Nowruz celebration hails women fighting for their rights in Iran and Afghanistan
PHOENIX – Nowruz, the Persian new year, was celebrated with an event in Phoenix this month that also commemorated women’s rights movements in the Middle East. Event organizers honored women who are advocating for their rights in Iran and Afghanistan.
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.
Women entrepreneurs focus on business, personal growth in new program
PHOENIX – A new business growth mentorship program provides women entrepreneurs with tools and resources to run a successful business. The program is run by the ImagiNexGen Institute of Excellence and the Chicanos Por la Causa Prestamos Women’s Business Center.
Attorneys say Resolution Copper Mine would ‘destroy’ worship at Oak Flat
WASHINGTON - Attorneys for Apache Stronghold told a federal appeals court Tuesday that the proposed Resolution Copper Mine would lead to the "complete physical destruction" of sacred lands at Oak Flat, a clear violation of religious liberty laws.
FBI investigates rehab scams targeting Indigenous community
PHOENIX - The FBI is investigating scams where fake rehab groups target the Indigenous community. Officials said organizers of these "pop-up facilities'' falsely offer addiction recovery, then file documents to rake in government money before disappearing.
Arizona governor signs executive order banning discrimination based on hair style or texture
PHOENIX – The CROWN Act, banning hair-based discrimination in the workplace, was enacted in Tempe and Tucson in 2021. Gov. Katie Hobbs’ executive order extends those protections to state workers. She hopes the order inspires similar legislation “across the board.”
Hobbs: State not ready to execute Gunches by April 6; court urged to step in
WASHINGTON - With just three weeks until convicted murderer Aaron Gunches is scheduled to be put to death, a court battle continues to rage over whether the state will be ready to execute him by lethal injection on April 6.
Arizona Republican legislators announce formal opposition to ranked choice voting
PHOENIX – Two bills and a Wednesday news conference signal some Arizona Republicans’ and the state’s Freedom Caucus’ opposition to ranked choice voting. The process, which would allow voters to rank candidates on preference, would be prohibited by the two bills.
Dementia’s dangerous rise leads legislators to ask up to $500,000 for Alzheimer’s
PHOENIX – Arizona legislators and Alzheimer’s advocates call for the state to step up in dementia care, proposing several bills, including one to bring $500,000 to AZDHS. Arizona has the fastest growth rate in the U.S. of people 65+ diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a national Alzheimer’s Association 2023 report.
Phoenix mayor speaks to ASU Jewish students about tolerance, inclusion and overcoming antisemitism
TEMPE – As one of the youngest big city mayors in the country and a member of the Jewish faith, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego often speaks about tolerance and inclusion. She spoke to members of Chabad at ASU about her experiences and how she approaches leading the nation’s fifth-largest city.
‘Full circle’ moment: Composer Ben Shirley returns to LA’s Skid Row
LOS ANGELES – Ben Shirley credits his time at the Midnight Mission on Los Angeles’ Skid Row for his success. Once homeless, he kicked his alcohol addiction.
Black artists connect family, culture and history
PHOENIX – Black art is the great connector – of humanity, of Black history, of family, culture and a vision of life’s value and purpose, according to several Arizona artists who paint, sculpt and create.
