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La Dolce Vita: How to have a European summer without leaving Arizona

Many of us want to experience summer in Italy like those going viral on social media. On TikTok alone, there are over 1 billion views under the hashtag #EuropeanSummer. If you’re not …
Opinion

No smiling matter: Oral health is a hidden threat to mental health

This May, National Mental Health Month’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” encourages individuals of all ages and communities to take proactive steps to care for their own mental …
Opinion

Rep. Schweikert refuses to meet with constituents

The people protesting outside Representative Schweikert’s office every Monday morning are asking for one thing: a meeting with Mr. Schweikert where he will listen to his constituents’ …
Opinion

Democrats are falsely framing budget reconciliation choice

Democrats are framing the budget reconciliation issue as an attempt by Republicans to cut low-income programs to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. That’s not an accurate description of the …
Opinion

A blood test could change how we detect Alzheimer’s years before memory loss begins

If you’ve ever watched a loved one slowly lose their memory, their sense of self, their ability to recognize family or hold a conversation — you know how devastating Alzheimer’s …
Opinion

Arizonans should make food safety a priority at Memorial Day barbecues, picnics

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor those lost in service to our country. It’s also the traditional start of the summer vacation and travel season — a time for family …
Opinion

Comey’s numbers aren’t news — or a threat to Trump

“8647.” Those numbers are spelled out — in seashells — in a May 15 Instagram photo posted by former FBI director James Comey. The meaning doesn’t seem unclear. …
Opinion

Alcoholics Anonymous — an insider’s perspective

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA, is an often misunderstood or underestimated resource for those in recovery. AA is one of the most accessible and widely utilized community-based mutual …
Opinion

What happens to AHCCCS, Arizona's health care lifeline, if Congress cuts Medicaid?

In the vast landscape of Arizona, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS, provides critical support for over 2 million residents. Medicaid, which primarily serves low-income …
Opinion

Reader disagrees with Robb’s take on tariffs

Robert Robb makes some good points in his recent opinion concerning the effects of tariffs . However, I believe his basic premise that these tariffs are “protectionist,” thereby amounting …
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
Car enthusiasts check out the vehicles on display lakeside in Fountain Hills during Concours in the Hills 2025.

From Car Week to Concours, here’s how Arizona steers the automotive world

Concours in the Hills in Fountain Hills might feel like the final lap of Arizona’s car event season — and in a way, it is. But for those who follow the rhythm of the automotive world, …

Communication and leadership are needed in Paradise Valley

Like many Paradise Valley residents, I have been alarmed at the dissension and divisiveness that we have witnessed over the past several months, especially the vitriolic note from Council Member …
Brian Foltyn, CVA

Why acting now can help Arizonans make the most of sunsetting gift and estate tax exemptions

The countdown has begun for a significant shift in the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption landscape. The temporarily increased exemption amounts provided under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 …

Preserving Paradise Valley Pledge

Civility codes equal coverup and lead to hiding information and positions from residents. There is something productive that can be done to focus energies of councilmembers and residents on actions …
Robert Robb

The Trump endgame: Managed trade

Donald Trump, his administration and outside supporters have offered varied and contradictory rationales for his fixation on tariffs. One rationale is to foster a significant increase in …
Ivan Gilreath

Opportunity can’t wait: Why Arizona’s workforce development must begin before high school

Arizona is in the middle of a remarkable transformation. With long-established innovators like Microchip Technology — headquartered in Arizona for decades — and tech giants like TSMC, …

Paradise Valley town council needs its own Code of Civility

The time has come for Ms. Pace to cease her continued hostility toward fellow Councilmember Thomasson. Enough is enough. As expressed by letters to the editor and calls to council, we expect …

We must rally behind the best candidate

A lifelong liberal Democrat supports a former Republican? I’m Karen Russo, a political activist in Scottsdale. I’ve connected with thousands of voters: doors, calls, texts and events …
Michael Infanzon

Veteran calls on Schweikert, Congress to protect Medicaid

Arizona has a proud legacy of military service. Over a half-million veterans live here, and our state is home to multiple military bases and installations. That’s why I’m sounding …
Luis De La Cruz

Are you ready to be a foster parent? Here’s what Arizonans need to know

May is National Foster Care Month. According to the Arizona Department of Child Services , there are 7,600 children in foster care under the age of 18. With only 3,000 licensed foster parents …
Ellen Andeen-Keller

Tentative budget adoption approved in Paradise Valley amid confusion

On Thursday, May 8, five councilmembers approved the adoption of the 2025/2026 tentative budget with two opposing.  Since late March, we have had three study sessions along with the …
Jennifer Adler

How to respond when crisis strikes — a PR playbook for Valley businesses

When a crisis strikes — whether it’s a sudden service outage, a customer complaint gone viral or something more serious like a crime or safety issue — businesses often scramble to …
Tom Patterson

What’s the best way to get illegal immigrants to return home?

There has likely never been a more tendentious transfer of power in presidential history than the Biden-Harris team’s final act of allocating billions of unspent COVID funds to left-wing …
Jennifer Scoggins Hanks

Bet you didn’t see this coming: How tariffs benefit counterfeiters over American businesses

In the escalating global trade war, much of the focus has centered on tariffs, reshoring and the effect on American jobs and prices. Amid the chaos of new trade policies, one insidious winner lurks …
Rick Claypool

America First has become ‘Corporations First’

“Corporations First.” That’s the slogan that would truthfully describe the Trump administration’s approach to law enforcement, not “America First.” A new …
Don Henninger

Why civic champions work to rebuild democratic trust in Arizona

In a time when our national discourse feels more like a shouting match than a shared conversation — and when trust in democratic institutions continues to fray — it’s easy to lose …

Our political environment in Paradise Valley is harming open discussion

Recently in this paper, Rupert Pavageau has offered us his opinion on town affairs. The problem is that Rupert Pavageau is a pen name for someone who doesn’t want to be identified. Why would …
Timothy Sandefur

Goldwater to defend donor privacy at Arizona Supreme Court

The Arizona Supreme Court announced this week that it will hear the Goldwater Institute’s lawsuit  challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 211, a 2022 law that strips donors and …
Cory Mishkin

‘Water is for fighting,’ but it doesn’t need to be — why I think Arizona has it covered

During more than a quarter of a century of helping people buy and sell homes in Arizona, there has only been one topic that has been a constant source of conversation. I have seen people leave …

We should be proud of our Paradise Valley Police Department

A recent letter, written under the pseudonym Reupert Pavageau, questioned the staffing levels of our Police Department. As a long-time town resident, founding member and 18-year veteran of the PVPD …

A new twist on celebrating Mother’s Day

Many months bring holidays, and so does May — Mother’s Day. See how the “M” and the “ay” are connected? Here is something important to know about mothers: …
Robert Robb

The Trump blitzkrieg has been a political loser

Donald Trump and his administration have conducted a political blitzkrieg, moving fast and hard on an ever-expanding number of fronts. Supposedly, the strategic value is overwhelming and keeping …
Angelica Baker

Preventing common injuries in kids — a safety guide for Arizona parents

While parents wear many hats, one of the most important is that of the protector, doing everything they can to make the world a safer place for their children. Unfortunately, injuries happen even to …
Matthew Coates

Buying your first home isn’t for the faint of heart — what Arizonans need to know

So, you decided to be one of the 4,110 first-time homebuyers that close on a home each day? To some, home is a place to finally exhale after years of uncertainty. To others, it’s a symbol of …
Raoul Zubia

The Coronado Promise is more than a scholarship

On April 30, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly special at Coronado High School — hope taking center stage. That evening, 34 remarkable seniors were honored with …
Jerry Brown

Community can help food bank Stamp Out Hunger

The number of families who have turned to St. Mary’s Food Bank for help has steadily risen along with inflation numbers that have gone from an imposition to an over-the-edge emergency in the …
Susan Anable

Small Business Week puts digital innovation front and center

Small Business Week, May 4 to 10, is the perfect opportunity to highlight how small businesses across Greater Phoenix are turning technology challenges into growth opportunities. Whether it’s a …
Dr. Paul Berggreen

Congress must fix how Medicare pays doctors — before it’s too late

Medicare has slashed physician reimbursement again. Unless Congress takes swift and meaningful action, we could see the unraveling of independent medical practices across the country. This isn't …

SB 1269 is not the solution for what ails our public schools

I was shocked to read that religious zealots in the Arizona House have passed SB 1269, a bill that would allow chaplains in public schools. In 2024, the non-partisan Consumer Affairs ranked …
Latest regional, state and national issues

SRP, AARP warn Valley customers about scams over Memorial Day weekend

As the Memorial Day Weekend approaches, SRP and AARP urge customers, including older adults, to be aware of common scam tactics in order to avoid falling victim to a scam.    …
Lynette Livesay, PsyD

5 ways Arizonans can take action on mental health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is fitting that the theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” The list of mental health disorders is lengthy, and there is a …

Why we fall for fake health information — and how it spreads faster than facts

In today’s digital world, people routinely turn to the internet for health or medical information. In addition to actively searching online, they often come across health-related …
Abigail R. Hall

SignalGate 2.0 and Americans' casual indifference to war

We recently learned that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth  shared details  of impending drone strikes on Yemen in a group chat with his wife, brother and personal attorney. If this story …

Women’s Watch rebuttal: DEI isn’t a solution

In response to the Women’s Watch opinion, How the loss of DEI will impact women and what we can do to meet rising challenges : Loss of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a gain. Finding root …
Tim Orscheln

It’s scorpion season in Arizona, but you don’t have to live with them

Scorpions began appearing earlier than usual this year, due to unseasonably warm March temperatures, which means you should take extra precautions to keep them out of your home. If that’s not …

Disgusted and ashamed of U.S. government’s actions

So, our “law and order” president has authorized his administration to pay $5 million to the family of the treasonous insurrectionist killed while trying to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, …
Cristina Perez Hesano

Five safe driving essentials Valley parents should teach their teens

For many teens, getting a driver’s license is more than just a milestone — it’s a symbol of freedom, independence and stepping into adulthood. But behind the excitement lies a …
A wild horse walks in the Salt River.

State should let group continue to manage Salt River Wild Horses humanely

While I was sitting at the  Salt River, enjoying its tranquility, a wild Salt River horse walked into the river. A father and son paddled by. The father said, “The horses here are wild, …
Ken Fisher

We need U.S. lawmakers to come together to help prevent veteran suicide

According to Veterans Affairs’ 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, nearly 20 veterans die by suicide daily, but more than 300 will attempt.  A staggering …

A new Peoria resident’s perspective on the Amkor plan

Living with cancer, has me focused on the best choices to enjoy my remaining days. 
J. Mark Powell

Holy cow! History — Why the president drank

Historians love ranking presidents. You’ve seen the lists. There are the Greats, the Near Greats and the Mediocre. Then there are the Failures: Andrew Johnson, Herbert Hoover, and the …

Speak Up: Hobbs OKs bill cracking down on college campus protest encampments

Protesters who set up encampments at state universities and fail to comply when asked by school administrators to dismantle those encampments and leave campus will be subject to arrest on trespass …
Bonnie Boyce-Wilson

How the loss of DEI will impact women and what we can do to meet rising challenges

Diversity, equity and inclusion promotes the fair treatment and full participation of everyone, particularly groups that have been historically underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on …

Speak Up: Salt River Wild Horses management

A letter to the editor by Susie Bell about Salt River Wild Horses management sparked passionate responses, including a rebuttal from John Mack. On May 15, the Arizona Department of Agriculture …
Leonard Kirschner in an F-4, 1970.

Political battles over Social Security, other ‘socialism’ programs won’t end in 2025

Americans love anniversaries, whether it is the birth of our nation on July 4th, our parents’ 50th, Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The year 2025 has a number of significant anniversaries of laws that …

Traffic, noise from BNSF facility concerns Surprise resident

I have been reading about BNSF’s plans for a 4,320-acre intermodal site in Wittman. Having recently relocated to The Grand, I have serious concerns about the impact this plan has not only …
Michael “Cash” Striplin

U.S. military can’t rely on drones alone — it needs the AH-64 Apache manufactured in Mesa

What does the future of military engagement look like?  It’s something congressional and military leaders have been discussing for years as they try to plan for what programs and …

Traveler has questions about ADOT’s plan to widen U.S. 93

In reading the article, ADOT schedules May hearing on 5-year transportation plan , I noticed that highway 93 will be improved between Wikieup and Wickenburg. What happened to the portion between …
Tami Bohannon

The bond between older adults, pets is a lifeline that needs extra support

“They’re the reason to get up in the morning … they are my entire life when there’s not others around.”   These heartfelt words, shared by one of 85 …

DEI policies ensure opportunities for all

Responding to the article, Surprise braces for DEI changes at state level : Throughout the history of the United States, Christian conservatives have voted for and created laws to keep people of …

President earns failing grade on 10 leadership characteristics

Prior to the 2024 election, I looked at 10 characteristics I want my leaders to have to help in my decision process. The characteristics that guide me are truthful, ethical, compassionate, …
Drew Pearson, left, meets with President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Oval Office in this Sept. 28, 1967, image by an unnamed White House photographer.

Holy cow! History — A tale of two trains; when friendship rode the rails

Eighty years ago, Europe was finally quiet. Planes no longer dropped bombs, tanks sat stationary, rattling machine guns fell silent. After six bloody years, World War II was at last over on the …
Kerry Schulman

Arizonans are stronger together: Why family wellness matters more than ever

It wasn’t a coincidence that the first Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix opened during National Family Wellness Month in May 1985 to provide essential wellness services and housing when children …
Scott Vanderpool

What those saving for retirement should know about IRAs

A closer look at what you need to know before opening an individual retirement account. If you’re an employee thinking about how you can save for retirement, individual retirement …

Reader prefers original Medicare to Medicare Advantage

A recent opinion, Some answers for Arizona seniors who have questions about Medicare , sounded like the ads on TV for Medicare Advantage. What it doesn’t say is that Advantage plans …
Dr. Donald Tavakoli, UnitedHealthcare national medical director for behavioral health

5 tips for prioritizing mental health this Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a great time to check in with yourself, the people in your life and explore ways to prioritize emotional well-being.

Salt River wild horses deserve sound, science-based management

I recently read Susie Bell’s letter in the Independent about the Salt River wild horses, and felt it was important to offer an alternative perspective. When ARS 3-1491 passed in 2016, it …
Jane Droppa

Remembering the Greatest Generation on 80th anniversary of V-E Day

As we approach the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (May 8), we are reminded of a pivotal moment in history when the Allied forces accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, …
Claudio Dente

No longer safe on the job: Gutting NIOSH condemns workers to danger

I’ve spent my career ensuring American workers have the protection they need to stay safe on the job. When I started, safety gear was simple and often uncomfortable. Over the years, I’ve …