Update on COVID-19 and flu vaccines; new study examines Latino economic mobility; remembering Paul Bender

On this episode of “Arizona Horizon,” Dr. Joel Terriquez, Medical Director for the Division of Public Health Preparedness at the Arizona Department of Health Services, discussed a statewide standing order for the 2026–27 flu season. The order allows pharmacists to give COVID-19 and flu vaccines to Arizonans without individual prescriptions.

We also heard from Karen Armknecht, Vice President of Research and Evaluation for Chicanos Por La Causa, who discussed their new study on economic development for Latino communities. Research found inequality in Latino homeowners, credit card holders, higher education and more.

Finally, Stephen Montoya, attorney at Montoya, Lucero and Pastor, discussed the legacy of Paul Bender, former professor of law and dean emeritus of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU. Bender taught extensively on both U.S. and Arizona constitutional law, serving as an expert on the U.S. Supreme Court for local, state and national media.