🌱 Housing Choice Voucher Preapplications + Car Crashes Into Home

Hello, neighbors. Miranda Fraraccio here with your Thursday edition of the Phoenix Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 101 Low: 83.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. After a seven-year hiatus, Phoenix will resume accepting preapplications for its Housing Choice Voucher waitlist from Sep. 12-26, amid a challenging rental market and record eviction rates. Elenia Sotelo, Phoenix Housing Department manager, revealed that despite having over 27,000 applications in 2016, only 2,300 will move forward with the eligibility process this year. To accommodate the high demand and increased federal funding, a new waitlist will be initiated, with selections made randomly by computer and follow-ups anticipated for fall 2023. (Arizona's Family)
2. In a tragic incident near 31st and Southern avenues in Phoenix, a man lost his life when a car plowed into his home early Wednesday morning. The victim, described as a devoted family man, was sleeping downstairs while his family was upstairs; he succumbed to his injuries after being trapped under the vehicle. Separately, a city bus crashed into a nearby Glendale residence the same night, though no serious injuries were reported. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. While we previously reported on the impact of the record-breaking heat on saguaros across the state, the extreme temperatures are now also causing Arizona's cherished agaves to wilt and die. Local nurseries in Phoenix report daily inquiries about agaves that are collapsing due to "pure heat stress," with losses of larger plants valued up to $800. Experts advise using shade cloths and watering once a week to mitigate damage while awaiting cooler weather and rain. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)

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Today in Phoenix:

Thursday, August 24

• Open Interviews At Balsz District Office (3:00 PM)
• Live And Local Featuring Acoustic Music By Shane Travis At AC Hotel By Marriott Phoenix Biltmore (4:30 PM)
• Summer Beers From Four Peaks Brewing Co. At Arizona Biltmore (7:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Phoenix? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• This Sunday, Aug. 27, is National Cinema Day, and you can celebrate in Phoenix with $4 movies at AMC and Harkins theaters! Click the link to view qualifying movies. (The Arizona Republic)
• Curious about the history of Phoenix? Now you can time travel back to Phoenix's start with this lithograph depicting Phoenix as it was in 1885! (12News)
• Have you heard? The City of Phoenix was nominated for the 2023 City Hall Selfie Day People’s Choice Award! Today (Aug. 24) is your last day to submit a vote. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Touch Of Class Alterations — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of North Phoenix (August 25)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— 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.