🌱 Auto-Theft Ring In Phoenix + Housing Market Slowdown + New School

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 113 Low: 91.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. A sophisticated auto theft operation stole brand new Ford vehicles from a Michigan factory, altered their vehicle identification numbers on blank titles stolen from Georgia in 2007, and resold them in Arizona using the state's compromised title checking system. The scheme, involving at least two dozen vehicles and causing a fallout across the state's auto industry, only came to light when Phoenix police began to seize the vehicles from dealerships who had unknowingly purchased and resold the stolen assets. Amidst the ongoing investigation, the alleged ringleader, Donald Eugene Reed III, maintains his innocence despite a criminal record related to title fraud and identity theft, while businesses like Scottsdale's Cascio Motors face financial struggles, having invested heavily in what they believed were legitimate vehicles. (Arizona's Family)
2. The housing market in metro Phoenix is experiencing a slowdown, with average home prices decreasing to $440,000, a 5.4 percent decline from the previous year. According to a Cromford report, the overall demand has lessened, evidenced by a six percent reduction in listings under contract and a significant 27.4 percent decrease in active listings compared to July 2022. Additionally, a 7.5 percent dip in sale closings from the same time last year further signifies the weakness in the market. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. A new Phoenix middle school, the Queer Blended Learning Center (QBLC), is offering a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth in grades six to eight. Created by One-N-Ten, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ youth, the school provides a culturally responsive curriculum with a focus on LGBTQ history, along with traditional subjects. QBLC is currently a micro-school with eight students, aiming to maintain a one-to-12 teacher-student ratio and allow parents to use the state's universal voucher program to cover tuition. The school year will run from Aug. 1 to May 23, 2024, with enrollment available at any time. (Arizona's Family)

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Today in Phoenix:

Thursday, July 27

• Miracle Treat Day At Dairy Queen (10:00 AM)
• Live And Local! Featuring Live Acoustic Music By James Mills Of People Who Could Fly At AC Hotel By Marriott Phoenix Biltmore (4:30 PM)
• Vino And Vibes Featuring Live Acoustic Music By Summer Welsh At Trevor's Liquor (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Sep. 6, a lively burlesque parody of "Star Wars" is coming to Phoenix at the Herberger Theater Center for a multi-night stint. The show, “The Empire Strips Back,” will feature suggestive performances, comedic elements, and unauthorized antics from iconic characters like Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo. Tickets are available here. (Phoenix New Times)
• Looking to find your next great read? This list features the best independent and used bookstores in Phoenix, including Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, Dog Eared Pages Used Books, and more. (The Arizona Republic)
• The Phoenix Fire Department is hiring! Applications for firefighter recruits are now open here. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.