Episodes

  • Arizona Economy Booms with $44.4B in Exports and 24,000 Tech Jobs in 2025

    Arizona Economy Booms with $44.4B in Exports and 24,000 Tech Jobs in 2025
    Feb 26 2026
    Arizona's economy continues to surge with record-breaking trade figures and significant infrastructure investments reshaping the state. Arizona companies exported 44.4 billion dollars in goods in 2025, representing a 37 percent increase over the prior year according to recent trade data[11]. The state's technology sector alone generated approximately 5 billion dollars in regional economic activity and added more than 24,000 jobs in fiscal year 2025 with average wages exceeding 95,000 dollars annually[7].

    In major political developments, the Arizona Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's global tariffs in a significant blow to his economic agenda[1]. Governor Katie Hobbs continues to flex her veto power, rejecting multiple bills in 2026. Most notably, she vetoed two tax bills that would have mirrored federal tax changes, arguing they gave excessive breaks to high-income earners and businesses[2]. Hobbs also blocked several pieces of legislation restricting SNAP benefits and measures requiring hospitals to verify patient citizenship status[2].

    Education and infrastructure projects are moving forward across Arizona. Arizona State University announced major construction plans including a 200,000 square foot ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix set to begin construction in July and finish before fall 2028[8]. The university is also constructing the 187 million dollar John S. McCain III Library and Museum in Tempe with construction beginning in late spring[8]. In rural Arizona, Navajo Preparatory College is breaking ground on a new facility in Kayenta that will eliminate the need for students to travel elsewhere to complete degree programs[4].

    Economic growth is being driven by emerging industries. Semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicle and battery technology, and aerospace and defense technology top the list of Arizona's fastest-growing sectors[3]. Clean energy represents a major economic engine with more than 12 billion dollars in clean energy investments announced since 2022, supporting over 65,000 workers in clean energy jobs[7].

    On the political front, Republican candidates for governor are competing to win over the party's base, with Andy Biggs emphasizing a MAGA-aligned message while facing competition from Taylor Robson[9]. Hobbs, who defeated Trump-backed Kari Lake four years ago, is running for her second term[9].

    Looking ahead, listeners should watch for developments in Arizona's ongoing tax code negotiations between Governor Hobbs and the Republican-controlled legislature, as well as progress on the major ASU construction projects that will reshape Phoenix and Tempe over the next two years. The Republican proposal for a citizen-only census to redraw legislative districts is expected to move toward a ballot measure, setting up another potential conflict with the governor's office[6].

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    4 mins
  • Arizona 2026 Ballot Measures Target Schools, Elections While Business Growth Surges

    Arizona 2026 Ballot Measures Target Schools, Elections While Business Growth Surges
    Feb 24 2026
    Arizona lawmakers are pushing dozens of ballot measures for 2026, including restrictions on schools using pronouns for transgender students without parental consent and changes to election rules like earlier early ballot drop-offs, according to KJZZ reports. These partisan Republican proposals aim to bypass Governor Katie Hobbs veto and follow last year's referrals on drug cartels, food taxes, and vehicle fees. KJZZ notes Senate Republicans approved five such measures Monday on party-line votes, with House approval needed next. A new bipartisan Arizona Secure Elections Act, passed this month, moves primaries up two weeks, bars foreign contributions, and reaffirms U.S. citizen voting, set for November ballot per Arizona Capitol Times.

    In business news, Hadrian opened its $200 million Factory 3 in Mesa, creating over 350 jobs in AI-powered manufacturing, celebrated with Governor Hobbs and Arizona Commerce Authority officials. Clean energy booms with over $12 billion invested since 2022, supporting 65,000 jobs, mostly solar, amid surging tech demand for reliable power, as Arizona Capitol Times highlights. Commercial real estate thrives, with firms like Mack Real Estate Group eyeing Halo Vista near TSMC's $165 billion campus.

    Education advances as Arizona State University breaks ground on the $200 million ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix for its new medical school and related programs, plus the John S. McCain III Library and Museum in Tempe, both targeting 2028 completion. The Agua Fria District's Hilltop School for the Arts in Litchfield Park topped out its beam, on track for fall 2026 opening at $74.5 million.

    Public safety saw a Peoria crash kill a driver, speed cameras activating statewide, and an Amber Alert resolved safely for a 3-year-old. ABC15 Arizona covered these alongside a motorcyclist death and mall fire contained by Phoenix crews. Cartel violence in Mexico stranded Arizona travelers, with flights canceled, FOX10 Phoenix reports.

    No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Crossover week starts at the Capitol for bill swaps between chambers; EVelution Energy's cobalt plant nears 2026 operation in Yuma, boosting batteries; more semiconductor jobs expected.

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    3 mins
  • Arizona Legislative Deadline Looms as Education Funding and Major Construction Projects Shape State's Future

    Arizona Legislative Deadline Looms as Education Funding and Major Construction Projects Shape State's Future
    Feb 22 2026
    Arizona is experiencing significant activity across multiple sectors as the state heads into late winter. An Amber Alert was issued for a missing three-year-old girl in the Valley, with authorities actively searching according to FOX 10 Phoenix. In a separate incident, criminal damage was reported at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement warehouse in Surprise.

    The Arizona Legislature is in a critical phase of its 2026 session. According to the Arizona Daily Independent, this marks the final week for bills to be heard in committees of their chamber of origin, with lawmakers rushing to advance legislation before the deadline. The focus has shifted to education funding, particularly Proposition 123. The Arizona Capitol Times reports that Senate Republicans passed a placeholder proposal through committee, though little consensus exists on the path forward. The measure, which expired at the end of the last fiscal year, previously drew funding from the state land trust to support K-12 basic state aid. Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia expressed concerns about the current proposal, citing lack of stability for teachers and ongoing educator retention challenges.

    Arizona State University is advancing several major construction projects for 2026. According to Spaces4Learning, the new Hilltop School for the Arts and Theater in Litchfield Park recently reached its topping-out milestone, with construction expected to complete in fall 2026 at a cost of 74.5 million dollars. Additionally, ASU is beginning work on the 200,000-square-foot ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix, scheduled to start in July with a budget of approximately 200 million dollars for construction and equipment. The project will house the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering.

    The state's business community continues to grow. AZ Big Media's recent AZ Big 100 list recognizes leading Arizona companies driving economic growth, including TSMC's Phoenix semiconductor campus, Lucid Motors' electric vehicle manufacturing facility, and LG Energy Solution's 5.5 billion dollar battery facility in Queen Creek. The Quantum Insider reports that Phoenix is positioning itself as a hub for quantum technology manufacturing, with officials, investors, and researchers meeting to assess building a manufacturing-centered quantum ecosystem.

    Recent winter weather has impacted Arizona, with the state experiencing snowfall that authorities say could lead to increased snowpack levels. According to ABC15, snow water equivalent measurements are being closely monitored across affected regions.

    Looking ahead, the Arizona Legislature will continue focused committee hearings in appropriations committees next week, with bills that fail to receive hearings considered dead for the session. Education funding decisions and infrastructure projects will remain central to state developments.

    Thank you for tuning in to this Arizona news summary. Please subscribe for continued updates on state developments. This has been a quiet please production. For more, check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Arizona Tackles Immigration, Tech Innovation, and Community Challenges in Pivotal Legislative Session

    Arizona Tackles Immigration, Tech Innovation, and Community Challenges in Pivotal Legislative Session
    Feb 19 2026
    Arizona remains a hub of political debate, economic innovation, and community growth amid ongoing legislative battles and infrastructure advances. Top headlines include ongoing investigations into missing person cases, such as Camas in the Globe area and Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, with detectives charging suspects and urging tips to Silent Witness, according to ABC15 Arizona reports. In Gilbert, residents face a proposed 25% water rate hike starting April to fund $8 million upgrades at the North plant.

    The state legislature is bustling with immigration-focused bills, including HB 2026 proposing ICE agents at 2026 polling places to boost election security, sparking voter intimidation concerns from critics, as detailed by Vasquez Law NC. Other measures like HB 2904 target fentanyl via border enhancements, while HB 2689 requires hospitals to report patient immigration status for state funds. The Senate approved renaming Loop 202 after conservative activist Charlie Kirk and special license plates, now headed to the House, per Arizona Capitol Times. Republicans push Governor Katie Hobbs on Medicaid reforms amid party name ban proposals.

    Economically, the Arizona Commerce Authority launched the calendar for inaugural Arizona Tech Week April 6-12, featuring over 100 events from Honeywell tours to pitch competitions, positioning the state as an innovation leader. Arizona State University breaks ground this year on the $200 million ASU Health building and $187 million John S. McCain III Library, alongside Polytechnic campus upgrades. The Agua Fria Union High School District's Hilltop School for the Arts topped out, eyeing fall 2026 completion at $74.5 million.

    Community efforts highlight housing approvals in Pima County, funding over 300 affordable units via projects like El Pueblo and COPE apartments. Public safety sees scrutiny over child welfare failures in lawsuits, per ABC15. No major recent weather events, though highs in the mid-70s persist with possible high country snow.

    Looking Ahead, watch HB 2026 hearings, Arizona Tech Week kickoff, and ASU construction starts, plus growing voter concerns over public lands per Colorado College polls.

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    3 mins
  • Arizona Newsbeat: Guthrie Case Continues, Manufacturing Boom, and Key Legislative Developments

    Arizona Newsbeat: Guthrie Case Continues, Manufacturing Boom, and Key Legislative Developments
    Feb 17 2026
    Authorities in Arizona have released a man questioned in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, now entering its third week as the FBI releases new photos and videos of a suspect, according to NBC News. ABC15 Arizona reports multiple fatal crashes, including wrong-way drivers on I-10 and I-17, alongside a police shooting in Apache Junction marking the tenth this year. Gov. Katie Hobbs signed HB 2022 on February 6, moving the 2026 primary election from August to July 21 to aid military and overseas voters, passing unanimously in the House and nearly so in the Senate, per Ballotpedia News.

    In politics, the legislature nears its deadline for chamber bills, with debates over a tougher voter initiative process and anti-immigration measures like HB 2689 requiring hospitals to report uncompensated care for non-citizens, as detailed by Arizona Luminaria. A proposed treat bill, HB 24-something, would let pharmacists test and treat certain illnesses in rural areas, addressing long waits, ABC15 Arizona notes.

    Economically, Arizona's manufacturing surges with Sundt Construction breaking ground on a 65,000-square-foot facility in Apache Junction, KJZZ reports, while EVelution Energy plans a $200 million cobalt plant in Yuma County creating 60 jobs by 2026, per the Arizona Technology Council. AZ Big Media highlights 50 companies to watch, including TSMC's Phoenix gigafab, LG Energy Solution's $5.5 billion Queen Creek batteries, and Lucid Motors' expansions boosting jobs and the chip sector.

    Education advances as Arizona State University breaks ground on the $200 million ASU Health building and $187 million John S. McCain III Library, both eyeing 2028 completion, alongside Polytechnic campus upgrades, ASU News states. Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind outlines relocating hearing-impaired students to Oro Valley sites starting August amid budget woes, Arizona Luminaria says. Public safety sees garage fires displacing families in Buckeye, ABC15 Arizona adds. No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Watch Friday's legislative deadlines, ASDB relocations in August, and cobalt plant operations by year-end.

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    3 mins
  • Arizona's 2026 Legislative Session Breaks Records with 2,116 Bills, Governor Hobbs Faces GOP Showdown Over Controversial Legislation

    Arizona's 2026 Legislative Session Breaks Records with 2,116 Bills, Governor Hobbs Faces GOP Showdown Over Controversial Legislation
    Feb 15 2026
    Arizona kicked off its 2026 legislative session with record-breaking numbers, introducing 2,116 bills, resolutions and memorials according to Arizona Capitol Times. Governor Katie Hobbs continues to clash with Republican lawmakers over previously vetoed legislation, with 87 bills reintroduced that she rejected in past sessions. Many target LGBTQ policies, voting restrictions and immigration enforcement, areas the governor has pledged to block repeatedly. Hobbs has already broken the state's veto record twice, with 174 vetoes in 2025.

    Immigration remains a legislative hotline this session, with lawmakers introducing numerous bills related to border security and enforcement. One measure, SB 1457, would allow state funds for advanced air mobility and aircraft specifically for border security in counties along the international border. The surge reflects sharply different approaches at the Capitol between those mirroring federal enforcement and those prioritizing local control.

    On the business front, Arizona continues attracting major investments and development. ASU announced significant construction projects launching this year, with the 200,000-square-foot ASU Health building set to begin construction in July with a 200 million dollar budget. The John S. McCain III Library and Museum will also break ground in late spring on its 187 million dollar project in Tempe. West-MEC broke ground on its Southeast Campus near the Loop 101 freeway, with construction expected to complete by summer 2026. Meanwhile, Arizona companies like TSMC, Lucid Motors and Align Technology continue shaping the state's economy, with major manufacturing and tech facilities driving job creation across the state.

    In infrastructure news, Desert Financial Arena is undergoing a 100 million dollar renovation that began this summer, featuring new seating, modern multimedia systems and upgraded amenities. The Agua Fria High School District celebrated the topping out of Hilltop School for the Arts and Theater in Litchfield Park, marking significant progress on the 115,000-square-foot facility.

    On public safety, ABC15 Arizona reports that law enforcement continues investigating the year-long case of Emily, a San Carlos Apache tribal member found murdered on Valentine's Day last year. No arrests have been made, and the case has sparked rallies calling for policies addressing missing and murdered indigenous people. Additionally, Maricopa County faces federal scrutiny over monitoring compliance from a racial profiling settlement, with lawmakers debating whether millions should continue funding oversight.

    Weather this week brought unseasonably warm conditions for February, with highs reaching 61 to 64 degrees before cooler temperatures return and rain chances increase.

    Arizona Tech Week kicks off April 6 through 12, featuring site tours, innovation expos and STEM pitch events across the state.

    Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe for more Arizona news and updates. This has been a quiet please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Arizona's Dynamic Landscape: Shootings, Political Shifts, and Economic Growth Highlight Emerging State Developments

    Arizona's Dynamic Landscape: Shootings, Political Shifts, and Economic Growth Highlight Emerging State Developments
    Feb 12 2026
    Arizona remains a hub of dynamic developments across politics, business, and communities. ABC15 Arizona reports a deadly shooting Tuesday near Phoenix, where police killed a shoplifting suspect who allegedly fired a gun during a struggle, grazing an officer who was later released[1]. In another incident, authorities continue searching for missing Nancy Guthrie, with door-to-door efforts underway[5]. A hit-and-run suspect in Queen Creek was apprehended after a neighborhood yard-to-yard search, leaving an officer with minor injuries[5].

    Politically, the state Senate approved SB1051 on a 16-13 vote, requiring publicly funded hospitals to ask patients about legal status to track costs, though answers won't affect care or trigger reports; it now heads to the House amid Democratic concerns over intimidation, following Governor Katie Hobbs' veto of a similar bill last year[6]. A judge temporarily halted Maricopa County's 287G ICE agreement amid a lawsuit, with a hearing set for February 25[1]. Governor Hobbs signed a bipartisan bill shifting the 2026 primary election to July 21, giving officials more prep time[2].

    Economically, companies like TSMC Arizona and Amkor Technology are expanding semiconductor operations, creating high-wage jobs and cementing the state's chipmaking role, while Mayo Clinic invests nearly $2 billion in Phoenix healthcare infrastructure[3]. The Arizona HEAT Center in Phoenix's Gateway District opens early 2026, uniting nonprofits, employers, and workforce programs to boost job placement[7]. Infrastructure advances include $1 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Juan Ciscomani for a Pima High School road, awaiting presidential signature, plus aid for Duncan roads and Graham waterlines[4].

    No major recent weather events stand out, though clouds are thickening with potential valley rain and higher-elevation snow Friday[5].

    Looking Ahead, watch the House vote on hospital immigration checks, the February 25 ICE hearing, Arizona HEAT Center's Q1 ribbon cutting, and Pima road groundbreaking by late 2026.

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    2 mins
  • Arizona Election Reform Bill Signed, Boosts Transparency and Voter Access in 2026 Primary

    Arizona Election Reform Bill Signed, Boosts Transparency and Voter Access in 2026 Primary
    Feb 10 2026
    Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently signed bipartisan legislation moving the states primary election from August 4 to July 21 in 2026, a change aimed at meeting federal deadlines for military and overseas ballots while extending the ballot curing period to five business days starting in 2027. Votebeat reports this reform also strengthens party observer access at voting locations, passing unanimously in the House and with strong Senate support before Hobbs approval on February 5. Holtzman Vogel confirms the law as an emergency measure to boost election transparency.

    In business news, Arizona solidifies its role as a semiconductor powerhouse with TSMC anchoring chipmaking in Phoenix and Amkor expanding in Peoria, alongside Mayo Clinics nearly two billion dollar healthcare investment and Banner Healths vast job network. AZ Big Media highlights these as top companies driving high wage employment and innovation, with emerging sectors like electric vehicles, AI, biosciences, and clean energy poised for growth in 2026.

    Community concerns mount over the apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie near Tucson, where family videos plead for her return amid a serious ransom note investigated by Pima County authorities and the FBI. ABC15 Arizona covers ongoing probes into this case, plus a suspects arrest in a DPS trooper shooting and a Coolidge machete incident injuring officers. Education faces a critical teacher shortage, prompting Superintendent Tom Horne to partner with Arizona State University for improvements.

    No major weather events reported recently.

    Looking Ahead, watch for USMCA trade study implementations to boost border manufacturing, Tucson main library redevelopment proposals due February 27, and Marana industrial expansions. Arizonas top ranked mens basketball team eyes continued dominance.

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    2 mins