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

GILBERT – After her recent success in the 2023 Southwest PGA Championship, golfer Kim Paez was surprised with a sponsor exemption allowing her to compete in the inaugural Ford Championship as her first ever LPGA tour event.

Kim Paez, second from left, was surprised with a sponsor exemption that allowed her to compete in the inaugural LPGA Ford Championship in Gilbert. (Photo courtesy of LPGA)

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

PHOENIX – Fifty two teams have been eliminated and only 16 remain to fight for the right to call themselves the 2024 men’s NCAA champion. Why is the ACC feeling really good, and is it a bad tournament to be a bird?

The Creighton Bluejays mascot is one of the few bird mascots left in the men’s NCAA Tournament. The Jays are averaging more made 3-point field goals (10.6) than turnovers committed (9.8) per game. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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

PHOENIX – After the departure of Corbin Burnes and long-term injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams, Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Brewers’ pitching staff and gets the nod for Opening Day.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff and has secured the nod for Friday’s Opening Day. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

King of the Jungle: Arizona Wildcats looks 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.

Caleb Love, the senior guard for Arizona, who is shooting 30% from the 3-point line throughout the tournament, begins practice by shooting corner threes. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

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

PHOENIX – Former kratom users in the Valley describe their experiences using the herbal substance that originated with traditional uses in Southeast Asia. While users started taking it to deal with depression or pain, they described becoming addicted as they took higher doses. A Banner Health toxicologist and the American Kratom Association discuss its potential risks and benefits.

Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association during a Zoom interview on Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Denzen Cortez/Cronkite News)

Jordan Montgomery addition exemplifies Arizona Diamondbacks’ willingness to compete for another World Series

PHOENIX – After Eduardo Rodriguez went down with a lat sprain late into spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks filled the hole by signing southpaw Jordan Montgomery to a one-year contract.

The Arizona Diamondbacks surprised the baseball community by signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million deal. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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

TEMPE – Josh Doan netted two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes on Tuesday night in a blowout win over Columbus. The son of Coyotes legend Shane Doan created lifelong memories for family, friends and fans.

Josh Doan scored two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes, who beat the Blue Jackets 6-2. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

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

PHOENIX – The flower fields once grown by Japanese American farmers along part of Baseline Road have now been replaced by housing and urban development. Despite the drastic changes to the South Mountain area, the unique subclimate at the base of the mountain makes it the perfect place for agriculture and farming.


Ultimate coup de grace: ASU men’s swim and dive team seeks to end Pac-12 era with first NCAA championship

PHOENIX – Following a dominant Pac-12 championship win, the Arizona State Sun Devils men’s swim and dive team seeks to end the Pac-12 era with the program’s first NCAA championship.

Arizona State swimming and diving coach Bob Bowman is delighted at the thought of his team possibility winning the program’s first national championship. (Cronkite News file photo)

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

PHOENIX – From new lights to new food, the Arizona Diamondbacks unveil changes and upgrades to various areas of Chase Field, even as the team’s future in the ballpark hangs in the balance.

Chase Field will sports new lights and a new sound system as well as a variety of unique food items. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

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

SCOTTSDALE – With the LPGA Tour landing in Arizona, PXG Scottsdale hosted its first LPGA Tour Game Night that allowed avid golf lovers of all ages to compete with one another in a series of challenges while being able to interact and learn from four professionals.

Outside of the three challenges, guests were able to practice their putting skills at the shop’s putting green to fully fine tune their game. (Photo by Madison Breuer/Riester)

Affordable Care Act celebrates 14th anniversary following jump in enrollment, continuing political discord

PHOENIX – The Affordable Care Act just celebrated its 14th anniversary this month despite continuing differences in opinions between Democrats and Republicans about the landmark health care law.