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A’s new plate approach is paying dividends thus far in spring training

MESA – The Oakland A's are using the Cactus League to take a team-first approach at the plate, which is prevalent in the early innings of spring training.


Colorado’s Cal Quantrill, Dakota Hudson bring leadership, experience to Rockies pitching staff

SCOTTSDALE – After a season of injuries in 2023, the Colorado Rockies bolstered their depleted pitching staff by bringing in right-handers Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson. The Rockies hope the additions will give them a chance to compete in a loaded NL West this season.


Phoenix banks on wheels try to make banking more accessible, provide financial education

PHOENIX – With portions of Arizona’s population having limited or nonexistent access to banking services, financial institutions are working with nonprofits to help. Bank branches on wheels provide financial education and get more people signed up for bank accounts.


GCU men punch ticket into NCAA Tournament after winning WAC Championship bout over UT Arlington

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University grinded out a victory in the WAC Championship game over UT Arlington, while earning a bid into the NCAA Tournament. This is the second-consecutive title and third in four years under coach Bryce Drew.


Gila River Indian Community rejects states’ plan for Colorado, works with feds

The Gila River Indian Community said it does not support a plan backed by three states for managing the Colorado River’s shrinking water supply, and is instead working instead with federal officials to develop its own proposal for water sharing.


Coconino official says improvements needed for federal wildfire assistance

WASHINGTON - A Coconino County official joined other witnesses who told a Senate panel Wednesday that there need to be improvements in the overlapping and sometimes confusing way federal agencies help local governments respond to crises like wildfires.


Black Americans three times as likely to experience kidney failure as whites

PHOENIX — Black Americans are more likely to experience kidney failure than any other racial group in the United States, as the community has high rates of high blood pressure and diabetes.

Angela Beatty on her way to receive dialysis on Feb. 28. Beatty says untreated high blood pressure caused her kidney disease. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

Rocky Mountain high: Colorado’s hitting soars during spring training

SCOTTSDALE – Through their first 19 games of spring training, the Colorado Rockies have been lighting it up at the plate, which is a massive turnaround from the 2023 MLB season.

Left fielder Jordan Beck, arguably the Rockies’ best hitting during spring training, ropes an RBI single in a Rockies recent win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Ranked as the 81st-best prospect in baseball, Beck will look to continue his monstrous hitting in the team’s Spring Breakout game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 16. (Photo by Brett Lapinski/Cronkite News)

Horne calls for more funding for teachers, more discipline for students

PHOENIX - Arizona Schools Superintendent Tom Horne told lawmakers Tuesday that the state faces a crisis in teacher retention, with low salaries and a lack of support leading to a loss of thousands of teachers every year.


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)

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)

As Arizona probes school choice fraud, advocates dismiss scheme as ‘inside job’

Prosecutors say the indictment of five people accused of defrauding the Empowerment Scholarship Account program shows the program lacks guardrails, but ESA supporters said the indictments show that safeguards are in place and working.