Valley 101

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The history and status of opera in Arizona Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

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.

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Welcome to donkey race country. Inside this tiny Arizona mining town's annual tradition Nov 06, 2023

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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.

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Why doesn't Arizona turn back their clock for Daylight Saving Time Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

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.

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The lore behind Tucson's El Tiradito Oct 30, 2023

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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.

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Horrifically haunting ghost stories to make you lose your head Oct 23, 2023

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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.

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Haunted hotels and creepy campsites. Listen to these terrifying Arizona ghost stories Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

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.

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6 scary stories every Arizonan should know from a haunted movie set to a ghostly ballerina Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

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!

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Where to see fall colors in Arizona Oct 02, 2023

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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.

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Is there a connection between heat and crime? Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

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?"

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What is the history behind "Sonoran sushi"? Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

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.

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