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T visa rule changes could help survivors of human trafficking seeking immigration status

PHOENIX – A new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services T visa rule change implemented in August could provide opportunities for victims and survivors of human trafficking. However, it may also complicate the process, according to legal experts, attorneys and advocates.

Guatemalan passport on a desk with a laptop and hands typing next to it.

Arizona Cardinals shift focus to correcting Week 1 mistakes ahead of home opener vs. Los Angeles Rams

PHOENIX – Following the loss in Buffalo, the Cardinals are already looking forward to their home opener against the Rams, facing a different style of quarterback in Matthew Stafford.


Valley Suns hold first tryouts, marking new horizon for Phoenix basketball

TEMPE – A new chapter of Phoenix Suns basketball began Saturday with the G League’s Valley Suns holding open tryouts in Tempe. Coach John Little and general manager Brendan Sabean will prioritize development and teaching a brand of basketball modeled after the parent Phoenix Suns.


Year of change: From last place to playoff berth, Phoenix Mercury return to winning ways

PHOENIX – After a tumultuous 2023 season, the Mercury have clinched a playoff berth for the 11th time in 12 years, thanks to an offseason roster overhaul, a new coach and veteran leadership.

Diana Taurasi in black and orange athletic attire preparing to shoot a basketball on an indoor court, with a blurred backdrop of basketball hoops and spectators.

After the Games: Paris Olympics shed light on government assistance for youth sports

PARIS – While the world was engrossed with the Paris Olympics this summer, impoverished children at a local Paris nonprofit were some of the Games’ happiest winners.

The newly constructed multi-sports court near the Féte le Mur building in the La Courneuve neighborhood near Paris benefits impoverished youth. When the court was first opened, it was visited by tennis legend Roger Federer. (Photo by Zach Bradshaw/Special for Cronkite News)

Behind the Gold: Medical staff plays key role in ensuring athlete success during Olympics, Paralympics

PARIS – Team USA athletes at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics rely on a dedicated support system, including medical staff and mental health professionals, to ensure peak performance. This team plays a crucial role in preparing athletes both physically and mentally as they navigate challenges on and off the field.

The Team USA track and field medical staff, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, and dietitians, work tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of athletes throughout the competition and beyond (Photo by Savannah Bowie/Special for Cronkite News)

IOC, Team USA use new technology to promote athlete mental wellness, even after Olympics are over

PARIS – At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee and Team USA did more than ever before to help with Olympians’ mental well-being by using technology like VR, AI and therapy.


Keeping the Olympics safe: Paris finds success securing city but can L.A. do the same in 2028?

PARIS – Paris has used countless resources to keep the city safe for the Summer Olympics. How will Los Angeles handle security for the 2028 Games city since the city is larger and presents more challenges.


An American (senator) in Paris: Kyrsten Sinema competes in amateur marathon on Olympic course

PARIS – Kyrsten Sinema will be competing in the first-ever marathon using the same course as the one in the Paris Olympics. The senator reflects on her running background, training and the importance of the Summer Games.


Former Mercury forward Cierra Burdick find success with Team USA women’s 3×3 basketball

PARIS - Former Mercury forward Cierra Burdick has become the leader of the Team USA 3x3 basketball team that aims to win back-to-back gold medals.

Former Phoenix Mercury Cierra Burdick played for seven WNBA teams over five seasons and now finds herself representing the Team USA 3x3 women's basketball team in the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Special for Cronkite News)

Teacher shortages persist in Arizona but may be easing

WASHINGTON – The teacher shortage in Arizona is showing signs of easing as the 2024-25 school year draws closer.

Arizona’s teacher shortage has shown signs of improvement compared to last year. Desert Edge High School in Glendale will be fully staffed when classes begin in August 2024, according to principal Gretchen Hann. (Photo courtesy of Desert Edge High School)

Life-saving method: Medevac helicopters start carrying blood, but what about ambulances?

PHOENIX – Blood in ambulances is proven to save more lives because patients are able to get transfusions faster. Other states are beginning to carry blood in ambulances, but Arizona hasn’t implemented this yet, at least not on the ground.

Pints of O negative blood sit in a refrigerator at the Vitalant Tempe donation center on June 20, 2024. Blood needs to be kept at a certain temperature until the moment it is transfused. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)