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Justices uphold law giving Native families priority to adopt Native youth

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a federal law that requires tribal families get priority in the adoption or foster placement of an Indigenous child, a law aimed at stopping what one justice called the "nightmare" of family separation.


With no ethics board, Phoenix residents who file complaints face obstacles, silence and secrecy

PHOENIX – Six years ago, Phoenix City Council created an ethics commission to review complaints. But the city still hasn’t appointed anyone to it, so those who file complaints face nothing but frustration.

Phoenix is the only city among the 10 largest U.S. cities that does not have an ethics board or commission. (Photo by Emma Peterson/Howard Center for Investigative Journalism)

Dre Brown, barber for many out-of-town athletes, built business from a mother’s gift

SCOTTSDALE – From NBA star Jamal Murray to NFL star DK Metcalf, Mug and Mane owner Dre Brown is the go-to Scottsdale barber for many celebrities and athletes. From a Christmas present, Brown found his love for cutting hair and using his gift to help others.

Dre Brown, who opened Mug and Mane Barber Lounge in Scottsdale in July 2018, inspires the community through haircuts and fundraising. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)

Court says Title IX covers sexual orientation, reinstates suit against UArizona

WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Title IX protections prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex also protect against harassment on the basis of a person's perceived sexual orientation.


Activist on a roll: ADA lawsuits no surprise to disabled community advocate

PHOENIX – Two Southwest-based eye surgery centers reached a $1 million settlement with the Justice Department, which accused them of discriminating against disabled patients, a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Disability activist Gina Schuh has used a wheelchair since a diving accident at age 18. “When people tell me not to let it define me, I say, ‘Actually, it 100% has defined me as a person and who I am today and I am cool with it.'” (Photo courtesy of Gina Schuh)

GOP lawmakers call for ‘war,’ Democrats for justice after Trump indictment

WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers' reacted swiftly to the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump for allegedly hoarding classified intelligence documents. Democrats said the legal process needs to play out, while Republicans called the indictment politically motivated.


Salt Lake? Houston? As Tempe shuts down arena proposal, courtship of Arizona Coyotes picks up

TEMPE – The Coyotes have committed to playing at Mullet Arena in Tempe for at least another year, but possibilities for a permanent home include Mesa and potentially Salt Lake City, Utah.


Arizona Cardinals put focus on building team chemistry as OTAs conclude

TEMPE – Conducting OTA workouts at their training facility in Tempe, the Cardinals continued ironing out the natural kinks that come with a new coaching staff and new players.

Arizona Cardinals offensive linemen Julién Davenport, left, and Paris Johnson Jr. observe drills during Wednesday's OTAs. Selected sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson is projected to start this season. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)

Audit: As border cases go up, staffing stays the same and morale falls

WASHINGTON - Staffing shortages and a surging workload at the southwest border have depleted morale among customs and border officials, who feel overworked and misused, leaving many ready to quit, a Homeland Security official testified Tuesday.


Quite Frank-ly, Vogel checks every box to take Phoenix Suns to championship level

PHOENIX – Frank Vogel addressed the Valley for the first time Tuesday in an introductory press conference as new Suns coach with GM James Jones.

Frank Vogel won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and was twice named an NBA All-Star Game coach. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Suns)

Girls Ranch group home provides safe haven for teen moms

SCOTTSDALE — Girls Ranch, a licensed residential group home in Scottsdale, provides housing and comprehensive services to pregnant and parenting teens ages 12-18. Nonprofit Florence Crittenton, which runs Girls Ranch, helps these young mothers by offering child care, parenting skills and more.

Girls Ranch is a residential facility for pregnant and parenting teens. Pictured is the back of the house and entrance to the backyard on April 19, 2023. (Photo by Izabella Hernandez/Cronkite News)

Arizona State University plans new medical school among efforts to address gaps in state health care

TEMPE – The Arizona Board of Regents asked Arizona’s three universities to create real-world solutions to the state’s health care crisis. ASU responded with plans for ASU Health, which includes a new medical school focused on medical engineering and technology.

ASU President Michael Crow, left, and Fred DuVal, chair elect of the Arizona Board of Regents, confer after the regents meeting where Crow announced a new medical school on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Photo by Sophia Biazus/Cronkite News)