AGP Executive Report

Election Season: President Donald Trump plans an Oct. 14 rally in Bullhead City as Arizona voters head toward the midterms. Border Dispute: Arizona sheriffs say requests for help during protests against border-wall construction went unanswered, calling for the incidents involving Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway to be investigated. Online Safety: Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing TikTok, alleging its design hooks young users and harms their well-being. Data Breach: A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system exposed personal information belonging to more than 1 million people. Campus Accountability: ASU assistant hockey coach Alex Hicks missed the home opener as the university investigates Matthew Mayich’s August collapse; at the University of Arizona, 16 fraternities may resume activities, while five remain suspended. Affordable Housing: Developers warn the state’s expired low-income housing tax credit leaves a gap as demand for affordable homes grows.

Higher Education: The Trump administration has opened a visa-fraud investigation involving nine universities, including Arizona State; ASU says it complied with the rules. The University of Arizona has suspended fraternity activities amid misconduct investigations. Election Watch: Early voting is underway for Arizona’s Nov. 3 election. In a closely watched congressional race, candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was raped while repairing a campaign sign; the sheriff’s office is investigating. Youth & Technology: Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing TikTok, alleging the app’s features addict and harm children. Cybersecurity: Hackers stole personal information belonging to more than 1.3 million people from Arizona’s court system. Phoenix Roads & Weather: Weekend construction will close parts of Loops 101 and 202 and State Routes 51 and 347. Rain, wind and cooler temperatures are also forecast across Arizona.

ASU Hockey: Assistant coach Tim Hicks will miss the Sun Devils’ home opener as fallout continues from player Matthew Mayich’s near-fatal collapse during an August workout. Head coach Greg Powers is on paid leave, and seven players have disputed the university’s review. Federal Scrutiny: Arizona State is among nine universities under investigation over alleged visa fraud; officials claim the schools used foreign researchers to undercut American wages. Campus Safety: University of Arizona students rallied against sexual violence, while the school has paused fraternity activities amid misconduct investigations. Election Trail: Arizona congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was sexually assaulted while repairing campaign signs near Sun City; she described the attack as a crime of opportunity, and the sheriff is investigating. Data Breach: Hackers stole personal information belonging to more than 1.3 million people from Arizona’s court system, raising questions about the state’s response and protection for affected residents. Water Alert: Maricopa’s boil-water advisory was lifted after tests found no E. coli.

Court Cyberattack: Hackers stole personal information belonging to more than 1.3 million people in a breach of Arizona’s court system, raising fresh questions about how the state will protect sensitive records. CD-8 Investigation: Democratic candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was raped while repairing a campaign sign in Sun City in August. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is active; no suspects have been publicly identified. University Safety: The University of Arizona has suspended fraternity activities amid misconduct investigations. Midterm Elections: Early voting is underway in Arizona, with candidates debating key issues including inflation, water and data centers. Online Safety: Cade’s Law has taken effect, making online encouragement of suicide a felony in Arizona.

Court Data Breach: Hackers may have stolen personal information tied to more than 1.3 million people, including Social Security numbers, plus sensitive foster-care and protection-order records. The Arizona Supreme Court urges affected people to freeze their credit. Election Watch: Early voting is underway as Arizona candidates debate the issues. Congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was raped while repairing a campaign sign; the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Campus Safety: The University of Arizona suspended fraternity activities amid misconduct reports. Public Safety: Troopers seized about 100 pounds of fentanyl during an I-10 traffic stop near Eloy; the driver faces drug-sale charges. New Law: Cade’s Law has taken effect, creating penalties for adults who encourage minors online to die by suicide. Jobs and Energy: A new ASU-TSMC training program is preparing technicians for semiconductor jobs, while construction has begun on a Mohave County solar-and-battery project expected to employ about 400 workers.

Election 2026: Arizona’s early voting is underway as governor candidates clash over water, data centers and Medicaid; Gov. Katie Hobbs skipped the debate. Court Data Breach: A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system exposed personal information belonging to more than 1 million people. University Safety: The University of Arizona suspended fraternity activities amid investigations into reports of assault, hazing and drug- and alcohol-related misconduct. Utility Bills: More than 1,700 Arizona consumers urged regulators to reject APS and Tucson Electric Power rate hikes, including a proposed 16% increase from APS. Taiwan Ties: Taiwan opened a representative office in Phoenix as its technology companies expand investment in Arizona, including TSMC’s planned $265 billion semiconductor complex.

Water & Utilities: Arizona AG Kris Mayes is challenging Arizona Corporation Commission-approved rate hikes for Picacho Water and Picacho Sewer near Robson Ranch, arguing the agency didn’t properly review the utilities’ recent private-equity purchase before bills nearly doubled. Housing & Cost of Living: North Phoenix renters at Buenas Apartments say they got rent increases of hundreds of dollars and then five-day eviction notices soon after, raising alarms about how fast landlords can escalate costs. Border & Public Safety: DHS says two illegal aliens accused in the stabbing of an off-duty NYPD detective were released into the U.S. and remain at large, with ICE identifying suspects. Elections & Voting Access: Rights groups are ramping up ahead of Nov. 3, warning voters about barriers like ID rules, registration hurdles, and intimidation—especially for minority and immigrant communities. Arizona Sports: The Diamondbacks won’t retain pitching coach Brian Kaplan after his contract ends. International Ties: Taiwan opened a new Phoenix representative office, with Arizona officials attending despite objections from China.

Cardinals Injury Update: Arizona left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. will miss the rest of the season after tearing his left biceps and being placed on injured reserve for the third straight year. NFL Officiating: The league suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for swearing at Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, and referee Adrian Hill for unprofessional conduct toward a Vikings player—sparking fresh calls for officials to be held to the same standards as athletes. Arizona Politics: Lieutenant governor candidates Katie Hobbs and Andy Biggs traded barbs over Taiwan and TSMC during a trade office opening, as China warned Arizona against political ties with Taiwan. Local Health & Youth: Pima County is studying youth tobacco and nicotine use, with officials flagging vaping rates that they say are far above the national average. Education & Workforce: The University of Arizona announced a tuition freeze for fall 2027, while a new report says Arizona faces major skilled-trades shortages. Community Fundraising: The Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children will hold its Ava’s Treehouse Gala at the Phoenician on Nov. 7.

Arizona Politics & Elections: Trump blasted Maricopa County after about 3,000 ballots were mistakenly mailed early, calling the county “dishonest,” while officials say it was a vendor error with no effect on voters. Arizona Government & Diplomacy: Gov. Katie Hobbs joined Taiwanese leaders to open a new Phoenix economic and cultural office, despite pressure from China. Public Safety & Privacy: Scottsdale Police Chief Joe LeDuc defended Flock license-plate readers ahead of a city council review, saying the system isn’t “mass surveillance” and is used for criminal-justice purposes. Health & Courts: An Arizona physician, Irfan Fazil, was sentenced to 7½ years for AHCCCS fraud and illegal procurement of dangerous drugs, with major asset forfeiture. Sports (NFL): The NFL suspended line judge Jeff Seeman and referee Adrian Hill for unprofessional conduct toward Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. College Sports: Five-star Phoenix Sunnyslope center Darius Wabbington is set to announce his college choice Tuesday.

Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) sold in 37 states, including Arizona, because of undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6; the FDA lists it as a Class II recall. Courts & Tech: Arizona’s appeals court tossed a manslaughter sentence for Gabriel Paul Horcasitas after ruling an AI-generated video of the victim unfairly influenced the judge during sentencing, though the conviction was upheld pending resentencing. Local Government & Privacy: Scottsdale is set to discuss its use of automatic license plate readers, including the city’s contract with Flock, after other Valley cities canceled similar deals. Business & Jobs: ASU’s Industrial Assessment Center program is expanding for five years with $13 million in federal funding to help Arizona-area manufacturers cut costs and save energy. Sports (Arizona): The Cardinals fell to the Giants 36-24, with Arizona giving up 30+ points again and ending a late comeback attempt on an interception return.

NFL Officials: The NFL is reviewing a viral sideline moment in the Cardinals-Giants game after line judge Jeff Seeman appeared to curse at Arizona tight end Trey McBride, with the NFL Players Association calling the behavior “unacceptable.” Arizona Sports: New York beat Arizona 36-24 on Deonte Banks’ late pick-six, while Malik Nabers bounced back from injury with six catches for 112 yards and a TD. Housing Oversight: Arizona’s Auditor General says the state Department of Housing missed federally required health-and-safety inspections and follow-ups in some low-income units. Water & Public Lands: Trucked water delivery to Grand Canyon National Park began after flash-flood damage, as officials work to slow declines while a new system comes online. Local Weather: Sunshine and breezy winds are expected across Southern Arizona, with gusts and below-normal temperatures easing through the week. Community & Energy: Sedona launched a heat-pump co-op offering a discount for homeowners.

Housing Oversight: Arizona’s housing agency audit found missed federally required safety inspections and slow follow-ups, including issues like rodent infestations and blocked fire-escape access. Justice Funding: The U.S. Department of Justice announced $14.8 million in Byrne grants for Arizona cities, sheriff’s departments, transit and community groups aimed at improving the justice system and supporting victims. Wildlife & Environment: A new look at U.S. wildfires says forests that used to bounce back after fire are now being wiped out by hotter, faster blazes. Courts & Public Safety: An Arizona road-rage manslaughter sentence was tossed after an AI-generated “victim impact” video was ruled too unreliable and unfair for sentencing. Arizona Sports: Shorthanded Arizona beat Cincinnati 34-7 in the Big 12 home opener as Noah Fifita threw for 284 yards and three TDs; the Wildcats now head to West Virginia. Travel & Trade: Delta adds nonstop service from Salt Lake City to Flagstaff starting June 2027, and Taiwan’s foreign minister is set to open a new Phoenix office tied to a China-free supply chain push.

US-Mexico Rivalry in Arizona: Cavan Sullivan, 17, became the youngest U.S. men’s national team scorer in a 3-0 friendly win over Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, with Julian Hall and Malik Tillman also finding the net. Arizona Sports Spotlight: Arizona’s Big 12 home opener vs. unbeaten Cincinnati is set for FOX at 11 p.m. ET (9 p.m. MT) at Casino Del Sol Stadium, with the Wildcats looking to build momentum after a road win. Local Court Fight Over AI: An Arizona manslaughter sentence was tossed after an appeals court ruled an AI-generated video of the deceased victim wasn’t reliable, sending the case back for resentencing. Oak Flat Update: A federal appeals court denied a bid to reconsider the transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, keeping the broader fight alive in lower court. Public Safety: Arizona authorities warned of a phishing campaign mimicking state and county officials. Sports Tragedy: Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Lyle Odelein, who also played for the Phoenix Coyotes, died at 58.

Arizona Court Data Breach: The Arizona Supreme Court says hackers stole foster-care review information, including reports and names tied to cases going back to 2010, prompting credit-freeze guidance for affected people. Public Safety & Local Government: Camp Verde and Cottonwood are moving toward consolidating 911 dispatch operations, aiming for better staffing and regional coordination. State Legal Fight: Arizona AG Kris Mayes sued pharmacy benefit managers Express Scripts and Optum, alleging they helped drive the opioid crisis by steering coverage toward more opioids while hiding risks. Elections: Arizona voters have until Oct. 5 (11:59 p.m.) to register for the Nov. 3 midterms, with no same-day registration. Business in the Valley: 7 Brew is buying 63 former Salad and Go locations, including 36 in Arizona, with a planned Oct. 15 closing. Health: A CDC report links Arizona’s first pneumonic plague death since 2007 to work contact with two sick cats, underscoring the need for quick vet care when cats show respiratory symptoms. Sports (Arizona): Cincinnati visits Arizona in a Big 12 matchup with Arizona listed as a 7-point home favorite.

Federal Audits: Arizona is facing a fresh federal reckoning after state agencies missed Single Audit deadlines again, triggering more than $220 million in withheld funds from UA and ASU, while auditors also faulted the state’s school grading system for overstating performance. Election Rules: Prop. 144 is back in the spotlight as debate heats up over whether it would require early voters to show government-issued ID each election, with critics calling it a “Trojan Horse” aimed at early voting. Water Watch: With Colorado River agreements expired, Arizona water managers are pushing a new approach—letting cities volunteer for deeper cuts in exchange for access to stored underground water—while impacts are expected to show up more clearly in the 2027 water year. Prison Health Care: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for a takeover of Arizona prison healthcare under a court-appointed receiver. Public Safety & Courts: A new report highlights wildlife passage work along Tucson’s Santa Cruz River, and a 9th Circuit fight over Oak Flat’s sacred Apache site continues as judges urge the Supreme Court to step in.

MLB: Arizona’s Diamondbacks are keeping Torey Lovullo for a new two-year deal, bringing back the franchise’s winningest manager after an 86-76 season that still ended with a third straight missed postseason. Sports (local): Globe Tigers received $30,000 in new safety gear through a grant, upgrading helmets and shoulder pads for junior varsity and varsity players. Arizona politics & public safety: GOP gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs is blaming Gov. Katie Hobbs for long-running DPS trooper funding problems, while Hobbs’ team points to pay raises and other support. Higher education & accountability: Arizona lawmakers are urging a third-party investigation into an ASU hockey workout incident that left player Matthew Mayich on life support. Elections: Arizona’s voter checklist highlights key deadlines, including Oct. 5 registration and Oct. 23 mail-in ballot requests. Weather: Forecasters warn three major storms could merge into a “hybrid storm,” raising flash-flood risk across the central U.S.