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Report places Arizona first in U.S. for rate of COVID-19 deaths

PHOENIX – An analysis by medical-science journal The Lancet shows Arizona had the highest death rate per 100,000 people in the U.S. Researchers examined three years of data that found correlations between race, education and poverty levels and the number of deaths in the state.

Todd Bailey, Joyce Bailey, Brenda Urquiza and Tara Kebbs, from left, gathered in March 2021 at the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe to pay respects and honor the Arizonans who died from COVID-19. A Lancet study in March says Arizona recorded 581 deaths per 100,000 people – the highest rate in the U.S. (File photo by Sierra Bardfeld/Cronkite News)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation enters 2023 strong as ever amid absences

GLENDALE – Featuring young stars and veteran leadership, the Dodgers’ starting five boasts a wide array of stories. Regardless, the rotation enters 2023 stronger than ever, ready to compete in a strong NL West.

Tony Gonsolin winds up to throw a baseball.

Veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed gearing up for healthy return to Diamondbacks

SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed is returning for the 2023 MLB season after missing all but 17 games in 2022 due to a shoulder injury. Now recovered, Ahmed, one of the few veteran leaders in the clubhouse, looks to help the Diamondbacks reachr their first postseason appearance since 2017.

Nick Ahmed slides on the baseball field to catch a ball.

Zac Veen poised to become ‘smiley face’ of the franchise for Colorado Rockies

SCOTTSDALE – Colorado’s Zac Veen is regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, a five-tool player who towers over people at 6 feet-4, draws smiley faces in the dirt and has a knack for stealing bases.

Zac Veen's name and number are visible on the back of his baseball jersey, and a gold chain with a smiley face pendant hangs over his shoulder.

Inspired by contract extension, brother’s success, Bobby Hurley believes ASU can be ‘exceptional’

TEMPE – Bobby Hurley signed a two-year extension with the university to continue as the men’s basketball head coach through the 2026 season. The success of his brother, Dan, in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has inspired him.

Bobby Hurley is excited about the future of the Arizona State men’s basketball program and believes big things are ahead. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

Edmonton’s ‘Cheat Code’ Connor McDavid showcases skills against Coyotes at Mullett Arena

TEMPE – Oilers centerman Connor McDavid is considered by many to be the best hockey player on the planet. On Monday, he made his debut at Mullett Arena facing the Arizona Coyotes in a unique atmosphere.

Connor McDavid has drawn comparisons to former Oiler legend Wayne Gretzky, who is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Storytellers say LA River can become tool against climate change

LOS ANGELES – In Los Angeles' Frogtown, eco-minded activists gathered around at the local brewery to hear storytellers share their personal connection to the Los Angeles River, a once thriving and unifying water source for the people and wildlife was lined with concrete and fenced in 1938.

The LA River story slam was held at the Frogtown Brewery. Guests were encouraged to shop, eat and drink. In the back were a frog-themed taco food truck and an “artist's alley.” It included art from Margaret Gallagher, Kris Mukai, Nova Community Arts and Emily Wallerstein. (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

Not the next Michael Phelps: Léon Marchand solidifies own path to swimming stardom at ASU

TEMPE – En route to becoming a five-time NCAA champion, Léon Marchand has treated his further ascent to stardom at ASU with humility amid persistent comparisons with swimming legend Michael Phelps.

ASU sophomore Léon Marchand had a strong showing at his second NCAA Championships to complete the first undefeated individual season since 2002-03. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

Glendale breaks ground on first complex to use state affordable housing tax credit

GLENDALE – Centerline on Glendale will be the first housing complex in Arizona funded in part by the state affordable housing tax credit. The complex will have 368 new affordable apartments for Glendale residents by 2024.

Officials attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Centerline on Glendale, a 368-unit complex designed for mixed-income housing and funded in part by a state low-income housing tax credit. Photo taken on March 24, 2023. (Photo by Izabella Hernandez/Cronkite News)

Autism rates rise in U.S., along with awareness in communities of color

PHOENIX – Autism rates in children ages 4 and 8 are rising as more children are evaluated and tested, with Black, Hispanic and AAPI children more likely to be diagnosed than white children, according to the CDC.

Autism in Arizona and across the U.S. is on the rise as awareness has led to earlier detection in communities of color, health experts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. (File photo by Mindy Riesenberg/Cronkite News)

David Benavidez’s unanimous decision headlines lineup of finest Phoenix boxers on Las Vegas card

LAS VEGAS – Phoenix’s David Benavidez picked up an impressive victory in Las Vegas on Saturday as he defeated the toughest opponent of his career, Caleb Plant, by unanimous decision in front of a spirited crowd.

David Benavidez, left, had the crowd on his side Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where he defeated Caleb Plant via unanimous decision. (Photo by Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)

De ‘solitario’ a Lily’s Pad: Parque infantil en Tempe brindará a niños inmunocomprometidos la oportunidad de ser niños

PHOENIX – Los niños con sistemas inmunológicos debilitados u otras discapacidades a menudo no pueden jugar con otros niños. Lily's Pad, un nuevo parque infantil programado para abrir en Arizona en abril, está diseñado para ayudar a los niños inmunocomprometidos a construir su salud física y emocional. Está entre otras áreas recreativas en todo Estados Unidos destinadas a dar cabida a niños con discapacidades.

“Casi de inmediato supimos que algo estaba mal dentro de las primeras seis horas de su nacimiento”, dijo Christine Buckrucker sobre su hijo de 4 años, Colton Buckrucker. Colton y su padre, Chris, construyen un juguete. Colton tiene un sistema inmunológico debilitado que ha llevado a varias cirugías y procedimientos médicos. (Foto de Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite Noticias)