‘We’re not going to be alone’: Phoenix Rising FC finds strength in strong Los Bandidos support

PHOENIX – A look inside Los Bandidos, the dedicated supporters group behind Phoenix Risin’s postseason run. Ever since 2017, their unwavering commitment has created a unique atmosphere, turning away games into home-like experiences for the club.

Los Bandidos “Capo” Tomas Rosales, facing away from the game as always, leads La Banda and other group members in songs and cheers. (Photo Courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

Fighting fire with fire: How prescribed burns protect forests in northern Arizona

WILLIAMS – The Kendrick Prescribed Fire Project was one of the first of many prescribed burns this fall and winter throughout Arizona with the goal of protecting forest lands and surrounding communities from the threat of potential catastrophic wildfires. The prescribed burns in Kaibab National Forest are part of the U.S. Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire crisis strategy.

Ashton Johnson uses his drip torch during a prescribed burn operation in Kaibab National Forest on Oct. 5, 2023. Fire crews planned to burn around 2,300 acres of land that day. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Rising FC looks to right past wrongs in Western Conference Final

PHOENIX – Despite the regular-season success that Phoenix Rising FC has experienced over the years, the organization has yet to lift the USL Championship. Juan Guerra’s team looks to fix that, starting Saturday in the Western Conference Final.

Phoenix Rising FC celebrates winning the 2020 Western Conference Final before COVID-19 ended the team's season short of the USL Cup. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising)

Deep ties in Tempe: ASU football’s Ben Coleman, Tre Brown bring brotherly bond to Sun Devils

TEMPE – Football created a friendship for eternity for ASU’s Ben Coleman and Tre Brown, but a bond off the gridiron that goes back to fifth grade has continued to grow stronger as first-year transfers for Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils.

Former childhood friends Ben Coleman, left, and Tre Brown find themselves as teammates on ASU's football team after creating a close-knit bond in fifth grade. (Photo by Cody Marmon/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Rising FC aims for Western Conference Final redemption, sets sights on ‘California Sweep’ against Sacramento Republic FC

PHOENIX – In a long-awaited return to the Western Conference Final, Phoenix Rising FC is determined to leave their misfortunes behind. This Saturday, the organization looks to pull off the “California sweep” against top-seeded Sacramento Republic FC on the road.

Phoenix Rising FC gears up for a California showdown Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC in the Western Conference Final. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

Fans flock to downtown Phoenix bars in backyard of World Series stage at Chase Field

PHOENIX – Downtown Phoenix came alive this week as baseball fans crowded bars and restaurants to watch the World Series, boosting the local economy and creating an electric atmosphere near Chase Field.

Downtown Phoenix bars and restaurants capitalize on the renewed excitement around the Diamondbacks' World Series run, welcoming a mix of diehard and casual baseball fans. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Fontes, other officials tell Senate panel of ongoing threats to elections

WASHINGTON - Death threats, poisoned pets, disinformation campaigns and family members with "go bags" handy in case they have to flee on a moment's notice. Those were just some of the threats elections officials told senators they face as they prepare for upcoming elections.


Grab bag: Arizona Coyotes offer fresh mix of good and bad in season’s strong start

PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes have opened their season 4-4-1, their best start since 2020. What’s been helping them succeed and what’s holding them back? A look at some of the good and bad factors of this young team to start the season.

The Arizona Coyotes are off to a promising start to the 2023-24 season, but the first nine games have revealed a mix of strengths and challenges. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Coyotes)

Chaos contained: Arizona Diamondbacks silenced by Texas Rangers in World Series loss

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 season was a roller coaster, featuring the highs of securing a postseason berth and sweeping rivals, and the lows of losing in the World Series.

Carrol in the batter's box

Healthcare Rising Arizona collects signatures for abortion access petition at the Arizona State Fair

PHOENIX – Healthcare Rising Arizona is working to get 383,923 signatures for a ballot initiative that would amend the Arizona Constitution to establish abortion access as a fundamental right. The group set up a booth at the Arizona State Fair to talk to attendees and ask for support.

Jadie Grahn, 42, smiles at her 15-month- old son, Ace, after signing the petition to add abortion access to the Arizona’s 2024 general election ballot. After working as a labor and delivery nurse, Grahn signed the petition knowing the negative impact unintended pregnancies have on low-income people or people suffering from drug addiction. (Photo by John Leos/Cronkite News)

GCU pushes back against $37.7 million fine over claims it ‘lied’ about costs

WASHINGTON - Grand Canyon University said it "categorically denies" charges by the U.S. Department of Education that the school willfully misled prospective students about the costs of a doctoral degree, leaving those students deeply in debt.


Downtown Phoenix has transformed since 2001, the last time the Diamondbacks hosted the World Series

PHOENIX – Downtown has gone through significant changes since the last time the Arizona Diamondbacks were in the World Series in 2001. In 2001, foot traffic was much lower due to the lack of hotels, bars and restaurants in the area. Light rail and Arizona State University’s downtown campus didn’t exist.

Downtown Phoenix has gone through significant changes since 2001, the last time the Arizona Diamondbacks were in the World Series. Roosevelt Row now sports a number of bars and restaurants in addition to housing. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)