Tempe’s Grass Clippings Rolling Hills shines new light on golf with nighttime play

TEMPE – Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is Arizona’s first fully lit 18-hole golf course. The nighttime experience fosters a new vibe and vibrant community.

A diverse group of players, from beginners to seasoned golfers, enjoy the inclusive atmosphere at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

WNBA’s soaring popularity fueling fashion frenzy ahead of All-Star weekend in Phoenix

PHOENIX – The WNBA's growing popularity has led to increased attention on players' fashion choices, both on and off the court, with designers and brands collaborating with athletes to showcase their personal styles.

Kahleah Copper, Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Cloud showcase their pregame styles before the Phoenix Mercury's matchup on June 18. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Mercury)

Pop fly and shut-eye: This fake baseball podcast is a cure for insomnia

PHOENIX – Fake baseball games as a cure for insomnia? That’s the wish of the Northwoods Sleep Baseball podcast, which hopes you’re not awake in the ninth inning.

The Northwoods Baseball Sleep Radio podcast delivers fake baseball play-by-play in dulcet tones to help listeners fall asleep. (Graphic courtesy of Northwoods Baseball Sleep Radio)

Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi reveals secret battle with eczema, teams up to raise awareness

PHOENIX – For the first time, Diana Taurasi is opening up about her battle with moderate-to-severe eczema. The Mercury guard discusses moments of vulnerability, treatments and partnering with a pharmaceutical company to raise awareness about the condition.

Severe exczema is a skin condition that is caused by an overactive immune system and can cause dry, itchy and red skin. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Back on track: Phoenix Rising gaining momentum after slow start following USL Championship

PHOENIX – The Rising were off to a slow start after their championship season. Offseason moves and strong support at home have helped the club get back on track.


20-run win for Republicans in Congressional Baseball Game with Arizona lawmakers in supporting roles

WASHINGTON – Republicans defeated Democrats, 31-11, in the Congressional Baseball Game, an annual charity event, extending their winning streak with a blowout at Nationals Park.

Reps. Juan Ciscomani, left, and Greg Stanton discuss the purpose of the Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2024. (Photo by Morgan Kubasko/Cronkite News)

From North Philly to Paris: Kahleah Copper’s road to 2024 Olympics a journey of tears, setbacks and success

PHOENIX – Mercury guard Kahleah Copper was selected to the Olympic roster for the first time. The trials she endured leading up to receiving the call makes her appreciate this achievement much more.

Averaging 24 points for the Phoenix Mercury, Kahleah Copper’s outstanding season performance underscores her readiness for the 2024 Olympics. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Give me an R! Snubbed by Olympics again, cheerleading continues quest for respect

PHOENIX – Despite the hours, risk of injuries and athleticism required, cheerleading is still searching for respect as it seeks to find a place in a future Olympics.

More and more cheer teams are coed, just like the University of Western Ontario’s cheer team. Despite the athleticism involved, cheerleading is still struggling to be accepted as a sport. (Photo courtesy of David-Lee Tracey).

All eyes on Marvin Harrison Jr. as Arizona Cardinals kick off minicamp

TEMPE – As the Cardinals’ offseason winds down, the excitement for the arrival of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has continued to rise.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray prepares to take snaps during the last practice until preseason camp. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Entertainment or exploitation? Controversial Micro Mania Tour that highlights wrestlers with dwarfism stops in Phoenix

PHOENIX – The Micro Mania Tour primarily showcases wrestlers with dwarfism but it raises questions about exploitation and derogatory language.

The wrestlers line up to be greeted by the crowd, which delivers a combination of cheers and boos. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

‘Voice for the voiceless’: Natasha Cloud, Phoenix Mercury use platform to raise gun safety awareness

PHOENIX — At a Moms Demand Action event in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the Mercury's Natasha Cloud and members of her team heard emotional stories from gun violence survivors, reinforcing their commitment to advocating for gun reform.

Natasha Cloud, moved by the stories of gun violence survivors, vows to continue her advocacy for safer gun laws. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Just an eagle: One player’s perspective of competing in a U.S. Amateur Qualifier

SCOTTSDALE – The U.S Amateur Qualifier at Desert Highlands was one of the more difficult qualifiers in recent times. Cronkite News reporter Jack Reeves gives a firsthand account of what it’s like to compete in the intense event.