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The sun sets over Tucson in July 2020, which was the hottest July on record.

Tucson mayor asks community for help guiding climate action plan

A survey open through the end of March invites residents to prioritize actions city can take.
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".

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.
The view of the snowcapped Santa Catalina Mountains at Campbell Avenue and Skyline Drive in Tucson Jan. 25, 2020.

Winter storm could be 'most significant' of the season

Summerhaven sees 14 inches of snow, while an average two-tenths of rain fell on the Tucson Metro area Monday.
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".

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

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!
Since late June 2019, Tucson Water has been recharging treated wastewater into the dry channel of the Santa Cruz River, creating a riparian oasis.

Checking in on the health of the Santa Cruz River

Upgrades to the county’s wastewater treatment continue to improve the vitality of the river and the wildlife it supports.
John Farley, director of fire test operations at the Naval Research Laboratory, tests the effectiveness of aqueous film-forming foam by spraying it on a gasoline fire. The test took place at the laboratory in Chesapeake Beach, Md. Oct. 25, 2019.

State works to clean up chemical pollutants in Tucson water supply

ADEQ is addressing PFAS contamination of Tucson backup groundwater wells.
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.
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".

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.
Downtown Tucson, Oct, 23, 2019.

Daily news roundup: No new coronavirus deaths reported by state, impact of census strong in AZ

Recent coverage impacting Southern Arizona, July 25.
Ryan Parker Knox (left) and Joseph McGrath performing "The Mark on the Wall" by Virginia Woolf in the AZPM radio studio.

Rogue Radio presents Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson Samaritans' 18 year mission continues; and how the border wall endangers the future of the Sonoyta mud turtle.
Life casts can be a powerful tool for self-exploration, says Paul Weir, a key organizer of Tucson's annual All Souls Procession.

Behind the Mask

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A plea on behalf of sacred lands threatened by border wall construction; and a sincere thank you to comic book legend Dennis J. O'Neil.
The Bighorn Fire burns in Pima Canyon on the night of June 10, 2020. Residents in the area were warned to be ready for an evacuation.

Sheriff's department tells some foothills residents to be ready to evacuate due to fire

Catalina Foothills residents were alerted to be aware of the progress of the Bighorn Fire, which has burned more than 3,000 acres.
In his book "At the Center of All Beauty: Solitude and the Creative Life", Fenton Johnson uncovers what role did solitude play in the lives of famous writers, thinkers and artists.

"At the Center of All Beauty": Author Fenton Johnson on the connection between solitude and creativity

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How a DNA test revealed a sensitive family secret; and essays from two young women about the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to their lives.
A Pima County official says fewer people driving amid COVID-19 restrictions appears to be contributing to less pollution in the air.

With fewer cars on the streets, Tucson's air quality is improving

Pandemic restrictions are a factor in the air quality improvements, a county official says.
Cars moving through Tucson.

Want to delay your emissions test in Arizona? Only if you're 65+

ADEQ says they're working to reduce risk during emissions testing, and that clean air helps us all, including those with COVID-19.

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