The Point Being

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Join the Arizona Daily Star's editorial page team as they talk local and national politics and interview both newsmakers and reporters to dive deeper into the issues affecting Southern Arizona.

Arizona Daily Star


    • May 20, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 41 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Point Being

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 8: This Is Tucson Food & Beverage Reporter Andi Berlin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 28:10


    Continuing the recent theme of restaurant industry news, This Is Tucson's very own Andi Berlin stops by Zoom to chat with host/producer Edward Celaya about her Quarantine Cookbook series, why restaurants are taking different approaches to opening and what Tucson's future might hold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 7: Daily Star Reporter Cathalena Burch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 19:07


    After a week of furlough, host and producer Edward Celaya is back and joined by the Daily Star's do-everything food and entertainment reporter Cathalena Burch. Join them for a discussion about the recent opening of restaurants and bars in the face of the on-going global pandemic, and how she expects the industry to rebound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 6: Star Repoter Caitlin Schmidt talks 'Spring Stars' series

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 13:36


    It's another week, that means another mini-sode! Host and producer Edward Celaya chats with Caitlin Schmidt, the Daily Star's sports reporter, to talk about her latest series on high school spring sport athletes, and how golf and fishing, two "essential" industries in the state, have dealt with the ongoing pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E7: Mayor Regina Romero joins the crew

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2020 30:28


    The entire Opinions/Editorial Page crew is back! And they're joined by special guest, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. Our conversation touches on what she is hearing from Tucson residents and the business community, how CARES Act funds can be used and why she is advocating for Gov. Doug Ducey to extend his stay-at-home order until May 15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 5: Local business woman Theresa Delaney

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 18:23


    In an effort to hear from Tucson's business community and how it's been handling these tumultuous times, our producer Edward Celaya reached out to Theresa Delaney, the co-owner and founder of Creative Kind, "a place for people to gather, connect over creativity, and make or discover something beautiful," according to the shops' website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 4: Daily Star Reporter Jasmine Demers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 19:39


    Our latest mini-sode, brought to you by social distancing and made possibly by the now-ubiquitous Zoom app, features host Edward Celaya chatting with Daily Star reporter Jasmine Demers about Pima County's attempt at contact tracing COVID-19 patients, who is lining up to fill the substantial shoes of former Pima County Board Chair Richard Elias and the hope inherent in Demers' story on COVID-19 survivor, Glen Reed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 3: Reporter Stephanie Casanova

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 19:21


    The mini-sode's keep coming, this time with Arizona Daily Star Reporter Stephanie Casanova sitting down over Zoom and chatting with host, Opinion Writer Edward Celaya. The discussion touches on Casanova's work with the Star's coronavirus updates stories, how law enforcement and Pima County jails are handling the pandemic and why domestic violence awareness advocates are worried about conditions that could bring an uptick in cases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 2: Politics Reporter Justin Sayers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 18:57


    For the second of our Zoom-aided podcasts, host Edward Celaya is joined by Daily Star reporter Justin Sayers to talk about how the City of Tucson and Mayor Regina Romero have influenced public health policy at the state-wide level, how local Chinese restaurants are doing and why, exactly, all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer are gone!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Mini-sode 1: Southern Arizona Education Reporter Danyelle Khmara

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 19:39


    Host Edward Celaya welcomes our special guest, Daily Star Education Reporter Danyelle Khmara, to talk about the state of Southern Arizona's public school districts and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a story tip or would like to contact Danyelle with information regarding Southern Arizona schools, please reach out to her by email at: DKhmara@Tucson.com. Notes: 1:10 - Discussion on TUSD Superintendent Gabe Trjuillo and others reticence to close schools initially, and their rational 3:40 - Remote learning and the sometimes steep but sometimes well trodden curve teachers and districts are experiencing 6:35 - Issues of education infrastructure not relegated to Tucson or Pima County 10:00 - List of resources for students and parents looking for food distribution: https://tucson.com/thisistucson/schools/a-huge-list-of-places-to-find-free-meals-for/article_a998ef24-67d3-11ea-9c06-b740ecd2d470.html 10:45 - The affect on teachers and staff, including issues of pay 12:50 - Substitute teachers and if they are being retained 14:00 - How are students coping with missing or delaying prom/graduation? 16:20 - The year everyone will miss, but no one will forget 17:00 - How's Danyelle and her teen son holding up?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E6: Special guest Michele Manos

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 36:32


    Hosts Edward Celaya and David Fitzsimmons welcome world-renowned virologist and epidemiologist Michele Manos to the podcast to talk about how COVID-19 is spread, what communication breakdowns have done to hamper health care efforts and how social distancing works.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E5: Aye Corona!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2020 34:42


    Opinion Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons riff on the latest coronavirus developments, discuss the now-prescient Hollywood-thriller "Contagion," preview what's to come in the Democratic primaries and Edward makes a plea to his sister to not get on that cruise ship (don't do it, Sam!), in this episode of The Point Being. Time stamps for topics: Coronavirus discussion: :45 - 3:44 Contagion (or a sign of things to come): 3:45 - 5:20 What now?: 5:21 -10:40 Festival of Books cancelation: 10:41 - 13:00 Spread in public spaces/ How will society deal: 13:01 - 15:40 Dem primaries, Bernie loses momentum: 15:41 - 26:30 Reader reactions to cartoons, LTE: 26:30 - ENDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E4: Election season finally kicks off

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2020 29:03


    Opinion Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons try to make sense of the mess that was the Iowa Caucus, the mess that is the current Democratic field for president and the mess that will be the City of Tucson's enforcement of the "no feeding the homeless" park ordinance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E3: Things fall apart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 35:16


    After a week that saw John Bolton drop a new revelation into the impeachment proceedings and former NBA star Kobe Bryant pass away, our opinion section debates the merits of legislation proposed in the Arizona legislature, in this edition of The Point Being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E2: A liberal hackathon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2020 33:26


    In the our latest podcast, Opinion Editor Sarah Garrecht Gassen, Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons take on Sen. Martha McSally's outburst, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick's alcoholism and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week of State Rep. Jay Lawrence. Topics Include - Intro: :00 - 1:20 Impeachment update: 1:20 - 3:30 McSally convo: 3:30 - 7:05 State Rep. public info bill: 7:05 - 15:45 Civics/Election coverage: 15:45 - 16:25 Ann Kirkpatrick convo: 16:25 - 20:00 Jay Lawrence: 20:00 - 22:45 David's letters: 22:45 - 25:05 Megxit: 25:05 - ENDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, S3E1: Iran so far away

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2020 27:27


    With another military flare-up in the Middle East in the news, The Point Being returns for a third season, featuring Editor Sarah Garrecht Gassen, Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons' takes on everything from impeachment, to Soleimani to what weekend plans they have in store. Topics: Intro (Did the Tooth Fairy ever visit you?): :00 - 2:45 Iran/Soleimani fallout: 2:45 - 6:10 Local opinions on Iran: 6:10 - 8:15 Impeachment: 8:15 - 10:45 Will Trumps approval change?: 10:45 - 13:05 Dem impeachment response: 13:05 - 17:45 Letters to the Editor: 17:45 - 23:15 Weekend plans: 23:15 - ENDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast 18 - Is it Miller Time for CD1 Republicans?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2019 29:33


    Host Edward Celaya and David Fitzsimmons weigh in on a big week of changes in Pima County politics, including: Regina Romero sworn in as Tucson's mayor, Ally Miller out as Pima County Supervisor and what to look forward to in David's "Arroyo Cafe" show later this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast 17 - Sondland's Greatest Hits

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2019 32:00


    In our latest episode, Edward and David marvel at European Union Ambassador Gordon Sondland's impeachment hearing testimony, question the rise and appeal of Pete Buttigieg and try to determine what is making Baby Boomers so mad about the saying "OK, Boomer."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast 16 - North by Northwestern

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2019 32:21


    With Sarah out this week, Opinion Writer Edward Celaya plays host and welcomes Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons and Government Reporter Joe Ferguson to talk about the failure of Prop. 205, what 2020 local elections to keep an eye on and just what the editors of Northwestern University's student newspaper were thinking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast Special Edition - Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick (D) stops by

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 43:28


    Sarah and Edward (along with Publisher John D'Orlando and Columnist Tim Steller) have a wide-ranging conversation with Arizona's Second Congressional District Representative Ann Kirkpatrick. Impeachment, the upcoming election cycle and local issues are all touched on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E14 The Point Being Podcast - Election season is in the air!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2019 28:58


    With Sarah off preaching the good word of the Daily Star to students at UofA, Edward Celaya and David Fitzsimmons are back to give their takes on Trump's wildest week yet, Prop. 205's chances of pulling off an upset and some of the best letters and calls they've received since last week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast S2 E13: Columnist Round-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2019 29:17


    Opinion Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons welcome columnists Joe Ferguson and Tim Steller to the show where they chat about the race to be Tucson's next mayor, the sanctuary city initiative and Trump's latest antics in the face of possible impeachment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E12 The Point Being Podcast - "Border Wall" update

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2019 26:02


    For this episode, Border Reporter Curt Prendergast and Data Reporter Alex Devoid join Sarah and Edward to update listeners on the progress of President Trump's Border Wall and preview their upcoming in-depth analysis of drug seizures along the border, including an interactive map of the various drug corridors throughout Arizona.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, Tucson Election 2019 Special Edition - Race for Mayor, Part I: (D) Regina Romero and (I) Ed Ackerly

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 35:13


    In Part I of our Editorial Board discussion between Democratic candidate for Mayor Regina Romero and Independent Ed Ackerley, the two talk about their vision's for Tucson and what the role of mayor is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, Tucson Election 2019 Special Edition - Race for Mayor, Part II: (D) Regina Romero and (I) Ed Ackerly

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 31:32


    In Part II of our discussion with Tucson's mayoral candidates, Regina Romero and Ed Ackerely shed light on how they would make Tucson more attractive to Millennials and where they see areas of potential economic development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, Tucson Election 2019 Special Edition - Proposition 205, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 30:55


    In the conclusion of the Arizona Daily Star's Editorial Board discussion between Tucson "Families Free and Together" and "No on Prop 205," members from both sides discuss what the impact of passing Prop 205 would be on ordinary citizens, Tucson Police and the undocumented community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, Tucson Election 2019 Special Edition - Proposition 205, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 38:07


    The Arizona Daily Star Editorial Board held an open discussion between members of "Tucson Families Free and Together" -- the coalition behind the "Sanctuary City" initiative -- and members of "No on Prop 205" to hear the varying perspectives of people from both sides of the controversial ballot initiative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, Tucson Election 2019 Special Edition - Ward II (D) Paul Cunningham and (R) Ewart Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 44:01


    Incumbent City Council-member Paul Durham sits down with Republican challenger Ewart Williams and our Daily Star Editorial Board to discuss the issues facing Ward II, how the city's transportation infrastructure can be improved and what needs to be done to make Tucson great.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast, Tucson Election 2019 Special Edition - Ward IV (D) Nikki Lee and (R) Michael Hicks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 53:03


    Candidates (D) Nikki Lee and (R) Michael Hicks, running to fill the Tucson City Council seat being vacated by Shirley Scott, discuss what it means to be a "team player," how to represent the interests of Ward IV and where you might find them when they aren't campaigning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being, Election 2019 Special Edition -- Ward I: (D) Lane Santa Cruz and (R) Sam Nagy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2019 50:03


    In the first of our Election 2019 Special Edition episodes, the candidates for Ward I share their visions for Tucson, how they will govern if elected and why they identify with their political party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E11 The Point Being Podcast -- Impeach-ing to the choir

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019 29:45


    With Sarah still on vacation, Opinion Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons delve into Trump's latest impeachment woes, Christiane Amanpour's visit to the UA last week and David's upcoming trip to France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E10 The Point Being Podcast - Two wild and crazy guys

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2019 32:37


    With Sarah on vacation, Opinion Writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons explore the new allegations against SCOTUS Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a possible censure of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema by Arizona's Democratic Party and the difference between "public" and "charter."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E9 The Point Being Podcast - The Birds and the TUSDs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2019 36:20


    In our latest podcast, opinion writers Edward Celaya, Sarah Garrecht Gassen and cartoonist David Fitzsimmons examine the uproar around TUSDs proposed changes to its Family Life Curriculum, where they learned about sex and what to look out for from Sept. 12 Democratic Presidential Debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E8 The Point Being Podcast: Romero, Santa Cruz for the win

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2019 31:17


    In our latest podcast, our opinion Editor, Writer and Cartoonist explore what it means now that Regina Romero has won the Democratic primary for Tucson's mayor, if Independent mayoral candidate Ed Ackerley stands a chance in the general election and just what impact the sanctuary city initiative will have on the turnout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E7 The Point Being Podcast - Greenland is your land, Greenland is my land!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2019 32:40


    In our latest podcast, Opinion Editor Sarah Garrecht Gassen, writer Edward Celaya and Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons take on Trump's latest proposal to buy Greenland and the last days of Tucson's Democratic Mayoral Primary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E6 The Point Being Podcast - The nation mourns another gun tragedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2019 32:25


    In the wake of three mass shootings over the last week, our opinion writers and cartoonist dive into what might have contributed to the rash in violence, and what solutions might be considered by Congress, if they consider anything at all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E5 The Point Being Podcast - Dems on parade!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2019 30:24


    Our opinions team is back after a week of endorsements, this time offering up their takes on the Democratic Party Presidential debates and just what, exactly, is the proper way to call in and leave us a message.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast Special Edition: Democratic Mayoral Forum, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 50:23


    Our Editorial Board sat down with the three Democrats running for mayor of Tucson on Tuesday, July 23. Hear what candidates Randi Dorman, Steve Farley and Regina Romero had to say about what they have planned for Tucson's future, and how they plan to get there. Here is Part II:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast Special Edition: Democratic Mayoral Forum, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 41:31


    Our Editorial Board sat down with the three Democrats running for mayor of Tucson on Tuesday, July 23. Hear what candidates Randi Dorman, Steve Farley and Regina Romero had to say about what they have planned for Tucson's future, and how they plan to get there. Here is Part I:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast: Season 2, Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2019 36:22


    Our opinion writers are back with special guest, Reporter Curt Prendergast. Join the team as they dive into the Feds case against No More Death's volunteer Scott Warren, and what Pima County is planning to do now that the Benedictine Monastery is closing and a county juvenile detention center is set to take its place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast: Season 2, Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2019 44:23


    In this weeks episode, our opinion writers and cartoonist talk about the "sanctuary city" initiative getting one step closer to the ballot, an agreement between City of Tucson and the Pasqua Yaqui tribe that could be the first step for a casino and the continuing blowback against the proposed Interstate 11 route.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Point Being Podcast: Season 2, Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2019 42:02


    Our opinion writers and cartoonist return in this week's episode to tackle local topics like the release of effluent into the Santa Cruz River, the continuing saga of No More Death's volunteer Scott Warren and the City of Tucson's upcoming decision on becoming a Sanctuary City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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