by Jonathan Eberle | Dec 8, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
More than one hundred days after receiving a legislative request for detailed financial transaction records, the Tolleson Union High School District has yet to turn over the documents, prompting renewed scrutiny from Arizona lawmakers.
State Rep. Matt Gress (R-LD4), a Phoenix Republican who chairs the House Education Committee and co-chairs the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, marked the milestone with a sharply worded statement criticizing the district’s continued refusal to release the information.
Gress first requested electronic copies of the district’s financial transactions on August 26, following a legislative audit hearing on Tolleson Union’s fiscal practices. A follow-up letter was issued on September 17. According to Gress, the district has not complied with either request.
“In that time, the district has refused to provide electronic copies, demanded more than $26,000 in fees meant to discourage oversight, and ignored repeated clarifications,” Gress said. “No other public entity in Arizona has ever tried to block access to routine financial information.
The lawmaker said the Legislature has an obligation to track how taxpayer funds are allocated and questioned why the district is resisting disclosure of what he described as basic purchase order and transaction data. He noted that other school districts routinely produce similar exports from their financial software within days.
Tolleson Union has faced heightened public scrutiny in recent months. In November, voters rejected both a bond and budget override measure by wide margins—an outcome Gress pointed to as evidence of waning community trust. “Their message was clear: restore accountability,” he said. “A 100-day refusal to cooperate is unacceptable and cannot continue.”
Gress urged the district’s governing board to direct staff to immediately release the requested records and pledged that lawmakers would “continue pressing for these records until they are produced.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Dec 8, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) has signed onto Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) discharge petition to force a floor vote on H.R. 1908, the Restore Trust in Congress Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading or owning individual stocks and other covered investments while in office.
The move comes amid growing bipartisan frustration over potential insider trading and conflicts of interest in Congress, with public polls showing overwhelming support for ending the practice. Rep. Crane, who has never traded stocks during his time in office, has long championed the reform as essential to restoring public trust.
“The American people overwhelmingly agree that Members of Congress should not be allowed to trade stocks while in office. Lawmakers who are privy to sensitive and non-public information should not have the ability to profit from their access,” said Rep. Crane. “I applaud Rep. Luna for taking initiative and leading the charge to end this corrupt practice in our nation’s capital. Republicans and Democrats alike should join forces and get this reform across the finish line.”
Introduced by Rep. Luna, H.R. 1908, would amend federal ethics law to bar covered individuals from purchasing, owning, or trading stocks, commodities, and similar investments, with limited exceptions for diversified mutual funds, U.S. Treasury securities, and certain occupational or inherited assets.
The bill imposes a 180-day divestment period for current lawmakers and 90 days for new ones, with penalties including a 10% fee on prohibited holdings and forfeiture of profits from violations.
“A discharge petition is the strongest tool we have to guarantee a vote on behalf of the American people, and it exists for moments exactly like this,” said Rep. Luna.
“This is one of the most popular, most supported issues in the entire country. Americans deserve a Congress that works for them, not for special interests or personal portfolios,” she added. “I look forward to working with every faction, every caucus, and every Member, Republican and Democrat, to finally get this over the finish line.”
The discharge petition, if successful, would bypass committee delays and bring the bill directly to the House floor under H. Res. 725, which waives procedural hurdles and limits debates to one hour.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Dec 7, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
The Tempe Police Department announced last week that they had issued another 249 arrests in one night at Tempe Tavern for underage drinking, fake IDs, and giving false information.
The mass arrests were part of another police sting on the bar, a popular joint for younger adults — especially Arizona State University (ASU) students.
The bar underwent a similar sting back in April, with a similar outcome: about 170 arrests were made. Of those, 165 received citations and were released.
In May, Tempe Tavern issued a statement on the first sting as well as another incident that occurred in the aftermath, in which a Tempe Tavern employee posted a T-shirt likening the police sting to 9/11.
The T-shirt, designed by an ASU student, read “OUR 9-11” on the front and “#TavernStrong” on the back. A since-deleted post sharing the shirt by a Tempe Tavern employee read: “They hit the second tower!” and advised they would be selling the shirts.
“Earlier this week, someone unaffiliated with Tempe Tavern created a shirt that referenced both Tempe Tavern and 9/11. According to what we know, the shirt was designed by an ASU student and circulated in an online student chat. It eventually reached a younger staff member — who did not appreciate the significance of that tragic day — and was shared on Tempe Tavern’s social media account,” said the bar. “Management removed the post as soon as it was brought to our attention. 9/11 is nothing to joke about; the reference was reprehensible. The shirt is tasteless and disgusting.”
Further on in their statement, the bar explained that they scan all IDs for entry into their establishment, but that the current era of fake IDs do scan successfully and appear authentic. The bar advised they provided ID-scan logs and security footage for all bar patrons to back up their claim.
“Tempe Tavern complies with the law, which is why neither the bar nor its employees received citations from the liquor board or the Tempe Police Department,” said the bar.
However, given that there have now been multiple incidents where so many underage drinkers were caught at the establishment, TPD launched an investigation into the bar.
246 of the 249 arrested were given citations and later released. Three went to the city jail.
TPD says they rely on teams with dozens of officers representing the local, state, and federal levels to ensure only those of age are drinking in these establishments. Homeland Security Investigations and Department of Liquor Licenses and Control were present.
TPD called the latest arrest totals “shocking” and indicative of a need for greater crackdowns. Community members were lodging complaints about the bar, hence the second sting operation.
“These are shocking numbers. We don’t celebrate them. Underage drinking puts people at risk — and that’s why we take it seriously,” said TPD.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 7, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted 4-1 on Wednesday to approve a legally binding 10-year Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Humphrey’s Peak Power LLC to power a planned data center campus proposed for Pima County.
The Commission underscored that its review of the agreement was limited solely to ensuring statutory compliance and safeguarding ratepayers’ interests. Regulators noted they do not hold jurisdiction over the nature or approval of the associated data center project itself, only the energy contract enabling its power supply.
As reported by the Arizona Capitol Times, the ACC meeting on December 3rd was contentious, with almost two dozen members of the public calling on the Commissioners to vote against the agreement in over three hours of discussion. Commissioner Rachel Walden was the only dissenting vote.
“I’m still wary about whether or not there is a data center at the end of this,” Walden said, according to the Times.
TEP, a regulated public utility, is legally obligated to serve all eligible customers within its designated service territory without discrimination and may not refuse service to applicants who meet interconnection and regulatory requirements, the ACC explained in a press release. Commissioners reiterated that ESA terms must provide protections not only for the contracting parties but also for the broader TEP ratepayer base.
During the meeting, TEP executives said that the data center customer will ultimately decrease other customers’ rates, arguing the facility will make a larger revenue contribution than the actual cost of serving it, according to the Times.
Erik Bakken, senior vice president and chief administrative officer at TEP, explained, “We believe that we’ve got the gold standard special contract for a data center with existing resources and existing capacity that’s available.”
In a press release, TEP said its usage-based rates are set by dividing the total revenue the utility is allowed to collect by projected energy sales. Bringing in a large new user like a data center increases overall sales, the company argued, which allows per-kilowatt-hour charges for other customers to move lower than they otherwise would be.
In comments to 13 News, Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz told the outlet that Amazon Web Services (AWS) will no longer be the end user for the data center referred to as “Project Blue,” citing multiple sources. He stated that there are now as many as seven or eight different potential end users. The outlet reported Tuesday that Facebook’s parent company, Meta, could potentially be the new suitor for Beale Infrastructure’s project based on comments from Heinz and Tucson City Councilman Paul Cunningham.
Arizona Capitol Times reported that this shift was owed to the project switching from water-cooling to air-cooling. Beale Infrastructure, the project developer, reportedly told commissioners that it is confident an end user will be found in time for the data center’s projected completion in 2027.
The data centers’ proposed 290-acre campus in Pima County, per Beale’s ESA application obtained by AZ Luminaria, has sparked a massive public debate in southern Arizona, including questions about grid load growth, long-term power procurement, water use before Beale’s conversion to air-cooling, and whether infrastructure planning is keeping pace with rapid expansion in energy-intensive industries.
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 | Dec 7, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Peoria Mayor Jason Beck posted on X on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026. Beck noted that he and his wife, Jane, will instead guide the company they founded, Tyr Tactical, through its upcoming merger.
Elected in 2022, Beck called his role as mayor “the best job I ever had,” in the Wednesday press release, saying that he approached the role “with a desire to serve the community I have lived in, worked in, and raised a family in.”
He added, “I never intended to run for office or had a long-term goal to be a politician. When I saw that Peoria wasn’t achieving its full potential, I felt called to run and make changes. I’ve since learned after being elected, that Peoria’s potential is limitless, and it’s been an honor to help unlock it.”
Both Beck and the Peoria City Council began their term with three stated goals: economic development, public safety, and water security, and the Mayor pointed to examples of each. He referred to “unlocking thousands of acres for sustainable future growth” through a major land agreement with the State Land Department, the groundbreaking of an Amkor Technology facility, and kick-starting of the revitalization of Peoria’s Historic Downtown district.
He noted that under his tenure, the city’s Real Time Crime Center and the West Valley’s first advanced aviation unit were launched by the Peoria Police Department, along with an expansion of the city’s School Resource Officer program.
In the area of water security, Beck touted new investments in Peoria’s water infrastructure, “positioning Peoria for long-term stability as we navigate the challenges of the Colorado River and the anticipated regional growth.”
Thanking his city staff and fellow councilmembers, Beck said, “The next thirteen months will be a sprint,” adding, “There is still important work to be done to ensure we leave Peoria stronger than we found it.”
“My future focus needs to be on my family and our businesses, all of which have supported me throughout this journey,” Beck said. But he emphasized he would not be stepping away from public life entirely: “My commitment to our community is far from over. I will continue to stay involved, support strong candidates, and work to improve the place we all call home,” he said in his announcement.
“For someone who never envisioned a path in public service, I can’t imagine my life without it. As a business owner, husband, father, and citizen, public service doesn’t stop here. This is where it begins.”
As reported by AZCentral in November, the merger Beck referred to involves Cadre Holdings. This Florida-based, publicly traded firm also manufactures protective products for first responders and federal agencies. The anticipated merger would reportedly see Cadre purchase the Peoria-based company for $175 million.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Beck founded TYR Tactical, a body armor and tactical equipment firm with his wife Jane in 2010. It has since grown into one of Peoria’s largest private employers with an annual revenue of almost $94 million according to 12News.
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 | Dec 6, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
A North Valley elementary school increased the number of Pride posters in its hallways after parents complained about a lesson in which students were taught to play a song about dancing at a gay bar.
As the Arizona Daily Independent (ADI) reported, parents learned after the fact about a recent lesson in a music class at Desert Trails Elementary in which students were directed to play boomwhackers to “Pink Pony Club,” a charting pop song about transitioning to an LGBTQ+ lifestyle and dancing at a gay bar.
The song is by lesbian starlet Chappell Roan, who gained popularity in 2024 from another hit single about her sexuality, “Good Luck, Babe!” Roan, who dresses in the style of drag queens, is widely viewed as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate.
According to reports and social media chatter, parents were not offered an opt-out or even made aware of the lesson beforehand. According to the ADI, the Paradise Valley Unified School District cleared the teacher to resume classes this week on the promise that he would abide by parental notification requirements in the future.
The educator who implemented the lesson was hired earlier this summer: Jerry Michael Nanney, who goes by Michael Nanney.
Nanney claimed to the school and parents that he didn’t know the context of the song.
“Pink Pony Club” discusses a woman’s desire to leave behind her religious upbringing in the South and join the progressive community out West. The lyrics of the song define identity through sexuality.
In the song, Roan narrates the horror of the woman’s mother “scream[ing]” as “she sees her baby girl” dancing at a club. The woman in the song explains to her horrified mother that she’s “just having fun.”
“And I heard that there’s a special place / Where boys and girls can be queens every single day,” states the song lyrics. “I’m up and jaws are on the floor / Lovers in the bathroom and a line outside the door / Blacklights and mirrored disco ball / Every night’s another reason why I left it all / I thank my wicked dreams.”
As noted elsewhere in other reports and online, “pink pony” has multiple meanings. The term can refer to sex, as well as male genitalia.
The artist, Roan, disclosed the pink and some of the narration for the fictitious club were inspired by a hometown strip club, and the atmosphere and content within the song were inspired by her first visit to a gay bar in California.
All of this information, along with the music video for the song in which Roan, drag queens, and gay men dance suggestively, is available and easily accessible online.
Sleuthing parents and community members with Scottsdale Unites for Educational Integrity uncovered social media activity by Nanney that undermined his claim that he didn’t know the meaning of the song. Online, Nanney had shared posts by accounts dedicated to drag queen news and culture.
Reports uncovered, further, that Nanney leads the choir for an LGBTQ+-friendly church in Sun City.
These discoveries make Nanney’s claim of no knowledge of the song unlikely.
Nanney also reported obtaining the song as a choice from a list made by other educators who, the district would later confirm, were not within PVUSD.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
