Abortion ballot measure in Arizona could drive turnout as Biden campaigns hard on reproductive rights

WASHINGTON – Polls show Joe Biden currently lagging behind Donald Trump in Arizona, with the president using abortion as the key issue to mobilize voters and attack Republicans on. An abortion ballot measure could prove Biden’s golden ticket to reelection.

Supporters of the abortion ballot measure rally outside of the Arizona State Capitol on 17 April. (Photo courtesy of Arizona for Abortion Access)

‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX – Oso Ighodaro is a 6-foot-10 center who recognizes life is bigger than himself. The newest Suns member recalled moments and people that influenced him to dedicate his life to others through selfless leadership and service. He hopes to bring the same attitude to the Suns.

Phoenix Suns draft pick Oso Ighodaro, in his introductory press conference Tuesday at Player 15 Group headquarters, called himself “a good teammate, good locker room guy.” (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Migrant experts: Trump’s debate claim that ‘millions’ of criminals, mental patients have flooded U.S. under Biden doesn’t hold up

WASHINGTON – During the CNN debate Thursday, former President Donald Trump repeated a debunked claim that “millions” of migrants who are criminals or mental patients have flooded the country during Joe Biden’s presidency. There’s no evidence of that, experts say.

A group of migrants is apprehended by Yuma Sector Border Patrol. (Photo by Jerry Glaser/CBP)

Democrats plaster Arizona Republic website with ads calling Trump a threat to democracy, with other blitzes in Georgia, Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON – The Democratic National Committee is filling the Arizona Republic homepage, azcentral.com, with ads attacking former President Donald Trump as an existential threat to democracy. The DNC launched a similar blitz in two other battlegrounds, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Donald Trump is the subject of attack ads on the azcentral.com website after he ducked questions about whether he will accept the outcome of the November election during the recent prime-time debate. The ads were purchased by the Democratic National Committee. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks hosts second annual Cutback Giveback Haircut Event for local kids

TEMPE – ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks hosted his second annual Cutback Giveback Haircut Event at the Arizona Barber Academy in Tempe, providing free haircuts and fun activities for local children as a way to give back to his community.

Local barbers such as Adib Sanaei come and support by providing their services at ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks' Cutback Giveback Haircut Event. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

‘A true professional’: Caitlin Clark’s poise under WNBA spotlight shines in near triple-double win vs. Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is handling the intense media attention and scrutiny of her WNBA debut season with composure, balancing her professional responsibilities with a team-first focus.

Caitlin Clark, battling a migraine, stops to sign autographs for fans after nearly achieving a triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds in the Indiana Fever's 88-82 win Sunday. (Photo by Stella Subasic/Cronkite News)

Arizona Rattlers aim for IFL postseason push with win-first mentality

GLENDALE – The Arizona Rattlers, under the leadership of coach Kevin Guy, are making a late-season push for the Indoor Football League playoffs with a 9-5 record and two crucial games remaining in their regular season.

The Arizona Rattlers warm up before a game against the Northern Arizona Wranglers on June 15, embodying their win-first mentality as they aim for the playoffs. (Photo by Dylan Slager/Cronkite News)

3 indicted in ‘fake electors’ scheme among Arizona delegates to RNC

WASHINGTON – In April, a Maricopa County grand jury indicted 11 state Republicans for their alleged roles in the “fake electors” scheme to attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Donald Trump’s favor. Three of the defendants will be delegates at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July.

The stage at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland is empty after party Chair Reince Priebus walked off during protests on the floor on the first day of the convention, July 18, 2016. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Arizona survivor of Las Vegas massacre reflects on Supreme Court ruling to make bump stocks accessible

WASHINGTON – Justin Uhart, a survivor of the Las Vegas massacre, weighs in on the U.S. Supreme Court decision to reverse a Donald Trump-era ban on bump stocks, a gun accessory used in the massacre that killed 60 people in 2017.

A 7.62x39 mm round sits next to a 30-round magazine and an AK-47 with a bump stock installed. The bump stock is a device that allows a semi-automatic to fire at a rapid rate much like a fully automatic gun. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

Democrats see abortion rights as a potent issue as they aim to topple seven-term U.S. Rep. David Schweikert

WASHINGTON – A half dozen Democrats are vying for the right to face Rep. David Schweikert, invincible for seven terms in a Phoenix-area congressional district. Redistricting and abortion rights have made his seat far more of a toss-up, and national Democrats are pumping money into the contest.

Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, faces heavy political pressure in the lead-up to November’s general election. (File photo by Christopher Scragg/Cronkite News)

Customs and Border Protection data shows sharp drop in use of force, but accuracy is questioned by migrant advocates

WASHINGTON – After record high use-of-force reports by CBP, the number of incidents has steadily decreased. Advocacy groups have historically had doubts about the accuracy of the data, citing concerns of undercounts and falsehoods.

U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehends three adults and three children after they crossed the Rio Grande in a raft and surrendered. (Photo by Mani Albrecht/CBP)

State Farm Stadium set for world-class soccer matches in historic Copa América

GLENDALE – The world's oldest international soccer tournament is coming to the Valley. Copa América is headed to State Farm Stadium, with the first of three big matchups on Friday, featuring the best countries and players in the world.

In 2016, the United States hosted the Copa América Centenario, marking the first time North and Central American teams competed alongside South America's elite. (Photo by Norman Hall/LatinContent via Getty Images)