Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Scottsdale’s future depends on getting water, growth right

OPINION — I'm proud to be a Scottsdale resident. I attended our schools, graduated from Coronado, and now attend Scottsdale Community College. My family moved to Scottsdale because of its promise … more

By Ana Landeros | Scottsdale | 10/15/26

Faust: Study funds could have been used better by Dover

Recently, a few news organizations have reported about releasing the whole report prepared by 21st Century Policing Solutions in regard to the alleged actions of the mayor of Dover and the chief of police against Councilmembers Brian Lewis and Dr. Roy Sudler. more

10/15/26

New RCSC fee structure could eliminate need for $90 hike

OPINION — In response to the Recreation Centers of Sun City’s proposed 13% increase in annual fees for 2027, I respectfully submit the following long-term solution based on a basic search and calculations: more

By LM Anderson | Sun City | 10/15/26

Congress should keep its promise to combat-inured veterans

When Americans are injured in combat, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits... more

By DAV National Commander and Navy Veteran John Donovan | 10/15/26

The Weekly Clothesline: Open our eyes, Lord

Jesus spent his three years on earth traveling from place to place, preaching His message of love and forgiveness. more

By Reverend Elizabeth Nelson
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church | 10/15/26

Paradise Valley residents should support Propositions 436 and 427

OPINION — I encourage Paradise Valley residents to vote yes on Propositions 426 and 427. Arizona's expenditure limitation system was created nearly 50 years ago and limits how much of its … more

By Rick Carpinelli | Paradise Valley | 10/14/26

Honor Arizona heroes on I-17

OPINION — Arizona has a long and proud history of answering the nation's call, and few stories embody that sacrifice more than those of Kayla Jean Mueller and Navy SEAL Charles H. Keating IV. more

By Jason Begalke | Phoenix | 10/14/26

Is Fountain Hills looking for more litigation?

OPINION — Item 9c on the agenda for the Oct. 20 town council meeting is obliquely described as “Discussion: Regarding a proposed ordinance relating to Sharia Law.” Is this the unnecessary … more

By Beth Culp | Fountain Hills | 10/14/26

That magical Scottsdale Unified address

OPINION — As a Scottsdale Realtor for the past 55 years, I've learned the three most important things about real estate are: location, location and location. In Scottsdale's case, it relates to the … more

By Gary Shapiro | Scottsdale | 10/14/26

John Schumacher at his 90th birthday party celebration at RRRB.

Sun City resident remembers late friend

For decades the official Sun City motto was “The City of Volunteers.” But one man took those words more seriously than anyone else since the founding of this city nearly 70 years ago. His name … more

By Mel Livatino | Special to Independent Newsmedia | 10/14/26

Candidate Raoul Zubia responds to Scottsdale letter

OPINION — Christian Serena’s op-ed is a list of things I didn’t do. I didn’t write SB 1543, lobby for it, or vote on it. Every contribution to my campaign is publicly disclosed, and no … more

By Raoul Zubia | Scottsdale | 10/14/26

San Tan Valley reader celebrates ambulance contract

OPINION — I’m thrilled to read Janet Perez’s article on San Tan Valley’s contract with American Medical Response. more

By Karen De La Fuente | San Tan Valley | 10/14/26

Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act to keep its promise to combat-injured veterans

OPINION — When Americans are injured in combat, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice. For tens of thousands of veterans, we are falling short of that promise. more

By John Donovan | 10/14/26

Mankin: DSU should take responsibility for violence near homecoming

Once again, on Saturday, Oct. 10, innocent civilians, law enforcement officers and first responders were put in mortal danger due to events stemming directly from homecoming at Delaware State University. more

10/14/26

Urging voters to vote out MAGA Trump loyalists

OPINION — To vote is the greatest privilege and responsibility that goes with living in a democracy. I am perplexed by the fact that many Americans will sit on their hands in the face of the greatest threat to our democracy: President Trump’s willingness to break rules to hold power. more

By Karen Jones | Sun City West | 10/14/26

Ashley Harder is the Phoenix councilwoman we need

OPINION — I am proud to support Ashley Harder for Phoenix City Council. Ashley was my landlord for 15 years, but that description does not come close to explaining what she meant to Revival Art Collective or to me as a small-business owner. more

By Chris Johns | Phoenix | 10/14/26

Graham and Ugenti-Rita will protect Scottsdale’s water

OPINION — Scottsdale stands alone as a leader of water conservation, recycling and storage. We have reused and recharged what we have for more than 20 years. This council is making record water … more

By Robert Thompson | Scottsdale | 10/14/26

Spampinato: Hilovsky deserves praise for water-testing effort

Kudos to Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Millsboro, for his Opinion describing water testing in his district (“Our area got the water testing it deserved”). more

10/14/26

Fears new federal rule will harm seniors who get prescriptions by mail

OPINION — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a dangerous new rule with an Oct. 22 compliance date that will threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. The rule, “Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments,” will effectively end Americans’ ability to personally import their prescription medicines. more

By Susan Robbins | Phoenix | 10/14/26

Prop. 424 would provide funds for fighting crime in Tempe

OPINION — Everyone deserves to feel safe in Tempe, and to know that if they experience sexual assault, law enforcement has the resources needed to pursue the person responsible. Crime data Tempe reported to the FBI and Arizona DPS show 681 forcible rapes since 2022 and 28 arrests — about 4%. The national arrest rate is nearly 28%. more

By Bill Richardson | Tempe | 10/14/26