Peter O'Dowd

Fronteras Desk Lands In Nicaragua

Fronteras Desk is in Central America for two weeks. We're further south in this hemisphere than we've ever been. And as we always do, we'll come back with a few tales — reminders of just how connected our seemingly distant worlds really are.

Arizona's Role In The Gang Of Eight

Republicans John McCain and Jeff Flake are part of the so-called Gang of Eight, a bipartisan group in the Senate that’s hammering out a proposal.

How Desert Gardeners Brace For A Freeze

When the cold air comes, look for Styrofoam cups.

Immigration's Gang Of Eight

When the U.S. Senate takes up immigration reform, two lawmakers from Arizona will have a big hand in shaping the debate. Republican senators John McCain and Jeff Flake are part of the so-called Gang of Eight, a bi-partisan group of elected officials crafting a reform proposal. Peter O’Dowd tells us what to expect from the influential pair and what their role in the debate means for a state that's become Ground Zero on immigration. To be published Jan. 22, 2013

Kyrsten Sinema Prepares For National Stage

Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat with a unique life story, will represent Arizona's new 9th Congressional District.

A New Congresswoman's Dissertation On Genocide

A peak inside U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's doctoral dissertation.

Study: US Gun Policy Felt In Mexico

A economist says access to assault weapons in the United States affects violence in Mexican border towns.

A Family Recovers After Three-Year Housing Heartache

A teenager's radio diary prompts thoughts on recovery.

Bilateral US-Mexico Program To Fly Deportees To Mexico City Has Ended

A two-month trial period of flying Mexican deportees to Mexico City has ended.

Key Races In Western States Bolstered By Historic Latino Turnout

Latino Decisions called Latino voters in battleground states like Colorado and Nevada part of the "Western firewall" that helped protect the president’s lead.

The Latino Vote Was Crucial In Obama Re-Election

How Latinos helped President Obama win re-election in 2012.

In Wake Of NAFTA, States Eye Global Supply Chain With Envy

Some states, lagging behind in the export business, see golden opportunity in Mexico's ports.

US Airways Dumps Mexican Port City

Businesses in Guaymas wonder how they'll get out of town.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Legacy In Arizona

The legendary architect has gotten a lot of attention lately as developers consider demolishing one of his houses in Phoenix. Here's a few tidbits about his work in Arizona.

Be Brave, Then Write

A few ideas on how a journalist 'gets the story.'

Watch A Hack Lose To A Flack

Sometimes we inadvertently write about things that aren't news. Sorry.

Southwestern Aquifers Show High Levels Of Arsenic, Nitrate

A new model from the U.S. Geological Survey shows the groundwater supply across much of the Southwest has dangerously high levels of contamination.

'Do You Work At Radio Shack?' And Other Perils Of Reporting Around Kids

Oh, the travails of being a radio reporter at an elementary school.

Judge: Arizona can enforce "show your papers" provision of SB 1070

A key part of Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB 1070, will soon take effect. A coalition of civil rights groups wanted the provision blocked, but a federal judge denied their request Wednesday.

Arizona Congressional Candidate Questions Presence Of Middle Easterners

A video of an Arizona Republican congressional candidate saying she doesn't want Middle Easterners in the U.S. is causing a stir on Election Day.

Forecast For Phoenix: Hotter And Hotter

Climate models predict the Phoenix area will only get hotter. What does that mean for the four million residents who must adapt to a new reality?

Let's Face It, Most Of Our Cities Go Uncovered

My city – and probably your city – doesn’t have as many journalists working in places where they are often needed.

Dear Wind, Stop Messing With My Job

I hate the wind because it feels like every time it blows through my microphone, the source talking on the other end is saying something perfect

Agua Prieta Elects Female Mayor

It was a historic election season in Mexico. Here's an update on a race we followed during our series "The Border and the Mexican Ballot."

The Impact Of A Mixed SB 1070 Ruling On Arizona

A look at how the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Arizona's immigration law will impact the state’s economy and police agencies.

Mayoral Race In Border Town Parallels A Woman's Historic Bid For Mexican Presidency

The Mexican border town of Agua Prieta is electing a new mayor. Two women are running for the job for the first time in the town’s history. On a national stage, another woman is making a historic bid in Mexican politics.

Americans Watch Mexico Closely On Election Day

When Mexico chooses a new president July 1, Americans will be watching. Especially the millions of people who live along the border with a personal stake in the outcome.

Obama Policy Could Spare Many DREAM-ers From Deportation

The president's policy would allow law-abiding people under the age of 30 to stay in the U.S. and apply for work authorization.

Texas Border Artist Brings Pain Of Drug War To Life

The violence in Mexico caused by the ongoing war among rival drug cartels could influence the country's upcoming presidential elections. One Texas border artist brings the scenes of this war — and the pain that accompanies it — to life.

Trade Between U.S., Mexico Nears $500 Billion

Trade between the United States and Mexico reached half a trillion dollars in 2011.

Border Travel Blog: 530 Miles On The Final Day

We wanted to know if Mexican elections mattered to the United States. The simple answer: Yes. They do.

Border Travel Blog: A Police Tour Through San Fernando, Mexico

Fronteras Desk journalists Michel Marizco, Jill Replogle and Peter O'Dowd are reporting on the Mexican elections from Mexico and the impact they will have on the U.S.

Report: U.S. Latinos A Strong Consumer Force

An annual report released in Phoenix on Friday reveals U.S. Latinos are the 15th largest consumer market in the world.

Police Identify White Supremacist As Shooter In Arizona Murder-Suicide

Police have said the suspected gunman in a murder-suicide that killed five people Wednesday was white supremacist and Pinal County Sheriff candidate J.T. Ready.

Family Of Missing Woman Looks For Help In Panama

Panamanian police are searching for a California woman who has been missing since late November.

Busy Week Ahead For SB 1070, Arizona's Immigration Law

Besides a hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court, a congressional committee will hold hearings on SB 1070.

The architect of Arizona's SB 1070 will testify before Congress this week, the day before the immigration law goes to the Supreme Court.

After SB 1070, Some Migrants In Arizona Self-Deport

The Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the controversial law. Some argue it has achieved its goal by forcing immigrants out.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments April 25 in a controversial immigration case - Arizona's SB 1070. Supporters say the law has achieved one of its goals: Thousands of illegal immigrants have left on their own.

Brief Outlines Legal Argument Against Arizona's SB 1070

Groups interested in the outcome of Arizona's immigration Supreme Court case have outlined their arguments.

Brookings: Mountain West Is America's Next Swing Region

The West is more diverse than ever. It’s also increasingly urban. What does that mean for American politics? It could signal a shift from a reliably conservative region to a more liberal voter base.

A Spark of Mormon Dissent in Romney Country

Mitt Romney is the man to beat in Arizona's upcoming primary. But some fellow Mormons say another candidate lines up better with their religious beliefs.

Obama Visits Arizona With Eye On Winning

Democrats feel encouraged after some recent wins at the polls. But Republicans say they are motivated to retain power.

In 2008, President Obama largely ignored the home turf of his opponent, John McCain. His campaign says 2012 will be different.

Arizona's SB 1070 Immigration Law May Reenergize Politcal Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review the controversial law, which sparked similar legislation in Alabama, South Carolina and Utah.

Some political observers say the debate over states' rights and immigration reform is likely to shape the discourse in upcoming campaigns.

Beyond Sprawl: The Southwest Zombie Problem

With up to 1 million undeveloped single-family lots in Central Arizona, planners look for solutions to the unused developments.

Zombie subdivisions are haunting the suburbs. The half-built developments are a nuisance to neighbors, city government and planners. In the first part of a multimedia series, we explore what should be done with the empty land and report how the answers will impact the region's economy.

Giffords: "I miss home"

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords speaks publicly through Facebook about the shooting and other issues.

A day after ABC News aired an interview with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, she released a spoken message – this time through Facebook.

Tough Questions Ahead For Solar Titan

Arizona-based First Solar will face investors Thursday. The quarterly earnings call will be the first time managers from the leading U.S. solar panel manufacturer talk publicly after the CEO was fired.

A Bright Spot In Cloudy Solar Industry

Recent headlines have darkened the hopes of the rising solar power industry. But an Arizona company is shining a ray of light on the sector: Its manufacturing costs are low enough to compete with Third World factories.

USGS: Arizona's Groundwater Is Dropping

Over the last 70 years, groundwater in Arizona's alluvial basins has been depleted by more than 74.5 million acre-feet, or approximately three times the maximum storage of Lake Powell.

Mexico To Release Endangered Wolves Into The Wild

Mexican officials will release the animals on a ranch in northeastern Sonora, near the U.S. Mexico border. The Mexican Wolf once roamed much of the Southwest.

A Rural Guatemalan Town With Young U.S. Citizens

American-born children living in Guatemala are caught between two worlds

After their parents' were deported, 16 American children moved to an impoverished Guatemalan town. Their future in both countries remains uncertain. It's the final story in our series, "Life After Deportation."

In Guatemala, A Debate On The Merits Of Illegal Immigration

Many understand the draw, but not all are willing to go

In a Guatemalan town known for coffin building, the question of leaving has a way of hanging in the air. Three men debate the pros and cons of taking the perilous trip north to illegally enter the United States. It's the second story in the series "Life After Deportation".

Stories by Peter