Joseph Pelliccia: Link LA passengers to full Amtrak system

I am a big supporter of passenger rail in Maine and ride the Downeaster frequently. I would love to see passenger rail service extended to Lewiston-Auburn, but was disappointed to read in the March 31 Sun Journal article, “Lewiston council revives talks on passenger rail,” that local officials were considering a proposal to utilize the […]

John Brautigam and Ron Fein: Maine should ban political spending by foreign-influenced corporations

As the first state to pass ranked-choice voting and public funding of elections, Maine has led the nation before in the fight for democratic self-government. It’s time for Maine to lead again.

Virginia Marczak: Proposed Auburn zoning regs prompt concern

I am concerned with the proposed zoning regulation that will allow homeowners in Auburn to build an additional dwelling if they own a 12,000-square-foot lot. I worry about structures being shoehorned into neighborhoods, for the mere purpose of increasing the tax base, with no thought about how it would change the character of the neighborhood. […]

Cartoon for Tuesday, April 6

Pam Larouche: Panning Auburn’s proposed zoning plan

Just when I thought Auburn couldn’t come up with an idea as brilliant as the “Chinese hospital on the banks of Minot Avenue,” Mayor Jason Levesque presents the citizens with another winner. Any owner of a house lot of 12,000 square feet (a house lot is typically 100 x 100 or 10,000 square feet) will […]

Leonard Pitts Jr.: Small wonder the church is shrinking

Faith can shape politics, yes. But when politics start shaping faith, maybe you’ve lost your way. When you find yourself preaching exclusion and rejection in the name of Him who said, “Come unto me,” maybe it’s time to recalibrate. Or even repent. Maybe that’s what the people who used to fill those pews are waiting for. Because, yes, the church is shrinking.

Cartoon for Sunday, April 4

Rich Lowry: The dollar sign president

The Joe Biden who portrayed himself as a moderate, old school, bipartisan dealmaker during the presidential campaign is now a distant memory. He’s been replaced by the Joe Biden who is dazzling progressives with his willingness to “go big” – in other words, spend jaw-dropping amounts that would have been unimaginable prior to the pandemic and are still shocking even now.

Zachary Maher: On inspiration and volunteerism in America

There are many paths to volunteerism. For some it is an opportunity to try new things and meet new people while for others it is, as Wilfred Grenfell calls it, a service we render others as the rent we pay for our room on Earth.

Heather Turner: Sexual assault prevention can start with you

As a parent, caregiver, or an important adult to a child, one of the first things we think about is that child’s safety. In the same way you may have taught a child in your life to hold your hand in the parking lot, or to look both ways before crossing the street, you can also help them keep their bodies and personal space safe.