Phoenix New Times | The Leading Independent News Source in Phoenix, Arizona

Why religious groups are pushing for psychedelic drugs as sacrament

By Pardis Mahdavi | The Conversation

Sep 1, 2025

Some of the biggest proponents of increasing access to magic mushrooms, peyote and other drugs are clergy members.

Phoenix Jewish center’s director emphasizes cultural memory preservation

By Royal Young

Jul 11, 2025

As the Trump administration emulates authoritarian fascist regimes throughout history: flouting constitutional law, illegally deporting people, targeting marginalized groups as well as anyone who dissents and striving to create an atmosphere of fear–it is important to learn from past atrocities, which still inform our present moment. The Arizona Jewish Historical...

young adults sit on the floor and pose for a selfie in a bomb shelter

How Arizona students escaped Israel when war broke out with Iran

By Johnny Fogel | Cronkite News

Jul 8, 2025

Several Arizona students were caught amid missile strikes when Israel began a conflict with Iran. Here’s how they got out.

Arizona churches brace for ICE raids after Los Angeles arrests

By Collin Hodge | Cronkite News

Jun 20, 2025

Donald Trump has authorized immigration agents to make arrests at churches. “There is no sanctuary at all,” said one pastor.

How Trump and Christian nationalism split Phoenix churches in two

By Ruth Braunstein

May 16, 2025

Pastor Caleb Campbell lost 80% of his congregation to Trump-ier churches. He now works to heal that religious divide.

Not so fast: Federal judge saves Oak Flat from mining company, for now

By TJ L'Heureux

May 9, 2025

Oak Flat, the Apache holy land east of Phoenix, sits on a bonanza of copper. A huge mining company wants it.

Guests for the LDS Advisory Committee Vice Presidential Debate watch party pose for a photo while holding Harris-Walz campaign signs

Fed up with Trump, these Mormon voters could cost him the election

By Morgan Fischer

Oct 2, 2024

More than 400,000 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members live in Arizona. Their votes could swing the election.

Effort to save Apache holy land from mining looks to Supreme Court

By TJ L'Heureux

May 16, 2024

An hour east of Phoenix is a holy place for Native Americans. A group is asking the Supreme Court to spare it from copper mining.

Psychedelic churches in Phoenix score court wins over legal status

By Katya Schwenk

May 17, 2023

Arizona is a battleground for churches seeking spiritual enlightenment with the psychedelic brew ayahuasca.

Another Phoenix Church Sues DEA Over Religious Use of Ayahuasca

By Katya Schwenk

Jun 23, 2022

A Phoenix church is now the newest of a number of ayahuasca churches in Arizona that have, in the last two years, launched fights for legal status

Arizona's New Adoption Law Sparks Outcry

By Elias Weiss

Apr 25, 2022

This new Arizona law both fights and fosters religious discrimination in the state's foster care system. It all depends on who you ask.

For ASU's Jewish Community, 'Blatantly Anti-Semitic Speaker' Marks a Broken Promise

By Elias Weiss

Apr 8, 2022

Jewish students at Arizona State University are footing the $10,000 bill to bring aboard an anti-Semitic guest lecturer this weekend.

Why is a Symbol of Christian Nationalism Hanging in the Arizona House?

By Katya Schwenk

Jan 31, 2022

It’s not clear when it was first displayed, but there’s growing backlash to the “Appeal to Heaven” flag hanging inside the Arizona House of Representatives building.

Is This Phoenix Pastor a Spiritual Shaman or an Ayahuasca Kingpin — or Both?

By Katya Schwenk

Nov 18, 2021

Clay Villanueva served the psychoactive brew at his Vine of Light Church. Then he got raided by the county.

The Mesa Pastor Who Inspired QAnon Promoter Ron Watkins’ Run For Congress

By Katya Schwenk

Oct 20, 2021

Jeff Durbin, who has built a far-right media empire from Mesa, is said to have inspired Ron Watkins' run for Congress.

Scottsdale Professor Who Offended Muslims Gets Hefty Settlement From College District

By Ray Stern

Apr 13, 2021

David Chami, one of the attorneys who worked on Sabra's lawsuit, called the payment "offensive."

Under the Sun: Passing the Time By Firing Back at Jehovah’s Witnesses — With Letters

By Robrt L. Pela

Apr 13, 2021

Everyone had a COVID hobby, and Kayleigh's was responding to letters she received from Phoenix Jehovah's Witnesses.

Phoenix Sex Abuse Survivors Condemn Catholic Church PPP Loans

By Erasmus Baxter

Jul 21, 2020

At least 41 Catholic Church affiliates across the state received the funds.

Anti-Gay Tempe Pastor Says Australia Bushfires Are God’s Revenge for Banning Him

By Ali Swenson

Jan 6, 2020

This is just the latest in Tempe pastor Steven Anderson's hateful rhetoric, which has targeted the gay community and Jewish people, among others.

The Forest Service Ignored Apache Religion in Its Review of Oak Flat Copper Mine

By Elizabeth Whitman

Oct 15, 2019

Oak Flat is sacred to the San Carlos Apache, who say that the feds ignored its religious significance in a review of a proposed copper mine there.

Religion

Dream City features AI Kirk, compares him to Jesus

Unhinged GOP lawmaker calls Muslims ‘fucking savages’

Religion

Dream City features AI Kirk, compares him to Jesus

Unhinged GOP lawmaker calls Muslims ‘fucking savages’

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