2024 Year in Review
Here's a brief recap of some stories Fourth Estate 48 broke this year. Plenty more to break in 2025.
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the stories that shaped Arizona’s political and social landscape this year. From controversial contracts and environmental risks to election integrity and public transparency battles, these moments reveal a state at the intersection of progress and partisanship. Fourth Estate 48 has been at the forefront, uncovering the truth through investigative reporting and public records. Here’s a look at the stories that defined the year and sparked important conversations across Arizona.
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Arizona Senate Renews GOP Chair Gina Swoboda’s Controversial Consulting Contract
The Arizona Senate Republicans have once again hired Gina Swoboda, now the state GOP chair, as a consultant to advise on election-related legislation. This renewal of her contract comes as Swoboda’s profile in state politics continues to grow following her leadership role in securing significant Republican electoral gains in Arizona during the 2024 cycl…
Gina Swoboda’s consulting contract with the Arizona Senate Elections Committee was renewed for $15,000 monthly, sparking ethical concerns. As AZGOP Chair, her dual roles invite scrutiny, particularly her past association with election conspiracy theories and partisan activities. Despite criticism, Senate Republicans maintain she is crucial to their legislative priorities.
You can do it, Rob! Or, at least, you can vote... sometimes
Comedian and actor Rob Schneider, best known for his roles in Adam Sandler movies, notably moved from California to Arizona during the pandemic in 2020. He has repeatedly called Arizona a “free state,” aligning it more closely with his Republican views compared to California.
Comedian Rob Schneider, a vocal Arizona resident, hinted at a gubernatorial run but has an inconsistent voting record, including skipping critical elections. Despite his critique of Arizona’s ballot processes, records show he voted by mail in 2024.
Freedom Fries, Flat Earth, and CRT TVs
The Arizona Department of Education’s “Empower Hotline,” an initiative launched by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne in early 2023, has ignited a whirlwind of responses from parents and teachers across the state. Created to report supposed infractions like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Arizona’s K-12 clas…
Superintendent Tom Horne’s “Empower Hotline,” created to report “divisive concepts” in schools, has been inundated with satirical and absurd complaints. From “CRT TVs” to “freedom fries,” pranksters mocked the initiative. Meanwhile, educators argue it distracts from real issues like teacher pay and classroom resources.
Algae risks grow in Arizona lakes amid testing gaps
Over the summer, my fiancée showed me several videos of people warning to lookout for blue-green algae because their dogs went into the water and suddenly died thereafter. As a dog (and cat) parent, as well as someone who loves to be out in nature, this was concerning.
Arizona lakes face rising threats from algae blooms, with inconsistent testing leaving gaps in public safety. While some lakes show safe conditions, others, like Canyon Lake, report fish kills linked to harmful algae. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality urges more consistent testing and public awareness to address this environmental hazard.
The building blocks of controversy
The Arizona Attorney General's Office is investigating the Arizona Department of Education's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program, citing concerns about the misuse of public funds.
The Attorney General’s Office is probing the Arizona Department of Education over misuse of Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds, including $1M spent on LEGOs. The investigation highlights weak oversight in a program that now holds $175M in unused taxpayer dollars amid calls for greater accountability.
Justin Heap doesn't always vote and wasn't always a Republican
Arizona State Rep. Justin Heap is running for Maricopa County Recorder and trying to unseat Stephen Richer who defended the county’s elections ever since he won the seat in 2020 much to the chagrin of the Donald Trump wing of the GOP, including Heap’s biggest backers.
State Rep. Justin Heap, recently elected as Maricopa County Recorder, has an inconsistent voting history, including skipping eight of 11 primaries since 2002. Once registered as politically non-disclosed, Heap’s past contrasts with his campaign’s alignment with election integrity.
$175 million from Arizona taxpayers are just sitting in ESA accounts
Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which does not have many guardrails to keep the program in check, has 79 account balances with more than $100,000, according to public records from the Arizona Treasurer’s Office.
New data reveals Arizona’s ESA program has $175M in unused funds, with some accounts holding over $200K. Critics argue this demonstrates wealthier families benefiting disproportionately while public schools face funding challenges. Calls for increased oversight and budget reforms grow amid the program’s fiscal impact.
Despite overwhelming voter support, Prop 211, which increases transparency in campaign financing, faces relentless Republican legal challenges, costing taxpayers $1.5M so far. The measure’s strong public backing contrasts with ongoing political and legal resistance, likely escalating costs further.
Democrats: Not the transparency warriors they'd like to think they are
In the heart of Arizona's political arena, a contentious, but silent battle brewed over HB2593, a public records bill that promised to shape the landscape of transparency within the state.
Efforts to strengthen Arizona’s public records laws failed amid bipartisan obstruction. HB2593, which proposed fines for delayed responses, faced opposition from Democrats and Republican gatekeepers. Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration has also come under fire for slow records processing, raising questions about her commitment to transparency.
To our incredible subscribers: thank you for making 2024 a year of impactful journalism. Your support has allowed us to uncover stories, challenge the status quo, and hold leaders accountable. We couldn’t do this without you. Whether you’re sharing our work, offering feedback, or simply reading along, you’re a vital part of our mission. Here’s to another year of truth, transparency, and making a difference — together.