The congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol deserves our respect and gratitude for the work its members have done to expose how Donald Trump dishonored his oath of office and failed in his duty as a leader. Unlike many of their colleagues, Jan. 6 committee members have resisted grandstanding […]
Alex Lear
A Maine native and Colby College graduate, Alex has been covering coastal communities since 2001. He lives in the Portland area with his wife Lauren, 4-year-old daughter Alaina, and 7-year-old bulldog Walter. He has released four CDs of original music and does occasional research work for Marvel Comics' collected editions.
Scott Berry: New zoning would help end racial discrimination in housing market
Auburn has policies and practices that exist today that are seemingly non-discriminatory on their face value, but still negatively affect and discriminate against families of color, depriving them of equal access to better education, plus economic well-being. I applaud Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque and members of the City Council and Planning Board for affording everyone […]
Crystal Ward: Cloutier brings passion, dedication to House District 94
I write in support of Kristen Cloutier to represent Lewiston in House District 94. Kristen has worked hard to help people in Lewiston and across the state. Her work to help fix the terrible cuts in the MainePERS retirement system in 2011 has resulted in a fairer Cost of Living Allowance and Maine income tax […]
Don Dubuc: Rep. Libby supports true diversity
No matter what their party, I urge people to consider a vote to re-elect Rep. Laurel Libby to House District 90. Diversity is a buzzword these days. But real diversity is embodied in liberty: individual choice. Imagine having school funding follow the student, small businesses with the freedom to operate without excessive regulations, and lower […]
Carol Proteau: Why are so many people choosing not to work?
I have wanted to write about this for a while. It seems like it is taken for granted to hear “short staff,” etc. Everywhere: airlines, pharmacies, stores, retail, even Dunkin Donuts — every area. Mail delivery is affected, hospitals, and on and on. My question is, why? Jobs are available and the pay is good. […]
John Rosenwald: Help Franklin County seniors remain independent at home
Local public policy should consider the cost of aging to our community, and prepare to support older citizens. Most senior citizens, when asked where they would like to live, express a strong desire to remain independent in their own home for as long as possible. Seniors stay healthier if they can continue their usual routine, […]
Alex Lear: Good night, Sweet Bear
Walter was like a concrete block with four legs. He had a bowling ball butt that he rested on people he liked, which was pretty much everyone. His rugged torso rumbled like a bass drum when you patted it.
Cal Thomas: Biden’s poorly timed visit to the Middle East
Despite the cover-up with noble intentions, this trip is about trying to persuade Saudi Arabia to produce more oil so U.S. gas prices will come down to tolerable levels ahead of the November and 2024 elections. What will the U.S. get in return? Probably no more than Biden and Obama got from opening diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Leonard Pitts Jr.: Trump ‘fell under malignant influence’?
How many friends do you have, gentle reader — much less mere “advisers” — who could influence you to plot a coup against the U.S. government? How weak-minded would you have to be? The fact that such shabby and absurd reasoning passes as strategy within the walls of Trump World suggests not just how desperate things are in there, but how detached from reality the people inside have become.