Sports and Culture in the Valley

UP and UP looking to lead ASU to bring Ship Wrek for Monster Energy Music Festival.

Rock band Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, a local staple born out of the 90’s Tempe grunge scene, is ringing in the new year with the upcoming launch of their ninth album “Hell to Breakfast,” in March–their first new album in almost nine years. 

A car-dependent city, like Phoenix or Houston, is designed mainly for driving with wide, fast roads, spread-out buildings and few safe or convenient places to walk, and people rely on owning a car to get around, according to Saadaoui’s research paper, “Does Car Dependence Make People Unsatisfied With Life? Evidence From a U.S. National Survey.”

Phoenix residents Carman Arias, Dolores Rios-Herrera, and coach Dion Black use Block Watch grants to fight crime by building community. From benches to block cleanups to youth sports, each leader works to engage neighbors despite low participation. Their efforts aim to deter gang activity, strengthen trust, and give local kids safer paths forward.

As Chandler works to connect residents with stable jobs, The Doughnut Peddler Bakery has become an unexpected workforce engine offering hundreds of entry-level positions and promoting employees from within. With local employers in logistics and hospitality also expanding hiring, workforce advocates say culture, training, and access are shaping the region’s job landscape as cities push to help workers find long-term, sustainable employment.

For 15 years King Wong’s was a neighborhood staple in central Phoenix, known for Maria Chen’s hospitality and loyal regulars. COVID forced changes in ownership and service, leaving customers feeling the loss. Now under Cliff and Martha Lopez, the restaurant has been refreshed and revived: new décor, younger staff, and returning patrons signal a hopeful comeback for this beloved local eatery.

After months of fierce pushback from residents, Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a bill that brings multifamily housing into historic neighborhoods — a move many say puts profit ahead of affordability.

At the Great Arizona Puppet Theatre, generations of creativity come to life. Artistic director Gwen Bonar, who grew up backstage among master puppeteers, now leads the storied theatre her parents founded. Families packed the auditorium for The Little Engine That Could: a 30-minute show celebrating self-belief. As arts funding shifts, Bonar keeps the theatre thriving with updated stories, community outreach, and passion for puppetry.

The end of the government shutdown means the reinstatement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for 12% of Arizonans, 855,273 to be exact. 

Doechii is LIVE from the swamp in Phoenix Arizona curating a confident stage for her fans and bringing along Dallas artist, Kal Banx to spread love and community.

Arizona's latest law on phones in schools is causing concerns for students and the possibilities of emergencies or crisis.

DuoCon 2025 helps users see all the new updates and hype about DuoLingo.

The Sunnyslope community seals protection for a historic restaurant after fear of demolition.

After the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, residents of Arizona have taken to public town halls this summer, hosted by Arizona Democrats like Sen. Mark Kelley and Rep. Ruben Gallego, to speak out against the large incoming cuts to state Medicaid funding.

The University of Birmingham brings students to an immersive 3-week summer program to uplift cultural exchange and enhanced academics through trips, learning opportunities, and new bonds.

L.A. Artist is making waves through his newest EP called "VIIR". Serenity Reynolds gets inside details by his EP.

Student, Daryl Ijaola releases "The Fall of Mr. Romantic" a poetic book catered to the sacrifice of love. This is a deep dive on Ijaola's balance in his writing process and as a student.

Tempe High School hosts it's summer league for the first time ever, and this time it's for the underclassmen to shine. Here's the scoop on the start of Week 2.

Valley Vouge Fashion show sparks in Phoenix. Ready to take the runway in only 12 days hosted by TopFloor AZ.

Sports meets spotlight at Kyler Murray's celebrity softball game all for a cause to help children, veterans, and the community. With shining stars from CeeDee Lamb, Rubi Rose, to Dalen Terry all in support of helping others.