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.
Rich Lowry: Our legal immigration system is scandalously stupid
Elon Musk is right that we should want to get exceptionally gifted people into the country, and the immigration hawks are right that the H1B program, which awards temporary visas to skilled immigrants, is scammy and poorly designed.
Cal Thomas: Jimmy Carter’s faith
Carter was an excellent teacher. He knew the Scriptures well, and on one occasion he asked me to teach the class, which was an experience I shall never forget.
Austin Bay: Strategic Challenges 2025: Petrarch, nukes, anarchy and debt
The big problems are so pervasive, complex and entwined, they are at best mitigated, navigated or reduced.
Froma Harrop: Beam us up to Planet MAHA
Make America Healthy Again is a rummage pile of diverse interests ranging from organic farmers to homeschoolers to anti-vaxxers.
Kenneth Chutchian: Pay attention to the kids. They’re watching.
Revisiting a collection of 23 index cards, bound by a paper clip, the product of a Hail Mary lesson plan slapped together while sitting in my car after 11 p.m. on Election Day 2016.
Tom Fallon: Portrait series was Maine’s most important art event of 2024
I consider Robert Shetterly’s “Americans Who Tell the Truth” presentation of paintings the most important art event in Maine during 2024. His paintings of teachers, activists, attorneys, veterans, poets, environmentalists and others, who faced real challenges when seeking and confronting truth, is a warning to our society at this time. I am grateful for the […]
Dave Griffiths: This and That: Friends when you need them
Best wishes for a Happy New Year. We could use one.