AZ Memo: Murder in Surprise, Glendale arena vote today; breezy weather; Cards' needs in NFL Draft

Good morning, Arizona.

Metro Phoenix will see below-average temperatures today, with an expected high in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s, according to the National Weather Service.

The wind will stick around, too, but at lower speeds of 5-10 mph.

On Monday, gusty winds blanketed Arizona with dust and snow. That's right -- snow.

The blowing dust even forced an hours-long closure of 62 miles of Interstate 10 from southeastern Arizona into New Mexico.

Winds as strong as 35 mph were recorded at Sky Harbor International Airport.

Breaking overnight: Murder in Surprise

Surprise police reported early Tuesday morning that investigators were searching for a gunman after a man was murdered late Monday.

Police said Roberto Rodriguez, 32, was shot and killed at about 11:45 p.m. Monday after he got into an argument with a man near Dysart and Greenway roads.

Witnesses reported that Rodriguez had traveled to the area to meet someone and also said that the two were engaged in a verbal and physical argument before the shooting occurred.

Police had not provided any description of the shooter as of Tuesday morning but said investigators remained in the area to process the scene.

Glendale to vote on new arena deal

Glendale would cease paying the Arizona Coyotes to run the arena they occupy under a deal scheduled for a City Council vote tonight.

Instead, the city would pay $5.6 million a year to AEG Facilities to operate the hockey and concert venue at Westgate Entertainment District. The deal would be for five years with an option for 10.

By comparison, the city is paying the Coyotes $6.5 million this year to run the arena, and had paid the team $13.5 million in 2014 and $15 million in 2015.

The Coyotes did not submit a bid for the latest contract.

The proposed 46-page contract with AEG was published on the city's website Monday, giving the public a day to review the deal. A vote is scheduled during tonight's meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

To see key features of the deal, read the full report by azcentral's Paul Giblin.

Officer recovering from 'ambush' shooting

One of the Chandler officers who survived an "ambush" shooting over the weekend at a Walmart remained in intensive care Monday.

Officer Joshua Pueblo, 34, was in stable condition and preparing to undergo a second surgery, a police spokesman said.

Pueblo and fellow officer Daniel Colwell, 28, were responding to reports of a trespasser at the store off the San Tan Freeway when they were shot, officials said.

"When the first officer walked into the store, the suspect began firing at the officer immediately," Chandler police spokesman Det. Seth Tyler said, adding that he didn't know how many shots were fired. "You can call it what you want. It sounds like an ambush to me."

Police say the gunman was killed when one of the officers returned fire. The man was identified as 24-year-old Mitchell Oakley, a convicted felon.

Colwell was released from a hospital Saturday afternoon.

State budget deal nears

Leaders of the Arizona House and Senate have apparently reached a deal for the coming fiscal year on a $9.58 billion budget, which they are to unveil today.

The Republicans say the deal gives Gov. Doug Ducey the tax cut he promised, while providing more money for K-12 public schools and universities.

The tentative agreement would also provide additional funding for child welfare. But it does not call for restoration of the KidsCare health-insurance program for low-income children.

According to a Ducey spokesman, the tax cut would total $8 million, allowing businesses to write off more expenses.

For more details, see the full azcentral report.

What do Cards need in NFL Draft? 

The NFL draft is fast approaching. But if you follow such things, you knew already that.

So let's get down to brass tacks: Cardinals beat writer Kent Somers has a breakdown of the current Arizona roster and an assessment of the team’s needs.

The offensive line and the kick team are areas that could use help, Somers says, while also noting that the Cards' recruitment of rookies goes well beyond the Draft.

Not ready to start your workday just yet? Check out our latest Mock Draft, and see which 20 Arizonans have gone in the NFL's First Round.