‘Other’ no more: Census change could add MENA, Latino categories, more
WASHINGTON - The Census Bureau may change how it asks about race and ethnicity, a shift that could end what one advocate called the "painful irony" of Native Americans, Latinos and those of Middle Eastern or North African descent having to identify as white or "other."
Record numbers sign up for Obamacare health coverage in Arizona, U.S.
WASHINGTON - A record number of Arizonans signed up for health insurance this year under the Affordable Care Act, as enrollment in the program continues to rebound from the Trump administration's efforts to suppress coverage.
Piggin’ out for the planet: Halloween pumpkins wind up in livestock, not landfills
Pumpkin drives are becoming a popular way to give your Halloween pumpkins a second purpose while keeping them out of landfills, where they rot, generating greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change. Better Piggies Rescue and Rover Elementary School are among the groups hosting donation drives to collect pumpkins to feed them to animals or to be composted.
Migrants stuck in Mexico still rely on money from family to live
TAPACHULA, Mexico – While migrants remain trapped in Tapachula, in southern Mexico, the money they receive from family members is spent towards benefiting the city’s economy. But because of delays in issuing legal documentation – some migrants face economic instability and uncertain survival routes while working to survive.
Reopening of border after 20 months is both exciting and low key in Nogales
NOGALES – Nogales had a celebratory if low-key border reopening Monday, as people in cars and on foot crossed over from Mexico for the first time since March 2020, when COVID-19 prompted the U.S. to ban all nonessential travel.
Affordable Care Act sign-ups continued surge in Arizona, U.S. in April
PHOENIX – Volunteers are helping Arizonans find health insurance they can afford after President Biden extended the Affordable Care Act signup dates to May 15.
ASU professor uses art to educate Latinx community about COVID
PHOENIX – An Arizona researcher is blending research and art to help educate the Latinx community about COVID-19.
Personal essay: Capturing and documenting trauma in Panama
A photojournalism student writes about her experiences with the people who journeyed through the dangerous Darién Gap in Panama.
Experts fear pandemic could spur dramatic spike in homelessness
A July report by University of Arizona researchers predicts the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic shutdown could increase homelessness in the state by 16% to 42%. But experts also say the pandemic could be an opportunity to find a way to actually prevent, mitigate and solve homelessness.
Migrants face life-threatening illnesses because of dirty water in Panamanian camps
BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama – For the hundreds of migrants in a Panamanian migrant camp, a nearby river provides their drinking water and bathwater – and serves as their toilet – leading to illness.
On their way north, pregnant migrants brave a harrowing jungle crossing in Panama
BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama – Panama has been overwhelmed by the increasing numbers of migrants coming through the Darién jungle that separates it from Colombia – an increasing number of them are pregnant women.
Ahead of ‘public charge’ change, advocates struggle to keep Hispanic families enrolled in benefits
PHOENIX – Advocates continue struggling to keep qualified Hispanic families enrolled in public programs like food stamps and cash assistance amid changes to the so-called public charge rule. The U.S. Supreme Court last month decided to let the rule take effect, and that happens on Feb. 24. It allows immigration officers to consider applicants’ use of public benefits, including Medicaid, in deciding to grant green cards, visas and changes in residency.
