Opinion

Midterm elections were an enormous populist blowout

For years, Americans have been viciously divided according to race, religion, immigration status and gender identity by politicians dead set on making us fight each other rather than them. In a year where real people’s struggles were impossible to ignore, that effort fell short. It’s hard to overstate the scale of Democratic victories in this year’s midterm elections.

Opinion

The day after: A look at the campaigns that weren’t

OPINION — I’ve never seen an election cycle in which the gulf between real policy choices and campaign messaging was wider. Based upon campaign messaging, you’d think that the biggest issue confronting the state and nation is pedophilia.

Opinion

West Valley Symphony board thanks supporters; mourns Phoenix Symphony's season suspension

OPINION — The West Valley Symphony would like to thank residents for their continued support, for attending our concerts and for their commitment to live orchestral music, which helps sustain an important part of our community’s cultural life.

Opinion

How healthy is the air in Valley schools?

OPINION — Millions of American children spend time in classrooms that are often inadequately designed and maintained, and that school districts spend $78 billion annually to operate. In the classrooms where students learn, there is one thing most parents and some school administrations probably haven’t checked: the indoor air quality.

Opinion

Homes outside FEMA flood zones could still be at risk, and some Arizonans could suffer more others

OPINION — If your home isn’t in a federally designated flood zone, flooding might seem like someone else’s problem. No one requires you to buy flood insurance, and the map suggests you’re in the clear. But reality may be very different.

Question of the Week: How often do you fly for pleasure or work?

A new terminal is coming to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport west of Terminal 3 by 2033, the airport’s first new terminal since 1990. That suggests anticipated continued increase in …

Opinion

Medicaid’s asset limit punishes Valley residents it is supposed to help

OPINION — My son, Jonathan, needed a new bed, so I bought him a Sleep Number. His room needed a chair, so I bought a La-Z-Boy. I didn’t make these purchases because Jonathan needed the finest furniture. I made them because Medicaid’s rules gave me no choice: Spend down his savings on anything, no matter how extravagant, or risk losing the coverage he depends on to survive.

Opinion

Maintaining mobility an investment in Valley residents’ independence

We may all lose just a little bit of the spring in our step as we age, but slowing down a little does not mean we need to give up our independence. Taking time to work on your mobility and balance is a key part of the strategy for aging well and moving confidently into the future.

Opinion

What first responders carry home after the call ends

OPINION — For first responders, what most of us would consider an extraordinary crisis can simply be part of a Tuesday. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, correctional officers and paramedics routinely face circumstances many people may experience only once, if ever, in their lifetime.

Opinion

Shouldn’t campaign finance outrage apply to Hamadeh, too?

OPINION — Campaign finance outrage? Apply it to Abe Hamadeh, too. Jacquelyn Loiselle’s October 7 letter asks whether Bernadette Greene-Placentia’s financial reporting problems reflect “incompetence or something worse.” That insinuation outruns the evidence she presents.

Opinion

Sounds of Autism founder endorses Donna Davis for MCCCD Governing Board

OPINION — I am proud to support Donna Davis’s reelection to the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board.

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Your Community Your Voice

Love at first byte: Is your next date human — or is it AI?

OPINION — Online dating used to mean wondering whether someone’s profile photo was 10 years old. Now there’s a more fundamental question: Does this person even exist?

Donna Davis is our choice for MCCCD Governing Board

OPINION — We are writing this letter in support of Donna Davis who is running for re-election to the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board. She has served as an MCCCD board member for four years.

Question of the Week: Do you still play games in the Arizona Lottery?

The Arizona Lottery was created when voters approved Proposition 200 in November 1980. The two biggest games are Powerball and Mega Millions, both multi-state games. Odds of winning are just as …

Hamadeh’s $10,000 reward for information on rival’s attackers rings hollow

OPINION — Abe Hamadeh and Bernadette Greene-Placentia are running for the Congressional District 8’s U.S. House seat. Personally, I default to believing women who come forward with news of an assault. Sadly, I am seeing horrific comments online by Hamadeh supporters.

Reader ponders north Peoria roadway projects

OPINION — The El Mirage Road extension north from Loop 303 to Jomax Road has been a top priority to ease traffic congestion in north Peoria. Certainly, the Happy Valley Parkway and Vistancia Boulevard intersection is in need of change to accommodate rush-hour traffic.

Arizona’s fentanyl overdose statistics are alarming; free Narcan training can help

OPINION — While deaths from drug overdoses across the United States declined during each of the last three years, they have surged in Arizona. From September 2024 to September 2025, our state recorded a 17% increase in overdose deaths — twice the national average — according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthcare shouldn’t be so hard; health literacy can help

OPINION — A visit to the doctor may get you a diagnosis. A trip to the pharmacist fills the needed prescription. Your health plan has all sorts of information about benefits. Healthcare. Straightforward and easy to understand, right? Eye roll. Laugh stifled.

Pain at Valley pumps, profit at the refineries

OPINION — While crude oil gets most of the blame for today’s sky-high gas and diesel prices, the refiners that turn crude into fuel have quietly been making a killing and driving up costs.

Question of the Week: Does your family participate in Halloween traditions and fun?

There was a time when nothing signaled the onset of autumn like Halloween, the annual cultural celebration observed on Oct. 31, which features trick-or-treating, wearing costumes and carving …

What Valley parents may be missing about bullying today

OPINION — When parents think about bullying, they may picture a confrontation in a school hallway or a cruel comment at lunch. Those situations still happen, but social media and messaging apps have extended bullying well beyond the school day. A child can be home, sitting beside a parent, while classmates target them on their phone.

Peoria reader: My values align with Rep. Hamadeh’s

OPINION — My most cherished freedom is the freedom to openly serve my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Next is my freedom to vote, a right that gives each of us a voice in the direction of our nation. This election requires each of us to exercise that freedom and choose leaders who will stand for the principles we believe in.

Arizonans should vote out Republicans who failed us

OPINION — I think most will agree that it's time for a change. I come from a family where most, but not all, leaned Republican. I am an independent and believe that our leaders should work to benefit the people they represent over large contributors who try to buy their votes. I miss true bipartisanship, where both sides would meet and try to resolve issues together, even by compromise when needed.

Peoria wife on edge about mail-in ballot security, hubby gives her reassurance

OPINION — My wife and I were having a conversation about the upcoming elections and she stated that she was afraid of mailing her ballot because of the administration's bluster regarding the U.S. Postal Service and mail-in ballot handling. She was afraid that her vote would be lost or worse, so she wanted me to hand carry the ballot to a polling place.

Fighting hunger also means prioritizing nutrition

OPINION — When most people think about hunger, they picture an empty pantry or fridge. Yet, for families struggling to make ends meet, the challenge is often more complicated than simply having enough food to eat.

Four years of tax hikes and one new cop; our community colleges need new priorities

OPINION — Most voters never reach the bottom of their ballot. This year, the Maricopa County Community College District board race deserves the trip.

Fears new federal rule will harm seniors who get prescriptions by mail

OPINION — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a dangerous new rule with an Oct. 22 compliance date that will threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. The rule, “Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments,” will effectively end Americans’ ability to personally import their prescription medicines.

Senior thanks Rep. Hamadeh for tax relief

OPINION — After working and paying taxes for many years, seniors deserve a break on taxation of their retirement financial resources. Many live on fixed incomes that are affected by rising costs. Tax relief can provide the extra cushion to make the “golden years” a little more stress-free.

Military widow: Rep. Hamadeh’s office solved my problem

OPINION — I’m not really into opinions. Facts and actions are what count. My experience as a 40-year military widow was mightily reaffirmed recently. I must share.

Question of the Week: Should the Pentagon livestream the execution of former U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan?

Former Army Medical Corps psychiatrist Nidal Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, Texas, for the 2009 mass shooting that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers and wounded …

Surprise reader: Hamadeh understands importance of water security

OPINION — I am a lifelong Arizonan. Arizona’s water future is among the most urgent issues facing our state, and Congressman Abe Hamadeh has shown he understands that.  

Jobs are coming to the West Valley; our community colleges need to be ready

OPINION — The West Valley is in a period of tremendous growth. TSMC is producing advanced semiconductors in north Phoenix. Amkor is building a major semiconductor packaging and testing campus in Peoria. VAI Resort is taking shape in Glendale. Hospitals and medical facilities are expanding along with our population.

Conserving Arizona’s water one drop and one major initiative at a time

OPINION — Water is always top of mind for Arizonans, and that has never been truer than now. Our state stands to lose 760,000 acre-feet of water each year beginning in 2027 due to mandatory cuts to the Colorado River water supply under a plan from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Hamadeh fights for West Valley

OPINION — As a West Valley resident, I support U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh’s reelection because he has focused on results here at home.

Glendale reader favors Howard for House in LD 27, but urges ‘just vote’

OPINION — I feel a need for pom-poms to get this message across. Had you seen me try out for cheer in 1970, you’d know that I have the voice but not the moves. I am an optimist, one who honestly gets excited by the prospect of voting. I have voted in every general election since 1972.

When did MAGA become the price of being Republican?

OPINION — Steve Grogan’s recent letter, Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code, struck a chord. He wrote that he once voted Republican and supported Ronald Reagan, but no longer recognizes what the party has become. He isn’t alone.

Greene-Placentia’s campaign finance issues raise serious questions

OPINION — We expect our representatives to handle the big picture. That doesn’t mean they get a free pass on the basics. Bernadette Greene-Placentia’s campaign-finance mess raises serious questions about her potential as a representative for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.

Why Arizonans must take charge of their health as they age

OPINION — Maintaining your health is a lifelong commitment. It’s always crucial but becomes increasingly important as we age and our health needs naturally evolve. And a big part of keeping up with these evolving needs can be more-frequent visits with your doctor.

Peoria Unified School District governing board candidate Desiree’ Byrne.

Truth and lies: Pinocchio and nonpartisan races in Peoria Unified

OPINION — For years, I’ve watched school board meetings, seeing countless people speak denouncing school board members deemed “too political,” demanding neutrality. Ironically, some of those same commentators express enthusiasm when a vote furthers their political preferences.

What a 100th birthday taught me about caring for seniors

OPINION — When one of my patients recently reached the remarkable milestone of turning 100, our care team invited him in for a special celebration. As is his nature, he expressed appreciation, but truth be told, we were the grateful ones.

Rep. Hamadeh supports the SAVE America Act; I don’t support him

OPINION — This is in response to the writer enthralled with the One Big Beautiful Bill. I didn’t get a penny off my taxes; I checked with my accountant. And, it is temporary, as the reduction ends in two years.

I’m voting again for Abe Hamadeh; here’s why

OPINION — I wanted to meet with Congressional District 8’s Rep. Abe Hamadeh to form my own opinion and ask some questions which I felt were important before I could give this man my vote.

Question of the Week: Are you voting by mail this year or going to the polls Nov. 3?

There has been plenty of bluster about mail-in voting, some of the negative coming from President Trump — who votes by mail himself. Do you believe in the integrity of voting by mail through …

Rep. David Livingston’s record: Conservative or extreme?

OPINION — David Livingston entered the Arizona Legislature as a conservative voice. Fourteen years later, his record has moved beyond traditional conservatism toward extremism. His positions on disability services and reproductive rights — and his use of a term-limit loophole — show why Legislative District 28 needs a change.

Peoria teacher urges yes vote on Prop. 428

OPINION — For 17 years, I’ve worked in education because I wanted to do work that mattered. I found my purpose in helping children discover curiosity, potential and a love of lifelong learning.

10 things I’m not thanking Rep. Hamadeh for right now

OPINION — In response to the recent letter thanking Abe Hamadeh for his support of the One Big Beautiful Bill, I’m not thanking him for these 10 things:

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

OPINION — On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., the United States’ men’s soccer team will play Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. On paper, it is a friendly. Nobody in my family has ever used that word for this game. Mexico can lose to the United States in almost any sport and take it well. Basketball, baseball, a bad night in the ring. We shake hands and go to dinner. Soccer is different.

Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code

OPINION — I used to be a Republican. I voted for Ronald Reagan. To me, Reagan embodied the Cowboy Code of actor singer Gene Autry. The code included that the cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man or take unfair advantage. He must always tell the truth. He must help people in distress.

America's Charters of Freedom give Arizonans the power to bargain

OPINION — I’m replying to Annarose Lilly’s labor bargaining comments. America's Charters of Freedom already give Arizonans the power to bargain, so why would they pay a third party to negotiate their individual labor that would be in the union's best interest as a collective for all? The end doesn’t seem to justify the means for an individual.

Why I’m voting Scianna over Montenegro for LD 29 House

OPINION — Legislative District 29’s Steve Montenegro has used his power as speaker of the state House to promote the nation’s most expensive voucher system at the same time Arizona is second-to-lowest in support of education.

No need to expand collective-bargaining efforts in Arizona

OPINION — This is a response to Annarose Lilly's recent letter, Arizonans deserve real bargaining power. I read Ms. Lilly’s opinion with great interest. She seems to be advocating for labor unions either to be formed or expanded. In any event, my vote is firmly no.

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