Iranian Airspace Partly Reopens

Iran’s airspace has been partially reopened for commercial travel following its complete closure during Iran and Israel’s recent 12-day conflict. 

“As of July 2, Iran's airspace has partially reopened,” announced the State Department. 

The airspace reopening follows a ceasefire agreement... READ MORE

Senator Ruben Gallego: No one in Arizona wants a higher energy bill. Especially in the middle of the summer. But the Republican budget raises bills by up to $400 a year for families. 10% for businesses. Everything’s already expensive. This is the last thing we needed.

Representative Andy Biggs: Judge Randolph Moss wants to reopen the border to invaders from around the world. Federal judges who use their position to advance a political agenda cannot be allowed to hold their seat. Judge Moss is not acting in good behavior and is subject to removal.

Representative Eli Crane: Don't we want to know if Medicaid is being abused at the expense of American citizens?

Representative Abe Hamadeh: Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, 88% of all seniors who receive Social Security will pay NO TAX on their Social Security benefits. This amounts to the largest tax break in history for America’s seniors. A HUGE victory for Congressional District Eight.

Representative Greg Stanton: I took to the House floor to protect our communities and stop any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Republicans rejected it.

Representative Yassamin Ansari: This budget is devastating for working families in Arizona. I sincerely hope my Republican colleagues in Congress will vote against cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and jobs that Arizonans rely on.

Iran's Airspace Partially Reopens as Negotiations with US Loom— By Cactus Politics' Mateo Guillamont

Biggs, Hamadeh Praise Newest Border Numbers— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) celebrated recent border crossing and entry statistics in posts to X (formerly Twitter).

Community Organizations Respond to Expanded Immigration Enforcement— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Local advocacy groups organized a community solidarity event Tuesday to oppose federal immigration enforcement policies and build support networks for immigrant communities.

Gosar Introduces Bill Removing Mexican Wolf from Endangered Species List— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) has introduced legislation to take the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) off the Endangered Species List.

Arizona Leads in School Choice, But Faces Urgent Literacy Challenges— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona continues to receive national recognition for granting families significant authority over their children's education. According to the Center for Education Reform's 2025 Parent Power Index, the state is ranked second in the country, with an overall grade of A.

Crane Urges Against New Green Energy Projects— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) argued against the continued federal subsidizing of "green" energy development in a recent discussion with White Mountain Radio's Jineane Ford, describing their unreliability and danger posed by Chinese solar panels.

Powell's Wrongful Conviction Bill Signed into Law— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— State Representative Khyl Powell's (R-14) House Bill 2813, later amended as Senate Bill 1500, providing compensation to the wrongfully convicted, has been signed into law.

People's Republic of China: Veto of Key Legislation— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed HB2542, legislation sponsored by State Representative Lupe Diaz (R-LD19) that would have restricted state contracts with companies connected to the People's Republic of China.

Arizona Arts Commission Secures $2 Million in Funding Amid Ongoing Budget Uncertainty— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— The Arizona Commission on the Arts has received $2 million in state funding for the second consecutive year, allowing the agency to continue supporting hundreds of creative organizations across the state. However, the commission faces persistent uncertainty as lawmakers continue to treat arts funding as a one-time allocation rather than establishing permanent budget support.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres