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More than 470,000 Arizonans have filed for unemployment in the last six weeks. New expanded jobless benefits begin in May, but advocates worry it won’t be enough to offset the massive damage from the coronavirus.

Continued unemployment claims still climbing in Arizona

Self-employed filers continue to drive claims up.
A sign at Reproduction, Inc. in Tucson notifies customers about the company's shortened hours. May 18, 2020.

Understanding loan options available through the Small Business Administration

The SBA has awarded Payroll Protection Program loans to thousands of businesses in Arizona.
A sales associate and customer both wear masks as they interact at Sam Levitz in Tucson on May 19, 2020.

Shorter hours and masks required as longtime Tucson retailer reopens stores

The owner of Sam Levitz says the company has brought back nearly all of the 550 employees furloughed in April.
An employee at Reproductions, Inc. in Tucson assembles a plexiglass shield on May 18, 2020. The company has seen a demand for shields as more businesses and institutions look to add safe guards against the coronavirus.

Tucson printing company sees opportunity in new demand for splash guards

Manufacturing the guards helps offset other losses caused by the pandemic.
OH Predictive Insights has tracked what Arizona residents feel is important since February 2019.

Poll: Jobs and economy are top concerns for Arizona

Education is still the top issue for respondents. Immigration has decreased in importance.

Publicly traded Arizona companies receive millions in federal pandemic loans

Seven publicly traded companies in the state got paycheck protection funding.
Jobless claims in Arizona jumped to more than eight times their normal level last week, to 29,000, as the first wave of layoffs from businesses affected by COVID-19 changes hit the state. In a typical week, about 3,500 claims are filed, state officials said.

Unemployment help available on the weekend as Arizona claims continue to rise

The Department of Economic Security has expanded its call center days through the weekend.
Sam Levitz, owner of Sam Levitz Furniture Company

Tucson retailers adapt to new customer expectations

Retailers are shortening hours and emphasizing appointments.
Some restaurants opened for dine-in service on Monday, while others said they plan to wait until they feel it's safe for staff and customers.

Pima County supervisors to revise controversial restaurant rules

Business owners lined up Tuesday to complain about the new rules.
Advocates have scrambled to find answers for DACA recipients amid the the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the fate of the program is still up in the air.

As Supreme Court nears decision, thousands of DACA recipients are on the COVID-19 front lines

The court could rule on the future of the Obama-era policy and some 650,000 current recipients in the coming weeks.
The Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona covers 2,532 square miles and is surrounded by the vast Navajo Nation Reservation.

House-backed HEROES Act proposes additional stimulus funds for tribes

If signed into law, the bill would include $20 billion for tribal governments plus funds for other tribal provisions.
A closed sign at the entrance of English Salon Spa in downtown Tucson on April 26, 2020. The salon closed as it was required by Arizona's stay at home order during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poll: Half of Arizonans think state is reopening too soon

More often than not, those polled expressed concern about the state moving too quickly to reopen.
Newspaper classified listings.

Federal program for self-employed leads to jump in Arizona unemployment numbers

First-time claims rose as the program opened up benefits to the self-employed, contractors and workers in the gig economy.
A note posted on a sofa at Eclips Cuts Salon in Tucson reminds guests to remain six feet apart while they wait. The salon reopened with added safety precautions designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. May 12, 2020.

How the pandemic has morphed the Tucson Metro’s business landscape

The Tucson Metro Chamber president discusses persisting challenges owners and employees face.
Both a customer and stylists wear face masks during a hair cut at Eclips Cuts Salon in Tucson on May 12, 2020. The salon reopened when Arizona eased COVID-19-related restrictions that had ordered barbers and salons to close.

Some Pima County businesses reopen with precautions, others decide it’s too soon

How some business owners say they plan to protect the health of customers and employees.
File image of a retail worker swiping a customer's credit card at her register.

Pandemic’s impact on Arizona’s industries and what recovery may look like

A discussion with University of Arizona economist George Hammond.

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