Stories - AZPM

The Art of Paying Attention: Alligators

Author and wildlife illustrator Beth Surdut shares her adventures paddling with the Myakka River's most famous inhabitants.

A Celebration of "Dia de los Muertos"...from the Afterlife

Also on Arizona Spotlight: An investigation into the success of BASIS Schools concludes; and a personal essay about what hurricanes can leave behind.

BASIS started with a small school in Tucson and grew into an international network of charters and private schools.

Public Schools Inc.: From Small Tucson Charter to International Network

Part II of an investigation looking at the successful expansion of Tucson's BASIS schools into private and international operations.

Public Schools Inc.: When Public Education Turns Into Big Business

Part I of an investigation into how Tucson's BASIS schools grew from a small charter into an international network.

How the Holocaust History Center Shines a Light on Justice for Global LGBTQ Community

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Basics of BASIS: How BASIS Transformed from One Tucson School to an International Brand

Leta and Jerry Bice found out about the state's volunteer program after moving to Arizona in 2016.

The Vital Role of Volunteers: One Couple's Perspective

"Work doesn't bother us."

Documentary Follows Andy Warhol Sculpture from Family Living Room to $3 Million Dollar Auction

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Why many Arizona missing persons cases may be getting a new look; Meet the woman behind the voice of Tucson's transit system; Two volunteers who help keep Arizona's parks & trails in shape.

HoHum, the Great Horned Owl as a fledgling.

The Art of Paying Attention: HoHum, The Great Horned Owl

How the odd tastes of this urban owl sent author & wildlife illustrator Beth Surdut hunting for answers.

The Rogue Theatre Pulls Back the Curtain on Racism with New Play

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Adiba Nelson & "the deep and heavy knapsack" of interracial dating; an owl with unusual taste sends Beth Surdut hunting for answers; and an Arizona Vietnam vet shares his story.

Houston Wildlife After the Flood

Also on Arizona Spotlight: DACA Phase Out Could Affect 28,000 Arizonans; "The Rainbow 17" Seek Asylum in the US; and Arizona veteran Keith Connolly shares his Vietnam experience...

Joseling, left, and Estefany stand in front of the border fence, before walking to the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, on August 10, 2017.

Displaced LGBT People from Central America, Mexico Head North for Survival

17 migrants seek asylum in U.S.

A fire tower burned by the Frye Fire in 2017.

Looking Back on Fire Season in Arizona, and Places Touched by the Flames

Wildfire activity rose statewide, and Southern Arizona was home to some of the state's largest fires.

Petroglyphs at Cocoraque Butte in the Ironwood Forest National Monument.

The Future of a Link to the Past

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Local hip hop dance team scores at national contest; Pink Martini brings swanky sounds to Tucson; "Love Letters to the Library" returns; and a profile of an Arizonan who fought in the Vietnam War.

A Harris's Hawk perches on a saguaro cactus in Ironwood Forest National Monument, with Ragged Top Peak in the distance.

Exploring Ironwood Forest, Its Future Unclear

Visiting the national monument to understand the debate, and what's at stake.

"When We Are in Our Addiction, We Are Not Living."

Arizona Spotlight devotes an episode to understanding addiction, including two stories of recovery from destructive eating habits..

Haruo Nakajima played the part of Godzilla - and many other Toho studios monsters - for more than 20 years.

Farewell to The King of the Monsters

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Opioid addicts struggle to get their recovery covered; astronomical events in the works of William Shakespeare; and a folktale from India in "The Drum & The Story".

More Arizona Spotlight Stories