by Staff Reporter | Mar 14, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Kyrsten Sinema admitted to the allegations of an affair with her security personnel, per a new court filing.
However, the former senator says she shouldn’t be held accountable in court on the technicality that the affair didn’t occur in the state where the wife lived.
The filing was first reported on by Brian Anderson of FOIAzona.
The former senator faces a “homewrecker” lawsuit in North Carolina for her affair with Army veteran Matthew Joseph Ammel (Ammel) filed by his estranged wife Heather Ammel — Ammel v. Sinema.
North Carolina allows the victim of a marital affair to sue the individual who engaged in the affair with their spouse. The Ammels were married for 14 years and had three children prior to their separation.
Sinema believes the lawsuit no longer has grounds since she and Ammel conducted their affair outside of North Carolina. Sinema documented that she and Ammel were physically intimate in Washington, D.C. and other states — California, New York, Colorado, and Arizona — but never North Carolina.
On Thursday, Sinema filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit for lack of personal jurisdiction. Sinema denied that the communications and physical contact constituting her affair with Ammel occurred while Ammel was domiciled and present in his home state of North Carolina. Sinema also denied having any knowledge that Ammel was present in North Carolina with his wife and children when she was contacting him concerning their affair.
Sinema said the affair began at the end of May 2024. Sinema claimed that she believed Ammel had ended his marriage to his wife and had plans to move into a new apartment.
In his declaration, Ammel said his marriage didn’t end until October 2024. According to the deposition of his wife, she attempted to salvage their marriage during those initial months that Sinema and Ammel carried out their affair.
Amid those beginning weeks of separation and prior to an official divorce, Sinema treated Ammel, his wife, and children to a Taylor Swift concert in Florida. Just prior to the first sexual encounter that Sinema admitted, Sinema treated the Ammel family to a U2 concert in late 2023.
The senator denied that certain message exchanges between her and Ammel discussing sexual intimacy leading up to their first tryst were indicative of romantic or intimate involvement, especially since the two hadn’t yet had physical intimacy at the time. In one exchange, Sinema responded to Ammel’s text about starting a “f**k the troops” chant that she would “f**k the hot ones.” In another, Ammel discussed missionary style sex which Sinema called “boring.”
Sinema also denied sending a picture of herself “wrapped in a towel.”
Sinema and Ammel often corresponded using Signal, the encrypted messaging app that has the option to automatically delete messages after a certain period of time.
As reported previously, Ammel’s time as Sinema’s security marked serious security expenditures that far surpassed her colleagues and even presidential candidates. Sinema spent over $1.7 million on her security.
After Sinema left office, Ammel didn’t stray far from her side. The pair have toured together to lobby for the legalization and funding for psychedelic treatment, namely ibogaine: the compounded derivative of an African shrub called the iboga tree.
Ammel was arrested and placed on a psychiatric hold in North Carolina last November for assaulting an officer at a hospital.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 14, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Legislation intended to address the placement of dangerous criminal defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial advanced this week at the Arizona Legislature.
The Arizona Senate Health & Human Services Committee approved HB 2307, as amended, during a committee hearing on Wednesday. The bill, sponsored in the House by Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R-LD5) was amended in committee by State Senator Hildy Angius (R-LD30).
According to the caucus, the bill is intended to address a gap in Arizona law involving defendants who are determined by a court to be both dangerous and incompetent to stand trial.
Under current Arizona statute, defendants who meet those criteria are required to be placed in a Secure Mental Health Facility. However, no such facilities currently exist in the state.
The legislation would allow certain defendants who meet specific legal requirements to be placed in secure behavioral health facilities rather than being released into the community when no appropriate secure placement is available.
The amendment adopted in committee would permit the Arizona State Hospital to temporarily accept certain dangerous defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial on its forensic campus when secure mental health beds are unavailable.
The amended bill would also establish reporting requirements and create a legislative study committee to examine long-term options for secure mental health facility capacity in Arizona.
HB 2307 previously passed the Arizona House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
“Public safety must come first,” Angius said. “When someone is found dangerous and incompetent to stand trial, they need to be placed in a secure facility where they can receive treatment while protecting the public. This bill helps close a gap in our system and ensures dangerous offenders do not fall through the cracks simply because there is not a bed available in Arizona.”
The measure now advances to the Arizona Senate for consideration by the full chamber.
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 | Mar 14, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2601, a measure sponsored by Representative Matt Gress (R-LD4), to advance the long-planned Interstate 11 corridor and prevent further delays in critical transportation infrastructure.
The bill, approved on March 10, now moves to the Arizona Senate for consideration. HB 2601 directs the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to take specific steps to segment and progress the project, focusing on the portion between Interstate 10 at Casa Grande and Wickenburg as a “segment of independent utility.”
Under the legislation, ADOT must formally request federal segmentation approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within 14 days of the bill’s effective date. Following federal approval, ADOT is required to complete necessary environmental reviews and secure any required federal or state authorizations consistent with applicable laws and FHWA guidance.
Within three months of that approval, ADOT must initiate any required Tier 2 environmental and engineering studies to prepare for potential construction.
The measure addresses ongoing challenges to the Interstate 11 project, including a 2022 lawsuit that has stalled progress statewide, even in unaffected areas. Legislative findings in the bill emphasize that segmenting the corridor is consistent with federal precedent and National Environmental Protection Act practices, allowing discrete portions to advance independently.
The northern and central segments are described as environmentally distinct from contested southern areas, serving existing and projected transportation needs without relying on unresolved southern alignments. “Arizona is growing, freight is increasing, and traffic is not getting any lighter,” stated Rep. Gress. “This bill keeps a major corridor from stalling out in process and delay. House Republicans are working to expand capacity, improve mobility, and make sure Arizona has the highway system needed to support growth across the state.”
HB 2601 aligns with the House Republican Majority’s broader transportation agenda, which prioritizes reducing congestion, enhancing safety, strengthening freight movement, and aligning infrastructure with Arizona’s rapid population and economic expansion.
Republicans have supported other key investments around the Valley, including widening I-10 between Casa Grande and Chandler, widening SR 347 in Pinal County, West Valley upgrades, and upgrades at the I-17 and Loop 303 interchange.
Interstate 11 is envisioned as a vital north-south corridor connecting Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas, delivering long-term benefits for regional connectivity, efficient freight transportation, interstate commerce, and economic development in growing communities.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 13, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Arizona Senate passed legislation mandating expedited reporting for human trafficking on Monday.
SB 1416 sponsored by Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) passed with total bipartisan support.
“When a child goes missing, time matters. Delays cost lives,” said Bolick in a press release. “SB1416 ensures that law enforcement has clear, enforceable requirements to act immediately, share information quickly, and engage the public right away. This is about urgency, accountability, and giving families the best possible chance to bring their child home safely.”
SB 1416 would require law enforcement agencies to submit reports of missing, kidnapped, or runaway children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), media outlets, and social media platforms within 24 hours.
Reports to the NCMEC would have to include a recent photo; name, birth date, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color; and category under which the child was reported missing. Reports to the media outlets and social media would have to include law enforcement agency phone number and the child’s physical description, last known location, clothing last known to be worn, and current photographs.
Within 30 days after receiving the report, law enforcement would also be required to enter a report into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
The bill also would require law enforcement agencies to develop and conduct training once every two years on the mandatory reporting requirements for a missing, kidnapped, or runaway child, and on the Seek and Find Alert Notification System.
Last week the Arizona Senate passed another key piece of legislation addressing human trafficking, SB 1077. The bill would make it a felony to knowingly profit from online operations trafficking minors.
Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1), the bill sponsor, stated in Monday’s press release that the legislation reflects the shift in how traffickers operate.
“This bill closes loopholes that predators rely on and sends a strong message that Arizona will not tolerate profiting off the exploitation of children,” said Finchem.
Unlike SB 1416, Finchem’s bill didn’t receive any support from Senate Democrats. Only one Senate Democrat rose to explain their vote on the floor.
Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-LD24) said the bill was “overly broad and vague,” and claimed it would punish individuals who weren’t aware they were communicating with a minor online and had ceased communications immediately after they became aware.
Both bills were the result of findings by the Human and Sex Trafficking Task Force convened during the 2025 interim session by Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14).
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, former president of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, said in Monday’s press release that both bills would greatly assist law enforcement operations.
“President Petersen’s human trafficking task force led to the development of these laws which will give better tools to law enforcement in the fight to protect our children from these monsters who are profiteering off of their vulnerability,” said Rhodes. “I am grateful and fully support these needed changes in the law.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 13, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate Republicans advanced several election-related measures this month aimed at addressing foreign influence in ballot initiatives, strengthening election system monitoring, and improving signature verification for early ballots.
The legislation was passed by the Arizona Senate on Monday and includes SB 1647, SCR 1005, SB 1654, and SB 1634. The bills now advance to the Arizona House of Representatives for further consideration.
One measure, SB 1647, sponsored by Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1), would prohibit foreign corporations, individuals, and nongovernmental entities from contributing money or in-kind resources intended to influence the outcome of Arizona ballot measure elections.
The proposal would also require campaign finance filers to certify under penalty of perjury that prohibited foreign contributions were not accepted or used in connection with ballot initiatives.
A related proposal, SCR 1005, would place the same prohibition before Arizona voters for approval on a statewide ballot, allowing voters to decide whether to enshrine restrictions on foreign-funded ballot measure activity in state law.
“Arizonans expect their elections to reflect the will of American voters, not foreign money or outside influence,” Finchem said in a statement. “These measures protect the integrity of our ballot initiatives and ensure decisions affecting Arizona’s future are made by our citizens alone.”
Another bill, SB 1654, would appropriate $100,000 to reimburse counties for implementing endpoint monitoring systems intended to detect signal interception or other attempts to interfere with election equipment.
According to the Senate Republican Caucus, the funding would support counties in identifying potential threats and monitoring election-related systems used during voting operations.
SB 1647, SCR 1005, and SB 1654 passed along party-line votes, 16-13.
Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh (R-LD3) sponsored SB 1634, which would require the Arizona Department of Transportation to provide county recorders with a copy of a voter’s handwritten signature collected during driver’s license transactions.
The change would allow election officials to compare Motor Vehicle Division signatures with those submitted on early ballot envelopes during verification.
“Signature verification is one of the most important safeguards we have to protect early voting,” Kavanagh said in a statement. “Providing county recorders with direct access to handwritten signatures strengthens election security while helping officials verify ballots quickly and consistently.”
SB 1634 passed unanimously, winning bipartisan support.
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 | Mar 13, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Common Sense Institute (CSI) has announced that Mayor Jason Beck and his wife, Jane Beck, will be honored with the organization’s prestigious Free Enterprise Legacy Award at the 2026 Free Enterprise Summit.
The Becks will also be delivering the keynote address at the event.
The Free Enterprise Legacy Award is CSI’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose visionary leadership has expanded opportunities for Arizonans, strengthened the state’s fiscal foundation, and advanced the principles of free enterprise.
This honor recognizes not only outstanding business achievement but also meaningful contributions to public policy and community advancement. Jason and Jane Beck embody that legacy through their partnership in entrepreneurship and public service, reflecting a shared commitment to economic innovation and the strength of their community.
As co-founders of TYR Tactical, an acclaimed Arizona-based manufacturer headquartered in Peoria, the Becks have built one of the city’s largest private employers. The company specializes in designing and producing ballistic and tactical equipment that is 100% American made and serves law enforcement agencies, federal entities, and U.S. and allied military forces worldwide.
Through their core philosophy, “Innovate or Die,” TYR Tactical has promoted a culture of relentless innovation and rigorous testing, elevating Arizona’s advanced manufacturing sector and reinforcing the state’s standing as a hub for defense and public safety industries.
Beyond their business success, Jason Beck was elected Mayor of Peoria in 2022. In office, he has brought the same innovative, forward-thinking approach to governance—prioritizing economic development, securing long-term water resources, enhancing public safety, and expanding educational opportunities for families across Arizona.
In a press release announcing the award, CSI Executive Director Katie Ratlief said, “Mayor Jason Beck and Jane Beck represent the very best of Arizona’s entrepreneurial spirit. Through innovation, disciplined leadership, and a commitment to building here at home, they have demonstrated how free enterprise can drive economic growth, create opportunity, and reinforce Arizona’s fiscal strength. Their legacy is one of vision and action, ensuring that opportunity continues to expand for the next generation.”
The 2026 Free Enterprise Summit, CSI’s signature gathering of business, civic, and policy leaders, will take place in Arizona on April 9 and feature discussions on research, data, and policies shaping the state’s economic future.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
