Search result for Ali Budner

Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, seeks greatness in Glendale

GLENDALE – Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a win Friday against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. If all goes according to plan, this week’s trip will be better than his last.

Nico Ali Walsh, left, hopes to show fans his full range of skills in Friday's bout against Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

Hospitality, tourism and sports industries come together before the Super Bowl to fight human trafficking

PHOENIX – Up to 150,000 people are expected to visit the Valley for Super Bowl LVII, and It’s a Penalty is using the exposure to bring awareness to human trafficking and convene the hospitality, tourism and sports industries to raise awareness and continue the fight against trafficking.

Collette V. Smith, who was the first Black woman to coach in the NFL, and Arizona Cardinals player Jesse Luketa speak as part of a panel at the It’s a Penalty event in Phoenix Jan. 25, 2023. (Photo by Paula Soria/Cronkite News)

Colleges expect more undocumented students this spring after Prop 308

WASHINGTON - Arizona voters did a sharp about-face this fall, narrowly voting to allow in-state tuition for undocumented state residents, a 180-degree reversal of a policy that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2006 prohibiting such aid for Dreamers in the state.


Border communities, Border Patrol brace for migrant surge as Title 42 ends

TUCSON - Record-high numbers of migrants stressed humanitarian organizations and border officials alike in 2022. Now, both groups are bracing for a new surge, with the end next week of Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that allowed 2.5 million migrants to be turned away.


Phoenix nursery provides model solution for newborns exposed to opioids

PHOENIX – Hushabye Nursery uses a model called Eat, Sleep, Console to treat newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome, the result of withdrawing from drugs they were exposed to before birth. The nursery gives parents and babies private rooms to allow for family-centered care, with the goal of breaking the cycle of addiction across generations.

A staff member at Hushabye Nursery in Phoenix feeds one of the babies on Nov. 8, 2022. Infants brought to the nursery are withdrawing from drugs they were exposed to before birth – opioids, in particular. Across the country, cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome increased 82% from 2010 to 2017. That means that in the U.S., a baby is diagnosed with NAS every 19 minutes. (Photo by Laura Bargfeld/Cronkite News)

University researchers in Arizona, Washington collaborate to create a Valley fever vaccine

PHOENIX – A new research program combining the efforts of Northern Arizona University and the University of Washington aims to create a vaccine for Valley fever, an infectious fungal disease that poses an increasing threat as the climate gets drier and warmer.


‘We see value in you’: Arizona organization helps bridge gaps between foster kids and families

PHOENIX – An estimated 80% of the more than 400,000 children in foster care across the U.S. struggle with significant mental health issues. In Arizona, one nonprofit is working to help children persevere – by offering services for foster youth and parents alike.

Russ Funk, left, is director of community engagement for Aid to Adoption of Special Kids in Phoenix. Funk and his wife have been foster parents, and two of their four children are adopted and biracial. “They integrated into our home at a very early age, and so it was just a natural thing,” he said, adding that those experiences are what drove him to work with other foster families. (Photo courtesy of AASK)

El Día de los Muertos varía culturalmente, pero el recuerdo sigue siendo el corazón de la conmemoración

PHOENIX – Día de los Muertos ha sido comercializado y se cree que es el “Halloween mexicano”, sigue siendo un día de recuerdo. Quienes celebran también recuerdan los orígenes de la festividad en America, que se remontan a los aztecas.

José Cárdenas of Chandler lights candles on Oct. 30, 2022, on one of the altars he built for his wife, Virginia, who died 10 years ago. (Photo by Scianna Garcia/Cronkite News)

Single and loving it?: Prop 129 would limit ballot measures to one subject

WASHINGTON - Proposition 129 asks just one question: Should all future ballot initiatives ask just one question"? Supporters say limiting initiatives to a single subject will make it easier for voters, but critics call it another attempt to increase legislative power at voters' expense.


Inflación, violencia y trabajo, prioridades para votantes latinos, revela encuesta

PHOENIX – UnidosUS y Mi Familia Vota han publicado una encuesta que revela los temas más importantes para los votantes latinos en Arizona en las próximas elecciones. Entre estos se encuentran la inflación, la violencia armada y el aborto.


South Mountain golfer Luke Greig journeys from Scotland to the U.S. in search of pro career

PHOENIX – Coming all the way from the birthplace of golf, Scottish golfer Luke Greig is starting his collegiate career at South Mountain Community College with hopes of one day turning professional.

Luke Greig left his family in Scotland to purse a pro golf career in the United States. The overseas move has changed his approach to the game and the dynamic he shares with family. (Photo by Collin Mitchell/Cronkite News)

‘Coach’s dream’: Ohio State commit Dylan Raiola shows jaw-dropping skill as Chandler quarterback

PHOENIX – Dylan Raiola, an Ohio State quarterback commit and the No. 1 ranked prospect in the 2024 class, has led Chandler to an undefeated record. The junior has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his unique play style and talented arm.

Chandler junior quarterback Dylan Raiola hands off to running back Ca’lil Valentine at a recent practice. Raiola, who is committed to Ohio State, leads the 7-0 Wolves against Basha (6-1) Friday. (Photo by Cole Topham/Cronkite News)