Men, women and children are being rounded up and killed in Ethiopia.Violence has plagued the sub-Saharan country since a disputed election in May, but the level of death and destruction have increased sharply in recent days.According to the BBC, nearly 50 people were killed by government forces over the weekend, and the European Union and […]

The parent company of Independence Airline, which provides low-cost service from the Portland International Jetport, announced Monday that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.The move was expected on Wall Street and followed a reduced flight schedule in Maine. In October, the airline said it would cut its five daily flights into Portland down […]

No on Question 1: Voters should reject an effort to repeal a new anti-discrimination law that adds sexual orientation to the Maine Human Rights Act.Yes on Question 2: This question approves $33.1 million in borrowing for the state’s transportation system, an important investment in the economy.Yes on Question 3: A yes vote will provide $8.9 […]

Like the long line of cars making their way through Iowa cornfields in the movie “Field of Dreams,” Mainers from across the state made their way to Bangor last weekend for the opening of Hollywood Slots.If you build it, they will come. But unlike the movie, the crowds at the racino weren’t drawn by the […]

On Thursday, the Senate made a show of cutting Medicare, Medicaid, farm subsidies and several other programs to save $36 billion. There are real cuts in the legislation and other moves that will hurt the sick, elderly and students.But it’s mostly just a sham. The Senate’s tough love isn’t really about reducing the federal budget. […]

If Congress has its way, “organic” might not mean what you think it does.Slipped into an appropriations bill last week was a change in the standards for what qualifies as “organic” to receive the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic seal. Congress has sided with large agri-businesses against small, organic farmers, but the real losers are […]

Expectations for voter turnout Tuesday during the state’s off-year election are low. Maybe 40 percent of registered voters will do their duty. More should.The state must answer seven serious questions. The first is a people’s veto attempt against a new anti-discrimination law. The next five questions ask voters whether they support $83 million in bonds […]

A law isn’t working if it has to be suspended for government to properly do its job.Voters in Colorado amended the state constitution to strictly limit government’s growth and spending. The move backfired and voters on Tuesday decided that the only option they had was to suspend the fiscal limits for five years and to […]

President Bush has taken an important and necessary step in preparing the country for a possible flu pandemic.While it’s impossible to predict if or when such a threat will arise, releasing details of the federal government’s response now gives state and local government the time to integrate them into their plans.Bush’s proposal to spend $7.1 […]

Lewiston is a pretty well-run city, notwithstanding the mayor’s new legal troubles.While there’s certainly dissent on some issues, take a look at the revitalized downtown, the rejuvenated Colisee and the parade of accolades that are coming the city’s way and you get a sense that things work.But when we look at the list of candidates […]