Brace yourselves: Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee announces Super Bowl 57 events

TEMPE – The NFL and Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee announced a list of events that will lead to the 2023 Super Bowl. These events will take place in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa, and each event will highlight what the cities have to offer.

Jay Parry, the CEO and president of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, said events leading up to the Super Bowl will be spread throughout the Valley. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Rinse, repeat? Teraya Sigler, Kendal Murphy lead Horizon volleyball’s title defense

SCOTTSDALE – Horizon High School volleyball stars Teraya Sigler and Kendal Murphy hopes to bring the team back to the 5A state championship behind their talent, consistency and improvement.


Prop 209 would limit medical debt collection; critics say it’s too broad

WASHINGTON - Backers of Proposition 209 say the ballot measure will protect Arizona residents from crushing medical debt when they're struggling keep a home and a job so they can pay their debts, but critics say the proposal is too broad and will reward the wrong people.


Hamilton football star Terrell Suggs stayed home; it led to ASU Hall of Fame

TEMPE – Terrell Suggs, who still holds the NCAA Division single-season record for quarterback sacks, recently was inducted into Arizona State’s Athletics Hall of Fame and Distinction along with eight others. Suggs, who played at Hamilton High in Chandler, believes keeping the best local prospects at home is the key to future success in the ASU football program. He said interim coach Shaun Aguano is taking steps to make that happen.


Arizona high schooler makes a name for himself in the international chess world

CHANDLER – A nationally ranked chess player from BASIS Chandler is climbing up the international ranks. Sandeep Sethuraman will try to lead his team to a third state chess championship while preparing for the U.S. Masters.


Civility in elections declining as political polarization rises, but there may be hope

PHOENIX – “Coward.” “Conspiracy theorist.” “Psychopath.” These are just a few of the insults hurled at opposing candidates in Arizona political races this election season. Experts say election civility is declining as political polarization rises, and the Arizona gubernatorial race between Kari Lake and Katie Hobbs is a prime example.


Professional Bull Riders new team series competition takes bull riding to new heights

GLENDALE – The Arizona Ridge Riders hosted the final competition of PBR’s inaugural team season. Although they lost, the event was a huge success and a turning point in PBR. The stadium was packed and the riders put on a stellar show. Jaws dropped as many riders were seen running away or being stepped on by the bulls. Austin Gamblers rider Ezekiel Mitchell had a big weekend and is a born cowboy.

Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale was transformed for the Professional Bull Riders team competition recently featuring the Arizona Ridge Riders. (Photo by Michele Aerin/Cronkite News)

‘YOU ROCK!!!’: Digital license plate messages let drivers express themselves

LOS ANGELES – Digital license plates are pricey compared to the regular metal plates, but they’re fun, have some practical value and could save motorists from that dreadful annual trek to their state’s department of motor vehicles.


Hamilton boys golf seeks four-peat in Arizona state championships

PHOENIX – The Hamilton golf team has won the Arizona state championship three years in a row. With junior star Vincent Cervantes leading the way, the Huskies look to make it a four-peat with Brophy right on their tail.

The Hamilton boys golf team begins its quest for a fourth straight championship Wednesday in the Division I Arizona State Championship. (Photo by Liam Barrett/Cronkite News)

Alon Leichman uses past to propel next generation of pitchers in Arizona Fall League

SCOTTSDALE – Alon Leichman, pitching coach of the Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners), has had two Tommy John Surgeries and almost needed a third during his time at UCSD. Not wanting to give up on his playing career, Leichman played for Team Israel, coaching and pitching across international competition.

Peoria Javelinas pitching coach Alon Leichman had dreams of playing in the major leagues before two Tommy John surgeries led him to the international stage. (Photo by Austin Ford/Cronkite News)

Heat deaths hit record in Maricopa County, but there are ways to stay safe

PHOENIX – Higher temperatures in Maricopa County have led to a record number of heat-associated deaths, according to a report released this month. Experts say people – visitors and Arizonans alike – should reconsider how to prepare for the heat to stay safe while outdoors.


From homeschool to No. 1 in the state: Pinnacle’s Samantha Olson’s unconventional golf journey

PHOENIX – Pinnacle girl’s golfer Samantha Olson is unlike her teammates because she takes online classes instead of attending in-person. She uses remote learning to maximize her time on the golf course to improve and prepare for AIA tournaments and matches.

Pinnacle's Samantha Olson is the top-ranked girls golfer among Arizona junior players. (Photo by Conor Bonfiglio/Cronkite News)