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.

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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.

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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. 

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*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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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