The Press Room

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero joins The Press Room this week to discuss public safety in the wake of two high-profile acts of gun violence: July's downtown mass shooting and the targeted killing of members of the LGBTQ community. Plus, we examine how the city is addressing issues surrounding homelessness and affordability. GUESTS: Tucson Mayor Regina Romero; Yana Kunichoff, Arizona Luminaria; Mia Kortright, Tucson Sentinel; Laura Holanszky, AZPM News

Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly joins us on The Press Room to share need-to-know voter information, just as vote-by-mail is once again making national headlines. Plus, issues of tribal sovereignty emerge as Border Patrol and the Tohono O'odham Nation exchange barbs over border wall construction. And Tucson Police are investigating a deadly shooting at a midtown gay bar as a hate crime. GUESTS: Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly; Angela Gervasi, AZPM News; Jim Nintzel, Tucson Sentinel; Susan Barnett, Independent Journalist

This week, join us for an exclusive interview with Governor Katie Hobbs. She sits down one-on-one with host Tony Perkins to discuss affordability, water security, data centers and more. Join us for the first in a series of candidate interviews leading up to the midterm elections this November, all part of AZPM Vote 2026. Plus, University of Arizona Government and Public Policy Professor Samara Klar joins us to break down the latest polling in the Arizona governor's race. GUESTS: Gov. Katie Hobbs; Arizona; Samara Klar, Ph.D.; University of Arizona Government and Public Policy professor

Arizona is asking the federal government for reimbursement funds of about $900 million that it spent border security. And the race for Congressional District 6 is heating up, starting with plenty of mudslinging attack ads by both incumbent rebublican Rep. Juan Ciscomani and his democrat challenger JoAnna Mendoza. Plus, we sit down one-on-one with frequent Press Room contributor John Washington to talk about his new book on immigrant detention camps in the US. GUESTS: Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda; Eric Fink, KVOA News 4 Tucson; Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star

No Trespassing: That's the message from the Tohono O'odham Nation to border wall contractors, as they await a court decision on wall construction across tribal lands. Plus, the US is deporting detained immigrants, but not all are being sent back to their home countries. Where are they being sent, and under what circumstances? GUESTS: Alisa Reznick, KJZZ; Emily Bregel, Arizona Daily Star; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel; Rafael Carranza, Arizona Luminaria

Data centers are back in the headlines as Tucson Mayor and Council approves regulations on the large-scale facilities within city limits. Plus, as potential cuts to Colorado River water allocations loom, the City of Tucson says it's prepared; how will Arizona be affected overall? And in political news: Runnning mates, endorsements and visits from DC officials add to the 2026 midterm momentum. GUESTS: Katya Mendoza, AZPM News; Jim Nintzel, Tucson Sentinel; John Washington, Lookout

Attention returns to immigration enforcement in the city of Tucson after ICE detains a mother following an unrelated court appearance. And as border wall construction continues in Southern Arizona near critical habitat, environmental concerns come to a head. Plus, how has recent flooding along the US southern border affected communities, infrastructure, and cross-border traffic? GUESTS: Angela Gervasi, AZPM News; Melissa del Bosque, The Border Chronicle; Alessandra De Zubeldia, Nogales International

Following this week's primary election, our journalist panel breaks down the results of major state and local races, and looks ahead to the November midterms. Plus, in the wake of last weekend's mass shooting in downtown Tucson, how are city officials, downtown businesses and community members responding? We'll discuss this major news story this week on The Press Room. GUESTS: Steve Jess, AZPM News; Yana Kunichoff, Arizona Luminarial; Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel

A look at education in Arizona, including technology in the classrooms, affordability and the future of school choice. Plus, our panel of education beat journalists previews the Republican and Democratic primary races for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. GUESTS: Prerana Sannappanavar, Arizona Daily Star; Shannon Conner, Arizona Luminaria; Noor Haghighi, AZPM News

Primary Election Day in Arizona is fewer than two weeks away. With ballots already in the hands of voters, The Press Room is talking primaries this week. We're examining key state and local primary races, and examining national trends and polling data as we begin looking ahead to the November midterms. PANEL: Samara Klar, Ph. D., University of Arizona professor; Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda

The US Supreme Court has delivered two major decisions on immigration. Our panel of journalists breaks down how the rulings affect Southern Arizona. Plus, some difficult questions facing the University of Arizona on how it manages its money. PANEL: Angela Gervasi, AZPM News; Caitlin Schmidt, Tucson Spotlight; Erik Fink, News 4 Tucson

A standoff in the San Rafael Valley: How opposing sides are responding to a new challenge at the border. Plus, we take a look at Southern Arizona's economic forecast, and the external factors affecting jobs, affordability and more. And as we close out Pride month 2026, what challenges are organizations within the community facing in the future? PANEL: Hannah Cree, Arizona Daily Star; Susan Barnett, Independent Journalist; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed a new state budget into law. The Press Room's panel of journalists breaks down what's in the $18.3B budget and what it means for tax cuts and public program funding. Plus, as summer sets and Southern Arizona braces for extreme weather events, we look at the resources available for our most vulnerable residents, the unhoused population. And on the heels of the debate between the Republican candidates for governor, we take a look at that race leading into July's primary election. PANEL: Jim Nintzel, Tucson Sentinel; Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda; John Washington, Lookout; Laura Holanszky, AZPM News

Could Sun Tran drivers be on the verge of a strike? Tucson's Mayor and Council begin to put RTA Next public safety funds to use on public transit. Plus, we talk about the latest development surrounding a South Tucson landmark-turned-eyesore. And with election season coming up, we preview a heated Southern Arizona legislative primary race. PANEL: Nick Rommel, AZPM News; Caitlin Schmidt, Tucson Spotlight; Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star; Paul Ingram,Tucson Sentinel

With primaries now in full swing for this midterm election cycle, we break down what early results in other states could mean for Arizona's upcoming elections. Plus, what's behind the sudden push to modernize the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales? Those stories and more, plus a one-on-one interview with Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, as he finishes out his final term in office. GUEST: Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield; PANEL: Susan Barnett, Independent Journalist; Eric Fink, KVOA News 4 Tucson; Noor Haghighi, AZPM News

Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva joins us this week on The Press Room for the first time since taking office last fall. She discusses ICE and immigration, the state's water crisis and more. Plus, on our weekly roundtable we talk about the future of Tucson's Berger Performing Arts Center, and the decision to move the Iranian national soccer team's training basecamp out of the Old Pueblo. GUEST: Rep. Adelita Grijalva; PANEL: Cathalena E. Burch, Thatcher Warrick Hess

Monday morning, ICE arrested a Tucson resident and DACA recipient in her home. How has the community reacted to this news? Plus, University of Arizona graduated its class of 2026 last week, while the stadium erupted with booing. Our panel of journalists break down what all the fuss was about this week on The Press Room. PANELISTS: Angela Gervasi, AZPM News; Joe Ferguson Tucson Agenda; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel

The Pima County Board of Supervisors votes not to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos from office; looking at the facts behind a pneumonia outbreak in a Tucson neighborhood; and how Arizona lawmakers could respond to pressure for passing a new state budget.

A four-day week is coming to one of Tucson's high schools. How will breaking from the traditional school week make a difference? Plus, a state spending proposal threatens the future of downtown Tucson development. And the city cuts off water to Project Blue, just as developers are breaking ground: We'll have an update as Southern Arizona's data center fight continues.

Despite strong publish pushback, Arizona's data center boom continues. What's the latest for two proposed data centers here in Southern Arizona? Plus, we preview the 2026 election season, and what voters can expect. And the DeConcini Port of Entry could be in for a $2 billion update. We discuss how that project might transform downtown Nogales.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors continues to scrutinize Sheriff Chris Nanos over questions about his record. Meanwhile, the City of Tucson weighs its budget options: Could fare-free public transit be on the chopping block? Plus, our host Tony Perkins sits down for a one-on-one with prominent University of Arizona astrophysicist Erika Hamden, recently named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow.GUESTS:Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star; John Washington, Lookout;Angela Gervasi, AZPM News.Special Newsmaker Guest: Erika Hamden, PhD, University of Arizona.

From K-12 to higher education, the school year is drawing to a close. We bring in two education beat reporters to talk about some of the issues facing students, teachers, administrators and family members: Budgets, enrollment and school closures, and how those factors impact the greater community. GUESTS: Prerana Sannappanavar, Arizona Daily Star; Noor Haghighi, AZPM News

Civilian observers pepper sprayed in South Tucson by ICE: It's not the first time such an incident has occurred in Southern Arizona. Plus, the city of Tucson is looking to make some cuts. What's on the chopping block? We talk about these issues, plus the latest response to the war in Iran, our takeaways of the Wildcats' tournament run and we set our sights on the moon. GUESTS: Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel; Tony Perkins, AZPM News; Nick Rommel, AZPM News

Spring is in the air, and Tucson’s arts and cultural scene blossoms this time of year. Professionals in the Southern Arizona arts landscape and the journalists who cover the beat sit down for a robust discussion of ways to enjoy Tucson’s arts, music and food, and some of the challenges the arts face in an ever-changing world. GUESTS: David Slutes, La Rosa; Kevin Larkin, Art State Arizona;Cathalena Burch, Arizona Daily Star; Thatcher Warrick Hess, AZPM News

This week on The Press Room, our panel discusses the latest developments in the recall effort targeting Pima County sheriff Chris Nanos. Plus, lack of DHS funding and shortage of TSA agents has put ICE agents in airports. And, institutions continue to respond to the sexual abuse allegations against late labor leader Cesar Chavez as we approach the holiday named in his honor. GUESTS:Jim Nintzel, Tucson Sentinel; Rafael Carranza, AZ Luminaria; John Washington, Lookout; Angela Gervasi, AZPM News

This week, The Press Room discusses one of the most pressing environmental issues facing southern Arizona and the greater southwest: water allocations from the Colorado River. Our panel digs into the failed negotiation between states in the Colorado River basin, the potential cuts Arizona's CAP could face and the economic fallout. Plus, we look at mining projects in the region. GUESTS: Katya Mendoza, AZPM News; Tony Davis, Arizona Daily Star; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel; Sharon Megdal, Ph.D., University of Arizona Water Resources Director

On Tuesday, Pima County voters approved the Regional Transportation Authority's RTA Next plan, a two-part ballot measure that will extend the county-wide half-cent sales tax to fund a list of roadway projects, public transit and safety improvements for another 20 years. RTA Executive Director Mike Ortega joins our panel of journalists on The Press Room to discuss the agency's plans to complete yet-unfinished RTA 1 projects, and the implementation of the newly-approved plan, including accountability measures. GUESTS: Mike Ortega, RTA Executive Director; Jim Nintzel, Tucson Sentinel; Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star; Nick Rommel, AZPM News

As Arizona Men's Basketball wins the Big 12 conference title outright this week, a panel of Tucson journalists talk Arizona sports both on and off the court: How stadium naming deals, NIL and more impact local economy and culture. Plus, the Iranian national soccer team is set to train for the World Cup at Kino Sports Complex, but with the escalating military conflict, how might those plans change? PANELISTS: Justin Spears, Arizona Daily Star Pat Parris, KGUN 9 News, Steve Rivera, All Sports Tucson and Fox Sports 1450, Tony Perkins, AZPM News

South Tucson Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela joins The Press Room to discuss the city's decision to end its contract with Flock surveillance cameras, the partnership with Rural Metro Fire and other issues facing the community. Then, our panel of journalists discuss Tucson's Safe City Initiative and take another look at RTA Next, Props 418 and 419, ahead of the March 10 vote on the regional transportation plan. SPECIAL GUEST: Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela, city of South Tucson PANELISTS: Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda,Nick Rommel, AZPM News

As the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance enters its third week, national coverage is slowing, but social media influencers and YouTubers continue to dig in, sometimes highlighting sensational leads. What impact is this having overall on media credibility, public interest and the investigation itself? Plus, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited the state twice. We're fact checking her border visit, and looking into her push to make changes to Arizona's elections. And finally, our panel discusses the potential of a new ICE detention center opening in Arizona, and we remember the late Rev. Jesse Jackson.

With Tucson making national headlines after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, local journalists break down the ongoing coverage. Plus, ballots for the RTA Next special election are hitting mailboxes this week. We continue our at Props 418 and 419. And Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar steps down. We talk about his tenure, and what to expect as incoming chief Monica Prieto prepares to take the reins. PANELISTS: Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda, Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel, Nick Rommel, AZPM News, Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star. GUESTS: L.M. Boyd, AZPM News, Katya Mendoza, AZPM News

The Press Room continues the discussion on the Regional Transportation Authority’s RTA Next plan with an urban planning and transit expert. Along with our panel of journalists, we break down what you need to know about Props 418 and 419, which ask voters to extend the current half-cent sales tax to fund a new transportation plan in Pima County. Ballots are set to hit voter mailboxes next week. GUESTS: Arlie Adkins, UA Associate Professor of Urban Planning, Yana Kunichoff, AZ Luminaria, Jim Nintzel, Tucson Sentinel

Our panel of journalists and a studio audience engage in a conversation with leaders from the Regional Transportation Authority about RTA Next, a 20-year extension of the RTA One plan that voters approved in 2006. RTA Next, Propositions 418 and 419 on the upcoming ballot, asks to extend the current half-cent sales tax in Pima County, and puts a new transportation plan before voters. GUESTS: Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star, Caitlin Schmidt, Tucson Spotlight, Nick Rommel, AZPM News, Mike Ortega, RTA Executive Director, Ted Maxwell, RTA Board Member and chair of the Arizona State Transportation Board

This week on The Press Room, we welcome a special panel of journalists whose reporting focuses on border immigration issues in the Arizona-Sonora borderlands. We're digging into their experience covering everyday life on the border, issues of security, the ongoing construction of the border wall, and potential for US involvement on Mexican soil and more.

Southern Arizona’s response to the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Plus, Mark Kelly files suit against Secretary Pete Hegseth, Marana moves forward with data center plans, and we remember the legacy of former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich. GUESTS: Alisa Reznick - KJZZ, Paul Ingram - Tucson Sentinel, Danyelle Khmara - AZPM News, Katya Mendoza - AZPM News

15 years ago, a mass shooting in Tucson killed six and left 13 injured, including former Rep. Gabby Giffords. The shooting brought Tucson to the forefront of the national news. Local journalists who covered the shooting look back on that day, and the media coverage surrounding it. Plus, we sit down with a January 8 survivor to talk about how her life was forever changed 15 years ago.

The Press Room host Steve Goldstein sits down with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero for her perspectives on some of the biggest news stories in 2025 that will carry over into the new year: Tucson's Safe City's Initiative, immigration enforcement, the ongoing data center battle and more. Plus, we dive into affordability issues facing the state of Arizona and welcome a new face to The Press Room.

2025 is coming to a close, and we've got a panel of journalists joining us on The Press Room to discuss Southern Arizona's big stories of the year. From community activism against big data to a new face in Congress with a familiar name, we wrap up the year with a lively discussion of the year's news, and a look ahead to 2026.

This week, we discuss Pima County Supervisors moving Project Blue another step forward; Attorney General Kris Mayes joins lawsuit over Trump Administration attempting to charge $100,000 for H-1B visas; City council approves transit safety plan. GUESTS: Yana Kunichoff, AZ Luminaria; Dylan Smith - Tucson Sentinel; Alisa Reznick - KJZZ; Nick Rommel - AZPM News

Senator Kelly speaks at Tucson Town Hall about President Trump and in support of Mendoza's congressional bid. Updates on new potential data centers. Representative Grijalva and others pepper-sprayed by HSI and CBP as Taco Giro location were raided by ICE. GUESTS: Joe Ferguson, Tucson Agenda; Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel; Prerana Sannappanavar, Arizona Daily Star and Danyelle Khmara, AZPM News.

Border Patrol agents raid a No More Deaths humanitarian aid camp, allegedly without a warrant, and arrest three people. Plus, Senator Mark Kelly says he won’t back down from his criticism of President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth. This week on The Press Room, our panel of Southern Arizona journalists discuss these stories and more. GUESTS: Paul Ingram of the Tucson Sentinel, Katya Mendoza of AZPM News, and John Washington of AZ Luminaria.

A special newsmaker panel discusses homelessness in Tucson, the needs of the unhoused community, and the services available to help fill those needs. Joining us are Jenifer Darland, Pima County Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions, Tisha Tallman, CEO of the Primavera Foundation and Bruce Beikman, Communications Director of Gospel Rescue Mission.

This week, a widely anticipated meeting between the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Tucson Mayor and Council focused on crime, drug use, and homelessness. What did they accomplish? Our panel of journalists talk it over. Plus a new section of the border wall and what it means for wildlife in the remote bi-national biodiversity hotspot, the San Rafael Valley. GUESTS: Alisa Reznick of KJZZ, Nick Rommel of AZPM News, Caitlin Schmidt of Tucson Spotlight, and John Washington of AZ Luminaria

Our panel of journalists discuss the end of the federal government shut down and the beginning of Rep. Adelita Grijalva’s congressional term; plus, local law enforcement voices concern that immigrant crime victims are being targeted for deportation, and what that could mean for police outreach in the community. GUESTS: Rafael Carranza of AZ Luminaria, Jim Nintzel of the Tucson Sentinel, and Tim Steller of the Arizona Daily Star.

Democrats sweep the Tucson City Council election, with two new council members voted in. Our panel of journalists discuss what changes could be ahead for the newly-elected council. Plus, the government shutdown continues, and Southern Arizona finds itself at the center of some social media misinformation this week. GUESTS: Joe Ferguson of the Tucson Agenda, Paul Ingram of the Tucson Sentinel, Katya Mendoza of AZPM News, and Dan Shearer of Green Valley News

Arizona joins the lawsuit over the suspension of SNAP benefits, and our panel of journalists look at the upcoming Tucson City Council races. Also on this week’s program, hear about an investigative collaboration between AZPM and AZ Luminaria on hardships facing mobile home residents in Southern Arizona. GUESTS: Yana Kunichoff of AZ Luminaria, John DeSoto of AZPM, and Raye Winch of Poder Casas Moviles.

The University of Arizona rejects the Trump administration's higher education compact, but leaves the door open for some discussion. Plus, The Press Room's panel of journalists breaks down the lawsuit filed by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva against the US House for her delayed swearing in. GUESTS: L. M. Boyd of AZPM News, Paul Ingram from the Tucson Sentinel, Prerana Sanappannavar of the Arizona Daily Star, and John Washington of AZ Luminaria.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has threatened to sue House Speaker Mike Johnson over his delay swearing in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. Plus, Customs and Border Protection is awarded $800 million for a "smart wall" in Southern Arizona, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero unveils a new "Safe City" initiative. GUESTS: Danyelle Khmara of AZPM News, Yana Kunichoff of AZ Luminaria, Jim Nintzel of the Tucson Sentinel, and Caitlin Schmidt of Tucson Spotlight.

The Trump Administration looks to the University of Arizona as one of nine universities asked to sign its "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education." Our panel of journalists examines reactions by the U of A Faculty Senate and Tucson City Council. Plus, safety on Tucson public transit and The Loop, and CD 7's Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva has yet to be sworn in. GUESTS: Hannah Cree of AZPM News, Paul Ingram of the Tucson Sentinel, Alisa Reznick of KJZZ, and Prerana Sanappannavar of the Arizona Daily Star.

The fallout of the government shutdown on Arizona, and Rep. Adelita Grijalva's swearing in gets political. Plus, seven Tucson Starbucks are closing, but our panel is not too broken up about it. Susan Barnett of the Tucson Spotlight, Tucson Sentinel's Jim Nintzel, Tim Steller from the Arizona Daily Star, and AZPM's Katya Mendoza join Steve Goldstein to discuss this week's top news from Southern Arizona.