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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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.

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"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?" 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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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