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 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.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 16, 2025Arizona joins lawsuit against Trump administration over disaster mitigation funding
Arizona is now part of a lawsuit against the Trump administration over withheld disaster relief funds from FEMA, Kris Mayes announced Wednesday.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 15, 2025Juvenile in custody after overnight shooting in Tolleson leaves 19-year-old dead
A teen was booked into the Maricopa County Juvenile Correctional Center after a fatal shooting in Tolleson on Monday, authorities said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 15, 2025Tucson man sentenced to over 8 years in prison for possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine
A Tucson drug bust ended in an eight-year sentence for a man caught trying to buy methamphetamine before a high-speed police chase.
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ARIZONA WILDFIRES | Jul 14, 2025Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly demand answers over devastating Dragon Bravo Fire near Grand Canyon
Arizona's U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego sent a letter to the Trump administration demanding answers about the Dragon Bravo Fire.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 14, 2025Burglary suspect shot dead by homeowner while trying to break into Phoenix residence
Phoenix Police broke news on Monday of a burglar shot dead by a homeowner near 7th and Northern avenues, which took place Sunday.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Jul 10, 2025Number of people dying from traffic accidents in Arizona is down for 2nd year in a row
Traffic fatalities have been slowing down in Arizona for the past two years, according to the 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT | Jul 9, 2025Hyundai of Arizona drives hope by supporting pediatric cancer care with every car sold
The KTAR community spotlight for July is celebrating Earnhardt San Tan Hyundai Dealership for its role in fighting pediatric cancer.
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ARIZONA WEATHER NEWS | Jul 9, 2025Phoenix breaks daily record at 118 degrees, marking hottest day of the year
The city of Phoenix broke yet another daily heat record on Wednesday after the mercury hit 118 degrees, marking the city's hottest day of the year.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 9, 2025Emergency crews rescue senior man from South Mountain hiking trail
Rescue crews hiked to find the man on South Mountain Desert Classic trail around 9:40 a.m., according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 9, 2025Moving to a new apartment or home in metro Phoenix? 6 ways to avoid moving scams
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes released a public service announcement aimed at preventing people from falling victim to moving scams.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Jul 8, 2025Arizona AG sues 4 Valley smoke shops accused of marketing nicotine products to minors
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing two businesses for allegedly marketing nicotine products to minors.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 8, 2025Phoenix man faces accusations of preparing and filing fake tax returns
A federal court recently accused a Phoenix man of filing false tax returns from 2021 to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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ARIZONA POLITICS NEWS | Jul 8, 2025Gov. Katie Hobbs, Arizona animal advocates celebrate signing of anti-cruelty bill into law
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an animal cruelty law that will crack down on neglectful animal owners who don't provide enough food and water.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Jul 7, 2025Toyota commits $50M to Arizona Proving Grounds testing and development facility
Toyota is set to expand its massive vehicle testing site around 50 miles northwest of Phoenix in the town of Wittman.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jul 7, 2025Report: More 4th of July drivers in Arizona arrested for speeding, aggravated DUI this year than in 2024
Arizonans floored their gas pedals more often this Fourth of July weekend than they did last year, according to a new highway safety report.
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ARIZONA EDUCATION NEWS | Jul 4, 2025Laveen kindergarten teacher honored by Bruce and Gaydos with $2,500 award
In July, KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher award went to Janina Perez, a Laveen teacher.
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ARIZONA POLITICS NEWS | Jul 3, 2025Arizona Democrats slam US House for passing ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ now on way to Trump’s desk
The U.S. House passed President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" on Thursday. Here's why Arizona Democrats dislike the massive budget bill.