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”

Cronkite News Digest for Friday, Oct. 11

by Paola Boivin

Here is your Cronkite News lineup for Friday, Oct. 11.

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 Friday, Oct. 11”

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”

Arizona Wildcats head to Provo eyeing upset of unbeaten, well-rested BYU after suffering setback

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Arizona Wildcats BYU, 720 words.
  • Photo available.

By Tom Forbes
Cronkite News

TUCSON – Before the Arizona Wildcats travel to Provo, Utah, to take on BYU for the first time since 2021, the No. 14 Cougars have been studying last week’s game between Arizona and Texas Tech in search of weaknesses.

At Arizona’s Big 12 home opener, quarterback Noah Fifita struggled to gain an offensive rhythm in the first half, getting sacked on the Wildcats’ first possession and throwing an interception returned for a touchdown that allowed the Red Raiders to take the lead at halftime.

Arizona eventually picked up its offense but still lost, 28-22, dropping to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference. Continue reading “Arizona Wildcats head to Provo eyeing upset of unbeaten, well-rested BYU after suffering setback”

Utah Hockey Club’s debut provides exciting beginning for some fans, difficult closure for others

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Utah Hockey Club Reax, 1,900 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Chase Beardsley
Cronkite News

SALT LAKE CITY – Rally towels, singer Shaboozey and slushie-drinking contests. All were features of the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural game at the Delta Center, marking the NHL’s first regular-season game in Salt Lake City. While the team let the local fans go home happy, winning 5-2 over the Chicago Blackhawks, reminders of where the franchise was a year ago were everywhere.

Forward Dylan Guenther got the crowd on their feet early Tuesday night, just 4:56 into the game. The young Edmonton native scored the first-ever goal in Utah franchise history and more than likely, found a spot in Utah fans’ hearts as well after scoring a second goal late in the third period. 

Guenther was once in the hearts of Arizona Coyotes fans. After the team selected him ninth overall in 2021, the forward had 50 points in 78 games across two seasons. He was expected to be a pillar of success for the franchise’s future ambitions. Now, he’s the property of Utah, looking to help it make the playoffs. Continue reading “Utah Hockey Club’s debut provides exciting beginning for some fans, difficult closure for others”

Kari Lake, Ruben Gallego clash in Senate debate for Arizona’s open seat

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Lake-Gallego Senate Debate. 1,325 words.
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Aaron Stigile
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Rep. Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake had a polite handshake to start their first and potentially last U.S. Senate debate, but that was the friendliest moment in a border-focused and interruption-prone event.

Gallego and Lake quickly launched broadsides about their opponent’s position on the border, with Lake firing off comments about open borders and Gallego countering with her position on the failed bipartisan immigration bill.

Continue reading “Kari Lake, Ruben Gallego clash in Senate debate for Arizona’s open seat”

Tyus Jones poised to guide Phoenix Suns offense in NBA championship push

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports–Tyus Jones Suns 1,000 words.
  • Photo available.

By Koby Braunstein
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Tyus Jones could be the missing link to unleashing the Phoenix Suns’ offensive potential and bringing an NBA championship to the Valley in 2025.

Jones will look to spearhead a high-tempo brand of basketball oriented on crisp ball movement and transition 3-pointers while serving as a security blanket that maximizes each player’s strengths.

Suns general manager James Jones emphasized the importance of acquiring both Jones and Monté Morris in free agency over the summer to hold down the point guard position. Continue reading “Tyus Jones poised to guide Phoenix Suns offense in NBA championship push”

Phoenix District 5 Council member Betty Guardado running for reelection with strong union support

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 Alessandra De Zubeldi
Special for Cronkite News

  • Candidate name: Betty Guardado
  • Position sought: Phoenix City Council in District 5
  • Age: 47
  • Career: City Council; previously a union organizer

Continue reading “Phoenix District 5 Council member Betty Guardado running for reelection with strong union support”