by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 6, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
An Arizona Republican lawmaker is speaking out after the state’s Democrat governor eliminated a contract with a private prison contractor.
Last week, Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration revealed that the state’s contract with Management & Training Corporation (MTC), a private prison contractor, would be terminating on December 31, 2023. According to the Governor’s Office, MTC “operates the Arizona State Prison – Marana, a minimum security prison with capacity for 500 male inmates.”
Both Hobbs and Ryan Thornell, the Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) expressed enthusiasm over the decision that was announced just days after the Thanksgiving holiday. Hobbs said, “I applaud Director Thornell for his good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Because of the Director’s leadership, we are cutting down on government waste and saving Arizona taxpayers $15 million over two years while improving public safety. I look forward to ADCRR’s continued work to build a correctional system that is efficient and effective, and keeps Arizonans safe.”
Thornell added, “This is more than just good fiscal sense. It’s about using the totality of ADCRR’s state resources more effectively. The ADCRR is able to absorb the inmates from ASP–Marana, into other prisons here in Arizona. So not only are we demonstrating significant savings, we’re demonstrating, with actions, our ability to be more efficient with the resources already provided to us. The ADCRR is as committed to supporting and developing staff, ensuring inmates have access to quality programming that lends itself to rehabilitation and public safety, as much as we are committed to improved fiscal management.”
The action wasn’t received well by at least one Republican at the State Legislature. Arizona State Senator Justine Wadsack issued a statement to call out the governor for her decision, asserting that the looming closure of the prison “is crushing the Community of Marana during the holidays.”
Wadsack said, “For nearly 30 years, ASP—Marana has been a positive aspect of the community. Through its educational and rehabilitation programs, as well as community services, the facility has helped both inmates and Marana residents. Shame on our Governor for giving them only a few weeks’ notice around the holidays. Although employees will have opportunities to transfer to another facility, many do not have the resources or financial means to relocate or make the long commute. My heart goes out to all the families who are impacted by how poorly this move was implemented. I’d also like to know what the plan is moving forward for the state-owned building that housed this facility.”
The freshman legislator also included a quote from Marana Mayor Ed Honea, who said, “This came as a real shock and really hurts our community. Half of these workers will be completely out of a job. Nearly 90 families were notified just days after Thanksgiving that they won’t have a job at the end of December. What do you tell them? You can’t buy your kids Christmas presents because you have to worry about keeping the lights on? If I was shutting down or merging a department in town, I would give notice three to four months in advance. This is entirely unacceptable.”
The Governor’s Office, perhaps anticipating political attacks over the loss of jobs for Marana, stated that “ADCRR will prioritize employment opportunities for ASP-Marana staff, at other prisons, including Arizona State Prison Complex in Tucson, the closest to the town of Marana.” Hobbs’ press release indicated that there were over 50 employees at the MTC facility.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 5, 2023 | Economy, News
By Corinne Murdock |
Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) says that President Joe Biden’s energy policies are to blame for the burgeoning energy and national security crises.
Crane linked the crises to “idiotic” actions by the Biden administration, citing the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, ban on drilling on federal lands, and the resulting depletion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
“The Biden Admin has sabotaged American energy & compromised our national security,” said Crane. “Not to mention, these idiotic moves impose crippling costs on Americans.”
Gas prices in Arizona average about $3.40, a decline from last year’s average of $3.90. The national average was lower as of the latest federal data, at about $3.20. Arizona’s average gas price reached a record high last March, surpassing the previous high set in June 2008.
Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office by revoking the permit necessary for the pipeline’s completion through executive order. About a week later, Biden issued another executive order paving the way for a ban on new oil and gas leases on public lands and waters. That ban has not come to fruition, though the administration has added other burdens to the oil industry.
In July, the Biden administration announced new rules that would increase the cost that oil companies must pay to drill on public lands by over 16 percent — ending a century-long rate of about 12 percent — and end the renewal of unused permits.
When the Russo-Ukrainian conflict escalated last year with Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, the Biden administration began tapping into the SPR to mitigate the resulting rise in oil prices.
The strategy resulted in a 40-year record depletion of the reserve, at 180 million barrels. Last week, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that it bought back nearly nine million barrels.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) monthly data, domestic crude oil production increased at a greater rate under Trump than the past two years under Biden.
Under Trump (thousand barrels):
- 2017 produced 3.4 million; by September produced 2.5 million
- 2018 produced 3.9 million; by September produced 2.9 million
- 2019 produced 4.4 million; by September produced 3.3 million
- 2020 produced 4.1 million; by September produced 3.1 million
From 2017 to 2018, there were over 581,000 more barrels produced. From 2018 to 2019, there were over 496,000 more barrels produced. 2020 marked a decline, with about 351,000 less barrels produced. The first three months of 2020, prior to the pandemic’s likely impact, reflected record productions of crude oil that were higher than the first three months of this year’s production levels.
Under Biden (thousand barrels):
- 2021 produced 4.1 million; by September produced 3 million
- 2022 produced 4.3 million; by September produced 3.2 million
- Amount in 2023 produced so far (as of September): nearly 3.5 million
From 2021 to 2022, there were 234,000 more barrels produced. So far this year, there have been about 281,000 more barrels produced.
The Biden administration has made clear its commitment to swapping oil for total electrification. Their goal aligns with a globalist commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Over the weekend, the Biden administration announced a new rule to reduce methane emissions from oil producers.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 5, 2023 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Another economic boon is coming to Arizona.
On Thursday, it was announced that Amkor Technology would be bringing a multi-billion-dollar campus to Peoria in the next few years. The company will be partnering with Apple to package and test silicon.
The new Amkor campus is expected be a $2 billion investment and create 2,000 jobs. The Peoria City Council will have to approve the development agreement in 2024.
The Chief Operating Officer for Apple, Jeff Williams, also noted the announcement in a press release for his company. Williams said, “Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we’ll continue to expand our investment here in the United States. Apple silicon has unlocked new levels of performance for our users, enabling them to do things they could never do before, and we are thrilled that Apple silicon will soon be produced and packaged in Arizona.”
Governor Katie Hobbs weighed in on the news for her state, stating that this project would “be one of the most significant semiconductor investments in the U.S.” and that it would “solidify our state’s leadership in the semiconductor industry – reshoring an essential part of our supply chain to the United States.”
“Expansion of a US semiconductor supply chain is underway, and as the largest US-headquartered advanced packaging company, we are excited to lead the charge in bolstering America’s advanced packaging capabilities,” said Giel Rutten, Amkor’s president and chief executive officer. “Semiconductor companies, foundries, and other supply chain partners understand the need to strategically broaden their geographic footprint. The announcement of our new advanced packaging and test facility in Arizona is a clear signal of our intent to help our customers ensure resilient supply chains and be a part of a strong American semiconductor ecosystem.”
According to Amkor’s press release, the company has “secured approximately 55 acres of land with intent to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing campus with more than 500,000 square feet of clean room space.”
The announcement from Amkor follows a years-in-the-making project for the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) construction of a facility in north Phoenix, just outside of Peoria. TSMC’s investment is $40 billion and is expected to create thousands of additional jobs for the area. The facility is expected to start production of the semiconductor chips, that will be then tested and packaged by Amkor, in 2025, providing the company fills its quota of workers.
Peoria Mayor Jason Beck welcomed the announcement from Amkor and Apple, saying, “It is no secret that our nation is reshoring its advanced manufacturing industries. We are proud of Peoria’s global leadership in this movement, and the significant capital investment and quality jobs that it brings to our community. This tremendous announcement is a credit to the City Council’s commitment to economic development, and staff’s hard work and dedication on this project.”
This facility won’t likely be the last significant business and investment coming to Beck’s city. The Mayor’s TYR Tactical is one of Peoria’s largest employers, and he used that experience to shape his economic development vision for Peoria’s future. He campaigned on the construction of a city owned airport “that will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact” for Peoria, as well as the “creation of culture that is not only Pro Business but moves at the speed and efficiency of business.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 4, 2023 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-08) announced on Friday that her congressional committee will be questioning Anthony Fauci for the first time ever next month.
The hearing is scheduled to take place before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic for 14 hours over the course of two days: Jan. 8 and 9, 2024. Each day will consist of seven hours of uninterrupted, transcribed testimony. Additionally, Fauci will be made to appear at another public hearing before the subcommittee at a later date yet to be announced.
“Dr. Fauci will finally be answering the American people,” said Lesko.
In their announcement of Fauci’s hearing, the subcommittee issued an X thread highlighting some of Fauci’s “most egregious pandemic-era failures.” The subcommittee cited Fauci’s attempt to push the “Proximal Origin” theory published through mainstream media to disprove the Wuhan, China lab leak theory; Fauci’s awareness of the dangers of the gain-of-function research that resulted in COVID-19 prior to the pandemic, and his inaction to stop it; Fauci’s recent admission that COVID-19 vaccine mandates were a coercion tactic; and Fauci’s quick reversal on mask efficacy early on in the pandemic.
“[Fauci’s] upcoming testimonies will aid [our] ongoing effort to hold American public health officials accountable for pandemic-era failures,” stated the subcommittee.
The subcommittee, formed in 2020 under the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, consists of Lesko along with Republican Reps. Brad Wenstrup, chairman (OH-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Michael Cloud (TX-27), John Joyce (PA-13), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), and Rich McCormick (GA-06); and Democratic Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).
One of the key focuses of the committee has concerned pinpointing the origins of COVID-19. Committee hearings and evidence point to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and its taxpayer-funded gain-of-function research as the source of the virus, bolstered by proof of government health leaders’ relationship to EcoHealth Alliance, the nonprofit research organization that funded the research.
In July, the select subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the Proximal Origin theory, a zoonotic proposal that the virus jumped from animals to humans in the nearby wet markets. The subcommittee found that Fauci and former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins were behind drafting, publishing, and promoting the Proximal Origin theory, and that the theory lacked outside proof or verification.
The University of Arizona (UArizona) has continued to defend the Proximal Origin theory. Michael Worobey, head of the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department, maintains that COVID-19 originated in the Huanan Seafood Market, though his research acknowledged that a significant percentage of the first COVID-19 patients neither worked or shopped there, and that the researchers never tested market animals purportedly linked to the initial outbreak.
The Wuhan lab is less than nine miles from the wet market.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 4, 2023 | Education, News
By Corinne Murdock |
Two Turning Point USA (TPUSA) journalists have been charged with harassment and assault in an altercation involving an Arizona State University (ASU) professor.
Last month, reporters Kalen D’Almeida and Braden Ellis attempted to ask questions of ASU professor and Drag Queen Story Hour co-founder David Boyles. In response to questioning from D’Almeida and filming from Ellis, surveillance footage shows Boyles lunge and grab at Ellis before D’Almeida pushes Boyles away. Boyles falls from the shove.
D’Almeida questioned Boyles about his involvement in sexual education and drag shows for minors, his writings, and whether he harbors attractions to minors. Boyles refused to answer D’Almeida’s questions.
D’Almeida and Ellis each face a charge of harassment, a class one misdemeanor carrying a prison sentence of up to six months and fines up to $2,500 (A.R.S. §§ 13-2921, 13-707, and 13-802). D’Almeida also faces additional charges of assault (A.R.S. § 13-1203 (A)(1) and (B)) and disorderly conduct (A.R.S. § 13-2904) both class two misdemeanors carrying a prison sentence of up to four months and fines up to $750.
Immediately after the incident last month, ASU President Michael Crow sided with Boyles in a public statement. Crow likened the TPUSA journalists to “bullies.” Crow also claimed that D’Almeida and Ellis “ran away” from the scene before police arrived, but surveillance footage shows the pair, along with Boyles, walk together in the same direction off camera after the altercation.
In a Facebook post, Boyles called D’Almeida and Ellis “right-wing fascists” and “terrorists,” echoing Crow’s claim that the pair “ran off” after the incident. Boyles said that he only moved to block the camera before D’Almeida pushed him.
“And the first thing we can do to stop it is to stop coddling these f*****g terrorists,” said Boyles. “These people should be shunned from society.”
ASU police confirmed they’re investigating D’Almeida and Ellis to determine whether the altercation was motivated by bias or prejudice.
In a statement responding to the charges against D’Almeida and Ellis, TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet declared that neither man committed any wrongdoing.
“Kalen and his cameraman did absolutely nothing wrong,” said Kolvet. “We will vigorously defend them and look forward to taking this matter into a courtroom where the very clear video evidence documenting what actually happened will quickly prevail over ASU’s gaslighting and the media’s propaganda. Our team members will be vindicated.”
TPUSA CEO Charlie Kirk issued a statement of his own, in which he accused ASU of retaliation over their organization’s campaign to pull taxpayer funding from ASU.
“Our two @TPUSA journalists are expected to be charged and arrested for defending themselves against an aggressive weirdo professor at ASU who physically attacked them,” said Kirk. “ASU is retaliating against TPUSA because we’re rallying support to pull taxpayer $ from their institution.”
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 4, 2023 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Americans are paying the price for an economy seemingly in decline.
A recent study, released by CBS News, showed that “the typical American household must spend an additional $11,434 annually just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in January of 2021, right before inflation soared to 40-year highs.”
These numbers showed that Arizona has experienced the high-end of inflation and added cost-of-living expenses for residents. On average, Arizona households must spend $13,329 more than they did in January 2021. Only two states, Utah and Colorado, are ahead of Arizona.
One of the contributing factors to the higher costs of living in the Grand Canyon State might be the prices at gas pumps, which have consistently been more than many other states in America. Throughout 2023, Republicans at the Arizona Legislature have attempted to get to the bottom of the reasons for the above-average prices for gas. Earlier this fall, the Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Study Committee on Air Quality and Energy convened to hear from Michelle Wilson, the Regulatory Compliance Administrator for the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures.
After the hearing, the Committee issued a press release to publicize that Wilson “admitted the Hobbs Administration was passive when oil companies in March warned of refinery shutdowns,” adding “that according to Wilson, for the first time in five years, the Governor’s office received a request from refineries to ask the EPA for a waiver, allowing for an alternative fuel type to provide an adequate supply for drivers and preventing a hike in gas prices.” Yet after the Governor’s Office “had conversations with the EPA about submitting a request for a waiver, … the EPA convinced Hobbs to not submit one.”
“Rather than making a case on behalf of Arizonans struggling to fill their tanks with prices hitting $5 per gallon, Governor Hobbs chose to not push back against the EPA and was complicit with the Biden Administration’s pro-inflation, radical environmentalist agenda,” said Senator Sine Kerr, the Committee’s co-chair. “As a result of Hobbs’ inaction, Maricopa County drivers were forced to shell out an extra several hundred million dollars just to get to their destinations during this supply disruption.”
The national average for gas prices, as of November 29, is $3.246 for a regular gallon of gas, which is down from last year’s average of $3.521 at the same time. Arizona clocks in at above average at $3.490, down from $4.055 at this time in 2022.
The state’s cost of living is regarded as one of the country’s highest, regardless of the study used to compute the ranking. The MERIC 2022 Cost of Living Index shows Arizona as 37th (out of 50) while RentCafe has the state’s costs at six percent higher than the national average.
Arizona’s housing market is also a contributing factor to the state’s high cost of living. According to Redfin, the median sale price in Arizona is $438,000, compared to $414,633 for the entire U.S. market (as of October 2023).
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
