Judges grill both sides in effort to untangle state’s jumbled abortion laws

WASHINGTON - Arizona Court of Appeals judges quizzed attorneys Wednesday as they tried to figure out how, or if, they can square competing abortion laws that could restrict or outright criminalize abortions in the state.


Arizona soccer fans watch U.S. win in World Cup, reflect on strained relations with Iran

PHOENIX – As Arizona soccer fans watched the U.S. beat Iran in a World Cup match Tuesday, they acknowledged the distraction of geopolitical tensions. From an Iranian journalist scolding the U.S. team captain for a mispronunciation, to the U.S. Soccer Federation briefly displaying Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, controversy has surrounded this event.

Soccer fans at Crown Public House in downtown Phoenix watch the World Cup match between the United States and Iran. Controversy has surrounded the competition. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Maricopa, Mohave counties certify election results as Cochise County delays

PHOENIX – Maricopa County and Mohave County certified their county results for the November election, but Cochise County refused to certify its results by the legal deadline of Monday. State election officials have said they would sue Cochise County if it missed Monday’s deadline.

After running through a vote-counting machine, an election worker gathers ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center on Nov. 10, 2022. Maricopa and Mohave counties voted to certify election results Nov. 28, the state deadline, while Cochise County voted to postpone its certification. (File photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Hobbs presses steadily toward transition, even as challenges swirl

WASHINGTON - Ignoring challenges and election critics, Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs pressed on toward a transition Wednesday, meeting with current Gov. Doug Ducey, laying out the incoming administration's priorities and promising to be "a governor for all Arizonans."


Heat the turkey, not the conversation: Surviving a post-election holiday

WASHINGTON – While Americans might be tempted to discuss politics while passing the gravy this Thanksgiving, experts say that food is the only thing that should be heated at the holiday dinner table – and they offer hosts some tips for redirecting the dinner table talk.


Arizona votes are now counted, but election drama will go on

Arizona votes are now counted, however the ordeal goes on as three races are headed for automatic recount and two counties delay certification. Democrat Katie Hobbs defeated Republican Kari Lake in the governor race, which does not qualify for an automatic recount.

An election worker gathers ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center on Nov. 10, 2022. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

‘We see value in you’: Arizona organization helps bridge gaps between foster kids and families

PHOENIX – An estimated 80% of the more than 400,000 children in foster care across the U.S. struggle with significant mental health issues. In Arizona, one nonprofit is working to help children persevere – by offering services for foster youth and parents alike.

Russ Funk, left, is director of community engagement for Aid to Adoption of Special Kids in Phoenix. Funk and his wife have been foster parents, and two of their four children are adopted and biracial. “They integrated into our home at a very early age, and so it was just a natural thing,” he said, adding that those experiences are what drove him to work with other foster families. (Photo courtesy of AASK)

Arizona students come to lobby as courts, Congress, fight over Oak Flat

WASHINGTON - A group of Arizona high school students and alumni was in Washington this week to lobby for a bill that would block development of a copper mine at Oak Flat, land that is sacred to the San Carlos Apache.


Fact-check: Democratic Maricopa County attorney candidate says Arizona has world’s eighth-highest incarceration

The Prison Policy Initiative reported, based on data from 2020 and 2021, that Arizona would have the eighth highest incarceration rate in the world if it were evaluated as an independent nation. The state incarcerates 868 people per 100,000 residents. Other measures also rank Arizona high for incarceration rates. Other agencies measure incarceration rates across different times and with different methodologies. Therefore, finding any one definitive number is difficult.


Tight elections for attorney general, schools superintendent could trigger automatic recounts

PHOENIX – The results of statewide elections for attorney general and superintendent of public instruction are currently within the margin for an automatic recount, with about 10,000 ballots left to be counted. The process across every county in the state would go into late December before recount results are released to the public.

With just more than 10,000 ballots left to be counted statewide, Arizona’s races for attorney general and state superintendent will likely trigger recounts next month. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

First in the nation law requires tech companies to take steps to improve kids’ well-being

PHOENIX – Research shows that more young Americans are facing mental health struggles, and technology is partly to blame. A new California law requires tech companies to do more to protect the privacy and data of children online. The measure could pave the way for similar laws elsewhere.

Research shows that more young Americans are facing mental health struggles, and technology is partly to blame. A new California law requires tech companies to do more to protect the privacy and data of children online. The measure could pave the way for similar laws elsewhere. (Photo illustration by Alexia Faith/Cronkite News)

Katie Hobbs rallies supporters and declares victory in Arizona governor race

PHOENIX – Democrat Katie Hobbs declared victory in the Arizona governor race after holding onto a tight early lead over Republican opponent Kari Lake, who had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Katie Hobbs declares victory in the Arizona governor race at a rally at Luna Culture Lab in Phoenix on Nov. 15, 2022. The Associated Press and other media outlets called the race in favor of Hobbs Monday, though Republican Kari Lake has not conceded. (Photo by Alexia Faith/Cronkite News)