Physicians can challenge genetic-abnormality abortion ban, court rules

WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said a group of Arizona physicians can challenge the state's ban on abortions for genetic abnormalities, a law the doctors say could land them in jail because it is impermissibly vague.

woman holding "abortion equals healthcare" protest sign in crowd

Project C.U.R.E. donating millions in medical aid to civilians caught in Israel-Hamas conflict

TEMPE – Project C.U.R.E. has gathered donated medical supplies to provide medical relief to civilians caught in the Israel-Hamas War. They’re waiting for a plane to take the supplies and are hoping the Egypt-Gaza border stays open so the aid can get into Gaza.

Pallets of medical supplies sit inside the Project C.U.R.E. distribution center in Tempe on Fri. Oct. 20, waiting to be sent to the Middle East to help civilians amid the Israel-Hamas war. (Photo by Angelina Steel/Cronkite News)

CN2Go: Phoenix Catholic church expands its mental health ministry

U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko announces that she is not running for re-election. Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix help those struggling with mental health. Some veteran organizations have been left in limbo over a criminal case relating to bingo games.

CN2Go logo

The Diocese of Phoenix supports mental health through ministry

PHOENIX – At the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, the Office of Mental Health Ministry advocates for and supports the mental health of its parishioners.

Bishop John Dolan stands before the congregation at the Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral on N. 27th Avenue in Phoenix on Sept. 10, 2023 during the Mass of Remembrance for People Who Died by Suicide. (Photo by Deanna Pistono/Cronkite News)

Contraceptives will be available at pharmacies without a prescription, increasing accessibility for Arizona women

PHOENIX – Arizonans will no longer need a prescription to access birth control through a pharmacy, making it more accessible to those who live far from medical facilities, but it won’t be as easy as getting over-the-counter products.

Birth control packet

Pawsitive Friendships provides animal therapy to students with disabilities

MESA – Pawsitive Friendships is an organization that provides animal therapy to special-needs individuals at schools and clinics throughout the Valley. The organization uses trained animals and health professionals to create therapy programs to help individuals with social, emotional and physical problems.

Pawsitive Friendships volunteer Sheila Tufano and her French bulldog, Winston, playing with students. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

Arizona manages Medicaid “unwinding” post-COVID by relying on communication with AHCCCS members and community assistance

PHOENIX – The Arizona agency that handles Medicaid, AHCCCS, has been reevaluating the eligibility of its members since April 1 due to income criteria changing after COVID-19. AHCCCS Connect and community support is crucial in navigating these changes and finding affordable alternatives.


Making a difference: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs inspires hope, resilience in alopecia community

PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs doesn’t let alopecia define him. Instead he uses his story and nonprofit foundation to empower the community through service and fundraising.


Arizona agrees to pay for gender-affirming surgery for state employees

WASHINGTON - Arizona legislators said they are "disappointed" that the state has agreed to pay for gender-affirming surgeries for state employees in a consent decree that settles years of class action litigation by a University of Arizona professor.


Spanish-language therapy is becoming harder to find in Arizona, even as the Hispanic population grows

PHOENIX – Spanish language therapy and culturally responsive mental healthcare are becoming more scarce in Arizona as the Hispanic population grows. Chicanos Por La Causa is one nonprofit organization working to fill the gap.

A mural of a Hispanic family emblazoned with the popular Spanish phrase “Sí, se puede,” welcomes visitors at Chicanos Por La Causa’s Centro de la Familia in Phoenix on September 13, 2023. (Photo by John Leos/Cronkite News)

Smoke from the Salt River landfill fire could cause health problems

PHOENIX – The Salt River landfill fire has been reduced to a smolder but smoke from the Salt River Indian Reservation fire may lead to health problems.


Beating the heat: Arizona athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians take steps to protect athletes

PHOENIX – Phoenix has experienced temperatures consecutively above 110 degrees as blistering and historic heat waves sweep across the Southwest. Regardless, the football season goes on and the health and safety concerns of the athletes are the top priority.