If the derailment in Ohio had led to a vapor explosion and people were killed, nobody would question doing whatever it takes to fix the problem at its root.

Our trading partner are quite focused on — and rattled by — the unleashing of U.S. government subsidies, direct and indirect, for domestic industry. With the scales weighted on buying American products, there’s been an explosion of activity making everything from electric vehicles to solar panels to equipment for capturing carbon.

As maternity options dwindle for families, collaboration across our region — with public officials, employers, government and private payors and other health care organizations — will be more important than ever to continue providing the necessary care in our communities.

This session, we have a momentous opportunity in the Legislature to enhance Maine’s care infrastructure. A statewide paid family and medical leave program would support our working families, make our economy more competitive and set us on a better path to improved health and well-being, both now and well into the future.

A forthcoming biography of Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) reportedly includes the former presidential candidate’s view that his party is sliding toward “authoritarianism.”

Hard diplomatic narrative warfare should personalize the war, tie it to Putin the man and then promote his removal “to promote peace.” Emphasize Russia’s isolation — not even Belarus will join the war. Inundate Russia with the terrible fact that 150,000 Russians lost their lives in the first year of Putin’s war.

One thing seems certain. The post-secondary years will be different, whether grads are going straight to work or to career training or higher education. This may be an opportunity for Maine to grab the initiative and start designing the post-secondary world of tomorrow.

Although mass killings have become commonplace — the one at Michigan State University was the 67th this year, and we’re only in February — something feels different this time.