The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Football Guardian Cap, 1,620 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Erin and Lee Hanson were creating Guardian Sports in 2011, their son Jake Hanson was playing middle school football. Like all parents, the Hansons were concerned about the serious injuries that come with playing the physical sport.

The injury they feared most was concussions, which occur after athletes take hits to the head area. The Hansons’ apprehension mostly was due to the uncertainty and lack of information regarding concussions at the time.

This concern added more motivation behind the innovation of Guardian Sports, which aims to create equipment that will protect athletes and change how they play sports. The Hansons’ prior experience in the material science and technology industry led to the creation of the Guardian Cap. Continue reading “The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback”

Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Cree Thomas Notre Dame, 900 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When searching for information about Cree Thomas, you’ll find highlights, four stars next to his name, All-State honors and a commitment to Notre Dame. But to Thomas and those around him at Brophy College Preparatory, he’s so much more than what his football profile shows.

“Faith and family,” Thomas, a highly coveted senior cornerback, said when he was asked what is most important to him in life, also mentioning his role in the Black Student Union at Brophy.

“He’s a leader,” said Brophy defensive coordinator Kevin Scott. “And that to me is one of the most important things about him. At the end of the day, people want to follow someone like Cree.” Continue reading “Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats”

Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Taurasi Mercury Future, 960 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Will longtime guard Diana Taurasi return for another season, or will the postseason mark the end of her heralded career in the Valley?

“I don’t know,” Taurasi, 42, said after the Mercury’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday. “The last couple of weeks it’s been a little nerve-wracking for myself. I don’t want to make any emotional (or) rash decisions. I know the end is near. When that is, I don’t know.

“I’ve always been a person that just concentrates on what’s next, and that’s practice (on Wednesday), and (a game versus) Seattle on Thursday. When the season’s over, I’ll reflect, get advice from the people (who) are close to my heart and (have) been with me since day one. So you never know, but who knows.”

Continue reading “Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs”

Maricopa County election official rejects Trump claim that glitch involving 98,000 Arizona voters means someone is ‘trying to rig the election’

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: 100,000 Arizona voters. 550 words.
  • 2 Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Miguel Ambriz
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – A day after asking the Arizona Supreme Court to decide what to do about 98,000 registered voters who’ve never proven their U.S. citizenship, Arizona election officials offered assurances Wednesday.

There’s no sign of widespread voting by non-citizens, they said. It’s a glitch involving driver’s licenses issued before the state began requiring proof of citizenship.

“The voters didn’t themselves do wrong in any way, shape or form,” Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County recorder, said in Washington after a McCain Institute forum on elections and disinformation.

Continue reading “Maricopa County election official rejects Trump claim that glitch involving 98,000 Arizona voters means someone is ‘trying to rig the election’”

Certamen muestra tradiciones de la Nación Navajo

by Julio Cisneros

Por Gabriel Garza
Cronkite Noticias

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Durante la competencia Miss Navajo Nation 2024-2025 de una semana de duración, las seis concursantes trabajaron arduamente para enfrentar todos los desafíos, y al mismo tiempo mostraron que cualquiera de ellas podría convertirse en la embajadora de la Nación Navajo.

Continue reading “Certamen muestra tradiciones de la Nación Navajo”

Millions in federal aid for homeless students in Arizona schools, unspent after 3 years, about to expire

by Julia Thompson

EDS: This story has been updated to reflect that the Leona Group, which operates 28 charter schools in Arizona, declined to comment on the record. Please update grafs 14 and 15. 

  • Slug: Homeless Money Unspent. 950 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Madeline Nguyen
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The Arizona Department of Education is scrambling to urge schools to tap millions of dollars earmarked to help homeless students before the funds expire at the end of the month.

Three years ago, Arizona schools were allotted nearly $17 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to provide resources ranging from temporary housing and transportation to prepaid debit cards. Continue reading “Millions in federal aid for homeless students in Arizona schools, unspent after 3 years, about to expire”

Spark the Spectrum empowers Arizona voters with disabilities after court ruling expands accessibility

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Empowering Voters with Disabilities. 630 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Sienna Monea
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the November general election approaches, Arizona is taking a significant step toward ensuring that voters with disabilities are fully prepared to participate in the democratic process.

On Monday, First Place AZ and the Foundation for Blind Children co-hosted Spark the Spectrum, a workshop to equip voters with disabilities with the knowledge and tools needed for Election Day.

The event, which aligned with National Voter Registration Day, was designed to familiarize attendees with voting equipment, accommodations and the overall voting process. It also served as a reminder of the Oct. 7 voter registration deadline.

Continue reading “Spark the Spectrum empowers Arizona voters with disabilities after court ruling expands accessibility”

NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-NASCAR Phoenix Raceway Charity, 700 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

AVONDALE – As the host of two NASCAR stops, including the Cup Series Championship, Phoenix Raceway has emerged as one of the premier tracks on the circuit. Now it hopes to flex its charitable muscle as a key figure in the community, too.

A recent luncheon at the track featured several drivers, including Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Drive for Diversity program. Additionally, the luncheon benefited the Fighter Country Foundation, a charity that helps those who have served at Luke Air Force Base.

In November, Blaney finished second in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, giving the driver of the No. 12 Ford the title in NASCAR‘s premier series. As the Cup Series champion, he travels the nation representing the sport at a variety of events. Continue reading “NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement”

Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Arizona Football Tech, 630 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – From conference realignment to a new 12-team playoff format to coaching changes at some of the nation’s powerhouse programs, the college football landscape has experienced a series of tectonic shifts over the last year.

And in 2024, programs are adjusting to new technology-based rules for the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, including coach-to-player wireless communication and access to computer tablets on the sidelines.

While optional for all FBS schools, many – including Arizona State – have implemented the next-level communication technology that has been in use in the NFL to allow coaches to talk to quarterbacks since 1994 and communicate with a player on both sides of the ball since 2008. Continue reading “Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system”

Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Arizona NFL Betting, 730 words.
  • Photo available.

By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When the calendar turns to September, sports fans in the Valley know that means only one thing: Football is back.

College football season is in full swing, the NFL is entering its third full weekend of action, and here in Arizona and across the country, the action won’t be entirely focused on the game taking place on the field.

Sports betting is back and bigger than ever before. The American Gaming Association projects that over $35 billion will be legally wagered (at a registered sportsbook) on the NFL nationwide this season. This is over a 30% increase from the $26.7 billion mark set during the 2023 NFL season. Arizona in particular is preparing for what is sure to be a busy wagering season. Continue reading “Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season”

‘Activism and community building’: How LA artists spotlight social justice in their work

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Social Justice Art LA. 1,375 words.
  • Photos available.

By Brandelyn Clark
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – In the heart of Los Angeles, art is more than a form of expression. Be it a blank brick wall or a stage under spotlights, artists here use every platform as a vehicle to amplify social discourse.

Corie Mattie, aka “LA Hope Dealer,” an LGBTQ+ artist, is turning the street into her canvas, calling out local and national injustices. She is challenging social norms one bold stroke at a time.

“I had to really take the things that speak to me. Being a woman, being gay and then there’s things that just aren’t fair,” Mattie said. “I have to speak out against it even if it doesn’t affect me. It’s just one of those things where I have to call attention to it.”

Continue reading “‘Activism and community building’: How LA artists spotlight social justice in their work”

Endorsements from Parkland survivors group elevates gun debate in Arizona races that pit Democrats against NRA-backed Republicans

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Parkland Survivors Endorsements. 1,150 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Miguel Ambriz
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – March For Our Lives, the group founded by survivors of a 2018 high school shooting rampage in Parkland, Florida, has thrown its weight behind Democrats in two contentious races in Arizona.

In the fight for an open U.S. Senate seat, the group is backing U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego of Phoenix over Kari Lake, and former state Sen. Kirsten Engel of Tucson, who is challenging first-term U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Tucson Republican.

Continue reading “Endorsements from Parkland survivors group elevates gun debate in Arizona races that pit Democrats against NRA-backed Republicans”

Havasupai Tribe continues to oppose controversial uranium mine as Energy Fuels assures safety

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Uranium Mine Environment. 1,095 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Marshall Baker
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Carletta Tilousi was a young girl when she first heard about possible uranium mining near her home of Supai. Deep within the canyons near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, this is where the Havasupai people reside.

From the day they were contacted about it, the Havasupai were resistant to uranium mining near their homelands.

Continue reading “Havasupai Tribe continues to oppose controversial uranium mine as Energy Fuels assures safety”

Road to a repeat: Phoenix Rising FC fighting to hold playoff position after Sacramento setback

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Phoenix Rising Postseason, 700 words.
  • Photo available.

By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – With only eight games left in the regular season, Phoenix Rising FC is battling to secure a playoff spot in the USL Championship. Despite Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sacramento Republic FC, the defending champions remain in seventh place in the Western Conference.

The loss comes after a stretch of promising form, including two consecutive wins and five clean sheets in their last six matches. Interim coach Diego Gómez, who took over after the firing of Danny Stone, has been instrumental in turning Rising’s season around.

The club started the year with high expectations following its inspiring underdog run to the USL Championship in 2023. However, early results fell far short of those expectations. Continue reading “Road to a repeat: Phoenix Rising FC fighting to hold playoff position after Sacramento setback”

‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Phoenix Mercury Reunion, 900 words.
  • Photo available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner and guard Diana Taurasi are the only two active Mercury players who were on the 2014 WNBA championship team.

Toward the end of a ceremony Friday to honor that group, Taurasi told the crowd at Footprint Center, “Let’s do it again.”

The Mercury have been trying to do it again ever since that 2014 championship, and this year’s club hopes to use that season as motivation to add the organization’s fourth WNBA trophy this season. Continue reading “‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title”

El cambio en la normativa de visas de trata podría ayudar a los sobrevivientes migrantes

by Julio Cisneros

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was translated from English to Spanish using ChatGPT. A Cronkite News editor reviewed the translation. Find the original story here. See any errors? Please let us know. Contact julio.cisneros@asu.edu.

NOTA DEL EDITOR: Este reportaje fue traducido del inglés al español usando ChatGPT. Un editor de Cronkite Noticias revisó la traducción. Encuentra el reportaje original aquí. ¿Ves algún error? Por favor, déjanoslo saber. Contacta a julio.cisneros@asu.edu.

  • Nombre: CN-VISAT. 1293 palabras.
  • 2 fotos disponibles

Por Aaron Stigile
Cronkite Noticias

PHOENIX – A finales del mes pasado entró en vigor una importante actualización de las regulaciones de solicitud de visas T del Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglés), destinadas a los sobrevivientes de la trata de personas. Quienes trabajan en el campo de la trata de personas dicen que ya están viendo efectos positivos, pero los expertos creen que algunas partes del cambio de reglas complican el proceso.

Continue reading “El cambio en la normativa de visas de trata podría ayudar a los sobrevivientes migrantes”

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

by Julia Thompson

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.

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. Bills passed in New Hampshire and California seek to regulate deepfakes during election season, but other states and Congress have yet to take meaningful action. A robocall scheme in New Hampshire quickly became national news earlier this year, turning Americans’ concerns about the emerging technology of AI into a domestic case study for its misuse in elections.

 

‘Forever family’: 2014 Phoenix Mercury championship team reunites to celebrate 10th anniversary

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports–Phoenix Mercury Reunion, 770 words.
  • 3 photos available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In the decade following the Phoenix Mercury’s 2014 championship win, the members of that team have continued their basketball legacies both on and off the court.

The Mercury celebrated the 10th anniversary of their third – and most recent – championship Friday after the team’s 88-69 home loss to the Connecticut Sun. It was the first time the team had reunited since Phoenix won the title 10 years ago.

The reunion featured current players Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, former Mercury players who were members of the 2014 team – including star forward Penny Taylor – along with Connecticut wing DeWanna Bonner, who was a member of two Mercury championship teams, including the 2014 squad. Continue reading “‘Forever family’: 2014 Phoenix Mercury championship team reunites to celebrate 10th anniversary”

Navajos will press U.S. House to revive aid for victims of bomb fallout and uranium mines

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: RECA Navajo Rally. 600 words.
  • File photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Gabrielle Wallace
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Survivors of nuclear testing and uranium mines are ramping up pressure on Congress to reauthorize a federal compensation program that expired in June.

Many of those afflicted since World War II are from the Navajo Nation, which is organizing a rally next week that will include prayers at the Capitol for radiation victims.

“I want Congress to realize that it’s important and we need to pass this bill because some people did not get any … compensation,” said Maggie Billiman, whose father, a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, died of stomach cancer that she attributes to fallout from nuclear tests that settled over their hometown in Arizona.

Continue reading “Navajos will press U.S. House to revive aid for victims of bomb fallout and uranium mines”

‘One of the best’: Cardinals praise performances of Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr. in blowout win

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: Sports–Cardinals Big Sunday, 400 words.
  • File photo available.

By James Morel
Cronkite News

TEMPE – A day after Kyler Murray’s near-perfect performance and domination of the Los Angeles Rams, running back James Conner and coach Jonathan Gannon took to the podium to sing the team’s praises.

Murray threw for 266 yards, with 130-yards worth of his passes being pulled in by the young rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. Sunday at State Farm Stadium in a 41-10 rout.

Murray ended the game with a 158.3 quarterback passer rating, the highest score a quarterback can receive and a career high. Continue reading “‘One of the best’: Cardinals praise performances of Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr. in blowout win”