by Staff Reporter | Dec 16, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
The leadership at one BASIS Charter School allegedly told families they were required to honor one of their coach’s new transgender identity.
Community members shared an email they claimed to have obtained a copy of from Basis Chandler Primary North, an elementary school, which advised parents to have themselves and their children abide by nondiscrimination policies in relation to the physical education coach, Michael Jahrman — now “Lily” Jahrman.
The email allegedly told parents that they should tell their children not to question Jahrman’s gender or gender identity.
“Coach Jahrman has recently undergone a personal transition and will now be known as Lily Jahrman. Students may continue to use ‘Coach’ when addressing this staff member,” stated the email. “BASIS follows all nondiscrimination policies, including those related to gender, and remains committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for every student and employee. Please take a moment to let your child know that Coach’s appearance has changed so that PE classes can continue smoothly without unnecessary questions. Coach’s focus remains on teaching and supporting students in PE.”
School policy provides further context for the implications of this email. The policy indicates that an elementary school student who misgenders or deadnames Jahrman would be subject to discipline. “Deadnaming” refers to calling an individual by their given name that preceded their gender transition.
BASIS Charter Schools’ code of conduct clarifies it maintains “a zero tolerance policy toward any language or behavior that intimidates, belittles or causes physical or emotional injury to others.” This zero tolerance policy allows each school to have discretion over the disciplinary consequence(s) administered.
The code of conduct also prohibits an undefined, non-comprehensive list of “certain behaviors,” including “derogatory statements” referencing any individual’s “sexuality [or] gender expression.”
Further on, the code of conduct clarifies that nondiscrimination policy expands to “actual or perceived classification protected by law.” Associated training materials clarify that the Title IX sex discrimination prohibition extends to gender identity and expression.
“Students must observe the school’s policies pertaining to behavior, respect, and anti-harassment/non-discrimination in all interactions with peers and school staff,” states the code of conduct. “Students may not engage in speech that is threatening, vulgar, or harassing.”
Court records revealed that Jahrman filed an application for change of name of an adult back in mid-September before the Maricopa County Superior Court. A judge signed the order several days before Thanksgiving.
Jahrman’s social media activity shows that he has frequently interacted with Occupy Democrats.
In one post by Occupy Democrats comparing President Donald Trump to a dictator in 2020, Jahrman expressed disappointment with the federal government.
“None of this would be happening, the corruption, incompetence, manipulation, or destruction if Trump were not elected. The day he was elected was the day this was all put into action,” said Jahrman. “I hope people have learned what they did and never make this mistake again.”
In a post by OK! Magazine covering Vice President J.D. Vance’s post-COVID-19 vaccine illness in February, Jahrman said Vance couldn’t have been sick because he doesn’t possess a heart.
“Lie, he doesn’t have a heart,” commented Jahrman.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 16, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Linda McMahon has formally restored Grand Canyon University’s nonprofit status, a reversal of a years-long dispute that had kept recognition of the Phoenix-based university’s tax-exempt classification in limbo.
The Department of Education’s (USDOE) action means it will now consider Grand Canyon University (GCU) a nonprofit institution for federal purposes, aligning its treatment under federal student-aid rules with the university’s longstanding recognition as a nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service.
“We are appreciative that officials within the current Department of Education adhered to the recent Ninth Circuit decision in our favor and conducted an objective and thorough review of GCU’s operations in determining GCU’s nonprofit status under the correct legal standard,” GCU President Brian Mueller said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the Department in a cooperative manner moving forward and being part of the conversation to address the many challenges facing higher education.”
The move follows a May decision by the USDOE to reverse a $37 million fine against GCU, imposed under the Biden administration with prejudice. The fine was the largest ever levied by the agency against a university.
In November 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the Department of Education had unlawfully denied GCU nonprofit status and remanded the matter to the department for reconsideration under the correct legal standard. In 2018, the IRS reaffirmed GCU’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status after a multi-year audit, concluding that the university met all requirements of a nonprofit educational institution.
The restoration of nonprofit recognition comes as several Arizona members of Congress and other lawmakers have publicly advocated for the university’s status.
U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ02) took to X on Monday to highlight the Education Department’s decision, calling the reinstatement of nonprofit status a significant development for the institution.
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ05) also posted on X following the department’s announcement, noting the change in federal recognition and urging continuation of support for aligned legislative efforts.
In previous years, Arizona Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Gosar and Biggs had criticized the Department of Education’s handling of the university’s nonprofit status and its regulatory actions. They characterized earlier denials and fines as misplaced or excessive and called for greater alignment between federal treatment and GCU’s IRS-recognized status, per the Arizona Sun Times.
Gosar told the outlet at the time, “GCU is being targeted for its religious views and for being the largest Christian university in the country. The Department of Education should recognize GCU’s lawful nonprofit status and stop the harassment.”
With the Education Department’s updated decision, the agency will now consider GCU’s application as a nonprofit institution in future federal evaluations, including eligibility for Title IV federal student financial aid programs.
“This decision removes the cloud of confusion over our nonprofit status and allows us to put our complete focus and resources on our mission to provide affordable, Christian higher education to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” Mueller added. “We are excited to move forward with clarity and purpose.”
According to the university, nonprofit recognition is also expected to expand access to private scholarships restricted to nonprofit institutions, increase eligibility for nonprofit-specific grants and partnerships, restore eligibility for future government relief programs, reduce legal expenses associated with defending its status, and solidify GCU’s standing as a voting member of NCAA athletics.
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 Jonathan Eberle | Dec 16, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp (R-LD29) has introduced legislation that would prohibit the addition of fluoride and fluoride-containing compounds to public drinking water systems across the state. The proposal, Senate Bill 1019, would bar state agencies, municipalities, and other political subdivisions from fluoridating public water supplies. Shamp, a registered nurse and former Senate majority leader, says the bill is intended to limit what she characterizes as government-mandated medical treatment and to give individuals greater control over their health decisions.
In announcing the legislation, Shamp cited concerns about the practice of water fluoridation, including questions about consent and potential health risks. Supporters of the bill argue that fluoride is widely available through toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dental treatments, making its addition to drinking water unnecessary.
Shamp also referenced research suggesting that excessive fluoride exposure may be associated with adverse health outcomes, including potential impacts on cognitive development in children and risks to bone health. Public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have long maintained that water fluoridation at recommended levels is safe and effective in reducing tooth decay, a position that has been the subject of ongoing debate nationwide.
“Medical decisions should be made by individuals and families, not imposed through public utilities,” Shamp said in a statement. She added that banning fluoridation would allow residents to choose whether and how they use fluoride products.
The senator also pointed to financial considerations, arguing that eliminating fluoridation could reduce costs associated with chemicals, equipment, and maintenance for water systems. Those savings, she said, could be redirected toward infrastructure improvements or water conservation efforts. The bill comes as other states have reconsidered fluoridation policies in recent years, with lawmakers in Utah and Florida passing measures to limit or ban the practice in certain jurisdictions. Shamp framed SB 1019 as part of a broader movement emphasizing individual choice and medical autonomy.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, Arizona would join a small but growing number of states restricting fluoride use in public water systems. The bill is expected to generate debate among lawmakers, public health officials, and dental professionals as it moves through the legislative process.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 15, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), a declared candidate for Arizona governor in 2026, has accused Tucson Mayor Regina Romero of encouraging obstruction of a federal law-enforcement operation after she posted on social media during active immigration enforcement last week.
In a post on X that drew hundreds of reactions, Biggs criticized Romero for alerting residents to the presence of a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operation near Flowing Wells and Miracle Mile on the morning of Dec. 10.
“Unbelievable,” Biggs wrote. “Why is the mayor of Tucson encouraging obstruction of a lawful federal police operation? Could it be because she favors those who are illegally in the country over American citizens?”
Biggs’ post included a screenshot of a Facebook message Romero published during the operation. In the post, Romero told residents that federal agents were active in the Miracle Mile area and urged people to remain peaceful while protesting or documenting the activity.
“You have the right to protest and document these activities,” Romero wrote. “It is very important to remain peaceful while you do.”
Romero later defended the post in comments on KOLD News 13, saying the alert was intended to calm the situation and keep the community informed about ongoing immigration enforcement activity. “I just want to make sure that we don’t provoke any confrontations,” Romero said.
Reaction locally was mixed, with some residents praising transparency and others questioning whether publicly sharing the location of an active law enforcement operation could endanger agents or allow enforcement targets to evade arrest.
Video of Romero’s Facebook post and surrounding commentary circulated widely on social media, including a clip shared by Libs of TikTok, which amplified both the mayor’s message and Biggs’ criticism.
According to federal officials cited by local media, the Dec. 10 enforcement action involved executing a search warrant at a business park near Flowing Wells and Miracle Mile, which includes AG Trucking, as part of an investigation into alleged cabotage violations and unlawful labor practices.
The Dec. 10 action marked the second major federal enforcement operation in Tucson in less than a week.
On Dec. 5, HSI, working with IRS Criminal Investigation, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and U.S. Border Patrol, executed 16 federal search warrants across southern Arizona, according to ICE. The coordinated operation targeted multiple Taco Giro restaurant locations, associated residences, and other properties as part of a multiyear investigation into a transnational criminal organization.
Federal authorities reported that 46 individuals were taken into custody on immigration-related allegations, along with two additional arrests connected to interference with law enforcement activity during the Dec. 5 operation.
Protests erupted outside a Taco Giro location at 610 N. Grande Ave., where demonstrators temporarily blocked federal agents inside a gated parking area using a bike lock. According to Fox News, agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and smoke grenades to disperse the crowd. Two HSI Special Response Team operators were injured during the incident, one suffering a ruptured bicep and another a knee injury.
The Tucson Police Department assisted with traffic control during the incident but did not deploy force, according to a statement cited by Tucson.com.
U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07) later claimed she was pepper-sprayed while attempting to gather information at the scene, referring to ICE as “a lawless agency under this Administration – operating with no transparency, no accountability, and open disregard for basic due process.”
Mayor Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz condemned the federal response, in statements to AZ Luminaria, describing the deployment of smoke grenades and pepper balls as a “disproportionate use of force” against protesters, including an elected member of Congress.
Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated, however, that Grijalva was in the vicinity of protesters who were obstructing officers, but was not directly targeted by federal agents.
She wrote in a post to X, “If her claims were true, this would be a medical marvel. But they’re not true. She wasn’t pepper sprayed. She was in the vicinity of someone who *was* pepper sprayed as they were obstructing and assaulting law enforcement. In fact, 2 law enforcement officers were seriously injured by this mob that @Rep_Grijalva joined. Presenting one’s self as a ‘Member of Congress’ doesn’t give you the right to obstruct law enforcement. More information forthcoming.”
Two protesters from the Dec. 5 incident, Sheryl Anna Rowe and Ryan Michael Seal, now face federal charges, according to KOLD. Rowe is charged with assault on a federal agent, while Seal faces charges related to damage to government property.
The raids led to temporary closures at seven Taco Giro locations as of Thursday. As of this report, no criminal charges have been announced in connection with either the Dec. 5 or Dec. 10 enforcement actions beyond the protest-related cases.
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 | Dec 15, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate Appropriations and Transportation Committee Chairman David Farnsworth (R-LD10) is calling attention to a rise in runaway and missing youth cases involving group homes and residential treatment campuses. He announced efforts to develop a pilot program aimed at improving prevention and response.
In a statement released last week, Farnsworth said he is working with local officials and law enforcement in the Town of Queen Creek to explore funding for two full-time, specialized police officers dedicated to addressing missing-from-care incidents. The proposed positions would focus on prevention efforts, rapid response when a youth is reported missing, and thorough investigations.
Farnsworth said he is engaging with group-home operators, municipal leaders, and law enforcement to develop a three-pillar framework centered on prevention, response, and investigation. While the plan is still in development, Farnsworth said the long-term objective is to craft legislation that could establish a statewide model for addressing runaway and missing youth cases.
“We must recognize the growing issue of missing and runaway youth in these settings; it is a pressing concern that requires our attention,” Farnsworth said.
“By collaborating with local leaders and public safety experts, we can develop thoughtful and effective solutions. This proactive approach is the first step toward enhancing child safety and ensuring a brighter future for our community. My goal is to create legislation that not only addresses these challenges in Queen Creek but also serves as a positive example for communities throughout Arizona, making the protection of our vulnerable population a top priority.”
Queen Creek has been identified as a focal point for the initiative due to a significant increase in missing youth incidents tied to residential treatment campuses and group-home settings located in the area. Those facilities serve some of Arizona’s most vulnerable children, prompting renewed concern among lawmakers and local leaders.
According to the Queen Creek Police Department’s Missing Persons page on Facebook, three missing persons posts have been created since September 1st, with two of them listed as found, and one, 14-year-old Abrianna Madrid, still listed as missing since November 13th.
Queen Creek Vice Mayor Leah Martineau expressed support for the effort, citing the risks faced by youth who leave group-care and residential treatment settings without authorization.
“Youth who leave residential treatment and group-care settings without authorization face very real dangers, and Queen Creek is committed to addressing that reality head-on,” Martineau said. “Our role as a community is to strengthen safeguards, respond quickly when a child is missing, and ensure each situation receives the focused attention it deserves.”
Martineau said the proposed pilot program positions Queen Creek to serve as a test case for solutions that could be adopted by other Arizona communities, if successful.
Details of the pilot program, including funding mechanisms and legislative language, have not yet been finalized. Farnsworth said additional discussions with stakeholders will continue as the proposal takes shape.
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 | Dec 15, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ02) joined forces with Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), and Joe Neguse (D-CO) to introduce the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure aimed at enhancing the safety and effectiveness of aerial wildfire suppression operations.
The legislation mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in close consultation with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, to conduct a comprehensive study on the disruptive effects of unauthorized drone activity over federal lands during active firefighting efforts.
The resulting report will equip Congress with critical insights to inform targeted policies that reduce risks and protect vital suppression resources.
Key elements of the study include gathering detailed data on the frequency of drone incursions, their direct impacts on firefighting operations, resulting delays in response times, and the additional financial burdens imposed on federal agencies.
It will further assess potential mitigation strategies, such as advanced counter-drone technologies and infrastructure, alongside robust public education initiatives to underscore the severe hazards posed by drone interference.
The FAA is required to deliver its findings and actionable policy recommendations to the appropriate congressional committees within 18 months of the bill’s enactment.
With Arizona facing recurrent and intense wildfires, coupled with a surge in unauthorized drone operations, Rep. Crane emphasized the urgent need to eliminate barriers that hinder effective fire management.
“I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the growing issue of drones interfering with aerial fire suppression efforts. Arizona is prone to devastating wildfires, and it’s imperative that we minimize obstruction and delays,” said Rep. Crane. “With our bill, Congress would have the necessary information to craft policies that help our firefighters combat wildfires before they get out of control. I urge my colleagues to support our approach.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
