Travel nurses, staffing industry pushed to the limits by COVID
PHOENIX – After more than a year of witnessing relentless death on the front lines, the critical workforce of travel nurses is burning out – with lasting repercussions on the health care industry.
California amusement parks reopen at 25% capacity with limits on out-of-state visitors
LOS ANGELES – Many theme parks in California have begun to reopen at limited capacity, but most only will admit state residents at first.
As air travel increases, so do concerns about COVID-19 safety measures
WASHINGTON - With vaccination efforts in full force, airlines and airports are on their way to bouncing back from a year in which passenger traffic fell as much as 96% because of the pandemic, officials told a Senate panel - but health safety remains a concern.
Tribal officials outline infrastructure gap ‘big as the Grand Canyon’
WASHINGTON - Tribes face a digital divide "as big as the Grand Canyon" and a "not even quantifiable" lack of utility access, just two of the problems outlined at a House hearing Wednesday on infrastructure needs in Indian Country.
Biden cites infrastructure needs in Arizona, other states, to push plan
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal spelled out constructions needs in all states, including Arizona.
Valley roller skaters adapt during pandemic, embrace community to overcome adversity
PHOENIX – As roller skaters navigate COVID-19 shutdowns and reopenings, they’re searching for a place to roll – and a community.
‘Dog-flipping’ on the rise as more Americans seek companionship during pandemic
PHOENIX – With many people searching for companions during the pandemic, dog thieves are reselling of desirable pooches for thousands of dollars.
‘Water protector’: Indigenous illustrator wins Caldecott Medal for children’s book
Michaela Goade is the first Indigenous illustrator to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal for best American picture book for children. The artist won the honor for “We Are Water Protectors,” written by Carole Lindstrom.
‘Sorry, buddy’: Athletes saying ‘no’ to autograph seekers symbolic of COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – People with time during a pandemic are revisiting their sports memorabilia collections and that business is booming. Getting those collectibles autographed is another story, though.
Death, taxes and April 15? Maybe not. Tax filing dates shift in 2021
WASHINGTON - The IRS extended the tax-filing deadline to May 17 because of COVID-19, but the due date remained April 15 in Arizona - until Monday. Lawmakers approved an extension last week, the governor signed it Monday, just 10 days before the usual tax day.
Limited Cactus League attendance has ripple effect on local businesses
TEMPE – For plenty of Arizona businesses, March is the busiest month of the year thanks to an influx of tourists for spring training. But in 2021, with the pandemic limiting Cactus League attendance, restaurants didn’t see the same sales spike they usually do.
‘Fourth wave’: As mask mandates are lifted, Arizona health researchers urge COVID-19 caution
Researchers at ASU call for social distancing and mask wearing to continue in the face of a possible fourth wave and local mutating strains of COVID-19.
