Morning Links - Friday April 11, 2025

Friday, April 11, 2025

Arts

Casco Bay Wind Symphony seeks donations for Portland's July 4 concert setup costs - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Signs of Spring: 'Art in Bloom' at Portland Museum of Art - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Spring has sprung with 'Art in Bloom' exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Area student exhibits his photography at Windham Public Library 🏛 The Windham Eagle

City

Prioritize pedestrian safety in Portland | Letter 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Portland, Maine's 15 Best Attractions According to TripAdvisor 🏛 WBLM

Climate Emergency

Gulf of Maine Warming Update: Winter 2024–25 🏛 Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Legislature poised to pass emergency bill to better prepare Maine for extreme weather 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Constitutional Crisis

How one Maine high school became the center of Trump's war on trans student athletes 🏛 NBC News

Trump to refer Maine to Justice Department over disagreement about transgender sports 🏛 Associated Press

Trump administration to refer Maine to Justice Department over transgender participation in sports - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Maine’s lawsuit against the USDA is over $3 million for feeding assistance costs 🏛 Portland Press Herald

USDA responds to lawsuit over funding freeze for Maine's school food programs - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine lawmaker introduces bill to safeguard against federal cuts to school meals 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Mills, advocates urge protections for free school meal programs 🏛 Maine Public

School food service leaders rally to protect Maine School Meals for All program 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine leaders push to protect school meals amid federal cuts 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

VA cuts put care for veterans at risk 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Trump tariff rollercoaster shows why Congress needs to reclaim its authority 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Tariffs force Maine businesses, municipalities into an uncertain future 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Despite latest delay, Maine industries concerned about impacts of tariffs 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Donald Trump’s latest tariff move matches a proposal from Jared Golden 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine sawmills face uncertainty amid U.S.-Canada lumber tariffs 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Donald Trump’s Canada tariffs cause Maine fire truck costs to spike 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Loss of Federal Funds Leads to Layoffs and Temporary Closure at Maine State Library 🏛 State of Maine

Maine State Library closes for two weeks amid federal funding cuts 🏛 WGME

Local libraries weigh uncertain financial futures under Trump 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine’s leaders should demand LIHEAP’s reinstatement | Letter 🏛 Portland Press Herald

King Working to Get Maine Farmers Expected Federal Investments to Sustain Operations 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Education

Board Sends FY26 Budget to Council 🏛 Portland Public Schools

High schoolers resist phone rules — but their reasons might surprise adults 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Are the schools traumatizing our students? 🏛 The SMCC Beacon

Environment

Northern Maine resident challenges local dam replacement over flooding concerns 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Food and Drink

Where To Eat And Drink With A Group In Portland, Maine 🏛 Portland Old Port

What’s the deal with elevation burger? 🏛 Reddit

Guns

Federal appeals court declines to reinstate Maine's 3-day waiting period on guns 🏛 Maine Public

Federal appeals court agrees to keep Maine’s 72-hour law on hold 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Health Care

Maine’s legislature can protect access to reproductive health care, even as the Trump administration seeks to undermine it 🏛 Maine Beacon

Maine hospitals are struggling, trade association reports 🏛 Mainebiz

'We can't sustain the system we have': New study paints grim picture for Maine hospitals - YouTube - CBS 13 News

A fifth of Americans are on Medicaid. Some of them have no idea. 🏛 Bangor Daily News

History

Throwback Thursday Photo: Custom House Wharf 1951 & 2025 🏛 Portland Old Port

Housing

Maine bills aim to help aging Mainers, veterans homes 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Nangle bills aim to protect Maine consumers, mobile park residents 🏛 The Windham Eagle

Justice

Man sentenced for deadly Portland shooting linked to fight between rival motorcycle clubs 🏛 WGME

Portland man sentenced to 5 years after claiming self-defense in deadly Morrill’s Corner shooting 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Naples man sentenced for 2024 killing of Susan McHugh in Portland 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Portland tattoo shop owner sentenced to 15 years for deadly shooting 🏛 WMTW

Bill addressing critical shortage of public defenders headed to governor's desk 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers pass $3 million bill for public defense system 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Bill to expand Maine public defender office passes the Legislature 🏛 Maine Public

Dissatisfaction with Susan Collins is not about policy | Letter 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Maine judicial system failing Maine women and girls 🏛 Bangor Daily News

LGBTQIA+

Gov. Mills says no agreement with feds on trans athletes in girls' sports 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Friday is Maine's deadline to ban trans athletes from girls’ sports 🏛 Bangor Daily News

We should celebrate trans athletes persevering in face of hatred 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: Maine House right to censure Laurel Libby 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Outdoors

Moose lottery opens 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Maine extends gray squirrel hunting season 🏛 Bangor Daily News

A wave of migratory birds is about to change the Maine landscape 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Police

Driver of stolen van leads police agencies on pursuit through Portland 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Police: Stolen vehicle chase ends with crash, arrest in Portland 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Video of arrest on narrow gauge rail 🏛 Reddit

'Aaron feels sorry': Naples man to serve 5 years for killing woman in Portland shooting - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Politics

Republicans say state audit had major issues - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Trump-supported budget squeaks by in U.S. House after GOP assurances of vast spending cuts 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Most Mainers disapprove of Susan Collins, new poll finds 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Sports

Sea Dogs players adjusting to cold weather - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Sea Dogs beat up on the Fisher Cats - YouTube - WMTW-TV

State

Maine BMV wait times grow as Real ID deadline nears 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine’s child welfare system needs urgent reform | Opinion 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Things to Do

Resurgam Music and Arts Festival - Portland 🏛 State Theatre

City's Earth Day Celebration Postponed to Saturday, April 19 at Payson Park 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Bug Light Lighthouse 150th Anniversary Celebration 🏛 Visit Portland

Weekend Guide: April 11th - 13th, 2025 | Portland Maine 🏛 Portland Old Port

Check out these upcoming concerts in Maine 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Expanded Seventh Annual Maine Seaweed Week Returns; April 25 - May 4 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Hands-On Oyster Shucking Class 🏛 Visit Portland

Transportation

Maine State Ferry rates may go up again for the second time in a year 🏛 Maine Public

MaineDOT rolls out 3-year, $4.8 billion plan to fix infrastructure - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Voter Suppression

Jared Golden backs Republican bill to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Pingree, Golden split over bill requiring voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship 🏛 Maine Public

Jared Golden sides with Republicans on bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Rep. Golden backs bill targeting voting by noncitizens, which is already against the law 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Morning Links - Thursday April 10, 2025

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Asylum Seekers

Religious Workforce Protection Act introduced by Senator Susan Collins - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Business

Gulf of Maine scallop fishery likely to close for first time in over 15 years 🏛 Portland Press Herald

City

Open House for Reimagining Franklin Street Project Set for April 17th 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Neighbors concerned over large development coming into residential Portland neighborhood - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Community

Cape Elizabeth Land Trust gears up for Earth Day cleanup 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Constitutional Crisis

Trump Defunds School Lunches In Maine Over Transgender People 🏛 Erin in the Morning

Trump administration to pull federal funds for Maine prisons over trans inmate – NBC Boston 🏛 Boston.com

Advocates push back after DOJ pulls Maine prison recovery grants 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Trump's battle with Maine over trans policies escalates 🏛 Washington Blade

'Absolutely absurd': Maine lawmaker shares list of 110 banned words at the USDA - YouTube - WMTW-TV

"I think it's terrible:” Maine sees dramatic cut in amount of food being delivered by USDA - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Trump and Mills Go Head-To-Head 🏛 The SMCC Beacon

Maine libraries say federal funding cuts would impact broad range of programs 🏛 Maine Public

State Library lays of 13 workers, vows restructuring 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine State Library issues layoffs due to federal funding issues 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Trump's order threatens Maine libraries' federal funding 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

More than a dozen Maine State Library employees receive layoff letters - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Congresswoman Pingree Leads 86 Lawmakers in Demanding Restoration of Manufacturing Funding 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Sen. Susan Collins outlines effort to limit presidential tariff power 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Sen. Collins' bill would return tariff control to Congress 🏛 WGME

Sen. Collins: Congress should have bigger say in global trade decisions - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

‘I am concerned’: How Susan Collins criticizes Donald Trump as he targets Maine 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Mainers brace for higher prices due to Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Letter: Trump suppression of free speech inflames hatred of Jews 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: LIHEAP must be funded to help Mainers 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Will Mainers’ voices at rallies make a difference? | Letter 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Resistance in Maine is broader than I’ve seen in years | Douglas Rooks 🏛 Portland Press Herald

On Jan. 20, I drove to Canada to apologize | Opinion 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine businesses left with uncertainty after President Trump pauses tariffs - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Education

Portland Schools will add first two non-Christian religious holidays to district calendar 🏛 Maine Public

Scarborough down to two options for new school solution 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Westbrook schools’ proposed $53.4 million budget gets initial approval 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Districts share positive signs after special education for young children shifted to schools 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Environment

Lawmakers contemplate pause on artificial turf to study potential health, environmental hazards 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Should Maine ban synthetic turf while studying safety? 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Lawmakers weigh 3-year statewide moratorium on artificial turf fields 🏛 Maine Public

2 aggressive invasive fish are both living in a Maine river. Scientists don’t know what will happen. 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Food and Drink

Hot dog shop Wonderdogs set to launch this spring in Naples 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Vegetable CSAs 🏛 Reddit

Health Care

Mainers testify to ban AI-only decisions in health insurance claims 🏛 Maine Beacon

Maine’s hospitals are in dire financial shape, report says 🏛 Portland Press Herald

History

More than 100 years ago, Maine outlawed French in schools. We can’t forget that legacy. 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Squirrel Island’s First Hundred Years 🏛 Down East

Housing

Anatomy of a housing proposal toppled by NIMBYs 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Bill would offer more accurate data on number of homes built in Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Neighbors concerned over large development coming into residential Portland neighborhood 🏛 WGME

Justice

Portland to honor and remember crime victims during National Crime Victims' Week - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Labor

Migrant workers file human rights complaint against Ahold Delhaize 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Updated Portland Unemployment Figures | released April 09, 2025 🏛 Reddit

LGBTQIA+

US DHHS and Maine discussed bills to bar transgender participation in sports 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine Attorney General’s Office pushed back on Title IX investigations, emails show 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Tensions flare at Augusta School Board meeting over transgender athlete policy 🏛 WMTW

We are thrilled to be partnering with EqualityMaine and MaineTransNet to host a Trans Book Drive! Stop by the store or visit our website at the link in our bio to purchase a book that will be donated to Trans Mainers! 🏛 Bluesky - Print: A Bookstore

Single-occupancy bathrooms have multiplied in Maine. What a relief. 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

Carey Kish explores Maine Coast trails for new hiking guide 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

2025 Moose permit lottery applications are accepted online only until May 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Photography

The White Mountains and Evergreen Cemetery 🏛 Reddit

Nice snow in Calais 🏛 Reddit

Sunset video at Pine Point, Scarborough, Maine on Sunday. Sound on! 🏛 Reddit

Politics

Westbrook mayor caps city spending; prelim tax rate up 4% 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Bill would allow people to register their cars in Maine without a permanent address 🏛 Portland Press Herald

‘A small price to pay for dignity’: Mainers call for expansion of child tax credit 🏛 Maine Beacon

Gov. Mills urges Maine people not to support budget veto effort 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Angus King, Susan Collins press Trump nominee over his involvement in Signal chat controversy 🏛 Portland Press Herald

================ MAINE TOWN HALLS ================ Maine Senator Angus King & Representative Chellie Pingree showing up for live Town Halls to answer questions and speak to constituents. #MEPolitics 🏛 Bluesky - Pine Tree Activism

Rep. Chellie Pingree aims to tackle food loss and waste nationwide - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Public Safety

Hannaford recalls ground beef sold at Maine store - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Hannaford issues recall for ground beef sold at Mechanic Falls store - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Sports

Snow before Portland Sea Dogs 2025 home opener - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Sea Dogs lose first game of season - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

Portland’s Earth Day Celebration 🏛 Portland Trails

Westbrook’s Earth Day Fair 🏛 Portland Trails

Mary Halvorson Sextet 🏛 SPACE

Discover the Trails: A multilingual story walk with Portland Trails 🏛 Portland Trails

Twilight in Concert 🏛 Merrill Auditorium

JAZZ AT THE MOVIES - BILL FRISELL: A PORTRAIT 🏛 WMPG

Cool Things Happening in Portland This Week (April 9–11) 🏛 Reddit

Twilight in Concert national tour will visit Portland on Thursday, November 13 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Tribal Sovereignty

Governor opposed to latest change to Settlement Act backed by Wabanaki Nations 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Voter Suppression

Letter: Collins, Golden should vote against SAVE Act 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Morning Links - Wednesday April 9, 2025

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Arts

Windham Chamber Singers give preview performance for spring 2025 tour 🏛 Portland Press Herald

At the Portland Museum of Art, florists offer a fresh perspective 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Playwright John Cariani reflects on Maine roots in new work 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Asylum Seekers

Wells Police Department joins ICE program, sparking concerns of eroded trust 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Wells becomes 1st Maine police department to agree to assist ICE 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Immigration detention increase reveals expanded federal operations in Maine 🏛 Maine Morning Star

ILAP Community Update: April 4 🏛 Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

Conversations About Community - Kevin Joyce - Apr 2025 - YouTube - Portland Media Center

Bears, Sharks, and Zombies

WILD VIDEO: Rabid fox attacks Maine man in backyard brawl; sights, sound caught on camera - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Business

Business owners get creative to avoid pricing out customers 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Buy Local

Rosemont Market ＆ Bakery celebrating 20 years - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Climate Emergency

Letter: ‘Harnessing the ocean’s power’ begins with personal responsibility 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Constitutional Crisis

Trump administration pulls funding from Maine prison system over trans inmate 🏛 Bangor Daily News

US attorney general says she’s pulling ‘nonessential’ funds to Maine prisons over transgender inmate 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Trump administration pulls some federal funding from Maine over transgender prison resident 🏛 Maine Public

Read the email from the Trump administration notifying Maine it’s cutting prison funding 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Trump administration pulls Maine prison system funding over trans inmate 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

U.S. Justice Department cuts Maine corrections grants reportedly over transgender policy 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Bondi says $1.5M in funding pulled from Maine DOC over trans inmate - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Trump administration cancels $1.5 million in funding for Maine prisons over transgender policy - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine sues Trump administration over withheld USDA funds for child nutrition programs - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine sees dramatic cut in amount of food being delivered by USDA - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Trump administration should stop using charges of antisemitism as a pretext for repression 🏛 Bangor Daily News

While we’re distracted by transgender athletes, Republicans are working to take away our voting rights 🏛 Bangor Daily News

FARMER DAY of ACTION Honor the Contracts! Stand Up for… 🏛 Bluesky - Pine Tree Activism

Letter: Trump health funding cuts hurt people like me 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Democrat Jared Golden's only tariff fear: Trump will back down 🏛 Axios

County residents fear price hikes from Donald Trump’s trade war 🏛 The County

Maine towns that cater to Canadian tourists fear potential boycott - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Letter: Trump has Mainers on the road to ruin 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Sen. Collins needs to speak out 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Trump administration’s destruction comes to Maine | Letter 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Tariffs are just a big game to Trump 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: CPB cuts make a mockery of border privileges 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: You don’t have to be a ‘fraudster’ to miss a Social Security check 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Lutnick has no regard for hard-working people 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Hands Off! rally in Houlton draws close to 100 🏛 The County

Hundreds lend a hand to local Hands Off rally 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Education

Portland schools adopt 2025-26 calendar with Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Portland school board advances $171.7 million budget to city council 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Charter School Commission votes to allow further consideration of school serving new Mainers 🏛 Maine Public

Environment

Bill removing referendum requirement for nuclear plants fails early test in Maine House 🏛 Maine Public

About 50 gallons of jet fuel spills at Brunswick airport 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine farmers turn to hemp in the fight against PFAS contamination 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Legislature to discuss three-year halt on artificial turf installation 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Food and Drink

Za to Open Friday 🏛 Portland Food Map

Health Care

Lewiston health center cuts staff and services due to MaineCare funding gap 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Opinion: Drug rebate bill would benefit some at the expense of many 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Advocates propose toolkit to tackle state’s high cancer rates 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Housing

Most of Maine’s big mobile homeparks are owned by out-of-state investors 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Biddeford discusses affordable housing strategies 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Biddeford family facing eviction claim landlord illegally rented space - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Justice

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services submits plan to tackle courtroom crisis - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Labor

The enforcement gap: Maine wage theft violators technically don't have to prove they paid - YouTube - CBS 13 News

LGBTQIA+

Maine Democrats won’t suddenly change transgender laws in fight with Donald Trump 🏛 Bangor Daily News

A note from a transgender Mainer: from me, to you 🏛 Reddit

Nazis

Maine House Republicans fall short of repealing ban on paramilitary activities 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

State Representative Puts Forth Bill To Legalize Deer Hunting On Mount Desert Island 🏛 Bar Harbor Story

Photography

Sunset Boats, Pine Point, Maine 🏛 Reddit

Politics

Secretary of state issues language for people’s veto of Maine state budget 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Opinion: A lobsterman should not pay higher taxes than a Wall Street speculator 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Proposed reforms of neglect law that can punish impoverished families receives support at hearing 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Bipartisan lawmakers, educators, parents push to expand Maine’s child tax credit 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers push bill to boost child tax credit for families 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Republicans call for investigations over state audit 🏛 Maine Public

GOP lawmakers share concern over state audit published in March - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Opinion: Let’s help Maine’s Death with Dignity Act live up to its name 🏛 Portland Press Herald

'It's ridiculous': Maine drivers speak out against bill to increase car inspection prices - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Steve Collins: Maine women ought to be included in State House art 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine Senate unanimously approves new Department of Marine Resources commissioner 🏛 Maine Public

Pingree to hold in-person town halls as more constituents demand to meet with lawmakers 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Mainers could see higher taxes if US cuts local bond exemptions 🏛 Portland Press Herald

MFFM Press Conference to speak up for SNAP 🏛 Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets

Pingree Slams Trump Administration and Republicans for Threatening to Cut SNAP Benefits 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Nebraska will continue with Maine to split electoral votes in presidential elections 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Maine dentists concerned over plan to drop federal recommendation for fluoridated drinking water 🏛 Maine Public

Police identify snowboarder who died in Sugarloaf accident 🏛 Maine Public

Snowboarder who died at Sugarloaf Mountain over the weekend identified 🏛 Boston.com

Police identify snowboarder who died in Sugarloaf Mountain accident 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sears Island / Mack Point Wind Port

Maine lawmakers reject proposal to extend Sears Island conservation easement 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sports

Blooms and Bruises 🏛 Maine Roller Derby

Portland Hearts of Pine Announce Community Ticketing ... 🏛 Hearts of Pine

‘Community Ticketing Program’ Announced by Portland Hearts of Pine Founder 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Portland Hearts of Pine launch community ticketing program 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Portland Sea Dogs' home opener: Here's what fans need to know 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

MAINE BASEBALL IS BACK! - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Portland Sea Dogs bring perfect record into 2025 home opener - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

The Live Music Guide: April 9th – 15th, 2025 🏛 Portland Old Port

Willi Carlisle 🏛 SPACE

Maine Things To Do | Big Spring Flea Market, Model Railroad Show, USM Spring Craft Show - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Transportation

Technical problems force Maine DOT to reapply for $3M in federal grants 🏛 The County

Utilities

Regulators launch investigation into Versant Power’s management practices 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine PUC orders investigation of Versant management 🏛 Maine Public

Maine regulators investigating Versant Power’s management practices 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine PUC investigates Versant following audit findings on management practices 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Vacationland

What is the Maine Accent? | Maine Explained - YouTube - Maine Public

Morning Links - Tuesday April 8, 2025

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Arts

Terrance Hayes draws a full house to match the emotional fullness of his poetry – News 🏛 University of Southern Maine

Bears, Sharks, and Zombies

Kennebunk, Maine man describes being attacked by a rabid fox - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Business

Maine’s Marijuana Sales Topped $19.5 Million in March, With Record-Low Prices 🏛 Marijuana Herald

UMaine unveils robotic milking arm to aid dairy farmers 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

City

Opinion: To achieve Vision Zero, Portland should start cheap and start now 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Community

Maine libraries celebrate Public Library Week - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Constitutional Emergency

Maine sues Trump after transgender sports dispute 🏛 Associated Press

Maine AG sues Trump administration for USDA funding freeze that hit school meals 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine sues Trump administration to unfreeze funds to feed schoolchildren 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine attorney general sues Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds 🏛 Maine Public

Maine lawsuit: Food aid frozen in transgender policy dispute 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine sues Trump administration in 1st case involving Title IX dispute 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine sues to unfreeze US funds for kids, disabled adults amid trans sports spat – NBC Boston 🏛 Boston.com

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Sues Trump Administration for Freezing Funds Used to Feed Children and Vulnerable Adults 🏛 State of Maine

Maine sues the USDA for withholding federal money - YouTube - WMTW-TV

$61M in federal funding to Maine at risk over Donald Trump’s latest DEI mandate 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Cuts to federal food program put local farms, schools in a bind 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Permanent injunction issued preventing NIH cap on research payments, but appeal expected 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Thousands rally across Maine to protest Trump administration policies 🏛 Maine Beacon

Maine company stocks drop in wake of tariffs, but less than the average 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Stock market turmoil rattles Mainers 🏛 WGME

Sen. Collins backs effort to place limits on president's power to impose tariffs - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Portland's 'Hands off' protest draws large crowd opposing Trump administration policies - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Federal funding cut leaves Shaker Village project in jeopardy - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Letter: Don’t erase accomplishments of others to celebrate white men 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: We cannot remain silent on the Trump agenda 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Calling on Maine’s leaders to meet, address voters 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Education

Cape Elizabeth helping students in need with a new support program - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Environment

Take Action: Support Smart Solutions for PFAS Sludge 🏛 Friends of Casco Bay

Bill in Maine Legislature would help transfer abandoned dams to towns 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Endangered piping plovers return to Maine with beach restrictions in place - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Health Care

Future of MaineCare remains uncertain even after lawmakers fill deficit 🏛 Bangor Daily News

From Augusta: Protecting Mainers’ credit from medical debt 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Susan Collins breaks with Republican Party again, this time opposing Medicaid cuts 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Lawmakers should change the pay law that’s hurting rural Maine 🏛 Bangor Daily News

MaineHealth to host free screenings for head and neck cancer - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Housing

New building codes take effect in Maine 🏛 Maine Public

Maine's new energy code takes effect 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Justice

Maine judge halts inmate release amid legal system concerns 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Judge weighs whether to release defendants before Supreme Court appeal 🏛 Maine Public

Maine public defender shortage could lead to some defendants being released 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

A Maine judge might not release people from jail until state’s top court weighs in 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine defendants sitting in jail for weeks or months without attorneys could be released – NBC Boston 🏛 Boston.com

Maine advocates highlight resources for National Crime Victims' Rights Week 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

LGBTQIA+

Transgender Mainers face travel uncertainty and fears in the wake of Trump's passport policy 🏛 Bangor Daily News

John Oliver highlights Maine in trans athletes segment 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine School Superintendents Association supports changes to sports policies 🏛 Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel

Outdoors

Maine Guide Monday: Exploring Camden - YouTube - CBS 13 News

This legislation could have consequences for hunters, anglers and outdoor recreation 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Photography

My Maine This Week: Madison Sunrise by Angela Mantha 🏛 Natural Resources Council of Maine

Sky go BOOM at Pine Point! 🏛 Reddit

Police

Police search for man after he allegedly flees Windham gas station 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Politics

Maine auditor: 'No indication' public money at risk despite controversy 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine lawmakers consider expanding child tax credit as prices rise 🏛 Maine Beacon

Legislators agree General Assistance needs reform, but split on how 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers propose competing reforms to General Assistance 🏛 Portland Press Herald

State lawmakers debate how Maine's three constitutional officers should be chosen 🏛 Maine Public

Opinion: Maine needs to create cabinet office for energy 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Angus King introduces bill to help international STEM students stay in the U.S. 🏛 Maine Public

Advocates say proposed cuts to SNAP will drive up food insecurity, harm Maine farmers 🏛 Maine Public

Opinion: Party invite for Sen. Susan Collins 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Public Safety

Health experts urge caution as Maine lawmakers revisit vaccine exemptions 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine parents, health care workers again criticize bills to roll back vaccine requirements in schools 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sugarloaf Mountain death under investigation in Maine – NBC Boston 🏛 Boston.com

Standish neighborhood receives ‘Do Not Drink’ order 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Crews repair deep sinkhole in South Portland, Maine baseball field - YouTube - WMTW-TV

I witnessed a bicyclist be seriously injured (or, god forbid, killed) this morning by an SUV. We need safer streets. 🏛 Reddit

Scarborough

Scarborough town councilor resigns 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Things to Do

Lawrence and Meyer Duo 🏛 Merrill Auditorium

Botanical Perfume Making at Blind Tiger Guest House 🏛 Visit Portland

Tom Odell at State Theatre | Sat, May 17, 2025 🏛 State Theatre

Yes&Co. with Chris DeFilipp 🏛 Merrill Auditorium

Where to Celebrate National Beer Day in Portland, Maine 🏛 Portland Old Port

The week of April 7th Part 1 *underlining represents Maine based musicians 🏛 Bluesky - Portland Noise

The week of April 7th Part 2 *underlining represents Maine based musicians 🏛 Bluesky - Portland Noise

Birth of the American Revolution 🏛 Visit Portland

Frozen Yoga – Yoga on the Ice Before the Mariners Game 🏛 Visit Portland

Transportation

From Augusta: A fork in the road for Gorham and Scarborough 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Utilities

As Maine’s broadband network and digital literacy grows, so grows opportunity 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Vacationland

How 8 Adventurous Homeowners Live Off the Grid in Maine 🏛 Down East

Golden Anchor Amends Complaint Against Town Over Cruise Ship Disembarkation 🏛 Bar Harbor Story

Morning Links - Monday April 7, 2025

Monday, April 7, 2025

Arts

Dead Gowns 🏛 The Bollard

Asylum Seekers

Local immigrant advocacy groups shift focus amid fear of increased ICE activity 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Letter: We need to speak out against cruel deportations 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Bears, Sharks, and Zombies

White sharks make frequent visits to Maine’s coastal waters, new data reveals 🏛 Portland Press Herald

A furry convention is coming to Portland. Forget what you think 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Business

Is the honeymoon over for owners of Maine wedding venues? 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Farm share programs give farmers a boost in spring 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Buy Local

Record Store Day has this vinyl fan hoping for unique albums 🏛 Portland Press Herald

On Record Store Day, get your fill of vinyl at more than 12 stores in Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

City

Portland City Council divided over responding to Trump orders 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Portland, Maine’s Secret Tunnels and Underground Legends 🏛 The Portland Logbook

Letter: Baxter Woods’ dog leash laws are, sadly, no joke 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Climate Emergency

Sen. Angus King fumes at removal of climate change from US threat assessment 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Maine gets more than enough sun for solar energy 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Constitutional Crisis

A guide to Donald Trump’s war against Maine over its transgender athletes policy 🏛 Bangor Daily News

How Trump’s actions have most impacted Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

MaineHealth’s federal grant cut off over previous research on vaccine hesitancy 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Pingree Slams Trump for Dismantlng Wilson Center 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Opinion: Maine’s libraries and museums are at risk. Congress must act. 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Mainers join in on nationwide 'Hands Off!' protests against President Trump, Elon Musk 🏛 WMTW

Hands Off: Maine protests target Trump and Musk amid nationwide rallies - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Big Turnout for Yesterday's #HandsOff Protests In Portland, Maine 🏛 Reddit

Letter: How we got to the Trump era 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: It is up to us to save our democracy 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: USPS deserves much, much better 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: 2025 suddenly feeling a lot like 1930 🏛 Portland Press Herald

COVID-19

‘None of us wanted them to be alone’: Nurses reflect on COVID-19 response - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Education

Portland Public Schools Now Offer Halal Lunches to All Students 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

How much state funding does each Maine school district get? 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Maine bill would strip some legal rights from school superintendents - YouTube - CBS 13 News

USM holds annual Book Arts Bazaar - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Environment

Brunswick leaders vow to prevent any future spills of toxic chemicals at airport - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Food and Drink

Liu Bian Tan 2.0 🏛 Portland Food Map

Health Care

Maine bill aims to inspire more students to learn, practice medicine in state - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine legislature to discuss bills on vaccine exemptions for students 🏛 WGME

The 340B drug pricing program is a lifeline for Maine’s struggling health care providers 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: Grateful to Maine senators for cancer research support 🏛 Portland Press Herald

History

Throwback photos: Shopping for and listening to record albums in the ’60s 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Housing

Mainers don’t want homes with lots of land like they used to 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Justice

Maine considers establishing statewide system to track rape kits 🏛 The Maine Monitor

LGBTQIA+

Letter: So many fond memories of Portland’s Blackstones 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Laurel Libby destroyed a child’s dignity 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Photography

Sunday Photos: April 6th, 2025 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Diagonals at Ram Island Light, Cape Elizabeth, ME 🏛 Reddit

Politics

Mainers defend SNAP amid potential federal budget cuts - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Public Safety

Skier dies in Sugarloaf Mountain accident 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sugarloaf confirms 'fatal incident' involving guest 🏛 WGME

Skier dies in Sugarloaf incident 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Things to Do

This week, check out John Cariani’s latest play, a Taylor Swift tribute, ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ author John Green 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage with Grasping Straws 🏛 SPACE

~ FREE Show! Sunday, April 13th ~ Improv-A-Ganza! A "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Style Comedy Show 🏛 Reddit

In the documentary ‘Paint Me a Road Out of Here,’ art exposes hope in a hopeless place 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Be ready for Auburn Lobster Festival in May and comic Fortune Feimster in October 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Voter Suppression

Full List of Democrats Who Voted For GOP Voter ID Bill 🏛 Newsweek