VIEW LARGER "Gulf of California Rocky Reef" art by Alán Ruiz Berman. Alán Ruiz Berman
Cover image: The vaquita is a critically endangered porpoise that lives in the northern part of the Sea of Cortez. It is considered the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Credit: Paula Olson, NOAA.
July 17, 2025
Featured on the July 17th, 2025 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:
- Meet some of the cast and crew from Spotlight Community Theater. It’s a place where people of all ages can learn about the performing arts, with no experience required. The group is presenting a new murder mystery called “How I Would Have Done It!” from July 24th to the 26th.
(left to right) Chris Abeyta, Christopher Abeyta, Rich Whitsell, and Ruby in the AZPM Radio Studio. They are all a part of the cast of "How I Would Have Done It!".
AZPM / Zoe Juliano
VIEW LARGER The Puppet character from "How I Would Have Done It!". courtesy of Chris Abeyta
The Abeytas and members of the company of "How I Would Have Done It!".
courtesy of Chris Abeyta
- There’s something very powerful about a single voice sharing a true story. It gives a chance for the storyteller to let their personality shine, and forge new connections with anyone who takes the time to listen. In support of this important community tradition, Arizona Spotlight features a different storyteller on the third Thursday of every month. Our storyteller for this month is Alán Ruiz Berman. He is an artist, scientist and fan of the outdoors, who encourages everyone to pay more attention to their surrounding environment.
Alán Ruiz Berman, this month's storyteller, in the AZPM Radio Studio.
AZPM / Tony Paniagua
A mural Alán designed to inspire local conservation efforts, funded by the Puntacana Ecological Foundation and painted with local youth in the fishing hamlet of Punta Rucia in the northern Dominican Republic.
courtesy of Alán Ruiz Berman
VIEW LARGER Alán doing work in the field. Alán Ruiz Berman
- And, following a tragic illness that resulted in multiple amputations, find out how a local middle-school teacher and mother of two rebuilt her life. With support from her family, co-workers and students, she is now returning to doing the things she loves.
Video story to be posted on Friday.
Lisa Scott teaches middle school science at Esmond Station K-8 in the Vail School District.
Arizona Illustrated
Lisa Scott teaches middle school science at Esmond Station K-8 in the Vail School District.
Arizona Illustrated
Arizona Spotlight airs every Thursday at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm and every Friday at 8:00 pm on NPR 89.1 FM / 1550 AM. You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, or the NPR App. See more from Arizona Spotlight.
Webpage by Zoe Juliano.
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