by Ethan Faverino | Jul 21, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has delivered a landmark victory for Arizona’s military community, bases, and defense industry through the passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
During an intense 13-hour amendment process, Congressman Hamadeh delivered over 30 bipartisan provisions, securing critical investments and reforms for Arizona’s servicemembers, veterans, and defense sector.
“I am grateful to my fellow Arizonans and members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation for their input and support of these monumental achievements for our state. They range from investing in cutting edge technology for our warfighters, to preserving our rich military history, to making sure service members are not financially burdened when they want to bring family pets home from abroad,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “My constituents and American voices are being heard on the issues that these amendments address to make sure that we are spending the taxpayers’ money carefully and in a way that addresses the critical national defense and quality of life issues of today and tomorrow.”
Key wins for Arizona’s 8th District include:
- Suicide Prevention Oversight: mandates a Department of Defense report on suicide prevention resources under The Brandon Act, honoring AZ-08 servicemember Brandon Caserta, who was sadly, a victim of suicide. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Protecting Luke Airforce Base Leadership: This requires a report on the operational and cost impacts of downgrading leadership at Luke Airforce Base.
- Next-Generation Body Armor: Directs a report on innovative body armor development by Peoria based company, TYR Tactical, to counter advanced threats form adversaries like China and Russia.
- Improving Industry Regulations: Eliminates burdensome red tape for machine gun testing, benefiting AZ-08’s savings and national defense industry. Co-led with Rep. Ron Davis (D-NC).
- U.S.–Mexico Airspace Cooperation: Explores unprecedented collaboration with Mexico to enhance training capabilities at Luke Airforce Base, MCAS Yuma, and Ft. Huachuca while addressing border drone threats.
- Reliable Air Conditioning at Luke Airforce Base: Addresses critical HVAC failures to improve conditions for servicemembers, especially during the hot summers of Arizona.
- Submarine Air Recycling Innovation: Supports AZ-08 innovators developing cleaner, more reliable air recycling systems for submarines.
- Advanced Satellite Technology: Promotes AZ-08’s production of cutting-edge gyroscopes to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Statewide Impact for Arizona:
- Protecting Ft. Huachuca’s Electronic Proving Ground: Prevents 44% staff cuts with a required review before reductions are finalized. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Saving Mesa’s Apache Helicopter Jobs: Secures orders for three additional AH-64D to AH-64E conversions, preserving jobs. Co-led by with Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).
- Preserving Aviation History: Frees five T-37 jets from Tucson’s boneyard for restoration by the Arizona Aviation Historical Group to promote STEM and recruitment. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Western Training Range Complex: Directs the Department of Defense to link Arizona bases for joining warfare simulations. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Securing Ft. Huachuca’s Water Access: Ensures water availability for the base and surrounding communities against environmental lawfare.
- Improving Safety at Barry M. Goldwater Range: Distributes $1.1 million for network coverage to prevent accidents and curb smuggling.
- Commending Davis-Monthan’s New Special Operations Wing: Reinforces Congressional support for the new Air Force Special Operations Wing.
- Advancing Autonomous Robotics: Recognizes Arizona’s leadership in developing swarm-capable autonomous ground vehicles.
- Strengthening Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs: Requires a briefing on integrating units like Buckeye’s 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion into Army initiatives.
- Expanding Air National Guard Refueling Fleet: Raises the floor for refueling tankers, supporting Phoenix’s 161st Air Refueling Wing.
- Countering Cross-Border Tunnel Threats: Extends partnerships with Israel to address Arizona’s emerging tunnel threats.
- Standard Missile-6 Production: Supports Tucson’s missile production with a report and investment to reduce bottlenecks.
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft Propulsion: Fast-tracks jet engine production in Phoenix for autonomous aircraft.
- Increased Dump Truck Investment: Boosts acquisition of safer, reliable dump trucks for Arizona’s Army National Guard.
- Directed Energy Weapon Development: Sends demand signals for counter-drone directed energy weapons developed in Arizona.
- Regenerative Space-Based Solar Production: Requires a briefing on space solar manufacturing, where Tempe is the center of technology innovation.
- Irregular Warfare Consortium: Commends Arizona State University’s Department of Defense Irregular Warfare Center and requires a briefing on its long-term strategy.
- Addressing Missile Inventory Shortfalls: Applauds the Enterprise Test Vehicle program and directs a briefing on innovative air vehicle production processes.
National Security Advancements:
- Pets Are Family: Extends Fly America Act exemptions to allow Department of Defense personnel to travel with up to three pets on foreign airlines, aligning with State Department policies and supporting military families’ quality of life.
- Security Clearance Reform: Requires a report to address delays, improve transparency, and ensure a robust pipeline of cleared personnel to meet future defense needs.
- Global Threat Response: Authorizes a one-year extension of the counter-ISIS train and equip program in Iraq and Syria, reducing U.S. boots on the ground while preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State.
- High-Altitude Balloons and Platforms: Requires a report from the Secretary of Defense on current efforts and future potential of high-altitude platforms, ensuring the U.S. maintains a competitive edge in advanced surveillance capabilities.
- U.S. Leadership in Space-Based LiDAR: Directs the Air Force and Space Force to provide a briefing on strategies to sustain U.S. dominance in space-based LiDAR for high-resolution observation, targeting, and object identification, countering China’s advancements.
- Oversight on Military “Titling” Practices: Requires a review of unjust “titling” practices, recommendations to protect servicemember privacy from adverse consequences, and exploration of expungement and redress mechanisms. Coordinated with Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL).
Congressman Hamadeh’s unanimously passed amendments reflect collaboration with Arizona’s congressional delegation. He looks forward to partnering with Senate colleagues to deliver these provisions to President Donald Trump’s desk, advancing Peace Through Strength.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 21, 2025 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, announced the release of previously paused federal funds for after-school programs under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program.
Superintendent Horne expressed his satisfaction with the federal government’s decision, stating, “The after-school grants are valuable because they offer students a chance to get additional help with reading, math, completing homework assignments and other tasks that help them academically. This is welcome news for these programs that would have been affected by the loss of federal dollars. Once we have formal notification from the federal government and allocations to schools are calculated, we will work very hard to pass these funds through to the recipients.”
The released funds, totaling around $24 million for the current fiscal year, will boost after-school programs across the state.
Horne also addressed ongoing federal reviews of additional funds, reassuring schools and families that he expects further releases soon.
Horne added, “When this review was announced, I urged schools to be calm while the federal government studied these funds to ensure they are being used appropriately. I anticipate other funds still being reviewed will be released in the near future.”
Addressing concerns about potential funding disruptions, Horne clarified that no final decision has been made regarding a freeze on other federal grants under review.
He noted that the funds in question represent less than 1% of most school budgets, and many schools have unspent funds available through September 2026. Schools also have the flexibility to reallocate resources, if there is a freeze, to prioritize essential programs.
Horne also emphasized his commitment to maintaining an ideologically neutral classroom environment stating, “They’ve (federal government) seen instances of far-left ideology being taught to students. And I would agree that that should not be. People obviously have a right to be far left if they want, but they don’t have a right to impose it on students in the classroom. So, if there’s any of that in Arizona, I would cooperate enthusiastically with the federal government to get rid of it.”
Superintendent Horne, along with the Arizona Department of Education remains in close communication with schools to provide updates and guidance.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 20, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Governor’s Office along with Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) are addressing the issue of growing concern nationwide of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers.
These deceptive acts not only undermine public trust with law enforcement officials, but they also jeopardize the safety of the community.
Under the Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2411, impersonating a police officer with the intent to deceive or induce compliance is a class 6 felony.
If committed during another felony, such as assault or theft, the offense escalates to a class 4 felony.
Director of AZDPS, Colonel Jeffrey Glover, said, “Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and threatens community safety. Our agency is committed to rigorously investigating and prosecuting anyone who falsely presents themselves as a peace officer. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit the authority and image of law enforcement for criminal or deceptive purposes.”
Governor Katie Hobbs also affirmed this same belief by saying, “Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do. Impersonating them makes that job even tougher. It puts our officers in harm’s way, undermines public trust, and makes our communities less safe. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Governor’s office and AZDPS urge the public to remain vigilant and offer the following tips to identify and respond to potential impersonators:
- If driving, pull over in a well-lit, populated area.
- Request identification because legitimate officers carry authorized credentials identifying themselves and their agency.
- Call 911 to verify the encounter.
- Note details like vehicle type, license plate number, or badge number.
- Stay calm to ensure clear thinking and safe decision making.
Anybody who believes they have encountered a law enforcement impersonator is urged to report the incident to the local authorities immediately providing as much information as possible.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 17, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Scammers are posing as recruiters, offering tempting remote job opportunities to steal your money or personal information.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging consumers to stay vigilant, as job scams continue to rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over 103,000 employment scam complaints were made in 2024, resulting in an overwhelming $220 million in losses.
Fraudulent recruiters claim to represent well-known companies and reach out via email, text message, or even social media platforms such as LinkedIn and WhatsApp.
These messages often come from personal email accounts like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com rather than corporate domains.
Scammers may send what appears to be an official invitation for a virtual interview, complete with job descriptions and benefits.
However, they often move quickly, extending job offers and sending paperwork that requests sensitive information, such as bank account details, Social Security number, or even in some cases, cryptocurrency payments for “training” or “equipment.”
According to the BBB’s 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report, employment scams ranked among the top five riskiest scams, with a medium loss of $1,500 per victim.
It is important to remember that legitimate employers do not request sensitive information or payment until after a formal hiring process is complete.
There are multiple ways to spot a job scam.
Make sure to check the sender’s email address or contact details. Legitimate recruiters use verified company emails or phone numbers, not personal accounts like Gmail and Yahoo.
Watch out for requests for personal information or any form of payment. Make sure that you are not asked to share your Social Security number, driver’s license number, bank details, or make any upfront payments before an interview or offer.
The FTC reported that 68% of job scam victims shared personal information before recognizing the fraud.
If you are unaware or uneasy about the recruiter or the company, you can always search for the name and companies online to confirm legitimacy. Most of the time you can go straight to the company’s official website or HR department or use other websites like the Better Business Bureau to make sure the recruiter and or company is legit.
Always be skeptical of job offers that are “too good to be true.” Job offers that promise high pay for little work or include vague responsibilities should raise concern.
The BBB notes that 43% of job scam complaints involved remote work offers, often targeting younger job seekers.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 16, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Blademir Angulo Audeves, a Mexican national, was arrested on July 8th , 2025, and charged with Harboring of an Illegal Alien, Knowingly Employing Unauthorized Aliens, Improper Entry by an Alien, and Alien in Possession of a Firearm.
Angulo made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday, July 11th.
Homeland Security Investigations launched an investigation in March 2025 following allegations that Angulo was employing undocumented workers, without work authorization, at his taco restaurants in the Phoenix area.
The investigation revealed that at least 12 illegal aliens were working for Angulo, some of whom were residing at his home in Laveen, Arizona, or at a secondary residence on 16th Avenue.
On July 8th, Homeland Security executed federal search warrants at Angulo’s main residence, restaurant locations, and secondary residence.
Agents encountered several Mexican citizens without legal authorization to be in the United States at both residents, arresting them and Angulo.
During the search of his Laveen home, agents found three firearms along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition in the closet of the master bedroom.
Immigration records show Angulo was previously encountered in the U.S illegally in 2011 and voluntarily departed through Nogales, Arizona, in May of 2021.
At the time of his arrest, Angulo lacked legal permission to be in the U.S., prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
At Angulo’s taco restaurants, Homeland Security also identified more Mexican citizens without legal authorization to be present or employed in the U.S.
Two individuals, Christian Sagaste-Garcia and Jose Luis Ambriz-Cortes, were encountered by Homeland Security on the same operation. They were both arrested and charged with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. They had been previously removed from the U.S. in October 2024 and February 2013, respectively.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice Initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and keeping our communities safe.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
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