Community

As temperatures rise, pools become loaded guns

By Jim Walsh, Staff Writer As temperatures begin to soar, drowning prevention advocates are warning that the backyard swimming pool poses about the same threat to toddlers as a loaded gun. But the pool can also become a deadly...

Teammates rally around Chandler cancer victim, 7

By Sebastian Emanuel, Cronkite News With her head freshly shaved, and her friends providing a protective cocoon, 7-year-old Leighton Accardo of Chandler looked down at her wrist and read the words on her bracelet. “You are...

Chandler churches help as immigrants surge

By Devan Sauer, Contributor On the first week of the month, white Homeland Security buses pull into the parking lot of the Grove Church in Chandler, unloading dozens of migrant families. They had surrendered to Border Patrol...

Gilbert’s MD Anderson center celebrates survivors

By Cecilia Chan, Staff Writer Josh Critser was just starting his nursing studies at school when he said he heard the life-changing news: “You’ve got cancer.” Critser was diagnosed with testicular cancer and was told his...

Former football player, Hamilton coach pens book

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF The road from homelessness to motivational speaker took Norris Thomas through the heartache of a homeless teen and the triumph of sports-related accomplishments. Along the way was a side trip as he searched...

Ex-Mesa woman who lost son touts Waymo vehicles

By Cecilia Chan, Staff Writer Waymo’s latest pitch for driverless vehicles focuses on a Gilbert woman whose 14-year-old son was killed by a red-light runner. Michael Allanson died blocks from his Mesa home when an 82-year-old...

Chandler ready to celebrate Independence Day

By COLLEEN SPARKS, Managing Editor In just a few weeks a crowd will hit Tumbleweed Park to celebrate Independence Day with games and, of course, fireworks. The City of Chandler’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular will run...

Longtime Pita Jungle Jazz Jam to play July 4

By COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor A jazz jam session that has been adding flavor to the ambiance at Pita Jungle in Chandler for 19 years will bring something special to its menu of musical treats on the Fourth of July. Pita...

New software to aid study of local school performance

By KAYLA RUTLEDGE, Staff Writer Newly developed interactive software may be putting Arizona at the forefront of modernized decision-making for K-12 education. The technology could have a positive impact on the state’s...

City staff wins first fitness recognition

By KAYLA RUTLEDGE, Staff Writer For the first time in Chandler’s history the city has received the Platinum Healthy Arizona Worksite Award. The award recognizes employers for their efforts to support the health and wellness of...