Position: Senior News Reporter. Started with KTAR July 4, 1999. Favorite spots in Arizona: Pinetop-Lakeside, Alpine, Greer. Have covered some of the biggest stories in Arizona including nine of the top 10 largest wildfires in state history. The Wallow Fire in 2011 became the largest fire in state history. Rodeo-Chediski Fire in June 2002, which is the second largest fire in Arizona. Covered the Yarnell Hill Tragedy in June 2013 that left 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots dead. Favorite movies: True Grit, both 1969 John Wayne classic and the remake with Jeff Bridges and Lonesome Dove. Sports Teams: Washington State University Cougars, Texas Longhorns, The University of Montana Grizzlies.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Dec 4, 2020Arizona business leader expects vaccine to reboot economy by July
Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer believes Arizona’s economy will be back to full strength by July, buoyed by the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Oct 27, 2020Economist says Arizona has recovered 60% of jobs lost during pandemic
Valley economist Jim Rounds said Arizona has recovered more than half of the jobs lost during the coronavirus pandemic while he puts the national number at half.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Oct 21, 2020Arizona business leader says ‘snowbird season’ will suffer from border limits
The state's annual moneymaking influx of Canadian visitors - aka snowbird season - is in jeopardy, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President-CEO Glenn Hamer said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Sep 11, 2020Battle-tested Arizona firefighter says 2020 season unlike any other
Unless there is significant rainfall soon, Arizona Forestry and Fire Management Battalion Chief Joe Barreras expects the state could be dealing with fires in October and maybe November.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 25, 2020Aspiring fire commander getting lesson of lifetime in Arizona
It has been a season unlike any other when it comes to wildfires in Arizona.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 9, 2020Arizona fire officials say drone use interfering with work on Bighorn blaze
Firefighters in Arizona are battling several fires this week and commanders are dealing with a threat that has become a yearly problem - illegal use of drones over fires.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 3, 2020Arizona wildfire season is already ahead of previous year’s pace
Less than three weeks before the start of summer, Arizona wildfire season is in high gear.
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ARIZONA NEWS | May 21, 2020Arizona gas prices hit rock bottom approaching Memorial Day weekend
Perfect timing: just as Arizona reopens more from coronavirus restrictions, filling up the gas tank will be at its cheapest for Memorial Day weekend driving over the next several days.
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ARIZONA NEWS | May 12, 2020Critical week looms ahead for Arizona economy as reopening continues
An Arizona business leader said the big test for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic is coming - consumer confidence.
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ARIZONA NEWS | May 11, 2020COVID-19 brings unique challenges during mental health month of May
With stay-at-home orders and other measures being taken to protect Arizonans from COVID-19, many people feel isolated more than ever.
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ARIZONA NEWS | May 7, 2020Hard-hit Navajo Nation to receive $600M in COVID-19 support
The Navajo Nation in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and will get $600 million to help battle the deadly virus.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 29, 2020Arizona business leader, economist agree it’s time to re-energize economy
Arizona's COVID-19 stay-at-home order is set to expire Thursday and two Valley business experts say reopening the economy is essential for the region's health.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 24, 2020Arizona business leaders welcome new funding, see need for more
The latest round of coronavirus aid to stimulate the economy is needed, but it isn't nearly enough, an Arizona business leader said Friday.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 22, 2020Economic council leader says Arizona stands to benefit after virus clears
Greater Phoenix Economic Council President Chris Camacho says global supply chains will be reshaped after the coronavirus outbreak ends and Arizona could benefit.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 14, 2020Arizona business leader says virus has been economic disaster for state
Bars, restaurants, retail, tourism and just about everything in between have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 13, 2020Valley doctor says stay-at-home order is opportunity to improve one’s health
It's been nearly two weeks since Gov. Ducey's stay-at-home order took effect, and one Valley doctor thinks residents can use it to better their health.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 9, 2020Coronavirus complicates preparations for Arizona’s wildfire season
Arizona’s wildfire season could ignite in just a few weeks, and steps are being taken to protect firefighters from coronavirus.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 26, 2020Heavy winter rainfall setting Arizona up for potentially nasty fire season
It was a great winter for rainfall across the deserts of Arizona but it has also created a carpet of grass, brush and weeds that will become fire fuel once the heat comes.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 25, 2020Drones making an impact on Scottsdale construction business
When you think construction you might think hard hats, hammers and heavy equipment. A Scottsdale company is using technology including drones.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 3, 2020Phoenix symposium addresses problem gambling in military
Elise Mikkelsen is the head of the Arizona Department of Gaming Division of Problem Gambling and believes about 4 percent of Arizona adults have a problem with gambling.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 27, 2020Valley nutrition expert has a beef with plant-based burgers
A dietitian and nutritionist with Nutritional Professionals says plant-based burgers are just another processed food that's not good for you.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 1, 20205G, iPads and more: Arizona expert discusses decade’s top technologies
Ken Colburn of Data Doctors says the 2020s will see new technology that will dramatically change the world and our lives.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 20, 2019Valley expert gives tips to avoid getting scammed during the holiday season
It's that time of the year when cyber-grinches will be hard at work trying to steal your Christmas.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 4, 2019Insurance open enrollment key time to review coverage, benefits
During open enrollment, it's important to take time to review what coverage and benefits you have for you and your family.