Tuesday, April 21, 2020
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
When undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors applied for deportation protections and work permits, the forms included a promise: The information would not be shared with immigration enforcement agents.
The pledge was first made by the Obama administration, when it created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, eight years ago. It continued under President Donald Trump. Even after Trump announced that he was ending DACA, his administration assured immigrants that the information on their applications generally wouldn’t be sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
But internal administration emails obtained under a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by Make the Road New York, and shared with ProPublica, show that those assurances — given to Congress under oath and in lawsuits over the program — were incomplete or misleading.
The Trump administration left out the fact that immigration enforcement agencies already had access to databases containing detailed information, such as home addresses, about DACA recipients and millions of other immigrants.
When undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors applied for deportation protections and work permits, the forms included a promise: The information would not be shared with immigration enforcement agents.
The pledge was first made by the Obama administration, when it created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, eight years ago. It continued under President Donald Trump. Even after Trump announced that he was ending DACA, his administration assured immigrants that the information on their applications generally wouldn’t be sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
But internal administration emails obtained under a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by Make the Road New York, and shared with ProPublica, show that those assurances — given to Congress under oath and in lawsuits over the program — were incomplete or misleading.
The Trump administration left out the fact that immigration enforcement agencies already had access to databases containing detailed information, such as home addresses, about DACA recipients and millions of other immigrants.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Today is 4/20, and this is the news we've covered today:
- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona had topped 5,000 as of Monday, April 20, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- Here's what America's Governors need not ignore as they open their states.
- This Friday, April 24, Southern Arizona's Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory will be hosting a livestream "star party," where viewers can watch the night sky as it appears in multiple locations throughout the county, and interact with astronomers.
- In the early morning hours of Thursday, April 9, the staff at the Reid Park Zoo performing rounds discovered three adult meerkats huddled around squirming legs—the excited gesticulations of five newborn pups.
- If there has been any type of silver lining in the short term during this pandemic, it's this one: the Earth keeps spinning and moves on with or without us.
- Parents picking up homework for their young children at 14 schools across Tucson were recently handed a dozen brand new books to help get through the summer slump.
- ICYMI: Our winners for the 2020 Tucson Weedly Cannabis Bowl.
United Way photo
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Health and Public Policy Director Christina Cutshaw and her son pose with Oyama Elementary School Library Assistant Raquel Islava and Principal Tammy Christopherson.
The literary surprise was the most recent installment of the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s My Summer Library Program.
United Way Worldwide is an international nonprofit organization that works with community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and charitable individuals to provide aid for community members in need.
That work is accomplished through a variety of partnerships and programs, including the summer library launched in Tucson ten years ago.
“Kids tend to lose a lot of their reading ability over the summer when they don’t have anybody reading to them,” said LaVonne Douville, executive vice president of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. “This simple intervention can really help kids be ready when they start school in the fall.”
Tags: kids , united way , books , literacy , summer , reading , Image
In the early morning hours of Thursday, April 9, the staff at the Reid Park Zoo performing rounds discovered three adult meerkats huddled around squirming legs—the excited gesticulations of five newborn pups.
The meerkats are the first-ever of the species born at the zoo and came only three days after the zoo announced the birth of a 295-pound African elephant calf.
“We are proud of our new little family and can’t wait for the pups to make their public debut,” said Nancy Kluge, president, and CEO of Reid Park Zoo, in a statement.
According to the zoo, meerkat pups are largely helpless for the first few weeks of life because they are born with both eyes shut ears and very little hair. Adults share child-rearing roles.
According to Animal Care Supervisor Adam Ramsey, all three adults, who are also first-time parents, are “doing an excellent job of parenting.”
“Both females are nursing, grooming and cuddling the babies to keep them warm,” Ramsey said.
The species arrived at the zoo in 2017 as part of a breeding recommendation in cooperation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family and are found in the desert and grasslands of Africa.
Even though the zoo is closed to the public, you can still check in on the animals through virtual visits on the Reid Park Zoo’s social media accounts and at reidparkzoo.org.
The meerkats are the first-ever of the species born at the zoo and came only three days after the zoo announced the birth of a 295-pound African elephant calf.
“We are proud of our new little family and can’t wait for the pups to make their public debut,” said Nancy Kluge, president, and CEO of Reid Park Zoo, in a statement.
According to the zoo, meerkat pups are largely helpless for the first few weeks of life because they are born with both eyes shut ears and very little hair. Adults share child-rearing roles.
According to Animal Care Supervisor Adam Ramsey, all three adults, who are also first-time parents, are “doing an excellent job of parenting.”
“Both females are nursing, grooming and cuddling the babies to keep them warm,” Ramsey said.
The species arrived at the zoo in 2017 as part of a breeding recommendation in cooperation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family and are found in the desert and grasslands of Africa.
Even though the zoo is closed to the public, you can still check in on the animals through virtual visits on the Reid Park Zoo’s social media accounts and at reidparkzoo.org.
This Friday, April 24, Southern Arizona's Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory will be hosting a livestream "star party," where viewers can watch the night sky as it appears in multiple locations throughout the county, and interact with astronomers.
As part of International Dark Sky Week, the star party features live presentations and hosts from multiple time zones, all sharing information and their passion on astronomy.
The star party also features participants from the Prescott Astronomy Club; the Mark Slade Remote Observatory in Spotsylvania, Virginia; and the Feynman Observatory in Bloomington, Indiana; as well as astronomer Brian Cummins of Chantilly, Virginia; and, Michael Keefe, The AstroNerd, of Apex, North Carolina. Several participants are members of the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors volunteer corps.
The livestream begins at 8 p.m. for Arizona on Friday, April 24 at cfa.harvard.edu/flwo/youtube
As part of International Dark Sky Week, the star party features live presentations and hosts from multiple time zones, all sharing information and their passion on astronomy.
“Star parties are all about bringing people together. I came up with the idea for this nationwide star party because I saw people hosting livestreams locally, but I wanted to find a way to bring the nation together,” said Amy C. Oliver, from the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
The star party also features participants from the Prescott Astronomy Club; the Mark Slade Remote Observatory in Spotsylvania, Virginia; and the Feynman Observatory in Bloomington, Indiana; as well as astronomer Brian Cummins of Chantilly, Virginia; and, Michael Keefe, The AstroNerd, of Apex, North Carolina. Several participants are members of the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors volunteer corps.
“Star parties are all about bringing people together,” said Oliver. “In this time, where we’re forced apart, we’re working to bring the nation together to celebrate one of the most beautiful things we have all have in common: the night sky.”
The livestream begins at 8 p.m. for Arizona on Friday, April 24 at cfa.harvard.edu/flwo/youtube
Tags: astronomy , stars , livestream , observatory , Image
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
Memo to America’s Governors:
From: ProPublica
Subject: Restarting the Economy
After insisting that he had absolute power to decide when to reopen the American economy, President Donald Trump has turned over to all of you what he initially called “the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
Trump is often guilty of hyperbole, but he’s right in this case. Figuring out how and when to let people go back to work during an outbreak of life-threatening disease is the most consequential decision any of you will ever face. You’ve already seen the stakes in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. Get this wrong and thousands of people in your state will die. As the presidential election campaign heats up, count on the president to blast you for high unemployment rates in your state (you lifted restrictions too slowly) or clusters of deaths (you went too far, too soon).
Memo to America’s Governors:
From: ProPublica
Subject: Restarting the Economy
After insisting that he had absolute power to decide when to reopen the American economy, President Donald Trump has turned over to all of you what he initially called “the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
Trump is often guilty of hyperbole, but he’s right in this case. Figuring out how and when to let people go back to work during an outbreak of life-threatening disease is the most consequential decision any of you will ever face. You’ve already seen the stakes in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. Get this wrong and thousands of people in your state will die. As the presidential election campaign heats up, count on the president to blast you for high unemployment rates in your state (you lifted restrictions too slowly) or clusters of deaths (you went too far, too soon).
Friday, April 17, 2020
Here are the stories we covered today:
- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona hit 4,507 as of Friday, April 17, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- There's a virtual prom tonight being hosted by John Krasinski over YouTube.
- Local business owners have been left stranded after the Small Business Association announced their rescue loan program ran out of money on Thursday, April 16.
- In response to the financial impact of COVID-19, the University of Arizona will furlough most of their nearly 15,000 employees beginning May 11 until June 30.
- The City of Tucson is rolling out a new program today using local hotels to provide shelter and isolation for the homeless exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or who are at high risk for contracting the disease.
- Marana High School senior Matthew Glasshoff is competing against 48 other thespians in this year's English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition.
- As of Friday, April 17, Walgreens is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at their 10315 E. Broadway Blvd. location.
- Times are tough, money is tight, and local restaurants could use help more now than ever— especially when it comes to advertising themselves to the public on a dime.
Times are tough, money is tight, and local restaurants could use help more now than ever—especially when it comes to advertising themselves to the public on a dime. Although there are orders from the governor limiting service to takeout and delivery, there are still plenty of restaurants open and ready to serve your dining needs during this time. But do you know who they are?
As part of their efforts to provide relief to companies through the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox Media has given the green light to offer its televised advertising platform for free to local restaurants in Tucson.
“During these unfortunate and trying times you realize who is a true friend and partner, for Arizona’s restaurant industry there is no question about Cox Media being our tremendous friend and partner. The Arizona Restaurant Association and industry will long remember and be grateful for the generosity and support of the entire Cox Media family,” says Steve Chucri, President and CEO of Arizona Restaurant Association.
Restaurants in Southern Arizona are taking advantage of this offer to promote not only their takeout specials, but also their availability in general.
We asked Rich Barone, VP at Cox Media, what exactly is being offered, and how they're helping local eating establishments survive.
As part of their efforts to provide relief to companies through the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox Media has given the green light to offer its televised advertising platform for free to local restaurants in Tucson.
“During these unfortunate and trying times you realize who is a true friend and partner, for Arizona’s restaurant industry there is no question about Cox Media being our tremendous friend and partner. The Arizona Restaurant Association and industry will long remember and be grateful for the generosity and support of the entire Cox Media family,” says Steve Chucri, President and CEO of Arizona Restaurant Association.
Restaurants in Southern Arizona are taking advantage of this offer to promote not only their takeout specials, but also their availability in general.
We asked Rich Barone, VP at Cox Media, what exactly is being offered, and how they're helping local eating establishments survive.
Tags: cox , advertising , media , television , commercials , restaurants , free , Image
As of Friday, April 17, Walgreens is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at their 10315 E. Broadway Blvd. location. In order to to be eligible for the testing, you have to fill out an online health questionnaire at walgreens.com/coronavirus. An appointment will be based off the results of the questionnaire.
Testing will be available at no cost to eligible individuals who meet criteria established by the CDC along with state and federal guidelines.
The Broadway location was selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with Walgreens.
“I am grateful that Walgreens and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected Tucson as one of their drive-thru testing sites,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “Drastically increasing our testing capacity remains a critical component in our fight against COVID-19 and I am grateful for all of our private sector partners that have stepped up to help us accomplish this.”
Please note: Testing availability may be limited due to capacity and weather conditions. There may be a delay in getting tested.
Tags: covid19 , coronavirus , testing , walgreens , health , Image
When Marana High School senior Matthew Glasshoff looked through a collection of monologues for this year’s Shakespeare competition, he was searching for a role he’d never before played.
He found that part in 20 lines from a scene in Titus Andronicus, a play involving the eponymous Roman general, the queen of the goths, their children and a lot of revenge killings. Some would call it a dark tale.
For Matthew, it was perfect. He plays Aaron the Moore, lover of Queen Tamora, and a rather sinister man.
In his brief performance, Matthew’s character is asked to repent for his numerous sins—or face death. Instead of a confession, Aaron delivers a devilish recounting of his misdoings in an attempt to scare his captors.
“I’ve done a lot of theater in my time, and I’ve never really been the bad guy,” Matthew said. “When I read (the monologue), it just seemed cool to me. It was like something you would see in a modern movie.”
He found that part in 20 lines from a scene in Titus Andronicus, a play involving the eponymous Roman general, the queen of the goths, their children and a lot of revenge killings. Some would call it a dark tale.
For Matthew, it was perfect. He plays Aaron the Moore, lover of Queen Tamora, and a rather sinister man.
In his brief performance, Matthew’s character is asked to repent for his numerous sins—or face death. Instead of a confession, Aaron delivers a devilish recounting of his misdoings in an attempt to scare his captors.
“I’ve done a lot of theater in my time, and I’ve never really been the bad guy,” Matthew said. “When I read (the monologue), it just seemed cool to me. It was like something you would see in a modern movie.”
Tags: marana , high school , shakespeare , competition , english , national , Image
