The United States may have the largest and most complex national security apparatus in the world, although no one knows for sure. Nations are not very forthcoming about such things. But a Washington Post investigation presented last summer found that our secret system of eavesdroppers, spies, analysts and other bureaucrats is so large and dispersed […]

It’s been a couple of years since the Maine Turnpike Authority had a “posh pike” moment, so we were probably due. Now a review by the state’s accountability office has raised a lengthy list of concerns over the way the authority handles its money, including staff spending on meals, travel, alcohol, limos and pricey hotel […]

When you hear anyone today compare what is happening in the U.S. with Nazi Germany,  you can safely conclude that person is a hyperbolic fool who has run out of valid arguments. The comparisons are fatally flawed and, worse, dilute the historical significance of the Holocaust. The latest example came Jan. 19 when a little-known […]

Cheers to Anne and Gil Blais, Lewiston natives who have generously donated a $181,000 mobile command vehicle to the state Fire Marshal’s Office. The gift is being delivered in Lewiston today, and the vehicle will be headquartered in Augusta. It’s a terrific tool that will allow investigators to establish a command center on site anywhere […]

Desperate times may require desperate measures, but the idea of a state government being allowed to declare bankruptcy is just daft. Yet that option reportedly is being discussed behind closed doors on Capitol Hill and one prominent Republican, Newt Gingrich, says he thinks it’s a good idea. Gingrich, former House speaker, predicts legislation is imminent. […]