Arizona colleges strive to increase state’s graduation rate

PHOENIX – Arizona universities are working to drive up Arizona college graduation rates, smoothing the way for students transferring from community college, offering financial aid and adding online classes to draw non-traditional students.


‘I didn’t want to get out of bed’: Athletes battle mental health issues, too

PHOENIX -- Jonathan Meldrum, a former offensive lineman at Syracuse, struggled through his sophomore year in college.


At-risk youth find greater mental strength, spiritual transformation in community sports

PHOENIX - In the rising heat of a recent summer morning, teenage boys congregated on Phoenix Christian School’s football field, waiting to take turns going long for passes.


Motorist in class action suit sees ‘justice’ in Arpaio criminal contempt verdict

PHOENIX - The driver who was at the heart of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio's contempt of court case said the sheriff's guilty verdict shows "justice is being served," but he is still affected by the encounter seven years ago.


‘It doesn’t bother me’: ASU football players react to eye-opening CTE study

TEMPE -- Despite an eye-opening study about trauma found in the brains of deceased NFL players, it won’t keep them from playing the sport they love, several Arizona State athletes said.


As McCain begins treatment, fellow POW reminisces, expresses hope

WASHINGTON - When Sen. John McCain took to the Senate floor last week to lecture his colleagues about governing, it reminded John Fer of similar conversations he'd had with McCain - in a North Vietnamese prison.


Activists angered as DHS waives environmental rules on border projects

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security invoked a waiver of environmental and other regulations Tuesday to speed construction of border projects, a decision that critics said will "endanger wildlife and people."


Study: Extreme heat could ground airline flights more often

PHOENIX – Climate change that brings rising temperatures could lead to more grounded flights, according to a Columbia University study.


Flake call for GOP to return to its roots sparks range of reactions

WASHINGTON - Arizona conservatives' reaction to Sen. Jeff Flake's claim that the Republican Party has lost its way appeared to be as divided Monday as the party itself.


Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio found guilty of criminal contempt in racial profiling case

PHOENIX – Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is guilty of criminal contempt for deliberately defying a court order arising from a racial profiling case, a federal court judge ruled on Monday.


Arizona driver’s manual now includes information for staying safe during traffic stop

PHOENIX – A new driver’s license manual now includes a safety section detailing best practices for drivers who get pulled over by law enforcement.


Legislative bill would block out-of-state college students from voting in AZ

PHOENIX - Republican state Rep. Bob Thorpe is drafting a bill this summer that would ban out-of-state college students from voting in Arizona elections, sparking criticism from other public officials.