File photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
By Gabrielle Wallace Cronkite News
WASHINGTON – Survivors of nuclear testing and uranium mines are ramping up pressure on Congress to reauthorize a federal compensation program that expired in June.
Many of those afflicted since World War II are from the Navajo Nation, which is organizing a rally next week that will include prayers at the Capitol for radiation victims.
“I want Congress to realize that it’s important and we need to pass this bill because some people did not get any … compensation,” said Maggie Billiman, whose father, a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, died of stomach cancer that she attributes to fallout from nuclear tests that settled over their hometown in Arizona.
TEMPE – A day after Kyler Murray’s near-perfect performance and domination of the Los Angeles Rams, running back James Conner and coach Jonathan Gannon took to the podium to sing the team’s praises.
Murray threw for 266 yards, with 130-yards worth of his passes being pulled in by the young rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. Sunday at State Farm Stadium in a 41-10 rout.
PHOENIX – With the 2024 election around the corner, droves of people are being pushed toward the polls this November. But and for many young voters, it has become difficult to remain engaged. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Tempe Alumnae Chapter urged college-aged voters to stay engaged and informed at its Youth Voter Forum on Sunday.
“I just encourage everyone to vote,” said Keisha Tatem, Alumnae Chapter president. “I vote because there were people at one point in time that could not vote, and some people lost their life to make sure everyone in America had the right to vote. And so I vote to honor them, but also because I want to be in control. I want to have some control over my future, and so it’s important to know that that’s what voting can give you.”
WASHINGTON – Kari Lake has consistently underperformed Donald Trump in Arizona, an anemic showing that spells trouble for Republicans hoping to nab the state’s open U.S. Senate seat.
A Fox News poll of Arizona voters on Aug. 28 showed Lake lagging Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego by 15 percentage points, even as the former president remained virtually tied with Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race.
Other polls also find a persistent gap between Trump’s support and hers in Arizona, which bodes well for Democrats who would almost certainly lose control of the Senate without the Arizona seat.
TEMPE – Kenny Dillingham was quieter than usual in his Monday afternoon press conference. While his team reaped the rewards of a long weekend after Thursday’s 31-28 win over Texas State, the coach stayed hard at work.
“Friday … I was in San Marcos, then went (from) San Marcos to San Antonio, saw five schools in San Antonio, then left San Antonio and went to El Paso,” he said about his recruiting journey. “Saturday we had a day off, so I got to hang out with the little guy.”
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo wasn’t surprised to see first baseman Christian Walker put up a two-home-run performance recently against the Texas Rangers.
And he knew that second baseman Ketel Marte’s 3-for-4 day less than 24 hours later, which helped the team to a two-game sweep of Texas, was in the making.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was translated from English to Spanish using ChatGPT. A Cronkite News editor reviewed the translation. Find the original story here. See any errors? Please let us know. Contact julio.cisneros@asu.edu.
NOTA DEL EDITOR: Este reportaje fue traducido del inglés al español usando ChatGPT. Un editor de Cronkite Noticias revisó la traducción. Encuentra el reportaje original aquí. ¿Ves algún error? Por favor, déjanoslo saber. Contacta a julio.cisneros@asu.edu.
WASHINGTON — El temor por sus padres indocumentados persiguió a Mario Montoya durante toda su infancia en Mesa. A veces se convertía en terror absoluto, como la vez que su madre tuvo un accidente automovilístico.
“Uno de mis primeros pensamientos fue… ¿y si la policía le pregunta por su estatus migratorio?” dijo Montoya, de 26 años, que ahora estudia derecho en Seattle. “¿Y si no la vuelvo a ver?”.
Sus padres finalmente recibieron estatus legal hace unos meses, 11 años después de que el programa de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA) del presidente Barack Obama eliminara el riesgo de deportación para su hijo.
A nivel nacional, 22 millones de personas viven en hogares con estatus migratorio mixto, incluyendo más de medio millón en Arizona, según estimaciones de FWD.us, un grupo de defensa de la inmigración. En estos hogares, la ansiedad nunca desaparece, y el riesgo real de deportación puede depender de las elecciones.
El expresidente Donald Trump ha prometido lanzar “la mayor operación de deportación en la historia de nuestro país” y, eventualmente, reunir y expulsar a todos los que viven en el país sin documentos migratorios, una población calculada en 11 millones en un informe de abril del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional.
Una deportación a esa escala afectaría a otros 11 millones de estadounidenses que viven con esos inmigrantes indocumentados: hijos, hermanos y padres.
Cuando se le preguntó el mes pasado durante una visita a la frontera entre EE. UU. y México en Arizona si deportaría a inmigrantes indocumentados con un hijo o cónyuge que sea ciudadano estadounidense, Trump dijo a NBC News que “se harán provisiones, pero tenemos que sacar a los criminales”.
Montoya llama al plan “inhumano” y teme que Trump pueda cumplir sus promesas si gana nuevamente. “Va a estar más preparado que en su primer mandato para intentar hacer cumplir lo que quiere”, dijo.
La vicepresidenta Kamala Harris ha prometido aumentar la seguridad fronteriza, en respuesta a las preocupaciones de que los cruces ilegales alcanzaron niveles récord bajo la presidencia de Joe Biden.
En un mitin en Glendale el 9 de agosto, Harris le dijo a la multitud que su visión para la reforma migratoria “incluye una fuerte seguridad fronteriza y un camino hacia la ciudadanía basado en méritos”.
Ha prometido firmar el proyecto de ley fronterizo bipartidista que Trump ayudó a rechazar en mayo.
Ese proyecto de ley habría agregado $20 mil millones al presupuesto de Seguridad Nacional, habría dificultado la solicitud y obtención de asilo, y habría permitido a las autoridades cerrar la frontera cuando los cruces ilegales aumentaran.
No ofrecía ninguna protección especial para los inmigrantes indocumentados, ni extendía el programa DACA que ayudó a Montoya y a cientos de miles de otros traídos al país ilegalmente cuando eran niños.
“En este momento, no tengo fe en ningún partido cuando se trata de derechos de inmigración”, dijo Kevin Carreño Wissar, de 21 años, estudiante del Glendale Community College nacido en Chihuahua, México.
Wissar dijo que llegó a los Estados Unidos a los 6 años. El próximo año será elegible para solicitar una tarjeta verde – residencia legal – después de una década de espera.
“En mi mundo ideal, simplemente querría que hubiera una forma para que cualquier persona aquí que se considere indocumentada tenga un camino real hacia la ciudadanía”, dijo.
No es la única preocupación inminente para las familias con estatus migratorio mixto en Arizona.
Los republicanos en la Legislatura han puesto una medida llamada Proposición 314 en la boleta de noviembre que convertiría en delito estatal cruzar la frontera ilegalmente. Si se aprueba, la policía podría arrestar a cualquiera que no pueda probar ciudadanía estadounidense o residencia legal, y los tribunales estatales podrían ordenar deportaciones. Los tribunales federales han bloqueado leyes similares en Texas y otros estados.
Los defensores de los inmigrantes señalan el historial de Trump como presidente como evidencia de que buscaría implementar políticas duras si fuera reelegido.
Bajo una política de “tolerancia cero” que comenzó en el verano de 2018, las autoridades federales separaron a 5,000 niños de sus padres. Las denegaciones de visas se dispararon bajo su administración. Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, Trump utilizó una autoridad de emergencia de salud pública conocida como Título 42 para ordenar expulsiones masivas y rechazar a los solicitantes de asilo.
Si Harris gana, “no esperamos que sucedan esas cosas ridículas”, dijo Yunuen Trujillo, abogada directora de la Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. “Basado en lo que (Trump) hizo en el pasado, también significaba que, si había una denegación, incluso si era por una razón ridícula, sabes que esa persona podría ser transferida a ICE para procedimientos de deportación”.
Lynn Marcus, directora de la clínica de derecho migratorio en la Facultad de Derecho de la University of Arizona, coincidió en que Harris “buscaría evitar la separación familiar ya que ha enfatizado mantener a las familias unidas”.
“La posición de Trump siempre ha sido que el estado de derecho es primordial y para él eso significa reunir y deportar a todos los que son deportables sin tener en cuenta las circunstancias individuales o los lazos con ciudadanos estadounidenses”, dijo.
Los adultos indocumentados tienen pocas opciones para buscar la naturalización sin salir del país.
“Hay un gran riesgo de que si sales del país pierdas tu trabajo, quedes varado en el extranjero, te quedes sin dinero, o estés en riesgo de violencia por parte de los carteles”, dijo Marcus. Es “un impedimento significativo para las personas que de otro modo calificarían para obtener una tarjeta verde”.
Aparte de las familias militares, la libertad condicional –permanecer legalmente en EE.UU. mientras se espera la naturalización– generalmente no es una opción.
La iniciativa “Keeping Families Together” (Mantener a las familias juntas) de Biden, presentada el mes pasado, extendería la libertad condicional a unos 500,000 cónyuges indocumentados y 50,000 hijastros indocumentados de ciudadanos estadounidenses. Un juez federal en Texas detuvo temporalmente la política a finales del mes pasado.
Según los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE. UU., las personas a las que está dirigida la nueva política han vivido en EE. UU. durante un promedio de 23 años.
“Uno de los mayores mitos es que si una persona (indocumentada) está casada con un ciudadano estadounidense, eso es una defensa contra la deportación o pueden solicitar una tarjeta verde y obtenerla”, dijo Marcus.
–30–
Incluso después de que el presidente Joe Biden anunciara un camino más fácil hacia la ciudadanía para algunos migrantes, los defensores de los inmigrantes y los beneficiarios de DACA dicen que aún queda mucho por hacer. (Foto de archivo por Julian Hernandez/Cronkite Noticias)En esta foto de archivo de febrero de 2017, Jonathon Matabang sostiene a su hijo Jacob después de la ceremonia de naturalización en Phoenix de su esposa, Cheryl, quien emigró de Filipinas. (Foto de archivo por Johanna Huckeba/Cronkite Noticias)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was translated from English to Spanish using ChatGPT. A Cronkite News editor reviewed the translation. Find the original story here. See any errors? Please let us know. Contact julio.cisneros@asu.edu.
NOTA DEL EDITOR: Este reportaje fue traducido del inglés al español usando ChatGPT. Un editor de Cronkite Noticias revisó la traducción. Encuentra el reportaje original aquí. ¿Ves algún error? Por favor, déjanoslo saber. Contacta a julio.cisneros@asu.edu.
WASHINGTON – En noviembre, los votantes de Arizona decidirán sobre una enmienda constitucional estatal, la Propuesta 139, que garantizaría el acceso al aborto hasta el punto de viabilidad fetal. Eso marcaría un cambio importante. Actualmente, el estado prohíbe el aborto después de 15 semanas de embarazo, aproximadamente nueve semanas antes del punto en que un feto puede sobrevivir fuera del útero.
PHOENIX – The 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks have experienced a whirlwind of a season. Coming off a miracle postseason run in 2023 that culminated with a trip to the World Series, the team started cold through the first two months of play, accumulating a 25-32 record. Now, with three weeks left before the playoffs, Arizona is back to its winning ways and eyes even more postseason magic.
With 16 games remaining in the regular season, the team is 82-64, first in the National League wild-card race, which the Diamondbacks lead over the San Diego Padres and New York Mets.
“Just staying positive,” starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt said of manager Torey Lovullo’s message to the team as it embraces the season’s final stretch. “Playing the game that we’ve played all year and being consistent, I think that’s kind of what we’ve tried to do all year, and we’re certainly looking forward to doing it, even though it’s kind of later in the season.
PHOENIX – As the NFL wrapped up the opening week of the 2024 season, the prominence of Black quarterbacks continues to rise, solidifying their impact in the league and shaping the future of the most popular professional league in American sports.
The league saw a record number of African-American signal callers starting Week 1, with 15 of the 32 teams choosing Black quarterbacks to lead their offense, breaking the previous record set last season when 14 began the season as starters.
Black quarterbacks are not just starting at the most important position in sports, however – they are dominating.
PHOENIX – The NFL regular season is off to a familiar start for the Arizona Cardinals, who sit at 0-1 for the third straight year. After finishing 4-13 in each of the past two seasons, their Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills raises questions about whether this year will be different or more of the same.
With 17 games in an NFL regular season, every matchup matters. The Cardinals face a win total of 6.5, according to FanDuel, and to prove Las Vegas and bettors wrong, Kyler Murray & Co. must reach seven victories – something they haven’t achieved since their 11-6 campaign in 2021.
In the past decade, the Cardinals have never posted fewer than seven wins in three consecutive seasons. With a relatively easier schedule this season – they rank 24th in strength of schedule – Arizona plans to maintain its streak, starting with a much-needed victory Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Slug-Sports-Emmanuel Taban Valley Suns, 725 words.
2 photos available.
By Alex Sanchez
Cronkite News
TEMPE – For Emmanuel Taban, basketball is more than just a game – it’s an escape, a lifeline that has been guided by mentors like his grandmother and his seventh-grade art teacher Wilie Muñoz, whose belief in Taban recently pushed him to take the next step in his journey.
The 6-foot-7 forward, a Kenyan refugee whose grandmother raised him, traveled to the U.S. in the spring of 2004 before moving to Phoenix in 2008. Last weekend, he was one of the many hopefuls who showed up for the Valley Suns’ open tryouts at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex. The new G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns, the Valley Suns open their inaugural season Nov. 8.
PHOENIX — Twenty-one days. It’s not a lot of time. It’s three quarters of a month; six percent of a year.
But it was enough time for rookie guard Celeste Taylor to secure a roster spot with the Phoenix Mercury for the rest of the season. All it took was three seven-day contracts, each day more important than the last.
How would Taylor describe those three weeks? Emotional, anxious and impactful.
Taylor was signed to a rest-of-season contract with the Mercury on Sept. 6 after appearing in 10 games with the team and averaging 3.3 points, 1.8 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game.
Of all the feelings and difficulties of her unique rookie season, Taylor’s initial reaction to the contract was one of fulfillment.
“(I feel) accomplished working through the things I had to work through to get to where I’m at,” Taylor said.
Slug: Sports-Isaiah Thomas Free Agency. 1,050 words.
3 photos available.
By Dylan Ackermann Cronkite News
TACOMA – NBA free agency has been underway for more than two months, and many players are still searching for their next home.
Among them, only one has finished in the top five in MVP voting, top three in points per game in a season, earned All-NBA Second Team honors and is a two-time All-Star: former Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas.
Since signing a one-year deal with the Wizards in the 2019 offseason, Thomas has not secured a contract before the start of the regular season. Over the past four seasons, he has played just 31 games, with the 2022-2023 season being a complete absence.
For someone who, as Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard put it, “pretty much reached the pinnacle of being at the best,” Thomas, at 35 years old, is not ready to ride off into the sunset just yet.
Slug: Fractured-Trump’s Legacy. By Lillie Boudreaux and Ismael Lele/News21. 2,956 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,268 words is also available.
With video story and 17 photos.
By Lillie Boudreaux and Ismael Lele News21
In Tuesday’s debate, Vice President Kamala Harris sought to remind voters of Donald Trump’s role in the Capitol insurrection, the criminal charges he’s faced and of his ties with autocrats, saying he “admires dictators.” Harris, in short, put Trump himself in the spotlight. It’s been a common refrain this election year: Democracy itself is at stake. From political pundits to worried voters, many have insisted that should Trump take office again, he will destroy the very foundations upon which the country was built. What is the lasting impact of Trump, and Trumpism, on American democracy? And what might the future hold if he wins in November? News21 takes a look.
WASHINGTON — States have imposed a wide range of abortion rules since the Supreme Court ended constitutional protection more than two years ago.
Half the states allow abortion through viability or set no restrictions tied to gestational age. Voters in Arizona and nine other states will decide whether to move in that direction in November.
Slug: Sports–WNBA Commissioner Under Fire. 400 words.
File photo available
By Aya Abdeen Cronkite News
PHOENIX – A Phoenix Mercury forward joined the chorus of WNBA players and fans who criticized commissioner Cathy Engelbert for recent comments about social media attacks on players.
“I am not a politics person, but that’s B.S., come on,” Natasha Mack said Wednesday. “We’ve got to hold everybody accountable. That’s all I have to say.”
Slug: Tempe Healing Field Photos. Photos by Aryton Temcio.
Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
TEMPE – The Tempe Healing Field paid tribute Wednesday to the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. The annual display of flags and related events memorialize those who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks. Nearly 3,000 American flags covered the fields of Tempe Beach Park.
Each flag at the Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024, has the name of a victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)The Tempe Healing Field memorial pays tribute to the lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The 2024 memorial commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the attacks. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)The Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024. The memorial honors not only those who were lost during 9/11, but also the children who were affected. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)Members of the military honor victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)Members of the military honor victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)Tempe Mayor Corey Woods talks at the Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)A firefighter bows his head during a 9/11 memorial at the Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)Each flag at the Tempe Healing Field on Sept. 11, 2024, has the name of a victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)
The former five-star recruit wants another G League shot to preserve his lifelong dream of earning his way onto an NBA roster.
After the Phoenix Suns became the 30th and final NBA franchise to boast a G League affiliate, the Valley Suns held open tryouts at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex last Saturday to bolster their new pathway program for their inaugural season in 2024-2025.
Walker, who played for Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, California before transferring to Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, was once on a career track that seemed destined for the NBA. Now he is seeking one of the Valley Suns’ coveted training camp spots in hopes of rekindling his pro aspirations.
“I was more in shape than I thought,” Walker said. “I felt more athletic than I did two months ago. A lot of my game is coming together.”
GLENDALE – Everyone who’s old enough remembers where they were on Sept. 11, 2001.
Angela Harrolle was a special agent with the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service in Washington, D.C. She was in the middle of training at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia when the planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City.
Class was abruptly stopped.
“They wheeled in this TV, and we were all standing around it,” Harrolle said. “And we were just overwhelmed because we had seen that the planes had hit the Twin Towers in New York. We didn’t know what to expect.”
