Arizona Spotlight for August 1st, 2019

Featured on the August 1st, 2019 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:

• In 1979, unsafe conditions at American Atomics, a Tucson factory that handled the isotope tritium, led to radioactive contamination of the surrounding neighborhood. Award-winning environmental reporter Jane Kay was then a recent hire at the Arizona Daily Star. She received an anonymous tip that led to the factory being closed and the tritium being removed. Mark talks with Jane Kay about how a newspaper, concerned citizens, anti-nuclear activists and state government worked together to end a threat to public health.

On Saturday, August 3rd 2019, the Tucson community is invited to "Tucson’s Anti-Nuke Success: 40 Years Ago This Summer, The American Atomics Story". It is a free event, featuring a Q&A with some of the people who were involved, followed by a “No Nukes” singalong led by original 1979 protester Ted Warmbrand. It starts at 2 pm at The Himmel Park Library, located at 1035 North Treat Avenue. More information is at 520-623-1688.

VIEW LARGER The Arizona Daily Star headline for page 17 on Wednesday, June 6, 1979. Article by Jane Kay.

courtesy Arizona Daily Star

VIEW LARGER The Arizona Daily Star page 1 headline on Wednesday, June 13, 1979. Article by Jane Kay.

courtesy Arizona Daily Star

• In the days when railroads dominated the American Southwest, Harvey Houses were trusted places where travelers could find a meal, and a chance to recoup before boarding the next train. The predominately female staff of “Harvey Girls”, who followed a strict code of conduct, became an American archetype. Mark talks to author & historian Rosa Walston Latimer about her book Harvey Houses of Arizona: Historic Hospitality from Winslow to the Grand Canyon, published by Arcadia / History Press.

• And, in response to political division, the goal of the new StoryCorps initiative "One Small Step" is bringing people together to share how their personal experience shapes their views on social issues. Listen to married couple Michael and Hilary reflect on bridging their own political differences, while trying to be good role models for their six children. And, if you would like to participate in "One Small Step", complete the survey and get involved.