AGP Executive Report

State Budget: Arizona lawmakers approved an $18.3B budget that Gov. Katie Hobbs is set to sign, including $1.4B in Trump tax cuts and a data center tax incentive pause, while also trimming about $16M from universities. Public Safety & Schools: A Senate-passed school safety bill would require interoperable communications so school staff can contact law enforcement in real time during emergencies, plus campus maps and regular system testing. Elections & Voting Security: Another bill would bar internet connectivity on voting and tabulation equipment and tighten chain-of-custody, surveillance, and audit logs at counting centers. Energy & Tech: SRP and EDPR completed Arizona’s Flatland 200 MW/800 MWh battery storage project in Coolidge to help handle peak summer demand. Local Crime & Courts: Phoenix’s shopping-cart crackdown could be weakened by a bill that would stop cities from charging businesses for cart returns. Missing Person: The Nancy Guthrie search got new attention after an anonymous tip led volunteers to report 25 unmarked graves near the U.S.-Mexico border, though no link or remains were confirmed. Sports: Paige Bueckers scored 31 as the Dallas Wings beat the Phoenix Mercury 85-70.

Housing & Water Court Ruling: A judge struck down Arizona Department of Water Resources “tax” rules that let the agency block homebuilding unless water providers prove extra supply, calling the approach illegal and tied to housing affordability. Grand Opening Buzz: Thousands are expected for the June 22 grand opening of Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s in Goodyear, with midnight parking lot access and a ribbon-cutting at 8 a.m. Public Health Milestone: Arizona health officials declared the measles outbreak linked to border communities in Mohave County over after more than 42 days without new cases. World Cup in Phoenix: A downtown Phoenix brewery is turning into a World Cup headquarters with watch parties for Mexico and USA games, plus DJs and themed drinks. Road Safety: Phoenix Fire says three people are in critical condition after a west Valley crash near 79th Avenue and Van Buren; alcohol is suspected. Local Politics: New surveillance video shows a Maricopa County ballot scanner being removed during an election, prompting renewed scrutiny. Sports: Arizona’s NFL minicamps begin this week with mandatory OTAs, including the Cardinals.

Border Security Update: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says vehicle barriers will be built in Big Bend National Park—about 17 miles of four-foot metal posts and cross beams—to stop cars from entering the southern border through rugged areas. Housing & Cost of Living: A Valley affordability breakdown shows even a $140,000 household is only hovering near what metro Phoenix can comfortably support, with the median home price landing around the same affordability ceiling. World Cup Buzz (Arizona angle): FIFA’s tournament kickoff is here amid ticket-price anger and visa/screening disputes, with the U.S. potentially set to face Iran in Dallas depending on group results. Arizona Courts & Families: A custody bill dubbed the “Alec and Lydia Act” would require judges to treat domestic violence as a major factor against abusive parents in custody decisions. Public Safety: Phoenix-area lawmakers signed a new law cracking down on nicotine products aimed at kids, boosting penalties for retailers who sell to minors. Community & Culture: The Arizona Bar Foundation won a national civics education award named for Sandra Day O’Connor.

Autonomous Freight in Arizona: PepsiCo and Gatik say they’re deploying fully driverless Class 8 trucks on a fixed corridor across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas—moving from testing to revenue routes. Big Arizona Opening: Buc-ee’s first Arizona store is set for Goodyear at I-10 and Bullard Ave, opening June 22 with expected traffic delays. State Budget: Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP lawmakers reached an $18.3B budget deal, including a 3-year pause on data center tax breaks and no changes to the ESA voucher program (but ballot fights are ramping up). School Voucher Ballot War: Two competing measures are chasing signatures for the July 3 deadline—one would tighten ESA eligibility, the other would keep universal access but add oversight. Water & Public Safety: San Carlos Lake is closed indefinitely after a massive fish kill tied to drought and dam releases. Transportation: ADOT says the I-10 Ina-to-Ruthrauff widening project is complete and the Sunset Links interchange is open, with some final lane closures possible. Education & AI: UAGC named Nathan Pritts principal AI strategist to expand AI fluency and responsible adoption across the university. Teacher Shortage: ADE received a $300,000 grant to expand teacher apprenticeships and mentoring. Crime & Courts: A repeat drug trafficker in Arizona was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for fentanyl distribution. Local Watch: Scottsdale residents continue pushing back on Axon’s planned headquarters, citing traffic and zoning impacts.

State Budget Deal: Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP leaders reached agreement on an $18.3 billion spending plan, preserving major tax cuts while dropping Hobbs’ broader tax-and-fee increases. Water & Housing: A judge struck down an Arizona Department of Water Resources “water tax” rule for homebuilders, and another ruling could open more development at the Valley’s edge despite groundwater worries. Colorado River Crunch: Arizona faces potential 77% cuts if states can’t break the Colorado River deadlock, with Arizona pushing a voluntary-reduction approach. Monsoon Safety: Yuma’s emergency office is warning about extreme heat and flash floods during Monsoon Awareness Week. Local Governance: Yuma voters will be asked to adjust the city’s annual spending limit via a November ballot measure. Courts & Families: The Arizona Senate advanced the “Alec and Lydia Act,” aimed at prioritizing child safety in custody cases involving domestic violence. Health Access: A telehealth abortion provider is expanding in Arizona via mail-order services. Education: A Deer Valley school board member is facing calls to resign after a Nazi salute at a meeting. Sports: Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo defended Ketel Marte amid clubhouse-chemistry rumors.

Public Safety: A north Phoenix crash left a bicyclist dead, with the driver taken into custody, while an East Valley crash injured an officer. Wildlife & Health: Arizona Game and Fish says Chronic Wasting Disease still hasn’t been detected in the state after testing 1,468 deer, elk and mule deer samples from the 2025 hunt seasons. Local Crime Crackdown: Pima County authorities arrested three YouTubers near Nancy Guthrie’s home after the sheriff pledged a crackdown on trespassing. Education: Arizona’s teacher shortage remains severe, with thousands of vacancies filled by long-term substitutes and more than 8,600 teachers leaving the profession annually. Money & Travel: A Tucson Circle K sold a Powerball ticket worth $150,000, and Phoenix Sky Harbor announced an eight-year retail extension for Avolta at Terminal 4. Tech/Transport: Waymo paid $220M for a large Arizona proving ground tied to Apple’s self-driving efforts, expanding its testing footprint near Phoenix.

Aviation Disruptions: Phoenix Sky Harbor saw more than 100 flight delays after a recent FAA grounding tied to staffing shortages, leaving travelers scrambling to rebook and adjust plans. Wildfire Watch: The Papa Fire, burning about 100 acres east of Flagstaff, is being fought under a Red Flag Warning with windy, dry conditions fueling risk. Public Safety & Heat Relief: Tucson’s Ward 3 cooling center is now open as a full-service hub for meals, water, supplies, and referrals; Phoenix-area families are also being warned about how fast parked cars can become deadly for kids in summer heat. Crime: A man accused of running over and killing a 1-year-old neighbor in a Phoenix hit-and-run faces charges after authorities say he tried to flee to Mexico. Local Government: Maricopa County’s recorder dispute escalated with claims of a criminal investigation into election equipment and confrontations involving recorder staff. Tech/Transport: Waymo bought a 5,500-acre Arizona self-driving test site tied to Apple for $220 million. Health & Environment: National PFAS experts are gathering in Tucson for the first time to focus on “forever chemicals” and local impacts.

USHL Expansion Watch: Prescott Valley is being floated as a frontrunner for a new USHL team in the 2027-28 Western Division, with Frank Seravalli citing “overwhelming expressions of interest” after the league’s June 4 expansion announcement. Diamondbacks Injury Update: Corbin Burnes’ return is pushed back to at least September after a new teres major strain found on MRI during rehab. Diamondbacks Roster News: Max Kepler has agreed to a Diamondbacks deal while still serving an 80-game suspension, with eligibility potentially coming later this month. New Arizona Law: HB 2720 raises penalties for paying for prostitution, adds mandatory jail time, and routes assessments to services for sex-trafficking victims. Public Safety: ADOT is urging drivers to avoid dust storms and follow “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” during monsoon season. Local Crime: Two suspects were arrested in a Chandler-area home burglary where victims were injured, including a shooting. Missing Person: Savannah Guthrie renewed her plea to “Bring her home” as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its fifth month. Weather: Phoenix-area forecasts call for a hot week, with highs near 110 possible this weekend.

Arizona Ballot Access: The Secretary of State’s Office is accepting arguments for Arizona’s ballot pamphlet, with a 300-word limit and a $75 submission fee due by June 24. Healthcare Accountability: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued major healthcare firms over alleged price-fixing, saying insurers and a cost-management company used a shared algorithm to set out-of-network rates. World Cup in the Valley: Turkey’s men’s national soccer team arrived in Mesa to train at Arizona Athletic Grounds, drawing about 100 fans and setting up a major local sports spotlight. Diamondbacks Update: Arizona signed outfielder Max Kepler, but he can’t join the team until June 25 because he’s still serving an 80-game PED suspension. Public Safety & Tragedy: A woman was critically hurt and a man stable after a car crashed into a Phoenix home near Northern and Seventh; separate reports also note a teen drowning in Utah while paddleboarding. Education Wins: San Luis High School took first place in the state’s FAFSA Challenge for the fifth straight year, hitting an 84% completion rate.

Heat & Fire Risk: Phoenix is set to stay hotter than average with highs around 104 and breezy conditions, while elevated fire danger and a Red Flag Warning are in play for parts of northern Arizona. Wildfire Response: Firefighters gained control of a brush fire near the Salt River in Laveen after it burned about two acres; 51st Avenue was briefly closed. Public Safety & Crime: Four men were shot outside a Phoenix business early Saturday, and investigators are asking for information. Local Government: Cave Creek’s town council approved minor code updates, including tweaks tied to utilities and fee waivers. Housing & Pets: Arizona lawmakers are pushing a bill to stop HOAs from discriminating against dogs by weight or breed. Health Access: More Arizonans are dropping ACA coverage, raising concerns about rising uninsured rates. Sports (WNBA): The Phoenix Mercury continue Commissioner’s Cup play on the road, with upcoming games against Golden State and Dallas. Education: Brophy College Prep named Robert Tolar its new head swimming and diving coach. Missing Person Case: Nancy Guthrie’s investigation continues in Tucson, with officials highlighting how a suspect’s mistake could help lead to an arrest.

Arizona Politics: Arizona AG Kris Mayes says she’ll seek a fresh grand jury indictment in the 2020 “fake electors” case right after the state Supreme Court rejected her latest attempt. Public Safety: A 1-year-old was hospitalized with life-threatening, “suspicious” injuries in a Phoenix home; police are investigating. Traffic & Crime: A wrong-way crash on I-10 killed one and sent four others to hospitals; in west Phoenix, an argument turned into gunfire, leaving four men hospitalized, and suspects in another West Phoenix shooting tied to a “transaction” remain at large. Health & Law: Arizona’s new law tightens enforcement on youth-targeted nicotine products, including stronger rules for manufacturers and sellers. Weather/Fire Danger: Red Flag Warnings continue in parts of Arizona as triple-digit heat and gusty winds raise wildfire risk. Community: Arizona Humane Society is offering free adoptions for adult pets to ease overcrowding. Outdoors: A hiker died after a 40-foot fall on South Mountain, and another teen drowned while paddleboarding at Bear Lake.

Public Safety & Courts: Phoenix City Council appointed Wilbur N. Hudson as the new chief presiding judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court. Missing Persons: The FBI director accused Tucson police of blocking federal agents for four days in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case, as investigators still have no public suspect or body after months. Housing & Crime Prevention: A new Arizona law aims to speed up squatter removals, targeting evictions in about five days while preserving landlord-tenant rights. Health Care Fraud: A New River couple was sentenced after stealing about $12 million from AHCCCS through a Mesa clinic scheme. Local Violence: Two men were hurt, one critically, after a planned sale turned into a shooting in west Phoenix; police say suspects robbed the victims and fired. Sports: The Cardinals are weighing roster moves, with one analyst urging a trade of edge rusher Josh Sweat; and the D-backs host the Nationals Saturday. Environment: Arizona Game and Fish released 21 narrow-headed gartersnakes into Canyon Creek, and San Carlos Lake closed after drought and dam releases killed all fish.

WNBA: Short-handed Phoenix Mercury held off Portland 78-72 as DeWanna Bonner scored a season-high 19 points, including a late corner 3 to take the lead. MLB: Washington’s Luis García Jr. went off with a first career grand slam and two homers as the Nationals crushed the Diamondbacks 14-1 in Phoenix. Public Safety: Two pedestrians were hospitalized after being hit by a car near I-17 and Dunlap in central Phoenix. Crime: A 15-year-old was arrested in the June 2 murder of 17-year-old Kevin Zamora at a west Phoenix shopping mall. Water & Growth: Tucson residents rallied at dawn as drilling began for a proposed data center, with opponents warning about groundwater impacts. Law & Courts: The 9th Circuit revived a Telephone Consumer Protection Act class action against Keller Williams over alleged unwanted calls/texts. State Policy: Arizona signed a new law cracking down on nicotine products marketed to kids, adding licensing and stronger enforcement. Weather/Fire: Red flag warnings expanded as hot, dry, windy conditions raise wildfire risk across Arizona.

Education Policy: Arizona’s school voucher program keeps expanding fast, fueling a fresh round of debate over who benefits and what it means for public schools. Sports Safety: At Chase Field, Diamondbacks’ Ildemaro Vargas and Dodgers’ Max Muncy collided at first base in a scary bang-bang play; both were evaluated, with Muncy avoiding a concussion. Politics & Courts: Arizona’s Supreme Court left in place a ruling that forces prosecutors to restart the “fake elector” case, dealing another blow to the state’s effort to pursue charges. Public Health: Phoenix’s new parks rules now require permits for distributing food and medical care and ban needle exchanges in city parks, drawing pushback from homeless advocates and some medical groups. Water Watch: Arizona could gain relief from drought pressure through a potential multi-state Colorado River water deal involving San Diego’s desalination surplus. Weather & Safety: Phoenix is heading into another hot stretch with triple digits possible, plus breezy conditions that raise fire risk. Local Crime: Bullhead City identified a homicide victim decades later, naming Sonya Alice Langan.

MLB Spotlight: Ketel Marte crushed a 431-foot walk-off homer as the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied to beat the Dodgers 3-2 in Phoenix, but the night was overshadowed by a violent first-base collision that left both Ildemaro Vargas and Max Muncy hurt and evaluated for concussion. Injury Update: The D-backs also signaled rotation depth needs after Corbin Burnes’ shoulder strain setback, optioning Brandon Pfaadt to Triple-A Reno and recalling Kade Strowd and Philip Abner. Public Safety: Phoenix police say a gun threat led to a chase and a crash near Sky Harbor, with the victim unhurt and a K-9 search underway. Health & Community: Arizona Humane Society is urging adoptions after abandoned puppies were found at its Phoenix campus, including one saved from ticks and another fighting deadly parvovirus. State & Courts: Arizona’s Supreme Court left in place a ruling forcing AG Kris Mayes to restart parts of the “fake elector” case. Water Resilience: San Diego is exploring a Colorado River water rights trade that could help Arizona and Nevada without water physically crossing state lines. Travel: Staffing issues are causing major delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor, with hundreds of flights affected.

Fake Electors Legal Fight: The Arizona Supreme Court denied a prosecutor’s appeal, sending the state’s “fake elector” case back to a grand jury and dealing another blow to AG Kris Mayes’ efforts to keep the prosecution moving. Jobs Watch: Arizona’s mass-layoff pace eased in May, with only four employers filing notices totaling 877 jobs, after an April surge. Higher Ed Housing: The University of Arizona’s new residence hall plan in Tucson was revised—down from 19 stories to nine—while still aiming to add more beds for first-year students. Transportation Listening Tour: ADOT is hosting a statewide virtual meeting June 16 as part of “Next Move Arizona” to collect public input on transportation needs. Northern Arizona Cargo Theft: Coconino County authorities recovered more than $500,000 in stolen goods after an attempted train robbery near Meteor Crater, with two suspects arrested and two others still sought. Water & Recreation: Canyon Lake will close for about 16 weeks starting Sept. 16 for dam safety inspections and maintenance, with water levels lowered for the work. Heat Safety: Phoenix fire officials say summer trail rescues are rising, urging hikers to plan ahead as temperatures climb. Science & Research: UA’s Biosphere 3 uses AI agents tied to thousands of sensors to analyze real lab data faster for researchers.