Arizona Department of Education launches STOP-IT Task Force to raise awareness about dangers of fentanyl

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: STOP-IT Fentanyl Initiative. 575 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Sienna Monea
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Arizona’s Department of Education has introduced an initiative aimed at tackling the growing threat of fentanyl in schools. The School Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Taskforce (STOP-IT) is educating students and school staff and working to prevent fentanyl-related incidents statewide.

Fentanyl overdoses have become a critical issue in Arizona, particularly among young people.

Continue reading “Arizona Department of Education launches STOP-IT Task Force to raise awareness about dangers of fentanyl”

‘He’s only scratching the surface’: Former coaches say Marvin Harrison Jr. will bring his winning tradition to Cardinals

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Marvin Harrison Jr. Past, 2,500 words.
  • 4 photos available.

By Grace Del Pizzo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – On every level, Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has taken the game of football by storm. He famously excelled at Ohio State, winning the 2023 Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding receiver in college football. Before that, he was a three-time state champion at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia.

Oh, and his father – and namesake – happens to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Expectations have never been anything less than sky-high for Harrison. Now the world is watching as he makes his mark in the NFL, bringing his track record of success with him. Continue reading “‘He’s only scratching the surface’: Former coaches say Marvin Harrison Jr. will bring his winning tradition to Cardinals”

Caitlin Hogan leads Arizona Wildcats’ revival of women’s hockey in Tucson

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Arizona Women’s Hockey, 1,200 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When Caitlin Hogan, a lifelong hockey player and Division I standout, saw that the University of Arizona was building a women’s hockey program, she reached out to offer her expertise to the burgeoning team in any way she could.

By the time Hogan contacted the school to extend her services, its national search for a hockey coach was already underway. But after Troy Vaughn, the director of campus recreation, and Chad Berman, the men’s ice hockey coach, met with Hogan, the hunt was over.

“She (Hogan), by far and away, rose to the top,” Vaughn said. Continue reading “Caitlin Hogan leads Arizona Wildcats’ revival of women’s hockey in Tucson”

In Costa Rica and elsewhere, U.S. ‘Safe Mobility’ program for migrants is unknown, underused

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Costa Rica Migration Policy. 1,725 words.
  • Photos available.

By Christopher Lomahquahu
Cronkite Borderlands Project

PASO CANOAS, Costa Rica – Migrant advocates in this small town on the Panama-Costa Rica border say their country has become the United States’ “tercera frontera” – its third border – a place where the U.S. hopes to slow migrants from continuing north.

The Costa Rican government, however, has implemented a busing system that actually speeds migrants northward, while relatively few are able to enroll in a system designed by the U.S. government to stem the flow of people headed to the U.S. border.

Continue reading “In Costa Rica and elsewhere, U.S. ‘Safe Mobility’ program for migrants is unknown, underused”

Enter Jeff Sims: Veteran ASU quarterback poised to take over for injured Sam Leavitt

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports–ASU Quarterback Change, 520 words.
  • Photo available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After taking a hard hit in Arizona State’s win over Utah and sustaining a rib injury, redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt will not play Saturday against Cincinnati, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham announced Wednesday.

Senior quarterback Jeff Sims will take his place as the starter for the 5-1 Sun Devils on the road against the 4-2 Bearcats.

“We brought him in to compete to start,” Dillingham told reporters after ASU’s practice. “Now (Sims), who’s started a crap-ton of games, gets to go start again. To me, there’s not much drama.” Continue reading “Enter Jeff Sims: Veteran ASU quarterback poised to take over for injured Sam Leavitt”

Cronkite News Digest for Wednesday, Oct. 16

by Paola Boivin

Here is your Cronkite News lineup for Wednesday, Oct. 16.

For news story questions, contact Julia Thompson at julia.thompson.1@asu.edu.

If not linked below, stories promised for today, along with photos and links to multimedia elements, will post to our client site at cronkitenews.jmc.asu.edu/clients.

Continue reading “Cronkite News Digest for Wednesday, Oct. 16”

Snail mail, checks and flip phones: This journalists’ fantasy football league is keeping it old school for 46 years

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Fantasy Football Old School, 860 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Dane Palmer
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The first sign of this fantasy football league’s uniqueness is the walk commissioner Mark Armijo makes to his mailbox every August. Inside sit the $75 entry fee checks required of each participant. Venmo? PayPal? In this league, that’s blasphemous.

Fantasy football – a game in which members are general managers of teams they’ve drafted, often for money – has become a way to unite friends and family, as well as claim glory by way of bragging rights or prize. One group of friends with connections to the Arizona Republic have done just that for 46 years in the most old school of ways: no apps, no fantasy programs, just old-fashioned pen, paper and emails. Lots of emails.

“I still have a flip phone, I’m still living in the 20th century,” said Mark Armijo, commissioner of the Republic Football League. “I’m so attuned to our league that I don’t understand any other fantasy apps.” Continue reading “Snail mail, checks and flip phones: This journalists’ fantasy football league is keeping it old school for 46 years”

Phoenix Rising FC faces tough road ahead on cusp of USL postseason berth

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Phoenix Rising FC, 740 words.
  • Photo available.

By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – After suffering its third straight loss last Friday, Phoenix Rising FC’s season was in jeopardy. Interim coach Diego Gómez was unable to propel his team to a needed victory, and everything looked dim for the club.

Despite the loss to Monterey Bay FC in front of Rising’s dejected but loyal fanbase, Gómez had a couple of words to share heading into Wednesday’s crucial matchup on the road against rival New Mexico United.

“Win,” Gómez said. “We need to win on Wednesday. We need to shake it off and push. The most important thing right now is our mentality and continue to work after this.” Continue reading “Phoenix Rising FC faces tough road ahead on cusp of USL postseason berth”

After 2022, tribal involvement in the Arizona’s State Fair’s Native American Rodeo waned

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Native American Rodeo. 1,110 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Marshall Baker
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The Arizona State Fair is one of Arizona’s longest-standing traditions, dating back almost 30 years before statehood. Starting all the way back in 1884, it’s one of the largest fairs in the United States, bringing in over 1.4 million visitors in 2023.

The Native American Rodeo is part of the rich tradition of the fair, with spectators and competitors from tribal nations across the country. It celebrates the Indigenous peoples who heavily influenced the history of Arizona. It is one of the most popular events among Indigenous communities at the fair, but there are questions surrounding their involvement with all aspects of the rodeo.

Continue reading “After 2022, tribal involvement in the Arizona’s State Fair’s Native American Rodeo waned”

Former Phoenix City Council member Michael Nowakowski runs to lead constituents of District 7

by Julia Thompson

EDS: Cronkite School journalists profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Carlos Rene Castro
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Michael Nowakowski
  • Political affiliation: Democrat
  • Position sought: Phoenix City Council in District 7
  • Career: Vice president of communications for the Cesar Chavez Foundation

Continue reading “Former Phoenix City Council member Michael Nowakowski runs to lead constituents of District 7”

JD Vance visits Arizona’s 2 largest metro areas in bid for Hispanic voters

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Vance in Arizona. 810 words. By Brianna Chappie.  
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Brianna Chappie
Cronkite News

MESA – God, conservative values, immigration and Donald Trump.

Those were the main talking points at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Mesa on Wednesday, where former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, made his second appearance in Arizona after attending a Tucson rally earlier in the day.

Continue reading “JD Vance visits Arizona’s 2 largest metro areas in bid for Hispanic voters”

Former educator and state Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez is running for Phoenix City Council District 7

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School students profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Didi Mariz
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Marcelino Quiñonez
  • Political affiliation: Democratic Party
  • Position sought: City Council member for District 7
  • Age: 40
  • Career: Educator

Continue reading “Former educator and state Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez is running for Phoenix City Council District 7”

Anna Hernandez seeks Phoenix City District 7 seat

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School journalists profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Tristan E. M. Leach
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Anna Hernandez
  • Political affiliation: Progressive Democrat
  • Position sought: City Council, District 7
  • Age: 42
  • Career: State senator for District 24

Continue reading “Anna Hernandez seeks Phoenix City District 7 seat”

Martyn Bridgeman is running for Phoenix City Council District 7 as a fresh face for government

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School students profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Shondiin Mayo
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Martyn Bridgeman
  • Position sought: Phoenix City Council  in District 7
  • Age: 40
  • Career: Real Estate

Continue reading “Martyn Bridgeman is running for Phoenix City Council District 7 as a fresh face for government”

Melton brothers set for first sibling rivalry as Max and Bo battle in Cardinals vs. Packers

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports–Melton Brothers NFL, 1,000 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In the stands of SHI Stadium, Gary and Vicky Melton wiped away tears.

Their sons, Bo and Max Melton, took the field as teammates for the first time at the collegiate level for Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights walked away with the victory over Michigan State, but the 38-27 final score took a backseat for the proud parents as they witnessed their sons fulfill their football dreams.

Now, four years later, Bo and Max will accomplish another milestone for the Melton family Sunday when the Arizona Cardinals face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Bo, in his second year at wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, and Max, rookie defensive back Cardinals, will face off against each other for the first time in the NFL.
For Max, the matinee matchup against his brother is one he always envisioned before his first NFL snap. Continue reading “Melton brothers set for first sibling rivalry as Max and Bo battle in Cardinals vs. Packers”

Jerry Sheridan wants to reinvent the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, distances self from former boss Joe Arpaio’s legacy

by Julia Thompson

EDS: Cronkite School journalists profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Emily Holshouser
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Jerry Sheridan
  • Political affiliation: Republican
  • Position sought: Maricopa County Sheriff
  • Age: 66
  • Career: Law enforcement

Continue reading “Jerry Sheridan wants to reinvent the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, distances self from former boss Joe Arpaio’s legacy”

Former Phoenix police officer Tyler Kamp campaigns on building upon Paul Penzone’s foundation as Maricopa County sheriff

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School journalists profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By L. M. Boyd
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Tyler Kamp
  • Political affiliation: Democrat
  • Position sought: Maricopa County Sheriff
  • Career: Former nonprofit director, former Phoenix Police lieutenant

Continue reading “Former Phoenix police officer Tyler Kamp campaigns on building upon Paul Penzone’s foundation as Maricopa County sheriff”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego seeks second term, focused on climate change and infrastructure

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School journalists profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Armond Sarduy
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Kate Gallego
  • Political affiliation: Democratic
  • Position sought: Second term for mayor
  • Age: 43
  • Career: 62nd mayor of Phoenix, Phoenix City Council District 8

Continue reading “Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego seeks second term, focused on climate change and infrastructure”

Phoenix native Matt Evans is running for mayor with focus on homelessness, transparency

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School journalists profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Tori Smith
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Matt Evans
  • Political affiliation: Republican
  • Position sought: Mayor
  • Age: 36
  • Career: Senior DevOps Engineer for Parchment

Continue reading “Phoenix native Matt Evans is running for mayor with focus on homelessness, transparency”

Amid discussions of police reform, former Phoenix police officer JJ Martinez is running for City Council District 5

by Adnan Alam

EDS: Cronkite School students profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here. 

By Grace Berry
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Jesse “JJ” Martinez
  • Position sought: Phoenix City Council in District 5
  • Age: 51
  • Career: Former Phoenix police officer, currently a K-9 handler at HonorHealth

Continue reading “Amid discussions of police reform, former Phoenix police officer JJ Martinez is running for City Council District 5”