Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

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

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

Is America in its ‘decline and fall of the Roman Empire’ era?

OPINION — One of the most widely read books of all time is “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” It’s a historical work, written in 1788 by Edward Gibbon, an English historian and member of Parliament. more

By TR Harry | Scottsdale | 8/23/26

Civility for thee, but not for the rest of Tempe?

OPINION — Re: Tempe council member pushes civility in government at annual government conference: It is comical that Doreen Garlid and Corey Woods speak of civility when Woods specifically (with Garlid present) spoke derogatorily of their own citizens in a secret, illegal meeting in December 2022. more

By Brittany Robinson | Tempe | 8/22/26

Hidden heroes: Three extraordinary women of color who changed the course of history through espionage

OPINION — When we think of spies, we often imagine fictional characters equipped with high tech gadgets, disguises and daring escapes. Yet some of history’s most remarkable intelligence agents were real women of color whose courage, intelligence and determination helped shape the outcome of major wars. more

By E.E. Cummings | Sun City West | 8/22/26

Why is Hamadeh calling out Hobbs when he won’t debate opponent?

OPINION — Arizona Congressional District 8 Rep. Abe Hamadeh sure likes to throw stones at glass houses, but runs away afterward. He called out Gov. Katie Hobbs for not debating his fellow House Republican gubernatorial candidate, Andy Biggs, while Hamadeh running away from CD 8 opponent Bernadette Greene-Placentia’s debate challenge. more

By Bill Eikost | Glendale | 8/22/26

Speak Up: Surprise's removal of Flock Camera draw mixed responses

Here are some comments about stories happening in Surprise. more

Independent Newsmedia | 8/22/26

Sun City West reader questions rec center's golf revenues explanation

OPINION — In this latest example of “let’s hope the residents don’t notice” financial reporting, the unaudited 6/30/26 end of year financial statements indicate glaring deviations from the budget. Residents really should take notice. more

By Frank Bagnato | Sun City West | 8/21/26

$50B in Big Beautiful Bill funding won’t fix rural maternity care without state reform

OPINION — Congress allocated $50 billion through the One Big Beautiful Bill to improve rural healthcare. Many states have identified maternal and infant health as a priority for this funding, and for good reason: most rural hospitals no longer deliver babies. more

By Virat Agrawal and Kamryn Monster | 8/21/26

Costello: It’s time to change how issues are solved in Dover

The problem is that, as long as we rely on the current politicians in Dover and their course of action, nothing will change. more

8/21/26

Oral health is the real magic behind the Tooth Fairy

OPINION — Every Aug. 22, families across the country celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day, honoring one of childhood’s most beloved traditions. more

By Heather Schneider, DMD | Chandler | 8/21/26

Williams: Are Black legislators accountable for their records?

Delaware’s political landscape is changing and diversifying in ways that were unimaginable a decade or so ago. Black legislators now make up roughly 20% of Delaware’s General Assembly, with increased visibility in leadership positions, including speaker of the House and majority whip. more

By Terrell A. Williams | 8/21/26

Is it students or schools that need discipline?

OPINION — Howard Fischer recently reported that a school survey recommended more student discipline . I wonder, is it the students or the schools that need more discipline? School boards and … more

By Scott Mitzner | Sun City West | 8/21/26

What are your storm stories?

Dover and the surrounding areas quickly became a scene of destruction Thursday, Aug. 20, as at least one tornado spun its way through Kent County. Where were you when the storms developed? What actions did you take? Were you impressed with the emergency response? more

8/21/26