Stories - AZPM

Nearly half the inmates at Tucson prison test positive for COVID-19

517 inmates have been infected at ASPC-Tucson Whetstone facility

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.

Tucson Police Department Chief Chris Magnus, at a June 24, 2020 media briefing.

Tucson man dies in police custody

The man was unresponsive when police found him and did not respond to efforts to resuscitate him.

Consumer watchdog groups are scrambling to keep up with the number of new scams that pop up every day related to COVID-19, from fake cures to sham financial opportunities. The intense focus on the disease, a lack of checks and the speed and anonymity of the internet have combined to help fraud explode, they say.

Tucson moves ahead with public Wi-Fi

Access points funded by pandemic relief funds will serve neighborhoods without broadband.

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.

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

Recent coverage impacting Southern Arizona, July 25.

Tucson City Council member Steve Kozachik outside City Hall.

Tucson Councilman Kozachik on budget vote, police reform

Kozachik discussed how the police department currently integrates social services in its operations.

Tucson City Council member Lane Santa Cruz during a Zoom interview with Arizona 360 host Lorraine Rivera on July 22, 2020.

Tucson Councilwoman Santa Cruz on budget vote, police reform

Santa Cruz was the sole objector when the City Council voted to pass the budget.

Tumamoc Hill may close if more of its visitors don't wear masks, the university said.

Tumamoc Hill may close if more walkers don't wear masks

At least 60% of people exercising need to cover their faces if the popular walking spot is to stay open.

Steve Roach in his adopted home, the desert.

Composer Steve Roach believes "The music is the medicine".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How the podcast "Epilogue" tells the story of one woman's suicide, and the family she left behind; plus a very short story about love adrift at sea by Aurelie Sheehan.

Screenshot of Tucson Mayor and City Council July 21, 2020 as they approved the 2020/2021 city budget.

Tucson mayor and City Council approve city budget, leaving police funding nearly flat

During the public hearing the majority of the speakers asked the council to defund the police and use the money for social services.

A sign outside of the Tucson Convention Center.

Tucson OKs convention center as possible COVID-19 field hospital

The City Council approved a standby plan for up to 250 coronavirus patients if hospitals run out of room.

How the arts survive challenging times.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet the new director of the Arts Foundation for Tucson & Southern Arizona; how the mother & son collaboration "Stories from Home: Covid-19 Addendum" came to be; and fostering creativity in a virtual space.