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.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Ingram, a local politics reporter from the Tucson Sentinel, dives into the controversial Border Patrol raid on a humanitarian aid camp. Katya Mendoza from AZPM News brings insights on Project Blue, weighing economic promises against environmental concerns. John Washington, from AZ Luminaria, highlights issues in local justice and the complexities of restoration-to-competency programs. The panel also tackles Senator Mark Kelly's firm stance against Trump, amidst rising threats and political tensions.

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.

Paul Ingram, a veteran Reporter for the Tucson Sentinel, Joe Ferguson, a Journalist for the Tucson Agenda, and Dan Shearer, Reporter for the Green Valley News, dive into Tucson's latest city council election outcomes. They discuss the implications of a new Democratic majority and the shifting council dynamics. The trio also tackles the impact of the federal government shutdown on local communities, alongside the rising concern of social media misinformation that has intensified public doubt and confusion. Don't miss their insights into local political tensions!

Jim Nintzel, a local politics journalist, and Caitlin Schmidt, an investigative reporter, unpack Arizona's legal battle over SNAP benefits amid a federal shutdown. They explore how cuts could undermine food banks and community resources. Yana Kunichoff discusses her reporting on the crisis facing manufactured-home residents in Pima County and the grassroots organizing led by Ray Winch. The conversation highlights overlooked challenges and advocates for tenant rights and accountability, shedding light on essential housing issues.

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.