Abortion law status remains unclear, even as lawmakers near repeal of ban

PHOENIX - As state lawmakers push to repeal a near-total ban on abortion, Planned Parenthood of Arizona said it will continue to provide abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy "until the last legal moment." But when that last legal moment is depends on who's talking.


Annual symposium for Arizona military members and families highlights veteran suicide prevention

PHOENIX – The Arizona Coalition for Military Families Annual Statewide Symposium, on April 17 and 18, spoke to Arizona veterans about resources available for suicide prevention and mental health care.

Nicola Winkel, project director at Arizona Coalition for Military Families, speaks during the general session of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families' 14th Annual Statewide Symposium in Phoenix on April 17. (Photo by Ashley Schulte/Arizona Coalition for Military Families)

Navajo psychiatrist bridges gaps between Native American culture and behavioral health care

GANADO – Dr. Richard Laughter, a Navajo psychiatrist practicing in the heart of the Navajo Nation, incorporates Native American cultural practices into the behavioral health program at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado.

Dr. Richard Laughter incorporates traditional Native methods into his psychiatric practice. “You can only do so much for their mental health if you’re just using meds and short therapy sessions,” he said. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Pandemic relief funds for early childhood care set to expire June 30

PHOENIX – Quality First’s federal pandemic relief funding for early childhood care is set to expire on June 30, ending some provider services and scholarships for families. Many, including Gov. Hobbs, are requesting an increase in state funds to mitigate the impact of this expiration.

A classroom sits empty in Imagination Childcare and Preschool in Litchfield Park as children play outside on April 2. Families at this preschool have received funding from Quality First, a quality rating and improvement program. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Valleywise Health opens a new medical center in Phoenix to “serve the underserved”

PHOENIX – Valleywise opens a new medical center in Phoenix to provide updated health services to Valley residents.

The Valleywise Health logo in the main lobby of the new medical center on April 3. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

‘We’re not in this alone’: How an Arizona program gives support, mentorship to dads

PHOENIX – Dad Together is a program where dads of all backgrounds and stages meet up, share their experiences and support each other through their parenting journeys.

Edward Casillas, program and services development manager at the Family Involvement Center, speaks about his experience as a dad at the Phoenix Families First Resource Center in the Burton Barr Central Library. Photo taken in Phoenix on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Sensory Friendly Job Fair paves the way for adults with autism to meet potential employers

TEMPE – The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and Rio Salado College put on a Sensory Friendly Job Fair on April 9 in Tempe, featuring adjusted lighting, staggered arrival times and reduced noise levels to create a calm atmosphere for job seekers with autism disabilities.

Job seekers walk into Rio Salado College Southern in Tempe on April 9 to attend the Sensory Friendly Job Fair put on by the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the college. (Photo by Annika Tourlas/Cronkite News)

The Singletons provides financial, compassionate support to single-parent families battling cancer

PHOENIX – The Singletons, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, helps single-parent families battling cancer get the resources and assistance they need.

The Singletons building is where the nonprofit holds events monthly for cancer warriors and survivors. Photo taken on Feb. 17, 2024, in Phoenix. (Photo by Mariah Temprendola/Cronkite News)

‘Combating this epidemic’: Native Americans gather to address suicide prevention

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Indian Center recently held its 2024 Annual Suicide Prevention Convening to address the staggering losses due to mental health in Native American communities.

A series of turquoise signs along southbound U.S. 89 near Tuba City proclaims the Navajo Nation's resiliency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

4th annual American Indian Youth Disability Summit honors ASU student with Youth Tribal Leadership Award

PHOENIX – The fourth annual American Indian Youth Disability Summit, held April 13, was created to support young American Indians with disabilities and provide peer advocacy. This year’s Youth Tribal Leadership Award was given to an ASU student studying speech and hearing sciences.

Zoë Alexis Irwin wins the Jim E. Warne Jr. Youth Tribal Leadership Award at the fourth annual American Indian Youth Disability Summit on Saturday, April 13. (Photo courtesy of Zoë Alexis Irwin)

Republicans stall, but don’t kill, effort that would repeal 1864 abortion ban

PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate took tentative steps toward a repeal of the state’s 1864 abortion ban Wednesday, just hours after House Republicans blocked efforts to do so.


Life’s curveballs: A writer and a righty find connection through health scares

PHOENIX – Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner was a sliver of light in the darkness for this young cancer survivor. Then, in a twist of fate, I was there when the right-hander experienced his own health scare.

The author, Asher Hyre, left, found strength during his cancer treatment by connecting with Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner, who was dealing with recovery from a fractured skull. (Photo courtesy of Asher Hyre)