U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has introduced the Monitor Accountability Act in the U.S. Senate, serving as a companion measure to H.R. 8365, legislation previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05).
The legislation seeks to establish new federal standards governing court-appointed monitors used in civil consent decrees involving state and local governments. These monitors are typically assigned to oversee reform efforts in areas such as law enforcement and public safety compliance.
Supporters of the bill point to long-running monitorships in jurisdictions such as Maricopa County, Arizona, and New Orleans, Louisiana, as examples of cases where oversight arrangements have extended for years and generated significant taxpayer costs.
According to figures cited by sponsors, the New Orleans Police Department consent decree lasted 13 years and cost an estimated $100 million before concluding, while the ongoing Maricopa County monitorship has reportedly exceeded $350 million in taxpayers expense and continues.
“I’m grateful for Senator Kennedy’s partnership in this fight to reinsert sorely needed congressional oversight over these out-of-control federal monitors,” stated Congressman Biggs. “The stories of Maricopa County and New Orleans are abusive and well-documented, showing how these monitors operate without oversight across America. As I have said repeatedly, the destructive effects these monitors have on government budgets and public safety necessitate congressional action. I hope the Senate quickly passes this bill and sends it to the White House to be enacted into law.”
U.S. Senator John Kennedy has introduced the Monitor Accountability Act as a companion bill to my legislation.
I’m grateful for Senator Kennedy’s partnership in this fight to reinsert sorely needed congressional oversight over these out-of-control monitors. pic.twitter.com/0bePhGAMx2
Senator Kennedy emphasized the need for accountability and cost controls in the system.
“Federal court monitors can serve an important purpose, but taxpayers should not have to fund open-ended monitorships that drag on for years without basic accountability,” said Senator Kennedy. “We basically let government contractors decide whether their own government contract keeps going. The Monitor Accountability Act would cap fees, limit terms and bring transparency to a system operating for far too long on autopilot.”
If enacted, the legislation would direct the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Judicial Conference of the United States to implement standardized rules for appointing and managing federal monitors. These include:
Five-year term limits for monitors, with no reappointment under the same court order.
Restrictions on successive appointments, preventing the same individual or affiliated employer from continuing a monitorship.
Fee caps and transparency requirements, including annual public accounting of services and compensation.
Public notice and comment period before a monitor is appointed.
Compliance-based extensions, allowing continuation only if substantial and sustained compliance has not been achieved.
Judicial reassignment after six years in ongoing cases to prevent prolonged oversight by a single judge.
Retroactive application to monitorships exceeding six years, including potential replacement of monitors and judicial reassignment.
The bill also encourages the use of pro bono or reduced-rate services in monitor roles.
As the legislation moved through the House earlier this year, it received public support from several law enforcement leaders and organizations, including Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the Arizona Police Association.
The bill notes that federal monitors are typically appointed in civil settlement agreements or consent decrees to oversee corrective reforms, often in response to findings of unconstitutional policing or systemic agency misconduct.
The legislation responds in part to prior federal guidance encouraging greater transparency, term limits, and cost accountability in monitor appointments.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed H.R. 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening Small Business Administration (SBA) outreach and support for Tribal entrepreneurs across the United States.
The legislation, led by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, seeks to formally establish and codify the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) within the SBA by amending the Small Business Act.
The goal is to improve coordination, accountability, and targeted support for Native American and native Hawaiian business owners who often face structural barriers in accessing federal resources.
The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), alongside Rep. Shanice Davids (D-KS-03), Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03). The measure passed the House with unanimous support after previously clearing the chamber in the last Congress with strong bipartisan backing before stalling in the Senate.
If enacted, the legislation would formally embed the ONAA within the Small Business Administration and assign its responsibility for expanding access to entrepreneurial development programs, contracting opportunities, and capital resources for Tribal communities.
This evening, the House unanimously passed the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act to strengthen @SBAgov outreach to Tribal entrepreneurs.
The office would also be tasked with improving coordination with other federal agencies and increasing education about available programs for Native entrepreneurs.
Tribal business owners, particularly those operating on reservations, often face unique challenges including complex tax structures, regulatory barriers, lending difficulties, and questions surrounding property rights.
Supporters of the legislation argue that these issues have been compounded by inconsistent outreach and limited access to federal small business programs.
By codifying the Office of Native America Affairs into federal law, the bill also strengthens congressional oversight by requiring annual reports to Congress detailing outreach efforts, consultations with Tribal governments, training initiatives, and the number of entrepreneurs served.
“I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan coalition working to improve and expand SBA outreach to Tribal communities. As the representative of over half of Arizona’s tribes, I’m focused on solutions to help expand economic growth throughout rural Arizona,” stated Rep. Crane. “I’m grateful to Rep. Davids for her leadership, as well as Reps. Ellzey and Morrison for their support of this important bill. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up and pass this measure.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state laws barring males from competing in female sports, even if they identify as female. The ruling drew praise from Arizona’s Republican leaders.
In its opinion in West Virginia v. B.P.J. (inclusive of Little v. Hecox), the high court declared that biology defines sex, not gender identity, when considering federal regulations on sex-based discrimination.
“The term ‘sex’ […] cannot plausibly be interpreted to refer to anything other than biological sex,” stated the ruling.
Arizona participated in the lawsuit through its leaders in the Republican-led state legislature: Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (LD14) and Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro (LD29). The pair filed an amicus brief last September.
Petersen hailed the Supreme Court decision as a “landmark ruling.” In a press release responding to Tuesday’s ruling, Petersen said the ruling represented a win in both the intellectual and moral sense, calling it common sense justice for women and girls.
“Every young woman deserves the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and earn a roster spot, a championship, a record, or a scholarship based on her hard work. Girls shouldn’t have to lose those opportunities because adults are afraid to acknowledge biological reality. That’s not fairness, and it’s not what Title IX was created to do,” said Petersen. “Arizona has been leading on this issue for years, and we were proud to stand with West Virginia and Idaho before the U.S. Supreme Court to defend girls’ sports. Today’s decision makes it clear that states can continue protecting the integrity of women’s athletics and the opportunities generations of women fought so hard to secure. This is a victory for every girl who dreams big, works hard, and deserves the chance to compete fairly.”
Arizona Superintendent of Schools Tom Horne — the lone elected leader to defend in court Arizona’s law prohibiting biological males from participating in female-only sports — declared the ruling a victory for female success and safety in competition. Attorney General Kris Mayes refused to defend the law in court (Jane Doe v. Warren Petersen).
“The news has been full of stories about girls who worked hard on their sports, hoping to make the team, or even earn a college scholarship or qualify for the Olympics. But then they had to compete against biological boys and their advantages in birth in size, speed and strength. The girls’ dreams were shattered and they were devastated,” said Horne. “Girls have also been injured, including a brain injury, from having to compete against larger and stronger males. I am committed to making sure that Arizona schools follow state law protecting girls’ sports.”
Former Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, passed the “Save Women’s Sports Act” under the Republican-led state legislature in 2022. In a letter approving the legislation, Ducey called it fair and common sense.
“This legislation simply ensures that the girls and young women who have dedicated themselves to their sport do not miss out on hard-earned opportunities including their titles, standings and scholarships due to unfair competition,” stated Ducey. “This bill strikes the right balance of respecting all students while still acknowledging that there are inherent biological distinctions that merit separate categories to ensure fairness for all.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
Arizona communities are preparing for one of the most widespread Independence Day celebrations in recent years as cities across the state host fireworks, drone shows, and family festivals in honor of America’s 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
From major metro hubs to rural towns, residents will gather July 3-4 for coordinated events that highlight both patriotic tradition and modern light displays.
West Valley Celebrations
In Avondale, “Light Up the Sky” returns on Saturday July 4, at 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr. Gates open at 6 p.m., with fireworks launching at 8:25 p.m. Admission is free.
Buckeye will hosts its Independence Day Celebration, July 4, at Buckeye Airport from 6-9 p.m., culminating in an 8:30 p.m. fireworks show. Admission is free.
Goodyear’s “Star Spangled 4th” runs from 6-9 p.m. at Goodyear Ballpark, July 4, featuring a drone show at 8:45 p.m. Admission is free.
Peoria will host its All-American Festival at Peoria Sports Complex, July 4, from 5-9 p.m. Fireworks will follow the concert lineup. Free admission with VIP tickets available
Surprise will hold firework displays at Surprise Community Park and Mark Coronado Park beginning at 8:45 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the event is free.
Glendale kicks off Independence Day weekend early with “Firework Fest” on Friday, July 3 at Westgate Entertainment District from 6-9 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Tolleson will hold its Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, July 3 at Tolleson Veterans Park from 4-9 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is Free
Central and East Valley
Phoenix hosts “Fabulous Phoenix 4th” at Steele Indian School Park from 6-10 p.m., featuring one of the largest free fireworks shows in the state. Fireworks show time TBD
Chandler presents “Chandler’s All-American Bash”, July 4, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park from 7-9:30 p.m., with fireworks at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Gilbert hosts its 4th of July Celebration at Gilbert Regional Park from 5-9:30 p.m., featuring fireworks and a drone show. Free admission with VIP tickets available.
Mesa will hold the Arizona Celebration of Freedom in downtown Mesa from 6-10 p.m., with fireworks and a drone show at 9:25 p.m.
Tempe hosts its Fourth of July Celebration at Tempe Diablo Stadium from 6-10 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. Admission is $2.50
Scottsdale will host its celebration at WestWorld from 5-9 p.m., on July 4, with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Admission ranges from $25-$50
Queen Creek presents “Hometown 4th at Schnepf Farms” from 2-10 p.m., featuring live entertainment and fireworks later in the evening. Admission ranges from $22.80 – $161.74.
Fountain Hills will host “Fourth at the Fountain”, July 4, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m with free admission.
Northern Arizona
Flagstaff will host a Fourth of July Drone Show at Foxglenn Park from 4-9 p.m., with the drone display beginning at 9 p.m. Admission is free
Cottonwood offers the “Fantastic Family Fourth of July” at Cottonwood Kids Park from 4-9:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $1
Wickenburg hosts its Independence Day Celebration at Sunset Park from 6-9 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Kingman holds an “Old Fashion 4th of July” morning celebration, July 4, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., with evening fireworks at 9 p.m. at 3333 Harrison Street. Admission is free
Southern and Western Arizona
Tucson hosts “Diamonds in the Sky: 4th of July Celebration”, July 4, at Kino Sports Complex from 5:30 -9:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is a $1 donation or one canned food item.
Marana presents its Star Spangled Spectacular at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park from 5-9:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Casa Grande hosts its 4th of July Celebration at Paul Mason Sports Complex from 7-10 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Yuma presents the “4th of July Spectacular” at Desert Sun Stadium from 6-10 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Oro Valley hosts its July 4th Celebration at James D. Kriegh Park from 6-9:20 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free
Wellton will host a community Fourth of July Celebration at Butterfield Park. Fireworks timing will be announced. Admission is free.
Across Arizona, most Independence Day events remain free to the public, with select communities offering VIP seating or premium access options.
Organizers across the state encourage attendees to arrive early, plan for high temperatures, and check local city websites for parking updates and event advisories.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss (R-LD1) met Sunday with Pocket Fire incident command at the Sedona Airport air operations base as the wind-driven wildfire north of Sedona continued to grow and threaten nearby communities.
The Pocket Fire had burned 5,547 acres as of Sunday morning, with 871 personnel assigned to the incident. The fire was first reported June 19 about seven miles north of Sedona and is burning in steep, rugged terrain that limits where crews can safely attack it directly. By mid-Monday, the fire had grown to 11,192 acres with zero percent containment.
The fire more than doubled in size between Saturday evening and Sunday morning as strong winds pushed it northeast. Fire crews shifted resources toward threatened communities and continued using bulldozers and other heavy equipment to build defensive lines. By Monday, the blaze had roughly doubled again.
Coconino County’s Pocket Fire information page said the fire began on June 19 on the Coconino National Forest, is burning in difficult-to-access terrain, and is expected to remain active for several weeks. The county listed Oak Creek Canyon, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands and Pine Del under SET evacuation status and encouraged residents susceptible to smoke to take precautions.
As of Sunday afternoon, Oak Creek Canyon Zones 14 and 15, Kachina Village and Forest Highlands remained under SET status. State Route 89A remained closed to nonlocal traffic between Sedona and Interstate 17, and portions of the Coconino National Forest remained closed.
Nguyen and Bliss requested the briefing to hear directly from incident command, determine whether additional state assistance is needed, and provide residents with current information. Fire officials thanked Yavapai County, Coconino County, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and other agencies assisting with the response.
“This is our district, and we have a duty to know where the threat is moving, what crews need and whether the state can do more,” Nguyen said. “We came to hear directly from incident command and see the operation firsthand. The men and women fighting this fire are working in dangerous conditions, and we stand ready to help secure any state resources they need.”
Bliss urged residents in SET areas to prepare before conditions worsen.
“SET means prepare now, not later,” Bliss said. “Pack medications, important documents and supplies. Account for family members and pets. Know where you will go, monitor official alerts and leave immediately if ordered. Do not wait for GO status to start preparing.”
Coconino County Emergency Management ordered activation of the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Friday due to critical fire weather in connection with the Pocket Fire and to assist with an APS Public Safety Power Shutoff. The county said the EOC provides support and coordination for multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional emergencies affecting residents, businesses, property, and infrastructure.
The U.S. Forest Service said earlier in the incident that resources assigned to the Pocket Fire included Hotshot crews, engines, helicopters, air attack, and other firefighting assets, with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 ordered to assume command after initial response by a Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Nguyen and Bliss also honored three federal firefighters killed Saturday in a burnover incident while assigned to the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border. Two other firefighters were injured.
“The deaths of three firefighters this weekend are a painful reminder of the dangers wildland firefighters face to protect others,” Nguyen and Bliss said. “We mourn them, pray for the injured and remember the six lost in the Dude Fire and the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots. At the height of fire season, the public must do its part: obey restrictions, prepare early and never interfere with crews on the line.”
Coconino County has activated a Pocket Fire call center for questions about the fire, shelters or evacuation stages at 928-679-8525. County officials also said areas of Coconino County within and adjacent to the Coconino National Forest moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Tuesday, June 30, at 8 a.m..
Officials urged residents to monitor Coconino County Emergency Management, Coconino National Forest, InciWeb, and AZ511 for current fire, evacuation, closure, and road information. They also warned the public not to fly drones near the fire because unauthorized aircraft can ground firefighting planes and helicopters.
A series of public safety reforms will go into effect after Gov. Katie Hobbs signed them into law over the past week.
State Sen. Kevin Payne (R-LD27), chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, sponsored the bills. Payne’s press release announcing the reforms said the state’s approach to public safety should be proactive, not just reactive.
“Public safety is about more than responding after a crime has occurred,” said Payne. “It’s about stopping criminal organizations before they victimize more people and making sure the men and women who protect our communities have the support they need to do their jobs.”
The bills in this bipartisan public safety reform package — Senate Bills 1215, 1400, 1452, and 1493 — represent changes to cargo theft investigations and prosecutions, wellness and crisis response for first responder employees, and workers’ compensation claims for cancer-stricken firefighters.
SB 1215 represented a fix to something Payne called a “drafting error” in the state’s presumptive cancer law which enabled challenges to workers’ compensation claims filed by first responders diagnosed with certain cancers contracted while in the line of duty.
Workers’ compensation providers have reportedly denied claims based on what critics of the original legislation called a “punctuation problem” with missing commas that created ambiguous meaning and purportedly allowed providers to reject certain claims.
These latest legislative fixes are retroactive to July 1, 2021.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line for complete strangers every day,” said Payne. “When they develop cancer linked to years of service, they shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies over a misplaced comma in state law.”
SB 1400 permits first responder entities to establish wellness and crisis response programs for those employees exposed to traumatic events in the line of duty. Programs would offer employees access to certain resources including counseling, peer support, and crisis intervention services. Part of that legislation, Payne noted, created confidentiality protections for participating employees’ communications.
“Our firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, and public safety professionals witness things most people will never experience,” said Payne. “Too often, the culture of these professions tells them to carry those burdens alone.”
SB 1452 creates the Cargo Theft Task Force under the attorney general, dedicated specifically to investigating and prosecuting organized cargo theft operations: the theft, diversion, embezzlement, unlawful taking, or fraudulent acquisition of cargo or freight.
The bill requires the attorney general to invite federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the task force.
Task force membership will include one full-time prosecutor, one full-time paralegal, one full-time support staff member, six investigators, and any additional law enforcement personnel designated by the attorney general.
In addition to their investigatory duties, the task force will be required to meet regularly to review investigations and intelligence and share case updates, and to coordinate with local, state, or federal law enforcement on case referrals and the latest developments in the illicit cargo theft industry.
The attorney general will be required to submit an annual report on the task force’s activities, intelligence gathered, and any recommendations for legislative or policy action.
“Organized cargo theft has become a sophisticated criminal enterprise that impacts far more than warehouses and trucking companies,” said Payne. When criminals steal products moving through the supply chain, Arizona families ultimately pay the price at the checkout counter.”
SB1493 would require employers of wrongfully terminated law enforcement officers to cover any appeal costs and fees.
“When an officer is wrongly terminated and later proven right, justice shouldn’t stop at reinstatement,” said Payne. “No one should have to drain their savings or jeopardize their family’s financial future simply to clear their name.”
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