Morning Links - Tuesday December 17, 2024

Arts

🐝 πŸ› Reddit

Aylum Seekers

Reducing hurdles so asylum-seekers can work is a no-brainer πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Business

Holiday hiring up as Maine retailers prepare for strong selling season πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Maine employers must promote themselves – by promoting Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Buy Local

Holiday Cellar Sale πŸ› Rosemont Market

ChappyWrap luxury blanket line was inspired by a decades-long family feud πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

City

Portland City Council approves license for Payson Park music festival πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Climate Emergency

Federal hostility could delay offshore wind projects, derailing state climate goals πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Storm impacts and mitigation strategies eyed πŸ› Quoddy Tides

Education

Portland schools’ strategic plan takes center stage at State of the Schools address πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland Public Schools continue work to better support students' diverse needs πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Annual State of the Schools Address to the Portland City Council December 16, 2024 - YouTube - Portland Public Schools, Maine

High School Design Update πŸ› Portland Public Schools

Electric school buses in Maine are hitting a few road bumps - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Elections

Maine’sElectoral College is meeting to cast ballots for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine will join other states in casting Electoral College votes Tuesday πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Environment

Maine’s drought situation is getting worse πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Aroostook researchers focus on how PFAS might affect farmland πŸ› The County

Defoliation from Browntail Moth caterpillars declined over 95% in Maine this year πŸ› Maine Public

Residents in Denmark adopt a water extraction ordinance to protect the town's resource πŸ› Maine Public

Food and Drink

Where to dine out on Christmas Day in Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Via Sophia by the Sea Closing πŸ› Portland Food Map

Gambling

Maine collects about $6M in revenue during first full year of sports betting πŸ› Maine Public

Health Care

Harvard Pilgrim agrees to continue coverage of HIV medication in Maine πŸ› Maine Public

Harvard Pilgrim will continue covering HIV drugs, following state investigation πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Federal funding helps schools hire mental health counselors πŸ› Maine Beacon

History

Homestead of Frances Perkins, β€˜a titan of Maine,’ designated national monument πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Biden establishes a national monument for Frances Perkins, the 1st female Cabinet secretary πŸ› New England Cable News

Frances Perkins Center designation adds a new draw to Damariscotta region πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Justice

Falmouth man pleads guilty to nearly a decade of tax evasion πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Labor

Republicans look to defund Maine’s new paid leave program πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine lawmaker proposes bill to stop Paid Family and Medical Leave program - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Bath YMCA makes history with new child care option for BIW workers πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Waterville Starbucks workers push to unionize, led by shift supervisor πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Report: Nearly 10 percent of Mainers are working more than one job - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

LGBTQIA+

A Mainer’s lawsuit over transgender care could be challenged by the U.S. House πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

Why a duck’s feet don’t freeze in winter and other chilly questions πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine Guide Mondays: Finding the perfect snowshoes - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Photography

The Cold Moon rising over Old Orchard Beach and Pine Point last night πŸ› Reddit

Police

Poland man arrested after leading Windham police on chase πŸ› Portland Press Herald

SUV hits police cruiser in Westbrook, injuring officer πŸ› WGME

Politics

How to judge Susan Collins πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Stop giving Collins a pass on judicial picks πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Pass the Social Security Fairness Act πŸ› Bangor Daily News

State

Maine’s crime rate drops for 2nd straight year πŸ› Piscataquis Observer

Things to Do

NYE Party at Ri Ra πŸ› Visit Portland

Portland Symphony Orchestra is back with annual 'Magic of Christmas' show - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Unhoused

A look back at 2024 πŸ› Preble Street

Vationland

In some port towns, it's residents vs. cruises: We're going to eradicate them πŸ› Washington Post


Morning Links - Monday December 16, 2024

Arts

Check out offerings from Portland musician Lynda Mandolyn and The Red Eye Flight Crew πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Business

Maine manufacturers brace for potential tariff turmoil πŸ› Mainebiz

Maine company wants to create a new American hotel chain πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Buy Local

Who’s got the best merch in the city? πŸ› Reddit

City

Portland to consider proposed 2-day music festival that could draw large crowds to city-owned park πŸ› Maine Public

City trash bags πŸ› Reddit

Climate Emergency

Despite climate goals, state rebates for electric vehicles are running on empty πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine is leading in this energy field with wide support ahead of Donald Trump’s return πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Scarborough begins drone survey to assess beach vulnerability and future storm impacts - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Community

Sunday Social | Stick library for dogs, deer and dog backyard fun - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Education

Letter: An inspiring decision by UNE πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Bath area schools closed Monday due to safety concern πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Bath-area schools close Monday over β€˜safety concern’ πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Environment

Scarborough considers new setback proposal to protect wetlands - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Food and Drink

Pick up Chicken ProvenΓ§al from Sissle οΌ† Daughters for a restaurant meal at home πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Health Care

Sunday is the last day to enroll in Maine's health insurance marketplace for January coverage - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Federal funding helps schools hire mental health counselors πŸ› Portland Press Herald

History

Throwback photo: What the Christmas season looked like in downtown Portland 54 years ago πŸ› Portland Press Herald

President Biden to designate new national monument at Frances Perkins Center in Newcastle πŸ› Maine Public

Joe Biden is declaring Frances Perkins’ Maine homestead a national monument πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Biden to declare Frances Perkins’ Newcastle home a national monument πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Housing

State planners move forward watered-down rule on short-term rentals πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

A Maine island town looks to mobile homes to solve its β€˜death spiral’ πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Evan’s Notch. πŸ› Reddit

Downtown Bath last night πŸ› Reddit

Beauty πŸ› Reddit

Beautiful Gray Maine After Snowfall πŸ› Reddit

My Maine This Week: Sunset οΌ† Calm on the Maine Coast by Steve Cartwright πŸ› Natural Resources Council of Maine

Sunday photos: December 15th, 2024 πŸ› Daily Bulldog

Politics

Letter: Time to right this wrong on Social Security πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Ignore Trump’s threats and work for change πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Mainers with ties to Syria celebrate fall of Assad regime πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Public Safety

Wrong-way driver arrested following head-on crash on I-95 in Falmouth πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Wrong-way crash on Maine Turnpike in Falmouth results in minor injuries πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Wrong way driver arrested after crashing into another driver on I-95 - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

Things to do and places to eat and drink on Christmas Day in Greater Portland πŸ› Portland Press Herald

β€˜The Snow Queen,’ Disney on Ice and a Santa Rave dance party πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Grab tickets now for Trombone Shorty οΌ† Orleans Avenue in July πŸ› Portland Press Herald

See β€˜The Muppet Christmas Carol’ for free at Portland Museum of Art πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Tickets on sale for Melissa Etheridge with Indigo Girls in Bangor on Aug. 30 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Coheed and Cambria * Mastodon :: The Infinite Arc Tour πŸ› Cross Insurance Arena (Cumberland County Civic Center)


Morning Links - Sunday December 15, 2024

Arts

Maine artist designed shoes for the New England Patriots πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Asylum Seekers

Opinion: We can choose not to lose sight of immigrants’ humanity πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine lawmakers celebrate permanent extension of work permits - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Climate Emergency

Opinion: Maine’s suing Big Oil could bring dollars – and sense πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Community

Portland nonprofit to move into bigger space to better serve those in need - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Education

Letter: Options abound for electric school buses πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Environment

Nature Connects: We must preserve Maine’s starry, starry nights πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Pingree Announces $13.2 Million for Private Forestland Management and Conservation in Maine πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Food and Drink

Apero Now Open in Biddeford πŸ› Portland Food Map

Anyone know what happened to Rosie's? My favorite bar all staff gone. πŸ› Reddit

Gym

Best / Economical Health/Gym thing in Portland πŸ› Reddit

Health Care

Federal funding helps schools hire mental health counselors πŸ› The Maine Monitor

History

How Maine celebrated the holidays 100 years ago πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Lewiston Mass Shooting

Our View: FRONTLINE documentary cuts to heart of Lewiston tragedy πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

Kenduskeag Stream Parkway πŸ› Hiking in Maine

Foot and Paddle: Mt. Blue State Park by Snowshoe πŸ› Daily Bulldog

Photography

The new visitor contact station at Katahdin Woods οΌ† Waters National Monument πŸ› Reddit

Tiny moon over Martins Point Bridge, Falmouth Maine πŸ› Reddit

Portland Head Light πŸ› Reddit

Politics

Letter: Proposed pesticide ordinance is unfair πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Jim Fossel: Political earthquakes may rumble through Maine in 2026 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Bigger US House could renew fading Congress πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Wrong-way driver arrested in Maine after crashing into pregnant woman's car πŸ› New England Cable News

Pregnant driver injured in wrong-way crash on Maine Turnpike πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Windham Man Charged with OUI Following Car Crash in Falmouth πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Cape Elizabeth, Maine CDC says πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Man rescued after falling through ice in Raymond - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

Magdalena Bay - State Theatre, Portland Maine πŸ› State Theatre

Unhoused

Community Champion: Aloft Hotels staff brace cold weather to distribute care kits to homeless Mai... - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Vacationland

Saunders Architecture’s Trailblazing Park Facility Straddles a Remote Ridge in Northern Maine πŸ› Architectural Record


Morning Links - Saturday December 14, 2024

Arts

'For Love or Lobsters!' brings dating game show to Portland πŸ› WGME

New 'Hopeful' art display installed in Bath - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Asylum Seekers

Looking into legal immigration programs πŸ› WMTW

Bears, Sharks, and Zombies

Beachgoers brave freezing ocean to help stranded shark in Maine πŸ› Boston.com

City

City News Round Up: Friday, December 13, 2024 πŸ› City of Portland

Opinion: Portland is still cool, you're just boring πŸ› Reddit

Bleeding octopus tree πŸ› Reddit

Why is Portland, Maine being sued? πŸ› Reddit

Climate Emergency

Letter: Climate leadership is alive and well in Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Community

Biddeford officer remembered as a dedicated and compassionate public servant πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland Gear Hub secures funding to buy the building it has been renting πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Portland's Secret Bike Race 4 - YouTube - GWJ Films

Environment

$13M will support forest management, conservation in Maine πŸ› Mainebiz

Rumford mill mishap causes discolored snow; residents advised to steer clear πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine Public’s β€˜Maine Calling’ radio call-in show to feature discussion on PFAS in firefighting πŸ› Maine Morning Star

New government report highlights toll fast fashion takes on environment πŸ› Maine Public

Guns

So I just saw a guy walking down Broadway in SoPo by the bowling alley carrying an old school Betsy Ross flag (the one with the circle of stars). He had an assault rifle over his shoulder and a pistol on his belt. I didn't take a picture. Does anyone else find this unhinged/disturbing? πŸ› Reddit

In case anyone wants to see the video - πŸ› Reddit

Health Care

Health care advocates accuse Harvard Pilgrim of discrimination against HIV patients in Maine πŸ› Maine Public

Opinion: A call to abolish health insurance claim denials πŸ› Portland Press Herald

History

Looking back at when first section of Maine Turnpike opened 77 years ago - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Housing

State planners move forward watered-down rule on short-term rentals πŸ› The Maine Monitor

Opinion: Business is business: A senior sent packing πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Linda Gallagher-Garcia’s story shows why Maine must strengthen eviction protections πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Justice

4 men plead not guilty to charges in deadly Portland biker gang clash πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Labor

MaineHealth medical interpreters and supporters rally amid contract negotiations πŸ› Maine Public

Medical interpreters picket for fair wages outside Portland hospital πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Do Maine's rules for Paid Family and Medical Leave need review? - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Outdoors

These 7 tips will get your dog ready for a winter hike πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Your moment of calm at Ram Island Ledge Light during sunrise πŸ› Reddit

One of the face carvings in the old pilings in Belfast harbor. πŸ› Reddit

Friday the 13th - Solo on Katahdin - 14 hours πŸ› Reddit

Politics

Groups tied to Republican lawmaker sue Maine over limits on political giving πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Two Maine PACs and free speech group challenge new limits on political contributions πŸ› Maine Public

Maine sued over new campaign finance law, but that was supporters’ plan all along πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine sued over new voter-approved campaign finance limits πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Looking ahead to 2026 Maine governor's race and who could run - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Letter: Susan Collins should oppose unqualified nominees πŸ› Bangor Daily News

President Biden pardons Augusta man for decades-old crime πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Some in fishing industry see Trump as a friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Some in seafood industry see Donald Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Things to Do

Gingerbread, women’s hockey, the Fogcutters and other weekend happenings πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude showcases ice carving, holiday fun - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Christmas by the Sea festivities begin in Ogunquit - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Ogunquit kicks off 38th annual Christmas by the Sea celebration - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Theater of Thought πŸ› SPACE

Every Little Thing πŸ› SPACE

Dig XX πŸ› SPACE

Sicard Hollow - State Theatre, Portland Maine πŸ› State Theatre

Unhoused

Portland, state clash over millions of dollars in shelter funding πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Utilities

Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative to use $14.6 million to improve reliability πŸ› Maine Public

Vacationland

Shutters Return Pomham Rocks Lighthouse to Turn of the Century Look πŸ› American Lighthouse Foundation


Morning Links - Friday December 13, 2024

Arts

Lighthouse Jubilees - Christmas 2024 - YouTube - Portland Media Center

Maine’s original burlesque revival troupe still packs houses 21 years later πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Speedwell to close its Portland art gallery next month πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Asylum Seekers

Maine leaders back extended immigrant work permits to strengthen workforce, keep families together πŸ› Maine Beacon

City

Have they put up the Blood Tree? πŸ› Reddit

Civil Rights

Commission recommends more caregiving support to address Maine’s persistent gender disparities πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Women's Commission releases 2024 labor report πŸ› Maine Public

Despite progress, Maine women still earn less and are more likely to live in poverty πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Climate Emergency

Renewable energy has a growing positive impact on Maine’s economy and environment πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Community

Biddeford mourns officer killed in crash on Piscataqua River Bridge πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Police procession honors Biddeford sergeant who died in Piscataqua River Bridge crash πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Education

Maine's largest school district to hold annual State of the Schools Address next week - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Environment

Opinion: Maine Legislature needs to strengthen mining regulations πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Informational poster: Reducing your PFAS exposure πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Forestry experts warn spruce budworm could do millions in damage to Maine forests πŸ› Piscataquis Observer

Three Insects Added to Maine Species of Special Concern List – Have You Seen Them? πŸ› Maine Audubon

Food and Drink

Maine cheese shop rebranding and expanding - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Coming Soon: Tuan Yuan Hotpot Set to Open on Forest Avenue πŸ› Portland Old Port

Guns

Maine group wants to ban ghost guns after insurance CEO killing reignites discussion πŸ› Maine Morning Star

CEO killing renews call to ban ghost guns in Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine Gun Safety Coalition calls for ban on ghost guns - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Health Care

Complaint alleges Harvard Pilgrim Health Care plans discriminate against Mainers with HIV - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Opinion: A grim reminder of the health insurance industry’s human cost πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Housing

A Brunswick family’s desperate hunt for housing as temperatures drop πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Regulators plan to roll out new rules for short-term rentals in Maine’s unorganized territories πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Justice

Four more men plead not guilty to assault charges in Morrill’s Corner shooting πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Standish man agrees to serve 30 years in plea deal after jury deadlocks πŸ› Portland Press Herald

How Maine brothers found deliverance from an abusive church pastor πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Congreswoman Pingree (D) on Her No Vote on NDAA Yesterday πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Photography

Off my porch due east ova here in big village of Athens πŸ› Reddit

Portland at night - Ultrawide desktop wallpaper πŸ› Reddit

Watch these elusive creatures cross the water at a remote Maine pond πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Re-creation of β€˜Maine’s First Ship’ shown in new photo collection πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Politics

Committee assignments announced for Maine's 132nd Legislature - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Add election of constitutional officers to Legislature’s reform agenda πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Legislative rules changes should bring more transparency and accountability πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Troubled by Jared Golden’s votes on bill targeting nonprofits πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Augusta man among 39 people pardoned by Biden in historic clemency action πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Letter: Susan Collins and Angus King must speak out against Trump nominees πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Senator Collins (R) Votes Against Workers’ Rights and Important NLRB Confirmation πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Biden grants clemency to Maine man for non-violent offense committed decades ago πŸ› Maine Public

Mainer β€˜in shock’ after Joe Biden pardons him in largest single-day act of clemency πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Office of Cannabis Policy stresses importance of proper sampling after recent recalls πŸ› Maine Public

Things to Do

Experience the 'Magic of Christmas' with annual holiday spectacle - YouTube - CBS 13 News

January 12th Contra Dance πŸ› Reddit

Jason Read – Unemployed Negativity πŸ› SPACE

Unhoused

Maine could have helped stop people like her from becoming homeless. It didn’t. πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine public housing tenants face eviction at high rates - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Augusta approves year-round service center for homeless residents - YouTube - CBS 13 News