Maine News & Current Events | Public News Service

Narcan, or Naloxone, can help treat an opioid overdose in an emergency situation. (Flickr)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

ME Advocates Urge Expansion of Good Samaritan Law

A bill before the Maine Legislature would expand the state's Good Samaritan law, which protects people seeking help for an overdose from arrest or …

More than half of Maine adults struggle to afford prescription drugs, according to a new survey. (pickselstock/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Mainers Face Health-Care Affordability Burdens

A new poll found a majority of Mainers struggle to afford the medical care they need. Advocates for increasing access to health care say Gov…

Maine now has the third-highest minimum wage in New England, after Connecticut and Massachusetts. (Adobe Stock)

ME Minimum Wage Now 60 Cents Higher Than Last Year

Mainers working for minimum wage will see a modest increase in their paychecks starting this month, as inflation has driven it to $12.75 an hour…

More than 190 winter bird species can be found in Maine, including chickadees, crows and mallards. (Ann Stryzhekin/Adobe Stock)

Maine Birders Urged to Assist in Mapping Wintering Species

The Maine Bird Atlas is in its fourth year out of five, an effort to document the abundance and distribution of the state's wintering and breeding …

If passed, Build Back Better would allocate additional funding for home and community-based care for seniors and people with disabilities. (Miguel Tamayo)

ME Labor Leader: Child Care, Pre-K, CTC Needed to Boost Working Families

With the future of the Build Back Better Act in doubt in Congress, labor leaders are urging Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to get on board to improve …

Maine law requires at least five eight-hour days of paid leave, but has no other policies for family or medical leave. (Rostislav Sedlacek)

Mainers Say Comprehensive Paid Family, Medical Leave Policy Needed

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The commission tasked with finding the best way to establish a paid family and medical leave policy in Maine has until Feb…

More than 2.8 million Americans signed up for health insurance coverage through the online marketplace during the 2021 Special Enrollment Period. (onephoto/Adobe Stock)

Mainers Could Get Help Paying ACA Marketplace Plan Premiums

AUGUSTA, Maine -- With open enrollment deadlines for the Affordable Care Act marketplace approaching, groups are urging Mainers to make sure they've …

Maine has more than 2,000 children in foster care, but not enough families for family placements. (cristalov/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Maine Foster Youths Need More Families Available for Placements

PORTLAND, Maine -- About 2,200 children are in foster care in Maine, and agencies say there are not enough families who are actively able to accept …

Groups representing 77,000 physicians and more than 200 hospitals issued a declaration of a national children's mental health emergency. (Robert Hainer/Adobe Stock)

Mental-Health Summit to Raise Awareness of Challenges in Maine System

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Advocates for access to mental-health services are holding a Behavioral Health Summit today at the Augusta Civic Center. They are …

Maine has more than 80 Land Trusts, areas of protected land ranging from farms to wilderness and forests. (Maria Sbytova/Adobe Stock)

Poetry Seeks to Connect People to Protected Land

WALES, Maine -- Land trusts across the Northeast have partnered with poets this year for the first edition of "Writing the Land," an anthology to …

The Build Back Better Act includes rebates for solar installations. (Studio Harmony/Adobe Stock)

Mainers Spotlight Urgency of Build Back Better to Curb Climate Change

AUGUSTA, Maine - With the Build Back Better Act expected to see a vote in the U.S. House this week, some Mainers are reminding their elected …

An estimated 22 million people in the United States are recovering from addiction. (junce11/Adobe Stock)

Workforce Shortage Still Limits Some Substance-Use Treatment Providers

PORTLAND, Maine -- Maine's providers of substance-abuse treatment and some other behavioral-health services are seeing a major increase in …

Retired Army Col. Lewis Millett, who died in 2009, hailed from Maine and fought during three wars, earning his Medal of Honor during the Korean War. (U.S. National Archives)

Museum to Pay Tribute to Recipients of Military's Highest Honor

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Americans from former presidents to friends and family of military service members are marking this Thursday's Veterans Day holiday …

President Joe Biden was one of many world leaders who spoke about the urgent need to take bold action to curb climate change at COP26. (White House)

Mainers Join World Leaders in Glasgow, Demand U.S. Climate Action

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As talks continue at the annual international climate summit, Mainers are among those urging the U.S. to follow up on its …

A 2017 report found staff at Long Creek were using dangerous force, and reports in September 2021 indicate those practices have continued. (Maine Youth Justice)

Young Mainers Call for Closure of Long Creek Detention Facility

PORTLAND, Maine -- A youth group advocating for keeping young people in their communities is calling on the Mills administration to close the Long …

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has identified more than 700 sites in 34 towns for PFAS testing. (Flickr)

Groups Urge Bold Steps to Reduce Harm of Toxic, Pervasive PFAS

ARUNDEL, Maine -- As Maine and the federal government take steps to study and restrict the toxic and pervasive "forever chemicals" known as …

Worldwide, it's estimated that nearly 40% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners. (Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence)

Groups Urge Congress to Renew Protections for Domestic-Violence Survivors

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Advocates for ending domestic violence urged Congress to renew the Violence Against Women Act and other federal legislation …

This year's election already has begun. Voters can request an absentee ballot as long as they return it by Election Day, Nov. 2, by mail, at a town office or city hall or at a drop box. (Adobe Stock)

Nonpartisan Citizen's Guide Helps Voters Get Informed Before Nov. 2

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Election officials in Maine are urging voters to get informed about the questions on the ballot before they vote Nov. 2. This year …

In Maine, protests against the Texas abortion ban occurred in Portland, Waterville, Belgrade and more. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Protesters Support Roe v. Wade in Portland, Central Maine

PORTLAND, Maine -- Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Maine and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the Texas ban on abortions …

A $3.5 billion budget reconciliation deal is set for a vote this week in Congress. (alan/Adobe Stock)

Business Leaders Face Climate Challenges, Urge Federal Investments

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Business leaders are urging Congress to take action to curb climate change by supporting the Biden administration's Build Back …

New Jersey and California were the only states to receive "C" grades in a new report on state prison systems' handling of COVID-19. Most received lower marks. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Steps Needed to Improve Public Health in ME Prisons

AUGUSTA, Maine -- One out of every three people incarcerated in the U.S. has contracted COVID-19, and a new report showed how state prison systems…

Roughly 1,000 Atlantic salmon remain in the Gulf of Maine. (jamie/Adobe Stock)

Four Atlantic Salmon Restoration Projects in Maine Get Federal Funding

BANGOR, Maine -- Efforts are under way to restore Atlantic salmon populations in the Gulf of Maine, by removing dams, replacing culverts and …

Muslim American advocates are among those eager to welcome refugees from Afghanistan to resettle in Maine communities. (danr13/Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Stop Hate Crimes, Islamophobia 20 Years After 9/11

PORTLAND, Maine -- As the nation marks the 20-year anniversary of the Sep. 11 attacks, groups said stopping hate crimes and bigotry toward Muslim …

A report from the Urban Institute looked at the successes and challenges of four rural apprenticeship programs in Maine, Arizona, Mississippi and Missouri. (Kampan/Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural Apprenticeships Help Keep Young People in Home Communities

FAIRFIELD, Maine -- Rural communities in Maine are shrinking, as young people move to cities for work opportunities, but a new report found expanding …

An agreement between Maine People's Alliance and Mallinckrodt U.S. LLC will not go into effect unless the Federal District Court in Maine approves it. (peter/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Input on Mercury Removal Proposal for Penobscot River

BANGOR, Maine -- A proposed settlement for cleaning mercury out of the Penobscot River is in its 90-day public-comment phase, with court hearings set …

More than 16,000 kids live in households that are set to lose extra federal unemployment benefits on Sept. 4. (momius/Adobe Stock)

End to Extra Federal Jobless Aid to Impact Tens of Thousands of Mainers

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Expanded federal unemployment programs are set to expire early next month, and economic policy analysts said it will negatively …

During the COVID-19 medical emergency, Medicaid and Medicare are reimbursing telehealth at the same rate as in-person care. Beyond the pandemic, federal reimbursement parity remains uncertain. (Adobe Stock)

Social Worker: Telehealth Reimbursement Parity Critical for Future

AUGUSTA, Maine - The pandemic has revealed the benefits of telemedicine - but advocates are concerned that in Maine, some providers may not be able …

Acadia National Park's maintenance center is being revamped through the Great American Outdoors Act. (Jake/Adobe Stock)

One Year Later, Great American Outdoors Act Projects Underway in Maine

BAR HARBOR, Maine -- One year after the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, repairs and maintenance to the nation's more than 400 …

Maine is among the first states to pass a bill for free school meals for all students, regardless of household income. (WaveBreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Parents Urged: Complete School Meal Forms Even Though Lunches are Free

AUGUSTA, Maine -- School meals in Maine will be free for all students again this year and into the future, but parents are being urged to fill out …

Nearly 300,000 Maine kids will benefit from the expanded Advance Child Tax Credit. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

ME Parents, Advocates: Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families …

Maine has 30 funded TRIO programs, serving 95 schools across the state. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

ME Lawmakers Support Programs for Low-Income College Students

AUGUSTA, Maine - A bipartisan group of nearly 60 U.S. senators led by Susan Collins, R-Maine, is urging more funding for the federal TRIO programs…

In a survey, three in 10 Mainers reported they have anxiety related to the condition of their mouth or teeth. (lisovoy/Adobe Stock)

Looking Ahead to MaineCare's Expanded Dental Access

AUGUSTA, Maine. -- As Maine works to expand access to dental care for low-income residents, health-care advocates say lessons can be learned from …

A new report notes that Maine's civic education standards don't mention the concepts of equal protection or due process. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: U.S. History, Civics Education Inadequate in Maine Schools

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Civics and history education are lacking in Maine, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

Approximately 23% of Maine kids lived in households with a high housing cost burden in 2019, compared with 33% in 2010. (Daniel Jedzura/Adobe Stock)

Report: Child Tax Credit to Benefit More than 90% of Maine Kids

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Child wellbeing in Maine improved between 2010 and 2019, according to a new annual report, but advocates for children and families …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

Browntail moth cocoons can be found on the outsides of buildings and vehicles, on outdoor equipment, plant stems, branches and foliage. (Robirensi/Adobe Stock)<br /> — Browntail moth cocoons can be found on the outsides of buildings and vehicles, on outdoor equipment, plant stems, branches and foliage. (Robirensi/Adobe Stock)

Mainers Urged to Avoid Poisonous Browntail Moths

WATERVILLE, Maine - Maine is facing another outbreak of browntail moths, an invasive caterpillar species with tiny hairs that are poisonous to humans…

Maine's ban on neonicotinoids prevents both private consumers and licensed applicators from using the pesticide. (lightpoet/Adobe Stock)

Law Bans Pesticides Seen as Harmful to Bees in Residential Landscapes

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A bill signed into law last week bans the use of neonicotinoids, neonics for short, in outdoor residential landscapes. The …

Around 72% of older Mainers live in communities without access to fixed- or flex-route public transportation services. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Program to Give Rides for Non-Medical Errands to Eligible Seniors

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Legislature has passed a bill to launch a pilot program to give eligible older residents and people with disabilities …

In 2019, 163 Mainers died from injury by firearm. (fotomek/Adobe Stock)

ME Lawmakers Urged to Make Gun Safety a Priority

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and gun-safety advocates in Maine are urging the Legislature to take up bills they …

A recent juvenile-justice task force found that many youths are in detention because of a lack of community-based alternatives and wait lists for existing programs. (Chatiyanon/Adobestock)

Staff Shortages Threaten Mental-Health System for Basic Services

AUGUSTA, Maine -- With about three weeks left in the legislative session, mental-health advocates want lawmakers to increase the funding for …

The last wild populations of Atlantic salmon in the United States are found in Maine's rivers, and groups say four hydroelectric dams on the Kennebec River need to be removed to help protect them. (Kevin/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Kennebec River Dams Threaten Endangered Atlantic Salmon

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine conservationists say four dams on the Kennebec River are the biggest threat to Atlantic salmon populations, and groups intend …

Day One is the only Maine agency that provides an adolescent residential substance-use treatment program. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Groups Decry Lack of Substance-Use Treatment for Young Mainers

AUGUSTA, Maine - As Maine's legislative session nears an end, groups are urging lawmakers to prioritize making mental health and substance-use …

The Interior Department's "America the Beautiful" report outlines key principles to guide the next decade of conservation efforts. (coachwood/Adobe Stock)

Fishing to Play Key Role in Next Decade of Conservation Efforts

BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Members of the Maine fishing industry are among those looking forward to having a seat at the table, to make progress toward the …

Roughly 34,000 Mainers fall into what's called the "family glitch." They can't get assistance with health-care premium costs, and also can't afford employer-sponsored family coverage. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Affordability Bill Could Bring Insurance to Thousands of Mainers

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A bill before the Legislature would make health-insurance plans more affordable to many Mainers, by implementing a health-insurance …

If lawmakers pass a ban on corporate contributions going directly to candidates or their committees, they join 22 other states plus federal elections for president and Congress with similar laws. (Adobe Stock)

Good-Government Groups: Bill Could Help Reduce Corporate Influence in Elections

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Good-government groups in Maine support a bill which would ban corporate contributions from going directly to state legislators or …

Funding from the Recovering America's Wildlife Act could help proactive efforts to protect the Maine moose population, the official state animal. (JMP Traveler/Adobe Stock)

Federal Bill Would Help Maine Keep "Common Species Common"

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine conservation groups say the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, just introduced in Congress, would not only help the state help …

President Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan seeks to establish the United States as a leader in climate science and innovation, including through offshore wind projects in Maine. (chrisrt/Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Earth Day Climate Summit, Mainers Call Federal Action Long Overdue

AUGUSTA, Maine -- President Joe Biden convenes a virtual climate summit with world leaders on Thursday, Earth Day. He is also expected to unveil a …

Roughly half of Maine millennials are independent or unenrolled voters. (Andre Popov/Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Bring More Millennials, Veterans into Maine Primaries

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A bill before the Legislature would open Maine's primary elections to about one in three Maine voters who identify as independents …

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