Border & Environment: Protesters occupied Lochiel cottonwood in defiance of border wall environmental waivers, spotlighting how federal border projects collide with local habitat protections. Consumer & Housing Fraud: Minnesota AG Ellison won a $945K settlement with Arizona-based Unlock Partnership Solutions over illegal “home equity agreements,” calling them unlicensed predatory mortgage lending. Public Safety & Privacy: Chandler abruptly ended its Flock automated license plate reader program after an audit flagged an “anomaly,” with city officials investigating possible misuse. Courts & Elections: A judge ruled an Arizona ballot measure description illegal, ordering the secretary of state to recraft language after finding it improperly referenced another proposition. Immigration Policy: Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. John Curtis advanced a bipartisan state-sponsored visa pilot concept that would let Arizona help build lawful immigration pathways tied to labor needs. Colorado River Water: Lake Mead hit a new record low, underscoring worsening drought pressure on Arizona’s water future. Wildlife & Law: A lawsuit targets Arizona mountain lion sport hunting, arguing state killings of kittens and juveniles are unsustainable and violate wildlife protections. Crime & Justice: Tucson police say a man accused of killing his girlfriend fled to Germany and was arrested there, with extradition to Arizona pending.