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Articles by Leah Mesquita
The Arizona State Press
Tasha Romero has felt the same thing almost every day for over 10 years. A tingling, consuming desire to escape the world around her and forget about the responsibilities her daily life demands. This safe haven involves a headset, a screen and a keen focus on her hands as she bounces between some of her favorite sanctuaries: League of Legends. Teamfight Tactics. Marvel Rivals. One day, the ASU alum was set up to play a round of Overwatch; all she had to do was turn on her mic and speak.
Arizona cities face longer commutes as national averages creep toward pre-pandemic levels
PHOENIX — Commute times are on the rise for most Americans, including those living in popular Arizona cities, according to a recent traffic study. Yardi Kube, a coworking management platform, analyzed the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data to compare commute durations between 2019 and 2023. The analysis included the top 50 largest U.S. cities by population, while “commuters” refers to individuals 16 and older who do not work at home.
Court drops Michele Padilla's restraining order against 80-year-old
A Stockton judge has dismissed Councilmember Michele Padilla’s request for a restraining order against an 80-year-old man after she failed to appear in court. After taking the unusual step of seeking a restraining order against a council critic, Padilla didn’t show up to a court hearing in her own case, appearing to let the matter drop. Padilla first filed the request for a restraining order against Ernest Williams on Feb. 14.
Media literacy campaign tackles the challenge of determining what’s true online
Andrea Rivera remembers when a friend told her that the state of California was planning to become its own country. “I was like, ‘We have to fact-check this,’” Rivera said, “It was obviously something he found on TikTok.” She quickly searched through state government web sites, finding clarification for the post her friend had seen. “It was actually about how this man in Fresno was trying to get signatures,” she said.
Three Pulitzer honorees will bring their insights to free event in Stockton
Free event: Delta College and Stocktonia will host “Stories that Matter,” a conversation with a group of the nation’s best journalists, to examine what national politics and immigration policy mean for San Joaquin County. See how you can attend. Media organizations facing new levels of scrutiny and threats of liability. A profound shift in national politics and immigration policy. And a community where local journalism is at risk.
Kadin Mills wants to improve the journalism world
1:10 4 days ago Elon Musk Shares Fake News About UK Building "Detainment Camps" Unbranded - unbranded - Newsworthy • 4d X CEO Elon Musk is facing backlash online after he shared fake news about the UK riots. The post, also shared by the British First Party co-leader Ashlea Simon, was originally posted by another X account. The fake headline claimed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was "considering building 'emergency detainment camps' on the Falkland Islands.
Kadin Mills wants to improve the journalism world
Leah Mesquita ICT Kadin Mills still remembers the moment he decided to pursue journalism. The 22-year-old Northwestern University alum had felt drawn toward reporting as early as elementary school. “I remember we were moving from an apartment to a house across the street and there was this factory in my hometown that was getting demolished,” Mills said. “I wrote a story about it.” Although he was only 9 or 10, Mills was a serious journalist.
Raye Zaragoza reflects on her first Broadway role
Leah Mesquita ICT When Raye Zaragoza was first approached about joining the Broadway production of ‘Peter Pan,’ her immediate response was to turn down the opportunity. “Initially, when I first saw (just) ‘Peter Pan,’ I was like, ‘Oh, no,’” Zaragoza said.
Indigenous fashion designer brings skateboarding to her Navajo community
ICT When Amy Denet Deal returned to her homeland in 2019, the lessons she had learned as a corporate fashion designer came along, too. Having worked for large, wealthy companies throughout her career, including Puma and Reebok, Deal stepped back into her community knowing she wanted to create something with reciprocity. “I've worked my whole life for these big brands and I don't know where the hell the money went,” Deal said.
Indigenous fashion designer brings skateboarding to her Navajo community
Leah Mesquita ICT When Amy Denet Deal returned to her homeland in 2019, the lessons she had learned as a corporate fashion designer came along, too. Having worked for large, wealthy companies throughout her career, including Puma and Reebok, Deal stepped back into her community knowing she wanted to create something with reciprocity. “I've worked my whole life for these big brands and I don't know where the hell the money went,” Deal said.
The Avengers’ Lakota dub — featuring voices of Standing Rock Reservation — hits Disney+ Original
Eric Jens Sr. remembers watching the first “Iron Man” movie with his son, immediately feeling captivated by the bold, eccentric character. “We watched the first one, the second one and the third one,” Jens, a language teacher in South Dakota, said. “Anything that came out (from) Marvel with Iron Man in it, we went to watch it.” So when Jens, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, was given the opportunity to voice the beloved Marvel hero in “The Avengers” completely in Lakota, he knew he couldn’t turn it down.
COVID prolongado afecta a los Arizonenses más que promedio nacional
PHOENIX – Andrew Archer se ha estado recuperando de COVID-19 durante casi cuatro años. “Mi vida es muy diferente (ahora), y poco a poco estoy empezando a aceptarlo”, dijo Archer. “Es como perder una parte de ti”.
‘The Avengers’ Lakota dub hits Disney+
Project members share their on-set experiences and their hopes for Lakota youth Eric Jens Sr. remembers watching the first “Iron Man” movie with his son, immediately feeling captivated by the bold, eccentric character. “We watched the first one, the second one and the third one,” Jens, a language teacher in South Dakota, said.
‘The Avengers’ Lakota dub hits Disney+
Leah Mesquita ICT Eric Jens Sr. remembers watching the first “Iron Man” movie with his son, immediately feeling captivated by the bold, eccentric character. “We watched the first one, the second one and the third one,” Jens, a language teacher in South Dakota, said.
Alissa Pili signs with N7, talks Indigenous fan support
Leah Mesquita ICT PHOENIX — Laney Maria Lupe remembers when Alissa Pili was still playing for the University of Utah. Having attended a game against the University of Arizona in Tucson, she recalled her initial conversation with the Minnesota Lynx rookie forward and the devout connection they shared, even before Pili’s WNBA debut. Friday night in downtown Phoenix was no different. Pili, Samoan and Iñupiaq, and her Lynx team were in the city to play the Phoenix Mercury.
Cherokee author shares children’s book celebrating homecoming
When Traci Sorrell’s son was in preschool, only a handful of children’s books told contemporary Native stories – and none were about Cherokee people. “It really surprised me because there are a lot of people in between the three Cherokee tribes that write, but no one was writing things for young people,” Sorrel said. “That concerned me.” Sorrell, an eight-time American Indian Library Association award winner, was inspired to change that.
Cherokee author shares children’s book celebrating homecoming
Leah Mesquita ICT When Traci Sorrell’s son was in preschool, only a handful of children’s books told contemporary Native stories – and none were about Cherokee people. “It really surprised me because there are a lot of people in between the three Cherokee tribes that write, but no one was writing things for young people,” Sorrel said. “That concerned me.” Sorrell, an eight-time American Indian Library Association award winner, was inspired to change that.
Texas Tech Health El Paso offers pipeline to prospective students amid doctor shortage
Makena Piñon, right, and Luke Briggs, freshmen at the University of Texas at El Paso, in a medical simulation lab at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News) Brian Wilson, education director for the Training and Educational Center for Healthcare Simulation, controls the educational medical simulation from inside a control room. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News) The main campus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.
TTUHSC El Paso ofrece un programa de canalización a futuros estudiantes en medio de la escasez de médicos
Brian Wilson, director de educación del Centro de Capacitación y Educación para la Simulación de la Salud, controla la simulación educativa desde una sala de control. (Foto de Jack Orleans/Cronkite Noticias) EL PASO, Texas – Para Makena Piñon, la escasez de médicos en Texas es más que un problema estatal, es un problema personal.
Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care
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.
Arizona ranks poorly for access to adult mental health care - Daily Independent
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.
Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care
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.
Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care
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.
Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care
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.
Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care
Cronkite News 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.
Arizona ranks 49th in nation for access to adult mental health care
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.
Arizona among worst for adult mental health care access
The Arizona Department of Health Services’ Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix provides “the highest and most restrictive” level of care in the state, according to AZDHS. (Photo by Crystal Aguilar/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.
Insight: I’m 'just a girl'
My 20th birthday brought many changes — some expected and others unwelcome. When you're born two days before Christmas, there's always a lingering tension in the air as your family packs every long-standing holiday tradition into 48 hours — and crams your birthday on top of it all. But every year, I yearned for the tension to come around because that meant it was my birthday.
COVID prolongado afecta a los Arizonenses más que promedio nacional
Cronkite News Andrew Archer se ha estado recuperando de COVID-19 durante casi cuatro años. “Mi vida es muy diferente (ahora), y poco a poco estoy empezando a aceptarlo”, dijo Archer. “Es como perder una parte de ti”.
Arizona’s long-COVID cases top nation’s; Hispanics most likely to suffer
PHOENIX – Andrew Archer has been recovering from COVID-19 for almost four years. kAm“|J =:76 :D D@ 5:776C6?E W?@HX[ 2?5 x’> D=@H=J DE2CE:?8 E@ 2446AE E92E[” pC496C D2:5] “xE’D =:<6 =@D:?8 2 A2CE @7 J@F]”k^Am kAmpC496C :D 2 A2CE @7 E96 6DE:>2E65 `g]`T @7 pC:K@?2?D E@ 6G6C 6IA6C:6?46 =@?8 r~'xs – 2 4@?5:E:@? 3C@25=J 567:?65 3J DJ>AE@>D E92E 4@?E:?F6 E@ 56G6=@A H66<D[ >@?E9D @C J62CD 27E6C 2?
Arizona’s long-COVID cases top nation’s
Andrew Archer has been recovering from COVID-19 for almost four years. “My life is so different (now), and I’m slowly starting to accept that,” Archer said. “It’s like losing a part of you.” Archer is a part of the estimated 18% of Arizonans to ever experience long COVID – a condition broadly defined by symptoms that continue to develop weeks, months or years after an acute COVID-19 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Arizona’s long COVID cases top nation’s; Hispanics most likely to suffer
Cronkite News Andrew Archer has been recovering from COVID-19 for almost four years. “My life is so different (now), and I’m slowly starting to accept that,” Archer said. “It’s like losing a part of you.” Archer is a part of the estimated 18.1% of Arizonans to ever experience long COVID – a condition broadly defined by symptoms that continue to develop weeks, months or years after an acute COVID-19 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Long COVID is affecting Arizonans higher than the national average
Banner University Medical Center, where Dr. Hsu works as medical director of ambulatory internal medicine. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News) PHOENIX – Andrew Archer has been recovering from COVID-19 for almost four years. “My life is so different (now), and I’m slowly starting to accept that,” Archer said.
Made by students, for students
For most college students who spend their hours sitting in lecture halls, sifting through textbooks and cramming for exams, running a small business may seem like just a daydream to entertain during class. But for ASU students who've taken that dream and made it a reality, an online platform, Student-Made at ASU, has been making these business ventures a lot easier since last fall.
In focus: The resurgence of film in the digital age - The Arizona State Press
When Aidan Ruiz decided to buy a film camera on a whim, he didn't expect the used Nikon with a broken autofocus would ignite a passion for photography. After acquiring the camera in a meeting with the seller, the senior studying finance threw in a 36-photo roll and proceeded to shoot all of it on campus. What he captured could be described only as "horrendous," Ruiz said. But he was hooked.
Arizona registra aumento del 20% en casos de VIH que afectan sobre todo a comunidad hispana
Cronkite News Cuando Christopher Carrillo descubrió un pequeño bulto detrás de su oreja en 2011, lo pasó por alto. Sin embargo, a medida que los días pasaban y la masa persistía, Carrillo dijo que sintió sensación de inquietud. “Realizarse exámenes no era algo que yo hiciera”, dijo Carrillo. “No era parte de mi rutina”.
Arizona denuncia disparidades en el VIH que afectan a la población hispana y a los hombres homosexuales de color
Un lema alentador sobre la mesa de Christopher Carrillo, gestor de casos en el Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS de Phoenix. (Foto de Jack Orleans/Cronkite Noticias) PHOENIX — Cuando Christopher Carrillo descubrió un pequeño bulto detrás de su oreja en 2011, lo pasó por alto. Sin embargo, a medida que los días pasaban y la masa persistía, Carrillo dijo que sintió sensación de inquietud. “Realizarse exámenes no era algo que yo hiciera”, dijo Carrillo. “No era parte de mi rutina”.
Black Americans three times as likely to experience kidney failure as whites
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Our contributor network of tens of thousands of creators appears alongside stories from established publications and journalists. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies.
Black Americans three times as likely to experience kidney failure as whites
Angela Beatty had no idea that her high blood pressure could cause her to go into kidney failure. As a Black American, Beatty is part of a racial group that is far more likely to experience kidney failure than other racial groups. Black Americans also experience high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease at higher rates, which can all contribute to the development of kidney disease. LEARN MORE: 132 Arizona companies make Inc.
Black Americans three times as likely to experience kidney failure as whites
PHOENIX — Angela Beatty had no idea that her high blood pressure could cause her to go into kidney failure. As a Black American, Beatty is part of a racial group that is far more likely to experience kidney failure than other racial groups. Black Americans also experience high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease at higher rates, which can all contribute to the development of kidney disease. “It’s a silent killer,” said Dr. Mandip Kang, a nephrologist at the Southwest Kidney Institute.
Arizona reporta un aumento del 20% en los casos de VIH
PHOENIX – Cuando Christopher Carrillo descubrió un bulto detrás de su oreja en 2011, nunca se le ocurrió que la causa pudiera ser el VIH. “La prueba no era algo que yo hiciera”, dijo Carrillo. “No era parte de mi rutina”. Después de que Carrillo investigara sobre los ganglios linfáticos en línea y viera una mención del VIH, decidió ver a un médico. Los resultados cambiaron su vida para siempre.
Black community three times as likely to have kidney failure
Angela Beatty on her way to receive dialysis on Feb. 28. Beatty says untreated high blood pressure caused her kidney disease. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News) PHOENIX — Angela Beatty had no idea that her high blood pressure could cause her to go into kidney failure. As a Black American, Beatty is part of a racial group that is far more likely to experience kidney failure than other racial groups.
Arizona reports 20% increase in HIV cases, predominantly affecting Hispanic communities
VILLAGER ODD OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS MORE By Leah Mesquita, Cronkite News Originally Published: March 13, 2024 1:29 p.m. Loading... Blue Ribbon Recipe Serves: Prep Time: Cook Time: View Full Recipe Am I a Robot? Name of Your Business * Contact Name * Contact Email Address * Contact Phone Number
Arizona HIV cases rise 20%, mostly affecting Hispanic communities - Daily Independent
By Leah Mesquita | Cronkite News PHOENIX – When Christopher Carrillo discovered a lump behind his ear in 2011, it never occurred to him that the cause could be from HIV. “Testing wasn’t something that I did,” Carrillo said. “It wasn’t part of my routine.” After Carrillo researched lymph nodes online and saw a mention of HIV, he decided to see a doctor. The results changed his life forever.
Under the influence: A look at the students who have made social media more than a hobby - The Arizona State Press
Whether you're chronically online or actually outside touching grass, we all know influencers are taking over our world. They fill our feeds with ring light-illuminated brand deals and 15-second clips of their latest self-tanner routines. Gone are the days of viral sensations like Jenna Marbles and Connor Franta, who once ruled the internet without the help of weekly brand deals. Chapstick challenges, music video parodies and flash mobs have now faded into trends of the past.
Arizona reports 20% increase in HIV cases, predominantly affecting Hispanic communities
PHOENIX — When Christopher Carrillo discovered a lump behind his ear in 2011, it never occurred to him that the cause could be from HIV. kAm“%6DE:?8 H2D?’E D@>6E9:?8 E92E x 5:5[” r2CC:==@ D2:5] “xE H2D?’E A2CE @7 >J C@FE:?6]”k^Am kAmp7E6C r2CC:==@ C6D62C4965 =J>A9 ?@56D @?=:?6 2?5 D2H 2 >6?E:@? @7 wx'[ 96 564:565 E@ D66 2 5@4E@C] %96 C6DF=ED 492?865 9:D =:76 7@C6G6C]k^Am kAm%@52J[ r2CC:==@ :D 2 42D6 >2?286C 2E E96 $@FE9H6DE r6?E6C 7@C wx'^pxs$ :?
Arizona reports 20% increase in HIV cases, predominantly affecting Hispanic communities
Cronkite News When Christopher Carrillo discovered a lump behind his ear in 2011, it never occurred to him that the cause could be from HIV. “Testing wasn’t something that I did,” Carrillo said. “It wasn’t part of my routine.” After Carrillo researched lymph nodes online and saw a mention of HIV, he decided to see a doctor. The results changed his life forever.
‘Hella on the apps’: Navigating the LGBTQ+ dating scene at ASU - The Arizona State Press
Back when I was 16, a long list of "nevers" clung to me wherever I went, like a loose thread I could never shake. I had never been kissed. I had never had sex. I had never even been on a real date. It felt like a glaring label hanging over my head that exposed my inexperience with sex, love and relationships — some of the most defining aspects of adolescence — to my peers, who seemed to date and find love with ease.
Arizona reports HIV increase in underserved communities
Christopher Carrillo, case manager at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS in Phoenix. (Photo by Jack Orleans/Cronkite News) PHOENIX – When Christopher Carrillo discovered a lump behind his ear in 2011, it never occurred to him that the cause could be from HIV. “Testing wasn’t something that I did,” Carrillo said. “It wasn’t part of my routine.” After Carrillo researched lymph nodes online and saw a mention of HIV, he decided to see a doctor. The results changed his life forever.
Community 43 supplements Phoenix traditional mental health services with ‘clubhouse’ model focused on social and cognitive skills
PHOENIX — When David Karr finally sought help for his debilitating depression, he didn’t anticipate the long road ahead. “I got tired of looking at the ground,” Karr said. “When you’re depressed, that’s all you do.” Karr, who has a chronic mental illness, said he was treated by state mental health providers in the past but failed to receive long-term help.
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