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.
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.
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.
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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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.
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.
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.
