Compassion meditation: UArizona researchers to study impact on breast cancer survivors, caregivers

PHOENIX – The University of Arizona will use a $1.7 million grant for breast-cancer survivors and their partners to practice “compassion meditation,” studying whether the program can ease their anxiety, depression and sense of isolation.

The University of Arizona is conducting a study about compassion meditation, which is being used to help treat anxiety, depression and sense of isolation in breast-cancer survivors and supportive partners. “It’s a meditation that is about our feelings for other people, as well as our feelings about ourselves,” said Thaddeus Pace, PhD, the principal investigator. (Photo illustration by Paula Soria/Cronkite News)

Parents of transgender athletes file lawsuit over Arizona transgender athlete ban

PHOENIX – The parents of two transgender youth athletes have filed a lawsuit over Arizona’s ban on transgender girls participating in girls sports.

Sports balls with the transgender pride flag superimposed over them are pictured on a yellow background.

Call it even: Suns find ‘juice,’ tie series against Clippers in Game 2

PHOENIX – After a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Clippers, the Suns remained confident in addressing their “juice” problem and faced adversity head-on to even the first-round series Tuesday in Game 2.

Devin Booker, right, points a finger to the sky and Kevin Durant walks beyond him in Crypto.com Arena.

Winning back-to-back championships is hard enough, but Willow Canyon softball on pace for 3-peat

SURPRISE – Since the return of sports after the COVID-19 outbreak, only one team has won the 5A softball state championship and they look to do it for the third straight year in a row. Willow Canyon is a powerhouse in the West Valley, sporting a 23-0-1 record and currently ranked 15th in the country by MaxPreps.

A batter gets ready to hit at a Willow Canyon softball game.

Arizona’s ‘super season’ gives state financial shot of adrenaline

PHOENIX – A May report from Arizona's Common Sense Institute showed that 6.4% of the state’s total economy comes from the sports and tourism sector. With the Super Bowl and many other major sporting events in town in 2023, Arizona saw plenty of positive economic benefits.

Spectators sit behind home plate at Camelback Ranch and watch a baseball game.

Stanford’s Rose Zhang continuing dominance at Pac-12 Women’s Championship as World’s No. 1 amateur

PHOENIX – Through her first two years at Stanford, Rose Zhang has done everything imaginable in amateur golf except winning a conference championship. Now she is in contention of winning the Pac-12 individual championship title.

Stanford sophomore Rose Zhang is the second-round leader at the Pac-12 Women’s Golf Championship after firing back-to-back rounds of 67 and 68, respectively. (Photo by Dylan Nichols/Cronkite News)

Arizona Senate bill could expand cochlear implant state Medicaid coverage

PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate has passed SB 1017, which aims to expand coverage of cochlear implants for adults through AHCCCS. Advocates say it would have a positive impact on people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill is now being read in the House.

Melanie O’Rourke, 73, lost her hearing 20 years ago. Now, she relies on cochlear implants to hear. (Video screengrab by Maria Staubs/Cronkite News)

Cactus High’s Bradey Henige fills tall order as two-sport 7-footer

GLENDALE – Cactus High School’s Bradey Henige just finished up his junior basketball season, where he emerged as one of the top players in the nation in rebounding. He also plays volleyball to help his skills on the basketball court as schools start gaining interest.

Cactus High junior Bradey Henige finished third in the nation in rebounding average and will enter his senior season drawing interest from college basketball recruiters. (Photo courtesy of Ed Russell Photography)

Arizona tribal gaming contributions up 20% over last year, nearing $2 billion mark since 2004

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Gaming announced its contributions to the Arizona community, which are up 20% from last year. Close to $2 billion has been contributed to educational, emergency and other Arizona funds.

Arizona is home to 24 Class III casinos, which contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the state, cities towns and counties. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

U.S. set for 75th meeting against archrival Mexico in friendly at State Farm Stadium

PHOENIX – The U.S. is set to meet Mexico on the pitch for the 75th time as they kick-off in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clásico at State Farm Stadium. The USMNT is undefeated in its previous four games against Mexico.

Jesus Ferreira was one of 10 USMNT players on the current roster to compete in the 2022 World Cup. (Photo courtesy of US Soccer)

Patience pays off for ASU softball first baseman Jordyn VanHook

TEMPE – After three seasons of not seeing much playing time and a short period spent in the transfer portal following the departure of Trisha Ford, Jordyn VanHook has returned and proven herself as one of the top softball players in the PAC-12, doing so with a position change as well.

ASU senior Jordyn VanHook switched to playing first base this season to fill a hole in the Sun Devil lineup and find consistent playing time. (Photo by Kade Cameron/Cronkite News)

As questions surround Tempe entertainment district, studies predict impact ahead of May vote

TEMPE – As the registration deadline closed for voters on Monday, questions still loom over the Tempe Entertainment District’s potential benefits and drawbacks but two studies could provide some answers.

The deadline for residents to register for a May vote on the Arizona Coyotes' new arena and entertainment district in Tempe passed Monday. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes)