Podcasts about arizonans

Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature worked across the aisle for an $18 billion state budget. It includes the end of tax exemptions for data centers, nearly across the board cutbacks on state agencies, and implementing a historic tax cut that makes Arizona the first state to put President Donald Trump's tax cuts into action. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by two state politics reporters for the Arizona Republic to break down what's inside, the most dramatic day of the session and what parts will impact Arizonans right away. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stacey Barchenger, Ray Stern Hosts: Stephanie Murray Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce & Gaydos share a November ballot measure that would allow Arizonans to vote to for or against approval to continue photo enforcement programs. They also share the latest details on the memorandum of understanding deal between the U.S. and Iran.

Send us a text and chime in!The Arizona Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, June 16, to hear directly from Arizonans across the state about their transportation challenges and needs. The meeting is part of the Next Move Arizona statewide listening tour to develop a shared vision for the state's transportation system that safely connects people and empowers the economy. To register for the meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m., please visit azdot.gov/Listening. The session will feature remarks by ADOT Director Jennifer Toth, followed by an interactive session to gather feedback on transportation issues and priorities and a demonstration of...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/adot-seeks-public-input-on-arizona-transportation-2/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

To a lot of people, most refer to this time as summer. Arizonans though, think of it as another season: wildfire season. The past year in Arizona has been very dry, and with little rainfall, we could have some extremely serious wildfires this season. On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talk with The Republic's climate reporter, Joan Meiners, to learn about the dangers of wildfire spread and what could cause this season to be one of our worst.  Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Watchlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: Joan Meiners Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Producer: Tori Weiss, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amanda Luberto⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forecasters are predicting a hotter-than-typical summer for Arizona, in the form of a “Super El Niño.” That comes as Arizonans are spending more to cool their homes. And, we'll meet the new head of Tucson's Museum of Contemporary Art.

Send us a text and chime in!Twenty Arizona residents were awarded the Empowering Diversity Scholarship ahead of the 2026-27 academic year through a partnership between Fiesta Sports Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue). Scholarship funds will provide financial support for recipients pursuing post-secondary education or completing their GED (General Educational Development). Over the program's seven years, the scholarship has been awarded to 164 Arizonans, including this year's recipients. The 20 individuals received a total of ,500 in financial awards and wraparound support. “One of the most transformative investments we can make is in people, and this year's Empowering Diversity Scholarship recipients remind...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-students-receive-87500-in-scholarship-awards/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

ABC15's Christel Bell joins Arizona’s Morning News to talk about ABC’s On the Road segment. ABC is hosting the event at Glendale Community College, bringing free help and resources to Arizonans. 

Extreme heat kills hundreds of Arizonans each year. But some groups are at much higher risk than others – that includes residents of manufactured homes. A member of the Deer Valley Unified School District board is under fire for giving a Nazi salute following a dispute with the board president during a public meeting on Tuesday night. The town of Superior has forged a $20-million dollar water deal with the mining company Resolution Copper. Plus the latest tribal natural resources, business, metro Phoenix and politics news.

Mark Lamb is an experienced Sheriff and an authentic, unapologetic, proven conservative leader. As Sheriff, he has seen the dangers of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime with his own two eyes. Currently running for Congress in Arizona, his #1 priority to keep Arizonans safe from the D.C. swamp and all it encompasses.

Federal Medicaid cuts could mean a loss of at-home services for Arizonans with disabilities. We'll meet three Arizonans whose families rely on those services. Plus, a University of Arizona astrophysicist and 2026 Guggenheim Fellow who posts about all things space on Instagram.

Send us a text and chime in!With approximately 3,020 miles traveled and more than 20,000 visitors welcomed across 31 communities in all 15 Arizona counties, the Arizona America250 Commission proudly marks the conclusion of the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum. From its launch in Prescott on Arizona's Statehood Day on February 14 to its final stop in Lake Havasu City on April 11, the first-of-its-kind mobile exhibition connected Arizonans of all ages to the stories, people, and ideals that define both the state and the nation. Housed in a custom mobile exhibit, the experience blended national history with Arizona's unique story through immersive displays, interactive...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-traveling-museum-reaches-20000-visitors/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Send us Fan MailThe SRP election caught most Arizonans completely off guard, and then it became one of the most-watched utility board races in state history. What started as a sleepy, low-turnout local election turned into a four-times-higher-than-normal turnout event the moment Turning Point USA put its logo on candidate signs, and the fallout is still rippling through Arizona energy policy, water politics, and the 2026 election cycle.Chuck Coughlin is the CEO and President of HighGround Inc., Arizona's longest continuously operating public affairs firm. A five-time winner of Arizona's Best Political Operative award from the Arizona Capital Times, Chuck has run gubernatorial and congressional campaigns, worked alongside Senator John McCain, and has been a strategist and lobbyist for clients including the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, and the Salt River Project itself. If anyone can break down what actually happened and what it means, it is him.What you will learn in this episode:Why most Arizonans had never heard of an SRP election before this year, and why that changed overnightHow SRP's voting structure works, including the acreage-based system that traces back to 1903 federal lawWhy SRP territory residents have essentially no water insecurity, and how electricity revenue subsidizes that water supplyWhat actually separated the two slates, including the real policy debate over natural gas as a peak-power resourceHow Turning Point's logo on candidate signs triggered a partisan wave in a nonpartisan election and produced historic turnoutWhy the new board majority could create friction with SRP management and what that means for rate stabilityHow Arizona utilities are expected to double their generating capacity in the next decade to meet data center demandWhy SRP, APS, and Tucson Electric are all requiring data centers to sign base-load contracts so ratepayers are not on the hookThe key structural difference between SRP as a not-for-profit federal franchise and APS as a for-profit investor-owned utility regulated by the Arizona Corporation CommissionWhat Attorney General Kris Mayes taking on APS over rate increases could mean for Arizona consumersWhat the Project Blue data center fight in Tucson reveals about how communities can push back and winWhy Chuck believes open primaries are the only structural fix for a political system he sees as built to oppose rather than governConnect with Chuck Coughlin:Email: info@azhighground.com Facebook: facebook.com/AZHighGround LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/azhighground Instagram: instagram.com/azhighground

More than a decade after Arizonans voted to legalize medical marijuana, the Trump administration is loosing federal rules around it. While the final moves of rescheduling are still to come by the DEA, some Arizona Republicans are going in the opposite direction of the Trump administration by trying to put stricter rules around marijuana for the state. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talk about why Trump reclassified marijuana now and why Arizona's GOP is considering a crackdown. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ray Stern Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stephanie Murray Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce & Gaydos ask how the state of the economy is impacting Arizonans.

We visit the newest episode of the Amazing Arizonans Podcast featuring the driving force behind Schnepf farms. 

Following a 5th Circuit Court ruling seeking to prevent telemedicine prescriptions of the abortion pill mifepristone and a subsequent Supreme Court order for a one-week administrative stay on that decision, Arizona state senator Analise Ortiz joined ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath to talk about what the legal back and forth means for her constituents. "Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition to enshrine abortion access into the state constitution," Senator Ortiz said. "Now, with all of this happening in the Fifth Circuit, it now puts things into further chaos and confusion for Arizonans when the voters have already spoken on this issue." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From hustle to history, this Amazing Arizonan is nothing short of the word amazing! Attorney Jordan Rose and how she built her career and what it takes to serve clients at the highest level.

Starting in 1942, Phoenix's leading businessmen and citizens decided that something had to be done about local government. Their efforts over the next seven years would completely revamp how the state capital was governed, and also help kick off the political career of one of the most famous of all Arizonans.

Governor Katie Hobbs joined Bruce & Gaydos for another edition of Talk to the Governor. She shared her thoughts on Arizona's water future, the decline in Arizonans' participation in SNAP benefits, mail-in voting and more!

Ringmaster James T. Welcomes Arizona Republican Party leader to speak on Gov. Hobbs Taco political theater and recenter us on the real issues for real Arizonans.

Will you need to refile your taxes? What should Arizonans know about filing their taxes? We talked to House Speaker Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen to get all the answers.

Sine Kerr shares her vast experience in farming and ranching in Arizona making her way to state director for the USDA.

A new episode from the new season of Amazing Arizonans is out NOW! Jeff Mastro & Oliver Badgio built a steakhouse empire, and saved Durant’s!

The Pima County Board of Supervisors will consider next steps regarding Sheriff Chris Nanos, after a growing number of Arizonans say his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case is “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Several news outlets are reporting the Sheriff was already under fire for misrepresenting his resume and allegedly lying under oath about disclosing past disciplinary actions. Meantime, there are reports of a new video showing a masked man at Nancy’s home 3 weeks before her abduction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors will consider next steps regarding Sheriff Chris Nanos, after a growing number of Arizonans say his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case is “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Several news outlets are reporting the Sheriff was already under fire for misrepresenting his resume and allegedly lying under oath about disclosing past disciplinary actions. Meantime, there are reports of a new video showing a masked man at Nancy’s home 3 weeks before her abduction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors will consider next steps regarding Sheriff Chris Nanos, after a growing number of Arizonans say his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case is “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Several news outlets are reporting the Sheriff was already under fire for misrepresenting his resume and allegedly lying under oath about disclosing past disciplinary actions. Meantime, there are reports of a new video showing a masked man at Nancy’s home 3 weeks before her abduction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors will consider next steps regarding Sheriff Chris Nanos, after a growing number of Arizonans say his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case is “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Several news outlets are reporting the Sheriff was already under fire for misrepresenting his resume and allegedly lying under oath about disclosing past disciplinary actions. Meantime, there are reports of a new video showing a masked man at Nancy’s home 3 weeks before her abduction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats told us elections are secure, so why are they terrified of proving it. The measure in which Democrats are fighting against passing the SAVE act is mind-blowing but having RINO Republicans backing them up is worse. The partial government shutdown is now wearing on Americans, and some government workers are just giving up and that because shutdowns are unfortunately becoming the new normal. Plus, there's no joy in Joy Reid, Katie Hobbs wants Arizonans to do their taxes over again, President Trump holds back nothing, when is too old to serve in congress, and plenty more on you St. Patty's edition of the Conservative Circus Show.

Have you seen the new season of Amazing Arizonans is out? The first one dropped for the season featured former Vice President Dan Quayle and today you can hear the latest drop with Brandon Tatum.  

Arizona State Senator Carine Werner (R-LD4) shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and making a difference in Arizona. From her journey as a refugee to becoming a leader in the State Legislature, Carine talks about her passion for public service and her commitment to fighting for what's right. She discusses her work on the Health and Human Services Committee, tackling issues like Medicaid fraud and healthcare worker safety, and her efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of Arizonans. Check out her website at https://wernerforaz.com/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ringmaster James T. welcomes Tim Sandefur from the Goldwater Institute to speak the big win for Arizonans after the prevailing wage ruling .

Jeffery Epstein has dominated attention seven years after his death. His wealth, social circles and varied interests ensured the digital trail of his life would lead in many directions. But not many could have guessed that he would posthumously delay the seating of an Arizona congresswoman or that his email threads would catch the University of Arizona in an uncomfortable lie. Among shocking photos and ghastly electronic interactions, these are some of the ongoing surprises from the Epstein files. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, we break down which Arizonans are in the Epstein files, what politicians are and are not saying about the files, and how the Epstein files are creating shockwaves throughout Arizona, Washington, D.C., and the world. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Stephanie Murray Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Republican lawmakers want ICE agents at polling places while Maricopa County officials continue their fight over elections. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze those and the rest of the week's top stories. Plus, the underground history of Arizona's own “Womyn's Land.”

Barrett Marson of Marson Media and Mike Haener of Lumen Strategies joined The Show to talk about continuing squabble over election responsibilities in Maricopa County, a legislative resignation and more.

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, water deals are not made and housing still remains top of mind for many Arizonans. Mike talks about how these top issues impact the state. 

New data suggests fewer Arizonans are making calls on handheld cellphones behind the wheel. Why drivers, though, are still distracted. Plus, Utah leaders hope the upcoming Olympics could help save the Great Salt Lake.

During World War II, more than a few Arizonans left their marks on the battles raging across Europe and in the Pacific. A Marine from the state would even be captured in one of the most iconic war photos of all time.

Will some Arizonans have to refile and amend their taxes? We get some clarity on the situation with Senator Mesnard to talk about the tax conformity bill.

Health officials continue to urge Arizonans to take precautions against measles. Federal investigators say a southern Arizona man shot by Border Patrol agents early Tuesday could face federal charges. As Arizona's legislative session begins, housing affordability continues to be a priority for many lawmakers. Plus the latest education, Indigenous affairs, environmental and metro Phoenix news.

For the second time this month, a U.S. citizen has been shot and killed by federal agents during a surge in immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. The raids, protests and the new dimension of Second Amendment rights has gotten the attention of Arizonans as the presence of national agents has increased in the state. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with guests on both sides of the issue as it expands in Phoenix and across the state. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Erica Connell, Art Del Cueto Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Stephanie Murray Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-LD1) returns to the show and discusses some of his bills that fight human trafficking, keeps Arizonans safe from sex offenders, drug traffickers and fights for the Second Amendment. He also weighs in on ICE, protestors and illegal immigration.

Sen. Ruben Gallego recently introduced a bill to limit algorithmic pricing. He'll tell us why Arizonans may not be paying fair prices for common items. Plus, a new list aims to shine a light on sites with significance to the Latinx community.

Mike Noble joined Outspoken to discuss his Arizona Power Rankings poll where Arizonans chose their favorite and least favorite politicians in the state.

St. Vincent de Paul prevented homelessness for over 39,000 Arizonans in 2025, more than doubling its goal impact. We talked to the CEO about it's success. 

Six prosecutors quit over push to investigate ICE shooting victim's widow; MN union: ICE activity spreading fear among workers; Expired health care subsidies daunting for Arizonans; Missouri bill would open licensed careers to DACA recipients; Federal tax credit program supports development projects in NC.

Six prosecutors quit over push to investigate ICE shooting victim's widow; MN union: ICE activity spreading fear among workers; Expired health care subsidies daunting for Arizonans; Missouri bill would open licensed careers to DACA recipients; Federal tax credit program supports development projects in NC.

Arizonans have over $34 billion dollars in student debt.

It's Thanksgiving week, and Arizonans have food on their mind. Stores are starting to sell out of food. It's the last rush before the big meal. Something that people like to talk about during this season is food rankings. One of the biggest food debates is: What is the best Thanksgiving side? This week on Valley 101, we dive into the rankings with the help of Arizona Republic's dining and food reporter Endia Fontanez and several Arizona chefs. You'll also hear from the Valley 101 team about their Thanksgiving opinions. Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Endia Fontanez, Mahfam Mooeni Alacron, Justin Beckett, Julie Moreno, Charleen Badman, Mark Tarbell, ⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Madison Knutson Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love it or hate it, Christmas music has started playing on radio stations and in grocery stores. Beth McDonald hosts "Beth and Friends" on KEZ 99.9 FM. She's been playing Christmas music for 41 years. In the past, she would start after Thanksgiving. This year, she started music on November 5. This week on Valley 101, we explore why Arizonans are asking Beth McDonald to kick off Christmas music early. We also brought on Bill Goodykoontz to share his complicated views on the seasonal earworms. Submit your question⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ about Phoenix! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guests: ⁠⁠⁠Beth McDonald, Bill Goodykoontz Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madison Knutson Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined once again by Dr. Bandy Lee, forensic and social psychiatrist and violence expert, who edited the 2017 New York Times bestselling book, “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump.” We get her latest take on whether someone with Trump's psychological profile should have the nuclear football and whether he would actually leave office peacefully. Plus, Ralph assesses the latest No Kings rally. Dr. Bandy Lee is a forensic and social psychiatrist, violence expert, president of the World Mental Health Coalition and New York Times bestselling author of “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump.” Her new book is “The Psychology of Trump Contagion,” also available as a podcast. And her four-part series on Substack is “The Serious and Imminent Threat of Donald Trump.”I have often said that every accusation is a confession; that whatever he (Trump) says of others will quite accurately portray what is happening in him because of the level of symptomatology and projection.Dr. Bandy LeeHe will react (to impeachment) very belligerently, as violently as possible, as we've seen from his loss of the first attempt to be reelected. But it also depends on how we handle him. We've seen from how dictators of the world – who understand his psychology much better because it's similar to theirs – can manipulate him and cause him to do all kinds of things that ordinary presidents would never do. And so, I would say that he's still very malleable, and it depends on how we handle him and manage him. And that's why mental health consultants would be very important.Dr. Bandy LeeLet me suggest why the progressive media is avoiding your type of elaboration and explanation. They do not want to be accused of what the communist regime in the Soviet Union did to dissenters. Stalin and his cohorts would basically say that dissenters are insane. They have mental impairment, and they should be sent to prisons in Siberia. And progressives throughout the decades have been very fearful of being tainted with that accusation about dissent in American society.Ralph NaderNews 10/24/25* On October 15th, investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein published a report on the Trump administration's attempts to implement the new National Security Presidential Memorandum targeting “Antifa” known as NSPM-7. According to this report, the federal government has so far begun “collecting intelligence on Antifa ‘affinity' groups, canvassing the FBI's vast informant network for tips about Antifa, and scrutinizing financial records.” What this will mean in practice remains murky. A senior career homeland security official is quoted saying that “no one should doubt the orders that have come down from on high to destroy Antifa,” and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently stated “Antifa is just as sophisticated as MS-13, as TDA [Tren de Aragua], as ISIS, as Hezbollah, as Hamas, as all of em.” However, as this simply is not the case – former FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress that Antifa is “not a group or an organization…[instead]...a movement or an ideology,” – the door is open for the Trump administration to pursue a wide-ranging and ill-defined crusade against any groups or individuals it determines to be antifascist. So far the response to this campaign has been muted, perhaps out of fear of reprisal from the federal government. But with infinitely moveable goalposts, this “war on antifa” as Klippenstein defines it, could have grave consequences for civil society and civil liberties for years to come.* In more federal news, POLITICO reports that if the government shutdown continues through November 1st, residents of 25 states – including California, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Indiana, Mississippi, D.C. and New Jersey – will lose access to SNAP benefits. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps over 42 million low-income Americans avoid hunger. The loss of SNAP benefits will be acutely felt as the nation enters the holiday, and specifically Thanksgiving, season. It remains to be seen whether this will force either side to blink, and many expect the shutdown to drag on until the November elections.* Even with the government shut down, things are happening in Congress. This week, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit to force Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to swear in Adelita Grijalva. Johnson has blocked Grijalva, who won the special election in Arizona's seventh congressional district a month ago, from taking her seat in Congress. Mayes argues that Johnson's obstinance has left 800,000 Arizonans without representation and is requesting that federal judges, or others authorized to administer the oath of office swear in Grijalva if Johnson refuses to do so. Johnson claims he cannot administer the oath until the House is back in session, yet he used a special pro forma session to swear in Republican Representatives Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine less than 24 hours after they won their respective special elections. Many contend that he is blocking Grijalva because she has vowed to vote in favor of the discharge petition to force the release of the Epstein files. This from AP.* Meanwhile, in the Senate, a breach seems to be widening between President Trump and Kentucky libertarian Senator Rand Paul on the issue of the strikes on Venezuelan boats. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Senator Paul said “We can't just kill indiscriminately because we are not at war. It's summary execution!...Everyone gets a trial because sometimes, the system gets it wrong. Even the worst of the worst in our country get due process. The bottom line is that execution without process is not justice, and blowing up foreign ships is a recipe for chaos.” At another point in this interview, Paul disputed the Venezuelan narcotrafficker narrative, emphasizing that “There is no fentanyl made in Venezuela. Not just a little bit, there's none being made... These are outboard boats that, in order for them to get to Miami, would have to stop and refuel 20 times.” That same day, the Hill reported Trump hosted a lunch with all Republican Senators at the White House Rose Garden – with the sole exception of Rand Paul. Paul brushed this off, saying he was instead having lunch with Congressman Thomas Massie, an ideological ally who also bucks President Trump's direction on a number of issues.* On the other side of the aisle, Senator Elizabeth Warren has sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanding answers related to the Argentina bailout. Specifically, Warren is concerned about “revelations that the United States government may be purchasing Argentine pesos,” as part of this bailout, and pressing for disclosure as to “whether such purchases have occurred and how much taxpayer money has already been spent.” This from MediasNews. This letter alleges that the deal includes “a $20 billion currency-swap agreement with Argentina's central bank, efforts to arrange a $20 billion private investment vehicle, and ‘the apparent purchase of at least hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Argentine pesos directly using taxpayer dollars.” The administration seems unusually invested in propping up the government of Argentinian President Javier Milei, a staunch Trump ally in the region. In addition to this bailout, on Wednesday, Trump angered the American cattle industry and their Republican allies in Congress by announcing plans for large-scale purchases of Argentinian beef, which will undercut American producers, per Newsweek.* In Massachusetts, a complex political dynamic is emerging in that state's Democratic Senate primary. Longtime progressive incumbent Ed Markey, who fended off a primary challenge from the Right launched by Joe Kennedy in 2020, is now facing a new rightward challenge from Congressman Seth Moulton. Many see Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a “Squad” member, as Markey's chosen successor, but he has made no indication of stepping aside, despite the fact that he would be 80 years old if he were to be reelected in 2026. Moulton is 46, Pressley is 51. Moreover, in an indication of where the party is ideologically, Moulton made one of his first campaign moves “returning campaign donations that he received from individuals affiliated with…[AIPAC]...and [vowing] he would no longer accept campaign support from the group,” per the New Republic. Moulton is by no means an antizionist, he followed up this announcement by saying “I'm a friend of Israel,” according to JNS, but the fact that even a centrist to center-right Democrat has to reject AIPAC money is a sign of just how toxic the group has become to the Democratic Party rank and file.* Our next two stories are on bills responding to the challenges of AI. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a bill updating the state's antitrust laws to ban landlords from using AI algorithms to “artificially inflate New Yorkers' rents,” according to Gothamist. This bill comes in the context of a Justice Department lawsuit against RealPage, a company that uses algorithms to analyze data such as vacancies and lease renewal rates to give landlords price recommendations – which many see as collusive price-fixing. According to a Council of Economic Advisors study, such algorithms cost renters nationwide 3.8 billion additional dollars in inflated rents in 2023. California enacted a similar law earlier this month. Hopefully other states and municipalities, particularly those with hot rental markets, will follow suit.* And in New Jersey, Newsweek reports Assemblywoman Andrea Katz is pushing a bill to impose a surcharge on AI data centers to help offset the rising power costs caused by the massive amounts of energy these data centers consume. This tax would be used to modernize New Jersey's power grid. According to the data, “the average price of residential electricity increased 6.5 percent from 16.41 cents per kilowatt-hour to 17.47 cents between May 2024 and May 2025.” This issue is particularly salient in New Jersey right now, as the state gubernatorial elections are rapidly approaching. In this same context, Democratic Virginia state delegate Shelly Simonds is quoted saying “Voters are mad as hell about energy prices increasing…anybody who ignores these issues does so at their peril.”* Turning to foreign affairs, earlier this week the BBC reported that Prince Andrew would be “giving up his titles, including the Duke of York, following a ‘discussion with the King.'” This announcement raised alarm bells. Prince Andrew has been deeply implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and has been out of public view for years already. This new severing of his ties to the royal family implied there was more yet to come. Indeed, just days later an excerpt from the late Virginia Giuffre's memoir Nobody's Girl included an account of the former Duke of York engaging in an orgy with Giuffre and “approximately eight other young girls” at Epstein's Little St. James island estate. In this memoir, Giuffre also recounts a brutal rape at the hands of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.* Finally, in some positive news, Reuters reports that elections in Turkish-dominated Northern Cyprus this week brought to power Centre-left politician Tufan Erhurman. Erhurman, who won with nearly two-thirds of the vote, has pledged to revive reunification talks with the Greek-dominated portion of the island. Various peace plans and reunification efforts over the years have failed, and talks have largely ceased since 2017. This victory proves one thing: it is never too late for a people to move toward peace. We wish the Cypriots on both sides of the partition luck in the negotiations to come.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe