The Arizona Diamondbacks have not treated their fans to much of a season this year. But neither has the team’s host city as it relates to its custodianship of Camelback Mountain, devoted hikers and an unsuspecting neighborhood. It’s a combination of circumstances that’s just wrong, but also helpful for explaining why environmentalism and neighborhood activism can get so passionate. The … Read More
Guest Editorial: First 6 Months of Mayor Ortega – How Do They Rate?
By Ronald Sampson Following last year’s surprise victory for current Scottsdale Mayor Dave Ortega, there were plenty of legitimate questions as to the future of Scottsdale. Since he hadn’t been a member of city council in 16 years, there wasn’t much evidence tipping us off as to the direction he would take the city other than campaign promises. So how … Read More
More Questions Than Answers at the County Attorney’s Office
Last week we spoke about the DOJ investigating the Phoenix Police Department regarding potential malfeasance in the office, which resulted in a one-day suspension of Police Chief Jeri Williams. However one office that had a very significant role in many of the actions being investigated yet has mostly flown under the radar is Allister Adel and the Maricopa County Attorney’s … Read More
Guest Editorial: Is Matt Salmon Arizona’s Own Jeb Bush?
By Ronald Sampson “Please clap.” Rarely in modern history have a career’s worth of hopes and dreams been dashed by two syllables. In fact, only one other example comes to mind, in the form of Howard Dean’s “HEEEEE-AHHHHH” screech after getting destroyed in a Presidential primary in ‘04. Two syllables made Jeb Bush a sad meme, a man with all … Read More
Guest Editorial: Could Katie Hobbs Actually Become Governor?
By Alexander Lomax The 9th Floor has become a cozy, safe space for Republicans ever since the Janet Napolitano days. Before that, Democrats often had to be rather centrist and pragmatic in order to win the office. So does Katie Hobbs, former Senate Minority Leader from the progressive stronghold of central Phoenix, actually have a chance to win? In order … Read More
Guest Editorial: A Battle Finds a Fighter
By Alexander Lomax First-term Arizona Senator Christine Marsh is no stranger to struggle in her brief tenure in the political world. Her toughness and mettle will be tested further however, as she recently announced that she has cancer. The well-liked Democratic legislator in District 28, which covers swaths of central and eastern Phoenix including the Biltmore and Arcadia areas, as … Read More
Covid Crisis in Scottsdale Unified
In a brutal setback to teachers, students, and parents alike, Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Scott Menzel is sounding alarm bells about the current state of Covid in Scottsdale schools. As of August 4th, there had been 78 confirmed cases on-campus, 150 symptomatic students sent home, and well over 600 that were in quarantine at that moment. The full letter, … Read More
Guest Editorial: Federal Government Overreach, or Achieving Justice?
By Alexander Lomax In what could be well described as a bombshell, the Department of Justice announced the beginning of an investigation into the Phoenix Police Department over allegations of brutality against numerous different groups, including protestors, the homeless, and minorities. Mayor Kate Gallego released a statement of general support, while also touting attempts at increased transparency that have occurred … Read More
An Omelette with a Side of…Fraud?
Last year, an ambitious restaurateur decided to take a bold chance: she brought her unique concept to Phoenix and opened her second location in the midst of a pandemic. One year later, her risk-taking may lead to time in federal prison, but for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with her restaurant. The owner and operator of Breakfast Bitch, … Read More
Guest Editorial: Circular Firing Squads
By Alexander Lomax Who says that off-years are a boring time in politics? The Department of Justice recently announced that they would be taking a deeper look into the Phoenix Police Department, and more specifically would be taking a look at their treatment of minorities, protestors, and the homeless. Congressman Ruben Gallego sent out a rather benign press release of … Read More