by Ethan Faverino | Sep 15, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
In a decision advancing American energy dominance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule granting the State of Arizona full primacy to control all classes of underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
This approval positions Arizona as the primary regulator for protecting its underground sources of drinking water, while developing economic growth and innovation in clean energy technologies.
The move aligns with the EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes delivering clean and safe water to every American, restoring U.S. energy leadership, and empowering states to manage their own resources with local expertise.
By delegating authority to Arizona, the federal government recognizes the state’s unparalleled understanding of its unique water challenges and business landscape.
“Efficient and effective permitting is essential to bolstering American industry and unleashing energy dominance while protecting our nation’s water resources,“ said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “States know their water resources best and understand the needs of their business community; entrusting them to take on permitting makes common sense. I am excited to see the economic growth that will be spurred by granting Arizona primacy to regulate underground injection under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”
The approval enables the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to oversee permitting and enforcement for all underground injection wells, including Class I wells for hazardous waste storage— ensuring these operations occur far below drinking water aquifers—and Class VI wells, critical for carbon capture and storage.
Following technical and legal review, the EPA confirmed that Arizona’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program fully complies with SDWA standards. ADEQ will now handle authorizations and compliance monitoring with the EPA retaining oversight and permitting authority for wells on Indian Lands, except for Class II wells on Navajo Nation lands, because the Nation already holds primacy.
The move got the support from Arizona’s congressional delegation, emphasizing the significance of federalism and local priorities.
“Our Founding Fathers were clear in their commitment to states’ rights and a small federal government. Individual states must have the power to govern in the best interests of their own people. This ruling affirms that Arizona—not Washington bureaucrats—is best equipped to protect our water, foster economic growth, and ensure the well-being of our citizens. It is a key step in ensuring access to safe drinking water for Arizona communities for years to come. No one understands Arizona’s communities and resources better than Arizonans ourselves,” said Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05). “I am grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their commitment to slashing needless regulations and restoring authority to the states. This is a victory for federalism, for common sense, and for the people of Arizona.”
“Arizona understands our land, our water, and our energy needs better than anyone in Washington ever could. Granting primacy to our state of the Underground Injection Control program is a recognition that local expertise and innovation should lead the way,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06). “It means that Arizona will now oversee the permitting for all underground injection wells, including Class VI wells essential for carbon capture and storage—a critical part of a secure and cleaner energy future, and Class I wells, which store hazardous waste far below drinking water resources critical for the health of all Arizonans. This step is a win for clean water, a win for responsible energy development, and a win for our economy.”
“I want to thank Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water. This rule will allow us to provide clean and safe water for every Arizonan while bringing more and exciting economic opportunities to our great state,” said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08). “This rule will strengthen Arizona’s ability to manage our future for our families.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also praised the decision as a pivotal achievement for the state saying, “Today’s decision is a major milestone for Arizona. By granting our state primacy over underground injection wells, the EPA is once again recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its water and natural resources. This authority allows us to safeguard the integrity of our groundwater, while also supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. With this step, Arizona gains the tools to lead on sustainable environmental management and innovation for years to come.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist leader and co-founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, was silenced by an assassin’s bullet at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday.
As Kirk took questions in his well-known debate format, seated beneath a tent as part of The American Comeback Tour, a single loud shot rang out across the open air.
Kirk was addressing a question on the recent string of mass shootings involving transgender Americans in what would be his last public exchange.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk was asked.
“Too many,” Kirk replied.
The individual answered that there were five.
“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk was then asked.
He responded, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Within a fraction of a second, Kirk was shot and seen reacting immediately as it struck the left side of his neck. He bled profusely and slumped to the ground.
Kirk was rapidly airlifted from the scene to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead a little over two hours later.
A person of interest was arrested shortly after the shooting at the university but was later released. However, at 3:31 p.m. MDT, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of a second subject, who was also subsequently released after questioning. The assassin is still at large as of this report.
Turning Point USA is based in Arizona and has been a major force in state and local politics as well as on the national scale since Kirk moved the organization’s headquarters from Chicago to Phoenix in 2018.
Arizona officials from both sides of the aisle issued statements following the assassination of Kirk. Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro stated, “God bless American hero Charlie Kirk and his family. His horrific assassination today is a devastating tragedy that strikes at the heart of our nation. Charlie was a fearless voice who inspired millions with his faith, his devotion to freedom, and his conviction to defend America’s founding principles.”
Montenegro added, “This was political terrorism. Violence aimed at silencing any voices must be confronted and dealt with justly and without hesitation. Charlie is now with his Heavenly Father, but his legacy will endure in the movement he built, the young people he awakened, and the truth he spoke without apology.”
Congressman Andy Biggs issued a statement on X, saying, “Erika and Charlie’s young children are in my family’s prayers as I know the Lord will cover them in love. Cindy and I ask everyone to continue praying and sending strength to the Kirk family. We have tragically lost a tremendous leader and a friend. But his most important role was as a loving husband, father, and devout Christian who shared his faith unapologetically. Charlie Kirk was an inspiration to an entire generation and will be remembered as someone who changed the course of our country.”
In a post to X, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen responded to Kirk’s assassination, saying, “I am absolutely shocked, sickened, and outraged to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Today was a dark day where evil was on full display. He was singular, indispensable, and irreplaceable. America will not be the same without him.”
The top-ranking Democrats in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, condemned “the violent attack” and “the horrific act of violence against Charlie Kirk,” respectively.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) wrote in a statement:
“Charlie Kirk was a force to be reckoned with. He was a Happy Warrior for the conservative cause.
He was martyred doing what he did best – talking to young people and sharing ideas. That is what is supposed to happen on our college campuses, and throughout our country: sharing diverse opinions and entertaining others’ points of view in the pursuit of a brighter future.
We will not let a lone gunman snuff out the bright fire Charlie lit in the hearts of young patriots who share the America First agenda and make up the Make America Great Again Movement, nor will we stop our efforts to bridge the political divide through conversation.
We will carry on what he started and build on his lasting legacy of inspiring the next generation of American leaders.
I urge everyone to join me in praying for the soul of this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country.”
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 | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) joined President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. They attended the inaugural gathering of the new “Rose Garden Club” on the recently revamped Rose Garden patio.
At the exclusive event, Biggs and Hamadeh were joined by other key leaders in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as Vice President Vance and cabinet officials like Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
As reported by USA Today, President Trump introduced the newly constructed patio, formerly a grass lawn, as the “Rose Garden Club.” It will welcome Congressional leaders as well as “people that can bring peace and success to our country.”
Speaking at the posh dinner Trump told the gathered Congressional leaders:
“I’ll tell you what we did to the grass. It was not usable. The reason we would have a press conference, women in particular were sinking deep into the mud. And at some point, it’s time to change. We picked a great stone. I may have a great speaker system, I hope. I hope everybody hears us perfectly. But a lot of people are wondering why you’re here tonight. And I’ll tell you simply why you’re here. Because…you are the ones that have been my friends, and you know what I’m talking about. And you’re smart and even brilliant people. But you would tell people… ‘ I don’t speak to the President much because I always vote with the President.’ Mike Johnson who’s going to go down as one of the great Speakers of our time or any other time. Mike, thank you very much. I said, ‘Mike, I want to do something. I want to reward the people that have confidence in their President, and you, and vote for us. And that includes some of the senators that are here.’”
Initially, the President planned to welcome a group of high-level business figures the previous evening, but the weather intervened. “They didn’t want to have rain on top of their beautiful heads,” Trump said. The group reportedly included Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI.
He explained, “You know, you’re the first ones in this great place. We’ll call it ‘The Rose Garden Club. And it’s a club for senators, for congresspeople, and for people in Washington, and frankly, people that can bring peace and success to our country. And you’re invited as congressmen. We have mostly congressmen and senators tonight. Again, you know why you’re first? Because it rained last night. I had the high-tech guys…and they didn’t want to have rain on top of their beautiful heads.
“We had the highest IQ last night in the history of the world, and we took them inside because of two reasons. Number one, I wanted you to be number one. And you were. They could’ve endured a little rain, but I wanted you to be number one. And I would match IQ tonight here with what we had last night, meaning IQ of common sense and survival. I think you have a higher IQ in certain ways, let me tell you. But we had a great group last night, and they’re investing tens of billions, they’re investing trillions of dollars. Some of the companies are investing literally trillions of dollars in this great country of ours.”
In early August, Trump told reporters the Rose Garden was “always wet and damp.” He added, “When we had a press conference, you’d sink into the mud. If it rained it would take three, four, five days to dry out and we couldn’t use it really for the intended purpose.”
In a post to X, Congressman Hamadeh thanked President Trump writing, “Honored to be at the first Rose Garden Club dinner — beautiful event, thank you Mr. President. Keep Making America Great Again!”
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 Ethan Faverino | Sep 9, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
While other politicians are calling for attacks on law enforcement officers, Congressman Abe Hamadeh has introduced the Protect and Respect ICE Act (PRICE Act).
This legislation aims to double criminal penalties for individuals who assault, resist, or impede U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and employees.
The PRICE Act addresses a reported 830% surge in assaults on ICE agents between January and July 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, as documented by the Department of Homeland Security.
Notable incidents include a violent attack in Portland, Oregon, where three protestors armed with an incendiary device assaulted ICE agents, and an attack in Texas, where 11 people fired shots at an ICE facility.
Hamadeh recently tweeted on the matter, saying, “If you lay a finger on our Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, you should suffer severe legal consequences. As part of his commitment to supporting law enforcement, Congressman Hamadeh proudly cosponsors the Protect and Respect ICE Act.”
“America’s courageous ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to uphold the rule of law and protect our citizens from violent, criminal illegal aliens,” said cosponsor Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. “Instead of standing with law enforcement, the radical Left sides with dangerous illegal aliens and even wants to strip ICE agents of the gear that keeps them safe. That’s unacceptable. Anyone who assaults an ICE agent must face the harshest possible punishment. That’s why I am fighting to double the federal penalty for attacks on ICE agents. We will never back down in defending our law enforcement, we will never tolerate unhinged assaults on ICE, and we will not stop until every single illegal alien is deported, and our communities are safe.”
The PRICE Act amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to double the maximum prison term and fines for violations committed against ICE officers or employees.
Supporters say this measure reflects a broader commitment by Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration to reinforce ICE operations, including recent ICE-led raids in major U.S. cities to address rising crime and illegal immigration.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 8, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
An Arizona congressman is warning constituents about the Chinese Communist Party’s close ties with Mexican drug cartels.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, shared an article on X about the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) discovery of Chinese networks laundering billions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels through American financial institutions.
In his post, Hamadeh explained, “The Treasury’s FinCEN discovered that Chinese networks have been using our country to launder billions of dollars for the Mexican cartels. This is only part of a continued & concerted effort from a hostile CCP regime to undermine America’s public safety.”
According to The Center Square, in a report from FinCEN, the Treasury Department analyzed 137,153 Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) reports totaling approximately $312 billion in suspicious activity from 2020 to 2024 that “sheds light on how [Chinese money laundering networks (CMLN),] launder illicit proceeds from criminal activities, including drug trafficking, and how CMLNs launder money on a global scale.”
The report revealed several alarming findings regarding CMLNs, describing a complex web of dirty money connecting ubiquitous real estate transactions throughout the United States to human trafficking over the Mexican border, and even assisted living facilities in New York.
“Ultimately, Chinese citizens’ demand for large quantities of U.S. dollars and the cartels’ need to launder their illicit U.S. dollar proceeds has resulted in a mutualistic relationship wherein the cartels sell off their illicitly obtained U.S. dollars to CMLNs who, in turn, sell the U.S. dollars to Chinese citizens seeking to evade China’s currency control laws,” the report explained.
According to the report, “The PRC maintains strict currency controls, also known as capital flight restrictions, which limit the amount of money Chinese citizens can transfer abroad each year to 50,000 USD for investment and financial purposes.”
To bypass these restrictions, many Chinese nationals turn to this underground banking system or ‘CUBS.’ Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley told The Center Square, “Money laundering networks linked to individual passport holders from the People’s Republic of China enable cartels to poison Americans with fentanyl, conduct human trafficking, and wreak havoc among communities across our great nation.”
The report found, “Many Chinese citizens have turned to alternative methods, like the Chinese underground banking system (CUBS), to bypass these restrictions. The CUBS consists of various individuals and businesses from different industries who collaborate through ‘mirror transfers’ to move money across borders, as part of informal value transfer system schemes. The CUBS, in turn, depend on CMLNs to secure foreign currency.”
FinCEN summarized that in just the past five years, it has recorded a significant increase in the money laundering schemes at play between CMLNs and Mexican Drug Cartels, with the agents “gain(ing) prominence among global money laundering groups due to their reliability, low fees, organizational structure, worldwide presence, and access to the U.S. financial system.” It also shared that that this massive financial windfall for bad actors in China are directly to tied to operations that “launder illicit proceeds from otherwise unrelated criminal networks involved in a range of illicit activities, including fraud schemes; human trafficking and smuggling; marijuana grow house operations; and tax evasion, by facilitating the exchange of cash proceeds.”
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.
