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.

Ronnie Bradley, known as Deadend, battles in the semifinal round of the Red Bull Dance Your Style audition on March 18, 2023, at Arizona State University’s Galvin Plaza in Tempe. Deadend will compete in the regional finals in Los Angeles April 1. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

‘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.

First Place opened a residential building in 2018 for adults with autism and Down syndrome or who are neurodivergent as a response to the lack of housing for neurodiverse populations. (Photo by Hayden Cilley/Cronkite News)

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.

Arizona Coyotes front office staff recently helped out at ACCEL school for Cesar Chavez Day by building and doing other activities, including painting and sanding. (Photo by Haley Smilow/Cronkite News)

Brewers’ starting rotation expected to be strong as Opening Day arrives

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.

Two-time All-Star and 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes is part of a hungry Milwaukee Brewers rotation that eyes the playoffs in 2023. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

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.


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.

Phoenix native Elijah Saunders helped Sunnyslope High win a state championship as a junior. He signed with San Diego State because its basketball program reflected similar values. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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.


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.

Taiba Hussain showcases clothes and jewelry at the Nowruz Phoenix celebration on March 18, 2023. (Photo by Paula Soria/Cronkite News)

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.

Arizona State defensive lineman Travez Moore credits Joe Connolly for training him and his teammates to impress NFL scouts during pro day. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

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.

Heavy rains led to bright green grasses around farms on March 10, 2023, near Strathmore, California. As a result of one of California's wettest winters on record, most of the state has gotten relief from years of drought. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

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.

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. (File photo by Troy Hill/Cronkite News)

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.

Ann Meyers Drysdale, left, and Cindy Brunson are trailblazers helping to change the makeup of the broadcast industry while inspiring the next generation of women. (Photo courtesy of Ann Meyers Drysdale)