Staff prioritize images that set AP apart in coverage of Grand Canyon flooding

US staff quickly went to work to ensure AP had visuals to illustrate the rescue operations and the chaotic rush to find safety from roaring water amid flood conditions at the Grand Canyon. Reporter Jeffrey Collins secured the first UGC, which major outlets used extensively. The effort continued with reporters Holly Ramer, Jamie Stengle, Gisela Salomon and Chris Weber, who pulled together a strong story anchored by photos and video. Assistant news director Felicia Fonseca spoke to a longtime pilot source who allowed AP journalists to fly over the canyon. The effort, in coordination with Stephanie Mullen, resulted in exclusive aerial photos and video by John Locher and Ty ONeil showing a muddy river, flooded creek and damaged infrastructure. ONeil also did an explainer from the aircraft. Freelancer Josh Biggs photographed the rainy weather from the South Rim, and tourists leaving because of the limited water supply. Journalists from afar, including Julie Walker, Mikella Schuettler, Jacques Billeaud, Seth Borenstein, Michael Phillis, Hannah Schoenbaum and Kathy McCormack also helped report the story. Walker did an interview on Zoom with an evacuee, and Phillis quickly turned around an explainer, including a video, on the enduring effort to modernize the pipeline.