Arizona Legislature adjourns just in time to prevent repealed 1864 abortion ban from taking effect
WASHINGTON – The Arizona Legislature adjourned just in time to prevent a legal quirk that would have briefly resurrected an 1864 near-total abortion ban that lawmakers had repealed.
Widely used abortion drug remains legal on 9-0 vote, as Supreme Court says anti-abortion doctors lack standing to challenge mifepristone
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld access to a widely used abortion drug, tossing out a challenge to the way FDA approved mifepristone. A federal judge in Texas had blocked use of mifepristone, questioning the FDA approval process, but the Supreme Court said the anti-abortion doctors who brought the case lack legal standing to sue.
Breaking barriers and improving access: Providers hopeful that cervical cancer self-test will increase screening rates
PHOENIX – The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a cervical cancer self-test to be administered in a clinical setting. Cronkite News spoke to providers and advocates about what this could mean for Arizonans.
Supreme Court rules in favor of two Native American tribes in dispute with federal government over insurance billing fees
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Native American tribes in Arizona and Wyoming that sought millions in federal reimbursement for health care insurance billing fees.
Boosting mental health through haircuts: ClipDart recreates barbershop, salon experience for Glendale older adults
GLENDALE – ClipDart is working to boost mental health for vulnerable community members through the power of quality haircuts. The nonprofit recreates an authentic barbershop and hair salon experience by bringing skilled barbers and hair stylists to people who can’t access these kinds of services.
Debbie Lesko presses Fauci on gain of function, alleged suppression of lab-leak COVID-19 theory
WASHINGTON – Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, faced heated questions from Republicans on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic and denied allegations from Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko that he suppressed the lab-leak theory.
Experts, beekeepers weigh in on local honey for seasonal allergies
SCOTTSDALE – The evidence that eating local honey can help with allergies is largely anecdotal; what's not in dispute is that local honey is both tastier and healthier than honey at the supermarket, beekeepers and experts agree.
Rapid rise in syphilis hits Native Americans in the Southwest hardest
Syphilis infections nationwide reached a 70-year high in 2022, and no group has been hit harder than Native Americans, CDC data shows. Rates of congenital syphilis were three times higher for Indigenous than for Black babies, and 12 times higher than for whites.
Northern Arizona University research team addresses disparities in access to autism services
FLAGSTAFF – Olivia Lindly, an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University, is leading a research project highlighting disparities in access to autism services. This work will focus on inequitable care experienced by Latino, Black or American Indian and Alaska Native children with autism.
Indigenous advocates work to combat fake sober living homes in Arizona
PHOENIX – After Arizona legislation targeting fake sober living homes failed, tribal advocates across the state are working to combat the $2.8 billion Medicaid scheme that targets vulnerable Indigenous individuals.
Deaf community is divided over how cochlear implants affect deaf identity and culture
PHOENIX – Cochlear implants have sparked controversy about deaf culture and identity for decades. Some say they treat deafness as a disability that needs to be fixed and undermine the use of American Sign Language. One woman who got the implants says she was grateful to alleviate some of the hearing loss she’s suffered from her whole life.
Texas Tech Health El Paso program helps high school students go to medical school in state, aims to relieve statewide doctor shortage
EL PASO, Texas – As Texas faces a doctor shortage, a new program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso gives prospective medical students resources to encourage them to pursue their education and practice in state.
