Tempe mayor calls for ‘continued and increased’ housing, transit funds
WASHINGTON - Tempe Mayor Corey Woods told a Senate panel that cities like his need federal funding for affordable housing and public transit, saying local investment alone cannot do the job. His testimony came as Washington wrangles over massive infrastructure proposals.
Derby Dames turn to community for help in preserving Arizona’s only banked roller derby track
PHOENIX – Like many other businesses, the Arizona Derby Dames had to close their doors in March 2020 due to COVID-19. They were about to begin their 16th season. Instead, they had to hang their helmets and store their skates.
‘Basketball on grass’: Canadian Football League provides alternative path for Arizona athletes
PHOENIX – Arizona athletes are among those who have turned to the Canadian Football League as an alternative means of pursuing a professional football career.
Airport, TSA officials say as passengers return, so do security delays
PHOENIX - Due to the low volume of air travelers at the height of the pandemic, getting through security was quick and easy. But passengers are coming back and travelers now should come prepared for a process that's a bit more difficult, officials say.
Red tape and the ‘mask god’: Group looks back on successful PPE drive
PHOENIX - Sam Wang's "anti-epidemic diary” shows photos of grateful medical personnel, police and firefighters around stacks of boxes that hold some of the 158,000 masks secured for them at the pandemic's start by a volunteer group of Chinese Americans in Arizona.
Sister act: Sister cities, many in Arizona, step up if nations falter
PHOENIX - When President Dwight Eisenhower unveiled the forerunner to Sister Cities International, he saw the federal government as a sometime obstacle to world peace and encouraged local communities to do their part. When the pandemic hit, that’s exactly what they did.
As wildfire season looms, some areas still recovering from 2020 blazes
As the Western U.S. steels itself for another summer of dry, fire-prone conditions, some are turning their attention to recovering from last season’s blazes that left behind areas prone to mudslides and dangerous runoff.
National park visitors – and money – returning after 2020 plunge
WASHINGTON - After hitting a 40-year low in the pandemic year of 2020, national park visitors - and their dollars - are steadily returning, but they are still below pre-pandemic levels, according to new National Park Service data.
Western states looking closely at water supplies, including some duck ponds in Colorado
Water supplies are so tight in the West that many states keep close watch over every creek, river, ditch and reservoir. A complex web of laws and rules makes sure water is put to use. To prevent any waste, Colorado has started cracking down on what may seem like a drop in the proverbial bucket.
Best in history? That’s what Suns’ Ayton thinks about 2018 NBA draft class
PHOENIX – During the Suns’ successful quest to eliminate the Lakers in the Western Conference quarterfinals, Suns center Deandre Ayton averaged 15.8 points and earned a shooting percentage of 77.6.
After pandemic, renovations, road trip, Rattlers return to Phoenix Suns Arena
PHOENIX – When the Arizona Rattlers return to Phoenix Suns Arena for their 2021 home opener Saturday night, it will be their first game there in just under two years. Philip Rakoci, a Rattlers fan and self-described “wildlife comedian” from Casa Grande, knows exactly how long has passed.
Mike Magpayo, Jackson He helping to combat Asian American stereotypes in college athletics
PHOENIX – Mike Magpayo found out he made history while watching “SportsCenter” on the couch with his wife Caroline and his 6-day-old son Luka.
