Tom Maxedon
KJZZ 91.5
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Past articles by Tom:
These 3 Arizona bills would restrict when and where drag shows could be held
Three Arizona Senate bills aimed at regulating or restricting drag shows in the state were filed Friday.Republican state Sen. Anthony Kern’s proposed legislation would limit where shows can be performed and at what time of day. His GOP colleague, state Sen. John Kavanagh, filed a separate bill that stipulates show revenue restrictions. → Read More
Word S8.8 — 'Fest-of-Us'
On this edition of Word, it's a season-ender bender with highlights spanning the entire run-of-show.Presented as a gathering around a digital campfire so to speak, we celebrate the contributors, writers, listeners and donors who have kept this show going for nearly four years.This special episode starts with a snippet from its October 2016 debut on KPRG-Public Radio Guam, the → Read More
RSV, COVID and flu cases are surging in Pima County along with the rest of AZ
Along with much of the country and state, a rise in COVID-19, RSV and flu cases is evident in Pima County.County health director Dr. Teresa Cullen said flu cases at this point in the year are four times higher than in the past five years."We seem to be peaking earlier. Our hope is that we will see a decline in flu. We have seen in other parts of the country this rapid increase → Read More
Maricopa County voters nearly tie record in midterms
After nearly two weeks of counting, Maricopa County election officials finished tallying midterm votes Monday.Just over 64% of eligible voters in the county cast a ballot, nearly tying a record set in 2018. Those unfamiliar with state law and precedent — including some national media outlets — balked at the duration. → Read More
Arizona attorney general and superintendent races likely headed for a recount
Races for attorney general and superintendent of public instruction in Arizona are likely headed for a recount no matter the final outcome, even though current Democratic Superintendent Kathy Hoffman conceded to her Republican opponent Tom Horne on Thursday.Recounts are mandated by state law when a race is decided by half a percentage point or less. → Read More
Gas prices are trending down but there's still a wide swing depending where in AZ
Gas prices are trending down but there's still a wide swing depending upon where you live in Arizona.The average price per gallon of regular unleaded in Arizona continues to trend downward to $4.23.But there also continues to be a wide swing in cost depending on where you live in the state according to AAA Arizona spokesperson Julian Paredes."The most expensive gas in Arizona → Read More
Maricopa County Community College District students get free admission to Phoenix Art Museum
Maricopa County Community College District students now qualify for free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum.It’s a result of a $1 million grant from the Men’s Arts Council to help eliminate economic barriers for students in the district.The program is funded through 2025 and will offer free access to quarterly Family Days, featuring art-making workshops and guided tours. It → Read More
Word S8.2 — What do vampires, poetry and Agatha Christie have in common?
What do vampires, poetry and Agatha Christie have in common? Find out in this episode of Word. Guest listA new collection of poetry titled "Dislocated" has been released by Dylan Webster. He’s a Valley native with an interesting story about how he became interested in literature. → Read More
University of Arizona starts a microcampus to serve Pasqua Yaqui Tribe
The University of Arizona has established a microcampus serving the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe in southern Arizona.In 2017, the university announced it wanted to launch 25 such campuses worldwide. So far, 13 global locations in which students can get a UA degree exist.But the establishment of a campus on the Pasqua Yaqui reservation is groundbreaking.Serina Preciado is education → Read More
Gas prices continue falling in Arizona
Gas prices continue their trend downward. In at least one Arizona county they are below the national average.That’s according to AAA of Arizona spokesperson John Treanor.He said shrinking demand has pushed the price-per-barrel of crude into the mid $90 range.“The low price for the state right now is $3.84. That’s below the national average. That’s down in Pima County. The high → Read More
Sedona offers landlords up to $10K for renting to local residents
The city of Sedona is offering financial incentives to homeowners in an effort to curb short-term rentals.There are nearly 1,000 such properties registered with the city.That’s about 15% of available rental inventory. Sedona is hoping to decrease that percentage by offering homeowners up to $10,000 per year to rent to locals. → Read More
Dana Lewis becomes the new Pinal County recorder
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to appoint Dana Lewis as the new recorder.Lewis was sworn in Friday following the resignation of former recorder Virginia Ross, who became the new elections director after the ouster of David Frisk on Thursday. → Read More
Kingman Mayor Jen Miles steps down, citing health concerns
Kingman Mayor Jen Miles is stepping down from her office prior to the end of her term in December.Miles has held the post since 2018 and previously served as vice mayor, as well as a city councilmember. She made an announcement in March that she would not seek another term due to health reasons but at the time was expecting to complete her term.In 2020, she survived a recall → Read More
Hearings investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection to continue
The House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection holds another hearing Tuesday morning.Arizona-based political analyst Jim Heath said the uprising did not involve a few rogue rioters who got caught up in a moment and then stormed the U.S. Capitol.“It is becoming increasingly clear that this was not just a few supporters who on a whim at the moment decided to go → Read More
The 2022 Arizona legislative ends following protests at the state Capitol
Early Saturday morning marked the end of the 2022 Arizona legislative session as a slew of bills were passed.Retiring Senate President Karen Fann gaveled out the session, “All in favor indicate by saying ‘aye.’”‘Aye,’ responded fellow senators.“Any opposed?” asked Fann. “‘Nay.’ It appears the ayes have it. So ordered, we are sine die,” she said.The Prescott Republican will → Read More
The Arizona Coyotes are one step closer to a new permanent home in Tempe
The Arizona Coyotes are one step closer to a new permanent home in the Valley.Team ownership and management have convinced the city of Tempe to enter into further negotiations for a planned $2 billion development that includes a new arena, residential living space and entertainment venues.Officials at Sky Harbor airport and with the Federal Aviation Administration previously → Read More
A Coconino High School graduate places 3rd in national finals of Poetry Out Loud
A Coconino High School graduate has placed high in a national poetry recitation contest.After several preliminary rounds between competing presenters at local and state levels, Oscar Manuel Landa Samano placed third in the national finals of the Poetry Out Loud contest last weekend. → Read More
Valley Metro searches for next artists to paint a large wall at Roosevelt/Central light rail stop
Valley Metro is looking for artists to feature their work on a large wall at the Roosevelt/Central Avenue light rail station.Brittany Hoffman with the transit organization said those selected will receive a stipend. “We want to make sure our artists are supported in the community, so the honorarium is $2,500 for each the Fall artist and the spring artist for 2023," Hoffman said. → Read More
Phoenix is urging artists to apply for projects
The city of Phoenix is offering multiple paid public art opportunities.They range from large-scale projects like creating art to be incorporated into building security at 100 W. Washington St., to designing visually pleasing concrete treatments at Perry Park and smaller exhibitions for the Phoenix Airport Museum. Proposals are due late this month and in early May. → Read More
Persistent drought is preventing trout stocking in Arizona
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is stocking less trout in several lakes this season.Ryan Follmuth with the department pointed to persistent drought is the main reason, particularly for lakes in the northeastern part of the state. “They don’t always collect a lot of water each year unless you get big snows. We haven’t had any near-normal snowfall for the past two years,” he said. → Read More