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
Guest Editorial: State Sen. Navarrete Must Resign
By Alexander Lomax In what could be described as nothing less than an absolutely shocking bombshell, Arizona State Senator Tony Navarrete, a Democrat representing Arizona’s 30th district in West Phoenix and Glendale, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor. These charges include 7 felony counts, which would lead to a mandatory minimum sentence of at … Read More
How Much Is Too Much?
Earlier this week we tackled a difficult but important subject: how many rights do businesses have in the face of Covid-19. Today, we take on a different but no less important subject full of controversy; how deep can your local schools inquire into the well-being of their students, specifically as their home life impacts that well-being? This came about after … Read More
Personal Freedom vs Corporate Choice
Since close to the very start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the virus and our collective responses have turned into a political issue. Sides were taken based on how seriously one took the virus, and once vaccines became prevalent, that too took on a left vs. right dynamic. One local restaurant is taking a stance that is bound to inflame passions … Read More
Scottsdale & Northeast Valley Potpourri
*Good timing and wisdom by the Scottsdale City Council giving its capable City Manager Jim Thompson a raise, right before Phoenix’s City Manager retired. *Barrett-Jackson’s new acquisitions of ClassicCars.com and other related assets are great news for the Scottsdale brand and its tourism. *Disgraced Paradise Valley Councilman Paul Dembow is about as popular in his town right now as Giannis … Read More
Guest Editorial: Many Questions but Few Answers
By Alexander Lomax In a shocking development last week, former Scottsdale Unified Superintendent Denise Birdwell was indicted by the Arizona Attorney General’s office on 18 felony charges related to kickbacks and fraud while in her role. It is alleged that millions of taxpayer dollars were improperly diverted to a construction firm which then rewarded her monetarily. Perhaps the most damning … Read More
Guest Editorial: Reading the Tea (Party) Leaves
by Alexander Lomax Photo Credit: azcentral.com In case you missed it, former President Trump came to Phoenix this past weekend in a rally organized by the conservative group Turning Point USA. While Trump speaking isn’t notable by itself, what is notable is that the declared Republican candidates for Governor and Secretary of State were invited to address the crowd. Quite … Read More