While it's been easy for pro-SB 1070 folks to make things up (i.e. rampant beheadings) in order to blame illegal immigrants on everything that ails us, when it comes to Arizona's economy, I hope they are ready to blame themselves.

Check out this CNN report on the Phoenix economy here.

"For sale" signs in English and Spanish adorn brown, sun-scorched lawns and dilapidated parking lots alike, from the heart of downtown Phoenix to as far as Chandler and Mesa — the district of SB 1070's sponsor, Republican Sen. Russell Pearce. Boarded-up big-box stores loom large in their vast emptiness, and rows of abandoned strip mall storefronts outnumber those that are occupied in some parts.

The NCAA today announced the results of its investigation into wrongdoing by the UA men's basketball program.

The punishments aren't all that much worse than the self-sanctions already put in place by the UA—in other words, there's no ban on postseason play—but the loss of scholarships and recruiting time will hurt. And vacating wins always leaves a black mark on any program's history.

Here's the news release. A PDF of the NCAA's full report can be found here.

INDIANAPOLIS—-The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions has penalized the University of Arizona for major violations involving the men’s basketball program. The violations occurred on multiple occasions over a period of two years and involve impermissible recruiting inducements and activities, a failure by the former head coach to promote an atmosphere of compliance and a failure to monitor by the university.

The penalties in the case include two years probation, recruiting restrictions, scholarship reductions, vacation of wins and disassociation of an event promoter.

In this week's Tucson Weekly's endorsements, we went with Felecia Rotellini as the Democratic candidate to support for Attorney General. One reason: As of the print deadline, Democrat and former AG Vince Rabago hadn't qualified for Clean Elections funding, "which makes us worried that he doesn't have the organization to compete statewide," we said.

However, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, Rabago's campaign sent us an e-mail letting us know that he had just filed more than 3,200 $5 donations to qualify for Clean Elections funds.

I was disappointed that this happened as we went to press, because I would have loved the Weekly to have endorsed Rabago. I know from professional experience that he is a highly ethical attorney and candidate. He grew up in Douglas and understands our region's challenges. I also think that Rabago is also the best qualified for the job, having worked for the AG's office and the cases he has taken to court prove he has stood up for the people of Arizona. When you talk with him, you immediately understand that he took that role pretty seriously.

While the Weekly endorsement of Rotellini stands, don't give up on Rabago. Here's the press release his campaign issued Tuesday:

Vince Rabago Files 3,200 $5 Donations to Qualify for Clean Elections Funding

As Arizona's Next Attorney General, Rabago Will Continue Career of Prosecuting Dangerous Criminals and Protecting Consumers

PHOENIX — Former Assistant Attorney General Vince Rabago filed more than 3,200 $5 donations today, from voters in every district across the state, to qualify for Clean Elections funds in his race for Arizona Attorney General. Rabago is seeking the Democratic nomination for Attorney General in the August 24th Primary.

"My opponents in the Democratic primary, Rotellini and Lujan, are two Capitol insiders who are much too close to the special interests and powerful lobbyists that have run Arizona into the ditch," stated Rabago. "We don't need a career politician as our next Attorney General, we need a proven prosecutor."

"As the only non-establishment candidate, I am the underdog in this primary. But today's filing assures I will have the resources to compete and win on Aug 24th."

"David Lujan, the other Clean candidate, is too immersed in old politics of careful calculation and poll-tested positions to win. He didn't have the guts to vote one way or the other on SB1070 when it came before the House, despite his supposed role as Democratic Leader," added Rabago. "As a leader, I would not only have voted No on 1070, because it is the wrong solution to a serious problem and will do nothing to secure our borders, I would have fulfilled my leadership obligations to do everything possible to either amend it or kill it before it ever reached the Governor's desk. As Attorney General, you don't get to take a walk on tough decisions."

The Phoenix New Times' art blog Jackalope Ranch recently published Tucson Weekly contributor and former art director Hector Acuna's take on how to dress like an illegal immigrant, along with handy tips on how to blend in. Acuna is a Phoenix-based designer, art direction consultant and illustator.

Costume and descriptions by Hector Acuna

You can call her a zedonk or a zedonkey, but in Arizona, the newborn hybrid of a donkey and a zebra born in Georgia would be illegal. Of course, if she was born at the Reid Park Zoo, I bet we'd see a Tea Party rally against hybrids. It's just the perfect way to turn attention away from their sorry-ass SB 1070 failure. But hey, you have to admit: That little hybrid sure is cute.

There's still time to vote for your fav Tucson Roller Derby rollergirl for the 2010 Wheelies. Go here, and vote for the best ass, best legs, best tats, favorite rollergirl, meanest and sweetest, best move, best team, and of course, best triple threat - pivot, blocker and jammer.

On Monday, July 26, Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism published a report on how newspapers and TV news handled the video release on Agriculture Department staffer Shirley Sherrod. You can read it here.

Ironically, one message that emerges from the debris of the Sherrod episode is something Breitbart wrote as the first words in the post containing his now controversial video excerpt:

“Context is everything.”

Nearly every Arizona politician has something to say over today's ruling on SB 1070, in which a judge barred some of the more controversial bits. Now Governor Jan Brewer is chiming in on the decision over the state's controversial immigration law, parts of which will go into effect tomorrow:

“I am disappointed by Judge Susan Bolton’s ruling enjoining several provisions of “The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” — SB 1070; though I am heartened by some findings — including the ban on sanctuary cities.

“This fight is far from over. In fact, it is just the beginning, and at the end of what is certain to be a long legal struggle, Arizona will prevail in its right to protect our citizens. I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from across our nation in our efforts to defend against the failures of the federal government.

As the afternoon wears on, more and more politicians are submitting statements concerning SB 1070, which a federal judge blocked several parts of earlier today. Here's the latest spin:

Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall:

"Prior to this decision my Office had engaged in significant planning and training for the implementation of S.B. 1070 and stood ready to enforce the law. We are prepared to uphold the decision handed down today by the United States District Judge Susan Bolton."

Arizona GOP Chairman Randy Pullen:

While we are disappointed in the federal court's decision to issue a temporary injunction, it is often the case that a judge will initially approve a temporary injunction until they have an opportunity to hear and read arguments and legal research from both sides. Our expectation is that Judge Bolton will rule in favor of SB 1070 as we believe that SB 1070 is constitutional.

Huffington Post reports that Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has already turned today's ruling on SB 1070 into a fundraising tactic for the Republican Governors Association:

"In order to best continue the fight for our immigration law, we must step up and expand our efforts," says an email from "Gov. Brewer" that arrived in our inbox at 3:57 PM ET. "That's why I'm asking you to make a secure, online contribution to the Republican Governors Association right now by CLICKING HERE. The RGA is the only organization exclusively dedicated to electing governors like me who are not afraid to do what it takes to protect our citizens and make our borders safe."