Stories - AZPM

A construction worker works on installing 30-foot bollard fencing along Arizona's border with Mexico in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, February 2020.

Groups question risk, expense of border wall construction during coronavirus pandemic

Critics say big construction crews are still at work — increasing the risk of spreading the virus and traveling to other states.

Michael Worobey, head of the University of Arizona's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

UA scientist talks coronavirus precautions

AZPM spoke with Dr. Michael Worobey about the new coronavirus and what early precautions Arizonans can take.

Only 20 of the nearly 1,200 sworn officers with the Arizona Department of Safety have body cameras, and they paid for them out of pocket, according to the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budget.

Plan to equip all DPS officers with body cameras has some public advocates skeptical

Some groups want assurances that DPS will use the cameras for the public good, not solely to protect officers.

Cars driving with downtown Phoenix in the background

Phoenix Council votes 5-4 for civilian oversight of police

The vote came after dozens of mostly Hispanic and African American community members spoke for a citizen review board with investigative powers.

Oro Valley Police Cmdr. Chris Olson said Arizona’s recently enacted law banning texting behind the wheel is “a good start” toward safer driving in the state, as distracted driving is a problem that police see all too often.

Despite distracted-driving law, Arizona still ranks low on highway safety

Some officials took issue with the report, which said the state is lacking recommended traffic safety laws.

Last year was Mexico’s most violent; Sonora saw biggest jump in murder

The northern Mexican state stood out with the largest year-to-year increase in registered murder victims.

Phoenix police shootings plunge amid scrutiny, new policies

Fifteen shootings in 2019 is the lowest number the department has seen in a decade.

3 mountain lions killed after feeding on human remains

Authorities said the lions were determined to be a danger because they should no fear of officers.

Not a smooth ride so far for e-scooters in Tucson

The city is searching solutions to the problems scooters bring, while some are calling for an end to the program.

Researchers found changing light timing patterns are the key to efficient traffic flow.

UA team working to make intersections safer in Tucson

A study group is recommending changes to improve safety and efficiency.

Historic bungalows along Broadway Blvd were moved as part of the preparation for widening of the road.

Broadway widening and the Sunshine Mile

The new year brings new construction to Tucson.

At left, an illustration of the path of a pedestrian and an Uber self-driving vehicle, at right, which struck and killed the pedestrian in March, 2018 in Tempe.

Safety agency says distracted driver caused fatal Uber autonomous test vehicle crash

The agency criticized a lack of federal and state regulation for autonomous vehicles.

Tucson Medical Center to give away 600 car seats

A car seat can nearly double a child’s chances of surviving a crash. But most aren’t used properly, if they’re used at all.

Verónica Reyes-Escudero examines photos from the de la Torre family collection at UA Special Collections.

UA Special Collections: Preserving the Stories

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The TUSD's ongoing debate about expanding sex education; Is there any hope left for the 2019 monsoon?; and has Arizona's "stupid motorist law" increased flash flood safety?

Cars drive through Tucson streets flooding with monsoon rains.

'Stupid motorist law' rarely enforced in Tucson area

Flooding on area roads leads to rescues.

Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard speaks at a press conference in this photo published March 28, 2019.

Mexico prepares legal, diplomatic actions after El Paso shooting

At least six Mexican citizens were killed in the shooting over the weekend.

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