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.

TODAY IN SPORTS

Snail mail, checks and flip phones: This journalists’ fantasy football league is keeping it old school for 46 years

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.

Slug: Sports-Fantasy Football Old School. 875 words. By Dane Palmer.

2 photos available.

Phoenix Rising FC faces tough road ahead on cusp of USL postseason berth

PHOENIX – With the playoffs on the line, Phoenix Rising FC defeated New Mexico United to remain in eighth place in the Western Conference. Rising snapped a three-game losing streak, a big momentum shift. “Great feeling for the goal, but more importantly, three points because we needed that after three-straight defeats,” Phoenix midfielder Chrlie Dennis said. “To pick ourselves up, come here to the top of the league, a tough place to get three points, especially going one goal down. I hope the fans enjoyed it more than we did.

Slug: Sports-Phoenix Rising Preview. 700 words. By Sebastian Mondaca.

Photo available.

THIS WEEK IN NEWS

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

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. After around 25 minutes of debate about the border, the candidates turned to abortion, the economy, climate change and elections were discussed.

Slug: Lake-Gallego Senate Debate. 1,325 words. By Aaron Stigile.

Photos available.

JD Vance visits Arizona’s 2 largest metro areas in bid for Hispanic voters

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. Vance’s rival, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was also in Arizona on Wednesday campaigning on behalf of his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Slug: Vance in Mesa. 810 words. By Brianna Chappie.  

Photos available.

After 2022, tribal involvement in the Arizona’s State Fair’s Native American Rodeo waned

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.

Slug: Native American Rodeo. 1,110 words. By Marshall Baker.

Photos available.

Bed shortages and inadequate care leave patients with Serious Mental Illness in metro Phoenix at risk

Over 15 million Americans live with Serious Mental Illness, according to the 2022 data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), with nearly 311,000 living in Arizona. Many of them, like Nick, need intensive treatment for illnesses such as schizophrenia, psychosis or severe delusions. Multiple hospitals in the state are currently at capacity and have turned away patients in recent months, and those who do get beds are often discharged prematurely.

Slug: SMI Patient Care. 1,480 words. By Shi Bradley.

Photos available.

Candidate profiles for Phoenix City Council, Maricopa County sheriff races

Cronkite School journalists have profiled candidates for the Phoenix City Council and mayoral elections along with candidates for the office of Maricopa County sheriff.

In closely watched rematch, freshman U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani tangles with ex-state Sen. Kirsten Engel over border, abortion and extremism

WASHINGTON – In the rematch between first-term U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Tucson, and former state Sen Kirsten Engel, D-Tucson, immigration and abortion rights are forefront issues. Both call the other extreme, even as each claims to be a centrist eager to work with people across the aisle. “Rep. Ciscomani and I agree that Congress has been run by extremists,” Engel said during a fiery 55-minute debate Tuesday night. “Where we disagree – I believe Mr. Ciscomani is part of that dysfunction. He has sided with extremists.” Ciscomani portrayed his challenger as out of touch on kitchen-table issues and public safety. “My opponent stands for increasing taxes, defunding the police and not accepting the border crisis,” he said.

Slug: Cisconmani-Engel Rematch. 1,195 words. By Miguel Ambriz.

Photo composite available.

Republicans falsely link illegal immigration to federal relief funds as Hurricane Milton slams Florida

WASHINGTON – As Hurricane Milton slams into Florida, and North Carolina residents dig out from Hurricane Helene, Republicans are pushing claims – widely debunked – that federal disaster aid has been depleted because of illegal immigration. Trump has repeatedly made the same sort of claims. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency separates funds authorized by Congress for disaster relief from funds to help cities and states shelter migrants. But in times of crisis, concerns about diversion or mismanagement of scarce resources can drive votes.

Slug: FEMA Politics. 905 words. By Amelia Monroe and Mia Osmonbekov.

Photo available.

American Red Cross launches initiative to bring in Latino blood donors tied to Hispanic Heritage Month

PHOENIX – Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood donation, according to the American Red Cross. The Southwest Arizona Chapter of the organization is running a campaign to encourage more Latinos in Arizona to donate blood. The Southwest Arizona Chapter serves 1.4 million people across Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Yuma, La Paz, Graham and Greenlee counties. The group’s”Los Donates” campaign, timed to coincide with Hispanic Heritage seeks to inspire more Latinos in Arizona to donate blood and help meet the critical demand.

Slug: Latino Blood Drive. 470 words. By Brianna Chappie.

Photos available.

Gila River Indian Community solar panel-over-canal project powers up on a hot October day

SACATON – In the heart of Sacaton, located south of Phoenix, the Gila River Indian Community received nearly $6 million in funds from the Biden administration in 2023 to create a renewable energy plan involving the construction of solar panels over the Casa Blanca Canal. Funding came from the Inflation Reduction Act, part of Biden’s Investing In America agenda, which aimed to combat the effects of climate change with new projects to conserve energy, according to the Department of the Interior. The project aims to cover 2,782 feet of the canal and requires approximately 2,556 solar panels.

Slug: Gila River Solar Canal. 660 words. By Jalen Woody.

Photos available.

Groups target potential Arizona voters on last day to register for 2024 election

PHOENIX – Monday, Oct. 7, marks the final deadline for Arizona voter registration. Volunteers and state officials across the political spectrum are attempting to engage citizens for the November election. This election is a tight one, where both presidential candidates are fighting to win battleground states like Arizona.Polls show both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris effectively tied in many of the key states, meaning both campaigns are vying for votes to clinch a victory.

Slug: Voter Registration. 435 words. By Hayden Larkin.

Photos available.

1 year after Hamas attack, antisemitism remains a problem on college campuses

TEMPE – As incidents of antisemitism continue to surge across the United States, new data from the Anti-Defamation league shows staggering numbers with college campuses emerging as a focal point. Jewish students report feeling increasingly unsafe and facing harassment, vandalism and hateful rhetoric in both physical and online spaces. While some students at Arizona State University believe that the administration has done a good job with ensuring safety on campus, concerns remain.

Slug: Antisemitism Campuses. 795 words. By Zev Black.

Photos available.

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Suns’ Devin Booker, Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell reflect on close friendship

PALM DESERT, Calif. — As Devin Booker wrapped up his routine of feeling out the game ball before the Phoenix Suns tipped off last Sunday’s preseason game, Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell jokingly tried to steal the ball in front of referee Kevin Cutler to stop Booker from getting comfortable. After exchanging a few words and laughs, the two guards embraced with a dap-up and a hug and lined up on their respective sides of the jump ball circle to open the 2024 NBA preseason – marking the start of the 10th season for the friendly foes.From getting each other in trouble for breaking curfew at the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2014, to hitting golf balls at Booker’s mountainside driving range in the 2024 offseason as a part of Russell’s “Backyard Podcast,” their friendship has mostly been unknown to the public.

Slug: Sports-Booker Russell Relationship. 1,089 words. By Connor Moreno.

Photo available.

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

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.

Slug: Sports-Arizona Wildcats Utah. 700 words. By Tom Forbes.

Photo available.

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

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.

Slug: Sports-Tyus Jones Suns. 1,048 words. By Koby Braunstein.

3 photos available.

An unbreakable bond between brothers: How Bo and Max Melton made it to the NFL

PHOENIX – Bo and Max Melton have played football together for as long as they can remember. On Sunday they will face off against each other in an NFL game for the first time when the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers meet. “When my boys were a little older, around the time when they were freshmen in high school, I asked them, ‘Are you serious about playing football?’” their father, Gary Melton, said. “And all of them answered yes. And I said, ‘OK, great, we are getting up at five o’clock in the morning to go to the gym. I knew if they were serious about playing football, they would be waiting in the car.”

Slug: Sports-Melton Brothers NFL. 1,000 words. By Patrick Holleron.

File photo available.

Utah Hockey Club makes strong debut as heartbroken Coyotes fans watch from distance

SALT LAKE CITY – Shane Doan roamed the concourse. Three Arizona Coyotes draft picks scored goals. Kachina jerseys could be spotted throughout the stands. It felt like a Coyotes except it was played in Utah with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Slug: Sports-Utah Hockey Club Reax. 1,800 words. By Chase Beardsley.

Photos available.

DirecTV-Disney standoff underscores ongoing media industry shift, future of sports fan viewership

PHOENIX – ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” “College GameDay,” and the 2024 U.S. Open Tennis Championships are among the most notable television sports programs that DirecTV customers could not view in September as a result of the contract negotiations between cable provider DirecTV and entertainment giant, The Walt Disney Co. The deal impacted viewers for 13 days, but for diehard sports fans, it felt much longer, empowering many to act on the growing transition from cable to streaming. Streaming has now reached a record 40.3% share of television viewing as of June 2024. Comparatively, cable is responsible for just 27.2% of TV usage, according to Statista.com.

Slug: Sports-DirecTV ESPN Streaming. 1,000 words. By Daniel Mendenhall.

Photo available.

Battle of the ‘Hams’: ASU braces for No. 16 Utah under Friday night lights

TEMPE – Other than their names ending in “ham” and guiding their teams to identical records through the first six weeks of the college football season, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham share few similarities. On Friday night at Mountain America Stadium, the two coaches will lead their 4-1 teams into battle against one another in a true test of youth against experience.

Slug: Sports-Dillingham Whittingham Meeting. 830 words. By Tucker Sennett.

Photo available.

Arizona Wildcats dominate Naranjeros de Hermosillo in Mexican Baseball Fiesta ahead of first Big 12 season

TUCSON – Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium came alive as Tucsonans flocked to the diamond for a vibrant weekend of baseball, food and lively music to celebrate Mexican culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month. The Mexican Baseball Fiesta, a beloved annual Tucson tradition, hosted professional teams from the Mexican Pacific League along with a special appearance from the Arizona Wildcats baseball team.

Slug: Sports-Wildcats Baseball Mexican Fiesta. 668 words. By Tom Forbes.

4 photos available.

After 2024 Paris Olympics success, ASU men’s swimmer Ilya Kharun looks to build on Sun Devils legacy

TEMPE – Arizona State swimmers took center stage in Paris during the Olympic finals of the 200-meter butterfly on July 31. The Canadian-born Ilya Kharun captured Olympic bronze, while his former Sun Devil teammate Leon Marchand of France won gold. Four days later, in the 100-meter butterfly, Kharun secured his second bronze for Canada at just 19 years old. Nearly three months later, as Marchand settles into his professional career, Kharun is back in the Valley and leading the Sun Devils as ASU’s swim and dive team leaps into a new season under a new coach, Herbie Behm.

Slug: Sports-ASU Men’s Swimming Kharun. 730 words. By Fletcher Anderson.

Photo available.

Arizona hockey fans face first season without NHL team since 1996 as Utah Hockey Club makes season debut

SALT LAKE CITY – The NHL’s Utah Hockey Club has now been in existence for several months and is preparing to play the franchise’s first game Tuesday. The transition from being the Arizona Coyotes to Utah has been fast for people on the outside. It’s no different for players such as Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton and the new players including John Marino and Ian Cole.

Slug: Sports-Coyotes Transition to Utah. 1,600 words. By Chase Beardsley.

2 photos available.

‘Nothing but success’: Top MLB prospects converge on Valley for Arizona Fall League

SCOTTSDALE – Baseball in Arizona is truly a year-long love affair. It begins in February, when 15 big league teams make their spring home in the Cactus League. It continues with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ season from March through at least September. And every October, the top prospects in baseball descend upon the Valley to make their mark in the Arizona Fall League, which began play Monday. The Fall League gives baseball lovers a chance to watch the top prospects from every minor league level in action in a laid-back atmosphere that is reminiscent of spring training in Arizona years ago.

Slug: Sports-Arizona Fall League Preview. 1,00 words. By Grace Del Pizzo.

4 photos available.

A game of firsts: Phoenix Suns usher in new era with dash of history vs. Los Angeles Lakers

PALM DESERT, Calif. – There would be no history if there wasn’t a first. It was a night of firsts for the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers during a 118-114 Phoenix preseason victory over at Acrisure Arena Sunday. It was the Suns’ first game under new coach Mike Budenholzer. It was the first time their new point guard, Tyus Jones, took the floor with “SUNS” stitched across his jersey. And it was the first time in NBA history that a father-son duo graced the floor together in either a preseason or regular-season NBA game.

Slug: Sports-Suns Palm Desert. 865 words. By Connor Moreno.

Photo available.

The Terminator: Conner helps Cardinals end losing streak to 49ers

TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals headed into Sunday with a four-game losing to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite not having a leading passer, rusher or receiver, the Cardinals defense created big plays to help carry the Cardinals to a victory. Running James Conner was also a driving force in the game.

Slug: Sports-Cardinals Surprise 49ers. 474 words. By James Morel.

File photo available.

GCU students rally behind basketball ahead of season opener with wild ‘Lopes Madness’

PHOENIX – Camping out before any event is nothing short of madness anyway, but almost 250 Grand Canyon University students took it to another level, setting up tents and hammocks to stand in line Thursday in record-breaking Arizona October heat. For Lopes fans sweating out a chance to see their basketball team, it’s all worth it. GCU hosted its annual Midnight Madness celebration Friday, unofficially tipping off the 2024-25 basketball seasons for the men and women’s teams.

Slug: Sports-GCU Midnight Madness. 1,077 words. By Kendall Flynn.

5 photos available.

Culture shift: Kenny Dillingham’s fingerprints all over ASU football’s gritty win in Big 12 home opener

TEMPE – History was made Saturday at Mountain America Stadium. Arizona State hosted its first home game against a Big 12 Conference opponent and emerged victorious, defeating Kansas 35-31. The win goes beyond being another big game played in 100-degree-plus weather; it’s a testament to the culture that has grown since the Sun Devils’ first workouts in January.

Slug: Sports-ASU Big 12 Home Opener. 500 words. By Patrick Holleron.

2 photos available.

Tech fall: Arizona slips to 3-2 with home loss to Red Raiders; road test at BYU next

TUCSON – Just when it appeared Arizona was ready to live up to preseason expectations after they upset top-10 ranked Utah on the road, the Wildcats wasted a strong defensive effort and lost at home to Texas Tech. The Wildcats dominated in almost every area against the Red Raiders, except the one that counts most – the score.

Slug: Sports-Arizona Wildcats Struggles. 800 words. By Saleh Awwad.

Photo available.

NEWS21: FRACTURED

America is months away from an election unlike any other. Election denialism is increasing. Threats toward election workers are no longer rare but rather the norm. Disinformation is rampant. What does it all say about the state of our democracy – come November and beyond? “Fractured,” a project by Carnegie-Knight News21, explores that very question. All content is available free of charge here. Cronkite News will also feature stories from the project and make them available to clients this month.

Alabama illustrates America’s ongoing fight over voting rights

MOBILE, Ala. – Since the 2020 census data was released, racially discriminatory redistricting processes and laws have spread across the nation’s courthouses. In the South, Black voters are faced with adversity and a cause: securing the equal vote.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Voting Rights. By Abigail Beck. 2,150 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,158 words is also available.

With video story and 16 photos.

Advocates work to ensure citizens not fluent in English have equal access to elections

Note to CN clients: This story includes Arizona material.

LAS VEGAS – In the heart of Las Vegas’ Chinatown, residents gather for a celebration of the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Some stop in to grab shiny, red packages of premade zongzi.
Others grab flyers decorated with a colorful dragon boat and something else: a QR code taking them to information about how to vote – all translated into Chinese. As demographics shift, advocates from Nevada and Arizona to Alaska are fighting to make voting accessible for citizens who speak different languages. But challenges remain – from the cost of translating materials to outright resistance to the idea.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Language Barriers. By Celia Frazier/News21. 2,655 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,447 words is also available. 

With audio story and 9 photos.

Native Americans fight barriers to voting, 100 years after they were granted citizenship

Note to CN clients: This story includes Arizona material. Story is appropriate for any outlet interested in stories about Indigenous communities.

WOLF POINT, Mont. – The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 recognized Native Americans as U.S. citizens, yet for decades after, states blocked Indigenous people from voting. Today, experts warn that some states are once again restricting Native Americans’ access to voting and to democracy.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Indigenous Voting. By Christopher Lomahquahu and Eshaan Sarup. 2,419 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,272 words is also available.

With video story and 15 photos.

As civic knowledge declines, programs work to engage young people in democracy

Note: This story has a strong Arizona focus.

NEW YORK – With studies showing a decline in civics education and knowledge across the U.S., programs from Arizona to New York are working to engage the next generation in democracy. In New York, high school students who gathered this summer for “Democracy Camp” were asked to consider a question: “What is my role in an ideal democracy?” In Arizona, Camp O’Connor takes seventh and eighth graders on a five-day journey through the workings of government. “There’s space to be better,” says one young voter.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Generation Democracy. By Delaney Chase and Emily Richardson/News21. 2,576 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,150 words is also available.

With video story, audio story and 16 photos. Also available: “The Civic Duty,” a series of three video explainers.

American-ish Samoa: Debate persists over rights denied to millions from U.S. territories

SALT LAKE CITY – Nearly 4 million people live in the five inhabited U.S. territories, but their ability to participate in American democracy is limited. John Fitisemanu distinctly remembers the first time he read the U.S. Supreme Court rulings that deemed him unworthy of United States citizenship merely because of where he was born – the territory of American Samoa. He fought to compel the government to extend birthright citizenship to all American Samoans. Though he lost, debates persist over the rights extended to those born in U.S. territories.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Territorial Citizenship. By Eshaan Sarup/News21. 3,100 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,130 words is also available.

With 11 photos.

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

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.

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.

‘The most horrible day’: Those at the Capitol on Jan. 6 carry scars, shame, satisfaction

UUNDATED – The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in American history. Four people who were there gave News21 access to their daily lives to share the enduring impact of that day. “You don’t want to tell people you’re a Jan. 6er,” one says.

Slug: News21-Fractured-After the Insurrection. Story by Lillie Boudreaux, Hudson French, Donovan Johnson and Ismael Lele/News21. Photos by Hudson French and Donovan Johnson. 2,200 words.

With photos.

Hero or villain? Experts and voters consider Trump’s lasting impact on democracy

BOISE, Idaho – It’s been a common refrain this election year: Democracy itself is at stake. Those assertions briefly abated after the July assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but a question nevertheless begs exploration: What is the former president’s lasting impact on American democracy? News21 takes a look.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Trump’s Legacy. By Lillie Boudreaux and Ismael Lele. 2,956 words. With video story and 17 photos. Note: An abridged version of 1,268 words is also available.

With: Photos by Hudson French, Donovan Johnson and Jordan Moore & Video by Josie Malave.

“We need to speak out and speak loud”: People of color battle targeted disinformation

Note: This story has a strong focus on Hispanic communities.

AUSTIN, Texas – Disinformation has surged in the U.S. and beyond and become an especially powerful threat during election years. Experts say immigrant communities and people of color are particular targets, as bad actors exploit political fears and ideologies and find these voters where they congregate – on messaging apps such as WeChat and WhatsApp.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Fighting Disinformation. By Eliana Alzate/News21. 1,956 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,020 words is also available.

With audio story and 10 photos.

Republicans and Democrats work to restore voter trust and faith in democracy

Note: This story has strong Arizona ties.

WOODRUFF, Wis. – From cross-partisan groups working in battleground states to off-the-record meetings of conservatives in Republican strongholds, new initiatives nationwide aim to restore trust in elections and shore up democracy. Don Henninger, the Republican co-lead of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, puts it this way: “It’s not an aisle anymore. It’s a canyon.”

Slug: News21-Fractured-Rebuilding Trust. By Romie Avivi Stuhl/News21. 2,712 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,028 words is also available.

With 9 photos.

America confronts election intimidation as political violence surges

Note: This story has a strong Arizona focus.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Election intimidation became the norm after the 2020 election. To shore up democracy’s defenses this year, officials across the country are increasing training and implementing new protections, such as erecting ceiling-high fences to safeguard workers.

Slug: News21-Fractured-Increasing Intimidation. By Peggy Dodd, Pierce Gentry, Shelby Rickert and Olivia Talkington/News21. 3,488 words. Note: An abridged version of 1,233 words is also available.

With video story and 7 photos.