Crystal N. Aguilar
Crystal N. Aguilar(she/her)
News Visual Journalist, Phoenix

Crystal N. Aguilar expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Aguilar has focused her studies toward working in a newsroom in production. She’s taken classes such as news writing and was in the yearbook club writing articles, taking photos and designing layouts.

Latest from Crystal N Aguilar

Older adults face homelessness at high rates. Here’s how governments, organizations are responding

PHOENIX – With the help of federal funding, the Justa Center and city of Phoenix are working to help older adults experiencing homelessness, including helping people find long-term housing solutions.

The Justa Center in downtown Phoenix has worked for years to assist unhoused older adults in the community. (Photo by Crystal N. Aguilar/Cronkite News)

Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care

PHOENIX – Mental Health America ranked Arizona 49th on its national list for adult mental health care, indicating a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower access to care within the state.

The Arizona Department of Health Services’ Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix provides “the highest and most restrictive” level of care in the state, according to AZDHS. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

‘Mobility, community and open space’: Culdesac in Tempe aims to provide a healthy alternative to suburban living

TEMPE – Culdesac, a walkable, car-free neighborhood in Tempe, aims to support tenants’ healthier lifestyles by allowing them to have quick access to necessities such as stores, restaurants and public transit.

A community area inside of Culdesac features a mural by a local artist. Photo taken in Tempe on April 2, 2024. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

State of the City: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlights jobs, housing, sustainability

PHOENIX – In her annual State of the City address, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego focused on creating a successful, sustainable and safe Phoenix to enable residents to live comfortably. Phoenix is looking to build its economy by addressing climate and housing issues along with increasing investment opportunities.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego delivers her annual State of the City address at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

‘Sniff and have fun’: Technology like Sniffspot app gives pets space to roam

PHOENIX – The Sniffspot app and website give dog owners the opportunity to rent safe spaces by the hour for their dogs to roam.

Wag World is a backyard space in Phoenix that can be rented to give dogs the opportunity to release pent up energy. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

Despite overcast skies, ‘Great American Eclipse’ delivers for Arizona fans

FLAGSTAFF - The weather was chilly and the skies were partly cloudy, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds who came to Lowell Observatory to watch the last solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for the next 20 years.


Arizona Humane Society introduces dog field trips to broaden dogs’ exposure, increase adoptions

PHOENIX – Volunteers can sign up at the Arizona Humane Society to take adoptable dogs out on short field trips to help them gain more exposure to potential adopters.

Arizona Humane Society public relations and social media manager Joe Casados holds a dog up for adoption on Feb. 1, 2024. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

Nación Tohono O’odham recibe subvención para ampliar conectividad a Internet

NACIÓN TOHONO O'ODHAM — Nación Tohono O'odham recibe subvención para ampliar la conectividad a Internet. Miembros de su comunidad recibe

Florina Esteban learns how to set up and send emails at Tohono O’odham Community College on Feb. 13. There are multiple classes a day for those ready to take on new technology. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

Affordable Care Act celebrates 14th anniversary following jump in enrollment, continuing political discord

PHOENIX – The Affordable Care Act just celebrated its 14th anniversary this month despite continuing differences in opinions between Democrats and Republicans about the landmark health care law.


Tohono O’odham Nation receives grant to expand internet connectivity

TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION – The Tohono O'odham Nation received $10 million in grants to expand its internet connectivity to regions that previously had no internet.

June Starr, left, helps Francine Jose operate her computer and guides her through Gmail on Feb. 13. Jose was part of a group of residents from Chukut Kut, a Tohono O'odham district on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

Voters hit the polls for Arizona presidential preference election

PHOENIX – The Arizona presidential preference election drew some voters out on Election Day, though many who participated in the partisan election had already voted via mail-in ballot for their chosen presidential candidate. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are already their parties’ presumptive nominees.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes speaks at the State Capitol Executive Tower on March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mariah Temprendola/Cronkite News)