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Why I’m voting for Bernadette Greene-Placentia in November

OPINION — When I read Abe Hamadeh’s recent newsletter, I see that he has been very helpful to individuals struggling with the bureaucracy (otherwise known as our hardworking, understaffed Civil Service) and supportive of the military and police. But what about the 400,000 Arizonans who lost their SNAP food benefits and those who will not be able to afford health insurance after the election because of the Big Beautiful Bill his vote helped put into law? more

By Carole Parnell | Surprise | 8/31/26 | 1 comment

To save state Medicaid budgets, lawmakers must target fraud, not cut care

OPINION — State Medicaid programs are heading toward a fiscal wall. Nationwide, state leaders are grappling with severely strapped budgets, rising healthcare costs and shrinking revenues. To make matters worse, the federal government has begun pulling back match funding and aggressively deferring payments, holding back over $1 billion in federal Medicaid transfers to states while demanding stricter documentation. With federal dollars tightening, states are bracing for severe budget cuts in 2027. more

By Richard Popiel | 8/31/26

Question of the Week: Should Arizona gubernatorial candidates cross the political aisle in selecting running mates?

For the first time, Arizonans will select a lieutenant governor in November. The new office will be the No. 2 position in state government. Gov. Katie Hobbs raised eyebrows when she named former Mesa … more

8/31/26

As maternity wards close, Arizona mothers pay price

OPINION — Giving birth can be deadly. In 2024 in the United States, 17.9 women per 100,000 live births died during pregnancy or within 42 days after childbirth. That is double or triple the number in other high-income countries, and much higher than in English-speaking peer countries Australia (3.5), Britain (5.5) and Canada (8.4). more

By Eileen Appelbaum | 8/30/26

American politics: Will Rogers overheard out on the front porch

OPINION — If Will Rogers were here today, he might have something to say: Well, I’ve been watching this country for a spell now, and I’ll tell you something that may not sit easy: … more

By TR Harry | Scottsdale | 8/30/26

Kaleb Brown piece on stuttering right on target

OPINION — I would like to offer some commentary on the great opinion piece, The Long Run: Glendale native dispels myths about stuttering, by Kaleb Brown. I have had issues with stuttering in my life and thought that Brown made great points that the media has consistently portrayed stuttering as a negative or undesirable way of speaking. more

By Salvador Montoya Ortega | Bakersfield, California | 8/29/26

With Flock gone, Tempe needs alternative with similar investigative value

OPINION — Tempe has decided to discontinue Flock license-plate readers that have helped law enforcement connect cases and solve crimes. Mayor Corey Woods, in a statement, said: “We have to be able to provide public safety in a way that maintains the trust of our community. For Tempe, that means taking these cameras down.” more

By Bill Richardson | Tempe | 8/29/26

Clean distributed energy is security our nation needs

OPINION — We’ve been experiencing another summer of extreme heat, the leading cause of weather-related deaths. Extended exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of developing illnesses, like heat stroke, and exacerbates other existing ailments, such as heart disease or diabetes. The situation is worse in low-income areas and communities of color, for they are disproportionately more likely to experience extreme heat, and residents are less able pay more for increased air-conditioner electric bills. more

By Aaron Márquez | Phoenix | 8/29/26

Water cuts threaten Phoenix economy

OPINION — Phoenix has a strong economy. It’s at risk of drying up with long-term water cuts and an uncertain future. Phoenix needs municipal leaders who understand that conservation alone is not enough. We cannot save our way to a water surplus. We must invest in new supplies, new technology and infrastructure that allow us to reuse the water we already have. more

By Ashley Harder | Phoenix | 8/28/26

Arizona deserves the full story on Abe Hamadeh

OPINION — As an Arizona citizen, I believe we should recognize public officials who demonstrate genuine servant leadership. Congressman Abe Hamadeh deserves that recognition. more

By Analyn Megison, J.D. | Phoenix | 8/28/26

Next foreign policy frontier is the stars — and West Valley stands to gain

OPINION — Artemis II’s crew inspired us all, flying farther than any humans before, looping the moon ahead of a future landing. Among them was Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, the first non-American to reach the moon. He likely won’t be the last. “Foreign policy” conjures embassies and negotiating tables. But our era’s most consequential competition is unfolding in a domain without borders or rules. Space is not an afterthought, it is an arena of geopolitical power. more

By Adolfo Gamez | Tolleson | 8/28/26

Colorado River water conservation efforts get only halfway to a solution

OPINION — In August 2026 the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, both on the Colorado River, hit their lowest levels since they first began to be filled in 1936 and 1963, respectively. more

By Sarah Porter | 8/27/26

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Finding a home is only half the dream

OPINION — Long before a home is permitted or built, someone has imagined a life inside it. Sometimes that dream arrives at 28. Sometimes at 68. It may mean a first set of keys, a smaller home for retirement, a few quiet acres or remaining in a house that has grown unsafe without becoming any less loved.

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.