by Ethan Faverino | Jun 6, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10) paid tribute to the life and courageous work of investigative reporter Don Bolles, earlier this week, marking the 50th year anniversary of his assassination and reaffirming the enduring importance of journalistic integrity and accountability.
On June 2, 1976, Bolles, a reporter for the Arizona Republic and one of the founding members of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), was mortally wounded when a bomb detonated beneath his vehicle in a Phoenix parking lot. He succumbed to his injuries 11 days later on June 13, 1976 at age 47. Prior to the attack, Bolles had been lured to a downtown hotel by a source promising information on land fraud linked to organized crime, in which the source never appeared.
Bolles dedicated his career to exposing organized crime, political corruption, and influence peddling in Arizona. His murder sent shockwaves across the nation and galvanized the journalistic community.
In the wake of his assassination, IRE members launched a major collaborative investigation not only into Bolles’ killing but into deeper systemic corruption that enabled such violence against a reporter in broad daylight. Their efforts underscored a powerful message: assassinating a journalist would not silence the press but would instead amplify scrutiny of the powerful interest involved.
“Don Bolles paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the truth. Fifty years later, his sacrifice still serves as a reminder that corruption thrives when good people look the other way,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Don Bolles may not have succeeded in rooting out every instance of crime and corruption he set out to expose, but he succeeded in something equally important: he opened the eyes of countless Arizonans to the fact that corruption existed and demanded attention.”
In March, Senate Republicans advanced legislation to honor Bolles’ legacy alongside that of Charlie Kirk. SB 1686, sponsored by Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15), would rename Wesley Bolin Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza. The bill would also authorize the placement of memorials commemorating both Kirk and Bolles within the plaza. It is currently pending in the Arizona House of Representatives.
“In many ways, I am serving in the legislature because of Don Bolles and the awareness his work created,” added Farnsworth. “His story instilled in me a belief that public service comes with a responsibility to challenge corruption wherever it exists and to demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Fifty years later, I still feel obligated to do my part.”
The legislation includes specific provisions for the memorials, emphasizing private funding:
- No public monies are authorized for the costs of either memorial.
- All fundraising and contracts for design and construction are the responsibility of private proponents.
- The authorizations include delayed repeal provisions effective after September 30, 2029.
Fifty years after his death, Don Bolles is remembered not only as a victim of violence but as a martyr for truth whose work helped elevate public awareness of corruption and reinforced the vital role of a free and independent press in safeguarding democracy.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | May 9, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10) is pushing back against Democratic criticism of the Republican-backed state budget vetoed this week by Gov. Katie Hobbs. Farnsworth argues that the plan maintains core government services while reducing spending and providing tax relief.
In a statement released Wednesday, Farnsworth said claims that the Republican proposal would harm public safety, wildfire suppression, child welfare, and water protection efforts were “completely false.”
The Republican budget proposal would spend approximately $800 million less than Hobbs’ proposed budget while maintaining funding for K-12 education and public safety. Senate Republicans also said the proposal includes approximately $1.45 billion in tax relief over four years without raising taxes or defaulting on state financial obligations.
Arizona Senate Republicans said the proposal preserves funding for wildfire mitigation efforts and Colorado River protection programs, exempts the Department of Child Safety from a proposed 5% operating reduction, and supports law enforcement while focusing on reducing unnecessary spending and prioritizing relief for working families, seniors, and small businesses.
“The Republican budget proposal, which Hobbs vetoed on Tuesday, reflects a balanced approach,” Farnsworth said. “It protects essential services, supports public safety, and shows respect for taxpayers by focusing on responsible spending.”
The statement follows Hobbs’ veto of the Republican-backed budget proposal. Hobbs criticized the proposal as “unbalanced and reckless,” arguing it would jeopardize healthcare access, public safety funding, and services for vulnerable residents while prioritizing tax cuts.
Republican lawmakers have defended the proposal as a fiscally conservative alternative to the governor’s spending plan. Legislative leaders previously said the budget would reduce overall spending compared to Hobbs’ January proposal while implementing tax conformity measures tied to recent federal tax changes.
Farnsworth also said he had invited lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers to participate in budget discussions throughout the session and said that invitation remains open.
“While there may be disagreements about priorities, it is crucial that our discussions are based on facts rather than fear,” Farnsworth said. “Although the governor walked away from budget discussions, we look forward to renewing good-faith negotiations to ensure that Arizona families, communities, and critical services are supported both now and in the future with a responsible state budget.”
Budget negotiations between the Republican-controlled Legislature and the governor’s office remain ongoing as lawmakers work toward passage of a final spending plan before the end of the legislative session.
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 | Mar 27, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Legislation to expand Arizona’s advanced air mobility framework advanced this week at the state Legislature, with key measures clearing a House committee and moving toward a full House vote.
The bills, sponsored by State Sen. David Farnsworth (R-LD10), were approved by the Arizona House Technology and Infrastructure Committee.
One of the measures, SB 1826, would appropriate $2 million from the state’s advanced air mobility fund to the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation to expand AAM initiatives. The legislation requires the office to enter into a public-private partnership with a qualified entity to support the state’s defense, aerospace, dual-use, and national security sectors.
A second proposal, SB 1549, would define “ultralight vehicle” in statute and incorporate it into Arizona’s broader definition of advanced air mobility, a change intended to ensure emerging aviation technologies are included in long-term planning and regulatory alignment.
“I am optimistic about the outcome of these bills and pleased to see the strong momentum behind them as they move through the House,” Senator Farnsworth said in a statement.
“This has been a priority of mine, and it’s encouraging to see the level of support these measures have received from stakeholders across the state. We’ve had numerous productive meetings as the policy has taken shape, and that collaboration continues to strengthen these efforts as we push towards the finish line.”
The legislation builds on prior efforts by Arizona lawmakers to position the state as a hub for advanced aviation technologies. Farnsworth hosted a February aviation event at the Arizona Capitol, highlighting the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and the state’s role in advancing AAM infrastructure.
That report noted that Arizona has already enacted legislation requiring the Arizona Department of Transportation to incorporate advanced air mobility infrastructure into its statewide aviation plan, including vertiports and charging systems, with a deadline of September 2026.
Advanced air mobility generally refers to next-generation aviation systems that utilize electric or hybrid aircraft, including vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, to transport passengers or cargo in urban and regional environments.
State and local planning efforts have also begun to align with those goals. The City of Phoenix Aviation Department has released a framework outlining how AAM technologies could be integrated into existing airport infrastructure, including operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airports.
Additional legislation considered this session has explored expanding the use of AAM technologies beyond transportation, including potential applications tied to border security operations.
Arizona lawmakers have also appropriated funding in recent years to support AAM planning and development, including directing resources toward statewide aviation planning and infrastructure development tied to emerging aircraft technologies.
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 | Mar 26, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Senate has passed a comprehensive package of transportation bills designed to enhance roadway safety, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and support long-term economic development across the state.
The measures, which advance critical infrastructure projects in both rural and urban areas, were approved this week without raising taxes or imposing new fees on Arizona drivers.
The legislation targets high-priority corridors experiencing pressure from population growth, increased freight traffic, and tourism demand. Key components of the package include targeted safety and capacity improvements on several major routes.
SB 1062, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund for FY26-27 to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The funding will support planning, design, construction, and right-of-way acquisition for an additional left-turn lane and related intersection improvements at the busy intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Pinal County. These enhancements aim to ease traffic flow and improve safety along this heavily traveled corridor.
SB 1063, also sponsored by Senator Rogers, allocates $11,100,000 for critical safety improvements on U.S. Route 70 between Mile Post 225 and Mile Post 301. This rural route serves commuters, freight operators, and emergency services in eastern Arizona. The project addresses longstanding roadway deficiencies to enhance travel reliability and safety for users across the region.
SB 1064, another measure sponsored by Senator Rogers, appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund in FY26-27 to the Arizona Department of Transportation for distribution to the City of Flagstaff. The funding will support the design and construction of improvements along U.S. Route 66 between I-40 and Milton Road. Under the bill, the Department of Transportation must enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Flagstaff by September 15, 2026, and, if executed, distribute funds to the city by November 1, 2026. The project will help modernize infrastructure along one of northern Arizona’s busiest tourism and business corridors.
“Transportation is about safety, mobility, and economic opportunity,” stated Senator Rogers. “These projects address real pressure points on our highways, keep traffic moving, and support the continued growth of communities across Arizona.”
SB 1204, sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp (R-LD29), provides $5,500,000 for planning and environmental analysis for future interchange improvements at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Loop 303 in the rapidly growing West Valley. The area continues to see significant residential expansion and rising freight traffic.
“The West Valley is growing at an incredible pace, and our infrastructure has to keep up,” stated Senator Shamp. “This project prepares one of our most important corridors for the traffic we know is coming, improving daily commutes while supporting job growth and regional commerce, as well as preventing traffic fatalities.”
SB 1455, sponsored by Senate Appropriations, Transportation & Technology Committee Chair David Farnsworth (R-LD10), appropriates $500,000 for surveying, design, and study work on the future extension of State Route 24 east of Ironwood Drive in the East Valley—one of Arizona’s fastest growing regions.
“As families and businesses continue moving into the East Valley, transportation planning has to look ahead, not behind,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Extending SR 24 will strengthen regional connectivity, reduce future congestion, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with responsible growth.”
The measures now move to the Arizona House as part of the ongoing state budgeting process.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Mar 25, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Senate Republicans have moved forward with a targeted plan to strengthen local law enforcement and safeguard vulnerable children, particularly runaway and at-risk youth in the child welfare system.
Senate Bill 1550, sponsored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman David Farnsworth (R-LD10), passed the Senate this week and now heads to the House for consideration as part of upcoming FY27 budget negotiations.
The bill appropriates $1,255,500 from the state general fund to the Town of Queen Creek for its Police Department to launch a three-year specialized law enforcement pilot program. The initiative focuses on five key areas: preventing runaway incidents among youth; protecting at-risk children from exploitation; enhancing investigative capabilities; strengthening collaboration with care providers and state agencies; and developing a replicable model framework that could be expanded statewide.
“Protecting our children is crucial and should unite us all, beyond political lines,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Every moment counts when a child is in danger or in state care, and we must ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools to act swiftly and effectively to prevent exploitation. Our child safety system should be transparent and prioritize placing children in loving, safe environments, ideally with family.”
Queen Creek has emerged as a critical testing ground for these reforms due to a notable concentration of missing-from-care incidents at residential treatment facilities serving some of Arizona’s most vulnerable youth.
The adjacent Canyon State Academy (serving boys) and Desert Lily Academy (serving girls), operated by the Nevada-based Rite of Passage under contract with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), have seen significant police activity since the Queen Creek Police Department’s establishment in 2022.
According to Fox10 Phoenix, officers have responded to more than 2,000 calls for service at the campuses, with annual calls reaching 430 at Canyon State and 306 at Desert Lily by 2024.
Between January 2024 and December 2025, police recorded 208 missing persons reports for boys at Canyon State Academy and 119 for girls at Desert Lily Academy—averaging roughly one child going missing every two days across the two facilities. Many of these runaways have escalated into exploitation and trafficking investigations.
Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice emphasized the urgency: “If we don’t find them within that first few hours, our concern is that they’ll be trafficked, and we have to put a lot of resources into solving those quickly.”
A notable case involved Wendell Whyte, who was sentenced in July 2025 to 20 years in prison for trafficking three girls (ages 14, 16, and 17) from Desert Lily Academy. Court records indicate that Whyte has previously exploited one of the victims in Phoenix’s “The Blade” area, a known corridor for prostitution near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road.
The girls reportedly ran from the facility, were provided drugs and alcohol, and were coerced into sex work.
Additional concerns have surfaced regarding facility operations. In September 2025, former Desert Lily Academy Supervisor Christopher Lamont Allen was arrested and later indicted on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor after a 17-year-old resident alleged he had sex with her on two occasions, with surveillance video reportedly capturing the encounters.
Fox 10 Phoenix investigations have also documented prior cases of staff physically assaulting students at both academies, including incidents involving punching, tackling, and pinning youth to the ground.
Senator Farnsworth, who collaborated with group homes and local leaders to develop a three-pillar strategy of prevention, response, and investigation, highlighted the bill’s broader goals.
“This bill enhances support for law enforcement, encourages collaboration among agencies, and underscores our commitment to caring for our most vulnerable,” added Farnsworth. “We aspire to create a model that can be emulated across Arizona, ensuring that every child feels safe and valued. Together, we can guarantee that protecting our children and strengthening law enforcement remain top priorities.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
