by Staff Reporter | Jan 4, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Corporate media is making the case that the state’s largest sheriff’s office still needs federal oversight for racial profiling.
ABC 15 aired a segment criticizing a court filing requesting an end to the decade-long federal oversight of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The oversight emerged from the Melendres v. Arpaio case, a class action complaint against allegedly racially motivated detentions that occurred during illegal migrant sweeps.
FOIAzona caught reporting errors made within a report by ABC 15 that no longer appears to be published, including the claim that MCSO filed the court motion.
However, it was the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (MCBOS) who submitted that court filing earlier this month. MCBOS has budgetary power over MCSO.
In their court filing, MCBOS made the case that MCSO had long ago achieved 100 percent compliance in remedying issues of racially motivated detentions. The county argued that further federal oversight would only divert critical funds for public safety.
In a video explaining the filing, MCBOS Chairman Thomas Galvin said the end to federal oversight was long overdue.
“After 14 years, four sheriffs, and hundreds of millions of spent tax dollars, it is essential to defend taxpayer money if federal oversight is no longer warranted,” said Galvin. “All that’s left to enforce are matters unrelated to discriminatory policing which should be left to the sheriff who was elected by you: the Maricopa County residents.”
The 14 years of oversight have cost the county over $300 million in compliance. Around ten percent of those payments went to the court monitor, Robert Warshaw.
Leading up to MCBOS filing were months of allegations that Warshaw has a financial incentive to continue federal oversight of MCSO. Warshaw has earned over $30 million in monitor fees since taking on oversight of MCSO in January 2014 — around $3 million annually.
Warshaw faces similar accusations of exploiting federal oversight orders for personal gain in connection to his 15-plus years of monitoring the Oakland Police Department in California. There he earns over $1 million annually.
Warshaw has also earned millions from federal monitor assignments in New York, Michigan, and Louisiana.
Warshaw formerly served as the deputy drug czar for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under former President Bill Clinton.
Almost a decade ago, Judicial Watch reported on allegations that Warshaw allegedly employed “harsh” tactics that distracted from the county’s law enforcement activities.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said Warshaw’s presence is no longer warranted.
“There is no defense for this ‘federal monitor,’” said Mitchell. “One more reason I like to get my news from the non-fiction section.”
Mitchell has been a vocal critic of Warshaw’s continued presence.
“It’s time we stop talking about Joe Arpaio — he is long gone and has been replaced by 3 different sheriffs from both political parties — and start talking about why the federal monitor, Robert Warshaw, is dragging this on and on,” said Mitchell in a May post. “Maricopa taxpayers should be outraged that we are at $350 million. Warshaw has no incentive to wrap this up.”
Back in October, Congressman Andy Biggs also asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to lift MCSO’s federal oversight. Supervisors Mark Stewart and Debbie Lesko, along with Mitchell, offered their support for the letter.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jan 4, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representatives Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) and Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) have reintroduced H.R. 6374, landmark legislation that would impose a complete 10-year moratorium on all immigration into the United States.
The bill, titled simply as a measure “to prohibit the admission of aliens to the United States for 10 years, and for other purposes,” would halt all new admissions of foreign nationals beginning on the date of enactment and continuing for a full decade.
In a joint announcement, the Arizona lawmakers cited the ongoing border crisis, overwhelming immigration systems, national-security vulnerabilities, and recent deadly incidents involving individuals who entered the country under prior policies as urgent reasons for the drastic pause.
Rep. Gosar issued the following statement:
“[The] tragic shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., within a few feet of the White House on Thanksgiving eve by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a sad reminder of Joe Biden’s reckless and unchecked open-border policies. Our immigration system is overwhelmed and unmanageable, thanks in large part to the previous administration’s open border policies, poorly vetted asylum claims, and visa overstays. We cannot maintain a lawful immigration process when we cannot control our borders or account for who is entering our country.
Fraudulent asylum claims, illicit trafficking, and insufficient vetting present real threats to our national security, our economy, and our citizens. Adversaries are exploiting these failures. Americans are being murdered. Meanwhile, schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and local governments—especially in border states like Arizona—are stretched to their limits.
Immigration must be legal, orderly, and in the national interest. Every nation has the right and responsibility to secure its borders and protect its people. I’m proud to join my friend and colleague Representative Eli Crane in reintroducing this legislation, which imposes a 10-year moratorium on all immigration until our system is restored, our borders are secured, and future immigration can occur safely and in a way that strengthens our country.”
Rep. Crane added:
“One of our most important responsibilities as representatives is to protect the citizens of our great nation. Due to the premeditated border invasion under the Biden administration, Americans have faced devastating consequences. I’m proud to join Rep. Paul Gosar in introducing this sensible legislation to restore stability and help reestablish security within our borders.”
The legislation is straightforward: for ten years following enactment, no alien may be admitted to the United States under any category or program. Supporters argue the pause is necessary to allow Congress and federal agencies to fix vetting procedures, close legal loopholes, deport criminal aliens, and restore operational control of the southern and northern borders.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jan 4, 2026 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
State Representative Selina Bliss (R-LD1) has introduced legislation aimed at improving how schools respond to life-threatening medical emergencies by expanding access to advanced trauma care training for school staff.
House Bill 2076, titled the FASTER Saves Lives Act, would allow public school districts and charter schools to offer specialized emergency medical training to designated employees. The goal is to ensure that trained personnel are available on campus to provide immediate care in critical situations before professional first responders arrive.
Under the proposal, participation would be voluntary for both schools and individual employees. The training authorized by the bill includes hemorrhage control using tourniquets, airway management, stabilization of chest injuries, and coordination with law enforcement and emergency medical services. Training standards would be aligned with established civilian and tactical emergency medical protocols and would require periodic recertification to maintain readiness.
“Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after traumatic injury,” Bliss said in announcing the legislation. “HB 2076 gives schools the option to prepare staff to act immediately when an emergency occurs.”
Advocates for the measure note that schools often face inherent delays during emergencies due to large campus sizes, restricted access points, or distance from trauma centers. Studies from both military and civilian trauma settings show that survival rates decline rapidly when hemorrhage control is delayed, yet most school personnel receive only basic first aid instruction that does not address severe traumatic injuries.
“Whether the emergency is an act of violence, a serious athletic injury, or a transportation accident, trained responders on site save lives,” Bliss said. The legislation also addresses cost concerns. Training expenses are expected to be limited and could be covered through existing school safety grants, federal emergency preparedness funds, or private partnerships. The bill does not impose unfunded mandates on participating schools.
HB 2076 is scheduled for committee review, where lawmakers will consider its potential impact on school safety, liability protections, and implementation. If approved, the measure would give Arizona schools an additional, optional tool to improve emergency response and potentially save lives during critical incidents.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jan 3, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Former United States Senator from Arizona and a key figure in Republican leadership, Jon Kyl, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with dementia and is withdrawing from public life. In a heartfelt statement, Kyl expressed gratitude for his family’s support while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties,” said Kyl. “I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.”
Kyl first entered Congress in 1987, representing Arizona’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives until 1995. That year, he transitioned to the Senate, where he served Arizona from 1995 to 2013. During his final years in the upper chamber, Kyl rose to the position of Senate Minority Whip, the second-highest role in Republican Senate leadership.
Following his initial retirement from the Senate in 2013, Kyl’s expertise was called upon again in 2018 when former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R) appointed him to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator John McCain. Kyl served in this capacity through the fall of 2018 and played a pivotal role in the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, before resigning from the seat in December 2018.
As Kyl steps back from public engagements due to his health, his legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for Arizona remains firm. Friends, colleagues, and family have rallied around him, emphasizing the profound impact he has made on the nation.
Here are a few brief reactions from people directly impacted:
“Senator Jon Kyl was one of the first elected officials I met when I broke into politics at age 16, and I’ve looked up to him ever since. He was a staunch conservative, a noble statesman & a true public servant. Praying for him and his family and thankful for his life of service.” – Daniel Stefanski on X .
“A mentor, a friend and a confidant. Not sure I would have been Governor without his counsel and encouragement. Senator Jon Kyl is a giant set forth in the tradition of Arizona’s own Barry Goldwater. All my deepest love and prayers to him and the entire Kyl family,” posted former governor Doug Ducey on X.
“There is not a current or former GOP elected official or political staffer who hasn’t been positively impacted by Sen. Jon Kyl’s example of leadership, wisdom, and kindness. He’s a true statesman. He will face this with grit and humility,” said political consultant Sean Noble on X.
“Our state and nation are stronger thanks to Jon Kyl’s leadership and service. A brilliant legal mind and dedicated statesman, his impact is lasting — including at ASU. Now it’s our turn to be present and support Jon and his family in the days ahead,” posted ASU president Michael Crow on X.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jan 3, 2026 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Republican leaders in the Arizona Legislature have introduced companion bills aimed at funding a newly created corrections oversight office, a move they say is necessary to restore independent accountability within the state’s prison system.
House Government Committee Chairman Walt Blackman (R-LD7) and Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Chairman Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) announced the legislation in December, arguing that the oversight office—authorized by lawmakers during the previous session—has remained dormant due to a lack of funding.
Blackman’s proposal, House Bill 2063, and Bolick’s Senate Bill 1032 would appropriate $1.5 million to launch the Department of Corrections Oversight Office. According to the bill sponsors, the funding would allow the office to operate independently of both the Legislature and the Governor’s Office, preserving its role as a third-party watchdog.
Under the legislation, the oversight office would be tasked with reviewing prison conditions and operations, receiving complaints and tips from the public, and identifying systemic issues before they develop into larger crises. Supporters say the goal is to prevent costly litigation, reduce the risk of federal intervention, and improve safety and accountability within Arizona’s corrections system.
“Arizona already spends nearly $2 billion a year on corrections, yet serious problems continue to go unanswered,” Blackman said in a statement. He added that concerns raised by whistleblowers, families, and corrections staff have persisted for years and have ultimately resulted in higher costs for taxpayers. Blackman described the proposed funding as a modest investment that could lead to greater transparency and long-term savings.
Bolick echoed those concerns, emphasizing that the office cannot fulfill its intended purpose without financial support. “We created this office to provide independent oversight, but without funding it exists only on paper,” she said. Bolick pointed to rising legal expenses and ongoing court involvement as evidence that additional accountability mechanisms are needed.
Arizona’s prison system has faced increased scrutiny in recent years following reports of violent incidents, operational shortcomings, and mounting legal costs. The state continues to spend tens of millions of dollars on litigation and court monitoring, including expenses related to the Jensen v. Thornell case, in addition to routine prison operations and health care costs.
Lawmakers backing the bills argue that a fully funded oversight office would help identify problems earlier, improve conditions for inmates and staff, and reduce the likelihood of prolonged legal battles or federal oversight. They contend that the proposed funding represents a preventative approach rather than a reactive one.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 31, 2025 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05) recently told Newsmax that Americans should begin feeling the economic impact of President Donald Trump’s signature tax and budget law within the next 90 days as key provisions are implemented.
Biggs made the remarks during an interview on Monday, December 22, referencing what supporters officially call the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1), a broad tax and spending statute signed into law earlier this year.
Biggs said Americans will start seeing the tax changes “pretty quickly,” adding that the core provisions would “start spinning up in the next 90 days.”
He told the outlet that the rollout of the new tax policy would stimulate economic activity. “So you’re going to see some new things with regard to Social Security, overtime, tax on tips, and that’s going to actually cause some economic stimulus,” Biggs said.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted on July 4, 2025, following passage in both the U.S. House and Senate. It includes a wide range of tax code changes, spending provisions, and policy adjustments central to the Trump administration’s domestic agenda.
The law permanently extends several individual and business income tax cuts originally enacted in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and includes a number of deductions and tax incentives. It also makes significant changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), raises the debt ceiling, and allocates funding across defense, border enforcement, and other federal priorities.
Biggs was among Arizona’s congressional Republicans who supported the bill during its floor votes. All six Republican members of Arizona’s U.S. House delegation voted in favor of the legislation when it returned to the chamber for final approval in July.
The bill passed the House on a 218-214 vote after earlier Senate approval. It then went to President Trump, who signed it into law later the same day.
Biggs’s comments come as Republican lawmakers and supporters highlight the expected timelines for implementing tax cuts and credits included in the legislation. Trump allies have repeatedly emphasized that many provisions are designed to reduce tax burdens for individuals and businesses once they take effect in 2026.
The law’s changes to federal tax rates and deductions, including those affecting child tax credits and specific income brackets, could impact Arizona households in 2026 as those provisions begin phasing in. It also includes changes to federal funding streams that intersect with state budgets, such as SNAP and Medicaid, both of which have significant participation among Arizona residents.
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.
