In the movie Little Caesar, Edward G. Robinson portrays a gangster named Caesar “Rico” Bandello. At the end of the movie as he lies fatally wounded he asks, “Is this the end of Rico?” Maybe the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) will spell the end of Donald Trump. According to the New York […]
Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Mike Colangelo: ‘Lewiston needs Mayor Carl’
Twenty months ago my family and I moved from Florida to beautiful Lewiston, where my wife was born. I began to check out local businesses, the library, the arts — Franco Center and The Public Theatre. I attended a few City Council meetings and some of the merchant meetings on Lisbon Street. I am very […]
Cal Thomas: Motives behind illegal immigration
With the right to vote, migrants could vote for the politicians who promise to give them more stuff. And then there’s the possibility that laws would be changed so that migrants can vote in federal elections. Wouldn’t this ensure that Democrats stay in power?
Austin Bay: U.S. military readiness: Enforce warfighter standards
Fielding a capable and “ready” military force is a vital national interest, for deterring war and, when necessary, fighting and winning a war.
Tom Saviello: Question 3 and Pine Tree Power: Details matter
Our electric grid is a lifeline for our schools, hospitals, businesses, homes and emergency responders. I understand the need for continuous improvement and accountability, but when weighed against the lack of planning and the enormous risk, Pine Tree Power just doesn’t stand up to the challenges we have ahead of us.
Rich Lowry: Vivek Ramaswamy’s Jan. 6 charade
Vivek Ramaswamy thinks Mike Pence failed. The former vice president is a MAGA villain for doing his constitutional duty on Jan. 6, so Ramaswamy has to find a way to wiggle out of endorsing his conduct on that day, no matter how convoluted or inane.
Clarence Page: Not even the reality of racial violence can overcome the razzle-dazzle of a presidential candidate
Sure, it’s hard to see what you already have decided does not exist. Unfortunately, in today’s angry political world, it is more tempting to exploit racial differences than to build bridges.
Ron Peyser: Re-elect Mayor Levesque ‘to continue exceptional progress’
I am a retired owner of a successful family business. Over many years I witnessed the hardships small businesses have suffered at the mercy of our larger communities. Our citizens have had to shop elsewhere, because of lack of resources available in our city. Jason Levesque, as Auburn’s mayor, saw the need for growth and […]