‘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.


Businesses get another 60 days to apply for pandemic relief assistance

WASHINGTON - Arizona business officials welcomed Tuesday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, a multibillion-dollar pandemic-relief program for businesses that one official said has been "keeping people open from day to day" over the past year.


Feds extend eviction moratorium for 90 days to slow COVID-19 spread

WASHINGTON - A federal eviction moratorium that was scheduled to end Wednesday has been extended through June 30, good news for the close to 114,000 Arizona renters who think they are at risk of eviction.


Thrift shops and sustainable fashion outlets thrive during the pandemic

PHOENIX - While most businesses have been suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, thrift stores across Arizona have been experiencing success.


Recreational marijuana sales race ahead, but industry equity falls behind

TEMPE – Arizona started recreational marijuana sales in January, months earlier than expected. Sales have been so heavy that lines form at some dispensaries. Still, the industry struggles with social equity and diversity in the workforce.


As U.S. tourists head south to escape the pandemic, Mexican travelers head north

MEXICO CITY – The pandemic has affected tourism in the U.S. and Mexico but, both countries are now seeking a break across the border.


House gives final OK to relief bill that will send billions to Arizona

WASHINGTON - The House gave final approval Wednesday to the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill, a sweeping measure that will directly touch almost every Arizonan and will send billions in aid to the state.


Historic drought brings lean times for Sonora ranchers, farmers

Recent data shows most of Sonora’s 72 municipalities have some level of drought, which means there’s really nowhere for ranchers to take their animals to graze. Feeding them is “impossible, economically speaking,” one ranching representative said.


From food robots to an app for loneliness, COVID drives technological research

PHOENIX – From robots to deliver food to kiosks that measure vital signs, COVID-19 has driven numerous technological advances – and some Arizonans are playing a role.


Sinema faces blowback for minimum wage vote; long-term damage unclear

WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said she still believes the Senate should take up a higher minimum wage, but that didn't keep critics from lighting into her after her Friday vote to keep the higher wage out of the latest pandemic relief package.


Deployed, then unemployed, military veterans fight to find jobs

PHOENIX – The transition process from military service to civilian life can be a rough one for veterans. Arizona veterans have help.


Investors now can bet on California’s water, helping agriculture withstand dry spells

Some California farmers are hopeful opened economic options will help balance high water prices during the summer, while extreme weather and droughts continue.

Almonds break out of their shells at an almond farm in Fresno, Calif.