Coconino official tells House ‘anti-ESG’ bills threaten public investments

WASHINGTON - Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar told House lawmakers Tuesday that it's her job to get the best, and safest, return on public investments for taxpayers, but that "anti-ESG" legislation puts public dollars at risk.


Latest student debt-relief plan could mean $1 billion for 20,000 in Arizona

WASHINGTON – More than 20,000 Arizona residents would see $1 billion in student debt erased under a Biden administration plan unveiled just two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down a previous debt-forgiveness plan.


Arizona State coaches grapple with unregulated terrain of NIL and transfer portal

TEMPE – Before Name, Image and Likeness deals were OK'd by the NCAA in July 2022, Arizona State coaches focused more on recruiting and less on retaining. The transfer portal existed, but rules and regulations made its impact minimal over a long stretch of time.

Arizona State coaches Kenny Dillingham, left, Bobby Hurley, middle, and Willie Bloomquist face new offseason challenges due to NIL and the transfer portal in the evolving landscape of college athletics. (Illustration by Spencer Durose/Cronkite News)

Divorce complete: Diamondbacks split with Bally Sports Arizona, MLB takes over

PHOENIX – Fans will no longer see Diamondbacks games on Bally Sports Arizona, setting the stage for MLB to take over.


ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham sets sights on building united, passionate program ahead of 2023 season

TEMPE – New ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham is emphasizing culture and tradition for the upcoming season. With preparations underway, the program is poised for a fresh start under his leadership.

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham spoke with reporters Monday about his focused approach to overhauling the program in his first year at the helm. (Video screenshot by Erin Patterson/Cronkite News)

How Flagstaff, a once quaint town, transformed into capital of running world

FLAGSTAFF – For many, Flagstaff is known as the running capital of the world. A look at how it got there and how it helped create one of the best-kept secrets among collegiate sports dynasties: the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team.

Many runners come to Flagstaff for the high-altitude training. Rachel Schneider often ran through Buffalo Park to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona advocates fear long-term impact of court’s discrimination ruling

WASHINGTON - Advocates say a Supreme Court ruling that struck down anti-discrimination protections will likely have little immediate impact in Arizona - beyond confusion - but they worry it opens the door to abuses down the road.


Crane’s use of ‘colored people’ in House debate brings swift condemnation

WASHINGTON - Reaction to Rep. Eli Crane's use of the term "colored people" during a House floor debate included "utter shock" and calling it a "dog whistle to white nationalists." What it did not include was much defense for the Oro Valley GOP freshman, who said he misspoke.


Hot enough for who? Report says other states may be more vulnerable to heat

WASHINGTON - Phoenix could hit 115 degrees this weekend, but a new report says the greater heat threat may be outside the Valley - and even in other states. The Census study looked at income, housing and other factors to find those most at risk for heat-related harm.


Photo essay: Arizona Coyotes prospects shine at 2023 development camp despite unknown future

SCOTTSDALE – Following an improved 2022-23 season, the Arizona Coyotes gave fans a glimpse into the future at their 2023 development camp. From July 3-7, the Coyotes held practices and a scrimmage to let their prospects get a taste of the NHL.


How #WeAreBG campaign helped bring home Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury are the trailblazers for generating popularity and building a voice for women’s basketball. In partnership with Wasserman, the #WeAreBG campaign is one of the many ways they shine brighter spotlights on their players and their sport.


Navajo witnesses clash over government’s Chaco Canyon mining ban

WASHNGTON - A moratorium on mining within 10 miles of Chaco Canyon tramples on tribal sovereignty and denies Navajo badly needed royalty payments; or it is needed to ensure oil and gas operations no longer poison the people, competing witnesses told a House panel.