Twenty years ago, Jet Li was offered a part in “The Matrix Reloaded.” It was sure to be a hit. But the martial artist said no. In his words, the producers wanted to “record and copy all of my moves into a digital library.” To Li, this would do more than copy his body; it […]
Op-Eds
Opinion columns from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Commentary: One overlooked way to fight opioid deaths? Give people something to do
Across the country, communities are struggling to respond to the opioid crisis, some with broader access to medical strategies and more treatment programs. Yet the national overdose death rate continues to rise, with opioid deaths in 2022 remaining at an all-time high. There are, of course, many causes of addiction, and community approaches must be […]
Commentary: Let’s end hunger in Maine, especially among children
The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is fighting for the nearly 37,000 people under 18 who are facing food insecurity in our state.
Commentary: Whatever our frustrations, we must keep NOAA strong
The federal agency has attracted the ire of many Mainers in recent times. That doesn’t mean we should turn our backs on its critical work.
Douglas Rooks: Biden’s big deal on Medicare prescription drug prices
President Biden announced the first price negotiations over 10 super-expensive Medicare drugs last week through the Inflation Reduction Act as if it were a big deal. It is. In fact, it’s the first time since the program’s creation under Lyndon Johnson in 1965 that Democrats have struck a major blow toward reducing the program’s costs […]
Commentary: Regardless of Pine Tree Power’s fate, Maine utilities will retain ‘green’ focus
Ultimately, the vote on Question 3 is about whether you think government or private monopolies should hold the keys to the clean electricity future.
Commentary: With or without Maine, seaweed revolution is taking off
Let’s do everything in our power to stay on top of this emerging industry.
Commentary: Nearly every battleground state is at risk of election denialism interfering in 2024
Former President Donald Trump is campaigning for re-election. Disinformation continues to run rampant on social media. Large portions of the country still doubt valid election results. Sound familiar? Signs point to 2024 being a redux of 2020. In addition, the recent indictments charging former President Trump and others with a conspiracy to overturn the legitimate […]
Commentary: Together we must aspire to a more welcoming and safe Maine
Disarming intolerance and bigotry starts with education – this can be uncomfortable and scary, but it works.
Commentary: School bus drivers keep our kids safe. Showing them respect could help improve the shortage
How many of us have seen a school bus come to a stop and activate its warning lights and stop arm, and yet a driver proceeds to pass the bus anyway? Imagine the fear that the bus driver must feel, as he or she is tasked with the responsibility of transporting children to and from […]