by Matthew Holloway | Sep 23, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Republican and conservative leaders gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday for the Charlie Kirk Memorial, describing a unified scene filled with worship music and a spirit of revival.
In a radio appearance with James T. Harris of the Conservative Circus on 550 KFYI, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) set the scene, telling the host, “James, the energy and the atmosphere was incredible. You know, Charlie was this 31-year-old man. His life was taken so short. Yet, you see so many people coming in, and there’s a sense of revival there, right? I mean the whole service was perfectly executed by Turning Point, especially given the quick turn around. I mean my God, they filled State Farm Stadium plus Desert Financial Credit Union Arena or Desert Diamond Area, rather, just across the street. So, you have almost 100,000 or over 100,000 people celebrat[ing] the life of Charlie Kirk. And it wasn’t just a political rally, James. I mean there was a prayer, there was worship music. I mean…the energy was different than any other rally I’ve been to.”
In an interview with Piers Morgan on Monday, Acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media Kari Lake said the feeling at the event was, “Definitely unity.”
She explained, “We were there to remember a friend, a great patriot, a great American, a great Christian, and it was extraordinary. I mean, the whole event started with hours of worship music by the biggest, you know, performers in Christian music…Getting there… was… it was almost impossible. I mean, every road going in was filled with standstill traffic, and people were walking from miles away.”
Lake added, “This was a group of Americans who love this country, a patriotic group, many of whom were Christians, all of whom love Charlie Kirk for the strong message he shared, for the peaceful way that he spread the word of our Constitution and our freedoms. And even the politicians that were there were talking about that. We’ve got to start coming together as a country, and that doesn’t mean we give up what we believe in, but we can no longer tolerate the crime, the violence that is coming at us, and we’ve sat down and taken it for a long time. Now we’re standing up, and we refuse to take it.”
Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06) shared images to X from the event and wrote, “Charlie lived by prioritizing his faith — and he did so without hesitation while inspiring many. This allowed our youth the courage to lead with their faith and have a political position based on who you are as a person and what you believe in your heart. It’s a very important message. Today’s service is a reflection of who Charlie was — centered on his beliefs with strong conservative values.”
During the memorial, Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02) shared a personal anecdote about his friendship with Kirk, writing, “Darkness will never be able to overcome light. There may be moments where it appears that all is lost. This story we live in will have many more dark moments, and I can promise you this, light will ultimately overcome it all.”
He added, “I’m grateful to have been able to call Charlie a friend. He inspired me and so many others. He showed us that places like academia weren’t lost but void of light. He became that light and started a movement that will eclipse in his death what he built in life. Though we will miss our friend and true patriot. We will never forget him, and we will carry on the work that fueled him. To be bold, speak truth, and point others to Christ.”
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen shared photos from the memorial, commenting, “With tens of thousands ready to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk. Never seen anything like this.”
State Senator T.J. Shope (R-LD16) shared them as well and wrote, “Truly amazing sights coming out of State Farm Stadium today! We’re watching at home like millions of others but am glad @votewarren and thousands of others are in the building to pay respects to the great @charliekirk11!”
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 | Sep 23, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro announced that Arizona’s legislative leaders have filed amicus briefs in two companion cases before the U.S. Supreme Court: Little v. Hecox (Idaho) and West Virginia v. B.P.J. The cases, expected to be argued this fall, address whether states may preserve the integrity and safety of girls’ and women’s sports by limiting participation to biological females.
Petersen emphasized that the cases offer the Court an opportunity to uphold fairness and safety in female athletics. “These cases give the Court an opportunity to affirm what science and common sense already make clear: biological males hold inherent physical advantages that make women’s athletic competitions unfair and unsafe when they are allowed to participate,” he said.
Speaker Montenegro echoed these sentiments, highlighting Arizona’s legislative action. “Arizona passed the Save Women’s Sports Act to keep competition fair for girls,” he said. “It’s unacceptable that our state’s top lawyer refuses to defend that law. While Attorney General Mayes stands aside, House Republicans are doing the job she won’t—standing up for Arizona’s daughters and every female athlete who trains and competes. The Ninth Circuit sidelined our law; I’m confident the Supreme Court will correct course and affirm what parents and coaches know: girls’ sports are for girls.”
The Save Women’s Sports Act, signed into law in 2022, restricts participation in girls’ athletic events at public schools to biological females. After Attorney General Mayes declined to defend the statute, Republican leaders in the House and Senate intervened in federal court. While the Ninth Circuit recognized the state’s interests in competitive fairness, student safety, and equal athletic opportunities, it left the act enjoined as applied to two transgender, biologically male athletes.
Arizona’s briefs in the Idaho and West Virginia cases urge the Supreme Court to uphold state laws that maintain female-only sports to protect safety, fairness, and equal athletic opportunities. The filings assert that the federal injunction against Arizona’s law has already harmed girls, impacting placements, roster spots, and playing time. They also argue that courts should defer to elected legislatures—rather than unelected athletic bodies—when setting uniform participation standards, particularly in areas involving scientific and medical disputes.
“Girls deserve a level playing field,” Speaker Montenegro said. “House Republicans will continue to vigorously defend Arizona’s law and support states working to keep girls’ sports fair and safe.” The Supreme Court’s rulings in the Idaho and West Virginia cases will likely shape the future of Arizona’s law and similar legislation across the country.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 23, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego is postponing town hall meetings in Tucson and Yuma and canceling one in Nevada, citing security concerns and alleged threats to his life. Gallego announced the cancellation just days after the assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Gallego’s office told AZCentral that they have received threatening phone calls and that the senator’s social media accounts have received threatening posts and messages. The threats have been reported to the U.S. Capitol Police, according to Gallego’s team.
Gallego’s Press Secretary, Taylor Tasler, told KAWC in an emailed statement, “This was not a decision made lightly, and as Senator Gallego has said, we need to condemn all political violence. Unfortunately, out of an abundance of caution due to recent security threats.”
Gallego said in a statement, “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped plan these events and to the Arizonans who were ready to show up, but I do not want to put anyone’s safety at risk. I remain committed to maintaining freedom of speech in our democracy. Intimidation and violence cannot be allowed in our country.”
Several outlets reported that threats against Gallego ranged from posts to X warning him to “watch his back,” with another saying, “Better watch your six… just sayin.” One message from September 9th reported by AZCentral asked, “How’s your neck feeling? You starting to feel that itchy feeling that the hangman is slowly creeping up behind you?”
The outlet reported that other Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), also canceled public appearances, with two opting to move press conferences scheduled for outdoor venues into the Capitol.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) told reporters on September 11th that Congressional leaders are reviewing member security, according to Axios. “We have got to protect people running for public office, or nobody will,” Johnson said.
House Administration Committee ranking member Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) added, “Sadly, these kinds of things I think change peoples’ perspectives in the moment, so I’m sure people will be thinking about it.”
“People are scared to death in this building,” Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) told Politico Thursday. “I mean, not many of them will say it publicly, but they’re running to the speaker talking about security.”
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 22, 2025 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is urging the Phoenix Union High School District to reverse its decision to reject armed officers on campus following a violent knife fight between two female students at Carl Hayden High School.
The altercation, reported by the Phoenix Police Department, occurred just after 9 a.m last Monday. Officers responded to reports of a physical fight during which one student struck another with the handle of a closed-blade pocketknife.
The student with the pocketknife was referred to the Juvenile Court Center and faces one count of aggravated assault. The injured student received treatment for minor injuries, and the incident remains under investigation. Horne emphasized the critical need for armed officers, stating, “The safety of students, teachers, and staff members at schools is not negotiable, and a knife fight on the Carl Hayden campus Monday shows the dangers are increasing. This needs to stop immediately. The Phoenix Union governing board needs to reverse a terrible decision they made earlier this year when they rejected requests from the leadership of both Carl Hayden and Betty Fairfax high schools for armed officers on campus.”
“Yesterday, Phoenix Police reported that two female Carl Hayden students were in a knife fight that resulted in injuries,” Horne added. “This proves the need for armed officers and demonstrates the utter lack of concern by the members of the Phoenix Union government board who rejected the request for officers that had been endorsed by the two schools and district administration. It was an outrageous dereliction of responsibility, and the board needs to reconsider this matter immediately.”
The incident at Carl Hayden High School is part of a broader pattern of safety concerns within the Phoenix Union High School District. Earlier this year, a tragic stabbing at Maryvale High School resulted in the death of a 16-year-old student, prompting scrutiny of campus security protocols.
Phoenix Union Governing Board member Jeremiah Cota requested reconsideration of the board’s earlier vote back in August 2025, but again, the Phoenix Union board voted to deny state-funded officers. Cota tweeted, “There will be NO school resource officers agenda item at the Phoenix Union next board meeting. The Board President has refused my calls for improving school safety once again. Shameful for this district to put anti-law enforcement politics before student and staff safety.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 22, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Legislative District 10 Republican Committee in East Mesa has unanimously censured Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury for using her non-partisan office to campaign for Democrats in 2024. The censure also condemned her for voting in favor of allowing men to use women-only facilities.
Spilsbury, who is facing a recall challenge this year, became embroiled in a scandal after making public endorsements of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential Election, in addition to endorsing Arizona Democrats Congressman Greg Stanton, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, and Senator Ruben Gallego. The recall campaign, supported by Turning Point Action, submitted the 5,000 required voter signatures in May. Spilsbury is facing a challenge for her seat from conservative Dorean Taylor.
The censure from the LD10 Republicans lays out a case against Spilsbury for her endorsements of Harris, Stanton, Fontes, and Gallego despite her membership in the Republican Party, as well as her vote for “a non-discrimination order that allows men in women’s private spaces, and potentially penalizes business owners, forcing them to disregard or contradict their religious convictions and compromise their religious freedom and rights or be fined due to the ordinance,” according to a statement from the Committee.
The Committee also alleges that Spilsbury, “has benefited from her endorsements and publicly announced the offer of support and assistance in the current recall election, including Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego, the Democrat CD4 Representative, Greg Stanton, and the Democrat Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes.”
Spilsbury told Axios in July that the three Arizona Democrats have reached out to her to offer their support in her recall. She openly acknowledged the likely outcome of her endorsement of Harris in the 2024 Presidential election, telling the outlet, “I did what I did with my eyes wide open. I knew it wasn’t going to be popular.”
In the text of the censure, the committee resolved, “The Republican Committee of Legislative District 10 calls on Republican voters in Mesa to heed this vote of no confidence, cease recognition of Recalled Councilwoman Spilsbury as a Republican in good standing and cease support for Julie Spilsbury in any elected or appointed capacity, or future election for any prospective office.”
Earlier this month, the Arizona Freedom Club PAC officially endorsed Dorean Taylor in the Mesa Recall Election. Scot Mussi, Chair of the Arizona Freedom Club PAC said in a statement posted to X, “Dorean Taylor is exactly the kind of leader Mesa needs—someone who will stand up for taxpayers and put families first. Her vision for safer communities, responsible government, and protecting hard-working families from higher taxes aligns with the values we fight for every day.”
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 | Sep 22, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona workers in Yuma and Lake Havasu City-Kingman have seen some of the strongest wage growth in the nation over the past five years, according to a new analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The study, conducted by AlgoCademy, reviewed mean hourly wage changes across 395 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas between 2019 and 2024. It found that two Arizona metros ranked in the national top 50 for wage growth.
Yuma placed 11th nationwide, with mean hourly wages climbing from $19.54 in 2019 to $25.74 in 2024—a 31.73% increase. Lake Havasu City-Kingman followed at 26th, where average wages rose from $19.90 to $25.89, a 30.10% increase.
Nationwide, the strongest growth occurred in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California, where wages jumped 44.29% to an average of $58.25 per hour, reflecting the tech hub’s continued economic strength. Other metros in the top five included Sebring, Florida (up 38.74%), Decatur, Illinois (37.89%), Boulder, Colorado (37.84%), and Bellingham, Washington (37.10%).
AlgoCademy’s founder and CEO, Mircea Dima, noted that the findings highlight a broad trend: wage growth is not confined to large urban centers. “Smaller and mid-sized areas like Grants Pass, Oregon, Modesto, California, and Logan, Utah are all seeing wage increases above 34%, showing that opportunities for higher earnings are spreading beyond major U.S. cities,” Dima said. “These trends are a clear sign that workers across the country are benefitting, which can have a positive effect on local communities, from boosting spending power to attracting new talent and investment.”
The research underscores that wage gains have been widespread. While high-growth areas like Silicon Valley continue to dominate in raw numbers, smaller regions—including several in Arizona—are seeing wages rise at a pace that outstrips many larger metropolitan areas. Arizona’s results put the state in strong company, showing that even outside its largest metros, wages have grown substantially since 2019.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
