Search result for Jackie Padilla

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.


‘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.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner was named a starter in the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game to extend her streak to nine consecutive selections – one shy of the league record. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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.

Arizona is home to 24 Class III casinos, which contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the state, cities towns and counties. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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.

The Phoenix Ramblers pose after winning their first of three national championships in 1940. (Photo courtesy of Lynn Ames)

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.

Former Arizona softball player Susie Parra, left, and Arizona State track and field athlete Jackie Johnson-Powell were among 12 Pac-12 Hall of Honor inductees. (Photo by Nicholas Hodell/Cronkite News)

‘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.

Darrell Miller, right, a former major leaguer and coach at the Dream Series, believes that he was pushed to play in the outfield over playing behind the plate because he was “tall and ran a 6.60.” (Photo by Kelsey Grant/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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.


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.


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.


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.


‘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.


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.