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To finance Reconciliation 3.0, lawmakers should fix Medicare Advantage fraud

— Lawmakers in Washington are in the midst of trying to pass Reconciliation 3.0, a fast-tracked spending bill that would include major investments in the military and other priorities. To fund those investments, lawmakers are facing a familiar challenge: finding enough spending reductions to pay for the bill without raising taxes. Congress doesn't have to look far. more

By Chad Savage | 8/12/26

Civility is a valuable, indispensable core value in these contentious times

OPINION — Kudos to Lee Shappell and the wonderful (as well as timely) article on civility. I teach a Humanities course entitled “Leadership and Ethics.” With the challenges we face in all sectors, Lee's article addressing the critical importance of civility serves as a valuable and indispensable core value. more

By Dale Larsen | Phoenix | 8/11/26

Stronger communities start with better conversations about social issues

OPINION — Every community has difficult conversations it would rather avoid. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, addiction or other complex social issues, these topics often come with strong opinions long before they come with understanding. more

By Christine Stevens | Scottsdale | 8/11/26

The resource Arizonans can no longer take for granted

OPINION — The recent cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems should serve as a wake-up call. While much of the public attention focused on whether hackers could disrupt drinking water supplies, the larger lesson received far less attention. Water has quietly become one of the most important strategic resources underpinning the American economy, national security and our quality of life. more

By Jennifer Simmonson | 8/11/26

U.S. should not miss opportunity to lower food costs

OPINION — Seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will be at stake this fall as both parties vie for control of Congress. As the political jockeying continues, one issue will be a priority for millions of voters, even though it won’t appear on a single ballot: Affordability. more

By Paul Teller | 8/10/26

Fixing Social Security is not that difficult

OPINION — There is talk about again increasing the age to collect full Social Security benefits to age 70. Congress has already increased the full retirement age from 65 to 67 a few years ago. It’s time to take a different approach. more

By Paul Bocconcelli | Peoria | 8/10/26

ICYMI: Why civility matters

OPINION — We live in an era of normalized boorish behavior. It has become OK to call an opponent names. To sway an argument with inflamed, hateful and often false rhetoric. The result may elicit a response in kind. The exchange quickly spirals out of control. more

By Lee Shappell | Independent Newsmedia | 8/10/26

Question of the Week: How can Valley schools keep students safe from sexual predators on campus?

Valley school districts are among those put on notice that they may lose funding if they fail to comply with federal laws on sexual predators in schools. During the past year: The investigation … more

8/10/26

Attack of the $20 burrito!

OPINION — Turning Point USA’s Andrew Kolvet got people talking with an early August tweet in which he relates a student activist’s take on the “affordability” issue. “A burrito,” the student told him, “shouldn’t cost $20.” more

By Thomas L. Knapp | 8/9/26

In political campaigning, pay attention to what’s not said

OPINION — It’s that time of year when candidates flood the airwaves, newspapers, social media and mailboxes as they compete for your vote in November. In Arizona, however, the primary often greatly impacts who ultimately has a chance to win in the General Election. Legislative districts play a powerful role in shaping that outcome, and Arizona’s transient population adds additional challenges for the November election. more

By Dr. Curtis Finch | 8/9/26

The Experiment Continues: How much democracy is enough?

OPINION — Two-hundred, fifty years ago, delegates to Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia were wrestling with a question about which Americans still are arguing: How much democracy is enough? more

By Frederic J. Fransen | 8/9/26

A stunning reversal for Arizona airline consumers

OPINION —The federal government hasn't assessed a single civil penalty this year against an airline for violating consumer-protection rules. The U.S. Department of Transportation has also summarily dismissed numerous formal complaints filed by passengers. more

By Christopher Elliott | 8/8/26 | 1 comment

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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.