So, the “Great Recession” has come to an end. That news may have come as a surprise to those who measure the economy’s health by unemployment rates, housing starts or other general measures of prosperity that currently are “lagging indicators” — economic sectors that still fall behind overall growth.

It might be even more of a surprise to such observers that the downturn didn’t end last month or last quarter, but in the middle of last year.

U.S. District Court Judge George Singal took a “cautious approach” last week by refusing to grant a motion that would have disrupted this year’s gubernatorial election.

His decision was the right one. The case would change election law to allow well-funded privately financed candidates to bury publicly funded ones, and Singal should be upheld by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals.

Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps are an important tool in helping the agency prevent unnecessary damage from natural disasters. They should be based on the most accurate science available so they can be effective.

But that doesn’t mean that what has been presented by the agency fits that description. The proposed flood maps are up for a 90-day appeal process in which coastal property owners can and should challenge the assumptions on which they are based.