by Staff Reporter | Nov 6, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The newest member of the Tucson City Council is further left than the rest of the council’s Democrats.
That’s because newly elected Tucson Councilwoman Miranda Schubert is a socialist. Schubert’s victory can be credited in part to several powerful national players in progressive politics.
One of those key players is the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The DSA endorsed Schubert; she is also a member of their Tucson chapter.
The DSA platform is the furthest to the left, policywise, on every issue.
The DSA advocates for:
- making all healthcare, college, and childcare free;
- cancelling all student loan debts;
- decriminalizing all drugs;
- abolishing prisons, mandatory minimum sentencing, and cash bail;
- stripping police departments of military-grade weapons and equipment;
- establishing universal rent control;
- providing free counsel for all tenants;
- expanding subsidized housing;
- mandating paid family leave for all workers;
- reducing the regular workweek to 32 hours;
- establishing more unions in the workforce;
- eliminating fossil fuels;
- transferring ownership of transportation and energy infrastructure to the public;
- raising taxes on wealthier families, corporations, and private colleges and universities;
- mandating a permanent ceasefire in Gaza;
- ending military support and commerce to Israel;
- closing overseas bases and reducing the military budget;
- abolishing borders and immigration enforcement;
- ending economic sanctions on foreign countries;
- restoring voting rights to felons;
- granting voting rights to noncitizens;
- establishing statehood for Washington, D.C.;
- abolishing the electoral college;
- adding more House seats;
- ending the Senate filibuster;
- and limiting the Supreme Court’s powers
Schubert’s local DSA in Tucson aligns with this platform, and also supports progressive causes like allowing gender transitions for minors.
Another key player integral to Schubert’s victory was Run For Something (RFS), a political action committee devoted to recruiting and providing campaign assistance to progressive candidates across all 50 states. A former staffer from Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, Amanda Litman, and a Democratic Party consultant, Ross Morales Rocketto, launched RFS in 2017.
Schubert was one of two 2025 candidates in Arizona to receive support from RFS. They also provided Schubert support for her unsuccessful council run in 2021; that year she was their only endorsed candidate for Arizona.
IRS records show the social welfare nonprofit arm for RFS — formed in 2020 with the same name as its parent organization — reported over $6 million in revenue, over $9 million in expenditures, and nearly $7 million in total assets in the last available reporting (2023).
Another DSA member won a significant seat across the country on Tuesday night: Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor.
Along with the strength of progressive powerhouses DSA and RFS, Schubert had significant support from the corporate sector: specifically, those assisting in transitioning the state to “clean” energy.
Schubert’s partner, Amanda Maass, is senior managing consultant at Illume Advising, a progressive research and advisory firm with headquarters in Tucson and Madison, Wisconsin. Illume assists utilities, states, and governments with the adoption of “clean” and “green” initiatives such as decarbonization and renewable energy.
Both Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) have been Illume clients. In recent years, Illume worked with both to craft a DEI-driven plan to electrify transportation across Arizona.
Illume has close ties to local and state leaders, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Pima County Deputy Administrator Steve Holmes, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and Attorney General Kris Mayes. Romero’s communications and policy advisor, Victor Mercado, was Illume’s marketing and business development principal.
Illume founder and co-owner Anne Dougherty is board chair of the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund of Southern Arizona, and director for the Arizona Technology Council as well as Groundswell Capital.
Prior to running for council, Schubert founded a labor union for Arizona’s public universities and some community colleges, CWA Local 7065 United Campus Workers of Arizona, and a local housing and transit advocacy group, Tucson for Everyone.
Schubert also served on two city commissions, the Complete Streets Coordinating Council and the Board of Adjustment.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Nov 6, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Voters in Mesa recalled District 5 City Councilmember Julie Spilsbury Tuesday night, ending her term in a special election triggered by a citizen-led petition drive.
In early reporting, Spilsbury has received 47.38% of the vote while recall challenger Dorean Taylor tallied 52.62% according to preliminary results from the Maricopa County Elections Department. The election marked the first successful recall of a sitting Mesa councilmember in the city’s history, ending with a concession from Spilsbury.
Early voting data released Monday showed Spilsbury trailing by a wide margin, with Taylor garnering 8,219 votes to Spilsbury’s 7,352. Turnout for the special election reached 16,201 voters as of this report, or 32.93% of registered voters in the district.
The recall effort, which took on a new dimenstion in August when Dorean Taylor announced her candidacy, was launched by a resident named Joanne Robbins and backed by Turning Point USA. Robbins launched the recall based on three specific “yes” votes taken by Spilsbury between 2023 and 2024: approval of a permit to convert a hotel into a homeless housing program, increasing city council salaries, and increasing Mesa utility rates.
In a Tuesday post to X, TPUSA, COO Tyler Bowyer was celebratory and congratulated Taylor on the win: “One of the biggest wins in America tonight, RECALLING the leader of ‘Republicans for Harris’ Julie Spilsbury. Congrats @taylorformesa!”
In a later post, he added, “When you organize effectively, you can defeat both the uniparty and the Left. We help the grassroots solve the problem of fake Republicans. Huge congratulations are in order for our wonderful team who worked their butts off ballot chasing in Arizona! WIN!”
The Arizona Free Enterprise Club also congratulated Taylor on her victory in a statement, “Congratulations to Dorean Taylor on her victory in the Mesa City Council District 2 recall election! Your election win sends a clear message: Mesa residents are ready for leadership that prioritizes stronger neighborhoods, smarter infrastructure, and fiscal accountability. We look forward to working alongside you as you champion better roads, lower taxes, safer streets, and a more affordable future for all families in Mesa. Here’s to a fresh chapter of progress and promise for District 2 and the entire city!”
Councilwoman Spilsbury conceded defeat Tuesday evening and attributed her loss to Turning Point USA directly, “I didn’t lose to Dorean Taylor. I lost to Turning Point,” she told 12 News. “And I think a lot of people in Mesa are going to be mad that an outside group came in and told us how to deal with our city, and that’s not OK.”
“The recall would never have been successful without Turning Point’s employees, over 30 of them, out knocking (on) doors, that are not from Mesa,” she added.
Taylor will be taking over the remainder of Spilsbury’s term, which ends in January 2029, at which point she may opt to run for a full term.
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 Ethan Faverino | Nov 6, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona has emerged as one of the nation’s hotspots for shoplifting, ranking third highest in the United States with 587.83 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to a new report by Summit Defense.
This rate is 56% above the national average, highlighting a growing challenge for retailers and law enforcement across the state. The study, which analyzed FBI Crime Data Explorer figures for the full 2024 calendar year, underscores Arizona’s position in a troubling trend that has been dominating Western states.
“Shoplifting may seem tempting for many, but it’s just not worth the risk, and when people adopt the mindset of seeing shoplifting as a more insignificant crime, then more people often commit it, and the effect that this can have on businesses is enormous,” said Rabin Nabizadeh of Summit Defense. “This study highlights where shoplifting is an epidemic and needs urgent attention from lawmakers, law enforcement, and local businesses in the state.”
Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1805, shoplifting is defined as knowingly obtaining goods from a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the owner, including actions like removing items without payment, altering price tags, transferring goods between containers, or concealing merchandise.
Penalties in Arizona escalate based on the value of stolen goods and aggravating factors:
- Less than $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor (unless a firearm, then Class 6 felony)
- $1,000- $1,999: Class 6 felony
- $2,000 or more: Class 5 felony
- Repeat offenders (two or more prior theft-related convictions in 5 years): Class 4 felony
- Organized retail theft (involving intent to resale or tools to remove merchandise): Class 4 felony
Nationally, New Mexico leads with 777.97 incidents per 100,000 residents—106% above average—followed by Oregon at 675.98 (79% above). Arizona’s third-place ranking puts it ahead of Delaware (581.84 per 100,000, 54% above) and New York (558.55 per 100,000, 48% above).
At the other end of the chart, Idaho reports the lowest rate of shoplifting at 176.90 incidents per 100,000, putting it 53% below the national average. Maine is ranked second with 211.70 per 100,000 (44% below), followed by Rhode Island at 216.25 per 100,000 (43% below), Hawaii at 217.22 per 100,000 (42%), and Alaska at 232.22 per 100,000 (38%).
The 30-39 age group dominates shoplifting demographics in 46 states, including Arizona, accounting for around 30% of all reports nationwide.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Nov 5, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
President Donald Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb for the 2026 fifth congressional district race.
Trump dubbed Lamb a “MAGA Warrior,” with a subtle remark of appreciation given to Lamb’s primary opponent, former NFL player Jay Feely (Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Chicago Bears).
Lamb and Feely are competing for the seat that will be vacated by Congressman Andy Biggs, who is retiring from Washington to challenge Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for her seat.
“As the former Sheriff of Pinal County, Mark strongly supports our incredible law enforcement, military, and veterans, and knows the wisdom and courage it takes to ensure law and order,” said Trump. “In Congress, Mark will work hard to keep our now very secure border, secure, stop migrant crime, grow our economy, cut taxes and regulations, promote made in the U.S.A., champion American energy dominance, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Lamb responded with thanks to the president, not only for the endorsement but for his work accomplished in just under a year back in office.
“In just nine months, President Trump has truly made America Great Again, and shown what true leadership and courage is all about,” said Lamb. “He has secured our borders and got our economy moving.”
As for Feely, who settled in Arizona after retiring from the NFL in 2014, Trump encouraged him to take on another race.
“I also like Jay Feely very much, and would like to see him run in a different district, or for a different office,” said Trump. “[Lamb] will never let you down!”
Feely was outspoken about his political beliefs throughout his NFL career. During the Obama administration, Feely was a guest on Fox News where he criticized the former president. It was this outspokenness that many believe led to his being cut from the Miami Dolphins despite setting a franchise record.
“I’ve always felt that if I do my job the best I can and I’m one of the best at what I do and am honest with what I say, then people will respect that,” said Feely at the time.
Feely has not issued a statement responding to Trump’s endorsement.
Others fell in line to endorse Lamb after Trump took action.
The House Freedom Fund issued its endorsement of Lamb hours later.
Trump issued his endorsement only a few weeks into Lamb’s candidacy.
Lamb announced his congressional run last month during an interview with Real America’s Voice.
“I believe in America, I believe in our history and our birthright,” said Lamb. “I believe in God, family freedom, I believe in the rule of law.”
Lamb served as Pinal County Sheriff from 2017 to 2024. Lamb ran for Senate last year, but was defeated in the primary by Kari Lake.
The fifth congressional district includes Apache Junction, Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and parts of Sun Lakes, Chandler, and Mesa.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Nov 5, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona’s Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Family Court Orders has released a report detailing family court flaws from over 40 hours of testimony and expert review.
The committee’s recommendations include reforms to enhance accountability, transparency, and consistency.
The bipartisan committee, co-chaired by Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1) and Rep. Rachel Keshel (R-LD17), includes Sens. Carine Werner (R-LD4) and Theresa Hatathlie (D-LD6), and Reps. Lisa Fink (R-LD27) and Betty Villegas (D-LD20) as members. It examined family court practices related to court-ordered behavioral interventions, reunification programs, guardian ad litem appointments, behavioral-health evaluations, and the prioritization of child safety in custody decisions, according to a Tuesday press release.
The committee gathered input from more than 6,000 combined in-person attendees and online viewers across hearings. Recurring themes from the testimony included:
- Inadequate oversight of court-ordered evaluators and treatment providers.
- Significant financial burdens from reunification programs and mandated services, often exceeding tens of thousands of dollars.
- Inconsistent application of standards for guardian ad litem and representation of the minor’s voice.
- Lack of transparent data, training requirements, and accountability mechanisms in systems intersecting with family court proceedings.
- Absence of a standard of practice for psychologists.
- Calls to set limits on quasi-judicial immunity.
“The testimony we heard made one thing exceptionally clear: child safety must be the top priority in every family court proceeding,” Finchem said. “Right now, inconsistent oversight, extensive court-ordered programs, and fragmented accountability structures are placing families in impossible positions and, in some cases, putting children at risk. Arizona can and must do better. These findings will guide meaningful legislative solutions to protect children and ensure due process for every family.”
“When the system prioritizes process over people, children get lost in the middle,” Keshel said. “The purpose of this work is to ensure that every decision made in family court begins with one question: is this in the best interest and safety of the child?”
“We heard deeply personal and painful testimony from families whose lives were upended by inconsistent court practices,” Werner said. “Their courage in speaking out will help drive needed reform to protect future children and parents.”
“Families should not be forced into financial ruin simply to maintain parental rights or to keep their children safe,” Fink said. “We need transparency, cost controls, and oversight to prevent abuse and restore trust in these proceedings.”
“Every family’s story is different, and our state must recognize cultural, community, and trauma-informed factors when determining child safety,” Hatathlie said. “Reform cannot be one-size-fits-all. It must be grounded in the realities Arizona families face.”
The report synthesizes testimony, transcripts, agency input, and policy review to offer legislative options for improving the family court structure. Proposed reform areas include:
- Strengthening oversight and licensure requirements for court-appointed evaluators and therapeutic providers.
- Establishing statewide standards for guardian ad litem appointments and child-voice representation.
- Creating clear evidentiary guardrails and accountability measures.
- Increasing transparency, data reporting, and specialty training requirements.
- Reducing unnecessary financial burdens associated with mandated programs.
The committee concluded its report with a chilling account read aloud by Representative Keshel, which detailed how two children aged 6 and 7 were tragically murdered by their own father after “repeated warnings to the court were ignored,” after the court granted 50/50 custody “without meaningful safeguards,” despite the court having “documented abuse, a psychiatric hospitalization, and concerning evaluations.” The father tragically murdered his children before ending his own life.
The committee wrote, “This tragedy underscores the systemic failures identified throughout committee hearings: inadequate oversight of professionals, fragmented accountability, lack of child-centered protocols, and judicial immunity that shields negligence from consequence.”
They added that the victim’s story “is not an isolated incident, but a symbol of why thousands of Arizonans tuned into these hearings and why reform is urgently needed. The committee concludes: Arizona’s family court system must change—placing child safety above all else, ensuring judicial and professional accountability, and preventing future families from experiencing preventable loss.”
These recommendations will inform legislation for the 2026 legislative session.
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 Staff Reporter | Nov 5, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The city of Avondale will soon be getting rid of its speeding cameras.
Avondale City Council voted 5-2 to end its Speed Safety Camera Program during its regular session on Monday. Councilmembers Max White and Gloria Solorio voted against the program’s termination.
The goal of the cameras per Avondale police was to reduce the number of speeding vehicles and encourage “healthy” driving behavior.
The majority of the council voted to end the program due to a variety of challenges presented: a significant number of staff time required for citation review and citizen inquiry responses, vandalism to cameras, and a high number of violations rejected due to technical difficulties like poor image quality and glare.
The city evaluated three locations from August 2024 through this July to review the effectiveness of the program. A total of 12,100 citations were issued based on evidence from these cameras across the three locations: nearly 2,200 to residents, and nearly 10,000 non-residents.
Per the evaluation, the speed cameras didn’t deter speeding. The average speed of those speeding in the locations remained the same before, during, and after camera deployment.
The program’s total anticipated cost for the 2026 fiscal year was over $560,000: about $210,000 for the camera devices and associated expenses, and about $352,000 for the four full-time employees to run the program. That cost doesn’t factor the costs incurred with a high number of captures, which necessitated the workload to be offset to other community service officers.
Court collections were greater than program costs, totaling over $763,600, a net of about $200,000.
Avondale police said their speed safety strategy priorities consist of filling traffic officer vacancies, establishing more speed trailers and covert boxes, improving targeted enforcement, and increasing lidar and radar units for patrol officers.
Going forward, Avondale police said they were launching a speed safety campaign through social media and message boards, continuing its West Valley Speed Enforcement Task Force, partnering with engineering on roadway design to decrease speeds, and relying on current traffic and flock camera systems.
The Speed Safety Camera Program began in May 2022. It concludes officially in June of next year, and will cost the city about $100,000.
Councilmember Max White had a different interpretation of the data.
White argued during Monday’s meeting that the program did have an impact on driving behaviors, though minimal. Mainly, White expressed concern the termination of the contract would impact the city’s credit rating.
White, a National League of Cities (NLC) Transportation & Infrastructure Services board member, indicated the termination would jeopardize recent grant funding from the federal government, the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant.
“We’ve gone out for a bond specifically indicating we’re bonding for public safety and now we’re going to say, ‘We’re going to renege on this one contract.’ That doesn’t feel good for me,” said White. “To save $107,000 — I know you guys put safety first, I know we’re going to do more things, but to whom much is given much is required. I think we need to walk and chew gum at the same time.”
Councilmember Gloria Solorio agreed and expressed concerns that the elimination of the cameras would jeopardize the grant since it requires “countermeasures.”
City Manager Ron Corbin said the program’s termination wouldn’t jeopardize the grant funding.
Councilmember White responded that the grant received was a research grant, and that the speed camera program data was a component of that research used in application for the grant.
“This is research data that we should be collecting through the contract period. There’s a contract period we’re cutting short, and this is part of the research that was just used, for clarification,” said White.
Councilmember Jeannette Garcia said that the data confirmed her suspicions for her longstanding dislike of the cameras.
Mayor Mike Pineda said that he supported speed cameras initially, but is supportive of other tools desired by police to make roadways safe.
“It really stems from safety: how do we make a dent in the overall safety of our roads?” said Pineda. “I see no problem with removing the speed cameras and allowing the police department […] to provide and add these additional resources including the campaigns as a means to reducing and hopefully eliminating speed as a factor in this community.”
Councilmember Tina Conde said it would be “more beneficial” to allow the police department to take over speeding enforcement through their preferred tools.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
