by Matthew Holloway | May 30, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
A stunning report of alleged whistleblower audio from inside a Catalina Foothills 9th grade health classroom in the Tucson area was released by the advocacy group ‘Save CFSD’ via X on Wednesday. In the audio recording, a voice alleged to be a Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) teacher criticized the religious texts of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, suggesting that “most parents aren’t understanding, aren’t accepting, or whatever.”
In the post to X revealing the audio, Save CFSD wrote, “We obtained this audio recording of a biased lecture in a 9th grade CFHS Health class on LGBTQ issues. You will hear the teacher encourage students to question what they’ve been told by their religious leaders and parents.”
The voice heard speaking began by saying, “Now, the topic that we’re dealing with today stems with sexuality as well as LGBTQ. It’s a lot of information that we get regarding this discussion comes from our faith. A lot of people have very strong feelings. This group right here has open executions on the streets in some parts of the world where if somebody who’s identified as gay and they find them, they catch them, they chop their heads off. That still happens today. So that’s telling you that it’s a very strong belief that something is wrong or immoral, and so it’s critical for us to do our own research rather than just listening to what people tell you.”
The speaker zeroed in on religion almost immediately telling the students:
“The problem is when we go to houses of worship, when we hear people for over time, they can definitely influence us. And maybe we don’t realize it. Now, when we look at the different religions of the world, these are the different texts. The Bible and Christianity, the Koran. And then we got the Torah. And then we have other religious doctrines that many people trust and put their faith in. When we read these, okay, it’s important to understand that these originated thousands of years ago. What was the primary language that was spoken in those regions during that time? Was it English? No. So what are they: Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin, alright? So, when English was developed, do you think they had to translate certain words into something that they thought it represented? Yeah.
“Now today, think of something that only you as teenagers are very familiar with. If you were talking about something specific related to that thing. And if I read it, could I be misinformed simply because I have no clue what you’re talking about? That can happen with translations as well. Now and so when you think of homosexuality, the word, that word did not come into play until the 1900s, so it does not appear in the Hebrew Bible and so forth. Lesbianism is not mentioned at all, so the word homosexuality itself is a modern term. And so, they had to derive it from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The meaning and application of these passages have been subject to different interpretations throughout history and continue to be debated today, so if you go to various places of worship and you talk to people that are there to lead their flocks, fifty percent will probably say it’s one way. Fifty percent will say it’s the other way. So, if people can’t even agree, how do we know which one is right?…One of the students mentioned last year that their pastor and their church said that anyone who identifies as LGBTQ. Should be herded up, and they should be executed.
“Then there’s some of you that might hear that in your own church, your own congregation, your own house of worship. And then there’s others that are affirming and accepting and loving. I’m not trying to preach or anything like that, so just understand this is for educational purposes.”
The alleged teacher then pivoted to transgenderism and proceeded to guide the students through the process:
“So, what does the term cisgender mean? It’s a new word. So, then we have transgender. There’s different ways you can transition when it comes to your sexuality. So, could you just come out and tell people that you’re transgender and you haven’t done anything different? You’ve just expressed to people that, hey, I’m born male, but I identify as female. Would that be one way of doing it?
“Alright, so first is just letting people know. What would be the next step in the process? So, taking a more about feminine name, starting to dress female rather than male. OK, excellent. What would be the next progression then? So, then starting alterations physically.”
He then turned to how parents react suggesting, “Yeah, they’re probably going to resist it. So that becomes definitely a challenge. Who do you go to talk to if you’re one of those that are struggling? If you went to your parents, and you told them you were struggling, would your parents reject you?”
Finally, the speaker established a fearful response with the students. “You know, most parents aren’t understanding, aren’t accepting or whatever, and so many teenagers are potentially at risk of STDs and STIs that could potentially cause infertility, could lead to an earlier death, simply out of fear.”
The alleged teacher concluded, “One of the students last period mentioned how some of their friends today have been threatened to be kicked out of their homes because of their choices they’re making when it comes to sexuality. My encouragement for you is to make sure you do your research. Make decisions that you feel are good for you. Don’t just base your decisions simply because you’ve been told something.”
Sharing the post from Save CFSD, Arizona Women of Action (AZWOA) commented, “THIS kind of discussion is NOT part of Catalina Foothills curriculum, which is why AZWOA suggests NOT opting into any class that teaches sex-ed/Comprehensive Sexuality Education.”
The AZWOA added, “The 2011 National Sexuality Standards were developed by the Future of Sex Education Initiative (FoSE), which is Advocates for Youth, Answer, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and SIECUS. YES, PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS IN OUR SCHOOLS. @nopinkschool has been exposing this.”
The group further noted, “To make matters worse, the 2019 repeal of Arizona’s No Promo Homo law helped remove some of the barriers that were set in place, enabling AZ districts to align better with the FoSE standards which may enable discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
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 Staff Reporter | May 30, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
Continued Republican infighting over the state of school choice in Arizona has resulted in another candidate entering the 2026 race for superintendent of public instruction. The friction concerns to what extent the superintendent should restrict the reimbursement of school choice funds.
Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee formally announced her campaign on Wednesday with the Arizona Freedom Caucus. The caucus founder, Sen. Jake Hoffman, endorsed Yee at a press conference outside the state capitol. Hoffman believes the current superintendent, Tom Horne, limits school choice disbursements too much.
Hoffman justified Yee’s selection by alluding to “challenges” with the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program, and reported “frustrations” experienced by parents navigating the program.
“We have identified an absolute all-star candidate; we have identified someone who has a proven track record uniting the Republican Party and winning elections at every level of government,” said Hoffman. “[Horne] is a better politician than he is a public servant.”
Yee said she would better partner with parents through a “student-first” system and pledged to create “a vocational pathway” for future leaders in the workforce. Yee also promised to strengthen school choice options for parents.
Yee accused Horne of committing “big government overreach” and “petty political games” in his administration of the office.
“We need a chief education officer in Arizona committed to delivering real, tangible results for Arizona children and families. Sadly, and for far too long, the leadership at the Arizona Department of Education has missed the mark, and our children and teachers are paying the price,” said Yee.
Yee avoided answering whether she would put limits on permitted ESA Program spending. She insisted current legislative “guardrails” sufficiently prevent inappropriate expenditures.
Hoffman announced his intent last month to replace Horne next year, claiming the superintendent hadn’t sufficiently protected the ESA Program from efforts to undermine it by Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes. A significant source of contention is the extent to which the superintendent’s office has denied reimbursement requests.
Horne has put the kibosh on significant reimbursement requests fought to be secured by parents in the program. Of late, his office says he has prevented the approval of a $16,000 cello; a $5,000 Rolex watch; a $24,000 golf simulator; $64,000 for nail art and crystals; a $2,300 freeze dryer; $1,500 for 250 cubic feet of potting soil; and $65,000 for 100 laptops, computers, and tablets for a family with six children.
In the case of the cello, 12 News reported the family — identified as living in “an upscale Gilbert neighborhood — received $11,000 in ESA funds for a piano, commercial KitchenAid mixer, private fitness lessons, a kayak, and Chinese calligraphy and painting lessons. After receiving their reimbursements, the family put their child in a public school.
Horne has consistently doubled down on his position as “the main defender” of the ESA Program, citing his work as a lawmaker on the earliest forms of school choice conceived in the 1990s. The superintendent publicly challenged Hoffman to debate him on the matter.
“I brought school choice to Arizona in the 90s with my legislation. I’ve fought to protect school choice from a liberal Governor and Attorney General for the past two years,” said Horne. “I’m the only statewide candidate to beat an incumbent in the General Election in over 50 years. Let me know when and where you’d like to debate education policy.”
Yee’s platform focuses only on fiscal responsibility within the superintendent’s office. Contrary to Hoffman’s indication that the Arizona Freedom Caucus’s chosen candidate would lead their campaign with the ESA Program, there is no mention of school choice on her campaign website as of this report.
By comparison, Horne’s platform appears to be significantly more fleshed out with plans addressing the different areas of state education.
Yee previously considered running for governor in the crowded 2022 race that ultimately ended with the seat flipping from Republican to Democratic control.
Aside from Horne and Yee, the only other registered Republican to file a statement of interest in the race is Stephen Neal Jr., a school psychologist formerly with Legacy Traditional Schools.
Five Democratic candidates have also filed statements of interest: Michael Butts, a member of the Roosevelt Elementary School District governing board; Sam Huang, former member of the Chandler City Council and 2022 state legislative candidate; Joshua Levinski, an English teacher; Bret Newby, an associate professor with National University; and Teresa Ruiz, the former president of Glendale Community College.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 30, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A new study analyzing nurse-to-population ratios across the United States has revealed that Arizona is facing one of the country’s most severe nursing shortages, ranking 10th overall.
According to data compiled by Injured In Florida, a Florida-based personal injury law firm, Arizona has just 1,686 nurses per 100,000 residents—well below the national average of 2,057. The research examined the total number of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in each state using figures from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and compared them to U.S. Census population estimates.
Arizona is home to 127,834 nurses in total, consisting of 116,708 registered nurses and 11,126 nurse practitioners. Despite a growing population and a robust healthcare system, the state’s ratio of nurses per capita places it firmly in the top ten states with the worst shortages.
Arizona joins several of its western and southern peers in the top ten, a trend the study’s authors say highlights regional disparities in healthcare staffing. Utah ranked as the state with the most severe shortage, with only 1,340 nurses per 100,000 people. Washington (1,462), Georgia (1,533), and Wyoming (1,543) followed closely behind.
“The top ten ranking is evenly split between states in the West and states in the South, suggesting a pattern of nurse shortages in these areas,” a spokesperson from Injured In Florida said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the states with the most nurses are primarily located in the Northeast and Midwest, highlighting a clear difference in availability between regions.”
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Hawaii boasts the most robust nursing workforce, with 2,967 nurses per 100,000 residents. New York and Alaska follow closely, at 2,918 and 2,801 respectively.
The nurse shortage in Arizona raises concerns for patients and healthcare providers alike. Experts warn that lower nurse-to-patient ratios can result in longer wait times, increased stress and burnout among current staff, and potential declines in patient care quality.
However, the data could present an opportunity for job seekers in the healthcare field. “States with the worst nurse shortages will likely have plenty of job opportunities for nurses or aspiring nurses,” the spokesperson added. “If you are a nurse looking to relocate for work, these states might be a good starting point.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 29, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
In an era dominated by global social media platforms, one Arizona-based startup is taking a different approach—focusing not on the world at large, but on the people living right next door.
ConnectNeighbors.com, a new digital platform founded by Air Force veteran and entrepreneur John Backer, has officially launched nationwide, offering free, hyperlocal websites designed to help neighbors connect, communicate, and collaborate. With over 5,000 neighborhood-specific sites already live—spanning all 50 states, 431 cities, and 3,080 counties—the platform has rapidly gained traction, surpassing 2 million page views.
“We built ConnectNeighbors.com to create stronger, better-informed neighborhoods,” said Backer in a statement. “It’s a modern front porch—a place where people can share, connect, and build community pride.”
Unlike traditional social networks, ConnectNeighbors.com emphasizes geographic specificity. Each site is tailored to a particular community, offering resources and updates that matter most to local residents. Features include event calendars, garage sale listings, real estate updates, neighborhood watch alerts, school contact information, and even space for homeowners association (HOA) links and local vendors.
But perhaps the most distinctive aspect of ConnectNeighbors.com is its sponsorship model. Rather than relying on advertising revenue or subscription fees, the platform is sustained by local Realtors who sponsor and manage their respective neighborhood sites. These sponsors serve as community liaisons, curating content and offering insight in what the company calls an “attraction marketing” approach.
“The response has been amazing,” said Backer. “Realtors love the visibility, and residents appreciate the convenience. Most people have told us they’ve never seen anything quite like ConnectNeighbors.com—it’s a win for the whole community.”
The model appears to be resonating. Residents can easily locate their neighborhood page at ConnectNeighbors.com, and if a specific community isn’t yet represented, users can request its creation. For real estate professionals, sponsorship opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis—with only one Realtor assigned per site to ensure exclusivity.
As digital platforms continue to evolve, ConnectNeighbors.com is betting that community-focused connectivity—rooted in geography, trust, and local service—will offer something social media giants can’t: genuine neighbor-to-neighbor engagement.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | May 29, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
On Tuesday, Cochise County Superior Court Visiting Judge Michael Latham dismissed a lawsuit challenging the county’s plans for a new jail district election. He also denied a motion from Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who sought to intervene in the election.
According to the county, Judge Latham ruled that the upcoming election is “the most effective and efficient way to correct the issue” presented in the case and that it falls within “the Cochise County Board of Supervisors’ primary authority.”
Timothy La Sota, outside counsel representing the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, praised the decision in a statement released Tuesday.
He wrote, “Today, Cochise County once again prevailed in court in its efforts to protect the citizens of this County. The Board has agreed to hold a new election because the last election was seriously flawed and left nearly 11,000 eligible voters without ballots. Oddly, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General have attempted to usurp the Board’s lawful functions; first at the Supreme Court and now at the Superior Court and have failed at every turn. This ruling is a vindication of Cochise County’s plan to address a difficult election situation and a repudiation of efforts by statewide officials to butt in, take over local elections, and disenfranchise Cochise County voters in the process.”
The controversy surrounds a proposed 2023 excise tax that would apply until enough revenue is collected by the county to construct a new jail and retire any associated debt. An election held in 2023 by mail-in ballot only approved the tax but was later found to be flawed. An Arizona appellate court determined that because ballots were not sent to inactive voters and no polling places were opened, the election was invalid.
As noted by KVOA, prior to the lawsuit, the Board of Supervisors had already voted for a new election to address deficiencies in the previous election that failed to provide ballots for approximately 11,000 voters. However, the tax had already gone into effect and a sum of approximately $18 million has already been collected to date.
The board voted in March to approve a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs, covering $130,000 for their legal fees.
The Cochise County jail, now over forty-years old, has operated with failing infrastructure, an outdated security system, and a non-functional fire alarm system according to reports. With Supervisor Kathy Gomez of District 2 telling KGUN, “I am terrified of somebody dying under my watch with no fire alarm, and issues with all the doors opening, and you know, the electrical system.”
Commander for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Kenneth Bradshaw told reporters at the time, “Everybody agrees, even the Board of Supervisors agrees, that we need a new jail. It’s just a matter of how we get there and what the process was where we are now.”
The voters of Cochise County will decide the matter with early voting beginning October 8th through Election Day 2025. Statements for or against the tax are due by August 6th, and pamphlets will be mailed to voters by no later than September 30th.
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 | May 28, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In her latest op-ed, Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick expresses a growing alarm regarding the prospect of home ownership for younger adults also highlighted in a RealClear Investigations (RCI) report. In short: both the Arizona Senator and the journalists at RCI have come to the same conclusion: the American dream of home ownership is dying at the hands of our federal, state, and local governments, and lobbyists.
As Bolick noted, property costs in Arizona have steadily increased over the past five years, with the average cost of a home ramping up to nearly $500,000 in the greater Phoenix area. Citing ZipRecruiter statistics, she noted that the average salary in the state is $68,329 annually.
Bolick summarized the problem succinctly saying, “For too many today, such a purchase at a relatively young age is increasingly out of reach. Across most major American cities, home prices are by far outpacing wages. If states experiencing economic growth want to keep up with demand, they will need to do something about affordable housing.”
In the RCI report, Joel Kotkin and Wendell Cox suggested one big problem is the disconnect between urban planners and consumers: ‘‘These choices underscore an analysis of Canadian poll results by Sotheby’s, which suggests a ‘disconnect’ between urban planning and consumer preferences: ‘The picture is of young urban families overwhelmingly preferring detached houses, and decidedly not the condominiums into which planners are driving them.’ As Sotheby’s puts it, ‘The report dispels myths about young, urban families’ housing preferences.'”
Kotkin and Cox also wrote in the investigation that increasingly, the acquisition of a home in America has become reliant on what they term “the classic feudal formula – being born into ‘the funnel of privilege.’” They explained that millennial Americans are “three times as likely as boomers to count on inheritance for their retirement.” And indeed a recent report from the Institute for Family Studies revealed that since 1970, the percentage of young adults who own their own homes has plunged from 50% to as little as 25-30%.
The problem hasn’t escaped the notice of Arizona legislators however, as Bolick noted with her sponsored Senate Bill 1229. She described it as a measure to “address our state’s housing shortage,” which would “deregulate local zoning jurisdictions to reduce unnecessary red tape and overburdensome decision-making coming from our central municipal planning departments.” In addition, she wrote “the bill would allow municipalities to set minimum lot sizes to allow for these types of homes in new developments of five acres or more on lots zoned as single-family homes.”
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.
