On Aug. 15 the Arizona Republic reported that City of Phoenix officials have organized a task force to look at ways to improve Margaret T. Hance Park, also known as the Deck Park.  Hance Park opened in with an ambitious plan to create a major urban park in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, yet many of the proposed improvements have failed to materialize. 
The park is located adjacent to the Burton Barr Library and is home to the Irish Cultural Center and Japanese Friendship Garden and hosts a number of civic and cultural events throughout the year.  For an in-depth look at the history of the park and possible plans for the future, please visit:  Officials taking new look at old plans for Deck Park. 
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), in partnership with ASU and Cox Business Arizona, recently debuted a high-speed data link designed to transfer DNA data much more efficiently.  The new technology can transfer data from Downtown to ASU’s supercomputer in Tempe up to 100 times faster than previous connections.  The Arizona Republic reports that the new connection will aid researchers in a variety of efforts, notably breast cancer studies which are often lengthy and exhaustive.   For more information on the state-of-the-art technology please visit:  TGen unveils superfast data link