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Opinion

Staying cyber-safe at greater Phoenix’s major events: A guide for attendees

As Phoenix gears up for its lineup of major events, including Spring Training games, music festivals and others, cybersecurity experts remind attendees to stay vigilant about their digital safety. …
Opinion

What’s next for Arizona health care workforce development? A collaborative vision

The health care sector stands at a critical crossroads. With the growing demand for health care workers, industry leaders face an urgent challenge: building a sustainable workforce pipeline to meet …
Opinion

Why modifying Arizona’s ‘Keep Right’ law will save lives

Have you ever been stuck behind a slow-moving car in the left lane, unable to pass? If so, you know how frustrating — and dangerous — it can be. HB 2235 , a proposed modification to …
Letters

Reader agrees West Valley transit needs to be a priority

I read Sharon Hettick’s opinion, West Valley transit needs to prioritize safety, affordability, access , and I completely agree! I take public transportation now, and the buses stop …
Opinion

3 key ways Arizona families can overcome the stigma of addiction

According to the United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 50 million Americans suffer from substance use disorder, yet only one in four receive treatment. Lost in this …
Opinion

Auschwitz-Birkenau were liberated 80 years ago — Arizona and the world must not forget the Holocaust

Since the Nazi concentration camps were liberated in 1945, correlational events have taken place, including acts against humanity, terrorism, human rights violations and other genocides witnessed …
Opinion

Arizona Public School Tax Credit benefits students, taxpayers

As a leader of public charter schools, I’m often asked by parents and community members, “What can I do to help?” Like every other school, volunteers are always needed and …
Opinion

Maximize your impact — how Arizona’s charitable tax credits benefit taxpayers and the community

Each year Arizonans have a choice when it comes to their taxes. Not just who will file them or when, but even where those tax dollars will go — and it costs you nothing. This is all made …
Opinion

Into the fire: How Arizona first responders can navigate mental health challenges

First responders are facing challenges unlike anything they’ve encountered before. After battling the month-long Horton Fire near Payson, a 78-member crew of Arizona firefighters was among the …
Opinion

It’s always the season to be an angel for an Arizona neighbor in need

We’ve just completed the Christmas season. We passed by trees where we could pick paper ornaments and generously buy a toy for a child. Or maybe we chose to adopt a family through our churches …
Take the Civility Pledge

Civility Checklist

How to engage in respectful, honest & civil dialogue about public issues.

Checkmark Take the high road.  Respond to the topic — not the person. Refrain from demonizing others for their opinions. Assume those you disagree with are, like you, genuinely interested in improving the community.

Checkmark Be respectful. Bullying, public humiliation, insults, name-calling, harassment, and threats directed at another person — or that person's race, gender, religion, ethnicity, etc. — have no place in civil discussions. Find ways to respectfully disagree without questioning someone's character or motives.

Checkmark Be truthful. Base your opinions/arguments on facts. Value honesty. Make only accurate statements when making your point and avoid exaggeration and stereotypes. When appropriate, cite your sources of information that others may question. 

Checkmark Don't misrepresent. Always identify your opinions as opinions (not stating opinions as facts). Never misrepresent the views of others or falsely claim your opinions represent someone else. If quoting the words of others, identify and credit the source.

Checkmark Listen  & learn. It's both polite and respectful to listen to those we disagree with (as well as those we support) and be genuine in our attempts to understand their point of view. Expand your mind by thoughtfully seeking out views that don't agree with your own.

CheckmarkLook for common ground. When disagreeing with others, look for even small areas of agreement — which can be the gateway to working together for the greater good.

Checkmark Respect privacy. Keep private things private — whether it involves your own information or those with whom you disagree. Revealing private information about someone else is rude, unethical, potentially harmful and, in many cases, illegal.

Checkmark Set a good example. Practice civil behavior online as well as in public and in your interaction with others. Encourage others to practice these civil behaviors. And it's OK to challenge disrespectful behavior — but be courteous, respectful and helpful in your approach.

Now that you've read the checklist, take the Civility Pledge. 

Your Community Your Voice
Jonathan Sharp

PFAS Alternatives ACT could ensure carcinogenic-free turnout gear for Arizona’s firefighters

Like their colleagues across the country, Arizona firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save others. The most dangerous occupational hazard they face isn’t blazing flames but …

Speak Up: Airline passengers face Real ID deadline in 2025 - maybe

After a decade of pushing back the deadline for Americans to get a Real ID or passport or risk being banned from airline flights, May 7 may be enforcement day . Or not. “Don’t …
Jennifer Murphy

FAFSA is open: New tools and resources to help Arizona students secure their future

The biggest barrier to higher education isn’t ability — it’s affordability. But for Arizona students, there’s a powerful tool that can help bridge that gap: the Free …
Mackenzie Rodgers

Arizonans should prepare now for winter storms if they haven’t already

While this week’s winter storm may mean light chances of snow in Arizona’s high country, the colder temperatures and high winds are a good reminder to make sure you are ready for whatever …
Ahmad Alatrash

4 things I’ve learned as a young Arizona business owner

I was an 18-year-old high-schooler when I started Mesquite Fresh Street Mex with my older brother, Nas, in 2015. I had many side hustles as a child, one being a job at Little Caesar’s when I …

Speak Up: Airline passengers face Real ID deadline in 2025 — maybe

After a decade of pushing back the deadline for Americans to get a Real ID or passport or risk being banned from airline flights, May 7 may be enforcement day . Or not. “The Real ID …

There isn’t enough water in the Valley to make housing affordable, growth sustainable

In reply to Jon Riches’ recent Opinion — Gov. Hobbs’ illegal power grab is exacerbating Arizona’s housing crisis — I disagree with his scare tactic of saying Gov. Hobbs …

11 ways Arizona diabetics can manage stress

Diabetes can be tough on  mental health — and for many of us, the stress of managing diabetes can take its toll. Knowing how to ease your mind and body in anxious moments can contribute to …
Sharon Hettick

West Valley transit needs to prioritize safety, affordability, access

Public transportation is a lifeline for countless individuals, connecting them to workplaces, schools, essential services and social opportunities. However, the needs of women in this domain often …

Trash truck fires, haz-mat situations are an ongoing problem in Valley cities

I worked in the solid waste biz for 35 years total, retired from the city of Glendale after 25 years and I’ve seen my share of truck fires and haz-mat situations. It’s an ongoing …
Alexis Glascock

Arizona’s technology and housing sectors are positioned for growth in 2025, hopefully

President-elect Donald Trump’s decisions regarding the federal CHIPS Act will strongly impact Arizona’s growth as a new semiconductor manufacturing center for the nation. The CHIPS Act …

Speak Up: Airline passengers face Real ID deadline in 2025 — maybe

After a decade of pushing back the deadline for Americans to get a Real ID or passport or risk being banned from airline flights, May 7 may be enforcement day . Or not. “Oh, the …
William Kelhoffer

Make it to your future, Arizona — celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration and creating cherished memories. From watching the ball drop or getting together for festive gatherings with friends and family, the spirit of …
Linda Somo

Arizona seniors, low-income families should act now to save thousands with IRA benefits

For Arizona’s seniors, the daily struggle to manage expenses on fixed incomes has become increasingly challenging. The challenge also exists for low-income, working families. As the Arizona …
Mandy Hodges

Pantry clean-outs are a great way for Arizonans to give back while decluttering

As we approach 2025 and close out another holiday season, now is the perfect time to prepare for the new year. For some, this may include a refreshed look for either their home or appearance. If you …
Dr. Lauren Havard

From sleep to hydration: A Valley physician’s guide to mental well-being during the holidays

As a primary care physician at HealthyU Clinics, I’ve seen firsthand how the holiday season can be both joyous and stressful. While we cherish time with loved ones and festive traditions, the …
Angela Hollingsworth

Understanding Open Enrollment is key to finding the right school for Arizona teens

Open Enrollment has just begun for many Arizona schools, which makes it the perfect time to check in with your child on their academic journey. Arizona parents have the freedom to choose where their …

Experts: Is it OK to pay your employees in Bitcoin?

A trend has emerged where some celebrities, professional athletes, or other high net worth individuals are asking to be paid...

Will your license fly? Arizona Travel ID deadline just around the corner

Next year might feel like a long way away, but it’ll be here quickly.

Hettick: Let’s consider the role of women in film industry

The medium of the movies helps to project information, opinions and policy.

Robinson: It’s time for us to choose better leaders for Arizona

I don’t write this to try and tell or convince you how to vote or whom to vote for.

Miller: Let’s raise the age for guns, voting to 21

In the wake of the Uvalde, Texas shooting, there is a very strong clamor for doing “something” about gun control.

Breen: Does GOP really care about life? What about shooting victims?

How easy is it for us to “normalize” murder.

Bowers: Prison sentencing reform among my key issues

District 4 voters and neighbors! I am a candidate for a District 4 seat in the Arizona House (the district was formerly 28 but was renumbered).

Casem: You can help protect Arizona’s forests from wildfire

As our temperatures warm up, our fire activity across Arizona is picking up and we urge all Arizonans to be prepared and take preventative measures around their property, before it’s too late. So, what does that mean to you?

Everything you wanted to know about the World Series … but were afraid to ask

Imagine you’re at an outdoor dinner party (yes, COVID-friendly). It’s October, and the conversation steers towards the World Series. While you are generally culturally literate, you know …

Christensen: Health literacy more important than ever for Arizonans in ongoing COVID-19 crisis

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions across the country, and Arizona has not been spared. This virus and its resulting economic fallout have put a harsh spotlight on rising health care …
Latest regional, state and national issues

You can’t legislate water into rural aquifers

Regarding Mohave County Supervisor Travis Lingenfelter’s op-ed, Rural Arizona deserves balanced groundwater management tools : Mohave County wants regulations about the withdrawal of our …

We should make an effort to walk a mile in the shoes of others before judging

If a willingness to walk a mile in another’s shoes can be considered a measure of a person’s love, then God-in-Jesus-Christ certainly proved the depth of God’s love for us! God …
Ishan Mehta

In politics, billionaires get what they pay for

Money buys influence in Washington. That was on display in the VIP seating at Donald Trump’s inauguration. He was flanked by many of the wealthiest people in the world — the CEOs of Meta, …
Joy Seitz

How SRP’s new solar rate proposal could crush solar in Arizona

Salt River Project announced a rate proposal in early December that would necessitate homeowners to install batteries when they choose solar for their home. The rate proposal by the CEO and …
Jacqueline Keidel Martinez

The power of executive visibility: Why thought leadership matters more than ever

Executives today can no longer afford to lead from behind closed doors. The leaders who drive the most impact are those who embrace their role as a megaphone for the brand they represent, cultivating …
Michael Hartman, Ph.D.

Gut to know: The hormone that can help Arizonans improve their love lives

Arizonans looking to improve their overall health, and their love life, may want to start with their gut. Recent scientific research reveals that gut health influences not just digestion but also …
Rachel Sacco is the president and CEO of Experience Scottsdale, as well as a Paradise Vally resident.

Destination Professionals Day recognizes contributions of Scottsdale tourism leaders

Feb. 19 marks the inaugural Destination Professionals Day, commemorating the founding of the first organization of its kind in 1896. Today, there are over 10,000 global destination organizations like …
Lolita Tramel

Love and intimacy in the time of dementia

This Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded of the many conversations I’ve had with caregivers struggling to redefine love in the face of dementia. Love, in its purest form, is about …
Rachel Caballero

Small changes, big results: 4 ways Arizonans can boost savings

The most common financial goal for 2025 is saving more money, with 79% of Americans wanting to build a healthy emergency fund and savings this year. While the idea sounds great, to make it …
Travis Lingenfelter

Rural Arizona deserves balanced groundwater management tools

As Mohave County District 1 Supervisor representing rural Arizona, I have a responsibility to ensure that Mohave County’s rural communities have a sustainable future — one that includes …
Robert Robb

Trump wasn’t elected to buy Greenland, annex Canada and build a resort in Gaza

Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal offers a useful political Rorschach test. Trump said that the U.S. would “own” Gaza. Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants would be relocated to …
Dr. Michael Kleven

How concerned Arizonans can avoid heart attack, stroke

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a health observance that encourages Americans to focus on their cardiovascular health and understand the importance of adopting healthier behaviors …
Rechelle Trejo

Undetectable: The aesthetics trend capturing Arizona’s attention

In an era dominated by filters and fillers, the world is witnessing a fascinating shift in aesthetics. Enter the “undetectable” trend — a movement that champions soft, imperceptible …
Maha Nassar

Palestinians have long resisted resettlement — Trump’s plan to ‘clean out’ Gaza won’t change that

President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. should “ take over” Gaza , displace its current population and turn the enclave into “the Riviera of the Middle East” …

Without USAID, millions of lives are in peril

Many of us have no understanding of the importance of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which reaches across several continents and provides a major form of diplomatic “soft …
Nick Ahrendt, MD

Arizona SB 1125 endangers patients and must be stopped

There they go again. A fourth attempt to allow Arizona psychologists to prescribe powerful psychiatric medications is making its way through committee in the form of  SB 1125 . This …

DEI protects more people than you might think

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) seems to make people all across the country — and right here in Fountain Hills — uncomfortable. But much of this discomfort comes from a fundamental …

Are we sleepwalking through a Trump/Musk takeover?

A dear friend claims that Sun City is “sleepwalking” through the Trump/Musk takeover of the U.S. government. Well, I am as mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore. Who is with …
Mesquite District Peoria City Councilmember Matt Bullock.

Peoria Councilor Bullock discusses the ‘Amkor Paradox’

The Amkor project has brought heated debate to our community. So why the “Paradox”?
Sarah Grado

How Arizonans can help their teens recognize, leave toxic relationships

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time for parents to talk with their teens about healthy relationships and warning signs of toxicity. Relationships should feel safe, …

Speak Up: A Christian reflects on 2,000 years of dashed hope

Scottsdale resident TR Harry laid out his view and questions about Western Christianity in his op-ed, A Christian reflects on 2,000 years of dashed hope . “Excellent read. Our world …

If people can smoke weed, why can’t I vape?

Just a thought, but if you can smoke weed then no one should be able to take my right to vape away from me. I used to smoke two packs a day and with the help of this alternative, I am now down to 1/4 …

Speak Up: Reader disagrees America may be becoming dictatorship

Sun City West reader Tom Slade took issue with a letter from a Sun City reader asking if America is becoming a dictatorship, inviting the writer and others who share similar views to back up their …

Drivers should do what’s right and stop speeding

I read attorney Marc Lamber’s opinion on Arizona’s “Keep Right” law . I drive the speed limit and still get people weaving in and out of traffic around me. Doing the …

We must fight back against this corruption

What the Trump/Musk administration has done in their first weeks in office is terrifying and must be stopped. None should be surprised, however, since the plans were detailed in Project …
TR Harry

A Christian reflects on 2,000 years of dashed hope

I can’t prove what I’m about to present. It’s not my intention. After all, who am I to question the tradition of Western Christian religion or its truth or veracity? On …

Has commercialism rendered Valentine’s Day meaningless?

Valentine's Day seems meaningless with all the commercialism: be sexy, buy expensive gifts, buy overpriced flowers, buy junky candy boxes, buy balloons, buy sappy greeting cards that don't sound …

My thoughts on the World Economic Forum

Beware of Davos. World Economic Forum (WEF) philosophies appear to me to be primarily pagan, principally Inhuman and wholly authoritarian. The WEF cult billionaires recently met in Switzerland …

No on SB 1272: Arizona vapor products bill would harm businesses, limit consumer choice

I am writing to express my strong opposition to SB 1272 and to advocate for fair and sensible regulations for vapor products. This bill imposes excessive oversight that could harm businesses and …
J. Mark Powell

Holy cow! History — How a kids’ toy named the Super Bowl

Lamar Hunt had a problem. The big game, the biggest of its kind ever held, was being planned. And it needed a name worthy of the occasion. Hunt, an oil tycoon’s son, had been crazy about …