Illegal surveillance by government agencies that tap civilian phone lines and emails of American citizens is just plain wrong. Our phone lines are being tapped without our permission, even though few of us are terrorists or in contact with terrorists. Even if the phone tapping is being done under the false guise of providing safety […]

The City of Biddeford is considering an ordinance amendment that would add to the recently implemented disorderly housing law, which was designed to crack down on apartment buildings that are nuisances. This new, proposed amendment would allow police to deal more effectively with similar complaints at local businesses ”“ where tenants, guests, patrons or employees […]

“Yes, I am. But why should it matter?” That was the crux of Congressman Mike Michaud’s announcement Monday that he is gay, and it’s a sentiment that’s shared by many Maine voters. Speculation about how this announcement will affect the 2014 gubernatorial race is running wild: Will this drive conservative voters into Eliot Cutler’s camp? […]

This National Football League season has largely been difficult to watch for New England Patriots fans. The offense has looked unfamiliar, as it has lumbered through most of its games, and future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady has looked more like a low-level player instead of an elite competitor. That all changed on Sunday, however, as […]

The leaves of a striped maple stand out against a backdrop of larger trees in Lyman. (RACHEL LOVEJOY PHOTO)

When you think of maple trees, you probably conjure up an image of sap buckets in the spring or deeply lobed leaves turning scarlet red, bright yellow or flaming orange in the fall. But there’s another kind of maple that, up until recently, long defied my instant recognition of it: the striped maple, or Acer […]

Thumbs up to all those who hosted Halloween events and took children trick-or-treating for the holiday last week, taking part in an enjoyable American cultural celebration that helps to brighten a progressively darkening autumn. A wide variety of offerings were available this year, for those who simply want to celebrate the end of the season, […]

Our downtowns are natural hubs of economic and community activity. That’s why I support the work being done to revitalize downtown districts across the state. We know that these areas are essential to keeping our dollars local, supporting our local businesses and often creating jobs. We need to continue to look at ways to support […]

Comedian Louis CK struck a nerve earlier this fall when, as a guest on the late-night talk show, “Conan,” he went on a tirade against cellphones. Millions of people have since watched this wry existential rant on YouTube. Cellphones dehumanize us, CK contends, making us less empathetic and removing us from the essential fact that […]

Voters in York County have an important reason to get to the polls on Election Day, this coming Tuesday. Among the five state referendum questions is a bond that would give a major boost to York County Community College, which is located in Wells. Question 5 on the ballot asks voters to authorize bonding $15.5 […]