Latest from Zach Bradshaw
After the Games: Paris Olympics shed light on government assistance for youth sports
PARIS – While the world was engrossed with the Paris Olympics this summer, impoverished children at a local Paris nonprofit were some of the Games’ happiest winners.
Olympics bring vibrant sports courts to Paris’ often forgotten neighborhoods
PARIS – Freshly-painted, vibrant sports courts bring new life to Paris’ often forgotten neighborhoods, a project that was part of the Olympic Games.
Paris’ bicycling infrastructure a model that Phoenix, Los Angeles should copy, officials say
PARIS - During Summer Olympics, Paris confirms it is the “gold medal” standard for bicycle infrastructure. Officials say U.S. cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles should model their plan.
Former Higley High swimmer Keaton Jones ready to showcase backstroke skills in Paris Olympics
PARIS - A rare product of Arizona age group swimming, Keaton Jones, 19, will compete in the 200-meter backstroke in the Paris Olympics. He joined Swim Neptune at 8.
Cirque du Hooray: ASU celebrates swimmer Ilya Khjarun’s participation with Team Canada in Paris
PARIS - Arizona State swimmer Ilya Kharun, who will compete for Team Canada Tuesday in the Paris Olympics, comes from athletic bloodlines. His parents performed with Cirque du Soleil. Now he’s aiming for gold.
‘Ugly American’ Gary Hall Jr. finds peace after Olympics media scrutiny, diabetes struggle
PARIS – The U.S.-Australia swim matchup is a coveted rivalry thanks to an article written by Olympian and Valley resident Gary Hall Jr.. He also built a foundational Phoenix pool and started a swim school, all while battling diabetes. Hall has left his mark on swimming and the Olympic Games.
‘Gayest Olympics ever’: Paris Games will spotlight growing LGBTQIA+ athletic community
PARIS – The LGBTQIA+ community will be a focal point during the Paris Olympics, which officially kick off with Friday’s opening ceremony. The city has a history of welcoming those who have come out.
Montezuma Castle among Arizona national park sites combating vandalism
PHOENIX – In March, Montezuma Castle National Monument used burlap to cover the bark of six Arizona sycamore trees that had been vandalized along public trails. Vandalism has been an ongoing issue at Arizona’s national park sites.
An innovative flush: Phoenix turns to artificial intelligence for improved wastewater monitoring
PHOENIX – Phoenix’s Water Services Department has embarked on a pilot program utilizing artificial intelligence in the sewer system to detect irregularities in wastewater and ultimately enhance water quality.
Business owners hopeful as Phoenix meets deadline to clean up ‘The Zone’
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has fulfilled a court-ordered Nov. 4 deadline to remove all tents and makeshift structures from the area around the Human Services Campus known as “The Zone,” and business owners in the area are hopeful.
Phoenix to ramp up police presence as World Series, Halloween, Suns game converge
PHOENIX – Spectators can expect a spooky parking situation, increased police presence in downtown Phoenix on Halloween, as both the World Series and a Phoenix Suns game will be happening on the night known for trick-or-treaters. How will the city handle the crowds, cars and costumes?
Flagstaff devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to ‘enliven the city’
FLAGSTAFF – The city of Flagstaff Beautification & Public Art Commission devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to enhance community aesthetics. Programs include wrapping utility cabinets with colorful artwork and potting flowers downtown.
Phoenix businesses, airport, Valley Metro prepare for World Series visitors
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Texas Rangers in the World Series, and Phoenix hotels, restaurants and transportation services are preparing for the influx of visitors. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Valley Metro will use February's Super Bowl and other large events to guide them as they make plans.
Phoenix funding trees and shade structures for underserved communities
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is working to fund trees and shade structures for qualified census tracts. Schools and neighborhoods can apply for funds to increase shade cover, in line with the city’s Tree and Shade Master Plan, which aims to increase city canopy coverage to roughly 25% by 2030.
Scottsdale will pay local hotel to open temporary housing for unhoused seniors, families with children
PHOENIX – The city of Scottsdale voted to fund temporary housing at Independence 47 Hotel for people experiencing homelessness. A grant-funded program gives nearly $500,000 to the hotel for 10 rooms to house seniors and families with children starting Oct. 1. Some Scottsdale residents and legislators, however, cite safety concerns for the hotel and its occupants.
Arizona snail found only in Quitobaquito Springs may be listed as endangered
PHOENIX – A snail native to Arizona may be listed as an endangered species after known populations dropped largely due to drought and border wall construction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the Quitobaquito tryonia snail, found only at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Pima County, be listed as an endangered species.
Sierra Club report card lauds environmental funding, laments climate inaction
PHOENIX - The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter's fall 2023 Environmental Report Card for the Arizona Legislature and governor gave most of the state’s legislators negative marks for climate inaction, but it praised the state budget’s climate initiatives.