KUNM-FM: Peter O'Dowd

Scorching Phoenix Plans For An Even Hotter Future

KUNM-FM: Peter O'Dowd — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:10:00 +0000

It's been a record hot summer in many cities across the nation. Phoenix is no exception. This Sonoran Desert metropolis already records more days over 100 degrees than any other major U.S. city. Now, climate models predict Phoenix will soon get even hotter.

A hotter future may mean a more volatile environment — and along with it, natural disasters, greater pressure on infrastructure, and an increased physical toll on city residents.

While some city planners around the country discuss ways to mitigate climate change, planners in Phoenix assume that change is already under way.

Obama Campaign Sees Shift In Arizona Politics

KUNM-FM: Peter O'Dowd — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

President Obama visits Phoenix Wednesday as part of a five-state campaign tour. The campaign thinks it can win Arizona, and that's an unlikely ambition for this conservative state. But Obama might have a chance. Unlikely upsets have dominated Arizona politics lately. The electorate is in flux.

'Smart Decline': A Lifeline For Zombie Subdivisions?

KUNM-FM: Peter O'Dowd — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:01:00 +0000

On the western edge of Phoenix, it's easy to find vast tracts of empty land once prepped for two-by-fours and work crews. Utility stanchions emerge like errant whiskers from the desert floor.

This is the land of zombie subdivisions. Some experts believe up to 1 million dirt lots in central Arizona were in some stage of approval for new homes when the market crashed.

"It's tragic," says Realtor Greg Swann. "It's heartbreaking."

Urban planners are floating a radical solution for areas like this.

'Smart Decline' May Cure Zombie Subdivisions

KUNM-FM: Peter O'Dowd — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

The suburban Southwest is awash with empty lots and zombie subdivisions — developments that have been abandoned by builders. Experts believe up to a million dirt lots in central Arizona were in some stage of approval for new homes when the housing market crashed. Urban planners say to fix the zombie problem, the state must realize the that people are leaving the suburbs and should consider "smart decline." Peter O'Dowd of member station KJZZ explains.

Troubled First Solar Co. To Announce Earnings

KUNM-FM: Peter O'Dowd — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

One of the main solar companies in the United States, First Solar, is in trouble. Its CEO was forced out in October and its stock prices have fallen dramatically. Thursday the Arizona-based company announces its earnings and investors are going be demanding answers. From member station KJZZ in Phoenix, Peter O'Dowd report.