Cronkite News Digest for Thursday, March 28

Here is your Cronkite News lineup for Thursday, March 28. If you have questions on news stories from the Phoenix bureau, please contact Managing Editor of Digital Julia Thompson at 602-496-5050 or julia.thompson.1@asu.edu, while questions about stories from our Washington bureau should go to Steve Crane at 202-684-2398 or steve.crane@asu.edu. Sports story questions can be directed to Paola Boivin at paola.boivin@asu.edu. Clients who want to use Cronkite videos should contact Allysa Adams at 480-580-5502 at aadams1@asu.edu for clean versions. If not linked below, stories promised for today, along with photos and links to multimedia elements, will post to our client site at cronkitenews.jmc.asu.edu/clients.

TODAY’S NEWS

Senators told of ‘alarming’ level of drone incursions at southern border

WASHINGTON – Cartels are sending as many as 1,000 unmanned drones across the border every month, sometimes smuggling drugs but more often probing the border for vulnerabilities, a Pentagon official told a Senate committee this month. U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he believes most of the border drone incidents are “spotters, trying to find gaps, finding out where we are” but that “a smaller number that are probably moving narcotics across the border.” It’s not the first time lawmakers have heard reports of massive drone incursions at the border: The chief of Customs and Border Protection’s Rio Grande Valley Sector told a House panel early last year that her sector had “over 10,000 drone incursions and 25,000 at-the-border drone detections” over a one-year period. Contact Steve Crane with questions.

Slug: BC-CNS-Drone Incursions. 590 words. By Ian McKinney.

2 photos available.

Dreamscape Learn provides virtual learning experiences for ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest students

PHOENIX – Have you ever been inside of a cancer cell? Or 30 meters below the ocean’s surface? Elementary students at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest Elementary & Middle School have (virtually). The school is the first in the U.S. to offer the innovative learning experience that immerses K-12 students in places and topics they study, through a partnership with Arizona State University and Dreamscape Learn, which says it’s “a transformational education experience born from a groundbreaking entertainment platform.” ASU offers a similar program with Dreamscape Learn for college students.

Slug: BC-CNS-Dreamscape Learn. 765 words. By Lauren Kobley.

Photos, video available.

Menthol cigarettes, heavily marketed to African American communities for years, face possible state and federal bans

PHOENIX – Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Arizona and across the U.S. Federal and state officials are now targeting flavored tobacco products, particularly menthol, for having made the problem worse. The American Lung Association recently joined Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and attorneys general from other states urging the Biden administration to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Since the 1960s, menthol cigarettes have been heavily marketed to African American and other minority communities, which have suffered lasting health effects.

Slug: BC-CNS-Menthol Cigarette Marketing. 900 words. By Brooke Rindenau.

Photos, video story available.

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL

Debate sobre si kratom beneficia o perjudica a quienes lo consumen

PHOENIX – Cuando la Administración para el Control de Drogas de Estados Unidos (DEA por sus siglas en inglés) quiso clasificar por primera vez el kratom, una sustancia vegetal, como “droga preocupante” en 2016, se encontró con una resistencia que le llevó a retirar esa designación. Desde entonces, ha habido un debate continuo sobre si el kratom ayuda o perjudica a las personas.

Nombre: CN-Kratom. 1,822 palabras. Por Nicole Macias Garibay

4 fotos disponibles

SPORTS

‘This team will be ready’: Arizona Diamondbacks’ expectations high entering 2024

PHOENIX – The vibes in the Arizona Diamondbacks clubhouse could not be any better. Music blasts as players challenge each other to a game of cards, or a seemingly popular game of dominoes where players can’t help resist a friendly match between teammates. An exciting 162-game season looms, and the Diamondbacks are brimming with anticipation to step back out on the diamond. “It’s always a different day for me. It’s the best day of the baseball season,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said, referring to Thursday night’s game at Chase Field against the Colorado Rockies that launches the 2024 season.

Slug: Sports-Arizona Diamondbacks Preview. 1,200 words. By Aaron Schmidt.

Photos available.

King of the Jungle: Arizona Wildcats look to pounce on Clemson Tigers in Sweet 16 meeting

LOS ANGELES – Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and Clemson Tigers offers a chance for the Wildcats to reach the Elite 8 for the first time in nearly a decade. Clemson displays a slow pace which Arizona has struggled with in the past.

Slug: Sports-Arizona Clemson NCAA. 1,000 words. By Addison Kalmbach.

Photos available.

Sponsor surprise turns golfer Kim Paez’s LPGA dreams into reality following recent success 

GILBERT – After making history as the first female golfer to win the 2023 Southwest PGA Championship, Kim Paez is prepared to compete in her first LPGA tour event from the comfort of her own home state of Arizona. However, Paez didn’t know she had the chance to play until quite recently. On March 7, Paez prepared herself for a meeting at PING’s Phoenix headquarters. As a player development director at PING and a PGA coach at Cave Creek Gold Club’s Reed West Academy, the meeting seemed routine at first, and she was given the impression that she was participating in a discussion promoting women’s golf during women’s history month.

Slug: Sports-Kim Paez LPGA. 830 words. By Maxwell Williams.

Photo available.

Who’s hot, who’s not in men’s Sweet 16? The ACC, transfer portal and … birds

PHOENIX – The first round of men’s March Madness marched its way to an average of 8.3 million viewers, the most in tournament history, according to Front Office Sports. Fifty two teams were eliminated and 16 remain vying to reach the Final Four at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium April 6-8. So, who’s feeling hot, and who’s not? The ACC is definitely hot? Bird mascots? Not so much.

Slug: Sports-Hot or Not Sweet 16. 1,600 w0rds. By Bobby Hurley.

2 photos available.

Battle of the Bigs: Arizona’s Oumar Ballo faces tall task in Sweet 16 matchup against Clemson’s PJ Hall

LOS ANGELES The matchup between Arizona center Oumar Ballo and Clemson’s PJ Hall will be intriguing to watch considering their different playing styles as Hall scores from shooting mid-range jumpers and posting up compared to Ballo, who primarily gets his points from the low post.

Slug: Sports-Ballo Hall Sweet 16. 580 words. By Delanie Todd.

3 photos available.

 ‘Cactus Basketball Hoops’ honor Indigenous community as Final Four nears

SCOTTSDALE – Arizona is known for its cacti, but not like the succulents popping up across the Valley recently. Four “Cactus Basketball Hoops” – each with a unique design and standing 13 feet tall – signal that the men’s Final Four is approaching. One basket was unveiled on the Marshall Way Bridge in Old Town Scottsdale Tuesday, while two others will be located in downtown Phoenix and a fourth one in Glendale, near the site of the games April 6-8.

Slug: Sports-Cactus Basket Hoops. 733 words. By Justin de Haas.

Photo available.

Next big thing: Freddy Peralta begins pathway to Brewers’ ace, will make first career Opening Day start

PHOENIX – Among the Milwaukee Brewers’ revamped roster, the pitching staff will also look  different in 2024. Right-hander Freddy Peralta was named the Opening Day starter for the first time in his career, while being just the third Dominican-born Opening Day starter in franchise history. He had to wait an extra day before taking the Citi Field mound against the Mets in New York, as the Brewers’ first regular season game was pushed from Thursday to Friday because of rain.

Slug: Sports-Brewers Freddy Peralta. 970 words. By Anthony Remedios.

File photo available.

WEEKEND SPECIALS

Lights, churro, action! Diamondbacks highlight upgrades to Chase Field despite uncertain future

PHOENIX – With a new MLB season approaching, the collection of Arizona Diamondbacks’ banners above Chase Field’s left-field wall has a new member — one that highlights the team’s 2023 National League pennant. Other novelties can be found around the ballpark, but one thing that remains unchanged is the Diamondbacks’ plan on where they might call home in the future. With the team’s lease with the 28-year-old stadium expiring in 2027 and no reported negotiations towards a renewal, much uncertainty has surrounded the Diamondbacks’ next steps in the Valley.

Slug: Sports-Chase Field Changes. 867 words. By Sean Brennan.

4 photos available.

Where flower fields historically grew, the next generation of farmers cultivates south Phoenix

PHOENIX – Older Phoenix residents might recall memories of driving along Baseline Road in the late 1960s and the mile-long stretches of vibrant flower fields that once flourished at the base of South Mountain. Despite the era of the Japanese flower farms having come to an end – the hundreds of acres of floral fields having now been replaced by blocks of housing and urban development – the environment at the base of South Mountain continues to offer plentiful opportunities for the next generation of farmers.

Slug: BC-CNS-South Mountain Farmers. 1,050 words. By Analisa Valdez.

Photos available.

Former users and experts debate whether kratom, an herbal substance, helps or harms those who take it

PHOENIX – When the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration first intended to categorize kratom, an herbal substance, as a “drug of concern” back in 2016, it was met with resistance causing it to withdraw that designation. Ever since, there has been an ongoing discussion about how kratom helps or harms people.

Slug: BC-CNS-Kratom. 1733 words. By Nicole Macias Garibay.

4 photos, video story available.

Eye on the Storm: Recent events put court-storming under scrutiny

PHOENIX – Buzzer-beaters, upset victories, championship titles. Many circumstances exist that may result in fans storming the court, or field, depending on the sport, but for administrators and athletic department faculty members, a fan’s dream can be a safety nightmare. As a topic that has plagued the ecosystem of college athletics in recent months, arena safety remains all the more important now that March Madness has arrived, with the Final Four games slated to begin on April 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. With so many eyeballs focused and brackets drawn up, the NCAA has plans in place to ensure the best chance at success on the biggest stage.

Slug: Sports-Court-Storming Danger. 2,700 words. By Maxwell Williams.

2 photos available.

Phoenix-area Black businesses face challenges with start-up capital

PHOENIX – There is a small but growing number of Black-owned businesses in Arizona. One of the challenges that they face is getting the money to start. Brownstone Spa in Phoenix is owned by Stacy Best-Nervis. The spa has customized services for men and women of color, who often experience skin issues that are not easily identified due to the absence of training and expertise at other facilities and esthetic schools. When asked about challenges in starting her business, Best-Nervis said “gaining capital and getting your finances together” was tough. “As a Black-owned business, there are stats that show it is harder for us to get capital.” According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council State of Black Business 2022 report, Black-owned businesses in the greater Phoenix area face challenges in getting the money to start. It starts with applying for loans and getting investors.

Slug: BC-CNS-Black Businesses. 520 words. By Huston Dunston Jr.

8 photos available.

Photo essay: ‘Saddened and shocked’ Ohtani, Dodgers try to move forward after translator betting scandal

GLENDALE – Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani said Monday that he is “saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted” put him in the middle of a sports betting scandal. Ohtani’s friend and interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, 39, was fired by the team Wednesday following reports about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts well over $1 million. Ohtani said he has never bet on baseball or any other sport, nor did he have anyone place bets on his behalf.

Slug: Sports-Ohtani Dodgers Photo Essay. 510 words. By Joe Eigo.

10 photos available.

THE WEEK’S NEWS

Affordable Care Act celebrates 14 years as enrollment grow, political discord continues

PHOENIX – On Tuesday morning, health care advocates and others gathered at the Valle del Sol Community Health Center in central Phoenix to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010 and is sometimes known as ACA or “Obamacare.” During the 2024 open enrollment period, 21.3 million people across the country selected an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace plan. The number of Arizonans covered by the ACA rose more than 110,000 during the year, to 348,055. Despite its increasing adoption, the ACA continues to be a controversial topic in the political limelight.

Slug: BC-CNS-ACA Anniversary. 460 words. By Vanessa Pimentel.

Photos, video and graphic available.

Tohono O’odham Nation receives grant to expand internet connectivity

TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION – In a vibrant building adorned with murals on the grounds of Tohono O’odham Community College, students gather in a classroom around a U-shaped table. Here, under the guidance of Marvin Carmen, the course instructor, they learn the fundamentals of email composition. With focused attention, they absorb Carmen’s instructions on writing recipients in the “To” section, crafting subjects for their messages and formatting mock emails for practice.

Slug: BC-CNS-Reservation Connectivity. 1,630 words. By David Ulloa Jr.

10 photos available.

Tribes, feds spar before Supreme Court over who pays for health care

WASHINGTON – The San Carlos Apache said Monday that the federal government owes it $3 million for health care services, one of two tribes arguing before the Supreme Court for more support from the Indian Health Service. But attorneys for the government argued that allowing tribes to claim additional overhead costs for health care they provide their members would strap the system, and end up siphoning away money for care of Native Americans in other tribes – an argument greeted with skepticism by some of the justices. Contact Steve Crane with questions.

Slug: BC-CNS-Scotus SanCarlos. 740 words. By Ian McKinney.

File photo available.

‘Downwinder’ funds left out of massive budget bill rushed through Congress

WASHINGTON – The $1.2 trillion budget package that Congress was expected to pass Friday included everything from funding from Head Start programs to border security, from protections for gas stoves to restrictions on payments to the Chinese government. What it does not include is language that would extend the Radiation Exposure Contamination Act, which has long been used to compensate people who lived downwind from nuclear test sites and developed cancer as a result. Family members of such “downwinders,” like Cullin Pattillo of Mohave County, said they felt “disgust” at Congress’ lack of action. Lawmakers could still revive the program, which is set to expire in June, when they come back from their two-week Easter recess. Contact Steve Crane with questions.

Slug: BC-CNS-Downwind Downtrodden. 1,130 words. By Lillie Boudreaux.

3 file photos available.

$1.2 trillion budget bill keeps government open, funds more border security

WASHINGTON – Lawmakers on Friday advanced a $1.2 trillion package of budget bills that includes funding for 42,000 new beds in migrant detention facilities and for the hiring of an additional 22,000 Border Patrol agents. The vote keeps the federal government through September and heads off a looming government shutdown, but it brought an angry backlash from House Republicans who said it was rushed through. Rep. Eli Crane, R-Oro Valley, called the deal “a complete disaster” that does nothing to reduce the debt. But 101 Republicans joined most Democrats to pass the bill that Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Tucson, said “fulfills the most important role the government has, which is to protect its citizens,” and keeps the government open. Contact Steve Crane with questions.

Slug: BC-CNS-Border Budget. 700 words. By Ian McKinney.

2 photos available.

NOTICIAS DE LA SEMANA EN ESPAÑOL

Arizona registra aumento del 20% en casos de VIH que afectan sobre todo a comunidad hispana

PHOENIX – Cuando Christopher Carrillo descubrió un pequeño bulto detrás de su oreja en 2011, lo pasó por alto. Sin embargo, a medida que los días pasaban y la masa persistía, Carrillo dijo que sintió sensación de inquietud.

Nombre: CNAZVIH. 1588 palabras. Por Leah Mesquita y Nicole Macias Garibay,

3 fotos disponibles.

Nación Tohono O’odham recibe subvención para ampliar conectividad a Internet

NACIÓN TOHONO O’ODHAM — En un vibrante edificio adornado con murales en los terrenos del Tohono O’odham Community College, los estudiantes se reúnen en un aula alrededor de una mesa en forma de U. Aquí, bajo la guía de Marvin Carmen, el instructor del curso, aprenden los fundamentos de la composición de correos electrónicos. Con una concentrada atención, absorben las instrucciones de Carmen sobre cómo escribir a los destinatarios en la sección “Para”, elaborar los temas de sus mensajes y redactar los correos electrónicos simulados para practicar.

Nombre: CN-Tohono. 2,053 palabras. Por David Ulloa Jr.

7 fotos disponibles.

THE WEEK IN SPORTS

‘Little bit of a fairytale’: Josh Doan scores twice in unforgettable Arizona Coyotes debut

TEMPE – The Doan legacy lives on in the desert. The NHL debut of an Arizona legend’s descendant made a permanent mark in history on a magical Tuesday night at Mullet Arena. As the lights dimmed and the fans settled in their seats, a distinct energy that has been long absent swept through the building as the hometown crowd awaited the return of former Arzona State captain Josh Doan, son of former Coyotes captain Shane Doan. After scoring an overtime winner in his final game as captain of the ASU hockey team at Mullet Arena on March 11, 2023, Josh returned home 381 days later and netted two more goals. This time, he did it in his NHL debut as a member of the Coyotes, the team he revered as a child.

Slug: Sports-Josh Doan Coyotes. 1,020 words. By Josh Jones and Zach Mott.

3 photos available.

ASU men’s swim and dive team seeks to end Pac-12 era with first NCAA championship

PHOENIX – The Arizona State men’s swim and dive team, the top-ranked team in the nation, looks to deliver a coup de grace to the Pac-12 era this week by capturing its first NCAA men’s swimming and diving championship. Three weeks before the NCAA championships, which run Wednesday through Saturday at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, the Sun Devils secured their second consecutive Pac-12 championship in dominant fashion by scoring 1,036 total points. “It would be very special because it’s a team achievement,” Bowman said during Monday’s media availability. “It’s a whole group of people and it’s not just these guys on this team.

Slug: Sports-ASU Swim Dive NCAA. 1,223 words. By Hayden Cilley.

Photo available.

Jordan Montgomery addition shows Diamondbacks’ resolve to push for another World Series

PHOENIX – After a plethora of signings in the offseason, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen repeatedly emphasized throughout spring training that the team was not done improving its roster. He wasn’t kidding. The Diamondbacks are officially alive. As the sun set Tuesday, the team struck a one-year, $25 million deal with free-agent starter Jordan Montgomery, with a player option for 2025.

Slug: Sports-Diamondbacks Jordan Montgomery. 870 words. By Aaron Schmidt.

File photo available.

LPGA Tour Game Night brings together fans, pros in a unique golf experience

SCOTTSDALE – Just over a month after the last putt clinked the bottom of the cup on the 18th hole at the WM Phoenix Open, the professional golf scene is back in Arizona. Starting Thursday morning, LPGA Tour golfers will shoot to ace the Gilbert greens of Seville Golf and Country Club during the inaugural Ford Championship presented by KCC, which runs through Sunday. With this being the birth of a new tournament in the Valley, multiple festivities were held to lead up to the main event. Even though many fans are patiently waiting to see their favorite golfers from afar, Monday night gave some of them an interactive and unforgettable experience, courtesy of PXG Scottsdale’s first LPGA Tour Game Night.

Slug: Sports-LPGA Tour Game Night. 1,000 words. By Brett Lapinski.

2 photos available.

ASU football enters second year of Kenny Dillingham era with higher expectations in 2024

TEMPE – Arizona State football is beginning the second year of the Kenny Dillingham era and after a forgettable campaign in 2023, ASU faithful will get a taste of what is in store for the struggling program in 2024 when the Sun Devils open spring practice Tuesday. The team is coming off its second straight 3-9 season, marking the program’s worst stretch in nearly 80 years. The Sun Devils also are riding back-to-back 2-7 finishes in the soon-to-be-defunct Pac-12 Conference as they prepare to make their Big 12 Conference this season. It’s a chance for a fresh start for a team that has struggled with injuries and a lack of depth.

Slug: Sports-ASU Spring Ball, 950 words. By Aaron Schmidt.

Photo available.

Amid abundance of touted young players, Milwaukee Brewers also take a look at ‘older’ prospects

PHOENIX – Much of the hype surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers this spring has centered around an abundance of young talent permeating the roster. The Brewers’ system includes Jackson Chourio, an outfielder with a blend of power and speed who is MLB.com’s No. 2-ranked prospect, right-handed pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who has shown the ability to touch 100 mph on his fastball, strong-armed catcher Jeferson Quero and infielder Tyler Black, who is also getting reps in the outfield. It’s no wonder Brewer fans are excited about the club’s youth movement.

Slug: Sports-Brewers Older Prospects, 1,150 words. By David Bernauer.

Photo available.

Chicago Cubs finding identity as 2024 approaches, with sights set on NL Central crown

MESA – MLB spring training provides a mix of key players in their prime, young minor league prospects making a name for themselves and older veterans proving they still have what it takes, and the Chicago Cubs are a great example of that as a team with aspirations of winning the National League Central Division. The Cubs won the NL Central in 2020, but the last time they did it in a 162-game season was 2017, which was the year after they broke the 108-year drought of winning the World Series. Even though Chicago lifted the Commissioner’s Trophy eight years ago, the team has changed dramatically since that championship team.

Slug: Sports-Cubs Expectations. 1,200 words. By Justin de Haas.

Photo available.

Arizona Coyotes’ trade deadline moves signal youthful future in sight

TEMPE – The future has arrived. The Arizona Coyotes have struggled in the win-loss column this season, and sit at 28-36-5 and second to last in the Central Division. Despite being just outside the NHL wild-card race heading into the All-Star break in early February, with plenty of hopes afloat, a collapse on the other side of the break, including a nearly record-breaking 14-game losing streak, sparked conversations about the team’s direction moving forward. As the March 9 trade deadline loomed, the Coyotes shipped out several veteran players, shifting their priority toward the future.

Slug: Sports-Coyotes Trades. 820 words. By Zach Motts.

Photo available.

Faith over fear: Arizona Christian stands behind beliefs amid NAIA Sweet 16 appearance

GLENDALE – Tough, smart and unselfish. That’s the motto the Arizona Christian University men’s basketball team has used to secure its spot in the Sweet 16 of the 2024 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics basketball tournament. The 25-7 Firestorm blazed through their fourth straight conference tournament in the first two rounds, capturing wins against the University of Saint Katherine and Huntington University in the ACU Events Center. They play against Indiana Wesleyan University Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.

Slug: Sports-ACU Sweet 16. 1,136 words. By Hayden Cilley.

Photo available.

GCU men’s basketball seeks to solidify legacy with first NCAA Tournament win

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon men’s basketball won the Western Athletic Conference three of the last four years, but the program believes the time is now to take the next step and win its first NCAA Tournament game. The Antelopes won their first WAC championship in 2021, which was monumental as it was their first tournament appearance since the program jumped up to Division I in 2013. Only two players from that squad are on this year’s team: senior guard Jovan Blacksher Jr. and redshirt senior forward Gabe McGlothan.

Slug: Sports-GCU MBB Preview. 1,300 words. By Justin de Haas.

2 photos available.

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