AGP Executive Report

Retail Media Push: Raley’s is rolling out Grocery TV across 208 stores in California, Nevada and Arizona, adding in-store screens to deliver ads and product messaging at the point of purchase. Election Courtroom Clash: The Justice Department keeps losing in court over access to voter rolls—federal judges dismissed DOJ lawsuits in Maine and Wisconsin, marking the 7th and 8th defeats in its push for sensitive state voter data. Death Penalty Halt: Tennessee called off the execution of Tony Carruthers after officials couldn’t establish a backup IV line, granting him a one-year reprieve. Local Business/Entertainment: Peter Piper Pizza is opening a reimagined Mesquite, Texas location with a PlayPark, 40+ arcade games, and a 230-inch sports screen. Arizona Sports: ASU softball is headed to a super regional in Austin after winning the Big 12 and extending its streak to nine. Border/Ag Alert: Screwworm has been detected within 60 miles of the U.S./Mexico border, keeping southern livestock import routes closed.

Historic Preservation: Philadelphia’s President’s House has landed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered” list, spotlighting a fight over exhibits tied to the nation’s founding and slavery—after the Trump administration dismantled parts of the display and kept pursuing legal changes. Arizona Politics & Elections: In Maricopa County, the Recorder says a last-minute board push to seize control of ballot drop boxes turned into “political theater,” escalating a dispute that’s already headed to court. Education & AI Backlash: Across graduation season, students are increasingly booing AI mentions and some ceremonies have been disrupted by name-reading systems. Health Care & Fraud: Arizona is rolling out an AI tool for Medicaid fraud detection starting July 2026, with officials calling it a major accountability upgrade. Business & Tech: AMD says its “Venice” EPYC chips are ramping on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, with future production planned in Arizona. Local Life: Tempe Union’s enrollment decline is expected to continue, while Memorial Day travel and DUI enforcement warnings are in effect statewide.

Student Loan Lawsuit: Twenty-five states and D.C. sued the U.S. Department of Education over new graduate student loan caps tied to healthcare and “professional” degrees, arguing the limits could push students toward pricier private debt and worsen workforce shortages. AI in Health Care: The fight echoes a broader push against AI-driven Medicare prior authorization, where Democrats are trying to force a vote to end a pilot they say is delaying care. Graduation Backlash: Across campuses, graduates are booing commencement speakers who mention AI, turning job-market anxiety into a loud public protest. Prediction Markets Clash: The federal government is suing Minnesota over its ban on prediction market platforms, setting up a high-stakes showdown over who gets to regulate the fast-growing betting-style economy. Arizona Sports & Media: The Suns and Mercury extended their free local TV deal through 2030, while Phoenix climbed to No. 8 on a “best sports cities” list. Public Safety: Arizona DPS says Memorial Day travel will be watched closely after a crackdown found dozens of drivers filming fatal crashes.

ASU Transfer Push: ASU is expanding its California Community College Achievement Plan statewide, opening online bachelor’s pathways for students at all 116 California community colleges—aimed at boosting transfer rates beyond the current low 10% success mark. AI Backlash at Graduation: At the University of Arizona, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by thousands of graduates after warning that AI will reshape jobs “larger, faster, and more consequential,” underscoring a wider Gen Z anxiety about career prospects. Local Election Watch: Coconino County released initial unofficial results in Flagstaff’s special election on the Regional Land Use Plan 2045, with 56.66% voting yes as ballots continue to be counted. Data Center Heat: An ASU study finds large East Valley data centers may warm nearby neighborhoods by a few degrees, raising fresh pressure on how growth is planned. ICE Oversight: Lawmakers renewed scrutiny of an overcrowded Mesa ICE facility after reports of overflowing toilets and overcrowding beyond capacity. Sports: The D-backs capped a late rally with Ketel Marte’s walk-off homer to beat the Giants 5-3.

Student Loans Fight: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul and a coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows access to federal loans for “professional” graduate programs, arguing the department rewrote Congress’s definition and could cut off funding for healthcare and other critical workforce fields. Arizona Courts & Prisons: A federal judge overseeing Arizona prison healthcare is moving to quickly appoint a receiver, tying the decision to upcoming state budget talks—while Arizona’s new Independent Correctional Oversight Office still lacks funding one year after creation. Local Governance: Tucson Spotlight polled residents on what they want to read, with housing, homelessness, roads and immigration topping the list. National Politics: The Senate confirmed John Conley to lead the Arizona National Guard and confirmed Steve Pearce to run the BLM, both amid sharp partisan debate. Tech & Heat: New research links data-center growth to hotter local temperatures, adding pressure on how communities plan for AI infrastructure.

Carefree Elections: Carefree voters will pick three town council seats and a mayor starting July 21, with candidates including Peter Gladkin, Les Hardie, George Nelson, Ted Taylor, Sharon Smith and incumbent Sheila Amoroso for council, plus Melissa Price challenging incumbent John Crane for mayor. AI Backlash at Graduation: The University of Arizona and other campuses saw boos and heckling as Eric Schmidt and other AI boosters faced a growing wave of student anger over jobs and the future of work. Nancy Guthrie Case: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says investigators are getting closer on unknown DNA from blood spatter, but he’s no longer directly communicating with the family—now handled by the FBI and detectives. Local Crime: Goodyear police are investigating a roadside “auto repair” pitch that turned into a Zelle fraud, and Scottsdale arrested four men tied to an April drive-by shooting. Utilities & Costs: APS is pushing a 14–16% residential rate hike, while Arizona lawmakers and advocates argue data centers shouldn’t shift costs onto everyone else.

Duffy Road Trip Ethics: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says his family’s “Great American Road Trip” YouTube series was properly funded, but sponsors tied to the pitch won’t say how much they paid—leaving fresh questions about conflicts of interest. China Scrutiny: A national security expert says Gov. Katie Hobbs faces renewed pressure over how she handles Arizona bills targeting China-linked influence, after multiple vetoes in prior years. Election Rules Fight: Pima County Republicans sued to overturn state polling-place regulations, arguing they violate First Amendment rights; a judge is set to rule by May 29. Prison Healthcare Overhaul: A federal judge is pushing for a quick receiver to run Arizona’s troubled prison healthcare system for more than 25,000 inmates. Border Wall Backlash: Indigenous leaders warn the U.S.-Mexico border wall is desecrating sacred sites, including Kuuchamaa Mountain. Local Watch: Tempe voters will decide whether a new sales tax expands preschool access.

Border Wall Clash: Indigenous leaders say U.S. border wall construction is desecrating sacred Kuuchamaa Mountain, with dynamite blasting rocks across the border and tribes weighing legal action. Public Safety: Phoenix is set to tighten fireworks rules—expanding no-fireworks zones and boosting police power to seize illegal fireworks—after rising fire and air-quality concerns. AI and Kids: A mother in Arizona is warning parents after her son’s suicide, saying he bonded with an AI chatbot for months before his death. Elections Fight: Voters seek an injunction against Arizona’s Election Procedures Manual, arguing it can let officials punish political speech and apparel at polling places. World Cup Politics: Iran’s national team heads to Türkiye for a final friendly and visa steps before flying to the U.S., with FIFA calling talks “excellent” and “constructive.” Tech/Business: Advantest will demo design-to-test automation in Scottsdale, while Arizona’s utility-profit debate keeps heating up as bills rise.

Election Claims: Acting AG Todd Blanche told Fox there’s “a ton of evidence” the 2020 election was rigged, but he still won’t say what it is or promise charges—only that investigations are ongoing in Arizona and Georgia. Border Wall Clash: Indigenous leaders say U.S. border wall construction is desecrating sacred Kumeyaay sites after federal blasting and bulldozing near Kuuchamaa Mountain. Budget Fight: The Senate parliamentarian blocked Trump’s proposed White House ballroom funding from a fast-track budget plan, forcing Republicans to find a harder path to pass it. Nancy Guthrie Case: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has cut direct contact with Savannah Guthrie’s family, shifting communications to the FBI as the search tops 100 days. Local Safety: A Camelback Mountain hiker was rescued after a fall and is stable; Phoenix also saw a fatal crash involving speed and impairment, with charges pending.

FBI Ethics Firestorm: New reports say FBI Director Kash Patel joined a “VIP snorkel” near the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii—despite strict rules against swimming there—adding to scrutiny over his travel and use of government resources. Arizona Crime & Safety: In Buckeye, police say a man shot and killed a pregnant 16-year-old; her family says he’s the father of her baby. In Phoenix, two men were injured in an apartment complex shooting. Local Governance: Tempe City Council advanced a 0.5% sales tax measure to plug a $24M budget gap, with residents immediately pushing back. Water & Power: Arizona AG Kris Mayes is challenging utility rate hikes as AI-driven demand boosts profits and bills. World Stage: FIFA says it’s confident Iran will play in the World Cup in the U.S., after constructive talks with Iran’s football federation. Weather Watch: A Red Flag Warning warns of critical fire weather across northern and parts of eastern Arizona.

AI Backlash at Graduation: University of Arizona students booed former Google CEO Eric Schmidt during his commencement speech as he warned that tech can polarize democracies and “degrade the public square,” with boos swelling when he turned to AI. Local Safety & Crime: A suspect was detained after a Mesa shooting left a man critically injured, and Phoenix police reported a crash that sent a motorcyclist and a 16-year-old to the hospital after a vehicle reportedly turned into their path. International Security: An Iraqi man tied to Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah was charged in the U.S. over alleged planning of nearly 20 attacks across Europe and the U.S., including targets tied to Jewish communities in New York, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale. Border Wall Fallout: Construction linked to Trump’s border wall is said to be damaging a sacred Kumiai mountain in Mexico’s Baja California. Business & Everyday Life: Spirit Airlines’ collapse is raising questions about what happens to its 90+ aircraft left scattered across airports, while Tucson restaurants are dealing with surging tomato prices.

Mexico Cartel Case: A former Sinaloa public security chief, Gerardo Merida Sanchez, appeared in federal court in Manhattan after his Arizona arrest, facing charges tied to bribes and helping the Sinaloa Cartel smuggle drugs into the U.S.; he was ordered jailed and is back in court June 1. Terror Crackdown: U.S. prosecutors also detailed charges against Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, accused of helping coordinate nearly 20 attacks across Europe and the U.S., including plots targeting Jewish sites. World Cup Diplomacy: FIFA says its secretary-general will meet Iran’s football federation in Istanbul to reassure Iran about World Cup participation after visa and security concerns. Arizona Public Safety: DHS watchdog investigators are set to review whether ICE overpaid for a Surprise warehouse meant to become a detention center. Local Life: A plane crash near Sun Lakes left one person aboard, with no injuries reported.

Terror Charges: A federal complaint unsealed in Manhattan charges Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi with plotting at least 18 attacks across Europe and North America, including alleged plans to target Jewish sites—prosecutors say he mapped a synagogue in New York City and Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. Colorado River: The U.S. is drawing up a new 10-year water-sharing plan for the drought-stricken Colorado River that could force Arizona, California and Nevada to cut up to 40% of current supplies to protect Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Nancy Guthrie Case: In Tucson, Sheriff Chris Nanos says investigators are now building a digital timeline, cataloging “thousands and thousands of videos” from doorbells and intersections as the search shifts from physical leads to footage review. Wildfire Watch: Fire and smoking restrictions kicked in May 15 on Arizona state trust lands in Maricopa, Gila and Pinal counties.

Education Courtroom Clash: A Maricopa County judge issued a partial ruling in the East Valley Institute of Technology funding fight, siding with districts on one key point: EVIT can’t keep student-generated career-tech money unless it’s actually used for related services—while broader demands for tighter agreements were rejected, leaving the legal battle very much alive. School Closures in Motion: Tucson Unified has formally started the process to evaluate potential closures and consolidations, with a months-long timeline that includes required public notice and hearings before any board vote. Vouchers Take Center Stage: Arizona’s GOP superintendent debate turned combative over Empowerment Scholarship Account oversight and DEI, with Tom Horne and Kimberly Yee trading sharp accusations. Public Safety: A triple house fire in Phoenix displaced 11 people, and a separate Buckeye shooting left one dead and two injured, with a suspect still at large. National Spotlight: FBI Director Kash Patel’s “VIP snorkel” near the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor is drawing fresh backlash. Sports & Local Life: The Cardinals released their 2026 schedule, while West Valley restaurants are gearing up for Arizona Restaurant Week.

Crypto Breakthrough: The Senate Banking Committee advanced the long-stalled CLARITY Act, with Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego joining all Republicans in a 15-9 vote—sending the bill to the full Senate and helping push Bitcoin back toward $82,000. Arizona Education Fight: In Arizona’s superintendent race, Democrats and Republicans are trading fire over ESA voucher oversight, teacher retention, and alleged improper spending, with a televised clash between Tom Horne and Kimberly Yee’s camp spotlighting audit findings. Nancy Guthrie Case: The search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continues to draw national attention, including new comments from Khloé Kardashian questioning why she’s still not found. Public Safety at Home: Avondale approved a public safety bond measure for the Nov. 3 ballot, aiming to fund fire and court facilities plus equipment and tech. Utility Help: SRP customers may now qualify for Power AZ bill assistance, expanding eligibility beyond traditional low-income programs.

Superintendent showdown: Arizona’s Democratic candidates for state schools chief, Brett Newby and Teresa Leyba Ruiz, faced off in a Clean Elections debate, with both targeting the ESA voucher program and teacher pay—while the GOP debate is set for tonight. Public safety: A high-speed motorcycle chase on I-10 near Willcox ended with an off-ramp crash and felony charges for the rider. Health care crackdown: CMS announced a six-month pause on new Medicare enrollment for hospice and home health providers amid fraud concerns. ICE accountability: A medical examiner ruled an ICE detainee in Arizona died from a severe dental infection, and officials described a separate Phoenix barricade tied to a mental health crisis. Drugs: Preliminary CDC data shows U.S. overdose deaths fell again in 2025, though Arizona is among states seeing increases. Local budget: Peoria approved a $1.185B tentative budget with no property or sales tax rate hikes. Lottery: Here are Wednesday’s Arizona Lottery winning numbers.