Actor-turned-NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz inspires Arizona youth with racing career

AVONDALE – Phoenix resident and NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Frankie Muniz read to kids at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library in Avondale, hoping to inspire them to chase their dreams.

Frankie Muniz, former child star of 'Malcolm in the Middle', inspires young minds during a reading event held at Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library in Avondale. (Photo by David Bernauer/Cronkite News)

Pretty in pink: Phoenix Barbie exhibit highlights cultural, fashion icon

PHOENIX – Despite the “Barbie” movie’s snubs at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, the doll franchise has continued to influence the current cultural climate. Even prior to the movie’s release in 2023, Barbie has influenced fashion for decades since the doll’s launch in 1959. Phoenix Art Museum has an exhibit representing Barbie’s impressive collection and history.

A display case at the “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum shows off some of the many career Barbies, including a camerawoman Barbie and an award-winning actress Barbie. Throughout her existence, Barbie has taken on more than 250 different careers. Photo taken in Phoenix on Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Therapy dogs take on mental health support in schools

PHOENIX – Schools are utilizing therapy dogs for mental health support to students and faculty. Both K-12 and colleges are turning to furry friends for comfort.

Alan Amaro pets therapy dog Dash at Gateway Community College on Jan. 30, 2024. Dash is handled by owner Monica Buensuceso. (Photo by Marnie Jordan/Cronkite News)

What Arizona and Maricopa County are doing to manage smoke, air quality

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality are working to maintain the health and prosperity of the environment and residents as it relates to air quality through no-burn days and prescribed-burn smoke dispersion.

The American Lung Association designated the Phoenix-Mesa area in the top 10 most-polluted cities by ozone and by year-round particle pollution in its State of the Air 2023 report. (File photo by Kasey Brammell/Cronkite News)

‘I drove a rocketship today’: Christopher Bell surges to victory at Phoenix Raceway

AVONDALE – Christopher Bell surged into the lead and then victory when Martin Truex Jr. was forced to pit in an emotional NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Phoenix Raceway for Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell celebrates in the victory lane at Phoenix Raceway after clinching his seventh Cup Series win Sunday. (Photo by Alyssa Buruato/Cronkite News)

Arizona lawmakers pan, praise Biden’s combative State of the Union address

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden gave a combative State of the Union address that laid out his achievements and baited Republicans for not doing more, a tone that did not sit well with Arizona's GOP lawmakers. Democrats, not surprisingly, praised both his tone and agenda.


Sister, sister: Two sets of siblings give GCU beach volleyball team unique identity

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University’s beach volleyball team features two pairs of sisters, giving the Lopes an edge when it comes to chemistry.


Phoenix adds 2027 NBA All-Star Game to its list of star-studded sporting events

PHOENIX – With Phoenix set to host the 2027 NBA All Star Game, the city adds another star-studded event to the list, while Suns owner Mat Ishbia and NBA commissioner Adam Silver look to create the perfect experience for a community that has not had the game since 2009.


Phoenix Rising FC enters new season ready to defend USL Championship title

PHOENIX – For the first time in franchise history, Phoenix Rising FC is playing the role of defending its USL Championship title. New coach Danny Stone believes the team is ready.


Wacha’s Way: Kansas City’s signing of veteran pitcher could help Royals’ ‘young bucks’

SURPRISE – Having played the role of father for one full season in the MLB now, Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha reflects on how juggling parenthood and a professional career has taught him lessons that are applicable to leading a clubhouse.


ASU women’s basketball hopeful for future despite quick exit in Pac-12 tournament

LAS VEGAS – ASU women’s basketball officially ended its season Wednesday with a loss in the first round of the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball tournament. Despite the outcome, Natasha Adair is proud of her team’s growth and is hopeful for the Sun Devils’ future.


Arizona reports 20% increase in HIV cases, predominantly affecting Hispanic communities

PHOENIX – Reported Arizona HIV cases have increased by 20%, an uptick largely affecting the Hispanic community. A Phoenix care organization describes how financial and cultural barriers persist to persuading people to get tested.

Christopher Carrillo, case manager at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS in Phoenix. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)