Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Reflections from the Pulpit: “Forgive with love”

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding ... more

By Pastor Joseph Cholak
ONE Fellowship of Okeechobee | 6/18/26

What’s really behind GOP’s voter ID push?

OPINION — Let’s be honest, Tom Slade’s latest letter about needing voter ID laws appears to be just one more example of wanting less people to vote, especially minorities. more

By James Kepler | Sun City | 6/18/26

Coyote letter triggered memories for reader

OPINION — Reading Sue Wilson’s coyote letter reminded me of my coyote experience when I moved to Arizona nearly 15 years ago. more

By Scott Mitzner | Sun City West | 6/18/26

Chambers of commerce: Protect consumers, encourage AI at the same time

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and its role increases in commerce, education, communication and countless other aspects of daily life in our society, legislation introduced with the important aim of providing consumer and other personal protections is being debated in state capitals throughout our country. more

By the Delaware State, New Castle County and Central Delaware chambers of commerce | 6/18/26

Setting the record straight on Sun City West budget comments

OPINION — On page 5 of the May 27, 2026, edition of the Independent, commentary is attributed to me at a recent board meeting. The comments are not complete and are missing context. more

By Frank Bagnato | Sun City West | 6/18/26

Many in Fountain Hills would appreciate better cell signal

OPINION — A letter in the June 10 issue of the Fountain Hills Times Independent referred to a study done in 2019 in Georgia that cell phone towers closer than 1,500 feet can affect home prices. … more

By Ted Blank | Fountain Hills | 6/18/26

Weber: Safety solutions needed before it’s too late

In response to the many public safety challenges facing our city and state, there must be a greater sense of urgency and a stronger commitment to addressing the issue of repeat offenders. more

By Clifford Weber | 6/18/26

Nichols: Community solar needs better protections

The commission-based sales practices that Senate Bill 321’s consolidated-billing proposal would authorize for community solar are the same practices that generated documented consumer harm in Delaware’s third-party electric supply market — the harm that produced House Bill 393. more

By John Nichols | 6/18/26

ICE coming for Arizona DACA recipient — again

OPINION — When Vets Forward members stood on the steps of the immigration court for Karla Toledo’s first hearing, we looked into the television cameras and delivered a grim warning: United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement would come for her again. We took no joy in being right. more

By Shelly Burgoyne | Greater Tucson | 6/18/26

The weekly Clothesline: Gifts of the Spirit – Part I

Let’s talk about a few gifts that God gives us to live our lives to the fullest. God has many gifts for us and to know them all ... more

By Reverend Elizabeth Nelson
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church | 6/18/26

East Valley Democrats urged to consider CD5 candidates carefully

OPINION — This year, Democrats have a unique opportunity to pursue seats that would not ordinarily be in play. Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, covering most of the East Valley, is one such seat. But Democrats risk throwing away that opportunity if they rally behind the wrong candidate. more

By Blake and Allyson Bracht | San Tan Valley | 6/17/26

Iran: Another trophy for Trump’s ‘first’ shelf?

OPINION — President Donald Trump loves being “first.” Whenever something newsworthy happens, big or small, in fact or in fantasy, he reliably touts it as being unprecedented in American, possibly even world, history, and a either a personal, positive accomplishment or an unjustified persecution (“witch hunt”). more

By Thomas L. Knapp | 6/17/26

Drennen: Solving public safety worries is difficult

It is hard to address each of the public safety problems in Dover because they are intertwined. more

6/17/26

Public lands advocate urges lawmakers to pass bipartisan America the Beautiful Act

OPINION — The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Wednesday, June 17 advanced S.1547, the America the Beautiful Act. more

By Aaron Weiss | 6/17/26

A vision for hope for the United States

OPINION — Two hundred fifty years ago, the Continental Congress declared May 17, 1776, a day of prayer and hope for the new, emerging, independent nation’s future. Two hundred fifty years later, … more

By Kurt Pare | Fountain Hills | 6/17/26

Many hikers unprepared for desert heat, terrain

OPINION — In response to your Question of the Week: Yes, there should be a “stupid hiker law.” more

By Vicki Maturo | Surprise | 6/17/26

Police groups endorse Michael Calles for Glendale council

OPINION — Upon recommendation by the Glendale Fraternal Order of Police, the Arizona FOP has endorsed Michael Calles for Barrel District councilmember. more

By Dave Goitia | Glendale | 6/17/26

Why don’t they just create individual Social Security accounts?

AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor answers questions about Social Security. more

By Russell Gloor
AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor | 6/17/26

Lifetime of service is why I support Rory Goreé for Glendale council

OPINION — After 33 years in law enforcement, I’ve learned what real public service looks like. It’s not about titles or talking points, it’s about showing up, listening and doing the work. That’s why I’m supporting Rory Goreé for Glendale City Council. more

By Willard Watts | Glendale | 6/17/26

Speak Up: Gas prices still among hot topics in Surprise

Here are some comments about stories happening in Surprise. more

Independent Newsmedia | 6/17/26