Dust storms that blanketed the Phoenix area in thick haze this week were among the most intense to hit the region in years, scientists said Thursday. The storms — called haboobs — occur throughout the U.

On Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury will face the Seattle Storm in a matchup that WNBA fans won't want to miss between two Western Conference foes. The Mercury currently boasts a 19-13 record, good for second place in the West.