seniors, Brittney Griner stars in WNBA All-Star, fencing dynasty thrives.
Pride Night in sports stirs divisive reactions among athletes, leagues and LGBTQ community
PHOENIX – As the celebration and importance of Pride nights in sports face challenges from professional athletes and programs, organizations are confronted with the question of how to progress in hosting future events amidst the presence of trailblazers and protesters.
A peek into the world of celebrity row at the 2023 NBA Summer League
LAS VEGAS – Summer league is more than an opportunity for players to earn roster spots in the NBA. It’s 11 days of celebrity sighting in these Las Vegas arenas.
Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier launch Unrivaled league to revolutionize WNBA’s offseason play under prioritization clause
LAS VEGAS – Former UConn teammates turned WNBA stars are looking to investors for a new 3-on-3 league in Miami during the WNBA offseason. The idea is a direct response to the WNBA’s prioritization rule and a growing fear of traveling to play overseas.
‘We cannot continue to scar Mother Earth’: Public shows support for proposed monument near Grand Canyon
FLAGSTAFF – Dozens of community members, tribal leaders and state officials gathered in Flagstaff to show their support for a proposed national monument around the Grand Canyon, saying the designation could protect natural and cultural resources. Critics say the monument could hurt the economy.
Arizona legislator gives ASU 60 days to respond to free speech suppression allegations
PHOENIX – Republican Sen. Anthony Kern gave ASU 60 days to look into claims that faculty members at its honors college bullied students into not attending a school event because of its political speakers.
Feds to pay for environmental repair, wildlife care, more at border wall
WASHINGTON - The federal government has agreed to pay $1.2 billion to repair environmental damages and reinstate Pentagon projects sidelined by construction of the border wall, and will take steps to protect wildlife in the region.
U.S. criticizes Mexico over protection of vaquitas, stops short of sanctions
WASHINGTON - Mexico is not living up to its responsibility to protect the threatened totoaba fish and the critically endangered vaquita, a small porpoise of which there are only around a dozen left in the Gulf of California, the Biden administration said this week.
July 19, 2023 newscast
Phoenix heat record broken, new AZ monument planned, ASU football preps for Camp Tontozona.
From Tempe to Auckland: Arizona State’s Gabi Rennie triumphs as New Zealand claims first World Cup win
TEMPE – Less than 700 miles away from her hometown of Christchurch, ASU forward Gabi Rennie ran onto the pitch in front of over 40,000 fans in the 94th minute to help the Football Ferns in its first senior World Cup victory.
Some back-to-school events go beyond backpacks and pencils and offer health care, groceries for entire families
PHOENIX – Some back-to-school events have moved beyond notebooks and backpacks and try to help the whole family with health care, groceries and haircuts. “If parents or grandparents aren’t happy and healthy, they can’t help their kids,” one partner said.
Border encounters fell sharply in June, to lowest level in two years
WASHINGTON – The number of migrant encounters at the Southwest border plummeted in June, falling to the lowest level in more than two years, according to new data from Customs and Border Protection.
Big fight for a little bird: Pygmy-owl gets threatened species status
WASHINGTON - Federal officials this week granted threatened species status to the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, capping 17 years of "litigation and controversy" from advocates fighting to win protection for the 6-inch raptor.
Tucson ruling on transgender athletes puts Arizona at center of debate about biology, psychology and fairness
PHOENIX – A ruling by a federal judge in Tucson Thursday gave the green light to let transgender girls play on teams consistent with their gender identity, stirring a debate has reached a crescendo in recent months. But the outcry has ignored the nuances of what many experts say is a complicated and layered issue that deserves more research and thoughtful conversation about the biology and psychology of these athletes.
‘Confusing’ and ‘chilling’: First legislative sessions after Roe produce patchwork of laws on abortion
The first full state legislative sessions after the fall of Roe v. Wade produced hundreds of bills that lie all over the map on abortion, including proposals to do what was once considered unthinkable: criminalize pregnant people themselves.
Can Griner & Co. turn Mercury’s season around behind back-to-back wins?
PHOENIX – After a 2-11 start, the Phoenix Mercury are 4-4 in their last eight games and 2-0 since the All-Star break. Is tanking officially out of the question for the streaking Mercury?
July 20, 2023 newscast
Record-breaking temperatures; border encounters plummet; Sun Devil Gabi Rennie in Women’s World Cup
Gallego raises more, spends more for potential Senate run against Sinema
WASHINGTON - Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., raised more than $1.6 million in the last quarter with $10.8 million on hand - for a race she hasn't committed to. Meanwhile, Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, is raising - and spending - money twice as fast for his bid for Sinema's seat.
Michael Carbajal, Phoenix boxing icon, leaves timeless mark on Valley’s fighting scene and beyond
PHOENIX – Born and raised in Phoenix, Michael Carbajal stands as Arizona's greatest boxer, celebrated for his Olympic success in 1988 and numerous title triumphs. Legendary figures from the boxing world reflect on his illustrious career and immense contributions to the sport.
Open, targeted House seats drive fundraising as numerous hopefuls line up
WASHINGTON - Arizona may be a presidential and Senate election battleground in 2024, but some high-profile House races are also on tap. With a year to the primary, candidates have already raised $9.3 million, as targeted races and an open seat are attracting candidates.
Cricket’s renaissance in United States, fueled by South Asian enthusiasm and infrastructure boom, extends to Arizona
PHOENIX – Cricket's history in the United States has experienced ups and downs, but it's currently going through a renaissance, aided by an influx of South Asians. With the rise of Major and Minor League Cricket and the construction of new stadiums, the sport's popularity is surging, particularly in Arizona.
Valleywise Health expands access for young adults experiencing serious mental issues
PHOENIX – Valleywise Health is opening a second First Episode Center, an outpatient behavioral health center for young adults experiencing their first serious mental health episode. It can’t come soon enough. There is a dire need for programs that address mental health in young adults not just in Maricopa County but across the country, said Dr. Aris Mosley, a psychiatrist and medical director of the Valleywise Health First Episode Center in Avondale.
Baseball academy helps young Dominicans chase big dreams
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Pimental academy is a baseball boarding school for young Dominican boys who dream of playing in the major leagues.
July 25, 2023 newscast
New therapy for heat illness; transitioning to professional sports; football player returns after open heart surgery
New city comparison shows high UV exposure, sunshine hours and pollution contribute to poor skin health rating for Phoenix
PHOENIX – A new survey rates Phoenix as the worst in the country for skin health and fourth-worst in the world. Compare the Market, an Australian company that compares rates for health, auto and home insurance, evaluated 50 cities around the world for skin health. The comparisons were based on six factors including the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, sunshine hours, two types of particulates, nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels. Experts say there are ways Arizonans can protect their skin from environmental factors.
Tucson says $50 million grant will kick off ‘transformational’ redevelopment
WASHINGTON - Tucson officials said a $50 million federal grant will allow the city to begin work on long-awaited "transformational" redevelopment of the Oracle Road and Miracle Mile area near downtown.
Survey: Young Arizona voters more engaged, informed than earlier generations
WASHINGTON – Arizona's young voters, ages 18 to 29, may have been the state's most engaged youth electorate group ever, driven in 2022 by concerns about cost of living concerns and reproductive rights.
Remembering the Ooh Ahh Man, the Wildcats’ legendary sports fan
PHOENIX - Joe Cavaleri, a beloved Arizona sports superfan affectionately known as the "Ooh Aah Man," passed away at 71. He leaves behind an unforgettable legacy, having earned widespread recognition for his spirited mid-game antics that ignited crowd cheers and added joy to sporting events.
July 26, 2023 newscast
School voucher debate; vintage sportswear hotspot; fencing and Parkinson’s disease
‘Very personal project’: Repurposed shipping containers provide alternative shelter for those experiencing homelessness
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has teamed up with nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul and metal fabrication company Steel + Spark to provide another shelter option using shipping containers.
With pay lagging, school districts try other enticements to get teachers
WASHINGTON - Chino Valley Unified School District is building tiny houses in hopes of attracting teachers, just one of the ways school districts around Arizona are scrambling to attract and retain teachers in a state that offers some of the lowest salaries in the nation.
Gallego touts Phoenix’s efforts during White House meeting on heat emergency
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told President Joe Biden Thursday that even in a town that knows who to cope with hot weather, this summer's record-breaking heat is posing a challenge.
July 27, 2023 newscast
Controversy over American Latino museum; adaptive sports changes; honoring local boxing coach Alex Milligan
‘We’re not the place’: Yuma County residents fight hazardous waste permit
PHOENIX – A petition to stop a local waste company from expanding into hazardous materials has reached more than 4,000 signatures as Yuma County officials prepare to vote on the special use permit.
Cut and confidence: Chicanos Por la Causa offers free back-to-school haircuts to boost confidence, help families
PHOENIX – Chicanos Por La Causa Community Center offered free haircuts for families to ensure everyone can look their best for the beginning of the school year.
Report: State added 13,000 clean-energy jobs in past year, 7th best in U.S.
WASHINGTON - Arizona added almost 13,000 clean-energy jobs in the past year, good enough for seventh-most among states and evidence that the state is becoming a "powerhouse" for clean energy and electric vehicle production, a new report says.
Take as prescribed, if you can find it: Drug shortages hit a 10-year high
WASHINGTON - The number of drugs in short supply in the U.S. is now the highest in a decade, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, with one official calling the shortage of chemotherapy drugs particularly concerning.
Ohio special election, proposed constitutional amendment illustrate broader battles on abortion
DELAWARE, Ohio – A year after the reversal of Roe v. Wade, activists are facing off at the ballot box. In Ohio, voters are deciding whether to make it harder to amend the state constitution. That election comes just months before they consider an amendment to protect abortion rights.
From hot issues to hot dogs, politicians turn to Threads to reach voters
WASHINGTON - Among the 100 million users who reportedly signed up last month for Threads, Meta's new social media platform, were Arizona politicians from both state and federal office and from both sides of the aisle.
$10 a day for 10,636 days: Backers raise funds for man freed from death row
WASHINGTON - Barry Jones walked out of prison on June 15, after 28 years behind bars on death row for a crime the state now says he did not commit. Supporters are trying to raise private donations to help him get his life back on track, after 10,636 days behind bars.
Ambitious Swiss sensation Chelsea Fontenel balances tennis stardom, rising music career at ASU
PHOENIX – Chelsea Fontenel, raised in Switzerland, discovered her love for singing and playing tennis during her early years. Currently a rising sophomore, she skillfully manages her pursuits in both music and tennis at ASU.
Getting Colorado River water from California farms will take more than just money – just ask the farmers
California’s Imperial Valley is the single-largest water user along the Colorado River, and any plan to correct the river’s supply-demand imbalance will be nearly impossible without Imperial farmers on board. They say that for them to cut back on water use will take big payouts, and they have thoughts on how the money should be spent.
Haitian sugar cane workers in the Dominican Republic suffer amid U.S. embargo on Central Romana
LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic - Haitian and stateless sugar cane workers in the Dominican Republic continue to suffer worsening conditions of forced labor that has led to a U.S. embargo on sugar produced by Central Romana Corp.
House dads: Gallego’s paternity leave shows slowly growing acceptance
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, was not the first House member to take paternity leave, but that doesn't mean it was considered routine either. But experts say it's becoming more common in private workplaces, and is starting to be "normalized" in Congress.
As water regulations shift – again – advocates, officials work to cope
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court's ruling this summer in the Sackett case was supposed to clarify Clean Water Act regulations, but has instead left officials waiting and wondering what's next as federal regulators work our new Waters of the United States rules, due by Sept. 1.
Valley food banks reimagine pantries to help seniors hit hard by inflation
Two Valley food banks are reimagining their pantries to help inflation-strapped seniors, expanding from traditional food boxes to market days, group meals, breakfast and takeout options. Their leaders know healthy meals support overall health and wellness.
‘Abortion-free America’: Initiative seeks more ‘sanctuary cities for the unborn’ across U.S.
PRESCOTT VALLEY – Texas pastor Mark Lee Dickson travels the country hoping to create more “sanctuary cities for the unborn” – with a goal of banishing abortion from America.
Healing from within: Athletes face mental health struggles during injury
PHOENIX – Leslie Hernandez, a 25-year-old fighter pursuing a UFC contract, suffered a torn labrum, causing anxiety and depression. Amid her recovery, she found solace in watching others train, reigniting her passion for the sport, and is now eager to return to combat with a fresh perspective. Still, she learned injuries can have a profound impact on an athlete's mental health.
Thousands helped, thousands more may still be in need after Medicaid scams
WASHINGTON - A state hotline has helped thousands of victims in the two months since state officials uncovered a string of fraudulent Medicaid-funded addiction care facilities in Arizona, but the exact scale of the problem is still unknown.
Group mentor program in Tucson teaches male youth about healthy relationships
TUCSON – A mentoring program is using talking circles, adventure outings and overnight camping trips to help young men develop positive and healthy relationships. The goal is to give every boy in middle and high school access to safe and trusted men.
Haitian workers endure harsh living, working conditions in company settlement
Undocumented or stateless, after the Dominican Republic stripped their citizenship status, Haitian workers and those of Haitian descent find it difficult to leave harsh living and working conditions at Central Romana's sugar cane fields.
These cities coordinate to save water, a model for parched Western areas
TUCSON - Officials say no single solution will solve the region’s long-term water security issues, so cities around Arizona are collaborating on water treatment plants and sharing data to better allocate water resources and adapt to a future with less Colorado River water.
What’s in a name change? Too many hurdles, transgender advocates say
WASHINGTON - Activists say that Arizona is about in the middle of states in terms of the hoops transgender people have to jump through to amend their driver's license, birth certificate or other state-issued documentation. But that doesn't mean it's easy, they say.
Student loan repayments will hit economy; how hard depends on who’s being hit
WASHINGTON - When federal student loan payments resume Oct. 1, they could pull $71 billion a year out of the economy, $5.3 billion from Arizona. The pain could be real for borrowers - about 880,000 in Arizona - but will present only a "modest headwind" to the overall economy.
Freeze on DACA approvals leaves thousands of Arizona migrants in limbo
WASHINGTON - An estimated 1.1 million undocumented individuals in the U.S. are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals protection – 44,000 in Arizona - but fewer than half actually have coverage, as new applications have been frozen by ongoing court challenges.
MMIP task forces are given years to solve a problem centuries in the making
WASHINGTON - At least 10 states, including Arizona, and federal agencies have efforts to address the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous people, but those efforts have to grapple with historical neglect, modern bureaucracy and myriad legal and police disparities.
Teen Lifeline’s new program supports teens who have attempted suicide
PHOENIX — Teen Lifeline, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide, has introducted an initiative with a goal of reducing repeated suicide attempts. Modeled after the Caring Contacts program for adults, volunteer peer counselors reach out to teens who have been discharged from the hospital following a suicide attempt with supportive phone calls, texts, handwritten notes and care packages.
Feds ease Colorado River cuts after positive forecast, but work remains
Federal officials are easing water restrictions after an unusually snowy winter in the mountains helped replenish the beleaguered river and its reservoirs and led to new Colorado River forecasts from the Bureau of Reclamation.
Maternal mortality soars in U.S., state; Black, Native women hardest hit
WASHINGTON - Maternal death rates more than doubled over the past 20 years in the U.S., with Black and Indigenous women continuing to see mortality rates that far exceeded other groups - a pattern that was repeated in Arizona, according to a recent study.
God-given rights: The nationwide spread of the ‘constitutional sheriff’
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — An extremist belief that sheriffs’ authority supersedes the federal government is expanding across the country, including through state-sanctioned, taxpayer-funded training for law enforcement officers.
Controversial sheriffs’ group expands ideology to so-called ‘constitutional counties’
GOLDENDALE, Wash. – The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association is encouraging a nascent movement of so-called “constitutional counties” across the country.
California non-profit linked to constitutional sheriff group
The Gorilla Learning Institute uses its nonprofit status to help fund other groups’ activities, like the Friends of CSPOA, a California chapter of the controversial sheriffs group.
Our methods: The nationwide spread of the ‘constitutional sheriff’
AZCIR and the Howard Center spent months investigating the national spread of the constitutional sheriffs movement led by Richard Mack.
Video: In the Sheriff We Trust
A national group of sheriffs that claims their authority supersedes that of state and federal government has spread its doctrine to dozens of states in recent years, in part by gaining state accreditation for its taxpayer-funded law enforcement training. Some states and localities are pushing back, including in Texas, Washington and Nevada.
A Colorado River artist is helping demystify the West’s water problems
The laws that govern our region’s rivers and reservoirs can be tough to wrap your mind around. But art, as seen in one painter’s depiction of the Colorado River, can create an emotional connection that helps people understand what’s at stake.
Border encounters spiked in July after two-month decline; Tucson hit hard
WASHINGTON - Migrant encounters at the southwest border surged in July, reversing two months of declining numbers. Encounters rose from 144,566 in June to 183,503 in July, with migrant families accounting for more than three-quarters of that increase.
It’s official: ASU will open season with freshman quarterback Rashada
TEMPE – With the start of the Arizona State football season just eight days away, coach Kenny Dillingham confirmed Wednesday that freshman Jaden Rashada would take over as the starting quarterback to open the season.
Evolution in motion: Fiesta Bowl launches youth initiative, embraces change in college football landscape
PHOENIX – The new “Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown” initiative will start Friday in an effort to ignite excitement for Arizona high school football, mirroring the change and innovation happening at the next level.
Water-short cities want to use every last drop – even if it used to be sewage
In the Western U.S., cities with finite water supplies are finding creative new ways to stretch out the water they already have. For some, that means cleaning up sewage and putting it right back in the pipes that flow to homes and businesses.
State Supreme Court to hear abortion case; providers vow business as usual
WASHINGTON - Arizona abortion providers said Thursday they will conduct business as usual while the state Supreme Court considers a challenge to state law that could lead to the restoration of a 19th-century ban on abortion.
Arizona fares slightly better as high mortgages, low inventory hit home sales
WASHINGTON - High mortgage rates and tight inventories are hitting home sales nationwide, but agents in Arizona say the continuing influx of new residents to the state has softened the impact in the Valley.
Bold moves: Cardinals add quarterback Josh Dobbs, trade former top pick Isaiah Simmons
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals made surprising preseason moves Thursday, trading former first-round pick Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants and acquiring veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs. These unexpected decisions signal the team's determination to reshape its roster under new leadership.
‘It kind of gave me chills’: Diamondbacks find perspective at elementary school during team’s hot streak
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks, who have won 10 of their last 12, found perspective off the field. They hosted their Delivering Dreams Bus event at William T. Machan Elementary Thursday, with pitchers Zac Gallen and Scott McGough making appearances along with the team mascot.
Cactus League rebounds without shutdowns from COVID-19, labor disputes, economic study shows
TEMPE – Cactus League play in 2023 contributed $418 million to Arizona’s economy, an Arizona State study shows, and benefited from no COVID-19 restrictions and no labor stoppage.
‘This is a long game’: A year after Roe, abortion access fight moves to blue states like New Mexico
CLOVIS, N.M. – As more states pass abortion bans, providers and patients have flocked to New Mexico, a sanctuary for abortion rights. The anti-abortion movement has followed.
ASU boosters, team react to news, timing of self-imposed bowl ban
TEMPE – Amid a backlash from fans and boosters over an 11th-hour self-imposed bowl ban, Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham wants his team to put the issue in the past and focus on the upcoming season.
Arizona Cardinals cut veteran quarterback Colt McCoy less than two weeks before kickoff
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals have released veteran quarterback Colt McCoy after two seasons with the team, setting the stage for Joshua Dobbs.
‘How sick is sick enough?’ Abortion bans leave providers and patients questioning when care is OK
While the abortion debate often centers on elective procedures, many happen because of medical emergencies or to end a pregnancy where a baby would not live long, if at all. Yet post-Roe, pregnant individuals have been unable to get needed care because of bans that have left doctors unsure of what procedures they can perform.
Amid shortage of 911 dispatchers, new law extends trauma therapy to them
PHOENIX – Arizona 911 dispatchers will now have trauma therapy costs covered by their employer amid recruitment issues in Phoenix and statewide. Gov. Katie Hobbs celebrated the new law Wednesday with first responders and Rep. Melody Hernandez, D-Tempe, who introduced the bill.
White House plan to negotiate drug prices could affect 165,000 Arizonans
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration targeted 10 prescription drugs Tuesday as part of the first-ever Medicare price negotiation, a move that it said could benefit 9 million beneficiaries - including 165,000 in Arizona.
‘It’s about damn time’: Women’s Sports Network jumps on shifting attitudes, taps burgeoning market
PHOENIX – The popularity of women’s sports is exploding, but media coverage is still lacking. Now there is a 24-hour TV network dedicated to women’s sports, and industry leaders believe the time is finally right for the Women’s Sports Network.
Birth center closure could stress health care in area dominated by Catholic hospitals
Hospitals have been cutting maternity services and closing doors across the country for decades, creating health care deserts. The family-planning policies in Catholic hospitals exacerbate service gaps.
Catholic hospital mergers threaten access to reproductive care – even in abortion ‘safe havens’
Mergers between Catholic and secular health systems are limiting access to reproductive health care – even in states considered abortion safe havens.
Sierra Club report card lauds environmental funding, laments climate inaction
PHOENIX - The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter's fall 2023 Environmental Report Card for the Arizona Legislature and governor gave most of the state’s legislators negative marks for climate inaction, but it praised the state budget’s climate initiatives.
Spoiler alert: ASU football embraces villain role entering new season
TEMPE – After the announcement of ASU's self-imposed one-year ban on the football program, the Sun Devils quickly shifted their emotions to prepare for Thursday's season opener against Southern Utah.
No flag on this play: AIA-sanctioned girls flag football debuts at Nike Kickoff Classic
PHOENIX - The Arizona Cardinals show support for girls flag football at the Nike Kickoff Classic where Mountain Pointe and Mountain View compete in their first AIA-sanctioned flag football game of the season.
Independents, with a lowercase i, are now Arizona’s biggest voter group
WASHINGTON - The largest political party in Arizona is no longer a party. The latest numbers from the Arizona Secretary of State's office show that independent voters edged out Republicans in July to become the largest single group of voters in the state.
‘Crisis pregnancy centers’ face new regulations – but also gain support – after Roe
So-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which often work to persuade pregnant people not to have abortions, are facing new regulations but also getting an infusion of money after the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Migrant deaths climbed with temperatures in July; overall numbers still low
WASHINGTON - Migrant deaths in the Arizona desert spiked in July, when the remains of 42 undocumented individuals were found, the most for that month in more than a decade, advocates and medical officials said.
Kyle Larson, Dale Jarrett team up in Phoenix to supercharge Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
PHOENIX – NASCAR stars Dale Jarrett and Kyle Larson visited Phoenix Children's Hospital in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – a cause the drivers cherish from their personal experiences.
‘We are fighting for our lives’: Experts worry criminalization of pregnancy will rise post-Roe
Even before the reversal of Roe v. Wade last year, actions to criminalize behavior during pregnancy occurred across the country. Now, experts worry they’ll see far more cases.
Jobless rate is down, wages up, but not all is worth celebrating this Labor Day
WASHNGTON - Arizona's jobless rate is the lowest in decades, job openings are plentiful and salaries are inching up, all good news for workers on this Labor Day. While those gains are offset by nagging inflation, economists say the outlook for workers in Arizona is "relatively rosy,"
NAU men’s cross-country team begins historic NCAA title defense as season opens in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF – The NAU men's cross country team began its quest to defend its NCAA title at the George Kyte Classic. The Lumberjacks look to win their fourth consecutive national championship, something only two other colleges have done.
Christian lawmakers push battle over church and state after Roe
A group of Christian lawmakers has been busy reshaping America’s relationship with abortion, LGBTQ issues and religion. But their ultimate goal – bridging the separation between church and state – is far more ambitious.
Indigenous communities navigate abortion after Roe
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Abortion was never readily available to Indigenous women, and the reversal of Roe v. Wade made it worse. States with some of the largest Indigenous populations also have some of the strictest restrictions on abortion.
Baseball has huge on- and off-the-field impact in the Dominican Republic
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - Dominicans make up 11% of Major League Baseball rosters, many a product of this baseball-mad country's youth system, where children as young as 7 train in hopes of one day playing in the U.S. and lifting themselves and their families out of poverty.
September 5, 2023 newscast
ASU football's intriguing start; spring training's economic impact; rising COVID rates in Arizona.
Arizona COVID-19 cases double since June, as virus rebounds in state, U.S.
WASHINGTON - First lady Jill Biden's positive COVID-19 test this weekend was the latest, and most high-profile, reminder that cases are once again on the rise in the U.S. and in Arizona, where new infections per week have more than doubled since early July.
Appeals court again shoots down attempt to ban hunters’ use of lead shot
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Forest Service cannot be required to prohibit the use of lead shot by hunters in the Kaibab National Forest, a practice that environmentalists say can poison and kill wildlife, including critically endangered California condors.
Mexican abortion-pill networks reach across U.S. border to help immigrants without access
MONTERREY, Mexico – Mexico decriminalized abortion just before the United States went the opposite way and ended almost 50 years of federal abortion rights. Ever since, activists have been helping people on the U.S. side get abortion pills to those in need via cross-border underground networks.
Las redes mexicanas de píldoras abortivas cruzan la frontera de EE. UU. para ayudar a inmigrantes sin acceso al aborto
MONTERREY, México – México despenalizó el aborto justo antes de que Estados Unidos hiciera lo contrario y pusiera fin a casi 50 años de derechos federales al aborto. Desde entonces, activistas han ayudado a personas del lado estadounidense a obtener píldoras abortivas, especialmente a las poblaciones inmigrantes vulnerables a las que se les ha impedido el acceso.
ASU men’s basketball opener to be streamed exclusively on Barstool.tv with Portnoy on the mic
PHOENIX – ASU men’s basketball will open its upcoming season in Chicago at the Barstool Sports Invitational on November 8. The game, played against Mississippi State, will be broadcast exclusively on Barstool.tv with Dave Portnoy on the mic
ESA program added almost 50,000 students in the past year, state reports
WASHINGTON – The state added nearly 12,000 students to the Empowerment Scholarship Account program in the last quarter, bringing total enrollment to 61,689 at the end of June and renewing debates about the costs and benefits of the program.
In abortion-restricted North Dakota, lawmakers put resources toward mothers and children
WARSAW, N.D. – With a near-total abortion ban now law in North Dakota, legislators and anti-abortion advocates are trying to find ways to support pregnant people and new mothers. Critics say it’s not enough.
September 6, 2023 newscast
$40 million to tutor students, AZ environmental report card, Suns star at Drake concert
CTE study reveals alarming numbers about athletes who died before reaching 30
PHOENIX – In a concerning revelation for the world of sports, a recent study from the Boston University CTE Center has unveiled alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among contact sports athletes.
‘Absolutely maddening’: NCAA faces backlash from Jake Smith’s mother, Arizona Legislature over eligibility decision
PHOENIX – The NCAA denied the eligibility of ASU wide receiver Jake Smith due to new regulations regarding two-time transfers. Smith’s mother and the Arizona state legislature are both speaking out in his defense.
GAO: Rush to build border wall caused harm, damages continued after pause
WASHINGTON - A new Government Accountability Office report confirms what critics have long said, that the Trump administration's rush to build a border wall caused significant environmental damage, depleted water sources and devastated sacred tribal sites.
September 7, 2023 newscast
College football changes, girls flag football preview, border processing app hiccups
Activists unite to fight maternal mortality post-Roe
WINGATE, N.C. – Black women are far more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women across the U.S. In the South, activists and providers are working to overcome these disparities, which they worry will worsen amid abortion bans.
2-year anniversary: Growth of sports gambling blows Arizona’s doors wide open
PHOENIX – The legalization of sports gambling in Arizona has reshaped the landscape of sports entertainment, attracting younger individuals who are investing their sports knowledge into gambling. With over $5 billion in total sports wagering handle, Arizona has emerged as a top player in the sports betting market.
No sweat: Phoenix Rising tackle ‘massive challenge’ playing through excessive heat
PHOENIX – Amidst a record-breaking summer in Phoenix, the Phoenix Rising FC aims to preserve player safety and athletic performance as the team battles through the excessive heat.
Phoenix City Council votes to extend trail closures during excessive heat warnings
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council passed a new policy to extend excessive heat warning closures to be year-round on hiking trails, instead of only during summer months when warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
Kris Mayes, other attorneys general, recommend crackdown on vaping products targeting youth
PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and 32 other attorneys general from around the country are asking the Food and Drug Administration to ban flavored e-cigarettes and crack down on marketing that targets youth.
Ready to Rohr: ASU beach volleyball embraces new coach, focuses on creating family culture
PHOENIX – With a new coach and seven new players, ASU beach volleyball focuses on developing its team culture.
22 years later, 9/11 Tempe Healing Field tribute honors lives in terrorist attack
TEMPE – The Tempe Healing Field tribute at Tempe Beach Park honors the lives of those who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Who let the dogs out? Arizona Cardinals defense shows promise
TEMPE – After a tough week one loss to the Washington Commanders, the Arizona Cardinals are looking to their tenacious and promising defense to keep them competitive among offensive struggles.
Early growing pains: ASU football reflects on noticeable flaws during first two games
TEMPE – Two games into the 2023 season, Arizona State football has noticeable flaws at offensive line and questions at quarterback for Kenny Dillingham to address going forward.
September 11, 2023 newscast
9/11 tribute, celebrating Mexican Independence Day, Sutton has Mercury’s first triple-double
As popularity of Premier League soccer teams grows in U.S., supporters flock to Phoenix pubs
PHOENIX – Premier League fans around Phoenix have created support groups for their favorite teams over the last decade, but for some, finding a bar to call their own has been a struggle.
‘It’s been exhausting’: Challenges on, off court for Phoenix Mercury lead to disappointing season
PHOENIX – For the first time since 2012, the WNBA playoffs will be played without the Phoenix Mercury. Finding themselves in uncharted territory, they will have a head start to a busy offseason: impending head coaching search and the WNBA Draft.
Updated COVID-19 vaccine OK’d, experts urge people to roll up their sleeves
WASHINGTON - Federal officials Tuesday approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine for use by anyone age 6 months or older, and health officials are urging people to get the shot amid a fall surge in cases.
September 12, 2023 newscast
Mercury won’t be in playoffs, ASU women’s golfer could be four-time All-American, COVID vaccine
Penalty box: Despite little funding, ASU women’s hockey club finds success
TEMPE – ASU ACHA D1 women’s hockey club team might be one of the most successful programs at the school but its funding doesn’t match the team’s performance on the ice.
One Snap Brotherhood: ASU’s offensive line sticks together despite injuries
TEMPE – The Sun Devils are decimated by injury, especially at offensive line. The brotherhood, however, is still strong.
2024 Phoenix Men’s Final Four Fan Jam takes off with slam dunk start
TEMPE – Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley kicked off the 2024 Phoenix Men’s Final Four Fan Jam with a two-handed dunk, setting the stage for a series of community events leading up to the championship.
Year of resilience: Brittney Griner’s triumphant return inspires Phoenix Mercury’s 2023 season
PHOENIX – Brittney Griner's remarkable journey from incarceration in a Russian prison to being named the AP's Comeback Player of the Year after an emotional return to the Phoenix Mercury defined her inspiring 2023 season.
Naloxone now available at pharmacies, libraries – and in high demand
PHOENIX – Naloxone is now available over the counter at thousands of pharmacies across the United States – though some local pharmacies' allocations can't keep up with demand. Recent nationwide opioid settlements with drug makers and pharmacies have led to programs such as free kits at Phoenix libraries. Many people know the drug by its brand name, Narcan, which delivers the medication via nasal spray.
Arizona snail found only in Quitobaquito Springs may be listed as endangered
PHOENIX – A snail native to Arizona may be listed as an endangered species after known populations dropped largely due to drought and border wall construction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the Quitobaquito tryonia snail, found only at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Pima County, be listed as an endangered species.
Glass half-full or half-empty? In partisan Washington, it’s usually both
WASHINGTON - Two committees held two hearings on the same topic - immigration and the workforce -but the hearings in the Democrat-controlled Senate and the GOP-led House came to two very different conclusions. Washington observers were not surprised.
September 13, 2023 newscast
Cities look to replicate Phoenix’s ‘heat team,’ animals easy anxiety, NCAA officials in Glendale
Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez ‘still committed to the East Valley’ in ongoing arena search
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez provided an update Tuesday on the Coyotes’ search for a permanent location for their arena. Gutierrez said the team is narrowing its search to multiple East Valley locations and expects a decision by midseason.
As Arizonans remember loved ones lost to drug overdose, advocacy group stresses “Every death caused by overdose is preventable.”
PHOENIX – The Arizona advocacy group Sonoran Preservation Works commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 on Aug. 31, with a vigil held at the Desert West Community Center in Phoenix.
Celebraciones del Día de la Independencia de México en Arizona
PHOENIX – La comunidad mexicana de Arizona se prepara para celebrar el Día de la Independencia de México. En el valle se realizan diferentes eventos que incluyen el tradicional "Grito” además de bailes folclóricos, música y comida mexicana.
Phoenix Sky Harbor workers file complaint, vote to strike over dangerous working conditions and low wages
PHOENIX – Concession and service worker groups at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are speaking out about dangerous working conditions and unlivable wages. One group voted to strike and another filed an OSHA complaint.
September 14, 2023 newscast
Mercury optimistic, Rennie back after Women’s World Cup, how AZ ranks for green jobs
Scottsdale homeless housing plan met with concern from residents, legislators
SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale residents denounced the city’s plan to convert hotel rooms into homeless shelters during a community hearing. State Rep. Matt Gress organized the community hearing after raising questions about the transparency and effectiveness of the plan.
Arizona added 2,374 clean-energy jobs in 2022, near pre-pandemic levels
WASHINGTON - Arizona added more than 2,300 clean-energy industry jobs last year, falling just shy of the state's pre-pandemic employment levels but matching the nation for job growth in the sector, a new report said.
Advocates say Superintendent Tom Horne’s bathroom recommendation ‘others’ transgender students
PHOENIX – Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne advised Arizona schools not to “initiate a policy that allows biological boys to use bathrooms, locker rooms or shower facilities that are intended for girls.” Some schools already have policies in place that support trans students, and advocates say Horne’s recommendation is discriminatory.
From Arizona state high school champion to Fresno State star, Mikey Keene returns home to face Arizona State
TEMPE – Chandler high school standout Mikey Keene makes his collegiate debut back home in Arizona with Fresno State as they take on ASU trying to remain perfect on the season.
‘The grind is worth it’: Inside Jon Bloom’s rise to become voice of Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – Jon Bloom has waited patiently to become the full-time radio voice of the Phoenix Suns and is now ready to take on his dream job.
One more hurdle: Former track standout, foster child aims to give back, change lives despite cancer diagnosis
PHOENIX – Bathsheba Adams, a former track star and founder of the nonprofit Eyes Like Mine, Inc., confronts a breast cancer diagnosis while continuing her mission to support foster families.
Black activists take on Dominican government and society in quest for justice and recognition
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – AfroDominican activists are fighting against the Dominican Republic’s discriminatory legislation and social attitudes that negatively impact Black Dominicans and Haitian migrants.
SAG-AFTRA Arizona members rally as part of national strike for TV, film worker protections, higher wages
PHOENIX – The Arizona-Utah chapter of SAG-AFTRA held a rally in Phoenix on Sunday to support local actors, writers, and TV and film workers who are on strike. The national union has been on strike since July 14 in conjunction with the Writers’ Guild of America, which has been on strike since May 2. The strikes have stopped production on films and TV series.
‘Nobody cares’: Kenny Dillingham, ASU football not wallowing in first home shutout since 1988
TEMPE – After being shutout at home by Fresno State, Kenny Dillingham knows there is lots of room for improvement with offensive struggles and injury issues.
Arizona Cardinals grapple with missed opportunities, blown leads and an 0-2 start
TEMPE – The Cardinals showed signs of progress but again surrendered a second-half lead, falling to the Giants 31-28. New York scored on each of their five drives in the second half, culminating in a game-winning field goal in the waning seconds.
September 18, 2023 newscast
SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in AZ, driest monsoon, yoga and paddleboard fitness craze
Mahsa Amini honored in Scottsdale a year after dying in Iranian custody
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Persian Cultural Center hosted a memorial for Mahsa Amini a year after the Iranian protester died in custody of the morality police. People at the event advocated for action in the United States and change in Iran.
Tempe-based small businesses thrive after signing ASU athletes to NIL deals
PHOENIX – As NIL continues to grow in college athletics, Tempe-based businesses are cashing in as they support Arizona State athletes. Companies such as Burrito Express and State Bicycle Co. are seeing increased business since signing ASU athletes.
Youth golf charity First Tee-Phoenix celebrates 20 years of giving back
SCOTTSDALE – First Tee-Phoenix is an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the youth generation through the game of golf. The organization held a 20th anniversary dinner at Ocean 44 to raise funds, drawing celebrities and pro golfers to the red carpet.
Naloxona ahora disponible en farmacias, bibliotecas, y con alta demanda
PHOENIX – La naloxona está ahora disponible sin necesidad de receta en miles de farmacias en todo Estados Unidos, aunque algunas farmacias locales no pueden satisfacer la demanda. Acuerdos recientes a nivel nacional con fabricantes de medicamentos y farmacias relacionados con opioides han dado lugar a programas como la distribución gratuita de kits en las bibliotecas de Phoenix. Muchas personas conocen el medicamento por su nombre de marca, Narcan, que administra la medicación mediante un aerosol nasal.
Girls Golf empowers next generation of female golfers through LaBauve Cup at Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE – Girls Golf of Phoenix hosted its third annual LaBauve Cup in Scottsdale. The only group of its kind, the Cup is a segway for the organization to promote more golf opportunities for girls.
Trans woman’s arrest in Flagstaff sparks community outrage at handling of her case
PHOENIX – Epona Rose, a transgender woman, was held in the men’s side of a jail after allegedly defending herself from an attack by men in Flagstaff, though the details of the altercation are in dispute. Activists say more needs to be done to support trans people who are arrested or incarcerated.
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes pushes voter registration, addresses push to ditch partisan ballots
PHOENIX – Secretary of State Adrian Fontes held a series of events on Tuesday, National Voter Registration Day, to encourage voter registration in Arizona. The events came after a recently launched campaign to amend the state constitution and rework our primary elections structure.
September 19, 2023 newscast
High school football ref shortage, ASU vs. USC, push to make Arizona primaries open
‘G.R.I.T.’: 4 letters propel Arizona State volleyball to best start since 2015
PHOENIX – ASU is having its fourth best start in program history, the best since 2015. The team kicks off conference play at home against Arizona on Thursday.
‘Weird’ or not, Phoenix Rising players rely on pregame routine, superstitions
PHOENIX – Whether it’s eating the same food before every match, or following a strict game-day routine, athletes like Phoenix Rising FC defender Eddie Munjoma benefit from a structured plan. Sports psychologists even believe that superstitions can play an important role in improving performance.
Scottsdale will pay local hotel to open temporary housing for unhoused seniors, families with children
PHOENIX – The city of Scottsdale voted to fund temporary housing at Independence 47 Hotel for people experiencing homelessness. A grant-funded program gives nearly $500,000 to the hotel for 10 rooms to house seniors and families with children starting Oct. 1. Some Scottsdale residents and legislators, however, cite safety concerns for the hotel and its occupants.
Yuma official says cost of caring for migrants ‘not sustainable’ for county
WASHINGTON - Yuma County cannot continue to bear the cost of caring for immigrants that are flooding across the border without help from the federal government, a county official testified Wednesday.
Tribal water infrastructure needs more than a one-time fix, senators told
The infusion of federal money for infrastructure projects is a welcome first step toward fixing deep problems with water systems on tribal lands, but it's only a first step, an Arizona official testified Wednesday.
September 20, 2023 newscast
Asylum applicant interpreters, Scottsdale bridge housing at hotel, football player washes windows
Strength, stamina and suds: Tempe Brewery embraces Bavarian tradition of steinholding for Oktoberfest
TEMPE – Oktoberfest rolls in, bars around Arizona are bringing in the Bavarian tradition of steinholding to celebrate the occasion. The sport is not only growing in Arizona but around the United States.
Phoenix OKs short-term rental rule; officials warn it’s not a ‘magic elixir’
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved regulations on short-term rentals that will require property owners to apply for permits, notify neighbors and more if they want to rent their homes through services like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Biggs, Crane join conservatives who block Defense bill, as shutdown looms
WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among five GOP House members who broke ranks Thursday and voted to block the Defense authorization bill, the latest twist in a budget fight that could cause a government shutdown in 10 days.
From pretenders to contenders, Arizona Diamondbacks cherishing opportunity to end postseason drought
PHOENIX – With the mix of veterans and rookies, the Diamondbacks are just a few games away from punching their ticket to the postseason for the first time in six years.
World-class facilities, education attract elite international women’s soccer players to ASU despite ‘insane’ heat
TEMPE – Despite the recent growth of women’s soccer around the world, many elite international players still choose to come to ASU, in some cases foregoing the chance to turn professional. What attracts them to ASU?
September 21, 2023 newscast
D-backs battle for playoff spot, ASU hockey players choose captain, tribal clean water
DIY filtration boxes from ASU help prevent spread of COVID-19 in Phoenix cooling centers
PHOENIX – The ASU AIDE lab makes and distributes free filtration boxes to cooling centers across metro Phoenix, helping prevent the spread of COVID in the homeless community. These boxes are a cheap and effective way to improve air quality.
‘I’m supposed to be here’: ASU reserve quarterback Jacob Conover ready if needed against USC
TEMPE – Facing a series of injuries in ASU's quarterback lineup, Jacob Conover, a transfer from BYU, is prepared and waiting for his chance to shine in the upcoming matchup against USC.
Arizona Wildcats ride defensive unit into Pac-12 play against Stanford
PHOENIX – Last Saturday’s convincing win over UTEP sets up Arizona for a Pac-12 showdown at Stanford. Jayden de Laura and Tetairoa McMillan look to lead the Wildcats’ emerging offense to another victory, while the defense has impressed through the season’s first three games.
After Pac-12 goes dark: Arizona-Stanford marks beginning of end for ‘Conference of Champions’
STANFORD, Calif. – The Arizona Wildcats earned a come-from-behind victory in Palo Alto, California but the significance of this game went beyond the Stanford Stadium turf. The game marked the last time Arizona and Stanford will play each other in a Pac-12 Conference football game. For some players in the game, it was the final – or only – opportunity to play against their “home” team.
Calling the shots: Kenny Dillingham, ASU football discover offensive mojo despite loss to Trojans
TEMPE – ASU’s offense showed more signs of life than previous games with Kenny Dillingham calling the plays during Saturday’s 42-28 loss to USC, but the first-year ASU coach believes there is still room for improvement.
Court of Appeals rules Title IX lawsuit against University of Arizona can move forward
PHOENIX – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a former University of Arizona student can sue the school over an assault that took place off campus, because the school knew former football player Orlando Bradford’s history of assault.
Don’t mess with Texas? Cardinals do, send Cowboys home with surprising loss
TEMPE – In Week 3, the Dallas Cowboys' visit to the Arizona Cardinals seemed like a potentially one-sided matchup, but the Cardinals stunned both the Cowboys and the football community. with a 28-16 win.
Gosar back in spotlight with call for general to “be hung” over Jan. 6
WASHINGTON - Two years after he was formally censured for a video that appeared to espouse violence against lawmakers, Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar has again grabbed headlines by saying the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would be hanged in a "better society."
Growing Arizona Jewish population finds community in synagogues, elsewhere for High Holy Days
PHOENIX – The Jewish population in Maricopa County has grown by nearly 20% since 2002, according to an Arizona State University study done in 2019. But leaders in the Jewish community say the proliferation of synagogues – with most in Scottsdale and North Phoenix – hasn’t kept up with the growth of the Jewish population. People are finding alternate places to gather, including Zoom, on campus and in friendship groups.
A national caregiver shortage strains organizations and families across the Valley
PHOENIX – The need for family caregivers is on the rise, leaving families looking for education and solutions as the national caregiver shortage continues to grow.
Two for one: Shohei Ohtani’s rise inspires changes across baseball, including ASU
TEMPE – In MLB, Shohei Ohtani is one of the best, both as a hitter and pitcher. His success is altering decades-long perceptions of two-way players, who are now being allowed to play on both sides deeper into their careers. ASU baseball is on board with the concept.
Big 12 move highlights BYU, Arizona communities entwined through LDS faith, football
PHOENIX – Entwined by faith and football, Brigham Young and Arizona State renew their old Western Athletic Conference rivalry when the two schools join the Big 12 next season.
Escasez de cuidadores a nivel nacional tensiona a las organizaciones y familias en todo el Valle
PHOENIX – La necesidad de cuidadores de salud familiares está en aumento, lo que hace que las familias busquen educación y soluciones mientras la escasez nacional de cuidadores continúa creciendo.
Experts: Slight 2022 Arizona health insurance gains likely to vanish in 2023
WASHINGTON - The number of Arizonans with health insurance rose in 2022, a post-pandemic bump that experts say has likely turned sharply south in the year since, as COVID-19 benefits have been phased out.
Tucson sector led U.S. for second month, as border encounters surge anew
WASHINGTON - Migrant encounters at the southern border surged in August, to almost 233,000 for the month, with the Tucson sector posting the highest numbers in the nation for the second straight month, according to Customs and Border Protection.
Katie Ledecky sets sights on Paris 2024 after historic run at World Championships
PHOENIX – Katie Ledecky became the first swimmer to win the same event six times consecutively. As she sets her sights on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, take a look at how she stays motivated and handles the pressure.
September 26, 2023 newscast
Cardinals flying high after win, dance company teaches hip-hop history, border encounters surge
‘Without refs, it’s only recess’: Former ref says recruiting women could be answer to high school officiating shortage
PHOENIX – Amid abuse from parents, coaches and athletes, many high school officials are leaving the profession. Anne Montgomery, who spent 29 years officiating football and other sports in Arizona, believes that recruiting more women could be the answer to the shortage.
Maricopa County air quality raises health concerns with affected minority communities
PHOENIX – The American Lung Association gave Maricopa County an F rating for its air quality. This poor air quality has led to an increase in health concerns, particularly for marginalized communities.
Senators urged to step up after Supreme Court ruling on Navajo water rights
WASHINGTON - Witnesses told a Senate hearing the federal government has both a a legal and an ethical obligation to ensure water access for tribes. The Supreme Court this summer rejected a Navajo claim that the government needed to take steps to protect its water rights.
September 27, 2023 newscast
Shocking Deandre Ayton trade; potential shutdown could impact local charities; new plans for Arizona Center
Is Sequoia Pathway Academy’s canceled season about more than low participation?
PHOENIX – After starting the season 0-4, Sequoia Pathway cancels its football season citing low participation and student health as the primary reasons. However, the issue runs much deeper than low participation numbers.
A new look: ASU men’s basketball offers hope, including (gasp!) a possible trip to Final Four
TEMPE – Bobby Hurley’s Arizona State men’s basketball team is looking to keep working on chemistry as a new group after returning from Europe. After seeing both sides of the transfer portal, Hurley believes his team is ready to compete.
Cajas de filtración de ASU ayudan a prevenir la propagación de COVID-19 en los centros de enfriamiento de Phoenix
PHOENIX – El laboratorio AIDE de ASU fabrica y distribuye cajas de filtración gratuitas a los centros de enfriamiento en toda el área metropolitana de Phoenix, ayudando a prevenir la propagación de COVID en la comunidad de personas sin hogar. Estas cajas son una forma económica y efectiva de mejorar la calidad del aire.
“We all just evaporate”: Extreme heat overwhelms Phoenix’s unhoused community
PHOENIX – Phoenix’s extreme heat takes its toll on the health of its unhoused or homeless community.
Biden honors McCain, denounces ‘MAGA extremists’ during Tempe event
TEMPE – President Joe Biden invoked the spirit of the late Sen. John McCain while denouncing "MAGA extremists" as a threat to democracy, during a speech Thursday at the Tempe Arts Center.
From Notre Dame to Highland, a decades-long Berry-Denson friendship blooms in the Valley
GILBERT — Bertrand Berry recruited Autry Denson to play at Notre Dame. Nearly 30 years later, when Denson was hired by the Arizona Cardinals, Berry Sr. recruited Denson’s son to play at Highland. =
‘We’re going to battle’: Grand Canyon men’s basketball embraces new size, toughness as season approaches
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon men’s basketball brought in nine new players during the offseason, with a focus on length and size. In head coach Bryce Drew’s fourth season, his expectations for the program are at an all-time high.
50,000 federal workers, military, in Arizona spared as shutdown averted
WASHINGTON - If Congress cannot head off a government shutdown before Sunday, it would mean the loss of a paycheck for close to 50,000 federal workers and active-duty military in Arizona - and they're not the only ones to feel the pinch.
Calidad del aire en condado Maricopa plantea preocupaciones de salud en comunidades afectadas
PHOENIX – La Asociación Americana del Pulmón calificó al condado Maricopa con una F en cuanto a la calidad del aire. La mala calidad del aire ha llevado a un aumento en las preocupaciones de salud, especialmente en las comunidades marginadas.
Hold your horses: Turf Paradise to resume racing, extend off-track betting
PHOENIX – Turf Paradise is alive after all and will resume racing. Additionally, the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has extended the contract for the track to simulcast races for wagering until Nov. 12. The extension avoids the shutdown of 37 off-track betting sites.
Biden rinde homenaje a McCain y condena a ‘extremistas MAGA’ en evento de Tempe
TEMPE – El presidente Joe Biden invocó el espíritu del fallecido senador John McCain mientras denunciaba a los 'extremistas MAGA' como una amenaza para la democracia durante un discurso el jueves en el Centro de Artes de Tempe.
Local food pantries are expecting a surge in customers if government shuts down and people lose their benefits
PHOENIX – If the government shuts down, millions of Americans are worried about losing SNAP and WIC nutrition benefits, but Arizona says that’s not going to happen here. Even so, food pantries are preparing to help more people needing assistance.
Los Angeles farmers markets team up with health department to fight food insecurity and support communities
LOS ANGELES – The L.A. County Department of Public Health provides low-income households with access to nutritious, healthy food, and helps strengthen communities.
Despite promise in second half, Arizona Cardinals grounded vs. San Francisco 49ers
TEMPE – The Cardinals had fast starts in their first three games, but fell behind big early to the 49ers and couldn’t overcome the deficit despite strong play from Josh Dobbs.
ASU’s Kenny Dillingham praises success of Shedeur Sanders entering Colorado week: ‘Doesn’t surprise me’
TEMPE – ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham refused to discuss Deion Sanders during Monday’s weekly press conference but did not hold back in discussing the Colorado coach’s standout son.
Supreme Court to hear appeal over expert testimony in Yuma drug case
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will hear the appeal of an Arizona man who said his right to confront his accuser was violated when the expert witness who tested the drugs in his case was replaced by another expert.
‘We’ve got the best team in the league’: New-look Phoenix Suns enter 2023-24 season with big-time expectations
PHOENIX – Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are the centerpiece of a Phoenix Suns team that underwent a dramatic overhaul in the offseason. Despite significant roster changes, the Suns are optimistic about their postseason chances.
Arizona veterans, state agencies battle over bingo machines deemed illegal under state gambling laws
PHOENIX – Arizona veteran groups, including members of local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, with the help of state Sen. Sonny Borrelli, called out public agencies for targeting them over bingo technological aids, but the state says that’s not the issue. Instead, the groups may be using illegal bingo gaming machines.
October 2, 2023 newscast
Arizona veterans and state battle over bingo, student loan payments resume, Suns new roster
Playing with fire: Arizona high school football coaches double as firefighters
PHOENIX – Arizona firefighters and high school football coaches have more similarities than differences. Between a locker room mentality in fire stations, preparation and physical demands, here’s why their transition is seamless in the Valley.
Beating the heat: Arizona athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians take steps to protect athletes
PHOENIX – Phoenix has experienced temperatures consecutively above 110 degrees as blistering and historic heat waves sweep across the Southwest. Regardless, the football season goes on and the health and safety concerns of the athletes are the top priority.
“Simplemente se evaporan, todos”: El calor extremo abruma a la comunidad sin hogar de Phoenix
PHOENIX – Calor extremo de Phoenix cobra factura en la salud de su comunidad sin hogar.
Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Wildcats set stage for electric 2023-24 season at Red-Blue Showcase
TUCSON – The annual Red-Blue Showcase offered the Tucson community a first chance to see the 2023-24 Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team. Tommy Lloyd and Co. have a deep and talented squad looking to make a deep run come March.
Smoke from the Salt River landfill fire could cause health problems
PHOENIX – The Salt River landfill fire has been reduced to a smolder but smoke from the Salt River Indian Reservation fire may lead to health problems.
Biggs, Crane join Democrats in historic vote to oust McCarthy as speaker
WASHINGTON - Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs and Eli Crane were among the eight conservative Republicans who voted with all House Democrats Tuesday to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the first time in history a sitting speaker has been removed.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen, young hitters thrive in Game 1 Wild Card victory against the Milwaukee Brewers
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3 in the opening game of the NL Wild Card Series. In Arizona’s first appearance since 2017, manager Torey Lovullo relied on six bullpen arms to shut down the Brewers’ offense.
October 3, 2023 newscast
D-backs in the postseason, Congressional football game, plus steinholding competitions
Nearly a third of teacher vacancies went unfilled this fall, most in 8 years
WASHINGTON - Nearly one-third of teaching vacancies in Arizona public and charter schools this fall had still not been filled one month into the school year, according to a new report, that said that was the most in eight years of data on school vacancies.
Bringing heat to the Mullett: Partnership between Sun Devils and Coyotes gives hockey a new energy
TEMPE - The partnership between ASU and the Arizona Coyotes can be felt – and seen and heard – at Tempe’s Mullett Arena, the Valley’s hottest ice spot.
‘Eternally complex problems’: Bipartisan advocates talk affordable housing
PHOENIX – A bipartisan group of housing reform advocates, from current and former state lawmakers to government leaders, gathered Thursday to talk about solutions to the lack of affordable housing in Arizona.
What is it like to be at the epicenter of college football? A weekend in Boulder highlights the Buffaloes’ wild surge
BOULDER – The talk of college football centers around Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Boulder has embraced this new persona and "Prime" mania doesn’t look like it is slowing down any time soon.
Report: 2023 Super Bowl generated $1.3 billion in economic activity for Valley
PHOENIX – The 2023 Super Bowl Host Committee announced at a press conference Wednesday that the game and surrounding events generated $1.3 billion in revenue. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she hopes to see the Valley host more big events.
Latest student debt relief plan could save 11,700 Arizonans $840 million
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration said Wednesday that it has cleared the way for another $9 billion in student debt relief for as many as 125,000 borrowers - 11,700 of them in Arizona.
Brophy Prep Overwatch seeks third consecutive national championship under new leadership and roster
PHOENIX – With a new director and young roster, Brophy Prep’s Overwatch team begins its run for another PlayVs national championship.
‘In my blood’: Culture is motivation behind Phoenix Rising’s players, coaches
PHOENIX – In professional sports, where the allure of fame, expectations and fortune can lead many athletes astray, soccer’s cultural traditions motivate Phoenix Rising FC’s players and coaches to keep striving for more than victories on the pitch.
Bring on the Dodgers: Resilient Diamondbacks claw back on the road, set up L.A. showdown
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks clinched their ticket to the NLDS after a 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night, sweeping the NL Wild Card Series 2-0. The Diamondbacks now face a familiar foe in the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
Deion Sanders, Colorado invade Tempe as ASU expects big crowds again at Mountain America Stadium
TEMPE – As Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes come to Tempe this weekend to play ASU, large crowds are expected again at Mountain America Stadium after the last game was a sellout.
Spanish-language therapy is becoming harder to find in Arizona, even as the Hispanic population grows
PHOENIX – Spanish language therapy and culturally responsive mental healthcare are becoming more scarce in Arizona as the Hispanic population grows. Chicanos Por La Causa is one nonprofit organization working to fill the gap.
Estrenan filme en español sobre estudiantes hispanos de ASU
PHOENIX – El College Tour en Español fue estrenado en el ASU West Campus honrando a los estudiantes que fueron los primeros en su familia en recibir una educación universitaria.
Biden administration reverses course, resumes border wall construction
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration reversed course Thursday and said it would resume border wall construction, citing an "acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers" at the southern border to handle record-breaking numbers of immigrants.
A different kind of win: ASU men’s hockey ends independence, joins NCHC for 2024 season
PHOENIX – ASU joins the NCHC as its ninth member starting in the 2024-25 season. Find out what this means for the Sun Devils as they start their last season as an independent hockey team.
Abortion debate spurs new efforts to restrict prosecutorial discretion
MIAMI – After Roe v. Wade was overturned, some prosecutors vowed not to prosecute abortion-related cases. Now states are fighting back, passing laws or using executive orders to limit prosecutorial discretion.
Los mercados de agricultores de Los Ángeles se unen al departamento de salud para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria y apoyar a comunidades
LOS ÁNGELES – El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Ángeles proporciona acceso a alimentos nutritivos y saludables a hogares de bajos ingresos, y ayuda a fortalecer las comunidades.
MLB brings global stars of future to Phoenix for international showcase event
PHOENIX – Since 2016, the MLB International Showcase brings teenagers from across the world to play baseball in the US. The opportunity gives these players a chance to show off their skills to scouts, while connecting with peers from other nations.
Culture change: Mat Ishbia invests $100 million in new practice facility for Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia has committed $100 million to build a 123,000-square-foot headquarters and a practice facility in downtown Phoenix, exclusively for the Mercury. This significant investment aims to revolutionize basketball culture for the Phoenix basketball teams.
8 days: How side-by-side hirings of Sanders, Dillingham helped inject life into Pac-12
TEMPE – Who knew that eight days in late 2022 would help inject life into a Pac-12 college football season that was supposed to be defined by the conference’s demise? Behind the hirings of Deion Sanders, Kenny Dillingham.
Arizona agrees to pay for gender-affirming surgery for state employees
WASHINGTON - Arizona legislators said they are "disappointed" that the state has agreed to pay for gender-affirming surgeries for state employees in a consent decree that settles years of class action litigation by a University of Arizona professor.
Making a difference: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs inspires hope, resilience in alopecia community
PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs doesn’t let alopecia define him. Instead he uses his story and nonprofit foundation to empower the community through service and fundraising.
Venciendo el calor: Entrenadores y médicos deportivos toman medidas para proteger a atletas de Arizona
PHOENIX – Phoenix ha experimentado temperaturas consecutivas por encima de los 110 grados a medida que olas de calor abrasadoras e históricas barren el suroeste. A pesar de ello, la temporada de fútbol americano continúa y la salud y la seguridad de los atletas son la máxima prioridad.
Arizona manages Medicaid “unwinding” post-COVID by relying on communication with AHCCCS members and community assistance
PHOENIX – The Arizona agency that handles Medicaid, AHCCCS, has been reevaluating the eligibility of its members since April 1 due to income criteria changing after COVID-19. AHCCCS Connect and community support is crucial in navigating these changes and finding affordable alternatives.
Likely Lake entry into Arizona Senate race sets up ‘Super Bowl’ of elections
WASHINGTON - Kari Lake's expected entrance Tuesday into the already-crowded field seeking to unseat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., sets the stage for what one analyst said has the potential to be "the greatest race in United States Senate history."
How Suns plan to manage stars Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal under NBA’s new policy
PHOENIX – The NBA Board of Governors unanimously voted to approve the Player Participation Policy in an attempt to reduce load management. While some players like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are supportive, others from past eras view rest as a disservice to the game.
Pawsitive Friendships provides animal therapy to students with disabilities
MESA – Pawsitive Friendships is an organization that provides animal therapy to special-needs individuals at schools and clinics throughout the Valley. The organization uses trained animals and health professionals to create therapy programs to help individuals with social, emotional and physical problems.
La terapia en español está siendo cada vez más difícil de encontrar en Arizona, a pesar del crecimiento de la población hispana
PHOENIX – La terapia en español y la atención de salud mental culturalmente sensible están volviéndose más escasas en Arizona a medida que crece la población hispana. Chicanos Por La Causa es una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja para llenar ese vacío.
Arizona Greens push to regain party recognition and get on 2024 ballot
PHOENIX - After losing party recognition in 2019, the Arizona Green Party is collecting signatures to register as a new party and to have state and local candidates appear on the ballot in 2024.
October 5, 2023 newscast
Biden student debt plan, Diamondbacks in the playoffs, ASU TE Jalin Conyers
While Arizona Diamondbacks look to take down familiar foe, previous postseason glory serves as inspiration for NLDS Game 3
PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks will play their first home playoff game in six years Wednesday, with a chance to create one of the best moments in franchise history by taking down a Dodgers squad that has dominated them for years.
Consistency is key: ASU’s steady goal drives success as men’s basketball season looms
LAS VEGAS – Coming off an appearance in the NCAA tournament and with the addition of nine new players, ASU’s key to being successful this season is being consistent.
Arizona’s extreme heat threatens ‘spectacular migrations’ of butterflies
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona experienced extreme heat this summer, which may affect butterfly migratory patterns. The prolonged heat means less food for butterflies and caterpillars.
Pac-12 primer: As conference prepares for last ride, a team-by-team look at what’s ahead for 2023-24 season
LAS VEGAS – The Pac-12 kicked off the 2023-24 season with women’s basketball media day in Las Vegas. Here’s everything you need to know about the teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
From JUCO to Triple-A, No. 1 Blue Jays prospect’s lightning rise turning heads at Arizona Fall League
PHOENIX – In June 2021, Ricky Tiedemann was pitching in junior college in Southern California. Less than two and a half years later, Tiedemann has reached Triple-A, and is pitching in the Arizona Fall League, on the precipice of the major leagues.
Arizona acuerda pagar cirugía de afirmación de género para empleados estatales
WASHINGTON – Los legisladores de Arizona dijeron que están "decepcionados" de que el estado haya acordado pagar las cirugías de afirmación de género para los empleados estatales en un decreto de consentimiento que resuelve años de litigio de demanda colectiva por parte de un profesor de la Universidad de Arizona.
Arizona expert marvels at ‘scientific treasure’ from 7-year asteroid mission
WASHINGTON - A University of Arizona scientist joined NASA officials Wednesday to unveil the results of a successful multiyear mission to a near-Earth asteroid that returned last month bearing what they called "scientific treasure."
‘The violence needs to stop’: Arizona Jewish community beefs up security amid Israel-Hamas war
PHOENIX – Due to the latest war between Israel and Hamas, Jewish communities in Arizona have bolstered security. Supporters of Israel and Palestinian causes have organized rallies.
October 11, 2023 newscast
Israel-Hamas war Arizona impact, honor flights to Washington, Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers
Arizona Coyotes bring fresh faces and playoff ambitions entering promising 2023-24 season
TEMPE - The Arizona Coyotes have bolstered their roster with new additions like Jason Zucker and promising prospects. Despite arena-related challenges, they aim for a playoff spot and are determined to prove doubters wrong.
As Diamondbacks make history, Pfaadt, Moreno reach culmination of remarkable journeys
PHOENIX – For the third time in franchise history, the Diamondbacks have earned a trip to the NLCS. In front of an electric crowd at Chase Field, Arizona swept the hated Dodgers, winning their fifth consecutive postseason game.
Hold my ax: NAU women’s cross-country team gaining national recognition
FLAGSTAFF – The NAU men’s cross-country team has built a dynasty with six national titles in seven years. Now the women are starting to build something special themselves as they are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation.
Lök Wur’s South Sudanese spirit, hoop dreams shine entering 2023-24 season at GCU
PHOENIX – Meet Lök Wur, the Grand Canyon University basketball standout who’s embracing the opportunity to represent both his homeland and GCU on the basketball court while aspiring to make an impact.
Arizona gestiona la “desvinculación” de Medicaid posterior a COVID confiando en la comunicación con los miembros de AHCCCS y la asistencia comunitaria
PHOENIX – La agencia de Arizona encargada de Medicaid, AHCCCS, ha estado reevaluando la elegibilidad de sus miembros desde el 1 de abril debido a cambios en los criterios de ingresos después de COVID-19. AHCCCS Connect y el apoyo comunitario son cruciales para navegar estos cambios y encontrar alternativas asequibles.
Phoenix funding trees and shade structures for underserved communities
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is working to fund trees and shade structures for qualified census tracts. Schools and neighborhoods can apply for funds to increase shade cover, in line with the city’s Tree and Shade Master Plan, which aims to increase city canopy coverage to roughly 25% by 2030.
Hundreds gather at ASU events with opposing views of Israelis, Palestinians
TEMPE - As the death toll in the fighting between Hamas and Israel rose this week, groups at Arizona State University gathered in separate rallies on Wednesday and Thursday to express both grief and support for Israelis and Palestinians.
October 12, 2023 newscast
Diamondbacks sweep Dodgers, ASU chess club grows game, food truck sells prison food
Phoenix Rising forward Panayioti ‘Panos’ Armenakas seeks fresh start in Valley after frustrating years in Europe
PHOENIX – Panayioti ‘Panos’ Armenakas was recruited as a 7-year-old by some of the best soccer clubs in the world. After several up and down years in Europe, Armenakas joined Phoenix Rising, determined to get his career back on track.
Water catchments across Arizona provide drinking water for wildlife
CAREFREE – Agencies such as Arizona Game and Fish maintain water catchments across the state. The agency noted wildlife used the catchments heavily amid record-breaking heat over the summer.
Photo essay: ASU football in ‘Prime Time’ sets stage for fervent fans, celebrity sightings
TEMPE – ASU fought valiantly in a close affair but dropped to 1-5 on the season after Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders and Colorado came to Tempe. Take a look back at the action and atmosphere of the game.
Childhood friends Flaggs, Brennan take brotherly bond from ASU to GCU
PHOENIX – Duke Brennan and Malcolm Flaggs have been close since their days playing together in AAU basketball. They both started their college careers at Arizona State, and now hope to help take Grand Canyon’s basketball program to new heights.
World of hurt: Inside the cuts, bumps and bruises of mixed martial arts
PHOENIX – The world of MMA has a unique blend of passion and pain as fighters discuss the physical and emotional toll of injuries and the resilience that drives them in the unforgiving sport.
Contraceptives will be available at pharmacies without a prescription, increasing accessibility for Arizona women
PHOENIX – Arizonans will no longer need a prescription to access birth control through a pharmacy, making it more accessible to those who live far from medical facilities, but it won’t be as easy as getting over-the-counter products.
Arizona Cardinals’ second-half woes extend skid to three straight in Los Angeles
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals have consistently started fast this season but haven’t been able to translate that success to the final period. That continued Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, who scored 23 unanswered points to earn a convincing win at home.
Arizona Republicans tout family tax rebates amid projected $400 million budget shortfall
PHOENIX – Republican legislators defended family tax rebates Monday on the heels of new projections that show Arizona is expecting a $400 million state budget shortfall.
October 16, 2023 newscast
Arizona tackles inflation, fights fentanyl, ASU women's volleyball marks 50 years.
Desert Vista’s ‘Point Goddess’ Ijiwoye headed to women’s hoops power Stanford
PHOENIX – Desert Vista senior Shay Ijiwoye has committed to Stanford after receiving over 45 offers from D1 schools. Her decision lends itself to the Cardinal basketball program, the prestigiousness of the school, the academics and being close to home.
Zac Gallen’s postseason homecoming spoiled as Phillies claim NLCS Game 1
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen grew up just 10 miles away from Citizens Bank Park, and took the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies. The postseason homecoming did not go to plan for Gallen, as Philadelphia racked up three HRs and took Game 1 of the NLCS, 5-3
Salpointe’s Taliyah Henderson deftly navigating whirlwind of college basketball recruiting process
TUCSON – Salpointe High School star Taliyah Henderson, ranked 33rd in ESPN's 2025 HoopGurlz Super 60, faces overwhelming college choices and expectations. Her approach to this journey as a top-ranked player offers valuable insights amidst the chaos.
Los anticonceptivos estarán disponibles en las farmacias sin necesidad de receta, aumentando la accesibilidad para las mujeres de Arizona
PHOENIX – Los habitantes de Arizona ya no necesitarán una receta médica para acceder a anticonceptivos a través de una farmacia, lo que los hará más accesibles para quienes viven lejos de las instalaciones médicas, pero no será tan fácil como obtener productos de venta libre.
Thousands gather in Flagstaff to witness annular solar eclipse
FLAGSTAFF — The annular solar eclipse on Saturday drew large crowds to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Court rejects attempt by Finchem, Lake to bar electronic voting machines
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court rejected an attempt by 2022 GOP candidates Kari Lake and Mark Finchem to stop Arizona's use of electronic voting machines, saying the claims did not raise a "real and immediate" threat of voter fraud.
Arizona lawmakers fall in line, but House fails to elect new speaker
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers voted on party lines for a new House speaker Tuesday, but it was not enough to overcome a new group of rebellious Republicans in the House who blocked the election of Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan.
October 17, 2023 newscast
Diamondbacks fan support, surfer rebounds after injury, House votes on new speaker
ASU sprinter Justin Robinson’s road to redemption ends in gold at the World Athletics Championships
TEMPE — Justin Robinson, a junior on the Arizona State track and field team, just captured two gold medals at the World Athletics Championships. Gold medals are always special, but it is especially sweet for Robinson, who went four years without recording a personal best in his signature event.
Arizona Pickleball Players League’s growth empowered by sport’s increase in popularity
PHOENIX – Since its founding in 2019, the Arizona Pickleball Players League has earned increased popularity among the Phoenix and Tucson regions. The league hopes to expand to neighboring states to create regional tournament.
Former ASU quarterback Jake Plummer finds healing in magic of mushrooms
TEMPE – Jake Plummer was the star of ASU's 1996 Rose Bowl run, but four years at ASU and 10 years in the NFL took a toll on his body and mind. He has since found recovery in refuge at an unlikely source: mushrooms of many kinds.
U.S. Men’s Olympic soccer wraps up Phoenix training camp with 4-1 win vs. Japan
PHOENIX – Preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games, the U.S. Men’s Olympic soccer team trained in Phoenix and won two international friendlies against Mexico and Japan.
Can Arizona lawmakers lower gas prices in the Valley? Not any time soon
PHOENIX – After a shortage of Cleaner Burning Gasoline earlier this year led to increased gas prices in Maricopa County, the Arizona Legislature held a hearing to determine whether Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration was at fault and to discuss potential alternatives to the boutique gasoline.
Heated race likely to succeed Lesko, who will leave ‘broken’ Washington
WASHINGTON - Declaring Washington "broken," four-term Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, surprised observers by saying she will not seek re-election, opening the door to what could be a crowded, and costly, GOP primary to replace her in a solidly Republican district.
October 18, 2023 newscast
Phoenix considers red light cams, Lesko won’t seek reelection, Diamondbacks loss
Marta Levinska: Latvian phenom to a leader on the ASU volleyball team
TEMPE — From growing up in Latvia to playing volleyball at Arizona State, Marta Levinksa gives insight on her move overseas, her friendship with Maddie McLaughlin and her future beyond ASU.
Why fans attending NLCS Game 3 will pay more for beer than tickets
PHOENIX – Following the Diamondbacks’ shutout loss in Philadelphia, ticket prices for Game 3 of the NLCS have nosedived to $5 for the cheapest ticket at Chase Field. This drastic change has raised questions about the price drop.
It takes a team: Moving ASU’s football equipment requires precise planning, herculean efforts by staff
TEMPE – A lot of preparation goes into moving all the necessary football equipment every time ASU football hits the road, with the team’s equipment staff working around the clock.
Mundo del dolor: Heridas, golpes y magulladuras de las artes marciales mixtas
PHOENIX – El mundo de las artes marciales mixtas tiene una mezcla única de pasión y dolor mientras los luchadores discuten el costo físico y emocional de las lesiones y la resiliencia que los impulsa en este deporte implacable.
The Diocese of Phoenix supports mental health through ministry
PHOENIX – At the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, the Office of Mental Health Ministry advocates for and supports the mental health of its parishioners.
Tohono O’odham official says immigration is a problem – but so is the wall
WASHINGTON - Tohono O'odham Chairman Verlon Jose told a House panel Wednesday that while migrants crossing his reservation are causing problems, those are overshadowed by problems from the construction of the border wall meant to stop migration.
Giles, other mayors say ongoing homelessness issue needs ongoing solutions
WASHINGTON – Mesa Mayor John Giles told a Washington seminar Thursday that he no longer has to fight to make people understand the seriousness of homelessness, but that the fight to solve the issue is ongoing.
A hard-Pfaadt battle: Diamondbacks rookie delivers in Game 3 victory over Phillies
PHOENIX – After losing the first two games of the National League Championship Series, the Diamondbacks found themselves in a difficult position. Rookie pitcher Brandon Pfaadt changed the narrative of the series by leading his team to a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Explosive forwards Manuel Arteaga and Danny Trejo help Phoenix Rising return to USL Championship playoffs
PHOENIX – A year after Phoenix Rising’s most disappointing season yet, they’ve returned to the playoffs, inspired by forwards Manuel Arteaga and Danny Trejo who have combined for 32 of Phoenix Rising’s 54 goals – fourth all time by two players in the USL Championship.
Phoenix Rising’s revenge tour begins Sunday on the road with playoff match against San Diego Loyal
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC is gearing up for the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs, eager to capture their first title after missing the playoffs for the first time since joining the league. Coach Juan Guerra leads the team with a sense of responsibility and determination, as they seek to overcome past playoff shortcomings and make their fans proud.
‘I’m still the Slim Reaper’: Kevin Durant inspires new era of excellence for Phoenix Suns as leader of Big Three
PHOENIX – As the NBA season approaches, Kevin Durant finds himself in a winning position once again, alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. But this isn’t his first time – and he’s prepared to manage the expectations.
October 19, 2023 newscast
Diamondbacks defeat Phillies, Jake Plummer’s venture into mushrooms, ASU med school location
High home prices and interest rates contribute to tough market for first-time homebuyers
PHOENIX – Mortgage loan interest rates are hovering around 8% for the first time in decades, and home prices are high, making a home purchase tough for buyers entering the market for the first time.
CN2Go: Phoenix Catholic church expands its mental health ministry
U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko announces that she is not running for re-election. Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix help those struggling with mental health. Some veteran organizations have been left in limbo over a criminal case relating to bingo games.
Phoenix Mercury confident in decision to hire Nate Tibbetts despite widespread criticism
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury's announcement of Nate Tibbetts as their new coach has been a controversial one, with some questioning why the organization did not opt for a female coach.
The Sweet Spot: Breaking records
The Diamondbacks are in the NLCS, which means business is booming. A high school footballer is breaking state records in the Valley, and pickle ball is taken to new competitive heights. Also, a high school marching band competition saw 23 high schools meet in Flagstaff at NAU.
‘Scoping’ results show new Colorado River rules will face a range of demands
A new federal government report shows Colorado River states are aiming to agree on a plan to cut back on water, but remain divided about how to share the shrinking supply among tens of millions across the Southwest.
‘It’s always a battle’: Phoenix Rising’s rivalry with San Diego Loyal culminates in dramatic playoff win
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising and San Diego Loyal have developed an intense rivalry over the years, one that ended this season after it was announced San Diego was folding as a franchise. It culminated this weekend in the first round of the playoffs, where Rising won 4-3.
‘Not normal at all’: Rising temperatures threaten saguaros, other native plants
Saguaros, agave and more native plants are feeling the effects of Phoenix’s record-breaking hot summer, which is increasingly common. As trees and plants die, scientists are assisting their evolutionary adaptability and working on new solutions.
Un jonrón que cruza fronteras y el éxito de peloteros latinos
PHOENIX – El noroeste mexicano produce mucho talento beisbolero, figuras actuales como Alejandro Kirk y José Urquidi, que siguen construyendo el legado que tanto hiciera Fernando Valenzuela para establecer en otra generación.
As Arizona Cardinals suffer fourth straight loss, potential return of Kyler Murray brings hope
TEMPE – The Cardinals have now lost four straight games, with Sunday’s 20-10 defeat to the Seahawks. Kyler Murray will return soon, an exciting prospect for a Cardinals team that is looking for consistent offense down the stretch.
2.47 million migrant encounters at southern border in fiscal 2023 sets record
WASHINGTON – A record 2.47 million migrants were stopped at the southern border in fiscal 2023, with the Tucson sector of the border leading the rest of the nation for the third straight month.
Snakebitten! Phillies can’t handle magic of Diamondbacks, who advance to World Series
PHOENIX — Two months ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks were toast. Tuesday night, they were the gourmet entree on a menu of postseason brilliance.
October 23, 2023 newscast
Diamondbacks’ run to the World Series, Israel-Hamas war campus impact, fall weather
Devin Booker, new-look Phoenix Suns prepare to open 2023-24 NBA season
PHOENIX – The 2023-24 Suns are entering what appears on paper to be one of their most promising seasons after a makeover directed by new owner Mat Ishbia. All-Star guard Devin Booker is the only player remaining from the team’s 2021 NBA Finals club, but he is now surrounded by a star-studded roster under the direction of a new coach.
Splash of success: ASU water polo shines on international stage at World Aquatic Championships
PHOENIX – ASU water polo assistant coach Ethan D’Souza, along with athletes Kat Featherstone and Ashley Ferguson, traveled to Coimbra, Portugal to compete in the World Aquatics U20 Water Polo Championships. Although the outcome was not what they hoped, the experience was rewarding.
Search for solution to stadium looms over Diamondbacks amid miracle playoff run
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are one win away from their second World Series berth. But if the team can’t strike a deal with the city or County soon, their iconic downtown Phoenix location could be in jeopardy.
Border cities are struggling – but coping – with ‘street release’ of migrants
WASHINGTON – More than a month after federal officials began "street releases" of migrants waiting for shelter, border mayors say their cities are managing to cope with the influx, but may soon be stretched beyond their capacity to help.
Carving a masterpiece: Artist Ray Villafane’s 6 tips to unlocking your pumpkin’s potential (with Arizona stencils)
SCOTTSDALE – Renowned pumpkin artist Ray Villafane hosted a pumpkin-carving class, and his work is featured at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – along with a 1,700-pound pumpkin – through October. Villafane shares carving tips, and artist Emily Mai created Arizona pumpkin stencils for download.
La Diócesis de Phoenix apoya la salud mental a través del ministerio
PHOENIX – En la Diócesis Católica Romana de Phoenix, la Oficina de Ministerio de Salud Mental aboga por y apoya la salud mental de sus feligreses.
ASU baseball gears up for 2024 season with fresh outlook, NCAA tournament snub in rearview
TEMPE – In preparation for the 2024 season, Sun Devils add 32 new faces to the roster with hope the team doesn’t struggle down the stretch. Coach Willie Bloomquist and his young but talented team are eager to showcase their potential as they welcome 18 freshmen and 14 transfers this season.
October 24, 2023 newscast
Diamondbacks Game 7, 2023-24 Suns preview, woman tries to help people living in ‘The Zone’
Pfaadt Tuesday: Arizona Diamondbacks rookie’s long road leads to World Series ticket
PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks rookie pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, despite three minor league stints earlier in the season, delivered a clutch performance in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies, securing a 4-2 victory and sending the Diamondbacks to their first World Series since 2001.
Tickets, times and more: How to attend the 2023 World Series
PHOENIX – For the first time since 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks are returning to the World Series. As ticket prices skyrocket, fans look for way to attend World Series
Phoenix businesses, airport, Valley Metro prepare for World Series visitors
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Texas Rangers in the World Series, and Phoenix hotels, restaurants and transportation services are preparing for the influx of visitors. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Valley Metro will use February's Super Bowl and other large events to guide them as they make plans.
Hopi leader tells panel that red tape, financial hurdles put aid out of reach
WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Hopi tribe told a Senate panel Wednesday that promises of federal funding remain just that - promises - for smaller tribes for whom the money is inaccessible because of bureaucratic and financial hurdles.
Arizona lawmakers vote on party lines to elect speaker, get back to work
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers voted on party lines Wednesday as the House elected a new speaker, ending three weeks of what one representative called "weeks of political paralysis and dysfunction" in Congress.
Flagstaff devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to ‘enliven the city’
FLAGSTAFF – The city of Flagstaff Beautification & Public Art Commission devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to enhance community aesthetics. Programs include wrapping utility cabinets with colorful artwork and potting flowers downtown.
October 25, 2023 newscast
Preparations for World Series, House elects new speaker, proposals to improve Arizona voting
Coming in hot: Suns defensive anchor Josh Okogie boosts starting lineup on both ends to open season
PHOENIX — Josh Okogie's commitment to guarding the opponent's best players and making significant contributions on offense highlight his importance to the Suns' success this season.
Poor birds: Eerie similarities between 2001 and 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks provide extra layers of World Series intrigue
PHOENIX – From game schedules mirroring the 2001 World Series games to uncanny parallels in their playoff runs, the Arizona Diamondbacks' journey this season seemed destined to echo their legendary past.
Project C.U.R.E. donating millions in medical aid to civilians caught in Israel-Hamas conflict
TEMPE – Project C.U.R.E. has gathered donated medical supplies to provide medical relief to civilians caught in the Israel-Hamas War. They’re waiting for a plane to take the supplies and are hoping the Egypt-Gaza border stays open so the aid can get into Gaza.
Trees Matter gives out free trees to increase Valley canopy coverage
PHOENIX – Trees Matter held a free tree distribution event alongside SRP earlier this month. They gave out free, desert-tolerant trees and shared education about tree planting.
How Arizona native Merrill Kelly’s long, winding path led him to pitching for hometown team in World Series
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are playing in the World Series for the first time since 2001. The trip to the Fall Classic means even more for Scottsdale product Merrill Kelly, who endured numerous bumps before pitching for his hometown team.
Phoenix Rising seek another playoff win on the road, this time against Orange County SC
PHOENIX – In a high-stakes USL Western Conference semifinal matchup, Phoenix Rising FC squares off against Orange County SC with a ticket to the Western Conference finals at stake. Both teams have unique stories, with Rising emphasizing their relentless spirit and Orange County's resurgence under new leadership.
October 26, 2023 newscast
From an AZ high school to the World Series, tribal leaders advocate for infrastructure funding
Inside the numbers: Arizona Diamondbacks’ improbable World Series run continues to defy the odds at sportsbooks
PHOENIX – Entering the season, hardly anyone would have predicted a Diamondbacks-Rangers World Series matchup. After a historic playoff run, Arizona is taking part in the most unlikely Fall Classic matchup of all time.
‘Stay hungry, stay humble’: Washington State starter, Casteel High alum Brock Dieu ready for Arizona return vs. Sun Devils
PHOENIX – As a 2021 graduate of Casteel High School, Washington State Cougars offensive lineman Brock Dieu makes his first start Saturday in Arizona against the Sun Devils. Last time Dieu was in Arizona, he was patiently waiting for his moment to become a full-time starter.
‘So far from cocky’: Corbin Carroll’s high school coaches, best friend reflect on star Diamondbacks outfielder
PHOENIX – Corbin Carroll’s success as a rookie may be a surprise for some but not for his high school baseball coaches and best friend. His drive, speed and hard work were evident early.
River reprieve: Wet winter, conservation deal ease Colorado planning for now
A wet winter and a temporary water conservation agreement have eased some pressure on Colorado River policymakers, which is reflected in a new Bureau of Reclamation proposal that says the risk of critically low reservoirs remains but is "much lower."
From ‘JV of the NL West’ to World Series: Lovullo’s August speech marked turning point for Diamondbacks season
PHOENIX – On Aug. 11, the Diamondbacks had lost nine games in a row and were 58-60. An uncharacteristic fiery speech from Arizona manager Torey Lovullo inspired the team and served as the turning point in their season.
Phoenix Rising FC depth pays off in dying minutes of extra time, advances to Western Conference Final
IRVINE, Calif. – Phoenix Rising have made it to the USL Championship Western Conference Final for the first time since 2020, after Emil Cuello scored a last-minute winner in extra time, the second last-minute winner Rising have scored in these playoffs.
‘We’re not alone’: Phoenix Rising fans travel to make presence felt during USL playoffs in California
IRVINE, Calif. – Playoff games are extremely difficult, as visiting teams must battle the crowd and the opposition. In Orange County, Rising got a taste of home, as their support group Los Bandidos showed up loud and proud.
March Toughness? Wildcats aim at final Pac-12 title, deep NCAA tournament run in Tommy Lloyd’s third season
LAS VEGAS – Toughened by a crushing NCAA Tournament loss, Arizona’s men's basketball team is aiming to defend its Pac-12 Tournament championship and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.
All signs point to … a missed opportunity by Diamondbacks in Game 3 World Series loss to Rangers
PHOENIX – In position to score the first run in Game 3 of the World Series, Christian Walker made a costly mistakes in the second inning of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 3-1 loss to the Texas Rangers Monday night, and it came at the expense of momentum.
Phoenix to ramp up police presence as World Series, Halloween, Suns game converge
PHOENIX – Spectators can expect a spooky parking situation, increased police presence in downtown Phoenix on Halloween, as both the World Series and a Phoenix Suns game will be happening on the night known for trick-or-treaters. How will the city handle the crowds, cars and costumes?
October 30, 2023 newscast
World Series police prep, zombie apocalypse and climate, Corbin Carroll’s inspiration
Arizona Diamondbacks World Series merch is flying off shelves, but beware of counterfeit swag
PHOENIX – As the Arizona Diamondbacks take to the home field for the World Series, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center warns fans to be on guard for counterfeit merchandise that could be sold both in person and online. Meanwhile, retailers are preparing for even higher demand if the team wins.
‘Finish the job’: Colangelo, Womack, Johnson reflect on Diamondbacks’ World Series runs
PHOENIX – Jerry Colangelo, Tony Womack, Randy Johnson discuss the magic of the 2001 Diamondbacks team and reflect on the 2023 squad.
That green lawn may not be so green: Gas-powered mowers are heavy polluters
WASHINGTON - Gas-powered lawn equipment in Arizona emitted 445,908 tons of carbon dioxide in 2020, the polluting equivalent of putting 98,162 cars on the road, according to a new report.
‘Future of British baseball’ Harry Ford continues development in Arizona Fall League after successful WBC appearance for Team GB
MESA – Mariners prospect Harry Ford, 20, has been crowned the ‘future of British baseball’ after leading Team GB to its first World Baseball Classic appearance. Now featuring in the AFL, Ford hopes to use the experience to improve as a player.
High school football programs across Arizona keep fallen Cesar Chavez player Chris Hampton in hearts
PHOENIX – The death of Christopher Hampton brought the Arizona high school football community together. AZ College Prep had Chris as its honorary captain for its first game. Adrenaline Fundraising raised money for Hampton’s family to attend his funeral.
Physicians can challenge genetic-abnormality abortion ban, court rules
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said a group of Arizona physicians can challenge the state's ban on abortions for genetic abnormalities, a law the doctors say could land them in jail because it is impermissibly vague.
Avid Diamondbacks fan Jeff Golner rings in World Series return with engagement and mother
PHOENIX – Jeff Golner and Sandy Fromm are longtime Diamondbacks fans. The mother-son duo share how the Diamondbacks have impacted their lives, from working with the team to an engagement to a World Series ring.
October 31, 2023 newscast
D-backs fan family, gamblers bet on World Series, Jerry Colangelo talks early days for Valley baseball
Washington, Oregon give Pac-12 conference life in first College Football Playoff rankings
PHOENIX – The first College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday, with the Pac-12 boasting six teams in the top 25. Can No. 5 Washington and No. 6 Oregon sneak in in the conference’s final season?
Pool party: Chase Field’s splashy attraction creates iconic moments
PHOENIX – The Chase Field pool is home to viral celebrations and gross infiltrations. These moments make the Diamondbacks’ pool suite one of the most unique features to any stadium in any sport.
Big 12 announces conference schedules for ASU, Arizona football in 2024-2027 seasons
PHOENIX – The Big 12 announced on Wednesday the conference schedules for the future 16 teams from 2024 to 2027, including the schedules for ASU and Arizona.
Life behind the bases as partners of MLB players reveal highs, lows
PHOENIX – As the Arizona Diamondbacks fight for their first World Series in two decades, some of their spouses reveal the ups and downs of dating a professional baseball player.
Downtown Phoenix has transformed since 2001, the last time the Diamondbacks hosted the World Series
PHOENIX – Downtown has gone through significant changes since the last time the Arizona Diamondbacks were in the World Series in 2001. In 2001, foot traffic was much lower due to the lack of hotels, bars and restaurants in the area. Light rail and Arizona State University’s downtown campus didn’t exist.
GCU pushes back against $37.7 million fine over claims it ‘lied’ about costs
WASHINGTON - Grand Canyon University said it "categorically denies" charges by the U.S. Department of Education that the school willfully misled prospective students about the costs of a doctoral degree, leaving those students deeply in debt.
November 1, 2023 newscast
Diamondbacks fans, Latino players in Game 4 of World Series, Phoenix clears 'The Zone'
Healthcare Rising Arizona collects signatures for abortion access petition at the Arizona State Fair
PHOENIX – Healthcare Rising Arizona is working to get 383,923 signatures for a ballot initiative that would amend the Arizona Constitution to establish abortion access as a fundamental right. The group set up a booth at the Arizona State Fair to talk to attendees and ask for support.
Chaos contained: Arizona Diamondbacks silenced by Texas Rangers in World Series loss
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 season was a roller coaster, featuring the highs of securing a postseason berth and sweeping rivals, and the lows of losing in the World Series.
Médicos pueden impugnar prohibición del aborto por anomalías genéticas, dictamina tribunal
WASHINGTON – Un tribunal federal de apelaciones dijo que un grupo de médicos de Arizona puede impugnar la prohibición estatal de abortos por anomalías genéticas, una ley que los médicos dicen que podría llevarlos a la cárcel porque es inadmisiblemente vaga.
Grab bag: Arizona Coyotes offer fresh mix of good and bad in season’s strong start
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes have opened their season 4-4-1, their best start since 2020. What’s been helping them succeed and what’s holding them back? A look at some of the good and bad factors of this young team to start the season.
Fontes, other officials tell Senate panel of ongoing threats to elections
WASHINGTON - Death threats, poisoned pets, disinformation campaigns and family members with "go bags" handy in case they have to flee on a moment's notice. Those were just some of the threats elections officials told senators they face as they prepare for upcoming elections.
Fans flock to downtown Phoenix bars in backyard of World Series stage at Chase Field
PHOENIX – Downtown Phoenix came alive this week as baseball fans crowded bars and restaurants to watch the World Series, boosting the local economy and creating an electric atmosphere near Chase Field.
Phoenix Rising FC aims for Western Conference Final redemption, sets sights on ‘California Sweep’ against Sacramento Republic FC
PHOENIX – In a long-awaited return to the Western Conference Final, Phoenix Rising FC is determined to leave their misfortunes behind. This Saturday, the organization looks to pull off the “California sweep” against top-seeded Sacramento Republic FC on the road.
Deep ties in Tempe: ASU football’s Ben Coleman, Tre Brown bring brotherly bond to Sun Devils
TEMPE – Football created a friendship for eternity for ASU’s Ben Coleman and Tre Brown, but a bond off the gridiron that goes back to fifth grade has continued to grow stronger as first-year transfers for Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils.
Phoenix Rising FC looks to right past wrongs in Western Conference Final
PHOENIX – Despite the regular-season success that Phoenix Rising FC has experienced over the years, the organization has yet to lift the USL Championship. Juan Guerra’s team looks to fix that, starting Saturday in the Western Conference Final.
Fighting fire with fire: How prescribed burns protect forests in northern Arizona
WILLIAMS – The Kendrick Prescribed Fire Project was one of the first of many prescribed burns this fall and winter throughout Arizona with the goal of protecting forest lands and surrounding communities from the threat of potential catastrophic wildfires. The prescribed burns in Kaibab National Forest are part of the U.S. Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire crisis strategy.
‘We’re not going to be alone’: Phoenix Rising FC finds strength in strong Los Bandidos support
PHOENIX – A look inside Los Bandidos, the dedicated supporters group behind Phoenix Risin’s postseason run. Ever since 2017, their unwavering commitment has created a unique atmosphere, turning away games into home-like experiences for the club.
‘They come visit with their spirit’: Families pay tribute to deceased loved ones for Dia de los Muertos
CHANDLER – Dia de los Muertos – also known as Day of the Dead – which spanned Wednesday and Thursday, is a Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring deceased relatives and loved ones. It is believed that the spirits of those who have died are able to visit their families on these days.
The Sweet Spot podcast: Diamondbacks season comes to an end
Today we go back in time to the Arizona Cardinals historical 28-3 comeback, along with the Arizona State football getting their first win in the Pac-12. The Arizona Diamondbacks season came to an end when the team lost the World Series in Game 5 to the Texas Rangers. Horizon High School girls volleyball is going for a three-peat.
CN2Go: Attack on queer professor by Turning Point USA
After two members of Turning Point USA attacked ASU professor David Boyles, ASU’s LGBTQ+ community wants the university to do more to protect their safety. The Diamondbacks lose the World Series. Prescribed burns in Williams fight fire with fire.
November 2, 2023 newscast
D-backs’ World Series run ends, Arizona flag football season, election poll worker concern
Healthcare Rising Arizona recoge firmas para petición de acceso al aborto en Feria Estatal de Arizona
PHOENIX – Healthcare Rising Arizona está trabajando para obtener 383,923 firmas para una iniciativa de votación que enmendaría la Constitución de Arizona para establecer el acceso al aborto como un derecho fundamental. El grupo instaló un puesto en la Feria Estatal de Arizona para hablar con los asistentes y solicitar su apoyo.
Together again: Twin sisters Sydney and Laura Erikstrip reunited with GCU women’s basketball team
PHOENIX – Lopes basketball players Sydney and Laura Erikstrup look to use their lifelong bond, both on and off the court, to GCU’s advantage.
New Arizona Wildcats Caleb Love, Keshad Johnson and Jaden Bradley aim to transfer NCAA tournament experience
TUCSON – Arizona men’s basketball hopes to rewrite the narrative after last season’s upset loss to Princeton in the first round of March Madness, thanks in part to transfers Caleb Love, Keshad Johnson and Jaden Bradley – who bring valuable March Madness experience.
Emotional Ryan Blaney caps ‘unbelievable year,’ rallies with first NASCAR Cup Championship at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – Phoenix Raceway hosted the NASCAR Championship Weekend for the third straight season. Four championship races in three days brought tons of action to Avondale. Ryan Blaney won the Cup Championship with Ford Motors, who won all three NASCAR championships this weekend.
Phoenix Rising FC exorcises demons of playoffs past, makes USL Championship Final after another late playoff win vs. Sacramento Republic FC
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising won another playoff game in dramatic fashion , scoring in the 92nd minute to beat Sacramento Republic FC and make the USL Championship Final, five years on from their most recent appearance.
Business owners hopeful as Phoenix meets deadline to clean up ‘The Zone’
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has fulfilled a court-ordered Nov. 4 deadline to remove all tents and makeshift structures from the area around the Human Services Campus known as “The Zone,” and business owners in the area are hopeful.
Arizona teens share passions with others at White House Tribal Youth Forum
WASHINGTON - Gabriella Nakai has tackled challenges facing Indigenous communities on her own, but said being surrounded by others who share her passion helps lighten the load. Nakai was one of two Arizona youths at the third annual White House Tribal Youth Forum.
Officials confident about Tuesday voting, feel good for long-term outlook
WASHINGTON - Local elections Tuesday could be a low-level test of voting systems stressed by years of challenges that have some worried about the 2024 election, now less than a year off. But officials are fairly confident - in the short and long term - that they can staff the polls.
November 6, 2023 newscast
‘The Zone’ is cleared, Hawaiian outrigger canoeing clubs in AZ, NASCAR in Phoenix.
Number of failing schools fell; alternative schools headed the other way
WASHINGTON – The number of schools getting an F on the state's annual report card has fallen sharply, going from 49 in 2019 to 24 this year, but the number of failing alternative schools rose over the same period.
Desert Ridge High School leads way in building bridge to connect students with world of competitive robotics
MESA – Desert Ridge robotics has slowly built one of the best programs in the state, eyeing a return to the VEX World Championship after a top 16 finish last school year with the Nano Jagwires.
Pancake blocks to pancake stacks: Eating ‘a chore’ for offensive linemen in complex relationship with football, food
PHOENIX — Throughout their football careers, offensive linemen are told to eat as much food as possible to keep up the bulk necessary to fend off defenders. It can make eating another meal a chore and affect players long after their career ends.
‘I didn’t think I would ever wear this jersey again’: Brittney Griner willing to return overseas for Team USA
PHOENIX – Mercury center Brittney Griner and guard Diana Taurasi speak from USA Women's Basketball Training Camp and are among the players who could compete in the Olympics. Griner is will be leaving the country for competition, something she has suggested she would only do again if she was selected for the Olympics
November 7, 2023 newscast
NBA in-season tournament, marching bands battle, Arizonans head to the polls
Arizona Wildcats enter CFP ranks; Washington, Oregon keep Pac-12’s CFP hopes alive
PHOENIX – In the second College Football Playoff rankings, Arizona jumped into the top 25 for the first time since 2017 after the Wildcats’ win over UCLA. They join four other Pac-12 schools in the rankings, with Washington and Oregon in prime position to jump into a playoff spot.
One of sport’s fiercest rivalries comes to Mullett Arena as Team USA meets Canada in women’s hockey
TEMPE – Wednesday’s women’s hockey rivalry game at Mullett Arena brings a lot of highly talented names to the desert for the first time. Take a dive into four key players to watch in the game.
‘Perpetuating the Hawaiian culture’: Outrigger canoe teams bring sport, community to Arizona
TEMPE – Arizona has two Hawaiian outrigger canoe teams. They focus on competition as well as preserving Hawaiian culture and building community.
Gowan, other officials come to Washington to plead for border action
WASHINGTON - In years living near the border, Arizona Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, said he has never seen immigration as bad as it is now. That was the message Gowan and local officials from across the country hoped to press on members of Congress this week.
November 8, 2023 newscast
State elections results; Maricopa aids opioid victims; ASU gears up against UCLA
Arizona activists work to hold the criminal justice system accountable through court watching
PHOENIX – Activists with Mass Liberation Arizona have attended the state’s high-profile police brutality and racial discrimination cases – including hearings for former Maricopa County Attorney’s Office prosecutor April Sponsel – to support marginalized defendants and make their presence known to attorneys and judges.
Diamond dreams: From college ball to summer leagues and Arizona’s Fall League, tracing the chase of the majors
PHOENIX – While in college, baseball players undergo a crucial development step that few see. Gaining crucial experience, prospects are ready for the pursuits that lie ahead in minor league baseball and the Arizona Fall League.
Investing in a future: Boston Red Sox prospect Christopher Troye uses his platform to make money, impact world
GLENDALE – As Boston Red Sox prospect Christopher Troye competes in the Arizona Fall League, he is continuing to use his platform to make money and impact the world.
His home runs will go on: Céline Dion’s song highlights Diamondbacks prospect Ivan Melendez’s journey
PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks’ No. 8 prospect Ivan Melendez has suffered numerous setbacks while being the minor league’s most powerful slugger. Melendez gained notoriety when the Texas Longhorns played Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” after big hits.
As Santo Domingo develops, vulnerable people are left behind
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – As the Dominican Republic invests in development and climate resiliency, government projects aimed at improving quality of life and guarding against climate change are having a negative effect on some of the very people they were designed to help.
Behind the curve: GM Mike Hazen, Arizona Diamondbacks playing catch-up following World Series run
SCOTTSDALE – Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen grapples with the challenges of an unfamiliar offseason after the team’s World Series in tandem with manager Torey Lovullo, who received a contract extension through 2026.
Never give up: Laila Edwards set to break color barrier for U.S. women’s hockey
TEMPE – Laila Edwards, the first Black women’s hockey player to play on Team USA, is breaking down barriers and writing her own history.
Kind of a ‘big deal’: Ansu Kanneh made pro soccer debut at 14, hopes to revive career at GCU after injury
PHOENIX – Ansu Kanneh set history in 2020 when he became the youngest ever player to feature in the USL Championship for Phoenix Rising. After suffering an ACL tear, Kanneh is determined to get his career back on track at GCU.
Phoenix Rising FC’s Cinderella road story hits USL Championship Final
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC's Cinderella road story continues with late-game heroics, securing a USL Championship berth Sunday against Charleston Battery. The stage is set for an epic clash between two unexpected, underdog conference winners.
Photo essay: Tracking the twists and turns of NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – Take a look back at Sunday’s NASCAR’s Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway.
November 9, 2023 newscast
Phoenix Rising in USL, Arizona hosts endurance swimming, and state honors veterans
Tap water is cheap, but old pipes, a shrinking Colorado could change that
With aging infrastructure in need of replacement, water departments in the Colorado River basin are starting to invest in new systems that will also help cope with shrinking water supplies. But that means big spending, costs that will get passed on to customers.
From Salpointe Catholic to the NFL: Arizona’s own Bijan Robinson returns for homecoming matchup against Cardinals
GLENDALE – Bijan Robinson, born and raised in Tucson, is set to return to his home state as a professional athlete for the first time with the Atlanta Falcons. From his high school days at Salpointe Catholic High School to becoming a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Robinson’s journey as a rookie has come full circle in his return home.
ASU women’s triathlon team eyes 7th straight national title at Tempe competition
PHOENIX – Arizona State’s No.1 ranked women’s triathlon team is eyeing a seventh straight national title when it competes in the Women’s Collegiate Triathlon National Championship Saturday.
Downtown Phoenix growth, construction, events lead to parking puzzle
PHOENIX – Due to downtown Phoenix population growth and ongoing construction of new housing and other projects, parking is a common complaint.
Parents of children with disabilities could soon be paid as caregivers following Arizona proposal
QUEEN CREEK – Special COVID-19 funds have been paying parents as caregivers for their children needing specialized care. An extension of that arrangement is set to expire but a new proposal would make pay for parent caregivers a permanent benefit in Arizona.
‘They don’t know how to die’: Phoenix Rising win first ever USL Championship
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – Phoenix Rising completed one of the most unlikely playoff runs the USL has ever seen on Sunday, when they beat Charleston Battery 3-2 on penalties to win their first ever USL Championship, ending years of playoff heartbreak.
Kyler Murray is back and Arizona Cardinals players, fans couldn’t be happier
TEMPE – After waiting 10 weeks, Cardinals fans finally got their wish, as Kyler Murray returned to the field at State Farm Stadium. His impact was felt immediately, as a remarkable first-down run led to the game-winning field goal in the waning seconds.
End of an era: Ray Anderson resigns as athletic director of ASU
On Monday, Ray Anderson announced his resignation as the vice president of university athletics at Arizona State, effective immediately. It was a decision that many fans supported.
November 13, 2023 newscast
ASU AD Ray Anderson steps down, rattlesnakes relocate, urban fishing gets a boost
Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll wins first Rookie of the Year Award in franchise history
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll won the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old led the Diamondbacks to 84 wins, their first postseason appearance since 2017 and the first World Series trip since 2001.
La propuesta en Arizona ayudaría a las familias de niños con discapacidades al pagar a los padres por ser cuidadores
QUEEN CREEK - Los fondos especiales de COVID-19 han estado pagando a los padres como cuidadores de sus hijos que necesitan atención especializada. Una extensión de ese acuerdo está programada para expirar, pero una nueva propuesta haría que el pago a los padres cuidadores sea un beneficio permanente en Arizona.
Arizona Republican lawmakers announce plan to raise teacher pay
PHOENIX – Arizona Republican lawmakers announced a plan to increase pay for teachers in K-12 public schools, but Democrats and education advocates say it doesn’t go far enough.
Phoenix considers expanding boundaries, inventory for e-scooter and e-bike program
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is gathering public comment on the expansion of its e-scooter and e-bike micromobility program after data from vendors shows positive results from the current program.
Arizonans join thousands at rally to support Israel, decry antisemitism
WASHINGTON - Several Arizonans were among the thousands who turned out Tuesday for the Americans March for Israel rally on the National Mall in Washington, where rally-goers showed their support for Israel in its war against Hamas and protested rising antisemitism.
November 14, 2023 newscast
NASCAR camping culture, Corbin Carroll named rookie of the year, Israel rally in Washington
Phoenix Raceway turns into pop-up city thanks to NASCAR camping culture
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway drew thousands of fans, some of whom rolled up in RVs and set up camp for the weekend. Dirt parking at the raceway turned into a makeshift city with more than 5,700 campers who love the sport and the community that comes with it.
Oregon State eyes chaotic conclusion to upend Pac-12 in College Football Playoff race
PHOENIX – Oregon State moved to No. 11 in the most recent CFP poll, and now has the chance to create a dramatic finish in the Pac-12's last hope for a playoff spot.
Shaken and stirred: NCAA transfer portal transforms Pac-12 basketball
LAS VEGAS – The transfer portal has shaken up the landscape of college athletics. See how the portal has made its impact on Pac-12 basketball for the 2023-24 season.
Border encounters dip slightly, but Tucson sector again saw most traffic
WASHINGTON – Border Patrol officers encountered 55,224 migrants in the Tucson sector in October, far outstripping the 38,211 encounters in the Del Rio, Texas, sector and almost 10 times the number seen in the Yuma sector that month.
California basketball star Brady Dunlap overcomes challenges to become D1 athlete
High school basketball star Brady Dunlap of Harvard-Westlake School had a rocky journey on his way to becoming a Division I athlete. From battling injuries to aiming to win a state championship, Dunlap exemplified his grit throughout his high school career.
November 15, 2023 newscast
Tucson biggest gateway for migrants, Surgeon General visits AZ, ASU women’s water polo
Triumph in Bangkok: Arizona trio win IWBF gold medals, offer fresh perspective on adaptive athletics
TUCSON – Abby Dunn, Hayley Nilsen and Emilee Gustafson had the opportunity of their lifetime to represent the United States in the IWBF U25 games. The Arizona Wildcat trio walked away with a gold medal in wheelchair basketball and an experience unlike any other.
Running toward history: NAU women’s and men’s teams eye monumental sweep at NCAA Cross Country Championships
PHOENIX – Northern Arizona University seeks to become the first school since 2004 to sweep the men’s and women’s races at the NCAA Cross Country Championships this upcoming weekend at Panorama Farms in Charlottesville, Virginia.
‘Weird’ and exciting: Emotions, memories flow as ASU basketball prepares to move to Big 12 after 46 years in the Pac-12
TEMPE – With Arizona State moving to the Big 12, many around the program reflect on the past and consider what the future could look like in a new conference.
‘This is who we are’: GCU men’s and women’s basketball hope to emerge as national threats in pivotal season
PHOENIX – GCU men’s and women’s basketball have had quick journeys to national prominence. Now they hope to use their recent momentum to reach new heights in their respective 2023-24 seasons.
Skip to the Brew: Former ASU baseball coach Pat Murphy hired Milwaukee’s manager
PHOENIX – Pat Murphy left a long legacy for ASU baseball. Former players think he will do the same in Milwaukee as the Brewers’ new manager.
An innovative flush: Phoenix turns to artificial intelligence for improved wastewater monitoring
PHOENIX – Phoenix’s Water Services Department has embarked on a pilot program utilizing artificial intelligence in the sewer system to detect irregularities in wastewater and ultimately enhance water quality.
ASU coach Kenny Dillingham reunites with old football friends when Oregon visits Tempe for Pac-12 clash
TEMPE – After spending last season as the offensive coordinator at Oregon, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham will have a lot of familiar faces in Tempe Saturday when the Ducks visit Mountain America Stadium.
‘Sleeping giant’: Through COVID, coaching change, Clark and Matus stay loyal to ASU football
TEMPE – Just five players remain from ASU football’s 2019 team. Through numerous obstacles, they’ve stayed with the program. We explored the motivations behind sticking around.
‘USA, USA, USA!’: Rivalry Series spotlights growth of women’s hockey in the Valley
TEMPE – Team USA won 3-1 against Team Canada in the teams’ first appearance at Mullett Arena in Tempe. However, a key element in the event was the players voicing their support for girl’s hockey in Arizona and the growth of the sport in the state.
Surgeon General advocates for social connection at ASU
TEMPE – Surgeon General Vivek Murthy visits Arizona State University as part of his “We Are Made to Connect” tour, advising students to form meaningful connections with other people to combat loneliness in the United States.
Holiday travelers expected to hit the road, skies in near-record numbers
WASHINGTON - Experts say this holiday season will be one of the busiest in the last 20 years, with travel surging to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, and they remind travelers to make sure they are prepared before getting to the airport.
Second to run: NAU cross-country men, women finish as runners-up in NCAA championships
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Northern Arizona men’s and women’s cross-country teams came in second place at the NCAA Championships. Although that is an impressive feat, the teams came into the meet entered No. 1 in the nation and were trying to pull off a historic sweep.
Photo essay: Future lottery picks hit Las Vegas for Border League high school basketball showcase
LAS VEGAS – The Border League featured three No. 1 recruits at different age levels and multiple projected lottery picks. Here’s the story of these players told in pictures.
Supreme Court agrees to hear San Carlos Apache appeal on health care funding
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider a claim by the San Carlos Apache tribe that the federal government is shortchanging it on funds it needs to operate tribal health services.
Take a Wif of this: Popular childhood game takes big leagues by storm at Goodyear Ballpark
GOODYEAR – Logan Rose, 17, led Big League Wiffle Ball’s fourth annual Western Wiffle Championship at Goodyear Ballpark in October. Inspired by his father during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rose has transformed the league into a popular tournament that recently featured teams from New York, New Jersey, California and Nevada.
Arizona Thanksgiving meal cost down 28% as turkey prices decrease
PHOENIX – The average price of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 people this year is down 28%, according to the Arizona Farm Bureau. Arizona consumers faced “historically high” prices for their Thanksgiving meal ingredients in 2022.
Arizona Purple Star pilot program kicks off with four schools supporting military families
GOODYEAR – Great Hearts Trivium Preparatory Academy, Luke Elementary School, Millennium High School and Dreaming Summit Elementary School are the first in a Purple Star pilot program launching in Arizona. The Purple Star designation is for schools with programs dedicated to supporting military-connected children in their education and social-emotional development.
November 21, 2023 newscast
Thanksgiving travel outlook, Valley company helps amputees, Territorial Cup preview
New Mexicans speak out against gun violence
ALBUQUERQUE – At the unveiling of a mural to prevent gun violence and after the renewal of a public health order on guns, conversations around how to stop gun violence continue in New Mexico.
Four real: Washington leaps past Florida State at No. 4 in College Football Playoff rankings
PHOENIX – Washington is among the Top 4 teams in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time since 2016, drawing one step closer to competing for the national title.
Texas, held ‘em: Defense holds Cards close in Houston as strong suit, eyes redemption vs. Rams
TEMPE – Under first-year coach Jonathan Gannon, the Arizona Cardinals defense continues to make strides, with a gritty, resilient group that made C.J. Stroud’s afternoon tough. Linebacker Josh Woods took over play-calling duties, and the Cardinals defense answered the bell.
New climate report shows impact of drying on human health in Southwest
The arid West is getting drier, posing a boatload of risks to human health in the region. Those findings come from a new federal report on that says hazards brought on by changing climate patterns range from flooding to wildfires, drought to rising sea levels.
Restoration: Tattoos removed from sex trafficking survivors
SCOTTSDALE – Over half of sex trafficking survivors have a branding mark on their skin that affects their mental health and impedes their self-healing and reintegration into society. A Scottsdale tattoo artist has established a network of volunteers in the U.S. to remove trauma’s marks.
ASU football seeks Territorial Cup redemption in bid to spoil UArizona’s Pac-12 title pursuit
TEMPE – Amid high stakes and fierce rivalry, the 97th Territorial Cup between ASU and UArizona looms large. ASU seeks redemption in a challenging season, facing the Wildcats’ resurgence in a bid for Pac-12 contention. With ESPN's spotlight and national viewership, the duel promises intensity and pride in this iconic clash.
From fútbol to football: Paradise Honors kicker Hayley Horner breaking barriers
SURPRISE – Hayley Horner is playing her first season on the Paradise Honors football team as a kicker. Although she’s known soccer her entire life, her ambition to try a new sport has given her nothing but success.
Power trio: ASU EVP Chris Howard reflects on accomplished Air Force backfield
TEMPE – Who knew in 1989 that the U.S. Air Force Academy backfield would produce three accomplished leaders making an impact in the worlds of technology, academia and the U.S. government. The former players, including ASU Executive Vice President Chris Howard, reflect on that time.
Arizona Game and Fish restocks lakes with fish grown in hatcheries
PAGE SPRINGS – Arizona Game and Fish grows fish to replenish the state’s lakes. This supports those who enjoy the pastime while also keeping the state’s environment vibrant.
Flat chance: Tire mishap inspires Cardinals’ Jesse Luketa to hitch ride to work with fans
TEMPE – After a flat tire on the highway, Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa was unsure if he could make it to the stadium in time for the game. Then, he spotted a family in Cardinals gear at a gas station, and their generosity got him to State Farm Stadium.
November 27, 2023 newscast
Hamas releases American hostage, ‘Q-Anon Shaman’ runs for Congress, Mexican families reunited
Azteca Bridal closes its doors after 60 years of family-operated business
PHOENIX – The owners of Azteca Bridal are retiring and selling the property. The downtown Phoenix business, a staple in the bridal and quinceañera industry, remained family-owned for the entirety of its 60-year operation.
Gov. Katie Hobbs signs petition to add abortion rights to 2024 ballot
PHOENIX – Gov. Katies Hobbs signed a petition at a news conference Tuesday in Phoenix to add abortion rights to the 2024 ballot. Advocates want to guarantee abortion as a constitutional right in Arizona.
Supreme Court won’t protect legislative leaders in election law challenge
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday denied a request from Republican legislative leaders who argued they cannot be forced to answer questions from voting rights groups challenging the 2022 passage of two Arizona election laws.
November 28, 2023 newscast
ASU volleyball in NCAA Tournament, four-generation MLB family, AZ congressional races
Vegas, baby: Washington, Oregon aim for Pac-12 and CFP glory
PHOENIX – In the penultimate rankings of the season and the current format, Washington and Oregon are both in prime positioning to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win in the Pac-12 Championship.
Survive and advance: Phoenix Suns win tiebreaker, eye NBA In-Season Tournament knockout round
PHOENIX – Advancing to the knockout round, the Suns will play the Lakers in the quarterfinals of the NBA's innovative in-season tournament. This bold move by the league aims to intensify competition in the early stages of the season, with new courts, jerseys and financial incentives.
Forks down: Exit of OC Beau Baldwin, departure of players mark first changes in busy ASU football offseason
TEMPE – With the departure of OC Beau Baldwin and players already entering the transfer portal, Kenny Dillingham and ASU football begin a busy offseason after a rough 2023.
The Nash’s women’s initiative attempts to change jazz culture
The Nash Jazz Club in downtown Phoenix is getting more young women involved in jazz. The club’s women’s initiatives include performances by popular female jazz artists and exclusive classes for middle- and high-school girls.
Two Cochise County officials face felony charges over 2022 election
PHOENIX – The Arizona Attorney General’s office announced Wednesday the indictment of two Cochise County supervisors for their roles in delaying the certification of the county’s election results in the November 2022 general election. Peggy Judd, 61, and Terry “Tom” Crosby, 64, face felony charges of conspiracy and interference with an election officer.
November 29, 2023 newscast
COVID cases rising, SAAVI Services for the Blind, ASU offensive coordinator out
Arizona rattlesnakes could be affected by I-11 construction
QUEEN CREEK – Arizona is home to more than a dozen rattlesnake species, the highest number in the U.S. But as the Valley continues to build transportation infrastructure with potential projects like the I-11 corridor, some of these species could be displaced.
Digging for glory: ASU women’s volleyball’s unprecedented season leads to first NCAA Tournament since 2015
TEMPE – For the first time since 2015, ASU has clinched a berth in the NCAA Volleyball tournament. Led by first-year head coach JJ Van Niel and opposite hitter Marta Lavinska, ASU looks to continue its successful season Friday in Provo, Utah.
Unbreakable bonds: Outside hitter Shania Cromartie and ASU volleyball headed to NCAA tournament
TEMPE – ASU women’s volleyball outside hitter Shania Cromartie has made a few pit stops before landing in Tempe, but the journey has been worth it entering the program’s 20th NCAA tournament appearance.
Tributes pour in on death of Arizona icon, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
WASHINGTON - Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who rose from a girlhood on an eastern Arizona ranch to becoming the first female Supreme Court justice, died Friday at age 93.
Baseball royalty: Hairston lineage on the diamond remains strong, generation after generation
PHOENIX – The Hairston family tree is three generations deep with Major League Baseball players. Their children look to carry on that legacy.
Use of force by Customs and Border Protection rises as border encounters rise
WASHINGTON – Use-of-force incidents by Customs and Border Protection officers have nearly doubled in the past five years, from 593 in fiscal 2019 to 1,090 in fiscal 2023, with the vast majority occurring at the southern border.
Phoenix successfully clears its largest homeless encampment by deadline, shifts focus to long-term solutions
PHOENIX – Phoenix cleared its largest homeless encampment, The Zone, by Nov. 4, addressing the urgent need to relocate nearly 1,000 unhoused individuals. Now, the city focuses on implementing lasting solutions for its homeless population.
Sweet glory: Washington cruises into College Football Playoff without controversy, earns rematch with Texas in Sugar Bowl
PHOENIX – In the CFP selection committee’s final rankings, Washington finished at No. 2, its highest ranking in program history. The Huskies join Michigan, Texas and Alabama, with Florida State controversially left out.
Final chapter: Washington-Oregon close the book on Pac-12 football
LAS VEGAS – After 107 years of Pac-12 football, Friday night in Las Vegas represented the final game in the conference’s storied history. The thrilling finish between Washington and Oregon served as a fitting conclusion for a conference known for being unpredictable.
Cactus League teams among leading contenders to land free agent jewel Shohei Ohtani
SCOTTSDALE – Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom and reigning AL MVP, is headed to free agency. Nobody knows where he’ll end up, but could he play in the Cactus League this spring?
Organizations help immigrants reunite with families from Mexico
PHOENIX – Raíces del Sur and Esperanza en la Frontera assist Mexican parents who have adult children in the U.S. in obtaining visas to visit their families, regardless of the children’s immigration status.
Zócalo: A diasporic dance party in 360
Zócalo, together with community partners, brought a dance party to the Port of L.A. to celebrate the music and cultures of global diasporas. Experience dance and music, and check out art activities by LA Commons and a pop-up Wilmington Art Walk.
‘Fight before the fight’: MMA warriors battle to beat the scale in grueling process of cutting weight
TEMPE – Mixed martial artists employ unique and healthy strategies to shed pounds, maintain peak performance and conquer the mental and physical challenges before stepping into the octagon.
Little Amal, Queen of the Monarchs and symbol of human rights in 360
A November event in Inglewood, California, celebrated resilience and new beginnings with a powerful dance, music and spoken-word performance. Director and choreographer Debbie Allen created a kaleidoscope of swirling monarch butterflies, echoing Amal’s migration journey. Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child that has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees.
Medical program additions at ASU, UA and NAU aim to curb Arizona’s health care worker shortage
PHOENIX – All three Arizona public universities are implementing big changes to their medical training programs as part of an Arizona Board of Regents initiative, with new medical schools at ASU and NAU to come.
Arizona’s high school girls flag football scores big in inaugural season, eyes statewide expansion
TEMPE – In its successful debut year, Arizona's girls flag football made waves and sparked interest in potentially expanding the sport to create more opportunities for girls to participate.
Biden kicks off Tribal Nations Summit with order streamlining funding access
WASHINGTON - More than 100 Indigenous leaders gathered this week for the Biden administration's third Tribal Nations Summit, where President Joe Biden vowed to strengthen relationships with tribes and signed an executive order to improve their access to capital.
COVID-19 cases down from pandemic; so are vaccinations, worrying experts
WASHINGTON - The U.S. has entered a "new normal" for COVID-19, with lower but consistent levels of infection. But experts fear that the new normal may include people skipping vaccines that are still needed for protection.
One·n·ten organization serves LGBTQ+ youth by providing mental, emotional and physical well-being resources
PHOENIX – One·n·ten, a nonprofit Phoenix organization, serves LGBTQ+ youth by providing resources for mental, emotional and physical well-being. Members share their personal stories and talk about the importance of having safe, inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
Risky business: Sports betting, social media and the unintended consequences of attracting a younger demographic
PHOENIX – Sports betting is a booming industry and has become prevalent on social media platforms that are most popular among users under the minimum legal age to gamble. What’s happening, and what are these companies doing to combat the issue?
Vintage resale: Sustainable business endeavor grows for fashion enthusiasts
PHOENIX – Vintage reselling has become a popular full-time job for fashion enthusiasts in the past few years, and vintage markets have become a destination for young shoppers hoping to lessen their environmental impact by avoiding fast fashion.
More than a game: The unseen consequences of Pac-12’s major shake-up
PHOENIX – Conference realignment has an impact that stretches far beyond finances and media rights deals. Already juggling a lot, athletes are forced to adjust to this new change.
Some breathing room as water managers meet to weigh Colorado River’s future
The Colorado River Water Users Association meets this week, but for the first time in years, state water policy leaders see less need for short-term fixes and more time to plan long term, after a wet winter and a conservation deal bought some breathing room.
Lesko’s retirement starts stampede of high-profile hopefuls in 8th District
WASHINGTON - Open congressional seats typically draw hopefuls, but the crowd lining up to replace Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria - 20 so far, including heavy hitters with big names and long track records - is being described by experts with words like "all-stars," "fascinating" and "fun."
Numbers game: Experts disagree on economic impact of 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona
PHOENIX – The 2023 Super Bowl Host Committee announced $726.1 million in contributions to Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product that were fueled by Glendale hosting the 2023 Super Bowl. Some economists question those numbers and the true impact of hosting an event of that magnitude.
Infant mortality in Arizona rose 11% in 2022, again topped national rate
PHOENIX – Infant mortality rate has increased across Arizona by 11% due to low birth weight and poverty risk factors. March of Dimes advocates for better protections for mothers and newborns.
Still a shaman, but not the ‘Q’ shaman: Chansley rebrands for Congress bid
WASHINGTON - Jacob Angeli-Chansley rocketed to fame as the face-painted, horned-hat face of the Jan. 6 insurrection, but now he wants to be known as the congressman from Arizona's 8th District, after indicating he wants to run for the seat as a Libertarian candidate.
With control of House in the balance, Democrats target two Arizona seats
WASHINGTON - Despite a high-profile 2024 Senate race and already-crowded campaigns for two open House seats, experts say two other Arizona House races could be among "the most competitive ... in the whole country," with control of the House in the balance.
A Flagstaff nonprofit helps its Indigenous community combat high rates of diabetes using holistic approaches
FLAGSTAFF – Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) combats diabetes within Flagstaff's Indigenous community using a holistic approach. It focuses on reconnecting with traditional cultural practices to manage and prevent diabetes.
Beyond the draft: inside the dynamics of daily fantasy sports in a surging market
PHOENIX – Fantasy football entrepreneur Nick Ercolano and sports betting expert Ben Fawkes explore the evolving landscape of daily fantasy sports, its intertwining relationship with traditional sports betting and the growing concerns surrounding ethics and addiction in the industry.
Race to replace Gallego in Democrat-heavy 3rd District draws crowded field
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ruben Gallego's bid next year for Senate opens a Phoenix district where Democrats hold an overwhelming registration advantage. While Democratic candidates are lining up for the seat, it has drawn the attention of just as many Republicans and independents.
Baseball’s finishing school: How the Arizona Fall League shapes the destiny of MLB’s best
PHOENIX – Since 1992, the Arizona Fall League has been the epicenter of Major League Baseball’s future superstars. In total, AFL alumni have amassed 355 All-Star Game appearances, 22 MVPs and eight Cy Young Awards.
Number of Latino voters is growing, but experts wonder in which direction
WASHINGTON - An estimated 150,000 Latino youth in Arizona will become eligible to vote in the 2024 election, when Hispanics will account for almost one in five voters in the state. But how that bloc wields its growing clout remains a question, experts say.
Between a remote and a hard place: Sports fans, leagues wrestle with true cost of streaming
PHOENIX – In recent years, sports fans have grown to rely on illegal streaming to watch their favorite teams to cut costs, a dynamic not on the radar of mainstream media. This era may be over soon, however, as major pro sports league have claimed billions of dollars in revenue losses.
Despite outreach efforts, some unhoused people prefer to stay that way
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Rabbit, 50, said he has been on the streets for 26 years. He fights to survive every day, frequently going out dumpster diving to find wood for a barrel fire. The homeless community gathers at the Compassion Services Center daily during the winter and help each other stay warm.
New Mexico confronts 48% spike in homelessness with housing programs and rental assistance
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Homelessness in New Mexico increased 48% this year due to housing shortages and rent increases. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations are responding with housing programs and rental assistance to promote stable, more permanent housing.
A home away from home: ASU women’s tennis international athletes find net gains in the Valley
PHOENIX – The roster for the ASU women’s tennis team includes eight out of nine international students. Through culture changes, living away from home and missing family, they are appreciative of the opportunities they have in the United States.
Tomato fight: Arizona firms say tariff on Mexican tomatoes will hurt state
WASHINGTON - A “critically important trade battle” over Mexican tomatoes could cost the Arizona economy billions and raise the price of tomatoes by as much as 50%, Arizona businesses, say, if the Commerce Department agrees to raise tariffs as Florida growers want.
Nuevo México confronta aumento del 48% en la falta de vivienda con programas de vivienda y asistencia para el alquiler
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – La falta de vivienda en Nuevo México aumentó un 48% este año debido a la escasez de viviendas y los aumentos de alquiler. Las agencias gubernamentales y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro están respondiendo con programas de vivienda y asistencia para el alquiler para promover viviendas estables y más permanentes.
ADEQ proposes framework for converting wastewater into purified drinking water
PHOENIX – Recently, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality released a proposed roadmap outlining plans to convert treated wastewater into purified drinking water. The Advanced Water Purification Program roadmap establishes and explains the technical standards to which purification technology will be held.
Winter snow could help recharge the Colorado River. But what if it doesn’t?
The snows falling in the mountains of Colorado are the first step toward recharging the Colorado River. But this winter's precipitation outlook is unclear, and how it unfolds will have an outsized impact on coming years of managing the drought-stressed river.
Maricopa County uses portion of national opioid settlement for group that helps recovering women
PHOENIX – Maricopa County got $2 million in national opioid settlement funds and gave $60,000 to Live and Learn AZ, a local organization that supported April Hernandez so she could overcome a crystal meth addiction and get back on her feet.
Montezuma Castle among Arizona national park sites combating vandalism
PHOENIX – In March, Montezuma Castle National Monument used burlap to cover the bark of six Arizona sycamore trees that had been vandalized along public trails. Vandalism has been an ongoing issue at Arizona’s national park sites.
‘We’re mentally soft’: Arizona State struggles, Arizona thrives in Jerry Colangelo Classic
PHOENIX – The opportunity to showcase their teams' talents on an NBA stage – Footprint Center – failed spectacularly for the Arizona State men's basketball team but worked perfectly for Arizona Wednesday night in the Jerry Colangelo Classic.
Being ‘my own role model’: Normalizing mental health care in the AANHPI community
PHOENIX – People in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities face various barriers to accessing mental health care, including cultural stigmas and limited cultural competency from providers. Despite barriers, people within these communities are working to normalize conversations around mental health.
UFO buffs feel the R-E-S-P-E-C-T as government gets serious about research
WASHINGTON - After years of researching UFOs on their own, buffs think the "taboo ... is lifting" and their work may be be entering a "golden age," citing the government's recent interest in studying Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena - or UAPs, the new name for UFOs.
Arizona among states where Hispanic families are surging into middle class
The Hispanic middle class has grown faster than the white or Black middle class in the past decade and has reached near-parity with the white middle class in seven states, including Arizona, according to a new Stateline analysis.
‘Pumped’ hydropower plans proliferate; one in particular stirs opposition
WASHNGTON - Plans for pumped storage hydropower projects - which recirculate water on a loop to generate power - are proliferating in Arizona, but one in particular, at Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation, has drawn opposition from local groups.
Nevada summit discusses problem of – and solutions to – youth homelessness
LAS VEGAS – A summit to address youth homelessness in Nevada brought organizations together to explore solutions to end youth homelessness.
Americans cross the US-Mexico border for more affordable IVF treatment
YUMA – Cristina Yanez and her husband, Alex, spent eight years trying to conceive a child, but they were always met with disappointment. That’s when the Yuma couple turned to IVF options in Mexico. Now, they’re parents of three boys.
Uber partners with Waymo in Arizona to offer autonomous rides
PHOENIX – Uber customers can now get matched with a fully autonomous, all-electric Waymo ride – with no human driver behind the wheel. The option is available in the 225 square miles of metro Phoenix where Waymo currently operates.
Government programs are substantially decreasing veteran homelessness in Texas
Texas nonprofit organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are working aggressively to provide housing for veterans and keep them housed.
Oregon, Liberty prepare to showcase high-powered offenses in Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
SCOTTSDALE – On New Year’s Day, No. 8 Oregon will take on No. 23 Liberty in the 53rd edition of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Ducks and Flames both have top-three offenses in the country.
New and upgraded health care facilities for Native Americans open in Arizona
PHOENIX – Several new and upgraded health facilities for Native Americans opened in Arizona this year and the Navajo Nation is working to improve the nursing shortage in rural communities.
Bo-dacious: Oregon’s Nix ends storied college career with record-setting Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
GLENDALE – Oregon quarterback Bo Nix sets multiple school and bowl records in a convincing victory over Liberty at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in Glendale on New Year’s Day.
Tucson sees most border encounters, as migrants turn away from other sectors
WASHINGTON - Migrant encounters in the Tucson sector of the border have steadily increased in recent years until the sector became busier last year than any other on the southern border, replacing the Rio Grande Valley as the busiest.
Arizona Adaptive Watersports provides fun-filled lake days for people with disabilities
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Adaptive Watersports helps people with disabilities get out on the water and do activities like water skiing and wakeboarding.
Liberty, Liberty, Liiiberty: Flames’ resurgence spotlights coach Jamey Chadwell, despite Vrbo Fiesta Bowl loss
GLENDALE – When Liberty University brought on a new football coach for the 2023 season, few knew what to expect. Yet Jamey Chadwell brought a unique team together and ended up in a New Year's Six bowl. Even though the loss in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl wasn't what the team wanted, the foundation is set.
An early-winter ‘snow drought’ is leaving the West’s mountains high and dry
Winter is off to a dry start across the West, with wide swaths of the Rocky Mountains seeing lower-than-average snow totals for this time of year. That "snow drought" could affect the region's water supply, but experts say there’s plenty of time to turn it around.
A 120-year legacy: Tempe’s historic Hayden Flour Mill set for revitalization
TEMPE – Tempe's historic Hayden Flour Mill, a landmark dating back to 1918, has been approved for redevelopment after standing vacant since 1998. The project includes new retail businesses, a public park, improvements to the A Mountain trailhead and preservation of the historic buildings.
Alzheimer’s impacts border communities in Texas at a higher rate than the rest of the state
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo and El Paso, two border communities, are tied for the highest rate of Alzheimer’s cases in Texas. According to a study released by the Alzheimer's Association, Laredo and El Paso have the highest Alzheimer's rate in Texas – and ninth in the nation – at 15%.
Arizona Sailing Foundation makes waves with sailing lessons in the Valley
TEMPE – The Arizona Sailing Foundation has helped people of all ages learn to sail in the desert since 1958, mostly on Tempe Town Lake and Lake Pleasant. On select weekends throughout the year, the organization teaches youth and adult classes for those yearning to become mariners. The students learn key skills such as control, patience and a capsize drill.
College football 2024: After leading team to Fiesta Bowl, Liberty quarterback Salter opts for transfer portal
GLENDALE – The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl spotlighted what college football in 2024 looks like thanks to NIL deals and the transfer portal. After leaving the Tennessee football program to leading the Liberty Flames into a New Year's Six bowl, quarterback Kaidon Salter told his team he is entering the transfer portal. Just a earlier, after a loss to Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl, Liberty coach Jamey Chadwell said, "He's the face of the football program.”
Gardening helps protect threatened bees in Arizona
PHOENIX – Urban expansion limits bees’ habitat options, putting more space between the bees and the water and food sources they need access to. But community members can attract native bees to their gardens and help them thrive by planting native, desert-acclimated wildflowers.
Saavi Services for the Blind provides life skill practices, career services and technology training for independent living
PHOENIX – Saavi Services for the Blind helps the visually impaired with career services, job readiness, special techniques for using computers and navigating life without vision.
For immigrants in the Dominican Republic, access to HIV treatment is difficult to obtain
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – AIDS Healthcare Foundation works to provide treatment for people living in the Dominican Republic. But for Haitian migrants, access to care can be difficult.
‘We are survivors:’ National, Arizona projects aim to uncover, preserve histories of Native American boarding schools
PHOENIX – The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative launched an oral history project documenting the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children in the federal boarding school system. Local preservation efforts have already delved into Arizona’s history of boarding schools and resulting generational trauma.
Watershed Management Group removes invasive plants to aid in river flow, land restoration in Tucson
TUCSON – Tucson-based nonprofit Watershed Management Group works to restore area waterways by removing invasive arundo from riparian preserves. The reedy arundo takes water from other plants, negatively affects the ecosystem, increases flood risk, decreases vegetation and trees, and reduces groundwater used for irrigation and reclamation.
NCAA adopts rules to create NIL deals database, registry as convention opens in Phoenix
To kick off the push toward the NCAA Men’s Final Four, NCAA president Charlie Baker read to third-graders at Gateway School in Phoenix. Two days later, the NCAA adopted rules to create an NIL deals database and registry.
Supreme Court considers right to face accusers in Yuma drug case
WASHNGTON - Supreme Court justices grappled Wednesday to decide when testimony from an expert crosses the line into evidence that a defendant should have the right to challenge in court, a question that arose in a Yuma County drug case from 2019.
Navajo president calls for new VA medical, benefits centers at House hearing
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren called on lawmakers Thursday to put Veterans Affairs medical and benefits centers on the reservation to help deliver services that he said Indigenous veterans have earned but often cannot access.
NCAA president: Social media harassment of college athletes a growing problem because of sports gambling
PHOENIX – The NCAA Convention welcomed representatives from all over the country this week at the Phoenix Convention Center. In a featured session, sports gambling and its consequences were one of the main stories and offered a preview of the NCAA’s new campaign in March.
Breaking through the haze: NCAA softens stance on cannabis, considers removing from banned list
PHOENIX – At the NCAA Convention in Phoenix, a group of panelists discussed recent shifts in strategy to athletes’ use of cannabis, and how the NCAA can educate them moving forward.
Hobbs targets transportation, ESA program to close $889 million budget hole
PHOENIX - Gov. Katie Hobbs unveiled a $16.3 billion fiscal 2025 budget proposal that would close a projected $889 million revenue shortfall by cutting transportation projects and reining in the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to make room fir $488 million in new initiatives.
Soccer refereeing by the numbers: Abuse, pay, rigor factor in to ref shortage
PHOENIX – There is a referee shortage across the United States, and a look at what soccer refs in Arizona go through to officiate a game offers clues as to the causes of the shortage. Referee abuse, low pay and athletic rigor are a few of the hardships, but many refs still say they love the job and encourage others to take the plunge.
Arizona’s anti-immigrant policies foster a culture of fear and create barriers to mental health care for undocumented communities
PHOENIX – Arizona has been a laboratory for anti-immigrant policies that foster a culture of fear and create barriers to mental health care for undocumented people, say advocates at local nonprofit groups.
Senate panel blasts Commerce Authority in face of audit, legal questions
PHOENIX – A Senate committee grilled Arizona Commerce Authority officials Wednesday, just one day after Attorney General Kris Mayes said the agency’s wining and dining of CEOs violated the state’s gift clause.
Asylum seekers face new requirement to find their own interpreters
PHOENIX – USCIS is reverting to pre-pandemic requirements that ordered asylum seekers to find and bring their own English interpreters to U.S. immigration interviews.
79 days and counting: NCAA officials, local leaders preview festivities in lead-up to men’s basketball Final Four
PHOENIX – NCAA officials, Gov. Katie Hobbs and local leaders met Wednesday to showcase some of the upcoming festivities for the Final Four. In the panels, they previewed what local and visiting fans can expect throughout the weekend.
Dream Series hopes to correct lingering issue in baseball: shortage of Black athletes
TEMPE – As MLB looks to diversify baseball, programs such as the Dream Series and the Hank Aaron Invitational seek out some of the nation’s top ranked Black and Latino high school players for a special camp held in Tempe.
Roe is gone, but Arizonans still join abortion opponents marching in D.C.
Arizonans were among the thousands who turned out on a snowy Friday for the 51st March for Life, an anti-abortion rally held to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Roe was reversed in 2022, but the fight has moved to states and the march goes on.
Phoenix hosts ‘National’ Women’s March, as abortion debate moves to Arizona
PHOENIX - Chanting "bans off our bodies" and "my body, my choice," protesters marched on the Arizona Capitol Saturday as the National Women's March was held in Phoenix to highlight the state's role as the next battleground over abortion.
Water-crazed hunger: ASU women’s water polo embraces connection to Hungary
TEMPE – A blend of Hungarian culture has made the Arizona State women’s water polo team dynamic – and one that brings a sense of unity between coaches and players.
Boo-SC: ASU men’s basketball, fans show Bronny James tough love in first visit to Tempe
TEMPE – Following years of hype on social media, Bronny James finally visited Tempe for the first time to face ASU and brought out a large crowd.
After 51 years of fighting, abortion in Arizona comes down to next 10 months
PHOENIX - In the 51 years since the Supreme Court recognized - then reversed - federal abortion protections, advocates and opponents have fought over the boundaries of that right. That fight continues today, with Arizona now at the forefront of the national battle.
State plan to extend psychedelic mushroom study takes step forward in House
PHOENIX - A House panel voted Monday to extend the deadline on Arizona's first-in-the-nation program to research medical uses of psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," a hallucinogenic currently classified by the federal government as a Schedule I illegal drug.
Eagle leaves the nest: Oso Ighodaro takes unconventional route from Desert Vista basketball to Marquette
PHOENIX – Ighodaro is dominating the Big East conference with his play for the Marquette Golden Eagles but his journey from Desert Vista has been anything but normal.
Ties that bind: In tiny Winkelman, 8-man football champs reflect copper community’s perseverance
WINKELMAN – Winkelman, a tiny Arizona community, has endured plenty, but the success of an 8-man football team has brought it joy.
‘We’re not just numbers, we’re not robots, we’re people’: Workers at Sky Harbor strike over job conditions
PHOENIX – SSP America employees at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are on strike in hopes of obtaining safer and more equitable working conditions. UNITE HERE Local 11 filed unfair labor practice and discrimination charges against SSP America.
January 23, 2024 newscast
Employees at Sky Harbor strike, I-10 expansion coming, Coyotes annual event
New comeback kids: Phoenix Suns show life and fight to remain the hottest team in West
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are never out of any NBA game as they continue to come from behind after trailing big, making them the hottest team in the Western Conference.
Photo essay: Arizona State men’s basketball gives rude welcome to Bronny James, USC
TEMPE – Witness sights from Saturday’s intense clash, featuring an electric atmosphere and roaring crowd as the Sun Devils continue their pursuit to finish the season atop the Pac-12.
American Lung Association report card gives Arizona F’s on tobacco control policies
PHOENIX – The American Lung Association released its grades of Arizona tobacco control policies Wednesday in its annual State of Tobacco Control report. The ALA grades states on their policies that aim to eliminate tobacco use – and the state received three F grades.
GOP lawmakers renew push to ban DEI programs in state-funded institutions
PHOENIX - GOP legislators are trying again to ban diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at state-funded institutions, saying it "divides communities and dehumanizes human beings." Democrats argued just the opposite, saying DEI promotes inclusion and can be an asset,
Victim backs bill to criminalize child ‘grooming’; opponents say it oversteps
PHOENIX - A 16-year-old who said she was groomed by her softball coach came to testify, with her parents, for a bill that would make a crime of child grooming. But opponents told the packed hearing that there are already laws on the books and the bill goes too far.
Affordable Care Act enrollment hit record highs in Arizona, U.S. in 2023
WASHINGTON - Affordable Care Act enrollment surged to new highs in Arizona and the nation in 2023, as people shifted away from pandemic-era health coverage and the Biden administration continued to push for the program.
Jan. 24, 2024, Newscast
Diversity program for teachers, Art of the Cowgirl festival, all-girls basketball league
Stealing the show: Frankie Collins’ defensive mastery anchors ASU men’s basketball
TEMPE – Known for his exceptional swiping ability, Collins not only bolsters ASU's defensive strategy but also fosters discipline and leadership in the Sun Devils’ pursuit of the Pac-12 crown.
X-factor: Phoenix Suns’ Grayson Allen emerges as ‘absolute stud’ in season of comebacks and thrills
Grayson Allen has become one of the Suns’ most important players as the team tries to overcome inconsistency and first-half sluggishness.
ABOR clarifies UA budget shortfall, says athletics responsible for $35 million of $140 million deficit
TEMPE – Although the University of Arizona’s budget shortfall is closer to $140 million than the $240 million previously reported, the school is prepared to undergo sweeping changes in budget and oversight, including addressing the $35 million shortfall for which the athletic department is responsible.
DeWit quits, Trump bails, rally’s cut: It’s been a week for Arizona’s GOP
WASHINGTON - The chairman was ousted over the leak of an embarrassing audio tape, former President Donald Trump backed out of a rally that had to be canceled on the eve of the party's annual meeting. It's been a week for the Arizona Republican Party.
Environmental groups champion nature, wildlife and water to Arizona policymakers
PHOENIX – Activist groups and legislators gathered at the state Capitol for “Environmental Day” to address nature, wildlife and water. With the “Save Water, Save Life” theme, dozens of groups advocated for legislative changes and support for the environment and general sustainability.
Former LPGA tour player Tina Barrett carves new legacy as Ottawa University – Arizona coach
PHOENIX – Ottawa University - Arizona men’s and women’s golf coach Tina Barrett continues her post-LPGA tour legacy by breaking social norms, winning championships and providing everlasting advice for those around her.
Phoenix urgent care workers treat an influx of respiratory illnesses
PHOENIX – Health professionals say it’s not as bad as during the pandemic, but people with respiratory illnesses are filling hospitals and clinics in Maricopa County. Here’s what to expect if you come down with flu-like symptoms and need care.
Native nations with scarce internet are building their own broadband networks
Native nations have historically lagged in high-speed internet access, which became even more apparent in the COVID-19 pandemic. So some tribes, such as the Hopi, have taken the matter into their own hands by building their own high-speed networks.
Jan. 25, 2024, Newscast
AZ bill targets ticket bots and resellers, sports streaming’s future, financial literacy
Thrill ride: Radford Racing School drives enthusiasm to new heights at Barrett-Jackson auction
SCOTTSDALE – At the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Radford Racing School seized the opportunity to engage with car enthusiasts, offering them the chance to not only admire fast cars but also experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel themselves.
Back to life: Turf Paradise kicks off 57-day meet despite offseason closure talk
PHOENIX – Just months ago, Turf Paradise had been read its last rites after a prospective buyer backed out. Yet Monday, the track opened again for the start of a 57-day meet as it fights to remain relevant in Arizona.
Hobbs pushes for school funding plan, GOP stands by its own proposal
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs and Arizona Democrats formally introduced legislation Monday to expand funding for public education and teacher pay, even as Republicans insist they will continue to push their own plan.
As immigration debate heats up, migrant encounters in December set record
WASHINGTON - Border officials said they encountered more than 300,000 migrants at the southern border in December, a one-month record that pushed the total for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 to 785,422. It comes as debate on immigration heats up in Washington.
Jan. 29, 2024, Newscast
Barrett-Jackson auto auction, Phoenix Rising's new coach, affordable housing plan
Game on: Arizona high school esports embraces changes, challenges entering fifth season
PHOENIX – Arizona's high school esports scene faces the dual task of balancing evolving game preferences while navigating challenges in attracting players to traditional titles.
Arizona’s Big 12 blitz: Conference unveils 2024 football schedule for Sun Devils, Wildcats
PHOENIX – In their debut season in the Big 12 Conference, Arizona State and UArizona brace for grueling travel and revived rivalries as they navigate the challenges of the 2024 football schedule.
Women of the West: Art of the Cowgirl showcases female strength, artistry
QUEEN CREEK – The Art of the Cowgirl celebrates women who embody the country lifestyle by raising funds for artists, so they can have opportunities such as fellowships or become master artists within their fields.
Brnovich says states can take border action; Democrats pan ‘crackpot’ theory
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich told a House panel that states have a constitutional right to secure their borders if the federal government - an argument that critics at the hearing derided as an unconstitutional "crackpot legal theory."
Lawmakers approve $8 million to continue busing asylum seekers from border
PHOENIX - Legislators approved an additional $8 million for a Department of Emergency and Military Affairs program that buses migrants away from border communities. More than 81,000 people have been transported since the program launched in 2022.
Arizona Republicans tout legislation aimed at cracking down on organized retail crime
PHOENIX – Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma and others touted House Bill 2435, which aims to crack down on organized retail crime. The legislation, which heads to the House Judiciary committee Wednesday, would change current sentencing ranges.
Cardinal win: How record holder Tara VanDerveer shaped Charli Turner Thorne’s coaching legacy
TEMPE – Stanford women’s basketball head coach Tara Vanderveer recently became the winningest coach in NCAA history, and Valley royalty Charli Turner Thorne, part of Vanderveer’s original group in Palo Alto, later built her program at ASU off the lessons she learned.
‘It is a family’: Black Mountain BMX weaves lasting bonds in heart of track at Winter Nationals
PHOENIX – From one generation to the next, Black Mountain BMX is bringing a continued sense of family and togetherness during the USA BMX Winter Nationals.
Local coalition and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force educate community on disparity in Black breast cancer mortality rates
PHOENIX – PHOENIX – Black women are over 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite having a similar cancer incidence rate. The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force educate the community on the importance of screenings and follow-up care.
Horne plan for conservative videos for state schools called ‘irresponsible’
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Education is partnering with conservative advocacy group PragerU to provide K-12 schools with the groups’ video content — content that Democratic lawmakers say is inaccurate and does not belong in public schools.
It’s not officially a planet, but Pluto could be Arizona’s official planet
PHOENIX - Pluto was taken off the "full-size planet" list almost 20 years ago, but Rep. Justin Wilmeth, R-Phoenix, doesn't see why it can't still be Arizona's official state planet. His "fun" bill do to just that was approved 8-1 Wednesday by the House Government Committee.
Jan. 31, 2024, Newscast
Superintendent partners with PragerU, new ‘Tamale Bill’ and LGBTQ+ hockey organization
Lithium Liabilities: The untold threat to water in the rush to mine American lithium
An investigation from the Howard Center at Arizona State University uncovered the coming electric battery revolution in America will require billions upon billions of gallons of water to mine lithium. Many of the new U.S. mines will be located in the drought-prone American West.
Energy is everything: ASU men’s basketball faces pivotal homestand, coach Bobby Hurley doesn’t want fans to ‘watch the paint dry’
TEMPE – Now on a two-game losing streak thanks to a demoralizing trip north to Oregon and Oregon State, ASU men’s basketball is faced with a defining weekend that could determine the rest of their season outlook.
Arizona officials combat AI election misinformation through proposed bills, security trainings
PHOENIX – As rapidly evolving technology makes it easier than ever to create nearly undetectable manipulated content, AI poses a threat to campaign security. Arizona elected officials are rapidly working to fight misinformation through proposed legislation and election security training.
Sinema’s lackluster fundraising quarter raises eyebrows over campaign hopes
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema raised a fraction of what her leading challengers brought in in the last quarter of 2023, raising new questions about her chances in what could be a bruising, three-way race.
Feb. 1, 2024, Newscast
Coyotes in playoff contention, Brazilian jiu jitsu community fights cancer, AZ voting bills
Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker sets NBA ablaze with scoring spree
PHOENIX – Devin Booker scored 150-plus points over a three-game span last week, the second time he’s done that in his career. Here’s a look back at where the Suns stood the first time he did it, and where they stand now.
Tribes face an uphill battle to defend their sacred land against lithium mining
OROVADA, Nev. — Myron Smart remembers stories told by his father and other tribal elders about the connection between Thacker Pass in Nevada, where a new lithium mine is under construction, and a tragic moment for the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone.
Lessons from abroad: the environmental and social costs to lithium mining in Argentina
One of North America's lithium mining powerhouse companies has lobbied for a record $1 billion Department of Energy low-interest loan — despite having never owned or operated any kind of mine in the U.S.
Snell, Bellinger, Kershaw, oh my! Notable MLB players remain unsigned as spring training nears
PHOENIX – With two weeks until pitchers and catchers report, some notable names are still available in the free agent market. What’s causing the standstill in free agency?
ASU women’s basketball showing poise, promise in rebuild under coach Natasha Adair
TEMPE – Despite a challenging start, the ASU women’s basketball team under coach Natasha Adair's leadership showcases resilience, marked by a significant improvement from the previous season's record.
‘Everything old is new again’: Valley vinyl stores see uptick in physical music sales
PHOENIX – Luminate's 2023 Year-End Report has found that physical album sales grew 8.9% over 2022, with records seeing the largest growth. As audio streaming popularity skyrockets, vinyl, CD and cassette tape popularity are holding strong in sales up from 79.9 million in 2022 to 87 million in 2023. Arizona record stores have noticed the trend, and Arizona artists hope to record physical copies of their music.
‘Offertunity Bowl’ gives Arizona high school football players one last chance at a scholarship
SURPRISE – The inaugural Offertunity Bowl, organized by the AIGA Foundation, provided a platform for high school seniors from Arizona and California to showcase their football talents to college scouts.
Our Ode to You nonprofit offers older adults in memory-care communities free therapeutic music, art programs
PHOENIX – Two Arizona high school seniors are using their talents to give back to older adult memory-care communities. Through free therapeutic music and art programs, Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar are helping them evoke memories and de-stress.
Weather woes? Incoming storms become major player at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open started Monday directly following the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am which was cut short due to inclement weather. That storm is expected to arrive in Arizona on time for the tournament, meaning fans, players and staff have to be ready to adapt.
Border bill includes funds for local communities, along with Ukraine, Israel
WASHINGTON - The bipartisan immigration reform bill unveiled in the Senate late Sunday includes $1.4 billion to help border communities grappling with the migrant surge, in addition to funding for Ukraine and Israel. But it faces an uphill battle to approval in Congress.
Jan. 5, 2024, Newscast
Rain could impact WM Phoenix Open, Super Bowl AZ connections, therapy helping seniors
Phoenix Suns’ Grayson Allen success due to childhood work, dedication
PHOENIX – Even as a kid, Suns guard Grayson Allen was willing to go big, and that ambition led him to a high school state championship in Florida and an NCAA title at Duke. Now he’s aiming big again as a starter in a star-studded Phoenix lineup.
Lights, camera, action: Las Vegas rolls out red carpet for 49ers, Chiefs ahead of 2024 Super Bowl
LAS VEGAS – On Monday, members of the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs spoke to the media ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
It’s not ‘doom and gloom’: WM Phoenix Open officials remain optimistic despite weather concerns
SCOTTSDALE – Rainy conditions failed to dampen the spirits at the WM Phoenix Open, where charitable initiatives, practice rounds and celebrity challenges set the stage for an action-packed week of golf.
Diamondbacks continue outreach to Hispanic community through Serpientes Fiesta
PHOENIX – In the past few years, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been growing their Hispanic audience through various events and promotions. It ramped up with the unveiling of their “Serpientes” City Connect jerseys in 2021. Since then, Chase Field has been home to numerous Mexican Heritage nights, Hispanic Heritage events and Serpientes giveaways. This trend continued with a Serpientes Fiesta event on Jan. 27.
Photo essay: Whiteriver Community finds unity in hoops through Alchesay Falcons
WHITERIVER – The Alchesay Falcons find strength in the bond between team and community, as Whiteriver residents unite passionately in support of their beloved basketball team.
GOP bill would strike ‘gender’ from state law, limit sex to male, female
PHOENIX - GOP senators want to rewrite state law to define sex as only male and female and not a "subjective sense of self," a move they said will protect women and girls from "unwanted intrusions" by transgender women. Opponents call it another "LGBTQ+ Erasure Act."
Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service proposal to restrict anchors
TUCSON – The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service drafted policy in November that could prohibit climbing anchors in wilderness areas around the country. The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona is one of several climbing organizations speaking out against the proposals, saying that they would discourage and endanger climbers.
Sweater believe it: Jeff Munn’s signature fashion collection, born with ASU women’s basketball, shapes broadcast legacy
TEMPE – ASU women’s basketball KTAR FM broadcaster Jeff Munn has a sweater collection decades in the making that all started with his daughter. Just don’t let his brightly colored clothes distract from the impact his voice has had on the greater Phoenix area.
Stars come out, hail comes down: Wild WM Phoenix Open pro-am features appearances by Saban, Phelps
SCOTTSDALE – Although rain, and later hail, interrupted the WM Phoenix Open pro-am, fans still showed up to watch an eclectic mix of celebrities, including Nick Saban.
More than a scorecard: For Bud Cauley, Kevin Yu, 2024 WM Phoenix Open has special meaning
SCOTTSDALE – Golf is about more than numbers. For Bud Cauley, it’s about coming back from a serious car accident. For Kevin Yu, it’s about playing on a course he knows best as a spectator.
Bill to ban satanic displays advances, after heated debate on religion
PHOENIX - A Senate committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would ban satanic displays on public grounds, following an often-testy debate over whether Satanism is a religion to be respected or a "desecration of public property."
Arizona Heart Association lobbies for bill mandating cardiac arrest emergency plans in schools
PHOENIX – Supporters from the American Heart Association lobbied at the Arizona Capitol in support of requiring emergency cardiac response plans in schools. Pyper Midkiff, a child who experienced cardiac arrest at age 12, spoke about her experience.
Feb. 6, 2024, Newscast
A new bill by Arizona GOP lawmakers that would define sex as male and female only, plus the rush to fix a problem with the election calendar and a visit to Las Vegas ahead of this weekend's Super Bowl.
Feb. 7, 2024, Newscast
Policy prohibiting climbing anchors, cardiac emergencies in schools plan, WM Phoenix Open
Crossover success: Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham scores big as Phoenix Suns analyst
PHOENIX – Sophie Cunningham plays for the Mercury but she’s part of the Suns’ broadcast team during the WNBA offseason and has enjoyed every aspect of it.
Purdy-pandemonium: 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has massive hometown support before Super Bowl LVIII
GILBERT – 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has hometown of Queen Creek and Gilbert showing support ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
Family lawyer says Phoenix Union’s revised travel policies show guilt in student death
PHOENIX – The attorney for a family that lost their 15-year-old son and Cesar Chavez high school student believes that newly released policies from the school board imply guilt.
Arizona projected to have largest nursing shortage in U.S. in 2025
PHOENIX — A national analysis predicts Arizona will have the largest nursing shortage in the country by 2025, with 28,100 fewer registered nurses than needed. As both rural and urban hospitals struggle to retain and recruit nurses, advocates look at solutions.
Rain check: How Arizonans can prepare for rainy drives
PHOENIX – As Arizona gets winter rain, ADOT and local experts remind drivers of important safety habits to keep in mind while on the road. From vehicle maintenance to awareness of road conditions, Arizonans are urged to slow down and remember to get their cars inspected by professionals.
‘Embrace the craziness’: Despite rain delay, players endure at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open is known for its raucous environment and even though Thursday’s rain delay chased away fans, the true environment showcased itself through the chaos.
Feb. 8, 2024, Newscast
WM Phoenix Open rain delay, Super Bowl XVIII betting, school district changes after tragic accident
Sin City showdown: 49ers, Chiefs quarterbacks and coaches looking to make history Super Bowl Sunday
LAS VEGAS – With a win Sunday, members of both the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are looking to enter unprecedented territory.
Tenacity, jaw-dropping talent propels Phoenix native and San Francisco cornerback Isaiah Oliver to Super Bowl
PHOENIX – 49ers cornerback Isaiah Oliver’s journey through the NFL brought him to the biggest stage in sports Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, where he will represent Arizona and his family.
Behind the cart: Food vendor’s take on tamale bill discussion
PHOENIX – The tamale bill is back and a local food vendor shares his thoughts on the newly reintroduced bill.
Positive shift in weather Friday at WM Phoenix Open sees Nick Taylor challenging Sahith Theegala
SCOTTSDALE – From a lengthy rain delay to a golfer missing a tee time, day one of the WM Phoenix Open had a bit of everything.
Arizona Indian Festival showcases authentic Indigenous art
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Indian Festival in Scottsdale showcases authentic Indigenous art. Artists say knockoffs from overseas undermine their authentic work, which represents their culture.
O Canada! Nick Taylor impresses fans to north by shooting 60 at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – After a weather delay cut short an excellent start, Nick Taylor finished off his first round by shooting an 11-under bogey-free 60 for a five-shot lead, a PGA Tour record. The effort pleased the many Canadians that were in attendance to see it.
New July 30 primary date will mean new deadlines for voters, candidates
PHOENIX - State lawmakers pushed through a bipartisan, last-minute plan to give election officials more time to cope with expected mandatory recounts this year by pushing the primary up to July 30 - but it also gives voters and candidates less time in the process.
As Arizona Supreme Court weighs abortion law, both sides brace for ruling
WASHINGTON - It’s been nearly two months since the Arizona Supreme Court heard arguments over the state's abortion law, and its ruling could all but ban abortions in the state or allow them to continue up to 15 weeks. Both sides said they are bracing for that ruling - and waiting.
‘Let him cook!’ Fans of Min Woo Lee steal show at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – A large group of fans wearing matching Lululemon clothes and red chef hats followed and cheer on golfer Min Woo Lee during the WM Phoenix Open second round Friday.
‘It was Saturday at the Phoenix Open’: Gassed golfers, pressed patrons highlight chaotic Day 3
SCOTTSDALE – A look inside a wild, unprecedented day at the WM Phoenix Open that saw golfers forced into several make-up holes while patron entry to the grounds and alcohol sales ceased.
From aiding Navajo water projects to reducing food waste, WM Phoenix Open goes green for Arizona charities
SCOTTSDALE – At the WM Phoenix Open, every person in attendance who wore green Saturday added an extra dollar to the Working for Tomorrow Fund, which aims to support local sustainability charities.
Detrás del carrito: la opinión de un vendedor de comida sobre la discusión del proyecto de ley de tamales
PHOENIX – El proyecto de ley de tamales está de vuelta y un vendedor de comida local comparte sus pensamientos sobre el proyecto de ley recién reintroducido.
An underdog story: In tournament lacking big names, some longshots were making theirs at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE - While Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas and others were players to watch during the WM Phoenix Open, numerous underdogs emerged over the rain-filled weekend as the tournament ran its course.
Nick Taylor’s playoff victory caps controversial WM Phoenix Open on high note
SCOTTSDALE – A long day at the WM Phoenix Open ends in a second playoff hole and a victory for Nick Taylor over Charley Hoffman Sunday.
Title talk: Dodgers fans expect to be back in the World Series in 2024
GLENDALE – After a disappointing postseason in 2023 and a record-breaking offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the the center of conversation around the league. Coming into spring training, Dodgers fans are looking for nothing less than a World Series appearance in 2024.
Nicolo Galletti, Jesse Mueller lone ASU representatives to make cut at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – The two ASU golfers in the final cut at TPC Scottsdale were not the usual suspects seen at the people’s open. Jesse Mueller and Nicolo Galletti took vastly different paths to play into the weekend.
Photo essay: Early play at WM Phoenix Open defined by wild weather, record score
SCOTTSDALE – After a three-and-a half- hour rain delay on Thursday, the WM Phoenix Open finished it’s first round Friday with a record-tying score heading into the second round. Here’s a look at the early days of the tournament in pictures.
Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture teaches next generation farmers sustainable practices
AJO – Sterling Johnson from the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture is teaching the next generation of Indigenous farmers how to connect with the land and the culture through sustainable growing techniques.
State of Indian Nations is good, but could be better, speakers say
WASHINGTON - Tribal nations are seeing themselves represented more than ever before in the government, but they still need to make their voices heard more loudly at the ballot box, the president of the National Congress of American Indians said Monday.
Feb. 12, 2024, Newscast
WM Phoenix Open finish, Operation Shower for expecting military families, group helps single parents with cancer
Phoenix Mercury’s bold shake-up signals win-now mentality under new regime
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury had one of its worst seasons in franchise history last year, but new leadership has made aggressive moves to get the team back to its winning ways in 2024.
As summers get hotter, St. Vincent de Paul works to assist unhoused individuals
PHOENIX – St. Vincent de Paul provides housing and heat relief to people experiencing homelessness. In the summer, the organization offers bottled water, indoor air conditioning and outdoor heat relief stations, which are necessary interventions as the Valley is overwhelmed with heat.
NCAA sets forth plan to extend protection for athletes with new Post-Eligibility Insurance Program
PHOENIX – At the NCAA Convention in Phoenix, officials previewed their new Post Eligibility Insurance Program. The policy goes live in August and aims to be an extra layer of protection for NCAA athletes.
Flight attendants demand better pay and working conditions during Sky Harbor Airport walkout
PHOENIX – Flight attendants at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport joined others across the country in an educational demonstration to shine a light on their struggle to make a deal with their airline employers.
State officials call for federal funds to protect election systems, workers
WASHINGTON - The federal government provides funds to make sure bridges and dams don't collapse - it should do the same for the nation's elections, a bipartisan group of Arizona officials said this week, calling elections an "egregious unfunded mandate."
Feb. 13, 2024, Newscast
Flight attendants walk out, medicinal mushroom push, high school basketball playoffs
Baseball is almost back: Surprise gears up for busy spring as World Series champion Texas Rangers arrive
SURPRISE – From a lineup of spring training events to enhanced stadium features like the upgraded scoreboard, Surprise Stadium is poised to provide top-notch experiences for all visitors during the spring training season.
From the Valley to the beach: UCLA volleyball player Reagan Hope is a not-to-miss player
LOS ANGELES - Phoenix native Reagan Hope has found a home in California with UCLA beach volleyball.
Arizona Diamondbacks retake field for first time since World Series appearance
SCOTTSDALE – Just three months ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks watched the Texas Rangers clinch a World Series title on their homefield. Now they’re back in spring training ready to make another run.
Prescott’s tennis phenom: The rise of Andrew Bogdanov and his paralympic dreams
PRESCOTT – Andrew Bogdanov had never picked up a tennis racket until three years ago. Now the Prescott native is the No. 2-ranked American and No. 22 world-ranked quad tennis player in the world as he eyes the Paralympics.
As animal shelters exceed capacity, groups seek to keep pets with families
PHOENIX – As Maricopa County animal shelters work to handle more dogs than they can handle, local organizations seek to remind current and future pet owners of resources to help them keep their pets.
House panel advances bill for a Holocaust center, but holds back funds for now
PHOENIX - A House panel gave tentative approval Wednesday to a Holocaust education center, but not before stripping out funding for the project that supporters said will provide an "immersive experience for the next generation on hate and genocide."
Feb. 14, 2024, Newscast
Opioid withdrawal supplement concerns, flower shop spreads love, MLB spring training
Phoenix Suns seal deal on G League team for 2024-25 NBA season
PHOENIX – After selling ownership of the Northern Arizona Suns to the Detroit Pistons, the Phoenix Suns were the only team without a G League affiliate. Three years later, the organization is rewriting the story with a new team coming to the Valley for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Midseason Ukrainian additions to GCU’s club hockey team take on college-athlete life amid war at home
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University’s first European freshmen jump into the season adjusting to college life and being far away from home amid an ongoing war at home.
Naloxone vending machine unveiled in Valle del Sol clinic in south Phoenix
PHOENIX –Valle del Sol, a community health service with locations all through Phoenix, has set up a free naloxone vending machine at its south Phoenix clinic.
Inauguran máquina expendedora de naloxona en clínica Valle del Sol en el sur de Phoenix
PHOENIX — Valle del Sol, un servicio de salud comunitario con ubicaciones en todo Phoenix, ha instalado una máquina expendedora gratuita de naloxona en su clínica del sur de Phoenix.
Isaiah Stewart arrested for punching Drew Eubanks ahead of Phoenix Suns’ win
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns’ Drew Eubanks was punched pregame on Valentine’s Day by Isaiah Stewart, resulting in Stewart’s arrest. Star Devin Booker was also ejected early in Wednesday’s fiery game.
Former ASU receiver Brandon Aiyuk blazes trail to Super Bowl
PHOENIX — While Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers lost in the Super Bowl his path to the NFL has prepared him to battle his way back to the top.
3-Peat? Koa, Perry boys basketball seek third straight title riding chemistry, family history
GILBERT – The Perry Pumas are the top-ranked basketball program in the state of Arizona among all AIA-sanctioned teams. Perry hopes to win a third straight state championship, thanks in large part to Coach Duane, Koa Peat, and the team’s exceptional chemistry and morale.
January sees sharp drop in border numbers after record-setting December
WASHINGTON - Border encounters plunged from record highs of more than 300,000 in December to 176,205 in January, a 42% drop that border officials attributed to enforcement efforts and a traditional seasonal drop - but few were confident that numbers will stay at this level.
Feb. 15, 2024, Newscast
Suns controversy, Devin Booker releases signature shoe, hundreds of dogs filling shelters
Freak hand injury (again) means ASU baseball starts season without Nick McLain
TEMPE – After sustaining a hamate bone injury to begin last season, Nick McLain suffered the identical injury to his other hand to begin 2024. ASU baseball is expected to be without the slugger until Pac-12 play.
Nonprofit aiding unhoused community continues events despite Tempe denying special event permit
TEMPE – The city of Tempe recently denied a special event permit for AZ Hugs, a nonprofit that connects the city’s unhoused community to necessary resources. However, founder Austin Davis is continuing to host the Sundays events regardless of the city’s decision.
Road to Omaha: ASU baseball team begins 2024 season with renewed confidence
PHOENIX – The Arizona State baseball team will kick off its season Friday night. After a disappointing end to 2023, the Sun Devils have high hopes for this campaign.
From dusk till dawn: Gilbert Regional Park’s pickleball oasis offers electric atmosphere to draw passionate community
GILBERT – Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, and Gilbert Regional Park is playing host to one of Arizona’s most thriving pickleball communities.
Federal regulators deny permits for hydropower projects on Navajo Nation
Federal energy officials took the unusual step of denying permits Thursday to several pumped hydropower projects proposed on the Navajo Nation, citing a new policy that gives tribes a greater voice in projects on their lands - a move welcomed by advocates.
Clayton Keller’s All-Star play powering Arizona Coyotes’ second-half push amid season of ups and downs
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes open the second half of their season, having one of their best starts in years. Their success, in large part, has been highlighted by the All-Star play of forward Clayton Keller.
Arizona public schools struggle to fill teaching positions as leaders brainstorm school staffing solutions
PHOENIX – From legislative proposals to extend Proposition 123 to the two-day Arizona State University Fulton Teachers College Summit on Strategic School Staffing Structures, educators, politicians and researchers weigh in on strategies to help alleviate staffing shortages in Arizona schools.
No end in sight: ASU tennis coach Sheila McInerney continues to succeed in 40th season
TEMPE – Through four decades of coaching, Sheila McInerney's passion for tennis and teaching shines as she navigates the ever-changing dynamics of collegiate sports.
‘We may run out of time’: Diamondbacks consider all options, including relocation, amid soon expiring stadium deal
PHOENIX – Fresh off their first National League pennant since 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks may be looking to cash in on their return to relevance. Despite routinely filling Chase Field throughout their magical run, owner Ken Kendrick has left the door open for a relocation amid expansion talks, soon expiring stadium deal
From Serbia to Phoenix: Freshman Iva Sepa makes waves in tennis, culture at Grand Canyon University
PHOENIX – Iva Sepa's journey from Serbia to Phoenix takes center stage as she embraces collegiate tennis at Grand Canyon University while navigating the challenges of a new country.
House panel advances GOP plan to check citizenship of welfare recipients
PHOENIX - A House committee, on a party-line vote, gave preliminary approval Monday to a ballot measure that would require cities, towns and agencies to check the citizenship status of anyone applying for public welfare benefits or a license of any kind.
Feb. 19, 2024, Newscast
UA wins Territorial Cup, opportunity for ASU goaltender, visit to Arizona-Mexico border
Safety first: USA Hockey’s youth neck guard mandate receives positive response in Arizona after tragic incidents
SCOTTSDALE – USA Hockey mandated the use of neck guards for youth hockey players from the age of 18 and under. Members of the Jr. Coyotes react to the news and give their feedback on the safety of hockey players.
Insider look: Freshman forward Hunter Friesen takes viewers behind the scenes of ASU club hockey on YouTube
TEMPE — Hunter Friesen, a freshman forward on Arizona State's club hockey team, provides viewers with an inside look into the world of collegiate athletics through his rapidly growing YouTube channel.
‘It’s home’: Desireé Reed-Francois introduced as University of Arizona’s athletic director
TUCSON – As the University of Arizona welcomes Desireé Reed-Francois as its first female athletic director, the institution embarks on a new era marked by fiscal challenges, conference realignment and a commitment to maintaining all 18 Division I sports programs.
Chub snub? Advocates question plan to protect threatened Colorado River fish
Federal water managers proposed a new plan to protect the humpback chub, a threatened native fish species in the Colorado River and its tributaries, but conservation groups say it does not go far enough.
Building dreams: Phoenix Rising FC paving way for Arizona’s soccer future, one youth player at a time
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer serves as a cornerstone of Arizona's soccer development, offering comprehensive programs that nurture talent from grassroots levels.
Community 43 supplements Phoenix traditional mental health services with ‘clubhouse’ model focused on social and cognitive skills
PHOENIX — Community 43, a Phoenix mental health facility, uses a “clubhouse” model to provide recreational opportunities for members to improve quality of life and regain independence.
Feds OK state plan to expand KidsCare eligibility, pay parent caregivers
PHOENIX - Arizona will expand income eligibility for the state's KidsCare program, potentially adding10,000 children to the low-cost health care program, and will make permanent a pandemic-era program to pay parents who act as caregivers for their disabled children.
Feb. 20, 2024, Newscast
Gilbert business makes prom affordable, groups help feral cats and ASU baseball’s strong start
MLB managers praise Arizona Diamondbacks for improbable success in 2023
GLENDALE — The Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world with their improbable 2023 postseason run that resulted in a World Series appearance. Looking toward 2024, numerous MLB managers have praised the team for the team’s recent success.
‘Looseness to this group’: Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen enters 2024 Spring Training with sense of relief
SCOTTSDALE – After being a major factor in the team’s 2023 postseason run, the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen is prepared to take the next step forward and build off the team’s National League pennant.
Connected, dangerous and complete: Arizona Diamondbacks aim to cement place among MLB’s elite teams
SCOTTSDALE — As the Arizona Diamondbacks enter 2024 Spring Training, they carry the momentum of their surprising 2023 World Series journey, armed with a bolstered roster and a renewed sense of determination.
Swinging into spring: Previewing every Cactus League team as countdown to 2024 Opening Day begins
PHOENIX - The Cactus League has started and that leaves many fans eager to learn what’s in store for their team in 2024. As teams prepare to play spring training games, learn what’s new and what to expect from all 15 Cactus League teams.
Migrantes huyen de la violencia y piden asilo en EE.UU.
NOGALES, SONORA, MEX. – Familias migrantes huyen de violencia y esperan en Nogales su aprobación de asilo. Miles viven en precarias condiciones en la ciudad fronteriza.
Arizona leaders take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits for sustainability projects
PHOENIX – Leaders of Arizona’s public, private and nonprofit sectors discussed financial incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, explaining how they will use available federal funds for environmental efforts and renewable energy projects.
Senate votes to put the ‘illegal’ in illegal migration, make it a state crime
PHOENIX - The Senate voted Wednesday to make it a state crime to illegally enter Arizona by crossing the border between ports of entry - a proposal that Democratic opponents called both racially motivated and unconstitutional.
Feb. 21, 2024, Newscast
A controversial immigration bill, George Floyd exhibit and GCU club hockey team additions
Through scenery changes, ASU journeyman Jose Perez has always been a ‘winner’ on the court
TEMPE – ASU men’s basketball graduate guard and journeyman Jose Perez has not had it easy at any of his schools, but has experienced some legendary moments along the way.
How Dartmouth College’s men’s basketball unionization case could impact athletes at Arizona State, University of Arizona
PHOENIX – The National Labor Relations Board regional director announced Dartmouth College’s men’s basketball players could vote to unionize. While Dartmouth’s players are protected by the NLRB, ASU and Arizona athletes might be impacted by the ruling.
Isaiah Jackson’s explosive start to ASU baseball season a tribute to self-belief
PHOENIX – As a sophomore, Isaiah Jackson is improving his game to help his MLB draft projections while at the same time helping ASU baseball make a push to the tournament.
Spring ahead: Six Cactus League teams feature new managers in dugout, all with same goal
GLENDALE – There are six managers with new teams participating in the Cactus League for spring training. Even though they all bring heaps of experience, they have taken different journeys to get here.
Arizona is in critical need of blood donations for sickle cell disease patients
PHOENIX — A lapse in blood donations has caused a critical blood shortage in Arizona and is affecting sickle cell disease patients. Maintaining a diverse blood supply is especially important for African Americans, who have a higher incidence of sickle cell.
From early struggles to midseason success, retooled Phoenix Suns target championship run in second half
PHOENIX – Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have led the Suns to the fifth seed in the West so far, and the additions at the trade deadline have helped shape out the roster to support the superstars.
‘I feel really good’: Brady Singer poised for redemption season with Kansas City Royals in 2024
SURPRISE – After a relatively down year for Brady Singer in which he dealt with injuries, the Kansas City Royals starter enters spring training feeling good and expecting better results.
As losing streak mounts, Coyotes watch Arizona native Auston Matthews thrive
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyote grapple with a season marred by adversity amid an 11-game skid entering Sunday's game against the Winnipeg Jets.
Gator greats: Xavier College Prep’s ongoing sports dynasty is decades in the making
PHOENIX – Through history, tradition, family and immense talent, Xavier College Prep has established itself as the greatest dynasty in Arizona high school sports with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Two years later, Arizona lawmakers remain divided on Ukraine support
WASHINGTON - Two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, members of Arizona's congressional delegation remain just as divided as ever on what role the U.S. should play in the war as it enters its third year.
Topps Spot: A week-long card-signing event in Scottsdale mansion draws Cactus League players
SCOTTSDALE – Tucked deep into Scottsdale, a rented house offers numerous amenities for MLB players to escape the craziness of spring training, all while they autograph cards for Topps Series packs.
ASU’s Léon Marchand preps for Pac-12, NCAA championships en route to second Olympic appearance
PHOENIX – After finishing as the Pac-12 champions in the 2022-23 season, the ASU men’s swim and dive team is poised for history. Standout junior Léon Marchand is set to make his second Summer Olympic appearance, all while focusing on the present moment.
New software tool takes on institutionalized racism in health care
PHOENIX – Mayo Clinic Arizona will integrate and enhance Truity, TruLite Health’s health equity software program, to address and potentially eliminate health disparities in patient care.
Going on offense over Defense spending: Biden touts benefits to states
WASHINGTON - As Congress weigh $95 billion in military aid for Ukraine and Israel, the Pentagon is reporting that defense spending in Arizona totaled $15 billion in fiscal 2022, making Arizona the 10th-biggest beneficiary of Defense Department support among states.
Business owners challenge bill requiring E-Verify checks for jobs, benefits
PHOENIX - House Speaker Ben Toma says his latest immigration bill could save Arizona billions in welfare benefits annually, but small business owners rallied Monday to say it will cost the state instead, by driving out businesses and workers.
Ford Championship 2024 marks milestone moment for LPGA Tour in Gilbert
GILBERT - On Feb. 10, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux joined local pros Mina Harigae and Alena Sharp to announce the Ford Championship at the Seville Golf & Country Club. During the event, they discussed the future of the LPGA Tour and women’s golf.
‘All I wanted to do was dance’: Ballet scholarship competition helps further dancers’ dreams
PHOENIX – Ballet dancers competed for scholarships at the Youth America Grand Prix international student ballet scholarship competition at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix in February.
Hometown pride: Local gymnasts keep Arizona State program rooted in the Valley
PHOENIX – The nationally ranked Arizona State Sun Devils gymnastics team maintains a strong focus on national success, supported by four talented gymnasts hailing from the Phoenix area.
Former drug user tells story at Maricopa County’s first Spanish-only forum on fentanyl addiction
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney's Office hosted its first Spanish-only forum on the dangers of fentanyl. The program featured Ronny Morales who told his personal story of using the drug and getting sober.
Kahleah Copper, Natasha Cloud excited for new beginnings with Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Mercury made a big splash during the offseason, picking up Natasha Cloud via free agency and Kahleah Copper via trade. The pair is excited to get to work in Phoenix and bring the Mercury back to championship contention in 2024.
Feb. 27, 2024, Newscast
Arizona homelessness spending report, FAFSA delay affects students, GCU softball resurgence
From Brazil to Tempe, ASU’s Isadora Sousa inspires on and off basketball court
TEMPE – As she approaches the end of her tenure in Tempe, Isadora Sousa's thoughts often turn to the girls back home in Brazil as she takes to the court.
Unlucky No. 13: Arizona Coyotes skid nowhere fast in wake of ongoing arena concerns
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes have lost 13 straight games. With their contract at Mullet Arena coming up in the short future, rumors of a new arena location surround the team.
Foro en español sobre el fentanilo promueve discusiones acerca de las adicciones en la comunidad hispana
PHOENIX – Cientos de personas asistieron al primer foro en español organizado por el condado Maricopa sobre el fentanilo dirigido a la comunidad hispana. Entre los oradores estaban Ronny Morales y su madre, Marta Ayala, quienes compartieron su experiencia lidiando con la adicción en la familia.
‘It’s pretty terrifying’: Ex-Suns guard Rex Chapman’s memoir sparks conversations on addiction, recovery in Tempe
TEMPE – From basketball star to addiction to social media influencer, Rex Chapman continues to speak honestly and shed light on his struggles throughout his life.
LGBTQ+ youth face increased risk for suicide and barriers to accessing mental health care
TUCSON – LGBTQ+ youth are facing a persistent mental health crisis and seek gender-affirming resources for support. Societal attitudes and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation create barriers to mental health care for the community.
Phoenix continues outreach to struggling teens during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is using Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about a complex issue and to continue support and outreach for teens affected by dating violence.
Feb. 28, 2024, Newscast
Ballet dancers competition, Barbie exhibit at Phoenix Art Museum and Rex Chapman’s story
Hungry Giants: Top Arizona high school softball teams ready for regular season following Lion Country Classic
MESA – With the Arizona high school softball season slated to start this week, the Lion Country Classic hosted some of the biggest names to watch throughout the season.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto wows Los Angeles Dodgers fans in Cactus League debut
SURPRISE — Yoshinobu Yamamoto finally made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a long offseason of anticipation, the ace’s impressive debut only has fans more excited for the Dodgers’ potential in 2024.
On the hunt: Arizona Cardinals strategize for upcoming NFL draft with pressing need at receiver
PHOENIX – With the combine starting this week, and the Cardinals picking near the top of the NFL draft, what will the organization prioritize in Indianapolis?
Arizona GOP legislators pass immigration bills on border crossing and E-Verify
PHOENIX – Arizona lawmakers have advanced a package of immigration legislation that critics are calling “SB 1070 2.0” and gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that would make illegal entry a state crime.
Congress in action, or inaction? This Congress among the least productive
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers passed a last-minute budget extension Thursday to head off a looming Friday government shutdown - just the 40th law passed by this Congress, which is on pace to be the least productive in at least a half-century.
Upstart Royals look to familiar face Will Smith for resurgence help
SURPRISE – The only player in MLB history to capture three consecutive titles for different teams, Will Smith returns to the one he broke in with to pursue not only his fourth title, but to help return the Kansas City Royals to relevance.
ASU’s Viva Kreis aims to elevate women’s sports, play for U.S. handball team in 2028 Summer Olympics
PHOENIX – Viva Kreis is an ASU athlete with a handful of extra work. She hopes to play in the 2028 Summer Olympics in team handball and make a difference in women’s sports. The path to completing these goals comes with hard work and focus.
Bonded by baseball: 3 young Brewers fan battling illnesses forge friendship on spring training trip
PHOENIX – The Brewers welcomed three young Aurora Health Care patients who were nominated as the Aurora MVPs. The families visited spring training, bonding through their shared traumas and love.
End of an era: ASU’s Art Martori leaves behind lasting legacy, Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club
TEMPE – ASU wrestling honored recently retired Art Martori before its match against Nebraska. He is a beloved figure and pioneer of wrestling in Arizona through his founding of the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club.
‘We’re going to continue to be the Pac-12 Conference’: New commissioner ready to put up fight
PHOENIX – New Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould said she is ready to protect the interests of the conference, including keeping its name and securing media rights.
Abortion opponents rally at Capitol during ‘crucial time in Arizona’
PHOENIX – Abortion opponents packed the plaza outside the Arizona Capitol on Friday in an impassioned display of anti-abortion advocacy at what one advocate called "a crucial time in Arizona" for the abortion fight.
Cuddles, car rides and… knives? Milwaukee Brewers share stories about their pets
PHOENIX – It’s safe to say Milwaukee Brewers players love their four-legged friends, and they’re more than willing to share the oddities that come with being a pet owner.
Natasha Adair’s unique position of Black female coach helps empower ASU basketball players
PHOENIX – In 2020, Natasha Adair helped found Black Coaches United, an organization looking to foster and increase diversity among basketball coaches at all levels. Now, she helps empower her Arizona State women’s basketball players.
With traffic fatalities on the rise, Phoenix looks for safety solutions
PHOENIX – Phoenix, which had the most traffic deaths in the state in 2022, is working toward eliminating traffic fatalities using its Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan.
If trees could talk: Tree rings show recent decades warmest in 500 years
The current Western megadrought is unlike any other dry period the region has experienced over the past 500 years. That’s according to a new study in which scientists looked at tree rings to track changing temperatures going back to 1553.
Tempe adds advocate, detective to enhance support for trafficking survivors
TEMPE – In an effort to combat human trafficking in Arizona, the city of Tempe has added two new positions, with a victim advocate joining the CARE 7 team and a specialized detective added to the Tempe Police Department.
‘I’ll run through a wall for y’all’: Phoenix Mercury lure talent, strengthen reputation as destination team
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury are one of the most accomplished franchises in the WNBA, but a new regime has made the team one of the most attractive destinations in the league.
‘Pain of losing him is unbearable’: Family of Cesar Chavez football player who drowned files lawsuit
PHOENIX – On March 4, the family of 15-year-old Christopher Hampton, who drowned in July during a Cesar Chavez High School football summer camp trip, filed a lawsuit against the Phoenix Union High School District.
Sinema won’t run again, decries system where ‘compromise is a dirty word’
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an independent, announced Tuesday that she will not run for re-election this fall, lamenting the current state of partisan politics where voters and lawmakers alike prefer to "retreat farther to their partisan corners."
Kansas City Royals embrace veteran presence in clubhouse, hope to return to winning ways
SURPRISE – The Kansas City Royals have had to rely on a young core in recent years, leading to inconsistent results. With the arrival of proven veterans to the Royals clubhouse, the team is embracing their presence heading into what hopes to be a very competitive season.
Vote ’em if you’ve got ’em: Voters could see flood of questions on ballot
PHOENIX - One expert thinks it's evidence of voter enthusiasm. Another thinks it is more likely voter unhappiness with their elected officials. What they're talking about is the avalanche of statewide ballot questions that Arizona voters are likely to face at this fall's elections.
Prom, conversation, bingo: Seniors seek socialization
GILBERT – Phoenix senior homes held a prom in January to give their residents a special event with live music, dancing and a chance to dress up and socialize. Socialization is key to mental health and well-being for senior citizens.
Fresh powder beckons: Arizona Disabled Sports, High Country Adaptive Sports partner in annual ‘SkiAble’ event
FLAGSTAFF – Arizona Disabled Sports and High Country Adaptive Sports partner in an annual “SkiAble” event for the disabled community. Mason and Jaxton Mogensen, who both have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, enjoyed their first SkiAble experience.
‘It’s 0-0’: ASU women’s basketball hopes to disrupt Pac-12 tournament despite 11th seed
TEMPE – ASU women’s basketball coach Natasha Adair enters her second Pac-12 tournament with experience and a young team growing together.
As hearings grow more combative, one committee stands out for its civility
PHOENIX - Capitol observers say hearings are getting more heated, and their chairman more combative with the public, but there is one island of civility: The House Commerce Committee is more often evokes laughs than lashing out, and many credit the chairman.
StatBroadcast, invented to revolutionize live sports stats, epitomizes ASU innovation
TEMPE – Nate Policar invented StatBroadcast as a student intern in the ASU sports information department. Now, his collegiate innovation is used by hundreds of college programs nationwide, including Power Five schools and the NCAA.
Remarkable turnaround by Grand Canyon men’s hockey club team earns Lopes first ACHA nationals appearance
PHOENIX – GCU club hockey rebounds after a rough start and wins its final nine regular season games to earn the Lopes a first nationals appearance in program history.
Colorado River states offer competing proposals for managing water
The seven states that use water from the Colorado River proposed competing plans to the federal government this week on the river's future management, with upper and lower basin states offering their own visions.
Arizona reports 20% increase in HIV cases, predominantly affecting Hispanic communities
PHOENIX – Reported Arizona HIV cases have increased by 20%, an uptick largely affecting the Hispanic community. A Phoenix care organization describes how financial and cultural barriers persist to persuading people to get tested.
ASU women’s basketball hopeful for future despite quick exit in Pac-12 tournament
LAS VEGAS – ASU women’s basketball officially ended its season Wednesday with a loss in the first round of the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball tournament. Despite the outcome, Natasha Adair is proud of her team’s growth and is hopeful for the Sun Devils’ future.
Wacha’s Way: Kansas City’s signing of veteran pitcher could help Royals’ ‘young bucks’
SURPRISE – Having played the role of father for one full season in the MLB now, Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha reflects on how juggling parenthood and a professional career has taught him lessons that are applicable to leading a clubhouse.
Phoenix Rising FC enters new season ready to defend USL Championship title
PHOENIX – For the first time in franchise history, Phoenix Rising FC is playing the role of defending its USL Championship title. New coach Danny Stone believes the team is ready.
Phoenix adds 2027 NBA All-Star Game to its list of star-studded sporting events
PHOENIX – With Phoenix set to host the 2027 NBA All Star Game, the city adds another star-studded event to the list, while Suns owner Mat Ishbia and NBA commissioner Adam Silver look to create the perfect experience for a community that has not had the game since 2009.
Sister, sister: Two sets of siblings give GCU beach volleyball team unique identity
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University’s beach volleyball team features two pairs of sisters, giving the Lopes an edge when it comes to chemistry.
Arizona lawmakers pan, praise Biden’s combative State of the Union address
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden gave a combative State of the Union address that laid out his achievements and baited Republicans for not doing more, a tone that did not sit well with Arizona's GOP lawmakers. Democrats, not surprisingly, praised both his tone and agenda.
Three storylines to watch at NASCAR’s Shriners Childrens 500 at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – A champion’s return, a new racing package and a young driver looking to redeem himself headline NASCAR weekend at Phoenix Raceway.
As Arizona probes school choice fraud, advocates dismiss scheme as ‘inside job’
Prosecutors say the indictment of five people accused of defrauding the Empowerment Scholarship Account program shows the program lacks guardrails, but ESA supporters said the indictments show that safeguards are in place and working.
Legisladores de Arizona aprueban proyectos de ley de inmigración sobre el cruce fronterizo
PHOENIX – Los legisladores de Arizona han avanzado en un paquete de legislación de inmigración que los críticos llaman "SB 1070 2.0". Dieron la aprobación final el miércoles a un proyecto de ley que convertiría la entrada ilegal en un delito estatal.
‘I drove a rocketship today’: Christopher Bell surges to victory at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – Christopher Bell surged into the lead and then victory when Martin Truex Jr. was forced to pit in an emotional NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Phoenix Raceway for Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing.
What Arizona and Maricopa County are doing to manage smoke, air quality
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality are working to maintain the health and prosperity of the environment and residents as it relates to air quality through no-burn days and prescribed-burn smoke dispersion.
Therapy dogs take on mental health support in schools
PHOENIX – Schools are utilizing therapy dogs for mental health support to students and faculty. Both K-12 and colleges are turning to furry friends for comfort.
Pretty in pink: Phoenix Barbie exhibit highlights cultural, fashion icon
PHOENIX – Despite the “Barbie” movie’s snubs at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, the doll franchise has continued to influence the current cultural climate. Even prior to the movie’s release in 2023, Barbie has influenced fashion for decades since the doll’s launch in 1959. Phoenix Art Museum has an exhibit representing Barbie’s impressive collection and history.
March 11, 2024, Newscast
Democrats urge votes against Biden, GOP works on immigration bills, NASCAR Cup Series
Actor-turned-NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz inspires Arizona youth with racing career
AVONDALE – Phoenix resident and NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Frankie Muniz read to kids at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library in Avondale, hoping to inspire them to chase their dreams.
GCU softball’s Kristin Fifield adds ‘leader’ to sparkling college resume
PHOENIX – As Grand Canyon University's softball season unfolds in 2024, Kristin Fifield steps into a leadership role, supporting younger teammates while continuing her impressive academic achievements and community outreach.
A tale of two brothers: Perry products Cody and Jalen Williams making waves in college, NBA
GILBERT – As Oklahoma City Thunder second-year forward Jalen Williams blossoms into NBA star, younger brother Cody Williams follows in footsteps as he rises on NBA draft boards at Colorado.
As more families seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, groups step in to help as they wait
NOGALES, Sonora, Mexico – Due to a lack of resources at the Arizona-Mexico border, more families are stuck in limbo as they seek asylum.
Horne calls for more funding for teachers, more discipline for students
PHOENIX - Arizona Schools Superintendent Tom Horne told lawmakers Tuesday that the state faces a crisis in teacher retention, with low salaries and a lack of support leading to a loss of thousands of teachers every year.
March 12, 2024, Newscast
Hispanic students' absences, tribal communities internet, Frankie Muniz inspires Valley kids
Next man up: ASU scrambling after Jose Perez departs ahead of Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament
TEMPE – Arizona State men’s basketball will have a different look in the final Pac-12 tournament. Coach Bobby Hurley said the Sun Devils have to ‘re-invent’ themselves as the sudden departure of Jose Perez leaves them with a hole on offense.
Schools trying new approaches to combat absenteeism and low graduation rates among Hispanic students
PHOENIX – The latest Datos report highlighted a high rate of absenteeism and low graduation rates for Hispanic students. State Superintendent Tom Horne and Valley school districts have differing ideas of how to help.
GCU men, women enter WAC Tournament on cusp of March Madness bids amid record-breaking seasons
LAS VEGAS – The GCU men’s and women’s basketball teams finished the regular seasons on historic highs. In preparation for their WAC tournament runs, more than just a March Madness berth is on the line.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Bracketology: Arizona seeks Pac-12 gold in Las Vegas, top seed in NCAA tournament
PHOENIX — Bracket expert Scott Sandulli breaks down the projected NCAA tournament field, as the matchups soon to be unveiled come to a head at the Final Four in Phoenix next month.
‘Pee Wee’s a pillar in there’: Rhys Hoskins brings new dimensions to hopeful Milwaukee Brewers
PHOENIX – Following an 18-month period that saw the highs of the World Series and the lows of a serious knee injury, Rhys Hoskins begins a new chapter with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The VA pioneered the use of telehealth for veterans who can’t easily access health care facilities
PHOENIX – Veterans Affairs has been using telehealth since the early 2000s, long before the surge in use brought on by COVID–19. Telehealth helps veterans who have mobility issues and gives them access to specialists even in remote areas.
ASU Pro Day recap: Football prospects show their skills in front of NFL, CFL coaches and scouts
TEMPE – ASU’s Pro Day gives their draft-eligible players one last chance to show what they can do before the draft in April.
Arizona lawmakers split as House overwhelmingly OKs bill to ban TikTok
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split Wednesday as the House gave overwhelming, bipartisan approval to a bill that would ban use of TikTok in the U.S. if the owners of the social media app don't first sell it to another company.
March 13, 2024, Newscast
Educators' demands at the Capitol, organization donates pool fences, Cardinals roster moves
Rocky Mountain high: Colorado’s hitting soars during spring training
SCOTTSDALE – Through their first 19 games of spring training, the Colorado Rockies have been lighting it up at the plate, which is a massive turnaround from the 2023 MLB season.
Black Americans three times as likely to experience kidney failure as whites
PHOENIX — Black Americans are more likely to experience kidney failure than any other racial group in the United States, as the community has high rates of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Human composting? Arizona legislators consider bill legalizing natural decomposition as eco-friendly burial alternative
PHOENIX — Arizona legislation aims to legalize human composting and give Arizonans a sustainable alternative to traditional funeral care.
ASU men’s basketball loses big to Utah in Pac-12 conference era finale
LAS VEGAS — In a season of highs and lows leading to the final Pac-12 tournament ASU men’s basketball had the heavy task of winning with a chance at the NCAA tournament and keeping their overall season alive.
Oumar Ballo, Arizona Wildcats cruise past USC to Pac-12 Tournament Semifinals
LAS VEGAS – No. 1 Arizona avenged its previous loss to No. 9 USC in a 70-49 victory in the Pac-12 Men’s Tournament Quarterfinals in Las Vegas. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised his bench and center Oumar Ballo, but emphasized the Wildcats aren’t looking too far ahead yet.
Coconino official says improvements needed for federal wildfire assistance
WASHINGTON - A Coconino County official joined other witnesses who told a Senate panel Wednesday that there need to be improvements in the overlapping and sometimes confusing way federal agencies help local governments respond to crises like wildfires.
Making the madness: An inside look at the NCAA’s tournament bracket-building
PHOENIX – On Feb. 21, members of Cronkite News participated in a mock NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee ahead of the Final Four in Phoenix. Members of the mock committee learned what it takes to make the bracket every March.
Arizona Cardinals sign six free agents with defensive upgrade a priority
TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals signed six free agents to their roster Thursday. For each player, the new culture and opportunities give hope for next season.
Arizona Pro Day draws in scouts, coaches from 31 NFL teams for final in-person evaluation of promising prospects
TUCSON – In front of scouts from 31 NFL teams (and two CFL teams), the University of Arizona’s draft prospects gave scouts one last look at their skills and abilities before the draft in April.
Maricopa County residents eligible for free pool fences through Pool Fence Safety Program
PHOENIX – Child Crisis Arizona, the Salt River Project and the 493 Firefighter Foundation aim to decrease childhood drownings through the 2024 Pool Fence Safety Program that provides free pool fences to eligible Maricopa County residents.
On the hunt: Revamped Arizona Rattlers return hungry for IFL title in 2024
MESA – After falling short of expectations last season, the Arizona Rattlers are poised for a championship redemption in the 2024 arena football campaign, backed by a determined roster and experienced coaching staff.
Gila River Indian Community rejects states’ plan for Colorado, works with feds
The Gila River Indian Community said it does not support a plan backed by three states for managing the Colorado River’s shrinking water supply, and is instead working instead with federal officials to develop its own proposal for water sharing.
GCU women’s basketball upset in the WAC semifinals after Stephen F. Austin comeback in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – Grand Canyon University made an early exit from the WAC women’s tournament during its historic season, as the Lopes fell to Stephen F. Austin 66-63 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Survive and advance: GCU outlasts Seattle, books WAC Championship spot against UT Arlington
LAS VEGAS – GCU outlasted Seattle University 80-72 in its WAC semifinal in Las Vegas through Grant-Foster’s heroics. UT Arlington awaits in the WAC Championship for a bid into the NCAA Tournament.
Top-seeded Arizona Wildcats stunned by Oregon Ducks in Pac-12 men’s tournament semifinals
LAS VEGAS – The Arizona men's basketball team squared off with Oregon Friday night in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament and lost 67-59, missing out on a possible three-peat.
GCU men punch ticket into NCAA Tournament after winning WAC Championship bout over UT Arlington
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University grinded out a victory in the WAC Championship game over UT Arlington, while earning a bid into the NCAA Tournament. This is the second-consecutive title and third in four years under coach Bryce Drew.
Maricopa County, First Place hold mock election for disabled voters ahead of presidential primary
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and Elections Office is providing tools to help voters with disabilities cast their ballots and has teamed up with First Place, a residential center for people with disabilities.
Care to dance? Arizona, GCU prepare for first round of NCAA men’s basketball tournament
PHOENIX – After watching their initial tournament fates be decided on Selection Sunday, the Arizona Wildcats and GCU Antelopes prepare for the madness of March on opposite ends of the tournament seeding spectrum.
Phoenix banks on wheels try to make banking more accessible, provide financial education
PHOENIX – With portions of Arizona’s population having limited or nonexistent access to banking services, financial institutions are working with nonprofits to help. Bank branches on wheels provide financial education and get more people signed up for bank accounts.
Pac-12 Post-mortem: Coaches, players weigh in on final conference tournament
LAS VEGAS – While teams battled it out for the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the sentimental value of the final Pac-12 Tournament was just as prevalent among players and coaches in Vegas.
Presidential nominees already picked, but Arizona voters still have options
PHOENIX - Joe Biden and Donald Trump have locked up their parties' presidential nominations, but Arizona voters will still have choices at the polls Tuesday in the state's presidential preference election. The question is how many will exercise that choice in protest.
State officials warn of potentially ‘explosive’ wildfires this summer
PHOENIX - Forestry officials said Arizona is on the verge of a volatile wildfire season, and they urged state residents to be prepared and to take steps now to head off the worst of it.
March 18, 2024, Newscast
Former Sun Devil’s creation features at March Madness, a new controversial immigration bill
Colorado’s Cal Quantrill, Dakota Hudson bring leadership, experience to Rockies pitching staff
SCOTTSDALE – After a season of injuries in 2023, the Colorado Rockies bolstered their depleted pitching staff by bringing in right-handers Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson. The Rockies hope the additions will give them a chance to compete in a loaded NL West this season.
A’s new plate approach is paying dividends thus far in spring training
MESA – The Oakland A's are using the Cactus League to take a team-first approach at the plate, which is prevalent in the early innings of spring training.
‘A perfect situation’: Arizona ‘excited’ for First Four matchup against Auburn in NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament
PHOENIX – For the fourth consecutive year, the Arizona Wildcats are back in the big dance. This year, the Wildcats travel to Connecticut for their First Four matchup against Auburn.
Organizations assist Native American voters as election year ramps up
PHOENIX – Organizations like Arizona Native Voter and the Native American Rights Fund work to help Native Americans vote. With hurdles like restrictions on post office box addresses and voting accessibility in rural areas, voters may struggle to cast their votes.
Downtown madness: Final Four countdown kicks off with Coca-Cola bracket reveal outside Phoenix Convention Center
PHOENIX – The Final Four is 18 days away, and the city of Phoenix joined the Madness Tuesday underway as the Coca-Cola bracket was unveiled downtown outside of the convention center.
Voters hit the polls for Arizona presidential preference election
PHOENIX – The Arizona presidential preference election drew some voters out on Election Day, though many who participated in the partisan election had already voted via mail-in ballot for their chosen presidential candidate. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are already their parties’ presumptive nominees.
Despite lingering challenges, Trump, Biden cruise to victories in Arizona
PHOENIX - President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump cruised to victory in Arizona's presidential preference election Tuesday, easily outdistancing challengers despite an organized protest vote and former challengers who were still on the ballot.
Home away from home: Third spaces reemerging for community engagement, social development following COVID-19 impact
PHOENIX – Third spaces are environments that don’t feel like a requirement or a chore to be in them – a home away from home. Following COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, many of these spaces were shut down, but now the concept of third spaces is regaining recognition.
Welcome reunion: Suns sign Isaiah Thomas to 10-day contract as playoffs draw closer
PHOENIX – Isaiah Thomas played for the Phoenix Suns in 2014. Now a decade later, Thomas is back in Phoenix on a 10-day NBA contract and is looking to help the Suns push for the top six in the stacked Western Conference standings.
Casitas, private clubs highlight upgrades Arizona Cardinals plan for State Farm Stadium
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals announce several high-end seating upgrades for State Farm Stadium as it stays in the hunt to remain relevant.
Coming home: Chicago native Nicky Lopez brings leadership, culture change to White Sox
GLENDALE - After learning he was being traded to the White Sox the day before his wedding, Nicky Lopez is excited to return home and help change the culture in Chicago.
‘Two genuine friends’: Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, Long Beach State’s Dan Monson share near 30-year bond
SALT LAKE CITY – Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and Long Beach State’s Dan Monson share a bond that stems deeper than basketball. With the two squads taking different paths to the tournament, both Lloyd and Monson are rejoicing in the opportunity to coach against each other.
Biden y Trump logran victoria en elecciones de preferencia presidencial en Arizona
PHOENIX — Biden y Trump logran victoria en Arizona convirtiéndose en los presuntos candidatos a representar su partido.
‘Smokus Pocus’ cannabis-themed magic show aims to destigmatize marijuana use
PHOENIX – Ben Zabin is touring nationwide with his cannabis magic show “Smokus Pocus.” He and advocacy group NORML say entertainment like this can help to destigmatize marijuana use – even in places like Arizona where recreational pot use is legal.
Feds award Intel $8.5 billion; money to expand Chandler, other chip plants
CHANDLER - President Joe Biden announced the award of $8.5 billion to chipmaker Intel on Wednesday, along with $11 billion in loans that will help the semiconductor manufacturer expand operations in Arizona and three other states.
March 19, 2024, Newscast
Presidential Preference Election, homelessness solutions, Sloan Park celebrates 10 years
March 20, 2024, Newscast
Biden tours Intel, Presidential Preference Election effects, Arizona in NCAA Tournament
Storylines, sleepers to watch: 68 teams look to write their chapter during March Madness
PHOENIX – The 2024 NCAA Tournament starts Thursday and there is no shortage of storylines. Can Arizona go to the Final Four for the first time since 2001? Can the James Madison Dukes become the darling of the tournament? Anything can happen. It’s March.
Hometown kid: Carter Jensen’s baseball journey continues at first MLB camp with Kansas City Royals
SURPRISE – Kansas City Royals prospect Carter Jensen grew up cheering for the team and now he finds himself as a member. In his first major league camp, Jensen was able to soak it all in and learn from one of his idols in the process.
Former ASU swimmer Kyle Sockwell, the self-proclaimed CEO of swimming social media, upends the sport’s coverage
PHOENIX — The 2024 Paris Olympics will be underway in just over four months. Swimming coverage on social media is led by former Arizona State swimmer Kyle Sockwell. He began his career posting on Vine, and is now the self-proclaimed President & CEO of Swimming Twitter.
Next-man-up mentality fuels Hamilton High School baseball following two straight 6A state championships
CHANDLER – Coming off of two consecutive state championships and nine in coach Mike Woods’ 27-year tenure, Hamilton High School baseball leans on new players stepping up in wake of stars departing for Division I and Minor League baseball.
Mobile maternity care clinics work to expand prenatal care accessibility
PHOENIX – One in six infants in Arizona was born to a woman receiving inadequate prenatal care in 2022. To tackle lack of accessibility, mobile maternity care units are bringing prenatal care to communities that need affordable prenatal resources.
A tale of two halves: Arizona leans on championship experience in first-round win over Long Beach State
SALT LAKE CITY – With three members of the Arizona basketball team being a part of a national championship contending team, they put that experience in use against Long Beach State on Thursday during the first round of the NCAA tournament.
GCU men’s basketball seeks to solidify legacy with first NCAA Tournament win Friday against Saint Mary’s
PHOENIX — GCU men’s basketball has won the Western Athletic Conference three of the last four years, but the program looks to solidify its legacy with a victory Friday against Saint Mary’s behind veterans Jovan Blacksher Jr. and Gabe McGlothan.
Arizona Coyotes’ trade deadline moves signal youthful future in sight
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes moved veteran players at the trade deadline. While acquiring future draft compensation, the Coyotes shift their focus to the development of their youth.
Faith over fear: Arizona Christian stands behind beliefs amid NAIA Sweet 16 appearance
GLENDALE – Although Division I basketball programs in Arizona are thriving in the NCAA tournament, Arizona Christian University of the NAIA is in the Sweet 16. For the Firestorm, their success stems from coaching, talent and faith.
Eye on the Storm: Recent events bring state of court-storming into question
PHOENIX – Court-storming has caused waves in the modern-day sports ecosystem affecting both the NCAA and high school level following high-profile incidents involving Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and Duke’s Kyle Filipowski.
An 18-wheeler: Young and spry teen Kylan Boswell is leading Arizona Wildcats in NCAA men’s tournament
SALT LAKE CITY – As the youngest player on a stacked Arizona Wildcats team, Kylan Boswell played like a true veteran Thursday against Long Beach State. His coach and teammates believe that when Boswell is confident, there’s not a team in the country that can beat them.
‘Downwinder’ renewal left out of massive budget bill rushed through Congress
PHOENIX - The $1.2 trillion budget that Congress was working to pass Friday included protection for gas stoves to restrictions on payments to the Chinese government. What it didn't include was renewal of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act for "downwinders."
$1.2 trillion budget bill, racing against shutdown, funds more border security
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers on Friday advanced a $1.2 trillion package of budget bills that includes funding for 42,000 new beds in migrant detention facilities and for the hiring of an additional 22,000 Border Patrol agents.
A (Caleb) Love letter: Senior’s passion for big stage helps Arizona Wildcats beat Dayton, advance to Sweet 16
SALT LAKE CITY – After struggles in the Pac-12 men’s tournament, Arizona senior guard Caleb Love regained his shooting touch in a close game against Dayton, sending the Wildcats into the Sweet 16.
Broken heart? With determination, treatment, GCU’s Tyon Grant-Foster finds his way back to basketball
SPOKANE, Wash. – When he collapsed twice because of a heart problem, Grand Canyon's Tyon Grant-Foster thought his basketball career was over. Instead, he is leading the Lopes in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Amid abundance of highly touted young players, Milwaukee Brewers will also take a look at ‘older’ prospects
PHOENIX – Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy loves the young prospects in the club’s farm system, but he said some players take longer to blossom. He’s excited about some “older” prospects who could make their big league mark this season.
As spring practice opens, ASU football enters second year of Kenny Dillingham era with higher expectations in 2024
TEMPE – After back-to-back forgettable seasons, ASU football looks to improve in a plethora of ways ahead of 2024 spring practices.
Phoenix-area Black businesses face challenges with start-up capital
PHOENIX – Black businesses are facing funding problems to start up. The State of Black Business report has recommendations to help fix the problem.
Photo essay: ‘Saddened and shocked’ Ohtani, Dodgers try to move forward after translator betting scandal
GLENDALE – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani and his teammates enjoyed a promising spring training, but a gambling scandal involving the player’s translator changed the tone of the exhibition season.
Tribes, feds spar before Supreme Court over who pays for health care
WASHINGTON - The San Carlos Apache said Monday it is owed $3 million by the federal government for health services, one of two tribes arguing before the Supreme Court for more support, But the government said allowing tribes to claim additional costs would strap the system.
March 25, 2024, Newscast
UA makes NCAA Sweet Sixteen, GCU’s Cinderella story ends, man threatens election official
Chicago Cubs finding identity as 2024 regular season approaches with sights set on NL Central crown
MESA — Spring training has all different types of players, and the Chicago Cubs are still trying to figure themselves out as the season approaches. But they like the group they have with sights of winning the NL Central division.
Arizona registra un aumento del 20% en los casos de VIH que afectan sobre todo a la comunidad hispana
PHOENIX — Los casos de VIH registrados en Arizona han aumentado un 20%, un aumento que afecta en gran medida a la comunidad hispana. Una organización asistencial de Phoenix describe cómo persisten las barreras económicas y culturales para convencer a la gente de que se haga la prueba.
Tohono O’odham Nation receives grant to expand internet connectivity
TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION – The Tohono O'odham Nation received $10 million in grants to expand its internet connectivity to regions that previously had no internet.
Affordable Care Act celebrates 14th anniversary following jump in enrollment, continuing political discord
PHOENIX – The Affordable Care Act just celebrated its 14th anniversary this month despite continuing differences in opinions between Democrats and Republicans about the landmark health care law.
March 26, 2024, Newscast
Mental health benefits for constables, dog field trips and Isaiah Thomas' return
LPGA Tour Game Night brings together fans, pros in a unique golf experience
SCOTTSDALE – With the LPGA Tour landing in Arizona, PXG Scottsdale hosted its first LPGA Tour Game Night that allowed avid golf lovers of all ages to compete with one another in a series of challenges while being able to interact and learn from four professionals.
Lights, churro, action! Diamondbacks highlight upgrades to Chase Field despite uncertain future
PHOENIX – From new lights to new food, the Arizona Diamondbacks unveil changes and upgrades to various areas of Chase Field, even as the team’s future in the ballpark hangs in the balance.
Nación Tohono O’odham recibe subvención para ampliar conectividad a Internet
NACIÓN TOHONO O'ODHAM — Nación Tohono O'odham recibe subvención para ampliar la conectividad a Internet. Miembros de su comunidad recibe
Ultimate coup de grace: ASU men’s swim and dive team seeks to end Pac-12 era with first NCAA championship
PHOENIX – Following a dominant Pac-12 championship win, the Arizona State Sun Devils men’s swim and dive team seeks to end the Pac-12 era with the program’s first NCAA championship.
Where flower fields historically grew, the next generation of farmers cultivates south Phoenix
PHOENIX – The flower fields once grown by Japanese American farmers along part of Baseline Road have now been replaced by housing and urban development. Despite the drastic changes to the South Mountain area, the unique subclimate at the base of the mountain makes it the perfect place for agriculture and farming.
‘Little bit of a fairytale’: Josh Doan scores twice in unforgettable Arizona Coyotes debut
TEMPE – Josh Doan netted two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes on Tuesday night in a blowout win over Columbus. The son of Coyotes legend Shane Doan created lifelong memories for family, friends and fans.
Jordan Montgomery addition exemplifies Arizona Diamondbacks’ willingness to compete for another World Series
PHOENIX – After Eduardo Rodriguez went down with a lat sprain late into spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks filled the hole by signing southpaw Jordan Montgomery to a one-year contract.
Former users and experts debate whether kratom, an herbal substance, helps or harms those who take it
PHOENIX – Former kratom users in the Valley describe their experiences using the herbal substance that originated with traditional uses in Southeast Asia. While users started taking it to deal with depression or pain, they described becoming addicted as they took higher doses. A Banner Health toxicologist and the American Kratom Association discuss its potential risks and benefits.
King of the Jungle: Arizona Wildcats looks to pounce on Clemson Tigers in Sweet 16 meeting
LOS ANGELES – Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and Clemson Tigers offers a chance for the Wildcats to reach the Elite 8 for the first time in nearly a decade. Clemson displays a slow pace which Arizona has struggled with in the past.
March 27, 2024, Newscast
Tree canopy, reducing risk of wildfires, Arizona taking on Clemson in Sweet 16
Next big thing: Freddy Peralta begins pathway to Brewers’ ace, will make first career Opening Day start
PHOENIX – After the departure of Corbin Burnes and long-term injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams, Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Brewers’ pitching staff and gets the nod for Opening Day.
Who’s hot, who’s not in the men’s Sweet 16? The ACC, transfer portal and … birds
PHOENIX – Fifty two teams have been eliminated and only 16 remain to fight for the right to call themselves the 2024 men’s NCAA champion. Why is the ACC feeling really good, and is it a bad tournament to be a bird?
Senators told of ‘alarming’ level of drone incursions at southern border
WASHINGTON - Cartels are sending as many as 1,000 unmanned drones across the border every month, sometimes smuggling drugs but more often probing the border for vulnerabilities, a Pentagon official told a Senate committee this month.
Sponsor surprise turns golfer Kim Paez’s LPGA dreams into reality following recent success
GILBERT – After her recent success in the 2023 Southwest PGA Championship, golfer Kim Paez was surprised with a sponsor exemption allowing her to compete in the inaugural Ford Championship as her first ever LPGA tour event.
Battle of the Bigs: Arizona’s Oumar Ballo faces tall task in Sweet 16 matchup against Clemson’s PJ Hall
LOS ANGELES – The matchup between Arizona center Oumar Ballo and Clemson’s PJ Hall will be intriguing to watch considering their different playing styles as Hall scores from shooting mid-range jumpers and posting up compared to Ballo, who primarily gets his points from the low post.
‘Cactus Basketball Hoops’ honor Indigenous community as Final Four nears
SCOTTSDALE – As the men’s Final Four returns to the Valley, four “Cactus Basketball Hoops” designed by local artist Paul Molina incorporate basketball and Indigenous culture for tourists to see.
‘This team will be ready’: Arizona Diamondbacks’ expectations high entering 2024
PHOENIX – After a shocking 2023 season that saw an underdog Arizona Diamondbacks team take center stage in the World Series, the team has no intentions of backing down now. They’re gunning for it all.
Personas que consumían kratom y expertos debaten si la sustancia vegetal, beneficia o perjudica a quienes lo consumen
PHOENIX – Personas que consumían kratom en el Valle describen sus experiencias con la una sustancia vegetal de uso tradicional en el sureste de Asia. Aunque los usuarios empezaron a tomarlo para tratar la depresión o el dolor, describen cómo se volvieron adictos a medida que tomaban dosis más altas. Una toxicóloga de Banner Health, y la Asociación Americana del Kratom debaten sus posibles riesgos y beneficios.
Menthol cigarettes, heavily marketed to African American communities for years, face possible state and federal bans
PHOENIX – Since the 1960s, menthol cigarettes have been heavily marketed to African American and other minority communities, which have suffered lasting health effects. Now a movement to ban menthol tobacco products is mounting.
Dreamscape Learn provides virtual learning experiences for ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest students
PHOENIX – Dreamscape Learn is collaborating with ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest to provide students with the first K-12 opportunity to use its new immersive virtual learning pod. Students can experience virtual realities from King Tut’s tomb to 30 meters below the ocean’s surface.
Easy, Tigers: Clemson controls tempo early, knocks off No. 2 Arizona to advance to Elite Eight
LOS ANGELES – In a game of momentum, Clemson was able to hold off Arizona 77-72 in the battle for the jungle. In a men’s NCAA Tournament meeting where Pac-12 Player of the Year Caleb Love struggled, the Tigers advanced to their first Elite Eight since 1980.
Just a backup plan: A’s pitcher Ross Stripling’s passion for finance started before baseball took off
MESA – Ross Stripling brings more to the A’s than eight years of major league experience. The Texas A&M graduate has a strong financial background as a licensed money-manager.
Arizona’s shooters turn cold as Clemson finally returns to Elite Eight in men’s NCAA Tournament
LOS ANGELES – A poor night of shooting from 3-point range contributes to Arizona’s loss to Clemson in the men’s NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Tigers advance to only their second Elite Eight.
How non-shooting deaths involving police slip through the cracks in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – At least 12 people died in Nevada from 2012 to 2021 during or after police encounters that did not involve a gun, according to an investigation by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at ASU and The Associated Press.
Mental health problems and meth common in deaths in non-shooting police encounters in Nevada
An investigation by the Howard Center and AP found that people in Nevada who died during or after police encounters often had both histories of mental illness and meth in their systems at the time of their deaths.
California law enforcement agencies have hindered transparency efforts in use-of-force cases
PHOENIX – While California is considered a progressive state, local law enforcement conduct has been veiled by some of the strongest privacy protections in the country. Attempts at greater transparency are being stymied by police departments and unions.
‘My dad, he needed help’: Woman says her dead father deserved more from Nevada police
LAS VEGAS – In 2019, Roy Scott called 911 to report a break-in, but when Las Vegas police showed up, events snowballed into a physical confrontation, despite Scott telling officers he had paranoid schizophrenia.
Phoenix evaluates downtown bike lanes on Fillmore Street
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is currently working on a pre-design phase for a project that would add bike lanes, or a two-way protected bikeway, on Fillmore Street from Seventh to Central avenues. That project would connect to changes made in 2022 to Fillmore Street east of Central Avenue to Seventh Street.
Won, not done: No. 4 seed Alabama heads to Arizona for first men’s Final Four in program history
LOS ANGELES – The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Clemson Tigers to advance to the program's first Final Four. With a chance at a national title, the Tide must face No. 1 overall seed UConn in Glendale.
Sears is open … again: Alabama guard’s 7 3-pointers lead to MVP award, trip to men’s Final Four
LOS ANGELES – Mark Sears scores 23 points and leads Alabama to its first men’s Final Four appearance in school history. The guard hopes for similar success at State Farm Stadium.
‘This is what I live for’: Richard Figueroa defies odds, wins ASU’s first NCAA individual wrestling championship since 2019
PHOENIX – ASU wrestler Richard Figueroa came out on top in the 125-pound weight class at the 2024 Men’s NCAA Wrestling Championship, beating No. 1 ranked Braeden Davis of Penn State and No. 3 ranked Drake Ayala of Iowa on the way to the national title.
Oscar Valdez captures WBO interim junior lightweight world title for all his ‘beautiful Mexican fans’
GLENDALE – Born in Nogales, Mexico, and raised in Tucson, no one understands Mexican boxing culture like Oscar Valdez. Defeating Liam Wilson in Glendale Friday was just a singular moment in his inspiring career.
Final chapter: Teams set, storylines aplenty at NCAA Men’s Final Four
PHOENIX – Final Four week has arrived in the Valley, as UConn, Purdue, NC State, and Alabama fans descend upon Phoenix to watch their teams on college basketball’s biggest stage.
FDA considers updating pulse oximeter guidelines to make readings on dark skin more accurate
PHOENIX – The FDA is considering changing pulse oximeter clinical testing regulations after a series of events exposed inaccuracies for patients with dark skin
Full court success: Flooring for Men’s Final Four successfully installed
GLENDALE – One of the last big pieces associated with hosting the Men’s Final Four in Glendale is complete. It is made from first-grade northern hard maple and is 70 feet by 140 feet.
Here’s how Arizona officials are preparing for expected influx of NCAA men’s Final Four visitors
GLENDALE – Gov. Katie Hobbs, accompanied by law enforcement and city officials, held a news conference to discuss security protocols for the upcoming NCAA men’s Final Four games and events, set to be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and in downtown Phoenix.
Arizona Humane Society introduces dog field trips to broaden dogs’ exposure, increase adoptions
PHOENIX – Volunteers can sign up at the Arizona Humane Society to take adoptable dogs out on short field trips to help them gain more exposure to potential adopters.
Ryne Nelson’s dominant spring signals resurgent 2024 campaign with Arizona Diamondbacks
PHOENIX – After a grim 2023 campaign, Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson’s excellent spring signals a bounce-back season. Due to the team’s offseason additions, Nelson will likely fill a bullpen role this season.
Photo essay: Revitalized Colorado Rockies seek redemption after franchise-worst season in 2023
SCOTTSDALE – The 2023 Colorado Rockies lost 103 games, which marked a franchise record. Now they hope to improve against the toughest division in the National League, the NL West.
Countdown to tip-off: Final Four Week brings hoops fever to Arizona with fan festivities, college basketball’s best
PHOENIX – The NCAA Men’s Final Four is four days away, with many behind the scenes working tirelessly to plan a fun weekend for Arizonans and fans who will travel thousands of miles for the biggest college basketball tournament in the world.
Eastlake Park Community Center unveils NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs joined other officials to unveil the NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project, which refurbished indoor and outdoor basketball courts and upgraded other amenities at Eastlake Park Community Center.
April 1, 2024, Newscast
NCAA men’s Final Four teams set, GCU softball player recognized as one of U.S.’s best
April 2, 2024, Newscast
$650M for southern border, Brazilian jiu-jitsu female star, Daccord shines as Seattle Kraken
Arizona Legislature considers tougher animal cruelty laws after spike in cases
CHANDLER – Arizona SB 1047 aims to strengthen animal-cruelty laws following a spike in cruelty investigations and last year’s high-profile Chandler case. The bill aims to fortify protections for pets statewide.
Cigarrillos mentolados, comercializados a la comunidad de la raza negra, afronta prohibiciones federales
PHOENIX – Desde la década de los sesenta, los cigarrillos mentolados ha sido muy comercializados a la comunidad de la raza negra y otras comunidades de color que han sufrido consecuencias a su salud. Ahora, un movimiento para prohibir los cigarrillos mentolados está en desarrollo.
Grand Canyon softball’s WAC defense in full-swing after most successful season in program history
PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon Antelopes are in the midst of a scintillating season that comes on the heels of a historic 2023 campaign.
NIL no more: ASU softball players find name, image and likeness compensation through unique deals
TEMPE – Football players aren’t the only athletes taking advantage of NIL. ASU softball players are also looking for ways to get compensated for their name, image and likeness.
Phoenix’s finest: Ahead of Final Four, NCAA honors Valley community leaders with Legends and Legacy Community Award
PHOENIX – The NCAA hosted an awards reception Tuesday to honor this year’s five recipients of the Legends and Legacy Community Award. Each honoree has made a significant impact on the Phoenix community.
Public kept at bay as Israeli diplomat addresses joint legislative session
PHOENIX – The public was kept out of a joint session of the Arizona Legislature Wednesday where an Israeli diplomat said "Hamas must be eradicated" after an Oct. 7 attack sparked a war that has since killed thousands of civilians.
Advocates hit milestone in push to get abortion-rights question on ballot
PHOENIX - Activists said this week that they have collected more than 500,000 signatures to put an abortion-rights initiative on this fall's ballot, giving organizers a 100,000-signature cushion already with another three months before petitions are due.
April 3, 2024, Newscast
Phoenix PD officer shortage, protest at the State Capitol, Purdue arrives for NCAA Final Four
Pressure? What pressure? Beyond rankings, top Chicago Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong focused on MLB glory
PHOENIX — Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, 22, is a future star in MLB. He was drafted by the New York Mets out of Harvard-Westlake School — baseball royalty in the 2010s. One of MiLB’s top prospects, Crow-Armstrong wants to win the World Series.
Art of stealing bases: ASU softball creating chaos on basepaths
PHOENIX – Arizona State softball is stealing bases at an increased rate this season. The success on the base paths is leading to more runs and helping create a new team identity.
Elite Interscholastic Basketball Conference goes off without hitch in inaugural season
PHOENIX – The EIBC was founded in August by President Barry Jones, who designed several differentiators to separate it from similar high school prep basketball leagues. Some of these factors include the scoring system, player exposure and team schedules.
Purdue Boilermakers chase redemption in first Final Four appearance since 1980
PHOENIX – The Purdue Boilermakers arrived in Phoenix Tuesday night, as they begin their preparation for the men’s Final Four this weekend at State Farm Stadium. Coach Matt Painter and a few players described the emotions entering the weekend.
360 video: Explore ASU FIDM Art of Costume Design in Film exhibition
The ASU FIDM Museum in downtown Los Angeles' Art of Costume Design in Film is showcasing the intricacies of costume design and its pivotal role in storytelling and character development. The free exhibition displays a collection of costumes from some of the year’s most-talked-about films, including all five Academy Award nominees for costume design.
Final Four updates: Purdue coach Matt Painter seeks fair treatment by officials for Zach Edey
GLENDALE – Updates: From travel delays to high ticket prices, the Men’s Final Four in the Valley is already making for an interesting weekend.
Valley makeover: Downtown Phoenix undergoes massive Final Four transformation
PHOENIX – Phoenix is hosting the Final Four for the first time since 2017. Downtown is experiencing a makeover to host over 100,000 fans, what is it looking like?
Governor’s office partners with RIP Medical Debt to forgive billions in medical debt for some Arizonans
PHOENIX — Katie Hobbs announced that federal American Rescue Plan Act funds will be used to pay off medical debt of Arizonans who meet special criteria.
Arizona advocates aim to break cycle of homelessness through ID accessibility
PHOENIX – The Homeless ID Project works to assist unhoused individuals in obtaining lost or stolen identification documents, making it possible for individuals to gain employment, secure housing or access essential services.
‘She was this diamond’: Before women’s Final Four gems, Ann Meyers Drysdale lit up the court
PHOENIX – Before the sport of women’s basketball exploded in popularity and rankings, Ann Meyers Drysdale broke barriers and blazed trails on and off the court.
Back in Arizona: Men’s Final Four provides full circle moment for NC State’s DJ Horne
After spending two seasons at Arizona State, NC State guard DJ Horne is back in Phoenix, this time looking for a national championship with the Wolfpack.
Nothing short of madness: UConn, NC State basketball seek rare feat in Men’s and Women’s Final Fours
PHOENIX – On Final Four weekend, UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball both play to take home NCAA championships of their own and continue the school’s basketball dominance.
Finding joy: Mudita and the mindset that changed Alabama men’s basketball
GLENDALE – The high hopes of starting the season strong quickly fading away with a 6-6 record for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but soon something sparked within the program. Mudita, a Buddhist philosophy that preaches taking joy in the accomplishments of other, helped change the entire program's attitudes during its Men’s Final Four run.
The greatest, least talked about team: How the 1997 Arizona Wildcats became March’s underdogs
PHOENIX – The 1997 Arizona Wildcats were deemed too young and inexperienced to win a title. But they paid no mind to the outside noise and became the only team in tournament history to beat three #1 seeds en route to a championship.
DJ Burns Jr. shines bright during remarkable NC State March Madness run
PHOENIX – NC State DJ Burns Jr. has captured the hearts of college basketball fans, from how he plays the game to his vibrant personality. With a chance to win the school’s third championship, he has never strayed from what brought him to this point.
Low-income hearing health care expanded to all three Arizona universities
PHOENIX - The Hearing Healthcare Assistance Project provides hearing care for low-income adults who might not able to afford care. Founded in 2021 by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and ASU, the program now includes NAU and UArizona.
Water and power collide in proposed $100 million Colorado River deal
The Shoshone Generating Station is easy to overlook, but it's key to "one of the most interesting ... water rights on the Colorado River” - a deal to spend nearly $100 million for rights to the water that powers the facility and preserve it for western Colorado users.
‘It’s going to be a bloodbath’: Purdue, NC State highlight battle of the big men in 2024 Men’s Final Four
GLENDALE– In a world of positionless basketball, Purdue and NC State are riding on the backs of big men Zach Edey and DJ Burns Jr. in the Men’s Final Four.
Math to Madness: Nate Oats’ underdog journey leads Alabama to Men’s Final Four
GLENDALE – Just 11 years ago, Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats was a math teacher and high school basketball coach in Michigan. His underdog approach has fueled the Crimson Tide to the Men’s Final Four.
Jaelen House, Jack Gohlke embrace ‘March Madness’ experience at NABC College All-Star Game
GLENDALE – With careers coming to an end, 20 senior standouts in college basketball, including former Arizona State guard Jaelen House, played one final game at the Reese’s NABC All-Star Game on the Final Four court Friday. Even though some fell short in the NCAA tournament, they will always remember the experience.
From Tempe to Storrs, Connecticut: UConn A.D. David Benedict embraces success of basketball teams
PHOENIX – Tempe native David Benedict is back in the Valley to watch the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team in the Men's Final Four. The athletic director was also an associate athletic director at Arizona State.
Guards could take spotlight when UConn, Alabama square off in Men’s Final Four
GLENDALE – In the NCAA Tournament, guard play can be the difference in making a deep postseason run. Mark Sears of Alabama and Tristen Newton of UConn are game-changers in the Men’s Final Four.
Walter Davis, Doug Collins, Michele Timms highlight Arizona ties to 2024 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame class
GLENDALE – Saturday morning the 2024 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame class that included Phoenix Suns legend Walter Davis was announced in Glendale. Of the 13 inductees, Phoenix played some role in a majority of their playing careers.
National championship bound: Purdue’s supporting cast fuels victory over NC State
GLENDALE – For the first time since 1969, the Purdue Boilermakers are in the men’s national championship game after defeating NC State 63-50. Purdue will face Connecticut in the title game.
‘They’re close to being bulletproof’: A united UConn team outlasts Alabama in Final Four showdown
GLENDALE – Teamwork helped the UConn Huskies handle the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday night in Glendale. They will try to win their second straight men’s title game when they face Purdue Monday night.
UConn coach Dan Hurley’s recipe for success: passion, tough love and player respect
GLENDALE – UConn coach Dan Hurley is on the brink of his second national title in as many years ahead of Monday’s matchup with Purdue. But what makes one of the biggest personalities in college basketball unique and so dominant?
The first Indigenous woman in space never planned on becoming an astronaut
AVONDALE – It was never in her plans to become the first Indigenous woman in space but Nicole Mann’s career path eventually took her there. At Estrella Mountain Community College, she shares her unorthodox journey of becoming a NASA astronaut.
La primera mujer indígena en el espacio comparte su camino ortodoxo para convertirse en astronauta
AVONDALE – Nunca estuvo en sus planes convertirse en la primera mujer indígena en el espacio, pero la trayectoria profesional de Nicole Mann finalmente la llevó al espacio. En Estrella Mountain Community College, comparte su camino poco ortodoxo para convertirse en astronauta de la NASA.
Final Four Updates: Purdue fans, students have large presence at men’s national championship game
GLENDALE – Arizona’s early elimination from the Men’s NCAA Tournament have help make championship tickets a little more affordable. Some were going for as low as $100 Monday afternoon.
The final Final Four? Phoenix faces rising competition as marquee sports events shift Las Vegas, Los Angeles
PHOENIX – Historically, Arizona has been a destination for marquee sporting events, but with new competition from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Arizona is facing competition to maintain its status as a host city.
Think tank estimates Arizona spends $1.1 billion annually for homelessness solutions
Think tank organization Common Sense Institute Arizona presented research, which estimates that Arizona spends $1.1 billion annually on homelessness solutions.
Gov. Katie Hobbs signs law aimed at accountability for Arizona long-term care facilities
PHOENIX – HB 2764, which Gov. Katie Hobbs signed into law Monday, requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish stricter standards and oversight for assisted living facilities, particularly those that provide memory care.
For second time in a month, feds shower billions on Arizona microchip makers
PHOENIX – The Biden administration announced Monday that it will award $6.6 billion in grants and another $5 billion in loans to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to enhance and expand semiconductor production in Arizona.
The Hurley Risers: UConn coach lifts men’s program to new heights after back-to-back titles
GLENDALE – The dominance the UConn men have shown all season continued into Monday night's championship game with a convincing victory over Purdue. Dan Hurley and his squad will leave Arizona with back-to-back titles.
Despite overcast skies, ‘Great American Eclipse’ delivers for Arizona fans
FLAGSTAFF - The weather was chilly and the skies were partly cloudy, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds who came to Lowell Observatory to watch the last solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for the next 20 years.
Purdue’s season a success despite men’s national title loss to UConn
GLENDALE – The Purdue Boilermakers wanted nothing more than a national championship in front of a fan base that came out strong to support the team. But they walked away feeling good about the season they had.
Sky-high action, sharpshooting tips off Final Four weekend at GCU’s Global Credit Union Arena
PHOENIX – Final Four weekend got kicked off at the Global Credit Union Arena on GCU campus last Thursday night. Many college basketball stars were out to showcase their skills and soak in the electric environment.
Phoenix shines as host city for 2024 Men’s Final Four, passes torch to San Antonio
PHOENIX – After the Final Four concluded Monday, the Phoenix planning committee handed the keys to hosting the Final Four to San Antonio, which will host the event in 2025.
‘Sniff and have fun’: Technology like Sniffspot app gives pets space to roam
PHOENIX – The Sniffspot app and website give dog owners the opportunity to rent safe spaces by the hour for their dogs to roam.
Arizona Supreme Court restores near-total ban on abortions in the state
PHOENIX - A divided Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated a 19th-century, near-total ban on abortion, saying it overrides a 2022 law that allowed abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.
April 9, 2024, Newscast
AZ Supreme Court upholds near-total abortion ban, meat labeling bill, Final Four recap
Ra’Shaad Samples, ASU’s coveted wide receivers coach, leaves for new role with Oregon Ducks
TEMPE - ASU wide receivers coach Ra’Shaad Samples leaves Arizona State in the middle of spring practice for a new position at Oregon. How does Kenny Dillingham replace him?
HBCU All-Star Game shines spotlight on Black excellence during Final Four weekend
PHOENIX – On Sunday, the third annual HBCU basketball All-Star Event was held at Grand Canyon University ahead of this month's NBA draft to increase exposure for athletes hoping to play at the next level.
Despite auction date set, roadblocks lie ahead in Arizona Coyotes’ trip to new arena as Salt Lake City makes overtures
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes have the auction date set, the location picked out, but the roadblocks have started to pop up. Between the NHL, the Scottsdale mayor and Salt Lake City, the road ahead is beginning to grow longer.
Phoenix Mercury unveil new headquarters, practice facility renderings
PHOENIX – Mat Ishbia sets a new standard for WNBA investment with the reveal of new Phoenix Suns and Mercury team headquarters and renderings of a state-of-the-art practice facility for the Mercury.
Phoenix Suns superfan Mr. ORNG arrested on child sex crime charges
PHOENIX – Mr. ORNG, the face of the Phoenix Suns’ fan base for years, has been arrested for child sex crimes. Patrick Battillo allegedly solicited videos of boys in “various sex acts and in various states of nudity.”
Report: ESA voucher program not fully to blame for public school enrollment decline
PHOENIX – Common Sense Institute Arizona has released a report on the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program. Key findings from the report contend that while ESA enrollment is slowing down and public school enrollment is in decline, the ESA program may not be solely to blame.
Attempt to repeal abortion ban fails as House devolves into raucous shouting
PHOENIX - The Arizona House blocked two efforts to overturn a near-total abortion ban Wednesday, one day after the 19th-century law was reinstated by the state Supreme Court. The procedural moves to block the repeal sparked an outburst by angry Democrats.
Tribal leaders seeking solutions to cartel crime, say they mostly got talk
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers wanted to talk about the problems of criminal cartels on Indigenous lands, but tribal leaders came to the House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing seeking solutions. Instead, they said, they left afraid it was just another "check-a-box-off" exercise.
Clinics vow to continue providing abortions, but unsure for how much longer
PHOENIX - One day after the Arizona Supreme Court resurrected a law that makes it a felony to perform an abortion, clinics around the state said they will continue offering care even as they scramble to figure out how long they can do so.
April 10, 2024, Newscast
Arizona near-total abortion ban, new report on ESA program, Coyotes could relocate
‘There ain’t no soft-baked cookies’: Arizona State taps transfer portal with running backs primed to reverse backslide
TEMPE – Arizona State football is at a low point with two consecutive 3-9 seasons, but coach Kenny Dillingham is rebuilding the program with three of the team’s top running backs coming from the transfer portal.
From Phillies hero to championing muscular dystrophy awareness, Rhys Hoskins’ journey is one of heart, home runs
PHOENIX – What started as a high school service hour requirement has become a decade-long commitment for Rhys and Jayme Hoskins. Over seven years with the Philadelphia Phillies, they impacted countless lives through their work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and they’re bringing that dedication to Milwaukee.
The Prom Closet and Valley Girl Dresses offer prom shoppers free or affordable options
GLENDALE – The Prom Closet and Valley Girl Dresses offer Arizona students options for prom shopping. The average prom dress can cost upward of $400, and many students are searching for more affordable options.
Cactus League announces highest attendance total since pre-pandemic
PEORIA – In its second full spring training year post-pandemic and league lockout, Arizona’s Cactus League announced an attendance of 1,630,436, its highest since 2019.
‘Absolute beautiful place’: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opens in Camp Verde
CAMP VERDE – After several setbacks, Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opened on Feb. 9 in Camp Verde. The native wildlife, hiking trails, fishing and picnic areas of the newest state park have already attracted local and international visitors.
Phoenix Film Festival works to boost Arizona’s film scene
PHOENIX – Phoenix Film Festival helps shape Arizona into a favorite spot for filmmakers and movie fans. The festival's rise over the past two decades mirrors Arizona's growing prominence in the film industry.
Black people have the highest opioid fatality rate among all other races and ethnicities in Arizona
PHOENIX – African Americans have the highest opioid fatality rate among all other races and ethnicities in Arizona. As recently as 2015, Blacks were less likely to overdose than other races or ethnicities. Now, due to a steep rise in overdose deaths, Black people have the highest overdose fatality rate, followed closely by Native Americans.
Reunited: From Ashburn to Arizona to Milwaukee, pitchers JB Bukauskas and Taylor Clarke together again
PHOENIX – Ashburn, Virginia, isn’t known as a baseball hotbed, but two pitchers for Milwaukee, JB Bukauskas and Taylor Clarke, have made it to the majors and are teammates for the second time as professionals.
Blocking the noise: Arizona Coyotes aim to limit outside distractions, finish season strong
PHOENIX – As relocation rumors swirl, the Arizona Coyotes lean on experience to help block distractions and end the 2023-24 campaign on a high note.
‘We’re here because Pat lived’: Tempe gears up for 20th annual Pat’s Run, in honor of Pat Tillman
TEMPE – Pat’s Run, in its 20th year, honors Pat Tillman’s legacy. For the 20th year, friends and family will join thousands of participants to support the Pat Tillman Foundation.
April 11, 2024, Newscast
Cactus League attendance was high, Dragon Boat Festival in Tempe, Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica
Festival de Cine de Phoenix impulsa escena cinematográfica de Arizona
PHOENIX – El Festival de Cine de Phoenix ayuda a convertir a Arizona en un lugar favorito para cineastas y fanáticos del cine. El auge del festival en las últimas dos décadas refleja la creciente prominencia de Arizona en la industria cinematográfica.
The Wall That Heals: Replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial travels to Lake Pleasant
PEORIA – The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is on display through the weekend at Lake Pleasant in Peoria.
Annual 5K walk & run tackles misinformation and stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS
TEMPE – The Aunt Rita’s Foundation AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run brought together advocates and health professionals from across the Valley to raise awareness and funds for programs that help prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.
Shaman sidelined: Chansley among more than 70 to miss signature threshold
WASHINGTON - Jacob Angeli-Chansley, also known as the "Qanon Shaman," will not be going back to Congress - at least not in an official capacity. He was among more than 70 would-be federal candidates who missed an April 1 deadline for signatures to get on the ballot.
Harris, Arizona Democrats seize on abortion ban to blast Trump, GOP
TUCSON - Vice President Kamala Harris blasted former President Donald Trump Friday as "the architect" of new abortion restrictions sweeping the country, including the near-total ban that was resurrected this week in Arizona.
Arizona Coyotes, Valley fans brace for potential finale before rumored Salt Lake City move
SCOTTSDALE – In an emotionally charged atmosphere amid reports of an impending relocation to Salt Lake City, the Arizona Coyotes prepared for what could be their final game in the Valley on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers at Arizona State's Mullett Arena.
How 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament affected WNBA Draft stock for collegiate superstars
PHOENIX – The NCAA Tournament is a great opportunity for college players to elevate their WNBA draft prospects one last time before the season ends. This year, Nika Mühl and Kamilla Cardoso were two of the top beneficiaries.
WNBA Draft Day arrives, but Phoenix Mercury’s splash already made in Kahleah Copper trade
PHOENIX – The WNBA is generating excitement for the 2024 Draft, but the Phoenix Mercury will not participate much in it after trading the No. 3 pick for Kahleah Copper.
Saguaro beach volleyball rides stellar season into promising playoff run
SCOTTSDALE - With the Division II beach volleyball playoffs slated to begin Tuesday,, Saguaro looks to capitalize on the best season in program history with first-year coach David Mietzner and star player Bella Reyes leading the way.
Biggs ready for his day in impeachment spotlight, even if it’s short-lived
WASHINGTON - Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, is ready, as one of the House managers for the trial, to tell senators that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas should be impeached. If he gets the chance: The Senate is likely to quickly dismiss the impeachment this week.
Behind the smile: How a nonprofit organization and a postpartum depression pill seek to help fight a silent battle
PHOENIX — A nonprofit organization, a Mrs. Arizona International, and a new $16,000 pill seek to help those suffering with postpartum depression.
Up trend: GCU men’s volleyball program is latest Antelopes team to gain national attention
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon’s men’s volleyball team sits at 22-4, climbed to the top of the AVCA Coaches poll for first time in program history and is the latest GCU team to make a national impact.
The ultimate sacrifice: Tillman’s legacy burns bright as firefighters lead Pat’s Run 20-year celebration
TEMPE – Pat’s Run celebrated its 20th anniversary Saturday. Over 28,000 people participated in the event and brought the attraction of local firefighters and first responders.
UCLA’s Charisma Osborne embraces underdog role after dropping to Mercury in third round of 2024 WNBA Draft
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury did not have a first- or second-round pick, but in the third round Monday they selected UCLA guard Charisma Osborne, who is a player with a ton of upside despite being drafted later than expected.
Arizona’s long-COVID rate is higher than the national average and Hispanics experience symptoms at a higher rate than other groups
PHOENIX – As Arizonans experience higher rates of long COVID, new treatment programs work to provide answers to persisting disparities.
April 16, 2024, Newscast
Coyotes react to transfer news, 2024 Olympic preview and saguaros in jeopardy
Life’s curveballs: A writer and a righty find connection through health scares
PHOENIX – Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner was a sliver of light in the darkness for this young cancer survivor. Then, in a twist of fate, I was there when the right-hander experienced his own health scare.
Arizona bill aims to regulate labeling of meat alternatives, but opponents say it’s too broad
PHOENIX – Arizona Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, introduced a bill aimed at regulating the labeling of lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives, sparking debate on transparency and consumer choice in the food industry.
Organización sin fines de lucro y una nueva píldora para la depresión posparto ayudan a quienes luchan su batalla silenciosa
PHOENIX - Una organización sin fines de lucro, Mrs. Arizona International, y una nueva píldora de $16,000 busca ayudar a quienes sufren de depresión posparto.
WNBA evaluating how superstar Cailtlin Clark, women’s sports popularity can help secure lucrative media rights deal
PHOENIX – With the WNBA’s media rights deal set to expire after the 2025 season, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert believes this year will be crucial to helping the WNBA earn its proper value in negotiations.
‘This time it felt right’: Arizona State guard Adam Miller highlights fickle journey through transfer portal
TEMPE – ASU junior guard Adam Miller was unable to play with the Sun Devils after transferring for the second time due to the change in transfer guidelines in January 2023. The transfer portal looks different this year as an influx of athletes enter it.
M3F music festival funds art programs, other nonprofits in Arizona
PHOENIX – This year’s M3F music festival brought in large crowds of music lovers. M3F uses the ticket sales to support charities that foster arts, community, education and environment across Arizona.
Pat’s Run: 20th anniversary of legendary race inspires veteran who comes full circle
TEMPE – Pat Tillman and Pat’s Run have inspired legions, including a writer who has embarked on his own journey as a veteran.
Farewell to the desert? Coyotes’ potential finale in Arizona draws emotions and memories
SCOTTSDALE – Amid relocation rumors to Salt Lake City that have ramped up over the last week, the Coyotes are slated to play what could be their last game in Arizona against the Edmonton Oilers.
State asks Supreme Court to reject new trial for Arizona death row inmate
WASHINGTON - State officials told the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday that a lower court gave too much weight to mitigating factors when it ordered a new sentencing for Danny Lee Jones in a pair of brutal 1992 murders in Bullhead City.
Republicans stall, but don’t kill, effort that would repeal 1864 abortion ban
PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate took tentative steps toward a repeal of the state’s 1864 abortion ban Wednesday, just hours after House Republicans blocked efforts to do so.
Abortion-rights advocates, opponents continue to spar, with eye on fall ballot
PHOENIX - While lawmakers inside the Capitol jockeyed over the repeal of a near-total abortion ban, the hundreds of advocates on both sides of the issue who gathered outside the Capitol Wednesday were looking forward to fights at the ballot box this fall.
April 17, 2024, Newscast
GOP blocks 1864 abortion ban repeal, proposed TikTok ban, Coyotes tickets skyrocket
Herbie Behm takes coaching reins from Bob Bowman, aims to keep ASU swimming on top
TEMPE – Days after ASU won its first swim and dive national championship, Herbie Behm received the greatest honor of his life and will have to learn on the job. He was promoted to replace legendary coach Bob Bowman, a program Behm has been in since 2010.
Paradise lost: Coyotes, fans share emotional embrace in Arizona swan song
TEMPE — In an emotionally charged atmosphere at a sold-out Mullett Arena, the Arizona Coyotes played what was likely their final game in the Valley after 28 years.
4th annual American Indian Youth Disability Summit honors ASU student with Youth Tribal Leadership Award
PHOENIX – The fourth annual American Indian Youth Disability Summit, held April 13, was created to support young American Indians with disabilities and provide peer advocacy. This year’s Youth Tribal Leadership Award was given to an ASU student studying speech and hearing sciences.
Arizona students still unsure of financial aid for fall as Gov. Katie Hobbs announces FAFSA campaign
PHOENIX – FAFSA delays mean that students and parents are still unsure how much financial aid they will be offered for the 2024-25 school year, which may delay college decisions. Arizona universities are hoping the information will be ready by the end of April so they can relay financial aid information to students.
It’s official: NHL approves Arizona Coyotes’ $1.2B Sale, relocation to Utah
TEMPE – In a long-awaited move that ends the Arizona Coyotes' decades-long arena saga, the NHL's Board of Governors unanimously approved the franchise's $1.2 billion sale and relocation to Utah.
Arizona Coyotes’ turbulent season lays groundwork for fresh start in Utah
TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes' young core showed poise and resilience in navigating the emotional turmoil of relocation rumors during a chaotic 2023-24 season.
‘We want to win a ring’: Phoenix Suns close out regular season strong, begin championship quest
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns earned the sixth seed in the Western Conference postseason due to a lack of consistent wins. As the team gets ready to compete in the playoffs, they need to find consistency.
‘Combating this epidemic’: Native Americans gather to address suicide prevention
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Indian Center recently held its 2024 Annual Suicide Prevention Convening to address the staggering losses due to mental health in Native American communities.
Driven: Sun Devils baseball recruit Cody Kiemele excels on diamond, oval
AVONDALE – Arizona State baseball recruit Cody Kiemele’s two-sport combination is rare. He’s a talented 6-foot-3, 200-pound pitcher with a side gig as a professional stock car driver.
The Singletons provides financial, compassionate support to single-parent families battling cancer
PHOENIX – The Singletons, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, helps single-parent families battling cancer get the resources and assistance they need.
ASU women’s golf carries momentum into final Pac-12 title run, NCAA championships
TEMPE – Driven by a simple mindset, No. 12-ranked Arizona State women’s golf heads into the final Pac-12 championship in Pullman coming off two wins and runner-up finish. Behind a deep roster, the Sun Devils aren’t intimidated by the tough field.
Sensory Friendly Job Fair paves the way for adults with autism to meet potential employers
TEMPE – The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and Rio Salado College put on a Sensory Friendly Job Fair on April 9 in Tempe, featuring adjusted lighting, staggered arrival times and reduced noise levels to create a calm atmosphere for job seekers with autism disabilities.
Walk of shame: ASU football slapped with probation, scholarship reductions due to violations during Herm Edwards era
Following NCAA Level I violations during the Herm Edwards era that “seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of college sports,” the Arizona State athletic department faces punishments extending into the move to the Big 12 conference.
April 18, 2024, Newscast
Coyotes' fans say goodbye, Pat's Run hits 20 years, Sedona parking for unhoused plan draws critics
‘Most painful decision in my life’: Meruelo, Bettman respond to criticism about Arizona Coyotes departure
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman suggested Friday that despite losing the Coyotes to Salt Lake City, both are committed to professional hockey returning to Arizona. “Absolutely I can do it again. Now I really know how things work," Meruelo said.
Photo essay: Mexican fighters take center stage at Top Rank Boxing in Glendale
GLENDALE – A large Hispanic fanbase watched Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson face off in the interim junior lightweight title bout, while Seniesa Estrada and Yokasta Valle squared off for five belts in the minimumweight title unification bout.
Cranks, bugs, hurlers and short scouts: Arizona Vintage Base Ball league celebrates sport’s history in yearly tournament
BISBEE – The Arizona Vintage Base Ball League isn’t a traditional baseball league. It’s played with rules from the 1860s with hopes of preserving the game's rich history.
Game of Thrones: Kings, queens of Tucson Catalina Foothills High tennis seek another crown
TUCSON – With the Division II AIA tennis playoffs slated to begin this week for both boys and girls, Catalina Foothills looks to add to its lasting footprint in the tennis scene with a pair of state championships to bring each team’s total to 18 and 19, respectively.
‘We’re not in this alone’: How an Arizona program gives support, mentorship to dads
PHOENIX – Dad Together is a program where dads of all backgrounds and stages meet up, share their experiences and support each other through their parenting journeys.
Valleywise Health opens a new medical center in Phoenix to “serve the underserved”
PHOENIX – Valleywise opens a new medical center in Phoenix to provide updated health services to Valley residents.
Supreme Court turns down Lake, Finchem suit to ban electronic vote tallies
PHOENIX - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned down an appeal from Kari Lake and Mark Finchem, apparently ending their two-year bid to block the use of electronic voting tabulation in Maricopa and Pima counties.
