THE CONVERSATION — In retrospect, there was perhaps nothing surprising about Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Vladimir Putin’s intentions were, after all, hiding in plain sight and signaled in the months running up to the incursion. What could not be foreseen, however, is where the conflict finds itself now. Heading into its third year, the […]

THE CONVERSATION — The death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, announced on Feb. 16, 2024, lays bare to the world the costs of political persecutions. Although his cause of death remains unknown, the 47-year-old died while serving a 19-year sentence in a Siberian penal colony. “Three days ago, Vladimir Putin killed my husband,” said Navalny’s widow, […]

“If you’re talking about people needing housing, it’s a lot cheaper to help pay their utilities so they can stay in the place they already have, than to find them a new place,” said Sallie Smith. This was the rationale behind the creation of Warm Thy Neighbor, an emergency heating assistance program Sallie launched in […]

Part of the population seems to live in another country. It has a different history, a different culture and, as the annual additions to the dictionary reveal, a different language. It is composed of generations known as Gen X and Millennials. It may be joining the political process at a pace unusual for younger people […]

When I read about the “silent book club” trend, it filled me with instant calm and hope. As it goes, in 2012, two friends in San Francisco came up with the idea for a non-formal social event in which book lovers can gather at a coffee house or pub, then read together in silence for […]

With Tuesday’s announcement that the state intends to locate a port on Sears Island to support offshore wind construction, Gov. Janet Mills’ administration provides hope that, at long last, Maine can build something big. The recent track record has not been encouraging. Voters in a 2021 referendum canceled a $1 billion power line to Canada […]