‘Overwhelming’ demand on first day of $349 billion small-business aid program
WASHINGTON - Banks and small businesses reported an overwhelming volume of calls and some confusion Friday as the Small Business Administration launched the first phase of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package in the face of COVID-19.
Owner Michael Bidwill leads a big Cardinals drive – for blood donations
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals and owner Michael Bidwill hosted the first of three blood drives at State Farm Stadium on Tuesday. The Cardinals and the Arizona Coyotes have both taken part in the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Tucson barbers, salons open, despite city order closing other businesses
TEMPE - When Tucson Mayor Regina Romero ordered nonessential businesses to close Saturday to halt COVID-19, she could only ask barbershops and salons to go along, after Gov. Doug Ducey declared them "essential services" - a designation that remains in his statewide "stay-home" directive.
Trump signs $2 trillion relief bill hours after House rushes it through
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package just hours after it was rushed through the House Friday, clearing the way for aid to businesses, increased benefits for workers and direct payments to taxpayers.
COVID-19 being felt in donations, hours, adoptions at animal shelters
PHOENIX - The spread of COVID-19 has "deeply affected" Arizona animal shelters, which are discontinuing some services, cutting hours and trying to juggle between taking animals in and adopting them out to stretch resources while protecting pets and people.
‘Ko-be! Ko-be!’ Bryant’s last trip to Phoenix was memorable for Booker, fans
PHOENIX - Kobe Bryant terrorized the Phoenix Suns for two decades, making many enemies in the Valley. For one night in 2016, all of that was forgotten as the Suns and their fans celebrated the career of the Black Mamba.
Maricopa County becomes largest county to approve Second Amendment sanctuary measure
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors declares the county a sanctuary for gun rights, drawing an array of criticism from those concerned about gun violence and regulation.
Healing arts: Recovering from sexual assault through creativity
PHOENIX – Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Art as therapy, whether through visual, performance or other means, is being used as a recovery system from sexual assault.
New mental health center adds 192 beds to underserved Maryvale neighborhood
PHOENIX – The Valleywise Behavioral Health Center, which will provide nearly 200 beds and other patient services, has opened in the old Maryvale Hospital.
Ahead of ‘public charge’ change, advocates struggle to keep Hispanic families enrolled in benefits
PHOENIX – Advocates continue struggling to keep qualified Hispanic families enrolled in public programs like food stamps and cash assistance amid changes to the so-called public charge rule. The U.S. Supreme Court last month decided to let the rule take effect, and that happens on Feb. 24. It allows immigration officers to consider applicants’ use of public benefits, including Medicaid, in deciding to grant green cards, visas and changes in residency.
Biggs, Schweikert cross aisle as House trims president’s war powers
WASHINGTON - Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert were among just 11 Republicans who crossed party lines Thursday as the House voted to limit the president's ability to pursue military action without approval from Congress.
Once almost a Suns player, Kobe Bryant’s ties to Suns run deep
PHOENIX – Through wins and losses, Kobe Bryant’s impact on Valley is far-reaching.
