Making their voices heard: ‘Showdown in the Desert’ highlights Arizona’s growing show choir presence

ANTHEM – Show choir, popularized by “Glee” in the early-to-mid 2010s, is taking off in Arizona. For the first time, the state will host two show choir competitions.


‘The outdoors is for everybody’: Rock climbing coalition provides safe space for women and genderqueer individuals

PHOENIX – The Arizona Women’s Climbing Coalition partners with Granite Mountain Guides to empower and educate women and genderqueer individuals on outdoor rock climbing.


Courtside courage: Parker High’s Larissa Hansen upholds late husband’s boys basketball legacy, rides Broncos to playoffs

PARKER – After longtime Parker boys basketball coach Rolland Hansen died in August, his wife, Larissa, took the reins of the program and led the Broncs to one of the best seasons in program history.


Arizona universities quietly delete DEI language while trying to navigate Trump rules on diversity, equity and inclusion

PHOENIX – Arizona universities are attempting to navigate changes in diversity, equity and inclusion regulations from the Trump administration while quietly removing DEI-related language. Some Arizona legislators are working to bring a state constitutional amendment to voters over DEI practices.

Three people stand in front of a brick building outside with a marching band behind them.

Judge lifts deadline for federal workers to accept Trump buyout. How will it impact Arizona?

WASHINGTON – A federal judge set aside a deadline facing federal workers offered a buyout by the Trump administration as he weighs its legality. In Arizona, veterans, tribes, small businesses and national parks could see an impact.

A group of five people taking a selfie with the Grand Canyon in the background.

Phoenix Holocaust center raises $38 million, expected to open in 2027 to foster education

PHOENIX – The Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center has received $11 million in government funding, some of which will be used for construction and implementation of interactive exhibits.

The Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center in Phoenix will be 30,000 square feet and include multiple galleries and exhibits. (Rendering courtesy of Arizona Jewish Historical Society)

Weighty problem: Oversized portions in restaurants contribute to obesity

LOS ANGELES – As portion sizes continue to grow along with obesity rates, nutrition experts are looking at ways to encourage patrons to eat less and eat healthier.


How wealth and race determine L.A.’s hottest and coolest areas

LOS ANGELES – Economically disadvantaged, mainly minority populations in the Southwest live in parts of cities that are several degrees hotter than affluent, predominantly white neighborhoods.


‘Culture of family’ among California firefighters provides support during busy holiday season

LOS ANGELES – Firefighters on call during what can be a difficult time for many spend the holidays together building community in their firehouses. First responder-specific resources bring them peace during and beyond the festive season.

Front view of Los Angeles City Fire Department Station No. 3 with red garage doors.

Mesa Community Court, Mesa Community College partner to help curb homelessness through education

PHOENIX – Mesa Community Court is collaborating with Mesa Community College to refer some of the city’s homeless population into enrollment. Individuals referred have access to a multitude of amenities to assist on their path of reintegration.

Table with containers of pastries in front of an open car trunk with a person nearby.

Sales of birth control, Plan B and abortion drugs spike after Donald Trump’s election

WASHINGTON – Emergency contraceptive purchases and appointments for long-acting birth control have jumped since Donald Trump's election, amid fears of looming restrictions.

Abortion-rights activists rally outside the Arizona Capitol in June 2022 to protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Donald Trump’s plan to abolish the Department of Education raises concerns for Arizona schools

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education would give states far more control over federal K-12 funding. Advocates fear cuts for low-income students and special education, along with weaker enforcement of civil rights laws.

President Donald Trump visits a fourth grade classroom at Saint Andrew Catholic School in Orlando, Florida, Friday, March 3, 2017.