Local food pantries are expecting a surge in customers if government shuts down and people lose their benefits

PHOENIX – If the government shuts down, millions of Americans are worried about losing SNAP and WIC nutrition benefits, but Arizona says that’s not going to happen here. Even so, food pantries are preparing to help more people needing assistance.

The kitchen of the West Valley Community Food Pantry in Glendale where food is sorted and packed for people who need it, on Sept. 27, 2023. (Photo by Adriana Gonzalez-Chavez/Cronkite News)

50,000 federal workers, military, in Arizona spared as shutdown averted

WASHINGTON - If Congress cannot head off a government shutdown before Sunday, it would mean the loss of a paycheck for close to 50,000 federal workers and active-duty military in Arizona - and they're not the only ones to feel the pinch.


Biden honors McCain, denounces ‘MAGA extremists’ during Tempe event

TEMPE – President Joe Biden invoked the spirit of the late Sen. John McCain while denouncing "MAGA extremists" as a threat to democracy, during a speech Thursday at the Tempe Arts Center.


Maricopa County air quality raises health concerns with affected minority communities

PHOENIX – The American Lung Association gave Maricopa County an F rating for its air quality. This poor air quality has led to an increase in health concerns, particularly for marginalized communities.

The American Lung Association gave Maricopa County an F rating for its air quality. (File photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality)

Gosar back in spotlight with call for general to “be hung” over Jan. 6

WASHINGTON - Two years after he was formally censured for a video that appeared to espouse violence against lawmakers, Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar has again grabbed headlines by saying the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would be hanged in a "better society."


Court of Appeals rules Title IX lawsuit against University of Arizona can move forward

PHOENIX – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a former University of Arizona student can sue the school over an assault that took place off campus, because the school knew former football player Orlando Bradford’s history of assault.


Biggs, Crane join conservatives who block Defense bill, as shutdown looms

WASHINGTON - Two Arizona lawmakers were among five GOP House members who broke ranks Thursday and voted to block the Defense authorization bill, the latest twist in a budget fight that could cause a government shutdown in 10 days.


Phoenix OKs short-term rental rule; officials warn it’s not a ‘magic elixir’

PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved regulations on short-term rentals that will require property owners to apply for permits, notify neighbors and more if they want to rent their homes through services like Airbnb or Vrbo.


Yuma official says cost of caring for migrants ‘not sustainable’ for county

WASHINGTON - Yuma County cannot continue to bear the cost of caring for immigrants that are flooding across the border without help from the federal government, a county official testified Wednesday.


Secretary of State Adrian Fontes pushes voter registration, addresses push to ditch partisan ballots

PHOENIX – Secretary of State Adrian Fontes held a series of events on Tuesday, National Voter Registration Day, to encourage voter registration in Arizona. The events came after a recently launched campaign to amend the state constitution and rework our primary elections structure.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes speaks to high school students about voter registration at Phoenix Coding Academy, on Sept. 19, 2023. (Photo by Sam Volante/Cronkite News)

Mahsa Amini honored in Scottsdale a year after dying in Iranian custody

SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Persian Cultural Center hosted a memorial for Mahsa Amini a year after the Iranian protester died in custody of the morality police. People at the event advocated for action in the United States and change in Iran.

The Arizona Persian Cultural Center pays tribute to fallen Iranian protesters at a memorial event, which features artwork and speakers in Scottsdale on Sept. 16, 2023. (Photo by Sam Volante/Cronkite News)

Advocates say Superintendent Tom Horne’s bathroom recommendation ‘others’ transgender students

PHOENIX – Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne advised Arizona schools not to “initiate a policy that allows biological boys to use bathrooms, locker rooms or shower facilities that are intended for girls.” Some schools already have policies in place that support trans students, and advocates say Horne’s recommendation is discriminatory.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is advising Arizona schools not to create policies that allow transgender students to use bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity. Some schools already have policies in place that support trans students. (Photo by Kiersten Edgett/Cronkite News)