Native Americans fight barriers to voting, 100 years after they were granted citizenship

Note to CN clients: This story includes Arizona material. Story is appropriate for any outlet interested in stories about Indigenous communities.

WOLF POINT, Mont. – The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 recognized Native Americans as U.S. citizens, yet for decades after, states blocked Indigenous people from voting. Today, experts warn that some states are once again restricting Native Americans’ access to voting and to democracy.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Indigenous Voting. By Christopher Lomahquahu and Eshaan Sarup. 2,419 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,272 words is also available.

With video story and 15 photos.

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

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.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Generation Democracy. By Delaney Chase and Emily Richardson/News21. 2,576 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,150 words is also available.

With video story, audio story and 16 photos. Also available: “The Civic Duty,” a series of three video explainers.

American-ish Samoa: Debate persists over rights denied to millions from U.S. territories

SALT LAKE CITY – Nearly 4 million people live in the five inhabited U.S. territories, but their ability to participate in American democracy is limited. John Fitisemanu distinctly remembers the first time he read the U.S. Supreme Court rulings that deemed him unworthy of United States citizenship merely because of where he was born – the territory of American Samoa. He fought to compel the government to extend birthright citizenship to all American Samoans. Though he lost, debates persist over the rights extended to those born in U.S. territories.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Territorial Citizenship. By Eshaan Sarup/News21. 3,100 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,130 words is also available.

With 11 photos.

‘This will not be tolerated’: Americans grapple with AI’s influence on elections

CONCORD, N.H. — This year’s election marks the first amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, and that has regulators, lawmakers and voter advocates examining how best to regulate the technology to combat its misuse.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Rise of AI. By Kyle Chouinard/News21. 2,794 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,100 words is also available.

With 7 photos.

‘The most horrible day’: Those at the Capitol on Jan. 6 carry scars, shame, satisfaction

UUNDATED – The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in American history. Four people who were there gave News21 access to their daily lives to share the enduring impact of that day. “You don’t want to tell people you’re a Jan. 6er,” one says.

Slug: News21-Fractured-After the Insurrection. Story by Lillie Boudreaux, Hudson French, Donovan Johnson and Ismael Lele/News21. Photos by Hudson French and Donovan Johnson. 2,200 words.

With photos.

Hero or villain? Experts and voters consider Trump’s lasting impact on democracy

BOISE, Idaho – It’s been a common refrain this election year: Democracy itself is at stake. Those assertions briefly abated after the July assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but a question nevertheless begs exploration: What is the former president’s lasting impact on American democracy? News21 takes a look.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Trump’s Legacy. By Lillie Boudreaux and Ismael Lele. 2,956 words. With video story and 17 photos. Note: An abridged version of 1,268 words is also available.

With: Photos by Hudson French, Donovan Johnson and Jordan Moore & Video by Josie Malave.

“We need to speak out and speak loud”: People of color battle targeted disinformation

Note: This story has a strong focus on Hispanic communities.

AUSTIN, Texas – Disinformation has surged in the U.S. and beyond and become an especially powerful threat during election years. Experts say immigrant communities and people of color are particular targets, as bad actors exploit political fears and ideologies and find these voters where they congregate – on messaging apps such as WeChat and WhatsApp.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Fighting Disinformation. By Eliana Alzate/News21. 1,956 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,020 words is also available.

With audio story and 10 photos.

Republicans and Democrats work to restore voter trust and faith in democracy

Note: This story has strong Arizona ties.

WOODRUFF, Wis. – From cross-partisan groups working in battleground states to off-the-record meetings of conservatives in Republican strongholds, new initiatives nationwide aim to restore trust in elections and shore up democracy. Don Henninger, the Republican co-lead of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, puts it this way: “It’s not an aisle anymore. It’s a canyon.”

Slug: News21-Fractured-Rebuilding Trust. By Romie Avivi Stuhl/News21. 2,712 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,028 words is also available.

With 9 photos.

America confronts election intimidation as political violence surges

Note: This story has a strong Arizona focus.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Election intimidation became the norm after the 2020 election. To shore up democracy’s defenses this year, officials across the country are increasing training and implementing new protections, such as erecting ceiling-high fences to safeguard workers.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Increasing Intimidation. By Peggy Dodd, Pierce Gentry, Shelby Rickert and Olivia Talkington/News21. 3,488 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,233 words is also available.

With video story and 7 photos.

THIS WEEK IN NEWS

Why Douglas? Kamala Harris picks relatively quiet Arizona border city to blunt Donald Trump’s attacks

WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Douglas on Friday, her first border visit as the Democratic presidential nominee and only her second as vice president. In June 2021, she spent over 4 hours in El Paso, far from the migrant crisis hotpots at the time. Douglas is also not the focus of Republican attacks about the current administration’s record on border security, which could help explain why her campaign picked it. “Mostly what you see in the national news really doesn’t happen here in Douglas,” Mayor Donald Huish said Thursday in a Zoom interview. “I believe the vice president wants to get a broader look at what’s going on at the border.”

Slug: Harris Border Douglas. 775 words. By Mia Osmonbekov.

Photo available.

Arizona voters are concerned about climate change, but Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both support some fossil fuels

PHOENIX – More heat and wildfires and less rainfall are among the risks of climate change in Arizona, and some voters are looking to the November presidential election for climate action. However, it’s hard to define how Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump plan to take on these challenges. The issue, according to experts, affects Arizonans in many different and complicated ways. “We’re seeing increased heat records basically across the board,” said Vernon Morris, a professor of chemistry and environmental science at Arizona State University. He said other Arizona-specific effects include “decreased rainfall patterns, increased wildfires, which affects all aspects of our lives, from the air we breathe to threats to property to threats to livelihood.”

Slug: Climate Election. 1,260 words. By Aaron Stigile.

Photo available.

Sens. Mark Kelly and Ted Cruz join forces to cut red tape on U.S. semiconductor projects

WASHINGTON – In an election year, cooperation between Republicans and Democrats tends to be rare. But this week, Sens. Mark Kelly and Ted Cruz, an Arizona Democrat and a Texas Republican, together succeeded in pushing through a measure to cut red tape that delays new U.S. semiconductor factories. Chipmaking is a major industry in both states. Lawmakers in both parties view building domestic capacity as a matter of national security, as do both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Slug: Kelly Cruz Microchips. 570 words. Miguel Ambriz.

Photos available.

‘It’s not just a movie’: Hispanic Heritage Month screening of ‘Spare Parts’ honors STEM heroes

CHANDLER – To mark Hispanic Heritage Month, the city and the Chandler International Film Festival screened the 2015 film “Spare Parts” on Sunday. The film, based on a true story, follows four Arizona high school students who defied the odds to win a national robotics competition. The event was also a chance to celebrate the people who inspired the film. The screening featured a red carpet, appearances by local community leaders and a Q&A session with the film’s director, Sean McNamara; its writer, Elissa Matsueda; one of the four students, Lorenzo Santillan; and the original robotics coach depicted in the film, Fredi Lajvardi.

Slug: Chandler Hispanic Heritage Film. 720 words. By Sienna Monea

Photos available.

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

PHOENIX – Six contestants vied for the crown of Miss Navajo Nation this month in a pageant that celebrates Navajo culture and tradition and imbues the winner as a role model in the country’s largest Native American tribal nation. Unlike most pageants, Miss Navajo Nation looks for the beauty “within oneself,” not merely physical beauty. The event also goes beyond just pageantry – the elected Miss Navajo Nation becomes a representative of the Navajo people, and she wields a strong political influence in the tribal nation. Editor’s note: This article contains images of animal slaughtering.

Slug: Miss Navajo Nation Significance. 2,735 words. By Brianna Chappie.

Video, audio and 21 photos available.

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

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. Much of the frustration was aimed at House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has not said whether or when he will put the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act to a vote. Congress approved the original program in 1990 and has extended it several times. The last extension expired in June. RECA, as it’s widely known, provided payments to people in 12 states who’d been affected by nuclear fallout or who worked at uranium mines and mills before 1971 – that is, during World War II and through much of the Cold War.

Slug: RECA Rally. 930 words. By Gabrielle Wallace.

Photos available.

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

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. Senate Bill 1053 replaces 2014 legislation that prohibited stores from providing customers with “single-use carryout bags” that left room for thicker, multi use plastic bags. Though the thicker plastic allowed for more use out of one bag, it didn’t decrease the number of shopping bags thrown out. Comparisons of CalRecycle’s yearly reports revealed the weight of plastic grocery and merchandise bags found in California landfills had climbed about 80% between 2014 and 2021.

Slug: California Plastic. 585 words. By Emery Davis

File photo available.

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

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. The Arizona Teachers Academy, which covers tuition and fees for students who commit to teaching in Arizona public schools, will serve 800 fewer new students. The Arizona Promise Program, which helps in-state, low-income students, will see a decrease of $10.9 million in funding, affecting potentially more than 2,600 students.

Slug: ASU Budget Cuts. 785 words. By Aaron Stigile.

File photos available.

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

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. Cobalt is a key ingredient in batteries for electric vehicles. When the plant is up and running, EVelution Energy says it will process 7,000 tons worth – enough to satisfy 40% of demand for U.S. production of EVs. The cobalt project is expected to generate 60 to 120 permanent clean energy jobs, most of which require no more than a high school diploma, Michel-Garcia said, crediting the IRA with speeding development of a domestic supply chain and providing opportunity.

Slug: Green Energy Jobs. 915 words. By Amelia Monroe.

Photos available.

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

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. Last month, Giles was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which has since been a talking point for Democrats. The nonpartisan mayor, who holds a nonpartisan office, is a registered Republican and is co-chair of Arizona Republicans for Harris. Giles has been vocal in his support in his last term as mayor and has also joined the Arizona Latter-day Saints for Harris-Walz Advisory Committee. The group, which launched last week, wants members of the church to consider voting for a Democrat in this election.

Slug: Republicans Defecting. 985 words. By Nash Darragh

Photos available.

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

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.

Slug: Cattle and Snake. 1,105 words. By Kelechukwu Iruoma

Photo available.

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

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. “Little Tokyo is facing challenges, external pressures, but that’s not new,” Kristen Hayashi said. Hayashi is a curator at the Japanese American National Museum and specializes in public history, aiming to make it accessible to a wider audience. With her help, Little Tokyo earned its spot on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2024 “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list.

Slug: Little Tokyo Endangered. 660 words. By Emery Davis

Photos available.

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

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. Here’s how the Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology are evolving.

Slug: Museum Foot Traffic. 1,690 words. By Jalen Woody.

Photos available.

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

Note to CN clients: This story includes Arizona material.

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.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Language Barriers. By Celia Frazier/News21. 2,655 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,447 words is also available. 

With audio story and 9 photos.

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Uncharted waters: Herbie Behm ready to defend NCAA title, navigate new changes with ASU swim and dive program

TEMPE – Things have significantly changed on the pool deck of the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center for the Arizona State swim and dive program. Legendary coach Bob Bowman went to Texas. Leon Marchand and his five Olympic golds went professional. Luckily for the program, new coach Herbie Behm and a cast of remaining talented swimmers have ASU poised for a successful first season in the Big 12 in the wake of those changes.

Slug: Sports-ASU Swimming Behm. 780 words. By Tucker L. Sennett.

3 photos available.

Notre Dame and Brophy football rivalry carries more respect than animosity

PHOENIX – On Friday, what is now called the Holy Bowl is set to be played for the fifth time in as many years, between Notre Dame Prep and Brophy. This Catholic school series started in 2020, and has developed into not just a rivalry, but a coming together between the two. “As much as there’s this rivalry between us, there’s a mutual respect,” Notre Dame Prep coach George Prelock said. “We’re always praying together because their faith is as important to them as it is to us.”

Slug: Sports-Notre Dame Brophy. 625 words. By Fletcher Anderson.

Photo available.

Local baseball community honors late Rich Alday in golf tournament to support Pima baseball

TUCSON – Tucson coaches and former players helped fundraise for the Pima Community College baseball team while honoring former coach Rich Alday in the fourth annual Rich Alday Memorial Tournament. “It’s a privilege and honor to be a part of it (the golf tournament),” said Gilbert Heredia, who played for Alday at Pima.

Slug: Sports-Rich Alday Tournament. 670 words. By Tom Forbes.

2 photos available.

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

PHOENIX –When the game writes a player off, letting go is hard. For many, the longing for it never fades. “I equate it to having a death, because football literally does become part of you,” said former ASU and Detroit Lions player Juan Roque said. “It becomes part of your life, it becomes part of your being.”

Slug: Sports-Life After Football. 1,860 words. By Dylan Ackermann.

2 photos available.

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

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.

Slug: Sports–Rising Preview Stone. 910 words. By Cooper Stone.

Photo available. Graphics available.

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

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 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.

Slug: Sports-Rising Hispanic Heritage Night. 690 words. By Sebastian Mondaca.

3 photos available.

ASU assistant coach Shaughn McDonald uses Big 12 experience to guide volleyball team ahead of first conference matchup

TEMPE – Last year, Shaughn McDonald was the director of operations and technical coordinator for the Houston Cougars, one of Arizona State’s new Big 12 opponents. This year, Arizona State assistant McDonald uses his previous experience to help the Sun Devils adjust to their new conference and competition.

Slug: Sports-ASU Volleyball Big 12. 842 words. By Anne-Marie Iemmolo.

Photos available.

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

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 dominated, sweeping eight of their 12 opponents.A vital part of ASU’s success is libero Mary Shroll.

Slug: Sports-ASU Volleyball Start. 900 words. By Jalen Weathers.

3 photos available.

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

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.

Slug: Sports-Suns Al McCoy Memories. 1,000 words. By Doyal D’angelo.

File photo available.

Welcome to the Big 12: Hostile road environment affects ASU football in loss to Texas Tech

TEMPE – A lack of discipline, several errors from special teams and other issues contributed to Arizona State football’s first loss of the season Saturday to Texas Tech in Lubbock. Losses have a way of making teams look in the mirror and at what is coming later. The Sun Devils enter their first bye week 3-1, having already matched last season’s win total. They had a chance to win  but the hole the team dug itself was too deep.

Slug: Sports-ASU Football Follow. 600 words. By Tucker Sennett.

Photo available.

Arizona Cardinals prepare for Washington Commanders after blow opportunities against Detroit Lions

TEMPE – After an explosive Week 2 win, the Arizona Cardinals offense took a step back in a home loss to the Detroit Lions. The defeat put the Cardinals in a three-way tie with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams for second place in the NFC West, behind the Seattle Seahawks.

Slug: Sports-Cardinals Reflection Loss. 700 words. By Keller Brown.

File photo available.

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

PHOENIX – The popularity of high school girls flag football is booming, and the Arizona Cardinals have taken it to primetime in Arizona. The Cardinals are promoting a series of primetime broadcasts that are shining a spotlight on the sport.

Slug: Sports-Girls Flag Football Arizona. 500 words. By James Morel.

Photos available.