Search result for Tom Blanton

Super Bowl deals: Affordable events to attend leading up to the big game

PHOENIX – As the average ticket cost for the 2023 Super Bowl reaches $5,000, here are events fans on a budget can attend during the week leading up to the big game.

The Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe's will invite attendees to participate in the "ultimate NFL experience." For $20, fans can kick a field goal and run the 40-yard dash, among other interactive activities, ahead of the big game. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Arizona’s Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club keeps producing the best of the best

PHOENIX – Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club in Arizona is home to many Olympic medalists and World Champions, and according to coach Mark Perry, resources and elite talents are the reasons why.

ASU wrestler Brandon Courtney trained with elite talent at a young age as a member of the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club. "It keeps you motivated to stay wrestling," the redshirt senior said. (Photo courtesy of ASU Athletics)

Arizona, other states propose Colorado River cuts; California pushes back

WASHINGTON - Federal officials said they will consider a plan by Arizona and five other Colorado River basin states on how to further cut water consumption, even though the biggest user in the basin - California - has not signed off on it.


Former Phoenix Suns players stir memories of 1992-93 season at fundraiser

PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns Charities event hosted current and former Suns players Monday at Steak 44, where the conversation centered around the 1993 NBA Finals team and the hopes for a championship in the near future.

Former Phoenix Suns forward Richard Dumas, who averaged 15.8 points and 4.6 rebounds as a rookie during the 1992-93 season, attended Monday's Phoenix Suns Charities event at Steak 44. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Arizona Wildcats hang hats on defense, rebound in Pac-12 race

TUCSON – After a slow start to 2023, the Arizona Wildcats defeated the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins in a key, two-game homestand. The pivotal victories put the Wildcats back in prime position in the Pac-12 regular-season title race.

Courtney Ramey scored 11 points in UArizona's 58-22 win Saturday against No. 5 UCLA. The Wildcats look to extend their win streak to three games Thursday at Washington State. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Water reductions for the new year may be just the beginning, experts say

WASHINGTON - Few Arizona residents will notice changes in water availability in their daily lives after Jan. 1, when steep cuts are imposed on the water the state can draw from the Colorado River. But that doesn't mean they can relax, as experts expect more cuts will be needed in 2023.


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.

A visionary in his own right, former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo capitalized on the potential of downtown Phoenix to help revitalize the Valley. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

As cartels turn to social media to push fentanyl, experts teach parents how to keep kids safe

GLENDALE – Opioid use, particularly the use of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, remains a pressing problem. As cartels do more to target young people on Snapchat and other social media, Arizona drug prevention groups are letting parents, kids and educators know what to look out for to stay safe.


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.


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.


Hobbs presses steadily toward transition, even as challenges swirl

WASHINGTON - Ignoring challenges and election critics, Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs pressed on toward a transition Wednesday, meeting with current Gov. Doug Ducey, laying out the incoming administration's priorities and promising to be "a governor for all Arizonans."


Arizona votes are now counted, but election drama will go on

Arizona votes are now counted, however the ordeal goes on as three races are headed for automatic recount and two counties delay certification. Democrat Katie Hobbs defeated Republican Kari Lake in the governor race, which does not qualify for an automatic recount.

An election worker gathers ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center on Nov. 10, 2022. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)