Serena O’Sullivan is a Phoenix-based news reporter and content editor at KTAR News since 2023. Serena’s career includes roles as a reporter for Arizona Republic, Phoenix New Times and the Phoenix Business Journal. A Cronkite School graduate and SPJ award finalist, she also worked as a digital content coordinator, social media manager and freelance feature writer. Serena covers stories on politics, crime, policing, technology, education and more.
Expertise
- News writing
- Copy editing
- Radio reporting
- Project management
- Content strategy
Education
Arizona State University – Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in communications
Achievement & Awards
- First-generation college graduate
- Wrote cover story for Phoenix New Times in 2023
- Wrote cover story for Phoenix Business Journal in 2019
- Contributed to KTAR News’ regional Edward R. Murrow Award-winning newscast in 2024
Social media profiles
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 28, 2025Father who starved, abused 3-year-old daughter in Surprise sentenced to life in prison plus 57 years
A child murder conviction led to the sentencing of 38-year-old Carlos Tercero Cruz, who killed his 3-year-old daughter in 2015, authorities said.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Jul 28, 2025Eastbound US 60 reopens after collision involving pedestrian, police vehicle
A collision between a pedestrian and patrol vehicle caused an eastbound US 60 closure on Monday, authorities said. It reopened around 8 a.m.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 25, 20252 arrested in connection with 2024 Glendale homicide
A man and a woman were arrested on Tuesday in connection to the 2024 Glendale homicide of Grant Siefert, police said.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Jul 25, 2025Here’s what drivers can expect when hitting the roads across metro Phoenix this weekend
This weekend's Valley freeways traffic advisory notes several temporary restrictions that motorists should know before driving.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 25, 20253-vehicle crash kills 1, causes traffic closure in Mesa
One person is dead after a three-vehicle collision in Mesa on Friday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 24, 2025Tempe Police arrest 21-year-old influencer accused of disrupting local businesses with pranks
Why was a social media prankster arrested in Tempe? He was accused of disrupting businesses and uploading videos of the crimes online.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Jul 24, 2025US 89A reopens in both directions in northern Arizona after 2 massive wildfires caused closures
US 89A reopens following wildfire closure caused by the White Sage Fire in northern Arizona, transportation officials announced Thursday.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 24, 20252 men accused of stealing over $140,000 from Walmart stores across Arizona
A grand jury in Arizona has formally accused two men of a massive Walmart theft scheme that stole merchandise worth $140,000.
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ARIZONA BORDER AND IMMIGRATION NEWS | Jul 24, 2025Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego vows to help Peoria business owner detained by ICE
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona said he wants to help people like Kelly Yu, a Peoria business owner detained by ICE in late May.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 23, 2025Former southern Arizona kindergarten teacher arrested on child sex crimes, reports say
Police in southern Arizona arrested a woman accused of child sex crimes last week. KVOA identified the Cochise County woman as a teacher.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 23, 2025Man caught on roof of Scottsdale gallery with stolen art worth $250,000 sentenced
A Scottsdale art thief caught stealing from a gallery in 2024 was sentenced to five years in prison, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 23, 20251 injured in crash that led to chemicals spilled across Mesa roadway
A chemical spill following a collision in Mesa has resulted in injuries as well as a traffic closure on Wednesday, authorities said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 23, 2025Arizona secretary of state calls for more cybersecurity funding after potential Iranian hack
In June, hackers uploaded photos of Ayatollah Khomeini on the Arizona Secretary of State's candidate portal. Who's behind the website hack?
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ARIZONA POLITICS NEWS | Jul 22, 2025Arizona’s new prison oversight office needs funding, supporters say
The Arizona Legislature approved a prison oversight office but allocated zero funding to run it, according to supporters who are speaking out.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 21, 2025Arizona man challenges himself to go full summer without A/C to raise awareness for those in need
Arizona man Paul Farmer is challenging himself to go without air conditioning in summer to raise hope and money for those in need.
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ARIZONA HEALTH NEWS | Jul 21, 2025Maricopa County reports 1st West Nile death of summer, warns about mosquitoes
Maricopa County Department of Public Health said on Monday that an older adult died due to West Nile virus. It was the first such death in 2025.
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ARIZONA WEATHER NEWS | Jul 21, 2025Rain sprinkles the Valley in moisture ahead of potential thunderstorm
As light rain sprinkled metro Phoenix on Monday, the National Weather Service predicted more moisture would follow on Tuesday.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 21, 2025‘It’s scary for animals in the Valley,’ nonprofit leader says of rise in violent animal abuse
Violent animal abuse cases in metro Phoenix are on the rise, according to the Arizona Humane Society, which is asking people to stay alert.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Jul 18, 2025Hitting the road? What you need to know about Valley freeway construction this weekend
This weekend's Valley freeways traffic advisory notes several temporary restrictions that motorists should know this Friday.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | Jul 18, 2025Phoenix Rescue Mission’s summer campaign saves 250 unhoused people from streets
This year's summer heat relief campaign launched by Phoenix Rescue Mission saved 250 unhoused people from the streets since starting May 1.
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ARIZONA BORDER AND IMMIGRATION NEWS | Jul 17, 2025Family of business owner detained by ICE say she was a pillar of the West Valley community
Detained Peoria woman Kelly Yu owned two sushi restaurants in the West Valley with her husband. Her daughter is now taking over her role.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 16, 20251 child, 1 adult brought to hospital after multivehicle collision in Phoenix
A child was hospitalized after a multivehicle collision in Phoenix on Wednesday, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 16, 2025Time to explore! Fall registration opens for Arizona Family Campout
Registration for the fall Arizona Family Campout Program opened on Wednesday. Here is how much it costs and where classes will be held.
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ARIZONA BORDER AND IMMIGRATION NEWS | Jul 16, 2025Arizona man sentenced to 6 years in prison for human smuggling charges
A 37-year-old Tucson man has been sentenced to six years in prison for both drug charges as well as his role in a human smuggling operation.