‘The game needs us’: MLB has diversity problem and no easy solution
PHOENIX – With no United States-born Black baseball players featured in the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, many felt as though baseball had taken a step away from building a diverse game. The next generation of players are growing within the youth community and the MLB DREAM Series in Tempe proved that the game still has more to learn.
With owners including Larry Fitzgerald, Major League Pickleball launches season in Mesa
MESA – Major League Pickleball kicked off its first event of 2023 in Mesa, Arizona this past weekend. The sport is the fastest growing sport across the U.S. and the tournament was televised on the tennis channel from Jan. 26 - Jan. 29.
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.
Fighting hate: Approaches range from expanding hate crime definitions to gathering data
LOS ANGELES – The system for reporting hate in America is broken. The FBI’s database has limited scope, and people often don’t – or sometimes can’t – report hate crimes to authorities. But federal, state and local entities are tackling hate in a variety of ways – from expanding definitions and launching hotlines to capturing data.
Double duty: Suns GM James Jones rewarded with promotion to President of Basketball Operations
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced James Jones as the team’s new president of basketball operations. This is the first time this job has been filled since 2015. It is a new position for Jones, however Jones’ impact on the organization made the ideal candidate for the job.
Pac-12/SWAC Legacy Series brings social justice issues, HBCUs to the forefront
PHOENIX – Arizona and Arizona State’s basketball programs are getting a chance to learn more about historically Black colleges and universities through a partnership between the Pac-12 and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Phoenix Suns’ injury woes taking a heavy toll, halt hot start
PHOENIX – After a 6-1 start to the 2022-23 NBA season, the Suns are just 4-5 since losing Cam Johnson and Chris Paul to injuries earlier this month. Who is stepping up in their absences? How is Monty Williams managing? Let’s take a look.
See updates from Arizona voters and polling locations on Election Day
PHOENIX – Voters across Arizona headed to the polls to make their voices heard this midterm election. Their votes on candidate races and propositions will determine the future of Arizona. This year, tensions are high as Arizonans decide on a new governor as well as a U.S. senator, among other races.
Like father, like son: Brophy’s freshman football team excels with NFL lineage
PHOENIX – The Brophy Preparatory Academy freshman football team is filled with NFL lineage, as five players have connections with the NFL.
What is Ostarine? A look at the performance-enhancing drug that banned Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins for six weeks
PHOENIX – The NFL suspended Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins for six games because he violated the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. The researcher that developed the drug that triggered Hopkins’ positive test said it has shown up as a contaminant in other products.
Camelback’s Cholla Trail reopens, providing more access to the highest peak in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain’s eastern slope, which closed in March 2020, reopened in September with safety improvements and new amenities. The landmark is Phoenix’s highest peak and carries with it decades of history.
U.S. House, District 6: Kirsten Engel promotes environmentally sustainable economy
Democrat Kirsten Engel is in a tight race to represent Arizona in the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District. Engel, an environmental attorney, faces Republican Juan Ciscomani, senior adviser to Gov. Doug Ducey on regional and international affairs.
