The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Hantavirus & Ebola risks with Dr. David Engelthaler

Dr. David Engelthaler talks about the risks of the very deadly ebola Virus, its symptoms, treatment, and the odds of it impacting Americans. He also shares info on a more likely virus to impact people in the southwest, the hantavirus. Dr. Engelthaler shares the facts and gives important practical information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this very fatal virus. 
Dr. David Engelthaler is the Director and a Professor at TGen North. TGen North focuses on pathogen genomics with a specific mission to advance clinical medicine, public health, and biodefense. He is also the director of the Health Observatory at ASU. 

Rep. Walt Blackman & a bill curtailing HOA's.

We get an update from Representative Walt Blackman including a bill to curtail HOA's from taking homes due to excessive HOA's bills. He also gives us a budget update.

Senator Wendy Rogers vs. the Squatters!

Senator Wendy Rogers joins me for an update on a couple of her bills that were singed by Governor Hobbs including a bill to make it easier to evict squatters from your property and a bill to make it easier to deal with blighted homes in Arizona. She also gives us an update on the stalled budget talks and other legislative updates. 

Public Lands, Ringo Starr concert and minimum wage battles.

Public Lands, Ringo Starr concert and minimum wage battles. 

From the Legislature to the Flight Line: Wendy Rogers Talks Arizona’s Biggest Issues

Senator Wendy Rogers joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on some of Arizona’s biggest and most troubling stories.
We begin with a disturbing Northern Arizona case after a Flagstaff mother was accused of killing her toddler son and allegedly storing the child’s body in a freezer for weeks before contacting authorities.
Senator Rogers also discusses growing concerns over alleged fraud and corruption involving ACESS, AHCCCS, and Arizona’s Medicaid system, which now serves roughly 1.8 million participants statewide. How widespread is the abuse, and what reforms could be coming?
Rogers address the controversy surrounding Brigadier General John A. Conley and her opposition to his appointment as Adjutant General of Arizona.
Plus an adventure in the sky and details on an early morning flight. 

Robots, marriage and ebola. Ep. 2411

Today’s show covered a wide range of stories shaping Arizona and the country.
We discussed a new Arizona study connecting marriage and stable families to lower child poverty rates and asked whether culture, economics, or government policy plays the biggest role in strengthening communities. 
On the economic front, we talked rising interest rates, mortgage rates nearing 7%, and the growing pressure on consumers, schools, and local governments.

What it takes to be middle class, Arizona growth, AI & rising costs

What does it actually take to be considered middle class in Arizona anymore? The numbers may surprise you.
We also dive into Arizona’s ongoing budget negotiations at the legislature and the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. 
APS proposes major rate hikes tied to massive AI-driven data center growth
Arizona continues booming with some of the fastest-growing cities in the country
A Navy jet collision 
AI backlash erupts at the University of Arizona commencement
Elon Musk and the growing “tech messiah” culture surrounding artificial intelligence
And finally… cruise ship germs, buffet biohazards, and why hotel remote controls may be the scariest thing on vacation

Mark Haughwout: Building code crushing homeownership dream.

Mark Haughwout has been building homes for decades and he sounds the alarm on the adoption of new stricter building codes that focus on so called affordable sustainability. He served on a committee that is reviewing the codes but just resigned out of protest to the apparent direction the new codes are heading. 

Why I'm voting against Flagstaff's "crappy" regional plan.

Today’s show takes a deep dive into Flagstaff’s controversial Regional Plan 2045 — the massive land use blueprint voters are being asked to approve that will shape housing, transportation, development, density, climate policy, infrastructure, and growth for decades to come.
And yes… I called it a “crappy plan” more than once.
We break down what’s actually inside the document:
the heavy focus on “sustainability,” “equity,” and climate action
the push for compact growth and higher-density housing
the connection between housing policy and carbon reduction goals
Smart Growth planning philosophies
how future zoning, transportation, and development decisions could be impacted
why this plan matters far beyond a simple vision statement
We also discuss:
whether higher density will really lower housing costs
if climate goals are starting to override neighborhood concerns
how much control these long-range plans give planners and government
why only a small percentage of land around Flagstaff is privately owned
and whether this is truly about affordability… or reshaping how people live
If you care about the future of Flagstaff, housing, development, growth, taxes, traffic, water, or government planning — this is a conversation you need to hear.

Councilmember Lori Matthews: Regional Plan 2045, Public Safety Taxes & Airport Expansion

Flagstaff Councilwoman Lori Matthews joins Jeff for a conversation on several major issues shaping the future of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.
Jeff and Councilwoman Matthews take a deep dive into the controversial Regional Plan 2045, including concerns over growth, sustainability policies, housing, and the long-term direction of the city.
Matthews gives an update on Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and a newly submitted federal Small Community Air Service grant application. If awarded, the funding could help attract an additional airline and expand air service options for Flagstaff travelers.
Other topics include:
Possible public safety bond proposals
Potential sales tax discussions
Upcoming election issues and local political dynamics
Growth pressures facing Flagstaff
Infrastructure and public safety funding challenges
A wide-ranging discussion on where Flagstaff is headed — and who will ultimately pay for it.