It is astounding to me that Gov. Paul LePage, whose list of accomplishments is so long, can be so decried. But it shouldn’t be. In our current climate, political agendas trump real-world accomplishments – and reality. The power the media has to push popular opinion in the direction of their own agendas, their own political opinion, […]
Portland Forecaster
City-wide news from The Forecaster.
Superintendent's Notebook: Student needs drive Portland school initiatives
As the new school year begins, the staff of the Portland Public Schools is focusing on how we can best meet our students’ needs. We are launching many exciting initiatives this year that will serve that purpose. Lyseth Elementary School will begin Maine’s first full-immersion Spanish program in a public school. The program will provide […]
Letter: Delogu sets the record straight on wages
As usual, columnist Orlando Delogu (Policy Wonk: “Debunking myths about a higher minimum wage”) writes about a controversial economic issue with clarity and reason. He marshals an incontrovertible argument, laced with data, to support raising the minimum wage. Every reader should come to that conclusion after reading Delogu’s column. Sadly, this will not be the […]
Letter: McDonald-Smith right about 'equality gone wild'
I would like to commend The Forecaster for having the courage to include Julie McDonald-Smith’s views from the right. Her recent warning to parents of college-bound students (high-schoolers take note as well, I might add) exposes the left’s equality-gone-wild agenda. Human value and the inherent rights of equality under the law is one thing, we […]
Letter: Vote yes on Question 1 to ban bear baiting
Growing up in Aroostook County shaped my unwavering work ethic, respect for community and family, and passion for stewardship of the natural environment and creatures in it. Being from “The County” made me care about things in a way people “from away” don’t quite understand. I grew up with hunters: hard workers, respectful people, pillars […]
Letter: Health care for women an election issue
If voters care about women’s health in Maine, they should think carefully about this year’s election for governor. Since 2010, more than 200 restrictions on abortion rights have been passed in state legislatures, usually disguised as bills to “keep women safe.” Politicians across the country believe they should make women’s medical decisions for them. Statistics […]
UPDATED: Storm swamps greater Portland, damages roads, buildings in city and several nearby communities
PORTLAND — Storm damage flowed from Merrill Auditorium to Deering Oaks Park as the city was inundated by a torrential rainstorm Wednesday night, Aug. 13. More than 6 inches of rain was recorded at the Portland Jetport, according to the National Weather Service in Gray, with about half the total falling between 9-11 p.m. The […]
Cumberland council rejects commuter bus proposal; METRO still optimistic
CUMBERLAND — A proposal to extend METRO bus service north of Falmouth hit a second pothole in less than a week Monday, when Cumberland town councilors narrowly rejected an invitation to join the pilot project. The Town Council voted 4-3 against a resolution pledging Cumberland’s support for a trial bus route that would connect the […]
Evictions prompt Portland to look at landlord's other buildings
PORTLAND — Homecoming could be weeks away for residents of 193 Congress St., who were evicted Aug. 5 after city inspectors discovered code violations in renovation work. Although work began in early July, the city did not receive an application for the electrical permit until July 28, according to its records. City officials on Monday […]
Proposal for historic status clouds owner's plans for Portland island
PORTLAND — Development planned by the new owner of 24-acre House Island may face additional scrutiny as the city tries to designate the island a historic district. A hearing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, at City Hall to gather public opinion on the designation, which ultimately requires City Council approval. The island, privately owned […]