Tom Prezelski's mission is to educate Arizona voters and residents on issues impacting rural areas and the folks who call it home. His current priority is protecting the state's groundwater supply so that agribusiness and foreign interests don't run it dry. Tom Prezelski is the Senior Policy Advisor for Rural Arizona Action. Tom Prezelski current role as Senior Policy Advisor for Rural Arizona Action affords hims a chance to advocate for issues facing rural Arizonans, includ

For the past 10 years, Teresa Puente has been engaged in preparing her students to take on the roles and responsibilities of journalists critical to the functioning of a thriving democracy. Teresa Puente, journalism professor at Cal State-Long Beach. As a Cal State-Long Beach journalism professor, Teresa Puente has been on a mission to develop and train students to become culturally competent journalists with a strong desire to cover underserved communities. The program she's

As an independent journalist, Elvia D í az has covered ICE raids around Phoenix and attended a contentious council meeting on a proposed ICE detention center in Surprise, AZ Elvia D í az, independent journalist and former editorial page editor of the Arizona Republic. When Elvia D í az received a tip that ICE had plans to raid a sports bar and restaurant in central Phoenix, she jumped in her car and headed to the eatery. She arrived even before the ICE agents. She watched the

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance was an important moment in acknowledging that Latinos and Latinidad has been part of this country and continent's experience from days immemorial. Jonathan Higuera, Editor-in-Chief, ImpactoAZ.com , host, ImpactoAZ podcast I wanted to put down my thoughts on the Bad Bunny halftime performance before I opened a single story from any other scribe, critic or talking head. In the moment, I can say I felt more validated as a Latino in th

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

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

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

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

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

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