Search result for Becca Smouse

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)

Propositions: Measures to limit ‘dark money’ and medical debt pass

PHOENIX – Proposition 211, the ballot measure requiring disclosure for political spending, has passed, according to the Associated Press.


Arizona Wildcats receivers catch on in quest to become the Pac-12’s best

TUCSON – Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura had a career-high in passing yards and threw six touchdowns against Colorado, and his receiving core made several highlight plays and helped the offense break some records for the second straight game. The group will need a similar strong showing against Oregon Saturday.

Arizona’s wide receivers, including Tetairoa McMillan, left, and Dorian Singer, have plenty to celebrate after a strong showing by the unit against Colorado Saturday. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Migrant deaths declined as encounters rose; advocates warn against relaxing

WASHINGTON - Migrant deaths in Arizona's deserts have fallen sharply so far this year, even as the number of immigrants caught trying to cross the state's border with Mexico has been soaring, but advocates cautioned against reading too much into the numbers.


Death by homelessness: Living on the streets cuts lives short, study finds

LOS ANGELES – A new study finds older unhoused people are 3.5 times more at risk of premature death. Leading causes are heart disease and cancer – and drug addiction.


Court says states can try some tribal crimes; critics call it a ‘disaster’

WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that states can prosecute non-Natives for crimes against Native people on tribal lands, a ruling that critics called a "disaster" for tribal sovereignty and an "act of conquest."


Monkeypox probably has arrived in Arizona. Here’s what to know about the virus.

PHOENIX – Health officials announced Tuesday they were working to confirm a probable case of monkeypox in Maricopa County. It would be Arizona’s first case of the virus, which is transmitted primarily via skin-to-skin contact.


All-star events? Big prize money? Disc golf takes off, opens pro season in Tucson

TUCSON – All-Star Weekend in Tucson showcased the growing popularity of disc golf. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the sports landscape, but it also inspired some to seek new outdoor options. Disc golf was that for many.


Backyard birds: Annual count uses citizen scientists to take snapshots of U.S. populations

MESA – Backyard biodiversity and citizen science collide at the Great Backyard Bird Count, when seasoned and fledgling birders take to their backyards, parks, nature preserves and the wilderness to share their sightings with scientists. For Arizona, the annual count gives us a snapshot of what species are here before migration starts this spring.


24 horse fatalities during Turf Paradise racing season raise concerns

PHOENIX – With a death rate nearly twice the national average, Turf Paradise is coming under fire for 24 horse fatalities.


Crop talk: UArizona scientists learning how plants communicate with their environment

TUCSON – Scientists at the University of Arizona are testing how plants respond to their environment. Their goal is to engineer plants so they can withstand the effects of climate change.


State statutes could protect families if Indian Child Welfare Act is overturned

The Indian Child Welfare Act, which was passed in 1978, could be overturned by the Supreme Court, advocates say, but state laws could provide some of the same protections.