Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Why early reading intervention can’t wait until parent-teacher conferences

OPINION — Across the country, educators continue to grapple with a literacy crisis that began before the pandemic and has only become more pronounced in its wake. In Arizona, just 36% of third graders met proficiency on the state’s English Language Arts assessment in 2025, according to data from the Arizona Department of Education. more

By C. Forrest Smith | Tempe | 9/12/26

Grandparents shouldn’t have to choose between running A/C, enjoying retirement

OPINION — Many Arizonans spent decades working, raising families and planning for a retirement they hoped would bring some financial security. But for too many, retirement has become another exercise in stretching every dollar. Housing, groceries, prescriptions and utility bills all compete for the same fixed income. more

By Dora Vasquez | Phoenix | 9/11/26

What can be done to help youth avoid violence?

Police have shared reports of several shootings and other crimes in the area over the last few weeks, some involving teens as victims or suspects. As a community, how can we help young people break away from the cycle of violence? more

9/11/26

Miles: The school crisis we aren’t discussing

With America’s children back in classrooms, parents, teachers and policymakers are engaged in an increasingly urgent debate over technology in our schools. more

By Christine Miles | 9/11/26

We will always remember. We will always honor.

First responders joined together for a 3.43-mile memorial walk from North Lake Village Plaza to Fire Station #1. more

By Okeechobee County Fire Rescue | 9/11/26

Thanks to Hamadeh for One Big Beautiful Bill support

OPINION — I've been hearing a lot of negative comments about President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. Thank God for it. more

By Cherlyn Cates | Sun City West | 9/11/26

Millman: CWD rules vital to limiting disease spread

Since Delaware’s first-ever case of chronic wasting disease in deer was detected earlier this year, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has been acting with an abundance of caution. more

By Sam Millman | 9/11/26

Teens, families can help shape Phoenix parks and rec programming

OPINION — Teens and parents are invited to share their voices in the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Teen and Youth Survey. more

By Kesha Hodge Washington | Phoenix | 9/11/26

Letter to the Editor: Remembering September 11, 2001

Twenty-five years ago this morning, 2,977 Americans went to work or boarded a plane—and never came home. more

By Congressman Brian Mast | 9/11/26

Daniels: Meyer needs to lead education reform

The Opinion, “A $2.5 billion question about Delaware schools,” by Kathleen Rutherford, published Sept. 7, is an excellent synopsis of the terrible state of education in Delaware. more

By Frank Daniels | 9/11/26

The strength behind the stutter

OPINION — When advocating for yourself in the workplace, it takes time to build confidence and develop the courage to use your voice. We must acknowledge that everyone has a different relationship with their stutter. How you choose to advocate for yourself is ultimately up to you. more

By Kaleb Brown | Phoenix | 9/11/26

Join 1000 Friends of Florida for Transect Planning and Connectivity webinar

Wildlife connectivity doesn't stop at the Florida Wildlife Corridor boundaries. more

By Logan McDonald
1000 Friends of Florida | 9/10/26

The Delaware State News edition on Sept. 12, 2001, led with a quote from President Bush.

From the Editor: 'You'll always remember where you were'

Sept. 11, 2026 — Way back in the 1990s, this editor could always count on an annual visit from a World War II veteran asking that we publish information about a Pearl Harbor event. He knew we were … more

By Andrew West | 9/10/26

9/11 memories: The Valley looks back on terror attacks

You didn’t have to be in New York City, Washington, D.C, or rural Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, to be profoundly impacted by the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and changed both America and the world forever. Here are memories shared by 14 current and former Valley residents. more

9/10/26

Morris: Harmony Hills approval needed conditions

Do you think Kent County cares about your roads, your schools, your water or whether emergency vehicles can actually get into your neighborhood? more

By Julie Morris | 9/10/26

Arizona should get rid of grades for schools

OPINION — Since 2011, the state, pursuant to legislation, has given a grade to individual public schools on the familiar A-F spectrum. The idea was to provide parents and taxpayers with an understandable assessment of the quality of education provided by individual schools. more

By Robert Robb | 9/10/26

Remembering Charlie Kirk

OPINION — One year ago, an incredible man’s life was taken from us. Aside from his “Prove Me Wrong” tours and show, Charlie Kirk also focused on getting out the vote through Turning Point. … more

By Hanna Larrabee | Fountain Hills | 9/10/26

Proud to endorse Dr. Jennifer Johnson for Scottsdale Unified board

OPINION — Great schools don’t just educate our children, they help build great cities. In Scottsdale, the strength and reputation of our schools are an important part of what makes our city such … more

By Betty Janik | Scottsdale | 9/10/26

Faust: Excuses being presented by Dover council

In the past, we have heard the following excuses from some on Dover City Council: more

By William G. Faust Jr. | 9/10/26

Is the Independent on political podcasters’ payroll?

OPINION — Is the paper on (defeated council members) Chuck Bongiovanni and Jim Torgeson’s payroll? more

By Darrell Grossen | Gilbert | 9/10/26