State officials warn of potentially ‘explosive’ wildfires this summer

PHOENIX - Forestry officials said Arizona is on the verge of a volatile wildfire season, and they urged state residents to be prepared and to take steps now to head off the worst of it.


Presidential nominees already picked, but Arizona voters still have options

PHOENIX - Joe Biden and Donald Trump have locked up their parties' presidential nominations, but Arizona voters will still have choices at the polls Tuesday in the state's presidential preference election. The question is how many will exercise that choice in protest.


Pac-12 Post-mortem: Coaches, players weigh in on final conference tournament

LAS VEGAS – While teams battled it out for the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the sentimental value of the final Pac-12 Tournament was just as prevalent among players and coaches in Vegas.

Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged that the Pac-12 Tournament “means so much to people outside of our sphere.” (File photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Phoenix banks on wheels try to make banking more accessible, provide financial education

PHOENIX – With portions of Arizona’s population having limited or nonexistent access to banking services, financial institutions are working with nonprofits to help. Bank branches on wheels provide financial education and get more people signed up for bank accounts.


Care to dance? Arizona, GCU prepare for first round of NCAA men’s basketball tournament

PHOENIX – After watching their initial tournament fates be decided on Selection Sunday, the Arizona Wildcats and GCU Antelopes prepare for the madness of March on opposite ends of the tournament seeding spectrum.

Arizona freshman guard KJ Lewis is among the Wildcats excited to begin NCAA Tournament play. The team opens play against Long Beach State Thursday in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Dominic Contini/Cronkite News)

Maricopa County, First Place hold mock election for disabled voters ahead of presidential primary

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and Elections Office is providing tools to help voters with disabilities cast their ballots and has teamed up with First Place, a residential center for people with disabilities.


Gila River Indian Community rejects states’ plan for Colorado, works with feds

The Gila River Indian Community said it does not support a plan backed by three states for managing the Colorado River’s shrinking water supply, and is instead working instead with federal officials to develop its own proposal for water sharing.


On the hunt: Revamped Arizona Rattlers return hungry for IFL title in 2024

MESA – After falling short of expectations last season, the Arizona Rattlers are poised for a championship redemption in the 2024 arena football campaign, backed by a determined roster and experienced coaching staff.

The Arizona Rattlers enter the 2024 season fueled by determination to make a return to championship contention with a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Rattlers)

Maricopa County residents eligible for free pool fences through Pool Fence Safety Program

PHOENIX – Child Crisis Arizona, the Salt River Project and the 493 Firefighter Foundation aim to decrease childhood drownings through the 2024 Pool Fence Safety Program that provides free pool fences to eligible Maricopa County residents.

A "Watch your children!" sign hangs on Sam Aguilar and Brandi Stoll’s pool fence on Feb. 21, 2024, in Phoenix. (Photo by Harris Hicks/Cronkite News)

Arizona Pro Day draws in scouts, coaches from 31 NFL teams for final in-person evaluation of promising prospects

TUCSON – In front of scouts from 31 NFL teams (and two CFL teams), the University of Arizona’s draft prospects gave scouts one last look at their skills and abilities before the draft in April.

Maricopa native Jacob Cowing showcases his speed and skills during receiver drills Thursday at Arizona's Pro Day. (Photo by John Busker/Cronkite News)

Arizona Cardinals sign six free agents with defensive upgrade a priority

TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals signed six free agents to their roster Thursday. For each player, the new culture and opportunities give hope for next season.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols talks to the media Thursday after signing a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. (Photo by Aaron Decker/Cronkite News)

Making the madness: An inside look at the NCAA’s tournament bracket-building

PHOENIX – On Feb. 21, members of Cronkite News participated in a mock NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee ahead of the Final Four in Phoenix. Members of the mock committee learned what it takes to make the bracket every March.

The NCAA Basketball Tournament Selection Committee meets in New York ahead of Selection Sunday to begin the process of selecting and seeding the field of 68 teams. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)