Leonard Pitts Jr.: ‘What’s Going On’ still feels urgent, still feels now

One seldom hears anyone talk about — much less sing about — the existential pain of being alive, the sheer exhaustion sometimes of simply being, in a world stained by sins of malice, abuse, selfishness and despair. But Gaye did. So this masterpiece — named the greatest album ever by Rolling Stone — doesn’t get old or become corroded with nostalgia because it is tethered not to time, but to that common brokenness and the shared humanity from which it springs.

Edward Walworth: Support for ‘Safe Storage’ firearms bill

The Maine Legislature will soon be considering several bills regarding gun safety. The passage of such laws has been infrequent at best, as many of our representatives from both political parties and occupants of the Blaine House have been reluctant over the years to embrace the cause. Witness the watering down of a fairly strong […]

Casey Knight: Low-income people need dental coverage, too

The lack of adult dental coverage among much of Maine’s workforce contributes to systemic racism. These immigrants and lower income families are worthy of holistic, inclusive health care. As a social worker, I have had clients affected by the lack of dental coverage. One client lost her teeth to devastating abuse in a refugee camp. […]

Cartoon for Wednesday, May 19

Shanna Cox and Robyn Merrill: Solving child poverty is everyone’s business

Addressing families’ basic needs will create opportunities for parents and caregivers to succeed in the workforce, strengthening our communities, bolstering our economy, and reducing child poverty. Lifting children out of poverty today will, in turn, increase their opportunities, support their growth, and fortify Maine’s future workforce, leading to less child poverty tomorrow.

Shelby Wright: In-state debris recycling needs ‘serious discussion’

With the introduction of LD 1639, “An Act To Protect the Health and Welfare of Maine Communities and Reduce Harmful Solid Waste,” the future of construction and demolition debris recycling in Maine has been brought to the forefront, and that future is grim. To focus just on “out-of-state” CDD waste, as LD 1639 does, means […]

Cartoon for Tuesday, May 18

Richard Whiting: IRS needs improvement, modernization

Cal Thomas’ column attacking the IRS (“The Infernal Revenue Service,” May 12) reminded me of an excellent May 4 Washington Post editorial by former IRS commissioners who represented both parties and all administrations from Reagan to Obama. There is a real opportunity right now for bi-partisan actions to improve the IRS. Legislation proposed by President […]

Rich Lowry: Trump’s huge 2023 decision

If Trump runs, he will, one assumes, blot out the sun. Everything will be about him — his record, his pronouncements, his animosities. Much of the conservative mass media will get on board, while the mainstream media — inadvertently aiding him, yet again — will be even more intensely hostile.

Paul Jacques and Ray ‘Bucky’ Owen: Tribal sovereignty protects Maine’s outdoor heritage

There is a never-ending appreciation of Mainers, Wabanaki and non-Wabanaki, for the bounty of Maine’s diversity of wildlife. For generations our ancestors have lived off these lands and waters. They have provided for our families. They have taught our children the importance of respect, moderation, and observation of nature.