Our Ode to You nonprofit offers older adults in memory-care communities free therapeutic music, art programs

PHOENIX – Two Arizona high school seniors are using their talents to give back to older adult memory-care communities. Through free therapeutic music and art programs, Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar are helping them evoke memories and de-stress.


Local coalition and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force educate community on disparity in Black breast cancer mortality rates

PHOENIX – PHOENIX – Black women are over 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite having a similar cancer incidence rate. The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force educate the community on the importance of screenings and follow-up care.

Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer co-founder Dr. Michele Halyard, left, and breast cancer survivor Penita Pratcher at an event, sponsored by Breast Believe, Phoenix Raceway and The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, that offered free mammogram screenings on Nov. 2, 2023. (Photo courtesy of City of Avondale)

Phoenix urgent care workers treat an influx of respiratory illnesses

PHOENIX – Health professionals say it’s not as bad as during the pandemic, but people with respiratory illnesses are filling hospitals and clinics in Maricopa County. Here’s what to expect if you come down with flu-like symptoms and need care.

The Banner Health Urgent Care at Central Avenue and Washington Street in Phoenix on Jan. 22 is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and provides flu shots. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News)

Affordable Care Act enrollment hit record highs in Arizona, U.S. in 2023

WASHINGTON - Affordable Care Act enrollment surged to new highs in Arizona and the nation in 2023, as people shifted away from pandemic-era health coverage and the Biden administration continued to push for the program.


American Lung Association report card gives Arizona F’s on tobacco control policies

PHOENIX – The American Lung Association released its grades of Arizona tobacco control policies Wednesday in its annual State of Tobacco Control report. The ALA grades states on their policies that aim to eliminate tobacco use – and the state received three F grades.

Person holding a cigarette

State plan to extend psychedelic mushroom study takes step forward in House

PHOENIX - A House panel voted Monday to extend the deadline on Arizona's first-in-the-nation program to research medical uses of psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," a hallucinogenic currently classified by the federal government as a Schedule I illegal drug.


After 51 years of fighting, abortion in Arizona comes down to next 10 months

PHOENIX - In the 51 years since the Supreme Court recognized - then reversed - federal abortion protections, advocates and opponents have fought over the boundaries of that right. That fight continues today, with Arizona now at the forefront of the national battle.


Phoenix hosts ‘National’ Women’s March, as abortion debate moves to Arizona

PHOENIX - Chanting "bans off our bodies" and "my body, my choice," protesters marched on the Arizona Capitol Saturday as the National Women's March was held in Phoenix to highlight the state's role as the next battleground over abortion.


Roe is gone, but Arizonans still join abortion opponents marching in D.C.

Arizonans were among the thousands who turned out on a snowy Friday for the 51st March for Life, an anti-abortion rally held to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Roe was reversed in 2022, but the fight has moved to states and the march goes on.


Arizona’s anti-immigrant policies foster a culture of fear and create barriers to mental health care for undocumented communities

PHOENIX – Arizona has been a laboratory for anti-immigrant policies that foster a culture of fear and create barriers to mental health care for undocumented people, say advocates at local nonprofit groups.

Organizers at Aliento, a Phoenix-based nonprofit providing wellness resources to undocumented youth and DACA recipients, display artistic works created by participants of their wellness programs at their annual art gallery on November 3, 2023. (Photo by John Leos/Cronkite News)

Breaking through the haze: NCAA softens stance on cannabis, considers removing from banned list

PHOENIX – At the NCAA Convention in Phoenix, a group of panelists discussed recent shifts in strategy to athletes’ use of cannabis, and how the NCAA can educate them moving forward.


Navajo president calls for new VA medical, benefits centers at House hearing

WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren called on lawmakers Thursday to put Veterans Affairs medical and benefits centers on the reservation to help deliver services that he said Indigenous veterans have earned but often cannot access.