Search result for Rae Ellen Bichell

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.

A chalkboard filled with drawings of staff and a large rainbow hangs near the front desk at the TransLatin@ Coalition office in Los Angeles on July 5, 2022. Jimena Sandoval, the group’s communications and marketing coordinator, says it was drawn for Pride Month. (Photo by Jessica Alvarado Gamez/News21)

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.


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.


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.


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.

Left: Katie Hobbs, Democratic candidate for Arizona governor, speaks during the election party for Arizona Democrats at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel Nov. 8, 2022, in Phoenix. Right: Kari Lake, Republican candidate for governor, casts her vote in downtown Phoenix on Election Day and then addresses the media. (Photos by Mary Grace Grabill and Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

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.


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.


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.

The Hillcrest Prep Bruins will make their Overtime Elite league debut Friday against the YNG Dreamerz. (Photo by Liam Archer/Cronkite News)

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.


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.

Andy Biggs (Photo courtesy of the Andy Biggs campaign)

‘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.

Rae Duckworth holds a “Justice for Bobby” sticker on July 2, 2022, near murals in Salt Lake City remembering the victims of police shootings. After her cousin, Bobby Duckworth, was killed during a mental health call in 2019, Duckworth began passing out these stickers to keep his memory alive. (Photo by Laura Bargfeld/News21)

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.