Experts are becoming optimistic about Arizona retuning to a normal level of economic growth in the next couple of years...economists Jim Rounds and Dennis Hoffman join Steve Goldstein to talk about whether this optimism is rooted in reality.

Downtown businesses that rely on Phoenix Suns fans are welcoming the official end to the N-B-A lockout.  Players were allowed to return to team facilities Friday. 

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith talks to Steve Goldstein about the growth of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and what it means for Arizona.

Host Steve Goldstein talks to University of Pennsylvania professor Kenneth Shropshire about the economic impact of the NBA lockout. Goldstein then speaks to Arizona Republic's Paul Coro about the impact of the lockout on attitudes regarding the Phoenix Suns.

Terry Shannon, CEO of St. Mary's Food Bank, talks to host Steve Goldstein about the effort to feed Arizona's hungry families this holiday season...and the year-round need to lend a helping hand to the one in four children who go to bed hungry.

Host Steve Goldstein talks to marketing professor James Ward of the W.P. Carey School about the marketing tactics behind Black Friday, and the reason so many people participate in the shopping frenzy.

Host Steve Goldstein talks to mayor of Tempe Hugh Hallman about historical preservation, regional economy, and his decision to abstain from running for another term.

As a tough economy continues to squeeze many budgets, the rental market is expanding beyond traditional items like apartments or cars. What else are you renting?

Mark Brodie fills in for Steve Goldstein and talks to Jim Rounds, senior economist and with Elliot D Pollack and Company, and Bob Young, columnist with the Arizona Republic, about the state of pro sports in Arizona. They take a look at the impact of the lockout on Arizona's economy...and the positive impact of hosting the Superbowl in 2015.

When Citizens for a Better Arizona took out papers to recall state senate president Russell Pearce, among the reasons they cited was a lack of focus on education and the economy.  But, as KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports, both candidates in next month’s recall election say those are important issues for the state.