Search result for Cronkite News Staff

Kind of a ‘big deal’: Ansu Kanneh made pro soccer debut at 14, hopes to revive career at GCU after injury

PHOENIX – Ansu Kanneh set history in 2020 when he became the youngest ever player to feature in the USL Championship for Phoenix Rising. After suffering an ACL tear, Kanneh is determined to get his career back on track at GCU.

Ansu Kanneh dribbling the soccer ball

Officials confident about Tuesday voting, feel good for long-term outlook

WASHINGTON - Local elections Tuesday could be a low-level test of voting systems stressed by years of challenges that have some worried about the 2024 election, now less than a year off. But officials are fairly confident - in the short and long term - that they can staff the polls.


Business owners hopeful as Phoenix meets deadline to clean up ‘The Zone’

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has fulfilled a court-ordered Nov. 4 deadline to remove all tents and makeshift structures from the area around the Human Services Campus known as “The Zone,” and business owners in the area are hopeful.

A sign at 13th Avenue and Jefferson Street, next to Old Station Sub Shop, declares the area is “closed to camping.” (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

‘We’re not going to be alone’: Phoenix Rising FC finds strength in strong Los Bandidos support

PHOENIX – A look inside Los Bandidos, the dedicated supporters group behind Phoenix Risin’s postseason run. Ever since 2017, their unwavering commitment has created a unique atmosphere, turning away games into home-like experiences for the club.

Los Bandidos “Capo” Tomas Rosales, facing away from the game as always, leads La Banda and other group members in songs and cheers. (Photo Courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

Deep ties in Tempe: ASU football’s Ben Coleman, Tre Brown bring brotherly bond to Sun Devils

TEMPE – Football created a friendship for eternity for ASU’s Ben Coleman and Tre Brown, but a bond off the gridiron that goes back to fifth grade has continued to grow stronger as first-year transfers for Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils.

Former childhood friends Ben Coleman, left, and Tre Brown find themselves as teammates on ASU's football team after creating a close-knit bond in fifth grade. (Photo by Cody Marmon/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Rising FC aims for Western Conference Final redemption, sets sights on ‘California Sweep’ against Sacramento Republic FC

PHOENIX – In a long-awaited return to the Western Conference Final, Phoenix Rising FC is determined to leave their misfortunes behind. This Saturday, the organization looks to pull off the “California sweep” against top-seeded Sacramento Republic FC on the road.

Phoenix Rising FC gears up for a California showdown Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC in the Western Conference Final. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

Chaos contained: Arizona Diamondbacks silenced by Texas Rangers in World Series loss

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 season was a roller coaster, featuring the highs of securing a postseason berth and sweeping rivals, and the lows of losing in the World Series.

Carrol in the batter's box

Life behind the bases as partners of MLB players reveal highs, lows

PHOENIX – As the Arizona Diamondbacks fight for their first World Series in two decades, some of their spouses reveal the ups and downs of dating a professional baseball player.

Andrew Saalfrank posing for photo with girlfriend Madisyn Stauffer.

Physicians can challenge genetic-abnormality abortion ban, court rules

WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said a group of Arizona physicians can challenge the state's ban on abortions for genetic abnormalities, a law the doctors say could land them in jail because it is impermissibly vague.

woman holding "abortion equals healthcare" protest sign in crowd

How Arizona native Merrill Kelly’s long, winding path led him to pitching for hometown team in World Series

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are playing in the World Series for the first time since 2001. The trip to the Fall Classic means even more for Scottsdale product Merrill Kelly, who endured numerous bumps before pitching for his hometown team.

After overcoming obstacles and taking the road less traveled throughout his career, Scottsdale native Merrill Kelly is set to pitch for his hometown Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Trees Matter gives out free trees to increase Valley canopy coverage

PHOENIX – Trees Matter held a free tree distribution event alongside SRP earlier this month. They gave out free, desert-tolerant trees and shared education about tree planting.

A Trees Matter worker waits to assist a line of cars awaiting free trees. Dozens of Phoenix residents in the Maryvale area came to the distribution event Oct. 7, 2023, at Maryvale High School in Phoenix. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

Flagstaff devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to ‘enliven the city’

FLAGSTAFF – The city of Flagstaff Beautification & Public Art Commission devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to enhance community aesthetics. Programs include wrapping utility cabinets with colorful artwork and potting flowers downtown.

“Here Comes the Sun” traffic cabinet art wrap by Christy Moeller. (Photo courtesy city of Flagstaff)