Latest opinions

Opinion

Heat is changing the Valley, and policy keeps pushing it higher

My name is Elaine Joyal, I’m a botanist and an ethnoecologist who’s lived in Tempe since 1989. As such, I spend more time than most people outdoors here in the Sonoran Desert, a …

Opinion

How funding cuts, rising temps are hurting Arizonans right now

For the past 25 years, it has been my privilege to lead a team that provides a variety of home improvement programs for Arizonans of all ages. I’ve seen firsthand how a properly weatherized home or a paid utility bill can mean the difference between life and death during our brutal summers.

Opinion

4 Ways to save money when painting your home

Painting your house can be a refreshing way to upgrade the look of your home. However, it does cost money which can add up quickly if you are unprepared. With a few strategic moves you can easily …

Opinion

Social Security office visit actually quite pleasant thanks to government worker

For those we know who regularly belittle, backstab and badmouth the service providers at the government offices we visit, I hope you’ll spend an hour at the East Valley location of the Social …

Opinion

Teachers, librarians among those least likely to die by suicide — insights from ASU researchers

Where you work affects your risk of dying by suicide. For example, loggers, musicians and workers in the oil and gas industries have much higher rates of suicide than the rest of the population.

Speak Up: NCAA settlement, Arizona's SB 1615 reshaping student-athlete compensation — here's how

Attorneys K.J. Russell and David McCarville looked at how final approval of the House v. NCAA Name Image Likeness settlement and passage of Arizona SB 1615 will affect Arizona student-athlete …

Opinion

From FOMO to JOMO: How Arizonans can find joy in spending less

The fear of missing out, when it increases social connections, can be a positive thing that leads to personal well-being, according to a study from Baylor University. However, when FOMO leads to impulsive purchases, living outside your means, increased debt and neglecting savings, it can wreak havoc on your finances and bring you financial anxiety.

Opinion

NCAA settlement, Arizona’s SB 1615 reshaping student-athlete compensation — here’s how

A federal judge’s final approval of the groundbreaking House v. NCAA Name, Image, Likeness settlement last month paved the way for the settlement to go into effect July 1, ushering in a new era in college athletics.

Opinion

Catch us at the coffee shop and we’ll let you in on the topic of the day

The coffee klatch that seems to have materialized among our little circle of friends at the Starbucks on Warner Road in Tempe over the past few years has gone into a bit of a slump since Jack, one of …

Opinion

From drugs to degrees: How losing custody of my child helped me find myself

For much of my life, it felt like one hardship after another — childhood trauma, the loss of my brother, abuse, life in a group home and divorced parents. My biological father wasn’t involved, and my mother was diagnosed with cancer after we moved to Arizona. I grew up feeling angry, unheard and labeled as “disruptive.”

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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.

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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.

Checkmark Look 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.

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Your Community Your Voice

From spark to suit: A legal guide for July 4 revelers in Arizona

The Fourth of July is a time for cookouts, fireworks and patriotic pride, but in Arizona, the line between celebration and citation can be thin. Every year, injuries and legal problems arise from fireworks gone wrong, many of which could be avoided with a little foresight.

Tempe business owner urges council to reject proposed business license

As a Tempe small business owner, I run a home-based book publishing company to supplement my income. The proposed general business license offers no support for businesses like mine, only added fees, …

It’s good to celebrate with those around you who are moving on to something better

Having worked for all these years on small, neighborhood-focused weeklies or monthlies as well as big-city dailies, I think I’ve developed some insight — some biases I guess you could say …

Financially challenged Arizonans aren’t alone — how Community Action Agencies are helping

When economic uncertainties mount, Arizona families face impossible choices around housing, food, utilities and employment. Help is out there, though many don’t know it — a quiet but vital network working in neighborhoods to help cover essentials, weather financial shocks and regain stability. These are Community Action Agencies — CAAs — and Arizona is home to 11 of them.

Booms, whimpers and wags: Fireworks aren’t a celebration for pets

Every year around the Fourth of July, Valley pet shelters receive a surge of calls from distressed pet parents. Some are looking for lost pets who bolted during fireworks; others are asking for advice on how to soothe a shaking, panicked animal. And sadly, we often take in new strays — terrified dogs and cats who broke free in fear and couldn’t find their way home.

What Arizonans can do when fireworks cause more fear than fun

While aerial and exploding fireworks such as rockets, firecrackers, skyrockets, bottle rockets, missile rockets and torpedoes are illegal in Arizona, Fourth of July revelers can legally use permissible ground-based fireworks from June 24 to July 6. For a list of permissible items, and when and where they can be used, visit your city, county or police/fire department websites.

How to keep young athletes healthy and competitive

Participation in sports offers myriad benefits for children and teens, from cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic diseases to enhanced cognitive function, increased self-confidence and better social skills.

Homeland Security operation near Danelle Plaza concerns reader

It is extremely disappointing and frightening for those whose skin happens to be Brown that a visit to a plaza could result in a kidnapping. It is further disappointing and difficult to believe …

Recent protests in Los Angeles mild compared to memories of Watts riots of 1960s

While the recent days of protests in Los Angeles may have brought to mind gatherings that occurred years ago in Tempe and other Valley cities, they’ve been mild so far compared to the turmoil, …

Heavy winds from a microburst that hit the West Valley in January 2021 ripped a picnic shade structure’s heavy metal plates out of the ground at Scout Park in Litchfield Park.

Americans don’t actually know their severe weather risks, and likely won’t — here’s why

On Jan. 5, 2025, at about 2:35 in the afternoon, the first severe hailstorm of the season dropped quarter-size hail in Chatham, Mississippi. According to the federal storm events database, there were no injuries, but it caused $10,000 in property damage.

Arizona ‘dad bod’ chronicles: What it means for your heart

Let’s talk about the “dad bod.” It’s a phrase that started as a joke — kind of a badge of honor for guys who used to hit the gym but now hit the couch more often. …

Thinking back on records clerk Olivia, what it was like to be a crime reporter in the 1960s

I suspect I’m among those who don’t spend much time thinking about the past. As the cliché reminds me, it is what it is. My own meanderings into the history of my growing up days …

Strategic fun, serious results: Making the case for summer learning in Arizona

Keeping kids engaged in summer learning can be both fun and educational when using the Junior Achievement model, which emphasizes experiential learning, real-world relevance and active participation. …

Arizona’s skills economy: Careers without college

For generations, a high school diploma or college degree was sufficient in preparing young adults for the transition into building a career. But in recent decades, the emergence of the “skills …

Travel doesn’t have to break the bank; how to vacation without overspending

Summer often inspires dreams of travel — but a great vacation doesn't have to mean a drained savings account. With a little planning and a few smart financial moves, you can enjoy a meaningful …

Tips to help East Valley homebuilders improve job-site security, protect equipment

Building real estate in the East Valley is expensive and the cost of construction is unlikely to decrease anytime soon. Labor and material costs are up and increasing costs are even more of a concern …

Speak Up: Scottsdale police arrest 7 in Tempe, Mesa burglaries, suspected of being linked to international operation

Seven people believed to be part of a South American Theft Group involved in two Valley burglaries as well as burglaries in California, Oregon and Washington were arrested May 23 by Scottsdale …

Tom Smith, Owner of Desert Designer Landscape & Development.

Make your small backyard look larger

Just because you have a small backyard space doesn’t mean it has to feel that way. Using a few landscaping tips and making smart choices on design choices can help you transform that small …

Honoring all who carried the weight this Memorial Day

Each Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Often, our thoughts focus on those who died on distant battlefields, and rightly so. However, I’ve …

4 things I learned from my dad’s journey with ALS

When my dad was diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — in 2014, I had a lot to learn. I knew ALS was a devastating and fast-moving disease. I knew about baseball legend …

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. …

Tempe’s business license is a burden, not a benefit

As a small business owner and nonprofit board member, I urge the Tempe City Council to reject the proposed general business license at its May 22 meeting. This program, affecting nearly 30,000 …

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, …

Death of an animal can cause as much heartbreak as loss of a human friend

May marks the third anniversary of Bella Kirkland arriving at our home to claim her spot on, or more accurately, in my bed. That’s where she joined the ranks of Suzie, Jodi, Sandy, Sophie and …

Everything you wanted to know about the World Series … but were afraid to ask

Imagine you’re at an outdoor dinner party (yes, COVID-friendly). It’s October, and the conversation steers towards the World Series. While you are generally culturally literate, you know …

Christensen: Health literacy more important than ever for Arizonans in ongoing COVID-19 crisis

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions across the country, and Arizona has not been spared. This virus and its resulting economic fallout have put a harsh spotlight on rising health care …

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Latest regional, state and national issues

How tribal support programs help Indigenous communities overcome mental health disparities

Many people don’t realize just how often untreated mental health issues lead to substance use, especially in communities hit hardest by poverty and systemic barriers.

Holy cow! History — Who was John Wilkes Booth’s ‘Mysterious Beauty?’

On Good Friday, 1865, a man entered his room in Washington’s National Hotel. He’d be leaving on a one-way trip in a few hours.

Speak Up: Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale men charged in $1B elderly health care scheme

Three men from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa are facing charges along with more than 300 others throughout the country in what the U.S. Department of Justice said was a “national health care fraud takedown.”

10 ways the GOP budget will make life worse for Americans

The GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which narrowly passed Congress and was recently signed by President Trump, represents the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich since chattel slavery. Here are just 10 of the worst things about it, in our opinion.

Call the Jeffrey Epstein memo what it is — a cover-up

“The DOJ may be releasing the list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients? Will that really happen?” a Fox News host asked U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Feb. 21, 2025. “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review,” Bondi replied.

Isaac Navias, left, and his partner, Kim Coates, at Saguaro National Park near Tucson.

National parks are America’s greatest investment — let's act like it

It wasn’t until I was nearly 27 years old that I saw my first national park. I had lived in the U.S. my whole life — grown up in upstate New York, even traveled across Australia — but somehow, I had never set foot in a place that would so powerfully validate why I love my country.

United by purpose: How volunteering together strengthens Arizona families

With summer break in full swing, volunteering is a meaningful and rewarding way for families to give back to their community while spending quality time together. Volunteering as a family not only strengthens bonds, it teaches valuable life lessons to both children and adults.

Speak Up: Former fighter pilot weighs in on jet noise complaints

When retired Air Force Col. Leonard Kirschner MD, MPH shared his thoughts about complaints some West Valley residents have made about jet noise from Luke Air Force Base, comments took off faster than an F-35.

Some things Arizona employers should know about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. This budget reconciliation legislation includes several provisions that employers should know about. Here’s a summary for those who don’t want to read the bill’s nearly 900 pages.

Task force sounds alarm on AIDS drug program funding cuts

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs stand at a critical precipice. After a period of hard-won fiscal stability, numerous ADAPs are now operating in times of profound fiscal, administrative and programmatic uncertainty.

Budget leaves Arizona's finances rickety

A lot of attention has been paid to the politics of the recently enacted state budget. And, indeed, the exercise revealed who the pragmatists and ideologues are in all the legislative caucuses, since …

Leonard Kirschner, MD, MPH suited up and displayed the American flag at his home in Litchfield Park on Memorial Day 2025.

Former fighter pilot weighs in on jet noise complaints

I have heard some people complain about the noise of the F-35. Let me provide a brief history and my point of view. Luke Air Force Base is Fighter Country, and the roar of the jets is “The Sound of Freedom!”

Hair-raising truths: The hidden hope in homes that reflect us

As a third-generation kinship, foster and adoptive parent, I carry a legacy I never chose, but one that I’m deeply proud of. I didn’t just inherit family recipes and stories, I inherited the responsibility to love children who needed more than shelter. They needed someone who understood them.

Working to pay off debt? What Arizonans should know about settlement scams

Paying off debt can be challenging, but falling victim to a scam while doing it can make a hard situation even worse. In 2024 alone, American consumers lost

A tale of two budgets

They say budgets are moral documents. If that’s true, then the federal budget passed by Congressional Republicans sends a clear message: help the wealthy, hurt everyone else. In Arizona, …

When will enough be enough for Americans?

Ever have a parent turn to face the squabbles in the back seat and say, “Don’t make me stop this car?” You knew then that enough was enough unless you wanted to walk home. Have we reached enough is enough in America with the present administration?

Speak Up: Fishing, swimming in CAP canal presents dangers, possible felony charges

An Arizona Game and Fish Department and Central Arizona Project reminder to anglers and recreationists that fishing and swimming are prohibited in CAP canals sparked some memories and words of caution from Independent readers.

Proud granddad shares 23-year-old's words on America

We live in a most complex and controversial moment in history. My 23-year-old granddaughter, Sage Goodwin, who is studying in TAIPEI, Taiwan, this summer wrote the following on Facebook. I believe it’s worthy of our consideration.

Eye get it: Dry eyes a major issue in Arizona

Do your eyes constantly feel dry, scratchy, or like they’ve been rubbed with sandpaper? You’re not alone. Nearly 16.4 million Americans live with dry eye disease, and many more go undiagnosed. If you’re a woman over 50, your chances of developing dry eye are even higher.

4 ways Arizonans with medical conditions should prepare for wildfires

When you live in Arizona, you get used to extreme heat. But no one gets used to the threat of wildfires, especially those with medical conditions.

From declaration to our nation

Even though July 4th has come and gone, and all the hoopla has subsided, the idea now is to both keep our pride and build on it, too. First of all, the big deal is the Declaration of …

Government must regulate AI — for the sake of our jobs, brains and planet

Everywhere we look, AI is treated like an inevitability. AI companies like ChatGPT and Open AI are expanding rapidly, and many Americans rely on AI assistants such as Alexa and Siri in their day-to-day lives.

Proper nutrition is critical for seniors — 5 tips for healthy eating

Maintaining a healthy diet is important at any age, but it can be a particular challenge for seniors. Medical conditions, changes in lifestyle and dietary needs, as well as mobility issues all can impact access to healthy choices for older adults.

Let's celebrate balance in Metro Phoenix’s residential real estate market

As the residential real estate market sees an increase in inventory, both local and national headlines have been crying out that Phoenix Metro is speeding toward an impending crash in home values. …

Reader has idea for bringing fun back to the Fourth

We need to reimage 4th of July celebrations. No more parades, outdoor barbeques, no community or church ball games or Little League tournaments. Extreme heat, pollution warnings, cancerous UV light, forest/brush fires killed all the fun.

The Experiment Continues: Why Frederick Douglass’s Fourth of July speech still matters

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, marked by the Continental Congress’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

A decade in, what does MAGA mean to Americans on both sides of the aisle?

A decade ago, Donald Trump descended the golden escalator at Trump Tower in New York City and ignited a political movement that has reshaped American politics. In a memorable turn of phrase, Trump promised supporters of his 2016 presidential campaign that “we are going to make our country great again.”

Stars and Stripes or Union Jack? Two diverse views on American independence

While some celebrate 249 years of American independence, others believe the United States would be better off if it were still under British rule.

Test your knowledge: Fourth of July quiz about the Founding Fathers

In the muggy summer of 1776, 56 men met in Philadelphia and pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to America’s future with the Declaration of Independence. None of them was a full-time politician. How much do you know about the signers and their occupations? Test your knowledge with this short quiz.

Speak Up: Alice Cooper earns nod into Radio Hall of Fame

Detroit-born, Phoenix-raised music legend Alice Cooper will add yet another honor to his recognition plate when he’s inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in October, the Independent’s Steve Stockmar reports. Here’s what readers had to say about it on NextDoor: