by Staff Reporter | Dec 1, 2024 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
The National Education Association (NEA), a teachers’ union and the nation’s largest labor union, has continued its promotion of gender transitions for children.
NEA posted the guide by Advocates for Youth on Transgender Day of Remembrance last week. The guide was published last year.
The guide claims that humans are “assigned” their sex at birth based on reproductive traits (genitalia, chromosomes, and hormones), and that while everyone has a gender identity, only some align with their reproductive traits. The guide claims that children inherently know their gender identity as young as 18 months to three years.
Parents, per the guide, shouldn’t be the sole decision-makers about their children. Those parents that rely on information conflicting with or opposing transgender ideology are relying on “misinformation and falsehoods.” Instead, parents should accept information which affirms transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive youth (TNGE).
“Parents have everything they need to begin the journey of supporting their TNGE children,” said the guide. “When making decisions for their children, many parents search for information and resources to support their efforts, but some of what is readily available is misinformation and falsehoods. Parents who are interested in seeking out additional help to support their TNGE children are encouraged to do so.”
As for the role of educators, the guide says that they should “proactively teach the entire school community about gender identity, gender expansiveness, and celebrate LGBTQ history and culture.”
The guide also says that schools should affirm students in their gender identity by using their chosen name and preferred pronouns, regardless of their legal name; ensure students have unencumbered access to their preferred gender-specific facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms; and ensure students may participate in their preferred gender-specific extracurricular activities and athletics.
Per the guide, those who oppose transgender ideology, especially in children, qualify as “extremists” who put out disinformation.
The guide puts out a number of other contested claims, such as: puberty blockers are lifesaving, not harmful; LGBTQ ideologies contribute to healthy diversity; transgenderism isn’t a mental illness;
The NEA affiliate in Arizona — the Arizona Education Association (AEA) — has over 22,000 school employees as members (in addition to teachers, their members include librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers, and counselors).
Like the NEA, AEA has actively worked to foster transgenderism and advance other LGBTQ+ ideologies in minors.
AEA successfully advocated for the repeal of the 28-year-old “no promo homo” law prohibiting the discussion of homosexuality during HIV/AIDS instruction in schools. The law prohibited discussion that “promotes a homosexual lifestyle,” “portrays homosexuality as a positive alternative lifestyle,” and “suggests that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex.”
AEA also fought against legislative efforts to require the use of bathrooms based on biological sex, and prohibiting access based on gender identity.
The union also supported gender transitions for children as young as preschoolers, promoting a parent in 2017 who transitioned his four-year-old son into his “daughter.”
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 1, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Attorney General Kris Mayes has said that the State of Arizona is prepared to act upon its first execution warrant after fellow Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs dismissed a retired federal magistrate she appointed to review the state’s execution process in 2023.
Former Magistrate David Duncan reportedly never finished his work before his dismissal according to the Arizona Daily Star. Despite his authorization to charge $175 per hour up to $100,000 to conduct a full review of Arizona’s fraught execution process, Duncan was notified in a letter obtained by Capitol Media Services that Hobbs no longer has confidence in him.
According to the Daily Star, Hobbs said in the letter that Duncan’s review has strayed beyond his mandate, which was explicitly to review the protocols and procedures used by the AZ Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to judicially mete out death.
Gov. Hobbs observed in one report that Duncan suggested the ADCRR should weigh the implementation of the firing squad, explaining that it “does overcome the impediments to lethal injection from unavailability of material and skilled personnel.” Though firing squad is not currently available under Arizona law, it is far from unprecedented with Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah still offering the option as of 2024. Duncan’s inquest was terminated and he stands to be paid just $36,000.
Hobbs noted further that Ryan Thornell, whom she tapped for director of the corrections department, also completed his own review of the execution protocols and, per Capitol Media Services, made a series of recommendations including revised training standards and enhanced documentation.
Thornell told reporters that the greatest issues facing the department have been staff who’ve proven unable to place an intravenous line into the condemned to deliver the lethal injection, leading to “executions lasting longer than expected.” He further noted that some executions have depended on a procedure that was “extensive and intrusive.”
He reported that a medical team has been sourced, which includes a trained phlebotomist “providing a level of expertise to the team related to IV placement procedures.’’ He added that decision making in executions has been “inconsistent” and said, “I will not make decisions without the advice of the trained and qualified medical/IV team.”
Hobbs claimed, “With these changes in place, ADCRR is prepared to conduct an execution that complies with the legal requirements if an execution warrant is issued.”
Capitol Media Services reported via X that the first execution warrant should be sought by AG Mayes within two weeks.
That warrant will be sought to execute Aaron Gunches, a man who pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder and kidnapping of his girlfriend’s ex-husband Ted Price in 2002. In 2022, after nearly two decades on death row, Gunches waived his right to post-conviction appeal and motioned for his own execution, a motion he later withdrew in 2023 upon Hobbs taking office. The Arizona Supreme Court has refused to reconsider the motion, however, the warrant expired before it could be acted upon. Mayes must now seek a new death warrant.
“Given the review that has now been completed by the Department of Corrections, I feel confident that the state is prepared to conduct an execution,’’ the Attorney General told Capitol Media Services. “And so I will be issuing a request for an execution warrant to the Supreme Court in the next two weeks.’’ AG Mayes told reporters that there are some 111 inmates currently housed on death row in Arizona, awaiting execution and among them 25 have exhausted all possible appeals.
“There are 25 families out there who have an expectation that the killer of their loved ones will be executed,’’ Mayes told Capitol Media. She also added that the disparity between counties that can afford to implement the expensive procedures of the death penalty as opposed to those that cannot as easily is “something I think the Legislature needs to address.’’
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 Daniel Stefanski | Nov 30, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A legal verdict for a case with national attention earned responses from some Arizona officials.
Last week, the trial for Laken Riley’s murderer concluded, with a guilty verdict and the sentence imposed. Riley, a young nursing student, rose to national prominence posthumously, after she was horrifically and tragically killed by an illegal immigrant on the campus of the University of Georgia.
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp reacted to the news, writing, “Justice for Laken! I still don’t have the words to describe how sickened I’ve been following this trial, but the monster who killed her will now forever be behind bars! My heart hurts for Laken Riley’s family as there isn’t a verdict or sentence that will take away their pain and heartache.”
Shamp added, “Criminals and murderers don’t have a place in our country, and I pray no other family ever has to endure this type of horrific tragedy again. President Trump’s inauguration cannot come soon enough!”
In an exclusive comment to AZ Free News, Senate President Warren Petersen said, “While Laken Riley’s family received justice, they will forever live with this heartbreaking and senseless loss because the United States federal government failed to enforce the law and protect our citizens. We must do everything in our power to secure the border and remove these criminals from our communities to prevent similar heinous attacks from threatening innocent American lives. I’m confident President Trump and his Administration will do just that, and the Republican-led Arizona Legislature stands ready to help in this critical endeavor.”
State Senator Shawnna Bolick told AZ Free News that, “Far too often we have seen countless issues stem from illegal immigration, including the senseless murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Throughout the investigation it was apparent no verdict could ease the pain of the community or the heartbreak felt by her loved ones from this tragic incident. While last week’s verdict closes the chapter of Laken’s death, another angel family has sadly been born. No parent should have to endure the loss of a child.”
Republican State Representative Travis Grantham said, “I’m glad the murderer has been convicted but he never should have been here to begin with. The entire Biden administration has her blood on their hands. What happened to her is a disgrace.”
President-Elect Donald J. Trump, who has promised to renew his efforts to secure the border when his second term in the White House begins in January, also responded to the verdict, saying, “JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY! The Illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes. Although the pain and heartbreak will last forever, hopefully this can help bring some peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for Justice, and to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what they have. We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our Border, and remove these criminals and thugs from our Country, so nothing like this can happen again!”
Most – if not all – of the reactions for this verdict from Arizona public officials appeared to be from Republicans, with Democrats remaining silent in the aftermath of this case.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Nov 30, 2024 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics have released a new survey indicating the hottest selling toys and gifts for the holiday season.
In a press release, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen introduced the survey saying, “The holiday season is in full swing and while many consumers have made progress on their shopping lists, most shoppers will make the majority of their purchases over the coming weeks. Whether shoppers are looking to spread out their purchases or seeking the best deals, retailers are ready to help consumers with all their shopping needs this holiday.”
According to the survey, the NRF forecasts that 2024 holiday spending will increase by approximately 2.5-3.5% and total between $979.5 billion and $989 billion.
In the category of toys, the survey found real-world toys like Legos, Hot Wheels, and other toy cars reigning supreme over video games and video game consoles for boys. For girls, it found Barbie and other dolls standing tall with Legos, followed by cosmetics and beauty products.
For adults, the survey found that the top five gift-giving categories will be clothing (54%), gift cards (44%), toys (36%), books, video games, movies, series and other media (31%), as well as food and candy (30%).
For gift cards, the most popular are those for restaurants at 30%, department stores at 25%, bank-issued gift cards at 25%, and coffee shop gift cards at 22%.
Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist explained that most shoppers will find their gift inspirations online. He said, “Younger shoppers continue to embrace social media for gift ideas, with those between the ages of 18-24 more likely to find inspiration through platforms such as TikTok (28%) and Instagram (27%). These shoppers are also more likely than any other age group to purchase jewelry, with 30% planning to gift these items.”
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 | Nov 29, 2024 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Goldwater Institute released a report on Tuesday detailing the shocking expenditures of the Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD). According to the report, the district has blown a total of $76,969 “on what amounted to luxury vacations for school board members and administrators,” per public records obtained by Goldwater.
In the space of two days, the board reportedly shelled out $42,000 in hotel costs, $22,000 of which was for the catering. And this was all for just thirty people. The math works out to a brutal $700 per person, per day.
Christopher Thomas, Goldwater’s director of legal strategy for education policy, told AZFamily, “Those are monies that could have been spent on teacher salaries and educational programs for students.”
According to Goldwater, despite the public access requirements of the state of Arizona’s Open Meetings Law, these “Board and Administrator Retreats,” which act as long-form working meetings, are essentially hidden from the taxpayer. Furthermore, Goldwater reported that, “As a result of the noted board member absences, many of the meetings held during the $42,000 retreat in 2024 lacked even a board quorum (a majority of the five-member board), meaning that under the law, these were not lawful meetings of the board at all.”
Thomas explained that the retreats, “lacked transparency that’s required by the Open Meeting Law.”
Matters of great public interest were reportedly decided at these retreats, including strategies for improving student participation and graduation rates, student attendance rates and test scores, and budget priorities and academic goals, all away from public and parental oversight.
The costs revealed did not include transportation or the hourly pay of those involved, as many of them were effectively “clocked-in” during these “retreats.”
TUHSD reportedly indulged board members and administrators at two four star resorts in 2023 and 2024: the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson and the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. Notably, Goldwater observed that although records pertaining to these expenses were requested in July, they weren’t released until the middle of November… after new bond and a budget overrides were approved by Tolleson Union voters and a member of the governing board was safely re-elected.
At the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson for the board’s two-day 2023 Board/Administrator Retreat, TUHSD reportedly paid $33,969 to the resort, which included $22,061 on catering. In 2024, the three day retreat at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock ran up a tab of $42,154 for 36 people.
“The leaders in this school district do not fundamentally understand that they are working with public dollars, and that every one of those public dollars has got to be spent in a way that gives the maximum benefit to the taxpayer and accomplishes their educational mission,” Thomas said.
Comparatively, as Goldwater Institute and AZ Free News previously reported, the Creighton Elementary School District’s Governing Board and Administrative Team attended a three-day, $4,000-per-person “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) conference at a Napa Valley wine country resort in July, which also drew heavy criticism of district leaders.
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 29, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
“Protect and serve” means more than just keeping the peace and enforcing the laws — for Phoenix police, it means ensuring their neighbors have plenty on their tables this Thanksgiving.
Phoenix Police Department’s Desert Horizon Precinct donated 865 turkeys for St. Mary’s Food Bank on Tuesday morning. They couldn’t do it alone: community members rallied around their local department’s cause, making the massive contribution possible.
The collaborative effort between community and police allowed St. Mary’s Food Bank to not only reach but exceed its goal of 10,000 turkey donations this year.
The generosity means that much more, as Thanksgiving prices remained higher than they were several years ago, and more families have turned to food banks for help amid rising inflation. St. Mary’s Food Bank has around 1,500 families coming through its Phoenix Neighborhood Food Center every weekday alone, more than during the height of the 2020 pandemic.
The Arizona Food Bank Network has reported its monthly service numbers amounting to over 600,000 individuals. In July, the state saw a record number of households turning to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits: over 460,000 families. HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank reported serving double the number of households daily.
According to the USDA, about 12 percent of Arizona households met the threshold for food insecurity, meaning they lacked consistent access to enough food. Food inflation rose 25 percent from 2019 to 2023 (according to the USDA), with grocery prices increasing well over one percent in the past year alone (according to the Consumer Price Index). That latter increase marked a five percent jump from 2022 to 2023.
Officers also assisted with loading the turkeys and food boxes at the food bank’s headquarters.
St. Mary’s Food Bank president and CEO, Milt Lou, said in a press release that the donation turnout was “exciting.” Lou envisioned the happy scene to be had on Thanksgiving Day, when the many families that came to them for help walked away with a full Thanksgiving spread.
“[We’re happy] to make sure that every family that comes to us today and tomorrow will receive a turkey along with all the fixings, fresh produce, and bread,” said Lou.
Phoenix Police interim chief Michael Sullivan said in that same press release that he hopes this effort serves to show the reliability and dedication of his officers.
“These donations tell me you can bet on the Phoenix PD to come through when you need us and bet on the City of Phoenix,” said Sullivan. “The beauty of Phoenix’s community — now that’s something to be thankful for.”
St. Mary’s Food Bank also collected donations to buy turkeys for this year’s distribution. A $20 donation assured the purchase of one turkey and a meal of pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a produce bag including onions, carrots, and potatoes.
This year, St. Mary’s Food Bank expects to distribute around 23,000 turkeys across the Valley. That’s above its total of 21,000 turkeys distributed last year.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
