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Biden Administration gives support to Arizona schools bucking Gov. Ducey's ban on mask mandates
(Win McNamee / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Biden Administration gave support to districts across Arizona ignoring the state's ban on mask mandates, 12 News reported. Gov. Doug Ducey planned to reward schools that do not mandate masks or other protections against the transmission of COVID-19. In his recent White House speech, Biden criticized politicians who are "trying to turn public safety measures, that is children wearing masks in school, into political disputes for their own political gain.
City of Phoenix sues Arizona, citing violation of state constitution
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The city of Phoenix filed a lawsuit with the Superior Court Tuesday, accusing the state of Arizona of violating the state's constitution, the state said in a news release. Phoenix alleged that state lawmakers illegally put provisions into a state budget bill, and claimed it was a violation of Arizona's constitution.
ASU to require face coverings inside classrooms - NewsBreak
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (TEMPE, Ariz.) Arizona State University announced Wednesday that masks or face coverings will be required in all classrooms as well as in teaching and research labs. ASU noted it will continue to work within guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for colleges and universities. The guidelines suggest that everyone wear a face covering while inside university or college buildings.
BetMGM, Arizona Cardinals and Gila River strike deal for in-state sports gambling
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (GLENDALE, Ariz.) BetMGM, a sportsbook operator, is set to enter Arizona after a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal will allow statewide distribution of its app and will include physical locations at State Farm Stadium and three Gila River tribal casinos, ABC 15 reported. The agreement made BetMGM the exclusive sportsbook of the Cardinals.
6 national parks and monuments to visit in Arizona
(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Arizona is home of one of the natural wonders of the world in the Grand Canyon, but the state is home to a variety of other natural monuments and national parks. Arizona has 24 national parks scattered throughout the state. Here are seven of the best to visit. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon is world-famous for its size, scale and the way it dwarfs absolutely everything in the area.
5 things to do in Arizona this weekend
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) A new month brings new events and opportunities for Arizonans to get out of the house and enjoy their weekend. Though the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to infect people across the state, increased vaccination rates among adults mean you can get out while masked up and practicing social distancing. Phoenix First Friday made its return to downtown Phoenix in July.
US Department of Justice launches investigation into Phoenix Police Department for use of force
(Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Thursday that the United States Department of Justice is launching an investigation into the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department regarding use-of-force and practices within the department, 12 News reported.
Hamilton High School in Chandler sees COVID-19 outbreak increase to 32 active cases
(John Moore / Getty Images) (CHANDLER, Ariz.) Hamilton High School in Chandler is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak and has seen 32 active cases among staff and students as of Tuesday, according to the Chandler Unified School District's COVID-19 dashboard, 12 News reported. The 32 cases at Hamilton is almost as much as the rest of the district's high schools and middle schools combined, with the second most active cases being Chandler High School's 10.
Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak restricted Tuesday and Wednesday due to excessive heat warning
(John Moore / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Two hiking areas are set to be restricted on Tuesday and Wednesday after the National Weather Service in Phoenix issued an excessive heat warning for the coming days, ABC 15 reported. Both Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak will be shut down due to the excessive heat warning. Phoenix is expected to see temperatures between 108 and 113 degrees, according to reports from the NWS.
5 things to do in Arizona this weekend
(Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The list of things to do throughout Arizona includes a football training camp, a movie screening, a tribute to a rock-and-roll legend, drinks at a garden and an antique fair. Here is a list of five things to do in the state this weekend: Glendale The Arizona Cardinals will open up training camp to the public on Friday and Saturday. Practice will be at 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale at State Farm Stadium.
Here are the cities in Arizona implementing a mask mandate at city-owned buildings
(Spencer Platt / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a recommendation earlier this week that suggested everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in areas of high transmission for COVID-19. Several towns and cities have reinstated mandates for people to wear masks inside city-owned or municipal-owned buildings, azfamily reported.
Phoenix woman arrested in Gila County on suspicion of transporting $1.5 million worth of fentanyl pills
(Drew Angerer / Getty Images) (PAYSON, Ariz.) A Phoenix woman was arrested after deputies with the Gila County Sheriff's Office allegedly found 50,000 pills laced with fentanyl inside her car, azfamily reported. Authorities said 21-year-old Gesel Edith Diaz Acosta was stopped by deputies on State Route 87 just south of Payson around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Deputies reportedly asked Acosta if they could search her vehicle, and she agreed.
Arizona Department of Health Services recommends masks indoors and in schools as delta variant spreads
(Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Center for Disease Control and Prevention started again recommending the use of masks indoors in areas of high or substantial transmission, as well as masking for everyone in K-12 schools, and the Arizona Department of Health Services said it will be matching the guidance state-wide, ABC 15 reported.
Mesa skateboarder Jagger Eaton grabs bronze medal at Olympics - News Break
(Ezra Shaw / Getty Images) (TOKYO) Arizona native Jagger Eaton nabbed the bronze medal at the first-ever skateboarding competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 20-year-old man was born in Scottsdale but lives in Mesa. He reportedly started skating at 4-years-old. Eaton finished behind Japanese hometown hero Yuto Horigome, who won the gold medal in his home country in the men's street event. Brazilian Kelvin Hoefler scored the silver medal.
Former Phoenix police officer arrested on suspicion of assaulting handcuffed man
(Joe Raedle / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) A former rookie police officer with the Phoenix Police Department is accused of assaulting a handcuffed man, azfamily reported. Connor Orth-Smith, 23, allegedly assaulted the man and threatened to "beat his a**," according to court documents. Orth-Smith reportedly responded to a call from Banner Estrella Hospital security on July 15 around 6:45 p.m. to help get a man who was fighting with them off the property.
Arizona Game and Fish looking for information on bighorn sheep ram poachers south of Buckeye
(David McNew / Getty Images) (BUCKEYE, Ariz.) A desert bighorn sheep ram was poached just south of Buckeye and the Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a reward for information that leads to any arrests, ABC 15 reported. The incident reportedly happened on July 10 around 8:30 p.m. Officials said five men were seen leaving the area in a grey sedan and black SUV.
Trails on Camelback and Piestewa to shut down during extreme heat warnings
(Spencer Platt / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Rescue crews rescued people in four separate incidents on Camelback Mountain on Thursday and officials with the Phoenix Fire Department are asking hikers to be diligent, 12 News reported. Temperatures continued to rise during July and those temperatures can be dangerous no matter a hiker's age or fitness level.
Arizona has raised over $74 million in tax revenue from recreational marijuana
(Hector Vivas / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Just over $74 million in tax revenue has come to Arizona so far since businesses in the state were approved to sell recreational marijuana, 12 News reported. Those funds have come in just over 6 months, as businesses were approved to start selling in late January. Proposition 207 passed as a ballot initiative in the 2020 election that placed two taxes on the sale of recreational marijuana, in addition to the standard sales tax.
Gov. Doug Ducey to use federal pandemic relief funding to promote Arizona tourism
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced he will use $101.1 million in federal relief funding to encourage more tourism in the state in order to help the hospitality industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, dubbed the Visit Arizona Initiative, is also meant to increase job creation and accelerate economic recovery. "Tourism is essential for Arizona's booming economy and job growth," Ducey said in a statement.
Fire caused in Phoenix after lightning strikes gas line
(Scott Barbour / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) A storm Wednesday throughout the Valley also brought with it thunder and lightning. That lightning caused a small house fire in Phoenix and another fire after hitting an above-ground gas line, azfamily reported. Southwest Gas and the Phoenix Fire Department said the lightning caused a fire near 35th Avenue and Durango Street. It happened near the Arizona State Prison Complex and the Durango Juvenile Detention Facility.
Execution dates for 2 Arizona death row inmates postponed - News Break
(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Arizona Supreme Court tossed out a schedule Monday that would result in execution warrants for two death row inmates, thus delaying their projected execution dates, according to a report from FOX 10. The state's lethal injection drug will need to undergo more testing before execution warrants can be attained for Clarence Dixon and Frank Atwood.
7 spots in Arizona to watch the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals
(Ralph Freso / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Milwaukee Bucks showed life in the NBA Finals, grabbing a 120-100 win in Game 3 to close the series gap 2-1 in favor of the Phoenix Suns in the Finals. Game 4 will also take place in Milwaukee on Wednesday at 6 p.m., away from the 18,000+ fans at Phoenix Suns Arena. Suns fans can scratch the itch to join their fellow fans in several areas throughout Arizona for the upcoming games on Sunday and Wednesday.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to visit Phoenix this week as part of infrastructure tour
(Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, is scheduled to travel to Arizona later this week as part of his infrastructure tour, ABC 15 reported.
Sky Harbor won't allow fans to greet Suns at airport after road games
(Ronald Martinez / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Phoenix Suns are headed to Milwaukee with a 2-0 lead over the Bucks in the NBA Finals. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is trying to keep fans out of the area on the chance the Suns return to Phoenix with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. "There will NOT be any opportunities at the Airport for fans to see & interact with the Suns when they arrive in PHX after NBA Finals games," the airport said on Twitter.
Arizona reaches 50% vaccination rate for COVID-19
(Courtney Pedroza / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Arizona Department of Health Services announced Thursday that half of all Arizonans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, azfamily reported. The milestone was reached Thursday morning. Health officials said the 50 percent mark was hit once 3,594,004 out of a total 7,189,020 Arizonans got their first dose of the vaccine. Almost 3.2 million Arizonans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich warns Suns fans about NBA Finals ticket scams
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Mark Brnovich, Arizona's Attorney General, warned Arizonans Tuesday about the possibility of getting scammed out of NBA Finals tickets. "Scammers know that NBA Finals tickets are the hottest tickets in town," Brnovich said in a statement. "If you have Suns fever, make sure any tickets you buy are the real McCoy." Brnovich laid out several tips for those looking to buy tickets to the Finals or any event: Buy tickets from trusted vendors.
Total COVID-19 deaths in Arizona reaches 18,000
(Courtney Pedroza / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The confirmed death toll in Arizona reached 18,000 Tuesday after 21 additional deaths were added to the total, FOX 10 reported. Alongside the deaths, 900 more confirmed cases were reported after the July 4 holiday weekend. Four additional deaths were reported Sunday and none on Monday. The state's seven-day rolling average daily deaths dropped to 9.4 from 10.7 on June 20, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
6 spots in the Phoenix area to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Fireworks celebrations on the Fourth of July are back this year in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Several events were canceled and changed last year due to the pandemic, but 2021 is set to be a big year as the state has opened up and the number of vaccinated Arizonans continues to increase.
Phoenix City Council approves purchase of $46.5 million building in downtown Phoenix
(Christian Petersen / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The city of Phoenix is set to buy the former Wells Fargo tower in downtown Phoenix, according to a report from ABC 15. That building is set to house multiple city agencies, including the Phoenix Police Department and 911 operators. The Phoenix City Council voted 7 to 2 in favor of buying the 27-story building at 100 W. Washington St. on July 1.
Newest Sumatran tiger, Joanne, welcomed to Phoenix Zoo
(Caitlin O'Hara / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) A new tiger joined Phoenix Zoo's exhibit on Monday, The Arizona Republic reported. Joanne, a 10-year-old female Sumatran tiger, joined the Phoenix Zoo after she was brought from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Joanne is the daughter of a former Sumatran tiger from the Phoenix Zoo. Utan, Joanne's parent, was born in 1990, according to the Phoenix Zoo. Joanne was brought to Phoenix as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.
Suns point guard Chris Paul cleared to play in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Clippers - News Break
(Dustin Bradford / Getty Images) (LOS ANGELES) Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul has been cleared to play in Game 3 of the Western Conference against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles on Thursday. Paul entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols last week after the Suns finished off a sweep against the Denver Nuggets.
House Democrats block Arizona budget vote by not showing up
(Courtesy of Citizens Clean Elections Commission) (PHOENIX) House Democrats in Arizona delayed the passage of a state budget that includes major tax cuts for the wealthy by not showing up on Tuesday, ABC 15 reported. Every Democrat aside from one didn't go to the Capitol when the House was scheduled to debate and pass the budget. A shortage of representatives left the House short of the quorum needed to conduct business.
Phoenix Sky Harbor to receive $158 million from American Rescue Plan
(Ralph Freso / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Sky Harbor International Airport is set to receive roughly $158 million in federal funds to assist in economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 News reported. U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton announced Tuesday that the airport will receive the money from the American Rescue Plan. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will also get $8.8 million. Airports across the state are set to receive more than $196.7 million in emergency federal funds.
Arizona Game and Fish Department to haul 3 million gallons of water to Arizona wildlife during drought
(Sam Greenwood / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Arizona Game and Fish Department said it is set to haul more water than it ever has before in order to help animals in need of drinking water due to the drought in the state, ABC 15 reported. The department said crews hauled 2.4 million gallons of water to thousands of catchments that the department maintained in 2020. That number is set to rise to 3 million gallons in 2021.
Report: Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul out indefinitely after positive COVID-19 test
(Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Chris Paul entered the NBA's health and safety protocols and is out indefinitely after a positive test for COVID-19, jeopardizing his availability for the Western Conference Finals. The Athletic's Shams Charania broke the news Wednesday morning, noting that Paul's status for the next series is "up in the air." John Gambadoro, radio host for 98.7 FM in Arizona, reported that Paul had a positive COVID-19 test.
Hundreds of fans greet Suns at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix after sweep of Denver Nuggets
(Dustin Bradford / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Hours after sweeping the Denver Nuggets out of the playoffs in their home arena on Sunday evening, the Phoenix Suns were greeted by hundreds of diehard fans at Sky Harbor International Airport. The Suns finished a 4-0 Western Conference Semifinals series in Denver with a 125-118 win behind 37 points and seven assists from Chris Paul and 34 points and 11 rebounds from Devin Booker.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announces U.S. Senate campaign
(Brnovich for U.S. Senate) (PHOENIX) Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Thursday he is running for the United State Senate in 2022 against recently elected Democrat Mark Kelly. Brnovich took to Twitter to make his announcement. In a video Brnovich said he fought for Arizonans as the state's top law enforces with a 2017 lawsuit against the Arizona Board of Regents over high tuition costs. Brnovich was elected as Arizona's 26th attorney general in 2014 and won reelection in 2018.
Gov. Doug Ducey issues declarations of emergency for Telegraph and Mescal fires near Superior - News Break
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Gov. Doug Ducey issued declarations of emergency as the Telegraph and Mescal fires scorch parts of the state. Both fires have collectively burned more than 146,000 acres with minimal containments as many people were evacuated from their homes, azfamily reported. "Arizona will spare no expense and do what needs to be done to protect the people and property in these communities," Ducey said on Twitter Wednesday.
State-run COVID-19 vaccine sites throughout Arizona to close by end of June
(Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The large state-run COVID-19 vaccine sites throughout Arizona will cease operations by the end of June and the Arizona Department of Health Services said Thursday that it will shift its focus to community-based vaccine efforts, azfamily reported. Health officials said June 5 will be the last day people can get the first dose of the vaccine and schedule the second dose at Gila River Arena in Glendale.
Arizona Secretary of State announces candidacy for governor
(Photo courtesy of Katie Hobbs for Governor) (PHOENIX) Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs threw her hat into the ring and announced her candidacy for governor of Arizona on Wednesday. “I am running for Governor to deliver transparency, accountability, and results for Arizonans, just like I have done my whole career,” Hobbs said in a news release. Gov. Doug Ducey's term ends on Jan. 1, 2023 and he won't be able to run for office again due to term limits.
Restaurants, bars and liquor stores in Arizona can sell cocktails to go after Gov. Ducey signed legislation
(Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Gov. Doug Ducey announced Friday that he signed a bill allowing restaurants, bars and liquor stores to sell cocktails to go across the entire state, azfamily reported. The bill was signed with the intention to help bars and restaurants expand business in a post-pandemic world. "Businesses of our food and beverage industry have made clear the benefits of offering to-go beverages, and they’ve shown it can be done responsibly. My thanks to Rep.
Small aircraft touches down on Loop 202 in Mesa
(Arizona Department of Transportation) (MESA, Ariz.) A lane of Loop 202 Freeway near Higley Road in Mesa was shut down after a pilot landed a small aircraft onto the freeway on Monday morning, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.
Masks no longer mandatory in Maricopa County government buildings if vaccinated
(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Masks will no longer be required in Maricopa County government buildings for fully vaccinated people, azfamily reported. The county said the new policy is effective immediately and applies to both employees working in the buildings and members of the public who are visiting. Officials said the rule is in line with the new guidance issued on Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Couples arrested on suspicion of fabricating kidnapping story to Phoenix police
(Sean Gallup / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Phoenix Police Department said a couple who reported a baby missing made up the story in order to get the stolen truck back quicker, ABC 15 reported. The couple, identified as 40-year-old Stormee Wagner and 37-year-old James Wagner, claimed on Wednesday that their pickup truck was stolen from a QuikTrip in Phoenix near 3rd Avenue and Indian School Road, police said.
Gov. Doug Ducey signs election bill making voter list no longer permanent
(Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill Tuesday making it easier for the state to remove people from the early ballot database if they abstain from voting in two consecutive elections. Ducey said on Twitter that Arizona is a national leader when it comes to election integrity. Ducey said this as Maricopa County is undergoing a controversial election audit that Arizona state Sen. Paul Boyer called "embarrassing," according to a report from The Hill.
State-run vaccination sites in Arizona to start youth vaccinations starting Thursday
(Jens Schlueter/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) State-run vaccination sites will start administering shots to children between 12- and 15-years-old starting Thursday, ABC 15 reported. State health officials noted there are roughly 400,000 children in Arizona that are in that age range. Parents and guardians can register children for vaccines starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday by visiting podvaccine.azdhs.gov or by calling 844-542-8201.
Maricopa County animal shelters hosting event that waives adoption fees - News Break
(David McNew/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is participating in an "Empty the Shelters" event that is taking place across the country this week, ABC 15 reported. The event comes as local animal shelters are seeing crowded kennels. The Bissell Pet Foundation is sponsoring adoption fees for pets at shelters and rescues in 36 different states until Sunday. Sponsored fees include licensing fees, spay and neuter surgery, microchipping and vaccinations.
Activists question potential $43 million Phoenix police budget increase - News Break
(Justin Berl/Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Over 50 protestors Tuesday questioned an upcoming $43 million increase to the Phoenix Police Department's budget, ABC 15 reported. The representatives came from Black Lives Matter, Poder in Action, Semillas Az, Fund for Empowerment, Chispa AZ, Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona and Phoenix Local Organizing Committee. They all gathered outside the Phoenix City Council Chambers.
Gov. Doug Ducey bans "vaccine passports" in Arizona
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order Monday banning so-called vaccine passports and prohibiting state and local governments from requiring residents to give their COVID-19 status to enter an area or receive service. "The residents of our state should not be required by the government to share their private medical information," the governor said on Twitter.
Arizona Senate to vote on SB 1797, which could legalize sports gambling
(Mark Makela / Getty Images) (PHOENIX) The Arizona Senate is set to vote on Senate Bill 1797 Monday, which would legalize online sports betting in Arizona and authorize licensees to set up sports books at or near stadiums, race tracks and golf courses, FOX 10 reported. Gov. Doug Ducey previously noted his support for the bill. Most Native American tribes throughout the state support the bill as well. Only 10 licensees would be able to set up sportsbooks if SB 1797 is passed.
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