by Ethan Faverino | Oct 4, 2025 | Must Read, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona State Representative Matt Gress (R-LD4) issued a call to action after completing a day-long tour of homeless encampments across Tucson.
The visit revealed an awful situation that Gress described as a “pure and unmitigated human disaster,” highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to address homelessness, public safety, and access to treatment in Arizona’s communities.
During the tour, Gress met with individuals living in the encampments, including a young man in his early 20s who shared his disturbing story. In and out of jail, the man said he had been attacked by other homeless within the encampment, suffering a broken arm from being assaulted with a baseball bat. There were also visible needle marks on his arms, showing his struggle with addiction.
“He needs help. He deserves help,” Gress emphasized, pointing to the spiral of despair that traps many in similar circumstances.
The tour also brought Gress to a Tucson bike path, the site of a recent tragedy where a cyclist was fatally stabbed in an area known for a large homeless congregation.
Reflecting on the visit, Gress noted, “It doesn’t feel like what Tucson is doing is working, so why are we going to invest more into it? We need greater accountability for people living on the streets, for the cities, and for the nonprofits.”
In response to these alarming conditions, Gress announced plans to introduce legislation in January 2026 aimed at addressing the crisis.
The proposed measures will focus on increasing accountability for individuals, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations while expanding access to treatment resources for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
“Things must change, or more people will die,” Gress warned, underscoring the importance of the situation.
Gress’s visit highlights the challenges facing Tucson and other Arizona communities as they grapple with rising homelessness, public safety concerns, and strained resources.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Oct 1, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman, Chairman of the House Government Committee, urged Governor Hobbs to declare a State of Emergency in Gila County following catastrophic flooding. The flooding that began on Thursday, September 25, 2025, has already claimed at least three lives, with one still missing.
Hobbs waited days before declaring an emergency, finally declaring one on Saturday, September 27.
The floods have washed away vehicles, damaged historic buildings, and scattered hazardous debris, leaving the communities in a state of disaster.
Search and rescue operations, supported by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), and cadaver dogs, continue across Globe and Gila County.
“The people of Gila County are facing a disaster that has taken lives, destroyed homes and businesses, and left our communities in crisis,” said Representative Blackman. “I am in constant contact with local and state officials and working around the clock to make sure families get the help they need. I urge Governor Hobbs to act immediately so state resources can be mobilized for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding.
He added, “Gila County residents need help now. I am calling on the Governor to issue this declaration without delay. Every hour counts when lives and property are at risk.”
The state’s emergency operation center is operating at level 1 with 24-hour staffing from 20 agencies and over 45 personnel.
Globe Mayor Al Gameros confirmed three deaths and one missing as of Monday, September 29, 2025.
“This morning (Sunday), we brought in an incident command team, type 3 team from the state, and they bring in so many resources,” said Mayor Gameros. “They bring in over 150 team members … We also have helicopters on standby.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 30, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) is the clear frontrunner in the Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary, leading businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson by a 24-point margin, according to an exclusive Pulse Decision Science poll.
The survey conducted September 8-10, 2025, among 502 likely Republican primary voters, shows Biggs commanding 55% of the vote compared to Robson’s 31%, with 14% of voters undecided.
The poll highlights Biggs’ strong position as he and Robson look to challenge incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs in the 2026 general election.
If Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-01) were to enter the race, the survey indicates he would place third with just 11% of the vote, while Biggs maintains a 22-point lead over Robson, in a three-way contest, getting 48% to Robson’s 26% and Schweikert’s 11% with 15% undecided.
In a head-to-head matchup, if Robson dropped out of the race, Biggs would still be on top with 61% to Schweikert’s 23%.
“Congressman Andy Biggs enters August as the clear favorite in the GOP Primary Election and stands well-positioned as the strongest candidate to defeat Katie Hobbs in November 2026,” said Drew Sexton, a spokesperson for Biggs. “He’s the only candidate to be endorsed by President Donald J. Trump and Charlie Kirk, the only candidate with an impeccable conservative voting record, and the only candidate with the governing experience at the state and federal level to provide strong leadership for Arizona from Day One.”
Biggs’ campaign is further booming, with Turning Point USA’s PAC investing around $500,000 in his favor, as announced back in June.
Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02) noted that Biggs can effectively spread conservative messages without creating enemies.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever spent much time with Biggs. But unlike a lot of America First fire-breathers that fire up the crowd, Biggs is kind of a happy warrior,” said Crane. “He’s got friends everywhere, and it’s not to say that there are some people that you know are in opposition to him, but he doesn’t pick personal fights with people. He keeps everything professional.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 29, 2025 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Native American students across Arizona are achieving significant improvements in reading and math proficiency, driven by targeted school improvement strategies, according to State Superintendent Tom Horne.
Notably, three schools in the Chinle Unified School District are now surpassing state averages in both math and English, making a transformative shift in educational outcomes. They saw an increase from 20% proficiency in 2023 to 34% districtwide.
“When I took office in January 2023, I was informed that the average proficiency rate for Native American students was five percent,” said Superintendent Horne in a press conference. “This was very upsetting to me, as it would affect the students’ employment prospects and quality of life. I said that we would change everything we were doing in that respect and give total focus to increasing proficiency rates among Native American students. I met with tribal leaders who were shocked to learn about the five percent number and agreed with me that action had to be taken.”
Through collaboration between the Offices of Indian Education and School Improvement, schools have received extensive support, such as teacher training, on-site visits, and leadership guidance, to help them and their students succeed.
Horne added, “With outstanding leadership from leaders of Native American districts, and our help, the proficiency rates of Native American students have soared.”
Other districts in the state have also reported extraordinary progress. Ganado Unified School District saw a 159% growth in students testing proficient in math and English, while Red Mesa Unified School District achieved a growth of 149%.
Baboquivari Unified School District recorded a 197% increase, Kayenta Unified School District a 122% jump, Sacaton Elementary District a 124% increase, and Tuba City Unified School District a 113% improvement.
Chinle Unified School District Superintendent Quincy Natay credited the success to a collective effort. “We are extremely proud of the progress our students and teachers have made,” Natay said. “These gains are a direct result of our governing board’s support of our vision and strategic plan, dedication of our educators, the support of our parents and communities, and the hard work of our students. We remain committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that all our students, across every grade level, have the opportunities and education to improve their quality of life.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 27, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two bipartisan bills introduced by Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) alongside Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13): the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act and the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) Improvement Act of 2025.
These landmark pieces of legislation aim to enhance veterans’ access to education and healthcare services, addressing critical needs within the veteran community.
Congressman Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence Officer, said, “I believe that meeting the needs of our veterans should never be partisan and all government programs should be centered around what is best for the veteran. I am so grateful to Congresswoman Budzinski for sharing that commitment.”
The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act removes barriers for veterans pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare by eliminating the requirement that applicants use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits before applying for the scholarship.
The bill lessens the waiting period, allowing veterans to apply with 45 months of benefits remaining, compared to the current 6-month requirement, making STEM education more accessible.
The Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act of 2025 addresses the staffing shortages in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by mandating the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs provide HPSP participants with full-time employment contracts within 90 days of completing their training and obtaining licensure.
This amendment to Section 7616 of Title 38 strengthens the HPSP, ensuring healthcare professionals can serve the veterans who are in need.
“As too many taxpayers well know, the VA spends millions of our hard-earned taxpayer dollars training healthcare professionals through scholarships,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Yet these same qualified professionals are forced to wait months for employment contracts after graduation, all the while our veterans suffer. It’s government inefficiency at its worst, and our veterans seem to always be paying the price. Veterans are sent to emergency rooms while skilled doctors are waiting to serve patients. That is why I introduced this bipartisan legislation with my colleague Rep. Budzinski because we saw a problem that required action.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
