A silver boon: Lute Olson gave Arizona a championship, Tucson an identity
PHOENIX – He went to 23 NCAA Tournaments in 24 seasons. He gave the University of Arizona its only men's basketball national championship. Lute Olson was may things to many people – coach, friend, father, grandfather – but among his greatest accomplishments was giving the city of Tucson an identity.
Homeless workers face heightened risks in the pandemic
Many homeless people work low-wage essential jobs while living in unsanitary conditions, putting them at higher risk of catching and possibly transmitting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Months later, communities still await federal aid for the homeless
Congress rushed an aid package for the nation’s homeless residents, but four months after passage of the CARES Act, most of that $4 billion has not reached those in need.
The ununited state of juvenile justice in America
As a child in the United States, justice depends on where you live, the color of your skin, which police officer arrests you, or which judge, prosecutor or probation officer happens to be involved in the case. Juvenile courts across the country processed nearly 750,000 in 2018 and about 200,000 of these were removed from home and locked away.
COVID-19 is a ‘crisis within a crisis’ for homeless people
PHOENIX – Homeless people are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, but its impact on them is largely a mystery as data collection is sparse and, minus any coordinated federal response, local governments must figure out how to protect their homeless during the pandemic.
Postal Service cuts already being felt in Arizona, raise election fears
WASHINGTON - Spoiled medication and missing rent checks are among the problems that Arizonans have seen as a result of recent postal system changes, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said during a committee grilling of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who defended his actions.
Hispanic Democrats identify Arizona as a battleground state in 2020 elections
WASHINGTON - Arizona was identified as one of six battleground states for this fall's election, a status that state Democrats said has been 10 years in the making. The comments came at a forum of Hispanic lawmakers on the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
Missing you: High school football programs face safety and money woes in COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – High school coaches are eager to get the season started in person, but the pandemic has caused uncertainty and will affect fans, players and funding for high school sporting programs across metro Phoenix.
Miss Navajo Nation is a ‘glimmer of hope’ for community during pandemic
PHOENIX – After winning the title of Miss Navajo Nation in September, Shaandiin Parrish immediately got to work on the cultural preservation and advocacy efforts central to the role.
Talking ‘the talk’: Black leaders in Arizona recall sobering rite of passage
PHOENIX - For any teen, a driver’s license is a rite of passage. But for Black teens in America, the freedom that comes with car keys also comes with “the talk”: The time when Black parents sit their children down to explain what to do if stopped by a police officer.
Migrants face life-threatening illnesses because of dirty water in Panamanian camps
BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama – For the hundreds of migrants in a Panamanian migrant camp, a nearby river provides their drinking water and bathwater – and serves as their toilet – leading to illness.
As feds debate COVID-19 deal, clock is ticking on state eviction protection
WASHINGTON - Arizona renters may have breathed a sigh of relief last month when Gov. Doug Ducey extended a moratorium on residential evictions to Oct. 31 - but Oct. 31 could come as soon as later this month if renters don't file the right paperwork with their landlords.
