Search result for Cronkite News

Women athletes fight for equality to level playing field in male-dominated sports

PHOENIX – With a long history of suppression, women athletes are rebelling through the domination of rugby, football and combat sports while going against the norm and paving paths for themselves.

UFC hopeful Leslie Hernandez fights out of Phoenix’s MMA Lab under the strawweight division, where she currently holds a record of 1-1. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Hernandez)

Hiking in the heat: Phoenix considers extending closure hours for popular trails on excessive heat days

PHOENIX – For the past two years, Phoenix officials have closed some of the city’s most popular hiking trails when temperatures have soared to cut down on the number of heat-related incidents – and the expensive rescues when hikers get into trouble. Now, they’re planning to use information they collect this summer to determine whether to make additional adjustments.

“Take a Hike, Do it Right” signs warn visitors of the dangers while hiking in hot conditions. The city limits hiking on some popular trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning. (Photo By Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

Justices uphold law giving Native families priority to adopt Native youth

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a federal law that requires tribal families get priority in the adoption or foster placement of an Indigenous child, a law aimed at stopping what one justice called the "nightmare" of family separation.


Lawmakers spar over BLM plan to weigh conservation in land-use decisions

WASHINGTON - A Bureau of Land Management rule that would, for the first time, count conservation as a legitimate use for public lands, along with mining, logging and other uses, is an "offensive" overreach of federal authority, Republicans said Thursday.


Arizona education leaders unveil ‘Everything to Gain’ campaign about importance of post-high school education

PHOENIX – Education Forward Arizona and business leaders reveal a new campaign to raise awareness about Arizona’s education goal: To have 60% of Arizonans with college degrees or certificates by 2030.

Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona, has spent nearly 30 years helping students with financial need achieve their education goals. (Photo by Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona to compete at inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament in November

PHOENIX – The Intersport Basketball Division announced the dates for the inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament. The field features eight teams, including GCU and NAU, and will take place in Glendale.

Northern Arizona coach Shane Burcar, left, and Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew will face a step up in competition at the Arizona Tip-Off, where a strong showing could factor into a potential NCAA tournament bid. (Left photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Right photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)

With no ethics board, Phoenix residents who file complaints face obstacles, silence and secrecy

PHOENIX – Six years ago, Phoenix City Council created an ethics commission to review complaints. But the city still hasn’t appointed anyone to it, so those who file complaints face nothing but frustration.

Phoenix is the only city among the 10 largest U.S. cities that does not have an ethics board or commission. (Photo by Emma Peterson/Howard Center for Investigative Journalism)

Phoenix’s neighborhood planning boards lean on members with ties to real estate industry

PHOENIX – Village Planning Committees give residents input on zoning but many members have ties to real estate interests, an analysis found.

Construction has begun at the Aura Trinsic development site at Third Avenue and Coolidge Street. When finished, the development will feature 218 luxury units in a four-story structure. (Photo by Emma Peterson/Howard Center for Investigative Journalism)

Putting the rough in the diamond: Lawmakers meet for annual baseball game

WASHINGTON - When lawmakers faced off for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, it wasn't to show off their athleticism. It was to raise money for charity and have fun, but mostly it was to relax and relate to each other in a friendlier atmosphere, if only for a night.


New report shows Arizona children’s well-being improves slightly but state still ranks among the worst

PHOENIX – An annual report that measures the well-being of children shows slight improvement for Arizona kids, but it also raises child care concerns.

Founded by Joseph Ignacio Flores, Academia Del Pueblo is a kindergarten through eighth grade school that offers an early childhood center. Photo taken Tuesday, June 13, 2023. (Photo by Sophia Biazus/Cronkite News)

Mercury’s early-season woes continue as Brittney Griner injures hip in loss to Seattle Storm

PHOENIX – The severity of Brittney Griner’s injury isn’t known yet, but it’s clear the Mercury have room to improve from a 2-6 start to the season. Which areas are hurting them most?

The Phoenix Mercury trail most of the WNBA in key statistical categories on defense. The team's defensive numbers could dip even lower after Brittney Griner's injury in Tuesday's loss to the Seattle Storm. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Dre Brown, barber for many out-of-town athletes, built business from a mother’s gift

SCOTTSDALE – From NBA star Jamal Murray to NFL star DK Metcalf, Mug and Mane owner Dre Brown is the go-to Scottsdale barber for many celebrities and athletes. From a Christmas present, Brown found his love for cutting hair and using his gift to help others.

Dre Brown, who opened Mug and Mane Barber Lounge in Scottsdale in July 2018, inspires the community through haircuts and fundraising. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)