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, measles and other infectious diseases. But access to vaccines around the world 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.


COVID-19 death toll in Arizona expected to top 20,000 this week

WASHINGTON - Arizona is on pace to reach 20,000 COVID-19 deaths this week, according to state data, as the disease that seemed to be waning just months ago has come roaring back with a new variant and new battles on safety protocols.


More research, better treatment for Lyme disease sought amid rising case rates

PHOENIX – The incidence of Lyme disease has nearly doubled in the U.S. since the 1990s, yet funding for research is still lacking and patients struggle to get help. Advocates say that should change, considering predictions that climate change could increase case numbers.


Q&A: How a brother’s drug overdose led to one woman’s crusade for harm reduction

PHOENIX – Amid rising opioid overdoses, needle exchange programs now are legal in Arizona. An advocate for one program talks about her work and how such efforts combat addiction and deaths.