Arizona Spotlight

Author Marilyn Heins, as depicted in by artists Dave Fitzsimmons in her book "A Traveler's Guide to Geriatrica".

"A Traveler’s Guide to Geriatrica: A Journey into the Changing Land of Aging”

Dec 3, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Why Tucson's "Dancing Man" does what he does; Chris Dashiell looks at three standout selections from the virtual Tucson Cine Mexico Film Festival; and the unlikely return of the drive-in theatre.

The search for lost loved ones is continuous in and around Brooks County, Texas. Omar Roman-Gonzalez and Michelle Chinos put up flyers in the search for Omar's brother Homero Roman, who had already been missing for two years when the film begins.

"Missing in Brooks County" captures perseverance and tragedy from the U.S. / Mexico border.

Nov 25, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Live Theater Worksop's outdoor drive-in stage experience "Having Our Say"; and some intricate acoustic swing from The Django Shredders.

A voter turns in his ballot at a polling site set up at Tucson's Temple Emanu-El on the day of Arizona's primary election, Aug. 4, 2020.

Overcoming Post-Election Partisan Hostility

Nov 19, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The VOTE Program uses conversation to defuse political conflict, and a pair of personal reflections on Election 2020 from Adiba Nelson and Fenton Johnson.

Voices On The Economy (VOTE)

Nov 18, 2020 A new approach to economics education takes on partisan hostility

The TusCon Science Fiction Convention was begun in Tucson in 1974, long before the internet made communication between fans of fantastic fiction possible.

The TusCon Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention goes virtual.

Nov 4, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Stories That Soar!" brings a 2nd grade writer's story to life; and author Benjamin Lorr talks about his book "The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket".

Art detail from Jaime Black's "REDress Project", shown at the Tucson Desert Art Museum.

Different perspectives at the Tucson Desert Art Museum.

Oct 4, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: An essay about mortality in the time of COVID-19; and a dash of audio madness from the youth of the Scamp Radio (1/2) Hour.

Alicia, Ember and Anya were all recognized for their creativity and skill in a middle school division of the poetry contest, co-sponsored by the University of Arizona Poetry Center, The Pima County Public Library and Arizona Public Media. The theme was "What do you want the world to know about how you feel?".

"My voice pouring from me with all the soul a rainstorm has..." Teen poets are ready to change the world.

Sep 23, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Susan Miner on creating "Peace Inside, Beauty Outside"; and some happy chaos from The Scamp Radio (1/2) Hour.

Robert Taylor as novelist Craig Johnson's hero Sheriff Walt Longmire in the television series "Longmire".

Author Craig Johnson talks about Sheriff Walt Longmire's "Next to Last Stand".

Sep 16, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Real talk about living with autism, from some folks in our community who have first-hand experience.

Finn, Avery and Wade were all recognized for their creativity and skill in a middle school division of the poetry contest, co-sponsored by the University of Arizona Poetry Center, The Pima County Public Library and Arizona Public Media. The theme was "What do you want the world to know about how you feel?".

"What I want the world to know about how I feel..." - young Tucson poets speak out.

Sep 9, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet the ascending Tucson band Taco Sauce; and the conclusion of "Youth Crossing Gender Borders": understanding the roots of transphobia.

Vivienne, Stella and Liam were all recognized for their creativity and skill in a K-5 division poetry contest, co-sponsored by the University of Arizona Poetry Center, The Pima County Public Library and Arizona Public Media. The theme was "What do you want the world to know about how you feel?".

Young Tucson poets share their feelings about life in the year 2020.

Sep 2, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The lifelong connection between a UA educator and the American Western; and part 4 of Youth Crossing Gender Borders: “Riding the Ambiguity Train”.

Climate change will mean hotter temperatures and likely longer periods of drought for the Southwest.

Arizona Spotlight for August 27, 2020

Aug 27, 2020 How a Tucson middle school is approaching the new school year; a remembrance of community builder André Newman; and “Trans-Generational Advice”.

The search for the cause of Alzheimer's has so far come up dry. Some researchers are now asking if germs play a role.

Living with Alzheimer's, during a pandemic.

Aug 18, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: How a Tucson artist's meticulous style brings solace; and Part 2 of Youth Crossing Gender Borders, "Changing Expectations".

Mattea, Brian Lopez and Los Esplifs represented Arizona is "Arts Across America", an online showcase by the Kennedy Center.

Voices for change represent Arizona in "Arts Across America"

Aug 12, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Black in America - A Lived Experience" by Adiba Nelson; and Youth Crossing Gender Borders, Episode 1: Parents Taking Pride.

Christopher Johnson as Armand and Carley Elizabeth Preston as Désirée in "Désirée's Baby", based on the short story by Kate Chopin.

Rogue Radio presents Kate Chopin's “Désirée's Baby”

Aug 4, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: "I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN" 2020 has NOT been cancelled; and a look back at Tucson's drive-in history from Chris Dashiell.

In 1856, William Henry Perkin, an 18-year old chemistry student at the time, was trying to synthesize malaria drug, when accidentally developed a purple dye. This dye is believed to be one of the first steps of chemistry taking over the world.

What living in a world made from chemicals means for "The Sensitives".

Jul 29, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Jes Baker on making self-love a part of the pandemic; and a Summer 2020 insect update from "The King of Sting", Justin O. Schmidt.

Steve Roach in his adopted home, the desert.

Composer Steve Roach believes "The music is the medicine".

Jul 22, 2020 Also on Arizona Spotlight: How the podcast "Epilogue" tells the story of one woman's suicide, and the family she left behind; plus a very short story about love adrift at sea by Aurelie Sheehan.

Arizona Spotlight - Episodes