Arizona reports record deaths, leads nation in new case rate

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona has reported a record number of additional COVID-19 deaths along with new hospitalization highs as cases surge in the state with the fastest-growing rate of new infections. The Department of Health Serviceson Tuesday reported 253 more deaths, exceeding the previously one-day record of 172 in July. The state also reported more than 5,900 additional COVID-19 cases, raising the state’s totals since the pandemic began to 567,474 cases and 9,317 deaths. The departme