Podcasts about The Arizona Republic

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

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

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been trying to revamp Chase Field for years now. So far, that journey has left them without the proper funds to renovate the 27-year-old stadium. A new amendment to House Bill 2704 proposes a 50-50 split between Phoenix and Maricopa County to provide as much as $500 million a year from the sales taxes collected at the stadium – a change that prompted the county to oppose the bill.  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 Bret McCormick. He's a beat writer for the Sports Business Journal covering fan experiences, ticketing and sports facilities. (1:53) Bret talks with Ron and Mary Jo about the reality of the Diamondbacks ballpark situation and how Arizona compares to other states in similar positions. (19:20) Then, Ron and Mary Jo break down the bipartisan support — and bipartisan opposition — the bill is finding in the Legislature. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guest: Bret McCormick, beat writer for the Sports Business Journal covering fan experiences, ticketing and sports facilities. Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl  Producer: Amanda Luberto 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

This week on CounterSpin: News site Popular Information alerted us to new Social Security Administration policy effectively requiring tens of thousands of recipients, by the agency's own estimation, to travel to a field office to verify their ID. An internal memo predicts the shift will create “service disruption,” “operational strain,” and “budget shortfalls” — unsurprising, given concurrent staffing cuts and field office closures. The inevitable harms will no doubt be declared part of a necessary attempt to purge “fraud” from the system that has disbursed earned benefits to elderly and disabled people for generations. Journalists have choices. They can, as did the Record-Journal of Meriden, Connecticut, report that the cuts derive from repeated claims of fraud from Elon Musk that are “without evidence,” that Trump echoes Musk's “unfounded statements,” and then quote a retiree advocate noting that accusations of loads of dead folks collecting benefits are “baseless,” and put the words “fact sheet” in appropriate irony quotes when describing a missive from the White House. Or you can go the route of the Arizona Republic, and lead with the notion that the interference in Social Security is most importantly part of Musk's “implementing … measures to trim costs throughout the government.” Mention that the actions have “stirred a range of emotions, from cautious hope that the federal government might finally bring its deficit spending under control, to frantic fears that benefit cuts could undermine the financial or health security of millions of Americans” go on to ask, earnestly, “Where does Trump stand on Social Security and other benefits?” and begin with a White House statement “reiterating that the president supports these programs.” In paragraph 19, you might throw in that public polling shows that “most Americans would favor revenue increases rather than benefit cuts to Social Security,” which would include “requiring high-income individuals to pay taxes on more of their earnings.” In short, easily verified facts, along with “most Americans,” can be centered or tangential in your reporting on the drastic, opaque changes aimed at the program that keeps the wolf from the door for millions of people but for Musk/Trump represents yet another pile of money they feel belongs to them and theirs. All that's in the balance are human lives and health, and the ability of working people to plan for our futures. We'll talk about the new, yet also old, attacks on Social Security with Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. Plus Janine Jackson takes a quick look at recent media coverage of Mahmoud Khalil, deportations and the FTC.   The post Nancy Altman on Social Security Attacks appeared first on KPFA.

Raúl Grijalva, the dean of Arizona's congressional delegation who spent more than 40 years in public service, succumbed to lung cancer last week. He was 77. His loss is felt by his family, friends, colleagues and constituents. But the search for his replacement has already began. Gov. Katie Hobbs has set a date for the special election to fill his empty spot in Congress and notable names like Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Adelita Grijalva, his daughter, and politician in her own right, have expressed interest in representing District 7. 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 national politics reporter Laura Gersony. Together they retrace Grijalva's career and discuss what comes next in Congressional District 7. Later in the episode, Ron and Mary Jo break down the reality of what could transpire when his seat is filled and more about Ron's experiences interviewing Grijalva over the years. 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

Scottsdale residents voted in a new mayor and new City Council in the 2024 election. Almost immediately, the new faces at City Hall started kicking up dust in a city that calls itself “The West's Most Western town.” Eliminating DEI measures against residents' wishes, a controversy over a parking garage, an ethics complaint about the new mayor and more have Scottsdale City Council feeling more like reality television than C-SPAN. 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 city watchdog reporter Taylor Seely. She covers Phoenix in addition to Scottsdale and has been reporting on the antics of Scottsdale's City Council. Taylor joins The Gaggle to give an update on what is going on in Scottsdale and how the drama is resonating with those in charge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Zoellner, award-winning writer and Chapman University professor, joins AMSEcast to discuss his book Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. He and Alan discuss the discovery of uranium, its radioactive nature, and its historical impact. Once dismissed as worthless by miners, uranium became vital to energy and warfare. The U.S. uranium rush peaked in the 1950s but has since declined. Today, uranium enrichment is expanding in the U.S., with major players like Orano investing in Oak Ridge.     Guest Bio Tom Zoellner is an award-winning writer and the author of nine books, including Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Time, and Scientific American, among other publications. A former staff writer for The Arizona Republic and The San Francisco Chronicle, Tom brings deep expertise in history, science, and investigative journalism. He currently teaches at Chapman University and serves as editor at large for the Los Angeles Review of Books.       Show Highlights (1:28) Why is uranium radioactive and what does that mean? (3:09) How uranium was discovered (5:51) The American uranium rush (9:13) Where the uranium used in the Manhattan Project came from (11:17) How uranium supplies and facilities that use them around the world are controlled (13:35) How the nation of Georgia became the crossroads for uranium smuggling (15:29) Where uranium is currently being enriched and how it affects national security (18:02) What's next for Tom Zoellner     Links Referenced Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World: https://www.amazon.com/Uranium-Energy-Rock-Shaped-World/dp/0670020648

Climate has always been a big deal in Arizona. In a good way, once upon a time, not in a record-heat kind of way. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: Can people still move to Arizona for the climate and clean air? More importantly, should they? We spoke with a couple of people who know a lot about climate, and climate change: Joan Meiners, a reporter for The Arizona Republic who wrote an excellent story about climate and its role among the five C's; and Amber Sullins, chief meteorologist at ABC 15 in Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress is looking to make room for trillions in tax cuts that are titled to corporations and the wealthy. Now, America's health-care program for the disabled, pregnant women and low-income earners is up for possible large federal funding cuts. More than 70 million Americans rely on Medicaid, with 2 million of them living in Arizona. The magnitude of the potential cuts, and the consequences for the people who rely on Medicaid, are on the minds of state lawmakers. They say the state needs to build its upcoming budget around the likelihood of cuts and tighten its belt.  This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are examining what cuts in Medicaid funding would mean for Arizona. First, a health care reporter at The Republic, Stephanie Innes, discusses how many people will be impacted by this decision. Later, Kohler shines a light on the politics of the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The days of cheap seats with a beer and a hot dog in the grass beyond the outfield at a spring training game are long gone. The cheap seats at least, the beer and a hot dog are still there. But now they've been supplemented by a manner of gourmet options. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talk about the most iconic spring training foods. We spoke with the Arizona Diamondbacks radio announcers Chris Garagiola and the recently retired Greg Schulte, and Teresa Strasser, who wrote “Making It Home: Life Lessons from a Season of Little League." 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 […]

Trump and his self-created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, after the internet meme, is attempting to rein in the amount of national spending and the size of the federal government. About 32,000 of the 3 million federal employees are Arizonans, and the number of layoffs and buyouts offered by the Trump administration remains unclear. Most agencies that The Arizona Republic has reached out to for information about layoffs or buyouts have not responded. Slashing federal jobs will impact not only people who have been fired or offered a buyout, but also tourists to the Grand Canyon, Arizonans reliant on Social Security and Hotshots preparing for wildfire season. 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 The Republic's national politics reporter Stephanie Murray. Murray covers the White House and has been closely following how Arizonans will be impacted by Trump's federal job cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's an easy one-liner to say there are places in the desert that make you feel like you're on Mars, but the bright red rocks and unique formations in Sedona do feel like you're on another planet. In the last few decades, Sedona has gotten attention from visitors as one of the premiere places to go for spiritual healing. The new age movement brought flocks of people to its buttes, canyons and trails. This is because of its four famed vortexes. But what even are they and does Sedona really have them? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we explore the world of vortexes, if Sedona's claim to fame is real and how it's all impacted longtime Arizona travel writer Roger Naylor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phoenix experienced a 113-day streak of temperatures at or over 100 degrees, and an annual average high temperature of 90 degrees in 2024. The city's extreme heat is the worst in the nation and has equally resulted in staggering increases of climate-related health emergencies and deaths. Greater resilience to such rising temperatures requires clear, verifiable information that can guide communities in effective decision-making. Researchers at Arizona State University are working to fill this gap, using the Phoenix metro as a laboratory in which to measure, study and document the complex variables that determine thermal risk or safety for humans.  Using novel technologies—like ANDI, the only thermal manikin in the world customized for testing outdoor environments—these scientists are building a detailed understanding of how heat affects the human body under a variety of real-world conditions. The results inform local governments' urgent heat risk mitigation work, identifying and prioritizing high-impact opportunities for public cooling center facilities and augmented built or natural shade.  Listen in as Ten Across founder Duke Reiter the award-winning climatologist Jennifer Vanos and human thermoregulation expert Konrad Rykaczewski about progress and direction in this groundbreaking heat research at ASU, and how its results may help other heat-vulnerable cities in the I-10 corridor and beyond.  Related articles and resources  National Centers for Environmental Information Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters 2024 tally  Phoenix Shade Action Plan  “Phoenix closed popular hiking trails for 45 days in 2024. That could rise in 2025.” (Arizona Republic, Jan. 2025)  “Meet ANDI, the world's first outdoor sweating, breathing and walking manikin” (ASU News, May 2023)  “What Some of the Hottest Cities on The 10 Are Doing to Address Deadly Heat” (Ten Across Conversations podcast, Aug. 2024) “Local Experts Answer: Why Are People Still Moving to Phoenix?” (Ten Across Conversations podcast, Feb. 2024)  “Why do Bedouins wear black in the desert?” (The Guardian, Aug. 2012)

The new year also brought a slightly larger Republican majority in both the House and Senate, furthering the political divide at the Capitol. Gov. Katie Hobbs has already delivered her first veto of the year, denying a Republican-backed proposal to fast-track election results. The political partition complicates Hobbs' goal of scoring wins on her agenda ahead of her 2026 reelection bid. It also coincided with the start of President Donald Trump's second term, and some of the bills have echoes of his pledges.  This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Mary Jo Pitzl sits down with Stan Barnes, who's out at the Capitol often. He's a former state lawmaker and the founder of Copper State Consulting Group, a political lobbying firm in Arizona. Together, they discuss if the Republican dominated Legislature can get their bills passed into law while Hobbs sits in the head office; key topics lawmakers are hoping to cover; and how the 2026 election looms over the session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pronunciation of "Casa Grande," an Arizona city, has sparked popular debate. Some pronounce it with a distinct "e" sound at the end ("Casa Grande"), while other drop the "e" and say "Casa grand." This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we talk with former 12 News anchor Vanessa Ruiz and artist and co-owner of True West magazine Bob Boze Bell discuss the correct pronunciation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Montenegro is not new to the Capitol — he served eight years in the Legislature before an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2018. In 2022, he returned to state politics when he was elected to represent Legislative District 29 along with fellow Republican Austin Smith. At the end of last year, Republicans elected Montenegro as the new speaker of the House of Representatives for the next session. A native of El Salvador, Montenegro is the first Latino to lead the 60-member House. He won the seat after serving just two years, which sets him up for a chance to serve as speaker for three consecutive terms — a rarity in the fast-moving world of legislative term limits and politics. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl sit down with Montenegro at the beginning of his term as speaker. Together they discuss how his immigration background influences him, unifying the Republican party in Arizona, and his approach for working with Hobbs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like the rest of the county, the 1950s in Arizona were a deeply divided time. Education, housing and public places like hotels and restaurants everywhere were segregated by race. It might not be the first place people think of when it comes to the civil rights movement, but Arizona had key leaders that drew that attention of national voices like Martin Luther King Jr. Most work was all being done in the Valley. Up north, a recent graduate of the teaching college at Northern Arizona University would change life for Black residents of Flagstaff forever. Annie Watkins discovered that ballots from Black voters were being thrown away so she turned her education skills into a different sort of teaching. And this was just the beginning of her legacy. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we share the life and legacy of Annie Watkins, from her time in Louisiana to an exhibit honoring her strides in integrating Flagstaff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a swing state, Arizona's politics are watched with a magnifying glass across the country. It's not just who wins – though that is definitely what matters most – but it is smaller things. Among the details that seem to move to the forefront is who leads the major parties. This serves a temperature check for how the parties are running and where they're trending. 2024 was a pretty good year for Republicans in Arizona, as elsewhere. President Donald Trump won the state and Republicans won in all other races that were thought to be a toss-up. Unsurprisingly, that left Democrats looking for changes in their state party leadership, despite holding office in all of the major roles in the state. The GOP stuck with a leader they didn't initially select two years ago, though she faced a challenge to keep her post. 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 Kirk Adams and Sam Richard of Consilium Consulting, a Phoenix-based firm that handles lobbying and consulting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not as dumb of a question as you might think it is. Once you may have looked out your window and saw the strangest thing. White flakes, falling from the sky! What on earth could this be? If you've lived in metro Phoenix all your life this may take a little explanation. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we spoke with Tom Frieders, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, who answers the question, can it snow in Phoenix? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maricopa County is the economic driver of Arizona and at least politically, largely shapes the state's identity. During the 2024 election, the county went through a political overhaul. There are a lot of new faces dealing with a lot of familiar issues. Illegal immigration, sports venues and a jail tax are all on the county's list to tackle in the months to come. But how will new blood approach old business? 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 county politics reporter Sasha Hupka. Together, they break down the big changes at the state's biggest county. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not only does the water of the SRP canals help people live in the desert, but it also employs a very important contributor to the community: the white amur fish. Now, you might not immediately think of fish as being important to living in the desert, but this specific kind of grass carp plays a key role in ensuring the water flows smoothly throughout the canals. Since the canals are surrounded by a major metropolitan area, they tend to end up with some blown-in debris and garbage from city life. This led one of our listeners to ask if it's safe for the fish to be in the canals, and who takes care of the trash that finds its way into them. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we hear from a senior environmental scientist from SRP who explains the important job the white amur fish does for metro Phoenix. Click here for the map of the canal dry-up schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his first day in office Donald Trump issued a slew of executive orders to address what he called “an unprecedented flood” of immigration. Terminating birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the Constitution, declaring a national emergency at the border and seeking funds to build a border wall are just some of Trump's directives. Many of his orders faced immediate opposition: as of Tuesday, 18 states and two cities had filed lawsuits attacking the legality of the birthright citizenship order. We talk about Trump's early moves on immigration and how they are impacting immigrants and their families. Guests: Salvador Rivera, correspondent based in San Diego, BorderReport.com Deep Gulasekaram, professor of law and director of Byron White Center for the Study of Constitutional Law, University of Colorado Boulder Law School. He teaches constitutional and immigration law. He is co-author of the leading immigration law textbook used in U.S. law schools. Molly O'Toole, fellow, Wilson Center; Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter currently working on a book on immigration for Penguin Random House[[formerly covered migration and security for the Los Angeles Times]] Rafael Carranza, reporter, Arizona Luminaria, a nonprofit news organization covering Arizona; Carranza covers immigration issues. He previously reported for the Arizona Republic and the USA Today Network. Tyche Hendricks, senior editor covering immigration, KQED

President Donald Trump's "Day 1" has come and gone and so far, he has kept most of his promises. The president signed an abundance of executive orders in the hours following his inauguration, some directly impacting Arizonans, with more to come in the first few days of his new administration. But is this the beginning of a MAGA marathon or an early sprint before the chance of a changing tide in the 2026 midterm elections? 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 national politics reporters Stephanie Murray and Laura Gersony. Together they go through what Trump's second time in office may mean for Arizonans and the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever stopped at an airport convenience shop or gassed up at a truck stop or shopped at a gag-gift store, you've seen them: scorpion lollipops. While they definitely fall into the category of curious novelty, they're also a big business, especially in Arizona. A lot of them are sold in the state, almost certainly more than you would think. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we spoke with Larry Peterman, the founder of the fantastically named Hotlix, a California candy company that makes them, and Reia Li, who wrote a story about the suckers in The Arizona Republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for his inauguration on Jan. 20 and the start of the new administration holds significance for Arizona. Trump has promised to start mass deportations on "day one" and to quickly tighten border protections. As for now, the border seems calm. But "day one" is coming soon. 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 southern Arizona reporter Sarah Lapidus. She has been at the border with The Republic's immigration reporter Rafael Romero Ruiz, talking with people who call the borderlands home. This week, The Republic is launching a newsletter to keep you up to date on changing immigration developments and border policies. Subscribe to the American Border newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metro Phoenix is a vastly underrated dining oasis, with plenty of good food, from fine dining to fine burger joints. Each year, the Arizona Republic releases a list of 100 essential restaurants in the Valley. And by "essential" we don't mean just the places that taste the best, though of course with food taste is pretty essential. These are places that taste good and are also important to the community. But what does "essential" mean to one of the biggest advocates for Phoenix's dining scene? And how does a restaurant get on the list in the first place? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talked with iconic Phoenix restauranteur Chris Bianco, who has two restaurants on the list, and with Felicia Campbell, the Republic's food, dining and nightlife editor, who helped answer the question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

t's been four years since the riot at the U.S. Capitol shook the country. It was the first time in history there wasn't a peaceful transfer of power as the electoral votes were finalized. This week's presidential certification was notably without the violence and chaos that defined January 6, 2021. 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 back at 2021 and how the aftermath of the Capitol attack is still playing out today. In this episode, you'll hear interviews from 2021 with Senator Ruben Gallego and Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko, who were representatives at the time and in the Capitol building that day. They share their firsthand account with The Gaggle. Then, an interview with reporter Richard Ruelas from 2022 as the investigation into the attack was beginning and Arizona names were coming to light. Listen to the full interviews from 2021 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For centuries, Native American art has been viewed through the lens of collectors, art historians, and tourists. But how have Native artists considered their own work? For many tribal artists, there was a financial incentive to create objects that would appeal to non-Natives. But that's changing. Across the U.S., Indigenous artists are fighting stereotypes, protesting cultural appropriation, and carving spaces for their work in museums and galleries beyond those reserved for Native artists. Indigenous Affairs Reporter Debra Utacia Krol, a correspondent for The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY network, joins The Excerpt to discuss how Native art has grown and evolved.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 27, 2024 is: feisty • FYE-stee • adjective Feisty describes someone who has or shows a lively aggressiveness especially in being unafraid to fight or argue. In some regions of the US, feisty may also be used as a synonym of fidgety, quarrelsome, or frisky. // Even her opponents admire her feisty spirit. See the entry > Examples: "Hummingbirds may be tiny, but the feisty birds can be fearless. A video ... shows a falcon eating a dragonfly while perched on a tree. Then, out of nowhere, a hummingbird flies into the frame and starts flitting around the bird of prey." — Shelby Slade and Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sept. 2024 Did you know? In some parts of the southern United States, the word feist (pronounced to rhyme with heist) has been used since the 18th century as a term for a small dog used in hunting more diminutive game animals (such as squirrels). The word comes from the much older, now obsolete word fisting (pronounced as “feisting” would be) meaning “breaking wind,” which was used scornfully in the 16th and 17th centuries to describe gassy pooches. Feisty developed in the late 19th century, its flatulent origin lost, but its small-dog association still visible with a squint: the term conveys the spunk and determination that one may associate with a dog that manages to make its presence known, through its bark or its bite—or perhaps even its indifference to olfactory decorum—despite its small size.

A titan in Arizona arts turned 60 this year. Locals might know it as the "pink birthday cake," but everyone knows it as ASU Gammage. Opened in 1964, Gammage is the only public building Frank Lloyd Wright made in Arizona. In partnership with his good friend and president of Arizona State University at the time, Grady Gammage, the renowned architect took plans originally for an opera house in Baghdad to create the university's performing arts space. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we sit down with the executive director of ASU Gammage Colleen Jennings-Roggensack to talk about the history of the theater and the magic it has kept for 60 years. She tells Valley 101 inside stories about working with NASA engineers to innovate the theater, her admiration for Wright's dedication to the desert and how she brought Gammage into the modern day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices