Medical program additions at ASU, UA and NAU aim to curb Arizona’s health care worker shortage

PHOENIX – All three Arizona public universities are implementing big changes to their medical training programs as part of an Arizona Board of Regents initiative, with new medical schools at ASU and NAU to come.

The Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is located on Fillmore and Third streets. ASU is planning to build a new medical school in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

Zócalo: A diasporic dance party in 360

Zócalo, together with community partners, brought a dance party to the Port of L.A. to celebrate the music and cultures of global diasporas. Experience dance and music, and check out art activities by LA Commons and a pop-up Wilmington Art Walk.


The Nash’s women’s initiative attempts to change jazz culture

The Nash Jazz Club in downtown Phoenix is getting more young women involved in jazz. The club’s women’s initiatives include performances by popular female jazz artists and exclusive classes for middle- and high-school girls.

The Jazz DivAZ practice during a rehearsal on Oct. 21 at The Nash Jazz Club in Phoenix. (Photo by Sam Volante/Cronkite News)

Gov. Katie Hobbs signs petition to add abortion rights to 2024 ballot

PHOENIX – Gov. Katies Hobbs signed a petition at a news conference Tuesday in Phoenix to add abortion rights to the 2024 ballot. Advocates want to guarantee abortion as a constitutional right in Arizona.

Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks at a news conference on Nov. 28, 2023, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, where she signed a petition to add abortion rights to the 2024 ballot. (Photo by Kiersten Edgett/Cronkite News)

Arizona Game and Fish restocks lakes with fish grown in hatcheries

PAGE SPRINGS – Arizona Game and Fish grows fish to replenish the state’s lakes. This supports those who enjoy the pastime while also keeping the state’s environment vibrant.

Rainbow trout are released into Goldwater Lake on Oct. 16, 2023. Anglers at Lynx Lake eagerly await the release of the trout. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Arizona Purple Star pilot program kicks off with four schools supporting military families

GOODYEAR – Great Hearts Trivium Preparatory Academy, Luke Elementary School, Millennium High School and Dreaming Summit Elementary School are the first in a Purple Star pilot program launching in Arizona. The Purple Star designation is for schools with programs dedicated to supporting military-connected children in their education and social-emotional development.

Chris Wright, military liaison and third grade teacher at Great Hearts Trivium Preparatory Academy in Goodyear, speaks about the Purple Star Schools program, on Nov. 21, 2023. (Photo by Kiersten Edgett/Cronkite News)

An innovative flush: Phoenix turns to artificial intelligence for improved wastewater monitoring

PHOENIX – Phoenix’s Water Services Department has embarked on a pilot program utilizing artificial intelligence in the sewer system to detect irregularities in wastewater and ultimately enhance water quality.

An employee of RDH Environmental Services installs a Kando Pulse device inside a sewer system near Broadway Road and 83rd Avenue in Phoenix on Nov. 8, 2023. (Photo by Ellie Willard/Cronkite News)

‘Perpetuating the Hawaiian culture’: Outrigger canoe teams bring sport, community to Arizona

TEMPE – Arizona has two Hawaiian outrigger canoe teams. They focus on competition as well as preserving Hawaiian culture and building community.

Linda Martin’s paddle comes out of the water during a practice at Tempe Town Lake on Oct. 28, 2023. Martin is a member of Team Arizona Outrigger Canoe Club and is preparing for Another Dam Race, an outrigger canoe competition in Parker. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Number of failing schools fell; alternative schools headed the other way

WASHINGTON – The number of schools getting an F on the state's annual report card has fallen sharply, going from 49 in 2019 to 24 this year, but the number of failing alternative schools rose over the same period.


‘They come visit with their spirit’: Families pay tribute to deceased loved ones for Dia de los Muertos

CHANDLER – Dia de los Muertos – also known as Day of the Dead – which spanned Wednesday and Thursday, is a Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring deceased relatives and loved ones. It is believed that the spirits of those who have died are able to visit their families on these days.


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.


Phoenix to ramp up police presence as World Series, Halloween, Suns game converge

PHOENIX – Spectators can expect a spooky parking situation, increased police presence in downtown Phoenix on Halloween, as both the World Series and a Phoenix Suns game will be happening on the night known for trick-or-treaters. How will the city handle the crowds, cars and costumes?

Downtown Phoenix will host Game 4 of the World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers, along with a Phoenix Suns basketball game Tuesday. It’s also Halloween. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)