Good morning, Tucson. Here’s your news roundup for April 19, 2024.
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🌵 Arizona House Republicans again blocked a vote to repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban.
The Senate, however, moved forward on bringing a repeal bill up for a vote. Both chambers are only meeting on a weekly basis. Some Republicans appear to be focusing their efforts on ballot propositions that would allow the public to directly vote on abortion restrictions during the fall election.
🌵 University of Arizona officials say the school’s budget deficit has been cut to $52 million.
The current plan calls for the administration and provost to take a $30 million cut, health sciences to take a $19 million cut, and other colleges to take a $26 million cut. Colleges would not have a deficit at the start of fiscal year 2025, and be allowed to keep any future budget surpluses.
🌵 A new program will offer some first-time Arizona homebuyers up to $30,000 in assistance.
Under the Arizona is Home program, buyers who earn 80% or less of the area median income are eligible for up to $30,000, while buyers who earn between 81% and 120% of the area median income can receive up to $20,000. The money can be used for down payments, interest rate buy-downs, or closing costs.
- AZPM: ‘Arizona is Home’ mortgage assistance program kickstarts statewide homeownership drive
- Arizona Department of Housing program information
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🌵 You may soon be able to get a degree in artificial intelligence from the U of A.
The proposed AI degree will be offered under the computer science department. Students will learn how to turn databases, images, video, audio, and natural language into AI decisions. The degree proposal must be approved by the Arizona Board of Regents.
🌵 Lastly, Reid Park Zoo’s baby elephant has a name: Meru.
Meru is the name of Tanzania’s fifth highest peak, Mount Meru. Over 19,000 people voted in an online poll to help name the elephant calf, which was born on March 8. The zoo says the best time to see her is usually after 10:00 a.m., though her schedule varies.