“I am a member of no organized political party,” Will Rogers said, “I am a Democrat.” Rogers, whose humor eased the load for millions of folks during the Depression, was born into Oklahoma’s Cherokee nation. On stage, he tossed out zingers and subtle barbs while twirling a lariat. The irony of a lasso-swinging Indian wasn’t […]
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.
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Posted inConnections
Senior College winter classes begin on Zoom in January
LEWISTON — The LA USM Senior College winter semester will begin in January. It will be bit different, since there are fewer constraints on scheduling online. The college is offering courses of any length in any of the three semesters. All one-day classes will remain free to members, and they will be offered in the […]
Posted inConnections
MaineCF Black, Indigenous and People of Color Fund offers grants
ELLSWORTH — Grants of up to $10,000 from Maine Community Foundation’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color Fund are available to nonprofit programs or organizations that are led by, and serve, people of Native American, Latino, African, Arab and Asian descent. Grants focus on three areas: addressing health disparities, supporting youth and improving economic opportunities. […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rex Huppke: Trump has gone ‘coup-coup’ and GOP nods along
I realize I’m just a simple newspaper columnist, but it seems having a lame-duck U.S. president openly advocating a coup is a really bad and insane thing, yet the people who most loudly call themselves patriots don’t appear to give a whit. Maybe I’m on an island here, but the conclusion that can be drawn […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: The Vaccine New World
What a relief that at least a few of us are getting the coronavirus vaccine. I would have liked my arm to have been among the select few. I’ll wait patiently, however, comforted in knowing that with every passing week, the list of Americans threatened by this nasty, deadly virus will shrink and life will return to normal.
Posted inConnections
Agnes Gray school names December students of month
WEST PARIS — Agnes Gray Elementary School Principal Beth Clarke has announced the school’s students for the month of December. In the first photo, Madisyn Bean, prekindergarten, was chosen student of the month. From left in back are teachers Jillian Delallo, Dawn Grondin and Rebekah Arntsen. Oliver Bisson, named for grade three, is pictured with […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Cal Thomas: Hunting for Hunter Biden
It isn’t that the alleged exploits, profits and questionable business deals involving Hunter Biden and his father, Joe Biden, were not known for most of this election year. Much of mainstream media either ignored it or put it down as right-wing extremism. Until now.
Posted inConnections
Community briefs for Thursday, Dec. 17
Salvation Army to hold Kettle Blitz Day LEWISTON — The Salvation Army will hold a Kettle Blitz Day throughout northern New England on Thursday, Dec. 17. Salvation Army members will be at the Hobby Lobby in Auburn and Walmart in Brunswick. The Divisional Kettle Blitz is a one-day competition among Salvation Army corps in hopes […]