Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

KNAU's Morning Rundown: Tuesday, March 2

It's Tuesday, March 2.

COVID-19 Vaccine Opens Up To Residents 55 And Older, Ducey’s Office Says

The Arizona Department of Health Services announced it will open about 50,000 vaccine new appointments to residents 55 and older today at noon

 

The appointments will begin Wednesday at the State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Governor Doug Ducey’s office announced Arizonans 55 and older will be eligible for vaccine appointments at pharmacies and federally eligible health centers.

 

The expanded eligibility comes as health officials estimate more than 1.8 million vaccine doses have made it into the arms of residents. An estimated 617,250 — about 8.5% of the population — have been fully immunized through two doses.

 

“As more vaccine reaches Arizona, we will continue refining our plan to maximize the benefits of this still-limited resource,” ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said in a statement.

 

 

Vaccine Schedule Shifts In Prescott Valley

Spectrum Healthcare announced it will now operate on different hours and days of the week to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Prescott Valley. Prescott city officials announced yesterday the healthcare provider will now operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vaccinations now will be administered all days of the week except Thursday and Friday. Spectrum Health says healthcare workers will contact patients about their rescheduled appointments at Prescott Valley’s Findlay Toyota Center.

 

Payment Processing Delayed As Kingman Investigates Cyber-Attack

Kingman city officials say payment processing for utilities will be delayed due to a recent cyber-attack on the city government. The city announced on Sunday it had undergone a criminal cyber-attack affecting the government’s computer system. Officials say the FBI is investigating the attack, along with the Arizona National Guard and Department of Homeland Security. 

 

As of Sunday, city employees could communicate with the public via phone and in person; email correspondence, however, was not functioning. Residents can currently pay utility bills through phone calls and in-person due to the compromised computer system. City officials say long lines and delayed customer service could be expected. 

 

Yavapai College Partners With ASU After Nationwide Enrollment Declines

Yavapai College is partnering with Arizona State University to create a smoother transition from the community college to enrollment at ASU. Yavapai College announced earlier this month the launch of “MyPath2ASU.” The program will provide tools for students assisting their transition, according to YC. The new initiative will also “guarantee admission” to some ASU majors if students fulfill certain requirements at YC.

 

In a release, YC spokesperson Tyler Rumsey said the program will minimize credit loss for students as they transition to ASU. The initiative comes after undergraduate student enrollment decreased nationwide in 2020 at nearly twice the rate of decline compared to the year before, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

 

Navajo Police Seek Information In Missing Child Case

The Navajo Police Department is asking for information related to 16-year-old Hector Thompson, who has been reported missing. Thompson was last seen last Friday at his Newcomb residence in western New Mexico. Thompson is 5’ 10” with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black beanie and a black pullover with an NBA design, along with brown pants and brightly colored Nike shoes. Individuals with information can contact the Navajo Police Shiprock District or 911.