Gov. Ducey defends reopening decisions as COVID-19 cases rise
AZPM
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and other leaders acknowledged a recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the state during a news briefing Thursday. Ducey and state health director Cara Christ stated that the rise in cases was expected and defended the decision to gradually reopen the state three weeks ago.
The briefing started with Ducey and law enforcement officials speaking about the response to protests in the state over the killing of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes.
Learn more about the briefing.
Students lead demonstration against police brutality
AZPM
More than 1,000 people gathered on the University of Arizona’s campus Wednesday afternoon for March for Justice Tucson. The event was organized by local students to allow members of the black community to speak about their experiences and speak out against police brutality and racism.
Organizers Jovanna Conde, Tiana McDaniels and Jasmine Drummer said it was a peaceful event and was a way for members of the black community to heal. Attendees wore masks and yelled George Floyd’s name and other chants.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maricopa County jails now at 30
AP
PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff’s officials and the county’s Correctional Health Services say they're tracking and responding to a rise in coronavirus cases inside jail facilities.
They say the number of confirmed cases has risen from six to 30 since the end of last month. County officials say 23 of the cases involve inmates in four different jails who are isolated and receiving treatment from medical staff.
The screening protocol implemented in March allows jail staff to immediately identify and isolate people with symptoms or those considered at-risk so they never enter the general population before being cleared of COVID-19. Authorities say every sick inmate also is tested for the coronavirus with 318 returning negative results to date.
Top Arizona law official says police reforms needed
AP
GLENDALE — Arizona’s Republican attorney general is calling for a series of police reforms he says are needed in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
Mark Brnovich sent a letter Thursday to Gov. Doug Ducey and GOP House and Senate leaders saying he reacted to the video of Floyd’s death “with shock and outrage.” He says the death should serve as a catalyst for positive reforms.
He wants outside investigations of police shootings, mandatory cultural and deescalation training . Minority Democrats in the Legislature want Ducey to call a special session on those items and more reforms.
Arizona virus deaths near 1,000 as cases climb unabated
AP
PHOENIX — Arizona is inching toward the 1,000 death mark as coronavirus cases continue to climb in the state.
The state Health Services Department on Thursday reported 530 new cases of the virus and 15 additional deaths. A total of 996 people have died since the first death was reported on March 21. The number of confirmed cases is now at 22,753.
Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ said Wednesday the agency is closely monitoring a rise in cases and hospitalizations that started about two weeks after Gov. Doug Ducey ended his stay-at-home order. That’s about the time it takes for virus symptoms to appear.
Navajo Nation keeps closings, curfews; weekend lockdowns end
AP
WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation is extending its closure of tribal government facilities and continuing its overnight curfews while pausing weekend lockdowns imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Tribal health officials reported 128 additional cases of COVID-19 and seven additional deaths, increasing the total number of cases to 5,661 with 259 deaths, as of Wednesday. Tribal President Jonathan Nez signed an order extending the closure of tribal government offices and entities to July 5.
Officials say a separate health emergency order will be issued to continue the daily curfew that runs from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and to pause the 57-hour weekend lockdowns.
Report highlights voting inequities in tribal communities
AP
FLAGSTAFF— Native American voting rights advocates are cautioning against states moving to mail-in ballots without opportunities for tribal members to vote safely in person.
The Native American Rights Fund released a wide-ranging report on voting rights Thursday. In it, the group outlined the challenges that could arise as states move to rely more heavily on mail-in ballots. The report says online voter registration could be hampered by spotty or no internet service on reservations, ballots will be delivered to Post Office boxes that rarely are checked and turnout may be low because of a general reluctance to vote by mail.
Immigrants anxious as they await Supreme Court DACA decision
AP
PHOENIX — Many immigrants are feeling anxious as they wait to hear whether the U.S. Supreme Court will allow President Donald Trump to end the program that shields them from deportation.
The justices heard arguments last fall and are expected to decide before they wrap up work for the summer. For tens of thousands of people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, waiting means nerves, stomachaches and little sleep. If the Supreme Court sides with Trump, many of those immigrants can be deported and they no longer will be able to legally work.
For fishermen near vaquita habitat, government assistance falls short
Fronteras Desk
Fishermen in the small town of San Felipe on Mexico’s Sea of Cortez are among thousands receiving about $330 in financial assistance through the Mexican government. But community leaders say the one-time payment isn’t nearly enough.
"We don't even know anymore what is affecting us the most," said Ramon Franco, leader of a fishermen's federation in San Felipe, referring to the added stress the global coronavirus pandemic has put on struggling local families.
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