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This week, as the KAWC’s Student Newsroom summer Training wraps up, we reflected on our students journey in the program.

Jeff Bryd, Community Relations Officer at Avenir Financial, joins us to talk about his lifelong connection to Yuma, his work on local boards, and a new high school program that teaches students how to budget and qualify for a loan using an app. In the second half, filmmaker Cris Drewek shares how building guitars in his garage led to starting Drewek Film, his passion for storytelling, and his work with Yuma Community Theater — including the videos that have helped take their productions to the next level.

We’re starting today’s show with Howard Blitz, founder and director of The Freedom Library. For more than 27 years, Howard has promoted the Freedom Philosophy, advocating for free markets, private property, and limited government while awarding scholarships to those who complete the library’s education program. Then we’re joined by Functional Health Practitioner Jennifer Whitted, who helps high-achieving women in midlife rebalance their hormones, release stubborn weight, and reclaim the vibrant version of themselves they thought was gone. With over 20 years in healthcare and her own journey through burnout and transformation, Jennifer blends functional health, somatic strategies, and emotional healing to create lasting change.

Arizona Edition: Extreme Weather Emergency Tour on how drought, heat impact Yuma ag, Colorado River Indian Tribes seek personhood for river and Arizona Western College's College Assistance Migrant Program's uncertain future.

Charlene Fernandez of Yuma has been selected to lead Arizona Democrats as the third party chair since November. Also, the Crane Elementary School District joins a lawsuit

First up, Carol Smith joins us to share her Yuma story — from growing up here, to her career as a NICU nurse, to serving on City Council and now stepping into the role of Deputy Mayor. We’ll talk about water, safety, and her vision for Yuma’s future. Then, we sit down with our own Lou Gum. With decades in public radio, Lou is now leading KAWC’s news and operations team. He’ll give us an inside look at what’s happening in his department and what’s coming next for local public radio.

First up, Travis & Ashley Krizay join us to share their Yuma story. Proud natives, they’re the owners of Cafecito and founders of The Atticus Kindness Project. We’ll talk about their journey from a coffee trailer at the farmers market to a 10,000 sq ft community space, their love for music, food, and adventure, and how they turned personal tragedy into a movement of kindness that’s changing lives in Yuma. Then, we sit down with Eric Wofford. Born and raised in Yuma, Eric has proudly served as General Manager of the Yuma County Fair for 17 years. We’ll dive into his roots in farming and 4-H, how he’s grown and modernized the fairgrounds, his leadership across state and regional fair associations, and of course, what’s coming up at the Yuma County Fair Fall Festival.

First up, we sit down with Steve Hennig — trumpet player, band leader of the Yuma Jazz Company, and underwriting representative with KAWC and KOFA Border Radio. We’ll talk about his story as both a musician and a voice for public radio, the Village Jazz Series, and the importance of underwriting in keeping community radio strong. Then, we welcome Lisa Brazeel, Community Liaison for Exceptional Community Hospital – Yuma. Lisa joins us to talk about the hospital’s mission of compassionate care, her role in outreach, and their first annual Trunk or Treat event happening October 29th — a free, family-friendly night of costumes, candy, and community fun.

In latest episode of Arizona Edition, KAWC Student Newsroom journalists interview state senators and representatives who serve Yuma County. Desert View Middle School is getting a new campus. And a small school is rebuilding after recent storms.

First up, we sit down with David Sanchez, representing Friends of the Lower Colorado River. David shares the story of how this local nonprofit got started, the community cleanups they’ve already hosted, and their upcoming October 17th cleanup at West Wetlands Park. We’ll also talk about his personal connection to Yuma and the vision for protecting our riverbanks long term. Then, we welcome Dr. Stacy Jantzi and Maria Lopez from Menta Academy Yuma. They’ll walk us through how Menta was founded eight years ago in Yuma, their “behavior speaks” philosophy, and the impact of creating a therapeutic school where every child is truly seen, heard, and understood. We’ll also dive into their personal journeys, the services they provide to students and families, and their vision for the future.