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3 shot and 1 stabbed at Phoenix airport in apparent family dispute on Christmas night, officials say; CT Student Loan Reimbursement Program begins Jan. 1; WI farmer unfazed by weather due to conservation practices; Government subsidies make meat cost less, but with hidden expenses.

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The authors of Project 2025 say they'll carry out a hard-right agenda, voting rights advocates raise alarm over Trump's pick to lead the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and conservatives aim to cut federal funding for public broadcasting.

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From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

Medical expert: Voting crucial to improving health-care system

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Thursday, January 11, 2024   

Voting is not only good for democracy - it's also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations.

The American College of Physicians says voting empowers people to engage with their community, while ballot initiatives and elected officials determine just how well the health-care system works.

So, ACP President Dr. Omar Atiq said voters ultimately determine peoples' access to health-care services and physicians' ability to treat them.

"If there is more voter participation," said Atiq, "there will be better health-care policies and therefore, better health care."

Atiq said research shows states with fewer barriers to voting have better health outcomes than states with restrictive voting laws or gerrymandered maps.

Nevada ranks seventh in the nation for ease of access to the ballot.

The ACP is encouraging all health-care professionals and medical students to engage patients in nonpartisan, health care-related conversations about voting, as a way to increase health equity.

Atiq said even posting voter registration information in patient waiting rooms is a good place to start.

"We are looking at talking to patients," said Atiq, "about the importance of their voice in making sure that the national resources are allocated to where we have optimal health for everyone."

Atiq said despite being one of the richest and most technically advanced nations in the world, the U.S. ranks lowest in life expectancy, for both men and women, among comparable countries.

He said physicians have a responsibility to help their patients when they need it, and talking about voting on issues that improve health care is part of that help.

Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.





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