Search result for Erica L. Lang

Catalyst for change: How Jerry Colangelo, 1992-93 Suns transformed downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX – The 1992-93 Phoenix Suns were more than a success on the basketball court, where they were good enough to reach The NBA Finals. With a new coach, a new superstar in Charles Barkley and a new arena, that team launched a renaissance in downtown Phoenix that transformed the city.

A visionary in his own right, former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo capitalized on the potential of downtown Phoenix to help revitalize the Valley. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Filipinos in LA look to a gateway as their ‘guiding star’ to salvage a neglected history

LOS ANGELES – Historic Filipinotown, or HiFi, is supposed to be the center of the Filipino community in Los Angeles, but it lacks key identifying factors that many cultural communities have in their respective districts. The strides to make this a reality have been slow, but community members have been working to make the Filipino community’s presence known.

Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown was given a grand gateway to a community that Filipino Americans say has been overlooked, as seen in this photo taken Nov. 17, 2022 (Photo by Emeril Gordon/Cronkite News)

Appeals court gives Resolution Copper mine opponents another chance

WASHINGTON - A federal court said it will take another look at claims that the proposed Resolution Copper mine should be delayed because it sits on land sacred to the Apache and would violate their religious rights by destroying Oak Flat.


Inside the making of the Phoenix Suns’ City Edition jerseys honoring Arizona’s Native American tribes

PHOENIX — Nike’s City Edition uniforms allow NBA teams to create a new jersey that honors the culture and community through basketball. The Suns used this opportunity to unveil their ORGINATIV program, which highlights Arizona’s Native American tribes and educates fans about the culture through symbolism on the jersey and live performances.

In Wednesday's win over the Golden State Warriors, the Phoenix Suns debuted a new jersey design that pays tribute to Arizona's 22 Native American tribes. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Give me a C! Brain injury survivor Marlee Smith advocates for concussion victims after cheerleading accident

PHOENIX – After sustaining a traumatic brain injury when she was 16 from cheerleading, Marlee Smith’s life forever changed. She had to relearn basic life skills and is now using her experience to help others deal with concussions.

Marlee Smith struggled for years after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Now she advocates for others. (Photo courtesy of Marlee Smith)

Justices grapple with legality of Indian Child Welfare Act in marathon hearing

WASHINGTON - Over the course of three hours Wednesday, the Supreme Court grappled with whether a law meant to keep Indigenous children with Native American families should be overturned as racist and unconstitutional, as critics charge.


Propositions: Measures to limit ‘dark money’ and medical debt pass

PHOENIX – Proposition 211, the ballot measure requiring disclosure for political spending, has passed, according to the Associated Press.


See updates from Arizona voters and polling locations on Election Day

PHOENIX – Voters across Arizona headed to the polls to make their voices heard this midterm election. Their votes on candidate races and propositions will determine the future of Arizona. This year, tensions are high as Arizonans decide on a new governor as well as a U.S. senator, among other races.


Judge sets limits on drop-box watchers, banning weapons, confrontation

WASHINGTON - A federal judge set new limits on groups watching ballot drop boxes, ordering them to stop confronting and filming voters, to stop carrying weapons near the boxes and to correct voting misinformation on their social media.


Single and loving it?: Prop 129 would limit ballot measures to one subject

WASHINGTON - Proposition 129 asks just one question: Should all future ballot initiatives ask just one question"? Supporters say limiting initiatives to a single subject will make it easier for voters, but critics call it another attempt to increase legislative power at voters' expense.


License to vote: Prop 309 would toughen ID rules for mail, in-person voting

WASHINGTON - Backers of Proposition 309, which would stiffen ID requirements for mail and in-person voting, say it will help restore voter confidence in election integrity; critics call it a solution to a problem that doesn't exist and say it will just make it harder for some people to vote.


It started with a rubber chicken: The story behind the Suns’ Sunburst jersey

PHOENIX – The Suns’ decision to completely redesign their uniforms 30 years ago came during a time of dramatic change for the franchise that wasn’t for the chickenhearted.

Jerry Colangelo wanted a logo to reflect the Phoenix Suns as a franchise that was trending upward, not setting. So the new logo became a rising sun. (Photo courtesy of Tom O’Grady)