ARIZONA 360

COVID MANDATES EASED: Following Gov. Ducey’s executive order to lift capacity restrictions on some businesses, we hear from Tucson Metro Chamber President Amber Smith about what that means for restaurants and bars in the city. The chamber established the Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council to support local businesses during the pandemic. SCHOOLS REOPENING: Beginning March 15th, schools that opted for virtual-only instruction will have to offer in-person classes as well under another recent executive order issued by the governor. Tony Paniagua reports on how some school districts in Tucson are managing hybrid instruction. Lorraine Rivera also speaks to TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo about how his district is preparing to welcome back students this month. Arizona Senate Education Committee Chairman and Republican State Senator Paul Boyer also weighs in on the issue. EXPIRING COVID AID: With an eviction moratorium scheduled to expire at the end of March and utility companies resuming service disconnections, Arizona 360 learns more about what the end of these so-called safety net measures will mean for communities hit hard by the pandemic. Mackenzie Pish, program manager of the University of Arizona College of Law’s Innovation for Justice program, explains. CHANGING WAYS OF LIFE: Arizona 360 hears firsthand from residents how their lives have changed after a year under the pandemic.