Arizona Spotlight

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 the legendary history of the Rialto Theatre, as seen through the lens of 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.

The cast of "Gloria: A Life" at Invisible Theatre in Tucson.

"Gloria: A Life" celebrates Gloria Steinem and a sisterhood of hope.

Feb 11, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: musician and activist Reymon Murphy shares his soul with Tucson; and Chris Dashiell recommends standout shorts from the "What's Up Docs?" online film festival.

Jelani Cobb: "Whose Vote Counts?"

Feb 5, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Chris Dashiell recommends standout shorts from the "What's Up Docs?" online film festival; and the uncertain future of the Chiricahua Leopard Frog.

Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

Lauren Redniss on "Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West".

Jan 27, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The hidden history of Tucson's Barnum Hill; living with dementia during the pandemic; and a short story read by Aurelie Sheehan.

Composed of images taken by the Galileo spacecraft in 1995 and 1998, this reprocessed image of the icy Jovian moon Europa shows cracks, ridges, “microchaos,” and more. We now believe that Europa, like several other moons in the solar system, is an ocean world. Due to heat caused by Jupiter’s gravitational push-and-pull, there is liquid salt water beneath the ice, water that may contain life.

"Beyond Earth's Edge: The Poetry of Spaceflight".

Jan 22, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: "DUSTWUN", a film about life, death and trust on the U.S. / Mexico Border.

Too often, extra screen time before sleeping is incompatible with quality rest. "See Me Serene" is designed to be used as a relaxation tool.

Measuring Loneliness

Jan 15, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: "See Me Serene" can add free positivity to your phone; The Cooper Center expands both online and in the desert; plus a song from Stories That Soar!

Arizona Spotlight - Episodes