COVID-19 death toll in Arizona expected to top 20,000 this week
WASHINGTON - Arizona is on pace to reach 20,000 COVID-19 deaths this week, according to state data, as the disease that seemed to be waning just months ago has come roaring back with a new variant and new battles on safety protocols.
New law prohibits vehicles blocking sidewalks, punishable by a $250 fine
PHOENIX – A new law makes blocking sidewalks with vehicles a crime, meant to keep walkways clear for all pedestrians. It was one of 12 laws that took effect Wednesday.
More research, better treatment for Lyme disease sought amid rising case rates
PHOENIX – The incidence of Lyme disease has nearly doubled in the U.S. since the 1990s, yet funding for research is still lacking and patients struggle to get help. Advocates say that should change, considering predictions that climate change could increase case numbers.
Phoenix Rising players blend Hispanic, American cultures while guiding team to postseason
PHOENIX - Mezcla. In Spanish, the word means “mixture” or “blend,” and it applies to many Hispanics in the United States who are trying to blend into American culture while embracing their own. It’s a familiar challenge for Phoenix Rising players Arturo Rodriguez and Santi Moar.
$4,000 for a Devin Booker trading card? Market flourishes as Valley sports teams excel
CHANDLER – Encouraged by the recent success of the Suns and Cardinals, local trading card collectors are jumping back into the scene. It’s a trend that doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, thanks to personalities like Devin Booker and Kyler Murray.
McCain, Flake face light questioning in chummy confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON - It was supposed to be a confirmation hearing for the ambassadorial nominations of Cindy McCain and former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, but their appearance Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sounded more like a family reunion at times.
First Native American poet laureate begins third term, releases a memoir
Joy Harjo of Oklahoma, the first Native American woman to serve as the nation’s poet laureate, has begun her third term – an honor bestowed only once before, in 1999. She also has released “Poet Warrior: A Memoir.”
Dutch soccer player created new ASU family after moving to Arizona
TEMPE – An ASU soccer player works to adjust after moving from the Netherlands to Arizona to play college soccer.
Q&A: How a brother’s drug overdose led to one woman’s crusade for harm reduction
PHOENIX – Amid rising opioid overdoses, needle exchange programs now are legal in Arizona. An advocate for one program talks about her work and how such efforts combat addiction and deaths.
Booker’s positive COVID-19 test, strong anti-vax player voices suggest challenging season for NBA
PHOENIX – The news that Devin Booker will miss the start of Phoenix Suns training camp because of a positive COVID-19 test, and his decision to keep his vaccination status private, raises interesting questions about NBA COVID protocol and how the league will move forward with some strong anti-vax voices among players.
Ban on school mask mandates was unconstitutionally enacted, judge rules
PHOENIX – A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled the Arizona Legislature’s ban on school mask mandates was unconstitutionally included in budget bills, paving the way for schools to continue requiring masks.
Beat LA … maybe? Arizona’s frustrating rivalry with City of Angels extends to Rams-Cardinals
PHOENIX – The Cardinals beat the Jaguars to move to 3-0 for the first time since 2015. It only gets tougher from here, however, as they play the Rams next, a Super Bowl contender and a team they have not beaten since the 2016 season.
