‘Toss the Tusk’ educates Phoenix Zoo guests on illegal ivory trading, allows ivory surrender

PHOENIX – An event aimed at educating the public on poaching and how to combat the illegal ivory trade, came to the Phoenix Zoo for the first time. Guests were encouraged to surrender ivory, which will be used for research and education.

Phoenix Zoo staff members set up a display of ivory tusks and trinkets to educate the public on ivory poaching during the “Toss the Tusk” event in Phoenix on Sept. 27, 2024. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)

Will tax deduction cap expire under Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? Experts weigh potential impact on Arizona taxpayers

WASHINGTON – Arizona homeowners could see a tax break from the state and local tax deduction cap if tax code changes occur after the election and 2025 expiration of Donald Trump-era tax cuts. The cap has affected higher-income residents, though many Arizonans remain unaffected by the state’s flat tax.

A crowd of people standing outside the capitol building holding signs that say "Tax The Rich."

Phoenix says visits to heat relief centers skyrocketed during record-breaking summer, and 92% were from people experiencing homelessness

PHOENIX – City officials said Phoenix’s heat-relief network saved many lives this summer, particularly among the unhoused population.

Kate Gallego speaking at a podium with a pink and white design on a screen behind her.

Navigating new heights: Former top Arizona basketball prospects conquer mental, physical demands at next level

PHOENIX – Former top Arizona high school basketball recruits Shay Ijiwoye, Trayanna Crisp and Mia Davis share how the mental side is essential for navigating the transition to college basketball.

Four SDSU women's basketball players cheer on the sideline.

‘It means everything’: Arizona athletes reflect on representing heritage at Paris Olympics, World Cup

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon women’s basketball player Trinity San Antonio's favorite part of her Olympic experience may have been the viral chocolate muffins, not just for their taste but for their significance. For her and Gilbert Christian's Caprice Chiuchiolo, the joy from representing their countries is deeply intertwined with nurturing their personal heritage and identity.

GCU women's basketball player Trinity San Antonio dribbles the ball in the middle of a game.

Flourishing Los Angeles: Activists reclaim urban spaces through guerrilla gardening

LOS ANGELES – Guerrilla gardening empowers communities to reclaim neglected urban spaces and combat environmental issues. This movement promotes sustainable practices, fosters social change and environmental awareness while transforming the city’s concrete landscape. City officials urge going through the permitting process.

Man holding a block of substrate with yellow mushrooms in a mushroom cultivation room.

Arizona is launching PFAS mitigation efforts ahead of the EPA deadline. But critics say it isn’t enough

WASHINGTON – In response to persistent contamination from PFAS, a known “forever chemical,” the EPA, Arizona and other government agencies are coming up with strategies to maintain a clean water supply. Critics say what they are doing is not enough.


Future of ACA, health insurance coverage at stake in presidential election

WASHINGTON – Since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2013, local community members called navigators have helped enroll underserved Arizonans in health insurance and access medical care. But with the future of the ACA on the ballot in this year’s presidential election, navigators are bracing for what’s to come.


Let it rain: Phoenix Suns make key philosophical adjustment under coach Mike Budenholzer

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns made key changes both personnel and scheme-wise for the new season. Mike Budenholzer, Devin Booker and Jusuf Nurkić talk about those changes ahead of opening night.


How mental health affects maternal mortality in Arizona

PHOENIX – Maternal mortality is a pressing issue in the U.S. and in Arizona, and mental health is a top contributor. Mothers and health-care authorities say women need better-quality care and accessibility.


‘Better, not bigger’: New entrance, ticket policy among changes for 2024 WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – After a chaotic 2024 tournament, organizers of the WM Phoenix Open enacted changes for 2025, including adding a new entrance, raising ticket prices and widening walkways.

A large crowd of people walking away in a densely packed corridor, wearing casual clothing.

Arizona, Colorado put future NFL draft picks to the test in Tucson with swarm of scouts in attendance

TUCSON – Colorado Buffaloes, Arizona Wildcats, Deion Sanders, Coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Brent Brennan, Tetairoa McMillan, Noah Fifita, NFL Draft, Big 12, Tacario Davis, Tucson

Two football players on a field, one in a red uniform with "Davis" and "1," the other in white with "12," pointing.