An occasional series examining homelessness in Maine.

The rising human cost of the opioid crisis has created a legacy of pain for more than a generation of Maine people.

These area residents find daily hope and motivation — to help themselves and others — in their faith. In this Christmas season, we offer their stories.

Alex Lear's award winning columns

Sports Editor Lee Horton's award-winning columns.

A newly discovered 1839 letter spotlights the poverty and powerlessness of a Penobscot Nation trying to survive.

Wayfinder Schools offers under-credited, over-aged students a second chance to earn their high school diploma.

Dominic Trott scores all three of Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale's touchdowns, earning the Ramblers another showdown with defending state champion Foxcroft.

Two councilors wrote a resolution condemning optional diversity talks in the school district. Several councilors and the mayor only saw the resolution after the Sun Journal conducted a Freedom of Access Act request, prompting ethical questions.

Justin Butterfield, 34, of 14 Poplar Drive in Poland charged after body was discovered Thursday morning at trailer where he lived, police say. Family and friends say they have been trying for years to get help for Butterfield. Killed Thursday morning was 38-year-old Gabe Damour.

Nerves are rattled, all right, and the perception that crime has spiked in both Lewiston and Auburn is almost universal. But is it true? 

Friends of Justin Butterfield say he was in and out of mental health facilities for years prior to the Poland man being charged with killing his oldest brother Thursday morning.

Political leaders and political scientists say America’s democratic roots require people to head to the polls and that the nation’s future depends on it.

'This is another attempt proclaiming protection of the lake while actually pushing a hidden agenda,' said Kevin Gagne, Lewiston's deputy Public Works director.

While officials sit around tables discussing what to do, the homeless are living it. These are people who, for whatever reason, are now living on the street, are desperate for warmth, food and safety. The same things we all want. The things we all should have, but don’t.

A Raymond official says changes made to the property by the owner are 'by far the most egregious' he has ever seen. Donald Buteau claims the town is biased against him because he's wealthy.

Online ratings like those from GreatSchools make it easier than ever for individuals to judge the quality of schools at a glance. But some school administrators say the data, which may be inaccurate or several years out of date, lacks important context.

The black crappie – or croppie, as it is called in some parts of the country – is a flaky, white and sweet freshwater species that's well suited for a fish fry.

The Facebook group L/A Hiking is seeing climbing interest as people look to meet others and get outdoors.