by Ethan Faverino | Jan 3, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Former United States Senator from Arizona and a key figure in Republican leadership, Jon Kyl, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with dementia and is withdrawing from public life. In a heartfelt statement, Kyl expressed gratitude for his family’s support while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties,” said Kyl. “I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.”
Kyl first entered Congress in 1987, representing Arizona’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives until 1995. That year, he transitioned to the Senate, where he served Arizona from 1995 to 2013. During his final years in the upper chamber, Kyl rose to the position of Senate Minority Whip, the second-highest role in Republican Senate leadership.
Following his initial retirement from the Senate in 2013, Kyl’s expertise was called upon again in 2018 when former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R) appointed him to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator John McCain. Kyl served in this capacity through the fall of 2018 and played a pivotal role in the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, before resigning from the seat in December 2018.
As Kyl steps back from public engagements due to his health, his legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for Arizona remains firm. Friends, colleagues, and family have rallied around him, emphasizing the profound impact he has made on the nation.
Here are a few brief reactions from people directly impacted:
“Senator Jon Kyl was one of the first elected officials I met when I broke into politics at age 16, and I’ve looked up to him ever since. He was a staunch conservative, a noble statesman & a true public servant. Praying for him and his family and thankful for his life of service.” – Daniel Stefanski on X .
“A mentor, a friend and a confidant. Not sure I would have been Governor without his counsel and encouragement. Senator Jon Kyl is a giant set forth in the tradition of Arizona’s own Barry Goldwater. All my deepest love and prayers to him and the entire Kyl family,” posted former governor Doug Ducey on X.
“There is not a current or former GOP elected official or political staffer who hasn’t been positively impacted by Sen. Jon Kyl’s example of leadership, wisdom, and kindness. He’s a true statesman. He will face this with grit and humility,” said political consultant Sean Noble on X.
“Our state and nation are stronger thanks to Jon Kyl’s leadership and service. A brilliant legal mind and dedicated statesman, his impact is lasting — including at ASU. Now it’s our turn to be present and support Jon and his family in the days ahead,” posted ASU president Michael Crow on X.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Dec 30, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs strongly condemned the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to deny the state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating floods that struck Gila and Mohave Counties from September 25-27, 2025.
Governor Hobbs announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing the urgent need for federal support to rebuild infrastructure, homes, and lives in these rural areas.
“The people of Gila and Mohave County were devastated by flooding from severe monsoon storms this September,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Now, they’ve been denied support from the federal government with little explanation. By denying much-needed relief, this administration is leaving Arizonans out on their own after their homes, businesses, roads, and bridges were decimated by historic storms. I will appeal this reckless decision and continue doing everything in my power to ensure Arizona communities don’t pay the price for the federal government’s senseless policies.”
The floods, triggered by a stalled monsoonal moisture system that dumped six to ten inches of rain in just 48 hours, overwhelmed local watersheds, including Pinal Creek, Miami Wash, Russell Gulch, and Keller Canyon.
Rapid runoff led to flash floods, debris flows, and widespread destruction across Globe, Miami, Claypool, Hayden, Winkelman, and other communities, including nearby Tribal nations.
Preliminary damage assessments revealed severe impacts: 312 homes were affected, with 64 destroyed, 89 suffering major damage, and 159 with minor to affected-level damage. More than 180 residents required emergency sheltering, and approximately 74 households lacked flood insurance.
Public infrastructure bore the brunt of the disaster with major damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and wastewater systems, including the loss of Globe’s city-owned wastewater system.
Total estimated losses stand at $33,579,081, broken down as follows:
- Residential: $4,100,000 for 312 damaged homes.
- Public Infrastructure: $23,306,284 for roads, bridges, and utilities in Globe, Miami, and rural areas of Gila and Mohave Counties.
- Emergency Protective Measures: $4,721,112 for search and rescue, debris clearance, sheltering, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities.
- Debris Removal: $1,451,685 for 175,000 tons of mixed debris.
Hobbs was slow to declare a State of Emergency following the catastrophic flooding, eventually doing so on September 27, 2025, prompted by local declarations from Gila County, Mohave County, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Town of Miami, the City of Globe, and others.
State resources, including the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (DEMA), were fully mobilized, activating the EOC, deploying the incident management team, and coordinating evacuations, shelters, and rescues.
Local leaders echoed the Governor’s call for reversal:
Gila County Board of Supervisors District One Supervisor and Chairman Steve Christensen: “Devastation from our recent and profound flooding in southern Gila County has left many in financial ruin, homes destroyed, infrastructure destroyed or badly damaged, as well as loss of life. Gila County is left with significant challenges that we can never meet standing alone. Assistance from FEMA is vital, without which we will not recover to any level of the restoration needed. Please approve funding immediately for the work we MUST do in Gila County.”
Globe Mayor Al Gameros: “I want to thank Governor Hobbs, as well as the strong bipartisan support from our congressional delegation, for requesting a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration in response to the devastating floods that resulted in the death of three residents, and destroyed parts of our historic downtown, critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads, as well as numerous community assets. These floods caused historic and unprecedented damage and have forever transformed our small, tight-knit rural communities. Our community is extremely disappointed by FEMA’s short-sighted decision to deny the State’s Major Disaster Declaration, and we respectfully request that it reexamines its methodology and determines that this devastating flood event meets the critical criteria. I strongly urge FEMA to reverse course and immediately issue an approved Major Disaster Declaration.”
Miami Mayor Gil Madrid: “Miami is a strong and resilient community, and I know we can build back from this devastation, but this is a frustrating setback that will have a real impact on our families and businesses. I will continue working with state and local partners to ensure we get the support we need from the federal government to support our community. I urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reconsider their decision and deliver this important relief to my city after we were struck by historic flooding.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Dec 22, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation to enhance one of the nation’s most effective and unique border security programs, the Shadow Wolves
The Shadow Wolves are an elite, all Native-American unit of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactical agents who specialize in tracking and interdicting drug smuggling and human trafficking across tribal lands along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Operating primarily on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona since the 1970s, the unit’s members use ancestral tracking techniques combined with modern law enforcement training to patrol some of the most remote and challenging terrain on the southern border.
“For decades, the Shadow Wolves have played an essential role in supporting border security and strengthening relationships between DHS and tribal communities,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Arizona has led the way on this program since the beginning, and this bill helps ensure the Shadow Wolves can continue their mission for years to come.”
A 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted chronic staffing shortages within the program due to retirements and recruiting challenges under the current “expected service” hiring structure. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act directly addresses these issues by authorizing ICE to convert Shadow Wolves positions to the “competitive service,” a change recommended by both GAO and ICE leadership.
This reform will open broader recruitment pools, improve retention through enhanced benefits and promotion opportunities, and enable expansion of the program to additional border-adjacent tribal nations experiencing high levels of illicit cross-border activity.
The legislation has gotten strong support from tribal leaders and Native American law enforcement organizations:
- Jaime Azure, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, said, “Public Safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continues to plague Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. northern border. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciates U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani and Tom Suozzi for introducing this important legislation and urges its swift passage in the House of Representatives.”
- Gary Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association, said, “The National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA) strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Native Americans play a key role in protecting the U.S. borders and National Security. This bill is a positive step forward in giving Indian Country Law Enforcement the recognition and support they deserve.”
- Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said, “The Shadow Wolves, an all-Native American tracking and investigative unit, have decades of experience protecting the Tohono O’odham Nation and our border. Their unique skill set and deep knowledge of the land are invaluable to law enforcement efforts to interdict drugs and human smuggling on our reservation. The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, which will improve retention and recruitment of Shadow Wolves agents, and support the Nation’s vital role in protecting our land.”
A companion bill in the Senate (S.572), led by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), has already advanced through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with strong bipartisan backing.
“Working in a bipartisan way, we’re giving ICE the tools it needs to hire and retain these highly specialized agents, expand the program to additional tribal lands, and bolster efforts to combat drug trafficking along our southern border. This is common-sense legislation that strengthens security and honors the history and contributions of the Shadow Wolves,” concluded Ciscomani.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Dec 20, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
While homeownership rates have remained stubbornly flat or declined in many parts of the country, Arizona has beaten the trend with one of the strongest increases in the nation, according to a new decade-long study by the New Jersey Real Estate Network.
The analysis is based on U.S. Census Bureau data tracking changes in owner-occupied housing units across all 50 states between 2014 and 2024, providing a long-term view of homeownership trends beyond short-term market fluctuations.
Arizona posted a 7.79% increase in the percentage of owner-occupied homes over that period, landing the Grand Canyon State at No. 5 nationwide for homeownership growth—the only Southwestern state besides New Mexico and Nevada to crack the top five.
New Mexico ranks first among the states with the greatest growth in homeownership, posting an 11.42% increase. Nevada follows at 9.22%, with Virginia (7.99%), Maine (7.83%), and Arizona (7.79%) rounding out the top five.
The gains in Arizona and its fast-growing neighborhoods reflect a combination of strong population growth, job creation in tech and healthcare, and relatively affordable entry-level housing compared to coastal markets—even as prices have risen sharply in recent years.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, several states saw significant drops in the share of residents who own their homes.
The states recording the steepest drops in homeownership include South Carolina (−7.56%), North Carolina (−5.79%), Michigan (−5.01%), Oklahoma (−4.96%), and Alaska (−4.20%).
“While many states saw peak homeownership rates in 2020, followed by slight decreases in recent years, this could reflect various factors, including shifts in housing markets and affordability trends, as individuals continue to navigate evolving financial landscapes,” said the New Jersey Real Estate Network spokesman.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Dec 18, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) has sent a sharply worded letter to the Acting Chairwoman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Caroline D. Pham, seeking answers and potential regulatory action regarding the newly announced partnership between prediction-market platform Kalshi and CNN.
In the letter, Congressman Hamadeh warns that the collaboration “poses direct and foreseeable threats to market integrity, democratic stability, and American national security,” arguing that it creates an unprecedented structural conflict of interest by allowing a major news organization to both report on and financially benefit from high-stakes geopolitical events.
“CNN would be uniquely positioned to shape public perception and news cycles around the very events Kalshi lists as tradable markets,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “These events would involve elections, war, foreign policy crises, and domestic instability. No other major media outlet has attempted such a partnership, and for good reason: it creates a built-in structural conflict of interest that allows an influential news organization or foreign adversaries to shape outcomes for financial or competitive advantage.”
The congressman highlighted Kalshi’s existing controversial markets, including contracts that reportedly allowed trading on whether Palestinians in Gaza would suffer mass starvation or when Israel might conduct military actions in Gaza or the West Bank—markets he described as “chilling.”
Specifically, the congressman posed four questions to the CFTC:
- What actions is the Commission taking to review the CNN-Kalshi partnership under Section 5c(c)(5)(C), with respect to informational conflicts of interest and event manipulation?
- Is the CFTC assessing whether the partnership creates vulnerabilities for foreign or domestic actors to influence U.S. politics, economics, or national security for financial profit?
- Has the Commission evaluated whether CNN’s editorial influence, combined with Kalshi’s event contracts, renders these markets “contrary to the public interest?”
- What steps will the CFTC require to ensure robust compliance controls, including editorial firewalls, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and foreign-influence screening?
Hamadeh gave Acting Chairwoman Pham 30 days to provide a detailed written response outlining the Commission’s assessment and planned actions.
“My constituents have raised alarm bells about a media company with a long-documented record of partisan manipulation now positioning itself to influence and profit from geopolitical events in real time,” stated Hamadeh. “This partnership is not merely inappropriate; it is outright dangerous.”
He concluded, “The CFTC’s mission is to safeguard the integrity of U.S. markets, and allowing CNN, a network already viewed by many Americans as a propagandistic actor, to operate inside a live prediction market creates unacceptable national-security and governance vulnerabilities.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
