Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This week on Arizona Illustrated we look at the gaps in health care for Arizonans in rural communities and meet a physician who is on the front lines of the escalating challenges; see how the University of Arizona’s high jump program is raising the bar; The Loft Cinema faces unprecedented challenges during the pandemic but came back with a newer and bigger expansion, and composer Marc Shaiman discusses working with Bette Midler, Rob Reiner and more.
Gaps in Rural Health Care - A doctor’s journey to patients in Cochise County
In rural Cochise County, access to medical care often depends on distance, time and whether providers are available at all. Dr. Darlene is a pediatrician serving families across Cochise County. She travels long stretches to reach patients who might otherwise go without care. Through her work, the story explores the realities of doctor shortages, long travel times and the growing challenges facing rural health care in Arizona.
High Jump School
The University of Arizona high jump team have been raising champions for decades. Under the wings of decorated coach, Bob Myers, the Wildcats are constantly raising the bar for future generations of the ‘High Jump School’. This story introduces Emma Gates and Paris Mikinski, two stellar UA high jumpers who are competitors, friends and part of the university’s high jump legacy.
The Loft Stikes Back
In March of 2020, The Loft Cinema did something they had never done in their history: close their doors. This came because of the Covid-19 pandemic. After a period of uncertainty, thanks to an outpouring of community support The Loft not only survived but began work on a new expansion to transform from a theater into a thriving space for film lovers.
Speaking Personally – Marc Shaiman
Marc Shaiman is a Grammy, Emmy, Tony and BAFTA-award winning composer and lyricist who has also been nominated for seven Oscars - so far. If you’ve seen a movie since the late 1980s, there is a good chance you have heard his work. He recently sat down with AZPM’s Mark McLemore to discuss to his long-serving friendship and career with Bette Midler, the more than 20 projects he worked on with his close Rob Reiner, scoring The Addams Family films, and why he never watches the South Park movie. Shaiman recently slowed down long enough to write a memoir called “Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner”.
This week on Arizona Illustrated we look at the gaps in health care for Arizonans in rural communities and meet a physician who is on the front lines of the escalating challenges; see how the University of Arizona’s high jump program is raising the bar; The Loft Cinema faces unprecedented challenges during the pandemic but came back with a newer and bigger expansion, and composer Marc Shaiman discusses working with Bette Midler, Rob Reiner and more.
Gaps in Rural Health Care - A doctor’s journey to patients in Cochise County
In rural Cochise County, access to medical care often depends on distance, time and whether providers are available at all. Dr. Darlene is a pediatrician serving families across Cochise County. She travels long stretches to reach patients who might otherwise go without care. Through her work, the story explores the realities of doctor shortages, long travel times and the growing challenges facing rural health care in Arizona.
High Jump School
The University of Arizona high jump team have been raising champions for decades. Under the wings of decorated coach, Bob Myers, the Wildcats are constantly raising the bar for future generations of the ‘High Jump School’. This story introduces Emma Gates and Paris Mikinski, two stellar UA high jumpers who are competitors, friends and part of the university’s high jump legacy.
The Loft Stikes Back
In March of 2020, The Loft Cinema did something they had never done in their history: close their doors. This came because of the Covid-19 pandemic. After a period of uncertainty, thanks to an outpouring of community support The Loft not only survived but began work on a new expansion to transform from a theater into a thriving space for film lovers.
Speaking Personally – Marc Shaiman
Marc Shaiman is a Grammy, Emmy, Tony and BAFTA-award winning composer and lyricist who has also been nominated for seven Oscars - so far. If you’ve seen a movie since the late 1980s, there is a good chance you have heard his work. He recently sat down with AZPM’s Mark McLemore to discuss to his long-serving friendship and career with Bette Midler, the more than 20 projects he worked on with his close Rob Reiner, scoring The Addams Family films, and why he never watches the South Park movie. Shaiman recently slowed down long enough to write a memoir called “Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner”.
