Arizona News Today: Crime, Education, and Health Updates

Stay connected with the latest happenings in Arizona with this comprehensive news update. We'll cover everything from ongoing crime investigations to developments in education funding, innovative health technology, community projects, and smart shopping tips. Get your daily dose of Arizona news right here, ensuring you're well-informed about the issues that matter most to residents across the state.

The Unsolved Murder of Rachel Hansen: A Community's Plea for Justice

The Gilbert Police Department continues its investigation into the tragic and unsolved murder of 19-year-old Rachel Hansen. Nearly two years after she was found murdered near Santan Village Parkway and Ray Road, the case remains open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

Rachel was able to make a 911 call saying an unknown person shot her inside her apartment before she later died.

ABC15 spoke with Rachel's parents, Todd and Kim Hansen, who expressed their frustration and disbelief at the lack of progress in the investigation. They emphasize that two years have passed without any substantial leads, leaving them desperately seeking answers and closure.

Kim and Todd Hansen emphasized, 'Somebody absolutely knows something. We need any information, big or small, to bring closure to this case.' They can't believe that after two years, there are still no solid leads. The silence is deafening, and the family is understandably distraught.

Todd and Kim remember Rachel with love and great affection. Rachel was loved by so many people and had so many friends. Their love of Rachel lives on through Rachel's Rescue, a refuge for animals of all sizes that the Hansen family helps run in her honor.

To that end, Silent Witness is offering a reward up to $7,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the Rachel Hansen case. If you have any information, even if you think it's insignificant, please contact Silent Witness.

Gilbert Police are calling this a highly sensitive case, adding that they have to be cautious with information. But that does not mean the case has gone cold. The department has followed up on every lead. The Gilbert Police Department urges anyone with information to contact them or Silent Witness, emphasizing that even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial.

Contact Silent Witness: if you have any information regarding this case, you may contact Silent Witness anonymously at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO. They pay to fight crime.

Debate Over Funding for Arizona Schools

The Arizona education funding trial gets underway today, marking a crucial moment for the state's public education system. The lawsuit accuses the state of not adequately fulfilling its constitutional obligation to fund education.

At the heart of the issue is the claim that the state has left individual school districts to secure their own funding, leading to disparities between wealthier and poorer districts.

Attorneys representing the school districts acknowledge that state lawmakers have made efforts to address the funding system, but they assert that significant problems persist. Critics argue that the current approach exacerbates inequalities, leaving many schools under-resourced and unable to provide adequate educational opportunities for their students. This trial seeks to address these systemic issues and ensure that all Arizona students have access to a quality education.

Key Issues in the Trial:

• Constitutional Obligation: Does Arizona meet its constitutional duty to adequately fund education?
• Funding Disparities: How does the current funding model affect poorer school districts?
• Local Funding: Is it fair for districts to rely so heavily on local funding sources?
• Legislative Efforts: Have lawmakers done enough to fix the education funding system?
• Quality of Education: Are all Arizona students receiving a quality education under the current system?

This trial has the potential to reshape the future of education funding in Arizona. The outcome could lead to significant changes in how schools are funded, impacting students, teachers, and communities across the state. Stay tuned for updates as the trial unfolds.

Operation Safe Roads: Speed Limit Reductions in Tempe, Arizona

The City of Tempe is exploring changes to speed limits on several streets, part of an initiative called Operation Safe Roads to enhance safety. You only have a couple of days left to give the City of Tempe your input.

The city is considering reducing speeds by up to 10 miles per hour on Mill Avenue, College Avenue, First Street, and Southern Avenue. These changes are intended to decrease the likelihood of accidents and improve overall traffic safety.

Affected Streets:

1. Mill Avenue
2. College Avenue
3. First Street
4. Southern Avenue

The city wants to determine the impact of speed limits on traffic crashes.

According to a statement made by the City of Tempe:

“Slower speeds result in a smaller risk of a crash, a less severe crash when one does occur, and a greater chance of survival of vulnerable road users when involved in an accident.”

The city will be accepting public comments until May 29, 2024.

The city is encouraging residents to provide feedback on the proposed changes through an online survey, available at tempe.gov/speedlimits. Your input will help Shape the future of road safety in Tempe.

The City of Tempe's “Safer Roads Initiative” is underway to:

• Reduce speeding
• Improve Road Safety
• Decrease accidents
• Increase the safe use of pedestrian walkways and bike lanes
• Educate drivers about roadway safety

Give Input: tempe.gov/speedlimits

AI-Powered Stroke and Seizure Diagnosis at Abrazo West Campus

According to the CDC, someone in the U.S. dies of a stroke every 3 minutes and 14 seconds. This month is stroke awareness month. Abrazo Health officials are taking action to identify the signs of a stroke early by using AI. Abrazo West Campus is now utilizing artificial intelligence to diagnose strokes and seizures more quickly and accurately.

The hospital's West Campus is now using Cerebell, AI, to detect non-convulsive seizures. Neurologists can see the diagnosis in real-time on a HIPAA compliant smartphone app. This innovative approach promises to reduce diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes during stroke awareness month.

• Fast Diagnosis: Reduces diagnostic delays, improving patient care.
• Mobile Access: Neurologists can access real-time data on a secure smartphone app.
• Improved Outcomes: Better diagnostics lead to more effective treatment and improved patient results.

This initiative demonstrates a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance Healthcare services and save lives.

Maricopa County's Chilled Water Fountain Investment

As temperatures rise in the Valley, Maricopa County is investing nearly $74,000 to install three chilled water fountains at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

These water fountains will give hikers and park visitors a much needed break from the Arizona heat.

• Improved Hydration: Provides easy access to chilled drinking water in a high-use recreational area.
• Health and Safety: Helps prevent heat-related illnesses during the hot summer months.

The project is expected to be complete by June 17th, ensuring that park visitors have access to refreshing water throughout the summer.

The chilled water fountains are being placed at locations where many trailheads are located.

If you love to hike or are just being outside in general, then the people at Arizona State Parks and trails want to hear from you. They're looking ahead to how to fund the parks next year, and need your input on trails. So whether you stroll the trails, or take out your dirt bikes and ATVs, they want to hear it all. The survey is about trail usage.

If you complete the survey by May 30th, you'll be entered into a drawing to win a free day use entry pass to one of Arizona's more than 30 state parks. For more information and to fill out the survey, check out www.abc15.com

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Arizona State Parks Trail Usage Survey

If you enjoy Arizona's state parks and trails, your feedback is valuable! Here's how to participate in the survey and potentially win a free day-use pass:

1. Visit the ABC15 Website: Go to ABC15.com to find the link to the survey. Look for the news article discussing the Arizona State Parks trail survey.
2. Access the Survey: Click on the survey link provided in the article. This will take you to the official survey page.
3. Read the Instructions: Before starting, read the instructions to understand the purpose and scope of the survey.
4. Answer the Questions: Provide honest answers about your trail usage, including types of activities (hiking, biking, ATV riding), frequency, and preferences.
5. Complete All Sections: Ensure you complete all sections of the survey to be eligible for the drawing.
6. Submit Your Responses: Once you’ve answered all questions, submit your survey.
7. Enter the Drawing: By completing the survey before May 30th, you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to win a free day-use pass to an Arizona state park.
8. Stay Informed: Check back on ABC15.com for updates on the survey results and the winner of the drawing.

Your participation helps Arizona State Parks improve and better serve the community.