‘We can figure this out’: Police, public and policymakers work to improve responses to mental health crises
SALT LAKE CITY – Police have become the de facto mental health responders across the country, often with tragic results. Most strategies to deal with mental health calls focus on shifting funds to social services, creating diversion programs and better training for officers. Experts say the solution relies on a combination of efforts.
Amid high inflation, St. Mary’s Food Bank serves a record number of people in need
PHOENIX – A record-breaking 50,000 families visited the Phoenix and Surprise locations of St. Mary’s Food Bank just in August. With the cost of living on the rise, Arizonans in need are turning to the food bank to help make ends meet.
Tempe plans to reopen long dormant water reclamation plant amid grinding drought
PHOENIX – Tempe plans to use $60 million to reopen the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility which closed in the aftermath of the Great Recession. The plant will help Tempe collect and recycle water as Arizona struggles with its worst drought in 1,200 years.
Letter of the law(s): Prosecutors confused by conflicting abortion laws
WASHINGTON - Whatever their position on abortion rights, the county attorneys who would be responsible for enforcing Arizona abortion law say they will do their best to follow it. But they're not all sure what the law currently is, after conflicting measures were approved,
‘Conquer that mountain’: NAU swimmer Emma Warner uses battle with cancer as motivation
FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona University swimmer Emma Warner has had cancer since she was 12. She continues to fight and hopes to inspire others in the process.
Combating hate and blame: LGBTQ activists fight stigma around monkeypox
PHOENIX – LGBTQ activists in Arizona are stepping up efforts to fight stigma and intolerance amid a global outbreak of monkeypox – even as they work to get more people vaccinated against the viral disease.
Abortion-rights advocates vow fight, as Arizona clinics halt abortions
WASHINGTON - Planned Parenthood Arizona said it will appeal a Pima County judge's ruling that restored a territorial-era law that criminalized abortion in the state, a ruling that has effectively shuttered abortion services in Arizona.
Near-total abortion ban back in effect, as judge revives 1901 Arizona law
WASHINGTON – A Pima County judge ruled Friday that a near-total ban on abortions in Arizona is back in effect, after she lifted a 50-year-old injunction that became moot after the U.S. Supreme Court this summer reversed its Roe v. Wade decision.
‘Momentous’: Sweeping federal law will lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients
PHOENIX — Hefty prices have made it hard for retirees like Brenda Dickason of Tucson to afford medications. Provisions included in the new Inflation Reduction Act should help by capping out-of-pocket spending for Medicare enrollees and restraining some drug costs.
Why measles is making a comeback in Arizona
PHOENIX – There have been three confirmed measles cases in the Phoenix area, all are unvaccinated. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
Federal funds for water projects a fraction of what Arizona says it needs
WASHINGTON - Arizona will get $109.5 million in federal funding this year to improve water systems in the state - a fraction of the $1.4 billion list of needs state officials say they have. And one official said "the needs are growing" for water projects around the state.
Death by homelessness: Living on the streets cuts lives short, study finds
LOS ANGELES – A new study finds older unhoused people are 3.5 times more at risk of premature death. Leading causes are heart disease and cancer – and drug addiction.
