Morgan Fischer
@morgfisch.bsky.social
staff writer phoenix new times! @vmgguild.bsky.social
Tips? Reach me on Signal at 623-295-9472
Tips? Reach me on Signal at 623-295-9472
Democrat congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia was hit over the head and raped in Maricopa County while repairing a damaged campaign sign in August.
"I need to let women know that it's okay to talk about it," she told me.
Full story:
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/congres...
"I need to let women know that it's okay to talk about it," she told me.
Full story:
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/congres...
Congressional candidate is raped while repairing her campaign signs
Embarrassed, she initially didn’t want to report attack. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office's investigation is ongoing.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
October 7, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Democrat congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia was hit over the head and raped in Maricopa County while repairing a damaged campaign sign in August.
"I need to let women know that it's okay to talk about it," she told me.
Full story:
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/congres...
"I need to let women know that it's okay to talk about it," she told me.
Full story:
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/congres...
NEW: An Arizona police union endorsed Democrat Amish Shah instead of former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, whom Donald Trump has endorsed, in the competitive House race. It's the first police endorsement in the contest.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona...
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona...
Arizona police union endorses Democrat in competitive House race
The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona endorsed emergency room doctor Amish Shah over Republican Trump-pick.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
August 19, 2026 at 4:29 PM
NEW: An Arizona police union endorsed Democrat Amish Shah instead of former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, whom Donald Trump has endorsed, in the competitive House race. It's the first police endorsement in the contest.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona...
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona...
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
In an interview with @morgfisch.bsky.social, GOP state Rep. Quang Nguyen called Turning Point COO Tyler Bowyer a "shitter" for tweeting a racist comment at him yesterday.
Bowyer questioned whether Nguyen, who fled Vietnam when he was 12, can speak English.
Bowyer questioned whether Nguyen, who fled Vietnam when he was 12, can speak English.
Turning Point leader tweets racist dig at Asian GOP state lawmaker
Turning Point COO Tyler Bowyer asked GOP state Rep. Quang Nguyen -- who fled Vietnam as a child -- if he could speak English.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
July 7, 2026 at 9:10 PM
In an interview with @morgfisch.bsky.social, GOP state Rep. Quang Nguyen called Turning Point COO Tyler Bowyer a "shitter" for tweeting a racist comment at him yesterday.
Bowyer questioned whether Nguyen, who fled Vietnam when he was 12, can speak English.
Bowyer questioned whether Nguyen, who fled Vietnam when he was 12, can speak English.
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Alejandro Romero, the Tolleson student who was punched in the face by a school resource officer in 2024, is suing over it.
An internal school district investigation already found the now-former cop, Eric Hendrix, used excessive force.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
An internal school district investigation already found the now-former cop, Eric Hendrix, used excessive force.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Tolleson student sues over 2024 beating by school resource officer
Ex-Tolleson cop Eric Hendrix punched and kneed Alejandro Vasquez Romero. A school investigation found it to be excessive.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
June 24, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Alejandro Romero, the Tolleson student who was punched in the face by a school resource officer in 2024, is suing over it.
An internal school district investigation already found the now-former cop, Eric Hendrix, used excessive force.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
An internal school district investigation already found the now-former cop, Eric Hendrix, used excessive force.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Dilan Paredes, the Tempe eighth-grader detained by ICE outside his school alongside his mother in May, has returned home.
Rep. Greg Stanton told us that the pair landed at Sky Harbor today after weeks in ICE lockup in Texas.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Rep. Greg Stanton told us that the pair landed at Sky Harbor today after weeks in ICE lockup in Texas.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Tempe teen taken by ICE outside his school in May has returned home
In May, ICE arrested Dilan Paredes' mother before collecting him from school at her request. They spent weeks in detention.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
June 17, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Dilan Paredes, the Tempe eighth-grader detained by ICE outside his school alongside his mother in May, has returned home.
Rep. Greg Stanton told us that the pair landed at Sky Harbor today after weeks in ICE lockup in Texas.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Rep. Greg Stanton told us that the pair landed at Sky Harbor today after weeks in ICE lockup in Texas.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
The Krysten Sinema homewrecker lawsuit in North Carolina is about to get more personal.
Sinema's attorney sought -- and is set to receive -- therapy records for the woman whose husband Sinema had an affair with.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Sinema's attorney sought -- and is set to receive -- therapy records for the woman whose husband Sinema had an affair with.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Sinema wants therapy records for the woman whose husband she seduced
Kysten Sinema is being sued by the ex of her bodyguard-turned-lover, and she wants to see what the woman says in therapy.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
June 3, 2026 at 9:14 PM
The Krysten Sinema homewrecker lawsuit in North Carolina is about to get more personal.
Sinema's attorney sought -- and is set to receive -- therapy records for the woman whose husband Sinema had an affair with.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Sinema's attorney sought -- and is set to receive -- therapy records for the woman whose husband Sinema had an affair with.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Maricopa County supervisors put County Recorder Justin Heap on blast Wednesday for suggesting election workers could face felony charges for handling early-voting drop boxes: "incompetent," "egregious"
@morgfisch.bsky.social in @phoenixnewtimes.com —
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/supervi...
@morgfisch.bsky.social in @phoenixnewtimes.com —
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/supervi...
Supervisors blast Heap for 'felony' threat before routine drop box vote
The Maricopa County recorder's lawyer warned that election workers could face prosecution. County supervisors were thoroughly unconvinced.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
May 21, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Maricopa County supervisors put County Recorder Justin Heap on blast Wednesday for suggesting election workers could face felony charges for handling early-voting drop boxes: "incompetent," "egregious"
@morgfisch.bsky.social in @phoenixnewtimes.com —
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/supervi...
@morgfisch.bsky.social in @phoenixnewtimes.com —
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/supervi...
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
"This morning we attended the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office 'They Served Well' Memorial," county supervisor Mark Stewart wrote Friday.
One problem: Two sources told us he wasn't there.
So who, @morgfisch.bsky.social asks, is "we"?
One problem: Two sources told us he wasn't there.
So who, @morgfisch.bsky.social asks, is "we"?
County supervisor fibs about attending ceremony for fallen officers
Mark Stewart, who represents much of the East Valley, tweeted as if he attended a memorial for fallen officers. He didn't.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
May 12, 2026 at 8:24 PM
"This morning we attended the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office 'They Served Well' Memorial," county supervisor Mark Stewart wrote Friday.
One problem: Two sources told us he wasn't there.
So who, @morgfisch.bsky.social asks, is "we"?
One problem: Two sources told us he wasn't there.
So who, @morgfisch.bsky.social asks, is "we"?
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
A new study says that if the rate of permitting doesn't pick up in Maricopa County, it'll take 262 years to close the Valley's housing deficit.
From @morgfisch.bsky.social:
From @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Study: We'll all be dead before Maricopa County builds enough housing
The Valley is short 56,000 housing units. Unless permitting speeds up, it'll be a long time before that gap closes.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
May 14, 2026 at 6:59 PM
A new study says that if the rate of permitting doesn't pick up in Maricopa County, it'll take 262 years to close the Valley's housing deficit.
From @morgfisch.bsky.social:
From @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
As expected -- or dreaded -- the Phoenix City Council passed restrictions on feeding and treating unhoused people in city parks.
Some say it'll make parks safer. Aid groups say it'll make homelessness worse for those experiencing it.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Some say it'll make parks safer. Aid groups say it'll make homelessness worse for those experiencing it.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Phoenix OKs 'punitive' limits on feeding, treating homeless in parks
The ordinance places new restrictions on groups that provide food and medical treatment for unhoused people in city parks.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
May 7, 2026 at 5:28 AM
As expected -- or dreaded -- the Phoenix City Council passed restrictions on feeding and treating unhoused people in city parks.
Some say it'll make parks safer. Aid groups say it'll make homelessness worse for those experiencing it.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Some say it'll make parks safer. Aid groups say it'll make homelessness worse for those experiencing it.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
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and we're nearing our spring goal! if the spirit moves ya, you can still get bespoke merch by a Phoenix artist ...
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Join | Phoenix New Times
Phoenix New Times is supported by people like you. Support Phoenix New Times today.
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April 22, 2026 at 4:51 PM
at @phoenixnewtimes.com we have a membership program. throw us a few bucks, we turn your money into ball-busting local reporting.
and we're nearing our spring goal! if the spirit moves ya, you can still get bespoke merch by a Phoenix artist ...
phoenix-new-times.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...
and we're nearing our spring goal! if the spirit moves ya, you can still get bespoke merch by a Phoenix artist ...
phoenix-new-times.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...
Senate Republicans rammed a slate of three anti-Muslim bills through the legislature on Monday. A local civil rights group is weighing legal action in response.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/democra...
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/democra...
CAIR weighs legal action over Arizona's anti-Muslim bills
With the measures, Arizona's Republican lawmakers seek to associate a Muslim civil rights organization with terrorism.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
April 22, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Senate Republicans rammed a slate of three anti-Muslim bills through the legislature on Monday. A local civil rights group is weighing legal action in response.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/democra...
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/democra...
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
We’re aiming to raise $10,000 by April 26 — and we’re only $2,500 away!
Show your support today: phoenix-new-times.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...
Show your support today: phoenix-new-times.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...
April 21, 2026 at 9:35 PM
We’re aiming to raise $10,000 by April 26 — and we’re only $2,500 away!
Show your support today: phoenix-new-times.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...
Show your support today: phoenix-new-times.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Maricopa County tracks how many kids get vaccinated against the contagious disease.
As outbreaks rise, these Zip codes are least-protected: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/kids-in-these-valley-areas-are-at-highest-risk-of-catching-measles-40661287/
As outbreaks rise, these Zip codes are least-protected: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/kids-in-these-valley-areas-are-at-highest-risk-of-catching-measles-40661287/
April 21, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Maricopa County tracks how many kids get vaccinated against the contagious disease.
As outbreaks rise, these Zip codes are least-protected: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/kids-in-these-valley-areas-are-at-highest-risk-of-catching-measles-40661287/
As outbreaks rise, these Zip codes are least-protected: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/kids-in-these-valley-areas-are-at-highest-risk-of-catching-measles-40661287/
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
There are plenty of things to wonder about Ruben Gallego and Eric Swalwell. But whether Gallego spent campaign cash on his wedding hotel -- as suggested by the Daily Mail today -- isn't one of them.
The Gallego campaign shared literal receipts.
The Gallego campaign shared literal receipts.
No, Ruben Gallego didn’t spend campaign funds on his wedding hotel
Sen. Ruben Gallego faces scrutiny over his relationship with disgraced Rep. Eric Swalwell. But a report about his use of campaign cash is misleading.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
April 16, 2026 at 1:54 AM
There are plenty of things to wonder about Ruben Gallego and Eric Swalwell. But whether Gallego spent campaign cash on his wedding hotel -- as suggested by the Daily Mail today -- isn't one of them.
The Gallego campaign shared literal receipts.
The Gallego campaign shared literal receipts.
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Want to be governor of Arizona? Are you willing to eat a taco on camera and, if so, can you do it while looking like a normal human being?
Explaining today's very stupid gubernatorial, uh, beef.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Explaining today's very stupid gubernatorial, uh, beef.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Katie Hobbs and Andy Biggs are having a stupid beef about tacos
Debates over ICE and water conservation can wait. Today, we're arguing over who will eat a taco on camera.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 30, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Want to be governor of Arizona? Are you willing to eat a taco on camera and, if so, can you do it while looking like a normal human being?
Explaining today's very stupid gubernatorial, uh, beef.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Explaining today's very stupid gubernatorial, uh, beef.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
The new Surprise ICE detention center is within a mile of Dysart High School, writes student Cali Overs. Students must pass by it every morning.
"Our elected representatives have responded with silence, deflection or worse: telling us to get used to it."
"Our elected representatives have responded with silence, deflection or worse: telling us to get used to it."
ICE’s Surprise detention center is near my school. Does my congressman care?
My classmates must pass the facility every morning. Our representatives have responded with silence, deflection or worse.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 30, 2026 at 6:49 PM
The new Surprise ICE detention center is within a mile of Dysart High School, writes student Cali Overs. Students must pass by it every morning.
"Our elected representatives have responded with silence, deflection or worse: telling us to get used to it."
"Our elected representatives have responded with silence, deflection or worse: telling us to get used to it."
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
A student from Surprise, Arizona calmly + methodically drags the town's leaders. They don't seem to care how a gargantuan ICE detention center will affect kids who have to walk past it to and from school
new in @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/opinion/surp...
new in @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/opinion/surp...
ICE’s Surprise detention center is near my school. Does my congressman care?
My classmates must pass the facility every morning. Our representatives have responded with silence, deflection or worse.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 30, 2026 at 7:06 PM
A student from Surprise, Arizona calmly + methodically drags the town's leaders. They don't seem to care how a gargantuan ICE detention center will affect kids who have to walk past it to and from school
new in @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/opinion/surp...
new in @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/opinion/surp...
Court-ordered sheriff’s meetings in Maricopa County are unraveling.
After being moved to the federal courthouse, attendees gave the federal monitor the bird at the last one. Now, the judge says the next meeting will be held on Zoom.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maricop...
After being moved to the federal courthouse, attendees gave the federal monitor the bird at the last one. Now, the judge says the next meeting will be held on Zoom.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maricop...
Judge moves sheriff meetings online after someone flipped the bird
Someone was so bold as to flip off the man overseeing the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in a federal judge's courtroom.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 27, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Court-ordered sheriff’s meetings in Maricopa County are unraveling.
After being moved to the federal courthouse, attendees gave the federal monitor the bird at the last one. Now, the judge says the next meeting will be held on Zoom.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maricop...
After being moved to the federal courthouse, attendees gave the federal monitor the bird at the last one. Now, the judge says the next meeting will be held on Zoom.
For @phoenixnewtimes.com
www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maricop...
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
GOP congressional candidate Jay Feely says he wants to bring back American manufacturing. Until recently, he was selling campaign merch made in foreign factories.
When we asked about it, Feely took down his online campaign store.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
When we asked about it, Feely took down his online campaign store.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Feely shutters campaign store when asked about foreign-made merch
Ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely loves Trump, tariffs and bringing back American manufacturing. Except when buying campaign merch.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 27, 2026 at 4:27 PM
GOP congressional candidate Jay Feely says he wants to bring back American manufacturing. Until recently, he was selling campaign merch made in foreign factories.
When we asked about it, Feely took down his online campaign store.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
When we asked about it, Feely took down his online campaign store.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
ICE agents were all over Sky Harbor on Monday. They...just kind of stood around.
More from @morgfisch.bsky.social, who talked to travelers -- nervous, supportive, indifferent -- and TSA union leaders, who said no one told TSA employees about the ICE deployment.
More from @morgfisch.bsky.social, who talked to travelers -- nervous, supportive, indifferent -- and TSA union leaders, who said no one told TSA employees about the ICE deployment.
ICE agents flood Sky Harbor airport, kinda just stand around
What were ICE agents doing at the airport? It's not clear even they knew.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 23, 2026 at 11:52 PM
ICE agents were all over Sky Harbor on Monday. They...just kind of stood around.
More from @morgfisch.bsky.social, who talked to travelers -- nervous, supportive, indifferent -- and TSA union leaders, who said no one told TSA employees about the ICE deployment.
More from @morgfisch.bsky.social, who talked to travelers -- nervous, supportive, indifferent -- and TSA union leaders, who said no one told TSA employees about the ICE deployment.
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
NEW: Two years ago, over brunch, Trumpists working under Project 2025 began plotting ways for Trump to deploy the military on U.S. soil. Election-denier Jeffrey Clark suggested invoking the Insurrection Act.
We have their files. Welcome to the Insurrectionist Brunch:
We have their files. Welcome to the Insurrectionist Brunch:
Insurrectionist Brunch: Trumpists plotted to deploy military on U.S. soil
Before the 2024 election, a cadre of MAGA loyalists met over brunch to plot ways for Trump to use the military domestically.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 10, 2026 at 5:53 PM
NEW: Two years ago, over brunch, Trumpists working under Project 2025 began plotting ways for Trump to deploy the military on U.S. soil. Election-denier Jeffrey Clark suggested invoking the Insurrection Act.
We have their files. Welcome to the Insurrectionist Brunch:
We have their files. Welcome to the Insurrectionist Brunch:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Phoenix police arrested Little Joe Lageman in 2024 for a hit-and-run. They dropped the charges a year later.
He's now suing, claiming they arrested the wrong guy, chipped his teeth during the arrest and never considered other suspects.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
He's now suing, claiming they arrested the wrong guy, chipped his teeth during the arrest and never considered other suspects.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Phoenix police arrested wrong man for 2024 hit-and-run, lawsuit says
Charges were later dropped against Little Joe Lageman, who says police did shoddy police work and ignored other suspects.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
March 2, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Phoenix police arrested Little Joe Lageman in 2024 for a hit-and-run. They dropped the charges a year later.
He's now suing, claiming they arrested the wrong guy, chipped his teeth during the arrest and never considered other suspects.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
He's now suing, claiming they arrested the wrong guy, chipped his teeth during the arrest and never considered other suspects.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Former mobster Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano allegedly sexually assaulted an ex-employee of his production company.
She says he forcibly kissed her, bragged about his erection and once had her collect his feces for a stool sample.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
She says he forcibly kissed her, bragged about his erection and once had her collect his feces for a stool sample.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Ex-mobster Sammy the Bull accused of sexually assaulting employee
A woman who worked for Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano says he forcibly kissed her, talked about his penis and threatened her.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
February 24, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Former mobster Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano allegedly sexually assaulted an ex-employee of his production company.
She says he forcibly kissed her, bragged about his erection and once had her collect his feces for a stool sample.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
She says he forcibly kissed her, bragged about his erection and once had her collect his feces for a stool sample.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
Reposted by Morgan Fischer
Yesterday, state Sen. John Kavanagh left a committee hearing in which his bill against ICE alerts was to be heard.
The chair, Wendy Rogers, didn't know where he was. Then state Sen. Analise Ortiz showed her a livestream of Kavanagh on talk radio.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
The chair, Wendy Rogers, didn't know where he was. Then state Sen. Analise Ortiz showed her a livestream of Kavanagh on talk radio.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
GOP state senator ditched committee hearing to go on talk radio show
A senate committee was ready to hear Sen. John Kavanagh's controversial bill against ICE alerts. No one knew where he was.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
February 20, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Yesterday, state Sen. John Kavanagh left a committee hearing in which his bill against ICE alerts was to be heard.
The chair, Wendy Rogers, didn't know where he was. Then state Sen. Analise Ortiz showed her a livestream of Kavanagh on talk radio.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social:
The chair, Wendy Rogers, didn't know where he was. Then state Sen. Analise Ortiz showed her a livestream of Kavanagh on talk radio.
By @morgfisch.bsky.social: