National park visitors – and money – are coming back after 2020 plunge
WASHINGTON - After hitting a 40-year low in the pandemic year of 2020, national park visitors - and their dollars - are steadily returning, but they are still below pre-pandemic levels, according to new National Park Service data.
Western states looking closely at water supplies, including some duck ponds in Colorado
Water supplies are so tight in the West that many states keep close watch over every creek, river, ditch and reservoir. A complex web of laws and rules makes sure water is put to use. To prevent any waste, Colorado has started cracking down on what may seem like a drop in the proverbial bucket.
Best in history? That’s what Suns’ Ayton thinks about 2018 NBA draft class
PHOENIX – During the Suns’ successful quest to eliminate the Lakers in the Western Conference quarterfinals, Suns center Deandre Ayton averaged 15.8 points and earned a shooting percentage of 77.6.
After pandemic, renovations, road trip, Rattlers return to Phoenix Suns Arena
PHOENIX – When the Arizona Rattlers return to Phoenix Suns Arena for their 2021 home opener Saturday night, it will be their first game there in just under two years. Philip Rakoci, a Rattlers fan and self-described “wildlife comedian” from Casa Grande, knows exactly how long has passed.
Mike Magpayo, Jackson He helping to combat Asian American stereotypes in college athletics
PHOENIX – Mike Magpayo found out he made history while watching “SportsCenter” on the couch with his wife Caroline and his 6-day-old son Luka.
Arizona’s first excessive heat watch of 2021 issued, and where to find help
PHOENIX – The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch warning for next week with temperatures projected to be as high as 117. What the warning means, how to prepare for that type of weather and a look at Glendale’s heat relief stations.
Concert, theater owners call pandemic relief fund efforts a ‘disaster’
WASHINGTON - Arizona business owners said a federal program aimed at helping theaters and concert venues shuttered by COVID-19 "has been a disaster," taking until this month to deliver the first grants from a fund that was approved last year.
Citing physiological benefits, experts say Coyotes shouldn’t lose sleep over move to Central Division
PHOENIX – The Coyotes are moving to the Central Division next season and will face teams who are much further east. Although the move may seem unintuitive to fans, academic research indicates that the Coyotes’ divisional opponents may be at a physical disadvantage when traveling to Gila River Arena.
Celebrity fans, high ticket prices, national attention: Yup, the Phoenix Suns have arrived
From high-profile fans to high-priced tickets, the Phoenix Suns are enjoying the fruits of playing under a national spotlight.
How will youth sports leagues, parents react now that COVID-19 vaccine available for adolescents?
PHOENIX – With the release of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents coinciding with the start of many youth sporting events, parents and tournament organizers are faced with decisions related to protocol and expectations.
Ducey to terminate federal unemployment benefits for Arizonans
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and about half of other state governors have decided to prematurely end the increased unemployment benefits that President Joe Biden had promised would be in place until Sept. 4. Starting July 10, Ducey will end the extra $300 per week benefit for Arizonans.
Tucson halts operations at water plant threatened by toxic chemical
WASHINGTON - Tucson officials said they will indefinitely suspend operations at one of the city's water treatment plants to keep it from being overwhelmed by an underground toxic chemical plume.
