Search result for Amber Kahwaji

From ‘lonely’ to Lily’s Pad: Tempe playground to give immunocompromised kids a chance to be a kid

PHOENIX – Children with weakened immune systems or other disabilities often can’t play with other kids. Lily’s Pad, a new playground scheduled to open in Arizona in April, is designed to help immunocompromised children build their physical and emotional health. It’s among other recreational areas across the U.S. meant to accommodate children with disabilities.

“We knew almost right away that there was something wrong within the first six hours of his birth,” Christine Buckrucker said about her 4-year-old son, Colton Buckrucker. Colton and his father, Chris, build a toy. Colton has a weakened immune system that’s led to several surgeries and medical procedures. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

Conservation groups, highway advocates square off on proposed Interstate 11

TUCSON — Four conservation groups have sued the Federal Highway Administration over a proposed corridor for Interstate 11, saying there hasn’t been enough consideration of how it would affect the pristine Sonoran Desert and animals in the area.

Tom Hannagan, Friends of Ironwood Forest board president, walks through Ironwood Forest National Monument on Jan. 31, 2023, in Tucson. (Photo by Evelyn Nielsen/Cronkite News)

Arizona lawmakers agree to disagree on Biden’s border, fentanyl plans

WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers agreed with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union call to secure the border and fight fentanyl trafficking, but they disagreed on how to get there - one of many areas where they split on party lines over the sometimes raucous address.


Arizona freshman Ciscomani tapped for Spanish rebuttal to Biden

WASHINGTON - House Republicans tapped freshman Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Tucson, to deliver the Spanish rebuttal to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address Tuesday, a move that some analysts say could boost his status as a rising GOP star.


Gallego makes it official, announces a run for Sinema’s Senate seat

PHOENIX - Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, made it official Monday, formally announcing a long-anticipated challenge to Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a first-term senator who recently left the Democratic Party to become an independent.


Representation on police force builds trust with LGBTQ people

Greg Miraglia, founder of Out to Protect, said training, recruitment and officer representation on a police force are among the ways to build trust with LGBTQ community people.


Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used ‘off label’ to treat brain injuries, but questions remain

CAVE CREEK – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being used to treat patients with traumatic brain injuries but has not been approved by the FDA.

Gordon Brown demonstrates how he has used the hyperbaric chamber at HBOT of Arizona in Cave Creek to help with his traumatic brain injury Photo taken Sept. 13, 2022. (Photo by Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)

Supporters: Debt collection act an important protection, but not a cure-all

WASHINGTON - Prop 209's backers say voter approval of the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act will go a long way toward keeping people from being "forced out on the street" for medical debt. But they say consumers will still need to be on their guard.


Arizona slipped from top 10 in Pentagon spending, but defense economy still strong

WASHINGTON - Pentagon spending in Arizona fell sharply in fiscal 2021, part of an overall decline in expenditures nationally that bumped the state from seventh place among states to 13th, Pentagon data shows, but experts say the industry remains strong in the state.


Arizona resumed executions in 2022, outgoing Brnovich seeks one more

WASHINGTON - After an eight-year hiatus, Arizona executed three death-row inmates in 2022, the most it has carried out in a decade. And Attorney General Mark Brnovich has set the wheels in motion for a fourth execution, which could come after he leaves office next month.


Hobbs presses steadily toward transition, even as challenges swirl

WASHINGTON - Ignoring challenges and election critics, Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs pressed on toward a transition Wednesday, meeting with current Gov. Doug Ducey, laying out the incoming administration's priorities and promising to be "a governor for all Arizonans."


Asian District Night Market in Mesa showcases small businesses, draws 10,000 people

MESA – The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce partnered with the recently named Asian District in Mesa to host the Asian District Night Market: Kamayan Festival, which showcased small businesses.