Business owners hopeful as Phoenix meets deadline to clean up ‘The Zone’

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has fulfilled a court-ordered Nov. 4 deadline to remove all tents and makeshift structures from the area around the Human Services Campus known as “The Zone,” and business owners in the area are hopeful.

A sign at 13th Avenue and Jefferson Street, next to Old Station Sub Shop, declares the area is “closed to camping.” (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Rising FC exorcises demons of playoffs past, makes USL Championship Final after another late playoff win vs. Sacramento Republic FC

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising won another playoff game in dramatic fashion , scoring in the 92nd minute to beat Sacramento Republic FC and make the USL Championship Final, five years on from their most recent appearance.

PHX Rising Raising Trophy

Emotional Ryan Blaney caps ‘unbelievable year,’ rallies with first NASCAR Cup Championship at Phoenix Raceway

AVONDALE – Phoenix Raceway hosted the NASCAR Championship Weekend for the third straight season. Four championship races in three days brought tons of action to Avondale. Ryan Blaney won the Cup Championship with Ford Motors, who won all three NASCAR championships this weekend.

Ryan Blaney clinches his first NASCAR Cup Championship from a fourth-place start among the 'Championship Four' contenders at Phoenix Raceway. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

New Arizona Wildcats Caleb Love, Keshad Johnson and Jaden Bradley aim to transfer NCAA tournament experience

TUCSON – Arizona men’s basketball hopes to rewrite the narrative after last season’s upset loss to Princeton in the first round of March Madness, thanks in part to transfers Caleb Love, Keshad Johnson and Jaden Bradley – who bring valuable March Madness experience.

Jaden Bradley during a game.

Together again: Twin sisters Sydney and Laura Erikstrip reunited with GCU women’s basketball team

PHOENIX – Lopes basketball players Sydney and Laura Erikstrup look to use their lifelong bond, both on and off the court, to GCU’s advantage.

Laura Erikstrup, a 6-foot-2 forward, took her talents to the University of San Diego after starring at Beaverton High School before transferring to Grand Canyon University. (Photo by Griffin Greenberg/Cronkite News)

‘They come visit with their spirit’: Families pay tribute to deceased loved ones for Dia de los Muertos

CHANDLER – Dia de los Muertos – also known as Day of the Dead – which spanned Wednesday and Thursday, is a Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring deceased relatives and loved ones. It is believed that the spirits of those who have died are able to visit their families on these days.


‘We’re not going to be alone’: Phoenix Rising FC finds strength in strong Los Bandidos support

PHOENIX – A look inside Los Bandidos, the dedicated supporters group behind Phoenix Risin’s postseason run. Ever since 2017, their unwavering commitment has created a unique atmosphere, turning away games into home-like experiences for the club.

Los Bandidos “Capo” Tomas Rosales, facing away from the game as always, leads La Banda and other group members in songs and cheers. (Photo Courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

Fighting fire with fire: How prescribed burns protect forests in northern Arizona

WILLIAMS – The Kendrick Prescribed Fire Project was one of the first of many prescribed burns this fall and winter throughout Arizona with the goal of protecting forest lands and surrounding communities from the threat of potential catastrophic wildfires. The prescribed burns in Kaibab National Forest are part of the U.S. Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire crisis strategy.

Ashton Johnson uses his drip torch during a prescribed burn operation in Kaibab National Forest on Oct. 5, 2023. Fire crews planned to burn around 2,300 acres of land that day. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Rising FC looks to right past wrongs in Western Conference Final

PHOENIX – Despite the regular-season success that Phoenix Rising FC has experienced over the years, the organization has yet to lift the USL Championship. Juan Guerra’s team looks to fix that, starting Saturday in the Western Conference Final.

Phoenix Rising FC celebrates winning the 2020 Western Conference Final before COVID-19 ended the team's season short of the USL Cup. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising)

Deep ties in Tempe: ASU football’s Ben Coleman, Tre Brown bring brotherly bond to Sun Devils

TEMPE – Football created a friendship for eternity for ASU’s Ben Coleman and Tre Brown, but a bond off the gridiron that goes back to fifth grade has continued to grow stronger as first-year transfers for Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils.

Former childhood friends Ben Coleman, left, and Tre Brown find themselves as teammates on ASU's football team after creating a close-knit bond in fifth grade. (Photo by Cody Marmon/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Rising FC aims for Western Conference Final redemption, sets sights on ‘California Sweep’ against Sacramento Republic FC

PHOENIX – In a long-awaited return to the Western Conference Final, Phoenix Rising FC is determined to leave their misfortunes behind. This Saturday, the organization looks to pull off the “California sweep” against top-seeded Sacramento Republic FC on the road.

Phoenix Rising FC gears up for a California showdown Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC in the Western Conference Final. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

Fans flock to downtown Phoenix bars in backyard of World Series stage at Chase Field

PHOENIX – Downtown Phoenix came alive this week as baseball fans crowded bars and restaurants to watch the World Series, boosting the local economy and creating an electric atmosphere near Chase Field.

Downtown Phoenix bars and restaurants capitalize on the renewed excitement around the Diamondbacks' World Series run, welcoming a mix of diehard and casual baseball fans. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)