Fresh new look: Jamea Jackson takes helm at ASU women’s tennis, aims to smash expectations

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Jamea Jackson Feature. 994 words.
  • Photo available

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the dust settles from the Arizona State women’s tennis team 36th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a new chapter unfolds for the program. Jamea Jackson ushers in a new era following the retirement of coaching legend Sheila McInerney.

The former WTA Tour player-turned-coach is poised to strengthen the Sun Devils’ winning culture, defined by four decades of success with McInerney at the helm. The transition marks only the third changing of the guard for ASU women’s tennis since 1954. As Jackson settles into her new role with big shoes to fill, she brings an appetite to take the Sun Devils to new heights in their Big 12 debut.

“Not often does a place like ASU open up; it’s rare that you even get a sniff at an opportunity like this,” Jackson said while reflecting on her first month as head coach. “And so, everyone that I’ve talked to, be that the girls on the team, be that the people in athletics, be that the student-athlete helpers, everyone’s been so phenomenal, and I’m getting to see firsthand what I already kind of knew way off way across the country.”

Continue reading “Fresh new look: Jamea Jackson takes helm at ASU women’s tennis, aims to smash expectations”

Valley artist collaborates with Phoenix Mercury to design mural commemorating 2024 WNBA All-Star Game

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports–WNBA All-Star Mural. 662 words.
  • 5 photos available

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When the Phoenix Mercury asked local artist Antoinette Cauley to design a mural for their community project refurbishing local basketball courts, Cauley didn’t hesitate to say yes – even if it meant working in conditions that could be dangerous if she and her team weren’t careful.

Cauley used drone footage to make sketches and outline her design for the mural. She and her team began most days painting at 5:15 a.m. to beat Arizona’s crippling summer heat. Once temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the crew could no longer continue working due to the paint immediately drying when applied to the concrete.

After three weeks, Cauley and the Mercury unveiled the mural and the four refurbished courts at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex last Wednesday, just in time for the WNBA All-Star weekend, which takes place at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The events kick off Friday night with the skills challenge and 3-point contest, followed by Saturday’s game featuring a matchup between the WNBA All-Stars and the U.S. Women’s National Team, which will represent the country in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

Continue reading “Valley artist collaborates with Phoenix Mercury to design mural commemorating 2024 WNBA All-Star Game”

Gen Z skeptical of Social Security in leadup to election

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Social Security Youth. 840 words.
  • File photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Alex MacDonald
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Many younger workers don’t believe they will ever see a dime of Social Security benefits.

“I think the program will be shut down by the time I stop working,” said Peter Fairbanks, 24, a territory manager in Phoenix at a company that sells skin care products.

The skepticism is widespread, though Gen Zers and Millennials also tend not to worry much about benefits they may or may not collect in four or five decades. So the issue may not make much difference to them on Election Day, Arizona political experts say – unless one of the presidential contenders comes up with a plan to ensure the program’s survival.

Continue reading “Gen Z skeptical of Social Security in leadup to election”

Arizona ‘fake elector’ leverages notoriety selling mug shot merch as GOP convention delegates flock to Trump souvenirs

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Fake Electors Merch. 600 words. By Amaia J. Gavica.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Amaia J. Gavica
Cronkite News

MILWAUKEE – At street corners all around the Republican National Convention, vendors have set up shop with merchandise that celebrates Donald Trump.

Beneath large white tents, tables are piled high with T-shirts, mugs, hats and more with the former president’s likeness. On the streets, individuals sell magnets with the words, “You’re killing us Joe.”

“We’ve been selling Trump merchandise since before President Trump took office,” said Anthony Montgomery, a South Carolinian making sales to lines of people under large tents near the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.

Continue reading “Arizona ‘fake elector’ leverages notoriety selling mug shot merch as GOP convention delegates flock to Trump souvenirs”

Arizona poised to provide MDMA therapy to first responders with PTSD if the FDA approves the psychedelic

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-PTSD and MDMA. 900 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Isabelle Marceles
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Police and firefighters in Arizona who suffer from PTSD could soon use workers’ compensation to cover therapy that involves the psychedelic drug commonly known as ecstasy or molly.

That depends on the Food and Drug Administration, which plans to vote next month on approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

An FDA advisory committee recommended against approval on June 4. But advocates remain hopeful.

Continue reading “Arizona poised to provide MDMA therapy to first responders with PTSD if the FDA approves the psychedelic”

Phoenix Suns bet on NBA Summer League to fill point guard void

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports–Suns Point Guards. 838 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – While the Phoenix Suns have three NBA superstars in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, they lack depth in one position critical to having success in the playoffs: point guard.

Many believed that was an area the Suns would address in this year’s NBA Draft. Instead, Phoenix decided to trade back from No. 22 and acquire an extra pick to address the team’s other priorities. Eventually the Suns selected Ryan Dunn out of Virginia at No. 28, and Phoenix native Oso Ighodaro out of Marquette at No. 56. Phoenix also added Collin Gillespie in June on a two-way contract.

Continue reading “Phoenix Suns bet on NBA Summer League to fill point guard void”

Skills, thrills and history: WNBA All-Star Game returns to Phoenix after a decade

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports–WNBA All-Star Phoenix History. 765 words.
  • One photo available.

By Mateo Arenas
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When the WNBA All-Star Game first graced the Valley stage, the year was 2000, the band Santana had two of the biggest music hits in the nation and the WNBA’s average salary was $50,000. Fourteen years later, when Phoenix again hosted the All-Star game, Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” graced the top of the charts, and the players’ average salary had jumped to $75,000.

The mid-summer showcase of the league’s best players returns to what is now called the Footprint Center this weekend, beginning with Friday night’s skills challenge and 3-point contest, followed by Saturday’s All-Star game. Only Uncasville, Connecticut has hosted more All-Star games (4) than the Valley, while New York and Las Vegas have also hosted the weekend three times each.

Continue reading “Skills, thrills and history: WNBA All-Star Game returns to Phoenix after a decade”

Lindsey Ellis, architect of ASU women’s hockey, tapped to coach Team USA at Winter World University Games

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports–Ellis to Team USA. 823 words.
  • 2 photos.

By Joseph Furtado
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After Arizona State won its first Western Women’s Collegiate Hockey League (WWCHL) conference championship, Sun Devils coach Lindsey Ellis jokingly threatened her players, saying, “If you dump water on me in this outfit, you’re all cut from the team.”

This lighthearted moment encapsulates the fun, exciting culture Ellis has created at ASU ever since she founded the women’s hockey team in 2016. She will be looking to do the same with her new team after being selected as head coach for the United States Women’s National University Team.

The decision came last week from the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which selected Ellis to lead the U.S. squad that will compete at the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games in Torino, Italy from January 11-23 at Torino Pala Tazzoli. The Torino Winter Games will be the largest international multi-sport event for athletes, featuring more than 2,500 players from over 50 countries.

Continue reading “Lindsey Ellis, architect of ASU women’s hockey, tapped to coach Team USA at Winter World University Games”

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.