Millions in federal aid for homeless students in Arizona schools, unspent after 3 years, about to expire

WASHINGTON – Arizona schools have not used millions of dollars in federal aid for homeless students allocated three years ago during the pandemic. The Arizona Department of Education is “nagging” schools to tap the grants before they expire at the end of the month.

Schoolchildren walking toward a redbrick building in a school courtyard.

NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement

AVONDALE – NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney and other rising stars came to Phoenix Raceway for a charity event. The track honored the Drive for Diversity program and announced a partnership with the Fighter Country Foundation, which will honor those who serve at Luke Air Force Base.

Ryan Blaney in a white T-shirt in front of a NASCAR Championship Weekend Phoenix promotional banner.

Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system

TEMPE – In the wake of Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, the NCAA permitted FBS schools to use coach-to-player wireless communication. Arizona State is among the programs using the technology this season.

Close-up of two Arizona State football helmets with a Sun Devils design on the side. With a green dot on the back of the helmet indicates that the helmet is equipped with a communication device.

Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season

PHOENIX – As the American Gaming Association projects record-breaking money to be wagered on the NFL this season, the Arizona Department of Gaming and local sportsbooks are prepared for increased wagers in-person and online.

Brick building in Phoenix, AZ with large glass windows and "Caesars Sportsbook" signs above and beside the entrance.

Democrats, Republicans across Arizona work to engage underrepresented voters

PHOENIX – Groups on both sides of the aisle aim to educate voters, including Activate 48's "Together We Will" campaign, Arizona Latino Republican Association's candidate recruitment efforts, and events hosted by Arizona Teenage Republicans.

Activate 48 Coalition members standing around a podium with a speaker and a banner that reads "ACTIVATE 48" in the background. The podium has a sign that says "TOGETHER WE WILL."

Endorsements from Parkland survivors group elevates gun debate in Arizona races that pit Democrats against NRA-backed Republicans

WASHINGTON – March For Our Lives, the group formed by survivors of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting, has endorsed two Arizona Democrats against NRA backed Republicans.


Havasupai Tribe continues to oppose controversial uranium mine as Energy Fuels assures safety

PHOENIX – The Pinyon Plain uranium mine near the Grand Canyon has been under scrutiny, but Energy Fuels continues to say its operations are safe. Despite this, the Havasupai are continuing their decades-long fight against the mine.

Protesters voice their opposition to uranium hauling from the Pinyon Plain Mine on Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Blake McCord via Grand Canyon Trust)

Road to a repeat: Phoenix Rising FC fighting to hold playoff position after Sacramento setback

PHOENIX – Resurgent defending USL champion Phoenix Rising FC remains in the playoff hunt, despite a rough start to the season, thanks to some key player acquisitions and a coaching change.

Phoenix Rising FC soccer team celebrating with a trophy in front of a "Champions" banner at night.

‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title

PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner are the only threads connecting the Mercury to their last WNBA championship team. During a ceremony to celebrate that 2014 title, Taurasi told fans, “Let’s do it again.”

A group of five Phoenix Mercury members seated on stage chairs under focused lighting, with two covering their faces, one smiling, and a child holding a stuffed animal.

Never forgotten: Tucsonans honor fallen first responders at 9/11 Tower Challenge

TUCSON – Tucson firefighters, police officers and citizens came together at the Tucson Convention Center, climbing more than 2,000 steps to honor fallen heroes at the 9/11 Tower Challenge.

Members of the Tucson Fire Department firefighters in protective gear walk single file down a stairway in a large indoor arena with empty and occupied seats.

Navajos will press U.S. House to revive aid for victims of bomb fallout and uranium mines

WASHINGTON – The Navajo Nation is planning a protest at the U.S. Capitol to pressure House Republicans to revive a program for victims of radiation exposure. The program has compensated tens of thousands of bomb test downwinders and uranium miners.


ASU voter forum encourages college-aged voters to engage ahead of 2024 election

PHOENIX – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. hosted a voter forum at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication to educate young voters on ballot initiatives, registering to vote and how to detect misinformation in the digital age.