Mountain lions like P-22 are revered in California. They’re hunted in Arizona.

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles last weekend celebrated P-22 Day in honor of a cougar that roams Griffith Park – an icon in the fight to save mountain lions across the West, whether in a big-city park or in mountains and rangeland.

P-22, who was first caught on camera in 2012, prowls the night with the Hollywood sign behind him. (Photo by Steve Winter National Geographic)

Protesters push Biden on pledge to pardon pot possession convictions

WASHINGTON - Students from across the country rallied outside the White House Monday to demand that President Joe Biden deliver on a campaign promise to release prisoners convicted of marijuana possession.


‘YOU ROCK!!!’: Digital license plate messages let drivers express themselves

LOS ANGELES – Digital license plates are pricey compared to the regular metal plates, but they’re fun, have some practical value and could save motorists from that dreadful annual trek to their state’s department of motor vehicles.


Heat deaths hit record in Maricopa County, but there are ways to stay safe

PHOENIX – Higher temperatures in Maricopa County have led to a record number of heat-associated deaths, according to a report released this month. Experts say people – visitors and Arizonans alike – should reconsider how to prepare for the heat to stay safe while outdoors.


Lights out: Oracle State Park hosts a star viewing party to celebrate Arizona’s dark skies

ORACLE – Cronkite News visited Oracle State Park near Tucson to see why amateur astronomers love observing the cosmos at the International Dark Sky Park.


Civilian oversight of police is popular, but does it work? A ‘million dollar question’

Civilian oversight agencies tout themselves as a way to improve police-community relations. We look at three different approaches – plus, what works and what doesn’t.


Increasing police transparency is ‘messy,’ but efforts come from many directions

ARLINGTON, Texas – The call to increase transparency has become a standard rallying cry in police reform, but efforts have met with resistance. Some states, cities and police departments have made progress to open records. And sometimes, outside forces have stepped in when they don’t.


‘Would he be forgotten?’ How a niece’s crusade and military scientists led to ID of Korean War vet

TUCSON – More than seven decades after his death in the Korean War, an Army private from Douglas has finally been identified and laid to rest. Military scientists and the niece of Felix Yanez worked for years to put a name to this unknown soldier and bring him home.


Empty Bowls event raises money to combat food insecurity, cut food waste

PHOENIX – Arizona nonprofit organization Waste Not raises funds to help food insecurity through its annual Empty Bowls event by selling handcrafted clay bowls. Proceeds go toward rescuing perishable foods from local businesses and delivering it to agencies that feed the hungry.

A mix of colorful handcrafted bowls are set up at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix for the Empty Bowls event hosted by the Waste Not Arizona on Oct. 14, 2022. (Photo by Scianna Garcia/Cronkite News)

Like some actors, iconic Hollywood sign gets a makeover – and a closeup

LOS ANGELES – A reporter and a photographer get special access to the Hollywood sign, which is being repainted to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. It’s not just a sign, but rather a symbol of the power of storytelling and the pursuit of the American dream.


‘You never forget’: Honoring Arizona’s veterans one flight at a time

WASHINGTON - Thirty Arizona veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars were in Washington this week to visit the memorials to their service, the latest of more than 2,000 vets to make the trip from the state free of charge as part of Honor Flight program.


‘We can figure this out’: Police, public and policymakers work to improve responses to mental health crises

SALT LAKE CITY – Police have become the de facto mental health responders across the country, often with tragic results. Most strategies to deal with mental health calls focus on shifting funds to social services, creating diversion programs and better training for officers. Experts say the solution relies on a combination of efforts.

Rae Duckworth holds a “Justice for Bobby” sticker on July 2, 2022, near murals in Salt Lake City remembering the victims of police shootings. After her cousin, Bobby Duckworth, was killed during a mental health call in 2019, Duckworth began passing out these stickers to keep his memory alive. (Photo by Laura Bargfeld/News21)