by Ethan Faverino | May 5, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Republican Party announced the appointment of Greg Roeberg as its new Legal Counsel last week. An Arizona attorney, with nearly two decades of experience in business and government law, Roeberg has become one of the state’s leading voices on election integrity.
Moving to Arizona during law school, Roeberg established a law practice focused on business law, serving entrepreneurs and small businesses in the early years of his career. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and Government and a law degree from Georgetown University. He was admitted to the Arizona Bar in 2008.
Roeberg is a lifelong Republican and became deeply engaged in politics in 2016 serving on the Trump Presidential Inaugural Committee. He went on to support the Trump Campaign in 2020 with a focus on logistics and election law.
Following his recovery from a 2019 lymphoma diagnosis and successful chemotherapy treatment, Roeberg answered the call again in 2024, serving as Election Integrity Attorney for the Trump campaign in Arizona. He has since represented the Republican National Committee, President Trump, and Republican candidates across the state throughout the 2020, 2022, and 2024 election cycles.
“Greg Roeberg is one of the sharpest legal minds in Arizona, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him on our team,” stated AZGOP Chairman Sergio Arellano. “He has spent nearly twenty years building a distinguished legal and business career, and over the last three election cycles he has been on the front lines defending the integrity of our elections — standing up for President Trump, the RNC, and Republican candidates across this state.”
Earlier this cycle, Roeberg launched a campaign for Arizona Attorney General before stepping down to focus on what he called the most urgent priority of the year: protecting the integrity of Arizona’s elections.
“When Greg made the decision to step away from his own campaign for Attorney General to take on this role, it spoke volumes about his character and his commitment to Arizona,” added Arellano. “He is a fighter, a patriot, and exactly the leader our party needs at this moment. I am proud to welcome him as our Legal Counsel.”
“It’s an honor to serve the Arizona Republican Party and the millions of Arizonans who believe in free, fair, and secure elections,” said Roeberg. “After three election cycles in the trenches, I know what’s at stake in this state. I’m grateful to Chairman Arellano for his trust, and I’m ready to get to work alongside him and our grassroots team to protect the voice of every legal voter in Arizona.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | May 4, 2026 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Joint Economic Committee released its Monthly Expenditures Update for March 2026 alongside the advance estimate for first-quarter 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), painting a picture of an economy experiencing above-target inflation alongside continued, albeit moderating, real consumption growth and accelerating nominal activity.
From February to March 2026, headline Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index inflation accelerated to 0.66%, up from 0.38% the prior month.
Core PCE inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.29% compared to 0.37% (durable goods +0.42%; nondurable goods +1.98%), while services inflation stood at 0.32%. Gasoline and other energy goods posted a sharp 19.23% month-over-month rise.
Real personal consumption expenditures (PCE) advanced 0.24% ($39.57 billion), in the period. Real spending on goods rose 0.55% ($31.34 billion), led by durable goods (+0.94% or $20.12 billion), while services spending increased a more modest 0.10% ($10.63 billion). The nominal personal savings rate declined 0.3 percentage points to 3.6%.
On the income side, headline personal income grew 0.56% ($149.22 billion). However, real disposable personal income per capita edged down 0.07%, indicating that after-tax income growth lagged behind price increases.
Year-over-year measures showed headline PCE inflation at 3.50% in March 2026 compared to March 2025—well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target—while core PCE inflation registered 3.20%. Both figures accelerated from the prior year’s pace.
GDP Advance Estimate
In its Q1 2026 GDP Advance Estimate the Committee reported that real GDP increased at a 1.99% annualized rate from the fourth quarter of 2025. Current-dollar GDP rose 5.64% annualized, or $433.731 billion, reaching $31.856 trillion. The GDP deflator contributed approximately 3.6 percentage points to nominal growth.
Consumer spending contributed 1.1 percentage points to real GDP growth, while nonresidential fixed investment provided a strong 1.4 percentage point boost. Government spending added 0.7 points, and private inventories contributed 0.4 points. Net exports subtracted 1.3 points, and residential investment was a slight drag at -0.3 points.
Category highlights (Nominal PCE Levels, March 2026)
- Housing and utilities: $3,904.5 billion (17.86% of total)
- Health care: $3,741.3 billion (17.11%)
- Financial services and insurance: $1,822.6 billion (8.34%)
- Food and beverages: $1,547.8 billion (7.08%)
- Food services and accommodations: $1,526.4 billion (6.98%)
Notable year-over-year nominal increases included financial services and insurance (+10.46%), health care (+8.02%), and transportation services (+9.53%). Gasoline and other energy goods rose sharply both month-over-month (+19.23%) and year-over-year (20.97%).
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | May 3, 2026 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Goldwater Institute has called on Arizona’s largest school district to immediately repeal a policy that prohibits “personal attacks” on school board members, staff, students, or members of the public during public comment periods, arguing the rule unconstitutionally silences criticism while allowing praise.
In a formal letter sent to Mesa Public Schools Governing Board President Courtney Davis, the Goldwater Institute contends the policy constitutes blatant viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment and the Arizona Constitution.
The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board adopted this policy in July 2024, banning any “personal attacks” during the public comment portion of board meetings. According to the Goldwater Institute, the rule effectively permits speakers to praise or thank board members, administrators, and teachers by name, but forbids any negative, critical, or challenging comments directed at the same individual—no matter how factual or civil the critique may be.
“This prohibition punishes a specific viewpoint insofar as it prohibits ‘attacks,’” the letter states. “It is not, then, the speaking about Board members, staff, students, or members of the public in general that the Governing Board is preventing, but only speech about those groups from a certain viewpoint. That is unconstitutional.”
Adam Shelton, an attorney for the Goldwater Institute, who wrote the letter, told The Center Square, “The Supreme Court has consistently held that viewpoint discrimination is almost always unconstitutional.”
The Goldwater Institute became involved after concerned Mesa parents contacted the organization, requesting a review of the policy. Shelton noted that the board reads the restriction aloud before every public comment session.
“The policy has chilled the speech of some of the parents,” Shelton added. “They’re afraid to speak out and bring problems before the school board. These parents are concerned about being banned or punished for making negative comments about school board officials.”
Public comment periods at school board meetings serve as a vital democratic function, allowing parents and community members to bring forward issues, including complaints about teachers, policies, or administrative decisions. The Goldwater Institute argues that Mesa’s policy undermines this purpose by making it nearly impossible to discuss real problems without naming those responsible.
Federal courts have repeatedly struck down similar policies. In Ison v. Madison Local School District Board of Education, the Sixth Circuit invalidated a rule banning “antagonistic” or “abusive” speech personally directed at board members as impermissible viewpoint discrimination. More recently, in Moms for Liberty – Brevard County, FL v. Brevard Public Schools, the Eleventh Circuit ruled against a prohibition on “abusive” comments, noting that such policies effectively require “happy-talk”—allowing positive comments while suppressing negative or challenging ones.
The Eleventh Circuit emphasized that restricting “personally directed” speech obstructs the core purpose of school board meetings: educating officials and the community about legitimate concerns. The court observed that a parent complaining about a math teacher’s instructional methods would struggle to explain the issue without referencing the teacher.
The Goldwater Institute warned that maintaining the policy exposes the district to potentially costly litigation. Following its victory in the Brevard case, Moms for Liberty secured a settlement requiring the Florida school district to pay nearly $600,000 in attorney fees, costs, and expenses.
In addition to federal constitutional concerns, the letter highlights that the policy likely violates Article II, Section 6 of the Arizona Constitution, which provides even broader protections for free speech than the First Amendment.
The Goldwater Institute has requested that the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board promptly amend its policy by removing the prohibition on “personal attacks.” The organization expressed willingness to work cooperatively with the board to bring the rules into compliance with constitutional standards and noted that all options remain under consideration if the policy is not revised.
No response has been received from the Board President, Courtney Davis, or the governing board as of the time of publication.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | May 1, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) introduced Kayleigh’s Law, a landmark federal legislation designed to provide survivors of dangerous crimes with permanent, lifelong protection from their convicted abusers by requiring courts to issue no-contact injunctions that remain in effect for the rest of the offender’s life.
Named after Kayleigh Kozak, an Arizona mother and prominent victim advocate who was sexually abused as a child by her teacher, the bill aims to end the repeated “legal tug-of-war” that forces survivors to return to court multiple times to maintain basic safety protections against their predators.
Kayleigh’s Law would mandate that federal courts impose lifetime no-contact injunctions against individuals convicted of federal sex crimes and violent felonies when requested by the victim or the government at sentencing.
The legislation builds directly on successful state-level reforms. Kayleigh’s Law has been enacted in Arizona and Wisconsin since 2022, where it has provided critical relief to survivors. In its first year alone in Arizona, the law enabled over 1,000 victims to secure lifetime protective orders against their abusers.
“As a former prosecutor, I know how vulnerable victims can be, how determined their predators often are, and how judges can frequently fail victims of crime. That is why we must require federal courts to impose these lifetime injunctions when requested by the government or the victim during sentencing,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I have seen what victims go through as the predator’s adjudication process plays out, and I know how important it is for the victim’s healing process to begin. That process cannot be interrupted by their predators simply because our courts fail to take crime seriously and fail to impose lifetime injunctions.”
Kayleigh Kozak, whose personal experience drove the creation of the original state law, emphasized the lifelong impact of sexual violence.
“The harm caused by sexual assault is not temporary. It is lifelong,” stated Kayleigh. “The protections for those who have been sexually violated should be lifelong too. No survivor should have to repeatedly return to court just to request the continuation of a protective order from the person who was convicted of sexually violating them. Kayleigh’s Law ensures no victim ever has to endure the nightmare of continuously justifying their need for safety. When I was a little girl, I could not protect myself from the teacher who sexually abused me at school – but I can fight now to protect myself, other innocent children, and every victim.”
Under the federal proposal, the lifetime injunction would prohibit all forms of direct or indirect contact with the victim and would remain enforceable even after the offender completes prison, probation, or supervised release.
Original cosponsors of Kayleigh’s Law include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), David Joyce (OH-14), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chris Smith (NJ-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (MP).
Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) stated, “Kayleigh’s Law originated in Arizona and will uplift thousands of victims of unspeakable crimes. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense legislation to ensure victims of dangerous crimes can obtain lifetime protections against their abusers. Survivors should not be faced with uncertainty about those who have harmed them. Kayleigh’s Law will close critical gaps in federal law by strengthening protections, enhancing enforcement, and ensuring lasting safety for victims.”
Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) added, “Victims of violent crime and sexual assault deserve to have permanent, basic safety protections without having to repeatedly face their attacker in court. The emotional and psychological toll of these legal proceedings is high. Kayleigh’s Law gives victims one less thing to worry about by removing the fear and dread of reliving these experiences. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Hamadeh’s bill to ensure these criminals hold no power over their victims.”
The bill mirrors key elements of Arizona Statute (A.R.S. 13-719), which applies to dangerous offenses, serious/violent felonies, and specific sex offenses under Chapters 14 and 35.1. Injunctions issued under the law are effective immediately upon sentencing and do not expire for the predator’s natural lifetime.
Kayleigh’s Law is being introduced during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, underscoring its focus on empowering survivors and closing critical gaps in federal protections for victims of sexual assault and violent crimes.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Apr 30, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
A new national poll conducted by Pulse Decision Science reveals that pharmaceutical reform represents a powerful and politically advantageous issue for Republican candidates heading into this election cycle.
The data shows the issue effectively consolidates support within the GOP base during primaries while delivering meaningful gains among independent and battleground voters in general elections.
The poll highlights near-universal frustration with the high costs of prescription drugs, creating a rare opportunity for Republicans to claim ownership of an issue that resonates deeply across demographic and partisan lines.
According to the survey, 84% of voters report using prescription medication, underscoring how broadly the issue affects American households. Cost pressures are forcing significant behavioral changes, with 55% of respondents admitting they have skipped doses, turned to over-the-counter alternatives, or ignored doctor recommendations due to high prices.
These coping behaviors are particularly common among younger women, lower-education voters, and independents/moderates.
Voters across the political spectrum overwhelmingly attribute rising drug prices to pharmaceutical industry practices rather than investments in innovation. Major factors cited include:
- Increasing profits: 81%
- Rising executive compensation: 76%
- Unethical business practices: 70%
By contrast, only 52% of voters view research and development costs as a major driver of prices—the weakest factor identified by a wide margin.
This perception creates fertile ground for messaging focused on corporate greed, price gouging, and unfair practices, which the poll indicates resonates strongly even with the Republican base.
When voters are presented with a candidate who supports specific, targeted pharmaceutical reforms—including Most Favorable Nation (MFN) pricing, patent reform, and measures to increase competition—that candidate sees a net +5-point gain in overall support.
Notable gains were recorded among key subgroups:
- Hispanics: +10 points
- High-propensity general election voters (3 of 4 voting history): +9 points
- Women 55 and older: +7 points
- Voters in lean Democratic Congressional districts: +7 points
- High school education or less: +7 points
- Republicans: +6 points
- Conservatives: +6 points
- Bachelor’s degree holders: +6 points
These shifts demonstrate that pharmaceutical reform serves both a base-unifying issue and a tool for expanding appeal in competitive general election environments.
The poll further shows that framing pharmaceutical reform through an “America First” lens is especially powerful in Republican primaries. Fully 89% of GOP primary voters indicated they are more likely to support a candidate who prioritizes codifying President Trump’s Most Favorable Nation Executive Order.
When paired with messaging that emphasizes America-First pricing, the issue delivers strong consolidation within the Republican coalition. Key subgroup gains in the primary context include:
- Males 18-34: +13 points
- Voters in lean Republican Congressional districts: +11 points
- Mid-turnout voters (2 of 4 voting history): +10 points
- Self-described “Not So Strong” Republicans: +10 points
The findings arrive as the Trump administration continues to focus on delivering tangible results on pharmaceutical pricing. On April 23, 2026, President Trump announced the 17th agreement with a major pharmaceutical manufacturer—this time with Regeneron—bringing MFN-style pricing to American patients.
The deal provides every State Medicaid program access to MFN prices on Regeneron products, delivering hundreds of millions in savings. It covers 86% of the branded drug market across 17 leading manufacturers and includes commitments to end foreign freeloading on American innovation.
Key provisions include significant price reductions, such as lowering the price of Regeneron’s cholesterol medication, Praluent, from $537 to $225 when purchased through TrumpRx.
Additionally, Regeneron’s new gene therapy for a rare form of genetic deafness, Otarmeni, will be provided at no cost to American families. The company also committed to a $27 billion investment in U.S. research, development, and manufacturing by 2029, contributing to a total of $448 billion in pharmaceutical investments secured under President Trump in just 15 months.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
