‘I’m heartbroken’ to ‘Nobody deserves this more’: Athletes deliver mixed reactions to Donald Trump presidential victory

  • Slug: Sports-Election Sports Reaction, 650 words.
  •  Photo available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Social media has served as a powerful conduit for athletes to share their political beliefs. That was never more evident than after Tuesday’s presidential election.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić, who is from Bosnia-Herzegovina, spoke to reporters Wednesday about athletes using their social media platforms, while others used theirs to share strong opinions after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election to Donald Trump.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese posted on X several times Wednesday. “As a woman, im heartbroken for us all…” and  I’m so disappointed in America….Some of you just couldn’t selfishly put your pride aside huh??!?!?” Continue reading “‘I’m heartbroken’ to ‘Nobody deserves this more’: Athletes deliver mixed reactions to Donald Trump presidential victory”

Did the CFP disrespect the Big 12? First poll reveals little love for BYU

  • Slug: Sports-CFP Rankings BYU, 750 words.
  •  Photo available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – One of the strongest messages to come out of Tuesday’s initial College Football Playoff ranking was the committee’s lack of respect for the Big 12, with its current leader ranked lower than many expected, despite an undefeated record.

BYU was slotted in at No. 9, despite a strong resume of ranked wins over No. 13 SMU on the road, and No. 19 Kansas State. Compared to teams ahead of the Cougars, only Georgia and Oregon have two or more ranked wins based on the committee. Over half of the top 9 have zero as of week 10. All of the teams ahead of BYU, besides No. 8 Indiana, would be considered “traditional” football powers.

The Cougars ranking “really came down to more of an eye test,” said Warde Manuel, the director of athletics at Michigan and current CFP selection committee chair. Continue reading “Did the CFP disrespect the Big 12? First poll reveals little love for BYU”

Cronkite News Digest for Election Day, Wednesday, Nov. 6

Here is your Cronkite News lineup for Wednesday, Nov. 6.

If not linked below, stories promised for today, along with photos and links to multimedia elements, will post to our client site at cronkitenews.jmc.asu.edu/clients.

Continue reading “Cronkite News Digest for Election Day, Wednesday, Nov. 6”

White Mountain Apache members participate in ‘Ride to the Polls’ movement

  • Slug: Ride to the Polls. 685 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Brianna Chappie
Cronkite News

WHITERIVER – Kaia Aiello, 20, sat on top of her horse, Amoureux, Tuesday and prepared to lead a group to the only polling location in this small town on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation so they could cast votes in the 2024 presidential election.

Aiello is a field organizer for Arizona Native Vote, a nonprofit organization that seeks to amplify Indigenous voices in rural communities throughout Arizona, including on Hopi and Navajo land and the three other federally recognized Apache nations in Arizona.

Continue reading “White Mountain Apache members participate in ‘Ride to the Polls’ movement”

Voters in Navajo Nation face polling issues on Election Day; Apache County extends voting hours

  • Slug: Navajo Nation Elections. 1,215 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Marshall Baker
Cronkite News

NAVAJO NATION – On a brisk Tuesday election morning, thousands in the Navajo Nation lined up at precincts and chapter houses to cast their votes in the general and Navajo Nation elections. As ballots were counted and numbers updated throughout the day, the overall feeling was excitement, but there was still uncertainty among voters as voting came to an end.

Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump set up camp outside voting sites and provided donuts, coffee and many campaign flyers to help spread their respective messages.

Continue reading “Voters in Navajo Nation face polling issues on Election Day; Apache County extends voting hours”

Arizona statewide ballot measures 2024 guide: Voters decide on 13 propositions

  • Slug: Ballot Measures Roundup. 1,050 words.
  • Photo available.

By Hayden Larkin
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Arizona voters have been swarmed with a plethora of ballot measures. The two most controversial proposals got the lion’s share of attention: Proposition 314, to expand immigration enforcement, and Proposition 139, to codify abortion rights in the state constitution.

But the other 11 proposals would also impact the people of Arizona. Here’s a breakdown of what voters are weighing in on:

Continue reading “Arizona statewide ballot measures 2024 guide: Voters decide on 13 propositions”

Senate fight between Ruben Gallego and Trump ally Kari Lake tests MAGA appeal against Democrats’ growing hold on Arizona

  • Slug: U.S. Senate. 1,090 words.
  • Photo available.

By Phineas Hogan
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – In a showdown between MAGA and Democrats, Arizona voters faced a choice Tuesday between Donald Trump-backed Kari Lake and Phoenix Congressman Ruben Gallego for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat.

The race is one of a handful of tossups nationwide that will determine control of the Senate.

Continue reading “Senate fight between Ruben Gallego and Trump ally Kari Lake tests MAGA appeal against Democrats’ growing hold on Arizona”

Proposition 314 would let police in Arizona arrest undocumented immigrants, stoking fears of racial profiling

  • Slug: Prop. 314. 1,470 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Mia Osmonbekov and Kelechukwu Iruoma
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – One of the most closely watched fights in Arizona on Election Day is over a ballot measure giving state and local police the power to arrest undocumented immigrants – the latest volley in a decades-long effort by conservatives dissatisfied with federal enforcement.

Critics have warned that Proposition 314 would lead to racial profiling and harassment of migrants and U.S. citizens alike. Many have viewed it as an attempt to revive the controversial 2010 Arizona law known as Senate Bill 1070, which was largely struck down in court.

Continue reading “Proposition 314 would let police in Arizona arrest undocumented immigrants, stoking fears of racial profiling”

Arizona abortion initiative Proposition 139 mobilizes advocates, highlights tension over reproductive rights

  • Slug: Prop. 139. 1,070 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Amelia Monroe and Macy Markham
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – A battle over abortion rights in Arizona came to a head Tuesday. Proposition 139 would codify the right to abortion through fetal viability – roughly nine weeks beyond the state’s current 15-week ban.

Opponents call it radical. Backers say the 15-week ban endangers women with complications later in pregnancy and have demanded a return to the more expansive rights ensured for decades by the U.S. Supreme Court.

By midnight, with half of Arizona’s votes counted, the yes votes held a healthy lead.

Continue reading “Arizona abortion initiative Proposition 139 mobilizes advocates, highlights tension over reproductive rights”

Arizona’s 2024 presidential election: Harris and Trump battled for crucial swing state

  • Slug: Arizona Presidential. 1,200 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Grace Monos and Gabrielle Wallace
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Four years ago, just over 10,000 votes separated the winner and loser in Arizona’s presidential race. The state is one of seven battlegrounds destined to decide the outcome in 2024, too.

Polls remained tight until the end between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

By 12:30 a.m. MST Wednesday, Trump led Harris 267 to 214 in the electoral count on the quest to 270 with all but two of the swing states called in Trump’s favor by the Associated Press. Some major television networks called the race in favor of Trump, and he declared victory to a room full of supporters at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

Arizona had not yet been called, and the margin between the two candidates in the state remained razor thin with about half the state’s votes counted.

Continue reading “Arizona’s 2024 presidential election: Harris and Trump battled for crucial swing state”

Arizona Reps. Juan Ciscomani and David Schweikert fight to keep U.S. House seats against Democrats Kirsten Engel and Amish Shah

  • Slug: U.S. House Arizona. 650 words.
  • File photo available.

By Madeline Nguyen and Miguel Ambriz
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Two of the nation’s most competitive congressional races are in Arizona, with Democrats trying to unseat seven-term Rep. David Schweikert of Fountain Hills and first-term Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Tucson.

The contests were among the Democrats’ best opportunities to pick up seats in their bid to flip control of the House, where Republicans have held a razor-thin majority.

Continue reading “Arizona Reps. Juan Ciscomani and David Schweikert fight to keep U.S. House seats against Democrats Kirsten Engel and Amish Shah”

Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump: 2024 election betting markets take off in U.S.; Arizona opts out

  • Slug: Presidential Election Betting. 1,020 words. By Brenden Paul.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As voters went to the polls on election day and early ballots continued to come in, most Americans were able to legally wager on the outcome of the presidential election for the first time.

However, not in Arizona.

Continue reading “Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump: 2024 election betting markets take off in U.S.; Arizona opts out”

Adrian Del Castillo in line for designation to key role for Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025

  • Slug: Sports-Diamondbacks De Castillo, 1,100 words.
  •  Photo available.

By Tyler Bednar
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Adrian Del Castillo is a name Arizona Diamondbacks fans could get used to hearing in 2025. After making his MLB debut and playing 25 games last season, Del Castillo is in a prime position to play a larger role next season.

The rookie appeared in 24 of his 25 games at catcher, after Gold Glove winner Gabriel Moreno entered the injured list, and hit .313 with four home runs, five doubles and 19 RBI. Del Castillo’s .893 on-base plus slugging percentage was 46 percent better than the league average.

While Del Castillo didn’t appear in any games as the designated hitter last season, the position could be open in 2025 and he would appear to be a good fit. Continue reading “Adrian Del Castillo in line for designation to key role for Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025”

‘Native voters can and will decide this election’: Parties fight to secure Native American votes

  • Slug: Indigenous Voters. 2,130 words.
  • Photos available.

By Brianna Chappie
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Many Native Americans have long felt like politicians overlook them, but both parties are seeking Native Americans’ votes more than ever before – and they could hold the key to the outcome of the presidential election.

Continue reading “‘Native voters can and will decide this election’: Parties fight to secure Native American votes”

Maricopa County working around the clock to make sure Election Day goes smoothly

  • Slug: Maricopa County Elections. 490 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Keller Brown

PHOENIX – Voters have many questions about the 2024 general election. Whether or not their early ballot will be counted in time to questions on security at voting centers, Maricopa County is preparing for all of it.

Around 55% of total ballots will drop immediately after 8 p.m. on election night, which is on par with previous elections in Maricopa County. For those who participated in early voting wondering when their ballot will be reported, around 75% of returns from early ballots will be available after 8 p.m.

Continue reading “Maricopa County working around the clock to make sure Election Day goes smoothly”

Prop. 314: Arizonans at odds over authorizing local police to tackle immigration

  • Slug: Prop. 314 Border Photos. 470 words.
  • 6 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Gabriel Garza
Cronkite News

NOGALES, AZ – Working directly at Arizona’s border, Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado believes local police should not have to deal with immigration.

“If they want to fund me for resources, might as well give it to people who do that job,” he said. “Ours are not trained to do immigration.”

In a meeting with Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication students, Maldonado expressed his opposition to Arizona Proposition 314, which would authorize local law enforcement, under “probable cause,” to detain and deport individuals entering the state outside lawful ports of entry.

Continue reading “Prop. 314: Arizonans at odds over authorizing local police to tackle immigration”

Arizona LGBTQIA+ high school, college students say their ‘lives could change’ with presidential election

  • Slug: LGBTQ Students Politics. 1,225 words.
  • File photo available.

By Aaron Stigile
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Avery changed their name, it was a moment their life changed for the better. Their mom told them to hop on a surprise Zoom call, and Avery joined to an interesting sight.

“I saw the guy in the robes and with a gavel, and I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, this is probably a thing that involves me,’” said Avery, who is a transgender nonbinary high school student in Arizona.

The judge proceeded to change their name.

Continue reading “Arizona LGBTQIA+ high school, college students say their ‘lives could change’ with presidential election”

Phoenix Suns, NBA amplify Hispanic culture in Dia de los Muertos celebration and Mexico City Game 2024

  • Slug: Sports-NBA Hispanic Culture, 2,200 words.
  •  Photo available.

By Connor Moreno and Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As Spanish music and vibrant accompanying lights filled Footprint Center throughout a 103-97 Phoenix Suns victory over the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday, the Suns and their fans celebrated more than just a win.

The game was played on the Suns’ ninth annual Dia de los Muertos night, celebrating a Mexican holiday that shows respect and appreciation for the dead. The Suns Dance Team members wore face paint depicting a calavera – sugar skulls – and performed alongside folklórico dancers at halftime.

Theme nights like these are part of a larger effort by the Suns and the NBA to embrace Hispanic culture – and appeal to the league’s growing Hispanic fan base. Continue reading “Phoenix Suns, NBA amplify Hispanic culture in Dia de los Muertos celebration and Mexico City Game 2024”

Election Tuesday, CFP style: First college football poll of 12-team playoff season makes debut

  • Slug: Sports-CFP First Ranking, 710 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – On Tuesday, voting will take place – we aren’t talking about politics.

The first College Football Playoff rankings of 2024 will be released, and with a new 12-team format, discussion will center around seedings and automatic qualifiers.

Since 2014, the CFP has determined the national champion using a four-team playoff, with no automatic qualifiers. Just the four best teams in the eyes of the committee. This year, they expanded to 12 and have a completely different format. Continue reading “Election Tuesday, CFP style: First college football poll of 12-team playoff season makes debut”