The federal government is once again open and Arizona’s Congressional delegation is once again whole. Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week’s top stories. Plus, how hearing the blues in Marrakesh shaped the sound of a globe-trotting Valley musician.

The government shutdown impacted lots of institutions, including national parks. Hear how the Grand Canyon and its surrounding communities were affected. Plus, looking at body size through a civil rights lens.

It’s been a big year for mosquitoes, and for some Valley residents, that means lots of bites. Could climate change be playing a role in mosquito numbers? Plus, ASU’s artist in residence on the imminent arrival of his first project.

Hundreds of thousands of Arizona families remain in limbo as the legal battle over paying food stamp benefits continues. Voices from the line at St. Mary’s Food Bank — which stretches around the block. Plus, the governor’s attempt to claw back misspent funding on a youth science camp.

Flights have been canceled across the country — including at Sky Harbor — because of the ongoing government shutdown. One expert tells us why the reduction makes him angry. Plus, the future of Valley fever research with uncertain federal funding.

Voters in one part of Mesa have recalled their city councilmember. The Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week’s top stories. Plus, a new show gets real about the relationship issue no one wants to talk about: cheating.

SNAP food benefits largely help children living in poverty — and now they're being cut. We’ll hear about Arizona's dismal record of combating childhood poverty and where the current cuts leave us. Plus, why a citizen group wants Scottsdale to join its lawsuit against a new state law.

Mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth had been improving for years until recently. One local clinical psychologist explains how anti-gay politics impact kids’ well being. Plus, a college course where inmates and undergraduates find common ground.

Today is Election Day, which means we’re a year out from the 2026 midterms. We’ll hear how election officials are trying to prepare for those contests. Plus, a new book follows 16 Latin American families who have immigrated to the U.S. over the past decade.

A local pastry chef clapped back after getting a bad review from a food influencer on social media. We’ll hear about the quid pro quo that’s often behind your favorite restaurant reviews. Plus, a wandering troubadour approaches the end of a journey that began right here in Phoenix.

Arizona will try to fill some of the gap in food assistance, while it also sues to try to release federal dollars. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week’s top stories. Plus, calling all sourdough aficionados — Bread Fest is here.

There is ongoing concern about the mental health of American kids and adolescents. We’ll find out if universal mental health screenings in school are the answer. Plus, a Navajo singer-songwriter on finding her true identity as a metalhead.

An elite Valley-based marathon runner was prepping for a race in humid Tokyo. We’ll hear how an ASU facility helped simulate those conditions. Plus, a look at the on-trend, in-the-news Halloween costumes of 2025.

Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans who receive federal food assistance could see that help run out next week. How food banks are trying to prepare. Plus, why a new report says climate-related events are having a negative impact on Arizonans’ health.

Health care premiums under the Affordable Care Act could get more expensive if a federal subsidy goes away. We’ll hear what that could mean for Arizonans and their coverage. Plus, how AI could help in the search for more shade.

Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva has sued in an effort to be sworn in as a member of Congress. Our Friday NewsCap panelists analyze that and the rest of the week’s top stories. Plus, the meditative art of carving pink erasers.

The FLDS community of Short Creek is at the center of the largest outbreak of measles Arizona has seen in decades. It comes as the town has tried to move beyond the legacy of Warren Jeffs. Plus, a visit the Jane Goodall archive, housed at ASU.

As the Trump administration continues its mass deportation campaign, more pregnant immigrants are being detained. We’ll meet the midwife treating them. Plus, treating altitude sickness from a clinic just a little bit above sea level.

Wildfires can negatively impact water quality, even after they’re extinguished. We’ll hear from a researcher who found contaminants eight years after a fire. Plus, Diamondbacks Hall of Famer Randy Johnson takes his camera to Africa.

A new audit says the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office vastly inflated costs related to court oversight. ACLU of Arizona’s director explains why she finds the report troubling. Plus, how Robrt Pela’s childhood friendship dream came true.