Valley 101
Whether you're a longtime Arizona resident or a newcomer, chances are there's something you've always wondered about the Valley. From The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com comes Valley 101, a weekly podcast where our journalists find answers to your questions about metro Phoenix. From silly to serious, you tell us what to investigate. You can submit questions at valley101.azcentral.com or reach us on social media @azcpodcasts.
Is there a connection between heat and crime?
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 …
What is the history behind "Sonoran sushi"?
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 …
How did Arizona have two Governors in the same term?
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 …
Our 10 favorite road trips to escape Phoenix heat, from Bisbee to Flagstaff
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
Meet Kenny Dillingham, one of the youngest coaches in college football
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 …
Is there a new theory in the Don Bolles case?
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 …
Examining the movie theatre industry in Arizona after the pandemic
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 …
Did the "Meg" swim in Arizona's prehistoric waters?
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? Think again and consider these 3 things you probably don't know about the Grand Canyon State
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
Think you know Arizona? Think again and consider these 3 things you probably don't know about the Grand Canyon State
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