• Slug: BC-CNS-Salton Sea. 775 words.
• 17 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Jack Orleans
Cronkite News

NORTH SHORE, California – As it deteriorates, the ecosystem around the Salton Sea in Riverside County in Southern California, has been creating a toxic environment that hurts the health of children of immigrant families who live and work there, according to researchers.

A 2023 study by the University of California, Riverside, looked at the immigrant population of low-income Hispanic and Indigenous Mexican Hispanic people in communities around the Salton Sea and found that the rate of childhood asthma is 20% to 22.4%, much higher than the California average of 14.5%. The study’s researchers said that the health problems are caused by the dust from the remains of fish that ingested toxic materials from the water in the Salton Sea.

Continue reading “Salton Sea immigrant community experiences high rates of asthma from inhaling dust from the drying sea bed”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Goth Scene Photo Essay. 115-word intro + photos.
• 13 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Sam Ballesteros
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When people think of Arizona, a thriving Goth scene may not be something that comes to mind, but maybe it should be.

The Goth subculture began decades ago as a post-punk musical style. It is a fashion style, music genre and lifestyle that often explores dark and romantic themes. Those who identify with the subculture often refer to themselves as “Goths.”

Today, the scene in Arizona has gained prominence through events and festivals and evolved into an accepting space for new and older generations of Goths alike. Goth-centered artisan markets, Goth nights at clubs and Goth festivals have emerged to provide the community with opportunities to express themselves in a welcoming environment.

Continue reading “‘You’re Goth, welcome to the club’: Arizona’s Goth scene is gaining prominence due to events, exposure”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Senior Homelessness. 800 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By John Sanders & Naomi DuBovis
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Homelessness is an ongoing issue in the state and around the country. As the number of unhoused individuals rises, government and nonprofit organizations continue to assist those impacted – with the help of federal funding. Arizona older adults in particular have difficulties with housing and may be limited in generating new income.

A 2022 report from the Arizona Department of Economic Security indicated that more than 4,500 individuals ages 55 and older received homelessness assistance, more than any other age group that year.

Continue reading “Older adults face homelessness at high rates. Here’s how governments, organizations are responding.”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Latino Cancer Rates. 840 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
• Embeddable chart available.

By Annika Tourlas
Cronkite News

SAN ANTONIO – Cancer is now the leading cause of death for Latinos, accounting for 20% of all deaths, and according to a news release from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Latinos could face a 142% increase in cancer cases in coming years.

Those were among the concerning statistics discussed by researchers and health care providers at a conference focused on Latino cancer care, hosted by the Mays Cancer Center and the Institute for Health Promotion Research earlier this year at the University of Texas Health San Antonio.

Continue reading “San Antonio oncologists tackle rising rates of cancer deaths in Latinos”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Rattlesnake Awareness. 550 words.
• File photo available (thumbnail and caption below).
• Video available.

By Zoriah Cole
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the temperatures rise and the sun casts its golden glow over the Arizona landscape, more and more people are drawn outside to embrace the beauty of the outdoors. However, amid the breathtaking scenery and rugged trails, there’s a potentially dangerous cohabitant – the rattlesnake.

Bryan Kuhn, a toxicologist from the Banner Poison & Drug Information Center, cautions adventurers about the increased encounters between humans and snakes as temperatures climb above 80 degrees.

Continue reading “As Arizona shifts into warmer weather, beware of rattlesnakes, experts say”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Virtue Signaling,870 words.
• 2 file photoa available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Martin Dreyfuss
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – They can’t say they weren’t warned.

When Republican lawmakers pushed a bill that would rewrite state law to include “only two sexes” and specifically rejected “gender identity,” Gov. Katie Hobbs told them she would veto the bill if it passed, just like she vetoed a similar measure last year.

They passed it. She vetoed it, just one of 52 bills vetoed by the governor so far this year.

Bills addressing immigration, abortion, and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI programs, are among the many that have passed with almost no chance of becoming law, part of the regular “political theater” aimed less at legislating and more at getting media attention and appealing to constituents. Continue reading “Succeeding by failing: ‘Virtue signaling’ runs high in the Legislature”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Health and Wellness Festival. 530 words.
• 13 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Sam Ballesteros
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market and the Phoenix Bioscience Core hosted the first Health & Wellness “Phoestival” with multiple guest speakers, a blood drive, cooking demonstrations and booths.

The Phoenix Bioscience Core is a 30-acre life science innovation district in downtown Phoenix that serves as a center for bio research and education. It boasts the highest concentration of research scientists in the state, from TGen, Exact Sciences and Phoenix’s major health care systems – Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Banner Health, Dignity Health and Valleywise Health – and more. It is the only area where all three of Arizona’s public universities – University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University – have medical campuses.

Continue reading “Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, Phoenix Bioscience Core promote health education at festival”

• Slug: BC-CNS-AZ Mental Health. 1,680 words.
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Leah Mesquita
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Mental Health America ranked Arizona 49th in the nation for adult mental health care. The national nonprofit determines rankings based on the prevalence of mental illness and the access to mental health care. Arizona’s 2023 ranking of 49 out of 51 is based on the state having a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower access to insurance and treatment.

For Rachel Streiff, an organizer and member of Arizona Mad Moms, this ranking was no surprise. She and other family members, caregivers and friends of individuals with severe mental illness, have been advocating on their behalf for adequate psychiatric services and treatment for quite some time.

Continue reading “Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Letter Writing. 505 words.
• 8 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
• Video available.

By Julia Schamko
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In 2001, the U.S. Postal Service designated April as National Card and Letter Writing Month. Now, 23 years later, companies are taking a new approach, giving ease and access to those looking to write letters.

With advancements in technology speeding up how humans communicate with each other, slower methods of communication, like letter writing, have been losing popularity. According to a 2021 CBS News survey, 37% of Americans hadn’t written a personal letter in over five years.

Continue reading “From robots to real connection: Arizona initiatives take on letter writing”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Homeless Heat. 610 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Brooke Rindenau
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – With temperatures in Phoenix already hitting 100 degrees, concerns for how the homeless populations will survive the heat this summer are front and center. According to the Maricopa County 2023 Heat Related Deaths Report, the homeless population accounted for 45% of the 645 heat-related deaths in the county, which saw a 52% increase in overall heat deaths compared to 2022.

That same report showed that 71% of heat-related deaths occurred on days when the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning. Temperatures stayed high even at night; the low recorded for one night last July was 97 degrees. Excessive heat is particularly hard for the homeless population as they don’t have indoor spaces to find relief.

Continue reading “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will provide more beds to help the homeless survive extreme heat this summer”

EDS: An earlier version of this story included incorrect timing for the opening of the Culdesac community. The error appeared in the 13th graf. The story below has been corrected, but clients who used previous versions are asked to run the correction found here.

• Slug: BC-CNS-Pedestrian Living. 1,015 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Crystal N. Aguilar
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Culdesac aims to offer the convenience of city living with the warm feel of the suburbs.

Located on the property is a corner market; a restaurant; several shops; a repair shop for bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters; and a night market held every Thursday to help residents connect with their neighbors and community. Apartment residents can see storefronts from their balconies and easily run down for a new outfit from vintage shop Sew Used or a gift from any of the multiple small shops. Parking is for retail convenience, rather than resident use.

Continue reading “‘Mobility, community and open space’: Culdesac in Tempe aims to provide a healthy alternative to suburban living”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Saving One Life. 685 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
• Video available.

By Mariah Temprendola
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – According to the annual Shelters Animal Count report, 41% of cats that ended up in Arizona shelters in the first quarter of this year were strays. There are many animal organizations that contribute to the well-being and care for these cats. Cronkite News followed volunteers with one organization to see what it takes to get a cat from the cold streets to a warm, safe home.

Saving One Life is a nonprofit organization that provides care for at-risk cats and dogs through foster and adoption programs. Anna Zhundrikova, is a volunteer who helps coordinate the organization’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. According to Saving One life, it uses TNR to humanely trap feral cats and spay or neuter them in order to help decrease the population. Once the cats have healed, they are returned to the colony in the area where they were trapped.

Continue reading “‘Unconditional love’: Saving One Life helps cats through colony feedings, TNR, fostering, adoptions”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Parsing Politicians,1630 words.
• File photo,  4 graphics available (embed codes, thumbnail, caption below).

By Reagan Priest
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When he considers who to vote for, Gilbert small business owner John Webster looks beyond campaign positions, going so far as to create a spreadsheet listing candidates’ bipartisanship, their success rate in passing bills and their opinions on the 2020 election.

Webster concedes he is probably an “anomaly.” Experts say more voters should be like him.

With 10 of Arizona’s 11 congressional seats up for election this year, experts and voters are urging Arizonans to consider the range of an incumbent’s performance, everything from how many bills they pass to how often they show up and how well they work across the aisle. Continue reading “Should you focus on lawmaker effectiveness to cast your ballot? Voters, experts say yes”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Medicaid Unwinding,850 words.
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Annika Tourlas
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – One year after restarting the pre-pandemic review process for enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System cut coverage for 611,144 recipients and approved 1,953,301 renewals, according to its eligibility dashboard. The agency is continuing to review coverage for 1,892 recipients as of April 5. The nationwide review process, referred to as “unwinding,” cut the Medicaid rolls in every state.

State agencies, like AHCCCS, go through a process every year known as “renewal and discontinuance.” During this process, recipients’ income levels are evaluated to determine if they still qualify for coverage through Medicaid or CHIP – the Children’s Health Insurance Program. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act instructed states to suspend disenrollment efforts and extend coverage through March 2023. Continue reading “Year of Medicaid ‘unwinding’ cuts 600,000, but renews nearly 2 million on state’s rolls”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Lethal Restraint Ketamine,1890 words.
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Caralin Nunes, Wyatt Myskow and Grace Copperthite
Howard Center for Investigative Journalism

Aurora Fire Rescue paramedic Jeremy Cooper stood above the slight 23-year-old man as he lay face down in the grass, a policeman’s knee in his back, wrists handcuffed and pulled high behind him.

For roughly six minutes, Cooper observed the man crying, gagging and calling out for help while being pinned face down by two officers. The paramedic asked no questions and performed no physical exam before deciding that the young man was suffering from “excited delirium” — a controversial term used to describe people displaying extremely agitated behavior.

“So, when the ambulance gets here,” Cooper can be heard saying on body camera footage, “we’re gonna go ahead and give him some ketamine.” Continue reading “Ketamine: An alternative to police force or a silent killer?”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Lethal Restraint Superhuman,2100 words.
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Shahid Meighan, Nathan Collins, Elena Santa Cruz
Howard Center for Investigative Journalism

Deputy Steven Mills of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol one night in 2013 when he received a call about a Black man walking down a rural road in Phenix City, Alabama, naked in 50-degree weather.

Mills said the man ignored his calls to stop, but when the officer threatened to use his Taser, 24-year-old Khari Illidge turned and walked toward him, saying “tase me, tase me.” In a sworn statement, the deputy later said he had to tase Illidge twice because he’d been unable to physically restrain the “muscular” man with “superhuman strength.” Continue reading “Myth of ‘superhuman strength’ in Black people persists in deadly encounters with police”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Electors Indicted,940 words.
• 2 file photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Ian McKinney
Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Eleven top Arizona Republicans were among 18 people indicted on felony fraud, forgery and conspiracy charges for their part in a plan to present themselves to Congress as the state’s presidential electors and throw the election to Donald Trump.

The 58-page indictment handed up Wednesday gives a detailed account of the plan by former state party Chairwoman Kelli Ward, current state Sens. Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern, and others, to keep Trump – identified as “Unindicted Coconspirator 1” – in office “against the will of Arizona’s voters.” Continue reading “‘Fake electors’ indictment charges GOP leaders with felony fraud, forgery”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Valley Fever. 1,625 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
• Can run with BC-CNS-Valley Fever Sidebar.

By Jack Orleans
Cronkite News

TUCSON – Daniel Sestiaga remembers being in the COVID-19 ward of a hospital in late 2020. He tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 in June, then later tested negative, but he was still struggling to breathe and testing positive again by the end of August.

After driving 60 miles to see his Indian Health Service primary care physician in Sells, Sestiaga said that his doctor took a chest X-ray showing pneumonia. His breathing became so difficult that he had to go to the emergency room before seeing a pulmonologist.

It wasn’t only COVID-19 causing his difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with Valley fever after the X-ray revealed fluid around his lungs restricting their capacity. Sestiaga was told the fluid needed to be removed.

Continue reading “Valley fever, a fungal disease endemic to the Southwest, disproportionately affects minority populations”

• Slug: BC-CNS-Valley Fever Sidebar. 365 words.
• Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).
• To run with BC-CNS-Valley Fever.

By Jack Orleans
Cronkite News

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, Calif. – Valley fever has been infecting people in the Southwest U.S., Central America and South America for decades.

“It’s not just (in Arizona). It’s also up and down the Western Hemisphere. There are pockets in Mexico, there are pockets in Central America,” said Dr. John Galgiani, director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona.

Continue reading “Sidebar: The rise of Valley fever”