AI-generated deepfakes could wreak havoc in elections, but Arizona officials are determined to avoid that

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-RNC AI elections. 875 words.
  • File photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Keetra Bippus
Cronkite News

MILWAUKEE – The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has opened the doors to a flood of new possibilities in politics – including convincing deepfakes and the rapid spread of disinformation.

“We should consider (AI) to be a significant risk to American democracy,” said David Harris, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who studies AI, misinformation and democracy.

The growing availability of AI tools means that creating realistic – but fraudulent – video, audio and photos of politicians is cheaper and more accessible than ever.

Continue reading “AI-generated deepfakes could wreak havoc in elections, but Arizona officials are determined to avoid that”

Arizona Republicans embrace Trump’s pledge of mass deportations but some wonder at feasibility of expelling millions of people

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Mass Roundups Delegates. 745 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Grey Gartin
Cronkite News

MILWAUKEE – Former President Donald Trump has vowed to deliver the “largest deportation operation in American history,” envisioning the removal of some 15 million people living in the country illegally.

The latest Republican Party platform echoes that promise, and says the GOP “is committed to sending Illegal Aliens back home and removing those who have violated our Laws.”

It’s a potentially inflammatory plan in a battleground state like Arizona, which shares a 370-mile border with Mexico. At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Arizona delegates offered mixed views about mass deportation, though all who discussed the idea with Cronkite News agreed that border security is a top priority.

Continue reading “Arizona Republicans embrace Trump’s pledge of mass deportations but some wonder at feasibility of expelling millions of people”

Arizona delegates support Donald Trump’s choice of JD Vance for vice president

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug:BC-CNS-Convention Vance Arizona. 562 words.
  • Video available.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Amaia J. Gavica
Cronkite News

MILWAUKEE – Cheers erupted from the Arizona delegation at the announcement Monday that Donald Trump had picked Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his vice president.

Some of the state’s Republican delegates conceded they don’t know much about Vance – a lawyer, best-selling author and former Trump denouncer who was elected less than two years ago – but said they trust the former president’s stamp of approval.

“I’m not that familiar with him, but I’m sure he’s great. If Trump picked him, I know he will be the best … person for the job,” said Joe Neglia, an at-large delegate from Tempe.

Continue reading “Arizona delegates support Donald Trump’s choice of JD Vance for vice president”

Perry High’s Cody Williams leans on faith, family to remain steady amid quick rise to NBA

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–NBA Summer League.1890 words.
  • 6 photos.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Following some basketball practices in high school, Cody Williams and Ben Egbo had their routine. They would travel to Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, sit in the soul food restaurant and wait for their order: Two waffles, three pieces of chicken and blue Kool-Aid.

If Lo-Lo’s didn’t satisfy their palate for the day, Popeyes was the other option for the Perry High School graduates. If they weren’t hungry, visiting each other’s house would suffice. The best friends first met in the eighth grade, and as the two developed a stronger bond, Egbo witnessed Williams’ climb with a front-row view.

Williams led the Pumas to a 30-1 record and second straight Class 6A state title in 2023, when he was a senior. He was named a 2023 McDonald’s All-American and became the University of Colorado’s first five-star recruit since 2001. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting 55.2% from the field and 41.5% from the perimeter during his lone season at Colorado. The Utah Jazz selected him No. 10 overall in the 2024 draft, joining his brother, Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams, in the NBA.

After leading the Jazz to a 90-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks Saturday in an NBA 2K25 Summer League matchup with 21 points on 60% shooting, Williams discussed how his Christian faith has kept him steady-minded through a fast-paced journey.

Continue reading “Perry High’s Cody Williams leans on faith, family to remain steady amid quick rise to NBA”

Arizona’s monsoon season means danger for those with asthma. Here’s how to cope.

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Summer Asthma Monsoon. 675 words.
  • 2 photos, 2 illustrations available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Lauren De Young
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – A dust and rain storm rolled through the Valley Sunday night, building on a slow but thundering start to Arizona’s monsoon season. While some may look forward to the monsoon season, as the storms bring lower temperatures, those with asthma prepare for discomfort and distress.

During the Arizona monsoon, a weather season that typically lasts from June through September, thunderstorms and heavy rains pummel the state. These thunderstorms mix a “perfect recipe” that spells trouble for asthmatics, according to Dr. Janna Assar, a Banner Health family medicine physician.

Continue reading “Arizona’s monsoon season means danger for those with asthma. Here’s how to cope.”

Amid heat waves and drought, Arizona Republicans reject expert consensus on climate change as ‘fake science’

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Climate Denial Congress. 1,240 words.
  • File photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Amaia J. Gavica
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Last month was the hottest June on record in Phoenix, with an average temperature of 97 degrees. The city’s heat wave last summer, with 31 straight days at 110 degrees or above, blew past the 18-day record set in 1974.

With Rocky Mountain snowpack declining, the Colorado River system has been in drought for two decades. Around the country and globe, wildfires, floods, droughts and extreme weather have become more extreme, prolonged and frequent.

Climatologists have no doubt the climate is changing – for the worse, and because of human activities that trap greenhouse gases.

But Arizona Republicans in Congress reject the scientific consensus that the climate is changing, that human activity is the culprit, and that it may already have reached or passed a dangerous tipping point.

Continue reading “Amid heat waves and drought, Arizona Republicans reject expert consensus on climate change as ‘fake science’”

Saguaro High phenom Cam Caminiti joins Atlanta Braves as 24th pick in 2024 MLB Draft

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Caminiti MLB Draft. 790 words.
  • 4 photos.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Entering the 2024 MLB draft, Saguaro High School’s Cam Caminiti was a top name on the radar of many teams. The 17-year-old proved his dominance as a senior and earned the right to have his name called Sunday in the first round, where he was selected 24th overall by the Atlanta Braves.

“It’s an incredible organization and it feels so good to be here tonight,” Caminiti told ESPN after being selected. “It feels incredible. I was a little nervous at first but I’m just so excited to be on the next step in my journey and I couldn’t be more excited,”

Caminiti is the cousin of 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti. Ken, who died in 2004, played for the Braves in 2001 and finished his 14-year career with three consecutive Golden Gloves and three All-Star appearances.

Continue reading “Saguaro High phenom Cam Caminiti joins Atlanta Braves as 24th pick in 2024 MLB Draft”

Phoenix readies for 2024 WNBA All-Star Game with heat safety a top priority

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–WNBA All-Star Weather. 650 words.
  • 3 photos available

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game approaches, the Valley is once again facing extreme heat conditions for this weekend. While temperatures are not expected to reach the record-breaking levels seen in 2023, visitors should still prepare for dangerously hot conditions.

Last year, the city experienced its hottest July on record, with temperatures reaching 117 degrees. This year has been slightly cooler, although the forecast for the two-day All-Star showcase still predicts temperatures to rise to 113 degrees, according to World Weather, as excitement and visibility for the WNBA has reached an all-time high.

Continue reading “Phoenix readies for 2024 WNBA All-Star Game with heat safety a top priority”

Stanton joins House Democrat calls for Biden to drop reelection bid as GOP ties Arizona Dems to president’s sinking ship

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Republican Biden Attacks. 990 words.
  • File photos available.

By Alex Cunningham
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Phoenix Rep. Greg Stanton of Phoenix on Thursday joined a growing chorus of congressional Democrats calling on President Joe Biden to end his reelection effort, as Republicans unleash a torrent of attacks aimed at capitalizing on the president’s struggles.

In Arizona’s closely watched Senate race, Kari Lake hit Rep. Ruben Gallego for failing to repudiate Biden since a debate two weeks ago in which the 81-year-old Biden repeatedly lost his train of thought and appeared to stare blankly.

Continue reading “Stanton joins House Democrat calls for Biden to drop reelection bid as GOP ties Arizona Dems to president’s sinking ship”

Calls to 988 suicide hotline go to a crisis center in the caller’s area code, but may soon get routed to the closest counselor

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-988 Changes. 1,010 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Morgan Kubasko
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The 988 crisis hotline went live nationwide two years ago, replacing a hard-to-remember 800 number so that people considering suicide could more easily reach out for help.

But unlike 911 calls, which go to the nearest dispatch center, calls to 988 are connected to a center in the caller’s area code.

With 80% of those calls coming from cell phones, people in crisis often end up speaking with a volunteer or counselor thousands of miles away who has no way to send help.

“If they call 988 and they get a call center in another state, then you’ve kind of broken that trust,” said Margie Balfour, a psychiatrist with Connections Health Solutions in Tucson, adding that the concerns are bad enough that “we’ve actually kind of hesitated really pushing people to call 988.”

Continue reading “Calls to 988 suicide hotline go to a crisis center in the caller’s area code, but may soon get routed to the closest counselor”

Big 12 debut brings new academic and travel hurdles for ASU, Arizona athletes

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Big 12 Travel, 943 words.
  • 4 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – University of Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu plans to rely more heavily on his counselor this year. The prudent approach stems from the increased travel responsibility he will endure this upcoming college football season and the possible academic challenges that may arise.

Arizona, Arizona State University, the University of Utah and the University of Colorado will make their Big 12 Conference debut this upcoming football season. As a result, schools like Arizona and ASU now face more frequent travel outside the West Coast, including games against teams as far as the University of Central Florida.

The shift to new time zones brings challenges such as altered assignment submission deadlines and possibly reduced cognitive function among players due to jet lag. These factors generate concern about the athletes’ ability to maintain full focus on their education. Continue reading “Big 12 debut brings new academic and travel hurdles for ASU, Arizona athletes”

CORRECTION to July 9 story about Arizona Democratic delegates

by Julia Thompson

EDS: Clients who used the Cronkite News story slugged BC-CNS-Delegates Arizona Biden that moved Tuesday, July 9, under a WASHINGTON dateline are asked to run the following correction. The error occurred in graf 10 of the original. A corrected version of the story has been posted here.

WASHINGTON – A July 9 Cronkite News story about Arizona Democratic delegates and whether President Joe Biden should remain the party’s nominee incorrectly stated the views of delegate Mark Robert Gordon. He said that “it’s time to put this to bed” but expects further “introspection” among Democrats in case of “another incident” like Biden’s debate performance.

‘All eyes are on (us)’: New-look Big 12 debuts at Las Vegas media days with bold ambitions

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Big 12 Media Day, 550 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark opened the conference’s media days Tuesday and made a bold declaration for the newly expanded league in his first remarks: “I will not stop until we are the number one conference in America,” he said. 

Speaking at Allegiant Stadium, home of the first official event of the 16-team Big 12, Yormark emphasized the conference’s national reach and growth over the past year. His comments set the tone of confidence and excitement for the future of the Big 12, which now includes new members Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.

“There has never been a better time than right now to be part of the Big 12,” Yormark said. “We are truly a national conference, in 10 states, four time zones, and all eyes are now on the Big 12, for all the right reasons.  Continue reading “‘All eyes are on (us)’: New-look Big 12 debuts at Las Vegas media days with bold ambitions”

Arizona schools combat phone use in the classroom, see effect on youth mental health

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-School Phone Bans. 1,110 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Lauren De Young
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As a middle school teacher, Dana Ramos didn’t restrict cell phone use in her classroom. Now, as principal of Lowell Elementary School, a K-8 school in Phoenix, Ramos has adopted guidelines to limit access to the devices during the school day.

Ramos has been an educator for 11 years, working first as a teacher and then as an administrator. She has witnessed the integration of technology into the classroom and seen the whole gamut with phone use.

“I’ve seen technology and cell phone usage be something that actually was really beneficial,” Ramos said. “Students who didn’t have a computer could go on Google on their phone and have access to homework assignments. I’ve seen it be useful with different kinds of projects where you might be using photos, or you might be using videos or taking audio.”

Continue reading “Arizona schools combat phone use in the classroom, see effect on youth mental health”

CORRECTION to July 5 story about RECA nuclear fallout compensation expiration

by Julia Thompson

EDS: Clients who used the Cronkite News story slugged BC-CNS-RECA Expired that moved Friday, July 5, under a WASHINGTON dateline are asked to run the following correction. The error occurred in graf 17 of the original. A corrected version of the story has been posted here.

WASHINGTON – A July 5 Cronkite News story about a federal compensation program for uranium miners and people downwind of nuclear tests incorrectly stated how much longer people could apply under a pending bill. The bill would extend the deadline for five years.

Last place? ASU dismisses skeptics who predict poor Big 12 finish

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-ASU Big 12, 740 words.
  • 4 photos available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – In its second year under coach Kenny Dillingham, the Arizona State football team looks to continue building a culture, even while it adapts to a new conference, the Big 12.

Dillingham participated in the Sun Devils’ first Big 12 Football Media Day at Allegiant Stadium Tuesday along with four of his players: defensive back Xavion Alford, offensive lineman Leif Fautanu, running back Cameron Skattebo and defensive lineman Clayton Smith.

“Super excited to be in the Big 12,” Dillingham said. “Excited to play in all these unbelievable cities, with the unbelievable atmospheres for our guys to play in. I think this is one of the best coached conferences in the league. From top to bottom, I think every game is a grind and I’m really excited to be a part of it.” Continue reading “Last place? ASU dismisses skeptics who predict poor Big 12 finish”

Tucson and Phoenix won’t push emergency utility relief to public housing tenants this summer

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Heat Public Housing. 1,315 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Isabelle Marceles
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – On June 13, the federal government’s top official for public housing appeared with Tucson’s mayor at the Martin Luther King Apartments and announced emergency relief aimed at making it “as easy as possible” to help residents of public housing “afford air conditioning.”

The new program is meant to make it easier for local housing agencies to subsidize utility bills during extreme heat – and highs have topped 110 degrees in Tucson during the current heat wave.

But housing authorities in Arizona’s biggest cities haven’t rushed to implement the program. The Phoenix Housing Department has 2,126 tenants.

Continue reading “Tucson and Phoenix won’t push emergency utility relief to public housing tenants this summer”

Biden’s Arizona firewall starts to crack as oldest Democratic delegate in the state calls for him to quit presidential race

by Julia Thompson

EDS: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the views of delegate Mark Robert Gordon. The story below has been corrected, but clients who used previous versions are asked to run the correction found here.

  • Slug: BC-CNS-Delegates Arizona Biden. 1,330 words.
  • File photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Benjamin Adelberg
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – A 91-year-old Arizona Democrat called Friday for the 81-year-old president to drop his reelection bid, becoming the first Arizona delegate to abandon Joe Biden and expressing hopes that others follow his lead.

Roberto Reveles, a former president of the ACLU of Arizona, is the oldest of the Arizona Democrats who’ll vote on the party’s nominee next month.

Continue reading “Biden’s Arizona firewall starts to crack as oldest Democratic delegate in the state calls for him to quit presidential race”

Phoenix Suns newcomers Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn set to shine in NBA 2K25 Summer League

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports-Suns Summer Leagues, 480 words.
  • Photo available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – During Oso Ighodaro’s formative years at Desert Vista High School, his former coach Gino Crump recalls a memorable rookie mistake the Phoenix Suns’ new addition made while playing for the Thunder.

Ighodaro forgot to bring a necessary item on a team trip to Las Vegas for a basketball tournament.

“He left one of his uniforms when we went off to our Christmas tournament in Las Vegas,” Crump said. Continue reading “Phoenix Suns newcomers Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn set to shine in NBA 2K25 Summer League”

Arizona farmers turn to solar panels to shade crops, save water and generate power

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Solar Farms. 590 words. By Amaia J. Gavica.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

WASHINGTON – For 31 straight days last summer, temperatures in Phoenix hit or topped 110 degrees, the longest such streak ever. That searing Arizona heat dehydrates crops and evaporates water the state needs to conserve.

Creating shade is one way to combat the problem.

By using solar panels, farmers can simultaneously protect their plants, save water and lower their energy bills – and some are doing just that with help from federal programs designed to encourage this sustainable method of growing.

Continue reading “Arizona farmers turn to solar panels to shade crops, save water and generate power”