About TZR

Arizona is having an identity crisis. So are newspapers.

I should know. I am an Arizona native – go ASU! – who spent nine years studying and practicing journalism. I wanted to be a correspondent. I wanted to change the world.

Idealist, you say? Yes. Am I still that idealistic? You bet.

The further I got from Arizona, the more I realized a website for statewide news could work. Readers were getting bored with the same local coverage. Newspapers were cutting back. Someone had turned off the lights in news bureaus around Arizona. And I had a lot of ideas and a lot of energy.

I decided it was time to turn the lights back on.

I give you The Zonie Report, Arizona’s only multimedia news source. We have stories about how Arizona – and Rocky Point! – are changing. We use text, audio, video and slideshows to bring that news to you in a more entertaining, thought-provoking way.

Get local news from some of Arizona State University’s most talented journalism students. Catch the latest lawsuits in courts around the state. Use an interactive map to skim headlines in 23 Arizona cities. If you like what you see, don’t be afraid to show it. Visit our online pro shop for Zonie T-shirts and more.

We’re independent. We’re experienced. And best of all, we’re free.

I also decided it was time for local news organizations to get more involved. That’s why I’ve created Help Arizona!, a feature that matches our readers with small Arizona nonprofits seeking donors and volunteers. Our advertisers are all locally owned and operated businesses across Arizona – just like us. No chains here, folks.

So forget about breaking news, traffic reports and Paris Hilton. Surf around and enjoy our topical news coverage and bonus material. Rocky Point stories are paired with tide calendars and border wait times. Court stories feature case-search links for you to channel your inner Columbo.

I guarantee that if you use this entire site, you’ll be a better Zonie.

— Adam Klawonn