AGP Executive Report

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.

Voter Data Fight: The Trump administration is appealing a ruling blocking access to Arizona’s voter registration records, escalating its push in the 9th Circuit after a judge dismissed the case “with prejudice.” Local Election Tensions: In Maricopa County, the recorder and the Board of Supervisors are trading accusations and contempt threats as early voting nears. Public Safety & Crime: Glendale police rescued more than 20 dogs from a condemned suspected puppy mill; and a Texas homicide suspect was arrested in Arizona near Benson. State Policy: Arizona lawmakers advanced a crackdown on underage vaping sales, while separate bills would limit how long spousal support can be paid. Water Watch: Arizona and Nevada are tied into a Colorado River water exchange framework after San Diego signed a deal that could reshape how surplus water is handled. Sports: Shohei Ohtani powered the Dodgers to a 7-0 shutout of the Diamondbacks; the Phoenix Mercury snapped a skid with a 72-68 win over Seattle; and Corbin Burnes’ return from Tommy John hit a setback with a right lat injury.

Police Use-of-Force: Arizona DPS says a trooper shot and killed a driver near Benson after she allegedly sped, used a fake ID, resisted arrest, and accelerated while the trooper was “partially hanging” from her SUV. Public Safety Tech: Phoenix’s new speed cameras have issued more than 30,000 citations and notices since the warning period ended—about one every three minutes. Wildlife in Neighborhoods: A tranquilized bear fell from a tree onto a tarp after officers in Sahuarita helped capture and relocate it. Weather & Water: After the Valley’s hottest spring on record, metro Phoenix is watching for monsoon relief as June heats up. Cost of Living: Rep. David Schweikert warns Social Security reserves could run out by 2032, triggering an estimated 24% benefit cut—impacting about 1.4 million Arizonans. Housing & Local Budgets: Maricopa County community colleges approved a 5.2% property tax hike to close a budget gap. Health Care: VA reports Arizona received $1.1 billion in Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Q1. Crime & Courts: A Prescott fentanyl dealer was arrested in connection with an overdose death involving a man caring for two children. Traffic & City Fees: Peoria approved a new $50 fee for “go-backs” when trash is put out late. Sports: Dodgers and Diamondbacks continue their series in Phoenix with Shohei Ohtani and Zac Gallen slated.

Sports (Local): The Dodgers held off a late Diamondbacks surge for a 6-5 win Tuesday at Chase Field, with Shohei Ohtani’s double and triple plus Freddie Freeman’s two-run homer doing the heavy lifting. Controversy in Baseball: Arizona’s Geraldo Perdomo’s ninth-inning bunt attempt drew backlash after it moved the tying run but ended with him thrown out, and manager Torey Lovullo addressed the criticism. Public Safety (Phoenix): Two people were hospitalized after a shooting at Desert Sky Mall in West Phoenix, and separate reports also highlighted new 9-1-1 audio from the Christmas-night Sky Harbor airport chaos. Crime/Justice (Surprise): Police say a teen assault at a large party qualifies for charges under Arizona’s Preston’s Law, a move aimed at group-attack accountability. Community & Health (Tucson): SARA is seeking more volunteers for search-and-rescue missions, offering in-house training for people with strong hiking fitness. Fire Preparedness (Prescott): Arizona’s forestry agency is starting a 1,150-acre fuels reduction project near Prescott, with trails staying open but caution advised. Higher Ed (UArizona): The university is moving ahead with a 1,300-bed dorm planned for fall 2028 to boost first-year on-campus living.

Semiconductor Boom, Jobs Reality Check: In north Phoenix, TSMC and other chip projects are set to reshape Arizona’s economy, but a new look at the numbers shows not all jobs pay like tech. Phoenix Public Safety: Phoenix City Council approved funding for 85 more Sky Harbor transponders to track vehicles on the tarmac and reduce runway risk. Fireworks Crackdown: Phoenix passed tougher curbs on fireworks use, with penalties up to $2,500 and possible jail time, plus expanded no-fireworks zones near preserves and parks. Housing Rights: Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a new law to speed up removing squatters—aiming for removal in about three days instead of weeks. Health Access: A new report says Arizona’s uninsured rate for children under 6 is rising, leaving more kids without preventive care. Economy Watch: Arizona ranked third nationally for job growth in early 2026, with about 15,500 jobs added in Q1. Weather: Phoenix is heading into another stretch of triple-digit heat as monsoon moisture builds. Sports: The Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 4-1 behind homers from Ketel Marte, Nolan Arenado, and Tommy Troy.

Sports (D-backs/Dodgers): Tommy Troy hit his first MLB homer, then Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte added blasts as the Arizona Diamondbacks snapped a skid with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sports (WNBA): Courtney Williams scored 30 and the Minnesota Lynx routed the Phoenix Mercury 111-77. College hoops (Arizona recruiting): Iowa State sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic committed to Kentucky, dealing Arizona a blow in its search for a replacement after Koa Peat’s NBA move. Health (Hantavirus): Mohave County confirmed a death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, warning residents about rodent-linked dust exposure. Law/healthcare (AG lawsuit): Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued MultiPlan and major insurers, alleging a coordinated “price-fixing” scheme that underpays doctors and hospitals. Energy bills (ACC): The Arizona Corporation Commission urged customers to prepare for higher summer electricity costs and to seek help early if they’re struggling. Local service (Veterans): Honor Flight Southern Arizona launched its 36th trip from Tucson with local veterans headed to Washington, D.C.

Colorado River Water Politics: Scottsdale’s recycled-water “toilet-to-tap” program is turning into a campaign flashpoint in the City Council race, with candidates trading barbs as the city weighs expected Colorado River cuts. Land-Use Clash: A fifth-generation Arizona rancher is fighting a proposed large-scale solar project on state trust land that he says could threaten his grazing allotment and multi-generational livelihood. Voting Rights Upheld: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld two Arizona voting laws, rejecting claims they violate the Voting Rights Act. Public Safety: A man died after a stabbing and shooting in Peoria; police say the suspect was later found injured near Payson. Tech & Transit: Waymo is rolling out a purpose-built robotaxi, the Ojai, with limited free rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Sports—Arizona College: Arizona track and field sent 29 Wildcats to the NCAA West Regional, and Filip Jakubcik is in contention for Arizona’s first individual NCAA men’s golf title. Local Crime/Justice: An Arizona man wanted for a violent attack was arrested at Legoland in California.

MLB Showdown in Arizona: The Diamondbacks’ recent surge gets a real test as they host the Dodgers after Seattle swept Arizona in a 3-2, 10th-inning walk-off on Victor Robles’ infield single. NCAA Baseball Heartbreak in Nebraska: Ole Miss walked off Arizona State again in the Lincoln Regional, 5-4 in 10 innings, sending the Rebels to the Super Regionals while ASU’s season ended one win short. Arizona Sports Spotlight: ASU’s season ends in extra-inning heartbreak; Nebraska also fell to ASU 11-8 in an elimination game. Public Safety: Phoenix police say speed and impairment are suspected in a six-car chain-reaction crash near 16th Street and Thomas Road that sent 8 people to the hospital, including three children. Community Good News: A Phoenix “Swiftie Liftie Club” event collected 25,000 water bottles for St. Vincent de Paul. Missing Person Update: Investigators are reportedly discussing new, technology-related tools in the search for Tucson’s Nancy Guthrie, missing since February 1.

School Funding Fight: Arizona GOP legislative leaders are asking an appellate court to pause a judge’s order to fix the state’s school capital funding system, arguing courts can’t dictate timing and priorities—while school attorneys say kids “get one shot” and point to problems like roof leaks and classrooms hitting the 90s. Public Safety: Authorities are searching for a suspect after a shooting involving Pima County Sheriff deputies near Naomi and Kinney roads; injuries weren’t immediately reported. Health & Science: ASU researchers unveiled a model showing how gut bacteria can change how many calories people absorb, potentially reshaping obesity and nutrition research. PFAS Focus: The University of Arizona hosted a PFAS conference as Arizona responds to long-running contamination concerns in local water. Local Life: Cave Creek gas prices fell modestly again, with AAA noting prices remain high for the summer driving season. Sports: The Diamondbacks and Mariners meet again in Seattle as the Mariners push their hot streak.

Community & Sports Philanthropy: Former Arizona Wildcat Joseph Blair helped raise more than $130,000 for new basketball courts in Tucson honoring his late mother, Judith “Mama” Blair. Local Activism: A Tucson “Ride for a cause” drew about 30 riders, including social justice groups, to spotlight ICE detention and deportations in Arizona. Public Safety: Phoenix police say a woman was struck and killed by a city bus near 59th Avenue and Van Buren Street; investigators will review bus camera footage. Road Tragedy: DPS is investigating a deadly early-morning crash on I-17 involving a pedestrian and a semi-truck; the pedestrian died at the scene. Tribal Oversight: The San Carlos Apache Tribe hired a forensic accounting firm to review its funeral assistance program after placing four employees on paid leave. Border/Trade Watch: Rare insect found on a leafy greens shipment was intercepted at the Nogales port. Housing & Health: Phoenix Pride filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid rising costs and weaker sponsorships/fundraising. Weather: Phoenix is set for a hot stretch again, with triple digits returning after a brief cooldown.

Maricopa County Election Fight: Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap asked a judge to hold the Board of Supervisors in contempt, saying the board still hasn’t complied with an April ruling to return election IT, staff, and resources. Attorney General Race: Arizona GOP attorney general candidates sparred over what “real” legal experience means and traded personal attacks while debating election integrity and Kris Mayes’ record. Nazi Salute Fallout: Deer Valley Unified school board member Kimberly Fisher faced calls for accountability after a Nazi salute during a meeting, with the district also raising concerns about an agenda violation. Public Safety & Crime: Federal prosecutors charged 331 people in Arizona during a May 23-29 immigration crackdown, and a Jamaican man pleaded guilty in a romance-and-lottery scam targeting an elderly Arizona resident. Local Life: Phoenix approved 85 new Sky Harbor vehicle transponders to improve runway safety, and volunteers are gearing up to deliver beds for children in need through Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Sports: The New York Liberty beat the Phoenix Mercury 75-68, while the Mariners edged the Diamondbacks 7-6 in 10 innings.

Heat Watch: Maricopa County confirmed the first heat-related death of 2026 as an Extreme Heat Warning pushed Phoenix-area highs to around 108°F, triggering trail closures and expanded cooling center hours. Local Politics: Arizona GOP attorney general rivals clashed over what “real” legal experience counts, with the debate turning nasty when Warren Petersen called Rodney Glassman a “criminal” amid allegations. Public Safety & Crime: Tombstone investigators are probing an early-morning shooting that left a man seriously hurt; the suspect was arrested after deputies found the victim on a porch with multiple gunshot wounds. Wildfire Risk: Tombstone fire officials warned residents to stay alert as dry, windy conditions fuel brush fires, including one that started near Highway 80 and was quickly contained. Infrastructure & Growth: Peoria is moving forward on a major data center plan after Phoenix’s earlier zoning/noise limits slowed similar projects. Water & Community Tension: Residents are reacting as vegetation removal begins for the Globe flood project, with concerns raised after a long-standing tree was cut down. Sports & Local Life: Arizona football announced 10 official visits this weekend, while Tombstone gears up for Summer Bike Nights ahead of its big fall motorcycle rally.

Attorney General showdown: Arizona GOP AG hopefuls Warren Petersen and Rodney Glassman traded sharp personal attacks in a heated debate, with Petersen raising unproven sex allegations and Glassman pushing back on courtroom experience. School board scandal: A Deer Valley Unified board member faced calls to resign after performing a Nazi salute and saying “heil” during a public meeting, drawing condemnation from state leaders and local officials. Local politics: Glendale City Councilman Lupe Conchas was voted out after allegations he tried to “bribe” colleagues to keep his seat. Public safety: Phoenix police reported another deadly pedestrian crash involving a jaywalker, with intoxication suspected; investigators are awaiting toxicology. Utilities: APS customers say they’re being hit with higher bills after a long-running billing error tied to budget billing. Sports (Arizona): Koa Peat stayed in the 2026 NBA Draft, while Arizona State opens the NCAA Lincoln Regional Friday vs. Ole Miss; the weekend slate also includes Arizona Wildcats baseball TV and kickoff updates. Community & weather: Grand Canyon National Park warned of flash-flood risk on parts of trails after last summer’s wildfire as monsoon season approaches.

Grand Canyon National Park Wildlife Management: Park officials are deploying a trained Catahoula “guard dog” to keep elk and bighorn sheep from getting too comfortable in developed areas, aiming to reduce road blockages and aggressive encounters. Waymo Expansion in Phoenix: Waymo is opening sign-ups for riders to test its new driverless “Ojai” robotaxi in Phoenix, with free rides for “Trusted Tester” participants. Public Safety—Crashes: A woman was killed in west Phoenix after a Valley Metro bus struck her near 59th Avenue and Van Buren Street; investigators say the bus was turning onto a Loop 202 access road. Education Accountability: A Pima County woman pleaded guilty to theft after continuing to collect Arizona ESA school voucher money after moving to Texas, with restitution ordered to the program. Elections in the Courts: The DOJ urged the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case that could allow states to purge voter rolls close to elections, a fight that includes Arizona. Health & Weather: Windy, below-average temps continue across Arizona, with gusts and dry conditions expected. Energy Storage: Arizona ranks among the top states for utility-scale energy storage growth, adding hundreds of megawatt-hours in early 2026.

Congress Race Watch: Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is facing fresh allegations of racist, homophobic and threatening texts as he campaigns for Arizona’s CD-5. Public Safety: Arizona DPS says troopers seized 10 guns, including machine guns, plus 5,000 rounds of ammo in a Marana traffic stop, with investigators believing the haul was headed to Mexico. Environment & Health: The University of Arizona will host the first Southwest PFAS “forever chemicals” conference June 8-10, aiming to connect researchers with affected communities. Road & Weather: SR 87 is closed near Strawberry due to a brush fire, with no reopening timeline given. Local Government: Scottsdale notified taxpayers it plans to raise primary property taxes by 1.70% (about $681,888). Sports: Koa Peat will stay in the 2026 NBA Draft; the Phoenix Mercury fell again, losing 84-74 to the New York Liberty after a 23-0 third-quarter run.

Local Crime & Courts: A Peoria Unified principal stepped down amid a teacher sex scandal tied to former Centennial staff, as the district faces more fallout from prior allegations. Public Safety: An ASU grad was found dead after going tubing on the Salt River, and separate reports describe a deadly Phoenix crash and a north Phoenix blaze that damaged three vacant buildings. Housing & Consumer Pressure: Arizona lawmakers and advocates are pushing back on SNAP cuts and backlog-driven benefit losses, while a new report highlights how building near jobs and transit can save public money. Immigration & Sports: FIFA is reportedly moving Iran’s World Cup training camp from the U.S. to Mexico, and Mexico is set to host the team to avoid visa restrictions. Tech & Mobility: Waymo is pausing Phoenix freeway service temporarily to improve performance around construction. Business & Fraud: Two major fraud cases—one involving a bank fraud and money laundering scheme and another tied to a multi-billion-dollar insurance fraud/bribery conspiracy—continue to draw attention nationwide. Weather: Breezy, cooler conditions are expected across Arizona, with wildfire risk flagged in parts of the state.