The reliance on internet home phones for communication begs us to consider its consequences. The thought of a power outage leaving my parents stranded without a way to reach me in an emergency worries me deeply. They seldom use their cell phone, and their home internet connection often cuts out. This poses a critical issue, […]

Hooray for Rep. Chellie Pingree, who isn’t afraid to stand up for what is needed instead of cowering in the shadows, afraid of offending her armed constituents (“Most of Maine’s delegation won’t even talk about an assault weapons ban,” May 21). Guess who won’t get my future votes? Patricia Cate Larrabee Gray

Many Portland landlords have had some tenants who may be widowed, sick, disabled, etc., and become what I call “foster tenants.” The landlord gave them little or no rent increases through the years. Rates for these apartments are very low compared to market. This situation is not unusual. Now these apartments are outdated but are […]

When Portlanders voted to pass rent control in 2020, it contained a key provision often referred to as “vacancy control.” Vacancy control means that the rules capping how much rent can be raised apply not only for the current tenants, but also to the unit itself when it becomes vacant. As Portland’s first rent board […]

Why is age 18 the benchmark year to purchase guns, including assault weapons? According to research conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center, the human brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25. No matter how high the IQ, good judgment remains elusive until then. The connections between the emotional part of the brain […]