Piper Hansen
Piper Hansen PIE-puhr HAN-sin (she/her/hers)
News Reporter, Phoenix

Piper Hansen will graduate in May 2023 with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and sociology. Hansen, who is a digital reporter for Cronkite News, is editor in chief at The State Press and has interned at The Arizona Capitol Times and The Arizona Republic.

Latest from Piper Hansen

State budget negotiations said to be close as Arizona governor celebrates 100th day in office

PHOENIX — In her first 100 days, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed more than 40 bills and created oversight commissions to find solutions to the state’s pressing problems.

Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks at a press conference to commemorate her 100th day as Arizona’s chief executive on April 12, 2023. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Phoenix sues Tempe for breach of contract ahead of hockey arena entertainment district vote

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is suing Tempe over the residential portion of a planned hockey arena and entertainment district that Tempe voters will decide whether to approve in a May special election.

A complaint filed by Phoenix and operators of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport claims Tempe broke its contract by approving residential development near the airport. (File photo by Coleton Berry/Cronkite News)

David and Goliath: PACs go head-to-head before Tempe special election for Coyotes arena

TEMPE — With a special election set for May, two political action committees are sparring over whether it’s in the city of Tempe’s best interest to break ground on an Arizona Coyotes entertainment district.

Gayle Shanks, co-owner of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, speaks against special ballot propositions 301, 302 and 303 on March 20, 2023, in Tempe. The propositions will appear on a special election ballot in May in Tempe and, if passed, would make the Arizona Coyotes arena and entertainment district possible. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Arizona Republican legislators announce formal opposition to ranked choice voting

PHOENIX – Two bills and a Wednesday news conference signal some Arizona Republicans’ and the state’s Freedom Caucus’ opposition to ranked choice voting. The process, which would allow voters to rank candidates on preference, would be prohibited by the two bills.

Arizona Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, speaks about SB 1265, which would prohibit ranked-choice voting, during a news conference at the state Capitol on March 15, 2023. “Ranked-choice voting, again, should be called rigged-choice voting,” Kern said. “Because it disenfranchises voters and allows marginal candidates not supported by a majority of the voters to win elections.” (Photo by Paula Soria/Cronkite News)

Student storytelling at Arizona Capitol advances immigration group’s policy priorities

PHOENIX — About 150 students with Aliento visited the Capitol Wednesday to meet with legislators to talk about immigration policy priorities, including initiatives on driver’s licenses, repealing English-only and securing funding for College Promise programs.

Students go between the Arizona House and Senate for meetings with state legislators on Feb. 15, 2023. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

First lady Jill Biden visits Mesa Community College to talk college, jobs

MESA - First lady Jill Biden was met with nothing but praise and happy students Monday morning during her visit to Mesa Community College, where she applauded the city for its successful college scholarship program.


Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs creates independent prison oversight commission

PHOENIX - Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed her sixth executive order Wednesday, establishing an independent prison oversight commission to improve the transparency and accountability of Arizona’s corrections system.