Pandemic, Trump and racism drive voter turnout in some tribal communities

Native American voters say they were driven to vote by COVID-19, racism and President Trump’s disregard for sacred tribal land.


Holiday punch: COVID-19 worries mean no holiday party for most offices

WASHINGTON - Offices across the country are canceling holiday parties, finding ways to celebrate virtually or with other COVID-19 safeguards in place. Just 23% of businesses said they plan a year-end party this year, a reversal from the 76% who did so last year.


First COVID-19 vaccines, vaccinations expected in Arizona by Dec. 15

WASHINGTON - Arizona health officials said they expect to get the first of more than 380,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 15 and will begin vaccinating health care workers and first responders shortly thereafter.


Home on the road: COVID-19 closures mean Lakers fans will travel to see the champs play

LOS ANGELES – Because Staples Center will be closed when the NBA season starts, Lakers fans will have to travel to other states to watch their team and make their presence felt. They believe they can counteract the disadvantages of playing on the road.


Once used to track foodborne illnesses, UArizona team now traces COVID contacts

Volunteers from the University of Arizona’s SAFER team are conducting two functions the CDC says are essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19: contact tracing and case investigations.


Navajo warn hospitals at ‘breaking point’ in worsening COVID-19 surge

WASHINGTON - With a shortage of beds, oxygen and staff, the Navajo Nation can no longer depend on regional aid and is sending critical patients farther afield for care, officials reported Thursday.


Superspreaders, clusters and dead ends: Research reveals more about how coronavirus spreads

PHOENIX – Research reveals the nature of coronavirus transmission, and how some people become superspreaders while others give the virus to no one.


Gilbert’s Made With Love Market reopens, brings together small business owners

GILBERT – The Made With Love Market made a comeback since shutting down back in February and remain optimistic with the upcoming holiday season.


Ducey rejects new COVID-19 limits, as models foresee swamped hospitals

WASHINGTON – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey again rejected calls for tougher statewide COVID-19 restrictions Wednesday in the face of what experts called a pending "catastrophe," opting instead for more funding for nurses and more pleas for personal responsibility.


Mesa teachers union urges district to halt in-person classes

The Mesa Education Association, which represents teachers, has asked Mesa Public Schools to return to remote learning because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Maricopa County. District officials say they’ll respond on Thursday.


State posts new COVID-19 case record, as possible holiday surge looms

WASHINGTON - Arizona reported a record 10,322 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, more than twice the previous high, as cases surged ahead of a holiday season that one health expert said could be a "real scary time."


52% of young adults now live at home – the highest rate in 80 years

More than half of young adults 18 to 29 live with their parents, the Pew Research Center has found, and the COVID-19 pandemic is driving that rise.