Arizona's Morning News

Back on this day in 2019, the movie Avenger's Endgame became the most financially successful film of all time. As the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it went on to gross $2.79 billion. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about OpenAI's latest model "ChatGPT Agent" which the company claims can book you flights or hotels. Should you trust an Artificial Intelligence with your personal information? 

A prison oversight bill recently got signed, but why was there no funding allocated for the bill? State Representative Walt Blackman joined the show to answer this question. 

What do you need to know about "ChatGPT Agent"? OpenAI is releasing a new version of its popular AI language model that can act more autonomously, and ABC News Correspondent Mike Dobuski joined the show to break it down.

With Cardinals Camp beginning soon, we had Arizona Sports own Vince Marotta join the show to discuss the team's outlook in the season ahead and what the expectations on star Quarterback Kyler Murray look like. 

Back on this day in 2011, NASA's Space Shuttle Program completed its final mission. The program over its 30 years, its five orbiters carried over 350 people into space and flew over 500 million miles.  KTAR Timeline is brought to you by Beatitudes Campus. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about the recent uptick in animal cruelty cases in Arizona.  If you see mistreatment or wrongdoing toward animals, the Arizona Humane Society urges you to take these steps: Call the humane society or local police station Collect cell phone videos or pictures Export doorbell camera video Write down anything you see and hear

You may have seen the story of Paul Farmer, who has been doing a "No AC" challenge where he donates the money he saves keeping his power off to families in need. Farmer joined the show to discuss how this idea began.

The Arizona Humane Society is seeing an uptick in violent animal cruelty cases. Humane Society President and CEO Steven Hansen joined the show to give the breakdown as to why and gives tips for what to do if you witness animal abuse happening.  If you see mistreatment or wrongdoing toward animals, the Arizona Humane Society urges you to take these steps:  Call the humane society or local police station  Collect cell phone videos or pictures  Export doorbell camera video  Write down anything you see and hear 

Texas is still reeling from devastating Fourth of July flooding. ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan joined the show to talk about the on-going search for victims and details the clean process. 

How is the Trump administration still being affected by the Epstein case? Will the files ever be released? ABC News Contributor Steve Roberts joined the show to give the breakdown.

Back on this day in 1976 Nadia Comaneci scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic history. She scored her 10 in the first event - uneven bars - before earning six more perfect scores that day.

An Arizona man, Thomas Yoxall, survived being struck by lightning twice. It's not his wild childhood stories that led to the meeting and friendship between Jim Sharpe and Yoxall. Sharpe tells Yoxall story about saving a law enforcement officer's life.

Arizona man, Thomas Yoxall shares his stories after getting struck by lightning twice in his life. ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan says lightning strike deaths are on pace to break the record from the past several years.

Chuck Todd, Host of the Chuck Toddcast Political Podcast, joined the show to catch you up on the latest political headlines. From a change up in the President's Epstein stance to the possibility of firing a Fed Chair, Todd explains the impacts being made nationally.

Back on this day in 1955, Disney Land opened it's doors for the first time. Walt Disney designed the park in the 50's as an educational and entertaining escape for both parents and their kids 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about the recent announcement that thousands of Arizonans will have some of, if not all, of their medical debt forgiven. Jim questions who is really to thank for this.

Phoenix Children's Hospital recently appointed a new CEO, John Nickens. He joined the show to talk about his new role and future plans for the hospital.

Courtney Werpy Story, vice president of government initiatives for Undue Medical Debt, joined the show to talk about the partnership with Gov. Katie Hobbs to erase $429 million of medical debt in Arizona. She explains how they chose people and which debts to pay.

Karen Travers, ABC News White House correspondent, joined the show to talk about the possibility of President Donald Trump firing the Fed Chair Jerome Powell. She says Trump claims he did not draft a letter to fire Powell but has not completely ruled that option out.

Back on this day in 1945 the first atomic bomb was successfully tested. The bomb was tested in New Mexico, where J. Robert Oppenheimer led the Project Y. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about possible criminal charges in a child drowning investigation relating to a child of a Valley influencer. He asks if charging parents in preventable accidents will change behavior and prevent future incidents.

Jim Rounds, Valley Economist, joined the show to talk about why Phoenix's inflation rates are lower than other cities across the country. He says Arizona rates are lower because the state is normalizing inflation rates while other parts of the country still increasing rates.

Back on this day in 2006 Twitter was released to the public. It started as a side platform of a podcasting company and has exploded in popularity and cultural relevance over the years. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe discusses the upcoming primary election for Arizona's Congressional District 7 and how it may impact the November election. The seat is vacant after Representative Grijalva's passing in March.

Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail joins the show to give the debrief on the devastating fires around the Grand Canyon. The town near the South Rim is witnessing lots of smoke as the fires rages across the canyon near the North Rim. 

DPS' Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Detective Charlie Warner joined the show to tell you about which cars were the most stolen in Arizona. 

Political Analyst Tony Cani joined Arizona's Morning News to preview the primary election for Arizona's Congressional District 7. The seat is vacant after Representative Raul Grijalva's passing in March. Cani expects the seat to remain Democratic after the November election due to the District's track record. 

Arizona Sports Vince Marotta joins Arizona’s Morning News to talk about the DBacks playoff chances as we enter the second half of the season. The Diamondbacks aren't entirely out of the playoff picture, Marotta however points to the inconsistent play and depleted bullpen as signs to be possibly worried about their second half. 

Back on this day in 1968 Hank Aaron hit his 500th homerun. After his career milestone he was presented with an award by the Brave's president. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about the fires burning on and around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that have caused millions of dollars in damage. He says the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge is impactful because it was burned by a control burn that got out of hand.

Thomas Neve, AZ Department of Public Safety captain, joined the show to talk about the turquoise alert. He explains Emily's Law and the five requirements to have the alert sent.

Millions of dollars of damage have already been burned between two fires in northern Arizona. Jim Cross, retired KTAR News senior wildfire reporter, says this wildfire season is very damaging not only for Arizona, but for most of the western states. 

Karen Travers, ABC News White House Correspondent, joined the show to talk about the tariffs put in place on Mexico and the EU. She tells KTAR President Donald Trump imposed the tariffs because he says Mexico hasn't taken enough action to secure the border.

Back on this day in 1804 Vice President Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton. The two were political rivals and agreed to a duel, Hamilton died one say later. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about the potential of Ruben Gallego running for president. He says with a splintered Democratic party, Gallego may have enough support to run. Other political strategists say his moderate approach to issues appeals to voters.

Greg Stanton, U.S. Congressman joined the show to talk about heat safety and education cuts. He says extreme heat not only hurts people, but infrastructure. He says he is trying to get Arizona its fair share of resources while providing local solutions.

Stacy Pearson, political analyst, joined the show to discuss the reality of U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego running for president. She says whether or not Gallego runs, him getting on the national stage is good for Arizona.

ABC News Law Enforcement Reporter, Luke Barr, joined the show to talk about the year anniversary of the President's attempted assassination. He says Secret Service has suspended serval agents and changed training policies in the year after this attempt.

Back on this day in 1913, Death Valley experienced the hottest day ever recorded. During this time, there were five consecutive days that recorded 129 degrees or above.

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe discusses the recent increase in Valley home fires. Since January of this year, there have been 13 Valley home fires, compared to 5 last year in that same time frame 

Tom Taylor, Phoenix Fire Captain and FEMA coordinator for AZ Task Force 1, joined the show to talk about the team sent to Texas to help with rescue efforts. He says he is making sure his team's mental health is being taken care of as they work with other first responders to find missing people.

Tom Shannon, Scottsdale Fire Chief, talks about the increase of fatal house fires across the Valley. Shannon says the products within houses are made with more chemicals, making fires hard to fight because of toxins released.

Karen Travers, ABC News White House Correspondent, joined the show to talk about possible sanctions on Russia after failed ceasefire attempts. She says sanctions and other support to Ukraine would have bipartisan support.

Back on this day in 1956 Dick Clark made his first appearance has host of American Bandstand. The show aired from 1952 to 1989, Clark hosted from 1956 to its finally season. 

On today's Sharper Point Commentary, Jim Sharpe talks about Phoenix's new police chief. He says Matt Giordano - the new chief - is a man to fully back his officers and be an officer supporting the community he leads.

KTAR's Community Spotlight shines a light on Hyundai's fight against pediatric cancer. A portion of every vehicle sold is donated to Hyundai's "Hope on Wheels" fund. Adam Breen, general manager of Hyundai in San Tan joined the show to talk about the millions raised and their support for KTAR's Give-A-Thon for Phoenix Children's.