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)

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)

‘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)

Arizona students still unsure of financial aid for fall as Gov. Katie Hobbs announces FAFSA campaign

PHOENIX – FAFSA delays mean that students and parents are still unsure how much financial aid they will be offered for the 2024-25 school year, which may delay college decisions. Arizona universities are hoping the information will be ready by the end of April so they can relay financial aid information to students.

Adelynn Padilla, a sophomore at Arizona State University, says FAFSA delays are affecting her, leaving her unsure how much federal aid she will qualify for next year. (Photo by Athena Kehoe/Cronkite News)

M3F music festival funds art programs, other nonprofits in Arizona

PHOENIX – This year’s M3F music festival brought in large crowds of music lovers. M3F uses the ticket sales to support charities that foster arts, community, education and environment across Arizona.

Roosevelt performs on the Cosmic Stage at the M3F music festival on March 2, 2024. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

WNBA evaluating how superstar Cailtlin Clark, women’s sports popularity can help secure lucrative media rights deal

PHOENIX – With the WNBA’s media rights deal set to expire after the 2025 season, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert believes this year will be crucial to helping the WNBA earn its proper value in negotiations.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is aiming to at least double the league's $60 million annual media rights deal when it expires after the 2025 season. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Behind the smile: How a nonprofit organization and a postpartum depression pill seek to help fight a silent battle

PHOENIX — A nonprofit organization, a Mrs. Arizona International, and a new $16,000 pill seek to help those suffering with postpartum depression.

Carolyn Larsen plays with her two kids on Feb. 15. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

The Wall That Heals: Replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial travels to Lake Pleasant

PEORIA – The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is on display through the weekend at Lake Pleasant in Peoria.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Roel Zamora shades the name of a loved one onto a piece of paper at The Wall That Heals exhibit at Lake Pleasant in Peoria on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Kayla Mae Jackson/Cronkite News)

The Prom Closet and Valley Girl Dresses offer prom shoppers free or affordable options

GLENDALE – The Prom Closet and Valley Girl Dresses offer Arizona students options for prom shopping. The average prom dress can cost upward of $400, and many students are searching for more affordable options.


‘Sniff and have fun’: Technology like Sniffspot app gives pets space to roam

PHOENIX – The Sniffspot app and website give dog owners the opportunity to rent safe spaces by the hour for their dogs to roam.

Wag World is a backyard space in Phoenix that can be rented to give dogs the opportunity to release pent up energy. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/Cronkite News)

Despite overcast skies, ‘Great American Eclipse’ delivers for Arizona fans

FLAGSTAFF - The weather was chilly and the skies were partly cloudy, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds who came to Lowell Observatory to watch the last solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for the next 20 years.


For second time in a month, feds shower billions on Arizona microchip makers

PHOENIX – The Biden administration announced Monday that it will award $6.6 billion in grants and another $5 billion in loans to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to enhance and expand semiconductor production in Arizona.