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Dodging shots


In politics, and with the media, it's the outcome, and not the intention, that matters. That's fortunate for Senator Susan Collins, who got lucky twice in the same week.
By JEFF INGLIS  |  May 06, 2009

Do state officials know best?

Word From The Top
Like when the country goes to war, most news reports of how state government is handling the H1N1 “swine flu” crisis have just repeated what officials have said.
By LANCE TAPLEY  |  May 07, 2009

Art for art's sake

The creative economy
Apparently, I'm one of those artist-types. Except it's not called "artist" anymore. That term is too, well ... artsy-fartsy. It doesn't adequately convey my critical importance to society.
By AL DIAMON  |  April 29, 2009

Going to pot

State medical marijuana law advances
The state's medical-marijuana laws, which govern how patients can access pot for medical purposes, is on the brink of significant change.
By DEIRDRE FULTON  |  April 15, 2009

Light that failed

How is Maine's term-limits law working?
How has Maine's term-limit law, restricting legislators to eight consecutive years in office, been working since it was approved by voters in 1993?
By AL DIAMON  |  March 25, 2009
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What's wrong with Augusta?

Whatever it is, it isn't new. Things were just as screwed up a decade ago — in the opposite direction
Charlie Colgan couldn't predict a recession if its arrival was signaled by warning lights and sirens.
By AL DIAMON  |  January 29, 2009

Survivor winnings could help the state

WINDFALL FOR MAINE
We can be certain that the state's bean-counters are looking forward to Crowley's 2008 tax return — and its accompanying check.
By JEFF INGLIS  |  December 23, 2008

Chronichitis

Politics and other mistakes
Many of you are suffering from a brain condition called ignorance. Others are infected with a disease called stupidity of the head.
By AL DIAMON  |  December 23, 2008

No rules

Politics and other mistakes
The state of Maine doesn’t give away money. Except for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Economic Development, and the state treasurer.
By AL DIAMON  |  September 25, 2008
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Maine: state of deception

How a budget surplus emerged from a back room
Surprise! When the 2008 fiscal year ended, on June 30, the state had a General Fund surplus of $56 million, so the shortfall in reality was considerably smaller than predicted — $134 million.
By LANCE TAPLEY  |  August 27, 2008

I've heard that story before

Politics and other mistakes
Each year, Governor John Baldacci announces his top priority in the next legislative session will be reducing the state income tax. (“Lack of political clout? What lack of political clout?”)
By AL DIAMON  |  August 20, 2008

Beyond rhythm: A new contraception

A woman's body tells her what she needs to know
This article originally appeared in the March 28, 1978 issue of the Boston Phoenix.
By MICHAEL CASTLEMAN  |  March 28, 2008
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Everyone’s a neocon now

Looking back on state politics — and forward
In the eight years I’ve covered the State House for the Portland Phoenix, I’ve been struck by the depressingly constant themes.
By LANCE TAPLEY  |  December 21, 2007

Genuine sense of outrage

Politics and other mistakes
Democratic US Representative Tom Allen is being accused by editorial writers and other whack jobs of demeaning the political process.
By AL DIAMON  |  August 29, 2007
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Dangerous waits for psychiatric evaluations?

Jail watch
State officials admit delays for jail-inmate psychiatric evaluations have increased considerably.
By LANCE TAPLEY  |  August 15, 2007

Don’t need it

Politics and other mistakes
Charge me with fiscal irresponsibility.
By AL DIAMON  |  August 15, 2007

Man bites dog

Politics and other mistakes
I like dogs better than bureaucrats.
By AL DIAMON  |  June 20, 2007

Always late

Politics and other mistakes
Once in a while, I write a column in which I don’t make any snide remarks.
By AL DIAMON  |  May 30, 2007
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Who’s afraid of medical marijuana?

Opponents’ fears go unrealized with the impementation of rhode island’s law
Two hits of marijuana in the morning, and two in the evening before he goes to sleep.
By TE-PING CHEN  |  May 02, 2007

Letters to the Portland editor: April 20, 2007

State hides the truth
Mainers upset over the Bush Administration and its top lawyer Alberto Gonzalez are sadly mistaken if they think callous indifference to human life does not exist here as well.
By LETTERS TO THE POTLAND EDITOR  |  April 18, 2007

Do nothing till you hear from me

Politics and other mistakes
The Legislature is, by design, a mess.
By AL DIAMON  |  April 11, 2007

Portland Phoenix, the best in New England!

Laurels
The Portland Phoenix had its best year ever at the New England Press Association (NEPA) awards banquet on Saturday, taking home 15 awards, including 10 for first place.
By JEFF INGLIS  |  February 14, 2007

Local jokers

Politics and othe mistakes
Local government is full of boobs.
By AL DIAMON  |  February 14, 2007

The pick of destiny

Politics and other mistakes
The Maine Senate has confirmed Democratic Governor John Baldacci’s nomination of Charles Dow of Winthrop for a District Court judgeship, despite Republican criticism of Dow’s lack of courtroom experience.
By AL DIAMON  |  January 31, 2007

Stonewalling is normal

 Reporting the prison system
I could cite many examples of the difficulty in reporting to the Maine public what goes on behind the cement and bureaucratic walls of the public’s prison system — especially, in reporting brutal practices. I will give just a few.
By LANCE TAPLEY  |  December 13, 2006
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They're watching you

Bugged Levis, unauthorized sex tapes, leaked medical records — is nothing sacred anymore?
A guide for privacy for Mainers and beyond.
By SARA DONNELLY  |  August 30, 2006

The hardest way to make an easy living

Politics and other mistakes
Dolo Pill is a surprising guy.
By AL DIAMON  |  July 26, 2006
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Ugly Portland

According to national rankings, we live in a terrific city for entrepreneurs, a great place to raise kids, and – ahem – one of the most perfect spots in the country. But let’s not get too arrogant.
It’s summertime. That means the air is sauna-thick; the sidewalks are clogged with three parts tourists, one part locals; and your favorite bag of choice is now a fanny pack. Slideshow: ugly Portland View our map of ugly Portland (Illustration by Mike Gorman)
By SARA DONNELLY  |  July 26, 2006
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Arbitrary imprisonment

In a mysterious Guantánamo-like move, the state refuses to follow a judge’s order committing a mentally ill prisoner to Riverview
Joseph Steinberger thought he had won one of the most important trials of his legal career.
By LANCE TAPLEY  |  July 19, 2006

Angst by numbers

Politics and other mistakes
Could hordes of illegal aliens decide Maine’s gubernatorial election?
By AL DIAMON  |  June 28, 2006

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