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Opinion

National parks are America’s greatest investment — let's act like it

It wasn’t until I was nearly 27 years old that I saw my first national park. I had lived in the U.S. my whole life — grown up in upstate New York, even traveled across Australia — but somehow, I had never set foot in a place that would so powerfully validate why I love my country.

Opinion

United by purpose: How volunteering together strengthens Arizona families

With summer break in full swing, volunteering is a meaningful and rewarding way for families to give back to their community while spending quality time together. Volunteering as a family not only strengthens bonds, it teaches valuable life lessons to both children and adults.

Opinion

Speak Up: Former fighter pilot weighs in on jet noise complaints

When retired Air Force Col. Leonard Kirschner MD, MPH shared his thoughts about complaints some West Valley residents have made about jet noise from Luke Air Force Base, comments took off faster than an F-35.

Opinion

Some things Arizona employers should know about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. This budget reconciliation legislation includes several provisions that employers should know about. Here’s a summary for those who don’t want to read the bill’s nearly 900 pages.

Opinion

Task force sounds alarm on AIDS drug program funding cuts

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs stand at a critical precipice. After a period of hard-won fiscal stability, numerous ADAPs are now operating in times of profound fiscal, administrative and programmatic uncertainty.

Opinion

Heat is changing the Valley, and policy keeps pushing it higher

My name is Elaine Joyal, I’m a botanist and an ethnoecologist who’s lived in Tempe since 1989. As such, I spend more time than most people outdoors here in the Sonoran Desert, a …

Opinion

Budget leaves Arizona's finances rickety

A lot of attention has been paid to the politics of the recently enacted state budget. And, indeed, the exercise revealed who the pragmatists and ideologues are in all the legislative caucuses, since …

Opinion

Former fighter pilot weighs in on jet noise complaints

I have heard some people complain about the noise of the F-35. Let me provide a brief history and my point of view. Luke Air Force Base is Fighter Country, and the roar of the jets is “The Sound of Freedom!”

Opinion

Hair-raising truths: The hidden hope in homes that reflect us

As a third-generation kinship, foster and adoptive parent, I carry a legacy I never chose, but one that I’m deeply proud of. I didn’t just inherit family recipes and stories, I inherited the responsibility to love children who needed more than shelter. They needed someone who understood them.

Opinion

Working to pay off debt? What Arizonans should know about settlement scams

Paying off debt can be challenging, but falling victim to a scam while doing it can make a hard situation even worse. In 2024 alone, American consumers lost

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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.

Checkmark Look 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

How funding cuts, rising temps are hurting Arizonans right now

For the past 25 years, it has been my privilege to lead a team that provides a variety of home improvement programs for Arizonans of all ages. I’ve seen firsthand how a properly weatherized home or a paid utility bill can mean the difference between life and death during our brutal summers.

A tale of two budgets

They say budgets are moral documents. If that’s true, then the federal budget passed by Congressional Republicans sends a clear message: help the wealthy, hurt everyone else. In Arizona, …

When will enough be enough for Americans?

Ever have a parent turn to face the squabbles in the back seat and say, “Don’t make me stop this car?” You knew then that enough was enough unless you wanted to walk home. Have we reached enough is enough in America with the present administration?

Teachers, librarians among those least likely to die by suicide — insights from ASU researchers

Where you work affects your risk of dying by suicide. For example, loggers, musicians and workers in the oil and gas industries have much higher rates of suicide than the rest of the population.

Speak Up: Fishing, swimming in CAP canal presents dangers, possible felony charges

An Arizona Game and Fish Department and Central Arizona Project reminder to anglers and recreationists that fishing and swimming are prohibited in CAP canals sparked some memories and words of caution from Independent readers.

Proud granddad shares 23-year-old's words on America

We live in a most complex and controversial moment in history. My 23-year-old granddaughter, Sage Goodwin, who is studying in TAIPEI, Taiwan, this summer wrote the following on Facebook. I believe it’s worthy of our consideration.

Eye get it: Dry eyes a major issue in Arizona

Do your eyes constantly feel dry, scratchy, or like they’ve been rubbed with sandpaper? You’re not alone. Nearly 16.4 million Americans live with dry eye disease, and many more go undiagnosed. If you’re a woman over 50, your chances of developing dry eye are even higher.

4 ways Arizonans with medical conditions should prepare for wildfires

When you live in Arizona, you get used to extreme heat. But no one gets used to the threat of wildfires, especially those with medical conditions.

From declaration to our nation

Even though July 4th has come and gone, and all the hoopla has subsided, the idea now is to both keep our pride and build on it, too. First of all, the big deal is the Declaration of …

Government must regulate AI — for the sake of our jobs, brains and planet

Everywhere we look, AI is treated like an inevitability. AI companies like ChatGPT and Open AI are expanding rapidly, and many Americans rely on AI assistants such as Alexa and Siri in their day-to-day lives.

Proper nutrition is critical for seniors — 5 tips for healthy eating

Maintaining a healthy diet is important at any age, but it can be a particular challenge for seniors. Medical conditions, changes in lifestyle and dietary needs, as well as mobility issues all can impact access to healthy choices for older adults.

Speak Up: NCAA settlement, Arizona's SB 1615 reshaping student-athlete compensation — here's how

Attorneys K.J. Russell and David McCarville looked at how final approval of the House v. NCAA Name Image Likeness settlement and passage of Arizona SB 1615 will affect Arizona student-athlete …

Let's celebrate balance in Metro Phoenix’s residential real estate market

As the residential real estate market sees an increase in inventory, both local and national headlines have been crying out that Phoenix Metro is speeding toward an impending crash in home values. …

Reader has idea for bringing fun back to the Fourth

We need to reimage 4th of July celebrations. No more parades, outdoor barbeques, no community or church ball games or Little League tournaments. Extreme heat, pollution warnings, cancerous UV light, forest/brush fires killed all the fun.

The Experiment Continues: Why Frederick Douglass’s Fourth of July speech still matters

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, marked by the Continental Congress’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

From FOMO to JOMO: How Arizonans can find joy in spending less

The fear of missing out, when it increases social connections, can be a positive thing that leads to personal well-being, according to a study from Baylor University. However, when FOMO leads to impulsive purchases, living outside your means, increased debt and neglecting savings, it can wreak havoc on your finances and bring you financial anxiety.

A decade in, what does MAGA mean to Americans on both sides of the aisle?

A decade ago, Donald Trump descended the golden escalator at Trump Tower in New York City and ignited a political movement that has reshaped American politics. In a memorable turn of phrase, Trump promised supporters of his 2016 presidential campaign that “we are going to make our country great again.”

Stars and Stripes or Union Jack? Two diverse views on American independence

While some celebrate 249 years of American independence, others believe the United States would be better off if it were still under British rule.

Test your knowledge: Fourth of July quiz about the Founding Fathers

In the muggy summer of 1776, 56 men met in Philadelphia and pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to America’s future with the Declaration of Independence. None of them was a full-time politician. How much do you know about the signers and their occupations? Test your knowledge with this short quiz.

Speak Up: Alice Cooper earns nod into Radio Hall of Fame

Detroit-born, Phoenix-raised music legend Alice Cooper will add yet another honor to his recognition plate when he’s inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in October, the Independent’s Steve Stockmar reports. Here’s what readers had to say about it on NextDoor:

Blue, Silver and Gold are the stars that define freedom for my military family

When we look at the 50 white stars on the American flag, we see the states that make up this great country. But behind each star are families — Blue Star families waiting anxiously for their loved ones to come home, Silver Star families caring for those who returned bearing wounds and Gold Star families carrying the silent weight of loss. These families are the true heart of what freedom means.

NCAA settlement, Arizona’s SB 1615 reshaping student-athlete compensation — here’s how

A federal judge’s final approval of the groundbreaking House v. NCAA Name, Image, Likeness settlement last month paved the way for the settlement to go into effect July 1, ushering in a new era in college athletics.

Speeding is a choice that puts too many Arizona lives at risk

Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes in Arizona, but because it’s so common, it often goes unpunished and sometimes seen as normalized behavior. That needs to change.

The legal spark: Navigating fireworks safety and liability in Arizona

As a personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen far too many celebrations take a devastating turn. Moments meant to spark joy quickly unraveling into lawsuits, medical emergencies and lifelong consequences, all because of one careless mistake.

Doctor to Arizonans: Protect yourself as measles cases rise

Measles cases are climbing in the U.S., with more than 30 states reporting measles cases so far in 2025 — including Arizona.

Reader laments 'cruelty' in Trump budget bill

Upon reading the current iteration of Donald Trump’s budget bill, I am struck by the multitude of outrageously cruel proposals it contains.

Healing unseen damage: How to help Arizonans facing verbal abuse

When people hear the word “abuse,” many immediately think of physical violence — visible bruises, broken bones or emergency room visits. But abuse doesn’t always leave marks you can see.

Speak up: Words of wisdom on reputation

Jennifer Kaplan‘s piece on reputation was a refreshing and beautiful summer read. In the quiet moments when we might question our service to others and how we lead our lives, it’s …

A vexing decision on universal injunctions

For those of us who believe Donald Trump is the bull in the Constitution’s china shop, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on universal injunctions is vexing. Not clearly wrongly decided. Just a disarming at an inopportune time. Not that such considerations would be appropriate for the justices to weigh.

Arizona Water Co. president lauds SB 1611 passage

Arizona just made water policy history. With the signing of Senate Bill 1611 by Gov. Katie Hobbs, our state has adopted a smart, forward-thinking solution to one of our most pressing challenges: …

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Latest regional, state and national issues

Stars, stripes and safety: APS shares tips for holiday revelers

As Arizonans gear up for Independence Day celebrations this week, Arizona Public Service encourages everyone to take proper precautions to stay healthy in the heat and to be safe around electricity during backyard fun.

Red, white and water safe: 5 tips for Arizona families

As families across the nation gear up to celebrate Independence Day with backyard barbecues, pool parties and trips to lakes, Aqua-Tots Swim School is urging parents to prioritize water safety during this patriotic season.

The Stars and Stripes flies on the back of a boat at Saguaro Lake.

God’s grace, brotherhood and the state of America

Imagine being inspired in 1893 to write “America The Beautiful” as Katharine Bates did after gazing upon Pike’s Peak in Colorado; the beauty, splendor and promise of America filling her heart.

Legal scholar: ‘Sleeper’ Supreme Court decision could profoundly impact Trump agenda, restore faith in court

The American public’s trust in the Supreme Court has fallen precipitously over the past decade. Many across the political spectrum see the court as too political.

From drugs to degrees: How losing custody of my child helped me find myself

For much of my life, it felt like one hardship after another — childhood trauma, the loss of my brother, abuse, life in a group home and divorced parents. My biological father wasn’t involved, and my mother was diagnosed with cancer after we moved to Arizona. I grew up feeling angry, unheard and labeled as “disruptive.”

Reputation: The quiet force that shapes everything

You won’t find it on a business card or in a bio, but reputation is often the first, and most lasting, impression you make. It’s the sum of how you show up, how others experience you, and how you make people feel. Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business or just starting out, your reputation speaks long before you do.

Reader thinks U.S. should have bombed more sites in Iran

I read the point-counterpoint arguments about the Iran strike by James Fitzpatrick and Damian Murphy.

Understanding negligence in the eyes of the law — a guide for Arizonans

Every day, lives are changed due to preventable mistakes: a missed step in protocol, a moment of distraction or a failure to warn others of danger. From car crashes and workplace injuries to unsafe public spaces and professional malpractice, negligence can take many forms.

Holy cow! History — Happy July … Whatever!

For the 249th time, Americans are getting ready to haul out the hot dogs and fire up the fireworks for the nation’s big birthday bash.

Monsoon-proof your tech: Smart safeguards for Arizona homes and small businesses

Arizona’s monsoon season doesn’t just bring dust and downpours; it poses a serious threat to the technology our homes and businesses rely on every day. And while we tend to think about weatherproofing in terms of windows and roofs, your business and home electronics may be the most vulnerable assets of all.

Mindful travel: Why men should pay attention to testosterone levels, even on vacation

While summer vacations promise adventure, relaxation and a break from the everyday grind, they also can disrupt travelers’ everyday health routines and set back wellness goals. For many men, summer vacation means late nights, rich meals and skipped workouts, all of which can take a toll on energy, mood and testosterone levels.

Let’s get big money out of our politics

Americans may disagree on a lot of things, but most of us agree about one: Money has far too much influence in our politics. Billionaires and special interests are drowning out the voices of ordinary Americans.

Reader weighs in on SCOTUS’ federal injunctions ruling

This Supreme Court opinion on federal injunctions gives this president the ability to enforce any whim even if it violates the law. This majority opinion, I’m sure, will change just …

Was Trump’s decision to bomb Iran strength or folly?

Supporters contend the decision to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities was a bold, America First move against a rogue state. Opponents say it was a rogue move that endangers the U.S. and the American people by skirting both Congress and the rule of law.

Ryan Lawrence, left, and husband Thomas Giddings are life and business partners.

Showing up: On visibility, queer joy and collective resistance

As Pride Month winds down, we’re reminded that for queer-owned businesses like ours, the work — and the need for visibility — doesn’t end July 1.

What Arizona’s cooling housing market means for buyers, builders and resellers

A recent Realtor.com report found that the median list price for a home in Phoenix sits at $510,000, but homes are selling for the median price of $469,000. The gap signals what many agents already know — that the Phoenix housing market is experiencing a reset favoring buyers. As inventory climbs, new home builders and individual resellers are meeting buyers where they are with incentives and concessions.

Speak Up: Both sides in the fight over a downtown parking garage reporting each other to the Scottsdale Police

The battle over the new parking garage earmarked for the intersection of First Street and Brown Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale now has both sides calling the Scottsdale Police on each other. City Councilman Barry Graham filed a complaint directly with Scottsdale Police Capt. Joe LeDuc on June 17 after Scottsdale resident Steve Sutton posted on the Nextdoor social media platform what Graham said sounded like a threat. Here’s a selection of what readers had to say on social media:

I’m one of 70M disabled Americans who could soon lose our rights

I spent every bit of free time in my final semester at Villanova University fighting a lawsuit that could make life for me as a disabled American very difficult. As a low-vision student, I’ve relied on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for nearly my entire life. It’s one of our most important disability laws in the U.S.

Confidence starts at the core: How pelvic wellness fuels women’s freedom

Summer should be a season of freedom — of movement, expression and joy. But for many women, it’s also a season of self-consciousness. Whether it’s hesitating to wear a swimsuit, skipping workouts or limiting travel plans, these behaviors often stem from a root cause that doesn’t receive enough attention: the pelvic floor.

The party is over for Democrats

Read on with this premise: American Democracy needs the balance of two stable political parties and an unbiased press to operate effectively. The donkey party cannot survive remaining stubbornly …

Valley development, water use concerns reader

I see articles on the news about Arizona's water supply, but I also see ads for the development in Mesa called Golfland Sunsplash, where there are several slides and a huge manmade lake where you can surf.

Why Congress must keep America’s public lands and waters public

America’s public lands and waters support an outdoor recreation economy that generates an astonishing $1.2 trillion annually, sustains 5 million jobs, and contributes to health and quality of life. Public lands accessible to all are a distinctly American value, distinguishing us from the European traditions of private estates and aristocratic exclusivity. 

July 4 can be deadly for teen drivers; Arizona parents hold the key

July 4 is among the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers, according to AAA and this period stretches through Labor Day. During this time, fatal crashes involving teens spike and Arizona families aren’t exempt.

The labyrinth at Church of the Palms, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd. in Sun City.

Labyrinths: An ancient path for modern times

Labyrinths are experiencing a significant resurgence worldwide, but what exactly are they, and how can they benefit you?

Are we great yet?

Masked, unidentified thugs are routinely snatching people off the streets and from their work, homes, schools, even churches without probable cause other than the color of their skin and …

Bombing Iran is Constitutional, but imprudent

I believe that Donald Trump and his administration are serially straining and breaching the constitutional separation of powers. However, I don’t think the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities is an instance of this.

Addiction is a family disease — what Arizonans need to know

Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from SUD — substance use disorder. While much attention on the opioid epidemic has been directed toward the user, little has been done to minimize the impact on the family, who often suffer as collateral damage.

Speak Up: Fireworks set off reader conversations

Every year, conversations about fireworks light up social media platforms like the real thing lights up Arizona’s night skies. Readers across the Valley came out in force to comment on two op-eds in the Independent: Booms, whimpers and wags: Fireworks aren’t a celebration for pets and What Arizonans can do when fireworks cause more fear than fun. Here’s a selection of comments we received on social media:

From spark to suit: A legal guide for July 4 revelers in Arizona

The Fourth of July is a time for cookouts, fireworks and patriotic pride, but in Arizona, the line between celebration and citation can be thin. Every year, injuries and legal problems arise from fireworks gone wrong, many of which could be avoided with a little foresight.

How economic shifts are creating a growing challenge for America’s aging entrepreneurs

Americans love small businesses. We dedicate a week each year to applauding them, and spend Small Business Saturday shopping locally. Yet hiding in plain sight is an enormous challenge facing small business owners as they age: retiring with dignity and foresight. The current economic climate is making this even more difficult.