Stories - AZPM

1,100 backpacks represent the number of college students who died by suicide in 2018. This event was designed to raise awareness about mental health and encourage suicide prevention.

Can 1,000 Empty Backpacks Save Lives?

Also: How Pima County could pay for newly opened migrant shelters; Bridging cultural divides with the Persian language; Tucson author Janni Lee Simner reads from her new book.

Former Tucson City Council Member Roy Laos at his family's store, Roy's Corner Market

Former Tucson City Councilman Roy Laos Dies at 65

The Tucson native served from 1977-1988

Democratic candidates for mayor of Tucson Randi Dorman, Steve Farley and Regina Romero, from the candidates' Facebook pages.

Democrats Running for Mayor of Tucson Kick Off Campaigns

Three longtime Tucsonans laid out their experience and connection to the city as part of the race to replace outgoing Mayor Rothschild.

Guatemalan father with his 5 year old daughter. It took father and daughter almost two weeks to get to the Arizona border. They are asylum seekers staying at a temporary shelter opened by the City of Tucson to relieve the overflow of migrants at Tucson shelters. (April 18, 2019)

The City of Tucson Offers Hope to Migrants in Need

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Go backstage at Tucson High Magnet School to preview "Our Border Town"; Tucson poet laureate TC Tolbert receives grant from the Academy of American Poets; And, what would you do with the blessing of extra time to be alive?

Gabriel Schirn is majoring in chemical engineering and piano performance but has several other interests.

Living Each Day to the Fullest After 'Miraculous' Recovery From Bike Crash

A University of Arizona student relishes each day, trying out different activities.

AZPM is partnering with StoryCorps for One Small Step to record conversations between strangers who hold different political beliefs.

Finding Common Ground with "One Small Step"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Free speech debate on campus; "I Dream in Widescreen Returns"; and thoughts on kindness from the Mission Garden.

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, in Tucson.

VA Aims to Provide One-Stop Shop for Homeless Veterans

The program at the local VA is designed to connect vets with services.

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild speaks to the media about efforts to re-engage students who leave school, April 12, 2019.

Tucson On the Right Track to Reduce Dropout Rate, Report Says

More needs to be done, but the current plan is gaining traction.

The intersection of Ina Road and Interstate 10 seen in a photo posted on the Arizona Department of Transportation Facebook page, March 14, 2019.

Ramps Opening at Ina and I-10

After a two-year closure, commuters will be able to merge onto I-10 from Ina Road.

Amanda Gremel sings and performs as Patsy Cline in Live Theatre Workshop's production of "Always... Patsy Cline".

How Sisterhood Helped Make a Superstar in "Always... Patsy Cline"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A mental health clinic that is gaining popularity through results; and chanteuse Jessica Fichot on finding ways to thrive as an independent musician.

A "Fire Traffic Only" sign during the 2017 Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains.

Fire Danger Warnings Cover Much of Southern Half of Arizona

Tucson and Phoenix are included in the "red flag" warning areas.

Statistics show most addicted smokers begin their habit before turning 21 years of age.

Increasing the Smoking Age Has Wide Support in Pima County

A new poll shows residents approve of raising the age to buy tobacco.

The Buzz staff rides the April 2019 Cyclovia route with Kylie Walzak of the Living Streets Alliance. April 2019

Making Tucson's Streets Safer for Everyone

A preview of Cyclovia this weekend and the city of Tucson's recently approved "complete streets" plan.

Heather Hardy's violin, which was crafted in 1799.

Spotlight Session: Heather Hardy & Alvin Blaine

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Community healthcare in action in Pima County; and animator Ron Campbell on more than 50 years of making people smile with cartoons.

The 145-acre Kino Sports Complex expansion looking southwest from I-10, April 2, 2019

Kino Sports Complex Expansion Draws National, International Attention

The facility is still under construction, but is already booking space for January.

Happy kids receive cheers at the finish line of the annual autism walk, hosted by The Autism Society of Southern Arizona.

Untold Stories of Autism

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Adiba Nelson points out a conversation more parents should have with their kids; and Vanessa Bell Calloway brings "Letters from Zora" to The Invisible Theatre.

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