‘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”

‘Something to prove’: ASU men’s basketball rebuilds for Big 12 transition with high-profile recruits, transfers

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-ASU Basketball Recruits 830 words.
  • 4 photos available.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, ASU men’s basketball is looking to the future. The Sun Devils have utilized the transfer portal ahead of the 2024-25 season and acquired a trio of four- and five-star commits that could make the Sun Devils a formidable force in their Big 12 Conference debut.

The buzz around the Tempe campus centers on five-star commit Jayden Quaintance. The 6-foot-9 center, who played at Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, North Carolina), was a top prospect for schools like the University of Kentucky and Florida. However, the top center in the 2024 class chose the desert as his new home with coach Bobby Hurley taking the reins of his highly skilled rim control.

“Jayden Quaintance is special,” Hurley said. “And I could keep it real simple. What he’s going to be over the next couple of years is scary because of his approach and his makeup and his physical tools and all the things he does on the court.” Continue reading “‘Something to prove’: ASU men’s basketball rebuilds for Big 12 transition with high-profile recruits, transfers”

‘Philly Special’: Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper’s hometown grit reshaping Phoenix Mercury’s culture

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Mercury’s Philadelphia Connection, 800 words.
  • Photo available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – Kahleah Copper held on to Natasha Cloud’s arm, bowed her head and shared a laugh with her teammate Sunday as they arrived at Crypto.com Arena and approached the visiting locker room. It’s a common off-the-court moment for the two Phoenix Mercury guards. But joy soon turned to aggression on the court, and the ”Philly Sisters” served the Los Angeles Sparks a “Philly Special.”

Copper and Cloud combined for 56 points on 51.5% from the field to lead the Mercury to an 84-78 victory over the Sparks, despite the absence of Diana Taurasi due to a leg injury. Cloud led the team with a career-high 31 points and added nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in a stellar all-around performance. Copper finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Copper and Cloud, both Philadelphia natives and former teammates on the Washington Mystics during Copper’s rookie year in 2016, believe their pre-existing connection impacts their communication on the court, leading to Sunday’s successful outing. Continue reading “‘Philly Special’: Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper’s hometown grit reshaping Phoenix Mercury’s culture”

International athletes watch from sidelines as U.S. peers cash in on NIL deals

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-No NIL International Students, 860 words.
  • 2 photos available.
  • Video available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Beth Coulter was born and raised in Northern Ireland before moving to Arizona to play for Arizona State University’s women’s golf team. As one of her requirements on the Tempe campus as a Sun Devil athlete, Coulter had to attend mandatory name, image and likeness workshops to learn more about the ways young competitors like herself can market their personal brands to the public.

But there was just one problem – international college athletes like Coulter cannot receive money from NIL deals because of visa restrictions. Students choosing to study in the U.S. require F-1 visas, which allow them to study and live abroad but prevent them from participating in NIL deals.

“To sit there and think about the thousands of dollars that these American kids are earning. And we’re sitting there, and we can’t do anything, it’s a little bit frustrating,” said Coulter, who was the No. 7 recruit in Ireland and joined the Sun Devils team for its state-of-the-art facilities, the Valley’s warm weather and an abundance of opportunities. Continue reading “International athletes watch from sidelines as U.S. peers cash in on NIL deals”

‘It’s a lot’: Phoenix Mercury battle mental challenges to endure grueling compressed schedule

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Schedule Toll, 1,000 words.
  • Photo available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Natasha Cloud walked into the postgame press room at Footprint Center after Monday’s loss to the Connecticut Sun with three designer bags, but only had one in hand. Asked about her mental state, the Phoenix Mercury guard said, “Oof,” looked at teammate Kahleah Copper, laughed, turned her head back to the reporter and said, “You see these designer bags under my eyes.”

The Mercury traveled to Dallas the following day to face the Wings Wednesday, their fourth game in six nights. Phoenix finished 2-2 in the condensed stretch after defeating Dallas 104-96, tallying a season high in points, and sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 10-10 record.

The Mercury aren’t alone – many WNBA teams have endured a compressed schedule to account for the Olympic break from July 21 to Aug. 14. Continue reading “‘It’s a lot’: Phoenix Mercury battle mental challenges to endure grueling compressed schedule”

Navajo uranium miners, people downwind of atom bomb tests demand justice as Congress lets aid program lapse

by Adnan Alam

EDS: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated how much longer people could apply under a pending bill. The story below has been corrected, but clients who used previous versions are asked to run the correction found here.

  • Slug: BC-CNS-RECA Expired. 1,545 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Keetra Bippus
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – A federal program to compensate people exposed to fallout from U.S. nuclear testing expired June 10.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act has paid out $2.6 billion to over 41,000 people since 1992. In March, the U.S. Justice Department projected that another 1,070 claims would be approved by the end of September.

“Why do we have to beg to pass RECA?” said Maggie Billiman, whose father, a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, died of stomach cancer she attributes to exposure to fallout that affected their hometown in Arizona. “You don’t put a price tag on human life.”

Starting with the Manhattan Project’s Trinity test on July 16, 1945, weeks before bombs destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the U.S. government conducted 94 tests that produced radioactive mushroom clouds in remote areas of the West. Most were over Nevada. One was over New Mexico.

Continue reading “Navajo uranium miners, people downwind of atom bomb tests demand justice as Congress lets aid program lapse”

Curling in the desert: Ability360 champions wheelchair curling in Arizona heat

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Wheelchair Curling, 635 words.
  • Photo available.
  • Video available.

By Katrina Villareal
Cronkite News

TEMPE – In the sweltering heat of Arizona, an unlikely winter sport is sliding into popularity. Curling, traditionally associated with icy northern climates, has found an unexpected home in the desert state. Sparked by the excitement of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the ice sport is gaining traction among Valley residents.

Ability360 capitalized on the momentum from May to June by hosting six weeks of wheelchair curling clinics at the Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe, where participants learned the techniques required to master the game on ice.

Ability360, a nonprofit organization run by and for people with disabilities to address the needs and barriers within Arizona, aims to empower individuals to achieve or continue independent lifestyles within their community. Through programs like the curling clinics, they are opening up new possibilities for adaptive sports. Continue reading “Curling in the desert: Ability360 champions wheelchair curling in Arizona heat”

Arizona could see open primaries on the ballot this November, allowing independents to weigh in on presidential nominees

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Arizona primary reform. 668 words.
  • 2 File photos available and video (thumbnail, caption below).

By Aoife Kane
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – A campaign aiming to open Arizona’s primary elections filed its petition to qualify for the November ballot on Wednesday after collecting over 560,000 signatures.

If passed, the state constitutional amendment would let Arizona voters participate in primaries regardless of their party affiliation.

That would let more than 1.3 million independent voters who aren’t registered as a Republican or Democrat vote on those parties’ presidential primaries.

The office of the Secretary of State has up to 20 business days to certify the petition, but only 383,923 valid signatures are required.

Even if voters approve the amendment in November, it would be up to the Legislature – which is controlled by the two parties – to decide the mechanics of how nominees are picked for a general election.

If passed, the amendment would take effect in time for the 2026 primaries.

Continue reading “Arizona could see open primaries on the ballot this November, allowing independents to weigh in on presidential nominees”

Arizona’s homeless could be targeted by police under Supreme Court ruling allowing bans on public encampments

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Homeless SCOTUS. 1,065 words.
  • File photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Sahara Sajjadi
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Advocates for homeless people in Arizona fear the Supreme Court has raised the risk of violence at the hands of police by upholding ordinances that criminalize sleeping in public places.

Phoenix made national headlines for months last year after a judge in Maricopa County ordered the city’s largest homeless encampment, The Zone, to be cleared. Downtown businesses had complained it posed a safety hazard.

Advocacy groups denounced the order. By November, the encampment was cleared, displacing hundreds of people.

Continue reading “Arizona’s homeless could be targeted by police under Supreme Court ruling allowing bans on public encampments”

Abortion ballot measure in Arizona could drive turnout as Biden campaigns hard on reproductive rights

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Arizona Abortion Politics, 1,126 words.
  • 2 file photos and 1 courtesy photo available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Alex Cunningham
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Democrats are banking on abortion as their saving grace in Arizona, where President Joe Biden won by just 10,000 votes in 2020 and currently lags Donald Trump in their rematch.

Arizona for Abortion Access, a coalition that includes the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, submitted a stack of 800,000 signatures Wednesday morning to get an initiative in front of voters in November.

That’s one in five registered voters.

The measure would protect access to abortion through fetal viability. In the two years since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, similar ballot initiatives have bolstered Democrats in red, blue and purple states.

Continue reading “Abortion ballot measure in Arizona could drive turnout as Biden campaigns hard on reproductive rights”

‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Suns Introduce Draft Picks, 927 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In his four years at Desert Vista High School, Oso Ighodaro didn’t need to attend the mandatory tutoring program for basketball players underperforming academically – yet he did. Instead of basking in pride with one of the highest grade point averages on the basketball team and utilizing the potential free time to improve his game, the former four-star prospect assisted teammates struggling in the classroom.

Four years later, Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones introduced Ighodaro as the 40th selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, along with their first-round pick Ryan Dunn, at the Player 15 Group campus Tuesday. 

During the press conference, Ighodora credited witnessing his mom’s selfless approach to life growing up and said he inherited the same attitude to become the  teammate who lays down their life for the next.  Continue reading “‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns”

Migrant experts: Trump’s debate claim that ‘millions’ of criminals, mental patients have flooded U.S. under Biden doesn’t hold up

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Criminal Migrants Trump, 1,050 words.
  • Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Benjamin Adelberg
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON –  Since President Joe Biden took office, the U.S. population has grown by at least 4 million more migrants who entered the United States illegally. 

During last week’s debate with Biden, former President Donald Trump asserted the tally includes “millions” of criminals and mental patients – an eye-popping claim not supported by government data.

The Trump campaign ignored repeated requests to provide evidence.  Continue reading “Migrant experts: Trump’s debate claim that ‘millions’ of criminals, mental patients have flooded U.S. under Biden doesn’t hold up”

Democrats plaster Arizona Republic website with ads calling Trump a threat to democracy, with other blitzes in Georgia, Pennsylvania

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-DNC Trump Ads Arizona, 530 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Alex Cunningham
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The Democratic National Committee took over Tuesday’s homepage of the Arizona Republic website with ads attacking Donald Trump as an existential threat to democracy.

The ads link to a 90-second video that shows Trump ducking a question about whether he will accept the outcome of the November election three times during last week’s prime-time debate.

The ads will run for a week on the Arizona Republic’s site, azcentral.com, according to DNC deputy communications director Abhi Rahman, starting shortly after midnight Tuesday.

Continue reading “Democrats plaster Arizona Republic website with ads calling Trump a threat to democracy, with other blitzes in Georgia, Pennsylvania”