Arizona
Federal funding cuts hit HIV, AIDS programs in southern Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Federal funding cuts have impacted many medical programs around the country.
And now, key cuts to HIV and AIDS programs over the past month have left some resources in southern Arizona having to adjust their much-needed care.
El Rio Health’s Special Immunology Associates’ Clinic serves nearly 1,700 people, making it the largest HIV care provider in southern Arizona.
The clinic provides essential wrap-around care for many aspects of the lives of those who live with HIV.
“They are able to meet with a nutritionist, a caseworker, who is like a social worker. They’re able to meet their medical assistant, their pharmacist, if they have behavioral health needs, they see a psychiatrist or a therapist, etc.,” said El Rio’s SIA Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Sudha Nagalingam.
However, this past month, a portion of their Ryan White Program funds were cut by 40%, funding which they relied on for many of their services.
It meant their care, which they strive to have all their resources under one roof, will now have to pull on resources elsewhere. It’s a switch that doctors said makes things a little more complicated for patients who rely on this care.
“Many of our patients are the most underserved, struggling with some of the most basic needs, like stable housing, transportation to clinic, food subsidies,” Nagalingam said.
While El Rio’s larger health system has helped the clinic manage these cuts, some other organizations aren’t so lucky.
“I can imagine a smaller organization would feel the brunt of those cuts even heavier if they’re not able to outsource within the same system,” Nagalingam said.
The Southern Arizona Aids Foundation had $1.5 million in Ryan White funding cut this past month. And last week, federal funding cuts to HIV prevention trimmed more than $600,000 in funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Officials with SAAF told 13 News the cuts will force a reduction in testing hours, food assistance, dental benefits, and possibly loss of housing and rental assistance for nearly 100 people.
SAAF provided this statement to 13 News:
“We recognize how deeply unsettling these developments are—not only for our dedicated team but, most importantly, for the communities we serve,” said Beth Morrison, interim chief executive officer of SAAF. “While these funding cuts are a serious setback, our commitment to providing life-affirming care and advocacy for those living with HIV, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities marginalized by society remains unwavering. We are working closely with our national partners in D.C., as well as trusted partners such as Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign and will continue to fight for the resources our clients and community need and deserve.”
However, these cuts are something doctors say impact all who help the HIV and aids communities.
“If we’re unable to keep patients in care and keep their viral load suppressed, it becomes a public health issue, and it can lead to a transmission of the virus,” Nagalingam said.
Nagalingam said both organizations and others in the space are working together to try to preserve the services.
“I know when one of our hurts, we all sort of hurt together. So, I think more now than ever, with these cuts, is really vital that we work hand in hand to ensure that we make every dollar stretch,” Nagalingam said.
Both El Rio and SAAF said they have had to cut staff, with SAAF eliminating 14 positions within the agency, and those that remain have had to take on increased workloads.
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Arizona
Former Arizona State OL Max Iheanachor Talks transition to NFL
TEMPE — Former Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor took part in the school’s Pro Day on Friday in anticipation for the NFL Draft – which is being held from April 23-25.
The three-year Sun Devil spoke with media after the day concluded – discussing what the next month will entail for him, his journey into becoming a standout NFL prospect, and much more.
To watch the full media availability, view below.
Iheanachor Reveals Upcoming NFL Visits
The general consensus over the last week or two has been that Iheanachor would be more of a second round pick compared to the previous first-round notion, although revelations on Friday may refute that belief.
The talented right tackle revealed that he is set to have top-30 visits with the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens – among other franchises – in the month leading into the draft.
Those aren’t the only potential destinations for the rapidly rising prospect, as Iheanachor has previously been linked with the San Fransisco 49ers and Detroit Lions as well. There appears to be a common theme amongst interested parties – as all of the franchises either have an aging tackle that carries an uncertain future, or has an open vacancy at right tackle at this moment.
The New England Patriots have an interest in Iheanachor that is a poorly kept secret in their own right – this was on full display when head coach Mike Vrabel worked extensively with the former JUCO player, even after group drills were finished. The Patriots own the number 31 pick in the first round.
Iheanachor’s Journey Nothing Short of Incredible
Iheanachor didn’t begin playing football until 2021, when he began his career playing at the junior college level. He eventually committed to play for Arizona State ahead of Kenny Dillingham’s first season in 2023. There were certainly questions surrounding his viability in making a transition from a lower level into the power four, but that was short-lived.
The raw prospect grew considerably as the season went on, eventually seeing real playing time later in the season. He returned in 2024 as a definitive starter and was obviously one of the most improved players on the entire roster on a year-to-year basis. He then returned in 2025 and was the best player/prospect on the entire offensive line, with figures such as taking part in 484 pass protection snaps without ceding a sack confirming the elite nature of his season.
Arizona
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers live updates. Arizona DH back in the lineup
LOS ANGELES — After tests on his sore elbow revealed no structural damage, Pavin Smith took batting practice and was declared ready to return to the Diamondbacks’ lineup.
Smith, who was a late scratch on Opening Day, was a late addition on Day 2. He will bat fifth and serve as the designated hitter, sending Tim Tawa to the bench.
Smith is a relatively important member of the Diamondbacks lineup as a potential impact hitter against right-handed pitching. Last year, he hit .265/.361/.456 with eight homers against righties in 226 at-bats.
Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (7-3, 3.39)* vs. Dodgers RHP Emmet Sheehan (6-3, 2.82)*.
At Dodger Stadium: Nelson opened last season in the bullpen but moved into the rotation full time after RHP Corbin Burnes went down with elbow surgery. He was impressive from that point on, putting up a 3.38 ERA across 20 starts from June 1 onward. … Nelson faced the Dodgers three times (two starts) last season, giving up four runs in 13 innings with one walk and 12 strikeouts. … Nelson has solid career numbers against most Dodgers hitters, including 3B Max Muncy, who is 0 for 8 with three walks and five strikeouts. … Sheehan, 26, a sixth-round pick out of Boston College in 2021, returned from Tommy John surgery last year and performed well, logging a 2.82 ERA in 73 1/3 innings. He also logged important innings for the Dodgers out of the bullpen in the postseason. … Sheehan has never faced the Diamondbacks. … Last season, he averaged 95.6 mph with his four-seam fastball. He also threw a slider and change-up with the occasional curveball.
Coming up
Saturday, March 28: At Los Angeles, 6:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (9-9, 5.02)* vs. Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow (4-3, 3.19)*.
Sunday, March 29: Off.
Monday, March 30: At Chase Field, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (3-8, 4.52)* vs. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander (4-11, 3.85)*.
Tuesday, March 31: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (13-9, 5.25)* vs. Tigers RHP Casey Mize (14-6, 3.87)*.
* — stats from 2025.
(This story will be updated. Check back soon.)
Arizona
Make-A-Wish Arizona creates sea turtle adventure for San Tan Valley boy
Boats, beaches, and buckets of fun! Just the way you’d expect a boy to spend his Florida vacation!
But there was something else 11-year-old Miles Boyd got to do last year when he and his family traveled to Florida. It was a sea turtle adventure that truly became the trip of a lifetime.
“I had never been to the ocean before,” explained Miles. “So see that just wowed me. It was amazing!”
Miles and his family also got to see baby sea turtles on the beach at night.
“The ocean is so mysterious,” says Miles. “It’s such a big place, and the fact that these turtles can move but are so tiny and when they go in the ocean, they get to hundreds of pounds.”
In so many ways, the trip to Palm Beach County, Florida, was a dream vacation for Miles and his family, but it only came after what was a living nightmare.
“I couldn’t imagine losing him,” says Miles’ mom, Natasha.
It was the harsh reality that Natasha had to face after learning her son Miles had a cancerous brain tumor.
“The world just stopped,” Natasha says about the moment she found out the devastating news. “I just sat on the floor and cried.”
Even Miles admits he was scared.
“I’m just a kid, you know what I mean?” he says. “It’s a lot to handle all at once.”
After three brain surgeries, countless hours of therapy and rehab, and having to take a chemo medication twice daily, Miles proved to the world he is a true survivor!
And his trip to Florida, through Make-A-Wish Arizona, proved to be the medication he never knew he needed.
Miles explains that the trip motivated him to keep going.
“It showed me that I made it to this car, and I can keep going,” he says. “I started at the lowest of lows, and now, I’m on a beach – it just gave me confidence and motivated me that I could keep going.”
Last year alone, Make-A-Wish Arizona granted 476 wishes; they’ve also fulfilled more than 8,500 since being founded in 1980.
Across the Globe, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 650,000 wishes since 1980
Miles and Nick Ciletti will co-host Make-A-Wish Arizona’s Wish Ball on Saturday! To learn more about Make-A-Wish Arizona, click here.
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