AGP Executive Report

WNBA Spotlight: Phoenix Mercury honored Diana Taurasi with a Ring of Honor induction and retired her No. 3 jersey during halftime vs. Portland, celebrating her 20-year impact on Arizona women’s basketball. Arizona Sports Update: Cardinals rookie RB Jeremiyah Love is expected to miss the rest of the preseason with a high ankle sprain, putting his Sept. 13 regular-season opener in question. Creator Economy in Arizona: ASU launched a bachelor’s degree in content creation through the Walter Cronkite School, training students in podcasting, studio production, and on-camera skills—more than just “going viral.” Reality TV Buzz: Big Brother 28 returns with a Time Trip theme and 17 houseguests, including three surprise entrants (two Survivor alums). MLB Watch: Diamondbacks open a 3-game series at Boston’s Fenway Park, with projected starters Mitch Bratt vs. Alec Gamboa. Sports Legacy: Tommy John, the pitcher whose elbow surgery changed baseball forever, has died at 83. Entertainment Roundup: Bonnie Tyler’s family announced her death, and a separate list highlights major celebrity losses from 2026.

Arts Funding: Peoria City Council approved $264,000 in arts and culture grants for fiscal year 2027, backing 39 local programs—from TheaterWorks youth outreach and Ballet Under the Stars to the Multicultural Music Festival. Phoenix Dining: The Ra Ra Room, a members-only luxury club hidden behind an unmarked door at the downtown arena, is redefining pregame hospitality with Major Food Group’s Carbone pedigree. Music & Education: Millennium High School’s marching band is scrambling for baritone instruments after a shortage of usable baritones, with boosters and the district pitching in to keep the program growing. Sports Spotlight: Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez made MLB history with three homers in his debut, while Arizona’s Diamondbacks aim for a Sunday sweep of the Braves behind Michael Soroka’s return. Local Sports Culture: Arizona’s ESA debate keeps heating up as lawmakers and voters clash over what education is for. Community Safety: Arizona troopers put a big rig out of service after spotting load-securement and lighting violations on I-10.

MLB Spotlight: The Arizona Diamondbacks kept rolling in Atlanta, beating the Braves 10-3 as Eduardo Rodriguez settled in and Nolan Arenado launched two homers, clinching the three-game series. Game-Day Guide: D-backs vs. Braves is set for Sunday, Aug. 16 at 1:35 p.m. ET at Truist Park, with TV listed as BravesVsn and Dbacks.TV. Local Politics & Media: A political fight is heating up over a report alleging JoAnna Mendoza received education-related property-tax benefits on two homes, with critics calling it “covering for” and defenders pointing to a “mistake.” Arizona Education: In Yuma, families are still waiting to learn how much tuition help will cover through Student Tuition Organizations, showing how school-choice funding can be complicated in practice. Pop Culture: Frankie Valli says he’s not retired, insisting he’s “improving” after tough health times. Sports Business: ASU’s Novus Innovation Corridor is adding an upscale Tempe hotel tied to Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio.

Local Safety & Accountability: Influencer Emilie Kiser apologized after a year-old drowning case, saying she let her 16-month-old sit on a boat without a life jacket—an incident tied to the death of her 3-year-old son in May 2025. Outdoor Recreation: A free BLM shooting range near Maricopa reopened after fire restrictions lifted, just in time for National Shooting Sports Month. Arizona Sports (MLB): The Diamondbacks shut out the Braves 2-0 behind Brandon Pfaadt, and Saturday’s matchup pairs Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Atlanta’s Grant Holmes. Arizona Sports (NFL): Cardinals rookie RB Jeremiyah Love will miss at least a week with an ankle injury; rookie guard Chase Bisontis heads to injured reserve. Arts & Entertainment: Arizona Musicfest announced its 2026-27 season with Bill Murray, Justin Hayward, Postmodern Jukebox, and Broadway stars. Education/Media: ASU launched a new bachelor’s degree in content creation through the Walter Cronkite School.

ASU & Influencer Degrees: Arizona State University just launched a bachelor’s in content creation through the Walter Cronkite School, with electives on podcasting, studio production, and on-camera presence—already sparking debate over whether “content creation” is a real career and if a college degree is worth it. Arizona Sports Spotlight: The Diamondbacks kept rolling, blanking the Braves 2-0 behind Brandon Pfaadt’s dominant start, while the Cardinals got a brutal preseason hit: rookie guard Chase Bisontis is facing surgery after a torn MCL that could sideline him for most or all of 2026. Local Community & Safety: Pima County’s Pima Family Advocacy Center opened to serve domestic violence survivors with counseling, legal help, protective orders, and law enforcement support under one roof. Women’s Sports Momentum: A new report highlights why Arizona has become a destination for women’s sports, pointing to Phoenix’s growing pull and the momentum behind it. Big National Headline: Trump downplayed concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, saying the deployment is “not nearly long enough,” as lawmakers push back.

Spanish-Language Sports Radio: TelevisaUnivision teamed up with the Los Angeles Chargers, making “Latino Mix 103.9/98.3 FM” and “TUDN Los Angeles” the official Spanish radio homes for every game this NFL preseason and through the 2026 season. Arizona Sports Buzz: The Diamondbacks hit the road for a Braves weekend set, with Friday’s matchup featuring Brandon Pfaadt vs. Chris Sale at Truist Park. NFL Rookie Spotlight: Raiders No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza impressed in his preseason debut vs. Arizona, then credited God and teammates while taking tough self-criticism after the loss. Local Arts & Learning: Sonoran Arts League Studio will host master ceramic instructor David Lloyd Bradley for September classes. Tucson Concert: Kane Brown brought big energy to his Casino del Sol show, including new music and a playful callout about “pterodactyl mosquitos.” Mesa Pop Culture: A Mesa trading card show (Aug. 15-16) is banking on the TCG boom, with PSA pausing submissions due to demand. Education Watch: Arizona State launched a content creation major for influencers—already sparking debate over whether it’s a real degree.

NFL Preseason Buzz (Raiders): Fernando Mendoza made his Raiders debut vs. the Cardinals, going 10-for-16 for 97 yards and a TD in a 27-14 loss, while Kirk Cousins started and Arizona’s Carson Beck sat out with a rib injury. Local Sports (MLB): Kyle Schwarber powered the Phillies to a 7-1 win over the Twins at the Field of Dreams, launching two homers into the corn as Hall of Famers emerged for the big nostalgia moment. Arizona Politics & Work: The Arizona House cut about 10% of staff, hitting nonpartisan and administrative roles after state budget cuts. Community Voices (Solar): Three Points neighbors packed a meeting opposing a proposed 500-megawatt Repsol solar farm, arguing it would harm the area’s nature and benefits don’t add up. Netflix in Arizona: Netflix is producing a new reality series, “Arizona Hot,” following young adults navigating romance and rivalries in the state. Education & Media: ASU launched a bachelor’s in content creation, sparking debate over whether influencer-focused degrees are worth it. Big Tech/Media Business: Scripps reported Q2 results tied to advertising pressure and distribution blackouts.

High School Football Fashion: Patrick Mahomes’ Gladiator brand is expanding its logo-uniform program to 13 high school teams, including Arizona’s Chandler—fans can expect all-white looks inspired by Texas Tech’s “Too Cold” style. White House Shakeup: Karoline Leavitt’s planned step-down has sparked early speculation on who Trump will name next press secretary, with multiple names already circulating. Arizona Entertainment & Sports Picks: Tucson’s “4 The Weekend” highlights a Derek Hough dance show at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, the UArizona photo exhibit “Animality,” and the Arizona Rattlers’ indoor title game. MLB Spotlight: The Dodgers’ skid talk continues as they open a key series vs. the Brewers, while MLB power rankings crown Milwaukee No. 1. Reality TV Watch: Netflix has greenlit “Arizona Hot (w/t),” a new ensemble reality series set in the state. Health Care Cost Crunch: A report spotlights hospitals demanding insured patients pay upfront before care, raising alarm over patient protections.

Sports Media & Local Culture: TelevisaUnivision is teaming up with the Arizona Cardinals, launching Spanish radio flagships “TUDN Phoenix 105.1 FM” and “Latino Mix 100.3” as the new Spanish-language home for Cardinals games. Community & Arts: Sonoran Arts League says the 30th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour runs Nov. 20-22 and Nov. 27-29, featuring 151 artists across 38 Desert Foothills studios. Fundraiser Spotlight: “Dancing with the Desert Stars” returns Sept. 19 in Carefree (6-9 p.m.), with local TV personalities competing to raise money for four Desert Foothills nonprofits. Local Wellness: A Tucson combatives instructor is offering a free women’s self-defense class at Apex MMA on Aug. 22, focused on de-escalation and confidence. Border Reality Check: Humane Borders reports 73 sets of remains recovered in Arizona this year through July, up from 59 at the same point in 2025, despite fewer border crossings. Creator Economy (Yuma): A Yuma-area wrestling influencer is highlighted as the creator economy keeps growing, with local creators building bilingual audiences and training content.

NFL Training Camp & Preseason Buzz: Cardinals wrapped up camp at State Farm Stadium, with Jacoby Brissett labeled the biggest winner and Trey Benson the biggest loser heading into the next preseason phase. Quarterback Shakeup: Vikings officially named Kyler Murray their starter over J.J. McCarthy, ending Minnesota’s QB battle and reshuffling the rest of the depth chart. NFL Off-Field Drama: DeAndre Hopkins reignited the 2022 drug-test controversy by accusing former Cardinals GM Steve Keim of “setting him up,” and Keim has now retained counsel to respond. MLB Fan Culture: MLB teams keep leaning into creative giveaways—pope hats, bloody jerseys, and bobbleheads—to pull crowds. Arizona Baseball Move: D-backs closer Paul Sewald was DFA’d and quickly claimed by the Blue Jays, likely ending his primary closer role. Arts & Community: Mesa International Film Festival kicks off downtown Mesa with 130+ indie films and free service-professional access. Local Culture: Hell City Tattoo Convention returns to the Arizona Biltmore Aug. 14–16 with 200+ artists, competitions, and live entertainment. Music: Steve Lacy announces a North American “Oh Yeah?” fall tour. Road to LLWS: Little League Region tournaments continue Aug. 12, including an Arizona matchup in the West Region.

Arizona Football: The Wildcats held their first night practice at Casino Del Sol Stadium, with a noticeably improved sound system and early standouts including QB Noah Fifita connecting with Chris Hunter, Giovanni Richardson and Jordan Ross. Stadium Food & Sports Betting: Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is taking over the BetMGM Sportsbook restaurant space at State Farm Stadium, with a soft opening Oct. 5 ahead of the Oct. 25 Broncos game. Local Sports Spotlight: Pasco, Washington honored its Little League champions after a state title run that included a trip to the West Region Tournament in Nogales, Arizona. Pro Football Buzz: Raiders fans are already rallying around rookie QB Fernando Mendoza after his first Allegiant Stadium practice, while receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. reportedly missed practice again, putting his preseason availability in question. Mental Health Access: Embark Behavioral Health’s Scottsdale clinic is now in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services for adolescents and young adults. Arts & Culture: Arthaus in Arizona hosted “Life’s Journey,” featuring Femi J. Johnson’s work ahead of his studio move to the state. Baseball Notes: The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Tuesday results included a 3-2 win over Colorado, with more MLB action on the schedule for Wednesday.

Arm Wrestling Spotlight: San Tan Valley’s Tim Tallmadge returned from East vs. West 25 in Batumi, Georgia with a shocking 3-0 win over Georgian star Vala Ichqiti. Casino Opening Buzz: Media got a look inside Tucson’s new Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam, ahead of its Nov. 15 opening. Politics & Local Power: Gov. Katie Hobbs officially named former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate, a move aimed at pulling in moderate Republicans and independents. NFL & Arizona Sports: Larry Fitzgerald was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Vikings reportedly picked Kyler Murray as their starter over J.J. McCarthy—news that keeps Arizona football fans watching. Arts & Community: Artists from near and far turned out for the Kimball Arts Festival, while Tucson’s maker scene showed off metal “steel cartoons” at the event. Tech for Good: A Race Against Blindness launched the “Right Toyota Spree” fundraiser, offering one supporter up to $150,000 for a Toyota garage makeover.

Arizona Sports Spotlight: The Diamondbacks jumped on the Rockies early for a 9-0 win, capped by Nolan Arenado’s first-inning grand slam and a strong return from Michael Soroka; Arizona also made a bullpen move by signing and debuting Zack Littell in relief. Local Food & Nightlife: A new downtown Milwaukee Bartolotta restaurant concept is adding an upscale cocktail lounge, Peacock Lounge, with an Art Deco, Vegas-inspired vibe. Fashion (Arizona readers, take note): A roundup of autumn shoe trends is pushing “freaky shoes” and bold shapes into the spotlight. Community & Culture: Auckland’s Identity Dance Company (IDCO) brought home top results from the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix. Civic Watch: A Maricopa rally is planned after a sheriff canceled a Flock license-plate reader contract, with residents asking the city to remove its own camera system. Health & Safety: Researchers say the nationwide cyclospora outbreak likely traces back to sewage contamination reaching food and water supplies. Sports Betting & Tech: Polymarket and Kalshi both promoted new referral codes tied to MLB markets, including Musk-related prediction activity.

Cardinals Honors: Larry Fitzgerald’s No. 11 is headed to the Cardinals Ring of Honor—Arizona will retire his jersey Oct. 25 at State Farm Stadium vs. the Broncos. Pro Baseball (Arizona): Diamondbacks prospect Ashton Izzi keeps climbing, promoted to Triple-A Reno Aces and now one step from the majors. College Hoops (Arizona): ASU’s Tommy Lloyd is sending the Wildcats to Lithuania for three games starting Aug. 19, with local ties from players like Motiejus Krivas. MMA Spotlight: Sherdog’s women’s pound-for-pound list reshuffles as Larissa Pacheco and Raquel Pennington drop out for inactivity, while Virna Jandiroba and Taila Santos enter. Tech for Travelers: Arizona residents can now add driver’s licenses and passports to phone wallets for faster airport checkpoints. Sports Betting & Gambling Help: Arizona expands free financial counseling for people who self-exclude from gambling. Local Arts/Live Music: Zach Top brings his “Cold Beer & Country Music Summer ’26 Tour” to CMAC Aug. 8.

Arizona Sports & Fans: The Arizona Diamondbacks closed out their season series with the Dodgers, 4-2, as Eduardo Rodriguez struck out nine and Ketel Marte homered—Arizona won the weekend and sent LA to more struggles. Cardinals Camp Buzz: At State Farm Stadium, the Cardinals’ Red and White scrimmage featured standouts like Jeremiyah Love and Carson Beck, plus a quiet day for the Jacoby Brissett–Marvin Harrison connection. MLB Spotlight: The Padres took the rubber match over the Astros, 7-2, with homers from Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., Gavin Sheets and Austin Hays. Local Community Sports: Soboba Elders kept chair volleyball rolling with friendly competition, travel, and a big social/potluck vibe. Global Sports Dream: New Zealand swimmer Leo Rodriguez’s path includes a shot at the 2028 LA Olympics, with Arizona State in his background. Crime & Courts: A University of Arizona student accused in a Tucson girlfriend-murder case, Varun Batchigari, was arrested in Germany before boarding a flight onward to India. Arts & Culture: Ainu musician Oki brought traditional tonkori sounds to New York, blending indigenous roots with rock, reggae and African rhythms.

Local Music Spotlight: Ahwatukee pianist Greg Kostraba debuts “Full Circle,” a new album of original works by Ohio composer Rick Sowash, featuring seven world-premiere clarinet-and-piano performances with clarinetist Christopher Bade. Arizona Sports & Culture: Larry Fitzgerald’s Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend is still echoing locally—Devin Booker says Fitzgerald “took me in since day one,” and Fitzgerald paid a full-page Arizona Republic thank-you for making the state feel like home. Baseball in the Valley: The Dodgers and Diamondbacks wrap up their series at Chase Field Sunday, with Eduardo Rodriguez and Justin Wrobleski set to face off after L.A. snapped its long skid. Powerball: No jackpot winner again—Monday’s drawing climbs to an estimated $905 million after Aug. 8 numbers 5-9-35-54-63 and Powerball 7. Arts & Entertainment (Arizona ties): Phoenix Theatre Company is set to stage a comedy, adding to the week’s live-performance buzz.