Sasha Hupka
@sashahupka.bsky.social
Utilities & tech reporter @azcentral.com. I like hikes, the desert and holding power to account. Tips: 480-271-6387. Signal: sashahupka.49.
NEW: The federal government has officially signed off on Arizona's broadband plan, unlocking funding to bring high-speed internet to 160,000 households by 2030.
It's a monumental milestone in efforts to address long-standing digital inequities in rural areas. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It's a monumental milestone in efforts to address long-standing digital inequities in rural areas. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
High-speed internet will soon be coming to rural Arizona communities
The federal government signed off on a broadband development proposal for Arizona, unlocking money to bring high-speed internet to rural areas.
www.azcentral.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:31 PM
NEW: The federal government has officially signed off on Arizona's broadband plan, unlocking funding to bring high-speed internet to 160,000 households by 2030.
It's a monumental milestone in efforts to address long-standing digital inequities in rural areas. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It's a monumental milestone in efforts to address long-standing digital inequities in rural areas. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Tucson Electric Power got approval from its regulators last night to provide hundreds of megawatts of energy to Project Blue, marking a milestone for the controversial data center.
But the deal comes as its developer hunts for a new customer. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
But the deal comes as its developer hunts for a new customer. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Regulators OK power deal for Project Blue, but Amazon looks to be out
The power deal marks a key milestone for the controversial data center proposal, but it comes as its developer seeks a new operator for the site.
www.azcentral.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:57 PM
NEW: Tucson Electric Power got approval from its regulators last night to provide hundreds of megawatts of energy to Project Blue, marking a milestone for the controversial data center.
But the deal comes as its developer hunts for a new customer. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
But the deal comes as its developer hunts for a new customer. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
ICYMI: ASML is launching a new academy in Phoenix to train engineers to maintain its complex chipmaking equipment.
The chip manufacturing machine maker has long built tools for industry giants, including TSMC and Intel. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The chip manufacturing machine maker has long built tools for industry giants, including TSMC and Intel. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
National training hub for chipmaking engineers launching in Phoenix
Chip manufacturing machine maker ASML has long built and maintained tools for industry giants, including TSMC and Intel.
www.azcentral.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
ICYMI: ASML is launching a new academy in Phoenix to train engineers to maintain its complex chipmaking equipment.
The chip manufacturing machine maker has long built tools for industry giants, including TSMC and Intel. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The chip manufacturing machine maker has long built tools for industry giants, including TSMC and Intel. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: SRP wants to develop a new 1,675-megawatt energy generation hub as power demand continues to grow statewide.
The proposed site — called the Marigold Energy Center — would include solar arrays, battery storage and natural gas turbines. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The proposed site — called the Marigold Energy Center — would include solar arrays, battery storage and natural gas turbines. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
SRP has a plan to meet rising power demand. Here's how
The proposed power hub would house solar arrays, battery storage and natural gas turbines. It would sit on about 5,000 acres of land in Pinal County.
www.azcentral.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:40 PM
NEW: SRP wants to develop a new 1,675-megawatt energy generation hub as power demand continues to grow statewide.
The proposed site — called the Marigold Energy Center — would include solar arrays, battery storage and natural gas turbines. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The proposed site — called the Marigold Energy Center — would include solar arrays, battery storage and natural gas turbines. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Tesla has received the state-level certifications required to operate a robotaxi ride-sharing service in Phoenix.
It now holds the same type of ride-sharing permit as Uber, Lyft and Waymo. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It now holds the same type of ride-sharing permit as Uber, Lyft and Waymo. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Tesla gets green light for autonomous ride-sharing in Phoenix. When will it launch?
Tesla holds the same ride-sharing permit as Uber, Lyft and Waymo, and can offer customers rides in its robotaxis in Phoenix.
www.azcentral.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:06 PM
NEW: Tesla has received the state-level certifications required to operate a robotaxi ride-sharing service in Phoenix.
It now holds the same type of ride-sharing permit as Uber, Lyft and Waymo. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It now holds the same type of ride-sharing permit as Uber, Lyft and Waymo. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Waymo is now offering autonomous rides on local freeways, including I-10, I-17, Loop 202 and U.S. 60.
It marks a key step in efforts to integrate driverless technology on the roads, and could ultimately lead to a bigger service area in Phoenix. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It marks a key step in efforts to integrate driverless technology on the roads, and could ultimately lead to a bigger service area in Phoenix. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Waymo can take the freeway now, marking a new era for robotaxis in Phoenix
Waymo is offering autonomous rides on local freeways to some customers, marking a big step in efforts to integrate driverless technology on the roads.
www.azcentral.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM
NEW: Waymo is now offering autonomous rides on local freeways, including I-10, I-17, Loop 202 and U.S. 60.
It marks a key step in efforts to integrate driverless technology on the roads, and could ultimately lead to a bigger service area in Phoenix. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It marks a key step in efforts to integrate driverless technology on the roads, and could ultimately lead to a bigger service area in Phoenix. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: More than two dozen parties will seek to challenge a rate hike sought by APS.
I took a look at the intervenors in the case — and the questions they are fighting over. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
I took a look at the intervenors in the case — and the questions they are fighting over. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
These groups will challenge APS' requested rate hike. Here's why
More than two dozen parties will seek to challenge a rate hike sought by Arizona Public Service Co., per filings with state utility regulators.
www.azcentral.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:53 PM
NEW: More than two dozen parties will seek to challenge a rate hike sought by APS.
I took a look at the intervenors in the case — and the questions they are fighting over. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
I took a look at the intervenors in the case — and the questions they are fighting over. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: A lawsuit claims TSMC retaliated against a worker involved in an ongoing class-action workplace discrimination case, demoting and ultimately firing her.
The company said it doesn't comment on litigation, but it's committed to complying with labor laws. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The company said it doesn't comment on litigation, but it's committed to complying with labor laws. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Lawsuit says TSMC retaliated against worker involved in class-action discrimination case
A lawsuit claims TSMC retaliated against a worker involved in a class-action case. In response, TSMC said it's committed to complying with labor laws.
www.azcentral.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM
NEW: A lawsuit claims TSMC retaliated against a worker involved in an ongoing class-action workplace discrimination case, demoting and ultimately firing her.
The company said it doesn't comment on litigation, but it's committed to complying with labor laws. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The company said it doesn't comment on litigation, but it's committed to complying with labor laws. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Lucid reported another earnings miss yesterday, and is again narrowing its auto production targets as rough conditions continue for EV makers.
It initially said it would build 20,000 cars this year, but is now aiming to produce just 18,000. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It initially said it would build 20,000 cars this year, but is now aiming to produce just 18,000. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Lucid narrows production goal as rough conditions persist for electric vehicle makers
The Arizona luxury electric vehicle maker initially hoped to produce 20,000 autos by the end of the year. Now, that goal is down to 18,000 cars.
www.azcentral.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:06 PM
NEW: Lucid reported another earnings miss yesterday, and is again narrowing its auto production targets as rough conditions continue for EV makers.
It initially said it would build 20,000 cars this year, but is now aiming to produce just 18,000. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It initially said it would build 20,000 cars this year, but is now aiming to produce just 18,000. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Arizona is on the hunt for public and private dollars as it urgently seeks to train residents for jobs in the construction, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
So far, stakeholders seem to be seeing some success. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
So far, stakeholders seem to be seeing some success. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Arizona needs more construction, tech workers. Private and federal dollars could help
Arizona is hunting for workforce development dollars as it seeks to train residents for construction, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing jobs.
www.azcentral.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
NEW: Arizona is on the hunt for public and private dollars as it urgently seeks to train residents for jobs in the construction, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
So far, stakeholders seem to be seeing some success. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
So far, stakeholders seem to be seeing some success. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
REMINDER: It's Election Day!
I just dropped off my ballot at MCTEC. AZ voters, get those ballots in! 🫶
Here's how to find voting locations, and everything else to know before voting in today's jurisdictional elections: www.azcentral.com/story/news/p...
I just dropped off my ballot at MCTEC. AZ voters, get those ballots in! 🫶
Here's how to find voting locations, and everything else to know before voting in today's jurisdictional elections: www.azcentral.com/story/news/p...
Still holding onto your Nov. 4 ballot? Here's how to turn it in before time runs out
If your mail-in ballot for the Nov. 4 election is on your kitchen counter, you still have time to turn it in — but you shouldn't send it through the post.
www.azcentral.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
REMINDER: It's Election Day!
I just dropped off my ballot at MCTEC. AZ voters, get those ballots in! 🫶
Here's how to find voting locations, and everything else to know before voting in today's jurisdictional elections: www.azcentral.com/story/news/p...
I just dropped off my ballot at MCTEC. AZ voters, get those ballots in! 🫶
Here's how to find voting locations, and everything else to know before voting in today's jurisdictional elections: www.azcentral.com/story/news/p...
NEW: SRP is moving forward with a plan to regear one of its last remaining coal-fired units to natural gas after a board vote.
The move drew criticism from environmentalists and praise from local officials in rural Apache County. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The move drew criticism from environmentalists and praise from local officials in rural Apache County. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
SRP moves forward with plan to regear coal-fired unit at Springerville Generating Station
The decision comes as the nation grapples with what its transition to cleaner energy sources should look like — or if it should try to migrate at all.
www.azcentral.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
NEW: SRP is moving forward with a plan to regear one of its last remaining coal-fired units to natural gas after a board vote.
The move drew criticism from environmentalists and praise from local officials in rural Apache County. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The move drew criticism from environmentalists and praise from local officials in rural Apache County. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: SRP customers are set to see higher electric bills this month as rate increases approved earlier this year take effect.
Here's a breakdown of how the changes will impact your bill: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Here's a breakdown of how the changes will impact your bill: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
SRP is set to increase its rates this month. Here's how it will impact your bill
Salt River Project customers are set to see higher electric bills this month as previously approved rate increases take effect. Here's what to know.
www.azcentral.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM
NEW: SRP customers are set to see higher electric bills this month as rate increases approved earlier this year take effect.
Here's a breakdown of how the changes will impact your bill: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Here's a breakdown of how the changes will impact your bill: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
I was thrilled to hop on @kjzzphoenix.bsky.social recently to chat about what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the desert's booming semiconductor ecosystem.
If missed me on the radio, you can still take a listen here: www.kjzz.org/the-show/202...
If missed me on the radio, you can still take a listen here: www.kjzz.org/the-show/202...
Arizona is working to make itself a semiconductor hub. What it needs to do to keep the momentum
The Arizona Republic’s Sasha Hupka has written about recent wins in the semiconductor space and what the Valley needs to do to continue its current momentum. She joined The Show to talk more about it.
www.kjzz.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I was thrilled to hop on @kjzzphoenix.bsky.social recently to chat about what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the desert's booming semiconductor ecosystem.
If missed me on the radio, you can still take a listen here: www.kjzz.org/the-show/202...
If missed me on the radio, you can still take a listen here: www.kjzz.org/the-show/202...
NEW: APS plans to develop a new natural gas plant near Gila Bend.
The plant will be built in two phases. One will add power to the grid amid rising energy demand. Another will serve data centers via a new subscription model. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The plant will be built in two phases. One will add power to the grid amid rising energy demand. Another will serve data centers via a new subscription model. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
APS plans to develop new natural gas plant, offer subscription model for data centers
The plant will be built in two phases. One will add power to the grid amid rising demand, another will serve data centers via a subscription model.
www.azcentral.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:49 PM
NEW: APS plans to develop a new natural gas plant near Gila Bend.
The plant will be built in two phases. One will add power to the grid amid rising energy demand. Another will serve data centers via a new subscription model. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The plant will be built in two phases. One will add power to the grid amid rising energy demand. Another will serve data centers via a new subscription model. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Lucid wants to build fully autonomous vehicles for private use and introduce AI in its factories via a new alliance with NVIDIA.
It's the latest automaker to hop on the consumer autonomous car bandwagon. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It's the latest automaker to hop on the consumer autonomous car bandwagon. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Lucid says it plans to develop fully autonomous cars, introduce AI at factories
Lucid aims to develop fully autonomous vehicles for private use and introduce artificial intelligence in its factories via a new alliance with NVIDIA.
www.azcentral.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:41 PM
NEW: Lucid wants to build fully autonomous vehicles for private use and introduce AI in its factories via a new alliance with NVIDIA.
It's the latest automaker to hop on the consumer autonomous car bandwagon. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It's the latest automaker to hop on the consumer autonomous car bandwagon. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: In an earnings call, Amkor CEO Giel Rutten said he'll retire at the end of the year — and teased a potential third chips packaging facility in Peoria.
The news comes as the company executes a major expansion in Arizona. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The news comes as the company executes a major expansion in Arizona. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Amkor prepares for CEO change, teases potential third facility after record quarter
In an earnings call, Amkor CEO Giel Rutten said he'll retire at the end of the year — and teased a potential third chips packaging facility in Peoria.
www.azcentral.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
NEW: In an earnings call, Amkor CEO Giel Rutten said he'll retire at the end of the year — and teased a potential third chips packaging facility in Peoria.
The news comes as the company executes a major expansion in Arizona. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The news comes as the company executes a major expansion in Arizona. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Salt River Project hopes to convert a coal-burning unit to natural gas at one of Arizona's last remaining coal plants.
The proposal recently passed through committee, and is now set for a vote by the utility's board. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The proposal recently passed through committee, and is now set for a vote by the utility's board. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
SRP wants to convert this coal unit to natural gas. What it means for your energy mix
Salt River Project hopes to convert a coal-fired unit to natural gas at Springerville Generating Station, one of Arizona's last remaining coal plants.
www.azcentral.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:59 PM
NEW: Salt River Project hopes to convert a coal-burning unit to natural gas at one of Arizona's last remaining coal plants.
The proposal recently passed through committee, and is now set for a vote by the utility's board. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The proposal recently passed through committee, and is now set for a vote by the utility's board. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan plan to build and operate a new 20-inch, 1,300-mile pipeline connecting the Texas Panhandle and Phoenix, Arizona.
The move is likely to shift the balance of the local gasoline supply. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The move is likely to shift the balance of the local gasoline supply. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
A new pipeline will stretch from Texas to Arizona. What does it mean for gas prices?
Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan plan to build and operate a new pipeline connecting Texas and Arizona, shifting the balance of local gasoline supply.
www.azcentral.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:53 PM
NEW: Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan plan to build and operate a new 20-inch, 1,300-mile pipeline connecting the Texas Panhandle and Phoenix, Arizona.
The move is likely to shift the balance of the local gasoline supply. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
The move is likely to shift the balance of the local gasoline supply. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an earnings call that the company would begin operating its self-driving vehicles "by the end of the year" in Arizona, as well as a number of other states. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Elon Musk says Tesla will operate robotaxis in Arizona ‘by end of the year'
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an earnings call that the company would begin operating its self-driving vehicles "by the end of the year" in Arizona.
www.azcentral.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:21 AM
NEW: Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an earnings call that the company would begin operating its self-driving vehicles "by the end of the year" in Arizona, as well as a number of other states. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: One thing was clear as tens of thousands of semiconductor professionals descended on the desert earlier this month: Arizona had successfully established itself as the country's chips capital.
Now, it must fight to keep its crown. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Now, it must fight to keep its crown. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Arizona has become the semiconductor capital of the country. Now what?
A recent microelectronics conference drew chips professionals from across the world — a major win for Arizona. Now, it must fight to keep its crown.
www.azcentral.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:21 PM
NEW: One thing was clear as tens of thousands of semiconductor professionals descended on the desert earlier this month: Arizona had successfully established itself as the country's chips capital.
Now, it must fight to keep its crown. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Now, it must fight to keep its crown. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: Davis-Monthan is one of five bases that could be sites for private commercial data centers, according to the Air Force in a request for lease proposal published Oct. 15. Via @azcentral.com: www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
Air Force base in Arizona could house a commercial AI data center. Here's how
Developers have until Nov. 14 to submit their proposals to build commercial data centers at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and four other U.S. bases.
www.azcentral.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:31 PM
NEW: Davis-Monthan is one of five bases that could be sites for private commercial data centers, according to the Air Force in a request for lease proposal published Oct. 15. Via @azcentral.com: www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
NEW: Waymo and DoorDash are introducing autonomous grocery delivery across a 315-square-mile swath of the Phoenix metro.
It's among a slew of recent initiatives that have robots running errands around the area. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It's among a slew of recent initiatives that have robots running errands around the area. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Need groceries? You can have them delivered in metro Phoenix via Waymo robotaxi
Robotaxis are hitting metro Phoenix streets to deliver snacks, drinks and other grocery items via a new partnership between Waymo and DoorDash.
www.azcentral.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:42 PM
NEW: Waymo and DoorDash are introducing autonomous grocery delivery across a 315-square-mile swath of the Phoenix metro.
It's among a slew of recent initiatives that have robots running errands around the area. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It's among a slew of recent initiatives that have robots running errands around the area. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: TSMC is moving to more quickly introduce advanced semiconductor processing technologies at its desert fabs because of strong demand for its chips amid the artificial intelligence boom.
Plus, record-breaking earnings — again. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Plus, record-breaking earnings — again. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
TSMC speeds up plan to expand, upgrade chip manufacturing technology in Arizona
CEO C.C. Wei said the company was working to accelerate production of chips made using its 2-nanometer, or "N2," manufacturing process.
www.azcentral.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
NEW: TSMC is moving to more quickly introduce advanced semiconductor processing technologies at its desert fabs because of strong demand for its chips amid the artificial intelligence boom.
Plus, record-breaking earnings — again. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
Plus, record-breaking earnings — again. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
NEW: ASU has officially opened a long-awaited research, development and prototyping hub for semiconductor technology.
It aims to speed chip production breakthroughs amid a global tech war. But another facility looks dead after a federal clawback. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It aims to speed chip production breakthroughs amid a global tech war. But another facility looks dead after a federal clawback. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
ASU, Applied Materials open research hub. Can it propel chip innovations amid tech war?
The hub is intended to speed chip production breakthroughs amid a global tech war. Meanwhile, another facility looks dead after a federal clawback.
www.azcentral.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:28 PM
NEW: ASU has officially opened a long-awaited research, development and prototyping hub for semiconductor technology.
It aims to speed chip production breakthroughs amid a global tech war. But another facility looks dead after a federal clawback. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...
It aims to speed chip production breakthroughs amid a global tech war. But another facility looks dead after a federal clawback. Read: www.azcentral.com/story/money/...