by Ethan Faverino | Jun 6, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10) paid tribute to the life and courageous work of investigative reporter Don Bolles, earlier this week, marking the 50th year anniversary of his assassination and reaffirming the enduring importance of journalistic integrity and accountability.
On June 2, 1976, Bolles, a reporter for the Arizona Republic and one of the founding members of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), was mortally wounded when a bomb detonated beneath his vehicle in a Phoenix parking lot. He succumbed to his injuries 11 days later on June 13, 1976 at age 47. Prior to the attack, Bolles had been lured to a downtown hotel by a source promising information on land fraud linked to organized crime, in which the source never appeared.
Bolles dedicated his career to exposing organized crime, political corruption, and influence peddling in Arizona. His murder sent shockwaves across the nation and galvanized the journalistic community.
In the wake of his assassination, IRE members launched a major collaborative investigation not only into Bolles’ killing but into deeper systemic corruption that enabled such violence against a reporter in broad daylight. Their efforts underscored a powerful message: assassinating a journalist would not silence the press but would instead amplify scrutiny of the powerful interest involved.
“Don Bolles paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the truth. Fifty years later, his sacrifice still serves as a reminder that corruption thrives when good people look the other way,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Don Bolles may not have succeeded in rooting out every instance of crime and corruption he set out to expose, but he succeeded in something equally important: he opened the eyes of countless Arizonans to the fact that corruption existed and demanded attention.”
In March, Senate Republicans advanced legislation to honor Bolles’ legacy alongside that of Charlie Kirk. SB 1686, sponsored by Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15), would rename Wesley Bolin Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza. The bill would also authorize the placement of memorials commemorating both Kirk and Bolles within the plaza. It is currently pending in the Arizona House of Representatives.
“In many ways, I am serving in the legislature because of Don Bolles and the awareness his work created,” added Farnsworth. “His story instilled in me a belief that public service comes with a responsibility to challenge corruption wherever it exists and to demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Fifty years later, I still feel obligated to do my part.”
The legislation includes specific provisions for the memorials, emphasizing private funding:
- No public monies are authorized for the costs of either memorial.
- All fundraising and contracts for design and construction are the responsibility of private proponents.
- The authorizations include delayed repeal provisions effective after September 30, 2029.
Fifty years after his death, Don Bolles is remembered not only as a victim of violence but as a martyr for truth whose work helped elevate public awareness of corruption and reinforced the vital role of a free and independent press in safeguarding democracy.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jun 4, 2026 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) voted June 1st to direct the Arizona Auditor General to conduct two targeted special audits examining student safety in schools and the administration of federal childcare assistance funds.
One audit will focus on school safety practices statewide, marking the fourth special review of the issue. It will specifically include the Phoenix Union High School District following recent serious incidents of campus violence, including the August 2025 stabbing of a student at Maryvale High School.
The Auditor General will assess whether Arizona schools have properly adopted and implemented emergency response policies, thoroughly investigated student safety allegations, and complied with the state’s mandatory reporting laws.
In a separate action, the JLAC approved a special audit of Arizona’s administration and oversight of the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The program, primarily administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, provides childcare assistance to qualifying families.
“JLAC took bipartisan action to get answers on two issues that matter to Arizona families,” said Chairman Matt Gress (R-LD4). “Parents deserve to know whether schools are prepared to respond to credible threats and whether serious safety concerns are being handled properly. Taxpayers deserve to know whether hundreds of millions of federal childcare dollars are being managed responsibly. These important audits will establish the facts, identify gaps, and help us determine what needs to change.”
Arizona spent around $573 million in federal CCDF funding during fiscal year 2024. The audit follows previous State Single Audit findings that identified deficiencies in provider oversight, questioned costs, and reporting.
The review arrives amid growing national concerns about fraud and abuse in publicly funded assistance programs. Federal officials have highlighted risks across the country, including recent charges announced by the U.S. Department of Justice in Minnesota against 15 defendants in alleged fraud schemes involving more than $90 million, some tied to childcare assistance programs.
The Auditor General’s examination of the CCDF will cover the approval and monitoring of childcare providers, inter-agency oversight responsibilities, and the accuracy and propriety of program expenditures from fiscal years 2021-25. The review may also extend to participation providers and other areas deemed necessary by the Auditor General, with particular attention to higher-risk periods during and after COVID.
“The fraud scandals unfolding in other states are a warning sign,” added Gress. “Arizona should not wait for a crisis before asking hard questions. When hundreds of millions of dollars flow through a program, strong oversight is not optional. This audit will help determine whether taxpayer dollars are protected, safeguards are working, and childcare assistance is reaching the families it is meant to serve.”
The school safety audit, which received unanimous approval, will begin following completion of the third school safety special audit now underway. It is scheduled to be completed on or before December 31, 2027. The Child Care and Development Fund audit will require cooperation from relevant state agencies and entities involved in federal childcare funding.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jun 2, 2026 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) has introduced the Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act of 2026, a bipartisan measure designed to deliver direct financial relief to service members, veterans, and their families by providing discounts on fuel purchased at military exchange stores.
The legislation, H.R. 9027, is co-sponsored by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Don Davis (D-NC-01), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). It authorizes the Secretary of Defense to implement a program offering discounts on motor fuel sold at exchange stores and dispensed directly into vehicles owned by eligible patrons.
“As part of my unwavering commitment to America’s military heroes and keeping my promise to improve service members’ lives, I introduced legislation authorizing a fuel discount at military exchange pumps to lower living costs for our troops, veterans, and dependents,” stated Congressman Hamadeh.
The bill would allow the Secretary of Defense to provide a base discount on gasoline and diesel fuel equal to the federal fuel tax rate, which is at least 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel. It also authorizes supplemental discounts to help offset state and local fuel taxes when applicable.
These costs disproportionately impact military families, veterans, and retirees, who often face long commutes to bases, training facilities, work, or VA medical appointments. With inflation and rising transportation costs continuing to strain household budgets, many service members spend a significant portion of their income on fuel.
Discounts would be applied automatically at the time of sale to the maximum extent practicable. The authority for the program would terminate on September 30, 2029.
The legislation includes safeguards to prevent fraud or abuse, prohibits the resale of commercial use of discounted fuel, and requires the Secretary of Defense to submit annual reports to Congress detailing program usage, costs, gallons sold, and any implementation issues.
“Fuel is one of the few products sold by exchanges still subject to tax,” added Hamadeh. “This discount, equal to the federal fuel tax, shows profound gratitude to our nation’s heroes who have borne the heavy costs of war defending our freedoms. This common-sense step delivers real relief to our selfless service members and their families.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jun 2, 2026 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Retail sales increased for the seventh consecutive month in April, highlighting the resilience of American consumers despite rising gas prices and elevated inflation.
According to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, total retail sales excluding automobile dealers and gas stations increased 0.34% seasonally adjusted from March and rose 5.73% unadjusted from April of 2025. That follows gains of 0.4% month-over-month and 6.59% year-over-year in March.
“Retail sales continued to grow in April despite higher gas prices driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, cautious consumer sentiment and the persistent concerns about sustained inflation,” stated NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, posted a smilier 0.34% month-over-month gain and climbed 5.53% year-over-year. For the first four months of 2026, total sales were up 6.07% year-over-year, while core sales rose 5.99%.
Sales growth was broad-based, rising in eight of nine major categories on a yearly basis and in all but one category on a monthly basis. Clothing and accessories stores led the way with a 0.59% month-over-month increase and a strong 9.75% year-over-year gain.
Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores advanced 0.12% month-over-month and 8.55% year-over-year, while health and personal care stores rose 0.45% and 8.42% respectively. Digital products, including electronic books and games, posted the strongest monthly gain at 1.11% and climbed 8.09% annually.
Other categories showing positive momentum included general merchandise stores (up 0.15% month-over-month and 6.19% year-over-year), electronics and appliance stores (up 0.16% and 4.03%), and grocery and beverage stores (up 0.36% and 3.21%).
Furniture and homes furnishings stores saw a slight 0.06% monthly decline but still posted a 2.58% annual increase. Building and garden supply stores edged up 0.009% for the month but were down 2.74% from the prior year.
“Spending on household priorities remains solid, supported by a steady labor market, wage growth and a significant influx of cash from tax refunds,” added Shay. “While consumers are mindful on costs, retailers are working hard to keep everyday goods affordable for American families.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jun 1, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap has asked the Maricopa County Superior Court to hold the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in civil contempt, claiming the Board has failed to comply with a court order issued more than six weeks ago restoring election authority and resources to the Recorder’s Office.
The filing comes 43 days after Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney ruled that the Board of Supervisors has exceeded its statutory authority by assuming control over election functions assigned by Arizona law to the County Recorder.
In an Application for Order to Show Cause filed on May 28, 2026, Heap argued the Board has continued to exercise powers the court determined belong to the Recorder’s Office while refusing to return critical election personnel, systems, and resources.
“The Court settled these issues 43 days ago,” stated Heap. “Since then, the Board has refused to comply, continued exercising powers the Court ruled it does not possess, and even interfered with Recorder personnel carrying out their lawful duties at Recorder-operated election sites.”
The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Heap against the Board after disagreements over election administration responsibilities, funding, and operational control.
In its April ruling, the court rejected the Board’s argument that it possessed “plenary” authority over county election administration. Blaney wrote that Arizona election statutes specifically assign numerous election duties to the Recorder and that the Board cannot assume those responsibilities without legislative authorization or the Recorder’s consent.
The court found that Arizona law designates the Recorder as the responsible official for 111 election-related functions assigned to the “recorder or other officer in charge.” As a result, Blaney ordered the Board to restore authority, personnel, and election systems to the Recorder’s Office or immediately fund replacement systems.
The ruling also directed the Board to release election-related funding appropriated for the Recorder and prohibited the Board from exercising election functions delegated by law to the Recorder.
According to Heap’s latest filing, the board has yet to return election IT personnel, servers, databases, websites, and other systems necessary for the Recorder’s Office to carry out its statutory responsibilities. The filing further claims the board has refused to authorize the use of state and federal funds appropriated for election administration.
Heap also pointed to actions taken during recent May jurisdictional elections, stating that the county’s Elections Director instructed poll workers at Recorder-operated ballot replacement sites to disregard directions from the Recorder’s Office staff regarding voter information requirements under state law.
Additionally, the Recorder’s Office argues that the Board adopted a resolution asserting authority over early ballot drop boxes during the early voting period despite the court’s injunction and Arizona statutes assigning that responsibility to the Recorder.
The Recorder’s Office contends these actions represent continued violations of the court’s order rather than delays in implementation. The filing states that Recorder officials attempted to negotiate phased transition plans, resource-sharing agreements, and other cooperative solutions which were rejected by the Board.
Heap is now asking the court to order the Board to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt, impose sanctions sufficient to compel compliance with the April ruling, and award attorney fees and court costs.
“The voters of Maricopa County deserve election administration that follows the law, respects the courts, and remains focused on conducting elections that are lawful, secure, accurate, accessible, and worthy of the public’s trust,” added Heap.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
