AGP Executive Report

Fake Electors Legal Fight: Arizona’s Supreme Court refused to revive the “fake electors” case, sending it back to a grand jury as Attorney General Kris Mayes vows to pursue it again. DOJ vs. Voter Records: The Justice Department is preparing another appeal to try to access Arizona’s voter registration database after a federal judge blocked the effort. ASU Under Federal Scrutiny: The DOJ opened a Title VI investigation into Arizona State University after viral videos raised claims of illegal discrimination tied to race, color, or national origin. Election System Tensions: Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is seeking contempt against the Board of Supervisors for allegedly not complying with a court order affecting election IT control. Energy Policy: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to push $700 million for coal plant upgrades and exports, including funding tied to Arizona facilities. Local Public Safety: Peoria Unified asked a judge to narrow a search warrant in a teacher misconduct case, while Cochise County launched a hands-on Summer Law Enforcement Youth Academy in Sierra Vista.

ASU Under Federal Scrutiny: The U.S. Justice Department opened an investigation into Arizona State University’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices after viral videos alleged unequal treatment and attempts to hide it from oversight. Colorado River Alarm: Researchers warn another dry winter could push the Colorado River Basin toward a “crash,” urging faster water cuts, especially in agriculture. Water Deal Watch: Nevada, Arizona and California signed an agreement to explore “paper” water exchanges using San Diego’s desalination capacity, aiming to stabilize reservoirs like Lake Mead. Local Politics & Elections: DOJ is again trying to access Arizona’s voter registration records, appealing after a judge blocked the effort. Public Safety & Growth: Phoenix’s photo safety camera program has logged 132,000 traffic events and issued thousands of citations, with school-zone cameras relocated for summer. Community Governance: Queen Creek voted to remove a proposed annexation from its general plan after cost concerns. Business/Infrastructure: A Gilbert strip mall was evacuated after inspectors found major structural damage, forcing tenants to shut down. Tech & Jobs: TSMC’s CEO says AI demand is strong but chip supply won’t fully meet U.S. needs for years, while signaling interest in higher prices. Culture & Health: A pilot study suggests a simple urine test could screen for autism by detecting microbe-derived metabolites, though results need validation.

Local Infrastructure: Queen Creek’s population boom is colliding with aging transportation plans, with officials warning that road projects take years and the town still lacks public transit. Wildfire Policy: Rep. Joe Neguse helped advance the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, pushing for federal-state-local coordination across land lines. Arizona Politics & Elections: The Trump administration says it will appeal a ruling blocking access to Arizona’s voter database, after a judge rejected DOJ’s request for an unredacted copy. Higher Ed Under Scrutiny: The DOJ opened an investigation into Arizona State University’s DEI practices after “viral videos” alleged the school tried to hide discriminatory conduct. Public Safety & Border: Border Patrol arrested 52 undocumented people in Yuma, including 36 truck drivers, as Arizona lawmakers push stricter rules for commercial drivers. Food Assistance: Arizona saw a sharp SNAP drop—about 51%—as food bank demand rises. Housing & Business: One Camelback in Phoenix has started pre-leasing apartments after years of delays, with rents ranging widely.

Iran World Cup logistics: Iran’s final World Cup warm-up vs. Mali in Turkey will be held behind closed doors, with no media, before the team heads to Mexico. The squad is commuting from Tijuana to group games in Los Angeles and Seattle after shifting its base from Tucson. US scrutiny: Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. will allow the team to enter but will not permit delegation members tied to the IRGC. Arizona public safety: Phoenix police report at least two people shot at Desert Sky Mall, with injuries described as serious and non-life-threatening. Local governance: Peoria City Council unanimously approved a 70-foot Verizon cell tower in Vistancia after residents raised concerns about views, property values, and safety. Courts and health policy: A major anti-vaccine legal fight may be headed to the Supreme Court, with prominent groups spending heavily on litigation. Business and tech: Small businesses are increasingly using AI as an “invisible office” for routine admin work. Water and the West: Colorado River Lower Basin states face a looming deadline as the 2007 shortage plan expires, with Arizona and others still divided on replacements.

University of Arizona: UA will remove César E. Chávez’s name from a Tucson campus building, reverting it to the Economics building after a months-long review. Housing & Local Control: A new Arizona law would let homeowners add backyard shade structures even when HOAs object, after one Chandler family fought to keep a shade device. Utilities: The Arizona Corporation Commission reminded residents that the summer utility shutoff moratorium runs June 1 through Oct. 15, with extra protections during extreme heat. Education Oversight: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved special audits on school safety practices and on Arizona’s child care assistance program oversight. Criminal Justice: Rep. Tony Rivero’s “Second Chance” bill unanimously passed and heads to the governor, allowing some non-dangerous, victimless felony convictions to be reduced to misdemeanors after years of clean record. Business & Growth: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Scottsdale-based Taylor Morrison for $6.8 billion, a major housing deal that could reshape the market. Public Safety: A pregnant teen, Jariah Edwards, was killed in a San Diego shooting; her baby remains in critical condition.

School Funding Fight: Arizona lawmakers are trying to block or delay a court order over unconstitutional school facilities, arguing education standards and repair spending belong to the Legislature, not judges. Local Leadership: Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord is retiring after eight years, calling the district “my home, my heart.” Missing Person Update: A retired FBI agent says the Nancy Guthrie case hasn’t gone cold—investigators are still working quietly four months after her disappearance. Border Enforcement: U.S. officials say “Operation Checkmate” led to 52 arrests in Arizona’s Yuma Sector, including 30 Indian truck drivers, with deportation proceedings underway. State Politics/ESA: An Arizona Senate leader now admits problems with the ESA program’s oversight after earlier claims it was fully accountable. Transportation: ADOT is seeking public input on downtown Phoenix freeway improvements and also posted weekend closures. Business & Sports: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Taylor Morrison for $6.8B; the D-backs snapped a skid with a 4-1 win over the Dodgers.

School Funding Fight: Arizona GOP leaders asked an appeals court to delay or block a judge’s order to fix the state’s public school funding system, arguing courts overstepped and the Legislature should set facility standards. Nonprofit Fallout: Phoenix Pride filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing rising costs, weaker sponsorship and fundraising amid today’s political climate, and growing nonprofit demands. Border/ICE Scrutiny: Advocates and reporting describe an ICE detention of a Tempe 14-year-old ahead of an eighth-grade promotion ceremony, with claims of a violent arrest of his mother and broader backlash over how families are handled. Public Health: Mohave County confirmed a hantavirus case, with officials noting the Sin Nombre strain and warning about rodent exposure. Local Leadership: Dr. Reetika Dhawan began her first day as president of Arizona Western College, highlighting her long ties to the school and her background as the first woman and first person of color to lead it. Tech & Business: Microchip Technology in Chandler detailed growth in its data center business and added a new board member, underscoring Arizona’s role in the semiconductor supply chain.

Local Governance: Queen Creek’s Town Council will decide June 3 whether the 1,500-home Combs-Gantzel area stays eligible for annexation, with residents urging a reversal after planning staff recommended pulling it from the general plan. State Corrections: Alabama’s prison healthcare contractor NaphCare is drawing new scrutiny after controversies tied to its work in other states, including allegations raised by Arizona corrections officials. Politics & Elections: Senate Democrats are launching a coordinated push to block the Trump administration’s “anti-weaponization fund,” with Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly among sponsors of a bill to stop any payouts. Arizona Courts & Voting: A federal push to require states to hand over voter registration rolls and election records is raising alarms about federal overreach in election administration. Public Health: Experts warn a potential “super El Niño” could boost hantavirus risk this summer as rodent populations rise. Business: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy homebuilder Taylor Morrison in a roughly $6.8 billion all-cash deal. Community & Safety: Tucson police say prehistoric bones found near Nancy Guthrie’s home are unrelated to her disappearance, closing one speculation line.

State Politics: Arizona’s GOP legislative leaders are trying to block a court order aimed at fixing the school funding system, arguing timing and prioritization are outside the courts’ reach as school districts push back that kids “get one shot” at elementary school. Elections & Courts: A Maricopa County election dispute is escalating, with the recorder seeking contempt sanctions and a judge weighing ballot drop-box fights ahead of the primary. Public Safety: A house fire in Pinetop killed one person and sent another to the hospital; investigators say the ignition source may be electrical. Police Video: New footage shows officers shooting an armed woman at a Scottsdale police station; she survived and faces serious charges. Missing Person: CrimeCon experts questioned the authenticity of ransom notes in the Nancy Guthrie case, while authorities continue vetting the communications. Arizona Breaking: Deputies are searching for a suspect after a shooting involving Pima County Sheriff deputies, and a woman was hospitalized after a Guadalupe shooting. Sports: The Mariners beat the Diamondbacks 5-1, and Frankie Valli canceled the rest of the Four Seasons’ farewell tour for health reasons.

Local Fire Response: One apartment unit was a total loss in an Eloy blaze Saturday, while crews saved four neighboring units; the cause is under investigation. Community Building: South Tucson neighbors came together for “Día del Barrio,” with Barrio Restoration planning to turn an empty lot into a green, food-growing gathering space. Airport Safety Upgrade: Phoenix Sky Harbor approved buying 85 more Vehicle Movement Area Transponder units to improve real-time coordination and emergency response on the airfield. Public Safety & Privacy: Tucson police fully encrypted radio communications in April, cutting off online scanner feeds and reigniting debate over transparency versus officer safety. Elections in the Courts: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let states review voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move critics warn could disenfranchise voters in Arizona. Prison Oversight Push: Arizona lawmakers created an independent prison oversight office last year, but advocates say it still lacks funding and are watching budget talks for $1.5 million. Sports & Gambling: NCAA eligibility fights continue as Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby’s case centers on alleged betting on his own games and a stint in Arizona rehab. Food Markets: Wheat futures fell sharply on May 30 after export sales cancellations and shifting demand signals.

Arizona Attorney General Race: Arizona GOP AG hopefuls traded sharp personal attacks in a debate over what counts as real legal experience and how to handle election integrity, setting up a high-stakes fight against incumbent Kris Mayes. Elections Clash in Maricopa County: Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap asked a judge to hold the Board of Supervisors in contempt, alleging the board is refusing to comply with an April order over control of election systems and funding. World Cup Visa Pressure: Iran’s football federation is demanding FIFA clarify delayed U.S. visas after Iran moved its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, raising fresh concerns about preparation and fairness. Public Safety Staffing: Phoenix remains more than 500 sworn officers short despite years of recruiting, while police staffing gaps continue to strain city public safety planning. Local Governance & Extremism: Deer Valley Unified faced fallout after a board member performed a Nazi salute during a public meeting, prompting calls for accountability. Food Security: Arizona saw the largest decline in SNAP participation nationwide after federal changes, leaving hundreds of thousands of families scrambling. Community Updates: Tucson’s Palo Verde Park reopened after nearly $5 million in renovations, adding new courts, playground upgrades, and trees.

Immigration & Work: New research says intensified ICE enforcement from 2023 to 2025 reshaped Arizona’s childcare workforce, cutting capacity and hitting immigrant women hardest—raising stakes for families who rely on stable care. Border & Deportations: A Bolivian asylum-seeker who surrendered at the Arizona border faces deportation to the Congo after a judge cleared the way, even as advocates argue third-country removals are cruel and dangerous. Local Schools & Accountability: A lawsuit accuses the Peoria Unified School District of failing to stop a teacher from abusing students, alleging administrators ignored complaints before the teacher’s conviction and prison sentence. Environment & Species Protection: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the federal government over delays in final protections for the Quitobaquito springsnail in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, as border-wall concerns loom. Elections & Voting Rules: A federal judge in New Hampshire ordered easier voter registration by allowing citizenship attestation when documents are unavailable—another test for nationwide proof-of-citizenship push. Arizona Politics: The Arizona attorney general race heats up as GOP candidates clash over experience, while Maricopa County election disputes and ballot-handling fights continue to roil the state.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE detained a Tempe mother and her 14-year-old son and sent them to a Texas facility, prompting protests outside a local school and renewed scrutiny of how federal agents operate near Arizona students. Public Schools & Child Safety: Peoria Unified board member Heather Rooks, with state leaders, is pushing for stronger enforcement of mandatory reporting laws as an investigation continues into alleged misconduct by former Centennial High School teachers. Arizona Politics: In the GOP attorney general debate, candidates Warren Petersen and Rodney Glassman traded personal attacks and messy accusations, underscoring how heated the race is getting ahead of the July primary. Health Workforce: Arizona faces a major nursing shortage, and Carrington College is hosting an open house aimed at recruiting new nurses to help close the gap. Sports & Local Impact: Big 12 football schedules include Arizona vs. West Virginia on Oct. 10 in Morgantown, with Rich Rodriguez returning to face his former program. Business & Community: Barrett-Jackson’s new Scottsdale facility drew a visit from the SBA, highlighting how the auction operation supports smaller businesses around it.

Airport Fees Fight: CAE Aviation Academy and Thrust Flight sued after Mesa’s Falcon Field landing-fee overhaul would sharply raise costs for pilots and flight training, with schools warning the city’s math ignores federal/state airport funding. Local Governance: Glendale voted 4-3 to remove Councilmember Lupe Conchas from the council after his election to the SRP board, citing a charter conflict. Water & Growth: Phoenix planners say an Advanced Water Purification facility near the TSMC buildout will support the Anthem-area population surge by recycling wastewater into drinking water. Semiconductor Workforce: Maricopa Community Colleges joined a regional push to expand semiconductor training, as NNME Southwest was designated a key workforce hub. Courts & Immigration: A judge ruled against Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller’s 287(g) ICE agreement, saying it was signed without proper board approval. Business & Industry: Arizona’s Project Blue data center got approved wells tied to existing groundwater rights, raising questions about future water use. Public Safety: Two people were hospitalized after a stabbing in Apache Junction; a suspect is in custody. Politics: Arizona’s AG primary debate is set for Thursday, featuring Rodney Glassman and Warren Petersen.

Maricopa County Elections: The Recorder’s Office and the Board of Supervisors are back in a fight over control of election logistics, with a dispute over early ballot drop box locations heating up ahead of the July primary. Public Safety & Justice: A widow renewed her push for arrests in the 2020 Gilbert killing of her husband, saying police have made little progress six years later. Missing Person Case: NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie says she’s hired private investigators to pursue leads in the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, as the case stretches into its fourth month. Arizona Housing & Growth: Ripple Fiber announced it will expand into Pima County with $80M+ in investment to bring 100% fiber to more than 50,000 homes and businesses, starting in Oro Valley and Sahuarita. Community & Culture: Tucson’s student DJ scene is turning from a hobby into a real career pipeline, with bigger crowds and more professional-style events near campus. National Policy: A new analysis says the U.S. may need years to replenish key weapons stockpiles used in the Iran war.

Politics & Economy: A new poll says President Trump’s job approval in Arizona has hit a record low at -17, with voters blaming economic pain—especially gas prices—while his economy approval also slips further. Local Governance: Maricopa is weighing whether to restore annual city manager performance reviews, with critics arguing it’s a transparency and accountability gap. Energy & Housing: A fight is heating up over Arizona state land maps for solar versus housing, as Republicans accuse the Hobbs administration of steering land toward renewables while not mapping other uses. Courts & Water: A Maricopa County judge denied a delay in AG Kris Mayes’ groundwater lawsuit, reigniting debate over how Arizona limits rural pumping. Public Safety: SRP is expanding heat-relief funding with $1.3 million for cooling, HVAC help, and outreach for vulnerable residents. Crime & Justice: Investigators renewed efforts to identify “Sleeping Bag Man,” a Lake Havasu homicide victim found in 2000. Business & Community: OdySea Aquarium marks its 10th anniversary with expanded summer experiences. Sports: The CBS college football schedule sets early marquee matchups, including Big Ten games featuring USC and Oregon.