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Thousands helped, thousands more may still be in need after Medicaid scams

WASHINGTON - A state hotline has helped thousands of victims in the two months since state officials uncovered a string of fraudulent Medicaid-funded addiction care facilities in Arizona, but the exact scale of the problem is still unknown.


Valley food banks reimagine pantries to help seniors hit hard by inflation

Two Valley food banks are reimagining their pantries to help inflation-strapped seniors, expanding from traditional food boxes to market days, group meals, breakfast and takeout options. Their leaders know healthy meals support overall health and wellness.


Getting Colorado River water from California farms will take more than just money – just ask the farmers

California’s Imperial Valley is the single-largest water user along the Colorado River, and any plan to correct the river’s supply-demand imbalance will be nearly impossible without Imperial farmers on board. They say that for them to cut back on water use will take big payouts, and they have thoughts on how the money should be spent.


‘We’re not the place’: Yuma County residents fight hazardous waste permit

PHOENIX – A petition to stop a local waste company from expanding into hazardous materials has reached more than 4,000 signatures as Yuma County officials prepare to vote on the special use permit.

The Colorado River weaves through the Sonoran desert near Yuma, Arizona. Photo taken in 2021. (File photo by Luke Runyon/KUNC)

‘Very personal project’: Repurposed shipping containers provide alternative shelter for those experiencing homelessness

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has teamed up with nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul and metal fabrication company Steel + Spark to provide another shelter option using shipping containers.

The XWing consists of four containers that can sleep up to 20 people. People staying in these units will have access to all the resources provided at St. Vincent de Paul, including restrooms, showers, three meals a day and other services. (Photo by Evelin Ruelas/Cronkite News)

Valleywise Health expands access for young adults experiencing serious mental issues

PHOENIX – Valleywise Health is opening a second First Episode Center, an outpatient behavioral health center for young adults experiencing their first serious mental health episode. It can’t come soon enough. There is a dire need for programs that address mental health in young adults not just in Maricopa County but across the country, said Dr. Aris Mosley, a psychiatrist and medical director of the Valleywise Health First Episode Center in Avondale.

A counselor works with a patient at Valleywise Health’s First Episode Center in Avondale. (Photo courtesy of Valleywise Health)

Michael Carbajal, Phoenix boxing icon, leaves timeless mark on Valley’s fighting scene and beyond

PHOENIX – Born and raised in Phoenix, Michael Carbajal stands as Arizona's greatest boxer, celebrated for his Olympic success in 1988 and numerous title triumphs. Legendary figures from the boxing world reflect on his illustrious career and immense contributions to the sport.

Michael Carbajal celebrates after knocking Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez to the canvas in the 1993 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. Carbajal would win the fight, unifying two junior flyweight titles and earning Ring Magazine’s 1993 Fighter of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Michael Carbajal)

Arizona legislator gives ASU 60 days to respond to free speech suppression allegations

PHOENIX – Republican Sen. Anthony Kern gave ASU 60 days to look into claims that faculty members at its honors college bullied students into not attending a school event because of its political speakers.

The Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Freedom of Expression at Arizona's Public Universities holds its first meeting on July 18, 2023. The discussion focused on an incident at Arizona State University. (Photo by Ole Braatelien/Cronkite News)

‘We cannot continue to scar Mother Earth’: Public shows support for proposed monument near Grand Canyon

FLAGSTAFF – Dozens of community members, tribal leaders and state officials gathered in Flagstaff to show their support for a proposed national monument around the Grand Canyon, saying the designation could protect natural and cultural resources. Critics say the monument could hurt the economy.

Nearly 200 people attend a meeting to discuss the proposed national monument near the Grand Canyon in Flagstaff on July 18, 2023. (Photo by Ashley Lay/Cronkite News)

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham sets sights on building united, passionate program ahead of 2023 season

TEMPE – New ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham is emphasizing culture and tradition for the upcoming season. With preparations underway, the program is poised for a fresh start under his leadership.

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham spoke with reporters Monday about his focused approach to overhauling the program in his first year at the helm. (Video screenshot by Erin Patterson/Cronkite News)

How Flagstaff, a once quaint town, transformed into capital of running world

FLAGSTAFF – For many, Flagstaff is known as the running capital of the world. A look at how it got there and how it helped create one of the best-kept secrets among collegiate sports dynasties: the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team.

Many runners come to Flagstaff for the high-altitude training. Rachel Schneider often ran through Buffalo Park to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Behind the scenes: Intricate planning and preparation required to host an NCAA national championship

TEMPE – Arizona State will be the host institution for its third National Championship event in a 10-month span by the time the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four is played in April. Hosting these tournaments is no easy task and often take years of preparation.

Phoenix will be at the center of men's college basketball in April 2024 when the Final Four is held at State Farm Stadium after years of planning. (File photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)