Portland Press Herald News Stories

Thank you for the the June 1 Maine Sunday Telegram article about Margaret Chase Smith’s legacy: her “Declaration of Conscience.” I’ve read that Sen. Susan Collins looked up to Smith. I’m asking Collins to look into her heart and find her own “Declaration of Conscience.” Smith took a risk and stuck to her principles. I […]

ReForest South Portland is a grassroots group of residents who are working to improve the city's tree canopy through various initiatives, including a recent tree planting event.

In the pages of this newspaper, I read with dismay of school budgets rejected and of schools closed — budget after budget, school after school. What is this madness, that sweeps our state with the scythe of destruction? Our schools are: • Support systems and safety nets for parents, families and future heads of families. […]

Rachel Ohm’s June 1 article, “Legacy of Margaret Chase Smith’s ‘Declaration of Conscience’ speech lives on 75 years later,” offered such an on-point message in today’s political world. Would that today’s Republicans demonstrated Sen. Smith’s courage. There was an editorial cartoon years ago in which a lemming questions aloud the group’s leadership as he rushes […]

This year's standouts include top scholars and athletes, several musicians, artists and social activists, a few immigrants, a plumber in training, a technology whiz, a filmmaker and a future physician. They have accomplished so much already, and we’re excited to see what happens next.

I get that there are many people in our country who feel strongly that the U.S. has changed for the worse in the last generation. I understand how they might feel left behind, ignored, even victimized, while at the same time it seems we have bent over backward to help others, especially immigrants, people of […]

Instead of public humiliation, Norris should have been applauded for her dedication to helping patients rejected by her peers.

I am a fourth-generation Mainer. My parents are from the heavily forested regions of Maine: Rumford and East Millinocket. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve spent decades caring for human beings with health issues. I believe, as Robin Wall Kimmerer writes, “all flourishing is mutual.” Unfortunately, the “Fix Our Forests Act” does the opposite. It will […]

Spring sports playoffs can be challenging for seniors who have graduated and are ready to move on.

I believe in a culture of acceptance and inclusion, not one that limits who can join me at the start line.