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.


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.


‘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)

Hometown pride: Local gymnasts keep Arizona State program rooted in the Valley

PHOENIX – The nationally ranked Arizona State Sun Devils gymnastics team maintains a strong focus on national success, supported by four talented gymnasts hailing from the Phoenix area.

ASU graduate student gymnast Gracie Reeves celebrates after successfully dismounting from the uneven bars Feb. 2 at the Maroon Monsoon Tri-Meet. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

Ford Championship 2024 marks milestone moment for LPGA Tour in Gilbert

GILBERT - On Feb. 10, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux joined local pros Mina Harigae and Alena Sharp to announce the Ford Championship at the Seville Golf & Country Club. During the event, they discussed the future of the LPGA Tour and women’s golf.

LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan unveils the 2024 Ford Championship, a historic moment for women's golf in Gilbert. (Photo by Jesse Brawders/Cronkite News)

New software tool takes on institutionalized racism in health care

PHOENIX – Mayo Clinic Arizona will integrate and enhance Truity, TruLite Health’s health equity software program, to address and potentially eliminate health disparities in patient care.

TruLite Health announced an agreement with Mayo Clinic Arizona to use and enhance the software systems developer’s Truity software in clinical practice. The hospital will focus on feedback, workflow enhancements and evaluating features of the health equity software platform. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

ASU’s Léon Marchand preps for Pac-12, NCAA championships en route to second Olympic appearance

PHOENIX – After finishing as the Pac-12 champions in the 2022-23 season, the ASU men’s swim and dive team is poised for history. Standout junior Léon Marchand is set to make his second Summer Olympic appearance, all while focusing on the present moment.

Arizona State standout swimmer Léon Marchand focuses on NCAA success as he prepares to represent France in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)