Two good? Perry Pumas continue dominance in search of consecutive state championships
GILBERT – Perry basketball, led by Cody Williams, Koa Peat and Sam Duane Jr., are hoping to repeat as state champions this season. After an 11-0 start, can the Pumas win back-to-back titles?
From NFL to high school sidelines, Conrad Hamilton has found success revitalizing Desert Mountain
SCOTTSDALE – In his fourth season at Desert Mountain, former NFL player Conrad Hamilton has reinstituted a winning culture as one of many former pro football players finding success in the high school coaching ranks.
Border communities, Border Patrol brace for migrant surge as Title 42 ends
TUCSON - Record-high numbers of migrants stressed humanitarian organizations and border officials alike in 2022. Now, both groups are bracing for a new surge, with the end next week of Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that allowed 2.5 million migrants to be turned away.
HistoriCorps volunteers help preserve structures at Crescent Moon Ranch in Sedona
SEDONA – The nonprofit organization HistoriCorp partnered with Coconino National Forest to preserve historic buildings on the Crescent Moon Ranch in Sedona, founded in 1880.
SRP researches cloud seeding in White Mountains to create snow amid historic drought
PHOENIX – SRP is researching cloud seeding along the Mogollon Rim as Arizona continues to struggle with its worst drought in 1,200 years. The partnership with the White Mountain Apache Tribe could bring Arizona its first cloud seeding operation.
Companionship and championships: Adult baseball league provides outlet to live out childhood
GOODYEAR – The National Adult Baseball Association plays its World Series in Phoenix every year and is one of America's fastest-growing adult baseball leagues. Mitch Gross, Chris Cumrine, Eric Alexander and Rick Fischer are four of the thousands of men that have all found a new home to play baseball.
Climate change and drought are muting bright fall colors as we know them
FLAGSTAFF – Visitors travel far and wide to view fall colors in northern Arizona, but climate change and ongoing drought are affecting fall foliage as we know it. The PhenoCam Network, based in Flagstaff, is tracking these changes.
Student loan forgiveness program would help Black, Latino borrowers in Arizona
PHOENIX – Student loan forgiveness could eliminate college debt for thousands of Black and Latino borrowers in Arizona. According to a report from the Student Borrower Protection Center, 90% of Black and 72% of Latinx students take out loans to attend college, compared with 66% of white students.
For love of the game: Arete Prep’s Aiden Wander leaves heart on the field after scary injury
GILBERT – Arete Prep RB Aiden Wander doesn’t remember leaving the field after suffering a concussion early in the season. His road to recovery was long and difficult, but there was never a doubt that he was going to finish out his senior year.
Arizona taking steps to combat maternal mortality, one doula at a time
TEMPE – A new doula advisory committee in Arizona is developing certification procedures for the nonmedical labor professionals. It will bring the state one step closer to increasing access to doulas – who, research shows, can help prevent pregnancy-associated deaths.
Bears witness: Phoenix College women’s soccer moves one title closer to building a dynasty
PHOENIX – The Phoenix College women’s soccer team has won two of the past three nationals after upsetting the No. 1 seed in this year’s Division II national championship tournament. Can the team replaces its stars and keep the momentum going into next season?
Busker nation: Outside of sporting events, street performers capture soundtrack of Phoenix life
PHOENIX – Outside of Phoenix sporting events and concerts, local street performers set the ambience for fans. Many of them come from illustrious musical backgrounds, and they’re hoping you’ll listen, even if just for a moment.
