The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast

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.comFollow Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Twitter @yvonnewingettFollow Ronald J. Hansen on Twitter @ronaldjhansen Follow Bree Burkett on Twitter @breeburkittFollow Uriel J Garcia on Twitter @ujohnnyg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 DuceyTo find the hosts and guest on Twitter, follow @yvonnewingett, @ronaldjhansen, or @mpolletta.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices