Storms Bring Wind, potential Rain to Phoenix Area as Labor‍ Day Weekend Begins

Phoenix residents are ‌facing ⁣gusty winds and a chance of scattered showers as the Labor Day weekend gets underway.⁣ Parts‌ of​ Fountain Hills experienced winds up to ‍60 mph ​Friday evening, while‌ radar indicated a 10-30% probability of precipitation across Gilbert and Chandler, with isolated pockets reaching a 50% chance⁢ for rain.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued a severe weather outlook⁣ Friday, highlighting the potential for‌ localized⁤ impacts. While significant rainfall isn’t expected until Monday night-currently forecasted at⁣ a 20% chance-the ​incoming ‍weather system represents‍ a shift ‍from the exceptionally ⁣dry monsoon season Phoenix‌ has experienced ⁤thus far.As of Friday, the metro⁤ area had received onyl 0.5 inches of rain as June‍ 15, significantly below the typical 1.5 inches ⁤recorded by this⁤ point in the season, which concludes September 30.

Arizona Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to⁢ Firearms and immigration Charges; TSMC Arizona Plant Reports First Profit

phoenix, AZ – August 22, 2024 – the owner ⁢of a Phoenix-area taco restaurant chain has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to firearms‍ possession ‌as an‍ undocumented migrant and ‍employing unauthorized ​workers, the U.S. Attorney’s⁣ Office for the District of Arizona announced Thursday. Simultaneously, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s (TSMC) Arizona facility is reporting its first profit as beginning production late last year,signaling a ​potential boon for the ​state’s burgeoning semiconductor industry.

Restaurant Owner Admits to Violations

Jose Audeves, owner and operator of El Taqueria El Taco Loko LLC – ⁣encompassing a brick-and-mortar location and two mobile restaurants across the Phoenix metropolitan area – admitted in court to knowingly hiring at least 12 individuals who were not authorized to work in the United states. Audeves is himself ‌an undocumented migrant. ​

Beyond the employment violations, Audeves also confessed to⁢ possessing three firearms and ammunition, a violation of federal law given his immigration status.The specific type of firearms was not detailed in the proclamation.​ The case was investigated by⁣ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Sentencing has not yet ⁢been scheduled.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding⁤ immigration enforcement and the potential for overlap with other criminal activity. Federal law prohibits individuals illegally present in the United states from ​possessing firearms. Penalties for employing⁢ undocumented workers ​can include both civil⁤ fines and criminal charges, depending on the extent and nature of the violations.

TSMC arizona plant Turns a Corner

In a separate​ growth, ‍TSMC’s $40 billion Arizona ⁣manufacturing plant⁣ has achieved profitability. The ​company reported a net profit of $150.1 million (USD) for its ‌Arizona subsidiary during the first‌ half of ⁤2024, a significant turnaround from the $143.4 million net loss reported during the same period last‍ year.

The plant, located in North Phoenix, began production in late 2023. The⁢ profitability‌ comes as‍ TSMC ramps up production to meet growing demand, particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. During a July 17th earnings call, TSMC CEO⁤ C.C.​ Wei cited strong AI-related demand from U.S. customers as the driving force behind the increased production in‌ Arizona.

This positive financial performance is particularly significant in light of the U.S. goverment’s efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing through the​ CHIPS and Science Act.The Department of commerce initially considered taking equity stakes in TSMC and Micron Technology in⁤ exchange for ‌federal subsidies provided under​ the Act. However, Reuters reported Thursday that the white⁢ House has reportedly shifted course and is no longer pursuing equity in these two companies.

According to a U.S. Department of commerce official, companies that do‌ not increase​ their U.S. investment commitments might potentially be required to offer equity in exchange for receiving CHIPS Act subsidies. This signals a continued push to ensure⁣ that federal ‍funding ⁣translates into long-term, substantial investment in American semiconductor production.

TSMC’s Arizona plant represents a major investment in the U.S. semiconductor industry, aiming to reduce reliance on​ overseas manufacturing and strengthen national ⁢security.‍ The plant is expected to ‍create thousands⁤ of high-paying jobs in⁢ the region.

Arizona⁢ Gives Big: Phoenix ⁣Children’s Raises record $2.45 Million in Annual ⁤Give-A-Thon

Phoenix, AZ – Arizona residents demonstrated remarkable generosity once again, donating ⁣a ‌record-breaking $2,450,030 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital during the ⁤17th annual Give-A-Thon, hosted by⁤ KTAR News ⁤ and Arizona Sports. The‌ event, recognized as the largest radio children’s ⁢hospital fundraiser in the nation, ​continues to be a vital lifeline for young ⁢patients and their families.Donations were still being tallied Friday ⁣evening, but the current total significantly‌ surpasses previous years, highlighting the community’s unwavering⁤ support for pediatric⁢ healthcare.

“We are⁣ deeply grateful to ‍KTAR⁤ news,⁣ Arizona sports and our entire community for​ standing with us,” said Steve Schnall,‌ Senior⁣ Vice ⁣President and ⁣Chief Progress Officer‌ at Phoenix⁤ Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The Give-A-Thon is proof of the incredible generosity ⁣here in Arizona-when the call goes out, ⁤people step up to ensure ‍every child has access to the world-class care they need and deserve.”

A Legacy of ⁤Giving

Since its inception in 2009, the⁣ Give-A-Thon has raised over $28.7 million for⁣ Phoenix Children’s. This year’s​ funds will directly⁣ benefit the hospital’s Hope Fund, supporting critical areas​ including:

state-of-the-art equipment and technology
Cutting-edge research and clinical trials
Over 170 family-centered programs and services

Phoenix Children’s Foundation: https://phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/
KTAR News: https://ktar.com/
Share your⁢ story ⁤ideas: mailto:stories@ktar.com

SEO ⁣Notes:

* ⁢ Keywords: “Phoenix children’s ⁤hospital,” “Give-A-Thon,” “

Phoenix Man Convicted in $1.5 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

PHOENIX – A Phoenix man has been found guilty of defrauding a victim out of more than $1.5 million, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today. The conviction marks a significant win for the Attorney General’s Office in combating financial crimes targeting arizona residents.

The defendant, identified as David Hatley, initially approached the victim in early 2017, expressing interest in photographing the victim’s vehicle.This initial contact led to a friendship built on false pretenses, with Hatley falsely presenting himself as a qualified securities trader.

According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Hatley misrepresented his professional background, claiming extensive experiance in stock and currency trading, boasting of considerable returns for clients, and falsely asserting prior employment at a major brokerage firm.Investigations revealed Hatley was not licensed to sell financial products and had never been affiliated with any brokerage firm.

The fraud began in July 2017 when the victim invested $35,000 with Hatley for foreign currency trading. Hatley subsequently returned $5,000, falsely attributing it to investment profits. This initial,albeit deceptive,return convinced the victim to continue providing funds over the following three months,leading to a total investment of over $1.5 million.

The victim’s subsequent “investments” included a $1 million allocation for a purportedly low-risk annuity, an additional $250,000 for further foreign currency trading, and a $300,000 loan intended for a trading presentation to attract other investors. Though, rather of utilizing the funds for legitimate investment purposes, Hatley misappropriated the money for personal expenses.

Hatley used the stolen funds to purchase a $290,000 Lamborghini Aventador and a $650,000 residence in Gilbert, Arizona, for himself and his wife. He also used $60,000 to pay off his outstanding student loan debt. Moreover, Hatley failed to report any of this income on his federal tax returns, adding tax evasion to his offenses.

The victim ultimately received less than $45,000 back from the total $1.5 million invested. Hatley’s sentencing is scheduled for August 28th. The case highlights the dangers of investment fraud and the importance of verifying the credentials of financial advisors before entrusting them with funds.

Understanding Investment Fraud: Investment fraud schemes often rely on building trust and promising high returns with little to no risk. Common red flags include unsolicited investment offers, pressure to invest quickly, and promises of guaranteed profits. Arizona residents can find resources and report suspected fraud to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Section at https://www.azag.gov/consumer-protection. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) also provides resources for investors at https://www.finra.org/.