by Staff Reporter | Jun 9, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Governor Katie Hobbs came out in support of the anti-deportation rioters that took to the streets in Los Angeles, California, over the weekend.
Hobbs signed onto a statement with California Governor Gavin Newsom and all other Democratic governors in the country opposing President Donald Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard to stop the Los Angeles riots as “an alarming abuse of power […] ineffective and dangerous.”
The joint statement also demonized Trump for promising to send Marines into neighborhoods to keep the peace.
“Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement,” stated Hobbs and the Democratic governors. “It’s important we respect the executive authority of our country’s governors to manage their National Guards — and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation.”
Trump said border czar Tom Homan should arrest Newsom on Monday after returning to the White House from Camp David, calling the governor “ a nice guy [but] grossly incompetent.”
On Saturday, the president issued a proclamation calling federal service members and National Guard units to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal personnel enforcing immigration law from ongoing anti-deportation protests. The president’s deployment of 2,000 troops was in response to protests triggered by federal immigration raids in California. 300 National Guard members deployed to Los Angeles.
While the exact number of arrests in the Los Angeles riots remains unknown, reports from the New York Times and NBC News indicate well over 150 were arrested in total from Friday throughout the weekend.
Hobbs has consistently been against immigration enforcement. The governor demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security after ICE detained illegal immigrants attending immigration hearings in Phoenix last month. Hobbs said those who migrated illegally weren’t “criminals” and shouldn’t be detained.
“We need to prioritize efforts to deport criminals and secure the border,” said Hobbs. “Indiscriminately rounding up people following the rules won’t make us safer.”
Protesters also took to the streets in Phoenix on Sunday, though Fox News reporters on the ground for this protest indicated it remained peaceful.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) organized the Phoenix protest. In a statement to social media, PSL called for an end to immigration enforcement efforts and the release of one Phoenix-area illegal immigrant, Joel Gutierrez.
“Hundreds of Arizonans are in the streets to demand an END to the racist ICE raids and the release of Joel Gutierrez, a father who was detained this past week,” stated PSL.
As of this report, Gutierrez’s family has raised nearly $4,300 of the $15,000 goal on GoFundMe for lawyer’s fees and living expenses. ICE detained Gutierrez on his way to work, an outcome his family implies was not due to his choice to immigrate to the U.S. illegally but being “at the wrong place at the wrong time.” His family claims Gutierrez is their sole provider.
PSL — which has ties to the Chinese Communist Party — has consistently organized its protests to appear around coordinated ICE detainments. They and other leftist groups have taken to the streets multiple times this year to protest Trump’s immigration enforcement.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jun 9, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02) introduced the bipartisan Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 alongside Arizona Democrats Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ04), Senator Mark Kelly, and Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. In the proposed legislation, the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP) within the EPA, launched in 2020 under by President Donald Trump, would be codified into law.
The OMDP, which enhances coordination between federal, state, and tribal agencies in hardrock mining cleanup, would establish congressional oversight of the office as well.
According to Crane, the codification of the OMDP under this bill would:
- “Encourage the EPA to prioritize responsible mine cleanup in Arizona over green initiatives,
- Ensure proper congressional oversight of its progress,
- Bolster the OMDP’s outreach to ensure that local and Tribal authorities have a seat at the table for cleanup projects that impact their health and environment,
- Provide guardrails to keep the office’s efforts focused on mine cleanup.”
“As we work to support domestic mining of critical minerals, it’s crucial that we remain committed to doing so responsibly. The consequences of poor stewardship are detrimental for the health and safety of those living in rural Arizona, particularly on the Navajo Nation,” Rep. Crane said in a statement. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would help ensure reasonable and timely cleanup and increased congressional oversight of the process.”
In a post to X, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren publicly announced his support for the measure and thanked Rep. Crane and his co-sponsors.
“I want to thank Congressmen Eli Crane and Greg Stanton, Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia Lummis, and all those involved in the introduction of the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act. This legislation is a critical step forward in addressing the long-standing health and environmental impacts of abandoned hardrock mines, especially on the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.
“By codifying the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains at the EPA, this bill ensures Tribal nations like ours have a meaningful voice in mine cleanup efforts that directly impact our communities. We have lived with the consequences of these abandoned sites for far too long—this act represents accountability, cooperation, and real progress. Ahéheeʼ to everyone who has helped move this issue forward.”
“Abandoned hardrock mines put Arizona communities—especially Tribal nations—at a high risk of exposure to substances that are hazardous to their long-term health,” Rep. Greg Stanton said. “Our bipartisan legislation works to swiftly and responsibly mitigate this environmental threat, and makes sure Tribal and local authorities have a stronger voice in the process.”
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 | Jun 9, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools (ASBCS) revoked the charter for Primavera Online School, potentially affecting over 20,000 students enrolled.
ASBCS cited low academic results these past three years as the basis for their decision, unanimously made during Tuesday’s meeting.
Primavera’s founder and CEO, Damian Creamer, maintains ASBCS incorrectly redesignated Primavera in recent years as a traditional school rather than its historical designation as an alternative school. Grading as a traditional school resulted in Primavera receiving failing grades — rather than the adjusted passing grades Primavera would have gotten had it continued its designation as an alternative school.
Alternative schools serve at-risk students, a status requiring annual application.
ASBCS did acknowledge that Primavera could be classified as an alternative school. However, it was also discussed how Primavera officials hadn’t contacted state officials about its redesignation as a traditional school, let alone about the poor grades.
Creamer had this to say in response to ASBCS’s decision:
The Arizona State Charter School Board’s decision to uphold its plan to revoke Primavera’s charter is a grave injustice and a tremendous disservice to all of Arizona’s students, parents, and teachers. This reckless action threatens to dismantle a vital educational institution that has faithfully served our community, providing innovative, accessible, and high-quality education to hundreds of thousands of students since our inception. We are appalled that the Board denied our legal counsel an opportunity to address the allegations made or to address the multitude of factual inaccuracies on which the board members specifically said they were acting. They did not want to hear anything that was contrary to the factually incorrect narrative they created. This blatant disregard for due process is not only unfair but undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that the Board claims to uphold. The assumptions and conclusions reached by the Board are based on factually untrue and materially false information. These were obvious misrepresentations rather than data driven evidence. Primavera will not stand idly by while the educational futures of our students are jeopardized. We are prepared to take all necessary action to challenge this decision and protect the rights of our students, parents, and educators. The Board’s actions will not go unanswered, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure that Arizona families continue to have access to the exceptional education Primavera provides.
The state’s chief educational authority says he was powerless to stop the revocation process. Back in March, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said he lacked authority to meddle with the ASBCS decision in response to appeals to intervene from the charter giant and its allies. Horne said Primavera would have to appeal and present evidence to an administrative law judge as their next steps. Primavera has hearings on the matter scheduled for September.
“The legislature chose to divide jurisdiction regarding charter schools between the Arizona Department of Education and the Charter Board,” said Horne. “The current issue is within the jurisdiction of the Charter Board. I have no power or influence over that. If I were to try to influence it, the Charter Board would resent the trespass on their turf, and it would do more harm than good.”
Horne also issued a statement supporting the ASBCS decision to seek charter revocation.
Primavera did receive approval for alternative status for the 2025 fiscal year, and has its application for alternative status for the 2026 fiscal year pending before the Arizona Department of Education.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jun 8, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona’s federal immigration court in Phoenix became off-limits to anti-immigration enforcement protestors and journalists covering them on May 21st when private security ordered them off the property. On May 28th, the Phoenix Police Department issued another warning to the protestors that they could be criminally cited for trespassing. The situation in Arizona is unique for the activists seeking to disrupt deportations because the Federal Immigration Court in Phoenix is located in a privately-owned office building.
Journalists covering the legal proceedings themselves are permitted inside the court as one would normally expect. However, the anti-ICE radicals who have sought to disrupt immigration proceedings in cities across the country, and the reporters following in their wake, are stymied by the newly installed “No Trespassing” signs and ropes to bar them from the private property.
The outlet reported Friday that activist groups and ASU’s First Amendment Clinic (FAC) expressed that the legal situation for protestors and reporters is unclear. Gregg Leslie, executive director of FAC explained, “Right now, it’s not all that clear because of the oddity of how this is all managed. Where the government’s rights take over versus the landlord’s rights, versus the other tenants’ rights.”
He added that the public “right of access,” exists largely as a function of whether a location is on publicly owned land or private land. This is complicated by the courtroom’s location on the third floor of a privately owned building. “If it’s private land owned for public access, there are certain allowances for there being greater public access to it,” he told the outlet.
The protests and subsequent restrictions came following a series of arrests on May 20th and 21st which found dozens of illegal aliens arrested after immigration charges against them were dismissed. Protestors gathered in front of the building chanted “No More ICE!” among other slogans including Spanish profanity. At least one protestor allegedly attempted to pull off an officer’s face covering.
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 | Jun 8, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at combating antisemitism in public schools and colleges, marking a bipartisan push to establish new standards for addressing hate-based conduct in the state’s education system.
The bill, House Bill 2867, also known as the Antisemitism in Education Act, received final approval from the Arizona House and now awaits the signature of Governor Katie Hobbs. Sponsored by Representative Michael Way (R-LD15), the measure bars the promotion of antisemitic views in classrooms and on public college campuses, while outlining a formal process for investigating and disciplining violations.
“Arizona’s students and teachers deserve to learn and work in an environment free from antisemitic hate,” said Rep. Way following the bill’s passage. “This bill ensures schools are places of learning, not battlegrounds for political indoctrination.”
The legislation applies to public K–12 schools, community colleges, and state universities. It prohibits educators and administrators from promoting antisemitic conduct or language, coercing students to support antisemitic viewpoints for grades or academic advancement, and using public funds for programs that include antisemitic instruction or training.
Violations are first to be reported to a school or college official, who must investigate and take corrective action within 30 days. Appeals can be escalated to a local school board or the Arizona Board of Regents. Legal action in court is permitted only after all administrative avenues have been exhausted.
HB 2867 is based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a standard also recognized by the U.S. Department of State. The bill includes explicit protections for teaching about Jewish history, the Holocaust, and the State of Israel. Supporters say the measure does not interfere with First Amendment rights.
The legislation aligns with the House Republican Majority’s broader efforts to confront hate and promote public safety within state institutions.“The Legislature has done its job. The public supports this,” said Rep. Way. “Now it’s up to the governor to do hers and show that Arizona won’t tolerate antisemitism in public education.”
Representative Way, who represents Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley, has made combating antisemitic threats in education a legislative priority. The bill’s bipartisan support suggests growing consensus among lawmakers that additional safeguards are needed in light of recent national and international events that have sparked increased concerns over antisemitism on college campuses and in school settings.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jun 7, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In the wake of what Turning Point PAC has declared “the largest launch event in Arizona gubernatorial primary history,” the political action committee has announced a massive initial media buy supporting Andy Biggs in his primary challenge against fellow-Republican Karrin Taylor Robson.
The upcoming media-buy is set to total over $500,000 without accounting for the Saturday “Biggs for Governor” Rally hosted by Turning Point Action and Turning Point PAC, which itself amounted to “an additional $780,000 in earned media value (EMV),” according to a press release.
Per the PAC, the $500k media buy will include “impactful ad placements that go live on strategic cable, over-the-top, radio and direct-to-voter placements most watched and listened to by local Arizonans.”
The $780k earned media value of the launch event includes clips, speeches, and promotional materials which were widely shared online during the weekend and reportedly generated 52.1 million impressions on social media according to Turning Point PAC.
“Taken as a whole with Turning Point PAC’s $500,000 media buy announcement, the organization’s independent expenditures and organizing to support Biggs’s primary launch already amounts to over $1,400,000,” the committee said in a statement.
“To see a room packed with thousands of Biggs supporters this far out from the primary was truly historic, and it’s proof of the grassroots energy that is already gathering behind his campaign. There isn’t a world in which voters will not be aware of Andy Biggs being on the ballot, and the more who find out, the more his double-digit lead over all other competitors will grow,” said Charlie Kirk, founder and president of Turning Point USA & Turning Point Action. “Andy Biggs is ready to bring a President Trump and Ron DeSantis level of leadership and competency to governing Arizona, and Turning Point is proud to get behind his campaign.”
Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action and Turning Point PAC added, “Andy Biggs was the best Senate President Arizona has had in decades and he has been President Trump’s most reliable friend in Congress. He is Trump-endorsed, Charlie Kirk endorsed, and Turning Point Action endorsed. His campaign momentum is already building at an incredible clip and we’ve barely just begun. The media buy combined with Biggs’s impressive earned media exposure shows how enthusiastic the grassroots is to make Andy Biggs the next governor of Arizona.”
The media spending blitz comes alongside more good news for Biggs. A recent poll from American Commitment shows Biggs with a commanding lead over Taylor Robson in the 2026 Republican primary election for governor. Conducted by Kreate Strategies, the poll shows Biggs (57% support) leads Taylor Robson (25% support) by 32 points.
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.
