Earlier this year, I served as a co-convener of the first-ever Bipartisan Summit on Criminal Justice Reform in Washington, D.C., with former White House adviser Van Jones, the American Conservative Union’s Pat Nolan and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Sponsors and partners included the American Civil Liberties Union and Drug Police Alliance on the left […]

As the 127th Maine legislative session draws to a close, it is worthwhile to look at some of the winners and losers in this session. With a reported 200 bills vetoed by Gov. LePage so far, the legislature is expected to convene July 16 for a final vote and disposition of about 80 bills that […]

One of the most important matters we dealt with during the first session of the 127th Maine Legislature was the biennial budget. As with many issues this session, with a divided government, much compromise was necessary to provide a financial plan to maintain state governmental services. Below are some of the highlights in this year’s […]

Barack Obama’s eulogy for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney would deserve to be part of the American canon even if the president ”“ his voice crackling in emotion and devotion ”“ hadn’t broken into his own rendition of “Amazing Grace,” a rhetorical gesture with no equal since Lyndon B. Johnson used the phrase “we shall overcome” […]

“Promise only what you can deliver. Then deliver more than you promise.” — Anonymous Those mentioned here, by their extended hands of help to those in need, are the living proof that the aforementioned quote is being fulfilled every day and every month. They are the helping hands of: Marion Orr, Karin Olson, Germaine Dumas, […]

Thumbs down to the Biddeford City Council for not having the foresight to schedule its Tuesday meeting at a larger venue, given recent contention over contract negotiations between the city and the unions representing its police officers, firefighters and public safety employees. Instead, the meeting was forced to an abrupt end when the large crowd […]

Ever heard of a guy named Joey Chestnut? Sure you have. It’s one of those names that sounds vaguely familiar, though you can’t quite place it. With a name like Chestnut, you’d think he was a Christmas-themed character ”“ Santa Claus’ head elf, perhaps, or the guy who’s illegally sheltering Frosty the Snowman so he […]

STRASBOURG, France — Greece submitted a request for aid from Europe’s bailout fund Wednesday, and is rushing to detail a plan of economic reforms that creditors want to see this week if they are to save the country from financial collapse and keep it in Europe’s joint currency. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras earned both […]