May 2012 | KJZZ.org

Some progress made Thursday on Arizona wildfires

The Gladiator Fire grew Thursday, but away from the town of Crown King. The Sunflower Fire is now 15 percent contained.

State agrees to increase mental illness funding, standard of care

Arizona has reached an interim settlement with the plaintiffs in a decades-old lawsuit over how well the state serves the seriously mentally ill.

Mitchell wins Tempe election by 139 votes

Tempe Councilman Mark Mitchell will be the next mayor of Tempe.

Money problems force City of Glendale layoffs

Nearly 50 employees with the City of Glendale are losing their jobs. City leaders say the slow economy and the city’s debt to the National Hockey League forced the cuts.

9 O'clock Jazz Special for 5/18

Pianist Ramsey Lewis is more than Wade in the Water. He started playing piano at 4 in his hometown of Chicago and had his own jazz band at 15. In the 60s he had 3 huge pop hits with his piano trio, The In Crowd, Hang on Sloopy, and Wade in the Water. All three went gold and made Ramsey Lewis a star. He is still a jazz musician and has done his own radio and television programs focusing on jazz. Hear the best of composer pianist Ramsey Lewis tonight on the 9 O'clock Special

Arizona unemployment rate down, but new jobs only half the story

Arizona’s unemployment rate dropped four-tenths of a percent in April, to 8.2 percent. But, only about half of that is due to more people finding jobs.

Wildfire expert discusses the Gladiator Fire

The Gladiator Fire has now charred more than 5,400, about 60 miles north of Phoenix. Thursday could be a critical day for firefighters, according to wildfire expert Jim Paxon of Arizona Game and Fish.

9 O'clock Jazz Special for 5/17

Tonight get in the groove when we'll be cookin' with the Mighty Burner, jazz organist Charles Earland. Born in Philadelphia, Earland toured and recorded on his Hammond B-3 organ for 30 years. Enjoy the fun and the joyful spirit of Charles Earland tonight on the 9 Oclock special.

State Rep. Ben Arredondo indicted by DOJ

The U.S. Justice Department has indicted a member of the Arizona House of Representatives. Tempe Democrat Ben Arredondo is accused of five counts, including bribery, fraud and attempted extortion.

Mesa courts university branches

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith explains why Mesa hopes to attract branches from universities across the country. Scott Jaschik of Inside Higher Ed explains why partnerships between cities and university branches are beneficial.