Zach Bradshaw
Zach Bradshaw(he/him)
News Reporter, Phoenix

Zach Bradshaw expects to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and minors in sociology and economics. Bradshaw is an intern at The Arizona Republic and is news director at Blaze Radio.

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.

The newly constructed multi-sports court near the Féte le Mur building in the La Courneuve neighborhood near Paris benefits impoverished youth. When the court was first opened, it was visited by tennis legend Roger Federer. (Photo by Zach Bradshaw/Special for Cronkite News)

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.

A homage to Michael Jordan can be found at the Terrain des Haies park in Paris’ 20th arrondissement. The addition is an attempt by the city to revitalize local parks. (Photo by Zach Bradshaw/Cronkite News)

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.

A newly painted logo showcases the Paris Olympics on a bike lane near the Stade de France in Paris. The logo is one of the improvement projects the City of Paris carried out to beautify the streets near Olympic venues. (Photo by Zach Bradshaw/Special for Cronkite News)

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.

The hard work Keaton Jones put in with the Valley's Swim Neptune paid off and the 19-year-old will showcase his skills in the Paris Games. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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.

Arizona State's Ilyra Kharun competes in the final of the men’s 200-meter butterfly during the Team Canada swim trails in Toronto. His performance was good enough to secure spots in the Paris Olympics for the 100-meter and 200-meter butterflies. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

‘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.

Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. was a popular subject among media because of his sometimes brash personality. At times, it came to define him despite an accomplished Olympic career. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

‘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.

The Paris Olympics are expected to feature a record number of LGBTQIA+ athletes. In 2021, at least 186 had come out who participated in the Tokyo Games. (Photo by Westend61/Getty Images)

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.

National Park Service employees at Montezuma Castle National Monument wrap an Arizona sycamore tree with burlap. (Photo courtesy Montezuma Castle National Monument)

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.

An employee of RDH Environmental Services installs a Kando Pulse device inside a sewer system near Broadway Road and 83rd Avenue in Phoenix on Nov. 8, 2023. (Photo by Ellie Willard/Cronkite News)

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.

A sign at 13th Avenue and Jefferson Street, next to Old Station Sub Shop, declares the area is “closed to camping.” (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

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?

Downtown Phoenix will host Game 4 of the World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers, along with a Phoenix Suns basketball game Tuesday. It’s also Halloween. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

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.

“Here Comes the Sun” traffic cabinet art wrap by Christy Moeller. (Photo courtesy city of Flagstaff)

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.

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. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

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.

Phoenix’s Tree and Shade Master Plan aims to increase city canopy coverage to roughly 25% by 2030. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

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.

The Scottsdale City Council approved a nearly-$500,000 contract for the Independence 47 Hotel to provide temporary housing for senior citizens and families with children experiencing homelessness. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

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.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the Quitobaquito Springs pond area at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument be listed as a critical habitat for the Quitobaquito tryonia snail, found only in Arizona. (Photo by Craig Stocks)

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.

Climate change has altered the natural pattern of droughts, making them more frequent, longer and more severe, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Southwest is experiencing a 23-year megadrought. (File photo by Emma VandenEinde/Cronkite News)