Morning Links - Sunday January 5, 2025

Sunday, January 5, 2025

City

Portland's Bayside forms Safe Streets group to fight crime surge 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Climate Emergency

Maine winter recreation faces uncertain future 🏛 Sun Journal

How climate change is shortening Maine’s ice season, and why it matters 🏛 Sun Journal

Lack of ice threatens smelt season for third year 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Food and Drink

The Wrap: Mainely Provisions comes to Westbrook, chef Matt Ginn leaves Prentice Hospitality 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Health Care

MaineCare transport providers receive contract extensions amid court battle 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Nursing home owner feels ‘relief’ as he exits the business 🏛 The Maine Monitor

History

How Jimmy Carter’s White House solar panels ended up in Maine 🏛 Sun Journal

Justice

The list of Maine parents waiting for a lawyer grew by 700 percent in 2024 — and it may not account for the whole problem 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Labor

Republican lawmaker challenges paid Maine family and medical leave program - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine fires columnists - Portland 🏛 Patch

Photography

OPP＆B 🏛 Corey Templeton Photography

Today's sunset was beautiful 🏛 Reddit

1900 Buxton Sky, tonight 🏛 Reddit

Saco Bay Tonight 🏛 Reddit

Why I’ll never leave 🏛 Reddit

Another why I’ll never leave, but winter addition 🏛 Reddit

Politics

People's March 2025 🏛 Reddit

Things to Do

Savani Latin Jazz 🏛 One Longfellow Square

Little Oso album release with Greasy Grass, Spirit Ghost, and Snake Lips 🏛 SPACE

Evening Links - Saturday January 4, 2025

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Aurora

Last Nights Northern Lights 🏛 Reddit

Business

Maine continues to notch above-average economic growth 🏛 Maine Public

Buy Local

Affordable art supplies in Portland area? 🏛 Reddit

City

Residents in Portland's Bayside start Safe Streets program to combat safety concerns - YouTube - CBS 13 News

City News Round Up: Friday, January 3, 2025 🏛 City of Portland

Portland Parade of Lights Celebrates Holiday Cheer 🏛 US Harbors

Climate Emergency

A conversation with Samantha Horn, director of Maine’s new Office of Community Affairs 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Letter: How Maine can act on climate change 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Environment

Jan 22: Coffee with the Casco Baykeeper: Maine’s Toxic PFAS Firefighting Foam 🏛 Friends of Casco Bay

Opinion: Maine must remain vigilant in protecting its forests 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Reject the Gorham quarry expansion 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Browntail moth populations in Maine crashed in 2024, so expect a less itchy spring 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Food and Drink

Imbibe 75: Sanabria and Lucky Cheetah 🏛 Portland Food Map

Maine Food ＆ Dining News: Hampden, S Thomaston, Lewiston, Liberty, Waterville, Freeport 🏛 Portland Food Map

Brew of the Week: Palace Diner in Biddeford - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Mozzarella stick 🏛 Reddit

I miss local sprouts and kamasouptra :( 🏛 Reddit

Health Care

Portland students can get free eye exams next week - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

New staffing mandates shake Maine’s long-term care system - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Justice

Judge rules Maine is denying constitutional rights of people accused of crimes 🏛 Portland Press Herald

History

‘Maine’s Untold Vegetarian History’ exhibit at Maine Historical Society - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Housing

Maine Senate Republican will co-sponsor Democratic colleague’s constitutional amendment to cap property taxes for seniors 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Labor

Debate over visa programs highlights Maine's reliance on temporary foreign workers - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Explainer: How does Maine's new paid family and medical leave program work? 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

LGBTQIA+

Joe Biden honors Maine lawyer and activist with presidential medal 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Outdoors

Quebec magical hiking trails are really accessible to Maine hikers 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Trail Running 🏛 Reddit

Photography

Teensy crescent moon setting over Kettle Cove last night 🏛 Reddit

Moon and Venus 🏛 Reddit

Winter Sunset in Maine! Heavenly…. 🏛 Reddit

Spring Point Ledge Light, South Portland, ME 🏛 Reddit

Low Tide Sunrise 🏛 Reddit

Center Pond, Phippsburg 🏛 Reddit

Police

New video released of deadly police shooting in Westbrook 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Biddeford police assist in Friday morning raid 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Video shows federal agents raid Biddeford apartment building - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Maine law enforcement turns to AI for police reports in the new year 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Coast Guard seeks to identify source of flare incidents near South Portland 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Politics

Maine faces new debates over funding roads and bridges 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree oppose House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reelection 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Bangor Daily News Prints Op-Ed From Susan Collins' Intern 🏛 Crooks and Liars

Public Safety

Pedestrian sustains life-threatening injuries in Portland crash 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Pedestrian hit by a car in Portland 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Serious Pedestrian/Car Crash Near India Street Under Investigation 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Man seriously injured after being struck by SUV in Portland 🏛 WMTW

Overdoses up in Portland, but deaths decline 55% 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Even in winter, rip currents pose a threat 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine reported record-high number of tickborne disease cases last year 🏛 Maine Public

New rule targets baby gates in Maine daycares to ensure clear evacuation paths - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Social Safety Net

Making Social Security more fair for public sector retirees 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Providers say heating assistance is a growing need in Maine 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Sports

Mariners lose in overtime - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Maine Celtics win on Friday - YouTube - WMTW-TV

State

Maine’s child welfare system still faces ‘enormous pressure,’ watchdog says 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Ombudsman report cites numerous problems in Maine's Office of Child and Family Services - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Things to Do

19 Maine Winter Events You Won’t Want to Miss 🏛 Down East

This weekend, head to First Friday Art Walk or Star Wars Night with the Maine Mariners 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Winter Wonderland Popup Market 🏛 Visit Portland

Dudefest 2025: Big Lebowski Screening 🏛 One Longfellow Square

Noonday-Cello Choir - Portland 🏛 Merrill Auditorium

Poker Friday January 10th 🏛 Reddit

Utilities

Maine natural gas prices will rise less than expected following pipeline talks 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Morning Links - Friday January 3, 2025

Friday, January 3, 2025

Arts

This father and daughter from Maine just published their first children's book together 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Asylum Seekers

Letter: Make America humane again 🏛 Portland Press Herald

City

Wes Pelletier: It’s important to have a council that can take action. 🏛 The West End News

West Bayside on the Threshold of Transformation 🏛 The West End News

Civil Rights

As ‘smart cities’ tools grow nationwide, so do privacy and ethical concerns 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Climate Emergency

Smiling Hill Farm closing its Westbrook ski trails because of snowless winters 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Smiling Hill Farm closes cross-country ski center due to increasing lack of snow - YouTube - WMTW-TV

CMP Corridor

Central Maine Power aims to finish controversial western Maine power corridor in 2025 🏛 Maine Public

Environment

PWD completes lead inventory and certifies no lead service lines in system 🏛 The Windham Eagle

Maine wildlife officials are seeking reports of endangered New England Cottontail rabbit sightings 🏛 Maine Public

Food and Drink

Yuri’s Desserts Now Open 🏛 Portland Food Map

If you needed another reason to dine on Middle Street, Mr. Tuna is it 🏛 Portland Press Herald

To my fellow Mainers who love Kimchi. 🏛 Reddit

History

Throwback Thursday Photo: Portland Jetport 1967 ＆ 2024 🏛 Portland Old Port

Health Care

American health care faces a crisis of greed, inequity and lost humanity 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Housing

New Maine law requires ‘total price disclosure’ of rental housing 🏛 Bangor Daily News

New Maine law promotes full disclosure for rent prices - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Bangor mobile home residents secure funding to buy park 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Lawmaker proposing amendment aiming to ease Maine's rising property taxes - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Justice

Judge declines to dismiss false labeling, deceptive marketing claims against Poland Spring 🏛 Maine Public

Labor

Minimum wage increases in Maine; Portland and Rockland also boost wages 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine’s public employees applaud removal of Social Security benefit restrictions 🏛 Maine Morning Star

New analysis paints rosier outlook for Maine's labor force in 8 years 🏛 Maine Public

Letter: Raise the federal minimum wage 🏛 Bangor Daily News

What does the new paid family and medical leave program mean for Mainers? 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

New Paid Family and Medical Leave Employer Portal to launch Jan. 6 🏛 The Windham Eagle

Minimum wage increases in Maine; Portland and Rockland also boost wages - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine minimum wage increases by 50 cents - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine workers face paycheck changes as paid leave contributions begin - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Paid family and medical leave: What does it mean for Mainers? - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Tax to fund Maine's new paid family and medical leave goes into effect - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

LGBTQIA+

LGBTQ legal advocates brace for policy attacks under Trump administration 🏛 Maine Public

Maine civil rights trailblazer receives highest civilian honor 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine attorney receives top honor from President Biden 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: A victory for academic freedom 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Media

Maine Trust for Local News' leadership on the future of its newspapers 🏛 Maine Public

Outdoors

Nobody knows why Maine’s latest cosmic light show is late 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Tricks and activities to help your dog enjoy winter 🏛 Bangor Daily News

These are the owls that come to Maine and their hangouts 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Photography

Holiday Reflections on Wharf Street, Portland, Maine 🏛 Reddit

Winter in Rockland Maine 🏛 Reddit

Rough waters on the rocks at pemaquid point today. 🏛 Reddit

Took the wife to the troll light show the other day 🏛 Reddit

Police

New video released of deadly police shooting in Westbrook - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine's high court to decide if city park rangers must be law enforcement officers 🏛 Maine Public

Juveniles entangled in rise of Maine crime as adult influence surfaces 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

South Portland police investigate late night shooting at Redbank Village - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Politics

Increasing tobacco tax, AI protections among 2025 Maine health priorities 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Opinion: Americans must hang tough in battle of fairness versus greed 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Jared Golden received bomb threat at his home on Thanksgiving 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Rep. Jared Golden received a holiday bomb threat at his home, newspaper reports 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sen. Collins starts new position as GOP takes over Congress and the White House 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

PART 1: Don Carrigan sits down with Sen. Susan Collins - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

PART 2: Don Carrigan sits down with Sen. Susan Collins - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Public Safety

Game wardens urge precautions before walking out on ice after recent rescue 🏛 Maine Public

Maine officials warn of thin ice after Franklin County rescue 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Strong winds cause power outages, displace Scarborough family 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Hiker rescued from Gorham Mountain on New Year's Eve 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

MaineHealth officials urge caution as norovirus cases loom this winter 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

State

Maine officials remind residents to gather documents for Real I.D. as enforcement nears - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Some Mainers facing REAL ID roadblocks - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Things to Do

Foodies Rejoice! Dig Into These Five Seafood Festivals This Summer 🏛 Maine Lobster Festival

Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble 🏛 SPACE

For musical theater fans who just gotta dance, 567Broadway gets them moving 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Bringing pro wrestling to Yarmouth: ‘Limitless Rumble’ to be held on Jan. 18 - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Utilities

Portland Water District Board of Trustees Approves 2025 ... 🏛 Portland Water District

Vacationland

Cruise ships plan to bring 55K visitors to Eastport this year 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Biddeford seeks bids for RiverWalk construction 🏛 Saco Bay News

Voter Suppression

Voter ID backers want their referendum on Maine’s 2025 ballot 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Morning Links - Thursday January 2, 2025

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Aurora

Northern lights last night in Anson 🏛 Reddit

Climate Emergency

Smiling Hill Farm stops cross-country skiing due to lack of snow 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Community

How Jewish communities across Maine are celebrating Hanukkah 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Environment

Letter: Brunswick foam disposal a cautionary tale 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Health Care

Trump administration health care plans could endanger ... 🏛 Amjambo Africa

History

How Y2K prep ultimately helped agencies that deal with disasters - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Housing

5 Maine cities to watch for housing news in 2025 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Justice

Douglas Rooks: Judicial ethics complaints can’t be ignored 🏛 Portland Press Herald

False-label lawsuit against Poland Spring water’s parent company allowed to continue 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Labor

Maine's minimum and tipped wages increase, with bigger bump in Portland and Rockland - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Outdoors

Maine nature lovers embrace rainy 'First Day Hikes' to kickstart the new year 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

The case for fly fishing in the dead of winter 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Photography

In photos: Some dippers still took the plunge despite Lobster Dip’s cancelation 🏛 Portland Press Herald

2024: A Year in Photos 🏛 Ellsworth American

Happy new year, Maine! 🏛 Reddit

Politics

Major policy issues likely to resurface in upcoming legislative session 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers get 61% pay increase 🏛 Portland Press Herald

The focus on Susan Collins shows a double standard 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Social Safety Net

Nearly 12K Mainers enrolled in new state-sponsored retirement plan 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Transportation

Maine faces new debates over funding roads and bridges 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Tribal Sovereignty

Wabanaki Alliance cites actions by Jimmy Carter that impacted tribes - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Status check on Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act signed by Jimmy Carter - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Morning Links - Wednesday January 1, 2025

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Asylum Seekers

Trump advisers accuse two Maine county jails of disobeying immigration law 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition reassures immigrant residents of Sanford 🏛 Amjambo Africa

Business

The End of an Era. It’s going to be a sad day when Fogg’s is gone. 🏛 Reddit

City

Second 165 Washington Avenue Public Meeting on Development Plans Set for January 8, 2025 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Climate Emergency

Reid State Park plans sand dune restoration with used Christmas trees 🏛 Maine Public

Natural Resources Council of Maine's 17th annual polar dip ＆ dash - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Polar plunge to raise climate change awareness 🏛 WGME

Coastal communities working with landscaping companies to mitigate future storm damage - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Community

Letter: Let’s keep Portland pathways clear 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Education

State of Schools Address Dec. 16 🏛 Portland Public Schools

Environment

Toxic firefighting foam that spilled at Brunswick airport shipped out of Maine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Right whales returned in higher numbers to eastern Gulf of Maine this year 🏛 Maine Public

Food and Drink

Espresso martini served at Portland bar listed among best in America - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Favorite Maine Comfort Food? 🏛 Reddit

Health Care

Goodrich elected American College of Healthcare Executives Regent for Maine 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Senator Collins Championed 5 of 15 Health Care Bills Signed into Law in 118th Congress 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Housing

New Maine law to require 'total price disclosure' of rental housing 🏛 Maine Public

Justice

Victim's family expresses anger over reduced manslaughter charge in Portland shooting case - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Labor

Here are a couple of Maine laws that go into effect on January 1st, 2025 that could impact your p... - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Lewiston Mass Shooting

Episode 5: 'We're still here' - YouTube - Maine Public

Breakdown Podcast Episode 6: 'I think there's hope' 🏛 Maine Public

Photography

2024 Photos of the Year: Life after Artie 🏛 Portland Press Herald

In photos: Plunging into South Portland’s frigid waters for fundraising 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Owl’s Head Light pre-dawn 🏛 Reddit

Cool find. 🏛 Reddit

What are these? 🏛 Reddit

End 2024 Lookout point, Harpswell 🏛 Reddit

They're back! 🏛 Reddit

Police

Redbank Village residents in South Portland 'fearful' after shooting 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

South Portland police investigate late night shooting at Redbank Village 🏛 WGME

Someone shot up another Maine apartment building 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Portland Man Suffers Gunshot Wound Early This AM in Isolated Incident 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Portland man recovering after suffering gunshot injury 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Man shot, injured in Portland 🏛 Portland Press Herald

The year Maine cracked down on illegal marijuana 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Politics

8 Maine politicians to watch in 2025 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Seventy-one-year-old man dies after Biddeford fire 🏛 Saco Bay News

Man dies in Biddeford home fire 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Man dies after being pulled from house fire in Biddeford, Maine 🏛 New England Cable News

Motorist killed in fiery crash in Falmouth 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Person found dead following crash and vehicle fire in Falmouth 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Icy conditions likely caused fiery fatal Route 1 crash 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Sears Island / Mack Point Wind Port

Letter: Time to abandon Sears Island wind port 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Sports

Maine Celtics and Maine Mariners close out 2024 with wins - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

Weekend Guide: January 3rd – January 5th, 2025 🏛 Portland Old Port

Maine Things To Do | Atlantic plunge, lobster dip, and trivia with cats 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Unhoused

New year expected to bring much-needed shelter to Lewiston’s unhoused residents 🏛 Maine Morning Star