The resignation of Saguaro High School Athletic Director Lucas Ackerson following allegations of inappropriate messaging with a middle school student has sent shockwaves through the Scottsdale community. While Scottsdale police determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence for criminal charges, the incident represents a deeply troubling breach of trust that every parent must take seriously. The student’s father, speaking at the school board meeting, … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale deserves leaders we can trust
By Christian Serena Politics and passion often go hand in hand. But when passion replaces accuracy — especially by an elected official — our entire community suffers. Residents deserve clarity from leaders we can trust. In her recent Scottsdale Independent opinion, Councilwoman Solange Whitehead claims the council “silenced” the public by adjusting when citizens can speak during meetings. That’s not … Read More
Guest Editorial: A Giant Step Backwards for Scottsdale
By Betty Janik At the last Scottsdale Council meeting of 2025, the Bloc majority consisting of Council Members Graham, Dubauskas, Kwasman, and Littlefield, voted to make significant changes to public comment guidelines. These changes include: Elimination of public comment at the beginning of Council Meetings. Reduction of public comment to one session at the END of the meeting. Increase the … Read More
Celebrating Excellence: The 39th Annual Sterling Awards Showcase Scottsdale’s Best
For 39 years, the Sterling Awards have stood as the gold standard for recognizing business excellence in Scottsdale. Produced by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognize leadership within the local business world and honor organizations that help build a vibrant and prosperous community through business leadership. The 2025 honorees announced last month at the Embassy Suites by … Read More
Concerns About Transparency at SUSD with Latest Vote: Are They Warranted?
By Ronald Sampson The Scottsdale Unified School District’s 3-2 vote to close Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon School has left the community deeply divided, and the emotional public meeting that preceded it raised important questions about process and transparency. While the district faces legitimate fiscal pressures, the concerns voiced by board members Carine Werner and Amy Carney, both of whom voted against … Read More
Momentum for Arizona as an AI Hotbed is Building, but Not Without Roadblocks
Arizona’s transformation into a major technology hub reached another milestone this month with Cognite’s announcement of its new global headquarters in Tempe. The Industrial AI company’s relocation from Oslo, Norway represents more than just another corporate move; it’s validation of Arizona’s emergence as a serious player in the artificial intelligence economy. With over 100 new jobs coming to the Phoenix area … Read More
Scottsdale Art Week Unveils Honoree Lineup, Opening Night Vernissage Details Ahead of March 19 – 22, 2026, Celebration
Four-Day International Art Fair Returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale This Spring With 120 Galleries From 15 Countries With galleries from across the country and around the world converging and a slate of esteemed honorees ready to step into the spotlight, Scottsdale Art Week presented by Scottsdale Ferrari returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale March 19 – 22, 2026. It all kicks off with an … Read More
Rising from the Ashes and Above the Clouds: the Phoenix Suns Might Be the Most Surprising Team in the NBA
When the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant and bought out Bradley Beal’s contract this summer, the basketball world collectively wrote them off. The “Big Three” experiment had crashed and burned with a dismal 36-46 record, and with only Devin Booker remaining from last year’s star-studded roster, most prognosticators predicted disaster. ESPN’s preseason projections had them finishing 13th in the Western … Read More
Paradise Valley’s Assisted Living Debate: Balancing Character with Compassion
Rarely is there contention in paradise, but Paradise Valley finds itself wrestling with a question that reveals the heart of what kind of community it wants to be. The planning commission recently voted 4-3 to recommend reducing occupancy in assisted living facilities from 10 to six residents; a proposal that has divided the town in ways that go beyond simple … Read More
Scottsdale’s Public Comment Changes: A Mixed Bag for Resident Engagement
By Alexander Lomax After a marathon five-hour meeting that ended at 10 p.m., the Scottsdale City Council voted 4-3 to implement significant changes to how residents can participate in council meetings. The decision has sparked debate about transparency and accessibility in local government. So what changed? In what supporters frame as an expansion of public access, the council increased the … Read More