Unmistakable rhythm of cumbia music grows louder in Phoenix as local DJ duo and fusion band work to create thriving scene
It’s an unmistakable rhythm that catches you by the ear and doesn’t let go. It’s the booming heart of Latin music and dance known as cumbia, and it’s a form of Latin culture that local DJ duo, Vinyl Vagos, and a cumbia fusion band known as Las Calakas are cultivating in Phoenix.
Phoenix community market creates space to support women entrepreneurs
PHOENIX - Heart and Soil People's Garden works to provide fresh produce for the south Phoenix community. The garden hosts monthly markets to support entrepreneurs, mostly women of color, and their businesses.
Buckeye high school installs weapons detectors in student-safety push
BUCKEYE – Verrado High School is one of the first schools in the Agua Fria Union High School District to install weapons detectors on campus. These detectors are calibrated to detect heavy metals such as firearms. Verrado is one of five schools within the district receiving detectors.
Dancers battle it out in Tempe for a chance to compete on the global stage
TEMPE – About 80 dancers went head-to-head in 1v1 freestyle battles as part of the Red Bull “Dance Your Style” auditions at Arizona State University’s Galvin Plaza. The top two winners advance to regional finals in Los Angeles.
Arizona’s $58 billion in manufacturing investments among most in nation
WASHINGTON - Arizona has attracted more than $58 billion in private investments for manufacturing since 2021, among the most in the country. The White House says it shows the president's economic plan is working, but analysts say there's likely more at work there.
Maricopa County leads nation in population increase, surpasses 4.5 million
PHOENIX – Maricopa County remained the fastest-growing county in the nation with a population over 4.5 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Pinal County saw the second-biggest gains in Arizona, adding 16,010 people.
Storytellers say LA River can become tool against climate change
LOS ANGELES – In Los Angeles' Frogtown, eco-minded activists gathered around at the local brewery to hear storytellers share their personal connection to the Los Angeles River, a once thriving and unifying water source for the people and wildlife was lined with concrete and fenced in 1938.
Glendale breaks ground on first complex to use state affordable housing tax credit
GLENDALE – Centerline on Glendale will be the first housing complex in Arizona funded in part by the state affordable housing tax credit. The complex will have 368 new affordable apartments for Glendale residents by 2024.
‘Broadcast legend’ Pat McMahon of ‘Wallace and Ladmo’ still a Phoenix TV icon
PHOENIX – For over three decades, Pat McMahon brought joy to children across the greater Phoenix area on KPHO’s hit TV kid’s program, “The Wallace and Ladmo Show.”
Haboobs, swamp box and ki-yotes: Arizona residents favor protecting the ways they speak
PHOENIX - A recent poll suggests Arizona residents are in favor of protecting the unique ways they speak, and the country of Wales provides an example to do so.
Explosives training brings military and law enforcement from around the world to Marana
MARANA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives hosts improvised explosive device exercises for public safety bomb squads and military explosive ordnance disposal units. The most recent, called Raven’s Challenge, was at Pinal County Airpark in Marana earlier this month.
Flagstaff competitions, businesses grow snowboarding community
FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff clothing brand, Collective Supply Co., co-hosted a snowboarding contest with Sunset Terrain Park in Arizona Snowbowl. The company aims to grow the snowboarding community and bring people together.