Track titans: Two Arizonans among inductees into 2024 USA BMX Hall of Fame class

by Shemar Woods
  • Slug: Arizonans BMX Hall of Fame. 945 words.
  • No photos.

By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Kim Hayashi rose to dominance thanks to her “go big” jumping style. Now she’ll “go big” into the USA BMX Hall of Fame this weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma, alongside fellow Arizonan Debbie Kelley.

Hayashi and Kelley will be two of the eight members inducted into the USA BMX Hall of Fame Class of 2024, as voted on by over 500 BMX experts, including current Hall of Famers, BMX historians and selected members of the BMX media.

“It’s pretty humbling. It feels like a huge honor,” said Hayashi, 38, who lives in Chandler. “Especially when you look at the women’s side, there’s not a lot of female names up there (at the Hall of Fame). To see some of the people that I looked up to, some of the people that were my heroes, and seeing my name next to theirs is a huge honor.”

Continue reading “Track titans: Two Arizonans among inductees into 2024 USA BMX Hall of Fame class”

Is this it? Diana Taurasi’s potential last Phoenix Mercury home game an emotional affair

by Shemar Woods
  • Slug: Sports–Taurasi Final. 1,156 words.
  • Photos available.

By Connor Moreno
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The outcome of Thursday’s Phoenix Mercury regular-season finale against the Seattle Storm at Footprint Center didn’t matter.

The playoff-bound Mercury lost 89-70, but scenes from the stands suggested otherwise. Handmade signs in the crowd reading, “DT, we’re NOT ready” and “If this is it, I might cry” perfectly evoked the collective feeling of fans attending what could have been Mercury guard Diana Taurasi’s last home game.

As the Mercury’s ‘If this is it’ campaign implied, the night was supposed to be a celebration, a chance to honor the greatest player to grace the WNBA. But the night was an emotional rollercoaster. Fans were just as prepared to say goodbye as they were ready to chant, “One more year!” every chance they could.

Continue reading “Is this it? Diana Taurasi’s potential last Phoenix Mercury home game an emotional affair”

Friendship, fierce competition drive ASU men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays in NCAA title chase

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–ASU men’s golfers. 1,421 words.
  • Photos available.

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – On the course, Arizona State men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays aren’t exactly best friends.

Like true brothers, they argue, compete, and strive to outdo each other in everything and anything they do.

From the moment they step off the Thunderbirds Golf Complex in Phoenix, they return home, either retreating to their respective rooms or gathering around the television, continuing life as the No. 6 and No. 7 amateur golfers and roommates of nearly four years.

“It’s kind of funny because I love Preston so much but I want to beat him so bad every day,” Ballester said. “We always get those kinds of healthy but funny conflicts on the course. It’s great because it’s healthy competitiveness and that’s what you need.”

Continue reading “Friendship, fierce competition drive ASU men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays in NCAA title chase”

As civic knowledge declines, programs work to engage young people in democracy

by Julia Thompson

By Delaney Chase and Emily Richardson
News21

Note: This story has a strong Arizona focus.

NEW YORK – With studies showing a decline in civics education and knowledge across the U.S., programs from Arizona to New York are working to engage the next generation in democracy. In New York, high school students who gathered this summer for “Democracy Camp” were asked to consider a question: “What is my role in an ideal democracy?” In Arizona, Camp O’Connor takes seventh and eighth graders on a five-day journey through the workings of government. “There’s space to be better,” says one young voter.

 

CLARIFICATION to story about unspent federal aid for homeless students

by Julia Thompson

EDS: Clients who used the Cronkite News story slugged Homeless Money Unspent that moved Wednesday, Sept. 18, under a WASHINGTON dateline are asked to run the following clarification. A corrected version of the story has been posted here, and grafs 14 and 15 have been updated.

WASHINGTON – Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Leona Group, which operates 28 charter schools in Arizona, declined to comment on the record.

 

Hispanos tienen alta probabilidad de padecer Alzheimer

by Julio Cisneros
  • Nombre: CN-HisAlzh. 765 palabras.
  • 3 fotos disponibles

Por Nicollette Valenzuela
Cronkite Noticias

PHOENIX – Arizona es el hogar de 151,500 personas de 60 años o más que tienen la enfermedad de alzhéimer, según las estadísticas de 2024 publicadas por la Asociación de Alzheimer. Estas cifras han causado preocupación en las autoridades médicas y estatales que buscan encontrar formas de ayudar a quienes padecen la enfermedad.

Continue reading “Hispanos tienen alta probabilidad de padecer Alzheimer”

More migrants are coming from outside the Americas, but Donald Trump’s claims of ‘military invasion’ by China are unfounded

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Who Crosses Border. 880 words. By Mia Osmonbekov.
  • File photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

WASHINGTON – Republicans have been warning that “military-aged” men have been crossing the Southwest border in threatening droves since President Joe Biden took office – especially from adversaries such as China and Russia.

“It’s like a military invasion,” former President Donald Trump said at a rally in Tucson last week. “We are being conquered and we are being occupied by a foreign element. And you know, if you think about it, China has a 5 million man army.”

Continue reading “More migrants are coming from outside the Americas, but Donald Trump’s claims of ‘military invasion’ by China are unfounded”

Championship fever? Basha Bears charging toward football state title under coach Chris McDonald

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Basha High Football, 630 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Ethan Desjardine
Cronkite News

CHANDLER – At Basha High School, nothing draws a larger crowd than when the Bears play under the Friday night lights at Jim Wall Stadium. The stands are packed with a few thousand fans, and as the Bears enter the field, the crowd’s roar is deafening.

The fans expect success, and the Basha Bears under coach Chris McDonald have been one of the best success stories in all of Arizona high school football over the past few years.

Not surprisingly, the Bears are off to a hot start in 2024 and have talent on both sides of the ball. Continue reading “Championship fever? Basha Bears charging toward football state title under coach Chris McDonald”

Another magic moment? Phoenix Rising FC looks to replicate 2023 championship run

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Phoenix Rising Postseason, 1,000 words.
  • Graphic available.
  • Photos available.

By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – On a cold November night in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in 2023, history was made in the United Soccer League. In a memorable match that still resonates with Valley soccer fans, Phoenix Rising defeated the Charleston Battery for the team’s first USL title.

Throughout the 2023 season, Rising was one of the best teams on paper statistically behind striker Daniel Trejo, Manuel Arteaga and Dariusz Formella – and that was just on the offense. Likewise, the defense was stacked with goalie Rocco Rios Novo, alongside defenders Darnell King and Eddie Munjoma.

While Rising had a talented roster, the team had to navigate through one of the deepest USL leagues in recent memory and finished the regular season in sixth place. Continue reading “Another magic moment? Phoenix Rising FC looks to replicate 2023 championship run”

The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Football Guardian Cap, 1,620 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Erin and Lee Hanson were creating Guardian Sports in 2011, their son Jake Hanson was playing middle school football. Like all parents, the Hansons were concerned about the serious injuries that come with playing the physical sport.

The injury they feared most was concussions, which occur after athletes take hits to the head area. The Hansons’ apprehension mostly was due to the uncertainty and lack of information regarding concussions at the time.

This concern added more motivation behind the innovation of Guardian Sports, which aims to create equipment that will protect athletes and change how they play sports. The Hansons’ prior experience in the material science and technology industry led to the creation of the Guardian Cap. Continue reading “The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback”

Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Cree Thomas Notre Dame, 900 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When searching for information about Cree Thomas, you’ll find highlights, four stars next to his name, All-State honors and a commitment to Notre Dame. But to Thomas and those around him at Brophy College Preparatory, he’s so much more than what his football profile shows.

“Faith and family,” Thomas, a highly coveted senior cornerback, said when he was asked what is most important to him in life, also mentioning his role in the Black Student Union at Brophy.

“He’s a leader,” said Brophy defensive coordinator Kevin Scott. “And that to me is one of the most important things about him. At the end of the day, people want to follow someone like Cree.” Continue reading “Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats”

Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Taurasi Mercury Future, 960 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Will longtime guard Diana Taurasi return for another season, or will the postseason mark the end of her heralded career in the Valley?

“I don’t know,” Taurasi, 42, said after the Mercury’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday. “The last couple of weeks it’s been a little nerve-wracking for myself. I don’t want to make any emotional (or) rash decisions. I know the end is near. When that is, I don’t know.

“I’ve always been a person that just concentrates on what’s next, and that’s practice (on Wednesday), and (a game versus) Seattle on Thursday. When the season’s over, I’ll reflect, get advice from the people (who) are close to my heart and (have) been with me since day one. So you never know, but who knows.”

Continue reading “Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs”

Maricopa County election official rejects Trump claim that glitch involving 98,000 Arizona voters means someone is ‘trying to rig the election’

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: 100,000 Arizona voters. 550 words.
  • 2 Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Miguel Ambriz
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – A day after asking the Arizona Supreme Court to decide what to do about 98,000 registered voters who’ve never proven their U.S. citizenship, Arizona election officials offered assurances Wednesday.

There’s no sign of widespread voting by non-citizens, they said. It’s a glitch involving driver’s licenses issued before the state began requiring proof of citizenship.

“The voters didn’t themselves do wrong in any way, shape or form,” Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County recorder, said in Washington after a McCain Institute forum on elections and disinformation.

Continue reading “Maricopa County election official rejects Trump claim that glitch involving 98,000 Arizona voters means someone is ‘trying to rig the election’”

Certamen muestra tradiciones de la Nación Navajo

by Julio Cisneros

Por Gabriel Garza
Cronkite Noticias

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Durante la competencia Miss Navajo Nation 2024-2025 de una semana de duración, las seis concursantes trabajaron arduamente para enfrentar todos los desafíos, y al mismo tiempo mostraron que cualquiera de ellas podría convertirse en la embajadora de la Nación Navajo.

Continue reading “Certamen muestra tradiciones de la Nación Navajo”

Millions in federal aid for homeless students in Arizona schools, unspent after 3 years, about to expire

by Julia Thompson

EDS: This story has been updated to reflect that the Leona Group, which operates 28 charter schools in Arizona, declined to comment on the record. Please update grafs 14 and 15. 

  • Slug: Homeless Money Unspent. 950 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Madeline Nguyen
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The Arizona Department of Education is scrambling to urge schools to tap millions of dollars earmarked to help homeless students before the funds expire at the end of the month.

Three years ago, Arizona schools were allotted nearly $17 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to provide resources ranging from temporary housing and transportation to prepaid debit cards. Continue reading “Millions in federal aid for homeless students in Arizona schools, unspent after 3 years, about to expire”

Spark the Spectrum empowers Arizona voters with disabilities after court ruling expands accessibility

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Empowering Voters with Disabilities. 630 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Sienna Monea
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the November general election approaches, Arizona is taking a significant step toward ensuring that voters with disabilities are fully prepared to participate in the democratic process.

On Monday, First Place AZ and the Foundation for Blind Children co-hosted Spark the Spectrum, a workshop to equip voters with disabilities with the knowledge and tools needed for Election Day.

The event, which aligned with National Voter Registration Day, was designed to familiarize attendees with voting equipment, accommodations and the overall voting process. It also served as a reminder of the Oct. 7 voter registration deadline.

Continue reading “Spark the Spectrum empowers Arizona voters with disabilities after court ruling expands accessibility”

NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-NASCAR Phoenix Raceway Charity, 700 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

AVONDALE – As the host of two NASCAR stops, including the Cup Series Championship, Phoenix Raceway has emerged as one of the premier tracks on the circuit. Now it hopes to flex its charitable muscle as a key figure in the community, too.

A recent luncheon at the track featured several drivers, including Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Drive for Diversity program. Additionally, the luncheon benefited the Fighter Country Foundation, a charity that helps those who have served at Luke Air Force Base.

In November, Blaney finished second in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, giving the driver of the No. 12 Ford the title in NASCAR‘s premier series. As the Cup Series champion, he travels the nation representing the sport at a variety of events. Continue reading “NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement”

Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Arizona Football Tech, 630 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – From conference realignment to a new 12-team playoff format to coaching changes at some of the nation’s powerhouse programs, the college football landscape has experienced a series of tectonic shifts over the last year.

And in 2024, programs are adjusting to new technology-based rules for the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, including coach-to-player wireless communication and access to computer tablets on the sidelines.

While optional for all FBS schools, many – including Arizona State – have implemented the next-level communication technology that has been in use in the NFL to allow coaches to talk to quarterbacks since 1994 and communicate with a player on both sides of the ball since 2008. Continue reading “Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system”

Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Arizona NFL Betting, 730 words.
  • Photo available.

By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When the calendar turns to September, sports fans in the Valley know that means only one thing: Football is back.

College football season is in full swing, the NFL is entering its third full weekend of action, and here in Arizona and across the country, the action won’t be entirely focused on the game taking place on the field.

Sports betting is back and bigger than ever before. The American Gaming Association projects that over $35 billion will be legally wagered (at a registered sportsbook) on the NFL nationwide this season. This is over a 30% increase from the $26.7 billion mark set during the 2023 NFL season. Arizona in particular is preparing for what is sure to be a busy wagering season. Continue reading “Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season”

‘Activism and community building’: How LA artists spotlight social justice in their work

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Social Justice Art LA. 1,375 words.
  • Photos available.

By Brandelyn Clark
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – In the heart of Los Angeles, art is more than a form of expression. Be it a blank brick wall or a stage under spotlights, artists here use every platform as a vehicle to amplify social discourse.

Corie Mattie, aka “LA Hope Dealer,” an LGBTQ+ artist, is turning the street into her canvas, calling out local and national injustices. She is challenging social norms one bold stroke at a time.

“I had to really take the things that speak to me. Being a woman, being gay and then there’s things that just aren’t fair,” Mattie said. “I have to speak out against it even if it doesn’t affect me. It’s just one of those things where I have to call attention to it.”

Continue reading “‘Activism and community building’: How LA artists spotlight social justice in their work”