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AZ
Inform. Inspire. Engage
ImpactoAZ is a digital news site covering news and providing commentary on issues facing Arizona's Latinx communities


Miami's First Dem Mayor in 29 Years May Not Portend a Dem Rout in 2026
Eileen Higgins' victory is being touted as a breakthrough for Democrats as voters sour on Trump. But Carlos Miller says despite the hype, it may not translate into a clean sweep for Florida Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections Carlos Miller, freelance journalist and native Miami resident. Eileen Higgins became Miami's first Democrat mayor in 29 years -- and first female in the post ever -- earlier this month. But Miami journalist Carlos Miller says it may not portend a cle
Dec 30, 20251 min read


A Chicano Perspective in the Era of Trumpism and ahistorical Narratives
Four friends who met in the 1990s in Washington, D.C., reconnect to share what brings them joy and what's keeping them up at night. Arturo Flores, a longtime educator and currently a fifth-grade teacher in Northern California. ImpactoAZ brought together four longtime friends who met in the 1990s and asked them to share what's on their minds and in their hearts during this current era of Trumpism. The array of topics they discussed ranged from AI and education, to the dehuman
Dec 22, 20251 min read


Mexico City-based Journalist Dishes on Three Decades of Reporting in Latin America
Franc Contreras updates ImpactoAZ on Mexico City's transformation, President Claudia Sheinbaum's popularity and his latest project on his hometown of Tucson. Franc Contreras, Mexico City-based news correspondent and nonfiction filmmaker Mexico City-based journalist Franc Contreras shares his life journey that led him to spending the last three decades based in one of the world’s great cities. Along the way, he gives us his take on how the metropolis has transformed over the y
Dec 15, 20251 min read


Can a Texas Democrat Win a GOP Drawn District? John Lira Thinks So
District 35 candidate John Lira talks with ImpactoAZ about his chances of winning in one of the five GOP gerrymandered districts. John Lira, Democratic candidate for Texas Congressional District 35 The irony of possibly winning a Texas congressional seat redrawn to give Republicans a distinct advantage at the ballot box is not lost on John Lira. The Democratic candidate for District 35 says it would be a sweet outcome, given the chaos and confusion the political gerrymanderin
Dec 10, 20252 min read


AZ Sen. Analise Ortiz Shares Her Commitment to Community
Whether she's proposing legislation to curb evictions, seeking criminal justice reforms, championing small businesses or advocating for public education, the former journalist turned public servant wants to bring a greater quality of life to her district's residents. State Sen. Analise Ortiz's district covers parts of Maryvale and Glendale in the West Valley. Arizona State Sen. Analise Ortiz (D) considers it an honor to represent a district with the greatest percentage of Lat
Dec 2, 20251 min read


ASU Law Professor Talks Bad Bunny, Linguistic Diversity and the NFL's Global Dreams
Civil rights lawyer David Lopez has some illuminating thoughts on why Bad Bunny is a perfect choice by the NFL to be its Super Bowl halftime entertainer. Hint: think globally. The National Football League's decision to feature Bad Bunny as its 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer has generated backlash from some quarters - mostly because he unapologetically performs using his native Spanish language. Arizona State University law professor David Lopez shares his thoughts on why
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Meet the New Arizona Democratic Party Chair -- Charlene Fernandez
As the new Chair, she has plans to make Arizona Democratic candidates strong and viable choices for voters in the 2026 midterm elections When Charlene Fernandez was the House Democratic Leader in the Arizona Legislature from 2019 to 2021, the Democratic caucus grew to 29. It was the closest Democrats had come to reaching parity with the GOP majority in decades. Now she has her sights set on getting there and beyond as newly elected chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. "So w
Nov 6, 20252 min read


A Chicano Broadcast Pioneer Talks Politics, Adelita Grijalva and Community Empowerment
Ra ú l Aguirre's five decade career spans being a college campus activist, a bilingual radio talk show host, a TV producer, and now a business owner. Along the way, he's been an advocate for the Chicano/Latino communities of southern Arizona. Ra ú l Aguirre, President & CEO of REA Media Group. A look into Ra ú l Aguirre's professional accomplishments is also a glimpse into Tucson's civil and human rights history. He's helped found and co-found numerous groups dedicated to gai
Oct 31, 20251 min read


U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Profiling a 'Bad Omen'
David L ó pez, a civil rights and labor lawyer, discusses how the court's decision earlier this month from its 'shadow document' will...
Sep 17, 20251 min read


Using GIS as a Tool for Social Justice
As a demographer, Jesus Garc í a puts his faith in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a technology tool to change the world (or...
Sep 15, 20251 min read
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