Cover Story
The Coronavirus Collapse
The outbreak is putting state and local governments into financial freefall
Casa Video Is Open for Business After Stay-At-Home Closure
Casa Video and Film Bar is open for business for the first time since quarantine measures closed all non-essential businesses in Tucson in late March. If you’re still spending most of your time hunkering down at home, Casa is a great local resource, and they’re implementing some new measures to sweeten the deal: their regular…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Wednesday, May 13: What We’ve Covered Today
Halfway through, and two days before the stay-at-home order expires. We got this. Until then, here are all the other things we’ve covered today. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona reached 12,176 of Wednesday, May 13, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. On Monday, May 18, Pima…
AZ Supreme Court Denies Collecting Online Signatures For Ballot Initiatives
The Arizona Supreme Court has denied an effort by initiative campaigns to collect online signatures during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is disappointing in Arizona to see the courts and the attorney general and legislature repeatedly prevent the options of choice to voters where their options are to forgo their constitutional rights or to risk their…
County Adopts New Health Code Standards In Response to Bars and Restaurants Reopening
In a 3-2 vote, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved to immediately update the county’s health code to include 15 of the 17 new guidelines recommended by the Pima County Health Department during today’s emergency meeting. Supervisors Ally Miller and Steve Christy voted against updating the health code. “Restaurants and other industries have suffered terribly,…
Pima County Will Begin Bringing Its Telecommuters Back to Work on Monday
Yesterday, Governor Doug Ducey announced the statewide stay-at-home order will be lifted this Friday, May 15, leaving counties across the state with just a few days to draw up plans to safely bring their employees back to work. While many are saying it’s too early to open up society again due to increasing COVID-19 cases…
Davis-Monthan Hosting Flyover to Honor Healthcare and First Responders Thursday
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s 355th Wing, alongside the Arizona Air National Guard’s 162nd Wing, are taking off from Tucson International Airport May 14 for a salutatory flyover across the Greater Tucson Metro, the airbase announced. The event will honor local first responders and medical professionals on the front lines of handling the COVID-19 pandemic. A…
Pima County Libraries Reopening for Limited Services On May 18
On Monday, May 18, Pima County Public Libraries will reopen with limited services, including book pickup, computer use on a first-come, first-served basis, and printing, copying and fax services. The new open hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will still be precautions for coronavirus, including taking guests’ temperatures before they…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup: Ducey Won’t Extend Stay-at-Home Order Past Friday; Pima County Supes Set To Discuss Potential New Regs for Restaurants/Bars/Pools/Etc.; AZ Confirmed Cases Top 12K; Death Toll Rises to 594
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona reached 12,176 of Wednesday, May 13, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services—a jump of 440 new cases from yesterday’s report. Pima County had 1,661 confirmed cases. The coronavirus had killed 594 people statewide, including 144 in Pima County, according to the…
Claytoonz: Greatest Crime In History
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Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Tuesday, May 12: What We’ve Covered Today
While we’re not totally in the clear yet, our most breaking news includes Governor Ducey letting the original stay-at-home order expire on May 15. You can get more news about that here. For everything else we covered today, see below. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona reached 11,736 on Tuesday, May 12, according…
Ducey: Arizona’s Stay-at-Home Order Will End on Friday, May 15
Gov. Doug Ducey announced Tuesday that Arizona’s stay-at-home order will expire on May 15. Ducey said that gyms and pools could reopen tomorrow and major-league sports could resume play without fans in the seats after May 15. “This does not mean a return to normal,” Ducey said. “This is the next step on the way…
Oro Valley, SAACA broadcasting live concerts every Thursday
Just in case you need to sate your craving for live music, the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance is partnering with the Town of Oro Valley to host live concerts every Thursday through June 4. The weekly performances begin at 5 p.m. and are streamed through SAACA’s Facebook page and the Town of Oro…
More Than $8 Million Donated to Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund
Established by the state government in March, the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund pools resources to help fund community organizations throughout the state working to deliver much-needed aid to people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Gov. Doug Ducey’s office announced that the fund has accumulated more than $8 million in the two months since…
Roche Tissue Diagnostics hosting virtual photography exhibition
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that home life has taken on a completely new meaning as the world sets up shop from their houses. With that in mind, Roche Tissue Diagnostics decided on a different theme for this year’s summer art exhibition. The company normally hosts an annual show of its…
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona announce virtual summer camp
The Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona will move its summer camp experience to the internet this year, the organization announced Tuesday. “Camp Log On” will take place over six weeks, beginning June 1 through July 10. According to an email to members sent by CEO Marsha Tank, the decision to move the program online was…
Arizona Coalition Raising Funds for Immigrant and Refugee COVID-19 Relief
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 70 to 90 percent of refugees have either lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced, according to We Are All America, a national organization working to support immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Many people in these groups do not qualify for Coronavirus-related government assistance due to…
Local causes receive nearly $200,000 in funding from Angel Charity
Five different causes in Southern Arizona received a shot of financial aid this week from Angel Charity, the organization announced Monday. $195,020 was delivered to Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, Boys to Men, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Literacy Connects, and Make Way for Books. “The current COVID-19 crisis has strengthened Angel Charity’s commitment to improve…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Update: Ducey Admin Greenlights the Opening of Bars and Restaurants; Fauci Tells Senate That Consequences of Reopening Biz Too Soon “Could Be Really Serious; 11,736 Confirmed Cases in AZ; Death Toll at 562
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona reached 11,736 of Tuesday, May 12, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had 1,623 confirmed cases. The coronavirus had killed 562 people statewide, including 136 in Pima County, according to the report. In Maricopa County, the number of confirmed…
Claytoonz: Ask China
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7 Things to Do This Week
Some local events and offerings to enjoy that either allow for plenty of physical distancing or don’t require leaving the house at all. Digital Programs at MOCA. Since you can’t go visit the art on display at MOCA in person, the museum is providing you the tools to emulate these artists yourself. Learn how to…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Monday, May 11: What We’ve Covered Today
Hi everyone! It’s Monday again, and we’ve been through some interesting stories today. Check below to see what we covered. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 11,000 of Monday, May 11, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Ten weeks into the worst crisis in 90 years,…
Homeland Secrets: Operation Agent Touch
Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE, describes human trafficking as a “top investigative priority.” But its handling of recent sex-trafficking investigations in Arizona and beyond has raised questions about the agency’s undercover techniques. CHAPTER 1 ‘Investigative techniques’ By Mackenzie Shuman, Molly Duerig, Grace Oldham, Rachel Gold and Meagan Sainz-Pasley Howard Center for Investigative Journalism…
State taking steps to reopen economy, but reviving it could take years
WASHINGTON – Arizona took another tentative step toward reopening the state’s economy Monday, when dine-in restaurants were allowed to resume limited service. But while reopening the economy could come relatively swiftly, experts say reviving the economy could take years. As businesses shuttered by COVID-19 and resulting high unemployment have led to a collapse in sales…
How Climate Change Is Contributing to Skyrocketing Rates of Infectious Disease
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. The scientists who study how diseases emerge in a changing environment knew this moment was coming. Climate change is making outbreaks of disease more common and more dangerous. Over the past few decades,…
High-Altitude Balloon Manufacturer Making COVID Isolation Gowns
World View, a Tucson-based space technology company that develops high-altitude balloon systems, is shifting its business to manufacture isolation gowns for the Pima County healthcare workers who are currently battling COVID-19. World View previously developed un-crewed “Stratollite” balloon vehicles that could photograph and gather data from the atmosphere, but like many start-up companies, was forced…
Here’s Why Your Big Federal Economic Impact Payment May Not Be That Big
There’s been lots of news and information coming out about the Economic Impact Payments provided to eligible taxpayers for COVID-19 relief, including what you were to expect upon delivery. That amount might look a little different than you were first expecting, but there may be a very good reason why. Over the last month, the…
ICYMI: La Encantada Open for Business
Located in the Catalina Foothills, La Encantada shopping center reopened its stores on Friday, May 8. The shopping center included “significantly enhanced” cleaning and sanitization practices and added signage and other safeguards to the property in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. “We are looking forward to seeing our retail partners and welcoming…
MHC Healthcare hosting drive-thru COVID-19 testing
As part of a partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, MHC Healthcare is taking part in Arizona’s COVID-19 “testing blitz” this Saturday, May 16. The company will host testing at two locations: MHC Main at 13395 N. Marana Main St. in Marana and MHC Integrated care at 2325 N. Wyatt Drive in Tucson.…
What Happened When Health Officials Wanted to Close a Meatpacking Plant, but the Governor Said No
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. On Tuesday, March 31, an emergency room doctor at the main hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska, sent an urgent email to the regional health department: “Numerous patients” from the JBS beef packing plant…
Tucson Premium Outlets reopens stores Monday
Tucson Premium Outlets reopened Monday morning at 11 a.m. after closing to slow the spread of COVID-19 on March 19. The shopping center announced it would open its stores Friday, and unveiled a coronavirus exposure control policy in order to meet elevated safety standards. “The health, safety, and well-being of the community we serve will…
I’m an Investigative Journalist. These Are the Questions I Asked About the Viral “Plandemic” Video.
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. The links to the viral video “Plandemic” started showing up in my Facebook feed Wednesday. “Very interesting,” one of my friends wrote about it. I saw several subsequent posts about it, and then…
The Bailout Is Working — for the Rich
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. Ten weeks into the worst crisis in 90 years, the government’s effort to save the economy has been both a spectacular success and a catastrophic failure. The clearest illustration of that came on…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Monday, May 11: AZ Confirmed Cases Rise to 11,380; 542 Now Dead After Contracting Virus; Restaurants & Bars Can Reopen for In-Person Dining, Drinking Today
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 11,000 of Monday, May 11, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had 1,602 of the state’s 11,380 confirmed cases. The coronavirus had killed 542 people statewide, including 134 in Pima County, according to the report. In Maricopa County,…
Claytoonz: Moo Protection
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While You Were Sleeping, Arizona Beer House Was Pouring
Arizona bars and restaurants started pouring again once the little hand met the big hand at the top of the clock to mark the start of Monday, May 11 and the end to the state’s service industry shut-down. Eastside bottleshop and brewpub Arizona Beer House celebrated with a midnight “End of Isolation” party that had…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Friday, May 8: What We’ve Covered Today
Happy Friday, everyone! Here’s a look at the things we covered today. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 10,500 of Thursday, May 8, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. If you’re a restaurant owner, we’d like to hear from you if you’re opening next week. Retail…
Buffalo Exchange Reopening With New Procedures
Tucson’s original second-hand clothing store will reopen to the public beginning Saturday, May 8, the company announced Thursday. The company will operate at reduced hours, from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Customers will also have the option to sell their clothing by drop-off through appointments only. A variety of safety and social…
Seanloui Live on New Local Streaming Series ‘No Audience Needed’
Looking for something to do tonight while stuck inside? Turn down the lights and get the cognac ready tonight because Tucson’s favorite neo-soul singer, Seanloui, isn’t letting the pandemic stop him from live-streaming his baby-making music live for our viewing pleasure. “It’s my live show that a lot of people haven’t seen but heard it…
Check on your stimulus check with the IRS
Trying to track down your stimulus check from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act? Look no further than the Internal Revenue Service’s “Get My Payment” program. Use the program by next Wednesday, May 13, if you want direct deposit to your bank account. Approximately 130 million individuals have already received payments worth more…
Teacher Excellence Awards Announced by Tucson Values Teachers
For their dedication to students and hardworking attitudes, several local teachers were recently honored by Tucson Values Teachers with the Teacher Excellence Award. As previously reported by Tucson Local Media, The Teacher Excellence Awards are delivered each month after colleagues, students, and parents nominate an outstanding educator. Winners receive a plaque, bouquet of roses, $250…
Let Us Know If You Are Reopening Your Restaurant Next Week
If you’re a restaurant owner who plans to reopen your establishment for dine-in service next week, let us know. The Weekly is planning on running a list of restaurants that are offering diners a chance to sit down at a table to enjoy their meal. Please e-mail jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com with your hours and location(s).
Commentary: Sen. Martha McSally Should Oppose Global Gag Rule
Leigh Moyer is an organizer with the #Fight4HER. The Tucson Weekly welcomes guest commentaries. Send yours to jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com. On Donald Trump’s first day in office he signed his Global Gag Rule, an executive order that restricts international health care providers that receives U.S. aid from simply mentioning abortion services. We’re several years and a pandemic…
Desert Museum Renews Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum received a strong vote of confidence this week when it was granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums independent accreditation commission. The association is a nonprofit organization “dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science and recreation” and acts as…
FC Tucson, American Red Cross Partnering for Blood Drive
Are you an FC Tucson fan? Do you want to give blood and potentially save a life? Do you like signed memorabilia? Well, you’re in luck: FC Tucson is partnering with the American Red Cross next Wednesday, May 13, to host a blood drive. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tucsonans are invited to the…
Arts Organization Brightens Lives of People in Nursing Homes, Hospitals with Creative Care Packages
When assisted living facilities, memory care homes and hospitals began limiting visits and shutting their doors to the public amid the outbreak of COVID-19, the creative minds at the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance knew there was a need to fill. Not only would friends and family no longer be able to visit, but…
Arizona Trail Association Sends Out Public S.O.S To Help Stop Border Wall Construction Near Southern Trailhead
The Arizona Trail Association is hoping the community will voice concern to help to stop construction of the border barriers near its southern trailhead through the Huachuca Mountains in Cochise County. And fast: The deadline is May 15. Customs and Border Protection officials announced plans to continue a 30-foot steel barrier across the Huachuca Mountain…
Free Online Summit on Mental Health Opens Registration
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While there are plenty of resources online in times of need, sometimes it helps to hear a professional explain what to do. This month one of the things you can attend is The Resilience Summit, which is free and online for anyone who might like to hear from the…
Shops and Salons Can Reopen Today, But Some Biz Owners Remain Cautious About Getting Back to Business
Retail and cosmetology shops are officially allowed to reopen to the public today under Gov. Doug Ducey’s modified stay-at-home order, but many owners around Historic Fourth Avenue are opting to stay closed until COVID case numbers decrease in Pima County. Under the state’s new reopening guidance, retail businesses will need to limit their occupancy based…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Friday, May 8: State’s Confirmed Cases Top 10,500; Death Toll Tops 500; Stores and Barbers Reopen Today; US Rep. Grijalva, Others Say It’s Too Soon; Modeling Team Back in Biz with the State
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 10,500 of Thursday, May 8, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had 1,520 of the state’s 10,526 confirmed cases. The coronavirus had killed 517 people statewide, a jump of 67 from yesterday’s toll. A total of 131 people…
Congressman Raul Grijalva on Reopening AZ: “If We Make the Wrong Decisions Now, It Will Cost More Lives and Prolong the Economic Misery”
As Gov. Doug Ducey moves forward with plans to allow retail stores, barber shops and salons to reopen today, Congressman Raul Grijalva has issued a statement saying it’s too soon: All of us are eager to return to some semblance of normality, but this decision cannot be made in haste. Prematurely reopening the state not…
Claytoonz: In Like Flynn
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Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Thursday, May 7: What We’ve Covered Today
And that’s another Thursday in the books! Here’s a look at what we covered today. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona closed in on the 10,000 mark as of Thursday, May 7, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and also…
Report: Thousands of DACA recipients work on COVID-19 front lines
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything from how most Americans work and shop to how they socialize – even if they can be in the same room. For Maria Leon Peña, it could change her chances of staying in this country. The Phoenix nursing assistant is one of an estimated 29,000 health care…
Spring Festival of the Arts in Oro Valley Canceled
Oro Valley’s premier arts event is on hiatus this year after the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance canceled the Spring Festival of the Arts, which was scheduled for May 16 and 17 at the Oro Valley Marketplace. According to the nonprofit, the decision was made based on information from the Pima County Health Department,…
Gaslight Music Hall Launching Drive-in Concert Event
When was the last time you attended a concert? Unless you live near a musician gracious enough to share their talent with the neighborhood, it’s been a while. But that could change next Wednesday, May 13 when The Gaslight Music Hall hosts its first-ever drive-in concert, featuring The Tributaries. The financial strain of the COVID-19…
If You’re Suffering Financial Hardship, PACC Might Be Able To Help You Cover Medical Expenses for Your Pet
The Pima Animal Care Center and Friends of PACC have $15,000 in the bank to help cover veterinary expenses for those who qualify for aid after a donation from the Banfield and South Fork foundations. Pets living in a home facing financial hardship will benefit from the funding through the shelters assistance program. “PACC now…
Arizona Counties Report Major Difficulties in Accessing COVID-19 Tests
Counties throughout Arizona aren’t receiving enough COVID-19 tests to keep up with Gov. Doug Ducey’s recently announced “testing blitz,” according to a memo from Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. Written to the Pima County Board of Supervisors, Huckelberry’s memo states that Arizona has tapped Banner University Medical and Walgreens to conduct the tests at the…
Local Corporation Secures NASA Contract for Moon Mission
Technology currently being designed in Tucson may soon help the US send astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years. Paragon Space Development Corporation, headquartered in Tucson, is part of a science team that recently secured a NASA contract to design a human landing system to take the first woman and next…
AZ Department of Health Reverses Course, Says It Will Continue Working with University Modeling Team
The Arizona Department of Health says its back in business with the ASU-UA modeling team that was developing projections of the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. The decision to tell the local team their work was no longer necessary had drawn criticism from health experts and Democrats. Chris C. Minnick, a spokesman for the Arizona…
Trico Electric Cooperative Donates $250,000 to COVID-19 Relief
Trico Electric Cooperative customers facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic can now look to the power company for assistance in paying their bill after the creation of the COVID-19 Assistance Program. “As a non-profit, member-owned utility, putting our members first is a guiding principle that has never been more important than it is now,”…
Three-Year-Old Dies in Accidental Shooting
A three-year-old child died on Tuesday from an apparent accidental and self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Tucson police. Two adults who were present when the shooting happened have been arrested and charged with felony child abuse. Police responded to reports of a shooting at a home near Roger Road and Oracle Road around 1 p.m.…
Why You Won’t Find A Decently Priced Switch Console Right Now
Passing time during the quarantine, especially if you’re a non-essential worker, unemployed, or a full-time student can be a chore, more so if you live alone. You start to feel like Rapunzel in the beginning stanzas of When Will My Life Begin. Granted, you can spend your time doing all of the things she mentions,…
Downtown Restaurants, Businesses and Non-Profits Pull Together to Help Feed Tucson’s Service Industry During the Pandemic
Tucson’s downtown restaurant community is teaming up to feed unemployed service industry workers, along with those in need, six-nights-a-week during the pandemic. Feeding Those Who Feed Us is a non-profit program offering free meals, pre-packaged for pick up for service industry workers – and the community at large – currently struggling to make ends meet.…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Thursday, May 7: AZ Confirmed Cases Close in on 10K; 450 Now Dead; Ducey Admin Comes Under More Criticism For Telling Local Modeling Team To Cease Work
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona closed in on the 10,000 mark as of Thursday, May 7, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had 1,465 of the state’s 9,945 confirmed cases. The coronavirus had killed 450 people statewide, including 118 in Pima County, according to…
Editor’s Note
Should I stay or should I go?
Test Run
Retail will begin to open next week. Then what?
Southern Arizona COVID-19 Weekly Update
Weekly happenings surrounding COVID-19
Senior Support
Caregivers can receive on-the-job training after Governor’s order
Feast or Famine
Some local restaurants receive Paycheck Protection loans, but others remain out of luck
MMJ: High Crimes?
After taking off the goggles, how bad are Harvest’s alleged indiscretions, really?
