December 2011 | KJZZ.org

Jazz Special for 12/21

After midnight early this morning the earth reached its official winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Tonight we'll celebrate the longest night, the returning sun and Hanukkah with songs of dreidels, the solstice and, of course, your favorite Christmas carols. Listen for some Paul Winter solstice celebration and Art Pepper playing for the winter moon. Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

Herb Paine: Not All is Grinch and Scrooge Among Us

KJZZ Commentator Herb Paine, amidst all the mire says "Don't Worry - Be Happy"...

Wildlife center offers holiday tours

A wildlife center in the northeast Valley is offering holiday tours. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, near Pinnacle Peak and Pima Roads, provides close encounters with native wildlife.

Federal action on MCSO could cost the rest of the county

Maricopa County leaders are worried that Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s battle with the Department of Justice could hurt other county agencies.

Brewer taking a wait-and-see approach to DOJ report

Governor Jan Brewer says yesterday’s report by the U.S. Justice Department does not validate fears that SB 1070 would lead to racial profiling.

Few remedies for renters living in foreclosure properties

Arizona's foreclosure rate is up 4 percent from last year November, with one in every 260 homes in some stage of repossession by the bank. One group of people often overlooked in the foreclosure part is renters.

Gov. Brewer Proposes Cash for AZ Tourism

Governor Jan Brewer wants to use some of the surplus cash coming into the state to promote tourism. The agency has had its budget slashed over the past few years, and currently relies on tax revenue for its operations. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Arpaio dismisses DOJ report, vows to 'continue enforcing law'

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he will continue to enforce illegal immigration laws, despite a report released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice. The federal agency says the sheriff’s office engaged in racial profiling and retaliated against its critics. From Phoenix, KJZZ's Mark Brodie reports.

Latino leaders react to Department of Justice report

Latino elected officials are reacting to allegations of civil rights abuse within the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. As KJZZ’s Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez reports, critics say the Justice Department’s announcement vindicates what they’ve said about the Sheriff’s office for years.

Arpaio critics feel validated after three-year investigation

KJZZ conducted interviews with several experts and officials to get their reaction to today's Department of Justice report on the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The DOJ investigation revealed a pattern of wide ranging civil rights violations against Latinos.