Photo essay: Whiteriver Community finds unity in hoops through Alchesay Falcons

WHITERIVER – The Alchesay Falcons find strength in the bond between team and community, as Whiteriver residents unite passionately in support of their beloved basketball team.

Laney Lupe, an Alchesay girls basketball alum and Miss Indian Arizona 2023-24, shoots a reverse layup at Chief Alchesay Activity Center in Whiteriver. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Diamondbacks continue outreach to Hispanic community through Serpientes Fiesta

PHOENIX – In the past few years, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been growing their Hispanic audience through various events and promotions. It ramped up with the unveiling of their “Serpientes” City Connect jerseys in 2021. Since then, Chase Field has been home to numerous Mexican Heritage nights, Hispanic Heritage events and Serpientes giveaways. This trend continued with a Serpientes Fiesta event on Jan. 27.


It’s not ‘doom and gloom’: WM Phoenix Open officials remain optimistic despite weather concerns

SCOTTSDALE – Rainy conditions failed to dampen the spirits at the WM Phoenix Open, where charitable initiatives, practice rounds and celebrity challenges set the stage for an action-packed week of golf.


Lights, camera, action: Las Vegas rolls out red carpet for 49ers, Chiefs ahead of 2024 Super Bowl

LAS VEGAS – On Monday, members of the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs spoke to the media ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

Allegiant Stadium Super Bowl Opening Night

Phoenix Suns’ Grayson Allen success due to childhood work, dedication

PHOENIX – Even as a kid, Suns guard Grayson Allen was willing to go big, and that ambition led him to a high school state championship in Florida and an NCAA title at Duke. Now he’s aiming big again as a starter in a star-studded Phoenix lineup.


Border bill includes funds for local communities, along with Ukraine, Israel

WASHINGTON - The bipartisan immigration reform bill unveiled in the Senate late Sunday includes $1.4 billion to help border communities grappling with the migrant surge, in addition to funding for Ukraine and Israel. But it faces an uphill battle to approval in Congress.


Weather woes? Incoming storms become major player at WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open started Monday directly following the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am which was cut short due to inclement weather. That storm is expected to arrive in Arizona on time for the tournament, meaning fans, players and staff have to be ready to adapt.

Although the weather looks perfect as fans enjoy the 18th hole at TPC Scottsdale Monday, a storm front is expected to move in Tuesday and stay for much of the WM Phoenix Open. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Our Ode to You nonprofit offers older adults in memory-care communities free therapeutic music, art programs

PHOENIX – Two Arizona high school seniors are using their talents to give back to older adult memory-care communities. Through free therapeutic music and art programs, Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar are helping them evoke memories and de-stress.


‘Offertunity Bowl’ gives Arizona high school football players one last chance at a scholarship

SURPRISE – The inaugural Offertunity Bowl, organized by the AIGA Foundation, provided a platform for high school seniors from Arizona and California to showcase their football talents to college scouts.

Mason Bray, quarterback from Saguaro High School, receives the MVP trophy after leading Arizona to victory in the Offertunity Bowl with three touchdown passes. (Photo courtesy of the AIGA Foundation)

‘Everything old is new again’: Valley vinyl stores see uptick in physical music sales

PHOENIX – Luminate's 2023 Year-End Report has found that physical album sales grew 8.9% over 2022, with records seeing the largest growth. As audio streaming popularity skyrockets, vinyl, CD and cassette tape popularity are holding strong in sales up from 79.9 million in 2022 to 87 million in 2023. Arizona record stores have noticed the trend, and Arizona artists hope to record physical copies of their music.

Dario Miranda, who works for Stinkweeds Records, inspects a vinyl for scratches or imperfections. Photo taken in Phoenix on Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

ASU women’s basketball showing poise, promise in rebuild under coach Natasha Adair

TEMPE – Despite a challenging start, the ASU women’s basketball team under coach Natasha Adair's leadership showcases resilience, marked by a significant improvement from the previous season's record.

ASU women's coach Natasha Adair instills resilience through a season of growth and improvement ahead of the team's move to the Big 12 Conference. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)

Snell, Bellinger, Kershaw, oh my! Notable MLB players remain unsigned as spring training nears

PHOENIX – With two weeks until pitchers and catchers report, some notable names are still available in the free agent market. What’s causing the standstill in free agency?

Cody Bellinger, a Chandler Hamilton High School product, is among the notable free agents still available with spring training nearing its start. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)