Jimmie Johnson test drives NASCAR’s Next Gen car in Phoenix Raceway return
AVONDALE – It was a big week in the world of NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway. Not only was NASCAR testing new modifications to the Next Gen 7 car, seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson got behind the wheel of the new race car for the first time before his return to the sport.
‘It was pretty special’: Cameron Johnson returns to delight of fans, helps Suns snap skid
PHOENIX – Cam Johnson made his return Thursday night against the Brookly Nets, helping the Suns hold off a late charge to pick up a 117-112 victory at the Footprint Center.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s best arson investigator is a 4-year-old Lab named Zeta
GILBERT – Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s arson dog, Zeta, is their best investigator of suspicious fires. The 4-year-old Labrador can quickly and precisely locate accelerants, saving the fire department time and money.
Former Ithaca swimmer Jack Wadsworth makes waves in first season with ASU
TEMPE – New ASU swimmer Jack Wadsworth, who transferred from Ithaca College in the offseason, quickly adjusted to the Sun Devils team after a cross-country move. As the season gets set to resume in two weeks, the junior is flourishing.
Derrick Michael Xzavierro’s history-making odyssey lands him at GCU
PHOENIX – Derrick Michael Xzavierro’s journey to GCU has led him across the world from his home of Indonesia. Though he is taking a redshirt year this season, Xzavierro has already made an impact and history as Indonesia’s first Division I basketball scholarship player.
For Arizona athletes, competing at Gallaudet means one less challenge
WASHINGTON - Challenge is a part of sports, but the challenges don't usually include being able to freely communicate with teammates and coaches. For deaf Arizona athletes on hearing teams back home, all that changed when they started competing for Gallaudet University.
Catalyst for change: How Jerry Colangelo, 1992-93 Suns transformed downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – The 1992-93 Phoenix Suns were more than a success on the basketball court, where they were good enough to reach The NBA Finals. With a new coach, a new superstar in Charles Barkley and a new arena, that team launched a renaissance in downtown Phoenix that transformed the city.
Companionship and championships: Adult baseball league provides outlet to live out childhood
GOODYEAR – The National Adult Baseball Association plays its World Series in Phoenix every year and is one of America's fastest-growing adult baseball leagues. Mitch Gross, Chris Cumrine, Eric Alexander and Rick Fischer are four of the thousands of men that have all found a new home to play baseball.
ASU men’s swim team strokes its way to 5th in the nation and a bright future
LOS ANGELES – The swim team is not only strong this season, but its success is being powered by freshmen and sophomores that could maintain its edge for years to come.
Despite a losing season, University of Arizona football is building a winning program
TUCSON – The University of Arizona football team had a combined 1-23 record over its last 24 games coming into this season, but the Wildcats were able to put together a 5-7 season this year, which was capped off by their first Territorial Cup victory in six years. The Wildcats have a lot to build on heading into the future.
Move ’em out! Historic Old Tucson film studio has reopened after two years
TUCSON – Two years after COVID-19 shut it down, Old Tucson reopened in early October under new management. Hollywood filmed Westerns at the site for decades, and now visitors again can soak up some of that history.
Asian District Night Market in Mesa showcases small businesses, draws 10,000 people
MESA – The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce partnered with the recently named Asian District in Mesa to host the Asian District Night Market: Kamayan Festival, which showcased small businesses.