‘Bridge between the generations’: Miss Navajo Nation merges traditional and modern Diné customs

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Miss Navajo Nation Significance. 2,735 words.
  • Video and audio available.
  • 21 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Brianna Chappie
Cronkite News

Editor’s note: This article contains images of animal slaughtering.

PHOENIX – By 7 a.m. on a Monday in early September, hundreds of people – some of whom had come out as early as 3 a.m. and traveled from states thousands of miles off – had gathered in the small town of Window Rock to watch the first day of the Miss Navajo Nation pageant. The building where the event took place was filled to capacity almost as soon as attendees were allowed in, and hundreds more set up lawn chairs behind a roped off area to watch the pageant.

Continue reading “‘Bridge between the generations’: Miss Navajo Nation merges traditional and modern Diné customs”

Navajo and other radiation, uranium mine survivors demand action on stalled RECA compensation program

by Julia Thompson

EDS: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described compensation eligibility for people who lived downwind from the Trinity nuclear test in New Mexico. The story below has been corrected, but clients who used previous versions are asked to run the correction found here.

  • Slug: RECA Rally. 930 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Gabrielle Wallace
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – People exposed to radiation from atomic bomb tests and uranium mines rallied Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol – along with tribal leaders – to demand action on a stalled compensation program.

“They gave the ultimate sacrifice when it was needed. We should reward the people who didn’t question what needs to be done,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.

Continue reading “Navajo and other radiation, uranium mine survivors demand action on stalled RECA compensation program”

California combats climate change: New legislation and ExxonMobil lawsuit take on plastic pollution

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: California Plastic. 585 words.
  • File photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Emery Davis
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – California is taking climate-saving efforts to the next level with a full ban on plastic bags and a state lawsuit against natural gas giant ExxonMobil.

Gov. Gavin Newsom approved new legislation Sunday prohibiting stores from providing plastic bags starting in 2026.

Continue reading “California combats climate change: New legislation and ExxonMobil lawsuit take on plastic pollution”

Phoenix Rising FC set for showdown against former coach Danny Stone, Orange County SC

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Rising Preview Stone. 910 words.
  • Photo available. Graphics available.

By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – After Saturday’s decisive 4-0 win, Phoenix Rising FC turn the page to arguably their biggest game of the season. On Wednesday night, Rising face their rivals, Orange County SC, in a matchup with playoff implications.

The game is packed with storylines as both teams compete for the final two spots in the Western Conference, but none bigger than facing former Phoenix Rising coach Danny Stone, who was named interim coach of Orange County SC on Aug. 30.

Stone, an assistant coach for Phoenix Rising from 2021-23, helped guide the team to its first USL championship title last season. On Jan. 18, he was promoted to Rising coach after Juan Guerra left for Major League Soccer. Continue reading “Phoenix Rising FC set for showdown against former coach Danny Stone, Orange County SC”

Shaughn McDonald brings valuable Big 12 insights as assistant to ASU women’s volleyball

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-ASU Volleyball Big 12. 834 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Arizona State women’s volleyball assistant coach Shaughn McDonald stood near the end line of the court during a team practice, helping players perfect the form on their serves ahead of the Sun Devils’ upcoming game.

At times during the team scrimmage, McDonald paused play to direct the team to be more aggressive or correct players’ positions on the court. McDonald, a former libero for the Saint Francis Red Flash men’s volleyball team, has endless experience on the court and in the coaching zone.

Last year, he was the director of operations and technical coordinator for the Houston Cougars, one of ASU’s new Big 12 opponents. This year, McDonald uses his prior experience to help the Sun Devils adjust to their new conference and competition.

“This conference (Big 12) has retained a lot of really good players, so I do feel fortunate to have a little bit of insight into what those players and those teams do,” McDonald said following a recent team practice.

Continue reading “Shaughn McDonald brings valuable Big 12 insights as assistant to ASU women’s volleyball”

On vibrant Hispanic Heritage Night, Phoenix Rising explodes with 4-0 win to keep playoff hopes alive

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Rising Hispanic Heritage, 700 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda

Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Every time Phoenix Rising FC scored a goal, red smoke filled the sky, adding more color to an evening that was as festive as it was meaningful.

The goals came early and often – it was the first four-goal game this season for Phoenix, which had eight shots in the first 30 minutes – as the organization celebrated its annual Hispanic Heritage Night with a 4-0 victory against San Antonio FC Saturday at Phoenix Rising Stadium. The victory, which helped the defending USL champions keep their postseason hopes alive, also highlighted the importance of bringing in the culture within the community and the love of the sport.

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the diverse heritage of American citizens whose ancestors originate from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The celebration has grown since its origins as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, expanding into a full month under President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Continue reading “On vibrant Hispanic Heritage Night, Phoenix Rising explodes with 4-0 win to keep playoff hopes alive”

Life after football: Arizona State alums Juan Roque, Steve Campbell reflect on challenges after competition

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Life After Football, 1,860 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Heading into the 1997 NFL Draft, former Arizona State offensive tackle Juan Roque felt superhuman.

Selected in the second round, 35th overall, by the Detroit Lions after leading Arizona State to an 11-1 record and a Rose Bowl appearance, the two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection and consensus All-American was certain his best days were still ahead of him.

What many Lions fans remember as one of the most unforgettable Thanksgivings ended up being just as memorable for Roque, although for very different reasons.

Continue reading “Life after football: Arizona State alums Juan Roque, Steve Campbell reflect on challenges after competition”

Conservationists say cattle grazing on federal lands in Arizona has pushed a threatened garter snake closer to extinction

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Cattle and Snake. 1,105 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Kelechukwu Iruoma
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society are accusing federal agencies of allowing livestock grazing that has put the northern Mexican garter snake at risk.

The rare wetland snake has lost 90% of its habitat in the past century and was declared threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2014.

The two groups sued the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on July 11, asserting that livestock grazing on federal lands along the Big Sandy River in western Arizona is pushing the garter snake toward extinction.

Continue reading “Conservationists say cattle grazing on federal lands in Arizona has pushed a threatened garter snake closer to extinction”

Arizona has seen growth in clean energy jobs under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, at a cost Republicans call wasteful

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Green Energy Jobs. 915 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Amelia Monroe
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The nation’s first solar-powered cobalt processing facility will break ground next year in Yuma County, a $300 million project subsidized by a big federal investment in climate-friendly projects.

The plan is one of two dozen projects underway in Arizona catalyzed by the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022. The law set aside $370 billion to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Continue reading “Arizona has seen growth in clean energy jobs under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, at a cost Republicans call wasteful”

ASU tuition surcharge, cuts in response to state budget reflect lower Arizona higher education spending

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: ASU Budget Cuts. 785 words.
  • File photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Aaron Stigile
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Arizona State University announced measures on Monday to deal with higher education budget cuts passed by the state Legislature. They include a tuition surcharge, cuts to programs such as the Arizona Teachers Academy and the Arizona Promise Program and the closing of its Lake Havasu center. Thousands of students and employees are expected to be affected.

The tuition surcharge is a $350 additional payment for full-time on-campus students in spring 2025. Part-time on-campus students will pay a proportional charge.

Continue reading “ASU tuition surcharge, cuts in response to state budget reflect lower Arizona higher education spending”

After Mesa Mayor John Giles endorses Kamala Harris, some Arizona LDS members follow suit

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Republicans Defecting. 985 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Nash Darragh
Cronkite News

MESA – Election season is in full swing. Arizona is one of the most important states in this year’s presidential “race to 270.” The purple state contains 11 electoral votes that could make or break either campaign for former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. Republicans in Arizona who are publicly switching their support to Harris could have an impact.

“I remain registered as a Republican because I think it most closely identifies with where I’m at politically,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles, who has endorsed Harris. “There are absolutely things about the Biden-Harris administration that I have policy differences with. I think the fearmongering from the Trump campaign about Vice President Harris being a socialist or calling her Comrade Harris, you know, those are way overblown. I think she’s demonstrated that when it comes to governing and when it comes to problem solving, she will do that. She will compromise, and she’ll work with Republicans, and she’ll govern from the middle.”

Continue reading “After Mesa Mayor John Giles endorses Kamala Harris, some Arizona LDS members follow suit”

Defensive anchor Mary Shroll keys ASU women’s volleyball hot start entering inaugural Big 12 campaign

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports–ASU Volleyball Streak, 900 words.
  • Photo available.

By Jalen Weathers
Cronkite News

TEMPE – The Arizona State women’s volleyball team is off to a strong 11-1 start this season. Ranked No. 14, the team’s only loss was to Nebraska, which jumped from No. 5 to No. 2 in the national rankings this week.

Other than that blip, the Sun Devils have been dominating, sweeping eight of their 12 opponents.

A vital part of ASU’s success is libero Mary Shroll. Continue reading “Defensive anchor Mary Shroll keys ASU women’s volleyball hot start entering inaugural Big 12 campaign”

Lake está por debajo del desempeño de Trump en Arizona, lo que beneficia al demócrata Gallego

by Julio Cisneros

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.

  • Nombre: CNLakeTrump. 1438 palabras.
  • 2 fotos disponibles

Por Phineas Hogan
Cronkite Noticias

WASHINGTON – Kari Lake ha mostrado un desempeño consistentemente inferior al de Donald Trump en Arizona, una actuación débil que augura problemas para los republicanos que esperan obtener el escaño senatorial vacante del estado.

Continue reading “Lake está por debajo del desempeño de Trump en Arizona, lo que beneficia al demócrata Gallego”

Ready for primetime: Girls flag football on rise in Arizona with Cardinals backing

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Girls Flag Football Arizona, 500 words.
  • Photo available.

By James Morel
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Over the last year, girls flag football has drawn attention around the world after the International Olympic Committee announced it is among the sports that will be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, school districts across the U.S. are adding the sport, with nearly half a million girls from the ages of 6 to 17 playing flag football, a 69 percent increase since 2019, according to the National Federation of High School Associations.

Few states have embraced the sport more enthusiastically than Arizona. Last year, 57 high schools in the state offered flag football. This season, more than 100 schools are participating at the 6A, 5A and 4A levels, according to the Arizona Interscholastic Association. Continue reading “Ready for primetime: Girls flag football on rise in Arizona with Cardinals backing”

Welcome to the Big 12: Hostile road environment rattles Arizona State football in loss to Texas Tech

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–ASU Football Follow, 600 words.
  • Photo available.

ByTucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After a lack of discipline, several errors from special teams and other issues piled up in Arizona State’s loss to Texas Tech in its Big 12 Conference debut, the Sun Devils have a chance to reflect on what went wrong and look ahead and what’s to come.

The Sun Devils entered their first bye week with a 3-1 record after the 30-22 loss in Lubbock, Texas, and have already matched last season’s win total. They had their chances on Saturday but dug a hole too deep to escape.

“You’re two to three plays away from … us being undefeated,” said ASU coach Kenny Dillingham. “That’s every season, for every team, forever.” Continue reading “Welcome to the Big 12: Hostile road environment rattles Arizona State football in loss to Texas Tech”

Cardinals ready to move on after loss to Lions against familiar faces

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Arizona Cardinals Reflections, 700 words.
  • Photo available.

By Keller Brown
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After an explosive victory over the Los Angeles Rams in their second game of the season, the Arizona Cardinals sputtered offensively in a home loss to the Detroit Lions.

By Monday, the Cardinals were already looking ahead to the Washington Commanders, who visit State Farm Stadium next, and when they did, they might have noticed some faces familiar to Valley football fans.

Jayden Daniels, the Commanders quarterback and the second overall pick from last year’s NFL Draft, returns to the desert after playing his first three collegiate seasons at Arizona State. Daniels transferred to Louisiana State following his 2021 campaign and went on to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy before declaring for the NFL Draft. Continue reading “Cardinals ready to move on after loss to Lions against familiar faces”

It was good to hear your voice: Popularity of Suns broadcaster Al McCoy spanned generations

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Suns Al McCoy Memories, 1,000 words.
  • Photo available.

ByDoyal D’angelo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Al McCoy was the iconic voice of the Phoenix Suns for 51 years and is a beloved figure in Arizona sports.

But those who knew him best say that he was just as beloved as a person – someone who cared about the welfare of others.

Julie Fie, the former vice president of basketball communications for the Phoenix Suns, recalls living “parallel lives” in the NBA world with McCoy as two proud Iowans. While most Arizonans got to listen to McCoy over the airwaves, Fie heard his voice up close. Continue reading “It was good to hear your voice: Popularity of Suns broadcaster Al McCoy spanned generations”

‘It needs to continue’: LA’s Little Tokyo ‘endangered’ designation spotlights community’s need for help

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Little Tokyo Endangered. 660 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Emery Davis
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – Following Little Tokyo’s designation as one of America’s most endangered historic places, the area is looking to return to its flourishing past.

Throughout its 140 years, Little Tokyo has faced many challenges, including racial discrimination and cultural erasure. However, it continued to celebrate thriving legacy businesses and provide a safe haven for Asian culture.

Continue reading “‘It needs to continue’: LA’s Little Tokyo ‘endangered’ designation spotlights community’s need for help”

Innovation can be a challenge for museums. Here’s how 3 in Arizona are trying to bring in visitors

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Museum Foot Traffic. 1,690 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Jalen Woody
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Arizona changes every day. The state’s count of new buildings and people grows daily. As the state changes, so do the museums, which are challenged by a constantly changing city with new possibilities, tastes and people.

Museums in Arizona continue to change their tactics to draw in new audiences. These attractions are expensive to run but must continue to innovate what they have. Otherwise they risk the chance of losing their core audience.

Continue reading “Innovation can be a challenge for museums. Here’s how 3 in Arizona are trying to bring in visitors”

Advocates work to ensure citizens not fluent in English have equal access to elections

by Julia Thompson

Note to CN clients: This story includes Arizona material.

By Celia Frazier
News21

LAS VEGAS – In the heart of Las Vegas’ Chinatown, residents gather for a celebration of the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Some stop in to grab shiny, red packages of premade zongzi.
Others grab flyers decorated with a colorful dragon boat and something else: a QR code taking them to information about how to vote – all translated into Chinese. As demographics shift, advocates from Nevada and Arizona to Alaska are fighting to make voting accessible for citizens who speak different languages. But challenges remain – from the cost of translating materials to outright resistance to the idea.