‘Keeping the culture alive’: Native dance goes digital during pandemic

PHOENIX – Native communities have cancelled traditional gatherings because of COVID-19. But Tiny Rosales, a member of the Ojibwe tribe, has found a way to “to keep the people dancing” by creating a space on Facebook to host virtual Native dance competitions.


As providers turn to telehealth during COVID-19, calls rise for more resources in Indian Country

PHOENIX – With telehealth expansion, community leaders and medical providers see a chance for improved health outcomes amid COVID-19 and beyond, but a lack of infrastructure hinders access for some on tribal lands.


Crimes in Tucson, Phoenix fell in second quarter, as COVID-19 took hold

Crime fell in Phoenix and Tucson in the second quarter of the year, a period when a COVID-19 stay-at-home order was in effect, but while property crimes in both cities dropped aggravated assaults rose - possibly because of pandemic-related stress.


COVID-19 threatens migrant, officer safety at cramped ICE detention centers

PHOENIX - More than 440 detainees at the four Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers in Arizona have tested positive for COVID-19, and advocates are suing for the releas of detainees, which they insist is "the only appropriate remedy."


Many Navajos face pandemic without running water, tribal members urged to ‘lift each other up’

One grassroots organization – The WATERED – has delivered hand-washing stations to more than 110 households on the 27,000-square-mile Navajo Nation reservation.


Western states look to sewers to track next coronavirus outbreak

Right now, there is no reliable way to predict where the next potential coronavirus outbreak will be. But many western states are looking to get a handle on the disease by diving into the sewer.


Food insecurity amid COVID-19 prompts Native Americans to return to their roots

PHOENIX – There are few grocery stores in Indian Country, so as COVID-19 leaves shelves scarce, Indigenous communities are returning to their food-growing roots.


COVID-19 on pace to become third-leading cause of death in state

Six months after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Arizona, the disease is on pace to become the third-leading cause of death in the state this year, following only cancer and heart disease, according to state data.


Head games: Former volleyball player believes concussions led to mental health issues

PHOENIX – Concussion education is important to Stephanie Cahill. She played high school volleyball from 14 to 16 years old and suffered five concussions, two of them while playing club ball. Now 23, she believes the anxiety and depression she has experienced since the injuries are related.


Arizona dairy farms pivot from restaurants to food banks as COVID-19 shifts demand

PHOENIX – The Arizona dairy industry has taken a major hit as a result of closing restaurants and fast-food chains that would typically be purchasing cheese and other dairy products in bulk.


ASU confirms students will return to campus in fall, anonymous account demands right to party

PHOENIX – Arizona County used federal stimulus money to increase contact tracing and COVID-19 tests; Navajo Nation extends the state of emergency through Aug. 16.


Coronavirus sports roundup: No fans allowed for next 3 Rising home games

PHOENIX - No fans will be allowed for next three Phoenix Rising home games. In initial NFL camp testing, 21 players test positive.