Maine News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Monday, September 27, 2021

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 …

Some lawmakers are hoping to see Maine join the 40 other states plus Washington, D.C., which have online voter registration. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Maine To Join 40 States, D.C. With Online Voter Registration

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine is one of ten states that does not allow residents to register to vote online, but a bill before the Legislature would change …

Portland residents held a vigil Tuesday to honor the victims of recent hate crimes. (Reza Jalali/Adobe Stock)

White House Lays Out Plan To Combat Anti-Asian Hate

PORTLAND, Maine -- With the rise in anti-Asian violence and hate since the pandemic began, Mainers say elected officials have a key role to play in …

In 2018, average annual insulin costs in the U.S. were nearing $6,000, after an 11% increase over seven years. (JPC-PROD/Adobe Stock)

Bills Would Lower Healthcare Costs, Protect Mainers from Drug Price-Gouging

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine lawmakers are pushing a package of bills they call "Making Healthcare Work for Maine," which includes bills to lower costs …

Roughly 1,500 former patients and family members of patients at Maine Medical Center have signed onto a letter in support of the Center's nurses' union bid. (Wikimedia Commons)

Patients, Families Voice Support for Portland Nurses' Union Bid

PORTLAND, Maine -- Roughly 1,500 patients and families of Maine Medical Center, the state's largest hospital, have signed a letter in support of …

Maine is one of 20 states that have introduced bills aimed at banning transgender students from participating in school sports. (Michael Chamberlin/Adobe Stock)

Transgender Mainers, Allies Oppose Bill Targeting Trans Student Athletes

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Advocates for transgender Mainers are opposing a newly introduced bill in the state Legislature which would ban trans students from …

The Build America's Libraries Act, introduced in Congress last month, would upgrade state and tribal library infrastructure. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Public Libraries: Funding "Critical" to Provide Community Services

MILLINOCKET, Maine -- Local libraries have adapted to offer critical services during the pandemic, from deploying mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to teaching …

The American Rescue Plan would create a $25 billion emergency child-care stabilization fund. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates for Children, Families Say Mainers Need COVID Relief

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As Maine families struggle to recover from the pandemic's economic fallout, advocates for children and families say quick passage …

Environmental groups say fracking for natural gas can lead to freshwater pollution, as well as fragmentation of forests, wilderness and grasslands. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

Gas Company Pulls Plans for Midcoast Pipeline Expansion

ROCKLAND, Maine - Environmental groups are celebrating an announcement by Summit Natural Gas that it's withdrawing plans for a Midcoast pipeline …

More Mainers died of opioid overdoses in January than in any month of 2020, and 2020 saw more overdose deaths in the state than any previous year on record. (Simone/Adobe Stock)

ME Expands Medication-Assisted Treatment for People in Prison

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Corrections is expanding its program for medication-assisted treatment of opioid addiction to any person in …

Recent polling from Gallup shows that during the pandemic, 65% of Americans approve of labor unions, including 83% of Democrats, 45% of Republicans and 64% of independents. (Fibonacci Blue/Adobe Stock)

Unions Oppose What They Call 'Right to Work for Less' Law

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Unions are voicing their opposition to a GOP-sponsored "Act To Ensure the Right To Work without Payment of Dues or Fees to a Labor …

If confirmed, New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland would be the first-ever Native American cabinet secretary. (Wikimedia Commons)

Conservationists: Haaland Fights for Public Lands, Natural Resources

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Conservationists in Maine say Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., will work to restore public lands and natural resources as Secretary of the …

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, led a group of Republican senators in negotiations with President Joe Biden over a COVID relief package. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Press Sen. Collins: Mainers Need COVID Relief

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As negotiations over a COVID-19 relief package continue in Washington, advocates for struggling Mainers say Congress can't afford …

A new federal Office of Climate Change is expected to address the intersection between climate change and public health; for example, pollution in certain communities leading to higher rates of respiratory illness. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

ME Climate Expert Applauds Exec. Orders to Tackle Climate Change

AUGUSTA, Maine -- President Joe Biden will sign a bundle of executive orders today, reversing more Trump-administration rollbacks and setting new …

While incarcerated people are not included in Phase 1B of the Maine vaccine rollout plan, corrections staff are, along with older Mainers, those with underlying health conditions and front-line essential workers. (Alexander/Adobe Stock)

Groups Criticize Refusal to Vaccinate Incarcerated Mainers in Phase 1B

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Groups who advocate for the rights of people in prison are criticizing the Mills administration for refusing to include …

By providing additional funding for clean-energy projects, advocates say, state-level green banks could create thousands of jobs in communities across Maine. (Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock)

ME Lawmakers, Advocates Urge Congress to Back Green Banks

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As Maine considers how to fund its statewide Climate Action Plan, advocates are proffering so-called "green banks" as a possible …

More than 600 Google employees have joined the newly formed Alphabet Workers Union, a rare occurrence in the tech industry. (Wikimedia Commons)

Google Employees Launch Rare Tech-Industry Union

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Google employees are forming the Alphabet Workers Union, both to push their parent company toward greater social responsibility and …

According to CNN exit polls from the 2020 primaries, 70% of Mainers say they support a government-run health-insurance option that covers everyone over private insurance plans. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

ME Campaign Launches for Universal Health Care on 2022 Ballot

AUGUSTA, Maine - The group Maine Healthcare Action is launching a campaign to get universal health care on the state ballot in 2022. Instead of …

A new law will guarantee paid time off to 85% of Maine workers. (Clarksgirl/Morguefile)

New Paid-Leave Law Takes Effect Friday

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Starting Friday January 1, 85% of workers in Maine will be able to earn paid time off. The Earned Paid Leave law says people who …

The Legislature in January will begin considering proposals to improve the state's health-care system. (Formulanone/Wikimedia Commons)

Survey Finds Support For Higher Taxes on Wealthy To Protect Social Services

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A new survey shows in the wake of the pandemic, a majority of people in Maine want the state government to protect essential …

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