Cover Story
Viral Collapse
What a difference four days can make.
Claytoonz: Rand Paul’s Dirty Pool
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Cabin Fever? Don’t Worry—The Library Is Here for You!
Okay, we’re sad, too. With our libraries closed, we miss you. We miss helping you find books, dancing at Storytime, navigating job resources, and much more. But while we’re apart, don’t forget you can still enjoy all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home! Step 1. Check out our website.…
Your Southern AZ Coronavirus AM Roundup: 508 Confirmed Cases in AZ, 75 in Pima County
A total of 508 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Arizona on Thursday, March 25, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. That’s a jump of 107 from yesterday’s 401. There are now 75 confirmed cases in Pima County. The virus has killed 8 people in Arizona, including a…
Claytoonz: Sketchy Senate Stock Sales
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Your Southern Arizona Coronavirus PM Roundup: Wednesday, March 25
Here’s a roundup of the coronavirus news we’ve been following today: • A total of 401 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Arizona, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. That’s a jump of 75 from yesterday’s 326. Pima County had 49 confirmed cases in Pima County. The virus…
#SceneFromASocialDistance: Rialto Launches Fantasy Concert Series This Friday
Downtown’s Rialto Theatre, shuttered for the foreseeable future thanks to our global pandemic, is launching a fantasy concert series. Friday’s show has Calexico opening for Bruce Springsteen, which is kind of my dream come true. “I had this idea last night because I saw a pic of another venue’s marquee on Twitter, someone lamenting the…
Release of Nonviolent Offenders From Pima County Jail Imminent Due To COVID-19
About 140 people currently locked up in Pima County jail could receive an expedited release, thanks to an all-hands-on-deck effort from local criminal justice agencies over the weekend. Last week Pima County Public Defender Joel Feinman sent a memo to other criminal justice agencies urging a move to release as many nonviolent defendants from the…
The Defense Production Act Gives the President Power — but Not Much Funding
[image-1] ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. President Donald Trump is under fire for his reluctance to use the Defense Production Act, a 70-year-old law that empowers the president to order private industry to produce crucial equipment and supplies…
Why This Coronavirus Is Not Like the Flu, or Even the Swine Flu
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. COVID-19 is unlike anything in our lifetime. But the president has repeatedly compared it to the H1N1 swine flu outbreak of 2009. Here’s why it’s different, and much more dangerous. A total of…
We Need You: Support the Tucson Weekly!
These are unprecedented times. As COVID-19 spreads across our community, people are falling sick in our community, with more to come. Our children’s schools have closed. Our concert venues gone dark. Our bars have been shuttered and our restaurants are limited to take-out service. Many of our small businesses are being pushed to the absolute…
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Hits Speedbump in Pima County
Local health officials are still struggling to speed up COVID-19 testing, which has delayed plans for Banner Health to set up drive-thru testing sites. Dr. Bob England, the interim Pima County Health Director, says the problem isn’t with the labs anymore. Instead, it’s because the equipment that’s needed to take samples is in short supply.…
PHOTOS: ICS Food Drive March 25, 2020
Interfaith Community Services is hosting a food drive at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (2727 W. Tangerine Road) until 2:30 p.m. today. In the first half hour, more than 30 cars dropped off donations. All donations go to the ICS Food Bank.
Some Tips on Teaching Your Kids at Home
With schools closed across the state, school districts are now asking parents to step in and do their best to homeschool kids. It’s not something most parents have prepared to do, but districts are offering up whatever resources they can while schools remain shut down at least through April 10—and potentially longer, given that cases…
401 COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Now in Arizona as Death Toll Rises to 6
A total of 401 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Arizona on Wednesday, March 25, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. That’s a jump of 75 from yesterday’s 326. There are 49 confirmed cases in Pima County. The virus has killed 6 people in Arizona, including a Pima…
‘Stolen’ COVID-19 Kits Were ‘Accidentally Removed’
The Tucson Police Department is confirming the coronavirus test kits thought to be stolen from the El Rio Health Center last Friday, were actually “accidentally removed.” It turns out the person of interest was a “legitimate delivery driver for a third-party transport company that subcontracts for Sonora Quest Laboratories,” according to a recent TPD news…
Salvation Army Launches Food Drive, Plans Food Deliveries for Seniors
With the novel coronavirus COVID-19 particularly deadly to seniors, the Salvation Army of Tucson announced plans yesterday to launch food deliveries to anyone over the age of 65 who cannot shop for themselves. But first, they need a lot of groceries—which is where you come in. They are asking the public to donate non-perishable food…
The Coronavirus Testing Paradox
[image-1] ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published. There’s a seeming paradox in experts’ advice on testing people for COVID-19. A growing number of epidemiologists are calling for a nationwide regimen of tests to identify hot spots and allow public…
Claytoonz: Famous Last Words
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Your Southern Arizona Coronavirus PM Update: Tuesday, March 24
Today in local coronavirus news: • Confirmed cases continue to rise in Pima County and across the state. Pima County had 42 confirmed cases and the state had 326, according to the morning numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services. The virus has killed one person in Pima County and five in Arizona. •…
Gov. Ducey Halts Evictions Statewide as COVID-19 Cases Increase
As the COVID-19 outbreak spreads across Arizona, Gov. Doug Ducey has ordered a halt to evictions in the state. “Nobody should be forced out of their home because of COVID-19,” said Ducey in a prepared statement. “This order is about protecting public health and providing relief to families impacted by this virus—whether through sickness or…
You Have Until July 15 To File Your Taxes
As adults, we’re all familiar with the date of April 15. It’s usually the deadline for filing your taxes every year. This year, though, there’s been a change. Due to closures and suspensions of events and businesses amid COVID-19 precautions, the U.S. Treasury and IRS have decided to extend the familiar date of April 15…
Inside an Immigration Detention Facility as the Coronavirus Spreads
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force. At an ICE detention facility in New Jersey, detainees are on a hunger strike to try to obtain soap and toilet paper in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. As of today’s official count from the Arizona Department of Health Services, 326…
COVID-19: Financial Help for Workers and Businesses
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread across the state, the economy is taking a massive blow. Here are some ways you can look for help in these troubling times. • ARIZONA@WORK, a statewide workforce development network that helps employers of all sizes and types recruit, develop and retain the best employees for their needs,…
Gov. Ducey Announces State Child Care for Frontline Workers
Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced a new state-funded childcare program for front line workers across Arizona starting next week. The state’s Arizona Enrichment Centers will be open for first responders, critical health care workers, essential public sector workers and other staff essential to combating the spread of COVID-19. The centers will be…
COVID-19 Update: AZ Confirmed Cases Rise To 326; First Death in Pima County
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arizona jumped from 235 to 326 today, with 18 new cases in Pima County bringing the total here to 42, according to the latest numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Pima County Health Department yesterday reported the first death due to COVID-19 in Pima County:…
Gov. Ducey Clarifies Essential Services in Executive Order
Governor Doug Ducey clarified which businesses and operations are considered essential services across Arizona during the coronavirus pandemic in a executive order issued Monday. The intention of the executive order is to provide “clarity and certainty for business owners and workers” and “ensure consistent guidance across the state”, according to a news release issued by…
Claytoonz: Bouncy Bouncy Beach Bums
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First Coronavirus Death In Pima County
On Monday, March 23, the Pima County Health Department reported the first death due to COVID-19 in Pima County. According to the Health Department, the individual was a woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions that may have put her at higher risk. The death also marks the 25th case of COVID-19 in Pima…
Banner Health Announces New COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing Site
Phoenix and Tucson residents who have concerns about COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposure can now call a Banner Health hotline and speak with a clinical team member to determine if they need to be tested. This hotline is tied to Banner’s new effort to establish drive-up COVID-19 testing sites in metropolitan areas. Today, three of…
PACC: Stay at Home and Foster a Pet
Many people in Tucson have found themselves either working from home, attending classes from home or staying home with their children during the COVID-19 emergency. The Pima Animal Care Center hopes some will use this as an opportunity to foster a pet from their shelter, which has seen a rapid increase in animals as adoptions…
With Schools Closed, Some Childcare Options Exist for Parents
Local child care is on shaky ground as more Tucson families are staying home to fight the spread of coronavirus after Gov. Doug Ducey extended school closures would continue through at least April 10. Last Monday, The City of Tucson also shut down their youth programs, KIDCO and SchoolzOut Camp, due to issues such as…
Tucson-Area Schools Offering Free Grab-and-Go Meals for Kids
The spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has put a growing number of people out of work and Gov. Doug Ducey has extended school closures through at least April 10. While these measures may slow the community spread of the virus, many families rely on school to provide free or economical breakfast and lunch for…
Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know
Seema Verma is the Administrator, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. She has written this Guest Opinion piece to spread awareness for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.…
Coping Emotionally Through COVID-19: Three Lifelines If You’re Struggling
Need someone to talk to during these times? The @HOPEincTucson Warm Line is a confidential, non-emergency phone line for residents who need someone to talk to.Pima County residents can call: (520) 770-9909All other Southern Arizona residents can call: (844) 733-9912 pic.twitter.com/TkuXdbYS9c — City of Tucson (@cityoftucson) March 23, 2020 These are strange times we’re living…
YMCA Extends Childcare for Health Workers and First Responders as Well as Free Meals for Kids
The YMCA has extended its efforts to provide childcare relief for some of the busiest and most critical workers during a pandemic: healthcare workers and first responders though April 10. The Y is now offering free breakfast and lunch as part of the arrangement and anyone under the age of 18 can pick up a…
AZ Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Jump to 235; Pima County Today Has 24 Confirmed Cases
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arizona jumped from 152 to 235 today, with seven new cases in Pima County bringing the total here to 24. In Maricopa County, the numbers jumped from 88 to 139. Two people in Arizona have died after being being infected by COVID-19, a highly infectious virus that is…
Claytoonz: Trump, Tropes, and Trots
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A Respiratory Therapist on What He’s Seeing in COVID-19 Patients: “This Is Knocking Out What Should Be Perfectly Fit, Healthy People.”
This story was originally published by ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. As of Friday, Louisiana was reporting 479 confirmed cases of COVID-19, one of the highest numbers in the country. Ten people had died. The majority of cases are in New Orleans, which now has one confirmed case for every 1,000 residents. New Orleans…
Coronavirus Update: Second Death from COVID-19; AZ Confirmed Cases Now at 152
Arizona health authorities are reporting a second death from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that is spreading across the United States and other countries. The victim was a man in his 70s with underlying health conditions, according to a press release. The first victim was a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions. The state…
12 Cases of COVID-19 in Pima County, 104 in State
Pima County now has 12 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services website. The total number of cases in the county has increased by four from Friday, March 20. Testing confirmed 15 new cases in Maricopa County, putting their totals at 49 confirmed. Statewide, testing has confirmed 104…
First COVID-19 Death in Arizona
The first death due to COVID-19 in Arizona has been reported by an Arizona State Health Department press release. The deceased is a Maricopa County man in his 50s with underlying health conditions. According to the AZDHS press release: The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) have…
Walmart, ‘The Trumpvirus,’ and Survival Instincts
The ancient Native woman rolls in her wheelchair through Walmart’s bustling parking lot and exhaust stink, squinting in the midday sun, moving toward the corner bus-stop. Anger moves through her tiny frame, down into her wrinkled hands, the unnatural velocity with which she forces her wheels. No one notices her, a shiny Ford truck nearly…
Gov. Ducey Announces School Closure Will Extend Through April 10
Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman have announced that school closures will continue through at least April 10. The press release from Ducey’s office: Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman today announced a two-week extension of school closures through Friday, April 10, 2020. Going forward, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman…
You Can’t See a Movie at The Loft Cinema, But the Loft Is Bringing Movies Into Your Home
If you’re already getting bored sitting around the house and you miss the temporarily closed Loft Cinema, then you’re in luck. Tucson’s arthouse cinema just announced the launch of a new streaming service. Now you can watch independent, hard-to-find films from the comfort of your couch. The new service is the result of a collaboration…
Sun Tran Transit Is Free, but Please Enter From the Back of the Bus and Sit Far From Others
Press release from Sun Tran: In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the City of Tucson will make the following changes to transit services: Beginning Saturday, March 21, 2020, the City of Tucson will waive the fares on Sun Tran, Sun Link and Sun Van. These changes are in effect through the…
COVID-19 Hits Pima County Parks and Recreation
Restaurants, bars, gyms, and more are being hit especially hard by closures right now, but they aren’t the only entities that are being affected. Almost all organized events through Pima County Parks and Recreation have been canceled in accordance with guidelines put forth by the state in response to COVID-19. They have released a statement,…
U.S., Mexico Are Closing the Border to Tourists
The Washington Post reports: MEXICO CITY — The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement for a partial closure of the border, according to U.S and Mexican officials. Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced the closure on Twitter, and President Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed the deal at a White…
Eight Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Pima County, 63 in State
Pima County now has eight confirmed cases of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services website. Maricopa County gained 12 cases, putting their totals at 34 confirmed. Expect as more testing becomes available that these numbers will rise. Pima County reports that the new case reported today is a female in…
Ducey Shutters Bars, Gyms, Theaters Across State; Restaurants Must Go To Take-Out and Delivery
Gov. Doug Ducey has ordered bars, gyms, theaters and places were people congregate to close as of close of business on Friday, March 20. Restaurants will still be able to offer take-out or delivery—and now they can also deliver beer, wine and alcohol. The order applies to any county with cases of COVID-19, the fast-spreading…
Southern AZ Coronavirus Roundup: County, Towns Close Bars, Dine-In Restaurant Service; Cannabis Dispensaries Remain Open, Fourth Ave Street Fair Goes Virtual; and More
Your Southern Arizona Coronavirus Roundup: • Pima County and the towns of Marana and Oro Valley have joined Tucson in limiting restaurants to drive-up and take-out service and closing bars, theaters, gyms and the like. • Southern Arizona cannabis dispensaries remain open, but with some changes. • Pandemic expert James Galloway says in an interview…
Most Southern AZ Cannabis Dispensaries Remain Open, But With Some Changes
While many businesses in major metropolitan areas having closed their doors for the foreseeable future, medical cannabis patients don’t have to worry about most dispensaries closing, although Tucson Saints Dispensary announced today it will temporarily shut its doors. Since cannabis is a medicine, it is an essential service and dispensaries will continue to sell products…
Pandemic Expert James Galloway: “It’s Critically Important That We Maintain Our Healthcare Workers”
Dr. James Galloway is a former assistant U.S. Surgeon General, a cardiovascular medical doctor and a public health expert. He served as a Senior Federal Official on Health for Pandemic Influenza and Bioterrorism for the Department of Homeland Security and as the Director of the Office of Health System Collaboration for the Centers for Disease…
You Can’t Go To the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, but You Can Support Merchants Via Virtual Street Fair
Retail merchants on Fourth Avenue are locking their doors and setting up shop online—and on social media—in an attempt to salvage sales lost after the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association canceled the 50th Annual Fourth Avenue Street Fair on March 13, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Fred Ronstadt, executive director of FAMA, said he was at a…
UPDATED: Marana, Oro Valley Close Bars, Gyms, Theaters and Gyms, Limits Restaurants To Take-Out and Delivery
Amending the emergency proclamations issued yesterday, the towns of Marana and Oro Valley have announced Thursday afternoon all bars, gyms and places of public gathering would have to close through the end of the month. The order also prohibits all restaurants from serving on-site, and encourages the use of delivery, curbside and take out service.…
Pima County Supervisors Orders Restaurants To Go To Take-Out and Delivery, Shutter Bars and Gyms
In the face of the spreading COVID-19 epidemic, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to declare an emergency and order bars, breweries, gyms, movie theaters and other spaces where people gather in unincorporated Pima County to close their doors by 8 p.m. tonight. Restaurants are still open and can offer take-out or delivery…
UPDATE: Two More Cases for Pima County, Totaling Seven
Pima County now has seven confirmed cases of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services website. Maricopa County’s cases nearly doubled as well, putting their totals at 22 confirmed, up eight from 14 cases on Thursday, March 18. As of today’s Arizona Department of Health Services report, Pima County has seven…
520 Cannabis: Legislative Update
Cannabis legislation has received mixed reactions from state lawmakers this year. After the legislature’s “crossover week” the last week of February, the dust of the first volley has settled and few bills made it out alive. In the aftermath, Arizona may be on its way to revolutionizing cannabis research in America, and House Speaker Rusty…
Tucson Goes Dark
In my career as a journalist, I’ve covered some stories that have changed our community dramatically: The aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, the 2011 mass shootings at Gabby Giffords’ Congress on Your Corner. But I’ve never seen a week like this…
Apocalypse Chow
On Tuesday, March 17, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero ordered all city restaurants and bars to provide only takeout service and shuttered gyms and other places where people congregate through the end of March. This means all local area restaurants would be prohibited from providing dine-in service until authorized. Romero’s actions came a day after President…
XOXO
Pandemic is not a word to be taken lightly. If misused, it can cause unreasonable fear. Taken cavalierly, it can lead to death.
Movies: The Hunt – Not Worth the Risk
The Hunt, the little B movie that can’t seem to catch a break, finally got released to theaters in the midst of a national emergency.
Arts: What Would Renoir Say?
The impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir is famed for painting women in general and bare-bottomed women in particular.
City Week
Help the Arts. When I first moved to Tucson almost three years ago, I had no idea how lucky I was to be entering into a community that is so full of art, from the murals that line many of our streets to the vibrant DIY music scene.
The Foilies 2020
“The Ringer,” the first track on Eminem’s 2018 album, Kamikaze, includes a line that piqued Buzzfeed reporter Jason Leopold’s curiosity: the rapper claimed the Secret Service visited him due to some controversial lyrics about Ivanka Trump.
Danehy: The Pandemic and Sports
Maybe someday in the distant future, the prevailing wisdom will be that it was prudent to have shut down the NCAAs.
School’s Out
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Education Kathy Hoffman announced Sunday afternoon that all Arizona public schools are closing at least through March 27.
Police Dispatch
What are those crazy criminals up to this week?
Music: Daddy Daughter Rock
Bisbee-based father-daughter punk band The Exbats have dropped another winner with their ’60s-inspired, resplendent fourth album Kicks, Hits and, Fits. Producer Matt Rendon and the newest addition to the team, bass player Bobby Carlson, aided in the process of creating this vibrant pop-punk release, which makes the album a series of raw emotion told through…
