Search result for Julia Thatcher

WM Phoenix Open’s raucous 16th hole leaves other sports events ‘in the dirt’

SCOTTSDALE – The otherwise nondescript par-3 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open has grown from a good spot to watch golf and grab a beer to one of the most unique, iconic and raucous holes on the PGA Tour.

The 16th hole at the the WM Phoenix Open rivals some of the best-known staples in sports — and it's only growing each year in popularity. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Superb Bowl Sundays: Arizona has knack for delivering the goods in big game

PHOENIX – Those who have taken part in three previous Super Bowls played in Arizona remember their historical importance, the big plays and the wild finishes. Will Super Bowl LVI at State Farm Stadium in Glendale deliver again?

Arizona is set to host its fourth Super Bowl on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium. The Valley will move into sole possession of fifth place on the list of U.S. metropolitan areas that have hosted the NFL's crown jewel. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Busker nation: Outside of sporting events, street performers capture soundtrack of Phoenix life

PHOENIX – Outside of Phoenix sporting events and concerts, local street performers set the ambience for fans. Many of them come from illustrious musical backgrounds, and they’re hoping you’ll listen, even if just for a moment.

Trumpet player Edward Conway performs outside Footprint Center following a Suns victory over the Warriors on Nov. 16. Conway started busking out of necessity. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Empty Bowls event raises money to combat food insecurity, cut food waste

PHOENIX – Arizona nonprofit organization Waste Not raises funds to help food insecurity through its annual Empty Bowls event by selling handcrafted clay bowls. Proceeds go toward rescuing perishable foods from local businesses and delivering it to agencies that feed the hungry.

A mix of colorful handcrafted bowls are set up at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix for the Empty Bowls event hosted by the Waste Not Arizona on Oct. 14, 2022. (Photo by Scianna Garcia/Cronkite News)

‘We can figure this out’: Police, public and policymakers work to improve responses to mental health crises

SALT LAKE CITY – Police have become the de facto mental health responders across the country, often with tragic results. Most strategies to deal with mental health calls focus on shifting funds to social services, creating diversion programs and better training for officers. Experts say the solution relies on a combination of efforts.

Rae Duckworth holds a “Justice for Bobby” sticker on July 2, 2022, near murals in Salt Lake City remembering the victims of police shootings. After her cousin, Bobby Duckworth, was killed during a mental health call in 2019, Duckworth began passing out these stickers to keep his memory alive. (Photo by Laura Bargfeld/News21)

Who’s on second? Prop 131 answers with new lieutenant governor’s office

WASHINGTON - Presidential candidates do it. Gubernatorial candidates in most states do it. Arizona would join them if voters approve Proposition 131, to create an office of lieutenant governor who would be from the same party and run on the same ticket as the governor.


In the rise and fall of Arizona junior college football, the long fight continues

PHOENIX – In 2018, the Maricopa County Community College District shut down its football programs, leaving Arizona with no junior college football teams. Athletes and coaches have spent years picking up pieces, and a new conference rose in the Valley.


DACA déjà vu: Biden reaffirms, doesn’t expand, migrant protection program

WASHINGTON - The White House reaffirmed its commitment to DACA Tuesday, posting regulations to extend the 10-year-old program that has protected more than 770,000 of young undocumented immigrants, including more than 23,000 in Arizona.


A tweet, an accusation, a ruling: AIA rescinds probation, Hamilton football now eligible for playoffs

PHOENIX – Due to a recruiting violation, the Arizona Interscholastic Association placed Hamilton’s football program on probation, making the team ineligible for the 2022 playoffs. Hamilton won their appeal on Tuesday to reinstate the program for the playoffs.


Complex PTSD finally has a name; now those living with it want acceptance

WASHINGTON - Complex PTSD was first identified in 1988 and just recognized by the World Health Organization in recent years. But even with that, sufferers say they still struggle to get the right diagnosis and treatment for what remains a little-understood disease.


Giffords goes from advocate to White House honoree to, now, film subject

WASHINGTON - It's been a good month for former Arizona representative Gabrielle Giffords. She saw the signing last month of significant gun-control legislation she long sought, was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom last week - and a movie about her life opened Friday.


Colorado, San Pedro make annual list of ‘most endangered’ U.S. rivers

WASHINGTON – Two Arizona rivers landed on an annual list of the top 10 "most endangered" rivers in the U.S. this week, including the drought-ravaged Colorado in the No. 1 spot. The San Pedro River was in eighth place due to groundwater pumping that threatens the river.