Rain can’t dampen mood as fans celebrate inclusive vibe of Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony

PARIS – The skies opened up, dumping rain on the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The weather did little to dampen the celebratory mood as thousands of fans filled parks for watch parties around the city.

Young fans dressed in ponchos protect themselves from the soaking rain while watching the Olympic opening ceremony at Parc de Jouy in Paris. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Special to Cronkite News)

Speech, book signing, more: Kari Lake prominent at RNC after modeling campaign after Donald Trump

MILWAUKEE – Kari Lake was a prominent figure at the Republican National Convention with a prime-time speech as well as a book signing.

Kari Lake, the GOP frontrunner for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Independent Kyrsten Sinema, speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 16, 2024. (Photo by Hudson French/News21)

ASU women’s golf program showcases strength with five Olympians in Paris

TEMPE – The Paris Olympics feature five former Sun Devils golfers, a proud moment for ASU coach Missy Farr-Kaye and her successful program.

ASU women's golf coach Missy Farr-Kaye, right, stands proud as five of her former Sun Devils—Linn Grant, Alexandra Forsterling, Carlota Ciganda, Azahara Munoz and Alessandra Fanali—compete in the Paris Olympics. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

5,000 miles away from Paris Olympics, Valley’s French bakeries find connection with community

PARIS – Several bakeries in the Valley embody French culinary tradition, offering authentic French pastries and bread that resonate with Arizona locals, and celebrating cultural heritage in anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Nathas Kraus, the owner of La Belle Vie Bakery in Scottsdale, begins working on the pastries that keep customers coming back for more. (Photo by Abigail Scott/Special for Cronkite News)

WNBA’s international appeal lures players and fans as the women’s game explodes in popularity

PHOENIX – Athletes who have played basketball overseas and fans from around the world weigh in on how the WNBA's impressive growth brings them together.

Josie Dumlao, second from left, and Andrea Martinez, second from right, pose with Sue Bird, center, at WNBA Live, highlighting the league's commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Martinez)

Kirsten Engel slams Juan Ciscomani over links to Patriot Academy, a Christian nationalist group, as Arizona congressional race simmers

WASHINGTON – Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel has slammed Rep. Juan Ciscomani for his ties to Patriot Academy. The Tucson Republican, who enjoys a relatively moderate image, won’t discuss the group, which wants to end church-state separation and promotes the idea of Christian government.

Tucson’s Rep. Juan Ciscomani. (Photo courtesy of the Juan Ciscomani campaign)

Double duty: Kevin Guy, Jeff Jarnigan manage coaching and front office duties while leading Arizona Rattlers into another postseason

GLENDALE – When the Arizona Rattlers begin the Indoor Football League playoffs Saturday, they’ll be led by men wearing many hats: Kevin Guy, head coach and president of business operations; and Jeff Jarnigan, defensive line and special teams coordinator who is also the general manager.

Kevin Guy, head coach and president of business operations for the Arizona Rattlers, leads the team into their 27th indoor football playoff appearance. (File photo by Cuyler Meade/Cronkite News)

Kids Online Safety Act could pass the Senate soon amid calls to protect minors online

WASHINGTON – The Kids Online Safety Act aims to protect minors on social media. The U.S. Surgeon General is among many advocates who want to tackle the youth mental health crisis. But, some opponents worry about censorship.

The Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to protect minors online from harm, is pending in the U.S. Senate. (File photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

Proposed federal commission would investigate abuses at Native American boarding schools that operated until the 1970s

WASHINGTON – A move is underway in Congress to create a commission to expose abuses at Native American boarding schools.

Navajo Girls brought to a boarding school from Keams Canyon. Photo dated June 19, 1923. (Photo courtesy of Fort Apache Central Classified Files, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Archives)

‘Gayest Olympics ever’: Paris Games will spotlight growing LGBTQIA+ athletic community

PARIS – The LGBTQIA+ community will be a focal point during the Paris Olympics, which officially kick off with Friday’s opening ceremony. The city has a history of welcoming those who have come out.

The Paris Olympics are expected to feature a record number of LGBTQIA+ athletes. In 2021, at least 186 had come out who participated in the Tokyo Games. (Photo by Westend61/Getty Images)

Eyeing gold: U.S. women’s soccer team brings high expectations to Paris Olympics

PARIS – After failing to win its last two major tournaments, the U.S. women’s soccer teams looks to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics under new coach Emma Hayes and a young group of players.

As an interim coach for the U.S. women's soccer team, former University of Arizona soccer player Twila Kilgore led the group to 10 wins, three draws and one loss while in charge. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Skateboarding gives Navajo and other Indigenous people an outlet for artistry and heritage

WASHINGTON – Skateboarders from the Navajo Nation and other Indigenous groups “shredded it” at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The sport has proven to be an outlet for artistry and heritage.

Di’Orr Greenwood with one of her handcrafted skateboards at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., June 24, 2024. (Photo by Brianna Chappie/Cronkite News)