The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast

First, Arizona legalized medical marijuana in 2010. Then came a failed attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in 2016. So why are those in the marijuana industry giddy at the thought of the future? Political insiders don't think Gov. Doug Ducey will fundraise or campaign against recreational marijuana legalization in 2020 like he did in 2016. Plus, he recently signed a bill cutting the cost of a medical-marijuana card in half, greatly benefitting medical marijuana users. The political shifts, combined with softening public sentiment toward marijuana usage, points to a 2020 political season ripe for legalizing recreational marijuana in Arizona. Follow along on Twitter: Yvonne Wingett Sanchez: @yvonnewingett Ronald J. Hansen: @ronaldjhansen Ryan Randazzo: @utilityreporter All things politics from azcentral: @azcpolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Amendment rights for constituents and lawmakers alike can get fuzzy in the evolving age of social media. Is online communication the new town hall? When can and can't lawmakers block constituents on social media? The Gaggle podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break it down with a constituent who was blocked by his representative and says he knows many people who have been blocked by multiple Arizona lawmakers. They also talk with a First Amendment lawyer, who says this is part of a controversial national trend that includes President Donald Trump. If you ever use social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to watch or interact with lawmakers and politicians, this one's for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phoenix City Council's two newest members, Betty Guardado and Carlos Garcia, were sworn in June 6. The two represent districts 5 and 8 respectively, some of the lowest-income neighborhoods in parts of west, south and downtown Phoenix. Guardado and Garcia come from nontraditional backgrounds; Guardado has a background in union organizing, and Garcia led an immigrants rights activist group called Puente Arizona. Both also defeated their more traditional, experienced opponents. What does this surprising election say about how Phoenix is changing? And how will residents feel the effects? The Gaggle podcast hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break it down with Phoenix City Hall reporter Jessica Boehm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's how the 2019 state budget affects Arizona teachers, drivers, taxpayers, teachers and more. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen host. Related reading: How Arizona lawmakers did — and didn't — use your tax dollars in the new state budget Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development under former President Barack Obama, Julian Castro is a rising star in the Democratic party. And he's one of 23 serious Democratic candidates running for President in 2020. But are his policies on health care and the economy too liberal for Arizona? What would he do about immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border? This week on The Gaggle podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk face-to-face with presidential candidate Julian Castro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California billionaire Tom Steyer will spend big money in Arizona to advertise against utility company APS's rate hike. What does it mean for you, and what's in it for him? The Gaggle podcast discusses. Follow host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Twitter @yvonnewingett and Ron Hansen @ronaldjhansen. Today's guest is business and energy reporter Ryan Randazzo, who's on Twitter @utilityreporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Doug Ducey will soon have appointed five of the seven Arizona Supreme Court justices. Here's how Gov. Ducey's choices could affect you. For more reading: - Ducey appoints Judge James Beene to Arizona Supreme Court, cementing handpicked majority - A majority of the Arizona Supreme Court will soon be selected by Gov. Doug Ducey To find the hosts and guest on Twitter, follow @yvonnewingett, @ronaldjhansen, or @mpolletta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a very real possibility that the Affordable Care Act could be repealed before the next presidential election. And what is Medicare for All? The Arizona Republic’s national political reporters break it down with health care reporter Stephanie Innes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona Republic reporter Ron Hansen traveled to Southern Arizona in April to tour the U.S.-Mexico border with a group of members of the current Congress. Coming to Arizona to tour the border is something of a rite of passage for Republican lawmakers. In this episode of The Gaggle, Hansen talks with host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez about what he saw and what that might mean for the state of immigration reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona has served as a petri dish for groups that create and distribute "model" bills written by corporations and special-interest groups. Arizona's most successful copycat law yet: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think your publicly elected leaders write the bills they sign into law? Not always. In fact, they often don't. That's the conclusion of a two-year-long investigation by The Arizona Republic, USA TODAY and plus the Center for Public Integrity, which found that 10,000 bills across 50 state legislatures were in large part copied from "model" bills written by corporations and special-interest groups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The secret that everyone suspected is finally out: Utility company Arizona Public Service admitted it donated millions to dark-money political groups in the 2014 Corporation Commission election to help two elect Republican regulators, Tom Forese and Doug Little. It's controversial because the two men would help set the policies that guide APS as well as the prices that the company charges its customers.So APS was trying to influence its own regulation. This week on The Gaggle podcast, national political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen chat with utility reporter Ryan Randazzo about the subpoena that led to this disclosure from APS, as well as the FBI investigation into the utility company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chances are there's a home in your neighborhood that's available for short-term rental through Airbnb or VRBO. The practice has become more common since a state law passed in 2016 expanded protections for short-term rentals. Now, some are saying short-term rentals are causing an affordable-housing shortage in their area, and others complain rentals have increased noise, trash and disturbance. And there's a bill making its way through the Arizona Legislature that might change that. In this episode The Arizona Republic's national political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez demystifies short-term rentals along with Scottsdale reporter Lorraine Longhi and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 2020 campaign cycle kicks off, Arizonans can expect to hear President Donald Trump attack the late Sen. John McCain. But this puts Sen. Martha McSally in a precarious situation. Find out why in this week's episode as hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen chat with political editor Dan Nowicki. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may have taken 18 months, but Kate Gallego won the special election to become Phoenix's mayor. Gallego defeated former council colleague Daniel Valenzuela. Afer her swearing in on March 21, she'll serve out the rest of former Mayor Greg Stanton's term. Why did the election take so long? And what's next for Gallego as she assumes her new role? This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen break down the election with reporter Jessica Boehm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since becoming Arizona State University’s president in 2002, Michael Crow has influenced the state’s development and policy and has made national headlines along the way. The Arizona Republic’s higher-education reporter Rachel Leingang recently spent 26 hours with Crow for a profile of him and his impact. Political reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen talk with her about Crow and his power over the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona is in the spotlight after controversial vaccine bills by Republican Rep. Nancy Barto were advanced by the state House Health and Human Services Committee this month, despite warnings from health officials. Arizona Republic and azcentral.com healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes breaks down the headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona gets almost 40 percent of its water from the Colorado River, which draws its water from Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir in the country. Right now, that reservoir is about 40 percent full and approaching its first shortage ever. What happens if there's a water shortage? Who and what will be affected and is there anything to be done? On this week's episode of The Gaggle podcast, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen discuss Arizona's water crisis and the Drought Contingency Plan with The Arizona Republic's environmental reporter and expert, Ian James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the end, Phoenix will either have its first Latino or the first mother with a small child as mayor. This week, host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez talks with reporter Jessica Boehm about key issues in the race and differences between the two Democratic candidates. Reach Yvonne on Twitter at @yvonnewingett and Jessica at @jboehm_NEWS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen chat with videographer David Wallace about their trip to Washington, D.C., last week to catch up with Arizona's newly sworn-in Congressional delegation. Listen along as they give you a behind-the-scenes look at how our U.S. Senators and Representatives from Arizona are mingling (or not) with each other and leaders from other states. Watch David Wallace's video from U.S. Sen. John McCain's final resting spot in Annapolis, Maryland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border? Politicians keep saying so. In light of a historic government shutdown, hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ron Hansen find out what it's like on the ground with Rafael Carranza, a border reporter at The Arizona Republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Publicly-funded stadiums and arenas are costly. Why does the burden fall on taxpayers? The Gaggle breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever hit a traffic jam coming back from up north on the I-17? Well the Governor's latest budget may have a solution. Reporter Maria Polletta joins host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez to talk about the parts of the budget most up for debate, including education funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Doug Ducey gave the State of the State address on Monday. With a new state superintendent of public instruction, more Democrats in the Arizona House of Representatives, and a projected $900 million surplus entering this Legislative session, what might he do with education in Arizona? Have a question or comment? You can reach host Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely, and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does a new Arizona law make doctors ask women why they want an abortion? Host Ronald J. Hansen and azcentral reporter Dustin Gardiner chat about that, plus other new Arizona laws that impact your vehicle registration fees, medical bills and a myriad of other things. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen or state politics reporter Dustin Gardiner at twitter.com/dustingardiner. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Arizona’s power in D.C. diminish as Sen. Jon Kyl leaves and Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema steps up for her first term? Hosts Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen discuss what to watch for in Congress and speak with Republic reporters about Gov. Doug Ducey’s second term, the Arizona Legislature’s 2019 agenda, and the ongoing charter-school controversy. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The leaders of Arizona’s Democratic and Republican parties tell us their thoughts on what happened in the 2018 midterm elections and how they plan to pave the way for victory in the future. Felecia Rotellini, chairwoman of the Arizona Democratic Party, and Jonathan Lines, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, give key insight into what might happen in 2019 and beyond. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you curious what the state legislature is up to next? Do you have a question for a particular reporter or producer at The Arizona Republic? Take part in The Gaggle's Q&A! Call us at 602-444-4946 and leave us a voicemail. Record a video of your question and direct message it to @yvonnewingett , @ronaldjhansen or @azcpolitics. Send a voice-memo to [email protected] or [email protected]. Then, tune in to see if your question is featured! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political consultant Ronnie Lopez talks about his close friend, former Congressman Ed Pastor. Pastor, who served Arizona in Washington for 23 years, died Nov. 27 after suffering a heart attack. He was 75. We look back on his legacy. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The advent of early balloting has put pressure on politicians to win votes sooner. In their pursuit of victory, campaigns are digging deeper into sophisticated data to target you. Here's how to join in The Gaggle's Q&A episode: 1) Call us at 602-444-4946 and leave your question on a voicemail. 2) Record a video of your question and direct message it to @yvonnewingett , @ronaldjhansen or @azcpolitics. 3) Email a voice memo to [email protected] or [email protected]. Then, tune in to see if your question is featured! This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Sacha Baron Cohen punking former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Steve Ferrara's legendary ad paid for by "AFBIC," 2018 was a year to remember in Arizona politics. Note: Some of the content in this episode may not be suitable for children. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Her triumph is the first for Democrats in an Arizona U.S. Senate race in 30 years, as well as the first for a woman in Arizona. How did she do it? We dive into how U.S. Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema rose above Republican candidate Martha McSally and her own Democratic party and analyze how her winning strategy will affect campaigns across the country leading into 2020. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We take you alongside reporters and inside the newsroom on Election Day. Hear a phone interview with Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes, a gaggle with Gov. Doug Ducey outside his polling place, scenes from the Arizona Democratic Party’s roaring election night party and more. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. This episode was reported and produced by Téa Francesca Price and Taylor Seely and edited by Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez has covered Gov. Doug Ducey for years. Now he sits one-on-one with her to chat about the 2018 midterms, #RedforEd, March for Our Lives, replacing McCain, immigration and more. Note: This interview was recorded Oct. 15, 2018. Have a question or comment? You can reach Yvonne at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and Gov. Doug Ducey at twitter.com/dougducey. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a presidential shoutout for Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom O' Halleran to whispers that Kelli Ward might endorse Republican Senate candidate Martha McSally (gasp!), President Donald Trump’s Arizona visit was rife with political strategy. We break down the key takeaways. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats in Arizona campaign on health care like it’s nobody’s business, leaving Republicans to play defense. Polls show that health care is a top concern for Arizona voters, but when did this become such a big issue, and why? Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett, political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen and healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes at twitter.com/stephanieinnes. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema are in a tight race for Sen. Jeff Flake's seat. Why, then, are they so quiet before Arizona's midterm elections? Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ballot propositions are direct democracy in action. This year, Arizonans will cast their vote on a wide range of issues from education to clean energy to taxes. Grab your pencils. Here's what voters should know on Props 305, 127 and 126. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett. This episode was produced by Lauren Aguirre, Tea Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kwailan Barsotti is a mom, small-business owner and independent voter who lives in the suburbs of Anthem, Ariz. She’s exactly the kind of person politicians are targeting during Arizona’s midterm elections, where suburban women could sway the vote. Yet Kwailan feels like no lawmakers or politicians are really listening to or representing her. That’s why her story is worth listening to. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett. This episode was produced by Lauren Aguirre, Tea Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Election spending for some 2018 midterm candidates and races in Arizona is hitting record highs. Arizona Republic reporters explain how and why Citizens United, super PACs, independent donors and more are working to influence your vote. To hear more about election spending from Terry Goddard and Sean Noble: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/09/19/money-politics-what-you-need-know-goddard-noble/1266235002/ Follow the team on Twitter: This episode features national political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. Our producers are Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre, Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice, Taylor Seely @taylahseely and Kaila White @kailawhite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Arizona Republic is improving its politics podcast. Give us your feedback: https://bit.ly/GaggleSurvey Join us Wednesday, September 19th and every Wednesday after that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a strange election day in Arizona. The nation’s eyes are on the state after U.S. Sen. John McCain’s death Saturday. Both of our Senate seats are open. And for the first time in a long time, it looks like Democrats might stand a chance in the races for one of those Senate seats and maybe even for governor. We take you inside two election parties where you can hear from winners Martha McSally and David Garcia as our political reporters share key insights on the Arizona primary and how it may impact November elections. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was produced by Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice and Taylor Seely @taylahseely and was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a 13-month battle with brain cancer, U.S. Sen. John McCain died Saturday, Aug. 25, at home in Arizona. He was 81. Hear some of the most powerful quotes from McCain himself, heartfelt memories from his closest friends, reactions from world leaders including President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama, and insights from our political reporters on McCain’s life, legacy and what happens next. Read, watch and hear more at mccain.azcentral.com. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was produced and edited by Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senator John McCain will end medical treatment for the brain cancer he was diagnosed with over a year ago, according to statements released by his family. The six-term senator has continued Senate duties as much as he could from his family home in northern Arizona. Reporters talk about the impact McCain's had on Arizona and what will happen if the Senate seat becomes vacant. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and investigative reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl. This episode was produced and edited by Carly Henry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, the team sat down with Tom Steyer, a California billionaire who is spending part of his fortune in Arizona's elections. Steyer's political organization has contributed a large amount of funds to support Arizona's clean energy ballot initiative. The Gaggle comes to you every Monday. But next week, check your feed for the new episode on Wednesday instead. You'll hear the team's analysis of the primary election results. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: APS goes all out against clean energy initiative - https://azc.cc/2LeR6KS | Trial begins over renewable energy proposal - https://azc.cc/2wbivaS | From Des Moines Register: Tom Steyer on impeaching Trump - https://azc.cc/2OUowk0 | Find more at politics.azcentral.com You can follow Tom Steyer on Twitter @TomSteyer. Follow the team: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang. This episode was recorded by Carly Henry @carlyhenry_. It was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's primary is Aug. 28. Federal and state officials are working to ensure the security of voter information in light of Russian hacking in 2016. How secure are these systems? What should you do when mailing in your ballot? And what should you bring to the polls on election day? Keep an eye out for a special episode of The Gaggle posting later this week. The team sat down with a California billionaire who is spending part of his fortune in Arizona's elections. The Gaggle comes to you every Monday. But next week, check your feed for the new episode on Wednesday instead. You'll hear the team's analysis of the primary election results. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: Feds say Russian attempts to disrupt midterms ongoing - https://azc.cc/2OKIFZJ | Arizona servers used by Russian hackers in 2016 - https://azc.cc/2zF2tLq | Secretary of state candidates spar over voter-registration rules - https://azc.cc/2OP1P0p | Voter’s guide: Learn more about Arizona candidates - https://azc.cc/2vZJuXy | Find more at politics.azcentral.com Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, state politics reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and consumer investigations reporter Rebekah L. Sanders @rebekahlsanders. This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal authorities face the daunting job of trying to ensure the 2018 midterms are not influenced by foreign entities. Social media platforms are cracking down on bot and spam accounts. How can you tell if an account isn't genuine? The Gaggle will now come to you every Monday. Look out for new episodes each week in your podcast feed. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: Fake Twitter accounts supporting Gov. Ducey - https://azc.cc/2MBCwyi | Russians played up Glendale murder-suicide in 2016 - https://azc.cc/2rD6Lwj | What is the QAnon conspiracy theory movement? - https://azc.cc/2Mww2AW | Find more at politics.azcentral.com Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings and reporter Kaila White @kailawhite. This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona is seeing economic growth, but financial prosperity is not being equally felt across the state. How can economic sentiments among voters affect the 2018 elections? Also, the team takes you into the rooms where Republican Senate and governor candidates each faced off in front of The Arizona Republic editorial board. The Gaggle will now come to you every Monday. Look out for new episodes each week in your podcast feed. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: Arizona ranks No. 5 in economic momentum - https://azc.cc/2nf0Laq | 1 in 4 Arizona children in poverty - https://azc.cc/2N7p3ik | Senate candidates Martha McSally and Kelli Ward clash - https://azc.cc/2LGlRxi | Gov. Doug Ducey and challenger Ken Bennett debate - https://azc.cc/2OoVUQu | Find more at http://politics.azcentral.com Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and business and personal finance reporter Russ Wiles @azmoneynews. This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent voters are on the verge of making up the largest electoral block in Arizona. Here's what that means for the upcoming elections. Follow the team on Twitter: National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, political reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and diversity and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chair of the Democratic Party Felecia Rotellini and former chair of the Republican Party Robert Graham share their thoughts on the midterms. They talk about everything from the “Trump affect” to how their parties are campaigning. And they spill some interesting tea. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and state government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices