Search result for Julian Hernandez

Native hoop dance coaches preserve history, tradition with new generation

PHOENIX – Indigenous intertribal hoop dance combines tradition and history with individuality and creativity. We tell the story of three dancers who are sharing their passion for the dance with the next generation.

Gianna Begay, who is Navajo and Anishinaabe, is an intermediate student in the Native American Hoop Dance Class at Ballet Arizona in Phoenix. Photo taken Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Izabella Hernandez/Cronkite News)

First lady Jill Biden visits Mesa Community College to talk college, jobs

MESA - First lady Jill Biden was met with nothing but praise and happy students Monday morning during her visit to Mesa Community College, where she applauded the city for its successful college scholarship program.


A dynasty is born: Kansas City Chiefs enter rare air with Super Bowl 57 win

GLENDALE – The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 to become the NFL’s newest dynasty. Historical parallels between the Patriots’ dynasty of old and the Chiefs of today are more apparent after Sunday's comeback win over Philadelphia at State Farm Stadium.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes fought his way through a high ankle sprain to capture his second Super Bowl MVP award in Sunday's 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

WM Phoenix Open’s raucous 16th hole leaves other sports events ‘in the dirt’

SCOTTSDALE – The otherwise nondescript par-3 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open has grown from a good spot to watch golf and grab a beer to one of the most unique, iconic and raucous holes on the PGA Tour.

The 16th hole at the the WM Phoenix Open rivals some of the best-known staples in sports — and it's only growing each year in popularity. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Legislature votes to lift cap on school spending for second year in a row

PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate and House have overridden the aggregate expenditure limit for the second year in a row, which will allow school districts to spend their Legislature-appropriated funds. Gov. Katie Hobbs said the action was “long overdue” and called the limit from 1980 an “​​archaic cap on school funding.”

The Arizona House and Senate both voted this week to override the aggregate expenditure limit, a constitutional amendment that limits public school spending based on a formula from 1980. (File photo by Alex Gould/Cronkite News)

Threatened narrow-headed garter snake gets help from the Phoenix Zoo

PHOENIX — Forty narrow-headed garter snakes were born last year at the Phoenix Zoo’s Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center — by far the most since the program began in 2007. The center’s director is hopeful 2023 will be another successful year. The aquatic snake is threatened because of invasive species — including crawfish and frogs — climate change and development.

A Phoenix Zoo employee holds a garter snake.

Superb Bowl Sundays: Arizona has knack for delivering the goods in big game

PHOENIX – Those who have taken part in three previous Super Bowls played in Arizona remember their historical importance, the big plays and the wild finishes. Will Super Bowl LVI at State Farm Stadium in Glendale deliver again?

Arizona is set to host its fourth Super Bowl on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium. The Valley will move into sole possession of fifth place on the list of U.S. metropolitan areas that have hosted the NFL's crown jewel. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Police in Colorado town use outreach, TikTok to gain immigrants’ trust

AVON, Colorado – Avon Police Chief Greg Daly says many people in his small Rocky Mountain town are afraid to call police. To improve trust among the large immigrant population, the department conducts an annual Latino Police Academy, has hired more Spanish-speaking officers and even posts fun TikToks in Spanish.

Detective Alan Hernandez of the Avon Police Department uses his experience to connect with the small Colorado city’s large immigrant community. Photo taken in July 2022. (Photo by Gabriela Tumani/News21)

Fighting hate: Approaches range from expanding hate crime definitions to gathering data

LOS ANGELES – The system for reporting hate in America is broken. The FBI’s database has limited scope, and people often don’t – or sometimes can’t – report hate crimes to authorities. But federal, state and local entities are tackling hate in a variety of ways – from expanding definitions and launching hotlines to capturing data.

A chalkboard filled with drawings of staff and a large rainbow hangs near the front desk at the TransLatin@ Coalition office in Los Angeles on July 5, 2022. Jimena Sandoval, the group’s communications and marketing coordinator, says it was drawn for Pride Month. (Photo by Jessica Alvarado Gamez/News21)

Busker nation: Outside of sporting events, street performers capture soundtrack of Phoenix life

PHOENIX – Outside of Phoenix sporting events and concerts, local street performers set the ambience for fans. Many of them come from illustrious musical backgrounds, and they’re hoping you’ll listen, even if just for a moment.

Trumpet player Edward Conway performs outside Footprint Center following a Suns victory over the Warriors on Nov. 16. Conway started busking out of necessity. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Growth beyond borders: Inside the NFL’s reach in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – The NFL returned to Mexico City on Nov. 21 when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals. The NFL and its clubs started to grow their presence in Mexico last year to build their brands and gain fan growth in an interest-filled region.

The stands at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City were filled with 49ers fans when San Francisco took on the Arizona Cardinals. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Monday Night Fiesta: Mexico fans take over San Francisco 49ers- Arizona Cardinals game at Aztec Stadium

MEXICO CITY – The San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals faced off in the final game of the NFL International Series in Mexico City at Aztec Stadium. The Niners and the 49er faithful dominated the Super Bowl-type event’s tone and mood, helping them defeat the Cardinals.