Critics: Feds reopened tribal schools without asking or advising tribes

WASHINGTON - Lawmakers and tribal leaders berated the Bureau of Indian Education on Thursday for a school reopening plan that prioritizes in-person learning, despite tribes' opposition to the plan in the face of COVID-19 health concerns.


Tribal leader says ensuring accurate census is a ‘life and death’ issue

WASHINGTON - Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis told a House panel Thursday that an accurate Census count could be a "matter of life and death" for tribal communities.


As workers call for aid, Senate again stalls on COVID-19 relief bill

WASHINGTON - The Senate on Thursday failed to advance a new COVID-19 relief bill, continuing months of partisan stalemate over a Democratic plan the Republicans call a "liberal wish list" and a GOP bill Democrats deride as "emaciated."


Phoenix city manager rejects Black Lives Matter street mural near arena

PHOENIX – Phoenix city manager Ed Zuercher on Wednesday rejected a proposed Black Lives Matter street mural in downtown Phoenix. In a letter, he said there was a concern about “safety, risks and federal guidelines for markings on streets.”


Fried chicken, candied yams and a helping hand: Cardinals’ Peterson provides meals to homeless

PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals star Patrick Peterson begins year-long “P2 Tuesdays,” serving his favorite meals to the people of UMOM.


Chadwick Boseman’s death reveals cancer disparities in the Black community

African Americans have the highest mortality rate for all cancer combined, and Chadwick Boseman’s recent death has encouraged conversations about getting screened.


Coconino official joins plea for continued federal support of rural counties

WASHINGTON - Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta urged federal officials Wednesday to honor their commitments to fund rural counties, where increased demand for services from COVID-19 comes "at a time when we are stretched very thin to provide them."


Report: Arizona had highest ‘housing loss’ rate; more evictions coming

WASHINGTON - Arizona had the highest rate of "housing loss" in the nation, according to a new national study, and that was before what experts called a “tsunami of evictions” that is expected to hit this fall.


ASU President Crow vows to release cumulative COVID-19 testing data

PHOENIX – President Michael Crow and other Arizona State University officials defended the university’s method of counting COVID-19 cases in a virtual press conference Wednesday.


COVID-19 cases on reservation at lowest point since May, but Navajos urged to remain vigilant

PHOENIX – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said there was only one case of COVID-19 in a 24-hour period but warned of a possible spike in the wake of the three-day Labor Day weekend.


Next Generation: Grappling with loss of life and connection, Native youth transform into the leaders of tomorrow

PHOENIX – With COVID-19 disproportionately affecting tribal nations, Native youth are stepping up to help others, preserve their culture and start the healing process.


Judge halts plan to end census early, as Arizona, tribal responses lag

WASHINGTON - A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Census Bureau plan to end its counting a month earlier than planned, ruling in a suit joined last week by the Navajo Nation and Gila River Indian Community.