Crossover success: Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham scores big as Phoenix Suns analyst

PHOENIX – Sophie Cunningham plays for the Mercury but she’s part of the Suns’ broadcast team during the WNBA offseason and has enjoyed every aspect of it.


Arizona Heart Association lobbies for bill mandating cardiac arrest emergency plans in schools

PHOENIX – Supporters from the American Heart Association lobbied at the Arizona Capitol in support of requiring emergency cardiac response plans in schools. Pyper Midkiff, a child who experienced cardiac arrest at age 12, spoke about her experience.

Jennifer Stingley, middle, is a member of the American Heart Association’s southern Arizona board of directors. Stingley practices CPR at the Arizona Heart Association’s annual lobby day at the Arizona Capitol on Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

More than a scorecard: For Bud Cauley, Kevin Yu, 2024 WM Phoenix Open has special meaning

SCOTTSDALE – Golf is about more than numbers. For Bud Cauley, it’s about coming back from a serious car accident. For Kevin Yu, it’s about playing on a course he knows best as a spectator.

Fans huddle together as the rain turned to hail during Wednesday's celebrity pro-am at the WM Phoenix Open. (Photo by Alyssa Buruato/Cronkite News)

Stars come out, hail comes down: Wild WM Phoenix Open pro-am features appearances by Saban, Phelps

SCOTTSDALE – Although rain, and later hail, interrupted the WM Phoenix Open pro-am, fans still showed up to watch an eclectic mix of celebrities, including Nick Saban.

Olympian Michael Phelps plays golf frequently and was excited to compete again. “I’m a golf nut so being able to watch some of these pros up close is special for me.” (Photo by Alyssa Burato/Cronkite News)

Sweater believe it: Jeff Munn’s signature fashion collection, born with ASU women’s basketball, shapes broadcast legacy

TEMPE – ASU women’s basketball KTAR FM broadcaster Jeff Munn has a sweater collection decades in the making that all started with his daughter. Just don’t let his brightly colored clothes distract from the impact his voice has had on the greater Phoenix area.


Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service proposal to restrict anchors

TUCSON – The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service drafted policy in November that could prohibit climbing anchors in wilderness areas around the country. The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona is one of several climbing organizations speaking out against the proposals, saying that they would discourage and endanger climbers.

Climber Nicki Manzanares starts to rappel down a cliffside on Mount Lemmon near Tucson on Jan. 29, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

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.


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)