‘The Outpost’ is a Superbly Made War Movie That Sticks With You
The Outpost—based on a real-life battle that took place at an American base poorly placed in the middle of a mountainous Afghanistan—is a harrowing and frustrating experience. The frustration is not the result of bad filmmaking—quite the contrary, because the film is superbly directed by Rod Lurie. It’s frustrating because you know American soldiers were…
Hoffman ‘not optimistic’ schools will be ready for Aug. 17 in-person reopening
PHOENIX – Arizona Schools Superintendent Kathy Hoffman said Wednesday that the already delayed Aug. 17 start of in-person classes may have to be pushed back again in light of continuing concerns about COVID-19 safety. Hoffman, during a conference call to criticize a White House push for reopening schools, said she and Gov. Doug Ducey are…
Now Stream This: New Trio of Streaming Films from The Loft
One long-unseen classic, one eccentric British comedy, and a gothic vampire story you probably didn’t know existed headline this week’s streaming films in The Loft’s ongoing series. Starting Friday, July 17, visit their website to stream these and other movies designed to enhance your ever-expanding, and extended home viewing experience. Shanghai Triad Released theatrically in…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Thursday, July 16: Confirmed Cases Reach 134K; More Testing in Pima County; Mask Giveaway This Saturday; Can Schools Reopen Safely?
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 134K as of Thursday, July 16, after the state reported 3,259 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had seen 12,697 of the state’s 134,613 confirmed cases. A total of 2,492 people have died after contracting the…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Wednesday, July 15: What We’ve Covered Today
Just ICYMI, here are the stories we covered today: The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 131K as of Wednesday, July 15, after the state reported 3,257 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block announced that it will reopen…
Open Letter from Councilman Steve K To Gov. Ducey: Get Out of Our Way If You’re Gonna Be Part of the COVID Problem
Honorable Governor Ducey: The July 4th holiday saw examples of what you have correctly called ‘bad actors’ ignoring both mask wearing and social distancing protocols. We will very soon see the impacts of that behavior in increased COVID-19 infection rates. I feel confident in predicting that surge in sickness because we saw a similar trend…
Law students concerned about Bar Exam safety during COVID
The Bar Exam has long been seen as the moment of reckoning for hopeful law students, but with Arizona COVID cases skyrocketing, the test pressure is higher than ever before. The Arizona Bar Exam is now less than two weeks away, and the state Supreme Court intends to move forward with an in-person exam in…
You Can’t Visit Mount Lemmon Until Nov. 1 (With a Few Exceptions)
UPDATE: The Pima County Department of Transportation has since announced that the Mount Lemmon Highway will reopen on Saturday, Aug. 1. As fire crews work to snuff out the last hotspots of the Bighorn Fire, a lengthy cleanup process begins. Throughout July, the weather has turned favorable with less wind and scattered rainstorms, helping firefighters…
TUSD Moving Toward Online Instruction with Schools Becoming “Learning Centers” When They Reopen in August
As the August 17 school start date grows closer, TUSD has created a unique reopening plan with a completely virtual learning model. Administrators believe this is the only way to comply with Gov. Doug Ducey’s reopening rules while keeping staff, students and families safe. Students who return to campus next month will be provided a…
Tucson Museum of Art to Reopen July 30
The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block announced today that it will reopen its doors on Thursday, July 30. The reopening includes new safety protocols in accordance with city, state and CDC guidelines. A staggered maximum of 225 visitors per day will be permitted in the museum. Walk-ins will be limited, and tickets can…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Wednesday, July 15: Total Cases Top 131K; TUSD Announces More Details, Plans To Use Schools as “Learning Centers” for Digital Lessons; Ducey Is Really Unpopular Right Now; Get a Free Facemask This Weekend
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 131K as of Wednesday, July 15, after the state reported 3,257 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had seen 12,406 of the state’s 131,354 confirmed cases. A total of 2,434 people have died after contracting the…
Don’t Miss the Back to School Supply Drive to Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
Tomorrow afternoon the Arizona Bowl will be holding a school supply drive. Volunteers will be collecting donations from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fast Signs located at 3009 E Speedway which will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. Donations will be taken via drive-thru to ensure safety and social distancing.
AZ leaders applaud NFL Washington team name change
PHOENIX – Washington’s NFL team on Monday officially dropped its name, a derogatory term for Native Americans that the team has held since 1933. Native leaders and supporters in Arizona hailed a change activists have been working toward for years. The reactions ranged from relief to reflection. Reflecting on a victory years in the making…
Smoking could worsen progression of COVID-19, research finds
PHOENIX – From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts have pointed to smoking as one of several risk factors that could worsen the disease and potentially lead to death. Now an analysis of available research shows just how dangerous tobacco use might be during COVID-19 – nearly doubling the risk of disease progression…
Different Names, Same Address: How Big Businesses Got Government Loans Meant for Small Businesses
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. The Paycheck Protection Program was launched to rescue the little guy, the millions of small businesses without the deep pockets needed to survive the COVID-19 shock. But among the restaurants, dentists and mom-and-pops…
Migrant detention center operators defend response to COVID-19 in facilities
PHOENIX – The head of the private company that runs a migrant detention center in Eloy told a House panel Monday he is “immensely proud” of its operations, even as lawmakers questioned its response to the COVID-19 crisis. CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger was one of four private contractors who testified before a House Homeland Security…
Free Masks Available this Saturday, July 18
The Tucson mayor and council will host a free mask distribution event this Saturday, July 18 in six locations across the city. They have about 56,000 washable ear-loop cloth masks to give out. Wearing a face covering is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, along with physical distancing and frequent…
UA Joins Lawsuit Challenging ICE’s International Students Order
UPDATE: The Trump Administration has since rescinded the order. On Monday, July 13, a coalition of 20 universities from multiple states – including the University of Arizona – filed a lawsuit challenging a recent order from the federal government that requires international students to attend in-person classes during the current pandemic, or face deportation. The Immigrations…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Tuesday, July 14: Cases Climb To 128K; Ducey’s Popularity Craters As Coronavirus Continues Spread; Will Schools Reopen for Classes or Just Go Digital?; More Testing Available
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 128K as of Tuesday, July 14, after the state reported 4,273 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had seen 12,114 of the state’s 128,097 confirmed cases. A total of 2,337 people have died after contracting the…
U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Kelly Reports Raising $12.8 Million Between April and June
Democrat Mark Kelly, who is challenging Republican Sen. Martha McSally, reported raising nearly $12.8 million dollars between April and June this year, according to a press release from Team Kelly. Kelly ended the quarter with $24 million on hand. “We continue to be humbled by the hundreds of thousands of people chipping in whatever they…
Claytoonz: Trump V. Fauci
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Your Southern AZ COVID-19 PM Update for Monday, July 13: What We’ve Covered Today
Just ICYMI, here are the stories we covered today: The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 123,000 as of Monday, July 13, after the state reported 1,357 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. On the morning of Monday, July 13, the Southwest Area Incident Management…
‘Palm Springs’ is Dark Comedy Bliss
DON’T WATCH THIS TRAILER…IT IS HERE STRICTLY TO STAY CONSISTENT WITH OUR MOVIE REVIEW BLOG POST FORMAT! IT WILL RUIN THE MOVIE FOR YOU! DON’T WATCH IT! So, how does one write about Palm Springs in a spoiler free way? For starters, you probably don’t ask that question, because now I’ve revealed the movie has…
You Can Make Millions Selling Masks to the Government in Three Easy Steps
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. Jason Cardiff didn’t want his new business to end up like his last one, an alleged pyramid scheme involving robocalling and selling unwitting customers bogus remedies to lose weight or quit smoking. One…
Coronavirus sports roundup: Pac-12 opts for conference-only games, ASU won’t release test results
PHOENIX – Following the lead of the Big Ten and others, the Pac-12 Conference announced its football teams will play only conference games in 2020. “Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics support the Pac-12’s announcement of a strictly conference schedule for the 2020 football and fall sports season,” said Ray Anderson, ASU’s vice president…
Bighorn Fire Nearly Extinguished
On the morning of Monday, July 13, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team formally transferred command over the Bighorn Fire back to the Coronado National Forest. This came after fire crews announced the fire was 92 percent contained after burning through roughly 119,000 acres. The fire burned across the Santa Catalina Mountains for more than…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Monday, July 13: Total Cases Hit 123K; Death Toll Reaches 2.2K; Public Health Expert Doubts Schools Can Reopen Next Month, No Matter What They Are Planning; More Testing Coming
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 123,000 as of Monday, July 13, after the state reported 1,357 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had 11,856 of the state’s 123,824 confirmed cases. A total of 2,245 people have died after contracting the virus.…
Eroding Private Border Wall To Get an Engineering Inspection Just Months After Completion
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. This article is co-published with The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan local newsroom that informs and engages with Texans. The builder of a privately funded border wall along the shores of the Rio…
Ducey’s order delaying school start has one lawmaker questioning his authority
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey’s order delaying the start of the fall school year was a disappointment to fellow Republican Sylvia Allen, who chairs the Senate Education Committee. The governor’s announcement came on the heels of his office’s release of millions of dollars to help schools reopen this fall. The fact that the order came…
Three Takeaways From the Supreme Court’s Decisions on Trump’s Tax and Financial Documents
Stay up to date about WNYC and ProPublica’s investigations into the president’s business practices. The Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decisions yesterday in two cases concerning oversight, presidential immunity, and the balance of powers. Both cases address whether subpoenas seeking financial information about President Donald Trump’s business dealings, including his personal tax returns, can…
Biggs joins White House push to reopen schools; educators push back
PHOENIX – Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs led a group of Republican lawmakers Thursday who demanded that schools reopen as usual in the fall, the latest salvo in a days-long campaign by the Trump administration on the issue. “It would be more harmful to keep children locked out of schools and less harmful and less risky…
‘We have to do something’: Inmate’s brother seeks his release to escape COVID-19 behind bars
PHOENIX — Even before the smoke, Neko Wilson’s anxiety was high. As a 38-year-old with hypertension and asthma, he had been pushing for weeks to get information about COVID-19. As people around Wilson began contracting the deadly disease, he sought masks and testing, fearing for his health and possibly his life. Then smoke from the…
Brewer Trolls Ducey’s Coronavirus Response with ‘Half-Measures’ Tweet
So I stayed home tonight and watched Netflix. Caught up on Breaking Bad episode “Half Measures.” Ends with this great line: “The moral of the story is I chose a half measure, when I should have gone all the way. I'll never make that mistake again. No more half measures.” pic.twitter.com/KYcJg2YS0F — Jan Brewer (@GovBrewer)…
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Friday, July 10: Total Cases Reach 116K; Hospitals Remain Under Pressure; Ducey Takes Bold Step of Limiting Restaurant Capacity, Promises More Testing; Democrats Call His Actions “Woefully Inadequate”
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 116K as of Friday, July 10, after the state reported 4,221 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Pima County had 11,172 of the state’s 116,892 confirmed cases. A total of 2,082 people have died after contracting the virus.…
Claytoonz: Corona Cages
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Ducey Announces More Testing Initiatives, Limited Capacity in Restaurants as COVID-19 Cases Spike
During a press conference this afternoon, Gov. Doug Ducey was in the hot seat as reporters asked why he hasn’t taken more action to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. As of today, there are 108,614 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,038 Arizonans dying after contracting the virus. Arizona has seen a 50 percent…
Tucson Police Release Details of Another In-Custody Death
The Tucson Police Department released details yesterday about the death of 29-year-old Damien Alvarado, who died in police custody on March 22, 2020. This comes after community outrage over a different in-custody death of Carlos Adrián Ingram-López, a 27-year-old who died one month later. On that day in March at 5:15 p.m., TPD responded to…
Burn Notice
Smart and Safe Arizona filed 420,000 signatures with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office on July 1
Class Struggle
Parents will need to prepare themselves for having kids around the house when the school year starts
Crossing the Line
Last Thursday, Mayor Regina Romero alerted Tucsonans via Twitter she was urging City Manager Mike Ortega to revoke a permit
Southern Arizona Weekly COVID-19 Roundup
This week’s news
Market Forces
17th Street Market is opening in a different form
Danehy
It’s past time to take down Tucson’s Pancho Villa statue
High Expectations
Some of the finer medicine you’ll find at your local dispensaries
Cannabis and Coronavirus
You might not be able to run to the local MMJ outlet to buy a cure-all for COVID-19, but cannabis is still on the menu, with at least two clinical studies underway evaluating CBDs for prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus. Even if it is not the panacea the world is looking for, use…
