David Veenstra is a web content editor and writer for ArizonaSports.com and KTAR.com. Prior to joining Arizona Sports and KTAR, he graduated from the University of Oregon for his bachelor’s degree in journalism and Arizona State University for his master’s degree in sports journalism. The Portland native previously covered track and field, where he reported live from the NCAA Championships and World Athletics Championships. He also founded Desert Wave Media, an independent outlet covering the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
Expertise
Sports and news writing
Feature writing
Reporting
Editing
Strategic social media
Multimedia reporting
Photography
Education
Arizona State University – Master’s degree in sports journalism
University of Oregon – Bachelor’s degree in journalism, minor in business administration
Achievements & Awards
Covered the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team in the NCAA Tournament during the 2025-26 season during their run to the Final Four
Covered the Phoenix Mercury during the 2022, 2024 and 2025 WNBA seasons
Credentialed for and covered multiple WNBA All-Star Games, playoff series and WNBA Finals games
Followed the Mercury on several road trips during the 2024 and 2025 WNBA seasons
Credentialed for and covered the Pac-12 Track and Field Championships, NCAA Track and Field Championships and World Athletics Championships
Social Media Profiles
LinkedIn: davidveenstra
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ARIZONA WEATHER NEWS | Jul 12, 2026Dust storm warning issued throughout Valley Sunday evening, as thunderstorms also approach
The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a dust storm warning for Maricopa County until 8:45 p.m. Sunday.
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ARIZONA REAL ESTATE & HOUSING NEWS | Jul 12, 2026Paradise Valley estate with shooting range, go-kart track sells for state record $40M
A Paradise Valley estate has shattered the record for the most expensive home sale in Arizona history.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 11, 2026Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest announces dates for 53rd year in Tempe
Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest is returning to Tempe Town Lake for its 53rd year this October.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 11, 20262 arrested in Gilbert after police vehicle was rammed into during traffic stop
Two men were arrested in Gilbert on multiple felony allegations after a traffic stop turned into a vehicle ramming and a short pursuit, authorities said.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Jul 4, 2026Fatal crash closes westbound Loop 202 Red Mountain ramp to northbound Loop 101 in Tempe
A holiday weekend crash which left one person dead forced the closure of a major freeway transition ramp near Tempe on Saturday afternoon, transportation officials said.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Jul 4, 2026Spinato’s planning new Goodyear location, relocating north Phoenix restaurant
Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is heading to the West Valley.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 4, 2026How to keep your pets safe in the Valley this Fourth of July
The Arizona Humane Society is urging Valley residents to take immediate precautions to keep their animals safe around the Fourth of July.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 3, 2026El Mirage Fire Department celebrates arrival of new engine
City officials and firefighters celebrated the arrival of the El Mirage Fire Department’s new Type 1 fire engine with a traditional "push-in" ceremony.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 3, 2026Michigan man sentenced in Arizona fentanyl conspiracy case
A Michigan man will spend five years in prison for his role in an Arizona-based drug ring that used the U.S. Mail to traffic fentanyl across the country.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 3, 2026Woman riding bicycle on sidewalk hit, killed by pickup truck in Phoenix
A woman riding her bicycle died after being struck by a pickup truck in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.
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ARIZONA WILDFIRES | Jun 28, 2026Coconino National Forest moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions
Due to the threat of wildfires, northern Arizona's Coconino National Forest is cracking down on fire and smoking rules starting this week.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 28, 2026Local First Arizona’s Independents Week returns June 29-July 7
Arizonans are being encouraged to support their neighborhoods this summer as Local First Arizona kicks off its annual Independents Week.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Jun 28, 2026Southeast Mesa development to include Walmart-anchored retail center, auto mall
A major 163-acre commercial development is moving forward in the Southeast Valley, bringing a massive new auto mall and retail center to Mesa.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 21, 2026Gov. Katie Hobbs signs bipartisan bill that implements new mandates for missing children
Gov. Hobbs signed legislation that overhauls how Arizona law enforcement agencies track, publicize and search for missing and kidnapped children.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Jun 21, 2026Study shows that Arizona State Parks and Trails supports $555 million in economic activity
Arizona State Parks and Trails supported $555 million in statewide economic activity, according to a study released this month.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 21, 2026Arizona AG distributes $10M in opioid settlement funds to 5 sheriff’s offices
Five county sheriff's offices will split $10 million in opioid settlement funds to help people transition back into their communities after incarceration.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 20, 2026Woman dead after being struck by vehicle while crossing Phoenix street mid-block
An adult woman died after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a Phoenix street mid-block on Friday night.
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ARIZONA POLITICS NEWS | Jun 19, 2026Maricopa County supervisor slams Recorder Justin Heap over ‘disturbing’ election security breach
Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin warns of "highly problematic," potentially criminal actions by Recorder Justin Heap’s staff.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 19, 20263 dead following separate heat-related incidents at Grand Canyon National Park
Extreme summer heat in the Grand Canyon's Inner Canyon has claimed the lives of three hikers in separate incidents over the past week.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 19, 2026Federal inmate in Arizona gets 10 months added to sentencing for exposing himself to officers
An Arizona federal inmate has tacked nearly another year onto his stay behind bars after repeatedly exposing himself to prison staff.
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ARIZONA REAL ESTATE & HOUSING NEWS | Jun 17, 2026Arizona’s 1st JdV and Unscripted Hyatt hotels open in East Valley
A Phoenix-based hospitality firm is expanding its Valley footprint with the opening of two new-to-market hotel concepts in Scottsdale and Mesa.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 17, 2026SUV drives through Phoenix motel wall after dispute over loud music, police say
A man is facing multiple felonies after police say he intentionally drove at two motel employees before crashing his SUV directly into a motel room.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 17, 2026Chandler home invasion suspects indicted along with 3 alleged helpers
Three teenagers face felony charges after the robbing of a rideshare driver and a home invasion that left an elderly man, and his daughter injured.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 17, 2026Arizona State Fair adds Becky G, The Offspring to concert lineup
The Arizona State Fair expanded its 2026 Coliseum Concert Series, adding popstar Becky G and punk rock band The Offspring to the slate.