Upstart Royals look to familiar face Will Smith for resurgence help

SURPRISE – The only player in MLB history to capture three consecutive titles for different teams, Will Smith returns to the one he broke in with to pursue not only his fourth title, but to help return the Kansas City Royals to relevance.


Congress in action, or inaction? This Congress among the least productive

WASHINGTON - Lawmakers passed a last-minute budget extension Thursday to head off a looming Friday government shutdown - just the 40th law passed by this Congress, which is on pace to be the least productive in at least a half-century.


Arizona GOP legislators pass immigration bills on border crossing and E-Verify

PHOENIX – Arizona lawmakers have advanced a package of immigration legislation that critics are calling “SB 1070 2.0” and gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that would make illegal entry a state crime.

Arizona state Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, reacts to Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, as she explains her vote on SB 1231 at the Arizona Capitol on Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

On the hunt: Arizona Cardinals strategize for upcoming NFL draft with pressing need at receiver

PHOENIX – With the combine starting this week, and the Cardinals picking near the top of the NFL draft, what will the organization prioritize in Indianapolis?


Yoshinobu Yamamoto wows Los Angeles Dodgers fans in Cactus League debut

SURPRISE — Yoshinobu Yamamoto finally made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a long offseason of anticipation, the ace’s impressive debut only has fans more excited for the Dodgers’ potential in 2024.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers a stellar performance in Wednesday's spring training debut at Surprise Stadium. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Hungry Giants: Top Arizona high school softball teams ready for regular season following Lion Country Classic

MESA – With the Arizona high school softball season slated to start this week, the Lion Country Classic hosted some of the biggest names to watch throughout the season.


Phoenix continues outreach to struggling teens during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is using Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about a complex issue and to continue support and outreach for teens affected by dating violence.

Teen Lifeline counselors receive messages from teenagers who have called to express their gratitude. The organization keeps the messages and hangs them in their hotline room. (Photo courtesy of Teen Lifeline)

LGBTQ+ youth face increased risk for suicide and barriers to accessing mental health care

TUCSON – LGBTQ+ youth are facing a persistent mental health crisis and seek gender-affirming resources for support. Societal attitudes and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation create barriers to mental health care for the community.

The exterior of the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th in downtown Tucson. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

‘It’s pretty terrifying’: Ex-Suns guard Rex Chapman’s memoir sparks conversations on addiction, recovery in Tempe

TEMPE – From basketball star to addiction to social media influencer, Rex Chapman continues to speak honestly and shed light on his struggles throughout his life.

The candid reflections of former Phoenix Suns guard Rex Chapman delve into themes of humility, addiction and redemption Tuesday at Tempe's Changing Hands Bookstore. (Screen grab by Jack Pierson/Cronkite News)

Unlucky No. 13: Arizona Coyotes skid nowhere fast in wake of ongoing arena concerns

TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes have lost 13 straight games. With their contract at Mullet Arena coming up in the short future, rumors of a new arena location surround the team.

Members of the Arizona Coyotes look on against the Montreal Canadiens in a 4-2 loss Tuesday, grappling with a 13-game skid and an uncertain franchise future. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

From Brazil to Tempe, ASU’s Isadora Sousa inspires on and off basketball court

TEMPE – As she approaches the end of her tenure in Tempe, Isadora Sousa's thoughts often turn to the girls back home in Brazil as she takes to the court.

Despite facing challenges, Isadora Sousa remains focused on her aspirations of playing professional basketball in Brazil and coaching to empower female basketball players. (Photo by Emma Jeanson/Cronkite News)

Kahleah Copper, Natasha Cloud excited for new beginnings with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX - The Phoenix Mercury made a big splash during the offseason, picking up Natasha Cloud via free agency and Kahleah Copper via trade. The pair is excited to get to work in Phoenix and bring the Mercury back to championship contention in 2024.

From competitors last season to teammates in 2024, Kahleah Copper, left, and Natasha Cloud aim to reposition the Phoenix Mercury atop the WNBA standings after going 9-31 in 2023. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)