Peter O'Dowd

Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, 36, is a former social worker who spent part of her childhood living in an abandoned gas station. To win her district, made up of almost equal parts Republicans, Democrats and independents, she had to focus on voters in the middle.

The Arizona city already logs more days over 100 degrees than any U.S. city, and climate researchers predict Phoenix will grow hotter still in the coming decades. Planners are taking the projections seriously, and are looking for ways to adapt the city and its residents to a hotter, drier reality.

Supporters of the state's divisive immigration law say it has achieved one of its stated goals: Thousands of illegal immigrants have left. However, the real cause — and consequence — of such a demographic shift may be more complex.

There's a noticeable streak of Mormon libertarianism in the West, and the Ron Paul campaign has actively courted that vote. While Republican Mitt Romney retains strong support among many of his faith, others see their religion more in line with a much smaller-government approach to politics.

With many boomtime developments now just dusty wastelands, Sun Belt suburbs like those outside Phoenix are shifting gears. Some planners argue for a radical option called "smart decline" — letting empty lots go back to nature and even, in some cases, tearing down infrastructure.

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.

One strip mall in Phoenix was foreclosed on in March, but things have turned around quickly since then. Although it was a big commitment for smaller store owners to move in without the critical large anchor store the complex needed, things are paying off after a gym and popular restaurant came in.