AGP Executive Report

Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump used his Bullhead City rally to repeat false claims about Arizona’s 2022 election and say classified-information leakers should be shot. The visit came as candidates gear up for November’s midterms. AI Lawsuit: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s design deceives parents and puts children at risk. Arizona joined seven other states in filing separate suits against the company. Election Oversight: Maricopa County officials say employees seen working late at the election center were handling authorized software updates, not ballot tabulation. Supervisors are seeking answers about changes to state voting-equipment certification procedures, while Cochise County’s David Crosby says he intends to certify this year’s election. Rain and Roads: Recent storms brought welcome rain to parts of Arizona, though heavy downpours disrupted planting in southern Arizona. ADOT says construction is ramping up on an 11-mile stretch of I-10 south of Chandler as part of a wider expansion toward Casa Grande.

Election Accountability: The U.S. Supreme Court left $122,200 in sanctions intact against an attorney for Kari Lake and Mark Finchem over a baseless challenge to Arizona’s 2022 voting machines. Midterm Politics: Trump is rallying in Mohave County as Arizona’s governor and congressional races heat up; a new poll shows Democrats leading statewide, and Barack Obama has endorsed Gov. Katie Hobbs. Voters are also debating Prop. 144, which would require ID from early voters. Phoenix Growth: The city is stepping up oversight at a large Ahwatukee data center site after residents complained about noise, lighting and construction outside permitted hours. Affordable Housing: Habitat for Humanity plans starter-home projects in Winslow, Fredonia and Payson, building on work underway in Flagstaff. College Basketball: Arizona opened its exhibition season with a 93-69 win over San Francisco, led by Motiejus Krivas’ 20 points.

Midterm Campaign: Donald Trump is set to rally in Bullhead City today with Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs, as he seeks to boost GOP turnout in a closely watched Arizona race. Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to overturn $122,200 in penalties against lawyers for Kari Lake and Mark Finchem over a 2022 lawsuit challenging voting machines. Public Safety: Arizona’s new traffic laws make lane-splitting by motorcyclists reckless driving and increase penalties for repeat cellphone use while driving. Education: Pima Community College is launching a bachelor’s degree program offering dual elementary and special-education certification to help address the teacher shortage. Health: Cochise County will use grant money to distribute mosquito-control supplies and educate residents about West Nile virus prevention. Firefighter Pay: Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing Tolleson over a policy requiring new firefighters to pay $15,000 if they leave within three years.

Flood Emergency: Flash floods from Tropical Storm Rachel stranded campers near Sedona, prompted at least eight rescues in Mohave County and closed western Arizona roads, including access to a remote saloon for the first time in 43 years. Arizona Politics: Water access is emerging as a major midterm concern as drought and Colorado River pressure persist. Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP challenger Andy Biggs debated, while Hobbs’ running mate, John Giles, faced questions about speeding and red-light tickets dismissed during his Mesa mayoralty. Public Safety: A Vail man was charged after deputies found his pregnant wife dead at their home; their two young children were unharmed. Elections: Maricopa County said late-night activity at its tabulation center involved employees updating election software under required procedures, after photos fueled online questions. Higher Education: Five University of Arizona fraternities remain suspended amid investigations into alleged hazing and assault, while most chapters have resumed activities. College Football: Arizona rolled past West Virginia 52-31, extending its winning streak as quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

ASU Hockey: Dave Hakstol is expected to become Arizona State’s next coach as the school investigates an offseason workout that left player Matthew Mayich on life support. Cardinals Shake-Up: Arizona traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and a sixth-round pick to Houston for a 2027 second- and seventh-round pick, ending the former No. 4 draft pick’s short, disappointing tenure in Phoenix. Midterm Watch: Arizona voters say water is their top election concern, surpassing immigration and affordability, as drought sharpens debate over the state’s future supply. Ballot guides explain eight propositions, while misleading texts are pitching a Republican-only slate as an “independent” guide. President Trump is scheduled to rally in Bullhead City Wednesday. Growth and Resources: Arizona’s data-center boom is drawing investment but raising concerns about the facilities’ heavy demand for power and water. Public Safety: A man convicted in a Buckeye heroin trafficking case was sentenced to more than nine years in prison. Wildcats: Arizona football rolled past West Virginia 52-31 for its fourth straight win.

Cardinals: Arizona fell 45-21 to Detroit, then traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston for reported draft picks. The loss leaves the Cardinals 1-4. Grand Canyon Recovery: Volunteers and nonprofits are helping restore water access for about 2,000 people at the South Rim after August’s deadly flash flood; the National Park Service is trucking in water while repairs continue. Utility Bills: Arizona Public Service customers are set to receive a one-time $14.70 credit on November bills, approved by state regulators. Phoenix: A 2-year-old boy died after being pulled from a backyard pool, while police arrested two men accused of stealing nearly $93,000 in memorabilia and other valuables from a storage unit. Fire Equipment Costs: Phoenix, Tucson and five other Arizona cities have joined an antitrust lawsuit alleging fire truck makers drove up prices and delivery times. Tempe Schools: The district is using supportive reminders and attendance data to help reduce chronic absenteeism rather than reprimanding families.

Cardinals Shake-Up: Arizona traded receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston for 2027 second- and sixth-round picks, sending a seventh-rounder back. The move came as Detroit routed the Cardinals 45-21, extending Arizona’s home losing streak to nine games. College Football: Arizona rolled past West Virginia 52-31, while Arizona State beat Hawaii 30-12. Northern Arizona also stunned Montana 49-44 in Flagstaff. Storms and Safety: Rain and flash flooding shut the remote Desert Bar for the first time in its 43-year history, while Phoenix-area storms brought cooler weather and delays at Sky Harbor. A 2-year-old boy died after being found in a Phoenix backyard pool; officials said the pool appeared to lack a fence. State Issues: Arizona’s attorney general sued TikTok, alleging the platform’s features addict and harm young users. Border Patrol agents also arrested protesters at a disputed border-wall site, prompting concern from the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association.

Cardinals: Arizona is reportedly finalizing a trade of receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is expected to sit out Sunday’s game against Detroit; his destination and the deal’s terms remain unclear. Phoenix: Seven Arizona cities, including Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa, joined a national antitrust lawsuit accusing fire truck makers and private equity firms of monopolistic practices that have driven up prices and delays. Public Safety: A man died after a shooting involving Phoenix police near Central Avenue and Roeser Road; authorities are investigating. College Football: Arizona routed West Virginia 52-31 to extend its winning streak to four, while Northern Arizona upset No. 2 Montana 49-44 behind Ty Pennington’s six touchdowns. Arizona State beat Hawaii 30-12, led by freshman Cardae Mack’s 154 rushing yards and two scores. Weather: Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel are bringing Arizona rain, gusty winds and a sharp cooldown, with flash-flood risks in parts of the state. Homelessness: Phoenix plans to spend $5.9 million on services aimed at helping people move out of homelessness.

Cardinals: Arizona is finalizing a trade for receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who will sit out Sunday against Detroit as details are completed. Houston is reportedly among the teams in talks. Wildcats: Arizona routed West Virginia 52-31 for its fourth straight win. Noah Fifita threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, while Isaiah Mizell caught six passes for 183 yards and two scores. Phoenix: A person was left in extremely critical condition after being shot by police in south Phoenix. The state Department of Public Safety is investigating; police have not said what led to the shooting. Weather: Dust, strong winds and rain swept through the Valley Saturday, delaying flights at Sky Harbor. Forecasters warned of more rain and possible flooding through Monday. Border: Federal officers raided a camp protecting a 200-year-old cottonwood near the border, arresting activists before contractors cut down the tree for wall construction. Homelessness: Phoenix plans to put $5.4 million toward workforce and navigation services, alongside a requested $500,000 state grant, for a $5.9 million effort to help people find stability.

Border Wall: A federal judge rejected the Tohono O’odham Nation’s latest bid to pause construction, as border officials prepare to remove thousands of saguaros and other plants from tribal land. Arizona sheriffs are also calling for an investigation into reported gaps in local law enforcement responses to protests. Election 2026: Arizona Republicans face scrutiny over their ties to efforts to challenge the 2020 election, even as candidates try to refocus voters on current concerns. President Trump is scheduled to rally in Bullhead City on Oct. 14. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing TikTok, alleging its design harms young users and conceals risks from families. Utilities: APS customers could get about $14.70 in combined credits and savings on November bills after regulators approved a one-time adjustment. Public Safety: An appeals court ruled Phoenix police and the city can face negligence claims over a crash involving an officer responding to an emergency. Weather: Storms and cooler temperatures are expected across Arizona this weekend, with flash-flood concerns in some areas.

Election: An Arizona congressional candidate says she was raped while repairing a campaign sign, prompting renewed attention to her account and the circumstances of the alleged attack. Lt. governor nominee John Giles is also facing questions over Mesa speeding and red-light citations that were dismissed; court records give no reason. Transportation: Crews have started an 11-mile I-10 expansion between Loop 202 and the Gila River, adding lanes and rebuilding interchanges as part of the Phoenix–Casa Grande corridor project. Child Safety: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued TikTok, alleging the app’s design deliberately hooks young users and hides health risks; TikTok denies the claims. Public Records: A cyberattack exposed personal information belonging to more than 1 million people in Arizona’s court system. Border: A federal judge rejected an Arizona tribe’s bid to pause border-wall construction, while protests continued after crews cut down a roughly 200-year-old cottonwood near Lochiel. Weather: Storms and cooler temperatures are expected across Arizona this weekend, with flash-flood risks in some areas.

Youth Safety: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued TikTok, alleging its design hooks young users and the company misled families about safeguards. Campaign News: Democratic congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was raped while repairing campaign signs in Sun City; the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Courts: An appeals court ordered a new sentence for a Chandler road-rage killer, ruling a judge’s use of an AI-generated victim video made sentencing unfair; the conviction stands. Higher Education: ASU is among nine universities facing a federal investigation into alleged visa abuse, a claim the administration says warrants scrutiny. Water: Cave Creek, which gets nearly 95% of its supply from the Colorado River, is preparing for cuts and the loss of one water source in 2027. Public Safety: Phoenix firefighters are deploying e-bikes to reach hikers faster after more than 100 mountain rescues this year. A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system also exposed personal information belonging to more than 1.3 million people.

Kids’ Online Safety: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued TikTok, alleging the platform’s design encourages compulsive use by minors and hides risks to children and teens. Court Data Breach: Hackers stole personal information belonging to more than 1.3 million people from Arizona’s court system, raising concerns about how the state will protect those affected. Election 2026: Early voting is underway. Voters will decide whether to limit grocery taxes and bar taxes based on vehicle miles, while candidates in the closely watched 1st Congressional District debated data centers. Border & Public Lands: The Coronado National Forest has closed a 55-mile stretch along the Arizona-Mexico border to the public through January 2029. The move follows protests and the cutting of a centuries-old cottonwood tree. Weather & Wildfire: Rain from Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to bring cooler temperatures to Arizona. In central Arizona, fire agencies are asking residents to help shape a wildfire protection plan, as the region ranks among the nation’s highest-risk communities.

Election Safety: The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Democratic CD8 candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia’s report that she was sexually assaulted while repairing a campaign sign in Sun City. Cybersecurity: Hackers stole personal information belonging to more than 1.3 million people in a breach of Arizona’s court system. Civil Rights: A federal appeals court ruled Arizona can’t require surgery before transgender people change the sex marker on their birth certificates. 2026 Campaigns: Arizona candidates debated water, Medicaid and data centers, while Gov. Katie Hobbs skipped the governor’s debate. Health Care: St. Vincent de Paul opened a Mesa clinic to serve uninsured and underserved patients. Jobs and Energy: A new Mesa training center will prepare nearly 1,000 students annually for aerospace and defense careers; meanwhile, construction has begun on a Mohave County solar-and-battery project expected to create about 400 construction jobs. Border Protests: Federal agents arrested demonstrators in Lochiel as crews cut down a roughly 200-year-old cottonwood to make way for border-wall construction.

Deportation Ruling: A federal judge ordered the U.S. to bring an Arizona man back from Equatorial Guinea, finding his removal unlawful and the reported abuse and detention there ongoing. Election Watch: Arizona early voting is underway as candidates debate water, costs and other voter concerns; Democratic congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was sexually assaulted while repairing campaign signs, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Public Safety: A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system exposed personal information belonging to more than 1 million people. Education: The University of Arizona suspended fraternity activities amid investigations into reports of assault, hazing and drug- and alcohol-related misconduct. Head Start: Attorney General Kris Mayes joined states opposing proposed federal cuts to safety rules and services for families. Parks: Congress approved a bill to make Chiricahua National Monument Arizona’s second national park, pending the president’s signature. Taxes: Arizona’s income-tax extension deadline is Oct. 15; the state tax portal will be offline Oct. 9–12, though filing through authorized software will remain available.

Election Season Kicks Off: Arizona early voting and mailed ballots began Wednesday as voters weigh election-rule fights and Proposition 144’s proposed ID changes, with attention on how Maricopa County runs the process. Cybersecurity: A cyberattack on the Arizona court system exposed personal data for 1.3 million people tied to unpaid fees/fines and other records, with officials saying no court cases were affected. Border Wall Planning: U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a public comment period through Oct. 12 on plans for about 225 miles of “secondary barrier” in multiple Arizona counties. Courtroom AI Fallout: An appeals court vacated a manslaughter sentence in a Chandler road-rage case after a judge relied on an AI-generated video of the victim forgiving the defendant, ordering a new sentencing hearing. University of Arizona Greek Life Crackdown: UA temporarily suspended activities for all 21 fraternities amid misconduct investigations, including hazing and assault allegations. Arizona-Taiwan Tech Push: Taiwan’s foreign minister joined U.S. officials in opening a Phoenix representative office as Arizona’s semiconductor ties expand, including new operations by a TSMC supplier. Cardinals Injury Moves: The Cardinals placed LT Paris Johnson and TE Hunter Long on injured reserve, signing Jedrick Wills and promoting Teagan Quitoriano to fill roles.