Bob Neal: The Countryman: Don’t expect food prices to fall anytime soon

At least two causes work to keep food prices high. First was the labor shortage after the pandemic, driving up wages. Then, unchecked consolidation in the retail food industry and its new twist, called “greedflation,” in which corporations raise prices rather than compete on price.

Rep. Margaret Craven: In praise of Mayor Sheline

Go anywhere around Lewiston: The chamber breakfast, business opening, L-A Arts, school function … Mayor Carl Sheline will be there. This is a good thing, because it shows he is in touch with the people of Lewiston — in touch with what they want, and what they are concerned about. If there is a bill […]

Auction raises $24K for Make-a-Wish Maine

AUBURN — The Fontaine Family Team raised over $24,000 for Make-a-Wish Maine at its 10th annual Bid for Wishes Virtual Auction, hosted on Facebook. Maine businesses and individuals donated more than 300 items. Fontaine has been fundraising for Make-a-Wish Maine since 2009, starting with the Walk for Wishes, and has raised over $140,000 since then. […]

Bridgton Hospital nurse receives 2 awards

Mark, the caption we received says Lea stands “third from left.” From the ladies’ perspective, that’s true. But from the viewers’ perspective I wonder if it should read “third from right.” –Alex BRIDGTON — Lea Tilton, an Intensive Care Unit nurse at Bridgton Hospital, has received awards for her commitment to high-quality care and compassion […]

Betsy Sawyer-Manter: LD 1718 would incentivize people to enter direct care workforce

The Legislature has the opportunity to take another bold step to incentivize people to enter the direct care workforce. L.D. 1718 creates the Essential Support Worker Tuition Grant Program to provide up to four education vouchers, equal to a year’s tuition up to $4,000, at the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System or […]

Froma Harrop: It seems impossible to embarrass the right

Heaven knows the left fringe has its share of ludicrous dictates. The difference between the far left and the far right, though, is that the former tend to lose national or statewide elections, whereas the right-wing crazies more often prevail.

Rich Lowry: Democrats are making a crazy bet

There may be no good alternative to President Biden for Democrats, but having to hold your breath every time he climbs or descends the steps of Air Force One is a big problem, and one that isn’t going away from now until Nov. 5, 2024.

Michael Ozga: ‘First, Do No Harm’ is the guiding principle in healthcare

“First, do no harm” is the basic premise and underlying principle of health care. This was spoken over 2,000 years ago by Hippocrates and should hold true to this day. Unfortunately, we’ve transgressed as a society if we’ve moved from “First, do no harm” to L.D. 1619. The latter of which does as much harm […]

Clarence Page: Congress found virtue in compromise — at last

In view of the long-running dysfunction brought on by the hyperpartisan political environment, the passage of the debt ceiling measure represents a major achievement. It shouldn’t be so hard for such valuable agreements to be reached.

Editorial cartoon for Friday, June 9