AGP Executive Report

Arizona Budget: Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP leaders reached agreement on an $18.3 billion state spending plan, with lawmakers also moving to pause some data center tax breaks for three years. Water & Housing Courts: A judge struck down Arizona’s “water tax” for homebuilders, and other rulings challenged state groundwater rules—adding fresh uncertainty for developers and water planning. Border & Public Safety: U.S. Border Patrol reported fentanyl, meth, and cocaine seizures after traffic stops in the Yuma sector, with arrests tied to hidden narcotics. Local Tourism: Oro Valley approved a first leisure travel management plan and launched a new tourism website, aiming to boost events and sports travel. Tech & Business: DeepHealth rolled out Reporting Pro, an AI tool for radiology report writing, while AvAir opened a Dallas facility to speed aircraft parts logistics. Sports: The Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo defended Ketel Marte amid clubhouse-chemistry chatter, and Arizona’s MLB slate continues with a D-backs vs. Marlins matchup.

Arizona Budget Deal: Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP legislative leaders reached an $18.3B Arizona spending plan, setting the stage for how state priorities get funded after months of negotiations. Colorado River Update: Federal officials say a shorter-term Colorado River management approach is coming, with new operational guidelines every two years as conditions keep shifting. Immigration & Border Funding: Congress voted to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the rest of Trump’s term, boosting enforcement budgets after a long standoff. World Cup Visa/Ticket Turmoil: Iran’s federation says U.S. actions have disrupted World Cup fan ticket allocations, while DHS says the Iranian team can enter the U.S. the day before matches. Public Safety: A crash at a busy Phoenix intersection left one man dead and two others injured; police say impairment is suspected. Lake Closure: San Carlos Lake is closed after a major fish kill, with officials warning of health and safety risks. Education & Vouchers: ESA moms are pushing for voucher reforms, arguing the program is harming special education and rural schools. Elections: Maricopa County officials accuse the county recorder’s office of improperly seizing election equipment during vote counting.

Divorce Law Overhaul: Arizona lawmakers are advancing SB 1049, which would cap spousal maintenance at four years and limit what judges can consider when awarding support, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats as “one-size-fits-all.” Local School Finance: Mesa Public Schools’ board approved a temporary property tax levy expected to raise about $4.1 million to cover a revenue shortfall, with the district saying it’s a cash-flow fix rather than any wrongdoing. Sex Offender Update: Yuma County Sheriff’s Office issued a community notification for Level 3 offender Jose Quintero-Cervantes, now listed at an address in Yuma. World Cup Turmoil: Iran’s federation says the U.S. and FIFA revoked its ticket allocation for Iranian fans just days before kickoff, while Iran’s team is based in Mexico amid visa and access disputes. Cancer Screening Tech: A new FDA-bound tool aims to flag early cancer risk from patient records, with plans to expand use in the U.S. next year.

College Sports Legal Fight: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction against the NCAA, clearing the way to play this fall after a judge blocked the NCAA from enforcing a permanent gambling ban—though he’ll serve a two-game suspension. Local Business: Trader Joe’s is planning two new Phoenix-area stores, with locations in Camelback East and Desert Ridge Marketplace, plus a third Arcadia Crossing site expected to open in December 2026. Public Safety & Utilities: San Tan Valley residents get summer power shutoff protections—APS customers are covered by a June 1–Oct. 15 ban, and APS also won’t disconnect on days forecast to top 95 degrees. Health & Community: A Tucson DJ and friends handed out 1,600 water bottles to unhoused residents to help prevent heat deaths as temperatures climb. State Policy: Arizona lawmakers passed a new framework tightening rules on alternative nicotine products, including age verification requirements for retailers. Weather: Monsoon season coverage ramps up with flash-flood safety guidance for washes, arroyos, low crossings and burn scars.

Arizona Vape Crackdown: Arizona lawmakers approved a bill aimed at stopping youth vaping, adding packaging limits, a first-time state licensing requirement, and penalties for repeat sellers, though critics say enforcement resources are lacking. World Cup Visa Fight: Iran’s World Cup team landed in Mexico after a U.S. visa dispute forced the squad to shift its base from Arizona to Tijuana, with match-day entry and exit rules drawing fresh anger from fans and officials. Missing Tucson Mom: Savannah Guthrie shared an emotional plea to “bring her home” as the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues more than four months after her suspected abduction near Tucson. Valley Safety Debate: A new local question asks how communities should regulate e-bikes—age limits, testing, helmets, and whether they should follow bicycle rules or motor-vehicle laws. Local Business Deal: A Tucson restaurant is offering $10 takeout meal deals to help families cope with rising food costs. Public Safety Tragedy: A man died after falling about 40 feet on Phoenix’s South Mountain, and investigators are still working to understand what happened.

Violent Crime in Chandler: Three intruders forced entry near Arizona Ave. and Elliot Rd. around 6 a.m., pistol-whipped and beat an elderly man, and shot his disabled adult daughter twice in the arms; both are expected to survive, and police say the victims don’t know why they were targeted. Heat Safety: A Grand Canyon hiker, 18, died after experiencing heat distress on a day hike toward the Colorado River; park officials warned that trips below Havasupai Gardens are steep, long, and risky in extreme temperatures. Wildfire Watch: The National Weather Service expanded a Red Flag Warning through June 9, citing very low humidity and gusty winds that could make any fire spread fast. State Vape Crackdown: Arizona lawmakers cleared HB 4001, adding packaging limits, licensing, and tougher penalties for repeat sellers of nicotine products to minors. Sports—Diamondbacks: Gabriel Moreno’s two-run homer and seven strong innings by Michael Soroka helped Arizona beat Washington 5-1 to avoid a sweep. World Cup Visa Row: Iran says U.S. rules force players to enter and leave the U.S. only on matchdays, while some staff still face visa denials; the team is training in Mexico amid the dispute. Public Safety—Roads: I-17 reopened after a serious crash south of Flagstaff, and a brush fire called Pioneer Fire prompted a highway closure and “be ready to leave” alerts near Tonto Basin.

EVIT Transportation Fight: East Valley Institute of Technology offered to cover half the cost of student busing after multiple districts said they’ll stop transporting students to EVIT’s Mesa campuses, raising fresh worries for juniors and seniors relying on CTE classes. Autonomous Rides for Teens: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley is launching a paid internship mobility study in Chandler using Waymo teen accounts, adding another option beyond Valley Metro passes. Scottsdale City Council Race: Candidates field questions in a wide-ranging questionnaire push, setting up a busy campaign season for voters deciding among eight hopefuls. Gilbert E-Bike Crackdown: Gilbert plans tougher e-bike rules after a spike in complaints and crashes, including a recent incident that left a teen seriously hurt. Mesa Data Center Review: A proposed 170-acre, multi-building data center near Queen Creek cleared an early planning hurdle, with water-use and cooling plans front and center. World Cup Visa Drama: Iran’s World Cup squad is navigating U.S. visa restrictions, with players reportedly cleared while some staff face delays or denials. Public Safety: Phoenix reported a rise in mountain rescues so far this year, and a 17-year-old Arizona teen drowned while paddleboarding at Bear Lake.

Child Safety & Justice: Tucson authorities say a former mental health counselor, Xiomar Diaz, was arrested by ICE on federal charges tied to producing and possessing CSAM, including alleged Snapchat exchanges with a 15-year-old and videos found on seized devices. Courts & Sentencing: A Maricopa County judge accepted a plea from a man who confessed to a Tucson pastor’s murder, avoiding the death penalty after a plea deal tied to a fatal 2026 crash that killed his father and stepmother. Housing & Consumer Protection: An Arizona bill aims to curb HOA harassment of dog owners, while another measure targets unnecessary permit delays for home construction. Public Health: Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a new Arizona law regulating vapes and other alternative nicotine products, tightening rules on sales to minors and marketing. Environment & Heat: A new study warns data-center growth could worsen Phoenix-area heat, with waste heat affecting nearby neighborhoods. Weather & Safety: A First Alert Weather Day and red-flag warnings highlight elevated wildfire danger across Arizona. Missing Persons: Phoenix police issued a SAFE Alert for an 85-year-old woman reported missing with a medical condition that can cause confusion.

World Cup Logistics: Iran’s players have been cleared with U.S. visas, easing the biggest hurdle 10 days before the team’s Los Angeles opener—though some officials and staff still faced uncertainty. Public Safety & Health Access: AHCCCS temporarily shut down its HEAplus online portal for a security review, while a Yuma doctor and spouse were accused in a massive AHCCCS fraud scheme tied to millions in claims. Local Government: Apache Junction is set to slightly boost funding for senior/disabled transportation services. Arizona Infrastructure & Weather: U.S. 60 eastbound lanes in Apache Junction were closed after a crash, and a Red Flag Warning flagged elevated wildfire risk with strong winds and very low humidity. Community & Culture: Trader Joe’s is coming to Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix, and a free internet program launches in the West Valley for qualifying households. Sports: The D-backs and Nationals continue their series as Arizona baseball action heats up.

Childcare Crunch in Arizona: A Tucson mother says she’s stuck in the “too much for help, not enough to afford” gap as Arizona’s childcare assistance waitlist grows to about 12,800 kids, with 7,600 families waiting for DES support. Inclusive Education Staffing: Kent School District in Washington named Dana Stiner as its new Inclusive Education executive director, starting July 1, as district leadership shifts. Arizona Care Facility Allegations: Mesa police are investigating the death of a 36-year-old man with developmental disabilities found in a vehicle at an in-home care facility; homicide detectives are involved and the cause is pending. World Cup Visa Drama: U.S. officials say Iran’s World Cup players have been granted visas to enter the U.S., clearing them to travel after a last-minute scramble tied to the team’s earlier base move from Arizona to Tijuana. Energy Costs Watch: AAA reports Arizona gas prices keep cooling, while a separate map shows electricity prices vary widely by state, with Arizona among the higher-cost markets.

Diamondbacks Injury Update: Ildemaro Vargas and Max Muncy left Thursday’s game after a violent collision at first base; both were evaluated, with Muncy dealing with shortness of breath and Vargas a bruised rib/thigh, but Arizona still rallied for a 3-2 win on Ketel Marte’s ninth-inning homer. Roster Moves: Arizona optioned starter Brandon Pfaadt to Triple-A Reno to get him stretched back out, recalled Kade Strowd and Philip Abner, and placed reliever Taylor Clarke on a family medical emergency list. Gas Prices: AAA reports Arizona’s regular average fell 12 cents to $4.62, with national prices also down as crude stays under $100. Housing Policy: The Arizona House rejected a scaled-back plan to protect historic homes from demolition under the state’s “middle housing” rules, though the sponsor is trying to revive it before session ends. School Safety Funding: The state approved $82 million for the next three-year School Safety Program cycle, supporting SROs and other campus safety staff statewide. Heat Relief: SRP is doubling heat-relief funding to more than $1.3 million for HVAC help, cooling centers, and other summer protections. DOJ Probe: The Justice Department opened an investigation into Arizona State University over alleged race-based discrimination tied to DEI practices.

Energy Policy: President Trump announced $700 million to prop up coal plants and a new Oakland export terminal, using the Defense Production Act; Arizona is among the states slated for plant support. Public Safety & Justice: The Nancy Guthrie disappearance case in Tucson drew fresh attention after a retired detective suggested the suspect may have targeted her as a “source of ransom” tied to Savannah Guthrie’s profile, while investigators continue to work without a named suspect. Transportation: ADOT will host a June 17 open house on the SR 347 Improvement Project in Maricopa, with summer construction starting on pavement rehab before later widening work. Courts & Elections: DOJ is preparing to appeal an Arizona ruling keeping voter records confidential, as Arizona’s fake elector case heads back toward a grand jury after higher-court setbacks. Local Government: Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is seeking a contempt order against the Board of Supervisors for allegedly not complying with an election-related court order. Health: A new report warns Social Security benefits could drop by about $500 a month nationwide by 2032, with Arizona projected around $511. Sports: Arizona State’s Landon Hairston and Caden Aoki earned national award finalist nods in college baseball.

DOJ/ASU Probe: Federal investigators launched a look at Arizona State University over alleged DEI violations, including claims tied to video. Elections & Voting Records: Arizona’s attorney general fight over voter data continues as Trump-era efforts to access Arizona voter registration records face legal pushback. Water & the Colorado River: Nevada, Arizona and California signed an agreement with San Diego to explore “paper” water exchanges using desalination capacity—aimed at easing pressure on Lake Mead. Climate & Public Safety: Researchers warn another dry winter could “crash” Colorado River storage, while Phoenix-area heat risks remain deadly even without humidity. Local Government & Costs: Maricopa County’s community college district approved a 5.2% property tax increase for the first time in a decade to close a budget gap. Sports (Arizona): Shohei Ohtani powered the Dodgers to a 7-0 shutout over the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Community & Culture: A 50th-anniversary event commemorated Don Bolles, the Arizona journalist killed in 1976, focusing on his legacy of investigative reporting.

DOJ Probe in Tempe: The U.S. Justice Department opened a Title VI investigation into alleged DEI discrimination at Arizona State University, citing “viral videos” and claims the school tried to hide practices from federal scrutiny. Local Tech & Safety: Oro Valley is rolling out a real-time traffic tracking system to spot speeding and congestion fast, aiming to reduce crashes. Cactus Bowl Returns: The Cactus Bowl is back on Arizona State’s campus, set for Dec. 26 at Mountain America Stadium after a nine-year run at Chase Field. Sports, Phoenix-style: The Dodgers host the Diamondbacks at Chase Field Wednesday night, with Ohtani vs. Zac Gallen and triple-digit heat expected at first pitch. Public Health Access: A new Arizona Medicaid-focused push argues obesity treatment is too hard to reach for patients, calling it a statewide crisis. Immigration Update: A deportation case against a Tucson DACA recipient was terminated after her recent detention. Community Spotlight: Honor Flight Southern Arizona is set to land in Tucson Wednesday evening, bringing veterans back from Washington, D.C. AZ Courts/Justice: A magistrate denied a bid to jail a suspect in a federal illegal sports betting case, setting a $1 million unsecured bond.

World Cup/Immigration: Iran’s Team Melli says it will leave Turkey for Tijuana on Saturday, then seek U.S. visas as it prepares for group games in Los Angeles and Seattle—while U.S. officials say they’ll scrutinize Iran’s delegation for ties to the IRGC. Arizona Courts: Arizona’s Supreme Court ordered a new murder trial after finding jurors got incorrect instructions and an incorrect verdict form. Health Care/AG: Attorney General Kris Mayes sued major insurers, alleging an illegal price-fixing scheme that used MultiPlan data and an algorithm to underpay doctors and hospitals. Environment/Water: Scientists at NAU and Northern Arizona University are mapping hidden cave systems and studying Roaring Springs to understand how Grand Canyon water moves underground as drought pressure grows. Local Culture: Six Tucson transportation museums launched the Tucson Transportation Museum Trail, with stamp stops and a pin for completing the route. Sports (AZ): The Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 6-5 behind Shohei Ohtani’s double and triple and Freddie Freeman’s two-run homer.

Arizona Politics & Courts: The University of Arizona will remove César E. Chávez’s name from a main campus building, reverting it to the Economics building after a months-long review. Education & Public Safety: Arizona’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved two special audits—one focused on school safety practices (including Phoenix Union High School District) and another on how the state administers federal child care funding. Criminal Justice: Rep. Tony Rivero’s “second chance” bill passed unanimously and now heads to the governor, allowing some non-dangerous, victimless felony convictions to be reclassified as class 1 misdemeanors after strict conditions. Immigration Enforcement: Border Patrol in Arizona nabbed 52 illegal aliens in a truck-driver operation, including 36 caught behind the wheel of 18-wheelers. Transportation: ADOT says the SR 260 widening project east of Payson starts next week, with daytime lane restrictions and wildlife crossings planned. Business & Housing: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Scottsdale-based Taylor Morrison for $6.8 billion. Sports (AZ ties): NCAA men’s golf match play advanced Arizona after a win over Vanderbilt; Arizona’s Filip Jakubcik and the Wildcats’ run continue.