The Daily Chirp

A grieving father. A forgotten town. A Western reborn in Cochise County. In this episode, we explore The Return, a 25-minute short film by Peter Reese, filmed entirely on location in southern Arizona. From Mescal Movie Set to Texas Canyon, Reese blends personal loss with frontier storytelling and shares what’s next for John McKenna.

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A popular bed and breakfast in Ramsey Canyon is pushing back against a county lawsuit, claiming Cochise officials ignored zoning procedures and denied them due process. As the case stalls amid judicial recusals, the Kepners argue the county jumped to court without giving them a fair hearing.

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Deaf Sierra Vista native Gracie Gutierrez heads to Gallaudet University this summer, after a gap year, to train as an ASL interpreter. In this episode, she shares how a friend’s struggle for access, a transformative campus visit, and the JumpStart program fueled her mission to return home and make local classrooms truly inclusive.

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Meggen Connolley returned to Bisbee fresh off national recognition to deliver an urgent update on the city’s ambitious bike and pedestrian trail project. With $8.5 million in federal funding already secured, just under $180,000 stands between Bisbee and unlocking the final phase. But there's a catch, major donors want assurance the city will guarantee the project’s completion. At a rece...

As wildfire season intensifies across Arizona, small-town fire districts are stretched thin. Aging equipment, budget caps, and staffing shortages are making it harder to protect homes, even as the flames move closer. In this episode, we look at what’s fueling the crisis and what’s being done about it.

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Cochise County’s plan for a new jail tax vote in November is raising more questions than answers. The resolution calling for the election leaves out key details about the tax rate, what happens to the current tax, and how the district will operate moving forward. Meanwhile, a court has yet to approve the legal settlement that prompted the new vote, leaving county officials, voters, and even t...

A new grassroots group made up of teachers, parents, and community members is demanding major changes in the Sierra Vista Unified School District. Their call to action follows a damning state audit that uncovered unauthorized bonuses, contract mismanagement, and student safety lapses. As the district faces declining enrollment and possible school closures, Concerned Citizens and Educators argue the ...

As wildfires become a year-round threat in Southern Arizona, small fire districts are stretched thin and homeowners are facing rising insurance costs, or losing coverage entirely. In this episode, we look at how rural communities like Rio Rico and Sonoita are adapting, what fire officials say they need, and why prevention at home may be the most important line of defense.

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A house fire on Jennifer Lane in Sierra Vista has turned fatal, and prosecutors say upgraded charges, including murder, are now on the table. Teresa Anne Campbell, initially arrested for arson and assault, may soon face a grand jury again following the death of 66-year-old Gary Hellerman, who succumbed to his injuries 11 days after the blaze.

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A new executive order opening federal lands to expanded logging has put Cochise County’s Sky Islands, including the Huachuca and Chiricahua mountains, under threat. Conservationists warn of damage to sensitive ecosystems and tourism, while supporters argue it could revive timber jobs and reduce wildfire risks. We explore what’s at stake for local communities, businesses, and the future ...

A decades-old trade agreement that shaped how Mexican tomatoes reach U.S. grocery stores is on the chopping block. If it ends, importers in Nogales could face steep tariffs, and shoppers might see higher prices. We look at what’s driving the decision, who’s pushing back, and what it means for Arizona’s economy.

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After more than six years on the Sierra Vista City Council, William Benning is stepping down to move closer to his daughter and newborn granddaughter in Kansas. In this episode, we look back at his time in office, from championing parks and public safety to navigating tough budget challenges, and hear why he believes now is the right time to go.

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A new countersuit from the State of Arizona and Auditor General Lindsey Perry blames Santa Cruz County for systemic failures that allowed a $38 million embezzlement to go undetected for a decade. The filing names 13 current and former officials and deepens the legal fallout surrounding former treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr.

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Over the weekend, protesters lined Highway 92 outside the Sierra Vista Mall in the city’s second major anti-Trump demonstration this month. Participants voiced concerns about veterans’ benefits, LGBTQ+ rights, vaccine misinformation, and more, joining a national wave of over 700 coordinated protests. The peaceful rally drew a mix of returning and first-time demonstrators, reflecting grow...

A proposed graffiti ordinance in Willcox sparks a passionate debate over property rights and city enforcement. While officials say the new rules would clarify how graffiti is handled, residents push back, raising concerns about fairness, accountability, and trust in local government. The city council has tabled the ordinance for now, giving staff time to revise the language.

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In Cochise County, all five justices of the peace, along with their pro tem stand-ins, have recused themselves from a misdemeanor case involving Paul Correa, the county’s Chief Civil Deputy County Attorney. The rare move stems from Correa’s close ties to the courts and raises questions about how the case will proceed. We break down what led to the citation, why the case was reassigned to...