What We're Covering This Episode
This week's episode is packed with stories that span from our backyard to the cosmos. Here's what Rod breaks down:
Aviation & Safety
Long Beach Plane Crash - A small plane crash-lands in a Long Beach park. We cover the recovery of both the pilot and a pedestrian, and what this incident tells us about urban aviation safety.
Consumer Alert
Nationwide Shrimp Recall Expands to Arizona - A shrimp recall is making waves across the country, including right here in Arizona. Rod breaks down what you need to know to keep your family safe.
Infrastructure & Innovation
Arizona I-17 Flex Lanes - Phoenix is getting I-17 flex lanes. We explain how they work, what drivers can expect, and how this changes your commute.
LAX Transit Center Opening - Exciting news for Southern California travelers: the LAX Metro Transit Center is opening June 6. We dive into what this means for getting to and from one of the busiest airports in the world.
LA's Transit Future: 2028 and Beyond - What's next for LA Metro? Rod explores the final episode of "The Long Track Back" and what the future holds for transit in Los Angeles.
Automotive
2026 Honda Prelude Returns - The Honda Prelude is back with hybrid power, Type R hardware, and a fresh driving experience. Car enthusiasts, this one's for you.
Slate Automotive Truck Update - We've been following Slate Automotive's affordable electric truck promise. This week, Rod covers the latest progress and price shifts.
Science & Space
Interstellar Visitor 3I/Atlas - An interstellar visitor is surprising astronomers with its growing tail and strange chemistry. We zoom out to explore what 3I/Atlas tells us about our universe.
"The Knowledge" Features
Garrett Morgan's Traffic Signal - Who really invented the modern traffic light? Rod dives into Garrett Morgan's incredible contribution to road safety and why his story matters.
Valerie Thomas: NASA Engineer & STEM Trailblazer - Meet Valerie Thomas, the NASA engineer and inventor who blazed trails in STEM and changed how we see the world.
Culture & Lifestyle
The Great American Soda Divide - Do you call it soda, pop, or Coke? Rod explores how geography shapes what we call our fizzy drinks in this fun cultural deep dive.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is a perfect example of what STM Vlog is all about—connecting local stories to national trends and global conversations. From infrastructure projects changing how we move around Phoenix and LA, to space discoveries expanding our understanding of the universe, to the inventors and engineers whose work shapes our daily lives, we're covering it all.
What's New?
This isn't just another news podcast. STM Vlog is designed to bridge the gap between our written articles, video content, and the conversations happening across our platforms. Each week, Rod introduces segments pulled directly from the stories you've been reading and watching—giving you context, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deeper understanding of what's really going on.
Here's what you can expect every episode:
Top Story of the Week
We kick things off with the biggest story making waves. Whether it's a local development or a global event, we break down what happened, why it matters, and how it connects to your daily life.
Regional Spotlight
Phoenix, Arizona, and Southern California are home base, and we're committed to shining a light on the stories that define our communities. From infrastructure projects to grassroots initiatives, these are the moments that don't always make national headlines but shape the fabric of where we live.
National & Global News
We zoom out to cover what's happening across the United States and around the world. Policy changes, cultural movements, international relations—if it affects us, we're talking about it.
Infrastructure, Development & Innovation
What's being built today shapes how we live tomorrow. We track the projects, technologies, and innovations transforming cities and communities—whether they're happening in Phoenix, across the Southwest, or in cities around the country.
Sports, Culture & Entertainment
From local sports moments to global cultural conversations, we hit you with quick takes on what's trending and what's worth your attention.
TNC Network Projects Teaser
We're not just covering stories—we're creating them. Each episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what we're working on, from documentaries to video series and everything in between.
Why Listen?
Because the news shouldn't feel like noise, STM Vlog is conversational, authentic, and rooted in the belief that storytelling matters. Rod brings the same energy and insight that drives STM Daily News and TNC Network's award-winning content, delivering it in a format that fits your life—whether you're commuting, working out, or just kicking back at home.
Every episode connects you to:
The full articles and videos on STMDailyNews.com
Exclusive content from our social channels
Original projects from TNC Network, including documentaries, "The Knowledge" video series, and more
