KJZZ's The Show

The 2026 Arizona legislative session started this week, and the first policy dispute is already underway. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week's top stories. Plus, how comedy went from a satirical weapon for Democrats to a recruitment tool for Republicans.

Here in Arizona, 2025 was our second hottest year on record, with 122 days above 100 degrees and higher nighttime and winter temperatures as well. We find out how it's affecting our bottom line. Plus, a new highway proposal here is drawing comparisons to Germany's Autobahn.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says he will go to jail before turning over voter data to the Department of Justice. Why one expert says the effort is a federal attempt to undermine future elections. Plus, how Arizona's cities and towns see potential housing legislation this year.

Homeschooling is gaining popularity in Arizona as families have access to state voucher funds and a host of curriculums. One local mom explains why she chose it for her kids and what she thinks of oversight on ESAs. Plus, the mayor of Lake Havasu City on the town's surprise listing among the best beaches in the country.

Today is opening day for the Arizona Legislature, and Gov. Katie Hobbs will give her State of the State address this afternoon. The Show previews what to expect this year at the state Capitol. Plus, an exhibit at Desert Botanical Garden that's part art and part science.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has started the process to demote Sen. Mark Kelly, over a video he took part in. Friday NewsCap panelists analyze the week's top stories. Plus, Netflix filmed a show about the unconventional approach to corrections in the Pinal County jail.

Arizona researchers are studying how a group of chemicals impacts women's fertility. What the results of that research could mean. And, why Gen Zers are sharing their locations all the time — and what's lost in it.

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to radically change transportation. Why an older auto technology might provide some lessons about how. And our Second Acts series continues with Arizona's first female news anchor — and now one-person airport welcome committee.

A few years ago, Gov. Katie Hobbs launched a paid parental leave pilot program for state employees. The statewide human resources director explains how it's saving Arizona money. Plus, a local coffee fanatic ranks the Valley's best brews.

The U.S. child care industry is already in dire straits. Now new research shows how hard President Donald Trump's deportation campaign is hitting the industry. Plus, a museum that celebrates the art of miniatures.

From putting a subversive twist on famous historical paintings to creating uranium glass jewelry, The Show looks back at some favorite interviews with creatives from 2025.

2025 was a seismic year for audio, from podcasting shakeups to finding cuts for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. We'll explore the future of radio. Plus, ASU's new medical school is building a curriculum to incorporate humanities into the world of health care.

Arizona does not have laws to protect workers from heat, although there are efforts to write them. Why enforcement may be the key to any new rules. Plus, the effort to prevent dangerous scar tissue from forming.

There's been a lot of anxiety about the economy in 2025 — both nationwide and in Arizona. What the numbers suggest the new year may bring. Plus, a legendary Tucson broadcaster signs off for the last time.

Machismo is a word often used to laude a true manly man. We'll hear why its use is complicated. Plus, a young artist finds connections between sexuality and the Sonoran desert.

Earlier this year, neuroscientist Leor Zmigrod's research looked at the deep connections between political belief and the biology of the brain. We're looking back at some of our favorite author interviews from the past year, including a book about how culinary mixing is creating new food cultures across the country.

Education proved to be a potent issue in 2025, both on the state and federal levels. We'll take a look at what those debates may look like in the new year. Plus, we dig into a popular Christmas culinary tradition: Chinese food.

It was kind of a mixed bag for Arizona teams in 2025. We'll hear what changes may be on the horizon in the sports world in 2026. Plus, how fonts have gotten caught up in political disputes.

It's been an eventful year in Arizona politics — from the state Capitol to the campaign trail. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze the biggest stories of 2025. Plus, a cosmic Christmas playlist inspired by an obscure religious text.

It was a tumultuous year in Arizona housing — from rising costs to legalizing backyard casitas. How will some new policies change the picture in 2026? Plus, the outgoing chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on elections, hockey and more.

Mexican cartels have been extorting businesses of all sizes, which has led to higher prices for some products. What's behind this “narcoinflation”? Plus, the tenderness lurking in a Valley hardcore band's music.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration offered universities an infusion of federal money in exchange for some controversial guarantees. We'll hear how ASU is looking to get in on the action. Plus, why the Kyrene Elementary School District may have to close several schools.

School boards are voting to close schools across metro Phoenix. Where are all the kids from those schools going? Plus, what's in a name when it comes to a sports stadium or arena?

There's an effort to reduce the number of signatures independent candidates need to collect to get on the ballot. The Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week's top stories. Plus, a popular Trump impressionist on the politics of performance.

Republican Julie Spilsbury was recalled from the Mesa City Council last month for not being conservative enough. The mom of six tells us what she thinks about being ousted by her own party. Plus, a conversation with Las Vegas legend Rita Rudner, who is coming to Scottsdale this weekend.

International visitors will soon have to pay more to get into several national parks — including the Grand Canyon. Find out how that might affect visitation and the bottom line. Plus, in an era of scientific skepticism, a podcast about telepathy is thriving.

It looked like the proposed Project Blue data center near Tucson had been defeated by residents earlier this year. Now it's back and only has one more hurdle to clear before it can be built. Plus, the history of the annual debate behind the word of the year. That and more on The Show.

The waitlist for child care subsidies in Arizona continues to grow. We'll hear why that matters — and some ideas to get families off the list. Plus, the Show's holiday gift guide for the book lovers in your life.

Sen. Mark Kelly continues to speak out about U.S. military action, amidst calls for him to be punished over a video about it. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week's top stories. Plus, what scientists have learned from the ongoing oil leak on the USS Arizona.

Victims of crimes in the U.S. can get a visa to stay — if they work with prosecutors to put perpetrators behind bars. Now some are being targeted for deportation. Plus, why some air traffic controllers were not affected by the federal government shutdown.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly may be affected politically by the back and forth with President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. And the cognitive fatigue of trying to figure out if the voices you hear online are human or not.

Officials are waiting to hear how much money Arizona will get as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. We'll hear what the state is asking for. Plus, a Tiny Desert Concert with a Valley artist who rose to online superstardom writing songs about video games.

Phoenix has a new ranking system to measure the severity of dust storms. One of its creators explains what you need to know about the scale. Plus, Tombstone's historic Bird Cage Theater pulls back the curtain on 19th century boomtown culture.

This Friday, ASU and UA's football teams face off — and so do their marching bands. We'll hear from ASU's head drum major about how he's preparing for the big show. Plus, a look ahead at the coming year in Arizona politics.

Adelita Grijalva had to wait 50 days to finally be sworn into the seat she won in Congress. Now that she's officially in office, what will she do with it? Plus, a new mapmaking project documents the stories of Phoenix trees.

President Donald Trump has nominated a former New Mexico congressman to lead the Bureau of Land Management. We'll hear why Republicans are thrilled about his past support for oil and gas. Plus, one of Arizona's own marching bands heads to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Some state lawmakers want to change the state's election system — including early voting. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week's top stories. Plus, a Tucson ecologist on using ancient Japanese pottery as a model for our relationship to the environment.

Camelback Mountain's iconic Echo Canyon Trail is closed and local hikers aren't happy about it. Hear how the city is addressing unstable boulders and other safety issues. Plus, why the "tradwife" phenomenon is missing a crucial component: "trad-husbands."

Earthlings have been fascinated with Mars — and the possibility of life on Mars — for years. Learn about Arizona's role in that initial interest. Plus, two Arizona doctors on the risks and rewards of treating inflammation.

AI-powered robots have been taking aerial photos of Arizona — and those photographs are raising privacy concerns. Plus, a group of die-hard fantasy baseball "geeks" find kindred spirit s at First Pitch Arizona.

Record numbers of migrants were taking the dangerous trek north to the U.S. through South America — until the Trump Administration took over. Now they're going back. Plus, the case for co-living spaces as an answer to the Valley's housing shortage.

The federal government is once again open and Arizona's Congressional delegation is once again whole. Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week's top stories. Plus, how hearing the blues in Marrakesh shaped the sound of a globe-trotting Valley musician.