Less than Truckload shipping company in Phoenix, AZ

PHOENIX - A woman and her kids are safe after a fire broke out on May 18 at an apartment complex in Phoenix.

The fire happened just after 4 a.m. near 19th Avenue and Indian School Road. Claudia Jimenez says she had to throw herself and her two daughters from a second-story unit to escape the flames.

"We were sleeping, and I just heard someone knocking, it sounded on a window, so I went out to look at the window and I didn't see anyone, so I just opened my front door and I seen flames halfway already covering my front door, so I just panicked. I woke up my daughter, I told her to grab our puppies, and I just went to my room, I closed my door, and I started screaming out the back door for help," she said. "This gentleman that was passing by jumped over the fence, he said, ‘I'll help you, throw your girls out the window' so I started throwing them each, one by one, and he caught them, and then I looked back, and my room was already filled with smoke, so I had no other choice but to throw myself out the window as well."

Joseph Collins lives in a tent on the canal behind the apartment building.

"The lady was screaming and crying," Collins said. "I told her to hand me the babies down. She was like, ‘Don’t drop them.’ She handed me one at a time, [I] safely put them down. I told her to come on down. She jumped down."

Hollins says he was at the right place, at the right time.

"There was a lot of smoke. It was dark, but other than that, anyone could've done it," he said.

Jimenez says it was more than that and as she surveyed the damage, saving what she could, she was grateful for the hero who was there for them.

"He saved our life," she said. "He saved her life. He saved my daughters. We're grateful."

Jimenez moved in less than two weeks ago after struggling to get back on her feet. Her family set up a GoFundMe account to help her financially after the fire.

As for the rest of the apartment complex, four units were affected by the fire, and 10 people were displaced. No injuries were reported.

Phoenix Fire is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Area where the fire happened:

A wet winter is causing the invasion of grasshoppers, but they aren’t dangerous and won’t cause any damage.

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Most of the time, rain is a good thing in Arizona. But this year, It’s presenting a new challenge. Parts of the Valley are getting inundated with a grasshopper invasion! If you want to get rid of them, it won’t be as hard as you think.

Valley residents may have had a run-in with an unwanted friend or a few hundred. This year, we’re seeing tons of grasshoppers but why? “It is not typical for us, and probably we haven’t seen numbers like this in six or eight years,” said Mike Boyle, an insect control expert with Burns Pest.

Grasshoppers are jumping into Phoenix by the millions this spring. “Our heat mapping is showing us up about 30% in grasshopper calls from last month and about 50% over the past year, so it’s a significant increase,” Boyle said.

The cause is a wet winter. According to the National Weather Service, we have had the most rain on record this year since 2009. “The grasshoppers we have here typically in Arizona is the pallid-winged grasshopper, and they feed and eat on grasses, weeds, things like that. We had a ton of rain this spring, and we had a ton of rain in the winter. That means more weeds and a lot more grasses. More eggs, more grasshoppers,” Boyle said.

As a result, the grasshoppers are just one of many pest issues Boyle anticipates this year. “Stinging insects are on the rise, bees and wasps. We anticipate this to be a horrible mosquito year,” he said.

The grasshoppers are now a main discussion point among local Facebook groups like Go Gilbert. “They are everywhere. They navigate celestially, so they come into the cities at night. So we get calls in the morning of people freaking out that they have thousands of grasshoppers in their backyard or on their card,” he said.

If you want them gone, Boyle says there’s an easy fix. “We can take care of these but honestly, if your yard is neat and trimmed and mowed, the grasshoppers are gonna move along. What really causes the problem is the overgrowth of the weeds everybody has had. If you look at desert landscaping a lot of people that don’t maintain their lawns, that’s bringing in the grasshoppers,” he said.

The good news is that the grasshoppers aren’t dangerous and won’t cause any damage. They only live about five days and don’t last well in the heat.

Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.

IT’S A VAI HEAT: An 8,000-capacity amphitheater is under development at the $1 billion VAI Resort in Greater Phoenix, expected to open in 2024. (Courtesy venue)

A $1 billion resort near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is throwing its hat into the live music ring by building a state-of-the-art amphitheater in the middle of the complex.

Expected to open in 2024, the desert oasis VAI Resort intends to attract top acts to the 8,000-capacity outdoor venue, said Howard Weiss, the resort’s vice president of entertainment.

The multilevel concert venue, a $40 million project, will be equipped with a 360-degree stage to host global touring acts, comedians and DJs, designed with hotel room balconies facing the amphitheater. Servers will cater to those patrons with upgraded ticket packages. The amphitheater will feature 3,000 fixed seats.

“The hotel tower will transform into a premium concert viewing from room balconies alongside a multilevel amphitheater with VIP skyboxes, stadium-style seating and VIP booths for more than 8,000 showgoers,” Weiss said. “One of the unique features of what we’re building here is the outdoor amphitheater is interconnected with the music hotel tower, which has 350 rooms. Not only do you have a hotel room, but you get access to the show from your balcony.””

Weiss said he isn’t worried about competition in the area, which includes neighbors State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena.

“I’ve spent half of my career in Vegas, where everywhere you turn is another concert venue,” Weiss said. “We’ll be able to attract artists from around the nation on tour. We can do residencies. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were just at State Farm Stadium, drawing 45,000 on Mother’s Day. We believe Arizona is craving new entertainment experiences and artists are always looking for new venues to play.”

The venue is designed to “plug and play,” cutting down on the equipment artists provide, Weiss said. Backstage amenities include an elevator and underground tunnels connecting the Rockstar Suite directly to the performance green room, ensuring privacy and convenience for artists. TAIT is supplying its Navigator automation platform, with other suppliers including L’Acoustics for audio.

“The artists can come in with limited gear and support and turn on a show here relatively quickly,” he said.

The resort itself features a five-acre pool and temperature-controlled white sand beaches. Konos Island, the country’s largest man-made party island, encompasses 52,000 square feet, complete with a restaurant, private cabanas, a DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar with panoramic views from 150 feet in the sky. The hotel has 12 upscale restaurants; 10 bars and lounges; a high-end shopping corridor and the Mattel Adventure Park.

“We wanted to create a venue that captured the essence of VAI: a place where music is the foundation of the guest experience,” Weiss said. “It represents the pinnacle of that vision, boasting unparalleled acoustics, stunning views and cutting-edge technology that will create a fully integrated concert experience in a way that’s never been before.”

VAI Global Development is owner and developer of the resort, led by by president and CEO Grant Fisher, an under-30-year-old hospitality entrepreneur and Arizona native. It is the company’s first resort.

A new taco festival in downtown Phoenix is bringing together over a dozen taco makers for a party that includes agave tastings, specialty cocktails, cervezas and live music. Taco Fest PHX will be held Saturday, May 20 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at First and Moreland Streets. Guests must be 21 or older to attend and tickets ($40) are required.

Ticketed guests will receive a wristband with 6 tabs that can be used for drinks, including margaritas, cervezas and agave spirits sampling. Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks are available from Vita Coco, Topo Chico, NUTRL, Mucho Aloha and Alani Water. A limited number of $15 designated driver tickets are available.

Tickets do not include food. Tacos will be available from over a dozen vendors who will offer single taco options to encourage guests to sample as many different tacos as possible.

Here's your guide to Taco Fest PHX.

New:This popular chicken-and-waffles restaurant is coming to Arizona. Here's what's on the menu

Where is Taco Fest PHX

The event will resemble a block party and will take place outside at First and Moreland Streets in downtown Phoenix.

Where to park for Taco Fest PHX

Metered street parking is available nearby and parking spaces can be reserved at the ACE Garage at Roosevelt and First Street.

How to get tickets for Taco Fest PHX

Tickets to the event are $40 ($15 for designated drivers) and include drinks (not food). Tickets can purchased in advance online at phxfest.com.

Which taco makers will be at Taco Fest PHX?

Who is serving drinks at Taco Fest PHX?

Who is providing entertainment at Taco Fest PHX?

Details:phxfest.com.

Brunch, Mexican, sushi and cocktails:23 new restaurants opened in metro Phoenix

Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on Twitter.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Every Thursday AFL.com.au presents Inside Trading, with breaking news and the best analysis of the AFL trade landscape covering contracts, re-signings, free agents, the AFL Draft and industry insights.

CLUBS TO COME FOR SUNS' TOP PICK

GOLD Coast's first pick at this year's draft will be a prized trade target with clubs set to clamour for the selection.

The Suns are in a unique position with three players from their Academy – Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers – all projected to be top-20 selections.

Key forward Walter, who had some exciting moments early in the AFL Academy's game against Carlton's VFL side last weekend and recently booted eight goals against the Northern Territory, shapes as a potential top-five pick while ruckman Read and smaller midfielder/forward Rogers are also in the first-round mix.

Rogers was a standout across the AFL Academy's two games against senior opponents, claiming the team's medal for his 27-disposal and seven-clearance game.

TRADE HUB All the latest player movement news

The trio's likely early bids means the Suns will need to stump up a large amount of points, which the club prepared for by loading up on future picks last year – the Suns hold one first-round pick, two second-round picks, three third-round picks and three fourth-round picks.

It also means a bid for an Academy player, likely Walter, could come before their first pick (currently No.8) and swallow it up, so the Suns would be able to trade it out for a player, more picks this season or future selections and still net their Academy guns.

It will see the Suns with a range of options and just as many suitors for the pick, with rival clubs expected to throw offers for the selection.

The Western Bulldogs were in a similar position in 2020 when they knew their first-round pick (then No.14) was going to be eaten up by matching a bid on Next Generation Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and were able to use that pick to land Adam Treloar in a trade with Collingwood. – Callum Twomey

BIG PIE SET TO START TALKS

MASON Cox is expected to kickstart contract discussions at the midway point of the year after enjoying one of the best games of his career on Sunday.

Cox has had a number of standout games throughout his career with the Magpies, including famous finals performances, with his two-goal and 19-disposal effort against Greater Western Sydney among his best showings.

The 32-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Magpies at the end of 2021 and last year hit a games trigger that saw him kept on for this year.

Two games away from his milestone 100th game, the American import has been critical for the Pies this season either side of a spleen injury that saw him sidelined for five games between rounds three and seven.

Cox also had 25 hitouts against the Giants, with his value increased at the club given the knee injury suffered by fellow big man Darcy Cameron.

The unrestricted free agent gathered interest from Fremantle before he signed on at the Magpies in 2021 and played 18 games last season in the club's run to the preliminary final. – Callum Twomey

TIGERS FREE AGENT NEARS TRIGGER

RICHMOND free agent Kamdyn McIntosh is heading towards hitting a contract trigger to tie him to Punt Road for another season.

The consistent wingman signed a two-year deal in 2021 that included a clause for a third year.

McIntosh played 21 games last year for the Tigers and has played every match so far in 2023, averaging 15 disposals.

The 29-year-old played in the Tigers' 2017 and 2020 premiership teams and has played 155 games for the club since being a second-round pick at the 2012 draft.

The West Australian is one of seven remaining unrestricted free agents at Richmond, alongside Nathan Broad, Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Miller, Bigoa Nyuon and Robbie Tarrant. – Callum Twomey

RIVALS MONITOR UNSIGNED MSD PROSPECTS

CLUBS are keeping tabs on Essendon youngster Massimo D'Ambrosio as one of 13 players from last year's mid-season rookie draft still unsigned going into the second half of the campaign.

The Bombers are yet to extend an offer to D'Ambrosio, with the running half-back understood to be attracting some interest from rival clubs elsewhere. Essendon's other pick from that mid-season intake – Jye Menzie – also remains unsigned after playing eight games this season.

As revealed in Inside Trading earlier this month, West Coast's No.1 pick from the mid-season draft Jai Culley also remains unsigned beyond this season. However, the talented prospect has since ruptured his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.

North Melbourne defender and No.2 selection Kallan Dawson is also unsigned, with D'Ambrosio – the third pick from last year's mid-season draft – impressing to play in 12 of 19 games since making his debut.

It's led a handful of clubs to monitor his situation as the season progresses, with only one of the 17 players taken last year – Hawthorn ruckman Max Ramsden – to have extended beyond this season. Ramsden signed a two-year deal through to 2025 back in April.

DRAFT HUB Click here for the latest draft news

Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle is another whose 18-month deal is expiring, with discussions having started for an extension with the Power.

Three of last year's mid-season recruits – Adelaide's Brett Turner, Geelong's Zane Williams and Carlton's Will Hayes – did not have their initial six-month contracts extended by their clubs at the end of last year. – Riley Beveridge

REID NOT WORRIED BY HYPE

THE EXPECTED No.1 pick at this year's draft Harley Reid said he is not keeping focused on the battle for the wooden spoon and where his future may lie.

Interest in the top pick has intensified this week as 18th-placed Hawthorn takes on 17th-placed West Coast on Saturday in a game that will have a bearing on the wooden spoon.

But the Bendigo Pioneers matchwinner, who joined this week's Gettable show on AFL.com.au, said he hadn't given the game, dubbed 'The need for Reid', much thought.

"Not really, not at all. We're still not even at the mid-season stage of the season so there's still a long way to go," Reid said.

The hype on the powerful 18-year-old has reached incredible levels, but the laidback Reid said he had focused on his form as he eyes a big national carnival for Vic Country.

"It doesn't really feel real. When it happens (the draft) I'll probably feel more of the reality. I look back a couple of years and you see all the hype about (Nick) Daicos and that, but when you realise it's you it still doesn't really feel like it's you," Reid said. – Callum Twomey

YOUNG CROW TRACKING TO NEW DEAL

ADELAIDE defender Josh Worrell is in discussions for a contract extension with the Crows.

The fourth-year backman, who joined the Crows in 2019, is due to fall out of contract at the end of this year but is in talks for a new deal.

Worrell made his senior debut in 2019 and played four games the following year and has been close to selection this season after overcoming a hamstring strain in the pre-season.

The Sandringham Dragons product has been in strong SANFL form for the Crows, having last week picked up 23 disposals and nine marks after 26 disposals and 11 grabs the week before.

The 22-year-old tall was taken at pick 28 in the 2019 draft intake. – Callum Twomey

MSD TWEAK OPENS UP POOL

THE AFL's decision to tweak eligibility for this month's Mid-Season Rookie Draft has opened the door for a 25-year-old from the Northern Bullants and a bolter fresh from a country league to be recruited without requiring a draft exemption.

VFL, WAFL, SANFL or TSL players had needed an exemption in the past if they hadn’t nominated for the previous year’s draft, but that was changed on Tuesday with the announcement any state league player who has played three senior games – only reserves and colts games won't qualify – this year will be able to nominate.

It means 200cm Bullants forward Brandon Ryan, Richmond VFL third tall James Trezise, Sturt midfielder Tom Lewis, Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and North Melbourne midfielder Sam Lowson won't have to fight for an exemption in the lead up to the draft, which prevented Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan getting picked last year.

Ryan moved to Preston from Maribyrnong Park over summer and has made an instant impression, booting 18 goals to start the year. The 25-year-old has interest from more than a handful of AFL clubs, but won't play again before the mid-season draft after being hit with a three-game suspension for striking this week.

Trezise, 20, was recruited from Tooradin-Dalmore in the West Gippsland Football League over the off-season and produced his best performance yet last weekend, collecting 29 disposals and 10 marks to attract increased interest from recruiters, after not coming through the NAB League program and being spotted playing country footy.

Meanwhile, Will Elliott – the son of Australian Test cricketer Matthew – is garnering interest ahead of the mid-season draft, having attracted the attentions of a handful of clubs with available list spots. Elliott, a mobile 202cm key forward, missed the majority of his top-age junior season due to a knee injury but has made an impressive comeback in the Coates Talent League with Oakleigh Chargers this season.

Set to turn 19 in June, Elliott played in a Young Guns trial game at Ikon Park last Sunday and finished with one goal from nine disposals and three marks. His father, Matthew, played 21 Tests for Australia while his brother, Sam, is a contracted state cricketer for Victoria. – Josh Gabelich and Riley Beveridge