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

TPD Chief Chris Magnus to be nominated to lead Customs and Border Protection

Magnus is a known critic of former President Trump's border policies
"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.

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.
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.
Squaw Peak Drive street sign in Phoenix

Phoenix to dismantle Squaw Peak, Robert E. Lee street signs

Historically, “Squaw” is a slur used to describe Native American women
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.

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.

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

Jelani Cobb: "Whose Vote Counts?"

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.
A Tucson Police car on patrol.

Local officials discuss changes to prosecution, police funding

A new county sheriff and attorney bring different perspectives to criminal justice as criticism of police funding continues.
A voter turns in his ballot at a polling site set up at Tucson's Temple Emanu-El on the day of Arizona's primary election, Aug. 4, 2020.

Overcoming Post-Election Partisan Hostility

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The VOTE Program uses conversation to defuse political conflict, and a pair of personal reflections on Election 2020 from Adiba Nelson and Fenton Johnson.
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.
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”.
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.
During the "March for Justice" in Tucson on July 4, 2020, protesters were chanted the names of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, Black Americans who were killed by police officers.

Calls for police accountability continue as details of past cases emerge

Many community members are asking more questions as instances of police misconduct are revealed.
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".
Protesters stand in front of a Tucson Police Department precinct in downtown Tucson on June 25, 2020.

Discussions around the call to 'defund the police'

The death of a man in TPD custody amid nationwide protests over racially based police violence has led to more conversations about what policing should look like.
A Black Lives Matter mural painted by Robbie Lee Harris June 2020 at Tucson's Rialto Theatre.

You may know how you feel about a social issue, but have you asked yourself why?

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A Tucson nurse on being a coronavirus survivor; the stage lights are back on at Invisible Theatre; and a look back at the cinematic paradox of "La Jetée".

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