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.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly producer picks newsletter and get our top stories delivered directly to your inbox each Saturday.

Pedestrian deaths continue to rise, Arizona ranks third highest in 2016


Natalie Tarangioli reported on data collected in the first half of 2016 by the Governors Highway Safety Association. According to the data, Arizona ranked as the third-highest state for number of fatalities per population, with 1.4 pedestrians killed per 100,000 people. Read the full story here.

Arizona soccer club helps young refugees adapt to new life


Reporter Garrison Murphy covered the members of the North Phoenix Christian Soccer Club, which is predominantly made up of refugees. Many of the boys are from places like Thailand, Zambia or Iraq. Read the full story here.

Red rocks, a water tank and angry neighbors: Controversy flows in Sedona


Our Saundra Wilson, Chloe Ranshaw and Jessica Clark went to Sedona to cover responses to the proposal of a new water tank. While some argue the tank will increase the city’s water storage and create another water source for firefighters, others say it doesn’t belong in a residential neighborhood. Read the full story here.

Don’t let them wait: Families encourage AZ residents to register as organ donors


The Phoenix Children’s Hospital launched One Big Day of Donation in honor of National Donate Life Month. Reporter Ethan Millman spoke with one family whose daughter had a heart transplant before her first birthday. Read the full story here.

From the broadcast
Closure of Tent City prompts question about future of MCSO operations


Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone announced he was closing Tent City after 24 years in operation. Reporter Veronica Acosta spoke to former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods and a former inmate about the closure. Watch the full video here.

In Focus – Podcast Storytelling from Cronkite News


On this episode of In Focus, we explore why mental illness is especially common in young adults, and the role exercise may play in mental health. 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. Listen to the podcast here.

From the Cronkite PIN Bureau
Minimum wage workers: Share your insight


Cronkite News is working on a story about people who make the minimum wage. Do you make minimum wage? Has the minimum wage increase in Arizona this year affected your life? Listen to the podcast here.

Newscast highlights


This week in Cronkite News, we’ve kept up with all the latest Arizona headlines. Our coverage this week ranges from equal pay for women, the closing of Tent City, organ donation and more. Watch the full video here.