POPULARITY
Photo: An aerial view of the Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson, Ariz. during an EcoFlight trip in April 2026. (Gabriel Pietrorazio) Today is Earth Day and earlier this month, the Colorado nonprofit EcoFlight came to Arizona as part of its annual aerial educational program — Flight Across America. A cohort of college students soared through the skies for an environmental tour of endangered landscapes across the West. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio took flight with them and has this report. On the Tucson International Airport tarmac, a fleet of three Cessna 210s taxi for takeoff. Manufacturers ceased production of this 6-seater model four decades ago, but these very planes have lately been the college students' main mode of transportation. Their four-day adventure across the Grand Canyon State kicked-off in Flagstaff. “And I am in awe of just what the world looks like from a bird's eye view.” Back on the ground, 23-year-old Kimmale Anderson reflects on her ride. She is from the Hopi village of Kykotsmovi and a senior majoring in environmental science at Fort Lewis College in Colorado. Anderson and seven more students met tribes along the way. While here in Tucson, Tohono O'odham Vice Chairwoman Carla Johnson joined her and the rest. “These leaders coming and being with us in these planes and giving their perspective is very powerful. And I think that they don't really speak for all of their people. And I appreciate the fact that they always express that.” An aerial view of solar panels near Tucson during an EcoFlight tour in April 2026. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) Arizona State University data science junior Sophia Honahni is Diné-Hopi and from Tuba City. “They had a lot to share – coming from both a western science and a traditional ecological knowledge perspective.” Eager high schoolers were the first to learn about the land from above through Flight Across America – until the nonprofit EcoFlight shifted its attention to career-bound college students who could make the most meaningful change in areas of conservation. This opportunity can, in part, be credited to one of the nation's most popular folk singers — John Denver. This passion for piloting and astronomy only grew when he moved to spend much of his life in this snowy Colorado city. Aspen is also where Bruce Gordon founded EcoFlight. “My good friend John Denver, you're old enough to know who he is? (laughter)” Gordon was one of the pilots that ferried students around Arizona. “But I laughed like that, because, even a number of the students we just had – maybe a third of them raised their hands.” Flight Across America was their brainchild for Earth Day 2000. “This idea sort of came to a huge fizzle when he passed away.” In 1997, the eight-time platinum album recording artist crashed an experimental plane into California's Monterey Bay. Gordon dedicated the maiden Flight Across America voyage in 2004 to Denver's memory. About 180 students have taken to the skies of the West since then. It is something Gordon thinks would have inspired Denver, too. “Yeah, he would have really been excited about this – getting up in the air, getting the people involved – because that was one of his main loves for sure.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — Earth Day read: “Mother Earth is Our Elder” by Katłı̨̀ą Catherine Lafferty
Passenger numbers are surging at Tucson International Airport...The airport celebrates the highest water mark since the 2008 recession, citing Mark with an update on Tucson Games, the Short Rest Tavern, and his coffee bar, Geeky Grinds. Mark also expands upon "reality shows" (as discussed in Hour 1 today with Dan Shearer) from his own experience. Mark and Chris play trivia.
Lots of asylum seekers at Tucson International Airport. County bemoans a drop in HURF Suspect from police standoff and a connection with the Tucson Crime Bus Barney Brenner joins Chris today. Barney is a semi-retired former business owner, political candidate, and political consultant. He is also an occasional contributor to townhall.com
Drive in with The Morning Ritual weekday mornings on KNST AM790 Pima GOP Chairman Dave Smith and his wife Betsy were flying out of Tucson International Airport today and noticed dozens and dozens of illegal immigrants boarding the plane, wearing nice clothes and not dealing with security.
GuestsHoward Stewart, President/CEOAGM Container Controls3526 E. Fort Lowell RoadTucson, AZ 85716hstewart@agmcontainer.com520-881-2130https://www.agmcontainer.com/SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTubeHoward Stewart has been President/CEO of AGM Container Controls (AGM) since 2000.Howard currently serves as the 2019/2020 Open Your Heart Chair for the American Heart Association (AHA) Tucson Chapter. He serves as a board member for the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, UWTSA (2013-2020). Howard also serves as a board member for the Tucson Metro Chamber (2012-2020).In 2018/2019, Howard chaired the local AHA Heart and Stroke Ball, helping to raise over $500,000 for local heart research.Under Howard's leadership, AGM has successfully run 21 consecutive UWTSA fundraising campaigns at the Gold award level. In 2019, AGM achieved its 27th straight year without a layoff. Due to Howard having recreated AGM's college tuition reimbursement plan, a record 26% of AGM's workforce attended college in 2018.In 2017, Howard proposed an important new Tucson initiative, which has since been named “FlyTucsonFirst”. The initiative's purpose is to get Tucsonans to understand the vital economic impact that will occur only if we fly in and out of our own Tucson International Airport.In 2018, Howard was named CEO of the Year by Tucson Local Media. In 2009, AGM was recognized as "America's Small Business of the Year" by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2002, Howard was recognized as Tucson's Small Business Leader of the Year.Business info:AGM Container Controls is a Tucson-based manufacturing company with 145 employees. AGM has an Employee Stock Ownership Program. As such, every AGM employee is either an employee-owner or in the process of becoming such. AGM manufactures environmental control hardware for missiles and other electro-optical equipment. AGM also manufactures the world's premier vertical wheelchair lift, which provides access to elevation changes in public facilities and residences for individuals with disabilities.Brett Wright, Owner, and President of D&H Air Conditioning & Heating Co.Date: Thursday, July 253629 N Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705Phone: 520-408-2665https://www.dandhac.comSocial Media: D&H Facebook | D&H InstagramOther: https://dandhac.com/ac-technicians-training-facility/Brett Wright grandfather Arthur Duhamel and partner Harry Hawk founded the company in Tucson back in 1959. He says he literally grew up in the business tagged around with his grandpa by age 6 and by his teen years, he was “digging ditches and working in the shop, before studying business at the U of A.”Brett bought the company in 1987. And now, as D&H celebrates its 60th anniversary, the family-owned business continues to provide consistent, high quality, expert HVAC services throughout Southern Arizona.In fact, the company is doing an exciting first as they are in the process of opening a state-of-the-art technicians' training center, which will benefit the industry, workforce development and its clients at all levels, including superior 24/7 service, full financing, and coverage of all brands. Word has it that Four core values set D&H Air Conditioning and Heating apart from the competition: Service; Innovation; Knowledge; and Experience.This facility is a complete house INSIDE a huge commercial facility at 3990 S. Evans Blvd in Tucson. It's never been done before in Tucson – or anywhere, that we know of.The new space will include our showroom, training lab, classrooms, call center, and offices. The house will be fully equipped with every residential system we offer, each connected to a control room that can simulate all kinds of system failures– and wired for audio and video so training techs can see a playback of visits with roleplaying ‘homeowners' to self-assess their technical and communication skills. This will be a place where young people will be able to build a well-paying career without four-year college experience.With our training lab and training house, we will be able to continuously train our technicians and help improve their skills to make sure our customers receive the best service every time.The air conditioning industry is undergoing a major technological change benefiting homeowners: more comfortable homes, lower energy bills, more flexible and durable A/C systems.Small A/C operators are bound to disappear, unable to keep up with the level of training, mobility, and service required by equipment makers and consumers. D&H AC is well prepared for this, with large investments in hiring, training, equipment, and technology. Our clients benefit from this at all levels, including 24/7 service, full financing, and coverage of all brands.
Guest host Ben Buehler-Garcia sits down with Danny Knee, the Executive Director of the Community Investment Corporation, to talk about their work on equity crowdfunding and housing affordability. Then, newly instated CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority, Danette Bewley, comes in to talk about the Tucson International Airport and her vision for its future and the importance of flying out of Tucson.
Zach shares his thoughts on the new streetcar route that might be studied from Tucson International Airport to the Tucson Mall. Then Tucson Department of Transportation's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator, Any Bemis, comes in to talk about the City of Tucson's e-scooter trial period and what's going well and not so well so far.
This audio is my father, my son and I flying into Tucson international airport (KTUS). Recorded in June 2019._________Find the podcast on most podcatchers like Apple Podcast, Stitcher, or OvercastReach me on⇢✈︎ twitter: @DesertPilotTrev✈︎ facebook: DesertPilot Podcast✈︎ email: trevor@desertpilot.com
Zach opens up the week Talking Tucson, a news segment about the issues and topics shaping the week. He reported on the drone strike on a Saudi Arabian oil production facility, the new TEP and UA clean energy partnership, economic plan around the Tucson International Airport, and Downtown Links updates. Then, Louie Christense, curator of The Dirty T, joins on the air to talk about why Tucson hides its business.
This audio is my son and I departing San Manuel Airport (E77) flying clockwise around Mt. Lemmon through the Redington Pass into Tucson international airport (KTUS). Recorded in May 2019._________Find the podcast on most podcatchers like Apple Podcast, Stitcher, or OvercastReach me on⇢✈︎ twitter: @DesertPilotTrev✈︎ facebook: DesertPilot Podcast✈︎ email: trevor@desertpilot.com
This audio is my son and I departing Tucson international airport (KTUS) on a flight to do some landings at San Manuel Airport (E77) recorded in May 2019._________Find the podcast on most podcatchers like Apple Podcast, Stitcher, or OvercastReach me on⇢✈︎ twitter: @DesertPilotTrev✈︎ facebook: DesertPilot Podcast✈︎ email: trevor@desertpilot.com
This is more audio at Tucson international airport (KTUS) with Wright Flight recorded in April 2019 approach and landing._________Find the podcast on most podcatchers like Apple Podcast, Stitcher, or OvercastReach me on⇢✈︎ twitter: @DesertPilotTrev✈︎ facebook: DesertPilot Podcast✈︎ email: trevor@desertpilot.com
This is more audio at Tucson international airport (KTUS) with Wright Flight recorded in April 2019 approach and landing._________Find the podcast on most podcatchers like iTunes, Stitcher, or OvercastReach me on⇢✈︎ twitter: @DesertPilotTrev✈︎ facebook: DesertPilot Podcast✈︎ email: trevor@desertpilot.com
This is some audio of me taking off at Tucson international airport (KTUS) with Wright Flight recored in April 2019.=====Find the podcast on most podcatchers like iTunes, Stitcher, or OvercastReach me on:twitter: @DesertPilotTrevfacebook: DesertPilot Podcastemail: trevor@desertpilot.com
Lieutenant (jg) R.F. Miller was ferrying a General Motors built FM-2 “Wildcat,” BuNo 16012, from Big Springs, TX, to San Diego, on January 13, 1944. Lt. (jg) Miller passed over Vail, AZ, and was preparing to land at the Consolidated airport (now known as Tucson International Airport) when his engine died. Please visit www.MadeInArizona.com and www.AerospaceArchaeology.comhttp://www.aerospacearchaeology.com/fm-2-16012-crash-near-vail-az-on-january-13-1944.html
The US Air Force wants to station their new stealth jet at the Tucson International Airport. I, along with may other citizens, object to this decision. Could the F-35's be alien aircraft? Listen to the reason why I think there is a good argument as to why they are.