Arizona’s first law school with graduates eligible for bar admission without American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation will be rooted in the Christian faith.
Grand Canyon University (GCU) recently received unanimous approval from the Arizona Supreme Court to open its College of Law in Phoenix by the fall of 2027.
The approval is part of an evaluation period subject to certain performance conditions. The court advised that it wouldn’t approve similar requests from non-ABA-accredited law schools during GCU’s evaluation period.
Chief Justice Ann Timmer based the court’s decision on the shortage of attorneys. According to the ABA, more than 40% of counties nationwide qualify as legal deserts, which means they have fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents.
“Arizona faces a significant shortage of attorneys, and we are optimistic that GCU will provide an excellent legal education and help meet the need for more lawyers in communities throughout our state,” said Timmer. “We look forward to getting to know the school’s faculty and students and watching the GCU College of Law grow and thrive.”
There are dozens of law schools without ABA accreditation in the nation.
ABA accreditation takes years to earn, and law schools may not enter the accreditation process until after operating for at least one full year.
Even so, GCU stated in a press release that it would seek ABA accreditation once it becomes eligible. The recent Arizona Supreme Court approval allows the university to begin producing bar-eligible attorneys years in advance.
Graduates of GCU’s forthcoming College of Law will be eligible for admission to the State Bar of Arizona, provided that they meet standards and pass the bar examination.
GCU President Brian Mueller said in a statement that their law school will draw influence from that which strengthens our nation, citing a Christian worldview and free-market principles.
“Free markets unleash human ambition, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Mueller. “The Christian worldview provides the moral foundation that reminds us those gifts are not simply for personal gain, but should also be used to love our neighbors, serve others and improve the communities in which we live.”
Mueller added that the American justice system was founded on a common understanding of the inherent dignity of every individual and significance of justice, moral accountability, and the rule of law.
“Our nation’s founders understood that liberty cannot flourish without virtue, that individual rights must be accompanied by individual responsibility, and that a just society depends on people of character,” said Mueller. “We are not interested in simply creating another law school. We want to help shape a generation of legal professionals who will strengthen the institutions of our country, defend the freedoms that make opportunity possible and use their education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
James Williams, the dean of GCU’s College of Law, expressed gratitude for the Arizona Supreme Court’s willingness to innovate to meet the state’s need for attorneys.
“This is a historic moment for Grand Canyon University, for legal education in Arizona and, most importantly, for students who have dreamed of entering the legal profession by attending a Christian law school,” said Williams. “We are grateful for the Arizona Supreme Court’s willingness to consider an innovative approach to legal education and for the opportunity to demonstrate that a new pathway to licensure can maintain the highest standards of academic excellence, professional preparation and ethical responsibility. We recognize the significance of being the first institution to operate under these standards and the responsibility that comes with it.”
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Fountain Hills Unified School District (FHUSD) imposed a 10-day unpaid suspension on an art teacher after determining that her classroom remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death violated district policies, according to disciplinary records provided to Councilman Allen Skillicorn through a public records request.
The records identify Marisa Colon as an art teacher at Fountain Hills Middle School and Fountain Hills High School. In a Sept. 22, 2025, formal reprimand, Principal Dr. Kimberly Weeldreyer wrote that Colon acknowledged telling students, “If you live by the sword, you die by the sword,” during a Sept. 11 art class, one day after the assassination of Kirk.
The district’s account states that a student reported interpreting Colon’s remarks as expressing support for Kirk’s death. Colon denied intending to condone his death and told administrators that a student had misinterpreted her words.
In a Sept. 12 email responding to questions from Human Resources Coordinator Kailey Brown, Colon explained that she intended to point out what she considered irony between Kirk’s advocacy for bearing arms and the circumstances of his death.
The final reprimand acknowledged Colon’s explanation while finding that the impact of her remarks was unprofessional and inappropriate in a school setting.
“It was confirmed through investigation that you made statements that were interpreted as expressing support for the death of an individual, Charlie Kirk, when students inquired about him. Specifically, you acknowledged, stating, ‘If you live by the sword, you die by the sword,’” Weeldreyer wrote.
“While you clarified that your intent was not to condone such a viewpoint and indicated these conversations are more appropriately addressed with parents rather than in the classroom, the impact of your remarks was deemed unprofessional and inappropriate in the school setting.”
“Following the investigation, including student interviews and consultation with legal counsel, it was determined that disciplinary action is warranted,” Weeldreyer wrote. “In accordance with District Policy GCQF, you are hereby issued a ten-day unpaid suspension due to this breach of professional conduct.”
The district set the suspension period from Sept. 23 through Oct. 15, 2025. The reprimand directed Colon to stop the conduct immediately, warned that repetition could result in dismissal, and stated that the letter would be placed in her personnel file. It gave her until Sept. 29 to submit a written appeal to Dr. Cain Jagodzinski.
In his September 2025 post to X, he wrote, “Fountain Hills Unified School District middle and high school art teacher Marisa Colon is on leave for saying ‘Live by the sword, die by the sword’ in reference to Charlie’s assassination in a classroom full of students. It’s disgusting she has not been fired yet.”
Fountain Hills Unified School District middle and high school art teacher Marisa Colon is on leave for saying “Live by the sword, die by the sword” in reference to Charlie’s assassination in a classroom full of students. It’s disgusting she has not been fired yet. pic.twitter.com/3o1ww9Boqm
The district’s account describes an investigation that initially resulted in Colon being cleared to return to work before additional concerns prompted administrators to reopen it.
After the initial student report, an administrator identified in the records as “Dr. J” contacted Colon. She acknowledged the remark and was directed to meet with HR. In a written statement described in the district’s account, Colon denied that she intended to condone Kirk’s death and said such conversations should be addressed with parents rather than at school.
The district stated that the primary student was absent Sept. 12 and could not immediately be interviewed. After that interview and consultation with legal counsel, administrators initially cleared Colon to return Sept. 16. Additional concerns from students and parents subsequently prompted further investigation.
A Sept. 16 email and accompanying form placed Colon on paid administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome. Brown directed her to remain off district property and refrain from accessing district systems or files unless authorized by administrators.
On Sept. 18, Brown issued notice of the proposed unpaid suspension and scheduled a Sept. 22 meeting at which Colon could provide information or context. The final reprimand was dated Sept. 22.
The district cited violations of Policy IMB, governing instruction on controversial or sensitive issues, and Policy GBEBB, governing staff conduct with students.
IMB permits instruction on controversial issues while requiring fairness, objectivity, and professionalism. The policy, adopted Nov. 9, 2022, says personal views are not part of the instructional program and calls for an atmosphere in which differing opinions can be voiced without fear or hostility. It also expressly recognizes due process and freedom of speech for students and teachers.
GBEBB requires employees to treat students with dignity and respect and maintain acceptable professional conduct. It states that violations are serious and may result in severe disciplinary action.
The records production also included two earlier conduct notices.
In a Sept. 12, 2023, written warning, then-Principal Chris Hartmann stated that Colon had used an expletive to refer to a student on Sept. 7 and that students heard it. Hartmann identified violations of policies on staff ethics, conduct, and interactions with students, and warned that further or repeated conduct could result in discipline up to termination. The warning did not identify the expletive.
On April 19, 2024, Hartmann issued Colon a letter of direction for “encouraging students to throw objects at students standing in front of your classroom.” He identified violations of staff ethics and staff conduct policies, ordered the behavior to cease, and warned that repetition could lead to dismissal.
In an email the previous day, Colon described an action-portrait exercise in which students could choose whether to have tape thrown at them while posing. She said students could select alternative poses, an aide was present, and she instructed students against throwing the tape hard enough to hurt anyone.
The April letter stated that it would be placed in her personnel file. The September 2025 reprimand does not state whether either earlier conduct notice influenced the suspension decision.
In response to a request from AZ Free News, the district defended the suspension as the highest level of discipline permissible under state law and said the incident prompted changes to staff training and curriculum oversight. Its full statement appears below.
The district’s statement reads:
“Fountain Hills Unified School District is committed to fostering an environment of respect, civility, and care. Our students look to us as role models for appropriate language and behavior. Any language or actions that demonstrate insensitivity or indifference are unacceptable.
“In September of 2025 following the death of Charlie Kirk, Fountain Hills Unified School District received reports of an alleged inappropriate personal statement made by a faculty member. The statement was made as part of a student-initiated classroom discussion of Mr. Kirk’s death.
“Mr. Kirk’s death was a sad situation that deeply affected so many people across the country. With that understanding, the district conducted an investigation at that time in consultation with its personnel attorneys and the Fountain Hills School District Governing Board. The investigation included conversations with all directly involved parties to hear their perspectives.
“An initial determination was made to allow Ms. Colon to return to work after hearing from the identified parties involved. As a fluid investigation, the school administration and its governing board determined that same day to keep the teacher on leave pending investigation of others who may have had knowledge of the incident.
“Based on its findings of no new information beyond what was initially reported, the district took the highest level of disciplinary actions permissible under state law and in full compliance with the district’s personnel policies and protocols. The district then ensured it communicated the corrective actions it was taking to the parties involved.
“One of the policy changes made as a result of this incident was to require principal approval to ensure alignment with mandated curriculum boundaries and implemented required annual professional development for all faculty and staff to clarify legal and policy restrictions on classroom content and provide tools for navigating complex discussions safely and appropriately.”
Arizona law limits unpaid suspensions to ten school days for teacher misconduct that violates district policy but does not constitute cause for dismissal or certificate revocation. A separate statutory process governs longer unpaid suspensions and dismissal. The district did not specify which statutory provision it relied upon or explain why it concluded that a longer suspension or dismissal was unavailable in this case.
Colon did not respond by publication to a request for comment sent to her district email account.
The Maricopa County Superior Court ruled on Monday that the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) will face final judgment for violating the law to establish water supply rules.
The superior court ruled against ADWR back in April. The Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA), who sued ADWR, has requested the court invalidate and enjoin the challenged rules by ADWR and award any further relief the court determines to be just and equitable.
ADWR’s assured water supply rules caused a housing moratorium for developers, prompting HBACA to challenge its rulemaking authority in court.
Prior to the Hobbs administration, state law required developers to prove 100 years of assured water supply for their developments before beginning construction. ADWR, under the Hobbs administration, expanded that requirement to require developers to prove 100 years of assured water supply for the water management area surrounding their developments.
The Goldwater Institute represented HBACA in this case. The organization said at the start of the case early last year that the rules defied logic as well as the law, and exacerbated the state’s housing crisis.
“Arizona law is clear: major policies like the ‘unmet demand’ rule require formal rulemaking and legislative approval,” stated the Goldwater Institute. “Lawmaking is the job of elected representatives — not unelected bureaucrats.”
Judge Scott Blaney, the Maricopa County Superior Court judge in this case, ruled that ADWR had not only violated the law but effectively attempted to rewrite it to suit the Hobbs administration’s preferred water usage agenda.
“The Legislature created two paths to establish an assured water supply to develop a subdivision: obtain a certificate; or obtain a designation,” said Blaney. “Through the implementation of its moratorium and its nearly simultaneous promulgation of a rule that demands more water than the statute requires, ADWR has in effect attempted to rewrite the governing statute at the agency level.”
Despite losing in court, ADWR recently requested that its rules not be invalidated and enjoined.
Blaney stated in Monday’s ruling that ADWR has failed to establish good cause for withholding enforcement against them, and that to allow the water rules to continue to exist would be allowing ADWR to continue violating the law.
Blaney said the rules concerning assured water supply would return to what they were before the Hobbs administration.
“Defendant’s concerns are not consistent with the facts — the Court’s April 21, 2026 ruling on Plaintiff’s claims merely returns the parties to the status quo ante,” said Blaney.
AZ Free Newsreported earlier this month that the Hobbs administration awarded the outside counsel contract for this case to Coppersmith Brockelman PLC, a law firm with close ties to the governor, earlier this year. The contract listed an initial estimated cost of up to $600,000.
As reported, the administration justified competition in this contract as impracticable because ADWR’s in-house attorneys were reportedly busy with other litigation and Hobbs’ policy priorities.
The administration previously awarded the firm another outside counsel contract concerning groundwater rules and regulations. That contract quoted an estimated cost of $120,000 per year.
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Arizona voters who have yet to receive their mail-in ballots are being encouraged to vote early in person instead.
Some voters who requested early ballots have reported not receiving them, namely in Maricopa County where approximately 1.9 million ballots were mailed out. The county has more than 2.5 million registered voters, which makes up more than half of the state’s more than 4.3 million voters.
Early ballots for in-state voters were mailed out on October 7, the same day that early voting began. Uniformed and overseas voters were mailed their ballots on September 18.
The deadline to request a replacement ballot is Friday, October 23. Voters may request a replacement ballot by contacting their county recorder’s office. Election officials recommend mailing early ballots back by October 27 at the latest.
Arizona Republican Party Chair Sergio Arellano said it will turn out better for those voters without their mail ballots if they act proactively by voting early and in person, rather than waiting for a ballot that may not come or turning up on Election Day and hoping there won’t be another problem with their ballot.
Arellano reported that their party received “numerous reports” of voters still missing their ballots as of Sunday.
“Voting in person allows election officials to address your outstanding early ballot and verify your identity so you can cast your vote on the spot, provided you meet the applicable identification requirements,” said Arellano.
Those who choose to vote in person should be prepared to announce their name and place of residence, and bring with them a valid ID. Voting locations may be found on county recorder websites.
Valid ID is categorized into three lists.
List 1: Voters may use one form of the following ID types to vote: valid Arizona driver license; valid Arizona non-operating identification card; tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal ID; or valid U.S. federal, state, or local government-issued ID.
IDs for federally recognized tribal members aren’t required to have an address or photo in order to cast a provisional ballot.
List 2: Or, voters may use two different forms of the following ID types to vote: utility bill for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, cellular phone, or cable TV dated within 90 days of the election date; bank or credit union statement dated within 90 days of the election date; valid Arizona vehicle registration; Indian census card; property tax statement for residence; tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal ID; Arizona vehicle registration card; recorder’s certificate; valid U.S. federal, state, or local government-issued ID including a voter registration card issued by the county recorder; any mailing marked “Official Election Material.”
List 3: Or, voters may pair any List 1 valid photo ID in which the address doesn’t reasonably match the precinct register with a List 2 non-photo ID in which the address does reasonably match the precinct register. Voters may also pair any U.S. passport without an address and one List 2 item, or a military ID without an address with one List 2 item.
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Maricopa County is transitioning dozens of election sites while early voting is underway.
The Board of Supervisors and Recorder entered an agreement to transition 46 election sites from the recorder’s office to the board by Election Day on November 3.
BOS Elections Dept presentation on 2026 general election “Transition Plan”
The leadership teams from Recorder’s Office & Board of Supervisors agreed to Vacate the lawsuit rulings.
46 election sites will be transitioning from Recorder’s Office to BOS by Nov 3rd Election Day. pic.twitter.com/o6vCZTsAeP
— Thomas Galvin: Maricopa County Brd of Supervisors (@ThomasGalvin) October 19, 2026
The board discussed the transfer during its informal meeting on Monday. It is the outcome of a settlement agreement between the county recorder and board to vacate court rulings in the former’s lawsuit against the latter over election roles and responsibilities.
The 46 voting locations will be transitioned from early voting to emergency voting sites. The county aims to accomplish each site transition within 45 to 90 minutes.
Scott Jarrett, director of elections for the county, said during Monday’s meeting that he was “very confident” that the county would experience a “smooth transition.”
Under the agreement, Jarrett said, the board and recorder won’t share election equipment. Jarrett said the transition of equipment and sites reflected best practices for chain of custody and security.
“The reason why we’re doing this is, not only was it part of the settlement agreement, but this is a principle that is established in business practices, in government,” said Jarrett. “So that’s one of the main reasons why we’re not sharing this equipment: it’s to adhere to the [principle of] least privilege[.]”
Ballot-on-demand printers, check-in stations, and corresponding cabling will be swapped upon transition. Only non-technical equipment will stay, like voting booths, signage, and tables.
Taylor Kinnerup, communications personnel for Supervisor Thomas Galvin, posted a statement claiming that this refusal to share was because the transfer of site equipment was required.
The language of the agreement doesn’t include a requirement for transition and even supports shared equipment, as noted by Merissa Caldwell, EZAZ chairwoman. The agreement does state that the board was required to give the recorder ownership of early voting equipment, and that the board handles the procurement, deployment, and control of equipment and supplies.
The agreement also allowed for the board and recorder’s office to purchase early voting site equipment jointly.
Despite the arrangement that took place this week, the supervisors and recorder have not been operating on friendly terms.
Some of the supervisors, including board leadership, attacked Recorder Justin Heap last week for adhering to federal policy and filing a complaint about suspicious activity witnessed on a ballot tabulation center livestream.
Footage reflected two elections workers entering the tabulation center late at night to upload flash drives into elections equipment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation quickly investigated and cleared the workers of wrongdoing. The county also issued statements clarifying that the footage reflected authorized work updating ballot duplication system software and uploading election files.
Days later, a voting location in Chandler had the settings for three ballot printers altered. The recorder’s office replaced the printers and sent them for forensic examination, and on that same day issued a press release notifying voters of the incident. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating but says it has so far found no evidence of election interference or a crime.
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Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), alongside fellow Republican Congressmen Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) and Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), is urging the U.S. Department of War to explore opportunities to expand domestic copper production on military lands across Arizona.
In an October 19 press release, Biggs announced that the three lawmakers sent a letter dated October 9, 2026, to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, requesting that the department identify opportunities for copper mining, processing, refining, and recycling on approximately 3.12 million acres of defense land under its management in Arizona.
The lawmakers emphasized Arizona’s position as the nation’s leading copper-producing state, accounting for approximately 70% of all copper mined in the United States.
With its extensive mineral deposits, skilled workforce, established infrastructure, and significant military presence, the state is positioned to play a central role in strengthening domestic mineral supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign sources.
“Arizona has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources that are essential to America’s economic prosperity and national security,” stated Congressman Biggs. “For too long, our country has allowed unnecessary barriers and an overreliance on foreign supply chains to undermine our ability to produce the critical materials our military needs.”
“Arizona already leads in copper production, and we have a tremendous opportunity to build on that strength. We should be looking at every responsible avenue to expand domestic production, unleash American industry, and ensure our military has a reliable supply of the resources necessary to defend our citizens and freedoms,” added Biggs.
I'm urging the Department of War to identify opportunities to expand domestic copper mining, processing, refining, and recycling on the approximately 3.12 million acres of defense land under its management in Arizona.
In their letter, the congressmen highlighted copper’s importance to military readiness, noting its widespread use in electrical systems, communications equipment, munitions, aircraft, naval vessels, and military installations.
The lawmakers also cited three executive orders aimed at strengthening domestic mineral production and national security.
These include Executive Order 14220, which identified copper as essential to national security, Executive Order 14241, which directed efforts to accelerate domestic mineral production, and Executive Order 14415, signed July 20, 2026, which established a policy prioritizing domestic and allied sources for critical materials used by the military.
The letter requests that the Department of War identify suitable military lands in Arizona for copper and other critical mineral development while ensuring that any proposed activities remain consistent with military training, testing, and operational readiness requirements.
Additionally, the lawmakers asked the department to evaluate existing federal authorities, programs, partnerships, and investments that could accelerate domestic mineral production and processing, while identifying potential legislative changes Congress could consider.
Biggs, Gosar, and Crane also requested a briefing within 90 days outlining potential development sites, available resources, and any outstanding infrastructure or permitting requirements.
“Arizona has the resources, workforce, infrastructure, and military presence to play a central role in securing America’s copper supply,” the lawmakers wrote. “We urge the Department to put these assets to work.”
The congressmen argued that expanding domestic copper production and processing would strengthen the nation’s defense supply chain, create opportunities for American workers, and reduce reliance on foreign mineral suppliers.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
