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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.

Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. August 2021.

Pima County administrator suffered 'serious head injury,' broken ribs in crash

The county said Chuck Huckelberry was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.

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

A view of downtown Tucson from Stone Avenue, March 30.

Downtown Tucson gets boost for TV and film projects

The Rio Nuevo District board said it wants to encourage more major TV and film production downtown.

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.

A patio outside Elliott's on Congress in downtown Tucson that was recently constructed to offer patrons outdoor dining options amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19. June 2021.

Patio extensions pop up at Tucson restaurants

A popular program is providing an economic boost during the Pandemic

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.

Cocopah Indian Tribe Vice-Chairwoman Rosa J. Long getting her second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose in January 2020.

COVID-19 vaccine clinic for Native Americans in downtown Tucson

If registered for the event, members of federally recognized tribes can get a shot at the Tucson Indian Center Saturday.

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.