AGP Executive Report

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.

Arizona Politics & Courts: Phoenix-area sports star Dillon Brooks has been charged with DUI tied to a March Scottsdale arrest; he faces a Class 1 misdemeanor court date Oct. 28. Public Safety & Tech: Cottonwood canceled its Flock Safety ALPR camera contract after backlash over searches of camera data, though drone leasing continues. Education Policy: Sen. Mark Kelly and Sen. Tom Cotton unveiled a bipartisan push to fund state cellphone bans during the school day, with exceptions for medical and special education needs. Health & Food Assistance: SNAP changes take effect Oct. 1, with benefit adjustments plus new state cost-sharing rules that could reduce enrollment—Arizona is among states seeing sharp drops. Local Justice: A former Northern Arizona University fraternity pledge-master was sentenced to two months in jail after a pledge died of alcohol poisoning. Weather & Water: Tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo is boosting rain and flood risk across Arizona and the Southwest. Business & Economy: The IRS now requires project-level reporting for 2026 R&D tax credit claims via Form 6765 Section G. Sports: Carly Rae Jepsen added a Phoenix stop on her 2027 “Day and Night” tour.

AI & Justice: An Arizona appeals court vacated the 10.5-year sentence of Gabriel Horcasitas in a 2021 road-rage case after finding a judge improperly considered an AI-generated victim video, sending the case back for resentencing. Immigration Detention: Marana officials say a former prison is set to reopen as an ICE detention center within 60 days after a new federal contract. State Land & Housing: Arizona lawmakers grilled Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration over leasing thousands of acres of state trust land for solar while housing demand remains high. Courts Cybersecurity: Arizona courts reported a cyberattack that may have exposed personal data for about 1.3 million people. Local Life: Tucson’s 100 Acre Wood is scheduled to reopen Oct. 19 with new BMX trails, drawing mixed reactions from nearby residents. Sports & Community: The Diamondbacks are weighing a reunion with pitcher Michael Soroka, and a Tucson paramedic, Margaret “Maggie” Day, was honored at the Arizona Heroes Memorial. Business/Tech: Arizona Western College announced new Taiwan university partnerships aimed at expanding semiconductor and AI opportunities. Criminal Justice: A former NAU fraternity leader was sentenced to two months in jail for hazing that led to a pledge’s death.

Mining & Land Use: Conservation groups sued the Trump administration to block South32’s planned expansion of a heavy-metal mine in southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains, arguing it would cut through a key migration corridor for endangered jaguars and ocelots. Courts & Public Safety: Investigators say a new ransom text in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case is not credible, while warning Arizonans to report any related messages and not send money. Weather & Flooding: Scottsdale crews responded to flash flooding after thunderstorms dumped up to nearly 3 inches in parts of the city, stranding motorists in standing water; officials say more storms could linger as systems move out. Local Water Watch: Tucson leaders are weighing protections for large water users, with public-record rules and transparency concerns front and center. Sports (ASU): Arizona State returns to Big 12 play hosting Baylor after a bye, with the Bears coming off a win over Colorado. Business & Tech: USPS and Amazon are piloting same-day delivery for afternoon package drops at select sites, including Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Weather & Safety: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for northeastern Pima and south central Pinal counties as thunderstorms dump heavy rain, with flash flooding ongoing or expected soon. Storm Impacts: Hurricane Polo’s remnants are pushing more rain into the U.S. Southwest, with flood watches and evacuations reported in New Mexico as rivers and washes rise. Public Health: Pima County says anyone who visited Banner-University Medical Center Tucson’s emergency room on Sept. 24 should watch for measles symptoms through Oct. 15 after an exposed international visitor. Courts & Privacy: Arizona’s state court system cyberattack exposed confidential foster care and domestic violence survivor records, affecting more than 150,000 foster care reports dating back to 2010. Politics & Elections: Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes finally released years of withheld federal felony records to county recorders after a dispute over whether DOJ had already provided them. Education Funding: Gov. Katie Hobbs restored $16.5 million in funding for U of A, ASU and NAU using ARPA money after earlier GOP-backed cuts. Business & Community: A bankruptcy judge approved 7 Brew’s acquisition of 36 former Salad And Go locations across Arizona, including 30 in the Valley. Sports: Big 12 announced WVU’s Oct. 10 home game vs. Arizona will air at noon on TNT/TruTV/HBO Max.

Flash Flood Watch/Warning: The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for parts of Pima and Pinal counties, with thunderstorms dumping 1 to 2 inches more rain and flooding possible in low spots, underpasses and small washes, including routes like Suizo Rd and Sunland Gin Rd. Arizona IDs: A new state law now requires updated driver’s license and Travel ID photos every 16 years (instead of 12), with Travel ID holders getting new photos every other renewal cycle. Hurricane Polo: The storm hit Baja California as a Category 2, then weakened, and its moisture is expected to fuel a major flash-flood threat across the Southwest; more than 30 million people from Arizona to Iowa are under flood watch. ASU Hockey: ASU hockey players say a teammate’s life-threatening August collapse involved restricted water and heat-safety failures, and they’re asking for coaches to be placed on administrative leave pending an independent probe. Local life: Carefree’s Glass Pumpkin Patch returns Oct. 2-4, with proceeds benefiting the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center.

ASU Hockey Crisis: Seven anonymous Arizona State players say the school’s review of Matthew Mayich’s Aug. 20 collapse is wrong, alleging missed hydration and inadequate medical response, and they’re demanding coaches be placed on leave pending an outside investigation. Flood Watch: Heavy rain tied to Hurricane Polo’s remnants has Arizona under a flood watch, with up to 2 inches possible in some areas and the highest risk east of Phoenix. Election Integrity: Maricopa County’s attorney says a Motor Vehicle Division glitch led to eight noncitizens voting, after earlier referrals found 60 suspected cases since 2012. Public Safety & Courts: The FBI is investigating a cyberattack on Arizona’s court system that may have exposed tens of thousands of personal records, including people tied to domestic violence orders. Local Impact: Downtown Phoenix’s Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA is closing Sept. 30, and demolition plans are in motion for the historic building. Business/Tech: Intel’s Arizona chip-factory partnership includes production and inventory limits that could affect flexibility, according to a new filing.

Election 2026: U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly says Democrat Troy Jackson has a “real shot” to unseat Susan Collins this November, arguing Collins has repeatedly enabled President Trump and failed to use her Senate role to demand accountability. School Funding Debate: Arizona voters are weighing Prop. 320, which would require certain districts to spend 60% of operational dollars on narrowly defined “direct instruction,” potentially forcing cuts to items like nurses, transportation, and admin without adding new money. Weather & Safety: A flood watch is in effect across much of Arizona as Hurricane Polo’s moisture boosts monsoon-style storms, with the heaviest risk late Monday night into Tuesday and possible localized 1-inch totals (higher terrain up to 2 inches). Local Politics/Infrastructure: Verizon’s plan to retire copper lines in Arizona and other states hit a snag after the FCC removed it from expedited review, raising concerns about coverage gaps and emergency reliability. Sports (Arizona): The Diamondbacks missed the playoffs again; manager Torey Lovullo said he wants to be “wanted” about his future. NFL Injury Watch: Giants edge rusher Brian Burns is feared to have torn an ACL, a potential major blow as the team prepares for the Cardinals.