Search result for Charles McConnell

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.

Compton huskies baseball player

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.

The Scottsdale City Council approved a nearly-$500,000 contract for the Independence 47 Hotel to provide temporary housing for senior citizens and families with children experiencing homelessness. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

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 State football coach Kenny Dillingham discusses the program’s self-imposed postseason ban for the upcoming season and starting quarterback Jaden Rashada’s progress in practice. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

‘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.

The Colorado River weaves through the Sonoran desert near Yuma, Arizona. Photo taken in 2021. (File photo by Luke Runyon/KUNC)

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.

Michael Carbajal celebrates after knocking Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez to the canvas in the 1993 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. Carbajal would win the fight, unifying two junior flyweight titles and earning Ring Magazine’s 1993 Fighter of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Michael Carbajal)

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.


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."


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.

The Phoenix Mercury enter Tuesday's game against the Dallas Wings riding a five-game skid after Saturday's loss to the Seattle Storm. On Sunday, Nikki Blue replaced Vanessa Nygaard as interim coach. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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.

Phoenix Mercury guard Shey Peddy made her regular-season debut on June 2 after suffering a ruptured Achilles in the 2022 WNBA playoffs. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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.

UFC hopeful Leslie Hernandez fights out of Phoenix’s MMA Lab under the strawweight division, where she currently holds a record of 1-1. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Hernandez)

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.

Phoenix is the only city among the 10 largest U.S. cities that does not have an ethics board or commission. (Photo by Emma Peterson/Howard Center for Investigative Journalism)

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.