Across America

Arizona

January 13, 2026

Phoenix, AZ

January 13, 2026 Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication 555 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004

The Atlantic Across America tour examines the most urgent and complex issues facing America today.

On January 13, 2026, The Atlantic stopped in Phoenix, Arizona, for two fireside chats—the first with Atlantic staff writer Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, and the second with former U.S. Ambassador and Arizona Senator Jeff Flake and Atlantic managing director Evan Smith.

This convening explored the state’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections leading up to the 2026 midterms, as well as America’s position in the world as we enter the second year of a more and more isolationist administration.