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A SPOTLIGHT ON THE JOURNALISM YOUR SUBSCRIPTION HELPS BRING TO LIFE.
Fri Jan 16 2026
Stephanie Murray | National Politics Reporter
Hey readers,
I’ve been an avid watcher of Arizona politics for years. When I got a chance to cover the presidential race for The Republic in 2024, I packed up a moving truck and headed west.
So you can imagine how excited I am to be the new co-host of The Gaggle, The Republic’s weekly politics podcast.
My co-host Ron Hansen and I dive into all the big issues facing battleground Arizona, a state at the center of nearly every big political story shaping our country.
There’s so much to talk about as the 2026 midterms get closer, from control of the governor’s office here in Arizona to the competitive congressional races that could determine the balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
Plus, Arizona is a hot spot for inflation, immigration and other major topics driving the day. Then there’s President Donald Trump, whose second term is reshaping Arizona in ways big and small.
Next week on the show, we’re talking to Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin. Maricopa is the biggest swing county in the country, so we’ll discuss how the county is getting ready for the midterm elections this fall. We’ll also get into a host of other issues, including Galvin’s views on data centers popping up around the Valley.
And for all the hockey fans, Galvin will update us on his effort to bring an NHL team back to the Valley.
Catch up with The Gaggle wherever, whenever, by subscribing in your podcast app. You can subscribe to The Gaggle on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or Stitcher. New episodes drop Wednesdays.
What Gov. Hobbs did — and didn’t — cover in 2026 address
Gov. Katie Hobbs talked affordability, political violence in State of the State, but left out a few key topics. The Gaggle analyzes her annual speech.
What reporter learned biking 800-mile Arizona Trail
Arizona Republic climate reporter Joan Meiners biked the Arizona Trail, an over 800-mile ride. She tells Valley 101 what she learned along the way.
What the Allegiant-Sun Country merger means for Arizona travelers
The merger of Allegiant and Sun Country, the two airlines serving Mesa Gateway Airport, could mean big changes for travelers. What we know so far.
Kyrsten Sinema rips media scrutiny of Erika Kirk fashion
The Washington Post wrote about Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk’s glittering pantsuit. Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema wasn’t pleased.
Barrett-Jackson 2026 celeb cars: Kevin Hart and Linda Perry
The 2026 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auto auction will be at WestWorld of Scottsdale Jan. 17-25. Here are some of the coolest cars that will be there.
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