Podcasts about The Arizona Republic

If the Mariners can pull off a trade for Geno Suarez, how much will they be giving up? Nick Piecoro who covers the D-Backs for the Arizona Republic joins Bump and Curtis Rogers to start hour two. In The Timeline, another WNBA star is taking shots at Caitlin Clark.

Peacock's hit reality TV series “Love Island USA” wrapped it's seventh season on Sunday, July 13 after leveraging millions of viewers worldwide for its juicy summer drama. However, Season 7 had an unusual run despite many rocky relationships in the villa and bombshells “taking your man.” The drama went beyond Fiji when several accounts of public backlash rose against contestants online. Arizona contestant Cierra Ortega was removed from the villa, though she was not the only one. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the questions: What is the controversy behind an Arizona “Love island” contestant and what this scandal may mean for casting reality television contestants moving forward. Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: Dina Kaur Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Abby Bessinger, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the rest of the U.S. Senate will go on its annual break in August, Arizona freshman Ruben Gallego is heading to Des Moines to meet with middle America to potentially gauge his chances in what is expected to be a crowded field of Democratic contenders. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Des Moines Register politics reporter Brianne Pfannensteil. She joins the podcast to talk through what this trip means, if stopping at the Iowa State Fair is still a strong indicator of who is interested in the White House spot and how voters outside of Arizona view the senator. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brianne Pfannensteil⁠ Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Benson, former cartoonist for the Arizona Republic, a fierce critic of the Mormon Church despite his family's prominence within it, and a notable creator of controversial cartoons during the 1990s and 2000s, has passed away. Born in 1954, Benson began his career at the Arizona Republic in 1980, where he won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1993. His work sparked debate, reflecting his acidic stance on political and social issues, including his public critiques of the Mormon Church, which led to personal shunning and professional tensions. On the “DMZ America Podcast,” fellow political cartoonists Scott Stantis and Ted Rall discuss Benson's life as they knew their colleague, both professionally and personally.For Scott, who was deeply wronged by Benson, this news carries a complexity that those left behind are rarely permitted to acknowledge, let alone discuss publicly. On DMZ, we explore that strange feeling when someone who passes leaves behind a mixed legacy.Tune in for a thoughtful, intelligent discussion about humanity and death.Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com

Steve Benson, former cartoonist for the Arizona Republic, a fierce critic of the Mormon Church despite his family's prominence within it, and a notable creator of controversial cartoons during the 1990s and 2000s, has passed away. Born in 1954, Benson began his career at the Arizona Republic in 1980, where he won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1993. His work sparked debate, reflecting his acidic stance on political and social issues, including his public critiques of the Mormon Church, which led to personal shunning and professional tensions. On the “DMZ America Podcast,” fellow political cartoonists Scott Stantis and Ted Rall discuss Benson's life as they knew their colleague, both professionally and personally.For Scott, who was deeply wronged by Benson, this news carries a complexity that those left behind are rarely permitted to acknowledge, let alone discuss publicly. On DMZ, we explore that strange feeling when someone who passes leaves behind a mixed legacy.Tune in for a thoughtful, intelligent discussion about humanity and death.Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com

The newly chosen Phoenix police chief says it's a dream come true to return to the department where he started his career. A pair of conservation groups are suing the Trump administration over a stretch of Arizona borderland that's slated to see wall construction in the next two months. Plus, a remembrance of Steve Benson, the longtime political cartoonist for the Arizona Republic.

President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in a Fourth of July ceremony, making tax cuts he passed during his first term permanent. It offsets those revenue losses to the government with steep cuts to services like the Medicaid program, requiring states to be responsible for funding food stamp programs and delivering tax cuts to the wealthiest taxpayers. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, our hosts are joined by Republic reporter Stephanie Murray. Together they discuss the key points out of the Big Beautiful Bill, how Arizona politicians showed up and how the new law will impact Arizonans daily. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stephanie Murray Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠, ⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7-8-25 Arizona Republic Sports Reporter Richard Obert joins TEAM Talk as Grand Canyon joins the MWC immediately

On this episode we're joined by José Ignacio Castañeda Perez. He's a reporter for Spotlight Delaware, a local independent journalism non-profit. He's been there for the last year and a half. Previously he covered border issues for the The Arizona Republic and Underserved Communities for The Wilmington Delaware News Journal. He's specializing in reporting on immigration in Delaware. He's a graduate of Arizona State and is a recent recipient of The Chauncey Bailey Fellowship, for which he'll be doing an investigative project.José talked about all that covering immigration entails, the kind of stories that Spotlight Delaware pursues and how those stories are presented to their audience. He also shared advice for aspiring reporters and provided insights into some of the tough realities of the job.José's salute: Migrant InsiderThank you for listening. You can e-mail me at journalismsalute@gmail.com Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org  Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com) Tweet us at @journalismpod and Bluesky at @marksimon.bsky.social Subscribe to our newsletter– journalismsalute.substack.com

Happily, metro Phoenix has some great pizza places. Places? Joints? Choose your own colloquialism. Your favorite pizza place says a lot about you. So who has the best? Lucky for us, we have a way of figuring this out. The Arizona Republic's 2025 Phoenix Pizza Poll... This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, host ⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠ chats with Endia Fontanez, the food and dining reporter for The Republic and the lucky winner of the contest, Jeff Carlberg. ⁠⁠Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Watchlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: ⁠Endia Fontanez, Jeff Carlberg Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this month's podcast episode of 12:01 The Death Penalty in Context, DPI's Managing Director Anne Holsinger speaks with Sam Levin, a correspondent with The Guardian who covers criminal justice and the legal system, and Jimmy Jenkins, a criminal justice reporter for The Arizona Republic, about the challenges they encounter when reporting on the increasing secretive use of the death penalty.  Mr. Jenkins has witnessed executions in Arizona and Mr. Levin has recently investigated South Carolina's return to executions after a 13-year pause.

On July 4th, 1776, 56 men signed a document declaring the newly formed 13 colonies as one United States of America. By this charter, they formed a new country, one free from Britain's rule. The Declaration of Independence showcased the rights and beliefs of the new country. It was a written record of what America would stand for, and it was signed by the nation's founding fathers. Today, to honor the country's sovereignty, the gaggle presents a reading of the Declaration of independence. Here to read the country founding document are reporters and staff of the Arizona Republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona has been home to many musical acts — some born and raised here, others who found fame along the way. But who's the biggest artist to come out of the Grand Canyon state? Is it Alice Cooper? Stevie Nicks? Linda Ronstadt? The answer might surprise you. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, host ⁠Bill Goodykoontz teams up with Republic pop music critic and reporter Ed Masley⁠ to settle the debate. ⁠Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Watchlist⁠⁠⁠⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: Ed Masley Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl speak with Republic reporters Stacey Barchenger and Ray Stern to explore the politics of this unusual Arizona Legislature budget cycle. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: ⁠⁠⁠ Ray Stern, Stacey Barchenger Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠⁠⁠⁠, Ronald J. Hansen Producers: Abby Bessinger, Maritza Dominguez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Vaughan, America's leading expert on immigration law, has some ideas! Jessica has written articles for the Washington Post, New York Times, National Review, Boston Globe, The Economist, San Francisco Chronicle, the National Interest, Arizona Republic, and has appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS's NewsHour.

Jessica Vaughan, America's leading expert on immigration law, has some ideas!Jessica has written articles for the Washington Post, New York Times, National Review, Boston Globe, The Economist, San Francisco Chronicle, the National Interest, Arizona Republic, and has appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS's NewsHour.

Monsoons are an ancient phenomenon, bringing heavy bursts of rain and wind to the Valley. But there's much more to know about this season. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond. Tom Frieders, the warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, and Sean McLaughlin, a meteorologist at Arizona's Family stations answer the question: When does the monsoon REALLY start? Submit your question⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠The Watchlist⁠⁠⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠. Guests: Tom Frieders, Sean Mclaughlin Host: ⁠⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Roundtable! Grant, Andy and Sam are here to talk about all the big MLB news and stories. Sam is on vacation this week, so Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic joins the boys. They talk about what the D-backs might do at the trade deadline, what to make of Ohtani's return to the mound and how insanely hot is the Big Dumper Cal Raleigh.-Follow Grant on X/Twitter: @GrantBrisbee-Follow Andy on X/Twitter: @ByMcCullough-Follow Sam on X/Twitter: @SamMillerBBHosts: Grant Brisbee, Andy McCulloughWith: Nick PiecoroExecutive Producer: Brian Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig welcomes on Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic to react to the blockbuster trade that sends Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In return, the Suns receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year's NBA Draft, and five second-round picks. Duane breaks down what this deal means for Phoenix, how it reflects the organization's direction, and whether this marks the start of a new era—or a full reset—for the Suns.

A proper understanding of the history of Juneteenth and why an Arizona Republic columnist got it oh soo wrong. We're joined by John Dombroski, founder and president of Grand Canyon Planning Associates. Speculation on Iran's next move in the Iran-Israel War; negotiate or fight on? A listener call-in on the recent anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in America cities. Seth digs into Producer David Doll on etiquette.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drownings are an unfortunately part of covering news in Arizona, but one has captured more attention than normal. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we discuss the case of influencer Emilie Kieser's son and drowning prevention. Submit your question⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠⁠The Watchlist⁠⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠⁠X,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠. Guests: Lori Stauffer, Elena Santa Cruz⁠, KiMi Robinson Host: ⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Abby Bessinger⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 2025 marks a decade since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. The landmark 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges resolved a long-standing national debate and brought together a conflicting patchwork of state laws. Eight months before the SCOTUS decision, the Republican-dominated state of Arizona legalized same sex marriages, though the road to get there was rocky. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Mary Jo Pitzl is joined by Republic editor Shaun McKinnon and LGBTQ+ rights advocate Sheila Kloefkorn to look back at the events that led to Arizona in 2014 joining the states that legally recognize gay marriage, and cast forward on what challenges remain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sonoita is one of three American Viticultural Areas in the state, and due to their higher elevation, they make excellent locations in the desert to grow wine. Unlike the greater Phoenix metro area, these parts of Arizona don't see triple-digit temperatures nearly every day in the summer and they also get a lot of rain. Arizona is home to more than 150 wineries now and small towns are dependent on them for tourism and economic boosts. So how are vintners adjusting to climate change in the desert and how is it impacting the wine industry overall? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we take a look at how changing weather patterns are affecting wine growing and how Arizona can even grow it in the first place. Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: Michael Pierce, Corey Turnbull, Brian Freedman⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show,  Sherrod Blakely and Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic discuss the recent coaching hire of the Suns, the future of Kevin Durant and possible ties to Boston, the NBA Finals, and an apology to Tyrese Halliburton. 0:00 - Welcome in Guest 2:00 - Suns Hire New Head Coach 8:50 - Future of Kevin Durant with Suns 11:33 - Future of Bradley Beal with Suns 19:40 - Potential Kevin Durant to Boston Trade 23:12 - Prizepicks 24:45 - Expectations for the Suns next season 32:40 - Takeaways from NBA Finals 43:41 - Wrapping up SUBSCRIBE to The Big 3 NBA Podcast ⤵️

Last week, news broke that the depletion of groundwater across the Colorado River Basin has been quietly, rapidly outpacing the more visible decline of the river itself. Even as the seven basin states negotiate reduced consumption of river water—inevitably driving dependence toward local aquifers instead—this newly published research shows that the majority ofmost of the water lost throughout the basin in recent years has been underground. In the Lower Colorado River Basin alone, groundwater has accounted for 71% of total water supply loss.  Jay Famiglietti, a longtime contributor to Ten Across, specializes in the use of satellite data to monitor the world's groundwater mass. His team's new findings focus on the U.S. Southwest—a region at the forefront of the nation's water supply challenges and the complex balances between resource limitations and economic growth.  As states and cities in the Colorado River Basin and elsewhere develop water management strategies to sustain themselves through future constraints, a growing understanding of groundwater supply is key to effective proactive policy. It is increasingly clear that time is of the essence for this uniquely finite resource.   Listen in as Ten Across founder Duke Reiter and Jay Famiglietti discuss the concrete findings in this report, the immediate and long-term implications for agriculture in the Southwest, and Jay's motivations for raising awareness of groundwater usage in the Ten Across region and beyond.  Relevant articles and resources:  Read the open access study: “Declining Freshwater Availability in the Colorado River Basin Threatens Sustainability of Its Critical Groundwater Supplies”  Read The Washington Post's analysis  More analysis from The Guardian and Inside Climate News  Catch up on the Colorado River negotiations  Listen to Jay's first podcast appearance  Related headlines:   “ADWR Director Briefs UA Water Resources Research Center Conference on Colorado River Negotiations” (azwater.gov, June 2025)  “It's not just big alfalfa farms. La Paz residents fear groundwater grab by big cities” (Arizona Republic, June 2025)  “Arizona wants this city to cut its groundwater use. Residents want flexibility” (Arizona Republic, May 2025)  “Even in wet years, wells are still dry. Why replenishing California's groundwater is painfully slow” (Cal Matters, February 2025)  “Opinion: Will We Have to Pump the Great Lakes to California to Feed the Nation?” (The New York Times, August 2024)  Credits:Host: Duke ReiterProducer and editor: Taylor GriffithMusic by: Lupus Nocte and TellsonicResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler

Pretty much everyone can tell you their favorite spot around town to dine. Sometimes it's the newer classics like First & Last or Valentine. Sometimes it's standard Valley must-haves like Chuck Box for a burger or Long Wong's for wings. While you can take a suggestion from just about anyone why not ask the experts. When Arizona's best chefs step away from the oven, stove or grill, where do they like to dine? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we sit down with the Republic's dining and nightlife reporter Bahar Anooshahr about her new series Chef's Night Out. ⁠⁠Submit your question⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠. Guests: Bahar Anooshahr⁠ Producers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari's (D) visit to the Eloy Detention Center and its coverage in The Arizona Republic. 960ThePatriot host Charlie Kirk's thoughts on his recent visit to the Great Britain, "Trust me: Trump’s revolution is coming to the UK" from British magazine The Spectator. Clips from some of William F. Buckley Jr.'s many great debates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state's Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is focused on the Republicans who tried to help sidestep Arizona's certified election results. A Maricopa County Superior Court judge recently ordered Mayes to take her evidence back to the grand jury to inform them of a key legal argument made by the electors. This ruling may — or may not — undercut Mayes' case enough to reconsider a matter she has framed as protecting democracy itself. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by former Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard, and later, Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger. Goddard breaks down how rare it is for a case to go back to the grand jury for matters of defense, rather than elements of the alleged crimes, and other insights into the law. Stacey then joins The Gaggle to discuss this specific case and what it means for Mayes' political future. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: ⁠⁠Terry Goddard, Stacey Barchenger⁠. Hosts: ⁠Ron Hansen⁠, ⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠ Producer: ⁠Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It gets hot in the Valley. Perhaps you've noticed. But no matter how hot it gets, even on a 118-degree day in the middle of August, someone is going to be out jogging. You can count on it. But if they end up on the mountain, and they end up not being able to bare the heat, what should be done about it? In this week's episode of Valley 101, we talked with Caitlin McGlade, a reporter for The Arizona Republic who wrote about trail closures, and Rob McDade, the public information officer for the Phoenix Fire Department, about the pros and cons of closing down the mountain trails in the summer. Submit your question⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠⁠The Watchlist⁠⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠⁠X,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠. Guest: ⁠Caitlin McGlade, Rob McDade Host: ⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠ Producers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has only been in office for a few months, but the early days seem to make good on a promise of stricter immigration reform and border security. But an intimidating defense along the border is not the only reason detention numbers have decreased. And deportations in other parts of Arizona — like Phoenix — are actually increasing. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com,  we discuss what the border has looked like since Trump regained office, what it means for the communities along the border, and how a crack down on immigration is playing out in Phoenix. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: ⁠Richard Ruelas⁠, ⁠Raphael Romero Ruiz⁠. Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Windows-open season is about done. Now it's all on the mighty air conditioner, the reason we can all make it through another desert summer. But something about air conditioning units in Phoenix is a little different than the rest of the country. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and ⁠⁠azcentral.com⁠⁠, we answer the question: Why do homes in Phoenix have air conditioning units on the roof? ⁠⁠Submit your question⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠⁠X,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠. Guests: Joe Granado Producers: ⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto, ⁠Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As lawmakers are on break, work is going on behind the scenes on an education-related bill that would raise teacher pay and maybe provide constitutional protections for Arizona's private-school voucher program. Despite widespread agreement that the funding stream from the trust fund should continue, how to get the plan over the finish line is being hotly debated behind closed doors. This will leave a new version of what is commonly called Proposition 123 up to the voters, presumably in November 2026. But will that be the most strategic way to handle the situation? This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we analyze different ways Prop 123 2.0 could show up. Email us! ⁠⁠⁠thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com⁠⁠⁠ Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠. Guest: Lorna Romero Ferguson, owner of Elevate Strategies Host: ⁠⁠⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠⁠⁠  Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flagstaff makes it easier to see the stars and explore the galaxies. It has also set the standard for how we should care and protect our night skies. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and ⁠azcentral.com⁠, we answer the question: How did Flagstaff become the world's first international dark sky city? ⁠Submit your question⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠X,⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Tik Tok⁠. Guests: Christian Luginbuhl, Josh Coddington Producer, Host: ⁠ Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you follow the evolution of American education, you are surely aware of Arizona State University's transformation under the leadership of Michael Crow. In a little over two decades, Crow has grown ASU into one of the largest and most influential public universities, in terms of overall enrollment, research expenditures, and the adoption of new technologies. In doing so, he has become an internationally recognized voice in the future of higher education at large. Built on a precise set of guiding principles outlined in his inaugural address, the university consistently garners accolades for community and global impact, environmental sustainability, and graduate employability.  In a field where peer institutions have traditionally competed based on exclusivity, ASU's success is derived from its 2014 Charter, which declared that this university would be "measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed." Crow's New American University model defies the norms of rising tuition, low acceptance rates and inflexible learning pathways, with an aim to prioritize meaningful change in the lives of more students and the communities which it serves.   Ten Across, of course, is itself responsive to ASU's Charter and its design aspirations, particularly its emphasis on place. As a unique subset of ASU, Ten Across strives to deliver outsized impact through intentional networks, education, and media that address high-stakes issues experienced throughout the I-10 region—many of which are exacerbated by climate change.  Listen in as Michael Crow explains why Arizona was the place he chose for the development of this highly inclusive and innovative model of higher education, and the efforts that have gone into transforming ASU from a small state college into a global humanitarian and technological engine generating solutions to some of our most difficult challenges.  Related articles and resources:  Michael Crow explains the “invisible hand” of university research in conversation with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches  “ASU boosts the economic vitality of Arizona” (ASU News, January 2025)   “Why Phoenix is the ‘Most American City' with George Packer” (Ten Across Conversations, August 2024)  “'Evolve Or Die' —Michael Crow's Challenge to U.S. Higher Education” (Forbes, May 2025)  “Democrats need a leader like ASU President Michael Crow to rescue them” (Arizona Republic, January 2025)  Credits:  Host: Duke Reiter  Producer and editor: Taylor Griffith  Music by: Helmut Schenker and Pearce Roswell  Research and support provided: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler

Currently, Republicans have only a seven-seat advantage over Democrats, and that is likely to shrink by two seats after this year's special elections to fill vacancies. Republicans are standing strong behind Trump, but Democrats are eagerly using this to their advantage. But will that work in Arizona and its two swing districts, Congressional District 1 and Congressional District 6? This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Nathan Gonzales of Inside Elections. He is the editor of the non-partisan elections analysis website Email us! ⁠⁠thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com⁠⁠ Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠X,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠. Guest: Nathan Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections Hosts: ⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠⁠  Producer: ⁠⁠Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the known laws like following the speed limit or no drinking in public places, Arizona also has a bunch of wacky laws. Some are particular to Arizona like laws against saguaros and some are just...odd. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Bill Goodykoontz is joined by Stephanie Innes to go over the 8 weirdest laws on Arizona's books. Submit your question⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠The Watchlist⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠X,⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Tik Tok⁠. Guest: Stephanie Innes Host: ⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠ Producers: ⁠Abby Bessinger⁠, ⁠Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the 100-day mark of Trump's second term, his approval ratings are the lowest for any newly elected president in over 50 years and economic warning signs are pointing toward a recession. This should be a clear sign that Democrats will be successful in the 2026 election as they try to flip the House, but infighting might be getting in their way. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Dave Wasserman. He's the senior editor and elections analyst for the non-partisan Cook Political Report. Email us! ⁠thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com⁠ Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠X,⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Tik Tok⁠. Guest: Dave Wasserman, senior editor & election analyst at Cook Political Report Hosts: ⁠Ron Hansen⁠, ⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠  Producer: ⁠Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 2, 2025 marked Bill's 35th year at The Arizona Republic. That's a long time to do anything, much less work at the same media company. So much has changed in those 35 years, in media, in Arizona and in his own life, it seemed like a good time to sit back and take stock for a moment. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, he sits down with producer Amanda Luberto to share what's changed in 35 years at the Republic. Submit your question⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠The Watchlist⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠X,⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Tik Tok⁠. Host: ⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠ Producer: ⁠Amanda Luberto⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In January of 2025, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl went missing without a trace from her home in Mesa, Arizona. Just weeks later, her dismembered remains were discovered on the side of a highway a few hours away. Investigators began to dive into a devastating homicide investigation, but it is still very much underway. This is the murder of Emily Pike.Sources:Blasius, Melissa, et al. “What Led up to Emily Pike's Placement in Foster Care?” ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV), ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV), 15 Apr. 2025, https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/what-led-up-to-emily-pikes-placement-in-foster-care.DeYoung, Lauren, and Robert Anglen. AZ Central, 15 Apr. 2025, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/04/15/emily-pike-san-carlos-apache-tribe-homicide-investigation/83016994007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawJyC_tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHq6CGD6NvXUs6oNFiGUTdzJ.Grace, Nancy. Horrifying Discovery: Emily Pike's Body Found Off US 60. YouTube, 24 Mar. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAz9Sz83Kok.Holden, Ashley. “New Reports: Emily Pike Didn't Want to Return to Group Home.” ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV), ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV), 24 Mar. 2025, https://www.abc15.com/news/region-southeast-valley/mesa/new-reports-emily-pike-didnt-want-to-return-to-group-home.Krasean, Nicole. “Family of Emily Pike Says Murdered 14-Year-Old Was a Sexual Assault Victim before the Murder Occurred | FOX 10 Phoenix.” FOX 10 Phoenix, FOX 10 Phoenix, 16 Apr. 2025, https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/family-emily-pike-says-murdered-14-year-old-was-sexual-assault-victim-before-murder-occurred.“Family of Emily Pike Says Murdered 14-Year-Old Was a Sexual Assault Victim before the Murder Occurred | FOX 10 Phoenix.” FOX 10 Phoenix, 16 Apr. 2025, https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/family-emily-pike-says-murdered-14-year-old-was-sexual-assault-victim-before-murder-occurred.The Interview Room. EMILY PIKE: IS THIS A SERIAL KILLER? - The Interview Room with Chris McDonough. YouTube, 14 Apr. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1e2W0EUPXE.Whitney, Briana. “Former Roommate Describes What Happened Before Emily Pike's Mesa Disappearance.” Https://www.Azfamily.Com, https://www.facebook.com/arizonasfamily/, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.azfamily.com/2025/03/05/former-roommate-describes-what-happened-before-emily-pikes-mesa-disappearance/.Young, Lauren De. “Slain Apache Teen Emily Pike Honored in San Carlos Memorial Service.” The Arizona Republic, Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2025, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/03/29/slain-teen-emily-pike-honored-san-carlos-memorial-service/82697107007/.Legiscan, 2025, https://legiscan.com/AZ/text/HB2281/id/3059181

National economic uncertainty is impacting Arizona lawmakers and their budget deadline. But this year, there may be good reason to push to the last minute. Fluctuating tariff policies and Congress' want for billions in savings has made it unclear how much money Arizona can spend quite yet. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl take a look at Arizona's economic forecast and what it might mean for state spending in the year ahead. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl  Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuously, Arizona drivers are ranked among the worst in the nation. Just last year, a Forbes study using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Phoenix and Tucson in the top 10 cities with the worst drivers. So why are the roads in Arizona particularly dangerous, and what is being done about it? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we are joined by Sgt. Eric Andrews, an officer at the Department of Public Safety, to discuss driver safety in Phoenix, explain what AZ DPS is doing to help people on the road and tips for ensuring the safest ride. Also, Arizona Republic staff share some of their craziest driving stories. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Sgt. Eric Andrews Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few people know the power of local TV more than Mary Jo West. She was a Phoenix news anchor for years, which of course cemented a place for her in the Valley's consciousness. She was the Valley's first woman news anchor, co-anchoring with Phoenix legend Bill Close — who was not thrilled about having her around. She battled sexual harassment, depression and more. But West is far more than all of that. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: What was it really like for the first female news anchor in Phoenix? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Mary Jo West Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh is the print planning editor at The New York Times. Mr. Crutchmer is responsible for the organization of the daily newspaper as well as the look of the final edition of the Times' Sunday front page — and he gets the occasional byline. Prior to joining The Times, he was the assistant managing editor of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland where, among other high-profile events, he oversaw coverage and production of the annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Previously, he has worked at The Chicago Tribune, The Buffalo News, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Omaha World-Herald, The Arizona Republic and The Oklahoman. Josh graduated from Oklahoma State where he fell in love with the Red Dirt music scene and has been writing about it ever since.  https://www.instagram.com/jscrutchmer/  neversayneverbook.com https://www.reddirtbook.com/author.html Huge thank you to our sponsors. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof The Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. www.chickasaw.net Diffee Ford Lincoln Third generation Oklahoma business, the Diffee family continues to do business the right way, the family way. Go to www.diffeeford.net for all your new and used car needs and follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/diffee_ford Dog House OKC - When it comes to furry four-legged care, our 24/7 supervised cage free play and overnight boarding services make The Dog House OKC in Oklahoma City the best place to be, at least, when they're not in their own backyard. With over 6,000 square feet of combined indoor/outdoor play areas our dog daycare enriches spirit, increases social skills, builds confidence, and offers hours of exercise and stimulation for your dog http://www.thedoghouseokc.com/        #ThisisOklahoma

Probably more notably than any other Arizona politician, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is opposed to President Donald Trump. Currently, she involved in 11 lawsuits challenging the administration and she is still pursuing the fake electors case from the 2020 election overturn efforts. Mayes has her work cut out for her, but the 2026 election looms large already, and she will have to face voters with her record as a counterbalance to the current administration. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl join Attorney General Kris Mayes in her office to discuss some of the high-profile battles she's fighting and what other items are on her to-do list. In the second half of the episode, Ron and Mary Jo explore the platform Mayes has embraced, if that's connecting with Arizonans and how it's impacting her approach to reelection in 2026. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guest: Attorney General Kris Mayes Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl  Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walter Cronkite, the longtime anchor of the "CBS Evening News," was often called "the most trusted man in America" and he probably was, certainly in terms of media figures. Arizonans might be familiar with the ASU journalism school: The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. But Cronkite, a graduate of the University of Texas, has no ties to Arizona. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: Why is the ASU journalism school named after Walter Cronkite? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Doug Anderson and Leonard Downie Jr. Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producers: Abby Bessinger, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some politicians, like Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne, Trump's attacks on DEI, transgender students and dismantling the Department of Education come as good news. It follows rhetoric that he's been pushing for years. But for others, like Attorney General Kris Mayes, a lawsuit is in order. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by two of the paper's education reporters. (1:13) - They break down how Arizona's education system is being impacted by the Trump administration, how divided Arizona politicians are on national decisions and what is being done at the local level regarding DEI reduction. (19:15) Mary Jo and Ron use their expertise to explore where repercussions to following — or not following — the president's ideas stand. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guest: Helen Rummel, the Arizona Republic's higher education reporter, and Madeleine Parrish, the Arizona Republic's K-12 education reporter. Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl  Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wallace and Ladmo was a television show unique to Arizona. Yes, it was technically a kids show. But not like any other kids show you have seen. It was funny. Not cute funny. But really funny. And it is an important part of Arizona history. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, using never before heard interviews, we answer the question: Why is Wallace and Ladmo so important to Arizona? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Pat McMahon, Bill Thompson, Ladimir Kwiatkowski Guest host: Richard Ruelas Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of things make a city cool: great bookstores, a thriving food scene, good local music, that kind of thing. But a film festival really puts it over the top. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: How has the Phoenix Film Festival stuck around for 25 years? And how has it changed? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guest: Jason Carney, the CEO and executive director of the Phoenix Film Festival Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producers: Abby Bessinger, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is not a secret that Arizona averages more than 300 sunny days per year. It is part of the reason why people move here in the first place. Yes it's hot -- like really hot -- but there are no tornados, hurricanes and most importantly, snow. (for the most part) But that's not the only reason why Arizona has become a hot spot of future pilots. And it's long history with aviation goes beyond the current rise. The state had the first international airport of the Americas dating all the way back to 1928. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we tried to answer the question: Why is flight school so popular in Arizona? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the balletic strikeout celebrations of Rockies reliever Jefry Yan, Terry Francona's selective opposition to ABS this spring, how frequently potential game-ending strikeouts will get challenged, and baseball in Season 2 of Poker Face. Then they preview the 2025 Arizona Diamondbacks (36:00) with The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, and […]