Arizona Spotlight

The sand spider, Homalonychus selenopoides, takes a dust bath after each molt.

Jillian Cowles: A Keen Eye for Spiders!

Jun 16, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Tucson Juneteenth Festival returns with renewed energy; and the current Tucson Museum of Art exhibition "4 x 4" celebrates Alejandro Macias.

Chella Man, "Loving You", photo #3 of 3.

The Continuum of Chella Man

Jun 9, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: the current Tucson Museum of Art exhibition "4 x 4" celebrates Nasfarian Lotfi; and "Archive Tucson" shares the story of a family who resettled in Tucson in 1948.

From the "Good Food Finder" webpage: "Good food is all about taste and freshness.
But choosing local means more than delicious and more nutritious food! Local food builds vibrant communities, supports farmers and food entrepreneurs, protects the environment, and fosters a robust local economy."

"Good Food Finder" wants to build roots between growers and consumers.

Jun 2, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit a place in the desert with more than a century of aviation history; current Tucson Museum of Art exhibition "4 x 4" celebrates Willie J. Bonner; more entries by 5th graders from The NPR Student Podcast Challenge.

Jing Xia and Bin Hu perform together as Duo Chinoiserie.

Duo Chinoiserie and the best of many musical worlds.

May 26, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The largely forgotten history of Tucson's first city zoo; and a reading from "Grow: A Novel in Verse" about friendship between a woman and a girl.

Susan Miner in a photo illustrating an average day of virtual connections and distractions. Miner advises using your remote control in a new way - a self-help tool, being as selective with your media as you are with your food.

Susan Miner on finding acceptance and growth in times of difficult transition.

May 20, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The NPR Student Podcast Challenge continues; and "Stories That Soar!" celebrates the boundless creativity of youth during a difficult year.

The NPR Student Podcast Challenge searches for the voices of tomorrow.

May 19, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Brenna Wynn Greer follows the history of Black image makers in her book "Represented"; and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks reflects on her novel of life during the bubonic plague, called "Year of Wonders".

A still from "Tebanasu", directed by Atreyu Hasenstab, part of "I Dream in Widescreen 2021".

Exploring new horizons with "I Dream in Widescreen 2021".

May 6, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet two Tucsonans who took unconventional journeys to find healing; and The NPR Podcast Challenge seeks the voices of tomorrow.

Sama Alshaibi at Artpace in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by her project "The Cessation".

The vision of Sama Alshaibi.

May 4, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Two American Muslim teens share the practice and meaning of Ramadan; and a mother and son talk about applying positive autism strategies during the pandemic.

Border wall fencing with concertina wire attached in Douglas, Ariz. January 2021.

Understanding walls: "The barrier that we create in our hearts must be broken to heal and grow".

Apr 24, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Remembering the first space shuttle launch, 40 years ago; the uncertain state of the film industry reflected at the 93rd annual Academy Awards; and the tale of a very silly man.

Painting on Shadows - The music of To-Ree-Nee Wolf.

Apr 15, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Find out what one local community wants to say with the podcast “Autism Talks”; and celebrating the legendary history of the Rialto Theatre through the lens of one of its most ardent admirers, C. Elliot.

"Strength Together" by Sam (detail), part of "Mapping Q" presented by the University of Arizona Museum of Art.

"Mapping Q" and the art of identity.

Mar 27, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Asian community in Southern Arizona stands together; and parents of color discuss the need to prepare their kids for something that could mean the difference between life and death.

"The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy" - Are there universal laws of biology?

Mar 18, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The City of Tucson changes policy on recycling glass; taking a nature hike along Cienega Creek; and a reminder of the positive difference you can make in your own backyard.

Bruce McGrew (photo from Joy Fox Mcgrew archive)

"Bend in the Wash: The Rancho Linda Vista Artist Community"

Mar 10, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Searching for gamma-rays with a telescope array in the Santa Rita Mountains, and film essayist Chris Dashiell on the masterpiece “La Jetée”.

Superb Minerals imports its items from India and leases a 12,000 square foot warehouse in Tucson where they can be stored and sold. The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase, a vital annual event, was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic.

How gem & mineral dealers are coping with the pandemic's impact.

Mar 4, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: How "Blax Friday" is building community to help black-owned businesses thrive; Adiba Nelson versus her 11-year-old's "tween 'tude"; and a song from John Coinman.

JaVonte' Marquez dancing in a scene from "Retrograde Lemonade".

"Retrograde Lemonade": Move like no one is judging.

Feb 24, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Playwright Elaine Romero is recognized for her body of work; and how the murder mystery podcast "Tucson Heat" came to be.

Rosa Parks is most famous for her peaceful protest on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on December 1st, 1955. This staged photo was taken later.

"Who Framed Rosa Parks?" - Brenna Wynn Greer on the history of Black imagemakers.

Feb 18, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Geraldine Brooks reflects on her novel "Year of Wonders"; and a tale of love and loss written by a 6th grade student.

Arizona Spotlight - Episodes