Customs and Border Protection data shows sharp drop in use of force, but accuracy is questioned by migrant advocates

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Border Use of Force. 1,080 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Benjamin Adelberg
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported a sharp drop in the use of force against migrants at the southern border since last summer – 27% for the 12 months that ended May 31 – compared to a year earlier.

]Migrant advocates are skeptical.

The Government Accountability Office found significant underreporting in a report issued last July. One practice GAO spotlighted was counting an incident as a single event even when it involved numerous CBP officers and dozens of migrants.

Continue reading “Customs and Border Protection data shows sharp drop in use of force, but accuracy is questioned by migrant advocates”

Nostalgia meets nightlife: Phoenix’s Cobra Arcade Bar, Stardust Pinbar highlight retro gaming resurgence

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Retro Gaming, 670 words.
  • 7 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Stella Subasic
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In the heart of downtown Phoenix, modern spaces are bringing retro gaming back to life, drawing crowds of all ages.

Leading this trend are Cobra Arcade Bar and Stardust Pinbar, establishments that have successfully merged vintage video games with a modern bar atmosphere. The combination has captivated locals and tourists, transforming downtown Phoenix into a destination for nostalgic entertainment.

Marcus Boykin, Cobra’s assistant general manager, has witnessed this transformation firsthand since the bar’s inception. “We hit the ground running,” Boykin said. “From our soft openings in January 2016, we’ve had lines out the door on weekends, and it hasn’t slowed down since.” Continue reading “Nostalgia meets nightlife: Phoenix’s Cobra Arcade Bar, Stardust Pinbar highlight retro gaming resurgence”

Phoenix Suns snag Virginia defensive standout Dunn, former Desert Vista center Ighodaro in NBA Draft

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Suns NBA Draft. 1,040 words.
  • Photo available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Two years ago, Ryan Dunn departed Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, Pennsylvania) for the University of Virginia to join the Cavaliers as a walk-on. The three-star recruit stepped on the court at John Paul Jones Arena with no sense of security but determined to embrace coach Tony Bennett’s pack line defense style of play, he reminded people why offense isn’t the only part of basketball.

In his second season at Virginia, the 6-foot-8 forward utilized his 7-foot-1 wingspan to haunt opposing offenses. He ranked 16th nationally and first in the ACC in blocked shots per game and earned a 2024 ACC All-Defensive team nod.

“Once I got to UVA and had my growth spurt, I think I got some God-given talents, and coach Bennett drew out that defensive mindset in me,” Dunn said. Continue reading “Phoenix Suns snag Virginia defensive standout Dunn, former Desert Vista center Ighodaro in NBA Draft”

From backyard batting cages to college champions, Queen Creek’s Berry siblings carry legacy of sports excellence

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Berry Athletic Family, 1,200 words.
  • Photo available.

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Earlier this month, Stanford University freshman third baseman Jade Berry made her Women’s College World Series debut against the University of Texas. Although the Cardinal suffered their first loss, they bounced back behind her two RBIs to knock out Oklahoma State, before earning another win against UCLA in the elimination bracket. Facing Texas again, Stanford was eliminated in a 1-0 loss and fell short of the WCWS Finals.

Despite the final result, Berry cemented her place on the team, recording hits in eight of the Cardinal’s 11 postseason games. She finished the 2024 season as a member of the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, starting every game and finishing second on Stanford in OPS (.844), second in RBI (38) and tied for third in home runs (7).

Berry’s performance is no surprise, given her family’s long history of athletic achievements, which started with her parents, Perry and Lana, and has extended to her and her siblings, Jacob, Jenae and Jet. Continue reading “From backyard batting cages to college champions, Queen Creek’s Berry siblings carry legacy of sports excellence”

Nature’s therapy: How Jillian Stannard found healing in rock climbing

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Rock Climbing Recovery, 900 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Jillian Stannard lay in a hospital bed, her skin peeling off after battling Stevens-Johnson syndrome and fibromyalgia. She could barely eat, and her body rejected the medication prescribed by doctors to treat her illnesses.

“I was throwing up. I was shaking, I was vibrating,” Stannard recalled. “I couldn’t stop seeing the images. I couldn’t sleep through the night even with prescription medication.

“And that’s when they essentially told me, ‘There’s nothing else for us to try. You’re on every medication.’ And so I didn’t know what to do.” Continue reading “Nature’s therapy: How Jillian Stannard found healing in rock climbing”

Without more oversight on doping, Olympics ‘might not even be there’ in future, gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps warns

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Olympics Doping Phelps. 865 words.
  • Photo available.

By Grey Gartin
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Swimmer Michael Phelps – the most decorated Olympic athlete in history – pressed Congress to demand an international crackdown on doping amid revelations that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The World Anti-Doping Agency knew about the test results but allowed the swimmers to compete. Last week, 11 of those swimmers were named to the Chinese team for the Paris Olympics, which start July 26.

U.S. anti-doping officials, athletes and lawmakers consider that an outrage, and a sign that WADA needs reform.

Continue reading “Without more oversight on doping, Olympics ‘might not even be there’ in future, gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps warns”

As Florida Panthers capture Stanley Cup, Arizona’s NHL hopes fade

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Hockey in Desert. 880 words.
  • Photo available.

By Mateo Arenas
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, former Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo also gave fans a reason to cheer on the opposite side of the Sun Belt.

Meruelo reportedly decided to step away from the franchise Monday, marking the end of an era for professional hockey in Arizona, for now at least, following his sale of the team in April. While hockey fans have often bemoaned the idea of hockey in the desert, the Florida-based franchises show that the heat doesn’t melt NHL hopes in the sunshine.

With the Tampa Bay Lighting and Florida Panthers added as NHL expansion teams in 1992 and 1993, respectively, the Coyotes were formed when the Winnipeg Jets relocated to the desert in 1996. As the Panthers just added a championship to their resume, the Lightning boast three, coming off of back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021.

Continue reading “As Florida Panthers capture Stanley Cup, Arizona’s NHL hopes fade”

Does Arizona have enough water? Phoenix-area cities are spending big to make sure it does

by Paola Boivin

EDS: This is a partner story from KUNC. If you choose to use it, please fill out this form to help their tracking.

  • Slug: KUNC-Phoenix Water Engineering. 2,670 words.
  • 7 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
  • Audio available.

By Alex Hager
KUNC

Brett Fleck does not have an easy job. He manages water for a city in the desert. He has to keep taps flowing while facing a complicated equation: Peoria is growing – attracting big business and thousands of new residents each year – but its main source of water is shrinking.

Standing on the edge of a sun-baked canal with palm trees lining its banks, Fleck watched water flow into the pipes that supply the Phoenix suburb.

Continue reading “Does Arizona have enough water? Phoenix-area cities are spending big to make sure it does”

Miracle on wheels: GCU roller hockey makes national championship strides in two seasons against all odds

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-GCU Roller Hockey, 1,600 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Joseph Furtado
Cronkite News

PEORIA – Dissatisfied with limited playing time for one of the nation’s top collegiate roller hockey teams, Aydin Schwetz had no choice but to start his own program that would eventually go on to match the success of his former team.

Since its Division I debut in 2022, Grand Canyon University has established one of the nation’s premier roller hockey programs in the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association. However, Schwetz didn’t always plan to establish a new program at GCU.

His NCRHA career began at Arizona State University but was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He transferred to one of the NCRHA’s best collegiate roller hockey teams at Lindenwood University, where he appeared in 24 games in two seasons. Continue reading “Miracle on wheels: GCU roller hockey makes national championship strides in two seasons against all odds”

Where the buffalo roamed: Bill would return herds to ancestral Native American lands

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Buffalo Tribal Reintroduction. 1,050 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Brianna Chappie
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Buffalo are so iconic, Congress designated them as the national mammal in 2016. Native American oral histories estimate that 30 to 60 million once roamed the plains.

After nearly going extinct, the shaggy beasts are making a comeback and soon, many could find themselves on reservations where their kind hasn’t set hoof in decades.

A bipartisan bill pending in Congress would pay to relocate some of the 20,500 buffalo from public lands across the West and Midwest to reservation lands that were historically part of the animals’ range.

Continue reading “Where the buffalo roamed: Bill would return herds to ancestral Native American lands”

In Phoenix, VP Kamala Harris puts focus on abortion rights as advocates mark two years post-Roe v. Wade

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Abortion Anniversary VP. 1,200 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
  • Video available.

By Morgan Kubasko and Lauren De Young
Cronkite News

Marking two years since the Supreme Court struck down federal abortion rights, protesters marched on the court Monday, and Vice President Kamala Harris stumped in Phoenix to put a spotlight on the tussle over abortion in Arizona.

“Our work right now is absolutely directly going to affect the people of Arizona, the people of our country, but will have an impact on people around the world. That’s what’s in our hands right now,” Harris said at a reproductive freedom campaign event in Phoenix.
Continue reading “In Phoenix, VP Kamala Harris puts focus on abortion rights as advocates mark two years post-Roe v. Wade”

Arizona Coyotes’ future uncertain in the Valley as key land auction abruptly canceled

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Coyotes Land Auction Canceled, 770 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the Utah Hockey Club continues its offseason of change, the wait continues for clarity surrounding the future home stadium of the Arizona Coyotes.

After selling the team in April, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo promised to secure land in north Phoenix for a new venue at an auction that was originally scheduled for Thursday but canceled Friday. The abrupt cancellation of the auction marks yet another major bump in the road for a franchise that has experienced disappointment in securing its own home since moving to the desert.

The land located north of Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road was set to become a central hub for hockey in Arizona, with plans to build a 17,000-seat arena and entertainment district for Phoenix and Scottsdale. But in their latest effort to make progress, the Coyotes reportedly failed to bring on a zoning attorney to assist them with their building permits, causing concern for the Arizona State Land Department, according to the Arizona Republic.

Continue reading “Arizona Coyotes’ future uncertain in the Valley as key land auction abruptly canceled”

From Russian detention to Team USA: Brittney Griner’s third Olympic selection marks return to international stage

by Adnan Alam

 

  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Olympics, 677 words.
  • 6 photos available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Nearly two years ago, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner was set to begin her court case following her detainment in Russia. Ultimately sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison, she only served 10 months before returning home to the United States in a high-profile prisoner exchange.

Today, Griner and two of her teammates, Diana Taurasi and Kahleah Copper, are preparing to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

“I guess we’ve got something special here in the Valley,” Griner said during a press conference following the June 11 announcement.

Continue reading “From Russian detention to Team USA: Brittney Griner’s third Olympic selection marks return to international stage”

Common Sense Institute Arizona report estimates fentanyl, opioid crisis cost Arizona $58 billion in 2023

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Fentanyl Report Graphic Short. 250 words.
  • Graphic available.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Madeline Bates
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The fentanyl and opioid crisis cost Arizona an estimated $58 billion for 2023, according to a Common Sense Institute Arizona report published Monday. The nonpartisan think tank’s report included the costs of fatalities, opioid use disorder, hospitalizations and border security.

The report analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arizona Department of Health Services and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, among others.

Continue reading “Common Sense Institute Arizona report estimates fentanyl, opioid crisis cost Arizona $58 billion in 2023”

Dynamic duo: Twin sons of NBA veteran Matt Barnes impress as Section 7 standouts with teamwork, talent

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Barnes Twins, 650 words.
  • 6 photos available.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – The recent Section 7 Basketball Tournament at State Farm Stadium showcased the top high school talent in the West, and that included the twins son of a 14-year NBA veteran. Carter and Isaiah Barnes, incoming sophomores from Crespi Carmelite High School (Encino, California), are the offspring of Matt Barnes, whose experience and mentorship have shaped their performances on the court.

“He’s preached so much to us. He’s preached mental toughness, defense, offense, consistency, body language, even playing without the ball,” Isaiah said Saturday about his father. “For this, it’s out of state. Big crowd. A lot of people trying to get in your head, but he always said, ‘Tune it out, don’t let them get in your head.’”

This advice has proved invaluable as the Barnes twins tuned out the noise to excel during the three-day competition, which features 400 boys and girls teams from the West and draws the attention of more than 500 college coaches from all levels. Carter and Isaiah scored a combined 39 points against Lincoln High School in helping Crespi storm through the 16-team Mayo Clinic Bracket, but the Celts needed a come-from-behind win against Canyon High School to cap off the weekend undefeated in their fourth and final game. Continue reading “Dynamic duo: Twin sons of NBA veteran Matt Barnes impress as Section 7 standouts with teamwork, talent”

Supreme Court upholds gun ban on domestic abusers, defying its usual ideological split on Second Amendment rights

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-SCOTUS guns abusers, 729 words.
  • 1 file photo available.

By Sahara Sajjadi
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 on Friday to uphold a ban on gun possession by domestic abusers – a ruling that came as a huge relief to victims’ advocates in Arizona and across the nation.

“When an individual poses a clear threat of physical violence to another, the threatening individual may be disarmed,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.

The near-unanimous ruling to affirm limitations on Second Amendment rights defied the court’s usual ideological split. The sole dissent came from Justice Clarence Thomas, who had authored a 2022 ruling that vastly expanded gun rights on behalf of the conservative majority.

Abusers use firearms as “an intimidation tactic,” said Cynthia Rodriguez, an associate director at A New Leaf, an Arizona group that helps people affected by domestic violence. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to use them, but it’s a tool that’s used to show power against their victim.”

Continue reading “Supreme Court upholds gun ban on domestic abusers, defying its usual ideological split on Second Amendment rights”

Family, legacy and leadership: Nate Tibbetts makes mark in WNBA debut season with Phoenix Mercury

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Coach Tibbetts, 1,740 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Nate Tibbetts accepted his first WNBA coaching role this season, he faced a new challenge: answering questions about the Phoenix Mercury from his twin daughters, Jordyn and Londyn.

In 2018, as the Portland Trail Blazers’ assistant coach, Tibbetts was preparing for the future possibility of becoming a head coach while also welcoming the birth of his twin daughters. After his eight-year stint ended in 2021 with the Trail Blazers, the Orlando Magic hired Tibbetts as an assistant coach.

Last October, Tibbetts earned his first big break as the Mercury tapped him as the next head coach, hoping his extensive NBA experience could turn around the franchise after a tumultuous 9-31 season in 2023.

Continue reading “Family, legacy and leadership: Nate Tibbetts makes mark in WNBA debut season with Phoenix Mercury”

Tempe’s Grass Clippings Rolling Hills shines new light on golf with nighttime play

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Grass Clippings Nighttime Golf, 800 words.
  • 7 photos available.
  • Video available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Darkness had always limited play on Arizona’s golf courses until Grass Clippings took on the challenge.

Tired of halting rounds early due to course rules, the founders of the clothing brand united to enable play into the night for all interested golfers.

For the past six months in Tempe, golfers have enjoyed playing under the lights until 1 a.m. at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, the state’s first fully lit 18-hole golf course. Pete Wilson, Jake Hoselton, Jimmy Hoselton and Connor Riley saw the new venture was a natural next step after leading a successful business selling polos and hats at their retail location in Arcadia. Continue reading “Tempe’s Grass Clippings Rolling Hills shines new light on golf with nighttime play”

Democrats spend big hoping to snag two of Arizona’s congressional seats

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Congress DCCC. 805 words.
  • 2 photos and 1 file photo available.

By Alex Cunningham
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The Democrats’ House campaign arm plans to inject $2.8 million into two battleground districts in Arizona, targeting U.S. Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani.

Both won by narrow margins in 2022 and Democrats are hoping the presidential race and concerns about abortion rights will motivate voters to put them over the top this time.

Democrats view abortion as pivotal to success in Arizona, where the state’s high court revived an 1864 law that enforced a near-total ban The Legislature repealed that ban but the issue remains top of mind for many voters.

“House Republicans are doing everything they can to chip away at reproductive freedom towards their ultimate goal of passing a nationwide abortion ban,” said U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), on a Thursday call with reporters. “We are holding Republicans accountable for their extreme anti-abortion stances. Come November we’ll take back the House of Representatives and defend our rights.”

Continue reading “Democrats spend big hoping to snag two of Arizona’s congressional seats”

Arizona hits record low unemployment but Biden hasn’t seen political payoff from emphasis on job growth and workers

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Jobs Biden Arizona. 863 words.
  • 1 file photo available.

By Grey Gartin
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Arizona’s unemployment rate fell in May to its lowest rate ever recorded, reaching a seasonally adjusted 3.4% and falling below the previous record of 3.5% recorded in August 2007, according to state data released Thursday.

The job boom has yet to translate into popularity for President Joe Biden, despite steps he’s taken to boost growth in manufacturing – a sector that’s seen some of the biggest gains. Polls show him trailing former President Donald Trump in Arizona.

Arizonans are sour on the economy, and pessimistic about their prospects if Biden wins reelection.

A CBS News/YouGov poll of likely Arizona voters last month found that only 17% expect to be better off financially in a second Biden term, compared to 45% if Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Continue reading “Arizona hits record low unemployment but Biden hasn’t seen political payoff from emphasis on job growth and workers”