AGP Executive Report

Seahawks vs. Cardinals: Seattle crushed Arizona 31-7 in Glendale, extending its franchise-record 12 straight wins as Drew Lock filled in for Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba went off with 3 TDs; coach Mike Macdonald also said Darnold’s return timeline has shifted “quite drastically” and rookie RB Jadarian Price’s chest X-rays were negative. Arizona courts & voting: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s push to restrict mail ballots for the midterms, keeping states’ long-running processes in place. Local animal rescue: Tucson-area groups are asking for help placing baby sulcata tortoises, warning that the unregulated pet trade is flooding rescues and could lead to invasive problems. Weather: Southeast Arizona is set for more moisture and daily storm chances, with temps near normal to slightly above. Business/legal: Paramount settlement talks with a coalition of state AGs remain tense, with Arizona among the states resisting a quick, lenient deal. Sports beyond Arizona: Alex Bregman was taken to a hospital after a foul ball struck his face. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $313 million for Monday’s drawing.

Arizona Football: Noah Fifita set Arizona’s career passing-yard record in a 42-17 rout of Northern Illinois, finishing 31-of-34 for 325 yards and five TDs as the Wildcats overcame a rough start. Wildcats vs. Washington State: Arizona opens as a big favorite (about 12.5 points) for its nonconference road finale at Washington State, with the over/under around 49.5. D-backs Playoff Push: Arizona beat the Yankees 5-3 on Pavin Smith’s walk-off homer, keeping the NL wild-card chase tight as the teams head into Sunday’s finale. Prop 319: Voters will weigh new limits on speed and red-light camera programs, including requiring approval for qualifying photo-enforcement and deadlines for communities without signed contracts. Medicaid Fraud: An Arizona church and pastor face allegations tied to a $60M Medicaid fraud scheme, including claims of laundering over $2M to Rwanda. Phoenix Cold Case: Phoenix police reopened the 2008 killing of 18-year-old Melinda Landeros, asking for tips after nearly 18 years. Heat Safety: Scottsdale firefighters rescued a family after a group ran out of water on the McDowell Mountains trail, highlighting how fast conditions can turn dangerous.

Arizona Sports: Pavin Smith’s two-run homer in the ninth lifted the Diamondbacks to a 5-3 win over the Yankees, pulling Arizona within four games of the NL wild-card race with seven to play. College Football (Arizona): Arizona State survived the travel and the messiness in London, beating Kansas 24-17 in the Union Jack Classic; Jaren Hamilton returned a kickoff 100 yards for a TD. College Football (Next up): The Wildcats host Northern Illinois at Casino Del Sol Stadium, aiming to bounce back after a rough start to the season. Public Records: The Arizona Supreme Court strengthened protections for public records requests, saying judges can’t just defer to agencies that claim documents aren’t releasable. Elections & Privacy: State GOP Rep. John Gillette accused Arizona officials of a voter-data double standard tied to ERIC participation. Local Business: Tempe bar and restaurant owners are adjusting as fewer people drink, reshaping spaces to keep customers coming.

Public Records: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that agencies can’t destroy records once a request is known, and may have to cover legal fees when delays or denials frustrate requesters. Education & Demographics: New state data shows Imagine Prep Superstition’s enrollment included 131 white students in 2025-26, while other small charter districts reported similarly detailed counts. Sports Betting & Local Sports: Arizona’s sports scene keeps rolling with major college football coverage and a big London matchup spotlighting Arizona State vs. Kansas. Local Crime & Safety: A woman was stabbed to death outside a Glendale corner market, and parents raised concerns about who watched girls undress at an Arizona school amid an ongoing investigation. Health Care Fraud: A Peoria man was indicted in a Medicaid fraud case tied to Native American billing, accused of hiding ownership and submitting charges for services not rendered. Community Life: Sedona residents pushed for an indoor pool as the city weighs a future recreation center. Gaming: Gold Canyon RV Resort is seeking a bingo license for Wednesday night games.

Public Records Fight: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled agencies can’t dodge disclosure by destroying requested records, and judges shouldn’t defer to agencies’ “not subject to disclosure” calls—potentially opening the door to fee-shifting for challengers. State Funding Pressure: A House committee hearing next week will probe why Arizona missed the federal Single Audit deadline for four straight years, with HHS warning of possible federal funding enforcement. Homelessness in the Heat: Hundreds of Phoenix-area families say hotel vouchers meant to last through Sept. 30 were cut short, leaving them back on overflowing shelter waitlists. Road Closures: ADOT plans major weekend maintenance closures, including I-10 through the Deck Park Tunnel and Loop 202 segments, with I-17 and other routes suggested as backups. Local Courts & Policy: The court also strengthened public-records access rights, reinforcing that delays and denials can trigger legal remedies. Sports (Cardinals): Week 2 injury report: Garrett Williams ruled out; Budda Baker and Trey McBride practiced fully.

Local Tragedy: Two separate death investigations in the Pearce area are still active, including a fatal hit-and-run on State Route 181 and the death of 58-year-old Amanda J. Walker found in a front yard on Shepherd Hills Road. Public Health: Cochise County reports West Nile virus in the Sierra Vista area, urging residents to prevent mosquito bites. City Hall Watch: Tombstone’s mayor and council advanced items including accounts payable and a school-adjacent road project, while a council code-of-conduct resolution was pulled for more review. Sports & Community: Arizona’s “redline game” message is aimed at Northern Illinois, as the Wildcats look for a bounce-back at Casino Del Sol Stadium. State Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, a major figure in Arizona water policy, has died at 84. Tech/Utilities: Verizon is seeking FCC approval to retire copper landlines in Arizona as it shifts customers to fiber and wireless.

Arizona Politics & Water: Arizonans mourn the death of former Sen. Jon Kyl, remembered for decades of work on Western water policy and public lands. Environment & Health: The EPA’s rollback of greenhouse gas rules for power plants could worsen air pollution impacts in Pima County, raising concerns about asthma and other health effects. Water Supply: Federal Interior cuts to Colorado River allocations are prompting Arizona experts to plan for tighter supplies. Courts & Prisons: Arizona asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a prison healthcare takeover. Public Safety: AZDPS says it arrested a man in Phoenix for impersonating a police officer during a traffic stop on I-17. Business & Consumer Protection: A Tucson man faces federal charges after allegedly taking more than $100,000 from his late mother’s benefits. Sports (Arizona): The Diamondbacks open a key series vs. the Yankees at Chase Field, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their World Series win. NFL (Arizona): With Sam Darnold out, Drew Lock is set to start for Seattle against the Cardinals, with an emphasis on protecting the ball.

Arizona Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, a longtime Arizona power broker who served nearly three decades in Congress, has died at 84. U.S. Soccer: Christian Pulisic was left off the U.S. roster for upcoming friendlies, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan earned a call-up and could become one of the youngest Americans in years. NFL (Arizona): Week 2 kicks off with the Bills hosting the Lions on Prime Video, and the Seahawks visit the Arizona Cardinals Sunday on FOX. Public Health: Arizona authorizes the latest flu vaccines via a standing order that lets pharmacists administer shots without a doctor’s prescription. Courts/Prisons: Arizona asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a prison healthcare takeover tied to a federal judge’s order. Wildfire & Forests: Kaibab National Forest and Arizona forestry officials are partnering on fuel-reduction and restoration across nearly 14,000 acres. Local Events: Sedona plans a Sept. 28 open house on city carbon-reduction projects, including chargers and solar.

NFL Injury Update (Arizona): The Seattle Seahawks ruled out QB Sam Darnold for Sunday’s game at the Arizona Cardinals, citing a glute injury. Coach Mike Macdonald said there’s no plan to put him on injured reserve, but Drew Lock will start. College Football (Arizona ties): LSU QB Sam Leavitt, a former Arizona State transfer, is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s top matchup at Ole Miss with an undisclosed injury; LSU is monitoring him closely and could turn to Landen Clark. NBA (Phoenix): The Phoenix Suns are signing center Duop Reath to add frontcourt depth after Mark Williams’ shoulder injury sidelined him for months. Local Law & Safety (Arizona): A new Arizona law makes lane splitting between moving vehicles a misdemeanor with possible jail time for repeat offenders, while lane filtering remains legal at low speeds. Weather & Public Safety (Phoenix-area): Sudden monsoon storms in Mesa triggered flash flooding, with rescues reported after drivers got trapped in rising water. Environment/Local Politics (Southern Arizona): A Sahuarita environmental group denies allegations that members confronted a town councilmember outside his home, while police increased patrols near the residence.

Sports: The Diamondbacks’ playoff push is on the line Wednesday as they face the Marlins in a must-win finale after Tuesday’s 4-2, 11-inning loss left Arizona 2½ games behind San Diego with 10 to play. Wildlife & Water: A federal judge heard arguments over expanding a massive Pinto Valley pit mine in eastern Arizona, with claims it has cut nearby Pinto Creek flow by more than 90% and threatens endangered birds. Public Safety: Cochise County detectives arrested a teen tied to swatting calls in Louisiana, charging him with terroristic threats and false reporting. Health: Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are expanding into new areas, raising concerns as cases spread beyond Florida. Business & Tech: Air Products says it will invest about $250 million in Arizona to build high-purity gas infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing. Legal/Consumer: Arizona Attorney General Kristin Mayes filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal alleging it hid cancer risks from hair relaxer products. Local Politics: Arizona’s ballot order system is drawing fresh questions about fairness.

Cold Case Update: Arizona AG investigators say DNA from beer bottles and cigarettes helped identify Gary Billups as the likely killer in the 1987 Glendale cemetery murder of Navy veteran James “Jim” Chafin; Billups died by suicide days after being questioned, and DNA later matched brothers Kenneth and Willie Mayfield. Healthcare Fraud: A Peoria man was indicted for allegedly defrauding AHCCCS/Medicaid of more than $33 million over a year, billing for services he says were never provided and using proceeds for property and a luxury vehicle. Local Jobs: Phoenix Public Library is hosting a job fair Sept. 17 at Ocotillo Library for ages 16+ with employers including AHCCCS and city of Phoenix. Public Safety Tech Debate: Peoria police defended Flock license-plate reader cameras after using them to locate a missing 82-year-old man within hours, as privacy concerns grow. Food Security: Mobile Meals and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona announced a planned merger, saying services will continue uninterrupted during the transition. Sports (AZ angle): Diamondbacks and other NL action continues as MLB races tighten, with Arizona Fall League rosters also taking shape.

Arizona Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court kept new Postal Service mail-ballot rules on hold, a move that could matter most in closely watched midterm races where mail voting drove a huge share of turnout, including in Arizona. Elections & Voting Access: Trump blasted the court decision blocking his mail-voting executive orders, arguing the ruling “let our country down.” Public Safety & Surveillance: An EFF review says officers nationwide have entered jokes or gibberish into Flock Safety’s “reason for search” field, including searches tied to Arizona agencies. Grand Canyon Update: Park rangers found human remains in Grand Canyon National Park; investigators say identity and cause of death aren’t yet known. Water & Environment: Colorado River managers warned conditions are worsening, with looming cuts and shrinking reservoirs. Local Economy: Arizona’s minimum wage is set to rise again in 2027, with ripple effects for employers and workers. Sports (Arizona): The Diamondbacks turned to Michael Soroka as they chase the NL wild-card race, while the Cardinals head into Week 2 after a surprise win over the Chargers.

Arizona Public Safety: A massive bee swarm invaded Intel’s Ocotillo campus in Chandler, sending 3 people to the hospital and treating 7 more as crews traced the activity to a hive inside a storage unit. Weather Alert: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for East Central Pima County as thunderstorms dump heavy rain, with flash flooding ongoing or expected until 7:45 p.m. Local Crime/Justice: A door-to-door salesman was shot in Scottsdale, and FOX10’s roundup also highlights other major local incidents. Sports—Arizona NFL: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is dealing with a “very unique soft-tissue” glute injury; Seattle says it’s short-term with no firm return timeline, and Drew Lock is expected to start vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Sports—Chargers Injury: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey is considered day-to-day with a rib injury after leaving Sunday’s game vs. Arizona. Arizona Economy/Cost of Living: Arizona’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15.65 in 2027, with Flagstaff’s rate also increasing. Water Watch: Scottsdale is weighing a plan to send advanced purified wastewater into the Central Arizona Project canal to improve water quality, but downstream objections and compensation costs loom.

Arizona Minimum Wage: Arizona’s minimum wage is set to rise 50 cents in January to $15.65, with Tucson hitting $16 and Flagstaff also increasing—plus tipped workers’ rates adjust under the new floor. Local Economy & Housing: Phoenix is moving ahead with a $750,000 plan to turn shipping containers into 40 tiny homes for homeless seniors, with 56 permanent units planned. Public Safety & Courts: A federal report says Trump administration deportations of more than 170 migrants have violated court orders, including a case tied to Arizona detention. Immigration & Crime: A DoorDash driver in California allegedly stalked a woman for months after entering illegally and fatally shot her outside a Panera. Sports (Arizona): The Diamondbacks open a home series vs. the Marlins as their wild-card race tightens after a rough weekend. NFL (Arizona): The Cardinals’ Week 1 upset over the Chargers made Mike LaFleur the first full-time coach to win his debut since 1973. Tech & Safety: ASU researchers unveiled an AI heat-stress early-warning system for construction workers using wearable sensors.

Arizona Sports: Mike LaFleur won his Cardinals debut as Arizona upset the heavily favored Chargers 26-14 at SoFi, with rookie Jeremiyah Love making an immediate impact. NFL Injury Watch: Kyler Murray’s Vikings debut ended early with a concussion after a scramble against the Packers; Carson Wentz took over and Minnesota rallied to win 39-22. MLB: The Diamondbacks designated Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment as the Padres kept rolling, beating the Giants 6-4 to move closer to the NL wild-card race. Weather: Southeast Arizona faces an active week with daily storm chances and a Flash Flood Watch Monday. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $251 million for Monday’s drawing. Local Politics/Crime: Phoenix police are investigating vandalism of a Charlie Kirk Turning Point USA statue. Business/Legal: Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits will pay $12.5M to resolve a federal bribery probe.

UFC in Glendale: Former champ Alexa Grasso outpointed Manon Fiorot, 29-28 on all three cards, setting up a big 125-pound title picture as Natalia Silva and Wang Cong are slated to crown a new champion Oct. 3. MLB playoff push: Eduardo Rodriguez gets the start for Arizona in the Sunday finale vs. the Rangers, with both teams chasing late-season wild-card positioning. NFL injury news tied to Arizona schedule: Rams pass-rusher Myles Garrett is headed to injured reserve after planned knee surgery, likely sidelining him through at least Week 5 and making the Week 6 matchup vs. the Cardinals a key return target. Public safety/justice: Nancy Guthrie remains missing months after authorities said she was forcibly taken; new online speculation continues to swirl around the case. Arizona policy fight: A vape tax proposal is back in the mix as tobacco funding drops, while Arizona lawmakers debate how to fund early childhood programs. Sports culture: A Charlie Kirk statue at Turning Point USA HQ in Phoenix was vandalized overnight.