Denzen Cortez
Denzen Cortez(he/him)
News Reporter, Phoenix

Denzen Cortez expects to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Cortez has interned as a reporter at KTAR News and NBC KCAA radio station as on-air talent. He’s had additional experience as an anchor for The Cut Network.

Latest from Denzen Cortez

Best foot forward: Tucson farrier educates Native American communities on horseshoeing

TUCSON – George Goode explains the significance of farrier education through his nonprofit organization, the Native American Horse Education Foundation, which provides courses to Native American communities in Sells.

George Goode sits in front of his trailer on the Tohono O’odham Nation on April 10, 2024. Goode bought his trailer 30 years ago when the Native American Horse Education Foundation was still a dream. Now, he uses the trailer daily to help teach equine education to Native Americans. It houses materials necessary for horseshoeing, including burners, anvils, nails and shoes. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

Here’s how Arizona officials are preparing for expected influx of NCAA men’s Final Four visitors

GLENDALE – Gov. Katie Hobbs, accompanied by law enforcement and city officials, held a news conference to discuss security protocols for the upcoming NCAA men’s Final Four games and events, set to be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and in downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran III talks about public safety efforts in preparation for the 2024 Men’s Final Four in Arizona. Photo taken April 1, 2024, at the Glendale Media Center. (Photo by Daniella Trujillo/Cronkite News)

Personas que consumían kratom y expertos debaten si la sustancia vegetal, beneficia o perjudica a quienes lo consumen

PHOENIX – Personas que consumían kratom en el Valle describen sus experiencias con la una sustancia vegetal de uso tradicional en el sureste de Asia. Aunque los usuarios empezaron a tomarlo para tratar la depresión o el dolor, describen cómo se volvieron adictos a medida que tomaban dosis más altas. Una toxicóloga de Banner Health, y la Asociación Americana del Kratom debaten sus posibles riesgos y beneficios.

Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association during a Zoom interview on Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Denzen Cortez/Cronkite News)

Former users and experts debate whether kratom, an herbal substance, helps or harms those who take it

PHOENIX – Former kratom users in the Valley describe their experiences using the herbal substance that originated with traditional uses in Southeast Asia. While users started taking it to deal with depression or pain, they described becoming addicted as they took higher doses. A Banner Health toxicologist and the American Kratom Association discuss its potential risks and benefits.

Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association during a Zoom interview on Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Denzen Cortez/Cronkite News)

As more families seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, groups step in to help as they wait

NOGALES, Sonora, Mexico – Due to a lack of resources at the Arizona-Mexico border, more families are stuck in limbo as they seek asylum.

A family of migrants, including, from left, Ruth Barrera, 32; Arlene Carmona, 7; Luis David Araujo, 7; and Marta Araujo, 2, eats fruit and does laundry on Feb.12, 2024, outside their temporary home in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, as they await their asylum court date in the U.S. (Photo by Kayla Jackson/Cronkite News)

Business owners challenge bill requiring E-Verify checks for jobs, benefits

PHOENIX - House Speaker Ben Toma says his latest immigration bill could save Arizona billions in welfare benefits annually, but small business owners rallied Monday to say it will cost the state instead, by driving out businesses and workers.


Migrantes huyen de la violencia y piden asilo en EE.UU.

NOGALES, SONORA, MEX. – Familias migrantes huyen de violencia y esperan en Nogales su aprobación de asilo. Miles viven en precarias condiciones en la ciudad fronteriza.

La casa donde vive Yuridia con su familia y donde residen más migrantes mientras esperan su cita de asilo en Nogales, Sonora, México el 12 de febrero de 2024. (Foto por Kayla Jackson/Cronkite Noticias)

Women of the West: Art of the Cowgirl showcases female strength, artistry

QUEEN CREEK – The Art of the Cowgirl celebrates women who embody the country lifestyle by raising funds for artists, so they can have opportunities such as fellowships or become master artists within their fields.

Waylon Kenny pulls Breckin Reed in a wagon at Art of the Cowgirl on Jan. 19, 2024, in Queen Creek. (Photo by Mariah Temprendola/Cronkite News)