10+ hour, 39+ min ago (193+ words) Zoning reform has become Augusta's favorite response to Maine's housing crisis. It's tidy, inexpensive and gives the comforting appearance of action. But in the places where the shortage is most severe " coastal towns, service-center cities and tourism-driven regions " zoning was never the real barrier. Making it the centerpiece of state housing policy has stalled the one conversation that could actually move the needle: the economics of building housing in Maine. The math is the same in Camden, Bar Harbor, Yarmouth and other workforce-strained towns. Building a modest home now routinely exceeds $450,000 before a buyer crosses the threshold. Site work alone can sink a project. Construction costs and interest rates do the rest. Allowing more units on a parcel doesn't change the fact that none of them pencil. Maine has strong tools for deeply affordable housing, but almost nothing for the…...

3+ hour, 13+ min ago (860+ words) Linville A. M. McDonough is a University of Maine at Farmington student majoring in political science and minoring in creative writing. For years, the Democratic National Committee has gotten involved in state races. And for years, this has been viewed as a positive. Support from the DNC has meant more funding for a race and extra help for Democratic candidates. But what happens when candidates are not chosen by those who live in the state?" Outside funding has too much influence in state politics, and now Maine has become involved in the battle of wills over who should represent us and the Democratic Party. The party leaders are becoming increasingly out of touch with everyday voters. They fear losing votes, but at the same time, they are blind to what American voters need. Interest has shifted intensely to Maine heading into 2026, with…...