Navajo psychiatrist bridges gaps between Native American culture and behavioral health care

GANADO – Dr. Richard Laughter, a Navajo psychiatrist practicing in the heart of the Navajo Nation, incorporates Native American cultural practices into the behavioral health program at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado.

Dr. Richard Laughter incorporates traditional Native methods into his psychiatric practice. “You can only do so much for their mental health if you’re just using meds and short therapy sessions,” he said. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Best foot forward: Tucson farrier educates Native American communities on horseshoeing

TUCSON – George Goode explains the significance of farrier education through his nonprofit organization, the Native American Horse Education Foundation, which provides courses to Native American communities in Sells.

George Goode sits in front of his trailer on the Tohono O’odham Nation on April 10, 2024. Goode bought his trailer 30 years ago when the Native American Horse Education Foundation was still a dream. Now, he uses the trailer daily to help teach equine education to Native Americans. It houses materials necessary for horseshoeing, including burners, anvils, nails and shoes. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

Inspired: Football mom’s idea brings HBCU programs, local players together at Arizona camp

PHOENIX – Britney Buckles was watching her son Xavier playing football for Williams Field High when an idea came to her. Why not bring coaches from HBCU programs to Arizona for a camp that would connect them with local players they otherwise couldn’t afford to recruit? The result is a May 18 HBCU camp at Higley High School featuring at least four HBCU programs.

More than 100 HBCU programs have football, and several of those schools will come to Arizona in May to watch local athletes. (Photo by Kaitlyn Morris/Getty Images)

State of the City: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlights jobs, housing, sustainability

PHOENIX – In her annual State of the City address, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego focused on creating a successful, sustainable and safe Phoenix to enable residents to live comfortably. Phoenix is looking to build its economy by addressing climate and housing issues along with increasing investment opportunities.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego delivers her annual State of the City address at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

From page to pixel: Valley libraries embrace digital evolution, serving tech-savvy generations with virtual offerings

GOODYEAR – In 2023, the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, which includes library systems across Maricopa County, saw a staggering 6 million digital checkouts. Area libraries are transforming from spaces filled with printed books and quiet study spaces to resources that embrace technology to better serve patrons of all ages, especially younger generations.

Computers at the Litchfield Park Library are available for library visitors to use on April 18, 2024. (Photo by Kayla Mae Jackson/Cronkite News)

Pandemic relief funds for early childhood care set to expire June 30

PHOENIX – Quality First’s federal pandemic relief funding for early childhood care is set to expire on June 30, ending some provider services and scholarships for families. Many, including Gov. Hobbs, are requesting an increase in state funds to mitigate the impact of this expiration.

A classroom sits empty in Imagination Childcare and Preschool in Litchfield Park as children play outside on April 2. Families at this preschool have received funding from Quality First, a quality rating and improvement program. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

With Arizona Coyotes leaving, relocation talk clouds Roadrunners’ future in Tucson

TUCSON — After the Arizona Coyotes were sold and approved to relocate to Salt Lake City, rumors have swirled about the team's AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, potentially moving to Tempe's Mullett Arena.

Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo has hinted at moving the Roadrunners to Tempe, drawing concern from the Tucson hockey community. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Cronkite News)

No funding, no problem: ASU Overwatch stuns esports elites without university’s financial backing

TEMPE – Despite lacking funds and support, ASU's Overwatch esports team defied expectations, climbing into the top 10 national rankings and stunning the collegiate scene.

Without scholarships or backing, ASU's scrappy Overwatch team has emerged as one of the best in the nation in the collegiate esports scene. (Photo by Sammy Nute/Cronkite News)

Supreme Court turns down Lake, Finchem suit to ban electronic vote tallies

PHOENIX - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned down an appeal from Kari Lake and Mark Finchem, apparently ending their two-year bid to block the use of electronic voting tabulation in Maricopa and Pima counties.

Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake set up a press conference outside the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication on Arizona State University’s downtown campus Oct. 12, 2022, and denounced Arizona PBS, Democratic opponent Katie Hobbs and ASU. Lake called Hobbs a “coward” and said that she is killing decades of political tradition. (Photo by Jack Wu/Cronkite News)

Valleywise Health opens a new medical center in Phoenix to “serve the underserved”

PHOENIX – Valleywise opens a new medical center in Phoenix to provide updated health services to Valley residents.

The Valleywise Health logo in the main lobby of the new medical center on April 3. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

‘We’re not in this alone’: How an Arizona program gives support, mentorship to dads

PHOENIX – Dad Together is a program where dads of all backgrounds and stages meet up, share their experiences and support each other through their parenting journeys.

Edward Casillas, program and services development manager at the Family Involvement Center, speaks about his experience as a dad at the Phoenix Families First Resource Center in the Burton Barr Central Library. Photo taken in Phoenix on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Game of Thrones: Kings, queens of Tucson Catalina Foothills High tennis seek another crown

TUCSON – With the Division II AIA tennis playoffs slated to begin this week for both boys and girls, Catalina Foothills looks to add to its lasting footprint in the tennis scene with a pair of state championships to bring each team’s total to 18 and 19, respectively.

With a 12-1 record, sophomore Gracie Petrow and junior Charlotte Henderson of Catalina Foothills High School are the top doubles pair in the AIA’s Division II and hope their success will help bring the Falcons another state championship even after a rocky season. (Photo by Brett Lapinski/Cronkite News)