July 4th restrictions set for Phoenix trailheads

To prevent fire danger vehicle access to the city of Phoenix trailheads will be closed on July 4, beginning at 3 p.m. The city of Phoenix wants to remind residents that the annual fire ban for desert park areas remains in effect. Fireworks, open fires and smoking are prohibited to reduce fire danger. Also,... Read More

Attention Drivers – Valley Freeways Closures This Weekend

Attention drivers, this weekend there will be several major closures on freeways in the Valley to be aware of. I-17 FREEWAY Interstate 17 at Happy Valley Road will be closed southbound from Friday at 10 p.m. to Saturday at 7 a.m. Saturday. In addition, it will be closed northbound from Saturday 10 p.m. to... Read More

Javelina Found On Central Phoenix Golf Course

Video from ABC 15 Arizona

A Phoenix resident spotted a massive javelina in the most unusual of places in the valley.

The resident captured the cute critter as he helped the Encanto Golf Course superintendent maintain the fairway roughs during an unexpected appearance this week. The javelina was found roaming near the Encanto Park, outside of the Enchanted Island Amusement Park.

Encanto golf course manager Reggie Campos was perplexed as to how the animal ended up downtown. “That’s the first time I’d ever seen a javelina on the golf course.”

According to the Arizona Game and Fish department’s website, javelinas are common in Arizona, including southern Arizona and are occasionally spotted in Flagstaff, however javelinas on a golf course are very rare in this neighborhood.

While some people consider this species “cute”, javelinas are arguably ugly animals and possess an unpleasant odor which is why they are referred to as “musk hogs”. They are wild pigs but are members of the “peccary” family that originated in South America. Arizona javelinas have become quite accustomed to being in close proximity to humans and in most cases will ignore people. However, they can be aggressive and if provoked or feel threatened will defend themselves.

If you ever find yourself close to a javelina, back away slowly. It is always recommended to keep your distance if you come in contact, they are very dangerous.

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Phoenix Mayor Gallego calls for meeting to discuss police oversight

Mayor Kate Gallego scheduled a public safety policy meeting for July 2 in the wake of the recent police arrest video that went viral earlier this month. On June 18, the city of Phoenix held a town hall meeting at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church where 2,600 people attended to voice their concerns about the increase... Read More

Anniversary Tribute To Yarnell Hotshots

Sunday, June 30th is the six-year anniversary of the loss of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew. The brave crew were overcome with the raging fire as they were protecting the community from the Yarnell Hill Fire. The 2013 fire was the deadliest wildland blaze in the country since 1933. In... Read More

Concerts Coming To The Arizona State Fair

Deep-fried corn dogs, cotton candy and smoked turkey legs are less than 100 days away. The Arizona State Fair will be in full swing in the Fall and it is time to start thinking about the great entertainment that will hit the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum stage in October. This year’s fair runs Oct.... Read More

FTC Cracking Down On Robocalls

The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on robocalls. The commission and law enforcement are planning to file charges against several companies and individuals as part of the crack down. It’s called “Operation Call it Quits,” and it includes two FTC commissioners with wildly different political ideals: Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democrat, and Noah... Read More

Trump’s New Press Secretary Has Arizona Connection

Melania Trump recently announced that her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, will replace Sarah Sanders as the White House press secretary. Grisham has been working with the Trumps since 2015. She will take over the position of White House communications director. Previously, Grisham worked in the West Wing as a deputy press secretary. She was offered... Read More

Scientific Study Links Common Prescriptions To Dementia

A recent scientific study suggests that the risk of dementia increases with the use of  anticholinergic drugs. Anticholinergic drugs contain substances that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in certain parts of the nervous system, and they are commonly prescribed to treat everything from depression to an overactive bladder. JAMA Internal Medicine, a peer-reviewed medical journal... Read More

Federal Trade Commission to crack down on robocalls

The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on robocalls. The commission and law enforcement are planning to file charges against several companies and individuals as part of the crack down. It’s called “Operation Call it Quits,” and it includes two FTC commissioners with wildly different political ideals: Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democrat, and Noah... Read More