Arizona COVID-19 cumulative counts, Dec. 14
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Mayor Romero says she won't request National Guard in Tucson
AZPM
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero has vowed not to request a National Guard presence in Tucson, which has seen protests for the last several nights.
In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Romero apparently responded to president Trump's call for leaders to "dominate" protestors in their communities.
Romero said of the National guard, quote, "This is excessive, and sends the wrong message to our community. What we need is systemic reform and meaningful policy change, not militarization."
Trump praises Gov. Ducey's handling of protests
AZPM
President Donald Trump praised Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Monday for calling out the National Guard to quell unrest around the state.
In the Monday morning conference call with governors around the country obtained by the Washington Post, the president berated governors who didn't deploy troops after some demonstrations turned into riots and looting.
In contrast to the testy exchanges the president had with some governors, Trump said, "Good job, Doug," when the governor explained how he called out the guard and established a curfew on Sunday.
900 Arizona National Guard troops on protest duty
AP
GLENDALE — The Arizona National Guard has called up about 900 soldiers to help the state deal with protests after Gov. Doug Ducey declared a weeklong statewide curfew on Sunday.
Guard spokesman Maj. Aaron Thacker said Tuesday that the troops include military police that can assist in crowd control. Some of the military police have been sent to the state Capitol in Phoenix after protests over the weekend. Temporary fencing has been put up around the Capitol complex. Other soldiers are available for deployment to other areas of metro Phoenix and could be sent to towns and cities anywhere in the state if needed.
Tucson candlelight vigil for George Floyd draws hundreds
AZPM
A vigil for George Floyd and other black people killed by police across the country drew about 500 Tucsonans to the Dunbar Pavilion African American Arts and Culture Center Monday.
The candlelight vigil was organized by the Tucson NAACP, whose members urged peaceful demonstrations in the wake of Floyd’s death. The vigil follows a weekend of protests in Tucson .
Organizers called for increased civilian oversight of the Tucson Police Department, the hiring of more black officers and the removal of those with a history of complaints. They emphasized attendees make their voices heard at the ballot.
Arizona unemployment numbers continue to rise
AZPM
More than 740,000 people received unemployment benefits last week in Arizona. That is a 23.8% increase over the previous week.
People claiming first-time unemployment benefits totaled 81,000 last week. Those numbers saw a slight drop from the week before.
Both sets of numbers continue to show the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state. They do include the self-employed, who until May 16 were not eligible to file for unemployment. The federal government temporarily changed unemployment eligibility to allow those who work for themselves or in the gig economy to receive benefits.
Click here to see the numbers.
Missing and murdered Indigenous peoples listening session
AZPM
The Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives heard stories of loss, racism and neglect from tribal leaders and advocates in Arizona and nine other states Friday, May 29.
Members of the task force, also known as "Operation Lady Justice," hosted the listening session to hear from tribal leaders and community members about how the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples crisis is affecting their communities.
Navajo Nation Council delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty was among the first to speak.
"Me as a tribal leader, I cannot tell you how many Navajo are missing here on the Navajo Nation," said Crotty. "That demonstrates just a lack of data sharing, that reflects the lack of communication and coordination, and that also reflects the lack of support that our families need."
Animal experts caution extra care for pets in hot weather
AP
Dangerously hot temperatures are forecast for Southern Arizona this week. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Tuesday and Wednesday, and animal care experts are advising people to keep their pets safe.
Nikki Reck with the Pima Animal Care Center says dogs and cats should be kept indoors if possible, and they should not accompany their owners on trips in their cars, no matter how brief.
Relief stations opened in Phoenix area due to excessive heat
AP
PHOENIX — The Salvation Army activated 12 heat-relief stations across metro Phoenix on Tuesday as forecasters warned of excessive heat that could be dangerous.
The Salvation Army said the relief stations would be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The National Weather Service issued an excessive warning for metro Phoenix and other desert areas from Tuesday morning to Thursday evening. The warning said afternoon temperatures of 105 to 113 degrees are expected, producing a very high risk of heat-related illnesses.
Heat-related messages also were released for areas extending from Tucson in southeastern Arizona to Colorado River communities in western Arizona.
Arizona hits record of 1,000-plus COVID-19 hospitalizations
AP
PHOENIX — The number of patients hospitalized with positive or suspected cases of COVID-19 in Arizona has reached an all-time high, according to state figures.
The state Department of Health Services says hospitals reported a total of 1,009 hospitalizations on Monday. It’s the first time the daily number has reached 1,000. The agency has been disclosing hospitalization data since April 9. Health officials reported Tuesday an additional 1,127 COVID-19 cases as well as 24 deaths. Including those findings, the total number of cases in Arizona now stands at 21,250 and the number of deaths at 941.
Navajo gaming prepares to reopen casinos
Fronteras Desk
As the Navajo Nation announces it has reached its peak in the number of COVID-19 positive patients, Navajo Gaming is preparing its casinos to reopen.
Navajo President Jonathan Nez said that while the number of people testing positive remains high, they’re not showing up at the hospital with severe symptoms like they were two months ago.
Each of the four casinos plans to open in mid-June at 50% capacity. Employees will be required to wear masks, and visitors are encouraged to wear them. The company is following EPA and CDC guidelines to sanitize the casinos.
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