Right out of the Project 2025 playbook, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 27 “froze” (illegally impounded) billions of dollars of congressionally appropriated funding for more than 2,000 programs and services: everything from Head Start to Meals on Wheels and essential veterans’ services. Chaos and confusion immediately ensued. The OMB was forced […]
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.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Christopher Good: Hospitals are at risk across Maine
After reading the letter from Dr. Frederick Holler (“Lewiston, Auburn face decrease in health care availability,” Jan. 31), I believe we need to continue this conversation as long as it takes for the right people to realize just how close we are to losing, not only the two hospitals in Auburn and Lewiston, but in […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Patrick O’Brien: Oxford County is obligated to be transparent
I write in response to the Jan. 27 Sun Journal article, “Oxford County struggling with high number of public record requests.” Transparency in government is a long-honored principal. Generally, people find such secrecy repugnant. There is a basic rule of the public’s right to petition for redress of grievances to public officials, i.e., for them […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rich Lowry: Why can’t we deport more white illegal immigrants?
The progressive response to President Donald Trump’s deportations is just getting underway, and it’s already dumb and hysterical.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rich Lowry: Trump’s power play
It’s almost certain that Trump is going to squeeze every ounce of power and influence out of his presidency.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Cal Thomas: At last: Seeing government work
It’s not only the speed with which Trump is addressing these issues — and polls indicate a majority approve — it’s the feeling that something positive is finally being accomplished in Washington, which for too long has seemed stagnant and unable (or unwilling) to change things that don’t work in favor of what does.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: Democrats need to pick and choose: Start with drug prices
Why would Trump be OK with forcing Americans to pay more than the rest of the world for their drugs? The answer is simple: Because the drug companies want them to.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Dave Trask: Every ward in Auburn deserves representation. Where’s Ward 5?
On Monday night, Feb. 3, the Auburn City Council will vote on a nomination for the open Planning Board position. Currently, the board has members from all five wards, but the appointment committee’s choice would alter this balance, leaving Ward 5 unrepresented.