Arizona's Morning News

On this day in 1963, while traveling through Dallas in an open top convertible, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was shot. Around 30 minutes later at Dallas' Parkland Hospital, Kennedy was pronounced dead. He was the youngest man elected to lead the United States and died at the age of 46. Learn more in today's KTAR timeline brought to you by Beatitudes Campus. 

In today's Sharper Point Commentary Jim Sharpe talks about what he is thankful for, especially his family who he is looking forward to spending time with. He also highlights the work of St. Mary's Food Bank, who are donating turkeys to families in need this holiday season. 

While Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from the nomination process for attorney general, President-elect Donald Trump has picked others for his Cabinet who have been accused of some form of sexual misconduct. We are speaking this morning to NBC News Chief Political Analyst Chuck Todd about how President-elect Trump's second administration will shape up come next year. 

The Arizona Cardinals continue to sit on their perch at the top of the NFC West, and could even extend that lead with a win this weekend in Seattle against the Seahawks. Tyler Drake from Arizona Sports gives us a preview to what we can expect this weekend and whether or not the Cards have a chance in the playoffs. We also talk about some ASU Sun Devils Football with their big game on Saturday. 

Jerry Brown from St. Mary's Food Bank says they are planning to distribute thousands of turkeys to those in need across Arizona. They are working to increase the number of turkeys they receive from donations, as Brown says the need appears higher and higher every year. We also talk about how inflation has impacted the whole country, especially those who have already been struggling. 

More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, conspiracy theories continue to swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to captivate the public. We are talking to ABC News' Jim Ryan about whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and why we continue to be fascinated by the event years later. 

On this day in 1980, 350 million people tuned in for the popular television drama “Dallas” to find out who shot J.R. Ewing, a character fans loved to hate. He had been shot during the season-ending episode the previous March, which now stands as one of television’s most famous cliffhangers. Learn more in today's KTAR timeline brought to you by Beatitudes Campus. 

In today's Sharper Point Commentary Jim Sharpe reviews recent data released regarding violent crime in the United States. In Phoenix the numbers show that homicides and rapes decreased from 2023 to 2024. The numbers also show an increase in aggravated assaults and robberies. 

Do you have any big travel plans for the week of Thanksgiving? ABC News Business Reporter, Alexis Christoforous, tells us what to expect when it comes to holiday travel. We also ask her more about Spirit Airline's bankruptcy and whether it's still possible to find some deals this winter. 

Kristin Bentz with KB Advisory Group joins us live this morning to talk about how retailers are preparing for the holidays. We also talk about how Black Friday is just over a week away and whether or not Target can continue to compete with Walmart. 

According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, overall violent crime is down across the country, with Phoenix’s numbers showing mixed trends. ABC15's Garrett Archer took a deeper look into what these numbers mean. This morning we talk about what the impact of violent crime could look like for Arizona's future. 

On this day in 1982, Drew Barrymore became the youngest host of Saturday Night Live ever. This happened when she was just 7 years old. Barrymore remains the youngest host of SNL to this day. She later reflected on that night and revealed she wasn't nervous until Steven Spielberg showed up. Learn more in today's KTAR timeline brought to you by Beatitudes Campus. 

In today's Sharper Point Commentary Jim Sharpe talks about how although officials in Arizona have been moving toward emerging technologies, agriculture is still vital to the Grand Canyon State. Arizona actually has the highest percentage of female and native farmers in the United States. He also speaks to the importance of migrant laborers. 

How much will your Thanksgiving meal cost this year compared to last? Julie Murphree with Arizona Farm Bureau joins the show to talk about how changes in the agriculture industry could have shifted prices. 

The ESA program is seen as controversial for those who are on the outside looking in. Although on the inside of the program, some trouble is brewing when it comes to issuing ESA reimbursements. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, joins the show to provide some clarity. 

President-elect Donald Trump says Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as “border czar” in his administration. This is a position that is likely to play a key role in Trump’s campaign pledge to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. ABC's Luke Barr joins the show this morning to talk about whether Homan will be restricted by federal funding and how important the position will be for President-elect Trump. 

Arizona has a huge percentage of land dedicated to farming. KTAR Reporter Jim Cross weighs in on the agriculture industry and how its doing. 

On this day in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. 

In today's Sharper Point commentary Jim Sharpe talks about the latest Russia-Ukraine war updates as the conflict reaches it's 1,000th day. 

Evictions rose in the Valley over the past year, with more than 80,000 filings. Drew Schaffer with the William E. Morris Institute for Justice explains why:

ABC News' Jim Ryan joins us to talk about the uptick in whooping cough cases and the illness' return to pre-pandemic levels. 

President Biden has allowed Ukraine to use U.S. supplied missiles against Russia, leading to a potential escalation in the war. 

On this day in 1883, railroads created the first time zones.

In today's Sharper Point Commentary Jim Sharpe talks about the future of health in America and how RFK Jr. could change the way the Department of Health Services works. 

Holiday scams are all too common during this time of year. Kim Komando tells you what to look out for and how to avoid being scammed.