Endorsements from Parkland survivors group elevates gun debate in Arizona races that pit Democrats against NRA-backed Republicans

WASHINGTON – March For Our Lives, the group formed by survivors of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting, has endorsed two Arizona Democrats against NRA backed Republicans.


Navajos will press U.S. House to revive aid for victims of bomb fallout and uranium mines

WASHINGTON – The Navajo Nation is planning a protest at the U.S. Capitol to pressure House Republicans to revive a program for victims of radiation exposure. The program has compensated tens of thousands of bomb test downwinders and uranium miners.


Arizona’s 15-week abortion ban: What it means for pregnant women and how it compares to other states

WASHINGTON — Arizona bans abortion at 15 weeks. That’s later than some states and earlier than others. See how the regulations compare and what is happening during pregnancy at each stage.


Grass is greener? NFL’s field surface dilemma still a concern as 2024 season kicks off

PHOENIX – Despite a concerning increase in injuries on synthetic turf field surfaces in 2023, the NFL has not implemented any changes as the 2024 season starts Thursday.


Proposition 139: What the Arizona ballot initiative would mean for abortion access

WASHINGTON – The Proposition 139 ballot initiative would guarantee a right to abortion in Arizona, extending the limit from 15 weeks to about 24 weeks.

Protesters holding up signs with messages about abortion in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on a clear day.

Photo essay: ASU senior builds community in the Valley through Phoenix Babes Who Walk club

TEMPE – ASU senior Grace Juliet is the brand manager of Phoenix Babes Who Walk, a club in the Valley that hosts walks meant to make friends and give people a sense of community.

Phoenix Babes Who Walk prioritizes the spirit of community and inclusivity that defines their growing walking club. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Gene therapy provides hope for those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy – but not without concerns

PHOENIX – The FDA recently expanded approval for Elevidys, a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that’s offered at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We talked with experts and patients about the hopes and risks.


Tucson, aiming to trim electric bills and hit carbon neutral by 2045 to fight climate change, will explore creating a public utility

WASHINGTON – A feasibility study in Tucson will explore the creation of a public power utility as the city seeks to cut electric bills and be carbon neutral by 2045. The current contract with Tucson Electric Power expires in 2026, and the city wants to ensure utility practices align with its environmental goals.

Photo of an electrical grid on Nov. 5, 2013. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy)

Life-saving method: Medevac helicopters start carrying blood, but what about ambulances?

PHOENIX – Blood in ambulances is proven to save more lives because patients are able to get transfusions faster. Other states are beginning to carry blood in ambulances, but Arizona hasn’t implemented this yet, at least not on the ground.

Pints of O negative blood sit in a refrigerator at the Vitalant Tempe donation center on June 20, 2024. Blood needs to be kept at a certain temperature until the moment it is transfused. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Kids Online Safety Act could pass the Senate soon amid calls to protect minors online

WASHINGTON – The Kids Online Safety Act aims to protect minors on social media. The U.S. Surgeon General is among many advocates who want to tackle the youth mental health crisis. But, some opponents worry about censorship.

The Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to protect minors online from harm, is pending in the U.S. Senate. (File photo by Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News)

‘Commodification of life:’ Some religious leaders oppose IVF, causing tension among churchgoers struggling with infertility

PHOENIX – Reproductive technologies have increasingly been scrutinized by religious leaders, causing tension among churchgoers struggling with infertility.

E-Beth Marshall has been involved in fertility advocacy and care since after her third miscarriage. She is now the executive director of Advanced Fertility Care, a fertility clinic based in Arizona, and a board member of Resolve, a fertility care group. (Photo by Lauren De Young/Cronkite News)

Arizona poised to provide MDMA therapy to first responders with PTSD if the FDA approves the psychedelic

WASHINGTON – Arizona may allow PTSD therapy using ecstasy or molly under workers' comp. FDA approval pending, advocates hope for faster access to this promising treatment.

The FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. (Photo courtesy of FDA)