Schools trying new approaches to combat absenteeism and low graduation rates among Hispanic students

PHOENIX – The latest Datos report highlighted a high rate of absenteeism and low graduation rates for Hispanic students. State Superintendent Tom Horne and Valley school districts have differing ideas of how to help.


As more families seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, groups step in to help as they wait

NOGALES, Sonora, Mexico – Due to a lack of resources at the Arizona-Mexico border, more families are stuck in limbo as they seek asylum.

A family of migrants, including, from left, Ruth Barrera, 32; Arlene Carmona, 7; Luis David Araujo, 7; and Marta Araujo, 2, eats fruit and does laundry on Feb.12, 2024, outside their temporary home in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, as they await their asylum court date in the U.S. (Photo by Kayla Jackson/Cronkite News)

Tempe adds advocate, detective to enhance support for trafficking survivors

TEMPE – In an effort to combat human trafficking in Arizona, the city of Tempe has added two new positions, with a victim advocate joining the CARE 7 team and a specialized detective added to the Tempe Police Department.

CARE 7 Victim Services Coordinator Anastasia Stinchfield leads Tempe’s Victim Services team, which is expanding with the addition of a specialized human trafficking advocate. (Photo courtesy of the city of Tempe)

With traffic fatalities on the rise, Phoenix looks for safety solutions

PHOENIX – Phoenix, which had the most traffic deaths in the state in 2022, is working toward eliminating traffic fatalities using its Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan.

Phoenix, which had the most traffic deaths in the state in 2022, is working toward eliminating traffic fatalities using its Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan. (File photo by Andrea Jaramillo/Cronkite News)

Abortion opponents rally at Capitol during ‘crucial time in Arizona’

PHOENIX – Abortion opponents packed the plaza outside the Arizona Capitol on Friday in an impassioned display of anti-abortion advocacy at what one advocate called "a crucial time in Arizona" for the abortion fight.


Arizona GOP legislators pass immigration bills on border crossing and E-Verify

PHOENIX – Arizona lawmakers have advanced a package of immigration legislation that critics are calling “SB 1070 2.0” and gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that would make illegal entry a state crime.

Arizona state Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, reacts to Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, as she explains her vote on SB 1231 at the Arizona Capitol on Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

House panel advances GOP plan to check citizenship of welfare recipients

PHOENIX - A House committee, on a party-line vote, gave preliminary approval Monday to a ballot measure that would require cities, towns and agencies to check the citizenship status of anyone applying for public welfare benefits or a license of any kind.


Nonprofit aiding unhoused community continues events despite Tempe denying special event permit

TEMPE – The city of Tempe recently denied a special event permit for AZ Hugs, a nonprofit that connects the city’s unhoused community to necessary resources. However, founder Austin Davis is continuing to host the Sundays events regardless of the city’s decision.


Naloxone vending machine unveiled in Valle del Sol clinic in south Phoenix

PHOENIX –Valle del Sol, a community health service with locations all through Phoenix, has set up a free naloxone vending machine at its south Phoenix clinic.

The Narcan vending machine in the Valle del Sol clinic lobby contains both the injectable and nasal spray versions of naloxone. The nasal spray is considered easier for the average person to use. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

House panel advances bill for a Holocaust center, but holds back funds for now

PHOENIX - A House panel gave tentative approval Wednesday to a Holocaust education center, but not before stripping out funding for the project that supporters said will provide an "immersive experience for the next generation on hate and genocide."


Flight attendants demand better pay and working conditions during Sky Harbor Airport walkout

PHOENIX – Flight attendants at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport joined others across the country in an educational demonstration to shine a light on their struggle to make a deal with their airline employers.

Flight attendants walk out at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to advocate for better pay and working conditions on Feb. 13, 2024. (Photo by Mariah Temprendola/Cronkite News)

As summers get hotter, St. Vincent de Paul works to assist unhoused individuals

PHOENIX – St. Vincent de Paul provides housing and heat relief to people experiencing homelessness. In the summer, the organization offers bottled water, indoor air conditioning and outdoor heat relief stations, which are necessary interventions as the Valley is overwhelmed with heat.

People who are experiencing homelessness are provided with beds at St. Vincent de Paul’s Washington Street Shelter. (Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul)