Cheers and jeers from around the news:

• Cheers to the Maine Principals’ Association, which did right with its vote on trimming school athletics. The recommendations from its ad hoc committee were unworkable, given staunch opposition; a little give-and-take was warranted.

The compromise is sensible. Fewer playoff teams and non-countable games – but not as many as the committee suggested – while sparing New England competitions and athletic seasons. The vote also recognized the local influence needed in these difficult decisions.

The need going forward, however, is burying the hard feelings this process sparked among parents, athletic directors, administrators, athletes and the MPA. Some of the rhetoric has been inflammatory and some responses – such as legislation to weaken the MPA – unnecessary.

A monopoly on wisdom doesn’t exist in this impassioned environment. Only by working together can these various stakeholders work out what’s best for all of them.

• Cheers to the governor and Legislature for committing to repay the Medicaid debt to Maine hospitals, an obligation that’s spiraling beyond control on either side. This would affect the availability and quality of care in hospitals, unless addressed.

The federal government, under the stimulus package being considered by Congress, would give $87 billion to states to fund Medicaid. This money could – and should – be used to fund services already rendered by Maine caregivers, as well as services to come.

Gov. John Baldacci and lawmakers are being wise in thinking so.

• Jeers to Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois for his narcissistic, egocentric, maniacal media tour before being booted from office by his state Senate. His charade parade wasn’t even entertaining. It was a train wreck that proves to all politicians that vapid protestations of innocence on “The View” are never a good idea, no matter what your aides say.

• Cheers to the legislators who flushed the “potty bill.” (The one that would have required paper seat covers in all public restrooms.) Next up, stuffing the “foie gras” turkey.

• Jeers to higher tolls on the Maine Turnpike. Yes, maintenance costs have increased. Yes, greater equity was needed in the system. Yes, it’s probably the right thing to do. But it’s still like eating our vegetables. Yes, they’re good for us.

This doesn’t mean we have to like it.

• And finally, cheers to the Auburn Police Department for starting a Facebook page. We can’t wait to see their pictures of semi-drunken hijinks, whip their behinds at Scrabulous (now known as Lexulous), or kidnap them to Mumbai with the crazy purple knock-out gas.

But the real question is this: If the Lewiston Police Department also gets on Facebook, would the two agencies be friends?