Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

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

Emilio Gaynor serves on the Peoria Planning Commission and is a former chair of the board for the West Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The present frontier: Why America cannot afford distraction in space

OPINION — In 1990, at Carl Sagan’s request, Voyager 1 snapped a photo of Earth from 3.7 billion miles away. Mission control called it a waste of resources, but that microscopic "pale blue dot" … more

By Emilio Gaynor | Peoria | 6/16/26

Why have we made math so complicated for Arizona students?

OPINION — Across Arizona, countless parents are discovering that helping their children with math homework has become an exercise in frustration. Mothers and fathers who successfully learned mathematics in the 1980s and 1990s now find themselves turning to Google and YouTube just to understand how their child's teacher expects a problem to be solved. more

By Lisa Everett | Surprise | 6/16/26

Beal: Energy supply costs driving higher bills

In Delaware and across the country, the utility landscape is experiencing unprecedented change. more

By Marcus Beal | 6/16/26

Mountain View theater will enrich Sun Citians’ lives, reader says

OPINION — In response to Mack Beth’s repeated cutesy, faux-Shakespearean letters: Enough! His tirades against a new, improved performing arts theater in Sun City show no cogent reasoning, in my opinion. more

By Pat Tonnema | Sun City | 6/16/26