It’s not an accident that the top issue talked about by politicians these days is affordability. Over the last 5 years the cost of pretty much everything has gone through the roof, largely caused by the trillions in reckless spending by Joe Biden and the Democrats in Washington.
Taming inflation must remain our top economic priority, and the good news is that Arizona Republicans are taking meaningful steps to bring costs down. After adopting a 2.5% flat income tax under Governor Doug Ducey in 2022, state lawmakers have fought to slash grocery taxes, residential rental taxes and eliminate regulations that are driving up the cost of energy and housing.
Yet while the Republican controlled legislature is doing everything it can to make sure hardworking taxpayers get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars, municipalities throughout Arizona are passing an avalanche of tax and fee increases that are costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year…
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) has secured a much needed victory for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, as the U.S. House of Representatives approved more than $7 million in federal funding for critical local projects.
The allocation supports enhanced public safety for first responders and vital legal assistance for veterans, fulfilling the congressman’s commitment to prioritize these community needs.
The funding will benefit several key initiatives across cities in the district, including Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale, and Arizona State University (ASU).
Funding Breakdown:
City of Peoria: $2.85 million for Police Helicopter
These funds will enable the purchase of a police helicopter for the City of Peoria’s Public Safety Aviation Unit. The aircraft will provide rapid air support, strengthen public safety infrastructure, and meet growing demands across the West Valley.
City of Phoenix: $1.9 million for Law Enforcement Simulator Training Equipment
The allocation supports the purchase of a helicopter training simulator for the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit, expanding training capabilities for flight crews and improving mission readiness in support of community safety.
City of Surprise: $999,000 for Police Cruisers
The Surprise Police Department will use these funds to acquire 15 new, fully equipped police vehicles, strengthening its ability to prevent crime, enhance community safety, and support day-to-day operations.
City of Glendale: $1 million for Police Radio Equipment Upgrades
Glendale Police Department officers will receive modern radio technology to replace aging equipment nearing the end of its life. The upgrades will improve field communications, incorporate officer safety features such as location tracking, and reduce malfunction risks.
ASU West Campus: $500,000 for Veterans Legal Services Hub
ASU’s Veterans Legal Services Hub will expand free legal assistance to veterans, addressing service-connected criminal charges, discharge upgrades, disability claims, and other legal issues for veterans throughout Arizona.
🇺🇸WATCH🇺🇸
Last Thursday, Congressman Hamadeh secured more than $7 million in federal funding for five critical projects right here in Arizona's 8th District.
The Congressman made a video to walk you through it!
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) January 17, 2026
Local leaders praised the congressman’s advocacy in securing these resources:
“I am grateful that the City of Phoenix is poised to receive these federal funds to modernize how we train our police officers. By equipping the Phoenix Police Department with state-of-the-art training technology, we will improve decision making, reduce operational costs, and strengthen public safety. Investing in advanced simulation technology helps our officers train safely, effectively, and with the highest level of preparedness for situations they may encounter on the job. I urge the Senate to pass this critical funding.”- Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
“Thank you, Congressman Hamadeh, for your efforts to support local law enforcement here in Glendale. The federal appropriation toward new police radios for the Glendale PD will enhance local capabilities and help make our neighborhoods safer.” – Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers
“The passage of this earmark is a win for public safety in Surprise. With this funding, we can modernize our police fleet and better support the officers who protect our community. I thank Congressman Abe Hamadeh for his partnership and support.” – Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor
“Congressman Hamadeh’s support for Peoria’s Aviation Unit demonstrates a real commitment to our city and the safety of our residents. Securing federal support for local priorities like this makes a tangible difference in our police and fire response capabilities. We’re grateful for Congressman Hamadeh’s continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of Peoria in Washington.” – Peoria Mayor Jason Beck
“On behalf of Arizona State University’s more than 24,000 veterans and military-connected learners, I sincerely thank Rep. Abe Hamadeh for his leadership and support of those who have served our nation. This Veterans Legal Services Hub at ASU’s West Valley campus will remove critical legal barriers, helping veterans and their families resolve issues related to service, housing, and justice so they can focus on successful transitions to civilian life.” – Pat Tillman Veterans Center Executive Director Shawn Banzhaf
Congressman Hamadeh, as a veteran himself, emphasized the importance of supporting those who serve our country and giving them the justice and support they deserve.
“I’m proud to have secured more than $7 million in federal funding for critical projects that will strengthen our local law enforcement agencies, allowing for increased training of our law enforcement professionals and giving them the equipment they need to proudly serve our residents,” stated Hamadeh.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Glendale City Council hired Gilbert’s town manager, Patrick Banger, who created the town’s censorship department.
Banger will receive base compensation of $400,000, subject to adjustments based on factors including performance, the market, and cost of living. This makes Banger one of the highest-paid administrators in the Valley, not including the other perks that come with the position.
The city’s human resources and risk management director, Jim Brown, said they settled on Banger after undertaking a “nationwide search.” The current city manager, Kevin Phelps, intends to retire.
Council member and Alhambra Elementary School District member Jose “Lupe” Conchas Jr. said Banger aligned with their values of commitment to growth and serving residents with distinction. Councilmember Bart Turner, who has been accused of walking in lockstep with Conchas, was reportedly advocating “hard” for Banger.
“This vote isn’t just about selecting a new city manager, it’s about the future of Glendale for the next decades to come,” said Conchas. “I’m confident that Mr. Banger’s leadership will help us continue the path forward.”
Banger will assume the city manager position on January 12 of next year. Banger will depart Gilbert after 15 years with the town.
Banger beat out one other top candidate, Vicki Rios, Glendale’s assistant city manager and a longtime resident. Rios is credited with the city’s “dramatic financial turnaround” after she saved the city from bankruptcy upon entering the administration in 2013 by refinancing debt and building up cash reserves.
Behind the scene, conservative council members and city residents have vowed to keep Banger in line when it comes to aligning with Glendale values — and not importing those of New York.
AZ Free Newsreported last year that Banger credited former Democratic New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as his inspiration for town management, and caused his creation of the Office of Digital Government (ODG).
“One of the things that I’d been doing for quite some time is following what Mayor Bloomberg was doing in New York,” said Banger.
ODG was a department within Gilbert that monitored the online speech of employees and elected officials to ensure alignment with progressive ideologies. Department salaries cost the town over $1.1 million annually.
The former lead of ODG hired by Banger, Dana Berchman, resigned following reporting on ODG activity. Berchman now runs a communications firm, Oh, hi! Communications.
While managing Gilbert, Banger oversaw a $2.2 billion annual budget and nearly 2,000 employees. Banger is credited with generating nearly $400 million in investments and over 700,000 square feet in new construction in Gilbert.
While all those benefits to Gilbert were felt, residents may be more quick to recall Banger’s leadership during the “Gilbert Goons,” a group of mostly wealthy teens who committed a series of crimes and terrorized the community from 2022 onward that ultimately resulted in the murder of a boy in 2023.
The Gilbert Goons and their Halloween murder quickly became a national story, with much scrutiny over the city’s handling of the teens’ crimes leading up to the murder.
ODG control over city communications led to what former employees and residents believed to be the cause of delays and scarcity in communications on the Gilbert Goons.
Banger is also president-elect of the Arizona City/County Management Association. He was formerly chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments Management Board and an Honorary Base Commander at Luke Air Force Base.
Before taking over as town manager for Gilbert in 2011, Banger’s roots were in Missouri, where he was a consultant, home builder, city administrator, and city financial analyst.
Watch Glendale City Council discuss and vote on Banger’s hiring here:
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
Michael Calles, a fourth-generation Arizonan, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Veteran, and retired Phoenix Police Officer with 25 years of experience, has officially announced his candidacy for Glendale City Council in the Barrel District.
Running against incumbent Councilmember Bart Turner, Calles aims to restore transparency, accountability, and ethical governance to City Hall while addressing the growing concerns of Barrel District residents.
Calles, a political newcomer, brings a lifetime of public service to his campaign with a platform centered on strengthening public safety, investing in families and youth, revitalizing neighborhoods, and advocating for lower taxes, lower utilities, and robust economic investment in the Barrel District.
His announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Barrel District citizens express frustration with what they describe as Councilmember Turner’s lack of responsiveness and transparency.
In a press release announcing the launch of his campaign, Calles wrote, “Glendale residents deserve safe neighborhoods, fiscal responsibility, and a City Council that works for them, not one that wastes taxpayer dollars. I’m running to restore trust, strengthen public safety, and deliver real results for families in the Barrel District.”
The Calles campaign is gaining momentum as residents rally for change in the Barrel District. His commitment to transparent governance and fiscal responsibility appears to resonate with voters seeking a City Council that reflects their values and priorities.
“I’m tired of seeing Glendale residents ignored while political insiders look out for themselves,” said Calles. “I believe city leaders should listen, respond, and lead with integrity — values I have lived every day through decades of service in law enforcement, the military, and as a mentor to local youth. Now, I am ready to bring that same honesty, discipline, and responsiveness to City Hall.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
New research has shown the best cities in the United States for bargain shopping, with Mesa and Glendale, Arizona, both securing spots in the top 10.
Ranking seventh and fifth, these Arizona cities stand out as prime destinations for savvy shoppers seeking affordable deals, joining other top cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida, in a nationwide ranking of budget-friendly shopping hubs.
The study, conducted by saving experts at BravoDeal.com, analyzed cities with populations over 200,000, evaluating the prevalence of affordable retail options such as vintage and thrift stores, pawn shops, discount stores, flea markets, used car dealerships, outlet stores, and wholesale stores.
Each city was assigned an index score out of 100 based on the number of these stores per 100,000 residents, revealing the best location for cost-conscious consumers.
Mesa, Arizona, earned its seventh place ranking with an index score of 60.28 out of 100. The city has the third-highest number of vintage and thrift stores nationwide, with 35.96 per 100,000 people, making it a hotspot for unique, second-hand finds.
Additionally, Mesa ranks fourth in pawn shops, with 8.01 per 100,000 residents.
Glendale, Arizona, claimed the fifth spot with an index score of 60.68 out of 100. The city leads the nation in pawn shops with 11.03 per 100,000 people, and ranks fourth for outlet stores, with 7.88 per 100,000 residents.
Glendale also secured the seventh spot for discount stores, with 27.97 per 100,000 people.
CEO and Co-Founder of Bravo Savings Network, Marco Farnararo, said, “The ranking is dominated by Southern states, taking up seven of the top 10 spots, and the remainder being occupied by states in the West. This could imply that there is a culture of budgeting and saving money in these regions more than in areas such as the Midwest or the Northeast.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
