by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 13, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
In response to a surge of troubling reports involving fraudulent Medicaid claims and abuse within Arizona’s healthcare system, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee has announced a special hearing scheduled for August 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Arizona State Senate.
Committee Chairwoman Carine Werner (R-LD4) will lead the hearing, which aims to investigate widespread concerns tied to Arizona’s Medicaid agency, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Reports point to systemic fraud involving Residential Treatment Facilities, often known as “sober living homes,” where patients were allegedly exploited in elaborate schemes prioritizing profit over care.
One of the most notable cases involves Farukh Jara Ali, the Pakistan-based owner of ProMD, who was recently indicted for submitting over $650 million in fraudulent Medicaid claims. According to investigators, some facilities bribed individuals to attend certain programs, then billed Medicaid for services that were medically unnecessary—or never provided at all.
Chairwoman Werner emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue: “We are hearing of too many instances where Arizona’s Medicaid system is being hijacked by criminals, while honest providers, patients, and ultimately all taxpayers, pay the price.”
Werner pointed out that Arizona is not alone. The state was among several affected in a recent nationwide healthcare fraud “takedown” that led to charges against more than 300 individuals. The total cost to Arizona: more than $650 million.
The upcoming hearing will bring together key stakeholders to examine what led to these breakdowns and explore policy reforms to strengthen oversight and accountability within AHCCCS. Lawmakers hope the session will also generate bipartisan momentum to protect the integrity of healthcare services and better safeguard Arizona’s most vulnerable populations.
“This isn’t just about money,” Werner said. “It’s about ensuring our healthcare system isn’t exploited at the expense of people who truly need help.”
The August 18 hearing is open to the public.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 12, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A new report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) signals that Arizona’s housing market may be headed for deeper trouble, even as homebuyers enjoy a short-term dip in prices. The think tank’s second-quarter analysis shows that slowing permitting activity is threatening to exacerbate the state’s chronic housing shortage.
In Greater Phoenix, average home prices declined by 1.0% in the first quarter of 2025 and are now down nearly 7% from their July 2022 peak. However, experts warn the modest drop masks deeper affordability challenges. The average Arizona home is still more than 50% more expensive than it was in 2019, and monthly mortgage payments have more than doubled during that time.
“We’re seeing some surface-level relief in pricing, but the fundamentals of the market still point to serious long-term issues,” said Zachary Milne, Senior Economist and Research Analyst at CSI. “Without an increase in new housing supply, prices are likely to rebound—and affordability will remain out of reach for many.”
While the current increase in for-sale inventory is helping to cool the market slightly, CSI analysts caution that these effects may be fleeting. Without local reforms to streamline permitting or reduce regulatory burdens, housing supply will continue to lag demand—keeping pressure on prices and limiting options for would-be homeowners.
“The bottom line is that Arizona is not building fast enough to keep up,” Milne added. “Unless that changes, the state’s affordability problem will only get worse.”
As policymakers and local leaders grapple with how to address Arizona’s housing needs, the latest data underscores a growing consensus: the state’s structural housing shortage is not going away anytime soon—and relief for buyers may prove temporary.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 10, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Sixteen months before the 2026 General Election, Arizona voters already know at least three ballot measures they’ll be weighing come November. Referred to the ballot by state lawmakers during the most recent legislative session, the proposals span issues of taxation, public safety, and individual privacy.
If passed, each measure would amend the Arizona Constitution — changes that can only be undone by future statewide votes. And these early additions may just be the beginning of what’s shaping up to be another crowded ballot.
In 2024, the number of voter questions was so high that some Arizona counties resorted to printing two-sheet ballots, prompting widespread voter complaints about ballot length. With dozens of potential referrals still under consideration, the 2026 ballot may once again test voters’ patience and attention spans.
Here’s a closer look at the three measures already set for the 2026 ballot:
1. Local Food Taxes Face New Restrictions
Sponsored by Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R–LD30), House Concurrent Resolution 2021 seeks to limit the ability of local governments to impose taxes on groceries.
If approved, the measure would require cities, towns, or counties to obtain voter approval before creating or increasing a tax on food. Currently, local governments can make that decision without direct input from the electorate.
The measure would also impose a temporary moratorium on any food tax hikes until June 30, 2027.
Proponents argue the change would make groceries more affordable during a time of rising costs. Local officials, however, warn it could impact critical revenue for municipal services.
The proposal passed with bipartisan support.
2. Ban on Mileage-Based Vehicle Taxes
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1004, sponsored by Sen. Jake Hoffman (R–LD15), would preemptively ban any tax or fee based on the number of miles a vehicle travels on Arizona roadways.
While Arizona does not currently impose such a tax, Hoffman and supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect personal freedom and prevent government overreach.
“There is nothing more insidious than the government trying to limit or control their citizens’ freedom,” Hoffman said earlier this year.
Mileage-based taxes have been explored in other states, like Oregon and Utah, as a way to replace declining fuel tax revenues and reduce pollution. Environmental advocates in Arizona, including the Sierra Club, support such measures as a means of curbing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
The resolution passed along party lines, with Republicans in favor and most Democrats opposed or absent.
3. Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
In one of the final acts of the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers approved House Concurrent Resolution 2055, which seeks to classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations under Arizona law.
Introduced by House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R–LD29), the measure would direct the state’s Department of Homeland Security to take all possible actions within its authority to counteract cartel activity.
Supporters say it complements Proposition 314, a 2024 ballot measure that authorized Arizona to enforce its own border security measures — though that law remains on hold pending the outcome of a related Texas lawsuit.
These early measures may just scratch the surface. Dozens of proposed ballot referrals were introduced during this year’s session, and lawmakers still have the 2026 legislative calendar to revive stalled proposals or introduce new ones.
As Arizona continues its tradition of robust direct democracy, election officials may once again find themselves preparing for a complex and lengthy ballot — and voters will need to prepare for an equally complex decision-making process at the polls.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 9, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has set a new record for vetoes in a single legislative session, rejecting 178 bills passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, surpassing her previous record of 143 in 2023. While Hobbs wielded her veto pen often, she also signed 264 bills into law.
The legislative session, which ended in June, underscored the deep ideological divide between the Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers, with repeated clashes over immigration, election integrity, and social policy. Still, some bipartisan efforts did make it to the governor’s desk and gained her approval.
National Security and Border Policy
Hobbs approved Senate Bill 1082, a measure barring foreign adversaries—including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—from purchasing land in Arizona. The governor said the law would help protect military bases and infrastructure amid rising global tensions.
Yet, she vetoed a similar proposal, SB 1109, that targeted only China, along with a string of more aggressive border enforcement bills. Notably, SB 1164, known as the Arizona ICE Act, and HB 2099, both aimed to expand cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration. Hobbs argued that decisions about immigration policy should remain in the hands of Arizonans, not Washington politicians.
Election Integrity Measures
Election security was another flashpoint. Hobbs rejected several Republican-sponsored bills she claimed would restrict voting access. Among them were:
- HB 2017, which would have capped voting precincts and eliminated on-site voting centers.
- HB 2046, a proposed change to audit procedures that Hobbs called inefficient.
- HB 2050, requiring daily updates on signature mismatches and enabling political party access to provisional ballots.
She also vetoed HB 2703, which sought to speed up election result reporting by cutting off ballot drop-offs on Election Day, calling it a form of voter suppression.
Education Policy
On education, Hobbs opposed efforts she viewed as punitive or politically motivated. She rejected:
- SB 1694, which would have barred state funding for higher ed institutions offering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) courses.
- HB 2610, which would have allowed for the removal of school boards in financially mismanaged districts.
Conversely, she signed HB 2880, prohibiting unauthorized encampments on college campuses, and HB 2164, banning public schools from offering foods with synthetic chemicals like red dye 3 and potassium bromate.
Economic Legislation
Hobbs approved a slate of bills aimed at bolstering the state’s economy:
- HB 2704 greenlights renovations to Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, without raising taxes.
- SB 1182 ensures that construction crews can work early morning hours during Arizona’s scorching summers.
- HB 2119 increases transparency by requiring municipalities to give the public at least 60 days’ notice before voting on tax hikes.
This year’s record-setting number of vetoes highlights the persistent friction between Hobbs and the Legislature. While Republicans argue their legislation reflects the will of Arizona voters, Hobbs maintains that many of the bills would have restricted personal freedoms, hurt vulnerable communities, or created unnecessary bureaucracy.
With more sessions ahead and no signs of a political truce, Arizona’s divided government is likely to remain locked in debate.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 8, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Attending a Phoenix Suns game will cost fans more than nearly any other NBA team, according to a new study analyzing average ticket prices across the league. The Suns rank eighth on the list, with an average ticket price of $172.
The analysis, conducted by betting tips provider Spelcash using data from SeatGeek, evaluated the average cost of attending a game for each team. While Phoenix fans may be feeling the pinch, they’re not alone — several teams are charging significantly more, with the Los Angeles Lakers topping the chart at an average of $365.75 per ticket.
That figure is 31% higher than the second-place Golden State Warriors ($279.47), and a staggering 146% higher than the league-wide average of $148.42.
The top five most expensive teams include:
1. Los Angeles Lakers – $365.75
2. Golden State Warriors – $279.47
3. Boston Celtics – $247.96
4. New York Knicks – $238.49
5. Dallas Mavericks – $215.00
Despite not cracking the top five, the Phoenix Suns’ $172 average ticket price still represents a 16% increase over the league average. They trail just behind the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The study points to star power, market size, and recent team performance as contributing factors to ticket demand. “It is no surprise to see the Los Angeles Lakers at the top of the ranking,” said Johan Sunnanangs, CEO of Spelcash. “Their huge popularity, coupled with a roster featuring names like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, keeps demand sky-high.”
The Suns have drawn strong crowds in recent seasons, bolstered by playoff runs and marquee players like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. But for fans hoping to see them live, the cost is rising.
By contrast, the most affordable team to watch live is the Charlotte Hornets, with an average ticket price of just $82 — 45% below the league average. The Atlanta Hawks ($82.16) and Detroit Pistons ($85.15) also rank among the most wallet friendly.
The study also notes that three of California’s four NBA teams — the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers — all rank in the top 10, underscoring both the market strength and popularity of basketball in the Golden State.
As the offseason ramps up with the NBA Draft and summer league action, demand for tickets is expected to continue climbing.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
