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Kathy Ritchie likes to talk about things that make most people uncomfortable — like menopause.
Q&AZ - Questions Our Reporters Have Answered
For Arizona hikers, saguaro cacti are an essential part of a Sonoran Desert trek. But one listener said she sees far more young, "saguaro-like" cacti than true fledgling saguaros on her hikes and wanted to know why.
May 7, 2019
What’s being done to create more reasonably paid jobs for older Arizonans? One KJZZ listener asked and as part of our Q&AZ reporting series. Alex Juarez, with AARP Arizona, says age discrimination is an issue facing many older adults — which is why AARP created an Employer Pledge Program.
May 1, 2019
In the early 1900s the federal government sold off land in large blocks — a homesteader could arrive to find their land was perfect for farming or they arrived to find a mountain. Decades later, that land was still privately held and homes starting popping up on hillsides, prompting high-profile conversations effort in response.
April 29, 2019
Arizona is home to a variety of ecosystems and a wide array of plant life. One listener wanted to know how palms and pine trees – plants from seemingly opposite environments – could both grow in the state.
April 22, 2019
Ten states have beverage container deposit programs, where customers pay 5 to 10 cents per bottle or can and then get the money back for recycling them — but Arizona does not have a program.
March 26, 2019
Arizona has more insect diversity than any other state — including four dozen different species of cicadas. Best known for their loud buzzing in the summer, each species of cicada has their own unique call.
March 18, 2019
Why does Arizona have the longest license renewal period in the country? And what are the impacts? Many people have asked about Arizona driver’s licenses through our Q&AZ project — so we decided to tackle them all.
March 11, 2019
The medical marijuana business in Arizona has grown and changed rapidly since voters approved a medicinal program in 2010. But what hasn't changed are federal laws classifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance — considered just as dangerous and illegal as heroin and LSD.
→ The Debate Over Arizona's Medical Marijuana Extract Law Explained
→ The Debate Over Arizona's Medical Marijuana Extract Law Explained
March 7, 2019
How did Mesa get its name? A listener wanted to know and asked our Q & AZ project, pointing out that the city doesn't appear to be sitting on a mesa or plateau. Jimmy Jenkins from KJZZ’s East Valley Bureau went looking for the city’s namesake with a local historian.
March 4, 2019
Last year, the only state-operated rest stop along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson was closed. A KJZZ listener submitted an inquiry through the Q&AZ reporting project.
March 21, 2019
As Arizona celebrates the Grand Canyon National Park’s centennial, one listener wanted to know more about another of Arizona’s signature features — the Mogollon Rim.
March 4, 2019
Much like human snowbirds, geese flock to Arizona in the winter for warmth. But, also like some snowbirds, some have set up a permanent home here.
Feb. 19, 2019
Fifteen teams have been training in Arizona's Cactus League since 2010, but there have been multiple teams in Arizona since 1947. According to Marshall Trimble, Arizona's state historian, the first team to train in Arizona was the Detroit Tigers in the late 1920s.
Feb. 11, 2019
Phoenix voters approved a transportation tax that went into effect in 2016. Part of that tax money is helping refurbish or replace existing bus stop shelters to make them more hospitable.
Feb. 6, 2019
Coal-fired power plants, vehicle emissions and mining activities release far more mercury into the atmosphere than natural sources, and it's a global issue.
Feb. 4, 2019
A report on the forces that shape saguaro cacti from their start as "diamond-shaped green blobs" to adulthood as towering desert sentinels. Carol Gibson asked about the sometimes whimsical desert dwellers through our Q&AZ. Carol Gibson first saw a saguaro cactus when she was 7 years old and her family moved to Arizona from Tennessee.
VIDEO: KJZZ Explains Saguaro Science →
VIDEO: KJZZ Explains Saguaro Science →
Jan. 24, 2019
“I moved to the Valley over 20 years ago. My fiance has lived here for 40. She insists that the lights on South Mountain can be turned on in a way the spells out 'LOVE.' Any truth to this?”
Jan. 9, 2019
“Why does the state give me my money back when I make a donation to a private school? The state’s money should go back to the public schools.” Chris W. from Scottsdale asked us this question through Q&AZ.
Jan. 7, 2019
The Sonoran-native shrub grows leaves four to five times a year. While often used as an ornamental plant, Native Americans have used the ocotillo for its practical purposes.
Dec. 31, 2018
About one third of Arizona’s housing stock is in a community association, which means almost two million Arizonans are connected a home-owners or condominium association.
Dec. 31, 2018
