As marijuana profits fade, cartels increasingly smuggle fentanyl across the border
ARIVACA – Cartels are smuggling more and more deadly fentanyl across the border, leaving Arizona law officers, leaders and residents to deal with the repercussions. Nationwide, overdose deaths hit a record high in 2020 and are continuing to rise, driven by synthetic opioids – especially fentanyl.
Boosters for Moderna and J&J vaccines recommended by FDA advisory panel
PHOENIX – An FDA advisory committee has recommended approval of booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
West Nile mitigation keeps Yuma County, Cocopah reservation free of virus
In a record year for cases of West Nile virus, Yuma County has none, thanks in part to a partnership with the Cocopah tribe to mitigate mosquito-borne diseases.
Valleywise Health sees ‘modest decline’ in COVID-19 cases but fears nursing shortage will worsen
PHOENIX – As more Arizonans get vaccinated, Valleywise Health reports a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases. However, the health system’s severe nursing shortage remains and could get worse.
LA wheelchair basketball program helps kids with physical disabilities stay active
LA84 and Las Floristas fund the Rancho Los Amigos wheelchair basketball program. This provides kids and adults a chance to stay active and compete in sports.
HHS says COVID-19 vaccinations may have saved 1,000 lives in Arizona
WASHINGTON – COVID-19 vaccinations have saved an estimated 1,000 lives in Arizona and have prevented as many as 2,800 hospitalizations for the disease, according to recent estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Programs tackle diabetes prevention in Black, Hispanic youth as cases surge
PHOENIX – New research shows a surge in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in youth, and some of the biggest increases are among Black and Hispanic children. One Arizona project seeks to prevent the problem with a nutrition and exercise program focused on Latino families.
Latino cartoonist’s ‘TOONDEMIC’ fights COVID misinformation
TEMPE – Political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz is the latest contributor to the COVID Latino project, which aims to disseminate information – and counter COVID-19 misinformation – through art.
Remembering ‘3’: Arizona universities to honor Tyler Hilinski, address athlete mental health
PHOENIX – Hilinski’s Hope, partnering with more than 70 schools across the country, is leading College Football Mental Health Week. ASU players will wear the No. 3 on their helmets to honor Tyler Hilinski, who died by suicide.
Arizona groups aim to influence Supreme Court in abortion-rights case
WASHINGTON - An abortion rights case that is a top issue in the U.S. Supreme Court term that began Monday has already drawn scores of legal filings - including from dozens of Arizona lawmakers, activists and advocates on both sides of the issue.
COVID vaccine added to requirements for immigrants seeking permanent residency
PHOENIX – Immigrants seeking permanent residency now must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, along with polio, mumps, measles, hepatitis and other infectious diseases. But access to vaccines around the world, especially in Latin America, is uneven.
Rise in food-stamp benefits is partly undercut by end to pandemic aid
WASHINGTON - More than 900,000 Arizona food stamp recipients will see an increase in their monthly benefits starting Friday, but activists say much more needs to be done to fight food insecurity in the state.
