Veterans Day 2026

Remembering fellow Americans who served

Opinion

Service members in crisis need more than a ‘thank you’

OPINION — Every year, we pause on Veterans Day to celebrate our veterans for their service. But for decades now, many returning veterans have asked us for more than platitudes.

Opinion

Loud exhaust sounds increasing in West Valley

OPINION — What is with the loud exhaust? What used to be just a few annoying exhaust sounds from motorcycles, cars and trucks has now increased in frequency to where a walk outside or an evening rest on the back porch sounds like an afternoon at the Indianapolis 500.

Question of the Week: Did midterm election attack ads sway your vote?

Nov. 3 brought a merciful end to nonstop political attack ads by candidates and political action committees in the run-up to Election Day. They unfold predictably: tear down the opponent with the …

Opinion

Honoring those who served: Why I still do this work after 30 years

OPINION — Every Veterans Day, there is a moment that reminds me why I do this work. It isn’t the marching bands, the magnificent floats or the thousands of spectators lining Phoenix streets.

Opinion

Looking forward to serving Surprise students, community on Dysart board

OPINION — I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout my campaign for the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board.

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

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.

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

My town passed a data-center moratorium, and yours can, too

OPINION — I’m the mayor of Lochbuie, Colorado, and my residents are worried about our water supply. So, we passed a five-year moratorium on AI data centers. Your town can, too. Like many other parts of the country, our state is facing a serious water-supply problem.

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Your Community Your Voice

Surprise already has a coyote protection group

OPINION — I read with great interest your article, Surprise woman wants Grand solution to coyote problem, about the coyote protection program. Actually, the founder of such a group is Kathy Schoener.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What a coyote might say to its neighbors

OPINION — If a coyote could have a cordial conversation with its neighbors in The Grand, I imagine that this is what it might say: My name is Wyly, and I would like you to know that I have as much right to be here as any of you, perhaps more.

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.

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 …

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.

Surprise reader: 2026 isn’t the year for person over party

OPINION — This year, registered legal voters have a choice between two opposing forms of government. They can either vote for common sense and capitalism or socialism. This is not the cycle to vote for the person over party.

When did 90 seconds become enough democracy?

OPINION — At the September Dysart Unified School District Governing Board meeting, members of the public learned that the time allotted for public comment had been reduced from three minutes to just 90 seconds.

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.

Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act to keep its promise to combat-injured veterans

OPINION — When Americans are injured in combat, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice. For tens of thousands of veterans, we are falling short of that promise.

Everett and Densmore will put students first in Dysart

OPINION — As voters consider who should serve on the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board, I believe two candidates stand out: Lisa Everett and Dawn Densmore. Both women have demonstrated leadership in our community and understand that serving on a school board should be about one thing above all else: our students.

Arizona business leaders: Skip the boring icebreakers at company functions

OPINION — Phoenix is having a moment as a meeting destination, recently ranking No. 4 in U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of the nation’s best conference cities. But filling a ballroom is only half the job. With Gallup reporting that 51% of remote-capable U.S. employees work in hybrid roles, the more important question is what happens once everyone gets together?

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.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect pets, wildlife

OPINION — I found Jason Stone’s article on coyotes easy reading and interesting. We live west of 303 toward the White Tank Mountains and have seen a few coyotes. Seems we forget they were …

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 …

Contract negotiations between unions, school boards bolster education

OPINION — I am writing in response to Joe Pasta’s recent letter citing his opposition to labor unions in Arizona, specifically in the area of education. He alleges that the nation’s second-largest education union “has done little to promote better education practices or better classroom conditions,” but he offers no proof for that claim.

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.

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.

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.

Arizonans: Vote carefully amid accusations of socialism and communism

OPINION — We have seen and heard a lot about both socialism and communism since the 2026 election has gotten heated up. Much of it is inaccurate at best.

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.

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.

‘Governor Biggs’ signs set off Surprise reader

OPINION — I am amazed at the many, many campaign signs Andy Biggs has had on most every Surprise-area street corner, even three or four on some corners. I saw a flashing neon billboard sign for him in Sun City on Grand Avenue. I get a kick out of his “Biggs will fix it” signs. He sure will fix it and in any way his leader King Trump wishes!

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.

Dysart families deserve collaborative leadership

OPINION — Leadership on a school governing board should be about collaboration, transparency and respect for the community. In my view, Dysart Unified School District Governing Board President Steve Skvara is falling short of that standard.

Putting students first: My priorities for Dysart schools

OPINION — My name is Lisa Everett, and I am running for the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board. My name will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, and I want voters to know where I stand on several issues that I believe deserve attention.

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 …

What students understand about AI that adults miss

OPINION — New teachers, new classes, new notebooks and, increasingly, new conversations about artificial intelligence. With the school year underway, before we tell students how AI will transform their education and their future, perhaps we should listen to what they are telling us.

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.

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