From ‘lonely’ to Lily’s Pad: Tempe playground to give immunocompromised kids a chance to be a kid
PHOENIX – Children with weakened immune systems or other disabilities often can’t play with other kids. Lily’s Pad, a new playground scheduled to open in Arizona in April, is designed to help immunocompromised children build their physical and emotional health. It’s among other recreational areas across the U.S. meant to accommodate children with disabilities.
En garde: Phoenix Fencing Academy fosters tradition, teaches excellence
TEMPE – The Phoenix Fencing Academy is one of the only places to participate in the sport and many of the former students have gone on to be successful Division I fencers along with national champions and others who have represented their countries internationally. The founder and head coach, Will Becker, grew up fencing and the family name is one of the biggest in the sport.
Even resilience can’t help GCU overcome Gonzaga in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
DENVER – The Grand Canyon men's basketball team ran out of gas against Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament. However, Friday night marked another building block for the program’s young history and it came with strong fan support.
GCU men’s basketball perseveres through adversity to set up NCAA tournament date with No. 3 Gonzaga
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University men’s basketball hopes to one day build a mid-major powerhouse like Gonzaga’s. Coach Bryce Drew understands patience is key, but a good showing in Friday’s first-round matchup of the NCAA tournament will be a step in the right direction.
NASCAR levies severe penalties to Hendrick Motorsports, Justin Haley and Denny Hamlin for Phoenix incidents
AVONDALE – For Hendrick Motorsports and Justin Haley, NASCAR issued a historic punishment for illegal modifications made before Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. Denny Hamlin also received penalties for intentionally trying to wreck Ross Chastain during the race.
Student of the game: ASU junior Cris Valle working overtime as Hamilton boys basketball coach
CHANDLER – Former Hamilton basketball star Cris Valle had a dream of playing professional basketball. However, he found a true passion for coaching and giving back what he learned to the next generation of players.
‘Best team in the state’: Perry Pumas complete one-loss season with first-ever Open Division championship trophy
PHOENIX – Cody Williams and Koa Peat paced the Perry Pumas to help finish off a historic season on Saturday night, defeating the Sunnyslope Vikings 74-58 in the first-ever Open championship.
‘Are the KD jerseys here yet?’ Valley businesses excited about possible economic boost from Kevin Durant
PHOENIX – Local bars, restaurants, and sports memorabilia shops have felt the residual effects of Kevin Durant’s arrival in the Valley. Ahead of his Suns debut, downtown is prepared for an increase in foot traffic and sales.
‘Soundies’ showcase Black history on film, racism and all
LOS ANGELES — For Black History Month, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures highlighted its exhibit "Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971." It features rarely-seen film excerpts restored by the Academy Film Archive.
A dynasty is born: Kansas City Chiefs enter rare air with Super Bowl 57 win
GLENDALE – The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 to become the NFL’s newest dynasty. Historical parallels between the Patriots’ dynasty of old and the Chiefs of today are more apparent after Sunday's comeback win over Philadelphia at State Farm Stadium.
Snap, hold, kick and pray: NFL special teams are simply complex
SCOTTSDALE – For those who believe special teams is the easiest way onto a football field, the Kansas City Chiefs kicking unit begs to differ. The snap, the hold and the kick all depend on perfect execution in the blink of an eye.
Arizona lawmakers agree to disagree on Biden’s border, fentanyl plans
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers agreed with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union call to secure the border and fight fentanyl trafficking, but they disagreed on how to get there - one of many areas where they split on party lines over the sometimes raucous address.
