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Jeffrey Berk shows off a Colombian quartz crystal to visitors at the 2022 Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase after many people cancelled or postponed their travel plans in 2021 due to coronavirus concerns.

Thousands of people return to Southern Arizona for gem shows

The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase is attracting national and international crowds.
RIders pedal in the 2017 El Tour de Tucson.

El Tour de Tucson Returns

The popular event is Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 after the pandemic forced a cancellation last year.
Sonia Manzano has created her own neighborhood to play and learn in, with the new animated series "Alma's Way".

Sonia Manzano created a neighborhood of her own for "Alma's Way".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson literary pioneers Alva B. Torres and Lydia Otero share stories and friendship; and author Larry Dane Brimner
The short story “A White Heron” was written in 1886 by Sarah Orne Jewett, and adapted for radio by Cynthia Meier in 2021.

The Rogue Theatre presents "A White Heron".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Bisbee Bloomers' annual garden tour returns; and remembering drumming legend Charlie Watts.
"Hope" is an important element to what the Friends of Aphasia offers members who are trying to overcome their communication disorder.

Raising awareness of aphasia, one stone at a time.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The plans to create a Tucson Gastronomy Collective to celebrate the unique flavors of Tucson; and a 5th grader and her family embark on a road trip from Sheboygan to Tucson.
Mecaphesa dubia female, photographed by Jillian Cowles.

Jillian Cowles: A Keen Eye for Spiders!

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.
To-Ree-Nee Wolf in performance.

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

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.
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.

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

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

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.
Agnese Nelms Haury

A Tucson Original: Agnese Haury

Listen to an oral history of Agnese Haury's remarkable life, as told by those who knew and loved her.
Art detail from Jaime Black's "REDress Project", shown at the Tucson Desert Art Museum.

Different perspectives at the Tucson Desert Art Museum.

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.

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

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet the ascending Tucson band Taco Sauce; and the conclusion of "Youth Crossing Gender Borders": understanding the roots of transphobia.
Climate change will mean hotter temperatures and likely longer periods of drought for the Southwest.

Arizona Spotlight for August 27, 2020

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

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.
A participant of the July 4th March for Justice in Tucson

What Americans need to talk about.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet 1A's new host Jenn White; voices from the Tucson March for Justice; and Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford rediscovers a "Magic Window".

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