Good afternoon. Showers are likely tomorrow, with a high of 65°. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be sunny with a high of 67° both days.
National Weather Service: Midtown Tucson forecast
🌵 An estimated 10% to 12% of Arizona renters are behind on payments.
The numbers come from the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for Research on Women. Despite low unemployment, wages have not risen enough to cover a 30% increase in rent prices over the past three years.
🌵 A major credit agency changed the University of Arizona’s rating to “negative.”
Moody’s Investors Service said the revision was caused by uncertainty surrounding the university’s financial crisis, and risks associated with the University of Arizona Global Campus. In other UA news, officials are refusing to release details regarding $27 million worth of vacant positions that have been eliminated.
- Inside Higher Ed: Moody’s Lowers University of Arizona Bond Rating to Negative
- Arizona Daily Star: U of A refuses to release information on $27M in job cuts
🌵 A bipartisan bill would prohibit Arizona cities from requiring HOAs and minimum home sizes.
The Arizona Starter Homes Act would ostensibly encourage developers to build affordable housing, according to Republican and Democrat sponsors. Some municipalities have pointed out that the bill has no actual requirements for any affordable housing to be built. Governor Hobbs has not said whether she will sign the bill, which has passed the House and Senate.
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🌵 A Tucson man has been ordered to pay $7.6 million in restitution to the victims of a solar securities fraud.
An Arizona Corporation Commission investigation found that David Shorey, CEO of ABCO Solar Inc., defrauded investors through a stock program and unregistered securities. Shorey will pay $7.6 million in restitution plus an additional $1 million fine. ABCO Solar’s website shows a portfolio of commercial and residential installations throughout Southern Arizona.
- KVOA: Tucson solar installation company ordered to pay over eight million dollars in stock-sales fraud
- ACC: Tucson Man Ordered to Pay Multimillion Dollar Restitution
🌵 Lastly, an award-winning yucca stem north of Oro Valley fell.
The soaptree yucca, which had a stem 30 feet tall, was deemed the largest of its species in 2016. The stem began to droop in 2020, and finally broke sometime in the past few months. Fortunately, the yucca itself lives on.