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 employees’ artwork at its Oro Valley campus but is unable to do so with most of the staff working from home. A partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance moved the summer show up the calendar.

This year’s exhibition, entitled Home | Zuhause, includes photography from Roche Molecular Solutions employees and their immediate family members from across the world, including Germany, Switzerland, and South Africa. The company also has domestic sites in California and New Jersey.

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 made “based on many factors including current Federal and State guidelines, guidance from the CDC, restrictions from the Forest Service, and dialogue with other local youth-serving organizations.”

“This decision was made The importance of girls' safety, their health, and wellbeing— as well as that of staff and you, [Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona’s] extended family— is at the forefront of every decision,” Tank wrote.

Each week, campers will receive a box of supplies in the mail. Campers will also check in with counselors on Zoom, and participate in virtual group activities like campfire talks and sing-alongs.

Registration and more information is available online at girlscoutssoaz.org/camplogon. Campers do not need to be Girl Scouts to attend.

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 their immigration status, and resettlement agencies and nonprofit organizations are already overwhelmed with an increased workload. So We Are All America, Ethnic Community Based Organizations and local faith organizations in Arizona are working to raise funds to provide emergency cash assistance for immigrants' and refugees' necessities such as rent, utilities, childcare, food and more.

Their goal is to raise $300,000.

"While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of everyone in countless ways, refugees and immigrants are one of the most impacted communities," said Nejra Sumic with We Are All America. "These working families who have already experienced past trauma and have escaped persecution from their country of origin, are now finding themselves having to survive through a global pandemic."

The coalition includes the International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Somali Association of Arizona, Tucson Refugee Ministry, Merciful Refugee and Immigrant Services, Catholic Charities Community Services Phoenix, Council on American Islamic Relations of Arizona, Democratic Republic of Congo Community of Arizona, Arizona Syrian Community, and Iskashitaa Refugee Network, among others.

To donate to the Arizona Refugee Emergency Fund, click here.

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 the lives of children in our community,” said 2020 Angel Charity General Chair Adriana Rincon, in a statement.

$65,000 of that funding will support a new play therapist at the Amanda Dream Center in the Diamond Children’s Medical Center in central Tucson. The therapist provides counseling, play therapy, and other services for children with cancer.

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 COVID-19 cases had risen to 6,219.

Because symptoms can take as long as two weeks to appear after exposure to the virus (while some people can remain entirely asymptomatic), health officials continue to urge the public to avoid unnecessary trips and gatherings of more than 10 people and have advised people to cover their faces with masks in public.

While Arizona remains under a stay-at-home order at least through May 15, Gov. Doug Ducey gave the green light for restaurants and bars that offer food service to reopen yesterday. Restrictions have also been lifted on stores, barber shops and salons.

Businesses such as gyms and movie theaters remain shuttered, but Ducey has said he wanted the state’s economy to gradually reopen. The governor will have to decide this week whether to extend his stay-at-home order past May 15.

Dr. Bob England, the director of the Pima County Health Department, said the reopening of bars "wasn't people's general understanding" given that Ducey had said in an April press conference that bars would remain shuttered longer than restaurants because people tend to mingle in bars. England said expected to see "a lot of variation out there."

"It's going to be a little bit like the Wild West," England said. "Just know that if you're vulnerable, if you're older, if you have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk, then please, please, please hunker down for a while longer."

England said last week that the results of reopening so many establishments wouldn’t be known for weeks as test results tend to lag behind the actual spread of the virus.

“It will take a few weeks to know the impact of this so we won’t know until early June what all of this is doing to the epidemic curve,” England said in a daily briefing.

Other members of the medical community said Ducey’s move may have come soon and will result in greater spread of the virus. State Rep. Randy Friese, an emergency room doctor, warned last week that by relaxing so many standards so quickly, Ducey was risking losing all the progress that state has made in stemming the disease.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the top infectious disease expert in the Trump administration, told the U.S. Senate in testimony this morning that states and cities should follow the guidelines set out by the CDC when allowing businesses to reopen.

“It’s my concern that if some areas—cities, states, what have you—jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up without having the capability to respond effectively and efficiently, my concern is that we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks,” Fauci said. “The consequences could be really serious.”

COVID-19 symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after exposure, and include headache, fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. However, some cases of the virus are entirely asymptomatic. Practices to avoid infection include social distancing (of at least six feet), washing your hands, avoiding unnecessary trips and not touching your face. COVID-19 can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on stainless steel and plastic surfaces up to three days.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, speak with a healthcare provider for medical advice. According to the CDC, people who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Stay at home and avoid public transportation, but stay in touch with your doctor. If you do leave your home, wear a facemask and clean your hands often. If you develop more severe symptoms (persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips) get medical attention immediately. Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

Have you caught COVID-19? Are you feeling ill? Is your small business struggling to make it? Have you lost your job as a result of the outbreak? Are you struggling to manage your kids while schools are closed? Tell us your COVID-19 stories. Send an email or photo to [email protected].

For more Claytoonz click here.

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 make your own flipbook animation, inspired by Diana Shpungin’s drawings and videos, and see her work in action online. Try making a still life with objects from around your house, in the style of Amir H. Fallah. And create your own text blocks in a wordplay game that would make Gary Setzer proud.

Oro Valley Online Concerts. If you were planning to attend the Oro Valley Concert series, the good news is you still can, without leaving your house! The Thursday-night concerts are about 60-90 minutes long, and videos of each show are available at the SAACA website and YouTube channel after they air. This week, Canyon Currents, a bluegrass/swing/country group, is playing a mix of original songs and well-loved tunes. Lex Browning is on fiddle and guitar, Brian Davies is on bass and national flat-pick guitar champion Peter McLaughlin is on guitar. 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14.

Pop-Up Sculpture Park at Hacienda del Sol. This sculpture park is a great way to get an art fix and treat yourself to a trip out of the house, but with the safety of not having to leave your car. Just under 20 popular artists, many of them local, have large-scale sculptures on display in this exhibit organized by Sculpture Tucson. Just drive through the Hacienda del Sol parking lot (5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. any day through the end of the month. See the Sculpture Tucson website for artist statements and more information on the displays.

Unscrewed Theater House Party. We could all use a laugh right about now, yeah? Come have one with this beloved local improv group, from the comfort of your couch. They’ll be creating characters, games, scenes, and songs based on your suggestions. Just head over to the website to register and get the Zoom link. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

The White Chip: A Live Benefit Reading. If you missed the reading of this dry comedy by the Arizona Theatre Company on Monday, you can still view it online through Friday, May 15. Written by Sean Daniels and directed by Sheryl Kaller, the play tells the story of Steven, who is just about to land his dream job running one of the hottest theaters in the country when his life spirals out of control. Performance is free, but donations, which will support the Voices Project and Arizona Theatre Company, are welcome.

Tohono Chul Online Plant Sale. Looking for some plants to spruce up your work-from-home office? Maybe you just feel like you need another living thing around, even if it’s not sentient? Tohono Chul has got you covered! Purchas plants online through this Thursday, and, when you’re checking out, schedule a time to come do curbside pickup. Just have your order number ready when you swing by, then get your space all spruced up!

The Loft Cinema is offering about a dozen streaming options this week, ranging from a witty rom-com to a documentary exploring wealth inequality to collections of short films from the New York International Children's Film Festival. If every night has become movie night in your household and you're looking for something fresh, check out these titles!

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, the government’s effort to save the economy has been both a spectacular success and a catastrophic failure.
• An Investigative Journalist has a few questions regarding that viral "Plandemic" video
• 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.
• What Happened When Health Officials Wanted to Close a Meatpacking Plant, but the Governor Said No
• 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.
• Located in the Catalina Foothills, La Encantada shopping center reopened its stores on Friday, May 8.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Arizona took another tentative step toward reopening the state’s economy Monday, when dine-in restaurants were allowed to resume limited service.
• 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.

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

The women were forced to live and work in filth and near darkness, the federal agent said, surviving on only the tips they received from performing massages and sexual favors.

Lon Weigand, the deputy special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Arizona, described them as “Asian females” who may be sex-trafficking victims. He praised the joint operation between federal agents and local police in western Arizona that led to their rescue and credited the “investigative techniques” that helped crack a “transnational criminal organization.”

Weigand assured those at a press conference called to announce the investigation’s successful conclusion that HSI had followed a “victim-based approach.” While he wouldn’t reveal anything more about the women, he added, “Know that they are now safe and being cared for.”

What Weigand didn’t say at that September 2018 press conference – although HSI documents show that some supervisors knew – was that federal undercover agents repeatedly paid for and engaged in sexual acts with the suspected victims as part of their investigation.

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 and income tax revenues, state and local governments may be forced to slash budgets. That, in turn, could slow the overall recovery, economists say, with fewer workers and services pumping money back into the economy.

Arizona’s Joint Legislative Budget Committee predicts the state could face a $1.1 billion budget shortfall for the rest of this fiscal year and into fiscal 2021. But that’s just the midpoint of a shortfall estimated to fall between $600 million and $1.6 billion.

The state may be in a relatively good position with a $973 million “rainy day” fund to draw on in emergencies like this. But if that’s not enough, Arizona – like other states – may have to make budget cuts to weather the storm.

“Unlike the federal government, states can’t deficit spend and they have to balance their budgets, so you know with these types of revenue loss states could face significant cuts without assistance,” said Erica MacKellar, a policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Gov. Doug Ducey last week, saying Arizona was “headed in the right direction” in terms of new COVID-19 cases, and allowed limited reopening of retail businesses, barbers and salon, with social distancing rules in place. And restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in services Monday, with limits on the numbers of people who can be served at one time.