by Jonathan Eberle | Sep 17, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona residents could collectively lose millions of dollars to fake gambling websites this fall, according to a new study analyzing Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scam reports. The report, conducted by online gaming marketplace Chicks Gold, found that Arizona consumers reported $7.9 million in losses between April and June of this year from scams linked to fake gambling and gaming sites. Analysts warn those numbers could rise sharply as the NFL season, the most bet-on sport in the United States, fuels a wave of online wagering.
“Scammers know there’s likely to be a surge in inexperienced bettors searching online for wagering platforms,” said Al Alof, CEO of Chicks Gold and spokesperson for the study. “That makes them especially vulnerable to fake sportsbooks or offers that appear too good to be true.”
The study examined scams across five FTC subcategories connected to fraudulent gambling platforms: malware and exploits, online shopping, tech support, social networking, and prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries. Nationally, 106,531 reports were filed in Q2, totaling nearly $192 million in losses, or an average of $1,965 per report. Arizona’s losses were significantly higher: 2,830 reports led to nearly $7.95 million stolen, averaging $2,811 per report—43% higher than the national average.
The most damaging category for Arizona residents was prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries, which accounted for $4.1 million lost across just 408 reports, averaging more than $10,000 per incident. That placed Arizona sixth in the nation for per-report losses linked to these types of scams, behind Montana, Maine, South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota.
According to the study, fraudulent gambling and gaming operations exploit consumers in several ways:
- Malware and exploits: Fake casino sites that prompt users to download spyware disguised as “mods” or “cheat tools.”
- Online shopping scams: Fake sites selling in-game items, currency, or memberships that never arrive.
- Tech support fraud: Pop-ups or sham help desks convincing players to share sensitive information.
- Social networking scams: Fake or hijacked profiles distributing phishing links in gaming communities.
- Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries: Lures promising jackpots or loot boxes that require upfront payment or personal data.
“These scams thrive on community and urgency,” Alof said. “Gamers searching for new releases or fans eager to place bets can be tricked into handing over money or sensitive information.” The rise in gambling scams has also been noted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which reports that complaints about online gambling platforms more than doubled since 2023. Users described problems ranging from malfunctioning slot games and altered wagers to deceptive ads and phishing attempts.
To protect themselves, Alof urged consumers to:
- Verify licensing and URLs: Legitimate sportsbooks are licensed by state regulators. Misspelled domains or unofficial app stores are red flags.
- Avoid unrealistic offers: “Guaranteed wins” or oversized bonuses are often bait for scams.
- Use secure payments: Credit cards or PayPal provide better protection than wire transfers or gift cards. Enabling two-factor authentication also reduces risk.
Analysts caution that both sports bettors and traditional gamers face exposure. Beyond the NFL betting surge, Alof noted that the release of popular video games creates another avenue for fraud. When legitimate gaming sites crash under demand, players may turn to unverified download links, which scammers exploit. With Arizona already posting losses above the national average, experts warn vigilance will be crucial in the months ahead.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 16, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Turning Point USA held a vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Desert Financial Arena at Arizona State University on Monday. Thousands of people, young and old, showed up to honor the life of Kirk.
According to an email from Turning Point USA’s ASU Chapter, the vigil to remember Kirk, who was assassinated on Wednesday, was held under high security conditions with a ‘clear bag’ policy in effect and a prohibition on any banners, flags, and signs of any shape or size in the arena.
Initially, student attendance was prioritized on Sunday, September 14th, with general attendees asked to join a waiting list; however, by Sunday evening, the restriction was removed, and all attendees were invited to RSVP.
Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action, wrote in a post to X, “Please join us tonight to celebrate his life and pray. We have a long week ahead of us and the entire Turning Point ecosystem feels your love and prayers. The students in particular deserve to feel it, especially in such a memorable place for us. ASU!”
In an email, Dr. Owen Anderson, faculty advisor of the chapter wrote:
“I hope you can join us tonight. To understand what Charlie Kirk was doing, you have to remember his context.
Charlie was debating edgy university students who often used profane language and hurled insults at conservatives and Christians. He wasn’t playing cards at a retirement home.
In a setting where anti-Christian professors were never challenged, and where many Christian intellectuals felt pressured to compromise with leftism and remain silent, Charlie Kirk changed all of that.
Suddenly, conservative and Christian students felt they could speak up and defend their beliefs. They saw how wrong it was to pay tuition for ideological training camps. Charlie inspired them to have courage. And being courageous is loving because it presents the truth to students who are captive to unbelief.”
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 | Sep 16, 2025 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
The U.S. Department of Education released the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, known as the Nation’s Report Card, revealing historic lows in academic performance for eighth and twelfth-grade students in science, mathematics, and reading.
The data highlights persistent post-pandemic challenges and a widening achievement gap, prompting U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to call for a transformative shift in education policy.
“Today’s NAEP results confirm a devastating trend,” said Secretary McMahon in a statement released by the U.S. Department of Education. “American students are testing at historic lows across all of K-12. At a critical juncture when students are about to graduate and enter the workforce, military, or higher education, nearly half of America’s high school seniors are testing at below basic levels in math and reading. Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before.”
The 2024 NAEP results show significant declines in average scores compared to 2019:
- 8th Grade Science: The average score for eighth graders dropped for the first time since 2009, with 38% performing below the NAEP Basic level, a five-point increase from 2019. Only 31% scored at or above the Proficient level, down four points from 2019.
- 12th Grade Mathematics: The average score hit its lowest point since 2005, with 45% of twelfth graders scoring below Basic, a five-point increase from 2019. Only 22% achieved Proficient or above, which is down two points.
- 12th Grade Reading: The average score fell below all previous assessments since 1992, with 32% of twelfth graders below Basic, up two points from 2019, and 35% at or above Proficient, down two points again.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2020-2021 school year, the United States (between local, state, and federal governments) spent $18,614 per student enrolled. This totals $927 billion in expenditures between public elementary and secondary schools.
Secretary McMahon added, “The lesson is clear. Success isn’t about how much money we spend, but who controls the money and where that money is invested. That’s why President Trump and I are committed to returning control of education to the states so they can innovate and meet each school and student’s unique needs.”
The data highlights a growing achievement gap, with lower-performing students at the 10th and 25th percentiles showing significant declines, while scores for the highest performers remained stable.
The report also reveals a rise in absenteeism, with 31% of twelfth graders missing three or more school days in the past month, up 26% from 2019. Additionally, only 33% of twelfth graders were deemed academically prepared for college in mathematics and 35% in reading, down from 37% in both subjects in 2019.
The NAEP assessments, conducted from January to March 2024, involved approximately 23,000 eighth graders in science and 43,600 twelfth graders in mathematics and reading. The results provide a snapshot of student performance across public and private schools.
Secretary McMahon emphasized the need for action across the U.S., saying, “If America is going to remain globally competitive, students must be able to read proficiently, think critically, and graduate equipped to solve complex problems. We owe it to them to do better.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Sep 16, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
According to a new report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI), inflation in the Phoenix metro area rose 1.4% year-over-year in August, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The increase marks a climb from June’s 0.8% reading and ends a four-month stretch where local inflation hovered below 1%.
As noted by the report, the uptick comes as Arizona’s economy shows signs of slowing, with weaker job growth and a cooling housing market. Still, compared with much of the nation, inflation in Phoenix remains subdued. Among the 23 metro areas tracked monthly, Phoenix ranked 20th in year-over-year price growth, continuing a dramatic reversal from 2022 and 2023, when the region routinely topped the list for fastest-rising prices.
Nationally, inflation picked up in August, rising 2.9% from a year earlier after holding steady at 2.7% in the prior two months. Prices across the country have now exceeded the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for more than two years.
Since August 2019, consumer prices in Phoenix have climbed 30.2%, adding about $1,525 in monthly costs for the average Arizona household. Nationally, prices are up 26.3% over the same period. Typically, inflation would run closer to 10% in a five-year span. On a two-month basis, Phoenix saw a 0.9% increase from June to August, tying January for the largest short-term jump of the year. Nationally, prices rose 0.6% over that period.
Housing costs remain a key driver of Phoenix’s relatively low inflation reading. Shelter prices fell 0.1% year-over-year in August, the fourth consecutive month of negative growth. Excluding shelter, inflation in the Valley was 2.3%—still below the national average, but nearly double the headline local figure. The Federal Reserve, which aims to balance price stability with job growth, faces a complicated outlook. While local inflation has hovered below target for nearly a year, national prices have not fallen under 2.3% since 2021.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 15, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
In a decision advancing American energy dominance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule granting the State of Arizona full primacy to control all classes of underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
This approval positions Arizona as the primary regulator for protecting its underground sources of drinking water, while developing economic growth and innovation in clean energy technologies.
The move aligns with the EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes delivering clean and safe water to every American, restoring U.S. energy leadership, and empowering states to manage their own resources with local expertise.
By delegating authority to Arizona, the federal government recognizes the state’s unparalleled understanding of its unique water challenges and business landscape.
“Efficient and effective permitting is essential to bolstering American industry and unleashing energy dominance while protecting our nation’s water resources,“ said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “States know their water resources best and understand the needs of their business community; entrusting them to take on permitting makes common sense. I am excited to see the economic growth that will be spurred by granting Arizona primacy to regulate underground injection under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”
The approval enables the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to oversee permitting and enforcement for all underground injection wells, including Class I wells for hazardous waste storage— ensuring these operations occur far below drinking water aquifers—and Class VI wells, critical for carbon capture and storage.
Following technical and legal review, the EPA confirmed that Arizona’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program fully complies with SDWA standards. ADEQ will now handle authorizations and compliance monitoring with the EPA retaining oversight and permitting authority for wells on Indian Lands, except for Class II wells on Navajo Nation lands, because the Nation already holds primacy.
The move got the support from Arizona’s congressional delegation, emphasizing the significance of federalism and local priorities.
“Our Founding Fathers were clear in their commitment to states’ rights and a small federal government. Individual states must have the power to govern in the best interests of their own people. This ruling affirms that Arizona—not Washington bureaucrats—is best equipped to protect our water, foster economic growth, and ensure the well-being of our citizens. It is a key step in ensuring access to safe drinking water for Arizona communities for years to come. No one understands Arizona’s communities and resources better than Arizonans ourselves,” said Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05). “I am grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their commitment to slashing needless regulations and restoring authority to the states. This is a victory for federalism, for common sense, and for the people of Arizona.”
“Arizona understands our land, our water, and our energy needs better than anyone in Washington ever could. Granting primacy to our state of the Underground Injection Control program is a recognition that local expertise and innovation should lead the way,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06). “It means that Arizona will now oversee the permitting for all underground injection wells, including Class VI wells essential for carbon capture and storage—a critical part of a secure and cleaner energy future, and Class I wells, which store hazardous waste far below drinking water resources critical for the health of all Arizonans. This step is a win for clean water, a win for responsible energy development, and a win for our economy.”
“I want to thank Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water. This rule will allow us to provide clean and safe water for every Arizonan while bringing more and exciting economic opportunities to our great state,” said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08). “This rule will strengthen Arizona’s ability to manage our future for our families.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also praised the decision as a pivotal achievement for the state saying, “Today’s decision is a major milestone for Arizona. By granting our state primacy over underground injection wells, the EPA is once again recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its water and natural resources. This authority allows us to safeguard the integrity of our groundwater, while also supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. With this step, Arizona gains the tools to lead on sustainable environmental management and innovation for years to come.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 15, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The McCain Institute’s Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative (FPPI) praised President Donald Trump’s newly signed Executive Order on Strengthening Efforts to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad.
The order establishes a groundbreaking “State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention” designation, empowering the U.S. Department of State to impose sanctions, visa restrictions, export controls, foreign assistance cuts, and travel bans on nations that systemically detain Americans and other foreign nationals for political leverage.
By codifying tools long advocated by advocates like the FPPI, the order transforms wrongful detention into a strategic liability for offending states, potentially aiding negotiation for the release of detainees and preventing future abductions.
Ambassador Roger D. Carstens, inaugural Senior Distinguished Fellow of the John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative and former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) said, “I am grateful to see the Trump Administration’s new executive order creating a ‘state sponsor of wrongful detention’ designation that can be levied against those who would take our citizens unjustly. This executive order starts to codify the very tools we have long advocated for—tools that, for the first time, make wrongful detention a strategic liability for any state. We’ve moved from response to prevention; now, with sanctions and designations in place, deterrence is real—and it’s backed by the full force of U.S. policy. We need to keep doing more to impose even harsher deterrence on countries who dare to wrongfully take Americans and hold them hostage.”
The executive order authorizes the Secretary of State to label a foreign government as a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention” if it engages in or supports such practices, including detentions on its soil or failures to release confirmed wrongful detainees after U.S. notification.
Designations can be lifted only if the government releases detainees, enacts policy changes, and offers credible assurances against recurrence.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the measure in a press statement, declaring, “Anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price. This administration is not only putting America first but also putting Americans first.”
The initiative comes amidst a global crisis, where at least 30 American citizens are currently wrongfully detained in countries such as Iran, Venezuela, Eritrea, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Sarah Moriaty, a member of the FPPI Advisory Board and the daughter of a former FBI agent who was wrongfully detained by Iran in 2007, later dying in custody, said, “We have watched in horror as the practice of taking American citizens hostage as political leverage has not only escalated but run rampant by the acts of many rogue nations.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
