Latest from Sydney Witte
Arizona Supreme Court restores near-total ban on abortions in the state
PHOENIX - A divided Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated a 19th-century, near-total ban on abortion, saying it overrides a 2022 law that allowed abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Saavi Services for the Blind provides life skill practices, career services and technology training for independent living
PHOENIX – Saavi Services for the Blind helps the visually impaired with career services, job readiness, special techniques for using computers and navigating life without vision.
Arizona Sailing Foundation makes waves with sailing lessons in the Valley
TEMPE – The Arizona Sailing Foundation has helped people of all ages learn to sail in the desert since 1958, mostly on Tempe Town Lake and Lake Pleasant. On select weekends throughout the year, the organization teaches youth and adult classes for those yearning to become mariners. The students learn key skills such as control, patience and a capsize drill.
Arizona’s extreme heat threatens ‘spectacular migrations’ of butterflies
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona experienced extreme heat this summer, which may affect butterfly migratory patterns. The prolonged heat means less food for butterflies and caterpillars.
Arizona veterans, state agencies battle over bingo machines deemed illegal under state gambling laws
PHOENIX – Arizona veteran groups, including members of local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, with the help of state Sen. Sonny Borrelli, called out public agencies for targeting them over bingo technological aids, but the state says that’s not the issue. Instead, the groups may be using illegal bingo gaming machines.
Biden honors McCain, denounces ‘MAGA extremists’ during Tempe event
TEMPE – President Joe Biden invoked the spirit of the late Sen. John McCain while denouncing "MAGA extremists" as a threat to democracy, during a speech Thursday at the Tempe Arts Center.
SAG-AFTRA Arizona members rally as part of national strike for TV, film worker protections, higher wages
PHOENIX – The Arizona-Utah chapter of SAG-AFTRA held a rally in Phoenix on Sunday to support local actors, writers, and TV and film workers who are on strike. The national union has been on strike since July 14 in conjunction with the Writers’ Guild of America, which has been on strike since May 2. The strikes have stopped production on films and TV series.
Honor your ‘mother’: Working to keep traditional ways, types of Hopi corn
MAYER – Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a farmer from the Hopi Tribe, is focusing on bringing Hopi corn back to the dining table – not only for the health benefits but also to connect his people to their culture.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s best arson investigator is a 4-year-old Lab named Zeta
GILBERT – Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s arson dog, Zeta, is their best investigator of suspicious fires. The 4-year-old Labrador can quickly and precisely locate accelerants, saving the fire department time and money.
Valley homeowners take advantage of xeriscape incentives
MESA – Mesa and Chandler offer xeriscape incentives for homeowners to convert their grass lawns to more desert-friendly landscaping.
Pandemic adds pressure on doctors, who already had one of the highest rates of suicide
PHOENIX – Physicians have one of the highest rates of death by suicide, and the pandemic has excerbated the stress on health care workers. Doctors often are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Luminarias bring holiday tradition to Desert Botanical Garden
Luminarias are a holiday tradition that span hundreds of years and several cultures. It’s a tradition being honored at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
Agritainment: Arizona farms turn to petting zoos, corn mazes, concerts and festivals to survive
GILBERT – Farms across Arizona are turning to ‘agritainment’ in order to survive. From petting zoos and tractor rides to pumpkin patches, the public can pay to peek behind the scenes and have some fun.
Fourth fire station built in Phoenix could become a full-service restaurant
Phoenix is preparing to lease the fourth fire station built in the city so it can be converted into a restaurant or small business. The transformation is part of the Margaret T. Hance Park revitalization program.
