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)

Mark Kelly VP: What would Arizona senator, in office just four years, bring to the Kamala Harris ticket if she taps him for vice president?

WASHINGTON – Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly is somewhat more centrist than other candidates being vetted as a potential running mate by Vice President Kamala Harris. But his relative inexperience and stances on unions, guns and Israel could hold him back in the veepstakes.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. Is one of the top contenders in the veepstakes (File photo by Meg Potter/Cronkite News)

Arizona’s Proposition 314, authorizing local enforcement of federal immigration law, would face legal hurdles if approved

WASHINGTON – Arizona’s Proposition 314 is certain to face legal challenges over provisions that would give police the power to arrest migrants and state courts the power to deport them.

Alejandra Gomez, executive director of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), speaks out about Proposition 314. “While Republicans believe this will rally their base, I can assure you that a different story will be told on the day after the election,” she said at a news conference in front of the Arizona Supreme Court building in Phoenix on June 5, 2024. (File photo by Stella Subasic/Cronkite News)

Former ASU swimmer Léon Marchand looks to follow in Michael Phelps’ footsteps, dominate Paris Olympics

PARIS – Former ASU swimmer Léon Marchand is among the most high-profile Olympic athletes heading into the Paris Games. Now, he’s following a familiar path paved by the best swimmer of all time to achieve his greatness.

Leon Marchand has returned to his hometown of Toulouse, France, to train before an Olympics that will feature an international spotlight. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Former Cactus Shadows, Suns coach Nate Bjorkgren takes Olympics stage with Team Canada

PARIS – Before becoming an NBA champion and an Olympic coach, Nate Bjorkgren landed his first big coaching break at Cactus Shadows High School in Arizona. His former players say he’s still the same person he was even almost 20 years later.

Nate Bjorkgren has had many coaching stops, including with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, but some of his fondest memories come from when he led the Cactus Shadows High School team. Now he's the associate coach for Canada. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Photo essay: 2024 WNBA All-Star weekend recap, from practice to the game

PHOENIX – All-Star weekend brought players and fans to Phoenix for a two-day event filled with practices, fan festivities, skills exhibitions and Saturday’s matchup between Team WNBA and Team USA.