The Press Room

4.8 (10)
NEWS COMMENTARY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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 veteran journalist Tony Perkins.

5D AGO

Observers pepper-sprayed by ICE | Tucson facing budget cuts

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

28 min
APR 3

The arts scene in Arizona: What's thriving, what's at risk?

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

27 min
MAR 27

Recall efforts against Sheriff Chris Nanos, plus ICE agents in airports while TSA goes unpaid

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

27 min
MAR 20

Severe water cuts loom as Colorado River negotiations collapse

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

27 min
MAR 13

Voters approve RTA Next | RTA Executive Director joins to discuss what to expect

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

27 min
MAR 6

What are Arizona's chances in March Madness? | Local sports journalists discuss

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

27 min
FEB 27

South Tucson Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela on taxes, Flock cameras, and more

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

27 min
FEB 20

The search for Nancy Guthrie continues | Kristi Noem visits the AZ border

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.

27 min

See All (52)

TRAILER

The Press Room trailer

Join host Steve Goldstein and a rotating panel of experienced local journalists for a deeper, more nuanced look at all the week's headlines.

04/25/2025

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28 sec

4.8

out of 5

10 Ratings

Keep it goin’

05/24/2025

Sue Sisley MD

Love this local political analysis— easy to understand, even for people not part of the inner circle
Louder please

10/31/2025

Karl49

Great content. Very topical. Not loud enough though. I listen to podcasts at the gym and while walking. The ambient background noise drowns out the podcast even with the podcast volume maxed out. Please make a great podcast even better by making it a little louder.
Great podcast!!

05/03/2025

Sammyantha39

Content is presented in an easy to listen to format. Host has a lovely voice .
A great source for insightful analysis on Southern Arizona politics and policy!

04/30/2025

Get off my xeriscape!

I’m glad The Press Room is available as a true podcast. I’ve been watching the show on YouTube since its inception, but now it’s much more accessible. Steve Goldstein is an excellent host and he thoughtfully guides conversations that are fun and insightful. If you want to know what’s truly going on in Southern Arizona politics and public policy, this is the podcast! Thank you 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 veteran journalist Tony Perkins.