Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

When politics hurt Main Street in Fountain Hills

OPINION — Fountain Hills has a strong sense of community and a proud local identity. It’s also politically engaged and increasingly, politically divided. There’s a trend emerging, to where … more

By Lou Caramucci | Fountain Hills | 6/12/26 | 1 comment

Time for RCSC to modernize bylaws

OPINION — I moved to Sun City last year and quickly came to love this community. My home is in my name. more

By Ken Litwak | Sun City | 6/12/26

Taylor: Salisbury Mayor expresses concern with petition effort

To the residents of Salisbury, I want to address the petition now circulating regarding the proposed elimination of collective bargaining for City of Salisbury employees. As Mayor, I have always … more

6/12/26

Don’t trade liberty for the illusion of keeping kids safe online

OPINION — In the final days of the state legislative session, Arizonans should be watching House Bill 2991, an age-verification mandate that would require residents to prove who they are before … more

By Suzanne Klapp | Scottsdale | 6/11/26

The lordship of Fountain Hills

OPINION — Once upon a time, this town was filled with good people, familiar faces and the comfort of shared community. It was not perfect, but we strived to be happy in this beautiful place for a … more

By Eileen Devoley | Fountain Hills | 6/11/26

Mountain View will have something for everyone in Sun City

OPINION — The renovation of Mountain View Recreation Center has been approved, and groundbreaking is anticipated in December. more

By Charlie Mannino | Sun City | 6/11/26

Thoughts from a Valley AI skeptic

OPINION — There are several aspects of the artificial intelligence revolution about which I am skeptical. I think it’s more than the reflexive skepticism of an old man confronting a new technology he only partially understands. But you be the judge. Let’s begin with data centers. more

By Robert Robb | 6/11/26

Sowers: Breaking down Trump’s latest overboast

Numerous articles came out in early May with titles something like this: “Trump is calling himself ‘the most powerful person to ever live’ in private conversations, allies say.” more

By Arthur E. Sowers | 6/11/26

Are we teaching Arizona students to learn, or simply teaching them to take tests?

OPINION — For more than two decades, education has become increasingly focused on standardized testing. Schools are measured by test scores, teachers are evaluated using student performance data and policymakers often rely on those results to judge the success or failure of our education system. more

By Lisa Everett | Surprise | 6/11/26

Harbeson: Citizens need to be voting on constitutional amendments

Delaware is the First State, but we are also the least democratic. more

6/11/26

Hoff: The Revolutionary roots of Flag Day

Sunday’s Flag Day commemoration has its roots in America’s Revolutionary era. Developing and displaying a single flag representing all the Colonies as they fought for freedom was an important unifying experience for the Founding Fathers, just as the flag symbolizes the common creed of the country in contemporary times. more

By Dr. Samuel B. Hoff | 6/11/26

Urge Gov. Hobbs not to undo Phoenix shopping-cart law

OPINION — Something urgent is happening at the State Capitol that directly affects the health, safety and appearance of our neighborhoods. I led the push for Phoenix to update our shopping-cart ordinance because so many residents spoke up about the abandoned carts cluttering alleys, sidewalks, bus stops and front yards. more

By Ann O’Brien | Phoenix | 6/11/26

DeLone: Will state pass DNA reform before session ends?

As Delaware’s legislative session barrels toward its June 30 deadline, the clock isn’t just ticking for lawmakers; it’s ticking for wrongfully convicted Delawareans fighting for their freedom in a state that has minimal paths forward. more

By Maddy deLone | 6/11/26

Mrsich: Some tips for young drivers to avoid fatal crashes

Slow down! If teens and everyone who drives would remain 2-3 mph below the posted speed limits, it would prevent fatal collisions. more

6/11/26

Arizona's small businesses could become collateral damage in 7-OH fight

OPINION — Just weeks ago, I wrote about the growing pressures facing Arizona's small businesses and the importance of predictable, thoughtful regulation. Since then, a significant development has emerged that deserves attention from policymakers, business owners and consumers alike. more

By Renée J. Johnson | 6/11/26

Preparing for Scottsdale’s water future

OPINION — Good water management is not about predicting the future. It is about preparing for it. The future of water in the Southwest will be influenced by many factors beyond Scottsdale's … more

By Thyra Ryden-Diaz | Scottsdale Water interim senior director | 6/11/26

Non-lethal device may provide protection, deter coyotes

OPINION — I read with interest the letter from Sue Wilson of Sun City in the June 10, 2026, Independent Opinions section wherein she recounted a horrific experience with an aggressive coyote while walking her dogs at 3:30 a.m. more

By Richard Gfeller | Sun City West | 6/11/26

What’s up with these signs in Fountain Hills?

OPINION — Each time I drive around town during my gig job, in addition to my regular job, I keep seeing all these horrible signs scattered around our town. Who in their right mind approved of … more

By Kaitlyn Villa | Fountain Hills | 6/11/26

The weekly Clothesline: “I will be with you always…”

A few weeks ago we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit of God descended upon the apostles. more

By Reverend Elizabeth Nelson
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church | 6/11/26

Is soccer America’s game or America’s bane?

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup games kick off in the 16 U.S. cities as well as in cities in Canada and Mexico this week, the question arises: Is soccer America’s game, or it an outlier? Two sports fans weigh in. more

6/10/26