Economic indicators have convinced many analysts that we are emerging from the recession. But no one is forecasting a strong recovery and the latest unemployment numbers are a warning that prosperity may still be a long way off. In October, the unemployment rate hit 10.2 percent. Since World War II, we have only encountered this […]

NASA scientists said last week that smacking the moon with a satellite on Oct. 9 unequivocally demonstrated that there is water there. When the satellite hit the surface at a speed of 1.5 miles per second, it sent up a plume of dust and vapor. Spectrographic analysis of the cloud confirmed the presence of water […]

Thumbs up to all of our military veterans, retired and active, and to those who helped plan Wednesday’s parades and ceremonies honoring their service. It is important each year to take time out to remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women (and their families), who have kept us safe from threats of all sorts […]

More than a year ago, Maine adopted legislation promoting the ambitious goal of making Maine a leader in wind power development. The Legislature unanimously passed the bill, which was based on the recommendation of a governor’s task force. Today, the drive to identify and develop sites has plenty of money and influence behind it. But […]

Maine’s referendum results left us with a lot to think about, but perhaps the most unexpected outcome was the expansion of the state’s medical marijuana law. In an election season buffeted by claims and counterclaims, the  plan to establish nonprofit marijuana dispensaries for qualifying patients attracted surprisingly little attention. Voters evidently took the measure at […]

Perhaps many of the Wells voters who rejected a town ordinance regulating water extraction did so to protect local aquifers from international water merchants. This seemed to be the view of those holding signs at the Wells polls last week, and we can’t say they were wrong. Their argument was that a local regulatory ordinance […]

In his radio address last week, Gov. John Baldacci spoke briefly but eloquently about the regrettable passage of Question 1, which vetoed Maine’s marriage equality law. He expressed confidence that one day all Maine families will be treated equally, “but for today, we must respect the judgment of Maine voters.” Certainly the governor of Maine […]

Thumbs up to all of those who volunteered their time to work at the polls for the Nov. 3 election and to everyone who did their civic duty by casting an informed vote. The contentious issues put before us on Election Day, both state and local, have caused much debate. Hopefully, those on opposite sides […]

Short term business news may not count for much in the midst of a deep recession, but stronger retail sales, corporate quarterly profits and declining unemployment claims are evidence that the economy is moving toward recovery. This week, both Ford Motor Company and Toyota announced surprisingly strong results for the third quarter. Toyota reported a […]

Almost every year, it seems, Maine voters can count on seeing new special-interest questions on the state ballot in November. This year, decisions were sought on spending and taxes, same-sex marriage  and medical marijuana. Next year, entrepreneurs are hoping to make a new pitch for a resort casino. This editorial page has argued against previous […]