It was disheartening to learn about the closure of the therapeutic recreation program at the University of Southern Maine. The field of arts in health is growing internationally, supported by research funding and expanding community programs. While I understand that the major was unsustainable with current enrollment, USM missed an opportunity to promote the program […]

In nominating Maine native Joshua Dunlap for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, Sen. Susan Collins has made an outstanding choice. As Josh’s former law partner, I know first-hand of his superb qualifications: his intelligence, thoughtfulness, humility and love of the law and the constitution are exceptional.  He will work vigorously for the impartial […]

I have lived over half of my life in Maine and I am lucky. I have always been employed and had health insurance through my employers. I have never had to worry about paying for health care my family needs. We have never experienced food insecurity or had to choose what bills to pay to […]

In the brave new world of AI, we can communicate with the dead vocally or through an AI-based avatar image, usually programmed through interviews with the soon-to-be deceased. After death, they interact as they would normally in conversation — usually with surviving relatives who want their relationship to carry on. Sometimes the experiences can be […]

Should the federal shutdown continue and interfere with SNAP benefits for Mainers who need help feeding their families, I have a suggestion for our leaders in Augusta: Use the rainy day fund to feed Maine families. The federal government spends roughly $84 million per month on SNAP benefits for Maine people. At the end of […]

It was only a bus ride. As teachers, we traveled Africa in the local buses. A man from Uganda during Idi Amin’s reign shared that he spent his days looking for milk to buy for his children. “You will not have time to protest a dictator if your children are hungry.” Hmm. SNAP is gone. […]

These times are overwhelming politically. I am writing to encourage any and all to not buy into the noise. Do what you can, locally. Maybe it’s reaching out to a neighbor in some way to help build your community. Here on Peaks Island, we are baking cookies and selling homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches at […]

I just finished reading the op-ed that you decided to run in the Oct. 15 paper (“Are you satisfied with Maine’s state government?“).   The third paragraph, referring to school rankings, made me stop reading and do some research. The writer referred to KIDS COUNT Data Book rankings, placing Maine last for education and Florida in the […]

The destruction of the East Wing is the last straw. Donald Trump and his donor friends should be charged with conspiracy to destroy government property. He should go to jail and his friends should pay for the reconstruction of the building. Politics have nothing to do with this act: it is pure ego. Constance BloomfieldPortland