by Ethan Faverino | Jul 30, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Trump administration recently unveiled a proposal to repeal the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” a controversial U.S. climate policy that declared carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases a threat to public health and welfare.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule, if finalized, would dismantle the legal foundation for numerous climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, repealing all resulting greenhouse gas emissions regulations for motor vehicles and engines.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the move as “the largest deregulatory action in the history of America,” arguing that the Endangerment Finding has been misused to impose costly regulations.
“There are people who, in the name of climate change, are willing to bankrupt the country,” Zeldin said. “They created this endangerment finding, and then they are able to put all these regulations on vehicles, on airplanes, on stationary sources, to basically regulate out of existence, in many cases, a lot of segments of our economy. And it cost Americans a lot of money.”
The proposal, which follows an executive order from President Trump, directs the EPA to review the findings’ legality. It is part of a broader push to roll back 31 environmental regulations.
Zeldin criticized the Obama and Biden administrations, saying they “twisted the law, ignored precedent, and warped science to achieve their preferred ends and stick American families with hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden taxes every single year.”
In states like Arizona, the Endangerment Finding has been used to enforce mandates and shut down energy sources that Arizona relies on.
The Arizona Free Enterprise Club celebrated the EPA’s proposal, viewing it as a critical step toward alleviating economic burdens imposed on Arizona families and businesses from overreaching environmental mandates.
The Club argues that the Endangerment Finding has forced the closure of reliable energy facilities and imposed costly environmental policies that have led to soaring utility costs and raised concerns about the reliability of the state’s energy grid.
Scot Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, reacted to the Trump administration’s proposal, saying, “[The Endangerment Finding] has always been junk science used to shut down Arizona’s economy, close down our coal plants, and force our state into California-style green mandates. Repealing the Endangerment Finding is a necessary step to restore energy independence, protect ratepayers, and stop the unelected bureaucrats at the EPA from hijacking our economy in the name of climate alarmism.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 30, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Christina Marie Chapman of Litchfield Park, Arizona, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for her role in a scheme that facilitated North Korean IT workers in obtaining remote positions at over 300 U.S. companies.
Chapman helped generate $17 million in illicit revenue for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss in the District of Columbia, also includes three years of supervised release, forfeiture of $284,555 intended for North Korean operatives, and a $176,850 judgment.
Chapman pleaded guilty on February 11, 2025, to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Chapman’s scheme was one of the largest in North Korean IT worker fraud cases prosecuted by the Department of Justice. It involved 68 U.S. citizens’ identities and defrauded 309 U.S. businesses, including Fortune 500 companies such as a major television network, a Silicon Valley tech firm, an aerospace manufacturer, an American automaker, a luxury retail chain, and a media company.
“Chapman made the wrong calculation: short-term personal gains that inflict harm on our citizens and support a foreign adversary will have severe long-term consequences,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I encourage companies to remain vigilant of these cyber threats and warn individuals who may be tempted by similar schemes to take heed of today’s sentence.”
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia said, “North Korea is not just a threat to the homeland from afar. It is an enemy within. It is perpetrating fraud on American citizens, American companies, and American banks. It is a threat to Main Street in every sense of the word.”
Chapman operated a “laptop” farm from her Arizona home, hosting and managing laptops sent by U.S. companies under the false idea that the work was performed domestically.
She organized these devices, labeling them with the associated company and stolen identity.
Additionally, Chapman shipped 49 laptops and other devices to locations overseas, including a city in China near the North Korea border.
A search warrant executed in October 2023 led to the seizure of over 90 laptops from her residence.
The scheme also involved falsifying payroll records, forging checks, and funneling wages through Chapman’s U.S. financial accounts to overseas recipients, falsely reporting income to the IRS and Social Security Administration under stolen identities.
North Korea IT workers, using false or stolen U.S. identities, targeted high-profile companies and even attempted employment at two different U.S. government agencies, though they were unsuccessful.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jul 30, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
During its July 24th Contingency Open Meeting, the Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) unanimously assigned the construction cost of a massive 1.5-million-gallon subterranean water tank to the Sedona customers of Arizona Water Company. The decision follows a nearly four-decade efffort to find a location for the water tank that was agreeable with the City of Sedona and local residents.
According to the AZCC, the “extra costs incurred” by the water tank, concealed with a fake home, will fall “solely on the Sedona customers of Arizona Water Company.” However, Pinetop Lakes, Munds Park, and Payson will also see a significant rate increase.
According to a press release from the AZCC, for Sedona residents, the estimated rate increase is 45%, which would bring the average residential bill to approximately $60 per month. Meanwhile, other Northern Group customers will see an increase of roughly 34%, with a billing estimate of $52 per month.
Prior to the meeting, the notion of assigning the costs to the ratepayers outside of Sedona was opposed by Republican Arizona Rep. David Marshall (R-LD7), who publicly condemned it in a press release. Marshall cited the “City’s requirement that Arizona Water Company bury a new water storage tank underground and disguise it with a fake home built on top—an aesthetic demand that made the project one of the most expensive the utility has ever undertaken.”
Rep. Marshall stated, “Arizona Water Company’s northern Arizona ratepayers—including the good people of Pinetop-Lakeside, Heber-Overgaard, Rimrock, Munds Park, and the Village of Oak Creek—did not ask for these costly design features. Quite frankly, it’s absurd to ask them to fork over millions to subsidize the excessive, big-government design mandates of a city nearly 200 miles away. This is a matter of fairness and affordability. Sedona chose to inflate the cost of this project for its own benefit. The rest of northern Arizona shouldn’t be stuck footing the bill for Sedona’s multi-million-dollar expectations.”
According to the AZCC release, an amendment to the decision by Commissioner Rachel Walden resulted in the “non-operational aesthetic expenses” being shifted to Sedona Residents. “My job is to ensure expenses are just, reasonable, and prudent,” Walden said. “That is why I offered my amendment to ensure that non-operational aesthetic expenses will not be paid for by those who do not benefit from them. I thank my fellow Commissioners for fully supporting my amendment.”
The Corporation Commission said in a statement, “The Commission deemed a new tank was prudent and appropriate; however, it was adamant that the extra costs from the aesthetic requirements were not to be assigned to the other 15,000 customers who do not reside in Sedona. The City and residents expressed disapproval for construction of an above ground water tank, which is the conventional design. The Sedona Project is one of only three water tanks that have been undergrounded in the state, by Commission regulated companies.“
The construction tab for the East Sedona Water Storage Tank and Booster Project came to approximately $20 million, as reported by the Arizona Daily Independent. The Arizona Water Company explained that to obtain approval for a conditional use permit (CUP) by the Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, it was required to comply with requirements to bury the storage tank and “camouflage” the tank by building a structure on top of the tank that resembles a home for aesthetic purposes, so that it will blend in with the neighborhood and scenery.
“Hopefully this is a strong signal to all water companies, local governments, and residents moving forward that if you require special conditions or place limitations on infrastructure based upon aesthetic preferences, you may be responsible for those extra costs,” said Chair Thompson. “I’m sympathetic to the majority of the Sedona customers who will be solely responsible for these added costs, but it is not an equitable requirement for the 15,000 customers in other communities to be responsible for millions in extra costs because a vocal minority didn’t like the way a water tank looked.”
“After a robust discussion today, the Commission reached a Decision in Arizona Water Co.’s Northern Group’s rate case that strikes a fine balance between ratepayer protections and company viability,” Commissioner René Lopez said. “Thursday’s Decision also signals to ratepayers and local governments that, even in a consolidated group, the Commission will equitably allocate costs to certain customer groups when extraordinary expenses are incurred at their request or for their exclusive benefit. Nevertheless, the compromises and decisions made ensures ratepayers continue to have access to reliable and safe drinking water in some of Arizona’s most beautiful terrains.”
“The final determination of rates for Arizona Water came after a very thoughtful discussion at the Commission about the additional requirements by the City of Sedona for the undergrounding of the water tank and the appropriateness of the financial burden on other ratepayers within their northern division,” stated Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson, who voted in support of the amended case. “I am appreciative of my fellow Commissioners’ support for my amendment that requires the company to present possible improvements to their customer assistance programs within their next rate case.”
“I’m pleased the Commission directed Arizona Water to engage in discussions with the City of Sedona about funds to help cover the incremental costs to bury the East Sedona Storage Tank,” Vice Chair Nick Myers added. “Because the City required and is directly benefitting from undergrounding the tank, it’s only fair that they contribute financially to cover the City-imposed aesthetic costs. Otherwise, the entire incremental cost of burying the tank will be borne by Arizona Water’s Sedona System customers.”
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 | Jul 29, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Scottsdale Police Department announced the retirement of Aiden, a beloved 20-year-old Percheron/Thoroughbred cross breed.
Aiden had a 13-year service with the Scottsdale Police Mounted Unit and was known for his intelligence, athleticism and gentle demeanor.
He will now embark on a new journey as a therapy horse at Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, continuing his service to the community.
Aiden joined the Scottsdale PD Mounted Unit in June 2012 at the age of seven, following a successful career in Hunter/Jumper competitions. Recommended by the Mounted Unit Veterinarian for his exceptional training and temperament, Aiden quickly adapted to police work, becoming a reliable member of the unit.
Standing 18 hands tall (six feet tall at the shoulder), and weighing around 1,700 pounds, this white-coated gentle giant became a familiar presence across Scottsdale.
Throughout Aiden’s career, he patrolled Old Town Scottsdale on weekend nights, engaging with the community. He also served high-profile events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Super Bowl, and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Old Town.
Aiden also represented the department at police memorials, ceremonial events, and rode in several Parada del Sol parades.
His calm presence was also very helpful during many protests and civil unrest around the Valley, earning him the trust of his officer partners, Debbie Shuhandler, Aaron Bolin, and Keegan DeShotel.
Beyond his patrol duties, Aiden was also a community ambassador, participating in Mounted Unit education demonstrations, neighborhood block parties, and numerous school visits.
In retirement, Aiden found a perfect new home at Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, a Scottsdale based nonprofit dedicated to providing therapy to people with disabilities and veterans.
Paired with a retired police officer who attends lessons at Camelot, Aiden is already making a positive impact, bringing comfort to those he serves.
Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, located in North Scottsdale, has been serving the community since 1980, offering programs that promote riding and horsemanship as a means of therapy, improving strength, coordination, balance, and self-esteem.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jul 29, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
An error in the Pima County Recorder’s Office has reportedly resulted in approximately 1,294 erroneous ballots being mailed to voters for the August 5 city of Tucson primary election. The error was acknowledged in a statement from Democrat Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly’s office, with the problem isolated to Wards 3, 5, and 6, where voters were sent ballots for the incorrect party’s primary election.
According to the Tucson Sentinel, Lane Mandle, chief of staff to Tucson City Manager Tim Thomure, told reporters Saturday that county election officials are working to determine precisely how many of the incorrect ballots were sent, but the maximum number provided was 1,294. Mandle noted that she was not aware if any of the incorrect ballots had been cast, but insisted that the City Clerk’s Office is working to correct the matter.
“We’re not at the very last minute here,” Mandle told the outlet. “We’re gonna figure out a way. Nobody’s gonna be disenfranchised.”
In a post to X on Sunday, Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-LD20) called out the Democrat Pima County recorder saying, “This is what happens when we elect unqualified people to office. And this is NOT the first time Pima County Recorder has made a significant mistake with ballots and dates.”
In a Monday press release, the County Recorder announced that the error originated from a necessary override required to manage the information for the three overlapping elections.
“The error was a result of a need for Recorder’s Office staff to override a mechanism within the data system that prevents party changes during an active election,” the office said. “The override was necessary because of the overlap of three elections: the Congressional District 7 Special Primary, the City of Tucson Primary, and the City of South Tucson Special Recall.”
The system changes were made on July 17th, following the Congressional District 7 election, according to the county.
“The issue was identified on July 25, after three voters reported receiving the wrong party’s ballot through the mail. The data error has since been corrected, and the City of Tucson is assessing the situation to determine how best to provide a remedy for City Voters,” the Recorder’s Office added.
The County Recorder said that voters who were impacted by the error “are still eligible to get a ballot at any Ballot Replacement Site now through (Aug. 5) Election Day.”
The officials concluded, “The City of Tucson and the Pima County Recorder’s Office are committed to maintaining transparency and trust in the electoral process. We remain committed to ensuring all voters are able to vote in elections for which they are eligible. We are conducting a full audit of our systems and procedures to prevent such incidents in the future. Voters with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the City of Tucson for assistance (520) 791- 3221.”
For more information on the City of Tucson Primary Election, click here.
Correction: A previous version of this article listed ballot replacement sites for a different election. That information has been removed from this story.
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 | Jul 28, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona’s Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to meet with Trump administration officials, including Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, to coordinate with federal authorities on the Dragon Bravo wildfire, which has claimed over 16,000 acres and is 26% contained as of this report. The move from Hobbs represents a rare departure from the governor’s antagonistic stance with Republicans in general, and the Trump administration in particular.
Along with Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle, including fellow Democrats, Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and Republican Congressmen Paul Gosar and Eli Crane, Hobbs has called for an investigation into the measures used to control the fire and the policies that led to it as well.
In a post to X, Hobbs stood for a photo-op with the former North Dakota Governor-turned-Interior Secretary writing, “I was glad to meet today with @SecretaryBurgum. We both agreed to work together to combat the Dragon Bravo Fire and rebuild from the destruction. The Secretary also committed to an independent review of the decisions made during the Dragon Bravo Fire containment process. This accountability is essential as we work to ensure this never happens again.”
Following a tour of the devastated National Park lands on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Hobbs said, “This is federal jurisdiction, but fire doesn’t know that boundary, and we all have to work together.”
“Seeing the complexity that goes into managing an incident like this is helpful, and certainly, I feel good about going back to Arizonans and saying, ‘Look, everyone’s concerned about making sure that we’re protecting as much as possible, and that we can rebuild, because the Grand Canyon is so important to our state,’” Hobbs said.
Congressman Gosar said in a statement last week:
“I am concerned that the Dragon Bravo Wildfire is the direct result of recently inherited policies from the Biden Administration.
“We must not waver in our efforts to seek answers for the people of Arizona. Today, I call on Secretary of the Interior, Secretary Burgum, to seek answers for the people of Arizona, who want answers as to the causes of this disaster and what can be done to prevent tragedies like this in the future.
“The people of Arizona will not be calling for answers alone. I will continue to seek answers and solutions, because these wildfires deeply impact Arizonans and our state.”
Speaking with KAFF News Tuesday, Rep. Eli Crane described the fire’s devastation as “heartbreaking” and said, “Generations of Arizonans have made priceless memories at the North Rim, so this is a very tragic loss. I also want to see the North Rim built back bigger and better than ever.”
Answering a caller’s challenge to rebuild the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, lost to the flames, Crane said, “We will continue to do what we can on this issue. I know how important it is to Arizona and our district. Let’s also modernize it so it can be open year-round.”
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.
