Portland Links

All your Portland Maine links lovingly curated

rss icon mastodon icon bluesky icon

© 2025. All rights reserved.

Morning Links - Saturday March 15, 2025

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Arts

Press Release: 2025 Youth Art Month Exhibition πŸ› Portland Museum of Art

Buy Local

Soap bubble has new washers but… πŸ› Reddit

Climate Emergency

Letter: Save net energy billing for homeowners, not solar farms πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Constitutional Crisis

'I want to be heard': Veterans march at Maine State House to protest federal cuts - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine joins lawsuit to reverse Department of Education layoffs πŸ› Maine Public

Will Trump's Dept. of Education changes impact federal student loan borrowers in Maine? - YouTube - CBS 13 News

β€˜Damage can not be overstated’ Chellie Pingree says, raising concerns over national park workforce culling πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Opinion: Trump and MAGA want to make eugenics great again πŸ› Portland Press Herald

A Mainer’s view of Trump’s America from Europe πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: We must stand up to the Trump administration’s gleeful cruelty πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Musk’s cuts are not the work of a scalpel πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Canadians break 50 years of vacation tradition πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Susan Collins’ betrayal of Maine demands accountability πŸ› Portland Press Herald

I am so pissed off at Senator King right now πŸ› Reddit

Angus King sold us out!!! πŸ› Reddit

Wow Senator King won’t take voicemails and has an excuse on his answering machine πŸ› Reddit

Senator King left a crappy excuse on his answering machine that cuts you off πŸ› Reddit

Angus King's term goes till 2031 πŸ› Reddit

Angus turned his voicemail off πŸ› Reddit

We see you Angus. πŸ› Reddit

Education

Updated: Breaking News: Cyber Criminals Steal Bar Harbor's School Construction Payment πŸ› Bar Harbor Story

Bar Harbor School Department victimized by cybercriminals πŸ› Maine Public

Mount Desert Island schools defrauded of more than $1 million in cyber theft πŸ› Portland Press Herald

More than $1M for construction of Bar Harbor school stolen in cybercrime - YouTube - WMTW-TV

As Maine Legislature considers new formula for school funding, superintendents weigh in πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine has a chance to make higher education more inclusive πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Food and Drink

New Filipino Restaurant Planned For Portland, Maine πŸ› WCYY

Guns

Maine bill would allow permitted people to carry concealed weapons in schools - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Health Care

Democrats look to advance stopgap budget after failure of short-term MaineCare deal πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Democrats move ahead with stopgap budget after MaineCare deal falls apart πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Lawmakers try new approach to fund MaineCare after supplemental budget deal fails - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Democratic leaders plan for partial budget after Maine’s Senate Republicans kill healthcare funding πŸ› Maine Beacon

What the budget stalemate in Augusta could mean for Maine's struggling hospitals πŸ› Maine Public

Delays in Maine state budget causing hardship for substance use treatment center πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Housing

Letter: Support a rental registry to protect Maine tenants πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Letter: Children should not be political props πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Trump administration interpretation of Title IX is step backward πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Genetics and athletic performance are not intertwined πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

It’s Maine Maple Time! πŸ› Maine Audubon

How tree bark can lift your spirits πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Video, photos show red moon over Maine during total lunar eclipse - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Police

New bill would open more lines of communication between Maine schools, law enforcement - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Police trying to identify woman whose body washed ashore in Maine πŸ› Boston.com

Police ask for help identifying body found at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth πŸ› WGME

Police investigating after body found near Maine's iconic Portland Head Light πŸ› WMTW

Maine State Police ask for help identifying woman found at Portland Head Light πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine State Police seeking help to identify body that washed ashore near Portland lighthouse πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Politics

Committee approves stopgap biennial budget, adds funding for Medicaid and urgent needs πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Democratic leaders to push baseline state budget after partisan impasse πŸ› Maine Public

Maine committee advances no-cuts budget to prevent state shutdown πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Lawmakers move forward with democrat-crafted state budget - YouTube - WMTW-TV

The hollow resistance of the CR debacle πŸ› Dear Mainer

Susan Collins and Angus King vote to pass 6-month funding bill in last hours before shutdown πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Republicans’ budget bill rules out federal earmarks for state projects πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Students urge Bowdoin to act after endowment report disclosure πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Public Safety

Is measles coming to Maine? Will my vaccination protect me? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

'The worst fire I've ever seen': 1 killed, 4 injured in overnight Portland fire πŸ› WGME

Things to Do

Celebrate Irish heritage: St. Patrick's Parade brings music and ... πŸ› WGME

East Bayside Trail Fest πŸ› Portland Trails

We are beyond excited to have (former local) author @shanayoungdahl.bsky.so… πŸ› Bluesky - Print: A Bookstore

Transportation

Long-term road project will detour traffic at Veterans Bridge and I-295 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

MTA Drops the Gorham Connector Project πŸ› The Gorham Times

Afternoon Links - Friday March 14, 2025

Friday, March 14, 2025

Arts

I had no idea that bee’s could fly this high πŸ› Reddit

Thomas Charles Clukey brings his music to the 207 studio πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Asylum Seekers

AOS 91 Board Chair Makes Statement on Civil and Human Rights πŸ› Bar Harbor Story

ILAP Community Update: March 13 πŸ› Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

How technology helps Border Patrol cover entire Maine-Canada line - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Business

TD Bank closing 4 Maine locations πŸ› The County

TD Bank closing dozens of branches, including Gorham, Maine - YouTube - WMTW-TV

New coalition launches campaign to better market Maine's farmed seafood πŸ› Maine Public

New group forms to defend Maine’s aquaculture industry πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Buy Local

Maine business restores life and beauty of old windows with meticulous care - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Constitutional Crisis

Cataloging Trump’s war on Maine πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Here’s a running list of all the probes, funding cuts since Trump threatened Maine πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Sen. Collins says funding was suspended to UMaine System without clear reason - YouTube - CBS 13 News

USDA ends two local food programs πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

USDA ends program that brought locally grown food to school cafeterias - YouTube - WMTW-TV

USDA makes cuts to program that provides Maine schools, food banks with fresh local food - YouTube - CBS 13 News

First they came for Mahmoud Khalil… πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine loses $15M for energy efficiency, heat pump loans πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine joins multi-state lawsuit to block Trump administration Education Department layoffs πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine, other states file lawsuit after mass education department layoffs πŸ› Portland Press Herald

AG Frey’s Statement on Joining Multistate Suit Against Department of Education πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Letter: If Elon Musk is saving money, he should prove it to Susan Collins πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Gov. Mills’ response to President Trump was just fine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

As Trump makes the trade war about Canada's sovereignty, Maine hopes it won't pay the price πŸ› Maine Public

Pingree οΌ† Colleagues Say Trump’s Trade Policy is Bad Deal for Farmers and Americans πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Cutting power to Maine still possible, New Brunswick premier says πŸ› Global News

New Brunswick Premier stresses relationship with Maine as trade war looms - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Oyster farmers explain how they use Maine Sea Grant - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Education

Former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah to join faculty at Colby College πŸ› Maine Public

Dr. Nirav Shah, former Maine CDC director, taking post at Colby College πŸ› Portland Press Herald

It’s time to rethink the emphasis on sports in public schools πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Opinion: How Maine teachers can advocate for public education πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Environment

Environmental advocates fear EPA air quality rollbacks could particularly harm Mainers’ health πŸ› Maine Morning Star

EPA regulatory rollback risks Maine's air quality πŸ› Maine Public

Massive EPA Proposal to Weaken Environmental Protections Would Harm Maine’s Clean Air and Water πŸ› Natural Resources Council of Maine

Steuben bans commercial rocket launches and space manufacturing πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Feds recommend four Kennebec River dams continue operating with minor fish passage modifications πŸ› The Maine Monitor

Apr 12: Expired Marine Flare Disposal Day πŸ› Friends of Casco Bay

Food and Drink

Coming Soon: A Danish Candy Store is Opening in East Bayside πŸ› Portland Old Port

Where to get Zeppole for St.Josephs day? πŸ› Reddit

Guns

Federal judge will not reinstate gun waiting period during appeal πŸ› Maine Public

Lewiston police contend with gun violence, and a frustrated public πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Health Care

Senate fails to pass short-term budget to fill MaineCare shortfall πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Medicaid funding fix fails final votes in Senate with Republicans maintaining opposition πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Supplemental budget deal struck down in Maine Senate πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Hospitals overwhelmed after cuts to Medicaid funding πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Senate fails to reach agreement on supplemental budget to fund MaineCare shortfall - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine lawmakers should reject proposed cuts to child care in state budget πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce sparks conversation about child care - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Maine health providers cautious, but optimistic on AI πŸ› The Maine Monitor

Letter: Publicly financed universal health care for Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

History

Throwback Thursday Photo: Our Lady of Victories 1950s οΌ† 2025 πŸ› Portland Old Port

Housing

Why Maine homes are sitting on the market for longer πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine couple given eviction notice after state inspection of mobile home - YouTube - CBS 13 News

LGBTQIA+

Maine public universities have no transgender athletes. The Trump administration tried to pull funding anyway. πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Rep. Libby crossed the line πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine judges recuse themselves from censured lawmakers lawsuit against House Speaker - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Media

Stephen King's old Bangor stations find new homes with radio veterans πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Outdoors

These territorial birds are all angry with each other right now πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Watch this eagle go for a ride on its road kill πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Sunset near Boothbay πŸ› Reddit

"Ok" shot of the lunar eclipse at 3am πŸ› Reddit

Are you awake? Run outside and try to look at the moon. It’s a lunar eclipse and I think it’s about to end. πŸ› Reddit

Are you missing an Emu in Dresden? πŸ› Reddit

Police

Body washes up near Portland Head Light πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Body washes ashore in Portland πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Body discovered in Cape Elizabeth πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Body found in Fort Williams Park in Maine - YouTube - WMTW-TV

New York man accused of gold bar fraud in Cumberland πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Politics

Emergency budget bill fails again amid partisan deadlock in Maine Senate πŸ› Maine Public

Maine Senate kills budget deal as parties fail to break deadlock πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine hospitals, forests at risk after budget deal falls through - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Supplemental Budget fails in Maine Senate - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Governor Mills Statement on Senate's Failure to Enact Supplemental Budget as Emergency Measure πŸ› State of Maine

Collins joins other senators to introduce resolution recognizing Girl Scouts' 113th birthday - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Public Safety

Letter: Expand Maine’s tobacco prevention and cessation efforts πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sears Island / Mack Point Wind Port

Backers of offshore wind and an outspoken foe unite against Sears Island terminal πŸ› Portland Press Herald

State

Opinion: Maine’s rural-urban divide is worth breaking down πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Things to Do

Portland will be covered in green for St. Patrick's Day celebrations - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Maine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

An Evening with Bill Holloran of Holloran Wines πŸ› Rosemont Market

Films showing in Portland this week! πŸ› Reddit

Tomorrow night! πŸ› Reddit

Tribal Sovereignty

Wabanaki leaders say proposed state recognition process could hinder sovereignty fight πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Utilities

Maine faces heating oil delivery delays amid prolonged cold snaps πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Unhoused

TAKE ACTION TODAY: Help keep Maine’s emergency shelters open and accessible πŸ› Preble Street

Morning Links - Thursday March 13, 2025

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Arts

Envision Resilience πŸ› SPACE

Asylum Seekers

Border Patrol arrests two immigrants who were in the US illegally in Falmouth - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Inside look at Border Patrol agents' work in northern Maine - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Border Patrol offers $20,000 bonus to new Maine hires πŸ› The County

City

Pachios on the News - Mark Dion - March 12 2025 - YouTube - Portland Media Center

Portland reports significant success in needle buyback program πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland Planning Board tables controversial North Deering condo development πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Climate Emergency

Greater Freeport community gathers for climate change forum - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Constitutional Crisis

USDA ending local purchasing programs for Maine food banks and schools πŸ› Maine Public

USDA cuts programs that supply local food to schools, food banks πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine education advocates are concerned about Federal Department of Education layoffs πŸ› Maine Public

Maine organizations brace for impact of US Department of Education cuts - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Here's how US Department of Education cuts could impact the state of Maine - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

As federal cuts loom, Maine women veterans seek more state support πŸ› Maine Beacon

How Maine DOL is helping laid off federal workers navigate unemployment πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Key position at Maine VA hospital is spared, but agency still plans massive cuts πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sen. King fears more cuts could include vital employees at Department of Veterans Affairs - YouTube - CBS 13 News

I saw how USAID protects American lives πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Opinion: Consumer protections should take priority over billionaires’ profits. Duh. πŸ› Maine Beacon

Douglas Rooks: Firings and contract-shredding will never produce efficiency πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Trump, Musk should propose spending cuts to Congress πŸ› Bangor Daily News

New Brunswick premier says cutting off energy to Maine would be β€˜absolute last resort’ πŸ› Bangor Daily News

COVID-19

5 years ago, COVID-19 caught up to Maine πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Education

Revving Up Parking Enforcement at USM πŸ› University of Southern Maine

Environment

β€˜Not good public policy’: Bill would roll back some provisions of 2021 transmission line referendum πŸ› Maine Morning Star

State lawmakers again consider authorizing northern Maine transmission line πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Steuben voters approve ordinance prohibiting commercial rocket launches, space manufacturing πŸ› Maine Public

Food and Drink

Vena’s Going Out of Business πŸ› Portland Food Map

After 12 years, Vena’s Fizz House to close πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine Syrup Producers Are Branching Out πŸ› Down East

Guns

Judge denies AG’s request to reinstate Maine’s 72-hour law on gun purchases pending appeal πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Judge denies AG's request to resume Maine's 72-hour gun purchase waiting period - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Health Care

Maine health care providers warn of service cuts due to budget stalemate πŸ› Bangor Daily News

The human and environmental costs at stake in Maine’s Medicaid funding battle πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Senate Republicans call for MaineCare reforms after blocking budget deal πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Long-term care insurance premiums could see sharp increases in Maine πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Housing

How remote work trends have impacted Portland's office spaces - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Lawmakers re-up push for short-term rental taxes to fund housing, education πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Navigating Maine’s housing market - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Justice

8 Investigates: What will happen when Maine starts releasing defendants waiting for lawyers? Ask ... - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Court finds Maine has violated 6th Amendment - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Labor

Muslim holy days should be state holidays, Lewiston lawmaker says πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Think Maine therapists and Realtors are all raking it in? Not exactly πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Susan Collins announces reinstatement of University of Maine System's paused USDA funding πŸ› Maine Public

Donald Trump’s USDA reverses freeze on fundingto Maine’s public universities πŸ› Bangor Daily News

USDA reverses decision to pause funding to UMaine System πŸ› Portland Press Herald

USDA funding restored to the University of Maine after freeze - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

After pause, USDA funding to University of Maine restored πŸ› WMTW

Maine agriculture at risk with USDA grant pause, say farmers πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

How farmers could be affected by UMaine’s frozen USDA funding πŸ› The County

USDA suspends Maine university funding after Trump row over transgender athletes πŸ› NBC News

Letter: Trans athletes are being used as a distraction from larger issues πŸ› Bangor Daily News

All of Maine’s federal judges recuse themselves from Laurel Libby’s lawsuit πŸ› Bangor Daily News

All 6 of Maine’s federal judges recuse themselves from Rep. Laurel Libby’s lawsuit against House speaker πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Why Maine’s federal judges recused themselves from a Republican’s lawsuit πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby on lawsuit filed against Maine House Speaker - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Nazis

Lawmakers consider repealing Maine’s new ban on paramilitary training πŸ› Piscataquis Observer

Outdoors

What time is tonight's lunar eclipse? πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Legislature weighs constitutional right to hunt and fish πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Police

Jennifer Mooney: A smarter approach to crisis response: Why Maine needs LD 298 πŸ› Sun Journal

Cumberland police arrest man in connection with fraud scheme πŸ› Maine Public

Mainer scammed out of $100K in scheme involving gold bars πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Politics

Maine Senate Republicans backtrack on budget deal, jeopardizing health care and forestry πŸ› Maine Center for Economic Policy

Maine lawmakers need to enact supplemental budget without delay πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Negotiations sputter ahead of final Senate vote on supplemental budget πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Governor Mills Statement on Supplemental Budget πŸ› State of Maine

Maine U.S. Reps. Pingree, Golden divided over stopgap funding bill πŸ› Maine Public

Millions in Local Earmarks at Risk πŸ› Bar Harbor Story

Letter: Where am I supposed to get my eggs? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Susan Collins town hall upcoming πŸ› Reddit

We cannot let Ukraine fend for itself πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Fire marshal investigating fatal fires in Old Orchard Beach, Harpswell πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Body found in burned Harpswell home; investigation continues πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

State investigating fatal fire on Bailey Island πŸ› Harpswell Anchor

Old Orchard Beach man found dead in his home after reported cardiac event, fire πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Old Orchard Beach Fire Under Investigation πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Vehicle crashes into building on Forest Ave. in Portland πŸ› WGME

Fuel truck rolls over on I-295 in Brunswick, spilling diesel πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Fuel truck rolls over on I-295 in Maine, leaking 2,400 gallons of diesel fuel πŸ› Boston.com

Opinion: Maine’s proposed cigarette tax hike has hidden costs πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sears Island / Mack Point Wind Port

Bills revive debate over Sears Island port plan πŸ› Maine Public

New legislation would stop all development on Sears Island πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Social Safety Net

Maine has already used about 70 percent of its home energy assistance funds - YouTube - CBS 13 News

State

DATA: Prices in Maine increasing faster than the national average πŸ› Maine Public

Things to Do

πŸ€ St. Patrick’s Day in Portland, ME – What’s Happening? πŸ€ πŸ› Reddit

Paint Me a Road Out of Here πŸ› SPACE

Sabbath Queen πŸ› SPACE

Champions of Magic to dazzle Portland with thrilling illusions at Merrill Auditorium πŸ› WGME

Champions of Magic to dazzle Portland with thrilling illusions at Merrill Auditorium - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Unhoused

Bangor sweeps houseless encampment β€œCamp Hope” πŸ› Reddit

Morning Links - Wednesday March 12, 2025

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Asylum Seekers

ILAP Community Update: March 7 πŸ› Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

Business

Maine bill would ban advertisements for cannabis - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Buy Local

Maine food co-ops wrestle with high prices, see increasing customer demand πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

City

City of Portland, Maine: Forest Avenue Redesign Project πŸ› City of Portland

Forest Avenue Redesign Executive Summary (February 2025) πŸ› City of Portland

Opinion: Portland must stop predictable, preventable pedestrian deaths πŸ› Bicycle Coalition of Maine

Constitutional Crisis

How Trump Is Pressuring Maine to Comply With Transgender Sports Order πŸ› ProPublica

Citing current political discourse, Maine Medical Association reaffirms support for science πŸ› Maine Public

USDA freezes federal funding to University of Maine System πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Amid federal probe, USDA halts millions in funding for Maine university system grants, research πŸ› Maine Morning Star

USDA pauses nearly $30 million in funding to University of Maine System amid Title IX review πŸ› Maine Public

How farmers could be affected by UMaine’s frozen USDA funding πŸ› Bangor Daily News

USDA halts millions in funding for University of Maine System πŸ› Portland Press Herald

USDA temporarily halts funding to the University of Maine System πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

UMaine's funding from USDA paused amid Title IX compliance review - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Governor's office responds to pause on UMaine's funding from USDA - YouTube - WMTW-TV

US agency that monitors weather will cut another 1,000 jobs, AP sources say πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Forecast for National Weather Service in Maine still cloudy πŸ› Portland Press Herald

A single day of Trump and Musk’s cost-cutting campaign remakes huge sections of government πŸ› Bangor Daily News

As Trump attacks campus free speech, ACLU of Maine steps up to back UMaine system πŸ› Maine Beacon

Opinion: Susan Collins should have protected the CFPB πŸ› Portland Press Herald

6 civilian employees laid off at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Trump’s trade war draws swift retaliation with new tariffs from Mexico, Canada and China πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Tariffs β€” An Explainer πŸ› Maine Center for Economic Policy

Letter: Trump must be stopped now πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Our single issue must be democracy πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Travelers should keep an open mind πŸ› Portland Press Herald

COVID-19

Five years after Maine’s first case, where does COVID-19 now stand? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

It's been 5 years since WHO declared global COVID-19 pandemic: Mainers still experiencing impacts - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Education

Chancellor: Condition of University of Maine System campuses in crisis - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Opinion: It’s time to free Maine’s schoolkids from their screens πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine bill seeks to improve college access for students with disabilities πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Food and Drink

Maine Craft Distilling Closing on Washington Ave πŸ› Portland Food Map

Duarte at Speckled Ax πŸ› Portland Food Map

Barkada Food Truck and Restaurant πŸ› Portland Food Map

Portland Wine Week on hold for 2025, organizers say πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine chef competes on 'Top Chef' season 22 πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine chef competes on hit series 'Top Chef' - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Health Care

Compromise spending bill to avoid curtailed MaineCare payments stalls again after Senate Republicans pull support πŸ› Maine Public

Bipartisan compromise over Medicaid funding shortfall falls apart πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Another Medicaid bailout fails on opposition from Maine Senate Republicans πŸ› Bangor Daily News

MaineCare holds and caps will have negative effects on providers and families, putting lives at risk πŸ› Daily Bulldog

Family physicians: Cutting Medicaid will harm health and economy of Maine πŸ› Bangor Daily News

MaineCare recipients fear for future as budget deal remains uncertain - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine AG announces settlement with insulin manufacturer πŸ› Maine Public

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Announces Settlement Agreement Will Bring $35 Insulin to Mainers πŸ› State of Maine

Maine reaches settlement to lower insulin costs for some patients - YouTube - WMTW-TV

This Saturday! From gender affirming care to abortion access healthcare is under attack, even here in Maine. πŸ› Reddit

Labor

Letter: Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program benefits everyone πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Letter: We need to support our transgender athletes πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine legislator sues for being censured over post about trans student athlete πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine Rep. Laurel Libby sues over censure by House Democrats πŸ› Maine Public

Censured Maine lawmaker sues House speaker to get her vote back πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Laurel Libby sues Maine House speaker after being censured over social media post πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine House Speaker sued by state representative over censure vote πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

State lawmaker sues Maine House speaker over censure - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Censured Maine lawmaker who posted photo of trans student sues House Speaker - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine Republican who posted photos of trans student sues state House speaker over censure πŸ› The Hill

Outodors

Total lunar eclipse will turn moon red later this week - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Photography

Portland Co. Complex, 3/10/25 πŸ› Reddit

Cundy's Harbor, 3/5/25 - Mamiya C330/Kentmere 400 πŸ› Reddit

Acadia National Park πŸ› Reddit

Recently in Bath… πŸ› Reddit

Bald Eagle circling Highland Lake πŸ› Reddit

Police

Portland Code Enforcement officer arrested, placed on leave - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Portland code enforcement officer put on leave amid criminal charges - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Border Patrol offers signing bonuses to new employees in Maine - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Politics

Republicans in Maine Senate balk at budget compromise πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine supplemental budget flounders in the Senate after House passes plan πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Letter: Maine congressional delegation must hear our concerns πŸ› Bangor Daily News

House Republicans unveil bill to avoid shutdown and they’re daring Democrats to oppose it πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Jared Golden is lone Democrat to support Republican bill to avert shutdown πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Rep. Golden is only Democrat to vote with Republicans as House passes temporary funding bill πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Congress may cut hundreds of millionsin earmarks for Maine in averting shutdown πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Congresswoman Pingree: Republicans Full Year Continuing Resolution Not a Responsible Way to Govern πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Sen. Collins defends cabinet votes as Mainers seek transparency πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Why Susan Collins should become an independent πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Portland’s Syringe Redemption Pilot Program Shows Progress πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Car crashed into building on Forest Ave πŸ› Reddit

Sears Island / Mack Point Wind Port

Maine lawmakers will once again consider whether to develop wind port on Sears Island πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Things to Do

The Live Music Guide: March 12th – 18th, 2025 πŸ› Portland Old Port

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Guide: March 14th- March 16th, 2025 πŸ› Portland Old Port

Maine Things To Do: International Ice Carousel Attempt, Mess-Free Painting, Corned Beef Supper πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Cool Things Happening in Portland This Week (March 11-17) πŸ› Reddit

Unhoused

Compassion Starts Here: An Event to Inspire Action πŸ› Preble Street

Utilities

Regulators approve 23 percent distribution rate hike for Versant Power customers πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Regulators approve Versant rate hike πŸ› Maine Public

Morning Links - Tuesday March 11, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Arts

Opinion: Protect Maine’s live performances, ban third-party ticket sellers πŸ› Portland Press Herald

For a Maine writer, it’s a treat to have her play debut at Portland Stage πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

City

What would a β€˜Vision Zero’ plan do to stop traffic deaths in Portland? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Portland must stop predictable, preventable pedestrian deaths πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Process to establish Portland police oversight board stalls again πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Community

Maine women brave icy ocean for International Women's Day in record-setting event - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Constitutional Crisis

Sen. King demands answers about latest round of Veterans Affairs cuts πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Angus King speech was a needed wake-up call πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Why is Congress allowing Trump to freeze spending? πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Susan Collins needs to face her constituents πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Are Trump voters regretting their choice? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

'Mills will close down': Industry experts warn against lumber trade war with Canada - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Education

Letter: Don’t divert money from public schools to private ones πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Elections

Committee rejects clean elections expansion, other proposals to alter election laws πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Nebraska’s winner-take-all push could isolate Maine in presidential elections πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Food and Drink

Portland Wine Week Pausing πŸ› Portland Food Map

Tomaso’s Opening on Tuesday πŸ› Portland Food Map

Raise a glass to the late craft beer boom in Maine. It’s gone flat. πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Guns

Signatures approved on petition to adopt 'red flag' gun law in Maine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Health Care

Maine rural hospitals could face "immediate jeopardy" if supplemental budget fails to pass πŸ› Maine Public

Maine health care providers brace for payment disruptions as lawmakers negotiate supplemental budget πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine lawmakers consider proposal to boost family planning clinic funding πŸ› Maine Public

Housing

Rockland takes a pioneering step to address its housing crisis πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Justice

Court rules state fails to meet its obligation to provide counsel for indigent defendants πŸ› Maine Public

Maine judge demands action amid attorney shortage crisis for defendants πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Kennebec County Superior Court rules Maine is violating Sixth Amendment - YouTube - CBS 13 News

My journey shows why funding programs to help domestic violence survivors is essential πŸ› Bangor Daily News

8 Investigates: Court ruling could put domestic violence survivors across Maine at risk - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Opinion: Maine’s county jail funding system is broken πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Man charged with sex trafficking in Maine faces possible deportation - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Labor

Maine lawmakers propose replacing minimum wage with livable wage scale - YouTube - CBS 13 News

LGBTQIA+

β€˜There was never a complaint’: LGBTQ+ Mainers push back on call to ban trans athletes πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Misinformation about transgender youth is harmful πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Trans youths deserve our collective support πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Lewiston Mass Shooting

Family of Lewiston gunman believes traumatic brain injury played role in leadup to mass shooting - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Moral Panics

New bill aims to protect kids by limiting social media for those under 16 - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Nazis

Lawmakers consider repealing Maine’s new paramilitary training ban πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Outdoors

Maine Guide Mondays: Meduxnekeag River Trail - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Photography

Maine Waters by Jayne Winters πŸ› Natural Resources Council of Maine

Another day in Maine πŸ› Reddit

Police

Mental health service providers push back on proposal to fund police positions πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Portland code enforcement officer charged with assault, put on leave πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Politics

Maine lawmakers to vote on state supplemental budget again Tuesday - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Bill seeks to give Maine legislators final approval over chief of cannabis office πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine lawmakers propose bills to eliminate daylight saving time - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Bill aims to address 'coercive control' in domestic abuse cases πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Paul LePage may be eyeing another campaign in Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Former Gov. Paul LePage considers run for Maine's second congressional district - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine’s federal delegation could play role in Republican effort to avoid a shutdown πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Students call on UMaine System to reverse decision to remain invested in Israeli companies πŸ› Maine Public

Public Safety

One person still in critical condition after fatal Portland fire πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Witnessed this on Forest ave πŸ› Reddit

South Portland

South Portland plans to lay off teachers, ed techs and administrators πŸ› Portland Press Herald

South Portland proposes over 20 job cuts in $73.1M school budget - YouTube - WMTW-TV

South Portland's proposed budget plan includes layoffs to offset school costs πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

'We just want it fixed': Family frustrated with flooding issues at South Portland cemetery - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Sports

New docuseries chronicles creation of Portland Hearts of Pine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

American Portland Wednesday Hockey Association of America | Assignment: Maine - YouTube - Maine Public

Things to Do

PMA Films celebrates the legacies of David Lynch, Gene Hackman πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Join us for the launch of Ron Currie's newest book THE SAVAGE, NOBLE DEATH… πŸ› Bluesky - Print: A Bookstore

~~ FREE SHOW This Sunday! ~~ Improv-A-Ganza! A "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Style Comedy Show πŸ› Reddit

Transportation

Maine Turnpike Authority drops plans for Gorham Connector project πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Unhoused

β€œBeyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness” Comes to Maine πŸ› Preble Street

New documentary on homelessness crisis to be screened in Portland - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Utilities

Net energy billing compromise deserves PUC approval πŸ› Bangor Daily News