Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Steps available to secure Scottsdale’s water future

OPINION — The wait is over. The Interior Department announced Arizona will receive a CAP water cut of about 31% over the next two years. This was expected. We have reserves to tap into as needed. … more

By Betty Janik | Scottsdale | 8/25/26

Weekly protests in Fountain Hills

OPINION — As a committed weekly protester in Fountain Hills, I would like to thank the many people who have supported us by honking, waving, smiling and giving the thumbs up as they drive … more

By Wendy Dachel | Fountain Hills | 8/25/26

AI is no match for the community of Paradise Valley

OPINION — Access to our neighborhood is a main street with no outlet. One way in and the same way out. With no through traffic, the street is a neighborhood favorite for morning dog walks. … more

By Michael Dezelon | Paradise Valley | 8/24/26

Melvin: In schools, safety is shared responsibility

As summer begins to wind down, it is once again time for many of us to prepare for the return to school. more

By Joey Melvin | 8/24/26

Americans are more than the divisions we inherited

OPINION — America has an imperfect history. We should teach it honestly. more

By Rodney Wielkie | Chandler | 8/24/26

A great school district, right here in Fountain Hills

OPINION — My wife is Italian. Her sauce is a symphony of flavor, starring good tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano, the right sausage. We're from Ohio, so we call it sauce. If one item is left out, … more

By Cecil Yates | Fountain Hills | 8/24/26

The president gets results, no matter how he speaks

OPINION — Alfred Southall’s recent critique of Donald Trump’s rhetoric falls into a familiar trap: prioritizing elite etiquette over tangible national results. He claims that … more

By Shelby Blecker | Fountain Hills | 8/24/26

Raoul Zubia will protect the preserve

OPINION — Raoul Zubia has the strongest track record of supporting the preserve. Raoul Zubia was vice chair of the Protect & Preserve Task Force that helped write Prop 490 two years ago, and … more

By Jason Alexander | Scottsdale | 8/24/26

Responding to recent letters regarding immigrants

OPINION — My response to recent letters from MJ Forman and Linda Kavanagh regarding immigrants: MJ’s correct in stating that immigrants have been used as political punching bags. If it … more

By Ann Schweers | Fountain Hills | 8/24/26

Does socialism work? Depends on who you ask

Few words in America spark a debate more quickly than “socialism.” For some, it’s the root of all evil, and leads to the demise of a country. For others, it’s the common-sense compassion for our fellow man that makes a country rise. Here are two views. more

8/24/26

Does socialism work? Depends on who you ask

Few words in America spark a debate more quickly than “socialism.” For some, it’s the root of all evil, and leads to the demise of a country. For others, it’s the common-sense compassion for our fellow man that makes a country rise. Here are two views. more

8/24/26

Conners: Choose Democrats for a better future for all

The control of both the executive and legislative branches by the current Republican administration and Congress has accelerated a deeply concerning decline in our nation’s foundational systems and global standing. more

8/24/26

Will Social Security run out of money soon?

Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor answers questions about Social Security. more

By Russell Gloor
AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor | 8/24/26

Sadler: Why I vote Democratic

The first time I ever voted, I chose all Republican candidates. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my conservative (and loving) grandfather. However, the Republican Party in those years was very different from the party it is today. more

8/24/26

Faust: Dover officials should remember that words matter

I believe some on Dover City Council forget that words matter. If the citizens believe that the mayor and council lack transparency, honesty or substance, then the city suffers, in the short term and long term. more

By William G. Faust Jr. | 8/24/26

Brain injuries from blasts driving too many young vets to suicide

OPINION — We all get a warm glow when we hear the airline gate agent inviting active-duty service members to board early. What isn’t said, isn’t known, is that some of those young men and women will die eventually by their own hands, and at nearly three times the rate of civilians in the same under-34 age group. more

By Llewellyn King | 8/24/26

Question of the Week: Have rising prices affected your back-to-school spending this year?

For many Valley families, back to school means updating their students’ wardrobes, buying backpacks, assorted gear, books, electronics and school supplies. According to reports, the average … more

8/24/26

Korean peninsula: One small step in the right direction

OPINION — “President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea,” Matthew Lee and Ben Finley write for the Associated Press, “does not just slight a longtime ally but raises broader concerns about the security interests of the United States in Asia and elsewhere.” more

By Thomas L. Knapp | 8/23/26

Gilbert readers give their say on Flock, gas, CTE fees

Gilbert keeping Flock cameras as council members weigh crime-fighting benefits, privacy By taking this position publicly, the Town of Gilbert has just opened the door to a flood of privacy act … more

8/23/26

Can U.S. civic culture survive the AI-internet age?

OPINION — There was a time, not that long ago, when curious voters could know where political candidates stood on important issues of the day by reading their local newspapers. Those days are gone, as are many of the newspapers. AI overviews are no substitute. more

By Richard Lorenc | 8/23/26