The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast: Recent Episodes
The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com
Helping you keep up with what matters in Arizona's political news. Each week we interview politicians, public figures or journalists to break down one local issue and how it affects your life in Arizona. Coming to you every Wednesday morning, The Gaggle is hosted by The Arizona Republic's national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen. You can find them on Twitter at @yvonnewingett and @ronaldjhansen.
Kris Mayes has jumped into her role as state attorney general. Mayes has not been shy about taking on major issues, from abortion rights and critiquing the state's water policy to casting a skeptical eye on Arizona's new universal school voucher program. As the first Democrat to hold the seat in more than a decade, Mayes confirmed her office is investigating potential fraud related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Arizona played a key role in tipping the election to President Joe Biden. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Mary Jo Pitzl is joined by Republic state politics reporter Stacey Barchenger. She covers the governor and attorney general's offices. Their exclusive interview with Mayes covers election integrity, how she is prioritizing numerous pressing issues, and her office's fight against the fentanyl epidemic in Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elections are repetitive things in Arizona: the major parties hold their primaries in the summer, general election voting ends in November and it takes days to count the ballots. And then in recent years, we have at least two years of deniers claiming the elections were stolen. Some might say that the 2022 election has been over for almost a year. But some candidates are still contesting the results in court, while the last legislative session saw a raft of bills that would reconfigure elections. Apart from never-ending election denialism, Arizona is seeing interest from organizations eyeing a third party presence on this battleground state’s ballots. While there are still months until Arizona’s presidential primary, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, his staff and county election officials across the state are busy getting ready for what lies ahead. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to discuss how his office is preparing for a busy year in 2024, what he's doing to regain the trust in the elections process and how he'll handle President Trump's qualifications for the ballot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tom Horne returned to the state school superintendent’s office in January and wasted no time jumping back into his former job. Some viewed his return as jumping back in time, given his outspoken stance on returning to “traditional discipline” in the classroom, his dismissal of contemporary topics such as social-emotional learning and his insistence on a back-to-basics approach on curriculum. But some are pleased with the Republican superintendent's eagerness to decry "critical race theory" and defend a state law that bans transgender students from participating in female sports. Separate from the culture wars, he’s emerged as perhaps the most ardent supporter of Arizona’s universal school voucher program. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by the Horne for this exclusive interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arizona is hot. No surprise there. But what are the City of Phoenix and Arizona at large doing about it? Listen to find out what needs to happen to keep Arizonans cool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Arizona Legislature this year set records. Not for bills passed or money spent, but for how long it was in session and how many vetoes Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs issued: 204 days spent trying to decide what to do and 143 decisions overruled by Hobbs. Both are signs of the difficult adjustment to divided government at the Capitol, something Arizona has not seen for 14 years. But what actually got done this year, if anything? This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Arizona Republic reporters Stacey Barchenger and Taylor Seely. Barchenger, who covers the Governor's Office, talked with The Gaggle about how the legislative session shook out and what can be expected next year, when nearly every seat is up for grabs. Seely, who reports on Phoenix city government, joined the show to analyze two major pieces of legislation affecting Arizona cities that were passed this session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arizona's empowerment scholarship account, or ESA, is the most extensive in the country. Now, students whose families want to send them to a private school or provide specialized instruction can do so thanks to a taxpayer-funded voucher. The program helps some families, but critics say the program's cost will strain the state budget, and there's no way to gauge the kind of education students are getting or who's making money off of the program because it lacks many guardrails. This year, more than 60,000 students are enrolled in the ESA program, a significant jump from last year's 12,000 students. Issues with administration are also plaguing the program. In this episode of The Gaggle, The Republic's K-12 reporter, Yana Kunichoff joins hosts Mary Jo Pitzl and Ron Hansen. Together they discuss how much this rapidly growing program will cost taxpayers, the data holes in the program, and how Arizona's ESA program can improve to better serve students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every week on The Gaggle, we dive into political topics and subjects that affect Arizonans. We interview politicians. We ask questions of political analysts. We break down what state and national decisions mean right here at home. This time, we turned over the questions to the listeners. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl open up the mailbag and answer questions submitted by listeners. They respond to concerns about water allocation, education funding, historic building tax write-offs and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For three years in a row, Arizona's Republican state lawmakers tried to pass legislation to bar what was described as "critical race theory" from being taught in Arizona classrooms. They wanted to restrict schools from teaching anything that could be perceived as judging a person based on race or ethnicity, or cause a person to feel ashamed because of their race or ethnicity. This year, the bill passed though the House and Senate, but Gov. Katie Hobbs promptly vetoed it, saying it would only serve to divide and antagonize. It wasn't the only scolding from the Democratic governor, who has served as a buffer against other legislation rooted in the culture wars. She vetoed the pronoun bill SB 1001 and the bathroom bill SB 1040 – both measures aimed at the hot topic of transgender rights in Arizona’s schools and sponsored by Sen. John Kavanagh. Hobbs disposed of a bill rooted in another issue of the moment: drag shows. She also vetoed a measure that would have barred state financial investments in any operation that adheres to diversity, equity and inclusion policies. And that’s just a sampling of legislation in 2023. Last year, Arizona emerged on the front lines of the culture wars when then-Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, signed bills that banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth and required student athletes to compete in the gender category that matches the sex they were assigned at birth. These policies have been enacted in numerous other Republican-controlled states. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Steve McIntosh joins host Mary Jo Pitzl. McIntosh is the director and co-founder of Cultural Evolution, a nonprofit that strives to integrate contrasting points of view when examining social issues. Together, they discuss the sudden popularity of culture war issues, why they have emerged in a warlike context and their effect on politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the All-Star break for baseball. The good news for the Arizona Diamondbacks is the team is tied for first place in the National League West. The bad news is fans still aren’t flocking to Chase Field. And part of the problem may be Chase Field itself. After 25 years, it’s not new and it’s not a classic. The team has considered relocating. A move seems off the table now, however. This spring, voters in Tempe rejected an arena and entertainment district deal that would have created a new home for the Arizona Coyotes hockey team. That leaves the long-term future of the Coyotes up in the air. Where do things stand with the D-Backs? In this episode of The Gaggle, we’re talking through the Diamondbacks' stadium situation. Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks beat reporter for The Republic, joins hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl for the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On July 4th 1776, 56 men signed a document declaring the newly formed 13 colonies as one United States of America. By this charter, they formed a new country. One free from Britain's rule. The Declaration of Independence showcased the rights and beliefs of the new country. It was a written record of what America would stand for and was signed by the nation’s founding fathers. Today, to honor the country’s sovereignty, The Gaggle presents a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer is here. The temperature is consistently in the triple digits, and the state Legislature is out on break. The first six months of the year are nearly in the books. While it may seem like the pages of the calendar flipped a little too quickly, Arizona was awash with political news in the first half of the year. A new Democratic governor was sworn in. Bills were passed, but a record number of bills were vetoed. Candidates announced their campaigns for 2024. And water became the hottest topic. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Arizona Republic reporters covering some of the most pressing topics in Arizona politics. Ray Stern analyzes the number of departures in the state Legislature. Stacey Barchenger talks about Gov. Katie Hobbs' struggle to fill her cabinet. Taylor Seely discusses the confluence of development and water in Maricopa County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been a year since the U.S. Supreme Court erased federal abortion rights in a ruling that divided Americans and injected the issue into the 2022 midterm elections. The ruling upended abortion laws across the country and created confusion in Arizona over whether a 19th-century near-total ban on abortions was the law, or a 2021 law limiting most abortions to within 15 weeks of conception. Arizona’s legal landscape on this issue remains less than clear, and many candidates appear eager to test the political potency of abortion as an issue in 2024. In this episode of The Gaggle, we’re speaking with two guests about how Dobbs has affected Arizonans and what it could mean for those running in 2024. First, you’ll hear from Stephanie Innes, who covers healthcare issues for The Arizona Republic. Then you’ll hear from Amy Walter of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which tracks political races across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On June 19th, 2022, President Joe Biden, by executive order, made this day a federal holiday. Juneteenth, as it’s commonly called, marks the day when U.S. troops entered Galveston, Texas in 1865 to free people who were still suffering enslavement. This is despite the fact that slavery had officially ended two and a half years prior. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. Juneteenth is considered America's second independence day. In honor of that, we here on The Gaggle present to you a reading of the 14th Amendment. This amendment grants citizenship to all persons either born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people. The amendment also provides equal protection under law. Here to read the Amendment are staff and reporters of The Arizona Republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy struck a deal to stave off a default by the federal government. It passed on a bipartisan basis, with more Democrats voting for it than Republicans, and now some of the most conservative Republicans in the House, many of them in the House Freedom Caucus, are making McCarthy pay for it. These conservative hardliners, including Representative Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., upset Republican plans to pass bills intended to prevent Biden from outlawing gas stoves. Then they forced the chamber to cancel any votes the next day, leading Republican leadership to cancel more days of votes. The battle isn't across the aisle, rather between the right and the far right. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Matthew Green to discuss where this stalemate could lead and why the Freedom Caucus is disproportionately Arizonan. Green is a professor of politics at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He is the author of “Legislative Hardball: The House Freedom Caucus and the Power of Threat-Making in Congress.” What political topics would you like to hear on The Gaggle? We want to hear from you! Send us a note via email here or leave us a voicemail at 602-444-0804. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Congress narrowly averted an unprecedented federal default after House Republicans and President Joe Biden reached a deal on trimming government spending over the next two years. To make it stick, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy received more votes from House Democrats than from his fellow Republicans on a deal few on either side really liked. It was all part of the reality of a nine-seat GOP majority in the House with a party that has deep divisions. Voters will reassess that majority next year. With two Arizona seats expected to be among the more competitive races in the country, voters here could play a role in deciding which party controls the House of Representatives. In this episode, we'll hear about the candidates who have so far tossed their hats into the ring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For some Republicans, the fight for the midterm election isn't over. Raising doubts over Arizona's voting machines and complaints that the state takes too long to tally votes was the fuel behind those who showed up at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday morning. These normally forgettable functions of election administration are suddenly the subject of a pair of lawsuits that add a chaotic coda to a disappointing election for Republicans in Arizona and across the country. After illegally going through with a hand count of their votes, Cochise County did not reach their deadline for certification. And officials in GOP-controlled Mohave County threatened to delay their election certification, before relenting late Monday. This could result in two Republicans losing their races. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by reporters Sasha Hupka and Mary Jo Pitzl to make sense of what the issues are, what is being done about it, and what Maricopa County has said in response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Gaggle team is taking the week off to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family. We'll be back next week with a brand new full episode. As always, thank you for listening and subscribing. We all wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A week after the 2022 midterm elections, Arizonans mostly know who won and who did not. Some of the surprise outcomes that will make the next few years more interesting politically in America’s premier purple state. The biggest news of the cycle is that Democrat Katie Hobbs won the Arizona governor’s race against Republican Kari Lake on Monday evening. Hobbs will be Arizona’s first Democratic governor since Janet Napolitano left office in 2009 to join the Obama administration. Hobbs likely will be working with a Republican-controlled Legislature. So what will that mean for the state? And what still isn’t decided after a week of counting? This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by reporters Stacey Barchenger and Ray Stern. Together they discuss where the election is now and what might be in Arizona's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Three days after Election Day, Arizona is still counting votes with lots of key races still hanging in the balance, including the governor’s race and a Senate race that will help determine control of the chamber in Washington. In this bonus edition of the Gaggle, we’ll update you on Arizona’s biggest unsettled races and we’ll go over one of the more pressing subplots to the election so far: Did glitches overshadow the results? As a disclaimer for our listeners, this episode was recorded November 11 in the morning.
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After months of talking about election denialism, abortion, inflation and other contentious topics, candidates have put their futures in the hands of Arizonans. And the future on this day after the midterm election remains unclear. Election tabulation problems drew attention in Maricopa County and Democrats made a strong showing with early voting. But the outcome of the state’s top races is unknown because the Republican-leaning Election Day vote totals are still trickling in, and ballots dropped off at vote centers haven't been counted at all. Eyes are still on some of the most contentious races: governor, secretary of state and Senate, where Trump-supported candidates weren't yet a part of a Red Wave. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen gives an inside look into the Republic newsroom on election night. He is joined by reporters Stacey Barchenger, Mary Jo Pitzl, Tara Kavaler, Yana Kunichoff and Ray Stern as they analyze the early results and discuss what the races' outcomes could mean for the state's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early voting is underway in Arizona for the midterm election. And every race matters, from the governor to the U.S. Senate, the state Legislature and school boards. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so that you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle appearing throughout the voting period. In this bonus episode you’ll hear from Democratic candidate Kirsten Engel who is running for the 6th Congressional District. This district covers parts of Tucson, Pima County and sections of others. This is Arizona's only U.S. House race without an incumbent running. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick is stepping down. We reached out to the Republican candidate for this race, Juan Ciscomani, but he didn’t respond to our request to participate. You will hear Tara Kavaler, a politics reporter for the Arizona Republic, ask the questions. This interview was recorded on speaker phone, so please be aware of the lower sound quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Election day is creeping ever closer for Arizona’s midterms. And if you’re still filling out your ballot or plan to vote on November 8, you’re probably still researching who you want to cast your ballot for. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is a continuation of our series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. In this bonus Gaggle episode, we are taking a slight detour and speaking with our education reporters about school board elections including the candidates, their responsibilities, and why their role is so important to Arizona’s education system. You will hear our K-12 reporter, Yana Kunichoff speaking with our Arizona schools reporter, Renata Cló. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early voting is underway for the midterm elections. And every race matters, from the governor to the U.S. Senate, the Legislature and on down to school boards. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. In this bonus episode you'll hear from Democratic candidate Tom O'Halleran who is running for the 2nd Congressional District. This district covers more rural Arizona in Apache, Pima and Coconino County, among others. It is a retiree-heavy and traditionally Republican leaning district. The Arizona Republic reached out to Republican candidate for this race, Eli Crane, but he didn’t respond to our request to participate. You will hear Tara Kavaler, a politics reporter for the Arizona Republic, ask the questions. This interview was recorded on speaker phone so please be aware of the lower sound quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arizona voters will play an outsized role in determining the nation's political direction in next week's midterm election. The national focus on Arizona inevitably revives interest in the baseless election denialism that has defined many Republican candidates across the country and in this state. After last year’s state Senate Republicans ordered a partisan review of ballots in Maricopa County, and after nearly two full years of former President Donald Trump falsely claiming widespread fraud in Arizona, the state’s election officials will face a big test. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Arizona Republic reporters Sasha Hupka and Mary Jo Pitzl. They talk us through how voting is shaping up as of now and what complications are already evident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arizona’s midterms are in full swing. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This question and answer with attorney general candidates is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. The candidates are Republican Abe Hamadeh and Democrat Kris Mayes. One of them will be replacing Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who has served the maximum two terms. Hamadeh did not respond to requests to participate in this interview. In this Q&A, you will hear our politics reporter Tara Kavaler asking the questions to Kris Mayes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early voting is underway for the midterm elections. And every race matters, from the governor to the U.S. Senate, the Legislature and on down to school boards. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. In this bonus episode, you'll hear from Incumbent Democrat Mark Kelly who is running for U.S. Senate. We reached out to the Republican candidate for this race, Blake Masters, but he didn’t respond to our request to participate. Libertarian candidate Marc Victor did participate, but has since dropped out of the race. You will hear Ron Hansen, a politics reporter for the Arizona Republic, ask the questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early voting is underway for the midterm elections. And every race matters, from the governor to the U.S. Senate, the Legislature and on down to school boards. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. I’m Amanda Luberto, one of the producers for The Gaggle. In this bonus episode we’ll hear from Democratic candidate Greg Stanton who is running for the 4th Congressional District. This district covers Tempe, parts of Mesa, Phoenix and Chandler. It’s been referred to as the “big purple corridor” because of its independent-leaning nature. The Arizona Republic reached out to Republican candidate for this race, Kelly Cooper, but he didn’t respond to our request to participate. You will hear Tara Kavaler, a politics reporter for the Arizona Republic, ask the questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Votes are pouring in across the state and the candidates are making their closing arguments for every race, from governor to Congress to the state Legislature. The ads on your screens, the flyers in your mailbox, the signs on seemingly every open corner are targeting the most coveted bloc of voters in Arizona: those who refuse to be beholden to either camp. Independents. In today's episode of The Gaggle, we hand over the mic to them. We hear how some plan to vote, why they choose to be independent, and their concerns for our state and nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early voting is underway for the midterm elections. And every race matters, from the governor to the U.S. Senate, the Legislature and on down to school boards. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. In this bonus episode we’ll hear from the two candidates running for the 1st Congressional District, which spans the northeast valley and reaches into parts of north-central Phoenix. It is a newly created district, which was mostly the 6th Congressional District before. Incumbent Republican David Schweikert is facing Democrat Jevin Hodge to represent one of Arizona’s wealthiest districts. You will hear Tara Kavaler, a politics reporter for the Arizona Republic, ask the questions to each of the candidates. First you will hear from David Schewikert, followed by Jevin Hodge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ten years ago, Mexican teenager José Antonio Elena Rodríguez was shot through the border fence by a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The agent believed the teen, standing in Nogales, Sonora, was throwing rocks at him and that he was in danger. The death launched a historic cross-border investigation that ultimately changed how the Border Patrol functions. But José Antonio isn’t the only person to have been killed across the border between Mexico and the United States. His story became an example of those families who are still fighting for justice. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Arizona Republic reporters Rafael Carranza and Maritza Dominguez. Alongside producer Amanda Luberto, they told José Antonio's story in season three of the Republic's investigation podcast, Rediscovering. After visiting Ambos Nogales for the 10-year memorial celebration, Rafael and Maritza share how José Antonio's case is still impacting the family and our legal system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early voting is underway for the midterm elections. And every race matters, from the governor to the U.S. Senate, the Legislature and on down to school boards. The Gaggle and The Arizona Republic’s political team are connecting with candidates so you can hear them make their case to voters in their words. This is part of a series of special bonus episodes of The Gaggle throughout the voting period. In this bonus episode we’ll hear from the two candidates running for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the state’s top education boss. Incumbent Democrat Kathy Hoffman is facing Tom Horne, the Republican former attorney general and former superintendent from 2003 -2011, where he served two terms. You will also hear from Yana Kunichoff, our K-12 reporter, who spoke with each candidate. You will hear Yana ask the questions first, with incumbent Kathy Hoffman answering first followed by Tom Horne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The midterm election is less than a month away. And while many voters may have decided which candidates they are supporting, there is much more on the ballot this year. Ballot measures play a big role in deciding how Arizonans want their state run, but it can be confusing to sort through what each really stands for and if you want to vote yes or no. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Arizona Republic reporters Mary Jo Pitzl and Ryan Randazzo, who have written about the different measures now before voters. They discuss the key initiatives, how they got to be on the ballot, who supports them, and who opposes them. Follow The Gaggle and all azcentral.com podcasts on Twitter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The midterm elections are about a month away and both political parties are furiously trying to make their cases to the electorate. In a year marked by historic inflation and a seismic Supreme Court ruling on abortion, many political experts are expecting unusually heavy turnout. If that happens, America’s young adults could play a big role. But what do they want, or care about? Are they Democrats? Republicans? Or independents? In this episode of The Gaggle, we’re talking to some young adults to find out what’s on their minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Late on September 23rd, a Pima County Superior Court judge effectively allowed Arizona’s 19th Century ban on nearly all abortions to go back into effect. That is at odds with a 2022 law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Just this week, Maricopa County’s top prosecutor reversed herself and said she wouldn’t prosecute women for getting an abortion. Facing a charged political environment, Arizona officials have struggled to clarify what is legal and what is now forbidden after the U.S. Supreme Court in June erased federal abortion rights. The Pima County ruling sparked another round of anger and anguish from Democrats. Most Republicans preferred to let the latest development pass quietly. In this episode of The Gaggle, Brookings senior fellow and founding director Center for Effective Public ManagementElaine Kamarck (@EKamarck) joins our host, Ron Hansen to discuss how abortion restrictions may impact midterm elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On election night in 2020, Fox News made the first formal projection suggesting that Joe Biden could win the presidency by saying Biden had won Arizona. Almost immediately, that projection set off a firestorm in the White House, capped by then-President Donald Trump suggesting that the election was stolen. The backlash in Arizona came swiftly. Protesters gathered at the state Capitol, claiming a stolen election even as the votes were still being counted. Maricopa County became the national epicenter of the so-called “big lie” that widespread fraud allowed Biden to claim victory. By the end of 2020, the Arizona Republican Party assembled “alternate electors” to justify setting aside election results in Washington, D.C. About the same time, Arizona state Senate President Karen Fann, a Republican, set her chamber on a fateful path as well. She launched an unprecedented review of Maricopa County’s ballots in search of the fraud so many had claimed in Arizona. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Arizona Republic reporters Mary Jo Pitzl and Robert Anglen, who helped cover the ballot review and the fallout since then. They discuss the year since the ballot review concluded, what it accomplished, and how it will affect the 2022 elections come November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Few things are a safe bet when the Arizona Legislature reconvenes in January, including who will be sitting in the seats. What can be expected is that there will be a representative for the whole spectrum of opinions: from election deniers to abortion rights supporters. This is the expected outgrowth of a newly drawn political map where most races are not competitive in general elections. But what about the 11 state house races around Arizona where there is a little suspense over who will sit in the state Legislature for the next two years? This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by state politics and issues reporter Ray Stern to make sense of the many Legislative races that will be on your ballot come November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While it’s September and still in the triple digits here in Arizona, the change in the calendar means summer recess is over. The kids are back to school. Members of Congress are back in Washington. The midterm elections are looming, and control of both chambers of Congress is in question. Currently, Democrats lead with 220 members in the 435-person House of Representatives, which has lit a fire under Republicans to regain the House. But a Republican takeover might not be as easy as predicted. For answers, some are looking right here in Arizona. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Kyle Kondik. He is the managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a non-partisan newsletter from the University of Virginia on campaigns and elections. Together they discuss the status of Arizona's federal races, the Senate and the House races, which could offer clues to how the country might be voting as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At the beginning of August, the U.S. Interior Department has announced a water shortage that will trigger cuts in the water supply in Arizona and other parts of the Southwest. A United Nations environmental program said Lake Powell and Lake Mead have reached “dangerously low levels.” The federal Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees the nation’s water projects, gave the seven states and 30 tribes that use the Colorado River eight weeks to come up with a plan to conserve more water. The goal was to conserve an extra 2 to 4 million acre-feet of water, thereby stabilizing the rapidly dwindling reservoirs. However, no plan was reached and the clock keeps ticking. In this episode, we’re talking about an issue many of you have sent our way: Arizona’s water crisis. How bad is it? And what are government and policy leaders doing about it?
As his two terms as governor wind down, Doug Ducey crossed off one of the goals he's had on his list for nearly eight years. He signed into law House Bill 2853, expanding school vouchers to allow all parents to use them for private school tuition or other educational costs. It's being lauded as the biggest school-choice victory in the nation. Supporters say it will increase opportunities for Arizona students and families to choose the education they want without being limited by financial situations, but critics argue it casts a blind eye to the already struggling public school system in the state. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by K-12 education reporter Yana Kunichoff to break down what the law really means for the future of the state and what it means for Ducey's legacy as governor. Later in the show, Darleen Opfer, vice president and director of RAND Education and Labor, discusses potential obstacles Arizona parents could still face and where the expanded voucher program places the state in the national conversation.
President Joe Biden on Aug. 9 signed into law the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act.. The historic legislation provides up to $52 billion dollars from the U.S. government to help spur production of semiconductor factories, advanced technologies and research facilities across the country. The Biden administration hopes it will open doors to new commercial breakthroughs in emerging fields such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. With the passage of the CHIPS Act, the U.S. is ready to once more become a world leader in semiconductor production and challenge China’s domination in that industry. One of the states that could stand to benefit from the law is Arizona, which has long been a desirable location for tech companies from Motorola to Intel. In today’s episode, The Gaggle investigates what the new federal initiative could mean in a state trying to expand its high-tech footprint. The president of Arizona State University Michael Crow and Mesa Mayor John Giles join our host Ron Hansen in the conversation.
After distinguishing themselves from the pack, Trump-endorsed candidates won big at Arizona's primaries. Kari Lake clinched the Republican nomination for governor and will go head-to-head with Democrat Katie Hobbs. Republican Blake Masters will face off with incumbent Democratic Mark Kelly for a seat in the U.S. Senate. In the Secretary of State race, Republican, and notorious conspiracy theorist, Mark Finchem will face off with Adrian Fontes, the Democratic former Maricopa County Recorder. So what does this say about Arizona’s electorate as we head into November? Are Trump-style Republicans primed to take hold in our state? Or will the majority of Arizonans turn to Democrats in the fall? In this episode of The Gaggle, we’re setting the table for the midterm elections. We’ll talk about how voter choices in the primaries will help determine what happens in November.
Election day is over. As of Thursday evening, gubernatorial candidate, Kari Lake, clinched the GOP nomination. Adrian Fontes beat Reginald Bolding for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state. But there are still ballots to count, and it hasn’t been smooth sailing. From pens smudging ballots in Maricopa County to Pinal County running out of ballots, the August primaries gave those suspicious of elections more to complain about. In this special bonus episode of The Gaggle, we’re taking a closer look at issues that have handicapped the election process and what the response has been. We’ll also take a look at the gubernatorial race.
Votes are still being counted, but an early look at Arizona's 2022 primary race shows in what direction it's heading. Maybe the most important thing to know is that former President Donald Trump's preferred candidates are doing well. In the U.S. Senate race, Blake Masters beat out his four rivals on the Republican ticket. And in the state Senate, House Speaker Rusty Bowers, who famously rejected Trump’s requests to help sidestep voters in the 2020 election, is losing to Trump-endorsed David Farnsworth. Eyes are still on one of the most contentious races. The Republican gubernatorial contest between Trump-backed Kari Lake and Mike Pence-backed Karrin Taylor Robson is in a virtual tie. The winner will face Democrat Katie Hobbs. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen gives an inside look into the Republic newsroom on election night. He is joined by reporters Stacey Barchenger, Mary Jo Pitzl, Tara Kavaler and Ray Stern as they analyze the early results and what they could mean for voters in the November general election.
The battle for the soul of the Republican party took center stage in Arizona. Last week, our state saw visits on the same day from former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. They talked about some of the same priorities, from border security to economic growth. But their differences now really define them. With thousands on hand, Trump took aim at the Biden administration and Republicans who haven’t joined his false claims of a stolen election. Those include Pence and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. Meanwhile in Peoria, Pence and Ducey held a more intimate gathering of hundreds of supporters in hand for gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, a GOP rival of Lake's. Both sides are battling for the future of the GOP. Trump commanded a much larger crowd. Does that mean he’s winning? In this week's Gaggle, host Ron Hansen is joined by Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger to unpack what a Trump and Pence endorsement can do for Arizona's primary candidates.
The House committee investigating the riot at the U.S. Capitol has been meeting publicly for over a month now. So far, its investigation into the uprising has uncovered new information making it clear former President Donald Trump and his political team were involved in inciting the mob. Arizona, the state with the closest contest in the 2020 election and some of the staunchest Trump allies on Capitol Hill, is a recurring topic in the hearings. Because Arizona's state Legislature was controlled by Republicans, Trump and his allies made the state one of the key targets of their pressure campaign to sidestep voters. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Republic reporter Richard Ruelas. Ruelas has covered the extremist groups involved at the insurrection. Together, they recap how Arizonans were linked to the Jan. 6 uprising and the hearings that followed.
Just a year after being implemented, the independent office that investigates police misconduct is under threat of being a little less independent. House Bill 2721 ensures that all Arizona entities investigating police departments have police officers on the investigation team from the same agency being investigated. And those officers must make up at least two-thirds of the investigating body. The bill is sponsored by Representative John Kavanagh, a Republican from Fountain Hills – who is currently running for the Arizona Senate. On its heels is another bill that would criminalize recording video of police within eight feet or less. Both bills were recently signed into law by Gov. Doug Ducey. The Phoenix Police department has been under intense scrutiny after allegations of abuse, excessive force and discrimination by the department’s officers came to light. The Department of Justice opened a far-reaching investigation into these claims last year. In this episode of The Gaggle, we take a closer look at how these new laws will affect policing and police accountability in our state.
With the start of a new fiscal year looming, Republicans and Democrats came to a deal that resulted in a state budget of nearly $18 billion for 2022-23. More money for infrastructure, education and water issues and raises to state employees are included in the spending package. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, guest host Amanda Luberto talks with Arizona Republic state politics reporters Mary Jo Pitzl and Stacey Barchenger to break down how the legislation will affect you, and the whole state, moving forward.
On June 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the longstanding constitutional right to abortion. It came months after a leaked document suggested the Court’s decision to strike down Roe V. Wade. The 5-4 ruling now leaves it to the states to set their own abortion laws. In some states, abortion rights are protected no matter the national ruling. In others, abortion became immediately illegal. Arizona is in a gray zone. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen in joined by two Arizona Republic reporters to help give a better understanding on where Arizona stands in a post-Roe world. The show is first joined by health reporter Stephanie Innes and later on, state politics reporter Ray Stern.
Drive down any street these days and you’re likely to see campaign signs sprouting up like strange mushrooms all along the corners of intersections and roadsides. It can only mean one thing: elections are around the corner. We are picking through the notable races and candidates you should pay attention to ahead of the primaries on Aug. 2. In this episode, we take a closer look at who’s running for a congressional seat in Washington D.C. Lorna Romero of Elevate Strategies and a Republican, and Eric Chalmers of Strategies 360, a Democrat, walk us through who's running, who stands out, and who has the likeliest chance of winning a seat in Congress.
Gov. Doug Ducey heads the Republican Governors Association, offering him national relevance in the final year of his tenure in Arizona. Here in Arizona, the race to replace him is in full swing. with no one really offering what he has. As the Aug. 2 primary approaches, The Gaggle is covering the state's most competitive races, including who is running and how they stack up. Last week, the focus was on the state Legislature. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is first joined by Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger to discuss the Republicans and Democrats squaring off in the governor's race. Later, Republic reporter Mary Jo Pitzl joins to inform about the secretary of state's race, a contest getting attention for the first time in a long time.
Early voting in the Arizona primaries is rapidly approaching. With that in mind, The Gaggle is focusing on the notable contests. While, many eyes are focused on the governor’s race and whether or not Senator Mark Kelly will keep his seat in Congress, we can’t forget that the state legislature can really move Arizona’s political needle. In this episode, our own state politics reporter, Ray Stern will help us make sense of the primaries to watch in the state House and Senate.
On May 24, America experienced another horrible mass shooting. An 18-year-old gunman in Uvalde, Texas, massacred 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. Salvador Ramos opened fire with an AR-15-style assault rifle in a fourth-grade classroom before an officer killed him to end the rampage. It is the deadliest school shooting since the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012. The violence in Texas still shocks, but it doesn’t feel new. The political response seemed more combative, more quickly, in another sign of America’s all-too-familiar political stalemate over gun violence. Polling shows large majorities of Americans favor at least some greater restrictions on access to firearms, yet the issue is scarcely discussed on Capitol Hill. At the state level, it’s a different story. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Republic reporter Rafael Carranza, who reported from Uvalde. UCLA professor Christopher Poliquin also joined the show to discuss how lawmakers react to these tragedies.
Freshman state Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff, has been among the most prominent voices lying about the 2020 presidential election. But her bombast goes well past political puffery. After the recent massacre in Buffalo that police believe was at the hands of a white racist, Rogers crossed a line in a vague social media post that fueled a conspiracy that the slayings were part of a federal false-flag operation. Nearly all her Arizona Senate colleagues voted for an ethics investigation, but they limited their scrutiny to a seven-word post after the slayings in which she noted that “Fed boy summer has started in Buffalo.” They rejected a Democratic measure to immediately expel her. The Senate Ethics Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday on the investigation into Rogers and her tweet. In this episode, Brian Levin, a national expert on hate and extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, joins The Gaggle. He explains how Rogers and the rise of extremists in Arizona compares to what is happening more widely across the country.
With the nation's elections under siege from other nations and their integrity in question from many Americans, Ken Matta, Arizona's longtime elections security director, has stepped down. Matta worked under Republicans and Democrats and oversaw 32 elections. He ran nearly 203,000 test ballots to verify the accuracy of the state's election machines. Now, Matta is moving into the private sector as the state prepares for elections that will again test public confidence. In this episode of The Gaggle, we speak to Matta about his tenure as an elections security officer, what he saw during his years of service and why he trusts our elections process.
The rate of inflation has been on many people's minds lately, from the gas pump to the housing market to the grocery store. The main driver of inflation has been consumer demand and supply chain issues that have lingered as the COVID-19 pandemic slows down. It is currently affecting Americans day to day, and more than half of the country says it's now impacting their long-term financial goals. In a speech Tuesday, President Joe Biden addressed the rising inflation issues but spoke more about putting the blame on Republicans rather than a plan to combat it. Voters have a chance to show their frustration at the polls this election year. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are joined by pollster Paul Bentz. He's senior vice president at High Ground Public Affairs Consultants and joins The Gaggle to discuss how inflation going to impact voters' decisions in the upcoming election.
Many regulations and limitations that went into effect around the beginning of COVID-19 are gone. You’re allowed back inside restaurants, you can buy as many rolls of toilet paper at once as you’d like, and you don’t have to wear a mask while doing either. And now added to the list of regulations that will be lifted is Title 42. Title 42 is a public health code that was established in 1944 as a part of the Public Health Services Act. It gives the United States the ability to deny entry of non-citizens in the case of disease that could be seen as a serious danger to the U.S. It was rarely used but was put into effect in March 2020 when the spread of COVID-19 became more serious. Since then, it has been used more than 1.7 million times by Customs and Border Protection. President Joe Biden’s administration announced it will rescind the current policy later in May after more than two years, but not everyone agrees that it’s the right move. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are joined by Arizona Republic reporters Rafael Carranza and Clara Migoya to parse through Title 42, how it is affecting Arizona's border, and what the future holds.
Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel ended her three-year tenure as the county's top prosecutor in a hospital amid concerns that she was losing her battle with alcohol abuse and after her top section chiefs noted they didn’t think she was up to the job. Adel's resignation sparked a dash to qualify for the election to replace her and a lightning round of interviews for an interim boss. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed Republican Rachel Mitchell as the interim county attorney to finish out Adel's term, which ends this fall. Candidates to run for the office in the 2022 election had just two weeks to file paperwork and gather signatures to qualify for the August primaries in their bid to take over one of the largest prosecutorial teams in the country. All this begs the question: What's next for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office?
Thousands of refugees are waiting at the U.S.-Mexico border. This might sound like old-news, but these asylum-seekers are getting through the border. What makes them different from the previous waves of migrants is that these people are from Ukraine. More than 2,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed the border at Tijuana into San Diego. President Biden has ordered border agents to process any Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in the U.S. He says the United States will accept up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. But why exactly are Ukrainians coming to the U.S. through Mexico from Europe amid the war in their homeland?
In 2020, Arizonans voted to legalize recreational marijuana, and it opened the door for both local and national marijuana companies to flood the market. But cannabis is not as highly regulated in Arizona as one might expect. We are in the wild west of marijuana production and that means some corners are cut and standards aren’t always consistent. Some cannabis companies have failed to keep their products free of contaminants. Arizona, like most states with legal marijuana and testing rules, requires growers to submit the products to state-licensed labs before marijuana is sold on dispensary shelves. But in unlike other states, regulators here don't do their own testing to ensure the weed is safe. In this bonus episode of The Gaggle, an azcentral.com podcast, Arizona Republic business reporter, Ryan Randazzo talks about how he got a lab to test products he bought, and how results came back showing some of that cannabis was contaminated with a pesticide.
Recently, Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill into law that would ban women from getting abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. He also signed a bill targeting transgender youth. The law bans gender affirming surgeries for people under 18 and bans transgender girls from participating on women's athletic teams at public or private schools that compete against public schools, including at the collegiate level. Supporters say the abortion restriction protects women from the emotional and physical trauma of undergoing abortions and saves lives. Supporters of the bill impacting transgender youth say it protects children and women’s sports. One of those proud supporters is Cathi Herrod. Herrod is the president of the Center for Arizona Policy, a socially conservative non-profit advocacy organization. Those who have followed state politics since the center’s start in 1995 probably have heard of her. The center has have been instrumental in helping pass numerous socially conservative laws in its 27 years. The center promotes what it refers to as the foundational principles of life, religious freedoms and family values. Herrod has served as president since 2006. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez sat down with Herrod to discuss her recent successes and the center's future legislation.
Governor Doug Ducey has signed a controversial abortion bill into law. The new law, which won’t take effect until the fall, outlaws abortions after 15 weeks – with no exceptions for rape or incest. Those who oppose abortion rights Pro-life advocates are hailing the new law as a huge success in the fight to protect the unborn. But those who support abortion rights describe it as heavy-handed government intrusion into personal medical decisions … as well as deepening racial disparities in health care access. By enacting one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation, Arizona joins other Republican-led states chipping away at Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion rights, that is currently expected to be reined in by the high court this term. This week on The Gaggle, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are joined by Arizona Republic politics reporter Stacey Barchenger. Together they break down what Arizona’s upcoming abortion law does and what it does not do, how this plays into the agenda for Ducey and Republicans nationally.
Two years ago in Arizona, and in most of the world, conditions were starting to feel apocalyptic. After sweeping across China and Europe, the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, made its way to America. The nation was suddenly locked in quarantine. Grocery store shelves were barren of essentials. Workers were laid off by the millions. Life as we knew it was upended and no one how bad it would get or how long it would last. Around this time, Gov. Doug Ducey took some of his first executive actions on COVID-19. All elective surgeries were halted to make room in hospitals for coronavirus patients. Restaurants were closing but were allowed to start serving alcohol to go. Two very strange years later, it seems that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez is joined by two Arizona Republic reporters to help take stock of it all. Stephanie Innes covers health and walks through the timeline from March 2020 to March 2022. Russ Wiles is a business reporter and he shares how Arizona is surviving financially and economically compared with the rest of the country.
On Monday, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel announced she will resign from her position on Friday, March 25. This comes after months of dismay regarding how she is leading one of the nation’s largest prosecutorial teams. Her time as County Attorney comes to an end amidst scrutiny that she is not fit for office after her staff raised concern regarding her battle with alcohol abuse. Arizona Republic investigative reporter Robert Anglen recently noted that 180 cases fell apart because of her procedural failures. Her impending departure means there will be a special election to replace her, and not a lot of time to qualify to run. As of yesterday, Julie Gunnigle, who ran against Adel in 2020, collected enough signatures to run. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, host Ron Hansen talk with Robert Anglen about Adel's resignation and what will happen next to replace her.
Republican state lawmakers are scrambling to undo parts of a law they fast-tracked to change the way party activists become party officials. Precinct committee members, or PCs, are not people the casual voters will know, but they play a key role in shaping party politics and who runs for political office. Republicans quickly pushed through election changes that reflect the state's new political boundaries after last year's redistricting process. The governor signed the bill the same day. To the surprise of the grassroots and lawmakers themselves, the law also eliminated elections for PCs. Changing the law it requires a legislative super-majority, and the Democrats aren't eager to help Republicans fix their mistake. Sparks are flying on both sides of the aisle. In this episode of The Gaggle, The Republic's state government reporter, Mary Jo Pitzl, joins hosts Ron Hansen and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez to discuss the unexpected drama.
Republican Utah Sen. Mitt Romney labeled U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar a moron over the Arizona Republican's association with a political conference organized by a white nationalist. Another participant, Republican state Sen. Wendy Rogers of Flagstaff, was censured by the Arizona state Senate for threatening comments she made to her colleagues. It was the first time in three decades a senator was publicly censured by her own party. It was a move applauded by Gov. Doug Ducey, who had been slow to condemn her remarks. The rise of extremism in the Arizona GOP has grown over the past few years, with concerns also raised over the actions of Kelli Ward, chair of the Republican Party of Arizona. Recently, the U.S. House Committee that is investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol issued subpoenas to her. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with political historian Matthew Dallek. They discuss how these fringe views became more mainstream and what it means for the future of politics.
Conservatives from Arizona and elsewhere took aim at President Joe Biden while outlining their preferred policy agenda during annual gatherings in Orlando last week. Among those on hand were several notable Arizonans, including U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, a former Fox 10 anchor. Also last weekend, far-right extremists heard from U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and state Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff. The Conservative Political Action Conference and America First Political Action Conference drummed up grievances against Biden and promoted former President Donald Trump. In today's episode, The Republic's Stacey Barchenger joins Gaggle hosts Ron Hansen and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez to dissect the what happened and what it means in Arizona.
In the early weeks after the 2020 election, Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, resisted direct appeals by President Donald Trump and key allies to participate in a scheme to set aside the certified election results in Arizona. He’s still getting lobbied by some in that orbit, and Bowers is still pushing back. His support was recently sought He recently received a recent effort to get his support on a bill to decertify the 2020 presidential election results. That effort was previously unknown. At the outset of this year’s legislative session, Bowers emphatically killed one bill that would have banned voting machines and mail voting, among other things. Bowers assigned the bill to 12 House committees, effectively ensuring its demise. He also came out against another bill that would set aside the 2020 presidential results. Bowers called the legislation “profoundly unwise.” That bill was introduced by Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, a loyalist to former President Donald Trump. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen wanted to hear directly from the speaker. He is an artist by trade who is charting a decidedly different path than many in his party these days. The Gaggle met with Bowers in his office to discuss his relationship with Republican Party, previously unseen documents related to the 2020 presidential election results, and his future.
On Dec. 14, 2020, 11 Republicans met at the Arizona party headquarters. There they signed a document falsely claiming they were the “duly elected and qualified” electors for the state of Arizona. But the truth of the matter was that they were anything but. Now the House committee investigating the January 6th attack subpoenaed two Arizonans who signed that false document. In this week's Gaggle reporter Richard Ruelas joins Yvonne Wingett Sanchez to explain what was happening with the Arizona GOP electors.
Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel's career in the office has been connected to her health since before she was elected. She had been appointed to the position and was recovering from a life-threatening fall and major brain surgery when election results showed she had won the job. She returned to her office in March, only to step away in August 2021 while she entered rehab for anxiety, alcohol abuse and an eating disorder. Now, according to an investigation by Arizona Republic reporter Robert Anglen, staffers have expressed concern over her sobriety and absence in key meetings. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, Anglen joins host Ron Hansen is joined by Robert Anglen to discuss these allegations and what the next steps could be for Adel.
COVID-19 continues to grip our state as attempts to return to a semblance of normalcy hobble along. After two years of data collection, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that Arizona has the second highest COVID-19 death rate in the country. For most of January, Arizona has reported an average roughly around 20,000 new infections daily. This is the stage set for schools this semester. Last week on The Gaggle we heard from our own education reporter and the executive director of Arizona Schools Administration about what the situation looks like on the ground. This week, we turn our attention to the capitol and the bills that could affect schools and their ability to defend against the coronavirus. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with Mary Jo Pitzl, state government reporter, and Stacey Barchenger, who covers the Ducey administration for The Arizona Republic about how the Arizona legislature is dealing with COVID and schools.
In the past few weeks, parents of school-aged children have all had the same experience of getting their kids ready for school. You grab their backpack, their lunch, a snack and, for the third year in a row, you grab their mask. The COVID-19 variant omicron is twice as contagious as the delta variant and at least four times as contagious as the first strain we experienced in March 2020. Currently, the omicron variant has resulted in the highest number of COVID-19 cases Arizona has seen in months. This has some parents nervous about their K-12 children returning to class in 2022. But schools that don’t return in person run the risk of losing school funding. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with Yana Kunichoff. She is the k-12 education reporter at the Arizona Republic. She joins the podcast to dive into what is going on within Arizona’s public school system about the coronavirus, how schools are staying open and what that could mean for parents and students moving forward. Later in the episode, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez talks with Mark Joranstaad, executive director of the Arizona Schools Administration, for a look on in the inside of the operation.
The Arizona Legislature is in full swing, marked by several notable highlights. There are a large number of new lawmakers, and it is Doug Ducey’s last year in the governor’s office. Politicians are gearing up for the bills they want to pass in the third straight session affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lots of questions are circling the copper dome at the Capitol. But one in particular is loitering in the wings: Can Arizona lawmakers come together to make real decisions this year? Or will they get bogged down in political fights? Ray Stern, Arizona state politics reporter, and Mary Jo Pitzl, state government reporter, join The Gaggle today to hash out what the 2022 session holds for Arizona.
This week Gov. Doug Ducey kicked off the 2022 legislative session by delivering his final State of the State. His eight years as governor of Arizona will come to an end in January 2023, and people are closely watching how his last year will unfold. Tax cuts, COVID-19 response, school choice and school spending and border security are among topics Ducey mentioned in his speech. The governor also invoked the words of his high school football coach, who told players to play the game to the bitter end. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with Daniel Scarpinato. He served as Ducey’s chief of staff from 2018 to 2021 but has been a part of his team since 2014. He advised Ducey on the Governor's State of the State speech and is now a partner at Ascent Media, a national advertising and political consulting firm. They break down the final State of the State speech, what can be expected from Ducey's last year in office, and the shifting political winds that will affect the 2022 election cycle.
After an eventful 2021, it's shaping up to be another busy year in Arizona politics. The congressional and legislative district maps have been redrawn for the next 10 years, a U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs, and no matter what happens, Arizona will get a new governor. As we look ahead into 2022, the hosts of The Gaggle, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen, cover some of the biggest stories we are prepping for this year. Joined by fellow Arizona Republic reporters, The Gaggle breaks down redistricting, the Senate race and what Gov. Doug Ducey might do next.
The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are taking off this week to celebrate Christmas and New Years. Be sure to catch up on our Democracy in Doubt series where we take a deep dive into Arizona's ballot review. All five episodes are available. Happy Holidays! We'll be with you in the new year.
2021 will be known as a big year in Arizona politics. An unprecedented investigation into the voting system in Maricopa County made national headlines and the behavior of Arizona politicians made Saturday Night Live punchlines. As the year comes to a close, the hosts of The Gaggle, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen, cover the biggest stories from 2021. Joined by fellow Arizona Republic reporters, The Gaggle breaks down the Jan. 6th Capitol riot, the ballot recount, the rise of GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, the unease of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., within her own party, and how COVID-19 affected universities.
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs issued a ‘new’ apology and acknowledged discrimination took place at the legislature related to then Democractic Senate Aide, Talonya Adams. Hobbs, who in 2015 was the Senate Democratic leader, said in an interview with The Arizona Republic that she recognized that her initial response fell short of taking accountability and that it was unnecessarily defensive. Adams said she was discriminated against on the basis of race and sex – that when she repeatedly raised questions about her pay and working conditions with supervisors, she was fired – a maneuver she argued was retaliation for questioning the process. Adams, who is African American, filed a discrimination lawsuit contending she was unfairly being paid less than white, male colleagues. A motion filed by then Senate lawyer Michael Moberly said Adams ‘simply expressed a desire to discuss a potential raise because her workload had increased, and she had not received a raise during the time she had been employed at the Senate.’ As it turned out, the legislative policy adviser affirmed Adams did earn less than many white, male colleagues. A federal jury last month awarded Adams $2.75 million, ruling she ‘was’ fired for questioning the pay gap. Because of laws capping damages, she will actually receive no more than $300,000. Hobbs released a three-minute apology video via Twitter earlier this month – a mea culpa that included everything from Talonya Adams to her lack of accountability to her limited experience with racism. But was this apology sincere or a part of a larger strategy to help her become the next governor of Arizona? In this week's Gaggle episode, national politics reporter Ron Hansen examines this question and more of the fallout between Secretary Hobbs and Adams with Stacey Barchenger, the Republic’s state politics reporter.
Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods died of a heart attack on October 23, 2021, at the age of 67. He spent years as a Republican politician in Arizona, often crossing party lines to side with Democratic causes. Woods was known as a fighter who stood up for what was right, even when it wasn’t popular. He will forever be remembered as an authentic Arizonan. The former Republican Arizona Attorney General was celebrated at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix on November 23rd. The memorial brought crowds of family, friends, and those who respected Woods. To remember his life as a politician, a lawyer, and a person, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen invite EJ Montini to the show. Montini is a columnist for the Arizona Republic who wrote about Woods after his passing.
In August, when COVID-19 seemed to be receding as a health problem, and as public schools ramped up for in-person education lessons with masking mandates, Gov. Doug Ducey offered parents who didn’t like those rules an alternative. He said the state would provide vouchers worth up to $7,000 per student to those approved for a grant intended to sidestep masking, promote in-person learning and use federal emergency stimulus funds to do so. Stacey Barchenger, who covers the Ducey administration for The Arizona Republic, has gone over the records to see how the early stages of the controversial new program are working out. A closer examination of the program reveals that it’s not just the U.S. Department of Education, public schools across Arizona and public health officials who are unhappy with it so far. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, host Ronald J. Hansen speaks with Barchenger about the demand for vouchers, how the state is doing at approving requests, the allocation of money and more.
The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are taking off this week to celebrate Thanksgiving. If you didn't catch the series, Democracy in Doubt, last week about Arizona's ballot review, all five episodes are available. Happy Thanksgiving.
GOP lawmakers from at least 18 states trekked to the desert during triple-digit heat to study the process, pose for pictures, battle members of the mainstream press and help push former President Donald Trump’s baseless concern for a stolen election. The election review was started almost singlehandedly by Senate President Karen Fann at the behest of Trump, his allies and some members of her own caucus, and now it’s coming to an end. In the fifth and final episode of Democracy in Doubt, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen dive into those who championed the ballot review, like One America News’ Christina Bobb, why Ken Bennett was treated like a pariah, Trumps return to Arizona, who claimed the numbers were ‘made up’ and the fallout of those involved. In a four-month investigation, The Arizona Republic dug into the election review by examining text messages, emails, public records and court records, many made public after the news outlet sued the state for access. Republic reporters spoke to decision-makers, consultants, staff, contractors, campaign aides and others tied to the review of the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Maricopa County. Some talked on the record about their experiences, while others spoke on the condition they not be identified in order to speak candidly about private conversations.
Experts dismissed the 'audit' as worthless. But it also helped the GOP and related interests rake in millions and keep the cause of Donald Trump alive. In episode four of a five-episode series, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen dig deep to find out if the Arizona election review was about election integrity or just Trump – how Arizona State President Karen Fann chose partisans with little experience with ballot reviews, which former GOP chair consulted from the shadows and more. In a four-month investigation, The Arizona Republic examined a trove of text messages, emails and court records, many made public after suing the state for access. Republic reporters spoke to decision-makers, consultants, staff, contractors, campaign aides and others tied to the review of the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Maricopa County. Some talked on the record about their experiences, while others spoke on the condition they not be identified in order to speak candidly about private conversations.
The nearly 8-hour insurrection on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol failed to overturn election results. Congress certified Joe Biden’s presidential win after hours of violence and bloodshed. In episode three of a five-episode series, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen detail the narrative of a stolen election pressed by Trump, Gosar and Biggs. It was echoed by millions of the president’s followers and encouraged state Senate President Karen Fann to push ahead with a partisan ballot review. Once again, Arizona found its way back into the spotlight as a hotbed of partisan extremism and a magnet for those pushing election conspiracies. In a four-month investigation, The Arizona Republic examined a trove of text messages, emails and court records, many made public after suing the state for access. Republic reporters spoke to decision-makers, consultants, staff, contractors, campaign aides and others tied to the review of the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Maricopa County. Some talked on the record about their experiences, while others spoke on the condition they not be identified in order to speak candidly about private conversations.
In the second of a five-episode series, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break down Rudy Giuliani’s audacious pitch in Dec. 2020 to reverse Arizona election results – a plan that would involve the help of Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Senate President Karen Fann. Trump and his allies, including Giuliani, had for weeks pointed to purported irregularities in Arizona, claiming they contributed to a stolen election. A day earlier, Giuliani headlined a meeting at a Phoenix hotel where he and other Arizona Republicans presented claims of widespread voter fraud. The next 35 days would see divisions within the party, talk of subpoenas, more White House calls and then, Jan. 6. In a four-month investigation, The Arizona Republic interviewed dozens of people who were in and around the effort to alter the election outcome and the ballot review that for months sustained outrage over Trump’s loss. Some talked on the record about their experiences, while others spoke on the condition they not be identified in order to speak candidly about private conversations. The Republic also reviewed thousands of pages of documents obtained through public records requests and in an ongoing lawsuit against the Senate and the company it hired to conduct the ballot review.
Over the course of four months, The Republic examined a trove of text messages, emails and court records, many made public after suing the state for access. Reporters spoke to decision-makers, consultants, staff, contractors, campaign aides and others tied to the review of the presidential and U.S. Senate races. Some talked on the record about their experiences, while others spoke on the condition they not be identified in order to speak candidly about private conversations. The Republic uncovered efforts to circumvent the popular vote to engineer an illegitimate Trump victory. Once the results were certified, Trump and his allies shifted to a campaign to pressure local Republicans to overturn election results from voters using an early ballot system largely shaped over decades by their own party. In this first of a five-episode series, Democracy in Doubt, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen walk you through the origins of the Arizona election review and how that state plunged into a fog of election conspiracies riven with partisanship and targeted by opportunists from across the country.
Last week the U.S. House of Representatives ended months of infighting among Democrats to pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema helped broker. The historic legislation, along with a still-unfinished social spending bill, serves as a reminder of the Arizona Democrat's central role in what seems politically possible in Washington. A deal with the liberal wing of House Democrats allowed the physical infrastructure plan to proceed. It will boost spending on the nation's various deteriorating structures such as roads and bridges, water systems and expand broadband internet coverage. Progressive Democrats expect a vote on the $1.75 trillion human "Build Back Better" bill later this month. How will Sinema's moderate policies affect the Biden agenda, Democratic fortunes in the 2022 midterm elections, and her own future in the Senate? In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen speak with Kyle Kondik. Kondik is a political analyst and the managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.
On Oct. 28, 2021, the five-member Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission adopted new lines for political districts in the state. The new legislative and congressional maps had little contention by the bipartisan commission. The general public now has 30 days to look over the proposed maps and share their thoughts before the finalization date of Dec. 22. The final decision will impact Arizona politics for the next decade. The draft maps are online for the public to view on the Independent Redistricting Commission website. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, host Ron Hansen talk with the head of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission Dr. Erika Neuberg about what has been proposed so far. Then, Arizona Republic reporter Ray Stern joins the show to break down what this will mean in upcoming elections.
Arizona's congressional and legislative boundaries are being redrawn as part of a process that may seem tedious, but carries outsize importance to understanding the state's politics for the next decade. Arizona is one of the few states that uses an independent commission, rather than having state lawmakers draw their own maps. The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, as it is known, has two Democrats, two Republicans and one independent member who sits as the chair of the panel. The IRC presented a draft of a new map on Oct. 5, to receive feedback from the public. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen speak with Yurij Rudensky, a redistricting expert for the Brennan Center's Democracy Program. Rudensky breaks down how Arizona's redistricting process compares to other states, and how public input can make a difference.
The economics of the proposed spending of two major infrastructure bills along with a debate over raising the debt celling is playing out in Congress. There are three separate but important things happening. The first is the $1.2 trillion physical infrastructure bill that passed the Senate and waits action in the House. The second is the broader $3.5 trillion human infrastructure bill that comprises much of President Joe Biden's political agenda. That measure is being scaled back because of concerns raised by both Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. Third, Congress still needs to raise the debt celling to approve borrowing for previous spending. The deadline for that is in early December, and if Congress fails to raise the debt figure, it could create chaos in global financial markets. For now, Senate Republicans want Senate Democrats to pass that provision without their support. How does all the proposed Congress spending impact the nation's and Arizona's economy? In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen speak with Arizona State University economics professor Dennis Hoffman. He breaks down how the long term investments could impact Arizonans.
Gov. Doug Ducey's time in Arizona's highest office is coming to a close in little over a year, which means that the race to replace him is starting to accelerate. The primary election is on August 2, and eight candidates are looking to take his seat. Former Fox10 television news anchor Kari Lake is running for the Republican Party and was awarded the highly sought-after endorsement by former President Donald Trump at the end of September. Of her four competitors for the GOP spot, other candidates like Matt Salmon are looking for another shot at office. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is the party frontrunner. But Marco Lopez has experience in former President Barack Obama’s administration that could make him attractive to some voters. And Aaron Lieberman just announced he was retiring from the state House to focus on his gubernatorial bid. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger about the upcoming governor's race, including who is running and where they stand on key issues.
The liberal wing of the Democratic Party seems to be nearing its breaking point with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Over the weekend, members of the non-profit Living United for Change in Arizona, or LUCHA, followed Sinema, D-Ariz., into a bathroom at Arizona State University. Activists recorded and shouted their grievances at her for not supporting more accommodating immigration reforms. Progressives' frustration with Sinema go beyond Arizona voters. A Saturday Night Live skit portrayed her as the senator derailing legislation central to the Biden administration, including the $3.5 trillion human infrastructure package. Sinema has said that is too expensive for her vote, but hasn’t said what she would support. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, speak with Emily Kirkland, executive director of Progress Arizona, a progressive community nonprofit. She's breaking down why the left is angry with Sinema and what they're doing about it.
Over the last nearly 10 months, ballots from the 2020 election have been counted and recounted to ensure that there was no election fraud and that Arizona really did vote President Joe Biden into office. While the election review is still happening in other ways, the official reports from Cyber Ninjas confirmed that there was no fraud and that Joe Biden did win Arizona's 11 electoral votes. Leading the way through the ballot recount has been Senate President Karen Fann. She signed onto subpoenas to obtain materials from the county, and helped press the county to hand over its ballots and tabulation machines. And she has presided over various public proceedings involving the review. A year ago, most people didn’t know who Fann even was, but now she has international recognition. This week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are joined by Arizona Republic reporter Mary Jo Pitzl. Mary Jo has covered the state legislature on and off for a long time and has watched Fann navigate the Capitol for more than a decade. She recently sat down with Fann to find out how she became synonymous with Maricopa County's ballot review.
Ten months ago, President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election and Arizona’s 11 electoral votes. But a review of Maricopa County's 2.1 million ballots ordered by the Republican-controlled state Senate only ended last week. Cyber Ninjas, the Florida company that oversaw the review for the Senate, found President Joe Biden defeated former President Donald Trump by a slightly margin than the certified results showed, and raised questions about thousands of ballots cast in the election. Arizona Republic reporters spent the weekend absorbing the ballot review results and tracking reaction from across the political spectrum. In this bonus episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, speak with Jen Fifield, Mary Jo Pitzl and Ryan Randazzo to break down the results.
The U.S. Senate passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package on Aug.10, a win for President Joe Biden and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who co-negotiated the bipartisan legislation. But what is infrastructure? And could a massive investment like this make a meaningful impact on your life? Projects could be underway as soon as next year if the legislation passes the House of Representatives and is signed into law by Biden. Those projects include broadband expansion, water projects, funding for tribal communities, public transportation, airport updates and more. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen spoke with various Arizonans to learn how this bill could impact their daily lives.
Benny White, a prominent Pima County Republican data analyst and Larry Moore, the founder of Clear Ballot, one of the largest vote-tabulation companies in the nation, have analyzed voting patterns using public records. Over the summer, White and Moore independently offered their expertise multiple times to the Arizona state Senate’s review of Maricopa County’s ballots. Clear Ballot had no formal role in the analysis. Arizona Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, rejected their offer. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen speak with White and Moore who give us a sense of what they’ll be on the lookout for once the ballot-review report is released.
Last week 22,000 documents related to the ballot recount of the 2020 presidential election in Maricopa County were released to the public. Those include thousands of text messages and emails that shed light on key players and their involvement in the months long election audit. Still to be released are nearly 2,900 more documents that the Senate has kept hidden because they don't believe it's required under the state's Public Records Law. In those documents are conversations between contractor Cyber Ninjas and the lawmakers who ordered the ballot review. This week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez is joined by two Arizona Republic reporters: Jen Fifield and Ryan Randazzo. They provide insight on how the documents were obtained, what they discovered, and what it says about the election audit.
In today's bonus episode, we're talking about some of the 22,000 records released by the republican-controlled senate. These records are related to the review of the 2.1 million ballots in Maricopa county from the 2020 election. On Tuesday night, Ryan Randazzo, Jen Fifield and Robert Anglen began poring through those records. They include emails, text messages and videos. We'll go over some of the early highlights and how the ballot review began, who's paying for it and other tidbits we think are worth watching.
Canvassing efforts to examine the legitimacy of voter ballots for the 2020 presidential election could be illegal, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a New York-based policy institute, but that hasn’t stopped Liz Harris. Harris, who lost a race for the state Legislature in November, is the mastermind behind the “Voter Integrity Project,” an ongoing canvassing effort that began in December. Last weekend a couple dozen volunteers out to prove former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election gathered in Queen Creek. Using a mobile app that provides names, addresses and publicly available voting information of registered voters, volunteers set out to ask voters questions such as, “Can you verify the voters registered to this address?” and “Did you vote by mail or in person?”
As debates about mask mandates in schools rage on in Arizona, pediatric cases of COVID-19 are on par to surpass the cases from the winter surge. Vaccines have proven to be beneficial to people who are contracting the coronavirus, but currently children under the age of 12 years-old are too young to be vaccinated. Away from the discourse on what schools should and should not enforce, doctors are treating young kids who are being affected physically and mentally. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, co-hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are joined by Valleywise Health Center pediatrician Dr. Salil Pradhan and Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Angela Veesenmeyer. They take The Gaggle inside what they are seeing day to day and what they think Arizonans can expect in the new few months.
The chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan has upended the lives of Afghans as the Taliban takes power. Many are fearful of Taliban rule because of their barbaric behavior and disregard for women and children. Afghans and civilians who helped the United States during its invasion of the country after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as interpreters, drivers and in other capacities are fearful they will be viewed as traitors. They worry the Taliban will kill them and their families. The images streaming out of Kabul depict desperation, with civilians begging to flee their country. Some scaled the sides of one American airplane preparing to take off. They fell to their deaths. Others ran alongside the plane, screaming as it gained speed. Evacuation flights for U.S. citizens and Afghan refugees are underway. Many worry not all of their family and friends will be able to escape — particularly those who have cooperated with the U.S. President Joe Biden meanwhile, is facing intense criticism from both sides of the aisle for the withdrawal. He stands by his decision to exit war-torn nation. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez speaks with Aaron Marquez, a U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan. She also speaks to an Afghan refugee who served as Aaron’s interpreter, whose real name is not used in this episode for safety concerns. He is instead referred to as Alex. Years ago, Marquez and Alex spent time traversing Afghanistan in their official capacities, helping to rebuild parts of the nation and strengthening relationships with local officials. Aaron then helped Alex build a life in Arizona, and go to college here. Now, the two are fighting a different battle: they fighting to evacuate Alex’s family.
The ballot review of Maricopa County’s 2.1 million ballots from the 2020 election has gone on for 16 weeks. The recounting and scanning has come to an end though. The pallets of ballots have left the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and are back at the county’s Elections Department. It also has become clear who is paying for the review: Pro-Trump, conservative groups aligned with the "Stop the Steal" effort that preceded the Jan. 6 march on the U.S. Capitol that led to a deadly riot. A final report of what Cyber Ninjas found during the audit is expected to come in the next few weeks. Arizona Senate President Karen Fann has said the review has never been about overturning the results of the election. Instead, she has said it’s about examining election procedures and to help ensure the election was conducted fairly and with integrity. She and other lawmakers have indicated they intend to use the results of the review to help pass election-related laws. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, co-hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen are joined by two Arizona Republic reporters: Jen Fifield and Mary Jo Pitzl to help dissect the state of the ballot recount.
As parents prepare to send their kids back to in-person classes, the state is experiencing a rise in cases of COVID-19. This is in large part because of the delta variant of COVID-19, which is now the dominate strain in the state. Some health experts say Arizona is experiencing another COVID-19 surge, and the return to in-person learning has many parents and school administrators questioning how the school year will look. Why the uncertainty and how did we get here again? In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen speak with Republic reporter Alison Steinbach for a COVID-19 update, and education reporter Yana Kunichoff about what parents can expect this school year.
As Ducey's time as Governor is set to end in 2023, his eyes are on a more national position. An investigation by the Arizona Republic discovered that the governor was involved in a complex network of interests. A network that includes himself, a Texas millionaire, a Flagstaff gas station, the Arizona Department of Revenue, Ducey's staffers, and potentially $100 million in tax refunds. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by USA Today investigative business reporter Craig Harris. Harris' investigation resulted in a five-part series about how Gov. Ducey governs.
Critical race theory has become a rallying cry for both Republican politicians and conservative parents alike. The COVID-19 pandemic forced parents to become more aware of their children’s curriculum as they attended school virtually. While school officials maintain educators are not teaching students that racism is systemic, some parents — and Arizona lawmakers — want to make sure it isn't allowed to happen. As in-person school board meetings returned, parents packed local school board meetings denouncing critical race theory during public comment. Conservative media and Republican politicians have taken cue from former President Donald Trump as he continues to criticize the study. But what is critical race theory? When did it begin? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the rhetoric surrounding critical race theory. Joining the show are Jamal K. Donnor, an associate professor at William and Mary School of Education, and Arizona Republic city reporters Joshua Bowling and Renata Cló.
In mid-January this year, Arizona residents over the age of 21 legally were allowed to buy recreational marijuana. Passing Proposition 207, known as the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, came with the promise of increased economic revenue and new business opportunities. Since then, new promises have been made. People with pending marijuana charges in most Arizona counties were able to have them dismissed. And those with charges, convictions and arrests on their record can try to get their record expunged. Arizona has had its recreational marijuana program for about six months. Are those promises being met? In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by business reporter Ryan Randazzo to take a closer look. Randazzo covers everything from solar energy to sports betting for The Republic. He has covered marijuana news since 2018. He discusses what promises have come to fruition, how much money legal recreational marijuana has made for Arizona, and where that money is going.
The Arizona Republic reported that former President Donald Trump and his allies sought to speak directly to members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors after the Nov. 2020 election. The Republic obtained voicemail recordings from Maricopa County through a request under the Arizona Public Records Law, which allows anyone to seek public records from local, county, and state governments. Listen now to hear these voicemails left by Republican party chair Kelli Ward and Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani seeking to speak directly with Republican supervisors.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., is a staunch supporter of passing congressional legislation by bringing both Republicans and Democrats on board, an approach that has taken on increased urgency in the 50-50 split U.S. Senate. Sinema's first high-profile demonstration of her approach is the framework for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal she recently co-negotiated, and President Joe Biden endorsed. Twenty-one senators, 10 Democrats and 11 Republicans, have also signed on to the tentative framework, which could start soon start making its way through the legislative process. Sinema has other bipartisan legislative plans in the works. She is working closely with Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, on a plan to increase the federal minimum wage and separately with Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, that seeks to address the ongoing waves of asylum seekers arriving at the southern border, which have strained the Border Patrol and local communities. But can Sinema's approach to bipartisanship in an era marked by extreme partisanship help deliver legislation beyond spending money on the nation's roads, bridges and water systems? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by Sarah Binder, a professor of political science at George Washington University. Binder breaks down Sinema's position in the U.S. Senate to lead negotiations on infrastructure and how she compares to other centrist Democrats.
This week is the constitutional deadline to pass the Arizona state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. $2-4 million in surplus and the plan being rejected by 2 Republican members lead to the state budget being decided on at the eleventh-hour. This week on The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by reporter Mary Jo Pitzl to break down the details of the budget and dissect who it helps most. Later in the episode, The Gaggle is joined by reporter Rob O'Dell to discuss the failed school vouchers program and deliberate if it could come back again.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., has helped clinch a long-elusive deal on infrastructure. President Joe Biden has endorsed the plan, which was cobbled together over the past weeks behind closed doors by Sinema, and nine other more moderate senators from both parties. The framework was rolled out Thursday. It calls for massive investments into the nation’s roads and bridges, water systems, internet connectivity, cybersecurity, the buses we use to get across town and get our kids to school. It would clean up lead-filled pipes, upgrade power grids and clean up drinking water for ten million Americans and more than 400,000 schools and child care facilities. It’s important to note that this framework is not finished legislation. It’s a deal among a segment of the Senate. Sinema talked with members of Arizona’s press corps after a deal was announced. She maintained on Thursday that the deal she helped broker is evidence that bipartisanship is not dead. Listen to this bonus episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast for a quick breakdown of what this infrastructure plan would mean for Arizona.
The Arizona cliché "it's a dry heat" resonates for a reason. The temperature has been in triple digits for weeks, there are wildfires raging all over the state, the lakes are too low to utilize for the fires, and there's no rain in sight. It's always hot and dry with little rain in Arizona, but the water crisis is reaching a dire point. Since the turn of the century, Arizona and the West have been in one of the biggest "megadroughts" of the last 1200 years. And it’s being revved up by human caused heating. This week on The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk with Kathy Jacobs to get a sense of what can be done and how bad the situation is really. Kathy is the director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on water policy, climate change adaptation and drought planning among others.
Daniel McCarthy, a successful businessman, made a name for himself in Arizona politics after mounting an unsuccessful U.S. Senate primary run against former Sen. Martha McSally in 2020. While he lost that race, McCarthy established himself as a voice of a faction of Arizona conservatives who see both major political parties as failing them. McCarthy viewed his loss to McSally as an early sign of a rigged election, a baseless claim that has wider support after former President Trump has pushed the same narrative following his defeat. McCarthy is trying to form another political option in Arizona, the Patriot Party, and that has caught the eye of Republicans trying to reshape that party. During the annual Arizona GOP meeting to elect party leadership he was booed off stage by attendees. Is McCarthy still a Republican? What does he want for Arizona policy? How will he influence the 2022 elections? Listen to this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to hear an unfiltered conversation with McCarthy.
Whether you turn on CNN or Comedy Central, the chances of hearing something about Arizona news on television is high. National news and comedy shows alike are covering the ongoing Maricopa County election audit, political moves from Arizona's senators and more. This week on The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk with Arizona Republic media critic Bill Goodykoontz about what this attention means for the state's national image.
The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Feb. 24 to hear arguments from federal judges across the country about the need to expand the bench including Diane Humetewa, a federal judge in Arizona and the former U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. She testified about the longstanding, unmet need for more federal judges in her state. Arizona is one of the nation’s fastest-growing states, but the number of judges has been stagnant for most of the past three decades. This has caused a legal backlog. It's been more than 30 years since Congress passed a broad expansion of the judiciary. In that time, the nation’s population has grown, technology has raised an array of previously unimaginable legal concerns and globalization has upended the economy. Democrats and Republicans agreed at the February hearing that the nation is overdue for more judges. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down why and how this legal bottleneck affects Arizonans. Joining the show are Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, and Rep. Greg Staton, D-Ariz., a judiciary committee member.
A spending plan of over $12 billion for fiscal 2022 was introduced to the Arizona House on Monday. The plan calls for some pay raises, some money for education and calls for a controversial flat tax. Governor Doug Ducey’s proposed state flat tax of 2.5%, phased in over two years, is expected to cut state revenue by an estimated $1.9 billion each year. Taxpayers would start seeing lower tax rates as soon as next year. It’s being sold as “a tax cut for every Arizonan” but not everyone in the legislature sees it that way. This week on The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, reporter Mary Jo Pitzl shares who the biggest winners and losers would be if this deal passes.
Arizona is joining 20 other states and Washington, D.C., allowing legal sports betting after Gov. Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1797 on April 15, expanding gaming in the state. The law also allows tribes to operate more slot machines, new tables and more casinos in the state. When will you be able to place bets on your favorite sports teams? How will this impact Arizona’s economy? And who benefits from this new law? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen chat with business reporter Ryan Randazzo. He'll break down all there is to know about sports betting in Arizona.
It has been nearly three weeks since Maricopa County started the ballot audit on April 23, 2021. Nearly 2.1 million ballots are being hand-counted more than six months after the election in 2020. The unprecedented political spectacle is drawing attention from national media, from CNN to Comedy Central. Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver commented on the audit on their shows and national news organizations such as the Guardian and the Washington Post have touched down in Phoenix to cover what’s going on in the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Gaggle talked with Arizona Republic reporter Jen Fifield when the recount got started, but in this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, and national elections law expert Rick Hasen will give a sense of what all of this means. This interview took place before Gov. Doug Ducey signed new legislation that would remove certain voters from the permanent early voting list.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., is a central figure in a 50-50 split Senate. Democrats hold control but only with Vice President Kamala Harris acting as a tiebreaker. Sinema, a centrist Democrat, holds outsize political power and has the ability to make or break President Joe Biden's legislative agenda. She ran in 2018 on the promise to work in a bipartisan manner. How is she doing that? What do we know about her long-term legislative goals? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen have a one-on-one conversation with Sinema. The Democratic senator, who rarely speaks with reporters at length, outlined her legislative goals on the minimum wage and border security as well as responded to criticisms of her refusal to get rid of the legislative filibuster.
The Arizona Senate's audit began nearly six months after the 2020 election at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Friday April 26. Cyber Ninjas, a Florida-based company, was contracted by the state Senate to conduct the audit. Journalists had little to no access to observe the audit apart from the right-wing news outlet One America News Network. In order to observe the audit, journalists had to sign up for a six-hour volunteer shift. Arizona Republic reporter Jen Fifield was there Friday morning to work as a volunteer. She was the only journalist that day observing the election audit. She was unable to take notes while on the floor observing, but was able to do so on her phone when she stepped off the floor into a locker area. She questioned organizers about audit guidelines when she observed an issue. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, Fifield joins hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to breakdown her experience inside the coliseum and what to expect in the coming weeks. Cyber Ninjas is expected to file its report with the Senate in 60 days.
The first Federal Election Campaign finance reports of the year came out last week. These documents can show how candidates raise and spend money in federal elections and provide insight on who might be running for what offices in the 2022 and 2024 elections. With time on the clock still, the first quarter report shows how the fundraising efforts of key players in the next two elections, including Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz. are starting off right out of the gate. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen highlight some of the standout fundraising and analyze why some candidates are already falling behind.
Now that Congress has passed the American Rescue Plan of 2021, which will help sustain people and cities financially, Congress is turning its priorities elsewhere, including to issues at the border. In February, U.S. Customs and Border Protection processed 28,328 migrants. That number more than doubled to over 68,000 in March, most of them families and children. The surge of migrants who are processed and the insufficient space to hold them in Arizona led CBP to release migrants into small communities in southern Arizona. The Biden administration has received pushback from Republicans on the rollback of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the handling of the current migrant situation. They are calling the issue a crisis and inhumane. How many of those statements are realist or alarmist? What does the situation look like in these camps? How have the conditions along the border changed under President Biden? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by immigration reporter Rafael Carranza to break down the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Georgia became one of the first states to pass a voting restriction law after the 2020 election on March 25. The bill includes new changes like shortening the window to request an absentee ballot, requiring more than a signature on mail-in ballots and making it illegal to hand out water to voters in line. Arizona is considered one of the next states to possibly follow and implement similar laws. Senate Bill 1485 proposes getting rid of the permanent early voting list which is used by most voters. Senate Bill 1713 adds an identification card requirement along with a signature to verify a ballot. Both of these have the broader electorate asking if Arizona could be the next Georgia. The Arizona GOP pushed back on voting fairness after President Joe Biden won the state by the narrowest margin in the country, but now one of the state's most influential business groups, Greater Phoenix Leadership, is urging the GOP to resist changes to the election process. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk with Sonja Diaz, the Founding Director of the Latino Policy & Politics Initiative at UCLA. She is a civil rights attorney and testified before the House of Representatives on voting in America.
From 1945 to 1962, the United States conducted nuclear mining in Northern Arizona and nuclear testing in Southern Nevada. Yet the government failed to warn people in the area of the radiation risks posed by that work and the health hazards associated with it, including various forms of cancer. Then in 1990, Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. It established a lump sum compensation for individuals who contracted illnesses in the aftermath of the testing. The program was later expanded in 2000 and is set to close its eligibility to individuals in 2022. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., is sponsoring a bill to extend the eligibility to include Mohave County and Nevada's Clark County in the federal fund. Last week, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to listen to testimony from people in the affected areas. That included Mohave County Supervisor Jean Bishop, who grew up in the affected area and developed cancer due to the nuclear testing. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by Bishop as she recounts her childhood in the impacted area. You'll also hear from Stanton on his outlook of the bill and why he took up the issue.
The divide between Arizona's congressional Democrats and its House Republicans is wider than ever in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Arizona Democrats said the fallout from the insurrection is testing their will to work together. “If I’m going to advocate to the federal government, to the (President Joe) Biden people, I’m not going to jump on with people that just tried to invalidate his election,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. Republicans, such as Rep. David Schweikert, also acknowledged the deeper rift and said it has been moving in that direction for years. In today's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen discuss the evolving dynamics of Arizona's congressional delegation and what that means for their ability to represent and advocate for Arizonans.
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick has been representing Arizonans since 2005 and announced Friday that she will not be running for re-election at the end of her term. In her career, Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz, has used her history in rural Arizona to bring more representation to smaller cities and has been a key member of the House Appropriations Committee. In January of 2020, she took some time off to treat alcoholism after a fall and returned in late February of that year. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk with Kirkpatrick to discuss her career and what her absence will look like.
Four months have passed since Arizona certified its election results. In the subsequent months, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the Arizona Senate have been in an ongoing legal battle over an audit of 2020 election ballots. The Arizona Senate subpoenaed the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for access to the paper ballots and voting machines to conduct their own audit of the 2020 election results. The county argued that they legally could not handover the ballots. On Feb. 26, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Timothy Thomason ruled the Arizona Senate's subpoenas were valid. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by Phoenix City Hall reporter Jen Fifield to breakdown the legal battle and what potential precedent this could set moving forward.
After a year of taking heat from the political left and right, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is answering his critics. Democrats such as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema criticized Ducey for being slow to protect Arizonans during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans criticized him for certifying President Joe Biden's narrow victory in Arizona during the 2020 election. On Monday, Ducey sat down with national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen for this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast. The interview covered everything from managing COVID-19 to expanding school choice to Ducey's political plans after serving as governor.
Two years ago, Arizona voters rejected a GOP law to expand the state’s school voucher-style program. Despite that rejection, and against the backdrop of at-home learning in the era of the pandemic, Arizona’s Republicans are once again trying to dramatically expand the program. This year, the Arizona Senate voted not just to expand the voucher system. In fact, SB 1452 is even larger than the expansion that was repealed by voters. Under the proposed legislation, two thirds of Arizona’s 1.1 million public-school students would qualify for the program, which lets parents spend public money on private and religious schooling. The bill comes as many parents are frustrated following months of at-home education or hybrid learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans are leveraging that frustration to advocate for private schools, many of which have re-opened for in-person learning to some degree. In this week’s episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk to education reporter Lily Altavena and data reporter Rob O’Dell about the politics of school re-opening and school vouchers. The team discusses where in-person education stands in Arizona, what Republicans are proposing and how that would shape education for students and parents alike.
Arizona has been in the national political spotlight recently. It was labeled a swing state heading into the 2020 elections and barely turned blue, handing Joe Biden his narrowest victory in November. While this was happening, the state's elected leaders were gathering national attention too. Republican Governor Doug Ducey has entered the final two years of his term. His future afterward is uncertain, but could include a return to private life, a run for Congress or even a White House bid in 2024. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk with Phil Cox, former executive director of the Republican Governor's Association where Ducey currently serves as Chairman. They'll break down where Arizona's leader could be headed next and the implications for Arizona voters.
Former President Donald Trump is the only president to face impeachment twice, after the House of Representatives signed a single article of impeachment on Jan. 25. The Senate began its formal trial on Tuesday, although there isn't a clear consensus on whether Trump should be held accountable for the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and what that accountability would look like. Arizona's House representatives already split along party lines when voting to impeach, prompting questions about partisan factions within our Congressional delegation. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down how impeachment could fracture the relationships among Arizona's elected officials in Washington and what that would mean for voters. You'll also hear audio from Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly about their reflections after the riots at the Capitol.
The 2020 election marked the first time in modern Arizona history that Democrats had a lead in early ballots a week before election day. Republicans closed that gap, putting the percentage of ballots returned within 1% of each other. Still, it was a shock to the system for some Republicans. Now, Republican lawmakers are looking to change how Arizonans vote, as well as how their votes are counted and audited. Everything is on the table, from mail-in voting to the permanent early voting list. In this week’s episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the Republican proposals with state Legislature reporter Andrew Oxford. The conversation includes information on each proposal, how Democrats are responding to it and how it will change things for voters, if at all.
The Arizona Democratic and Republican parties held elections on Jan. 23 to elect their party chair. During an in-person meeting that was largely closed to the media, the Arizona GOP narrowly re-elected the fractious Kelli Ward as its leader. Democrats opted to vote for a new chair in a virtual meeting, electing Raquel Terán overwhelmingly with 75% of the vote. Terán is the state representative for Legislative District 30 in the metro Phoenix area. And she's a self-identified progressive with roots in community organizing. As Democratic chair, Terán will oversee the state's party platform and work to gain Democratic wins up and down the ballot ahead of 2022, as well as fundraise for the party and recruit candidates. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by the newly-elected Terán. She will break down the future of the party in Arizona, including questions about how progressive party's agenda will be in coming years.
Today is the inauguration day for President-elect Joe Biden. He becomes the 46th President of the United States of America. After the two Democratic Senate victories in Georgia, Biden has a clearer path towards setting are more liberal agenda. Biden has already released plans for his first 100 days in office, including plans for a national COVID-19 response and changes to various immigration policies. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by health reporter Stephanie Innes and immigration reporter Daniel Gonzalez to break down how the administration's early policy moves could affect Arizonans.
Arizona Republican leaders such as Gov. Doug Ducey and Chair Kelli Ward had opposing reactions to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Ducey initially condemned the riots on Twitter and then again addressed it in Monday's State of the State address. "In the United States of America, violence and vandalism have no place in the people’s house. Perpetrators should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Let us condemn it and resolve that it never happens again," said Ducey. On the day of the attack, Ward attended a Protect the Vote rally, where she continued to question the validity of the election results. The riots at the U.S. Capitol highlight a growing fissure within the party. It’s at a crossroads, caught between moderate and extremists. With Ward likely to maintain power, the tone for the party is being set by the far-right. Is it possible for moderates to regain control? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen speak with Kirk Adams. Adams is a former Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives. He also served as the chief of staff for Ducey from 2014 to 2018. Listen now to hear as Adams breaks down how the Arizona GOP save itself from the extremist elements.
On Wednesday, during a joint session of Congress, a pro-President Donald Trump mob invaded the Capitol. The riot spilled into the Capitol as the debate over Arizona’s votes began. Republican Rep. Paul Gosar was on the microphone when debate was halted. As events developed, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen reached out to members of Arizona’s congressional delegation. They wanted to know where our elected officials were when the insurrection began, what they remember and how they felt. In today’s bonus episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, we’re bringing five of those conversations. You’ll hear from Democratic Reps. Tom O’Halleran, Ruben Gallego, Greg Stanton and Raúl Grijalva and Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko.
Following a year of turmoil, the next legislative sessions kicks off on Monday, Jan. 11. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has faced criticism of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic from Republicans and Democrats alike. Although Republicans held onto their majorities in the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate, there’s disunity among both parties’ caucuses. What issues will the legislature attempt to address? And how successful will leaders from both sides be in drawing support for their causes? State government and politics reporters Andrew Oxford and Maria Polletta join this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast to preview the upcoming session with hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen.
As we wrap up 2020, The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen look towards 2021. In this week's episode, they'll breakdown five stories they are keeping their eyes on throughout the upcoming year. That includes how the COVID-19 vaccine will impact the state's recovery from the pandemic. They'll also reflect on the futures of the Republican and Democratic parties in the state heading in the the next election cycle in 2022.
Hey Gaggle listeners! We're taking this week off. Thanks for joining us this year as we explored Arizona's evolving politics. We've got one more episode coming this year and we'll be back in 2021 with more.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many to pay rent. Various government protections were put in place throughout the year to protect renters against evictions, including rental assistance and eviction moratoriums. However, reporting from The Arizona Republic found that hundreds of Arizona renters may have been wrongfully evicted. And more evictions may be on the way. Reporters Catherine Reagor and Jessica Boehm join host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast. They break down how renters and landlords were protected under the CARES Act and what could happen when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium expires on Jan. 1. Listen now to hear how the coronavirus pandemic strained the relationship between landlords and renters.
Season two of Rediscovering, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, explored the events leading up to and following the passage of Senate Bill 1070 in Arizona. The 2010 “show me your papers” law was met with pushback from Latino organizers, grassroots activists, DACA recipients and more. That pushback didn’t end after SB 1070 was signed. Latino activists continued to organize. They pushed for voter registration. They rallied around local candidates. They helped elect Democrats like Sheriff Paul Penzone and Krysten Sinema. Now, the 2020 election has come and gone. For the first time since 1996, Arizona voted for a Democrat for president. Joe Biden’s narrow victory was the work of multiple voting blocs and a confluence of events that made for an unforgettable year and an election cycle that will be looked back on for decades to come. In the immediate aftermath, we wanted to revisit some of the voices you heard in Rediscovering. In this epilogue, we’re bringing together two people from our show to discuss SB 1070’s effect on the election: Tony Valdovinos and Chuck Coughlin. Valdovinos is a Democratic organizer and DACA recipient who was called to action by SB 1070. In 2010, Chuck was an adviser to Republican Governor Jan Brewer.
President-elect Joe Biden officially received Arizona's 11 electoral votes on Monday after the state certified the election results. Almost a month after the election, many are wondering how a traditionally conservative state flipped for Biden this election. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen sit down with Andrew Piatt, a Biden campaign senior adviser. Piatt previously worked as a campaign manager on Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's team in 2018. Listen now to hear what factors gave Biden the extra push with undecided voters to flip the state blue for the first time in 26 years.
"The media" is blanket term that covers everything from social media to 24-hour TV networks to traditional newspapers like our own. Despite the catch-all nature of the plural phrase, consumers can treat news outlets as though they're singular, particularly if they disagree with the news as it's reported. In today's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, media critic Bill Goodykoontz joins hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to discuss the changing relationship between news producers and consumers, especially during presidential elections. Unlike traditional news reporters, Goodykoontz is a columnist, meaning he's free to express opinions on election coverage that others might withhold. The trio discusses how the coverage of the election has evolved since 2016 and whether there's still room for improvement. They also discuss the rise in alternative media and what role disreputable outlets such as that could play in future elections.
When it comes to politics, Arizona is truly a purple state. For the first time in 24 years, Arizona's electoral votes went to a Democratic Presidential candidate. Arizona also elected Democrat Mark Kelly to the U.S. Senate. The state will now have a pair of Democratic senators in the upper chamber for the first time since 1953. At the same time, Arizona voters kept the state legislature in Republican control. If you've been a loyal listener to the The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, these election results wouldn't have come as a huge surprise, as hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen spent the last year reporting on Arizona's changing political landscape. Take a listen to this week's episode for look back at how original reporting from The Gaggle podcast and The Arizona Republic foreshadowed the 2020 election results.
As a swing state, all eyes were going to be on Arizona this election. That was certainly the case when a conspiracy theory over Sharpies took hold on social media. The theory claimed that ballots marked with Sharpies would not be counted. Not only is this false, but the Maricopa County Elections Department said it prefers Sharpies because they are quick to dry and don't smudge. Attention has also been given to Arizona by President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for all votes to be counted in the state while also calling for Pennsylvania to stop counting votes. Pro-Trump supporters continue to rally for all votes to be counted outside of the Maricopa County Elections Department, where votes are being counted. Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs oversees the elections. Hobbs has been making the rounds on national media lately, responding to such critiques of Arizona's system. Hobbs joins hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen on The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast to respond to President Trump's efforts to undermine the election results and how her office will rebuild trust with the public moving forward.
Votes are still being counted in Arizona; 470,000 to be exact. While there are some races in the state that have yet to be called, our knowledge about the results continues to grow. The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast is dropping a bonus episode to chat about the evolving results and biggest headlines since Tuesday's election. Hosts of the Gaggle podcast Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen will update you on the presidential race and the Congressional District races. In this episode you'll also hear from:
Lily Altavena on Proposition 208.
Rachel Leingang about the Sharpie controversy.
Andrew Oxford on the State Legislature races.
The 2020 election cycle torpedoed through a nation upended by the COVID-19 pandemic and grappling with partisan animosity, but in Arizona the season culminated in an election day marked by high voter turnout and sparing reports of disruption at the polls. Voter turnout in Arizona surpassed 2016 numbers, but was not fully known by the end of Tuesday. Nearly 2.64 million early ballots were cast by Monday. Those votes, combined with in-person election votes, are expected to push turnout to record-breaking levels. Full results in some races were left undetermined by the end of the night, including various Congressional Districts, state House and Senate races and Prop. 208, an education funding measure. But the Associated Press called the presidential race in Arizona for former Vice President Joe Biden. It also said that Democrat Mark Kelly ousted Republican Martha McSally from her Senate seat. This week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast from The Arizona and azcentral.com, breaks down what we know, what we don't know and what comes next. Here's what we know as of Tuesday night:
Arizona went blue, voting for Democrats Joe Biden for president and Mark Kelly for U.S. Senate.
Arizona passed Prop. 207, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state
Arizona entered battleground status nationally in 2018 after constituents elected Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat, to the U.S. Senate over Republican candidate Martha McSally. Arizona had not had a Democratic senator since 1994 prior to Sinema's victory. In 2020, pollsters and political operatives shifted Arizona to "swing state" status for the 2020 election, with Democrats betting on the population's changing demographics to elect presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden. President Donald Trump and his campaign worked fiercely to get out the vote among Arizonans, visiting the state seven times in 2019. To find out more about how Arizona became a swing state, listen to our podcast, "Rediscovering: SB 1070."
In one week, people will be awaiting results from the 2020 election races. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are breaking down the information you need to know before Tuesday's election. They take a look at early voting turnout and what the latest polls are saying (plus, if the polls can be trusted). Also, hear an analysis about statements made by candidates in the final stretches of the election and whether or not they're true.
The race for Maricopa County Attorney has grown heated and competitive this year. Facing off are candidates Allister Adel, a Republican, and Julie Gunnigle, a Democrat. Allister Adel, the sitting county attorney, was appointed to the office in October 2019 by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. This came after her predecessor, Republican Bill Montgomery, was named to the Arizona Supreme Court by Republican Governor Doug Ducey. She’s received the support of police unions and several Republican politicians. Her opponent, Julie Gunnigle, grew up in Arizona before becoming a prosecutor in Illinois and Indiana. She’s been vocal in her support for criminal justice reform and has the support of various left-leaning organizations and even received a shoutout from celebrity singer John Legend. To give you a better picture of these candidates and their philosophies, The Gaggle podcast spoke with each of them about criminal justice reform, reproductive rights and marijuana legalization.
Arizona's 1st Congressional District was designed to be competitive. The district is immense. It stretches from the Navajo Nation in the northwest corner of the state, to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff. From there, it heads south, covering Show Low and Globe. Then it switches west to include Casa Grande and the city of Maricopa, just south of Phoenix. It's covers such an incredible land mass that it's actually larger than 26 states. In 2016, the district went to President Donald Trump by one point. That same night, it voted in Democrat Tom O'Halleran to Congress. Four years later, how do voters in the district feel? Which issues are most pressing to them? And how will they vote come November? We talked to Rep. O'Halleran and voters in the district to find out.
Can a lengthy ethics investigation and a charismatic opponent mean the end for Rep. David Schweikert, a Republican from Arizona's 6th Congressional District? Schweikert's district is home to some of Arizona's wealthiest residents. It's also home to a host of working-class entrepreneurs, he said. Topping their list of important issues this election are the economy, COVID-19 response, health care, and education. Facing off against Schweikert is Dr. Hiral Tipirneni, a Democrat who's made ground appealing to voters across the aisle. This week, listeners will visit two congressional districts. Congressional District 6 and Congressional District 1. These races are expected to be the most competitive of all nine in Arizona. We hear how Republican, Independent and Democrat voters in the districts feel about the incumbent candidates and their challengers. It's part of a miniseries The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast launched this year. Leading up to the election, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen introduce you to the district leaders and residents, explaining how the most pressing issues for voters could affect the 2020 election. NOTE: A previous version of this description misspelled Dr. Hiral Tipirneni's name. It has since been corrected.
The race between retired astronaut and Democrat Mark Kelly and Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) could determine the control of the Senate and makeup of the Supreme Court. On Tuesday night, voters heard from the candidates directly. In a debate hosted by The Arizona Republic, Arizona PBS, KJZZ-FM (91.5) and Arizona Public media, the candidates responded to questions about health care, guns, China and national security. The debate came after the release of a statewide Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll released Friday that showed Kelly led McSally 49-40 among likely Arizona voters. Will the debate impact voters choice? How did Kelly and McSally respond to topics about the COVID-19 pandemic? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the top moments from the U.S. Senate debate.
The Patriot Movement AZ was once seen as a fringe group within the Republican Party. Now they are impacting local policy while garnering national attention for their public actions. Investigative reporters Rob O'Dell and Richard Ruelas spent six months diving into the history of the group and reviewing thousands of online posts to learn how the group thinks. O'Dell and Ruelas chat with Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen hosts of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, to breakdown the findings of their investigation.
Once a reliably red state, Arizona has become increasingly purple over the last decade. When it comes to the 2020 election, it's districts like Arizona's 9th Congressional District that could swing outcomes on the federal level. The 9th Congressional District falls in the heart of the Valley. It includes east Phoenix, Tempe, south Scottsdale and parts of Mesa and Chandler. It's home to some of Arizona's largest employers, such as State Farm Insurance and Arizona State University. The district was originally drawn as one of three competitive House seats in Arizona. Back when it was created, Republicans had a 3 percentage point advantage. Today, Democrats have an 8-point edge. What does that shift mean for President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden? How could changing sentiments in one congressional district shape the outcome of November's election? To find out, we talked to Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), who has served the district since 2018. We also talked to three different voters — one Democrat, one Republican and one Independent — to get their pulse on 2020. We asked them about which issues matter most to them, including climate change, health care and the Supreme Court vacancy. And we found out who they'll vote for in November.
As the 2020 election draws near, Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden are racing to shore up support from suburban voters in the battleground state of Arizona. Analysts say suburbanites will be the decisive voting faction in this year's election, making them the most important group for each of the presidential candidates to win over. But the suburbs aren't a monolith. The residents make up diverse populations with different concerns, backgrounds and religious affiliations. So how are the Trump and Biden campaigns going after them? This week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, breaks down the two campaigns' strategies and efficacy. Plus, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen examin how the candidates are polling among Arizonans. Audio in this episode courtesy of the azcentral.com video team.
The course of the 2020 political season leading up to election day has been inexorably altered as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to render large, in-person gatherings a social taboo. Campaign events have largely been cancelled. The Democratic and Republican National Conventions were held virtually. As questions over the safety of in-person voting loom large, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is preparing her office, which oversees elections, for more mail-in voting this year than ever before. But President Donald Trump has made clear his discomfort with mail-in voting. In April, he claimed that it leads to widespread voter fraud. "I''m not gonna say which party does it, but thousands of votes are gathered and they come and they’re dumped in locations and all the sudden you lose elections that you think you’re gonna win," Trump said at a White House press briefing. "I won’t stand for it." exists, but that hasn’t appeased some of his supporters who are growing concerned. Then in August, Trump made comments that sparked backlash about withholding funding for the United State Postal Service in order to prevent mail-in voting. Concern over potential voter suppression arose after social media posts went viral showing mailboxes being removed and mail sorting machines at post offices being taken out of circulation. Will voting in the 2020 general election be safe and secure? What do constituents need to do to ensure that their ballot is counted? Those are the questions tackled on this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen welcome special guest Hobbs to the show.
Socialism. Guns. Water. Those are some of the top issues for voters from Arizona's 4th Congressional District. Also top of mind are keeping taxes low and ensuring the election this November is safe and accessible for all the district's voters, including Indigenous constituents. It's for those reasons that Congressional District 4 is not considered a competitive area for Republicans in the 2020 election. Represented by Republican Rep. Paul Gosar, the district covers most of Western Arizona. It also includes north central Arizona, including most of Yavapai County, and wraps itself around Phoenix from the east. In this week's episode, listeners visit Congressional District 4. It's part of a miniseries The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast launched this year. Leading up to the election, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen introduce you to the district leaders and residents, explaining how the most pressing issues for voters could affect the 2020 election.
This November, Arizonans will cast their votes not just for the leaders they hope to see guiding their futures, but for the multiple voter-driven propositions that will shape their communities. What are the props on the ballot this election cycle and what do voters need to know about them? This week Arizona's politics podcast, The Gaggle, dives into four measures, two of which made it on the ballot and two that did not.
Smart and Safe Arizona Act, a recreational marijuana measure (on the ballot)
Prop. 208, an education funding measure (on the ballot)
Second Chances, Rehabilitation and Public Safety Act (not on the ballot)
Stop Surprise Billing and Protect Patients Act (not on the ballot)
Joining hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by education reporter Lily Altavena, business reporter Ryan Randazzo and state legislature Andrew Oxford.
Every four years supporters of the Democratic and Republican parties pack convention centers and arenas to nominate their candidate for president. This year, that tradition is a bit different. Instead of large crowds and in-person festivities, Zoom meetings and video live streams took its place. The COVID-19 pandemic ousted the traditional convention, but the parties messaging is the same: both say it's the most important election ever. In 2020, Arizona is a battleground state. The Grand Canyon state has been a historically red state. Arizona has only gone to the Democrats once since 1952. That was in 1996 when republican presidential nominee Bob Dole lost the state to President Bill Clinton. Last week, we saw Democratic leaders speak at the virtual convention. This week, the Republican party takes center stage. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the messaging of both political conventions and whether or not their appeals will find a home in Arizona.
Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, is vying to become Arizona's second Democratic senator. Kelly ran uncontested in the Democratic Senate primary and will face off with Republican Sen. Martha McSally in November. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, Kelly joins hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to discuss how he would use his position in the senate. He also weighs in on healthcare and gun reform.
Arizona's Congressional District 2 has a history of voting for both Republicans and Democrats, but as COVID-19 upends life for residents across the state, the question of which direction the district will lean in the 2020 election is in flux. The district is located in the southeast corner of Arizona, abutting Mexico and New Mexico. It includes parts of Tucson, Willcox, Benson, Sierra Vista and Bisbee. It’s represented by Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick. In this week's episode, listeners visit Congressional District 2. It's part of a miniseries The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast launched this year. Leading up to the election, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen introduce you to the district leaders and residents, explaining how the most pressing issues for voters could affect the 2020 election. This year, the district will play a large role in races like Arizona's U.S. Senate seat between Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Mark Kelly, the U.S. House seat between Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick and Republican Brandon Martin and the presidential race between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. In recent years, the district has swayed in favor of Democrats. In the 2016 election, when Arizona as a whole favored President Donald Trump by a margin of 3.5 points, Kirkpatrick's district had a 4.8 point margin in favor of Hillary Clinton. But factoring in the district residents' decisions this year on who to vote for are prominent issues such as access to quality and affordable health care, job security, economic prosperity, and immigration and border security.
Arizona's primary election may have lacked the gravitas of November's much-anticipated general election, but there were key races to watch. This includes races in the state Legislature, which could determine whether Democrats retake the state House of Representatives for the first time since the 1966 elections. Democrats also had to choose their opponent to run in the congressional race against the embattled, five-term Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz. Other big name tickets included Joe Arpaio's attempt to regain his former job as sheriff. Where did voters land? And what, if anything, could this tell us about November's election? State Legislature reporter Andrew Oxford joined hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to break down the election results in today's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast.
When it comes to negotiating the next coronavirus stimulus package, House Democrats and Senate Republicans are at odds. Again. In May, Democrats, who control the House, proposed a $3 trillion plan that extended the $600 emergency unemployment benefit until January. Their plan also included an additional $1,200 stimulus check and additional funding for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Republicans rejected the plan, but did not unveil their own until earlier this week. Their $1 trillion proposal also includes an additional $1,200 stimulus check for millions of Americans. It also offers legal protections for small businesses and schools against liability claims, with the hopes that such protections will encourage them to reopen. However, the proposal also caps federal unemployment assistance to 70% of a workers' pay rather than extending the $600 unemployment bonus. That program would be phased in over the next two months. While it's being rolled out, unemployed Americans would only receive a $200 boost to their unemployment claims. Democrats were challenging the Republican proposal even before it was officially fleshed out publicly. With markers laid down on both partisan sides, only one thing appears imminent: gridlock. And it comes at a time when many Americans are being pushed to the financial edge. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcasts, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk to business reporter Ryan Randazzo about the effects a delayed stimulus bill could have on the state of Arizona. They also discuss whether or not the state has the financial ability to step in and help those are unemployed while Congress stalls.
In March, in-person schools shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden transition was difficult for teachers, students and parents alike. In recent weeks, the debate on when and how to reopen schools for in-person curriculum has made headlines across the country. The pressure to reopen this fall was amplified by President Donald Trump earlier this month. Arizona schools Superintendent Kathy Hoffman is leading in the effort to reopen schools along side Gov. Doug Ducey. In an exclusive, one-on-one interview with hosts of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, Hoffman breaks down the new steps the state is making towards getting students back into classrooms. Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen discuss with her how they plan to keep teachers safe and the changes students will see in classrooms.
What's it like to be a migrant or correctional officer in an immigrant detention facility located in a global hotspot during a pandemic? At the Eloy Detention Center in southern Arizona, correctional officers and immigrants' rights advocates and lawyers are decrying dangerous conditions they say have exacerbated the outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility. The Arizona Republic reported July 9 that 128 staff members at the center tested positive for COVID-19. The 128 members make up nearly 41% of the workforce at Eloy. In June, a correctional officer at the facility died from potential COVID-19 complications. The center is run by CoreCivic, a for-profit private prison company based in Nashville. It is under contract from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, host Ronald J. Hansen speaks with immigration reporter Daniel Gonzalez. Hansen and Gonzalez break down the lengthy list of allegations against CoreCivic and ICE, how the company and agency have responded, and how the 2020 election plays into immigration decisions made by the federal government that might affect detention centers like these.
Episode 1: You're not welcome here In the early 2000s, Arizona’s rapid population growth and investor speculation fueled a homebuilding binge in the state. Contractors took advantage of a lax employment-verification system and hired undocumented workers at a cut rate, often from Mexico, in droves. At its peak, Arizona proportionately had the second-largest undocumented population of any state in the country, behind only Nevada. About one in 12 residents was undocumented. Consumers and businesses liked the low-cost labor. But not everyone liked the changing demographics of their neighborhoods. State legislators tried to address the issue, but critics called the attempts piecemeal. Congress failed multiple times at passing immigration reform. An economic recession, a dramatic citizen’s arrest and a tragic death exacerbated tensions. To hear all five episodes, subscribe to Rediscovering: SB 1070 in your podcast app.
Arizona is a battleground state in national elections and could sway the outcome of the 2020 presidential race. But how did we get here? How did the state go from reliably red to purple, with the possibility to shift blue in 2020, in just a decade? To understand, go back to 2010 when Arizona surprised the nation by passing Senate Bill 1070, a sweeping and highly controversial immigration law, otherwise known as the "show me your papers" law. That's what The Gaggle's sister podcast will explore in season two of Rediscovering. The five-part series will examine what led to the bill, what its proponents sought to do, how the community and nation reacted and how its effects linger still today. Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen host this season of Rediscovering. They spoke with more than two dozen people including the architect of the bill, Russell Pearce. As well as former Governor Jan Brewer, Arizona's senior senator Kyrsten Sinema and young Latino and immigrant activists who were forever shaped by the legislation. Listen to the trailer to Rediscovering: SB1070 now. All five episodes drop on Wednesday, July 15. Don't miss a single one. Subscribe to our series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., is expected to face off against retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, a Democrat, in November. In the midst of a fraught race, one which will determine who controls the Senate, McSally published a memoir, "Dare to Fly: Simple Lessons in Never Giving Up." The book is an up-close look at the Senator. It sheds light on her childhood, her early years in the Air Force, her military career and her political career. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, McSally joins hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to discuss her book. She also weighs in on reports of Russia placing bounties on U.S. troops, the COVID-19 pandemic, health care, gun control and her return to the campaign trail.
Earlier this year, "The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast," launched a miniseries profiling each congressional district in Arizona. In this week's episode, we're taking a look at the West Valley's Congressional District 8. It's home to popular spots in the state like State Farm Stadium, where the Arizona Cardinals play, as well as the popular concert venue Gila River Arena. It includes Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise. It also has large retirement communities in towns like Sun City and Sun City West. Republican Debbie Lekso represents the district in Congress. She took the seat in a special election in 2018. Lekso joined hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to talk about the political issues most important to her community, including social security and veteran benifit. You'll also hear from voters directly on which issues are most likely to drive them to the polls.
The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes has brought police practices and accountability to the forefront of American discourse. In cities across the nation, protesters have taken to the streets, demanding justice and change. Phoenix is no different. This week The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, is examining two solutions proposed to address police brutality, profiling and other practices being scrutinized as unjust. These include civilian oversight and "defunding the police." Related: Every 5 days, an Arizona officer shoots someone, a Republic analysis finds In June, the Phoenix City Council approved spending $3 million of its $1.3 billion budget for a new Office of Accountability and Transparency that will focus on police oversight. Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen explore the function of the new office with reporters Jessica Boehm and Uriel Garcia. Plus, an explanation on what "defunding the police" means and how likely the proposal is to pass muster among Phoenix constituents and city council members. Read more:
Phoenix police will stop using strangleholds on people, chief says
Police officers are rarely prosecuted or convicted in Arizona. Here are some of the hurdles
Phoenix protesters demand more police oversight from City Council
Sheriff: Hispanic, black drivers more likely to be held longer in traffic stops than white drivers
Phoenix approves budget with fully-funded police civilian oversight office
This week, The Gaggle will discuss the status of police oversight in Phoenix. Reporters Jessica Boehm and Uriel Garcia will talk about the call to “defund the police.” They’ll explain what it all means and the likelihood of these proposals coming to fruition. But before that, you should understand the backstory about police shootings in Phoenix. Last July, the Arizona Republic released an in-depth investigation on this very subject. The findings provide perspective for the current unrest across the nation. So today, The Gaggle is re-airing this old episode.
The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a pivotal point in Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s leadership in Arizona. Amid conflicting signals from the White House, governors across the country have played an outsized role in managing the health and economic crises. In addition to the pandemic, many governors are being questioned about their responses to police brutality in wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Ducey is no exception. Some questioned whether his implementation of a statewide curfew was in response to looting at Scottsdale Fashion Square, an upscale shopping center. Ducey also received criticism for issuing the curfew without speaking to Democratic mayors, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. It’s been a historic run of problems for the state and the nation. It’s unclear how much these recent moments will define Ducey’s legacy governor. How does Ducey’s leadership fare in contrast? And how will his handling of the pandemic shape his legacy as the 23rd governor of Arizona? In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by political reporter Maria Polletta.
Arizona mayors who broke with Republican Gov. Doug Ducey's approach to the coronavirus said the governor has made no direct contact since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Flagstaff and Tucson mayors Coral Evans and Regina Romero told The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast they had communication with the Ducey administration early on in the pandemic through morning conference calls with Ben Blink, the governor's policy adviser for local governments. However, the calls have since ceased. Evans and Romero were the first in the state to issue proclamations in mid-March, closing certain businesses and public gathering spaces. Gov. Ducey issued a statewide stay-at-home March 30. In the May 27 interviews, Evans and Romero said their proactive approaches were in response to information from scientists and public health officials. They also spoke about the plight of their residents and what further action will be needed to revive their cities' economies and public health. Mayor Evans expressed displeasure with the governor, who has said he wants Arizona to take unified approach in combating COVID-19. "It seems to me that if we want to speak as one voice, then everybody would have the opportunity to be part of the conversation," Evans told national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen. "It makes no sense to me that the mayors that care so passionately about their communities never had a conversation with the governor the entire time this has been going on." In this episode you'll hear Evans and Romero's thoughts on:
Why they issued proclamations shutting down their cities before Gov. Ducey's stay-at-home order.
The state response to COVID-19.
Partisan politics imbued in coronavirus discourse.
The distribution of federal relief funding and what it will be used for
On May 25, George Floyd was killed while in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers. The officers' actions leading to his death violated the policies of the Minneapolis Police Department. Floyd’s death became a catalyst for protests across the country, including protests in Phoenix. Local protesters decried Floyd's death, as well as the death of 28-year-old Dion Johnson. Authorities allege Johnson struggled with an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper before the shooting. However, there is no footage of Johnson's death, and the trooper who shot him was not equipped with a camera. After three nights of unrest, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency. He also declared a weekly curfew, which will expire on the morning of Monday, June 8. More than 200 protesters were arrested Sunday night for violating the curfew. In issuing the curfew, Ducey said his administration had received requests from local leaders. However, the mayors of Phoenix and Tucson — Arizona's largest cities — said they were not notified of the curfew by Ducey's administration. Annie DeGraw, a spokeswoman for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, said they had not spoken or heard from the governor on this topic or any other topic for months. In today's bonus episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk to photojournalist Rob Schumacher about what he's witnessing while covering the protests. Our podcast also talks to city of Phoenix reporter Jessica Boehm about the breakdown in communication between Ducey's administration and local mayors amid the protests and COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, "The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast," launched a miniseries profiling each congressional district in Arizona. In this week's episode, we're taking a look at the east Valley's Congressional District 5. The district includes Gilbert and Queen Creek, as well as eastern Mesa and parts of Chandler. Representing the dyed-in-the-wool conservative district is Republican Andy Biggs. Biggs has made headlines recently for voting against COVID-19 stimulus package, citing his concern about the impact of the packages on the national debt. Biggs joined hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to talk about the political issues most important to his community, many of which have changed during the pandemic. You'll also hear from voters in his district directly.
The Navajo Nation, located in parts of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, is one of the hardest hit places in the state from COVID-19 cases and is now leading the country in per-capita infection rates. Most recent numbers show 2,344 persons per 100,000 on the Navajo Nation were infected by the new coronavirus. In second was New York with 1,806 cases per 100,000. Since early March the Navajo Nation has enacting some of the strictest policies in the state, including nightly and weekend-long curfews. The response started when Navajo Nation President Jonathon Nez declared a state of emergency and days later closed the nation to visitors after three confirmed cases were reported. More than half of the Navajo Nation's cases involve residents in Arizona counties. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by breaking news reporter Chelsea Curtis to break down the Navajo Nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since his first press briefing March 2 to extending the statewide stay-at-home order April 29, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has filled a momentous, and at times controversial, timeline of actions regarding the new coronavirus. His incremental progressions have evoked bold responses from constituents, business owners and political leaders on both sides of the aisle; and his administration's decisions to cut off data from university researchers modeling state-specific COVID-19 case projections has led to national scrutiny and a swift reversal. Dissent from all angles has rendered impossible a scenario in which the governor can take action without accounting for political consequence. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen parse the messy web of politics that has affected Gov. Ducey's decision making. Joining the hosts are Arizona Repubilc reporters Maria Polletta and Ryan Randazzo. In this episode, you'll hear:
Who's advising Ducey and what political calculations he has to make
Possible reasons why the Ducey administration has sidelined university experts studying COVID-19
The implications of Ducey's actions on other Arizona GOP contenders
Audio in this episode was collected from Channel 3, Channel 15, The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, Thomas Hawthorne and David Wallace.
When the Arizona Legislature adjourned March 23 as a precautionary health measure to combat the new coronavirus, the session's abrupt end killed dozens of bills that had progressed in the state chambers, leaving them with no path to the governor's office. Lawmakers' original plan to reconvene April 13 was scrapped after Gov. Doug Ducey implemented a stay-at-home order March 30 that is currently in effect until May 15. Now, bills pertaining to education, suicide prevention, criminal justice reform, short term rentals, taxation, and even road kill face uncertain futures. This week on the Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the prominent bills from this session with Arizona Republic reporters Andrew Oxford, Maria Polletta and Lily Altavena. Oxford, Polletta and Altavena explain what the bills would've done and how likely they were to pass.
President Donald Trump's Arizona visit on Tuesday is his first since the Feb. 19 rally at the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum. This time he's visiting a Honeywell facility, which turned to producing N95 respirator masks at the end of March. The visit comes at an interesting time. The 2020 campaign season has halted its usual door-to-door tactics in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to digital outreach instead. Trump's stop in Arizona marks a potential return to in-person campaigning. In this bonus episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen interview Ronna McDaniel, Chair of the Republican National Committee. She outlined how the RNC plans to support Republican candidates in Arizona during this unprecedented time.
After an extended spring break, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey closed schools for the rest of the school year on March 30, citing the risk of COVID-19. Now families have set up virtual classrooms in their living rooms or at the dining room table. Many were left scrambling to keep their kids learning. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by education reporter Lily Altavena. Together, they break down how schools pivoted to distance learning, as well as the potential long-term impacts of this shift. You'll also hear directly from Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman.
The coronavirus pandemic is changing the 2020 Election season. In any other presidential election year, you'd see people knocking on doors, holding rallies, headlining high-dollar fundraisers and gathering signatures for ballot measures. This spring, candidates have had to change their strategies for reaching potential voters. Some have found more success with it than others. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down how the campaign season has essentially halted during the pandemic. They dig into the presidential race, senate race, ballot measures and more. In this episode you'll hear:
Republican Sen. Martha McSally
Samantha Zager, the Regional Communications Director for Trump Victory
Roopali Desai, an election lawyer in Arizona
What is it like for those in positions of power to respond to a health crisis? Will Humble was the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services from 2009 to 2015. He served in that role for both Democratic and Republican governors. In doing so, he oversaw the state's response to H1N1 and Ebola. Humble said the most important thing is for the public to hear a "symphony of voices" during a health crisis. This includes hearing from government officials, doctors and nurses. But does he feel as though that's happening today? How does he rate Arizona's response to COVID-19? Find out in today's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, with hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen.
The outbreak of COVID-10 has already hit Arizona's economy, leaving lawmakers, economists and residents to wonder how bad this could get and how much longer the downturn will last. Two weeks ago, Arizona's unemployment insurance website crashed after it was overloaded by 30,000 people filing for unemployment for the first time. This was eight times the amount of people who had filed the previous week. In a two-week time span, more Arizonans applied for unemployment than during an entire year of the great recession. While local industries such as construction, grocery stores and some trucking companies have seen minimal impact, industries foundational to Arizona like tourism and recreation, which typically flourish in the spring, are struggling. In this week's episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, business and economy reporters Russ Wiles and Ryan Randazzo share some of the key factors economists are studying to better understand when Arizona might recover and how badly it could suffer. Follow Russ Wiles on Twitter: @azmoneynews Follow Ryan Randazzo on Twitter: @utilityreporter
Last month, "The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast" launched a miniseries profiling each Congressional district in Arizona. In this week's episode, we're taking a look at southwestern Arizona’s Congressional District 3. It’s home to border towns like Nogales and Yuma, as well as the University of Arizona in Tucson. The majority of it's population lives in the greater Tucson area. Representing this district is Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz. He’s been in Congress since 2002, making him the dean of the state’s congressional delegation. Grijalva joined hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to talking about the political issues most important to his community, including immigration and the rising cost of living. You'll also hear from voters directly on which ssues are most likely to drive them to the polls.
The way government officials respond to COVID-19, from Washington down to City Hall, will impact our state for years to come. There is a wrenching debate between those who are most focused on the public health aspects of the pandemic and those who are trying to balance that with concerns of profound economic damage, as well as weighing civil liberties. In Arizona, those competing concerns have been on public display for more than a week as Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has openly urged Republican Gov. Doug Ducey to more aggressively respond to the threat of coronavirus. Similar battles have played out in the Phoenix City Council and the state Legislature. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcasts, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen are joined by state government and politics reporters Maria Polletta and Andrew Oxford. The reporters discuss how Ducey, the state legislature and our congressional delegation are reacting to the pandemic and what that means for Arizonans.
The results are in: former Vice President Joe Biden has overwhelmingly beaten Sen. Bernie Sanders in Arizona's primary. The results are not a surprise, given Arizona voters’ preference for more moderate candidates over far-left ones. Considering its recent battleground status, moderate Democrats like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema tend to perform best in Arizona, as they're able to capture the votes Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans turned off by President Donald Trump’s style and policies. Despite the outcome, Sanders' progressive politics have found a strong foothold in Arizona, particularly among young voters and people of color. As Arizona’s population of young people and people of color continues to rapidly grow, the issues that helped fuel Sanders’ rise here and nationally will be paramount in future elections. For these voters, issues of equity and climate change, plus the rising cost of college and health care, remain top of mind. In this episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcasts, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen discuss Sanders' lasting impact on Democrats in Arizona – and how his progressive ideals will have traction long after he exits the race.
Every decade, the U.S. government counts the number of people in the country. That census count helps determine the amount of money each state receives from the federal government. It also determines how many people each state sends to the House of Representatives. An inaccurate count means that Arizona could miss out on hundreds of millions of dollars over the decade for public entities like our schools, roads and health care resources. This can be particularly damaging to a state with rapidly growing population and needs. Several government-sponsored campaigns have been created to encourage participation in the census. This includes Gov. Doug Ducey's Arizona Complete Count Committee. In this episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk to Alec Thomson, the executive director of the Arizona Complete Count Committee, about the importance of the census and how you can participate in a safe way.
With the 2020 elections around the corner, Democrats are hoping to keep the momentum from their 2018 wins going strong enough to defeat President Donald Trump in 2020 and win back the White House. But the Democratic presidential candidates continue to fight amongst themselves over how far left they want to take the party. While Democrats have yet to unite behind a single nominee, the GOP is building momentum by invoking Trump's name for all Republican candidates on the 2020 ballot. This week The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, digs into the Democratic strategy for winning Arizona in 2020. Last week on The Gaggle: How Republicans plan to win Arizona in 2020 If the Democrats are successful Arizona in 2020, it will establish a new template for how to win swing states in the future. If they lose, questions will linger over whether the right methods were deployed and the best nominee was selected.
Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick recently began treatment for alcohol dependence. Her decision to do so came after the Representative, who presides over Congressional District 2 in southern Arizona, took a fall in a Washington-area subway. She was left with staples in her head, cracked ribs and a fractured spine. In a statement, she said: “I am finally seeking this help after struggling to do so in the past, and I am ready to admit that I, like countless other Americans, suffer from this disease. Hard work and determination — which have brought me success in life — have not been enough to win this battle. Other than being a wife, mother, and grandmother, the most important job in the world to me is representing my fellow Arizonans. I know I must get better in order to do my best in each of these roles.” Rep. Kirkpatrick sat down with Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen to discuss how she's doing and what's in store for her political future.
The day before President Trump landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor, volunteers for the Republican party trained at the Trump Victory Leadership Initiative. The initiative is part of the Republican strategy to keep the White House and win down ballot elections. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen pull back the curtain on the Republic Party's plans as the 2020 presidential election heats up. You'll hear Rick Gorka, the communications director of the Republican National Committee, explain the value of campaign volunteers and how they plan to get out the vote. You'll also hear from Trump voters at the Feb. 19 rally, talking about the top issues they care about. This episode is part one in a series on how the two largest political parties are activating voters. Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast to catch next week's episode on the Democrat's plan for rallying new voters. In this episode you'll hear:
How the Republican party plans turn Democratic voters Republican.
How round the clock volunteers are more effective to in 2020.
How Trump resonates with voters
As our population continues to grow, our state's political landscape continues to change. Once a reliably red state, Arizona has become increasingly purple. It's now a key battleground state in the 2020 election. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, hosts of "The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast," we wanted to see how the purple trend is playing out in person. To find out, they're traveling to each of Arizona's nine congressional districts, where they'll talk to your elected representatives and neighbors about the issues that matter most to them. These episodes will come out every few weeks until the election. This mini-series starts in Arizona's seventh congressional district. Located in downtown Phoenix and stretching all the way to Tolleson and Glendale, it's a young, typically blue district. This election cycle, it will be a crucial district for Democrats, who are relying on high voter turnout in the area to offset the gains Republicans will make elsewhere. The district is home to Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who you'll hear from in today's episode. You'll also hear from voters, including potential first-time voters, on what issues are most likely to drive them to the polls.
The years-long legal battle over whether Arizona can ban people from delivering ballots from others in bulk remains in flux and as contentious as ever. On Jan. 27, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals knocked down the state's "ballot harvesting" law, saying it violated the Voting Rights Act and disproportionately affects Native American, Hispanic, and African American voters. But days after lifting the ban, the court temporarily reinstated it, allowing Arizona officials a chance to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich reminded people on Twitter that the state's ban on collecting ballots from others remains in place, at least for now. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the future of ballot harvesting in the state, and how it could impact the 2020 election cycle. Joining them on the episode are reporters Mary Jo Pitzl and Andrew Oxford, who explain the history and current state of the issue. In this episode you'll hear:
Why ballot harvesting is so contentious.
What some misconceptions of ballot harvesting there are.
Who is most affected by a ballot-collection service.
Last week the Maricopa Association of Governments sent teams of volunteers across the Valley to count the number of homeless people residing in the state. Arizona Republic reporters followed these volunteers and spoke to the homeless individuals about what led to their homelessness and what the experience is like. This week on The Gaggle, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen interview Jessica Boehm, city of Phoenix reporter, and Catherine Reagor, real-estate reporter. The four discuss the conditions that led to today's rising homelessness and how the state is responding. Plus, stick around for the end of this episode. We have a bonus interview with former New York City Mayor and Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg. He makes his case for why Arizona should vote for him.
As Senators sit for hours on end listening to the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, Arizona Republic reporters are reading cues from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat, and Sen. Martha McSally, a Republican, for insight into how they may ultimately vote. The senators and their colleagues are weighing two articles of impeachment against Trump. He is charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from leveraging the presidency to convince Ukrainian officials to investigate his political rivals. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen dive into the senator's trial votes — and discuss the political implications that could help shape their votes.
The Invest in Education Initiative Act is making a comeback and could be on your 2020 ballot this fall. The proposal looks similar to the 2018 initiative. It would increase taxes for high-income earners, including single filers earning more than $250,000 or married filers earning more than $500,000. But the previous iteration was struck down by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2018 due to its lack of clarity. And the proposal is at odds with Gov. Doug Ducey's plan for education funding. In this week's episode of The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen break down the proposed initiative, including its history. Joining them on the episode is education reporter Lily Altavena, who weighs in on whether Arizona voters are likely to stomach a new tax. In this episode you'll hear:
How this new ballot measure differs from the one in 2018
What Ducey's plans are for education funding
How we could see teacher salaries grow
Days after delivering his State of the State speech this week, Gov. Doug Ducey elaborated on his priorities, and fielded questions on some of Arizona's other top issues in an exclusive interview with The Gaggle podcast. Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen asked Ducey about his plans for gun safety reform, water policy, marijuana legalization and why he's involved himself on reshaping the mission of the Department of Corrections. The interview follow Ducey's sixth and longest State of the State address on Monday. The speech, named "The Arizona Way," touched on topics like economic growth and education funding.
Arizona adults unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation because of a physical or mental impairment are falling through the cracks of the state system designed to protect them. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen get an advance interview with healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes about her reporting on the flawed system serving vulnerable adults. This includes myriad agencies, such as Arizona's Adult Protective Services, Arizona Department of Health Services and more. The episode takes you behind the scenes into a state task force meeting to hear heartbreaking testimony from victims and their families, and how local leaders are hoping to improve conditions. The state task force convened after a woman with severe disabilities was raped and gave birth at Hacienda HealthCare in December 2018. Staff at the facility was unaware the woman was pregnant until she went into labor, according to 911 calls. -- For suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, Adult Protective Services operates a hotline: (877) SOS-ADULT or (877) 767-2385 or TDD: (877) 815-8390. The hotline does not run 24/7, however. The hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and state holidays. To file online reports with Adult Protective Services at any time, use this link: azdes.gov/reportadultabuse. To file online complaints about facilities that are licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services, go here: app3.azdhs.gov/PROD-AZHSComplaint-UI. The main phone number for the Arizona Department of Health Services is (602) 364-2536. The Arizona Center for Disability Law is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides a variety of legal services to people with disabilities. Its toll-free number is 1-800-927-2260. The center has an online intake form and self-advocacy guides at azdisabilitylaw.org/getting-help/. The Area Agency on Aging operates a 24-hour senior helpline for Phoenix residents at (602) 264-HELP or (602) 264-4357, which can help seniors navigate local resources and answer questions about transportation, housing, long-term care, home-delivered meals and home care. The San Francisco-based Institute on Aging maintains a 24/7 toll-free crisis "Friendship Line" for older adults and adults with disabilities. The number is (800) 971-0016. Trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed adults. The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (800) 782-6400 or (602) 279-7270 (TTD/TTY). The national domestic violence hotline: (800) 799-7233 or (800) 787-3224 (TTY). The national sexual assault hotline: (800) 656-HOPE.
The annual State of the State address is an opportunity for Gov. Doug Ducey to lay out his agenda for 2020, unveil new policy proposals and reflect on the controversies and successes of 2019. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen talk to State Legislature reporter Andrew Oxford and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta about what to expect from Ducey in this year's address. In this episode you'll hear about:
Ducey's plans for education, infrastructure and occupational licensing
How the State Legislature might respond during session
How 2020's election season will affect the Legislative session
Related reading:
What Gov. Ducey's 2019 budget proposal adds in Arizona education spending
From 2019: Ducey's budget seeks to widen I-17 north of Phoenix, address weekend backups
Here's what you need to know about Arizona's new law for out-of-state work licenses
Gov. Doug Ducey asks Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate Hacienda HealthCare
From Opinions: Can Arizona fix its water problems? Here's what (and who) will answer that
The American Psychological Association's "Stress in America 2019" survey found that 62% of Americans say they're stressed by the current political climate. And 62% say that the future of the country is a significant source of stress. Dr. Lynn Bufka is the executive director of practice, research and policy at the American Psychological Association. She joins hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen on this week's episode of The Gaggle, a political podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. In this episode, you'll hear:
About the uptick in stress related to politics and how the APA is measuring it
How stress affects our overall well-being
What strategies or resources exist for people who are feeling particularly burdened by politics
How our hosts are gearing up for the next election cycle
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from The Gaggle! We're taking a week off to spend time with family and friends. But we wanted to say thank you for giving us your time and attention this year. We'll join you again in 2020 and we're already gearing up for the election-related news to come. Happy holidays, all!
From legalizing recreational marijuana to the presidential election of 2020, there is a lot for Arizonans to watch out for in the coming year. This week on the Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen sit down with state government reporter Andrew Oxford to go over the six biggest stories they'll be following next year. In this episode, you'll hear about:
Arizona's significance in the presidential election
Voter access during the primary election
State House and Senate races
Legalizing recreational marijuana in Arizona
How changing demographics could reshape Arizona's political climate
Related reading:
Maricopa County will nearly quadruple polling places for presidential primary as compared to 2016
Lawsuit challenges Arizona's deadline for mail ballots
Arizona county recorders falling short on web security, expert says
Where Sen. Martha McSally and her Democratic challenger Mark Kelly stand on DACA
Here's what you need to know about marijuana in Arizona
Groundwater levels in many parts of rural Arizona are plummeting. That's because outside investors are buying land, drilling large wells and pumping out water for industrial farms. The investors are drawn to Arizona for its lack of regulation, but nearby residents are enduring the consequences. While investors have the money to drill wells that are four times as deep, nearby families cannot complete. Instead, their wells are going dry. In this week's Gaggle, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen sit down with environmental reporter Ian James and data reporter Rob O'Dell to discuss how lawmakers are managing Arizona's next water crisis.
As Arizona’s national prominence rises going into the 2020 election cycle, there will be concerns about voter security and allegations of voter fraud in the state. In 2016, Arizona's voter-registration system was targeted in at least two hacking attempts connected to Russia. There are no instances we know of somebody changing someone else’s vote in Arizona, and prosecutions related to voter fraud are highly rare. This week's episode of The Gaggle podcast breaks down all you need to know about Arizona election security going into next year's election cycle. We talk with Andrew Oxford, a government reporter, who's been investigating voter security. In this episode you'll hear:
Should you be worried about your vote?
What are the weaknesses in Arizona's election system?
What changes could government make to secure your vote?
Since the Great Recession ended in June 2009, the economy has continued to expand. This summer, the United States broke its record for the longest economic expansion. But now people are worried: How long will it last? Is the economy about to burst? National political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen sit down with business reporter Russ Wiles to discuss the nation's economy, how Arizona's faring, and what role the economy will play in the 2020 election cycle.
Two political action committees, The Committee to Defend the President and GreatAmerica PAC, are heading up a voter drive to identify and register 142,000 potential voters in Arizona. The PACs are using data mining to find and target nonvoters who they think could be swayed to register to vote – and to vote for Trump. Trump narrowly won Arizona by just over 90,000 votes. They hope their efforts will keep Arizona red in 2020. This week on The Gaggle Podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk with Ted Harvey, the chairman of The Committee to Defend the President. Listen to hear his plans to keep Trump in the White House. In this episode you'll hear:
How the PACs are targeting the potential voters
Why they are focusing on Arizona
How successful the voter drives are
Three women and six children were killed in an ambush in a small town about a three-hour drive from the Arizona border on Nov. 4. The families had dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship and lived in a small town in Mexico. The horrific event captured the nation's attention, including President Donald Trump. "This is the time for Mexico, with the help of the United States, to wage WAR on the drug cartels and wipe them off the face of the earth," Trump wrote on twitter. This week's episode of The Gaggle podcast breaks down how the killing of the family could impact U.S.-Mexico relations, including travel and politics. Hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk with immigration reporter Daniel Gonzalez. In this episode you'll hear:
The history of the families in Mexico, who were members of a fundamentalist Mormon sect
How violence in Mexico could impact Arizona
How the massacre could impact the 2020 elections
Prosecutors say Paul Petersen, in his private-sector career as a Mesa adoption attorney, illegally arranged for pregnant women from the Marshall Islands to fly to the U.S. to deliver their babies. They allege Petersen fraudulently registered the women for the state's Medicaid system and then arranged the adoptions of their children for up to $40,000. Hear everything you need to know about this scandal in this week's episode of The Gaggle, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.
Regina Romero is the front runner and likely winner in the Tucson mayoral race. She made headlines over the summer for winning the Democratic primary. If she wins, she would become the first Latina mayor of Arizona's second largest city. No other Hispanic person has held this office since the late 1800s when Arizona was still a territory. This week on The Gaggle podcast we talk to Arizona Daily Star political reporter Joe Ferguson to break down what a Romero win would mean for Tucson. The future Tucson mayor could greatly impact the U.S. Senate race considering that both candidates are from the area. In this episode you'll hear:
Who is running for Tucson mayor
What the Tucson electorate looks like
A breakdown of how the mayoral race reflects on Arizona political trends.
Allister Adel was named the first female Maricopa County attorney on Oct. 3, replacing Bill Montgomery, who was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court in September. Last week, she announced her transition team and outlined how she plans to move forward in her new appointment. Adel sat down with Ronald Hansen, host of The Gaggle podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, for a one-on-one interview. She outlined what changes she has planned for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and how she hopes to regain the trust of the community while the office faces ethics complaints. Listen to the 13-minute interview below to hear more. In this episode you'll hear:
A short biography of Adel's career
Adel's response to the ethic complaints against prosecutor Juan Martinez
Our experts' thoughts about the 2020 election for the office of Maricopa County attorney
Hoping to capture the attention of Arizona voters, presidential candidate Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., met with local education leaders during a round table at Tempe High School last week. He also sat down with Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, the host of The Gaggle podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, for a one-on-one interview. During the interview, Bennet explained why his message should resonate with Arizona voters. He also discussed his concerns over the impeachment inquiry. Listen to the 11-minute interview below to hear more from the candidate. In this episode you'll hear:
Bennet's plan to address the immigration issues in the country
His thoughts on how to help middle-class citizens in America
Thoughts from our experts on why Bennet is remaining in the race
The Navajo Generating Station closing is a case study for what will be repeated dozens of times across the west: The coal industry has been declining for decades and many plants won't survive. From President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s to current President Donald Trump, saving coal has been a large talking point for politicians. However, because it's cheaper to meet electricity demand with other forms of renewable energy, many coal plants are finding it hard to stay open. This week's episode of The Gaggle podcast looks at the impact NGS's closing has on the plant workers and local communities. We hear from Ryan Randazzo, a business reporter, who breaks down what is in store for the future. In this episode you'll hear:
What economic harm will be caused by the Navajo Generating Station's closure
Who tried to save it
Whether there are any benefits to closing it
In this episode, you'll hear O'Rourke's discuss:His plans to win Arizona as a progressive Democrat How to make meaningful healthcare changesThe impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump The country's standing with ally nations Whether his gun proposal makes it less likely to get something done Border security and illegal immigration The economy
Can the Democratic governor of Montana win over supporters of President Donald Trump?
That's what Gov. Steve Bullock is betting on. The 2020 presidential candidate is polling too low to make it on stage for any of the Democratic debates so far, but he hasn't dropped out of the race.
In this week's episode of The Gaggle, a politics podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Bullock told national political reporter Ronald J. Hansen that he's the only candidate in the Democratic field who can win in red states. Bullock said his ability to speak to conservative voters is what sets him apart from his opponents.
Listen to this 15-minute interview to hear more about Bullock's policy priorities and strategy for beating President Donald Trump in the 2020 general election, should he win the primary.
When Vice President Mike Pence came to Phoenix this week, high-dollar donors weren't the only ones to hear from him. In this week's bonus episode of The Gaggle, a politics podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Pence spoke to host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez for an exclusive one-on-one interview. Pence talked to us about Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., and why he supports her election in 2020. Listen to this six minute interview to hear Pence's response to the impeachment inquiry and what is in the future for the Trump-Pence team. In this episode you'll hear:
Why he supports McSally's 2020 campaignA response from Pence about the Ukraine controversy A breakdown of the interview and what it means for the 2020 senate race
A member-by-member breakdown of where Arizona's leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives stand and the political implications for each. National political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk about:Sen. Kyrsten SinemaSen. Martha McSally Rep. Debbie LeskoRep. David Schweikert Rep. Paul GosarRep. Raul Grijalva Rep. Greg StantonRep. Ann Kirkpatrick Rep. Tom O'HalleranRep. Ruben GallegoRep. Andy Biggs
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 decision this month to allow the owners of Brush & Nib Studio to refuse to make custom wedding invitations for gay and lesbian couples. In 2016, the owners sued the City of Phoenix over its anti-discrimination ordinance. The ruling seems like it only affects one business, but it could have broad impacts across Arizona and maybe even rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. This week, The Gaggle podcast will break down how this state Supreme Court decision could impact same-sex couples and other minority groups. In this episode, we hear from Jessica Boehm, a Phoenix city hall reporter, and Shaun McKinnon, who previously reported on legal rights for the LGBT community. In the episode you'll hear: How the case about wedding invitations for same-sex couples got to the Arizona Supreme Court What next steps the city might take How the LGBT community reacted to the legal decision
By now, you've likely seen headlines about vaping and how it's caused illness in hundreds of people across the U.S. and even a handful of confirmed deaths. How popular is vaping in Arizona? Is vaping causing lung illnesses or deaths in metro Phoenix? How might the concern over vaping affect the state's medical-marijuana industry, which is one of the largest in the country? In this week's episode of The Gaggle, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts and political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with health care reporter Stephanie Innes and marijuana reporter Ryan Randazzo about the rise of vaping in Arizona.
Bill Montgomery is the newest Arizona Supreme Court justice appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey. The Arizona Supreme Court decides thousands of cases that affect your everyday lives, from education funding to abortion policies. (To hear more about it, listen to The Gaggle podcast's May 15 episode about the Arizona Supreme Court and Ducey’s previous appointments.)
This week, The Gaggle podcast will break down what you need to know about Montgomery's controversial prosecutorial record, his conservative politics and how he might approach the job of jurist on the state's highest court. Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk with Arizona Republic reporters Lauren Castle and Robert Anglen about this new appointment and how it might affect life in Arizona. In the episode you'll hear:
What's at stake for Montgomery with this ethics complaintHow his appointment will shape the future of the state Supreme CourtHow his childhood shaped his political ideology
The legalization of marijuana in Arizona could be up for a vote once again in 2020. A group backing the movement released the language for a ballot measure in August for the first time. After a failed 2016 effort at legalization, Arizonans have been expecting the state's licensed medical-marijuana dispensaries to propose another measure. In a previous episode of The Gaggle, the hosts looked at why Arizona is likely to legalize recreational marijuana and which political figures are changing their messaging on marijuana. This week, The Gaggle podcasthosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk with Arizona Republic reporter Ryan Randazzo to break down what you need to know from the 16-page proposal. In this episode you'll hear:
What would people be able to purchase under this initiative? How much revenue would recreational marijuana bring to the state? What is the likelihood this ballot measure will pass?
Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he has few regrets and wants to serve the public as Sheriff again in an interview with The Gaggle podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen. Arpaio, who is 87, served as Maricopa County sheriff from 1993 to 2016. He lost his 2016 race to Democratic challenger Paul Penzone. His tenure was marked by controversy, filled with investigations into his policing and jailing practices that brought many costly lawsuits. Referring to his 2020 bid to become Maricopa County sheriff, Arpaio said he's "in it to win it." In the 30-minute sit-down interview, Arpaio said he wants to fight drug trafficking and illegal immigration and "put those tents back up." He said "good things" he did (as sheriff) were "erased by a certain sheriff," referring to current Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. For all that and more, listen to this week's bonus episode of The Gaggle podcast.
Arizona has about 55,000 certified, working teachers. Every year, about 40 teachers are disciplined by the Arizona State Board of Education or surrender their teaching certificate after allegations of sexual misconduct. The Arizona Republic and KJZZ 91.5 FM, the Phoenix public radio station, together reviewed more than 180 allegations of teacher sexual misconduct from the past four years investigated by the Arizona Department of Education. The cases encompassed a range of offenses, raising questions about oversight and children's safety. You can read Lily's portion of the investigation at positionoftrust.azcentral.com or listen to Mariana's audio stories at positionoftrust.kjzz.org. You can report suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment to the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD or dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse.
It's been a year since Arizona Sen. John McCain died of glioblastoma. The six-term Republican senator is seen as one of the greats by his supporters, who mourn the loss of his bipartisan leadership. In today's increasingly divided political climate, his calls for unity continue to resonate. And his legacy dominates political conversation. Now his supporters want to preserve and grow McCain's bipartisan legacy. One way they're doing that is through the McCain Institute, an organization at Arizona State University, which trains leaders from both parties in McCain's leadership style. In this week's episode, The Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk to two people who were close with McCain, Rick Davis and Jon Seaton, about the senator's lasting legacy. The two worked as political advisers to the senator in his presidential campaigns and are close to the McCain family. In this episode you'll hear:
Why McCain is still a looming character in American politics.A behind the scenes look at moments in McCain's presidential campaign A look into the future of McCain's legacy
Hacienda HealthCare has been under international scrutiny since the January after an incapacitated patient was raped and gave birth. Another patient was found with maggots near a surgical wound. It sparked outrage over conditions at Hacienda, as well as fear over what might be happening at other care facilities across Arizona. Many of us are still wondering about the fallout. Arizona officials and Hacienda claim they have taken appropriate action and things are better. Parents of patients at Hacienda say it’s a nice facility that they like. But a new investigation by The Arizona Republic reveals information about its condition and what it may mean for patients and the public more broadly. The Gaggle's hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk with Republic's reporters Robert Anglen and Stephanie Innes to break down part of their subscriber exclusive investigation and what it tells us about Arizona care facilities. How to get help in a care facility:
If you are concerned about the well-being of a loved one in a care facility, you can contact the following organizations:Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants: 480-551-2700The Arizona board of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers: 602-364-2374Arizona Department of Health Services: 602-542-1025Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-877-767-2385You can also contact the #HeretoHelpAZ Call for Action team at The Republicat 602-444-2255. Another resource available to search disciplinary actions against care facilities is AZ Care Check from the Arizona Department of Health Services. To follow more of Robert and Stephanie's reporting make sure to follow them on Twitter @robertanglen and @stephanieinnes.
Mark Kelly is running for the U.S. Senate and is expected to the Democratic nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Martha McSally. Kelly is a retired astronaut, former combat pilot and the husband of former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. She represented the Tucson area in Congress for five years. The nation came to know Kelly in 2011, after a shooting in Tucson that left 6 dead and 13 injured, including his wife. Kelly launched his U.S. Senate race in February and has garnered national attention. But Arizonans may have questions about how he would represent the state. Does he support keeping the Affordable Care Act? What are his thoughts on the Green New Deal? Why should voters chose him over McSally? Mark Kelly joins the hosts of The Gaggle to answer that and more. In this episode you'll hear:
How Mark Kelly plans to use the senate seat to impact ArizonaA 19-minute interview with Mark KellyA breakdown of the interview and what it means for 2020
Arizona will play a key role in the 2020 election, and Democrats across the country are hoping to turn the state blue. But how are they going to accomplish that in a historically red state? Tom Perez, the Democratic National Committee chairman, recently visited Phoenix. Gaggle hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talked with him about the party's plans and priorities. Spoiler alert: it's all about health care.
Props 105 and 106 could greatly limit services and transportation in Phoenix, but so far, they've gotten little attention. Phoenix voters will see the two propositions on their ballots in August. What are they? Prop 105 would halt all light-rail expansions in Phoenix. Prop 106 would cap Phoenix government spending until the city pays down its pension debt — potentially limiting city services. The Gaggle's hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ronald Hansen talk with The Arizona Republic's reporter Jessica Boehm to break down how these two ballot initiatives could affect the future of Phoenix and the Valley. In this episode you'll hear: How light-rail expansion and pension budget funding affect you.Who is behind these propositions.Why Phoenix is having an August election.
Gaggle podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen interview former Phoenix Mayor and now Democratic Congressional Rep. Greg Stanton about what he learned touring the Customs and Border Patrol facility in Clint, Texas, and how he'd apply those lessons to a potential Phoenix facility. Plus, hear from one of the reporters following migrant facilities in Arizona, Jeanette Hinkle, about the first-of-its-kind, non-governmental housing facility for migrants opening in a shuttered Phoenix school building. Episode article link here. Related reading: -- Reports of misconduct and sexual assault of migrant kids surface at Yuma border facility -- Phoenix approves migrant shelter for asylum-seekers at closed school
Arizona's 10 largest wildfires have all happened in the last 17 years. Most recently the Woodbury Fire, which started June 8 in the Superstition Wilderness, became the state's fifth largest fire. It has burned nearly 124,000 acres and by Tuesday it was 90 percent contained. But that's part of a newer firefighting strategy. Firefighters have let it continue to burn because they are using it to their advantage. To find out why listen to this week's episode. The Gaggle host Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez talks with The Arizona Republic reporters Bree Burkitt and Shaun McKinnon on the history of wildfires in Arizona and how they have changed over the years.
In 2018, police shootings hit record levels in Phoenix. Reporters with The Arizona Republic investigated the state's police shootings for 19 months and found that the deadly trend extends across Arizona. There were 117 police shootings statewide — a 75% increase from the previous year. After compiling data from all 15 counties in Arizona, reporters Uriel J. Garcia and Bree Burkitt identified some key factors: guns, aggressive behavior, mental illness, training, and police culture. This week's episode of The Gaggle podcast breaks down what you need to know from Garcia and Burkitt's investigation. To read the report mentioned in this episode visit policeshootings.azcentral.com Follow Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Twitter @yvonnewingett Follow Ronald J. Hansen on Twitter @ronaldjhansen Follow Bree Burkett on Twitter @breeburkitt Follow Uriel J Garcia on Twitter @ujohnnyg
First, Arizona legalized medical marijuana in 2010. Then came a failed attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in 2016. So why are those in the marijuana industry giddy at the thought of the future? Political insiders don't think Gov. Doug Ducey will fundraise or campaign against recreational marijuana legalization in 2020 like he did in 2016. Plus, he recently signed a bill cutting the cost of a medical-marijuana card in half, greatly benefitting medical marijuana users. The political shifts, combined with softening public sentiment toward marijuana usage, points to a 2020 political season ripe for legalizing recreational marijuana in Arizona. Follow along on Twitter: Yvonne Wingett Sanchez: @yvonnewingett Ronald J. Hansen: @ronaldjhansen Ryan Randazzo: @utilityreporter All things politics from azcentral: @azcpolitics
First Amendment rights for constituents and lawmakers alike can get fuzzy in the evolving age of social media. Is online communication the new town hall? When can and can't lawmakers block constituents on social media? The Gaggle podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break it down with a constituent who was blocked by his representative and says he knows many people who have been blocked by multiple Arizona lawmakers. They also talk with a First Amendment lawyer, who says this is part of a controversial national trend that includes President Donald Trump. If you ever use social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to watch or interact with lawmakers and politicians, this one's for you.
Phoenix City Council's two newest members, Betty Guardado and Carlos Garcia, were sworn in June 6. The two represent districts 5 and 8 respectively, some of the lowest-income neighborhoods in parts of west, south and downtown Phoenix. Guardado and Garcia come from nontraditional backgrounds; Guardado has a background in union organizing, and Garcia led an immigrants rights activist group called Puente Arizona. Both also defeated their more traditional, experienced opponents. What does this surprising election say about how Phoenix is changing? And how will residents feel the effects? The Gaggle podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break it down with Phoenix City Hall reporter Jessica Boehm.
Here's how the 2019 state budget affects Arizona teachers, drivers, taxpayers, teachers and more. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen host. Related reading: How Arizona lawmakers did — and didn't — use your tax dollars in the new state budget
As the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development under former President Barack Obama, Julian Castro is a rising star in the Democratic party. And he's one of 23 serious Democratic candidates running for President in 2020. But are his policies on health care and the economy too liberal for Arizona? What would he do about immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border? This week on The Gaggle podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk face-to-face with presidential candidate Julian Castro.
California billionaire Tom Steyer will spend big money in Arizona to advertise against utility company APS's rate hike. What does it mean for you, and what's in it for him? The Gaggle podcast discusses. Follow host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Twitter @yvonnewingett and Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen. Today's guest is business and energy reporter Ryan Randazzo, who's on Twitter @utilityreporter.
Gov. Doug Ducey will soon have appointed five of the seven Arizona Supreme Court justices. Here's how Gov. Ducey's choices could affect you. For more reading: - Ducey appoints Judge James Beene to Arizona Supreme Court, cementing handpicked majority - A majority of the Arizona Supreme Court will soon be selected by Gov. Doug Ducey To find the hosts and guest on Twitter, follow @yvonnewingett, @ronaldjhansen, or @mpolletta.
There is a very real possibility that the Affordable Care Act could be repealed before the next presidential election. And what is Medicare for All? The Arizona Republic’s national political reporters break it down with health care reporter Stephanie Innes.
Arizona Republic reporter Ron Hansen traveled to Southern Arizona in April to tour the U.S.-Mexico border with a group of members of the current Congress. Coming to Arizona to tour the border is something of a rite of passage for Republican lawmakers. In this episode of The Gaggle, Hansen talks with host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez about what he saw and what that might mean for the state of immigration reform.
Arizona has served as a petri dish for groups that create and distribute "model" bills written by corporations and special-interest groups. Arizona's most successful copycat law yet: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.
Think your publicly elected leaders write the bills they sign into law? Not always. In fact, they often don't. That's the conclusion of a two-year-long investigation by The Arizona Republic, USA TODAY and plus the Center for Public Integrity, which found that 10,000 bills across 50 state legislatures were in large part copied from "model" bills written by corporations and special-interest groups.
The secret that everyone suspected is finally out: Utility company Arizona Public Service admitted it donated millions to dark-money political groups in the 2014 Corporation Commission election to help two elect Republican regulators, Tom Forese and Doug Little. It's controversial because the two men would help set the policies that guide APS as well as the prices that the company charges its customers.So APS was trying to influence its own regulation. This week on The Gaggle podcast, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen chat with utility reporter Ryan Randazzo about the subpoena that led to this disclosure from APS, as well as the FBI investigation into the utility company.
Chances are there's a home in your neighborhood that's available for short-term rental through Airbnb or VRBO. The practice has become more common since a state law passed in 2016 expanded protections for short-term rentals. Now, some are saying short-term rentals are causing an affordable-housing shortage in their area, and others complain rentals have increased noise, trash and disturbance. And there's a bill making its way through the Arizona Legislature that might change that. In this episode The Arizona Republic's national political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez demystifies short-term rentals along with Scottsdale reporter Lorraine Longhi and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo.
As the 2020 campaign cycle kicks off, Arizonans can expect to hear President Donald Trump attack the late Sen. John McCain. But this puts Sen. Martha McSally in a precarious situation. Find out why in this week's episode as hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen chat with political editor Dan Nowicki.
It may have taken 18 months, but Kate Gallego won the special election to become Phoenix's mayor. Gallego defeated former council colleague Daniel Valenzuela. Afer her swearing in on March 21, she'll serve out the rest of former Mayor Greg Stanton's term. Why did the election take so long? And what's next for Gallego as she assumes her new role? This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break down the election with reporter Jessica Boehm.
Since becoming Arizona State University’s president in 2002, Michael Crow has influenced the state’s development and policy and has made national headlines along the way. The Arizona Republic’s higher-education reporter Rachel Leingang recently spent 26 hours with Crow for a profile of him and his impact. Political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with her about Crow and his power over the state.
Arizona is in the spotlight after controversial vaccine bills by Republican Rep. Nancy Barto were advanced by the state House Health and Human Services Committee this month, despite warnings from health officials. Arizona Republic and azcentral.com healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes breaks down the headlines.
Arizona gets almost 40 percent of its water from the Colorado River, which draws its water from Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir in the country. Right now, that reservoir is about 40 percent full and approaching its first shortage ever. What happens if there's a water shortage? Who and what will be affected and is there anything to be done? On this week's episode of The Gaggle podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen discuss Arizona's water crisis and the Drought Contingency Plan with The Arizona Republic's environmental reporter and expert, Ian James.
In the end, Phoenix will either have its first Latino or the first mother with a small child as mayor. This week, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez talks with reporter Jessica Boehm about key issues in the race and differences between the two Democratic candidates. Reach Yvonne on Twitter at @yvonnewingett and Jessica at @jboehm_NEWS.
Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen chat with videographer David Wallace about their trip to Washington, D.C., last week to catch up with Arizona's newly sworn-in Congressional delegation. Listen along as they give you a behind-the-scenes look at how our U.S. Senators and Representatives from Arizona are mingling (or not) with each other and leaders from other states. Watch David Wallace's video from U.S. Sen. John McCain's final resting spot in Annapolis, Maryland.
Is there a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border? Politicians keep saying so. In light of a historic government shutdown, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen find out what it's like on the ground with Rafael Carranza, a border reporter at The Arizona Republic.
Publicly-funded stadiums and arenas are costly. Why does the burden fall on taxpayers? The Gaggle breaks it down.
Ever hit a traffic jam coming back from up north on the I-17? Well the Governor's latest budget may have a solution. Reporter Maria Polletta joins host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez to talk about the parts of the budget most up for debate, including education funding.
Gov. Doug Ducey gave the State of the State address on Monday. With a new state superintendent of public instruction, more Democrats in the Arizona House of Representatives, and a projected $900 million surplus entering this Legislative session, what might he do with education in Arizona?
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely, and edited by Kaila White.
Why does a new Arizona law make doctors ask women why they want an abortion? Host Ronald J. Hansen and azcentral reporter Dustin Gardiner chat about that, plus other new Arizona laws that impact your vehicle registration fees, medical bills and a myriad of other things.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen or state politics reporter Dustin Gardiner at twitter.com/dustingardiner.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
Will Arizona’s power in D.C. diminish as Sen. Jon Kyl leaves and Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema steps up for her first term? Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen discuss what to watch for in Congress and speak with Republic reporters about Gov. Doug Ducey’s second term, the Arizona Legislature’s 2019 agenda, and the ongoing charter-school controversy.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
The leaders of Arizona’s Democratic and Republican parties tell us their thoughts on what happened in the 2018 midterm elections and how they plan to pave the way for victory in the future. Felecia Rotellini, chairwoman of the Arizona Democratic Party, and Jonathan Lines, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, give key insight into what might happen in 2019 and beyond. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
Are you curious what the state legislature is up to next? Do you have a question for a particular reporter or producer at The Arizona Republic? Take part in The Gaggle's Q&A!
Call us at 602-444-4946 and leave us a voicemail.
Record a video of your question and direct message it to @yvonnewingett , @ronaldjhansen or @azcpolitics.
Send a voice-memo to tseely@arizonarepublic.com or tea.price@azcentral.com.
Then, tune in to see if your question is featured!
Political consultant Ronnie Lopez talks about his close friend, former Congressman Ed Pastor. Pastor, who served Arizona in Washington for 23 years, died Nov. 27 after suffering a heart attack. He was 75. We look back on his legacy.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
The advent of early balloting has put pressure on politicians to win votes sooner. In their pursuit of victory, campaigns are digging deeper into sophisticated data to target you.
Here's how to join in The Gaggle's Q&A episode:
1) Call us at 602-444-4946 and leave your question on a voicemail.
2) Record a video of your question and direct message it to @yvonnewingett , @ronaldjhansen or @azcpolitics.
3) Email a voice memo to tseely@arizonarepublic.com or tea.price@azcentral.com.
Then, tune in to see if your question is featured!
This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
From Sacha Baron Cohen punking former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Steve Ferrara's legendary ad paid for by "AFBIC," 2018 was a year to remember in Arizona politics. Note: Some of the content in this episode may not be suitable for children. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
Her triumph is the first for Democrats in an Arizona U.S. Senate race in 30 years, as well as the first for a woman in Arizona. How did she do it? We dive into how U.S. Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema rose above Republican candidate Martha McSally and her own Democratic party and analyze how her winning strategy will affect campaigns across the country leading into 2020. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
We take you alongside reporters and inside the newsroom on Election Day. Hear a phone interview with Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes, a gaggle with Gov. Doug Ducey outside his polling place, scenes from the Arizona Democratic Party’s roaring election night party and more. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White.
Host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez has covered Gov. Doug Ducey for years. Now he sits one-on-one with her to chat about the 2018 midterms, #RedforEd, March for Our Lives, replacing McCain, immigration and more. Note: This interview was recorded Oct. 15, 2018.
Have a question or comment? You can reach Yvonne at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and Gov. Doug Ducey at twitter.com/dougducey.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White.
From a presidential shoutout for Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom O' Halleran to whispers that Kelli Ward might endorse Republican Senate candidate Martha McSally (gasp!), President Donald Trump’s Arizona visit was rife with political strategy. We break down the key takeaways.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen.
Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White.
Democrats in Arizona campaign on health care like it’s nobody’s business, leaving Republicans to play defense. Polls show that health care is a top concern for Arizona voters, but when did this become such a big issue, and why?
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett, political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen and healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes at twitter.com/stephanieinnes.
Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White.
Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema are in a tight race for Sen. Jeff Flake's seat. Why, then, are they so quiet before Arizona's midterm elections?
Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett.
This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White.
Ballot propositions are direct democracy in action. This year, Arizonans will cast their vote on a wide range of issues from education to clean energy to taxes. Grab your pencils. Here's what voters should know on Props 305, 127 and 126.
Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett.
This episode was produced by Lauren Aguirre, Tea Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White.
Kwailan Barsotti is a mom, small-business owner and independent voter who lives in the suburbs of Anthem, Ariz. She’s exactly the kind of person politicians are targeting during Arizona’s midterm elections, where suburban women could sway the vote. Yet Kwailan feels like no lawmakers or politicians are really listening to or representing her. That’s why her story is worth listening to.
Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey.
Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett.
This episode was produced by Lauren Aguirre, Tea Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White.
We're back! Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey.
Election spending for some 2018 midterm candidates and races in Arizona is hitting record highs. Arizona Republic reporters explain how and why Citizens United, super PACs, independent donors and more are working to influence your vote.
To hear more about election spending from Terry Goddard and Sean Noble: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/09/19/money-politics-what-you-need-know-goddard-noble/1266235002/
Follow the team on Twitter: This episode features national political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter.
Our producers are Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre, Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice, Taylor Seely @taylahseely and Kaila White @kailawhite.
The Arizona Republic is improving its politics podcast. Give us your feedback: https://bit.ly/GaggleSurvey Join us Wednesday, September 19th and every Wednesday after that.
It was a strange election day in Arizona. The nation’s eyes are on the state after U.S. Sen. John McCain’s death Saturday. Both of our Senate seats are open. And for the first time in a long time, it looks like Democrats might stand a chance in the races for one of those Senate seats and maybe even for governor.
We take you inside two election parties where you can hear from winners Martha McSally and David Garcia as our political reporters share key insights on the Arizona primary and how it may impact November elections.
Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta.
This episode was produced by Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice and Taylor Seely @taylahseely and was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite.
After a 13-month battle with brain cancer, U.S. Sen. John McCain died Saturday, Aug. 25, at home in Arizona. He was 81.
Hear some of the most powerful quotes from McCain himself, heartfelt memories from his closest friends, reactions from world leaders including President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama, and insights from our political reporters on McCain’s life, legacy and what happens next.
Read, watch and hear more at mccain.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta.
This episode was produced and edited by Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice.
Senator John McCain will end medical treatment for the brain cancer he was diagnosed with over a year ago, according to statements released by his family. The six-term senator has continued Senate duties as much as he could from his family home in northern Arizona.
Reporters talk about the impact McCain's had on Arizona and what will happen if the Senate seat becomes vacant.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and investigative reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl.
This episode was produced and edited by Carly Henry.
In this special episode, the team sat down with Tom Steyer, a California billionaire who is spending part of his fortune in Arizona's elections. Steyer's political organization has contributed a large amount of funds to support Arizona's clean energy ballot initiative.
The Gaggle comes to you every Monday. But next week, check your feed for the new episode on Wednesday instead. You'll hear the team's analysis of the primary election results.
Learn more with The Republic's coverage:
APS goes all out against clean energy initiative - https://azc.cc/2LeR6KS | Trial begins over renewable energy proposal - https://azc.cc/2wbivaS | From Des Moines Register: Tom Steyer on impeaching Trump - https://azc.cc/2OUowk0 | Find more at politics.azcentral.com
You can follow Tom Steyer on Twitter @TomSteyer.
Follow the team:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang.
This episode was recorded by Carly Henry @carlyhenry_. It was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre.
Arizona's primary is Aug. 28. Federal and state officials are working to ensure the security of voter information in light of Russian hacking in 2016. How secure are these systems? What should you do when mailing in your ballot? And what should you bring to the polls on election day?
Keep an eye out for a special episode of The Gaggle posting later this week. The team sat down with a California billionaire who is spending part of his fortune in Arizona's elections.
The Gaggle comes to you every Monday. But next week, check your feed for the new episode on Wednesday instead. You'll hear the team's analysis of the primary election results.
Learn more with The Republic's coverage:
Feds say Russian attempts to disrupt midterms ongoing - https://azc.cc/2OKIFZJ | Arizona servers used by Russian hackers in 2016 - https://azc.cc/2zF2tLq | Secretary of state candidates spar over voter-registration rules - https://azc.cc/2OP1P0p | Voter’s guide: Learn more about Arizona candidates - https://azc.cc/2vZJuXy | Find more at politics.azcentral.com
Follow the team on Twitter:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, state politics reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and consumer investigations reporter Rebekah L. Sanders @rebekahlsanders.
This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre.
Federal authorities face the daunting job of trying to ensure the 2018 midterms are not influenced by foreign entities. Social media platforms are cracking down on bot and spam accounts. How can you tell if an account isn't genuine?
The Gaggle will now come to you every Monday. Look out for new episodes each week in your podcast feed.
Learn more with The Republic's coverage:
Fake Twitter accounts supporting Gov. Ducey - https://azc.cc/2MBCwyi | Russians played up Glendale murder-suicide in 2016 - https://azc.cc/2rD6Lwj | What is the QAnon conspiracy theory movement? - https://azc.cc/2Mww2AW | Find more at politics.azcentral.com
Follow the team on Twitter:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings and reporter Kaila White @kailawhite.
This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre.
Arizona is seeing economic growth, but financial prosperity is not being equally felt across the state. How can economic sentiments among voters affect the 2018 elections? Also, the team takes you into the rooms where Republican Senate and governor candidates each faced off in front of The Arizona Republic editorial board.
The Gaggle will now come to you every Monday. Look out for new episodes each week in your podcast feed.
Learn more with The Republic's coverage:
Arizona ranks No. 5 in economic momentum - https://azc.cc/2nf0Laq | 1 in 4 Arizona children in poverty - https://azc.cc/2N7p3ik | Senate candidates Martha McSally and Kelli Ward clash - https://azc.cc/2LGlRxi | Gov. Doug Ducey and challenger Ken Bennett debate - https://azc.cc/2OoVUQu | Find more at http://politics.azcentral.com
Follow the team on Twitter:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and business and personal finance reporter Russ Wiles @azmoneynews.
This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre.
Independent voters are on the verge of making up the largest electoral block in Arizona. Here's what that means for the upcoming elections.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, political reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and diversity and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Chair of the Democratic Party Felecia Rotellini and former chair of the Republican Party Robert Graham share their thoughts on the midterms. They talk about everything from the “Trump affect” to how their parties are campaigning. And they spill some interesting tea.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and state government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
How will the new Supreme Court pick affect monumental rulings like Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout the nation? What did Arizona politicians have to say about President Donald Trump's choice? And what's that about the Arizona Cardinal's president weighing in on the Supreme Court pick? The politics team answers these questions and more in this episode of The Gaggle.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and courts reporter Michael Kiefer @MichaelBKiefer.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
First lady Melania Trump visited Arizona last week. Reporters break down why Trump came and what we saw inside a detention center for immigrants. And an inside look into the bribery case involving well-known Arizona lobbyist Jim Norton. Lastly reporters discuss how Arizona communities, along with other cities throughout the nation, are suing opioid manufacturers. How could the suit affect people who need the pain medications? All this and more in this week’s episode of The Gaggle.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, reporter Dennis Wagner @azrover and reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Education is a hot-button topic in Arizona. What does RedForEd's Noah Karvelis have to say leading up to the November education ballot initiative? And what are the changes he's seen in the teacher strike movement over the past several months? He answers all that and more in this episode of The Gaggle.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, staff reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, staff reporter Ricardo Cano @RicardoCano1, and local politics and issues reporter Alia Rau @AliaRau.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
The politics team talks about immigrant children being separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's campaign announcement.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, staff reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
The Arizona Republic's politics team discusses how potential immigration reform will impact DACA and refugees, how what happened with Theranos may be reflective of a larger Arizona issue, and fraudulent signatures in a Senate race.
Follow the team on Twitter:
National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, immigration reporter Daniel González @azdangonzalez and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang.
This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Mike Black, a prominent criminal defense attorney, speaks about an Arizona coruption trial involving the Ex-Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce, his wife Sherry Pierce, Jim Norton, a lobbyist, and George Johnson, water company owner. The #RedForEd movement impacts who is running for state legislature this year. And how much are university officials in Arizona making?
Follow the team on Twitter:
Business reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
David Garcia, who seeks the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, joins The Gaggle in a first-ever, guest episode to discuss his campaign and education in Arizona.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and guest David Garcia @dg4az.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona Public Service is backing a ballot initiative from state utility regulators that would significantly boost the requirements for renewable energy. Will Arizona see a special session over gun control after yet another school shooting in Texas? And Rep. Paul Gosar still rents a Prescott apartment in Arizona's 4th Congressional District, but lives primarily in Flagstaff.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and business reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Russian Facebook ads played up a murder-suicide of two Arizona teens during the 2016 election. Organizers of the migrant caravan that traveled through Mexico to the U.S. border say they are planning another caravan next year despite backlash from Trump and his administration. And zoning battles over medical-marijuana dispensaries in Phoenix have raised fraud allegations.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, immigration reporter Daniel González @azdangonzalez, Phoenix City Hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
After Arizona's legislature approved a plan for 20 percent pay raises for teachers by 2020, the leaders of the #RedForEd movement feel like they got cheated on their demands. Now they're working to collect 150,000 signatures by July 5 to get the Invest in Education Act initiative on the November ballot. And Sen. John McCain's funeral arrangements have been made.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona's #RedForEd teacher walkout moves into its fifth day as teachers continue to protest low pay. Budget bills have dropped at the state Capitol, but what's buried in them? And how did Democrat Hiral Tipirneni pull off such a close race in deep-red Congressional District 8 and what does her 5-point loss mean for Republicans heading into midterms?
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, and interim governor's office reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Teachers are still talking about a walkout even after Gov. Doug Ducey proposed increasing their pay 20 percent by 2020. Arizona has a new abortion reporting requirement. With an election in the 8th Congressional District next week, the race between Democrat Hiral Tipirneni and Republican Debbie Lesko is heating up. And sober homes that provide people a place to live while recovering from substance abuse will have increased oversight from the state of Arizona.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, and health care reporter Ken Alltucker @kalltucker.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
In a recording obtained by The Arizona Republic, Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod has an unscripted conference call with Christian school leaders about Arizona's school voucher program. Herrod shares her real thoughts on the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, a controversial program that allows certain students to use public money to pay for private and religious schools.
Follow the team on Twitter:
The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett and investigative and data reporter Rob O'Dell @robodellaz.
This episode was edited by digital producer Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Music: bensound.com
A citizenship question on the 2020 census was reinstated by the Trump administration and could hurt Arizona more than other states. Morale is down inside a 'D'-ranked school in Arizona, correlating with teacher's frustrations over funding and pay. Will DACA students, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, continue to receive in-state tuition?
Follow the team on Twitter:
The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, Mesa and Gilbert watchdog reporter Lily Altavena @lilyalta, higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang, diversity and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta.
This episode was edited by digital producer Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Gov. Doug Ducey's office releases records about self-driving cars in Arizona weeks after an autonomous Uber SUV hit and killed a pedestrian. Ducey pushed Proposition 123 in 2016 to fund schools, tapping into the state's land trust fund, but a judge rules that his ballot initiative was illegal. And a new sexual harassment investigation of 'sexually explicit communications' is underway at the state Capitol.
Follow the team on Twitter:
The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona could see stricter gun laws with support from Gov. Doug Ducey after he said he would ask lawmakers to adopt a law that would take guns away from people who are violent or mentally ill. Students nationwide protested gun-violence in the March for Our Lives and teachers wore red for the #RedForEd campaign to protest low pay.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Child welfare and state government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner and investigative reporter Craig Harris @charrisazrep.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com
The Attorney General's Office wants answers on construction contracts with Scottsdale Unified School District. Arizona motorists could soon pay more for vehicle registration as state lawmakers search for money to repair crumbling roads and bridges. And dozens of Arizona charters schools are at risk of closing due to financial struggles.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, Scottsdale watchdog reporeter Yihyun Jeong @yihyun_jeong, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, data reporter Agnel Philip @agnel88_philip.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Voters advance Republican Debbie Lesko and Democrat Hiral Tipirneni in the race to replace Trent Franks in Congressional District 8. The University of Arizona's basketball program is under fire after the FBI intercepted phone conversations where coach Sean Miller talked about paying a star player $100,000 to join the Wildcats. And the House of Representatives won't release additional records from its sexual harassment investigations.
Follow the team on Twitter:
The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, higher-education reporter Anne Ryman @anneryman, and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Days before launching his congressional campaign, former state Senator Steve Montenegro and a state Senate staffer exchanged flirty messages, including a topless photo. Arizona could soon join a national compact to ban taxpayer-funded professional sports facilities. And Gov. Doug Ducey said he's axed 676 regulations since taking office.
Follow the team on Twitter:
The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, and Phoenix City Hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Women seeking abortions in Arizona might have to explain to doctors why they want to end their pregnancy under a new bill. Steve Montenegro immigrated to the U.S. with his family through a special work-related provision that's not always available to migrants. Don Shooter left a "dossier" after he was expelled from the House with claims that he was privately investigated and the Governor's office plotted to remove him from office.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona's House of Representatives voted to immediately expel Rep. Don Shooter in a historic vote after an investigation found he sexually harassed women for many years. Gov Doug Ducey wants the state Department of Revenue to hire 25 tax collectors after the state lost $83 million in audit revenue. Rep. Paul Gosar continues to feud with Latino Democrats after his call to arrest "dreamers" — undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children by their families — who attended Trump's State of the Union as lawmakers' guests.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Jamescita Peshlakai, a Navajo lawmaker, leads efforts to establish Native American Day in Arizona. Republican candidates in the race for the 8th Congressional District seat battled over their loyalty to President Donald Trump. Gov. Doug Ducey calls for a special session over opioids and heads to a Koch brothers’ retreat in Palm Springs.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and diversity, demographics and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Gov. Doug Ducey wants to deregulate blow dry bars and Arizona cosmetologists are offended. Taxpayers are spending about a million dollars more for public relations workers under Gov. Doug Ducey, who said he planned to cut back government spending. Non-English speakers who buy auto or home insurance in Arizona could be bound to a contract that they cannot read.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, investigative reporter Craig Harris @charrisazrep, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
U.S. Rep. Martha McSally officially enters Arizona's senate race. Gov. Doug Ducey releases his budget with spending increases for school funding. Sen. Sean Bowie introduces a bill to ban conversion therapy and another bill would ban bump stocks in Arizona.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, diversity, demographics and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio announces his campaign to run for U.S. Senate. Gov. Doug Ducey makes six promises in the final State of the State speech during his first term. Rep. Don Shooter apologizes for making inappropriate comments on the House floor, breaking his silence that he sexually harassed multiple women.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
The Republic's politics team looks back on the year's most impacting stories that they worked on this year.
The Republic's politics team talks Jeff Flake's controversial endorsement check, the state's child welfare agency and how the Republican tax plan will impact Arizonans.
This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck.
Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva approved a $48,000 settlement to a woman who accused him of being drunk and creating a hostile work environment. Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake could be key votes for or against the Republican tax plan. State Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, announces her bid to run for Arizona treasurer next year, replacing Treasurer Jeff DeWitt. And Mesa Mayor John Giles faces backlash from his conservative constituents after calling President Donald Trump an idiot and encouraging Sen. Jeff Flake to run for president.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, and Mesa and Gilbert reporter Lily Altavena @lilyalta.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
It’s been a memorable and historic year for Arizona’s delegation and Washington, D.C., correspondent for USA Today Eliza Collins provides some perspective from Capitol Hill. Democrats say the election of Donald Trump has increased their base, but Arizona’s voter registration numbers show otherwise. And the State Court of Appeals has reversed a decision to sever a mother’s rights to her children saying the case was not sufficiently rooted in evidence.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, congressional reporter for USA Today @elizacollins1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and government and child welfare reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
A flood of sexual harassment allegations continues to run out of Arizona’s State Capitol. At least seven women have publicly accused Rep. Don Shooter of sex harassment, including Mi-Ai Parrish, publisher and president of The Arizona Republic. Arizona’s Foster Care Review Boards, volunteer groups that decide the fate of children in the foster care system, are overwhelmingly white and do not represent the communities they serve in race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Congressman Tom O’Halleran’s office is located outside of his district and his opponents are not happy.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and diversity and demographics reporter Maria Polletta @@mpolletta.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, said in a tweet on Monday that Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, is one of Arizona’s male lawmakers that she was sexually harassed by. Congresswoman Martha McSally enters Arizona’s 2018 Senate race. Greg Stanton has still not resigned from his post as mayor, impacting the fate of big voting decisions in Phoenix. Gov. Doug Ducey asked state agencies to remove whether a candidate has been convicted of a crime or not from their job applications in the hopes of eliminating employer prejudice and recidivism.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and Phoenix city hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Bisbee backs off its plastic bag ban. KidsCare, a program that ensures children and low-income families, has run out of funding without a renewal from Congress. And potential candidates like U.S. Reps. Martha McSally and Paul Gosar continue to eye Sen. Jeff Flake's open Senate seat.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, state and government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona's 2018 Senate race takes a dramatic turn after Sen. Jeff Flake announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2018. Former state lawmaker Kelli Ward and President Trump react to Flake's announcement. State Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita says she was sexually harassed by male colleagues in Arizona's Legislature and faces retaliation after reporting her experience.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Gov. Doug Ducey awards his inner circle hefty pay increases while giving Arizona teachers less than a 1 percent raise. Steve Bannon visits Scottsdale and gives his full support to Kelli Ward in Arizona’s 2018 Senate race against Sen. Jeff Flake. President Donald Trump has yet to give Ward his endorsement and Flake disregards polls. A family feud erupts between Rep. Paul Gosar and his brother, David Gosar, after Paul made claims in a Vice News interview that the liberal activist George Soros helped the Nazis. And Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan says the Department of Homeland Security cannot confirm if Arizona voters were hacked by Russia in the 2016 election.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, investigative reporter Craig Harris @charrisazrep and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona’s Congressman Paul Gosar suggested in a Vice News interview that the violent, white supremacist rally in Charlottesville was planned by “an Obama sympathizer,” and said that George Soros, a liberal activist, turned Jews over to the Nazis. The dominoes are falling in Congressional District 9 after Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton announced his campaign to run for Congress. Arizona schools are upset by the letter grades issued by the Arizona Department of Education and the Board of Education. And the Department of Water Resources delayed a large home development project in Casa Grande because of a Pinal County’s lack of groundwater supply.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, Phoenix city hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Arizona’s 2018 Senate race just got interesting with U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema joining the run, finally ending months of speculation. She will run against Sen. Jeff Flake and several others, including Deedra Abboud. The Department of Child Safety also faces a class action lawsuit, which was filed 2 years ago, and says that the Arizona Foster Care System is failing children. The state of Arizona has removed about 5,500 kids within the last reporting period and many wonder how long until effective changes are made. Vice President Mike Pence also visited Phoenix this week and met with Gov. Doug Ducey over Arnold Palmers and chips to discuss Republican’s tax reform plans.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, state and government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, and congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Sen. John McCain does not support the Graham-Cassidy health care bill, another failed Republican attempt to repeal and replace “Obamacare.” President Donald Trump lashed out in a series of tweets over the weekend and said, “Without McCain, we’d already have the heath care.” After many months, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that Russia tried to hack Arizona’s voter registration during the 2016 election. But officials are unsure if the new information was a hack previously reported or if it’s a new attack.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Alia Rau @aliarau, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner.
This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck and Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
“Build the Wall.” Three words energized a campaign. But could it be done? What would it cost? What would it accomplish? Our search for answers became this, a landmark new report, “The Wall” with special guest Nicole Carroll, top editor of The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.
Find "The Wall: Reporting on the Border" on Apple Podcasts at http://apple.co/2f00BmW or wherever you find podcasts. Find the entire project at https://www.usatoday.com/border-wall/.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, vice president and top editor Nicole Carroll @nicole_carroll, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, congressional reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative and government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl
This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley.
Representatives from 22 states gathered at the Arizona Capitol for the convening of America's first national convention of states in more than 150 years. Meanwhile, the Arizona Attorney General's Office is suing the Arizona Board of Regents for "dramatically and unconstitutionally" increasing the price of in-state tuition at the state's three universities.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Alia Rau @aliarau, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki.
This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck and Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
It's official: Voters will decide whether Arizona moves forward with or rejects a massive expansion of the state's school-voucher program. DACA protects about 28,000 Arizonans – how will its end change their lives? Plus, a rundown of the long list of things Arizona's representatives in Congress have to do this session.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck and Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
After being pardoned by President Donald Trump, what are the chances former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will get back into politics? Could a bill pass that would ban covering your face during a protest?
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Alia Rau @aliarau, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki.
This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
President Donald Trump took shots at Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, Arizona Republicans who have repeatedly crossed him, without mentioning their names at his Tuesday rally. Meanwhile, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and controversial former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio were absent.
In other news, the group seeking to refer the state's new school-voucher expansion law to the ballot cleared an important hurdle, and two Democrats heat up their race for governor.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
The team watches for Rep. Kyrsten Sinema to announce a likely run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Jeff Flake. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., calls President Trump a 'racist' and a 'coward' after his comments on Charlottesville. Investigations into reports of child neglect have dropped, even though calls to Arizona's child-abuse hotline hold steady. Save Our Schools Arizona slams the vetting process for a school-voucher referendum.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, investigative reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Sen. Jeff Flake is the author of a new book, a defense of Goldwater- and Reagan-style conservatism and a critique of his own Republican Party in the era of President Donald Trump. Gov. Doug Ducey plays a strong role in Sen. John McCain's healthcare vote. U.S. Rep. Martha McSally helps craft a bipartisan plan for the nation's insurance system. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite.
- Sen. John McCain returned to Washington a week after disclosing his brain cancer diagnosis to speak on the Senate floor about "Obamacare" repeal legislation.
- About 1,400 conservatives from across the country gathered in Denver for a conference best-known for producing ready-to-introduce “model” legislation crafted with input from corporate America.
- The Arizona attorney general cleared a former House Speaker after an investigation into allegations he misused state resources.
- Mesa City Councilman Ryan Winkle pleaded guilty to one count of extreme DUI for which his BAC level nearly three times the legal limit.
Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and Mesa and Gilbert reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS.
This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS.
The group behind an effort to repeal Arizona's school-voucher expansion is hiring paid circulators as part of a final push to qualify for the ballot; U.S. Rep. McSally spends big to stay in office; Sen. John McCain's unresolved health scare; former Arizona House Speaker David Gowan will not be prosecuted by the Arizona Attorney General.
Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, investigative reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki.
This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS.
Sen. Jeff Flake, under intense pressure to oppose the Senate Republican health-care bill, said he actually supports the more conservative "Consumer Freedom Option" proposed by Sen. Ted Cruz. Meanwhile, a group opposed to a major private school voucher expansion bill signed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says it is on track to collect enough signatures to place the law on hold. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Jojo Huckeba @Jojo_Huck.
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan said she is rejecting the Trump administration's request for extensive voter information. Arizona’s Republican members of Congress have rarely voted against Trump in the first six months of the year. The director of Arizona's child-welfare system asked families to "expand their horizons" and "do more," leaving some foster parents perplexed and enraged. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Jojo Huckeba @Jojo_Huck.
A database built by The Arizona Republic shows that 22 percent of 46,000 public school teachers in Arizona during the 2016-17 term were either not qualified to teach or had less than two years of classroom experience. Education reporter Ricardo Cano discusses his findings with The Republic's political team.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite,
A secret tape predicts trouble for Republican lawmakers, cash from indicted figures divides state officials, and a new survey says children in Arizona rank near the bottom in well-being, nationally. Meanwhile, Gov. Doug Ducey makes moves to protect Arizona's relationship with its top trading partner, Mexico.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS.
State Sen. Steve Farley is jumping into the race for governor, hoping to unseat Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. A service at the Arizona Secretary of State's Office intended to make it easier for local candidates to get their names on the ballot has missed its intended launch date — and shut off access for legislative and statewide hopefuls. As for Washington, D.C., Ducey will be at the White House this week to meet with President Trump to talk infrastructure spending. Find more at politics.azcentral.com.
Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, and congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen.
This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS.
A corruption case snares lobbyist Jim Norton, who is at the center of Arizona power politics. Two Arizona Republican lawmakers hire private attorneys (using taxpayers' money along the way.) U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake wants a new authorization of the use of military force, or AUMF. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, and governor’s Office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett. This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office's investigates Phoenix Councilman Michael Nowakowski. Sen. John McCain blasts President Donald Trump – again. Gov. Doug Ducey signs a final 27 bills into law and vetoes six, including industrial hemp production. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, Phoenix City Hall reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and governor’s Office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett. This episode was edited by Hannah Gaber @HannahSGS.
Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen, Governor’s Office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, national political reporter Dan Nowicki and politics editor Michael Squires look back at the legislative session and all it did – and didn’t – accomplish, as well as the Arizona’s delegation’s headaches from having to deal with the Trump administration. Find more coverage at politics.azcentral.com.
This episode was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite.
As the end of the legislative session approaches, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen, Governor’s Office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and politics editor Michael Squires talk about the finalized Arizona state budget, as well as the strangest bills and highlights from this legislative session. Find more coverage at politics.azcentral.com.
This episode was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite.
Phoenix City Hall reporter Dustin Gardiner, Arizona State Capitol reporter Mary Jo Pitzl, congressional delegation reporter Ron Hansen, Governor’s Office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and politics editor Michael Squires talk about the Arizona state budget, raises for teachers, welfare, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton's possible run for a higher office, and more. Find more coverage at politics.azcentral.com.
This episode was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite.
The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com's politics editor Michael Squires hosts an informal and informational chat with his team of reporters about politics in Arizona and beyond in this weekly podcast. Follow Michael on Twitter at @mgsquires. This episode was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite.