Valley 101

With Phoenix already experiencing temperatures over 110, many of us are wondering "when will the monsoons start?" Officially, monsoon season kicks off June 15. But most of us want to know when the rains will come. That depends on how hot it gets. While we might be suffering under a heat dome, the high temps are drawing up moisture from south of the border. And that's what we need if we're going to see rain. The podcast team sits down with state climatologist Erinanne Saffel to find out how, where, and when monsoon rains will come to Arizona. Are you a fan of Valley 101? Support our work by subscribing to azcentral.com. Also, if you have a question for the team about the Valley, send it to us at valley101.azcentral.com. Your question just might be the subject our next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most recognizable writing styles in Arizona history came from Clay Thompson. The Iowa transplant captured the hearts of readers with his Valley 101 column in the Arizona Republic for almost 20 years. Punctuated by the iconic Rodin statue, "The Thinker," Thompson wrote thousands of quippy columns and answered questions from readers about everything from cactuses to hiccups. Thompson's writing style was recognizable and even bordered on snarky, calling his bosses "masters" and referring to readers as "you people." About a year after he passed, this podcast was born to carry on the great work that he created. It was formed to help newcomers and natives alike better understand what makes Arizona so unique. Similarly to podcasting, Thompson had a way to speak directly to an audience. As Valley 101 rounds closer to its 300th episode, Julia Wallace, Ed Montini and Arizona Republic reporter Richard Ruelas reflect on what made Thompson special and highlight the service he did for Arizona journalism. In this episode you can hear readings from "Great Big Book of Life," "Occupy Gooberville" and "Try Not to Worry About It," collections of his columns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Memorial Day! The podcast team is enjoying the holiday weekend. So we want to reshare one of our most popular episodes to kick off the summer: five of the best places to beat the heat in the Valley. hosts Kaely Monahan and Amanda Luberto hash out their top picks for spots to beat the heat. Plus they explore pools of the past and the new water attractions coming to Phoenix. Let us know if you visit any of these spots, found new ones, or miss some old ones! Submit your stories and Arizona questions to valley101.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildfire season historically starts just before monsoon season. However, the period during which a wildfire can occur is now widening and bringing with it more severe blazes near the Valley. In Arizona, wildfires were once expected from late April into the monsoon season. Now fires can start from late February or early March into September. Climate change is linked to higher-severity fires, and insurance shouldn't be your only protection. Having a safety plan, fortifying your home, and making small but meaningful changes can mean the difference between a house surviving a blaze or burning down. In this episode of Valley 101, producers Kaely Monahan and Katrina Michalak, explore the ways Arizonans can prepare for wildfires and help fight the bigger challenge of climate change – while debunking some misconceptions about wildfires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 5 C's are something all Arizona children learn at one point or another. Cotton, citrus, cattle, copper, and climate have long been advertised as positive reasons to come to Arizona. Each of these "C's" represents an important aspect of Arizona's economy. Or at least they did. Perhaps more important than the 5 C's themselves is the cultural role they play. Even now, students in classrooms across the state are learning about the 5 C's. In this episode of Valley 101, we ask you what the 5 C's mean to you. Perhaps you have a memory of orange orchards in bloom or driving by miles of cotton fields. Producer Kaely Monahan sits down with climate reporter Joan Meiners to discuss a large project our environment team is working on. And we want to include you. Share your Arizona 5 C's memories with us in this survey. Listen to our previous episodes on the 5 C's here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not often you see a "bee delay" at a baseball game. But that's exactly what happened at the Arizona Diamondbacks-LA Dodgers game on April 30. A swarm of honeybees decided to make camp on the netting behind home plate at Chase Field. It became a hero moment for beekeeper Matt Hilton. He even has his own baseball card now. But Arizona's native bees would never swarm like those honeybees. In fact, Arizona doesn't have any bee species that build a hive or make honey. And that's because the Western Honeybee, also called the European Honeybee, is an invasive species. Worldwide, there are around 20,000 described bee species. Across the U.S. there are roughly 4,000 known species. And Arizona, more specifically the Sonoran desert, is home to at least 15% of bee species. "Pretty much anytime you try to do a survey anywhere in Arizona, you find new species all the time compared to any other sampled region on the planet," said Tanner Bland, the Tucson Bee Collaborative program coordinator. "Currently the Sonoran desert seems to be the most biodiverse (bee) region on the planet." The majority of Arizona's bees are solitary individuals that don't build hives. And they sometimes come in brilliant colors including reds, purples, greens and blues. Hear all the bee facts in this episode of Valley 101. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With summer around the corner for Arizona residents, the opportunity presents itself to spend more time at amusement parks and on thrilling rides. However, the theme park scene in the metro Phoenix is scarce — and there are only 10 operating roller coasters across the entire state. With a growing population in the Valley and potential space, why doesn't Arizona boast its own version of a Disneyland? This week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, pays a visit to both the past and the future to explain the different variables that factor into developing a theme park in the Valley, and how challenges inhibit Arizona's creation of a Disneyland-esque park all its own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Earth Day from Valley 101. Today we're resharing our episode on recycling in the Valley. You might have noticed that not every city recycles equally. Different cities within the Valley have different rules. Why is that? Why is there not an across-the-board set of items you can and can't recycle? In this episode of Valley 101, Amanda Luberto breaks down the reasons why where you live affects how and what you can recycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Cine Capri theater opened in the mid-1960s, going to the movies was a glamorous event. It was for families, but it was also for lavish decor and a deserved night out. Before the multiplex, one movie a night would be on display. It was a high time for films. And here in Phoenix, George M. Aurelius wanted to expand his theater business as that type of theater was going out of style. They were ready to design a state-of-the-art facility that would blend in well in Uptown Phoenix and also adapt to the changing film distribution style happening at the time. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we draw back the curtains on the history of the Cine Capri theater, how it adapted in the 2000s and its current status as home to the Phoenix Film Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While exciting, one should never look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse. Instead, make sure you pick up some approved solar eclipse glasses. In recent years, there has been a rise in counterfeit eclipse glasses being sold. So how do you know if the ones you have are real? In this episode of Valley 101, producer Kaely Monahan sits down with the Republic's Ultimate Arizona reporter, Tiffany Acosta to chat eclipse safety, viewing spots, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Fools' Day embodies the spirit of pranks, so in honor of the holiday, Valley 101 explored how a prank orchestrated by Arizona State University students went viral in 2015. Four ASU students spearheaded the effort to prank the University of Arizona during the football season. It was the fall of 2015, and the Territorial Cup – the rivalry game between the two colleges – was approaching. Ben Kaufman, a senior at the time, was leading the charge and wanted to do something more creative than the usual rival banter. The students decided to take a page out of history and fool Wildcats over a land purchase. This week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, revisits the prank between the two rival colleges that went viral and how its elaborate scheme fooled students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sedona Miller was a well-to-do woman from Gorin, Missouri. She married Theodore Carlton Schnebly, or T.C. as he was commonly called, on Feb. 20, 1897. They moved to what would later be named Sedona in 1899. At the time there were only a few families homesteading in the red rocks region. The story goes that T.C., who was the first postmaster of the area, applied to have it named either Oak Creek Crossing or Schnebly Station. But the names were rejected by the postmaster general for being too long. The brother of T.C., Dorsey Ellsworth, suggested the community be named Sedona, after the beloved woman who made an impression on the surrounding families. She was an active member in the area, fulfilling multiple roles despite the family's hardships. This week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, explores the traits Sedona possessed and why her family was in and out of Arizona – and the magnetic pull they had to return to the scenic region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When she started teaching in the late 1920s, teachers were only allowed to educate in English, even though her students were predominately Spanish-speaking. This was enforced so heavily that students and teachers would be reprimanded for speaking in their native language. Students were expected to learn English on their own time and teachers were expected to encourage Anglo culture in the classroom. Maria Luisa Legarra Urquides of Tucson decided to change that. As the first person in her family to get a college degree, Maria Urquides valued education above most things. Early in her career in the Tucson Unified School District, she noticed her students were not only losing the ability to speak their native language, but they were losing their connection with their culture. She defied the laws at the time to bridge the gap with her students at the segregated Davis Elementary School, where she taught for the first 20 years of her career. In 1948, she was switched to the mainly Anglo Sam Hughes Elementary School, where Urquides saw the difference in education within the same city. And in 1955, she was tapped for a new adventure at Pueblo High School by then-Principal Albert Brooks. Urquides, along with a select few others, were to start an innovative bilingual education system because of their passion for cultural and linguistic pride amongst Mexican-American students. This week on Arizona HERstory, a Women's History Month series by the Arizona Republic podcast Valley 101, we explore the life and impact of Maria Urquides. From a small girl selling tortillas in the barrio in Tucson to sitting on committees for multiple U.S. presidents, Urquides is seen as the "mother of bilingual education." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interest in women’s sports, particularly at the college level, is skyrocketing. According to Nielsen, which collects audience numbers across different media, the 2023 NCAA women's final drew nearly 10 million viewers – up 103% from the previous year. But this is a recent development. The story of women's sports is long and hard-fought. And one of its champions is a woman who took no guff from anyone. In this second episode of Arizona HERstory, Season 2, Valley 101 explores the life of Ina Gittings − the "grandmother" of women's collegiate sports in Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year's annual HERstory series kicks off with Annie Watkins, an impactful historical figure for Flagstaff's African American community who shaped local politics and education. She also helped found the Flagstaff chapter of the NAACP and helped integrate local institutions in the 1950s. This week's episode of Valley101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, shines a light on Annie Watkins and the role she played in Flagstaff politics and education — and how influential women like herself have been outcast in Arizona's history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like much of the country, Arizona had revolutionary Black activists fighting for their community during the 1950s and 1960s. It may seem like a small scale compared to more famous names like Martin Luther King Jr or Malcolm X. But like how voting in a local election impacts your day to day more than voting for President, the civil rights leaders of Phoenix and its surrounding cities changed the way Arizona is shaped today. One such revolutionary, Dr. Lincoln Ragsdale Sr., was on the forefront of desegregation in the city, but his time fighting for racial freedoms went far beyond schools. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we share the legacy of Dr. Lincoln Ragsdale Sr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buried in Arizona's time capsule lies a story that continues to be dug up over time: the tale of the infamous "Trunk Murderess," or Winnie Ruth Judd, a woman accused of double murder who escaped a state hospital several times and told different accounts of the story through the years. There's been speculation over the years about whether Judd committed these violent acts by herself and the motive that prompted her to kill her friends. Did she kill them due to a scandalous affair gone wrong? Was the murder out of self defense and facilitated by a lover? Different accounts over time, some from Judd herself, show Arizonans that the full story of that night is clearly unknown — and it may stay that way. This week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, dives back into the case of the "Trunk Murderess" and the plot holes that have haunted Arizona for decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Since this episode originally aired, the bill to make Pluto the official state planet of Arizona was passed into law.* Science was forever changed, thanks to an observatory in Flagstaff named after Percival Lowell, one of the first minds to explore the potential of water on Mars and theorize about undiscovered planets. In 1930, the Lowell Observatory announced the discovery of a ninth planet at the end of the solar system: Pluto. Now, almost 100 years later, a state representative is proposing to make Pluto the official state planet. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we dive into the history of Pluto, the scientific breakthrough in its findings and why an elected official wants it to represent Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the cactus makes a beautiful natural ornament in the Valley, the wild plant also provides nutritional benefits from its fruits and spiny pads. Some of the cactuses, including the prickly pear and the Saguaro, bear fruit that can be eaten in a variety of ways. Cactus is slowly seeping its way into food culture in Arizona, hidden in dishes across local restaurants and sold in grocery stores. Arizonans can also look one step closer for edible cactus: in their backyards. While removing a Saguaro cactus entirely requires a separate procedure, it is legal to pick the fruit off of the cactus on private property with permission. This week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, goes on an adventure with a local forager and discusses how to collect cactus, how to eat it and other tips to help Valley residents start their wild journey into the edible desert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that cats can make nearly 300 facial expressions? Who is closer related to humans: dogs or cats? In this episode, Kaely Monahan sits down with fellow producer Amanda Luberto to discuss some surprising cat facts and where to meet Arizona's local "celebri-kitties." And don't worry if you're allergic – this episode comes cat hair free! Be sure to check out the webpage for this episode to see pictures of all the cats mentioned in this episode. Find us on azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When people think of Phoenix, they probably first think of heat. This goes for both Phoenix the city and Phoenix the mythological bird, said to have risen from the ashes after dying in an explosion of flames. The fire bird and the sweltering city not only have heat in common but the the concept of rebirth as well. When Jack Swilling stopped here in 1867, he saw opportunity for growth and revitalization — if only water could be found. Inspired, he moved his canal company to the Salt River Valley from Wickenburg, and crops came soon after. This early move launched Phoenix's growth. Now it's the fifth-largest city in the United States. Who decided this city should be called Phoenix? And why? This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we explore the origins of Phoenix's name and the man who gets the credit. Note: This episode originally ran in 2019, with reporting by Téa Francesca Price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today the nation recognizes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrates his leadership in the civil rights movement in America. It's been a national holiday since the early 1980s, after Congress deemed his unwavering commitment to equality worthy of a united time of reflection. Martin Luther King Jr. Day wasn't always a state holiday in Arizona, even after it was observed by the federal government. And the activists of Mesa had a specifically difficult time getting the civil rights leader's birthday honored. In a story that involves a parade, hidden audiotapes, the National Football League and a fight for recognition, Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, brings you a look into Mesa's history with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before light rail, another kind of streetcar rolled on Phoenix streets. From the late 1880s until after World War II, electric trolleys connected Phoenicians with the heart of the city. Those who lived far from downtown could easily access the services and goods there without having to walk or ride a bicycle or horse into town. And it was cheap! During its heyday, hundreds of residents would ride the streetcar for just a nickel. It would take them from as far as Glendale to the state Capitol building, around East Lake, and up and down what would become Seventh Street and Avenue. Despite the trolleys' popularity, it faced financial troubles and a conspiracy by motor and oil companies to drive trolley companies out of business. Valley 101 producer Kaely Monahan explores the rise and fall of Phoenix's trolleys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to 2024!! We are off this week to celebrate the new year, but can't wait to be with you again starting next week to dive into your questions about Arizona. Have a safe and happy holiday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are off this week to celebrate the holidays with our families. Thank you so much for listening to us all year long. We have some holiday themed episodes for you to listen to in our archives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing aloud for all to hear." Journalists in the Arizona Republic newsroom have taken Buddy the Elf's motto and made it their own in our special holiday episode of Valley 101. Whether you're a grinch, scrooge or the more elf-tastic type, we have some holiday spirit to sprinkle on your ears as we ask the question, "What's your favorite holiday song?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the modern age, you don't have to turn to a Spanish language channel on the radio to hear Latin music. Pop, hip hop, and dance music has all gone international as Latin music is booming in popularity. In the last year, the genre has seen a 15% boost in listens, making Spanish the second most listened to language in the United States. Artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G have infused Latin music into the mainstream for this generation. But what does that mean for the music scene in Arizona? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the history and influences of Latin music, and talk with local bands to see if the state's music scene reflects its demographics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Much has already been said about Sandra Day O’Connor since her passing on December 1, 2023. The humble ranch girl grew up to serve in one of the highest offices in the land – as a supreme court justice. You might have read about her early days working on the Lazy B Ranch in eastern Arizona. The wide expanse is picturesque, if not iconic. It is a place you’d imagine a cowboy film would be set. And indeed O’Connor’s life is one worthy of the big screen. For today’s special episode, former Valley 101 producer and now Phoenix reporter Taylor Seely, producer Téa Francesca Price, and longtime Republic reporter Richard Ruelas, traveled to Lazy B to get a sense of O’Connor, her roots, and who she was as a woman of the West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you just moved here or are a Valley native, new bars and restaurants are yours to discover. Metro Phoenix is home to 21 James Beard Award winners, finalists or nominees. According to the Spirited Awards this year, downtown Phoenix has the best cocktail bar in the United States. While recognition in the past few years has certainly increased, Arizona always has had excellent eateries and chefs serving up unforgettable dishes. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we sit down with two of The Arizona Republic's dining and nightlife experts, Felicia Campbell and Bahar Anooshahr. They dish on the cities' historic bars and restaurants, which places they think are pouring noteworthy cocktails and what they believe it takes to stand the test of time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Valley 101. We're serving up a fowl episode stuffed with turkey facts that you probably don't know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1971, a new art form officially premiered in Arizona. The first performance from the Tucson Opera Company was Gioachino Rossini's classic "The Barber of Seville." By 1976, the opera company had become the Arizona Opera and was performing full seasons of shows in both Tucson and Phoenix. Now housed in downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Opera is going strong almost 50 years later. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we share Arizona's history with opera and why it's flourishing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard of horse racing and dog racing, but what about burro racing? Each year in the town of Superior, Arizona, an adorable race filled with fuzzy donkeys takes place. Now don't expect to see jockeys riding the donkeys. Instead, the little equines are lead by their owners by a lead through Main Street and into Tonoto National Forest and back. In this episode, we find out how the race got started and why donkeys are so lovable, according to their owners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the rest of the nation is clocking an extra hour of sleep and making sure their oven clock matches their phone, Arizonans will continue their day like normal. Most people in Arizona, at least. In a bonus episode of our podcast, Valley 101, we explore how Daylight Saving came to be, why most of Arizona doesn't participate, and who in the state does. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tucked into Tucson's Barrio Viejo is an unassuming broken-down adobe wall adorned with flowers, candles and little pieces of paper containing people's deepest wishes. The shrine to El Tiradito serves not only as a landmark to a vicious and titillating murder that happened in the late 1800s but as a symbol in this predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we share the true-crime story behind what could be the only shrine to a sinner and its role in Mexican-American folklore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of Halloween's most notorious ghosts is the Headless Horseman. The iconic figure on a black horse with a jack-o-lantern in place of a face can be found in books, movies, decor and more. But there is another headless ghost that haunts the western regions of our nation. And her tragic tale has been passed down by the tribe that lives near where she died. Then we'll hear a different tale. One of stuffed heads collected inside a professor's home and a question posed. How far would you go for success? It's week three of spooky season on Valley 101. Pluck up your courage and dive into these next harrowing tales of horror. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes you just need a break from the toils of life. And in Arizona, where better to go than one of the many scenic and historic lodges scattered throughout the state. Or perhaps hiding away in a remote cabin is more your style. But you might think twice about vacationing in the places in this episode. Valley 101 returns this week with another set of ghost stories the keep you up all night. Valley 101 continues its a series of creepy ghost stories to get you ready for Halloween. Get ready to check-in for Spooky Season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's spooky season. And this Halloween season, Valley 101 presents a series of creepy ghost stories featuring the Phoenix Theatre Company and Vulture City guaranteed to keep you up at night. Listen if you dare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valley 101 guides you on the best places to see fall colors in Arizona. From Oak Creek Canyon to Big Lake, Arizona is full of color every fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It feels as if Arizona is finally starting to cool down after the record-setting summer. However, according to the Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation and the state climatologist, our summer days are getting hotter, with no forecast that they will get any cooler. As the planet is warming, the effects go beyond the environment. Multiple studies correlate violent crimes to excessive heat. A 2014 Department of Justice study states crimes such as rape, domestic violence and aggravated assault rise in the summer months. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we interviewed specialists to answer the question, “Does crime get higher when the heat does?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A RERUN FROM 2021: Have you ever wondered what traditional Japanese sushi and Mexican food create? Several years ago in Mexico, a combination of Mexican food ingredients and Japanese style were used to create a fusion dish known as Sonoran sushi. Traditional Japanese sushi’s main ingredient is vinegared rice. Sonoran sushi rolls have those base ingredients like rice and seaweed, but with their own twist. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we're diving into how this fusion began and why it's becoming more popular. We'll break down the episode into three parts. First, we’re taking a trip down to Puerto Peñasco, commonly known to Arizonans as Rocky Point, to check out a local sushi restaurant. Then The Republic's dining critic, Andi Berlin, will join Valley 101 to give listeners a sense of how Tucson and Southern Arizona has made itself known for its Mexican Sushi. And finally, you’ll hear from a local Valley restaurant owner who was one of the first to introduce this food trend to metro Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A certain word has become standard in the past few years when discussing Arizona politics. At some point, maybe "recount" made people think of doublechecking that everyone in their group was accounted for, or the thing to do when they second-guessed the number of Easter eggs they were hiding. But politicos in Arizona, especially in Maricopa County, now associate the word “recount” with the word “ballots.” In 1916, maybe it felt the same way. That year, the election for Arizona governor was won by 30 votes, recounted and then overturned. The process left two people sharing a single term for head of the state. One barricaded himself in the office to keep the other man out. Meet Gov. Thomas E. Campbell and Gov. George W.P. Hunt. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we go back in time, more than a century ago, to early Arizona statehood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know you live in Phoenix when it's still triple digits in September. If you're looking for an escape, Valley 101 has 10 cool locations to check out from Sabino Canyon, Bisbee, Verde Valley and the Mogollon Rim. You don't have to travel far to see a completely different side of Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sun Devils, under the direction of then-coach Herm Edwards, had fallen behind in a crucial area for their future: high school recruiting. Smaller schools like Northern Illinois and Western Kentucky were finishing ahead of ASU in the recruiting rankings. There were a number of reasons for this, most notably the NCAA investigation that ASU is still under for alleged recruiting violations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, school officials began searching for a new person to lead the program. A former ASU assistant and Phoenix native was waiting for this exact opportunity. Enter: Kenny Dillingham, the 33-year-old offensive coordinator from the University of Oregon who was hired to be the face of ASU football last November. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we sat down with Coach Dillingham and talked about his journey to head coach of the ASU Sun Devils football team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remote-controlled bombs consisting of 6 sticks of dynamite erupted underneath the drivers side of the car. The explosion was contained, but destructive. The lower half of his body was blown off, the driver’s door ripped open, and the reporter lay waiting for help. The story goes that he uttered three things while in the parking lot injured that day: “John Adamson” “Emprise” and “Mafia.” But stories are never that simple. Almost 50 years later, there is still a debate on why Don Bolles was murdered and who was to blame. Welcome to Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond. I’m producer Amanda Luberto, and today I’m joined by our in-house Don Bolles expert Richard Ruelas to discuss why the case is still interesting to people and to discuss new hypotheses that have arisen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Movies used to be the dominating driving force in pop culture. Hollywood was the center of entertainment. Actors, producers, directors: dreams being made. The Silver Screen was a fantasy come true for many. But over the past decade, things have changed. That domination lessened as new players entered the game. Streaming apps gained more and more popularity, becoming the go-to spot to see a film. Numbers have jumped this year, but are still lagging behind pre-COVID levels. The impact has the entire industry thinking about its future and how to move forward. For this week of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we spoke with Arizona State University film and media professor Kevin Sandler to talk about the movie theatre industry, the current problems and we look ahead to the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona has sharks. No, really. Around 300 million years ago, portions of the 48th state were covered in shallow seas. And prowling these primordial waters were some wild and bizarre sharks. A few might even rival the mighty megalodon. In this episode of Valley 101, we unearth which sharks called Arizona home, whether or not megalodon swam here, and what modern-day sharks you can see in the Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you know Arizona? You might want to think again. The 48th state is filled with weird, unusual, and just downright quirky facts that even long-time residents might not know. We found three Arizona-only oddities that just might surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summers in Arizona mean heat, triple-digit temperatures, and desperately trying to stay cool. But summers in Arizona also mean monsoons - big, bright thunderstorms returning rain to the desert. During the summer monsoon season, Phoenix receives one-third of its annual rainfall, a necessary relief to help combat the drought that 83% of the state is experiencing, according to the National Weather Service. While monsoons bring reprieve from the extreme heat and aid in the drought, they are sometimes responsible for power outages and extreme flooding. Flooding in urban areas, such as Phoenix, often causes minor headaches such as traffic congestion on surface streets and highways. However, in parts of the state outside the Valley, floods can be dangerous, and occasionally deadly. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we share the good and the bad of monsoon season in Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past Saturday, temperatures rose to 118 degrees, breaking a 25 year old record. Excessive heat warnings are planned throughout the week. It’s that time of year when all your out of state friends ask, “Why do you live there again?” The answer is winters, but this week, they might have a point. It hasn’t been this hot for this long in almost 50 years. Arizona has now had 18 days in a row of temperatures over 110. Tomorrow will break the record from 1974. And while we don’t deal with tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards, our extreme heat does impact the flights in and out of Sky Harbor International Airport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret that the Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled a lot. But, right now, they are in first place in the National League West behind budding star outfielder Corbin Carroll. Valley 101 talks baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices