AGP Executive Report

Arizona State Football: Freshman Cardae Mack rushed for 159 yards and four touchdowns as the Sun Devils beat Kansas State 28-17 in Tempe, bouncing back from last week’s blowout loss despite injuries at quarterback. Public Safety: Phoenix police are seeking a driver after a fatal hit-and-run, while a shooting at a Tempe house party left two people critically injured. Severe Weather: Flash flooding stranded four people atop a vehicle in Arizona, and evacuations remained in place across the Four Corners region as more rain threatened. Data Center Debate: Attorney General Kris Mayes called for a pause on new data center projects, citing concerns over water use, electricity bills and impacts on nearby neighborhoods. Chiricahua National Park: The southern Arizona landmark is now the state’s fourth national park; new signs and souvenirs are expected in the coming months. At the Pump: Arizona gas prices fell about 11 cents in a week, but the statewide average remains around $4.53 a gallon, well above the national average.

Storm Recovery: Phoenix and communities across Arizona are cleaning up after rare severe storms brought golf-ball-size hail, flooding and suspected tornadoes. More than 20 structures were damaged near Heber-Overgaard, and roofers warn some hail damage may not be visible. Voting Rights: Maricopa County’s recorder restored 25 voters wrongly flagged as noncitizens, ending a lawsuit. Arizona’s election season is also marked by threats against candidates and election workers; a Casa Grande man received 38 months in prison for threatening Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Mining and Jobs: Hudbay and Mitsubishi approved construction of a $2.07 billion copper mine in Southern Arizona, with production expected to start in 2029. Meanwhile, Arizona’s job market was flat in September. Public Lands: Chiricahua in southeastern Arizona is now the state’s fourth national park, a designation supporters say could draw visitors and boost the local economy. Mental Health Care: A new report says Arizona still lacks a promised secure treatment facility for its sickest psychiatric patients, seven years after the state pledged to create one.

Severe Weather: After days of hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes and flash floods, storms are easing in Phoenix. Flooding across the Four Corners prompted evacuations and rescues, including on the Navajo Nation. Voting Rights: Arizona officials are seeking to restore the registrations of 25 citizens flagged by Maricopa County’s recorder during a crackdown on noncitizen voting. Election Law: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled the Clean Elections Commission cannot retroactively decertify candidates, but its fraud investigation can continue. Water: Hoover Dam’s long-term power supply and the region’s water security underscore the need for a wet winter. New National Park: Chiricahua National Monument has become Arizona’s fourth national park, a designation expected to draw visitors and support the regional economy. Public Safety: A fatal two-vehicle crash shut eastbound I-10 near Dragoon Road, east of Benson, with traffic diverted for several hours. Community Services: Gov. Katie Hobbs is directing $16 million toward homeless shelters and services statewide; United Food Bank also received $3 million for a new Mesa facility.

Severe Weather: Hail, flash flooding and suspected tornadoes battered parts of Arizona, damaging homes, cars and power lines; three Red Cross shelters opened, and a visitor was killed by falling debris at Taliesin West. Higher Bills: Chandler residents could pay about $6 more a month as the city weighs water and wastewater increases alongside a trash-rate hike. Legal Education: The Arizona Supreme Court approved Grand Canyon University’s new law school, allowing graduates to take the state bar exam before the school receives ABA accreditation. Colorado River: Arizona joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal plan for river cuts, as negotiations over future water supplies remain unresolved. New National Park: Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona has become the nation’s newest national park and the state’s fourth.

Severe Weather: Rare storms brought golf-ball-sized hail, damaging winds, flash floods and at least three suspected tornadoes to Arizona. Crews are assessing damage in northern Arizona and Phoenix neighborhoods, where homes, cars and trees were hit. Water and Growth: A Maricopa County judge refused to pause a ruling against state water officials, requiring them to use older rules when assessing whether some Phoenix-area developments have a 100-year water supply. Elections: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Maricopa County to restore 25 voters’ registrations after they were wrongly flagged as noncitizens, with Election Day approaching. Public Lands: Chiricahua National Monument is now Arizona’s fourth national park, with officials hoping the designation will draw visitors and boost Cochise County’s economy. Arts: The Phoenix Symphony plans to suspend its season and lay off 66 musicians amid persistent financial losses. Border: The Tohono O’odham Nation is asking a federal appeals court to halt border-wall construction on its reservation, arguing record-low crossings make a pause low-risk.

Severe Weather: Violent storms brought golf-ball-size hail, damaging winds and flooding across Arizona, toppling trees and damaging homes and cars. A possible tornado struck near Heber-Overgaard, while forecasters warned of continued storm threats. National Parks: Chiricahua in southeastern Arizona has become the nation’s 64th national park, protecting its volcanic rock spires, diverse wildlife and Chiricahua Apache heritage. Voting Rights: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, seeking to restore the voting rights of 25 citizens marked ineligible. Colorado River: Arizona is seeking to join Nevada’s lawsuit against the federal water plan, as states face deepening disputes over dwindling river supplies. Arts: The Phoenix Symphony will suspend its season after a Nov. 1 performance and lay off 66 musicians, citing ongoing financial problems.

Severe Weather: Tornado warnings and flood watches swept parts of Arizona as storms brought risks of hail, flooding and damaging winds. National Parks: Chiricahua National Monument is now Arizona’s fourth national park and the nation’s 64th, protecting its distinctive rock formations in Cochise County. Arts: The Phoenix Symphony will suspend its season after its Nov. 1 performance and lay off musicians, citing financial shortfalls. Colorado River: Arizona is seeking to join Nevada’s lawsuit challenging federal water rules after negotiations among states failed to reach an agreement. University Safety: The University of Arizona suspended Sigma Phi Epsilon activities while it investigates alleged misconduct, including underage drinking and a student’s report of sexual assault. Public Health: A Gilbert mother says her toddler was found alive in a hospital morgue more than five hours after being declared dead following a near-drowning; multiple investigations followed.

Severe Weather: Flood watches cover Phoenix and parts of central Arizona as storms bring risks of flash flooding, hail and strong winds. Natural Treasures: Chiricahua National Monument has officially become Arizona’s fourth national park, a bipartisan move expected to protect the Cochise County landmark and draw visitors. Arts & Culture: The Phoenix Symphony will suspend its 2026-27 season after Nov. 1 and lay off 66 musicians, citing operating deficits and a lack of available funds. Water: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal Colorado River plan, while the state Supreme Court rejected a bid to require a groundwater review along the San Pedro River. Politics: Senate Republicans have delayed their investigation into alleged pay-to-play ties involving Gov. Katie Hobbs until after the Nov. 3 election. Suspicious white-powder letters sent to Democratic lawmakers are also under federal investigation.

Election Security: Suspicious powder letters sent to Arizona lawmakers and the state’s top elections official tested negative for harmful substances, but the FBI is investigating the mailings as concerns about political intimidation rise ahead of the midterms. Attorney General Kris Mayes also warned Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap after 52 voters wrongly flagged as noncitizens had not been restored to active status. Severe Weather: Flood watches are in effect across much of Arizona Wednesday and Thursday, with heavy rain, hail and strong winds possible; crews are clearing canals and preparing sandbags. Schools: Arizona public schools have lost tens of thousands of students since 2016. Scottsdale Unified plans to close two campuses after the 2026-27 school year, affecting about 900 students. Water: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal plan for Colorado River cuts. Public Lands: Chiricahua is now Arizona’s fourth national park after President Trump signed the redesignation bill. State Politics: A Republican-led Senate probe of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ payments to Sunshine Residential has been delayed until after the election.

Colorado River: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal plan for future river cuts, arguing it unfairly burdens the state as water supplies shrink. Election 2026: New filings show millions flowing into the governor’s race, with Katie Hobbs’ campaign and allies spending far more than Andy Biggs’ campaign, while outside groups are bolstering both sides. In the competitive 1st Congressional District, voters face a contest between Trump-backed Republican Jay Feely and Democrat Amish Shah. Public Safety: Three Arizona Democratic members of Congress reported receiving suspicious letters containing white powder, prompting a federal investigation. Weather: More rain is forecast across Arizona Wednesday and Thursday, with up to an inch possible in lower deserts and heavier totals in higher terrain. Scottsdale: Taliesin West remains closed after a university official was killed when roofing material came loose during a walking tour amid strong winds.

Hospital Investigation: The mother of an 18-month-old found alive in a Gilbert hospital morgue is questioning the doctor’s decision to pronounce him dead. Police records and body-camera video reportedly show signs of life, and the family’s attorney has raised questions about a blood test. Threats to Representatives: The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious letters sent to Arizona lawmakers. One addressed to Rep. Greg Stanton’s Mesa office was intercepted; letters to Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Adelita Grijalva went to former offices. Cardinals Win: Arizona beat the Rams 18-16, ending a four-game losing streak as kicker Chad Ryland made six field goals, including the game-winner. The Rams later said receiver Davante Adams will miss 6 to 10 weeks with a ruptured hamstring. ESA Fraud Case: A 55-year-old Arizona man was indicted on allegations he forged receipts to obtain more than $4,000 in education scholarship funds. Colorado River Fight: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal plan for Colorado River water cuts.

Cardinals Upset: Arizona stunned the Rams 18-16, with Chad Ryland kicking six field goals, including the game-winner as time expired. Governor’s Race: Katie Hobbs and Andy Biggs are trading attacks over their records as Arizona voters weigh who can lead the state. Election Trust: Maricopa County is again at the center of election conspiracy claims, despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud. Hobbs Probe: Arizona Senate Republicans have delayed their pay-to-play investigation of the governor until after the election. Water Politics: Colorado River shortages are emerging as a major campaign issue, with Arizona joining Nevada in a lawsuit over proposed cuts to their water shares. Higher Education: Grand Canyon University plans to open a law school next academic year after state Supreme Court approval; it still needs American Bar Association accreditation. Aerospace Jobs: A $600,000 NASA grant will help the University of Arizona and Embry-Riddle teach AI skills for aerospace careers. Phoenix Oversight: City Council approved a contract change for police GPS trackers after a council member raised concerns about safeguards. Eloy Tragedy: Thelma Candelaria, a 47-year-old mother of eight, was killed by a train during a morning run.

Cardinals: Chad Ryland made all six field goals, including a 43-yarder as time expired, to give Arizona an 18-16 upset of the Rams. NASCAR: Tyler Reddick won the Cup race at Avondale’s Phoenix Raceway, tightening the title chase after points leader Kyle Larson crashed out. Phoenix Suns: The team agreed to a three-year, $29 million extension with hometown center Oso Ighodaro, who is expected to take on a bigger role while Mark Williams recovers from surgery. Colorado River: Arizona joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging a federal plan that state officials warn could impose deep cuts to the states’ river water shares. Public Safety: Two people were arrested after a street-racing-related flight from Phoenix ended on an active Scottsdale Airport runway, where police say a car hit an empty plane and hangar. The FBI is investigating.

Border Enforcement: Federal prosecutors filed immigration charges against 279 people in Arizona during a weeklong crackdown targeting unauthorized crossings and smuggling. Prison Health Care: A federal appeals court delayed the takeover of Arizona’s prison health system until at least Dec. 7, while leaving other court orders in place; judges noted the state has not complied with a 2023 injunction. Colorado River: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal government’s proposed river-water cuts, warning they could bring deep reductions to the state’s supply. Midterm Politics: Some Latino voters in Arizona who backed Trump in 2024 say they’re disappointed with his performance, but it remains unclear whether they’ll vote or shift to Democrats in November. Arizona Sports: Arizona State fell 53-25 to No. 10 Texas Tech. At Phoenix Raceway, Ryan Blaney starts on the Cup pole, while points leader Kyle Larson qualified 22nd.

Colorado River: Arizona joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging proposed federal water cuts, warning the plan could sharply reduce supplies to Lower Basin states as Lake Mead and Lake Powell remain low. Phoenix Rally: Hundreds marched downtown at a No Kings rally, with organizers urging Arizonans to vote early and drop off ballots. Scottsdale: A Brazilian university rector visiting Arizona State University was killed when windblown roofing material struck him at Taliesin West; police said no foul play is suspected. Public Safety: Phoenix police are investigating after a woman was found stabbed to death near a Laveen bus stop Saturday morning. College Football: No. 10 Texas Tech routed Arizona State 53-25, handing the Sun Devils a 3-3 record. NASCAR: Ryan Blaney won the pole at Phoenix Raceway, while playoff leader Kyle Larson qualified 22nd ahead of Sunday’s race.

Colorado River: Arizona joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging proposed federal water cuts, warning they could deepen pressure on the state’s river supply. Low Lake Powell levels have also sharply restricted public access to sacred Rainbow Bridge. Tribal Lands: The federal government told an appeals court the Tohono O’odham Nation cannot sue to stop border-wall construction, even if the project crosses tribal land. Privacy: Tempe became the first Arizona city to ban police use of automated license-plate readers, citing privacy concerns. Child Safety: Arizona’s attorney general sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT poses serious risks to children. Housing: Gov. Katie Hobbs highlighted affordable housing under construction in Yuma and pledged continued support for state housing investments. Sports: The Suns wrapped up preseason with a 119–116 loss to Utah, despite 18 points each from Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green and 12 rebounds from rookie Khaman Maluach.