Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and a group of Senators from the Banking Committee introduced legislation providing a new $75 billion Housing Assistance Fund to help everyday Arizona families afford rent and mortgage payments during the coronavirus pandemic. “I hear directly from everyday Arizonans worried about their rent and mortgage payments during this ongoing public health crisis. Our bill will help ensure Arizonans can keep roofs over their heads and focus on staying healthy and … [Read more...] about Bill Helps Arizonans Struggling with Rent, Mortgages During Coronavirus Pandemic
Local News
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Dropping to Unprecedented Levels during COVID-19 Outbreak
As the demand for transportation fuels has plummeted at an unprecedented rate in the last month because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Northern Arizona University atmospheric scientist says the dramatic decrease in local air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels above cities is significant, measurable, and could be historic, depending on how long commuters and other drivers stay off the road. Professor Kevin Gurney of NAU’s School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems measures … [Read more...] about Carbon Dioxide Emissions Dropping to Unprecedented Levels during COVID-19 Outbreak
Taking a Liking to Takeout
Messages promoting restaurant takeout orders have swept the country during the shuttering of restaurant dining rooms. Already reaching more than 117 million people nationwide, The Great American Takeout marketing campaign uses social media to spread the word. Promoters encourage Americans to order takeout, snap photos and then post them on Twitter with #TheGreatAmericanTakeout and @TheGATakeout for chances to win prizes. On Instagram, users tag photos with @thegreatamericantakeout. Weekly … [Read more...] about Taking a Liking to Takeout
Mask Maker
Amy Peterson-Millis, RN PPACU, works in the recovery room at Flagstaff Medical Center. This is where patients wake up after being intubated for surgery. They are often coughing. “This puts us at a high risk for droplet transmission,” she explained. Her co-worker Jamie Reisner, RN, BSN, CCRN, is the interim clinical manager of the pediatric intensive care unit. “Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, healthcare workers were used to wearing masks; however, very seldom would we need to wear them for … [Read more...] about Mask Maker
TGen, HonorHealth Testing New COVID-19 Treatment on Arizona Patients
A novel combination of atovaquone, a drug used to treat malaria and azithromycin, an antibiotic effective against a variety of bacterial infections, is being tested in clinical trials to treat moderately to severely sick COVID-19 patients at three HonorHealth hospitals in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Officials say this is the first such trial in the United States and the first trial made available to patients in Arizona that involves this specific combination of therapies. “We are proud to be … [Read more...] about TGen, HonorHealth Testing New COVID-19 Treatment on Arizona Patients
Governor Ducey Issues Updated Guidance For Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Barbers And Cosmetologists
Following continued positive data trends, Governor Doug Ducey today announced the next steps Arizona will take to gradually reenergize the economy. The Governor issued an Executive Order allowing cosmetologists and barber shops to resume appointment-based services this Friday, May 8 and restaurants and coffee shops to resume dine-in services with physical distancing measures on Monday, May 11. The Governor’s Office also released additional guidelines to keep customers and employees safe. In … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Issues Updated Guidance For Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Barbers And Cosmetologists
Sinema Announces $7.2 Million to Help Flagstaff Transit Authority During COVID-19
Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema today announced over $7.2 million in CARES Act funding for the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority to help sustain operating expenses for public transit in the Flagstaff area during the coronavirus pandemic. “Today’s funding supports public transit and economic development in the Flagstaff area, saving jobs and ensuring northern Arizona’s transportation services are ready when our state starts to re-open its economy,” said … [Read more...] about Sinema Announces $7.2 Million to Help Flagstaff Transit Authority During COVID-19
McSally Urges Improvement to Small Business Disaster Loan Program
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and a group of senators are requesting that the Small Business Administration (SBA) expedite the $10,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advances urgently needed by Arizona small businesses. In a letter to SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza, the senators urge the administrator to expedite the $10,000 advances to be received within three days, remove the per-employee cap on advance grants, and restore the maximum loan amount to $2 million. This letter … [Read more...] about McSally Urges Improvement to Small Business Disaster Loan Program
Expanding Testing In Arizona
Arizona is partnering with private sector health care providers and universities to ramp up access to testing. On Friday, Sonora Quest Laboratories announced it will offer antibody testing starting with 1,000 to 3,000 tests per day, and growing from there. In early May, Sonora Quest plans to begin offering antibody testing to consumers without needing a provider’s order or insurance in Arizona. Banner Health announced the opening of a new COVID-19 diagnostic testing site at the Arizona … [Read more...] about Expanding Testing In Arizona
Tribal Leaders Praise Sen. McSally’s Leadership on Tribal Gaming Enterprises Fix
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) announced yesterday that small tribal gaming enterprises under 500 employees can now apply for financial relief through the Payment Protection Program (PPP). Her leadership on this issue is receiving widespread support from tribal leaders across the country. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez: "We would like to thank Senator McSally for her continuous advocacy on behalf of the Navajo Nation and Indian Country to ensure Indian gaming enterprises are … [Read more...] about Tribal Leaders Praise Sen. McSally’s Leadership on Tribal Gaming Enterprises Fix