Author: Steve Crane

The Sweet Spot: Wildcats romp, ASU reflects, Brophy reloads and Coyotes tee off

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-The Sweet Spot. Runtime 12:46
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

[Music bed under]

TSS Host: This is The Sweet Spot where we take a closer look at the week’s biggest sports stories in Arizona. I’m Brandon Tran, and thank you for joining us for our last episode of the semester.

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TSS Host: On today’s show we go through the Arizona Wildcats’ football win in the Territorial Cup over the Arizona State Sun Devils, and reflect on ASU’s season coming to an end. Also, the start of high school basketball for the Brophy Broncos, and finally a charity event at Top Golf with the Arizona Coyotes. Continue reading “The Sweet Spot: Wildcats romp, ASU reflects, Brophy reloads and Coyotes tee off”

Supreme Court won’t protect legislative leaders in election law challenge

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Leaders Rejected,910 words.
  • 2 file photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Alexandria Cullen
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Monday denied a request from Republican legislative leaders who argued they cannot be forced to answer questions from voting rights groups challenging the 2022 passage of two Arizona election laws.

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen said legislative privilege protects them from being deposed by opponents of the laws, which would make it easier for officials to cancel the registration of voters who cannot prove their citizenship.

But lower courts said Toma and Petersen waived that right when they joined the lawsuit to defend the laws, and the Supreme Court declined to intervene late Monday. It refused, without comment, their request for an emergency stay. Continue reading “Supreme Court won’t protect legislative leaders in election law challenge”

CN2Go Weekly Update: Security in schools and rattlesnakes vs. roadways

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-CN2Go Weekly Update. Runtime 5:39.
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

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CN2Go Host: This is Cronkite News 2 Go. I’m your host, Deanna Pistono.

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HOST: On today’s show, we talk about weapons detectors in public schools and how land development in the Valley may displace local rattlesnakes.

Continue reading “CN2Go Weekly Update: Security in schools and rattlesnakes vs. roadways”

The Sweet Spot: Xavier Prep is back, chess is on the board, football gets holiday flavor

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-The Sweet Spot. Runtime 11:14
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

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TSS Host: This is The Sweet Spot where we take a closer look at the week’s biggest sports stories in Arizona. I’m Benjamin Yates and welcome to our very special Thanksgiving edition.

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HOST: On today’s show we discuss a high school women’s basketball team’s connection to the WNBA, the growth of chess tournaments in the Valley, and finally how traditional Thanksgiving foods can be compared to your favorite NFL teams.

Continue reading “The Sweet Spot: Xavier Prep is back, chess is on the board, football gets holiday flavor”

New climate report shows impact of drying on human health in Southwest

by Steve Crane

EDS: This is a partner story from KUNC. If you choose to use it, please fill out this form to help their tracking.

  • Slug: BC-CNS-Warming Warning,650 words.
  • 2 photos, audio story available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Alex Hager
KUNC

The arid West is getting drier, and shrinking water supplies pose a boatload of risks to human health throughout the region.

Those findings come from a new federal report on climate change that also covers a broad range of hazards brought on by changing climate patterns due to human activity, from flooding to wildfires, drought to rising sea levels.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment identified drying in the Colorado River basin as one of the greatest climate risks facing the Southwest, as well as the region’s biggest area for future climate mitigation and adaptation. Continue reading “New climate report shows impact of drying on human health in Southwest”

Texas, held ‘em: Defense holds Cards close in Houston as strong suit, eyes redemption vs. Rams

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-Arizona Cardinals Defense, 960 words.
  • Photo available

By Cody Marmon
Cronkite News

TEMPE – It’s the type of play that changes the momentum of a game. Arizona Cardinals linebacker Krys Barnes read the eyes of arguably the NFL’s biggest story this season, Houston’s rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, in the witching hour where wins become losses, and losses become wins.

Stroud’s pass intended for receiver Robert Woods in the red zone deflected off Woods’ hands and Barnes intercepted it. After a 46-yard return, the Cardinals’ offense was in business near midfield, trailing 21-16 with more than nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. Continue reading “Texas, held ‘em: Defense holds Cards close in Houston as strong suit, eyes redemption vs. Rams”

Arizona Purple Star pilot program kicks off with four schools supporting military families

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Purple Star School,590 words.
  • 4 photos available (thumbnails and captions below).

By Kate Duffy
Cronkite News

GOODYEAR – At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Great Hearts Trivium Preparatory Academy became one of the first schools in Arizona to be named a Purple Star School candidate.

The school joined Luke Elementary School, Millennium High School and Dreaming Summit Elementary School in the Purple Star pilot program launching in Arizona. All four schools serve families from Luke Air Force Base.

The Purple Star distinction is awarded to schools with programs dedicated to supporting military-connected children in their education and social-emotional development. Continue reading “Arizona Purple Star pilot program kicks off with four schools supporting military families”

Holiday travelers expected to hit the road, skies in near-record numbers

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Travel Spirals,600 words.
  • 2 file photos, video story available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Lux Butler
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Millions of travelers won’t have to look any farther than the lines in front of them this holiday season for evidence that Americans have moved past the pandemic.

Experts say this holiday season will be one of the busiest in the last 20 years, with travel surging to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, and they remind travelers to make sure they are prepared before getting to the airport.

AAA estimates that 49.1 million will drive more than 50 miles for the holiday, another 4.7 million people will fly and 1.5 million will travel by boat, train or other means. The 55.3 million total travelers is the third-highest since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000, trailing only 2005 and 2019. Continue reading “Holiday travelers expected to hit the road, skies in near-record numbers”

CN2Go Weekly Update: Murthy speaks, a mom speaks out, Ray Anderson steps back

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-CN2Go Weekly Update. Runtime 11:16.
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

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CN2Go Host: This is CN2Go.

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HOST: I’m Kenny Rasmussen, your host for the program today, and we have some interesting stories to share. Continue reading “CN2Go Weekly Update: Murthy speaks, a mom speaks out, Ray Anderson steps back”

The Sweet Spot: ASU’s Anderson is out, Suns’ Booker is back

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-The Sweet Spot. Runtime 10:27
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

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HOST: This is The Sweet Spot where we take a closer look at the week’s biggest sports stories in Arizona. I’m Alex Chenevey and welcome to the 10th episode of The Sweet Spot!

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HOST: On today’s show we are looking at the resignation of the Arizona State Sun Devils athletic director Ray Anderson, as well as the return of Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. Continue reading “The Sweet Spot: ASU’s Anderson is out, Suns’ Booker is back”

Arizonans join thousands at rally to support Israel, decry antisemitism

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Israel March,700 words.
  • 6 photos, video story available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Lux Butler
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Former Perry High School student Tomer Ben-Ezer said he has not always felt comfortable living in Washington, but that was not the case Tuesday as he looked around at the crowds and the Israeli and U.S. flags filling the National Mall.

“There’s going to be hate, of course, there’s going to be antisemitism, but as long as we are together, we’re going to be stronger,” said Ben-Ezer, an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders.

He was one of several Arizonans who joined thousands in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol for the Americans March for Israel. The event, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, comes in the wake of more than a month of fighting between Israel and Hamas. Continue reading “Arizonans join thousands at rally to support Israel, decry antisemitism”

From Salpointe Catholic to the NFL: Arizona’s own Bijan Robinson returns for homecoming matchup against Cardinals

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-Bijan Robinson Homecoming, 1,090 words.
  • 2 photos available.

By Bennett Silvyn
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – In the heart of the Arizona desert, where the sunsets paint the sky with shades of orange and red, a hometown hero is poised to make a triumphant return to the gridiron. The name Bijan Robinson had become synonymous with electrifying speed and boundless talent in Arizona, and Sunday, his story is set to come full circle as he prepares to make his grand return to the state that watched him grow from a local sensation to the No. 8 pick in April’s NFL draft.

Robinson’s journey began in the sun-soaked streets of Tucson, where he first laced up his cleats and chased his dream of making it to the NFL. Before busting into the national scene, it was clear the potential that Robinson had.

“The first time I thought we was going to be great was in middle school during eighth grade with the pee-wee all-stars team that had the top players in every state compete in Florida,” high school teammate Conner Witthoft said.”The first practice everyone was asking if I had heard of Bijan and I hadn’t yet. When practice first began I saw a kid standing in a Broncos number five jersey who was 5-10 and extremely jacked, there was no way he should’ve been that big at such a young age. During the whole practice nobody could tackle him, Bijan just weaves around everybody like he was playing against kindergartners.”

Robinson took the country by storm when he stepped foot on the field for Salpointe Catholic High School with electrifying runs that enthralled all who came to watch Robinson from across the country.

“Hard work works,” emphasized former Salpointe running back coach Zachary Neveleff to Robinson during his freshman season. The tireless commitment to perfecting his craft and willingness to go the extra mile set him on the path to greatness.

Continue reading “From Salpointe Catholic to the NFL: Arizona’s own Bijan Robinson returns for homecoming matchup against Cardinals”

Tap water is cheap, but old pipes, a shrinking Colorado could change that

by Steve Crane

EDS: This is a partner story from KUNC. If you choose to use it, please fill out this form to help their tracking.

  • Slug: BC-CNS-Tapped Out,1560 words.
  • 5 photos, audio story available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Alex Hager
KUNC

With infrastructure that is aging and needs replacement, municipal water departments in the Colorado River basin are starting to invest in new systems that will help cities adapt to a future with a smaller water supply. But that means big spending, costs that will get passed along to the millions of people who use that water in sinks, showers and sprinklers.

“There’s literally nothing else you can have 1,000 gallons of delivered to your house at 2 in the morning for a few bucks,” said Mark Marlowe, water director in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Marlowe and other water experts across the arid West agree, the amount you pay for tap water should probably go up, and likely will over the next few decades — in large part due to aging infrastructure. Continue reading “Tap water is cheap, but old pipes, a shrinking Colorado could change that”

CN2Go Weekly Update: El Mirage says no to $41.5 million bond, Hawaii in the desert and hopeful for horses

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-CN2Go Weekly Update. Runtime 9:17.
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

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CN2Go Host: This is Cronkite News 2 Go. I’m your host, Kiersten Edgett.

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HOST: On today’s show we talk about the results of Tuesday’s election, how two local outrigger canoe teams keep the ocean-based sport alive in the middle of the desert, and what the future of horse racing could look like in Arizona. Continue reading “CN2Go Weekly Update: El Mirage says no to $41.5 million bond, Hawaii in the desert and hopeful for horses”

The Sweet Spot: NASCAR races, horse races, Wildcats and Queen Creek off to the races

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-The Sweet Spot. Runtime 12:41.
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

[Music bed under] 

TSS HOST: This is The Sweet Spot where we take a closer look at the week’s biggest sports stories in Arizona. I’m Austin Hepola, and thanks for tuning into the show.

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HOST: On today’s show we’ll recap the NASCAR Championship Cup Series race, see how Arizona Football became bowl eligible for the first time in six years, what horse racing in Arizona could look like in the future and how a Queen Creek based high school made the AIA football open playoffs for the third consecutive year. Continue reading “The Sweet Spot: NASCAR races, horse races, Wildcats and Queen Creek off to the races”

Gowan, other officials come to Washington to plead for border action

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Gowan Migration,700 words.
  • 3 photos, video story photo available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Adrienne Washington
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – In all the time he’s lived near the border, Arizona Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, said he has never seen an immigration crisis as bad as the one he’s seeing now.

“It’s the highest incursion we’ve had since I’ve lived down there,” said Gowan, who has lived in Cochise County for 30 years.

That was the message that Gowan and a handful of local officials and activists from across the country hoped to deliver to members of Congress while in Washington this week. As Terrell County, Texas, Sheriff Thad Cleveland said, it’s not just a problem for border states. Continue reading “Gowan, other officials come to Washington to plead for border action”

The Sweet Spot: Diamondbacks wrap it up, Sun Devils rack one up, Horizon High goes for three

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Sports-The Sweet Spot. Runtime 14:08.
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

[Music bed under] 

TSS HOST: This is The Sweet Spot where we take a closer look at the week’s biggest sports stories in Arizona. I’m Benjamin Yates, and welcome to the eighth episode of The Sweet Spot! Continue reading “The Sweet Spot: Diamondbacks wrap it up, Sun Devils rack one up, Horizon High goes for three”

CN2Go Weekly Update: LGBTQ+ community upset by ASU response to attack on professor

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-CN2Go Weekly Update. Runtime 12:17.
  • Downloadable audio here. (Note: Some web browsers may not support media download)

[Music bed under] 

CN2Go Host: This is Cronkite News 2 Go. I’m your host, Deanna Pistono.

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CN2Go Host: On today’s show we talk about the recent attack on ASU professor David Boyles, the Diamondbacks loss and how prescribed burns in Williams, Arizona help protect the landscape from potential wildfires. Continue reading “CN2Go Weekly Update: LGBTQ+ community upset by ASU response to attack on professor”

CORRECTION to Nov. 2 story about abortion rights petition drive

by Steve Crane

EDS: Clients who used the Cronkite News story slugged BC-CNS-Abortion Fair that moved Thursday, Nov. 2, under a PHOENIX dateline are asked to run the following correction. The error occurred in the seventh graf of the original. A corrected version of the story has been posted here.

PHOENIX – A Nov. 2 Cronkite News story about the drive to collect petition signatures to put an abortion-rights initiative on the 2024 ballot incorrectly used a former name to identify one of the groups involved. The group previously known as NARAL Arizona changed its name to Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona in September.

 

GCU pushes back against $37.7 million fine over claims it ‘lied’ about costs

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: BC-CNS-GCU Fined,820 words.
  • 2 file photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Alexandria Cullen
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Grand Canyon University said it “categorically denies” charges by the U.S. Department of Education that the school willfully misled prospective students about the costs of a doctoral degree, leaving those students deeply in debt.

The comments were in response to the department’s announcement Tuesday that it will fine the school $37.7 million for lying about the costs of its doctoral programs to “more than 7,500 … students,” who wound up paying 25% more than they were told a degree would cost.

The department said it is the largest fine imposed against a school for misrepresentation. Continue reading “GCU pushes back against $37.7 million fine over claims it ‘lied’ about costs”