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Banner Health Expands Healthcare Services in Buckeye, Arizona, Addressing Growing Demand

Banner Health Expands Healthcare Services in Buckeye, Arizona, Addressing Growing Demand

Banner Health has completed a significant expansion of its Banner Health Center plus in Verrado, Buckeye, Arizona. This project adds 55,000 square feet to the existing facility, introducing new emergency services, including a helipad, 13 exam rooms, a resuscitation room, and 24/7 lab and pharmacy services. Additionally, the expansion includes 40 new exam rooms for primary care and 16 for specialty services, starting with endocrinology and planning for more. Advanced medical imaging, such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and mammography, will also be available. This initiative by Banner Health, one of the nation's largest nonprofit health systems, aims to meet the increasing demand for accessible, quality healthcare in the rapidly growing Southwest Valley of Maricopa County, which includes communities like Verrado, Buckeye, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park. The facility officially opened for scheduled patients on November 16, with emergency services commencing at 9 a.m. on the same day.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West Side Reopens After $20 Million Renovation, Coinciding with Holiday Events

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West Side Reopens After $20 Million Renovation, Coinciding with Holiday Events

The west side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler, Arizona, is set to reopen on December 5th, following a significant $20 million renovation. This reopening coincides with the 70th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. The park, which had not undergone a major overhaul since 1986, now features new event space, additional seating, enhanced shade structures, and updated restrooms. The construction, which transformed the park into a "construction zone," has been a long-anticipated project for the community. Local business owner Denise McCreery, whose shop d'Vine Gourmet is located near the park, noted that while construction temporarily impacted business, the long-term benefits of the revitalized park are expected to be substantial. The east side of the park is projected to reopen in the spring.

Arizona Activists Fight Against PFAS Contamination and New Mine in Santa Cruz County

Arizona Activists Fight Against PFAS Contamination and New Mine in Santa Cruz County

Environmental activists in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, are raising alarms over severe perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and the potential exacerbation of this issue by a new heavy metals mine. The county, with approximately 50,000 residents, ranks first in Arizona and tenth nationally for PFAS contamination, with at least 44% of public drinking water systems having unacceptable levels. Robin Lucky, president of the Calabasas Alliance, highlights the Nogales Wash as a significant source of pollution, carrying PFAS and other waste from Mexico. Critics fear that South32's Hermosa mine, fast-tracked under new 'critical mining' rules, will release additional toxic metals like arsenic, zinc, and manganese, further endangering public health and the environment. State Attorney General Kris Mayes has considered legal action, describing the situation as a public nuisance and a threat to health and safety. South32, which plans to begin operations in late 2027, has funded a University ...

Non-English Speaking Families Face Barriers to Early Peanut Introduction, Increasing Allergy Risk

Non-English Speaking Families Face Barriers to Early Peanut Introduction, Increasing Allergy Risk

A recent presentation at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, held from November 12 to 15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, highlighted a significant disparity in early peanut introduction among infants. James Senter, MD, MPH, presented findings indicating that non-English-speaking families are less likely to introduce peanut-containing foods to their infants early in life, a practice proven to prevent peanut allergies. The study, a retrospective chart review of 1501 children from two pediatric primary care sites in Chicago between 2021 and 2026, found that families speaking a language other than English (LOTE households) had significantly lower rates of early peanut introduction by 6 months and 9 months of age. This trend persisted even after accounting for socioeconomic factors like income and neighborhood, suggesting language itself acts as a barrier to accessing crucial medical guidance.

Albany Park Launches Volunteer-Led Rat Birth Control Program to Combat Infestation

Albany Park Launches Volunteer-Led Rat Birth Control Program to Combat Infestation

Albany Park, a neighborhood in Chicago, has initiated a volunteer-driven rat birth control program to address its significant rat infestation. This program involves residents, such as Lark Digges-Elliot, who were concerned about the rat problem and sought non-toxic solutions. Volunteers are trained to maintain 40 rat birth control bait boxes distributed throughout the area. Each week, these volunteers replace plant-based sausages, made with cottonseed oil, inside the bait boxes. This method aims to reduce fertility in both male and female rats over time. Albany Park is the third Chicago neighborhood to partner with the Arizona-based company SenesTech for this initiative, following Lincoln Park and the Wicker Park-Bucktown area. The bait boxes are strategically placed in alleyways along commercial corridors and near the Kimball Brown Line train station, with entrances specifically designed for rats.

Arizona County Faces Heightened PFAS Contamination Risks Amid New Mine Approval

Arizona County Faces Heightened PFAS Contamination Risks Amid New Mine Approval

Santa Cruz County, Arizona, is grappling with severe perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, ranking first in Arizona and tenth nationally for these 'forever chemicals.' Environmental activists are raising alarms as South32's Hermosa mine in Patagonia received federal approval under new fast-track 'critical mining' rules. Critics, including Robin Lucky, president of the Calabasas Alliance, fear the mine will exacerbate existing pollution by releasing arsenic and other heavy metals. The county's public drinking water systems already show unacceptable levels of PFAS in 44% of cases, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The Nogales Wash, which carries wastewater and storm runoff from Mexico, is a significant source of contamination, with PFAS not adhering to political boundaries. Despite company assurances from President Pat Risner that arsenic levels are decreasing and that a high reading for another toxic metal was due to a lab error, activists remain con...

Clark Pacific Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Plant in Coolidge, Arizona

Clark Pacific Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Plant in Coolidge, Arizona

Clark Pacific Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Plant in Coolidge, Arizona

Arizona baseball signs 11 in 2027 recruiting class

Arizona baseball signs 11 in 2027 recruiting class

Arizona recently wrapped up a promising fall exhibition season with a win over Vanderbilt in Las Vegas, a result that could serve as a springboard to a bounceback year in 2027. In the meantime, potential contributors to the 2028 squad have acquired. The Wildcats signed 11 players on Wednesday for its 2027 recruiting class, which […]

Arizona Corporation Commission to Vote on TEP's Proposed 9.8% Rate Increase

Arizona Corporation Commission to Vote on TEP's Proposed 9.8% Rate Increase

Arizona Corporation Commission to Vote on TEP's Proposed 9.8% Rate Increase

The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

International health experts are meeting to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles elimination status

US faces loss of measles-free status as experts meet for review

US faces loss of measles-free status as experts meet for review

By Jennifer Rigby and Julie Steenhuysen LONDON/CHICAGO, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Global health experts will determine in the coming days whether the United States has lost its official measles-free status, a public health achievement it has held since 2000 now in jeopardy after outbreaks across the

Arizona Stays Warm and Dry Before Weekend Storms

Arizona Stays Warm and Dry Before Weekend Storms

Arizona is experiencing warm and dry conditions this week due to high pressure, with temperatures in the mid-80s °F (29-30 °C) and overnight lows in the upper 50s to low 60s °F (14-18 °C). However, flooding continues along the Salt and Gila Rivers due to water releases from upstream dams. A Flood Warning is in effect for the Salt River through Mesa until 11 a.m. on November 11, while a Flood Warning for the Gila River below Painted Rock Dam will last until November 17. Water releases from Painted Rock Dam are expected to peak at 3,000 cubic feet per second, causing flooding in farmlands and low-water crossings in western Maricopa and northeastern Yuma counties.