Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

New Medicare cost-cutting plan could put my health at risk

When I was 18 years old, I was paralyzed in a school bus accident ... more

By Madonna Long | 7/11/26

Off-cycle elections have been great for Scottsdale

OPINION — Councilwoman Solange Whitehead voted to send the Axon referendum to the ballot. Mayor Borowsky and Councilwoman Maryann McAllen also supported the vote. Barry Graham led the … more

By Betty Janik | Scottsdale | 7/10/26

Why you should feel your vote will be counted accurately

OPINION — Early voting is underway across Arizona, and with it comes questions about how our elections work and the safeguards in place. I recently toured the Maricopa County Tabulation & … more

By Eric Luoma | Scottsdale | 7/10/26

Protecting your health during wildfire season: What Arizonans must know

OPINION — Wildfire season has arrived in Arizona and can change daily life quickly. Residents may face smoky skies, reduced air quality and the possibility of evacuation during periods of elevated wildfire activity. more

By Patricia Tan, M.D. | 7/10/26

Single homeowner understands why RCSC charges per household

OPINION — The Recreation Centers of Sun City tried fees for singles that were half the rate of couples. That is why there are still grandfathered homeowners who still pay at those rates. My … more

By Patrice Massey | Sun City | 7/10/26

Pool safety saves lives; what Arizona homeowners need to know

OPINION — For many families in Arizona, summer means more time spent gathering around the backyard pool. Whether you're planning a summer cookout, a pool party or a casual afternoon swim, pool ownership carries both personal and legal responsibilities. Taking reasonable steps to protect family members and guests should be a priority for every homeowner. more

By Benjamin Taylor | Phoenix | 7/10/26

Solange Whitehead, Scottsdale City Council member and primary election candidate.

Let’s get Scottsdale back on track

OPINION — Scottsdale’s a great city! As your councilwoman, together we have: Protected Scottsdale’s neighborhoods and character, reducing height and density, requiring open space … more

By Solange Whitehead | Scottsdale City Council candidate | 7/10/26

Peoria Unified governing board member Melissa Ewing.

During challenging period, PUSD staff preparing for school, adapting to unexpected circumstances

When a search warrant is served on any organization, it can understandably raise concern among employees, families, and the broader community. more

By Melissa Ewing, Peoria Unified governing board member | 7/10/26

Corporate cash undermining Scottsdale election

OPINION — Many residents are concerned about the outside money flooding our city council race. A PAC called "Better Together" has spent more than $250,000 on attacks against three candidates who … more

By Terry Babb | Scottsdale | 7/9/26

My suggestion for solving the national debt crisis

OPINION — There is an imminent threat to our country and it isn’t illegal immigration, woke policies or any of the other distractions. It’s a disaster in the making I believe could bring down our country as a world power. more

By Alan Savage | Sun City West | 7/9/26

The treasure of Chandler’s future

OPINION — Serving as Chandler’s mayor is a grand adventure that continues today. Our community is stronger than ever, and our treasure is in plain sight and on full display … more

By Kevin Hartke | Mayor of Chandler | 7/9/26

Why families misunderstand the dying process

OPINION — Most families enter end-of-life situations with deep love and good intentions, but very little understanding of what the dying process actually looks like. more

By Stephanie J. Smith | 7/9/26

Fountain Hills resident thanks local veterinarian

Marie Cossalter and Ivanka are still enjoying each other's company thanks to the kindness of Palisades Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Deah M. Hessian. more

Marie Cossalter | Fountain Hills | 7/9/26

Do mega-media mergers help or hinder competition?

OPINION — Nexstar Media Group’s pending $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, a deal that would merge the nation’s largest and third-largest local-television station owners, has the support of President Trump and the approval of his Federal Communications Commission. However, it is under fire from an unusually diverse collection of opponents. more

By Randall Bloomquist | 7/9/26

LD28 precinct committeeman endorses Katherine Haley for state treasurer

OPINION — I am a concerned voter in Legislative District 28. This is in response to the “clip and save” advertisement in the July 8, 2026, issue (page 11) about who to vote for in the upcoming primary election. more

By John Matthews | Sun City | 7/9/26

The Weekly Clothesline: Gifts of the Spirit – Part IV

For several weeks, we have been looking at the Gifts of the Spirit, and we continue with: Healing, Mercy, and Hospitality. more

By Reverend Elizabeth Nelson
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church | 7/9/26

The virtues of honesty and truth are being ignored

OPINION — The liberal group-think script professes compassion and self-esteem. However, deeper into their narratives they make the demand that others must subordinate their own … more

By Rick Dime | Fountain Hills | 7/8/26

The record on River of Time in Fountain Hills is far from straight

OPINION — In a recent letter Shelby Blecker attempted to “set the record straight” regarding the “conservative” majority’s recent decision to grant a “temporary extension” to the … more

By Beth Culp | Fountain Hills | 7/8/26

Proud to have Daran Wastchak represent me on town council

OPINION — I have known Daran Wastchak for the past 15 years as my neighbor in Paradise Valley. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Daran as a candidate. He is well informed and has … more

By Katie Herberger | Paradise Valley | 7/8/26

Trump as a unitary executive: What could go wrong?

OPINION — In two important recent decisions, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the U.S. Supreme Court majority, asserts that the Constitution forbids Congress from establishing government officials who the president can only remove for cause — with the singular exception of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. His argument is unpersuasive. more

By Robert Robb | 7/8/26