In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times Podcast, host Leila Golan speaks with Timothy Manila, Director of Higher Education at the Goldwater Institute, about new reports examining Arizona's public universities.

Manila outlines concerns about ideological influence in honors programs and gaps in civics education, and discusses proposed reforms to restore academic standards and accountability.

Rachel Walden, vice chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission and a member of the Mesa Public Schools governing board, joins the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to explain her case for re-election and outline her views on education reform. She argues that public education needs a stronger focus on foundational reading and maths instruction, less ideological content in classrooms, and more rigorous board oversight of curriculum and leadership.

Walden also discusses Mesa's academy model, block scheduling and new electives such as cybersecurity and finance as ways to align schooling with Arizona's growing technology and healthcare sectors. The conversation frames school boards as influential institutions shaping both student outcomes and the state's long-term economic future.

William "Bill" Beard, Municipal Affairs Liaison at the Goldwater Institute and a former member of the Pima County Election Integrity Commission, joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss the politics and policy disputes surrounding data centers.

Beard argues that data centers are an extension of longstanding information infrastructure, not a novel threat, and says public debate is being distorted by misinformation about energy, water, and land use. He frames the issue primarily as one of private property rights and warns that restrictive or politically driven regulation could deter investment, weaken economic competitiveness, and leave states behind as digital infrastructure demand grows.