​From new program to title contender: Estrella Foothills boys volleyball ready for 4A playoffs

GOODYEAR – Estrella Foothills High School started a boys volleyball team three years ago. Now the Wolves are looking to win a state championship.

Senior Ryan Bug, 22, leads Estrella Foothills boys volleyball with 331 kills as it heads into the 4A state playoffs. (Photo courtesy of Estrella Foothills High School)

Sound of success: Arizona pickleball league brings together deaf and hearing communities

PHOENIX – Francisco German and Shawn Benavente started the Arizona Deaf Pickleball League in 2021. Since then, the league has 400 members and is educating others about American Sign Language.


Latinos continue to fight to play crucial roles in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES – Even as Hollywood execs talk of a changing industry that embraces a diverse landscape of filmmakers and artists, data show Latino acting roles in film and entertainment at large have steadily declined.

Ben Dejesus working with a camera for a shoot. (Photo courtesy of Espada PR)

Phoenix company ElectraTect creating marijuana Breathalyzer

PHOENIX – Phoenix company ElectraTect is creating a marijuana Breathalyzer to help medical marijuana users and law enforcement better gauge impairment levels from THC, the major psychoactive component in marijuana.

Evan Darzi, co-founder and CEO of ElectraTect, writes the molecular compound for Delta-9 THC on April 25, 2023, in Phoenix. (Photo by Mia Andrea/Cronkite News)

After pitching struggles in Oregon, ASU baseball turns focus to Stanford series

EUGENE, Ore. – Although it came away with just one victory in its series at Oregon, the Arizona State baseball team is ready to shift its focus to the future. Especially since Stanford awaits.

Arizona State right fielder Nick McLain hit three home runs during the Sun Devils’ series against Oregon in Eugene. (Photo by Anthony Remedios/Cronkite News)

After stop at Chase Field, Fernando Tatis Jr. prepares for first game at Petco Park since suspension

PHOENIX – Coming off a 564-day MLB hiatus because of PED suspension and injury, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. made his return at Chase Field and now will play.

Fernando Tatis Jr. lets out a laugh during the San Diego Padres’ pregame warmups at Chase Field. The April 20 game was Tatis’ return to the Padres lineup since serving an 80 game PED suspension. (Photo by John Cascella/Cronkite News)

GCU set to play in NCAA men’s volleyball tournament for first time in program history

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University received a bid to play in the 2023 NCAA men’s volleyball tournament for the first time in program history. For some players, it’s their last chance to go out with a title.

Grand Canyon University went 22-7 and earned the school’s first invitation to the NCAA Men’s National Collegiate Volleyball Championship. The Lopes take on Long Beach State Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of David Kadlubowski/GCU)

Sen. Juan Mendez, Arizona Muslim Alliance propose Arizona Office for New Americans

PHOENIX – Sen. Juan Mendez collaborates with Arizona Muslim Alliance to establish an Office for New Americans in an effort to improve immigrant rights and services in Arizona.

Immigration and immigrant rights are discussed around the table during Muslim Day at the Arizona state Capitol on Feb. 24, 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Muslim Alliance)

Phoenix nonprofit addresses need for children’s respite, hospice care

PHOENIX – One of three pediatric hospice homes in the United States, Ryan House provides respite, palliative and hospice care to children with chronic illnesses. The nonprofit addresses how to meet the needs of these children in a space with few solutions.

Jude Wentland plays with his mom, Madison Wentland, outside their home. (Photo by Lauren Kobley/Cronkite News)

With former player as coach, Basha High softball heads to 6A state playoffs

CHANDLER – The last time the Basha High School softball team won the Premier Region, Kailey Pomeroy was a player on the team. Now she is the coach and leading the team into the 6A state playoffs that start Saturday.


Arizona Sidewinders bring ultimate frisbee, community to the Valley

MESA – The Arizona Sidewinders are the first professional Ultimate team in the state of Arizona and one of eight professional women's and nonbinary Ultimate teams across the West Coast.


MLB Draft, UCLA can wait as Arizona’s top baseball prospect Roch Cholowsky eyes another state title

CHANDLER – Roch Cholowsky is Arizona’s No. 1 high school baseball player in the class of 2023 and No. 12 in the country. His mentality is to continue to win games, have fun and help lead Hamilton High to a second straight state championship.

Roch Cholowsky hopes to help Hamilton High School win a second straight state championship. The 21-5 Huskies open the 6A baseball playoffs Saturday. (Photo courtesy David Minton/East Valley Tribune)