Phoenix area flooding, road closures prompted by SRP water releases

PHOENIX – Winter storms have led SRP to increase water releases from two reservoirs on the Verde River that were already 83% full. That necessitated Wednesday’s releases as the reservoir system needs to be able to accommodate runoff expected in the coming weeks.


Trademarking their turf: Jack Daniel’s, Arizona dog-toy maker spar in court

WASHINGTON - An Arizona dog-toy manufacturer told the Supreme Court Wednesday that its "Bad Spaniels" squeaky toy is a "playful parody" of Jack Daniel's that does not infringe on the distiller's trademarks - arguments the distiller rejects.


From ‘lonely’ to Lily’s Pad: Tempe playground to give immunocompromised kids a chance to be a kid

PHOENIX – Children with weakened immune systems or other disabilities often can’t play with other kids. Lily’s Pad, a new playground scheduled to open in Arizona in April, is designed to help immunocompromised children build their physical and emotional health. It’s among other recreational areas across the U.S. meant to accommodate children with disabilities.

“We knew almost right away that there was something wrong within the first six hours of his birth,” Christine Buckrucker said about her 4-year-old son, Colton Buckrucker. Colton and his father, Chris, build a toy. Colton has a weakened immune system that’s led to several surgeries and medical procedures. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

Arizona Game & Fish shows families how to enjoy nature at its annual Outdoor Expo in north Phoenix

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department hosts its annual Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility offering hands-on activities and presentations March 25-26.

Heather Buck, Arizona Game and Fish wildlife center coordinator, holds a gila monster at one of the agency’s Outdoor Expo events. (File photo courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish)

Arizona Game and Fish asks volunteers to help eradicate invasive apple snails

MESA – People can help the Arizona Game and Fish Department control and stop the invasive apple snail by knocking down their pink egg masses from reeds or taking snails to the dumpster. The apple snails have been documented in several bodies of water in Arizona and are moving up the lower Salt River.

Apple snail owners who no longer wanted the animal dumped the snails into the Salt River, causing the population to grow immensely within the last 12 years, according to Jeff Sorensen, invertebrate wildlife program manager for Arizona Game and Fish. Photo taken on Feb. 24, 2023. (Photo by Izabella Hernandez/Cronkite News)

En garde: Phoenix Fencing Academy fosters tradition, teaches excellence

TEMPE – The Phoenix Fencing Academy is one of the only places to participate in the sport and many of the former students have gone on to be successful Division I fencers along with national champions and others who have represented their countries internationally. The founder and head coach, Will Becker, grew up fencing and the family name is one of the biggest in the sport.

Gillian Harrill, who established her fencing roots at the Phoenix Fencing Academy, became a national champion at Cornell University. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Fencing Academy)

Inside the Chicago Cubs’ offseason free agent spending spree

MESA – The Chicago Cubs made the most MLB signings during 2023 free agency and are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing the last two postseasons.

The Chicago Cubs signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million deal in hopes his championship pedigree will help the club return to the postseason. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Fore Family: LIV Golf Tucson 2023 attracts friends, families

MARANA – LIV Golf is establishing itself in the golf world, creating a variety of events at the tournaments to attract fans.

LIV Golf Tucson offered spectators entertainment beyond the golf course last weekend at The Gallery Golf Club. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Attorneys say Resolution Copper Mine would ‘destroy’ worship at Oak Flat

WASHINGTON - Attorneys for Apache Stronghold told a federal appeals court Tuesday that the proposed Resolution Copper Mine would lead to the "complete physical destruction" of sacred lands at Oak Flat, a clear violation of religious liberty laws.


Haboobs, swamp box and ki-yotes: Arizona residents favor protecting the ways they speak

PHOENIX - A recent poll suggests Arizona residents are in favor of protecting the unique ways they speak, and the country of Wales provides an example to do so.

(Illustration by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

ASU men’s swimming & diving seeks NCAA title with star-studded squad

TEMPE – Bob Bowman took over the scraps of what was left of ASU’s swim program in 2015. Since then, he’s converted the program into a powerhouse, building the strongest swim team in the country. Now, they’re poised to capture the national championship.

ASU men's swimming & diving became the first non-California school to win the Pac-12 championship. Now, the Sun Devils' sights are set on the NCAA title. (Photo by Chuck Arelei/Pac-12 Conference)

Diamondbacks share excitement for Merrill Kelly’s start in WBC championship

SCOTTSDALE – Merrill Kelly is the starting pitcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship. His team share excitement for the biggest start of Kelly’s life.

Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly earned the start for the United States against Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic championship. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)