Sports and Culture in the Valley

Strings of Tradition: A Family’s Journey in Arizona Puppetry

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.

Culture

Takell Woods

9 hours ago3 min read

Trivia Nights Light Up The Desmond’s Downtown Crowd

Every Tuesday night, The Desmond transforms into downtown Phoenix’s liveliest trivia hotspot. With dim lights, pop hits, and spirited competition, regulars and ASU students alike crowd in for drinks, laughs, and a shot at cash prizes.

Takell Woods

9 hours ago2 min read

Justice in Balance: Inside a Phoenix Courtroom’s Split Outcomes

In a Phoenix courtroom, two men faced justice on the same day, one paying a $463 fine for careless driving, the other fighting to dismiss a DUI case tied to a passenger’s death. Judge Lenore Driggs’s courtroom revealed how Arizona’s justice system balances fairness and efficiency, where one man’s case ends swiftly, and another’s hinges on constitutional rights and time.

Rona Yousufi

2 days ago3 min read

Billions in Vouchers, Failing Grades: Arizona’s Education Funding Crisis

As Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program surpasses $1 billion, critics warn the state’s school voucher expansion is draining resources from struggling public schools. Despite record spending, Arizona ranks near the bottom in education performance and funding. Advocates say the state’s priorities favor choice over equity, leaving teachers and students to make up the difference.

Aidan Booker

2 days ago3 min read

New Arizona Law Aims to Clean Up School Lunches by 2026

Arizona’s new Healthy Schools Act bans artificial dyes and additives like Red 40 and brominated oils from school meals, aiming to fight rising childhood obesity and diabetes. As districts race to adjust menus, nutrition directors say the biggest challenge isn’t cost, it’s education and implementation.

Politics

Kaneeshka Jakkula

2 days ago3 min read

Trump’s $100000 H-1B Visa Fee Ignores Local Employers and Tech Workers

When President Trump’s new decree slapped a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, shockwaves hit Arizona’s tech and university communities. At ASU, international students fear job offers will vanish, while local employers brace for stalled innovation. As confusion spreads from Silicon Valley to Tempe, Arizona finds itself caught between protecting workers and preserving its global talent pipeline.

Rona Yousufi

2 days ago3 min read

After Waymo’s driverless death, families in Arizona demand accountability when a car drives itself

A Phoenix crash that killed software engineer Michael Romanenko and his dog has reignited national debate over self-driving safety. As his girlfriend, Linh Luu, mourns and demands justice, Arizona stands at the crossroads of innovation and accountability, where autonomous technology’s promise collides with its human cost.

Culture

Rona Yousufi

2 days ago4 min read

Inside the Phoenix Convention Center’s Green Revolution

Hidden beneath the sparkle of crystals and the flutter of monarch butterflies, the Phoenix Convention Center is leading downtown’s sustainability movement. From LED lighting that saves millions to composting 64 tons of organic waste with city partners, the center proves green innovation can thrive in urban spaces.

Macie Logan

2 days ago3 min read

DOECHII CREATES PHOENIX INTO A CLASSROOM OF CONFIDENCE

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.

Local Events

Rei Tedoco

Nov 42 min read

Faith, Fashion, and Finding Your Inner Beauty

Taking fashion and faith to the next level, Hope Church hosted a fall fashion show to embrace beauty

Baylie Mankee

Oct 202 min read

Six Months Into Arizona’s Phone Law, HB 2484, Concerns Remain

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

Culture

Aidan Booker

Oct 182 min read

Duocon 2025, What Learners Can Expect For The Future

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

Culture

Aidan Booker

Sep 191 min read

Pedro’s Mexican Food Secures Historic Recommendation Thanks to Community Support

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

Culture

Baylie Mankee

Sep 82 min read

From the heart to a hardcover: Daryl Ijaola debuts first poetry collection

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.

Culture

Rei Tedoco

Jun 185 min read

Tempe High School at their Summer League

THE WATCHLIST: South Mountain scores 60+, Tempe handles homecourt, and Coronado clutches all in Game 3

The watchlist presens game three of Summer League Underclassmen tournament at Tempe High School. Groundbreaking performances and records have been set by South Mountain and Tempe.

Sports

Rei Tedoco

Jun 132 min read

Young, Hungry, and Ready to Thrive: Inside Week 2 of Tempe’s Underclassmen Summer League

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.

Sports

Rei Tedoco

Jun 113 min read

Sports and Spotlight: Kyler Murray's Celebrity Softball Game Shines for a Cause

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.

Sports

Rei Tedoco

May 294 min read