The Press Room
AZPM
This weekly roundtable news program provides deep discussion on the latest headlines from local, trusted, and experienced journalists from around Arizona. The Press Room is hosted by AZPM News Director David Lee.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 3, 2025 • 27min
What federal funding cuts will mean for local non-profit organizations
We talk with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona about what dramatic federal funding cuts will mean for their programs. GUESTS: Lee Bucyk, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation; Adriana Gallego, The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona; Chris Firmage, The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
17 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 27min
Daniel Hernandez incident in Bisbee, the mysterious Project Blue's unknown water use
Tim Steller, a columnist for the Arizona Daily Star, joins the discussion focusing on the recent incident involving Congressional candidate Daniel Hernandez in Bisbee, where a heated exchange at a Pride event raised eyebrows. The conversation shifts to the enigmatic Project Blue and its controversial water usage amidst a regional drought, spotlighting environmental and political tensions. Steller also delves into the chaos at the State Capitol, revealing budgetary battles and the complexities facing politicians trying to balance voter needs with pressing ecological responsibilities.
Jun 20, 2025 • 27min
Ban on camping in washes, TEP's proposed 14% rate hike, and local No Kings protests
The Tucson City Council votes to ban camping in washes, a controversial new data center named "Project Blue," TEP's proposed 14% rate hike, southern Arizona's No Kings protests, and border wall construction. Paul Ingram of the Tucson Sentinel, Christopher Conover of AZPM News, and Tucson Spotlight's Caitlin Schmidt discuss this week's top news stories with host Steve Goldstein. Plus, Larry Starks of the Tucson Juneteenth Festival.
Jun 13, 2025 • 27min
Who won the CD 7 debates? Plus, protests over ICE policies spread and CPB rescission
The race to fill Congressional District 7's open seat is heating up. AZPM hosted Republican and Democratic debates this week and our panel breaks it down. Plus, Tucson's reaction to ICE protests in LA, and the House passes a bill rescinding funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Yana Kunichoff and John Washington of AZ Luminaria, Paola Rodriguez of AZPM News, and Jim Nintzel of the Tucson Sentinel discuss this week's news with host Steve Goldstein.
Jun 6, 2025 • 27min
A report that ICE impersonated utility workers, and how divided are we, really?
Advocates providing information and support outside immigration court, a report that ICE impersonated Tucson Electric Power workers, and how divided are we, really? Plus, economic impacts of uncertainty in AZ, and Justine Wadsack is back (in court). Dylan Smith of the Tucson Sentinel, Danyelle Khmara of AZPM News, the Arizona Republic's Sarah Lapidus, and University of Arizona Professor Samara Klar discuss this week's top news stories with host Steve Goldstein.
May 30, 2025 • 27min
First debate by Democratic candidates for CD7, mayor of Tucson's controversial Qatar trip
The University of Arizona responds to Trump executive orders by consolidating cultural centers, and the first debate by Democratic candidates for Congressional District 7, including newcomer Deja Foxx. Plus, the Supreme Court declines to hear Oak Flat tribal religious rights case, making way for copper mining, and Tucson mayor Regina Romero's controversial trip to Qatar. GUESTS: Caitlin Schmidt (Tucson Spotlight), Paul Ingram (Tucson Sentinel), Tim Steller (Arizona Daily Star), Hannah Cree (AZPM News)
May 23, 2025 • 27min
Arrests at Phoenix courthouse by ICE officials, anniversary of border patrol shooting
ICE officials make arrests at immigration court in Phoenix and the two-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of a Tohono O'odham man by border patrol agents. Plus, Daniel Hernandez releases a new ad for his CD7 run, and firefighters showing increased levels of PFAS. GUESTS: John Washington (AZ Luminaria), Alisa Reznick (KJZZ), Jim Nintzel (Tucson Sentinel), Katya Mendoza (AZPM News)
May 16, 2025 • 27min
Gallego unveils new plan, bill vetoed requiring hospitals to ask immigration status
Senator Ruben Gallego unveils a new immigration and border plan, Customs and Border Protection eliminates protections for vulnerable people in custody, and Governor Katie Hobbs vetoes a bill requiring hospitals to ask about immigration status. GUESTS: Rafael Carranza (AZ Luminaria), Paul Ingram (Tucson Sentinel), Caitlin Schmidt (Tucson Spotlight), Christopher Conover (AZPM News)
May 9, 2025 • 27min
Juan Ciscomani warns he won't support Medicaid cuts, Oak Flat land swap controversy
Congressman Juan Ciscomani signs a letter warning he won't support steep Medicaid cuts, University of Arizona Faculty vote to have UA President Garimella push back against the Trump administration, controversy surrounding a land swap at Oak Flat, and a new member joins the Tucson City Council. GUESTS: Jim Nintzel (Tucson Sentinel), Prerana Sannappanavar (Arizona Daily Star), Dan Shearer (Green Valley News and Sun), Paola Rodriguez (AZPM News)
May 2, 2025 • 27min
TEP vs. city-run utility feasibility, new mom in Border Patrol custody at TMC
Bernie Sanders endorses a Southern Arizona congressional candidate, Border Patrol places a new mother in custody within Tucson Medical Center, a Tucson Electric Power vs. city-run utility feasibility study, Trump policy changes affecting international students, and more. GUESTS: Caitlin Schmidt (Tucson Spotlight), John Washington (AZ Luminaria), Tim Steller (Arizona Daily Star), Danyelle Khmara (AZPM News)
