opinion Archives - The Portland Press Herald

The Maine Idea: A truce in the license plate wars

by Douglas Rooks The Maine Idea February 23, 2023February 22, 2023

After 24 years, it looks like Maine will finally get a new license plate, with the “chickadee plate” will retired, beginning in 2025. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows presented the plan for almost two hours before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee last week, and it was a skillful performance. Bellows had satisfactory answers to almost all […]

Op-eds, Opinion

Commentary: Stop panicking about boomerang kids

by Alexis Leondis Bloomberg Opinion February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

Adult children who move back home shouldn’t be slammed as ‘moochers.’ Most returns to the nest are temporary.

Maine Voices, Opinion

Maine Voices: Coyotes protect songbirds, so let’s protect them

by Hope Cruser Special to the Press Herald February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

We need reasonable limits on the hunting of an animal that safeguards the declining bird population from cat predation.

Editorials, Opinion

Our View: Abortion pill case validates coordinated response

by The Editorial Board February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

The new national coalition of governors represents 170 million people. Good, and good on Gov. Mills for including Mainers in that number.

Times Record Opinion

The Conversation: The ethics of home ownership in an age of growing inequality

by Désirée Lim Penn State February 22, 2023February 21, 2023

THE CONVERSATION — For many Americans today, homeownership is an unattainable dream. In 2022, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose to 7% for the first time in more than two decades. The median sales price of existing homes climbed to a record US$416,000 while demand for mortgages dropped to a 25-year low. Experts forecast a turnaround in 2023, predicting […]

Times Record Opinion

The Conversation: How vinyl chloride, the chemical in the Ohio train derailment and used to make PVC plastics, can damage your liver

by Juliane I. Beier University of Pittsburgh February 22, 2023February 21, 2023

THE CONVERSATION — Vinyl chloride – the chemical in several of the train cars that derailed and burned in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023 – can wreak havoc on the human liver. It has been shown to cause liver cancer, as well as a nonmalignant liver disease known as TASH, or toxicant-associated steatohepatitis. With TASH, the […]

Maine Voices, Opinion

Maine Voices: 20 years ago, Sanford, Springvale residents gave warm sendoff to departing troops

by Christopher A. Rushton Special to the Press Herald February 21, 2023February 22, 2023

And the same good cheer greeted the soldiers of the ‘3rd Herd’ when we returned after more than a year away from our families, friends and community.

Maine Voices, Opinion

Maine Voices: I am grateful to you, Jimmy Carter, for being my role model

by Shoshana Hoose Special to the Press Herald February 21, 2023February 22, 2023

You have lived your ideals and made a real difference in the world, holding on to hope even as some of your biggest accomplishments have been dismantled.