Connect with us

Arizona

5 times Arizona took center stage at Republican convention, from fake bandages to Kari Lake

Published

on

5 times Arizona took center stage at Republican convention, from fake bandages to Kari Lake


Former President Donald Trump took the stage at the 2024 Republican National Convention Thursday, capping off four days of speeches, parties and more.

Arizona played a part in the convention. Forty-three delegates voted to formally nominate Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate. Three “everyday Americans” and a U.S. candidate from Arizona spoke at a convention in Milwaukee, highlighting immigration issues and the drug crisis.

Here’s everything you need to know about all the Arizona moments from the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Advertisement

Fake ear bandages: ‘The newest fashion trend’

Among the sea of people wearing the distinctive red “Make America Great Again” hats on Monday and Tuesday, several attendees sported makeshift bandages on their ears, the latest fashion accessory some are using to showcase their loyalty to former President Donald Trump after he wore one during his convention appearance Monday.

Joe Neglia, a 63-year-old delegate from Tempe, said the prop he wore on his right ear was an homage to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. In an interview with CBS News, he called it “the newest fashion trend” and added that he crafted the fake bandage while on the bus to the second day of the convention.

“It’s just in sympathy with Donald Trump,” Neglia told The Guardian. “I saw that man get shot; I thought that man has almost given his life for his country; he deserves some respect for that.”

‘Americans are waking up to the truth’

Kari Lake, a Trump-endorsed Senate candidate, will be on Arizona’s 2024 ballot. A name already familiar to many Arizona voters after she lost the 2022 race for governor, Lake was at the convention to show support for the former president and promote her own campaign.

Advertisement

Lake began her address by calling out the media members in the venues. The former Fox 10 anchor claimed the media has been lying about ‘everything,’ but most importantly, Trump and his supporters.

“The really good thing is that every day, more and more people are turning off the fake news,” Lake said. “And Americans are waking up to the truth about the disastrous Democrat policies pushed by Joe Biden and his favorite congressman, and my opponent, Ruben Gallego.”

She blamed Gallego for allowing criminals and drugs to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, a topic frequently discussed during the convention. She also took aim at “indoctrination” in schools and “Bidenomics,” pledging to eliminate both when she and Trump take office.

 ‘Who doesn’t miss the Trump days?’

Sara Workman is a single mother who feels the pressure of rising gas and grocery prices. She told the audience that going to the gas pump makes her wonder, ‘Who doesn’t miss the Trump days?’

Advertisement

“But it’s not just the economic pain we’re all feeling under Joe Biden. It’s how they’re destroying the American spirit,” Workman said.

Many “everyday American” speakers shared that inflation during Biden’s term has caused them to struggle to provide their families with basic needs. But Workman also shared how Democratic border policies have contributed to her husband “falling victim” to the drug epidemic, leaving her to take care of their son by herself.

“While the left is trying to divide us with identity politics, we are here tonight because we believe that America is always, and should be, one nation under God,” she said.

Echoing the hopes of other Republicans at the convention, Workman said she will be voting for Trump to restore the economy and preserve the American family.

Advertisement

‘Small towns like mine bear the brunt of the chaos’

David Lara, a Yuma-based business owner, shared the story of his hometown of San Luis. His small city sits approximately 70 miles from the Mexican border and has been directly affected by the difference between Biden’s and Trump’s attitudes toward border security.

His community has seen schoolchildren being exposed to drugs and hospitals being overwhelmed by migrant care. During Biden’s term, Lara said the president had never visited his town or properly addressed the severity of the border crisis.

“San Luis wasn’t always this way. And Joe Biden, Kamala Harris do not care,” Lara said. 

Lara remembers Trump in San Luis while on a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border. This memory and the former president’s promise to prioritize increased immigration security is why Lara said he will vote for him in November.

‘It’s chemical warfare’

Jim and Sue Chilton, a couple married for 60 years, own a ranch in Arivaca that lines 5.5 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Jim Chilton, thousands of illegal immigrants have entered the family ranch claiming economic asylum, leading to death and violence on their land.

Advertisement

“Every time Jim leaves the ranch house, I have to worry that he won’t come back alive,” Sue Chilton said.

Agreeing with many other Republican speakers like Lara and Workman, the Chiltons condemned the flow of drugs into the U.S. and attributed the increased crime and violence in their community to weak border security.

“The cartel drug smugglers are crossing our nation’s borders every day. They are bringing lethal drugs into our country,” Sue Chilton said. “This is chemical warfare.”

The two ranchers said they were voting for Trump so the border wall that fences their ranch can finally be completed and ranchers along the Arizona border can feel safe again.



Source link

Advertisement

Arizona

Multiple freeways closed as snow moves into northern Arizona

Published

on

Multiple freeways closed as snow moves into northern Arizona


play

A winter storm sweeping across the state was dumping snow and whipping up gusty winds in northern Arizona, forcing multiple highway closures and travel advisories throughout the region. 

Advertisement

Snow moved into the high country early Jan. 8 and was expected to continue through the afternoon and evening. Flagstaff had picked up 2 to 4 inches, with snow reaching lower elevations, including Prescott and Sedona, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff. 

“In our area we expect it to come to an end here later this afternoon and early this evening, with only an inch or two more here in the Flagstaff area,” said Brian Klimowski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Flagstaff. “It’s going to continue this evening and overnight to our east.” 

Snow levels dropped as a cold front moved into the region, falling from about 6,000 feet at sunrise to as low as 4,000 feet by late evening. Forecasters say heavier snow was likely this afternoon and evening as the system moves through.

“Roads are bad right now,” Klimowski said. “The highways will be very slick, and we expect conditions will remain in a deteriorated state here this afternoon to this evening, especially along and east of the I-17 corridor.” 

Advertisement

Which highways are closed in northern Arizona?

Several major highways across the high country were closed on Jan. 8 due to winter weather and related crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

As of the afternoon, the following closures were in place:

  • Interstate 40 eastbound at US 93 (milepost 72)
  • Interstate 40 eastbound at State Route 89 in Ash Fork (milepost 146)
  • Northbound Interstate 17 at State Route 169 (milepost 278)
  • State Route 64 (both directions) between mileposts 244-264

ADOT said there is no estimated reopening time for any of these highways. 

Drivers can check the latest road closures and travel conditions through ADOT’s AZ511 system, with an online interactive map and mobile app. Information is available at AZ511.gov or by calling 511 from within Arizona. 

Snow, wind and cold persist 

Flagstaff could see snow totals around 2 to 5 inches, with more at the higher elevations. Snow will continue across eastern Arizona into the evening Jan. 8 and early on Jan. 9, including parts of Black Mesa, the Chinle Valley and the Chuska Mountains. 

Advertisement

Gusty winds could reduce visibility, especially in areas with blowing snow. Winds will shift northerly overnight, summoning colder air as the system departs. 

“It’s going to dry out,” Klimowski said. “It’s going to be cold and blustery tomorrow and then a slow warming trend through much of next week.” 

Lows on Jan. 9 will be 10 to 15 degrees below normal, with wind chills near zero in the High Country. While snow will cease by Jan. 9, slick roads and hazardous conditions could remain, 

“Be careful if you’re traveling tonight,” Klimowski said. “It’s going to be slick out there.”

Advertisement
play

Why does it snow so much in Flagstaff? Here’s what to know

Flagstaff may be in a state known for its scorching summers and years-long droughts, but it is one of the snowiest cities in the United States.

Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com.

(This story has been updated to add a new video).



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Arizona

Arizona, career nights from Burries, Krivas beat K-State

Published

on

Arizona, career nights from Burries, Krivas beat K-State


TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries scored 28 points, Motiejus Krivas added a career-high 25 and No. 1 Arizona remained unbeaten with a 101-76 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

Arizona (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) is off to its best start since winning the first 21 games of the 2013-14 season. Arizona won by at least 18 points for the 10th consecutive game, matching a mark Michigan had earlier this season that tied for the longest such run since 2003-04.

Burries had his fifth 20-point game and matched his career high by going 12 for 16 from the field while adding nine rebounds. It was his 10th straight game in double figures, including at least 20 points in five of those, after just one over his first five.

Krivas was 7 of 10, making 11 of 13 free throws, and had 12 rebounds.

Advertisement

Koa Peat had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tobe Awaka added nine and 11 as Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32. Arizona shot 49.3% from the field but was just 3 of 16 from 3-point range.

Kansas State (9-6, 0-2) went 8 for 36 from deep and shot 33.8% overall. PJ Haggerty led the way with 19 points on 8-of-20 shooting, while Nate Johnson added 15 and Dorin Buca 12.

Down 15 at the half, Kansas State pulled within 58-49 with 16:09 left on a 3-pointer by Johnson. Arizona responded with a 6-0 run and kept the margin at least 12 the rest of the way. Back-to-back dunks by Burries and Peat and a corner 3-pointer by Jaden Bradley keyed a 13-0 run to put Arizona ahead 92-65 with 3:31 remaining.

It built a 10-point lead less than six minutes into the game and upped it to 20 with 2:52 left in the first half. Burries had 16 before halftime.

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Arizona

Arizona HS football’s No. 1 2027 prospect has ASU, Miami high on list

Published

on

Arizona HS football’s No. 1 2027 prospect has ASU, Miami high on list


play

  • Hildebrand is ranked as the No. 13 overall offensive tackle in the nation for the 2027 class by 247Sports.
  • Arizona State, Miami, Alabama, Texas A&M and USC are among his current favorites.
  • The 6-foot-6 left tackle has started every varsity game since his freshman year at Chandler Basha.

Chandler Basha left tackle Jake Hildebrand, the state’s No. 1 2027 college football prospect, said Arizona State and Miami are among the top potential schools on his recently revealed 10-best list.

Miami is playing in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff semifinal against Ole Miss at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 8.

Advertisement

Hildebrand, 6-foot-6, 293 pounds, has started every varsity game since his freshman year and helped lead the Bears to the Open Division state title this past season. He won’t be able to attend the Fiesta Bowl because he’s in San Antonio, getting ready to play in the Jan. 10 Navy All-American Bowl. The game airs at 11 a.m. MST on NBC.

Hildebrand also has CFP semifinalists Indiana and Oregon, along with Texas A&M, Alabama, USC, Ohio State and Texas among his top 10 colleges.

“A few schools that are my favorite from the top 10 are ASU, Alabama, Texas A&M, Miami and USC,” Hildebrand said in a direct message to The Arizona Republic. “They have definitely been the schools that have been contacting me the most and built the best relationship with.”

There is no timetable for when Hildebrand will commit. He could wait until he makes trips this spring, summer and fall. But he is among the most coveted left tackles in the country, who has 38 offers, according to 247Sports.

Advertisement

The 247Sports Composite has Hildebrand ranked as the No. 13 overall offensive tackle in the country in the 2027 class. He is ranked No. 1 in the class of 2027 by The Republic.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending