There are almost 200,000 Mainers caring for family members at home — over $2 billion of benefit to their communities. Of those who are lower wage workers, two thirds get no paid leave to do this, while almost 100% of those with higher wages receive some paid leave. Mainers with newborns, with parents whose health […]
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.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Stone: Passenger rail: Rickety ride to Debt-Land
Construction estimates have the cost of upgrading the rails, bridges, signaling, safety systems and one-time purchase of equipment at well over $250 million, and that estimate was built on pre-COVID dollars. It’s likely $300 million now and climbing, as federal spending will continue to push inflation to whatever levels.
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
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.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
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 […]
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
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. […]
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
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 […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
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 […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
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.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
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.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
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 […]