by Matthew Holloway | May 6, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Goldwater Institute recently sent an email that its lawsuit announced in January against the Hobbs administration is moving forward.
In the email, Goldwater highlighted the potential impact of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) controversial new rule imposing the requirement of a 100-year groundwater supply across wide swaths of the state.
Goldwater’s Vice President for Litigation Jon Riches wrote, “This government overreach sets a troubling precedent for other bureaucratic agencies to bypass the authority of the legislature. Due to ADWR disregarding the legislative process and the risks posed by the water rule, the Goldwater Institute is suing Governor Hobbs’ administration.”
Goldwater is challenging the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ (ADWR) controversial new rule imposing the requirement of a 100-year groundwater supply across wide swaths of the state. The troubling regulation was detailed earlier this year in an op-ed from Goldwater’s Vice President for Litigation Jon Riches and in a report by AZ Free News.
Riches explained that Hobbs’ appointed Director of ADWR, Tom Buschatzke, is “working outside Arizona law,” by implementing the new “unmet demand” rule, unilaterally without legislative approval or following the statutory rule-making process.
He wrote, “Despite Buschatzke’s apparent desire to act as a mini czar with unilateral power to determine this state’s water policy, his authority — like all government power — is constrained by Arizona law. And that law is crystal clear: When regulatory agencies like ADWR attempt to impose sweeping policies — such as halting all new home construction across large parts of the Valley — they must do so through formal rulemaking, allowing for public input. Instead, Buschatzke sidestepped this requirement and imposed his homebuilding moratorium with the stroke of a pen. The Goldwater Institute, where I work, is now suing the agency to halt the illegal rule.”
In the email, Riches warned, “If someone wanted to build a house, they would be blocked from doing so if another part of the designated region, miles and miles away, did not meet the criteria of this water rule.”
The email also outlined three direct impacts that Arizona taxpayers could expect to feel: “Increased housing costs, prevention of homebuilding, [and] a dangerous precedent for government overreach.”
Riches added, “This is one of the most critical lawsuits by the Goldwater Institute in our history. We have been successful in challenging unconstitutional laws in the past, and we are ready to fight this one.”
The complaint in Home Builders Association of Central Arizona v. Arizona Department of Water Resources can be found online here. The case is currently in the Maricopa County Superior Court pending a response from the ADWR.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | May 5, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann of the New River Bible Chapel in New River, AZ, was found dead inside his home last week according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office. The 76-year-old pastor was found dead with serious injuries lying in his own bed. The pastor was reportedly found with his arms spread and his hands pinned to the wall.
The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office hasn’t released much information other than to confirm the victim’s identity, stating that there are unique, special circumstances surrounding the case and that there is no threat to the New River community.
As reported by AZFamily, the police presence near Schonemann’s home in New River was intense with at least 15 vehicles and detectives still at the scene late into last Tuesday. In an update later in the week, the MCSO said the pastor’s killing was an “isolated incident” and stated there is “no further risk or safety concerns for the community.”
Steve Dopke, who lives near the Pastor’s home said, “We tried getting some information out of them yesterday, but they said it was suspicious.” He suggested, “The only thing I can think is if it happened on a Sunday, I don’t know, if somebody was trying to shake him down. Maybe he was trying to help somebody and it went bad or something, who knows.”
AZFamily’s Briana Whitney reported from the scene Wednesday that a first responder described the pastor as being “found dead in bed covered in blood.”
The sheriff’s office said in a press release, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Schonemann’s loved ones as we continue our efforts to bring justice in this case. MCSO detectives are actively investigating and following all leads.”
According to Fox10, without information from authorities, the small community is on edge. Schonemann’s neighbor Mike Anders told the outlet, “I mean, we locked our doors last night. It’s just something that we are just not used to doing. Everybody is just, until we know what’s going on, we don’t know if it was a family member, or, we don’t know what, who could do this to him.”
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner said an autopsy had been scheduled for May 2nd to determine the cause of death, with MCSO telling reporters that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The sheriff’s office is asking that anyone with information regarding this case should contact the MCSO at 602-876-TIPS.
The Schonemann family released a statement: “Our Dad had such a positive impact on people everywhere he went. We will miss the loving guidance and patience. The happiness he showed just getting to walk around an airport, getting his steps in. The creativity of all machines he built. There are never enough words to say it all or to say it as well as a person would like. Simply, he is missed.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | May 4, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ2) is bringing attention to a “robust border security funding package” that advanced out of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The funding recommendation proposes massive investments in physical barriers at the border, the improvement of existing facilities, a major manpower investment, including retention bonuses and signing incentives, as well as an urgently needed overhaul of border surveillance technology.
“As Arizona’s only member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I’m proud to support President Trump and his team as they secure the border. By heavily investing in overlapping deterrents, our plan will significantly reduce human trafficking, fentanyl overdoses, and unlawful entries,” said Rep. Crane.
“This package will provide reinforcements for our brave agents on the ground and fortify our defenses for years to come. I appreciate Chairman Green’s leadership and look forward to sending the President long-overdue assistance.”
Among the recommendations, the Committee advanced an allocation of $46.5 billion for an “integrated border barrier system—an advanced solution that includes not only physical infrastructure but also technological enhancements.”
According to the Committee, the improvements will include: “internally reinforced steel bollards, fencing, all-weather access roads, lighting, surveillance cameras, and other cutting-edge technologies to support real-time monitoring and response.”
In terms of physical barriers, the package would allocate $46.5 billion for:
- Completion of 701 miles of primary wall
- Construction of 900 miles of river barriers
- Construction of 629 miles of secondary barriers
- The replacement of 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers.
Technological advances would include a $2.7 billion investment in:
- Ground detection sensors
- Integrated surveillance towers
- Tunnel detection capability
- Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
- Enhanced communications equipment.
In terms of personnel-facing investments, the package directs $4.1 billion toward filling the need for “additional Frontline CBP Personnel,” $2 billion for annual Retention Bonuses for existing personnel, and signing incentives for new hires.
“After hours of Democrat objections to commonsense border security funding, Homeland Security Committee Republicans held the line to advance budget recommendations that provide Customs and Border Protection with the resources needed to continue President Trump’s success in securing our border for years to come,” said Chairman Mark E. Green.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | May 3, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Members of the Arizona GOP Caucus, Reps. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) and Eli Crane (R-AZ02), marked the 100th day of President Donald Trump’s second administration with statements and social media posts praising the accomplishments of the 47th President and the Republican-led Congress.
Congressman Crane offered a series of posts to X pointing to the President’s achievements in border security, the economy, energy, forest health, and draining the swamp.
In full he wrote, “Thank you, President Trump, for ending the premeditated border invasion. We didn’t need new legislation. We just needed a new President.”
“The Democrats left President Trump a broken economy with record inflation and skyrocketing costs. Thankfully, we now have a President who prioritizes Americans, not globalists.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership, American Energy Dominance will prevail. The days of sidelining our vast resources are over.”
“Thank you, President Trump, for revamping our approach to forest health. #AZ02 welcomes these proactive wins that provide long-term stability.”
“Despite formidable opposition, President Trump continues to take on the administrative state and entrenched establishment. We appreciate the President’s commitment to tackling waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Congressman Hamadeh offered his own congratulatory post with a note: “Promises Made. Promises Kept. Congratulations to @POTUS on an incredibly successful First 100 Days!”
Hamadeh cited as accomplishments: 70+ Terrorists killed, $5 Trillion in secured domestic investment, $57 Billion in canceled foreign aid, $935 Billion in saved tax dollars, along with 139,000 illegal immigrants deported to date.
The White House posted on X, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we have the most secure border in the history of this nation. President Trump was able to do in 100 days what the Biden administration couldn’t — or wouldn’t — do in four years.” In a subsequent post the White House added, “100 days of President Trump—and we’re nowhere near tired of winning. To the haters: we’re just getting started. AMERICA FIRST FOREVER!”
In a statement, President Trump said, “Every single day I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body. I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve. This will truly be the golden age of America.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | May 2, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Scottsdale’s new City Manager Greg Caton has drawn heavy criticism following the resignations of former City Manager Jim Thompson, former Public Works Director Dan Worth, former Transportation, Assistant City Manager Bill Murphy, and Streets Director Mark Melynchenko. As reported in the Scottsdale Progress, former City Councilwoman Linda Milhaven accused Caton of “creating chaos,” and added that “it’s uncharacteristic for an interim city manager to be letting people go or making changes.”
“(Caton) got to work pretty fast firing people,” Milhaven speculated. “It had to be at the direction of the City Council.”
Concern over turnover seems to be consistent in members of the previous left-leaning City Council, with incumbent Councilwoman Solange Whitehead expressing as much saying, “This year under the new council majority, we’ve lost 100-plus years of experience. These are the people who have delivered for Scottsdale. And people are continuing to leave. For me, this is a top concern.”
Both Whitehead and Councilwoman Maryann McAllen voted against the conservative majority when they approved Caton’s appointment on April 15th.
Councilman Barry Graham, one of the newly elected conservative members, denied the notion outright telling the Progress, “That’s not true. I only discuss city performance and results” with the city manager,” Graham clarified. “I don’t discuss people.”
When asked during an interview with the Progress, Caton told the outlet that “Dan Worth retired, ” adding, “I did not ask him to submit his resignation.” He continued, “I did not ask anyone to retire or resign.” However, Dan Worth contested this, telling the publication that Caton “directed me to resign or retire,” and declined to comment when asked if the move was “politically motivated.”
Vice Mayor Jan Dubauskas also expressed support for Caton saying, “Greg makes independent decisions. I happen to agree with many of them.” Dubauskas noted to the Progress, “Cost overruns and road diets were high profile issues in the community, so I’m not surprised Greg had concerns about them.”
Explaining the staffing turnover, Caton told the outlet that he discussed plans for ‘flattening’ the city’s organization. “In conversations with (Worth and Melynchenko), I discussed future plans to make changes to the organization – the ‘flattening’ we have referred to,” he said.
“Given that those future changes would affect their positions, both Dan and Mark opted to retire,” he added. “The agreements we signed are evidence of our mutual desire to determine what that transition would look like.”
Caton is remembered by Southern Arizonans as the Town Manager for Oro Valley from 2012 until he stepped down from the role to take a City Manager role in Colorado in 2016.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
