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Morning Links - Saturday January 11, 2025

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Arts

Maine comic book artist draws on his Army days in his new graphic novel πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Asylum Seekers

Sen. King joins Democrats supporting bill detaining migrants accused of crimes πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Jared Golden should think harder about immigrants πŸ› Portland Press Herald

ACLU of Maine Urges U.S. Senate Delegation to Oppose ... πŸ› ACLU of Maine

Legal Consequences for Violating Immigration Laws πŸ› Amjambo Africa

Business

Gorham Savings completes merger with Maine Community ... πŸ› Mainebiz

Maine lobster catch-size rule change withdrawn πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine’s marine resources chief has profane exchange with lobstermen πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine Dept. of Marine Resources is dropping a proposal to increase the minimum size for lobster πŸ› Maine Public

Maine regulator clashes with lobstermen at turbulent meeting, withdraws catch size rules πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Heated Augusta meeting sees Maine rejecting lobster gauge increase πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine lobster industry in heated debate over gauge increase πŸ› National Fisherman

Lobstermen relieved after officials scrap proposed change to harvest πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine sides with lobstermen, decides to pull minimum lobster size rule - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Maine withdraws new new lobster catch size rule after heated meeting - YouTube - CBS 13 News

City

$2M federal grant accelerates Portland's Franklin Street plans πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland closes temporarily until April - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Climate Emergency

Businesses rebound along Seawall Road as long-term repairs continue πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Gulf of Maine Institute asks for help locating mussel beds πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

January Storms: One Year Later - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

January Storms: Coastal communities couldn't have predicted the scope - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Looking back at historic coastal storm a year later - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Environment

Denmark approves minor updates to strengthen water extraction ordinance amidst drought πŸ› The Maine Monitor

Food and Drink

New Cocktail Mary Postponed πŸ› Portland Food Map

Cocktail Mary will close current location in late January πŸ› Portland Press Herald

1148: Ilma Lopez, Chef/Co-Owner of Chaval and Ugly Duckling - YouTube - Restaurant Unstoppable

Cafe Louis set to close in South Portland πŸ› WGME

Feed your sweet tooth cravings at Mindy's Munchies Maine in Falmouth - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Brew of the Week: Brealu CafΓ© in Westbrook - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Health Care

Permanent relief from medical debt is needed πŸ› Bangor Daily News

History

How 1879 governor's race brought Maine to brink of civil war - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Housing

Maine real estate mostly unaffected by commission changes πŸ› The Maine Monitor

Justice

Maine Supreme Court looks to change judicial disciplinary proceedings for justices πŸ› Maine Public

Maine’s highest court proposes barring justices from disciplining peers πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Maine woman drops transgender health care case against US military πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Augusta man arrested at Board of Education meeting πŸ› Sun Journal

Outdoors

Opinion: Maine pets deserve better protection from harsh weather πŸ› Portland Press Herald

What getting back to Outdoors basics really means πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Exploring Maine’s Ice Safely, Enjoyably πŸ› Sanford Springvale News

Photography

Beach vibes during winter in Maine. πŸ› Reddit

Today on Katahdin πŸ› Reddit

Flat Surf Friday πŸ› Reddit

May not have much snow right now but at least we have this πŸ› Reddit

Spring Point Ledge Light sunrise πŸ› Reddit

Found a weird chicken this morning πŸ› Reddit

Man Stands To Close To Massive Bull Moose And Learns His Lesson πŸ› Reddit

Police

Fights disrupt Portland-Deering basketball game at Expo πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Politics

1/20 march at monument square πŸ› Reddit

Ethan Strimling Tells All: From Activist to Mayor – Pathways To Progress: Episode 31 - YouTube - Portland Media Center

Protesters Focus on Representative Lanigan πŸ› Sanford Springvale News

Legislative watchdog underscores importance of accessing confidential information πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Taking a look at what lies ahead for the Maine Legislature - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Chair of Maine Democratic Party is stepping down πŸ› Maine Public

Maine Democratic Party chair is stepping down πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Mills’ budget would increase cigarette tax, continue free community college πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Gov. Mills proposes $11.6 billion budget, setting stage for months of debate in Augusta πŸ› Maine Public

Gov. Mills proposes raising cigarette tax, health program cuts to close budget gap πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Janet Mills proposes tobacco tax hike and healthspending cuts to fill budget gap πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Gov. Janet Mills unveils biennial budget plan πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Governor Mills Unveils Balanced Biennial Budget Proposal πŸ› State of Maine

FULL VIDEO: Gov. Janet Mills unveils 'balanced' biennial budget plan - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

β€˜Maine Healthcare Workers for Palestine’ Host Two Protests Saturday, January 11th; Lewiston οΌ† Bangor πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Public Safety

Portland sees record overdoses in 2024, but fewer lives lost πŸ› Bangor Daily News

'We're making progress:' Portland sees record overdoses in 2024, but fewer lives lost - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Social Safety Net

Letter: Social Security Fairness Act will make a big difference πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Sports

Maine Celtics lose in overtime - YouTube - WMTW-TV

State

Mechanics gain crucial diagnostic data under Maine's new right-to-repair law πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Things to Do

Heated outdoor winter dining, classic films and live music this weekend πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Β‘Flamenco! Lindsey Bourassa and FLOR – Mayo Street Arts πŸ› Mayo Street Arts

The Cathedral of New Emotions πŸ› SPACE

Maine’s Own β€˜Idol’ Coming to Sanford πŸ› Sanford Springvale News

Unhoused

Come In From the Cold πŸ› Sanford Springvale News

Vacationland

Work to repair historic Maine bridge damaged by overweight truck underway - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Bar Harbor renews moratorium on large-scale lodging developments πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race set for March 1 - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Voter Suppression

Voter suppression measure would make voting harder for older Mainers, rural residents, and many others πŸ› Maine Beacon

Conservative group submits signatures to get voter ID question on Maine ballot - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Morning Links - Friday January 10, 2025

Friday, January 10, 2025

Arts

The top selling local musicians at Bull Moose in 2024 πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Asylum Seekers

Senate Democrats join Republicans in advancing bill to detain migrants accused of crimes πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Strong bipartisan support in U.S. Senate advances bill expanding immigration detention πŸ› Maine Morning Star

ILAP’s statement on the Laken Riley Act πŸ› Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

Business

Maine’s hot cannabis market is beginning to mellow out πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine Lobstering Union's Lobster 207 wins $5M settlement πŸ› National Fisherman

Public comment meeting held on lobster catch size limit changes - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

New lobster minimum catch sizes could lead to industry change - YouTube - WMTW-TV

City

Portland receives $2M to revamp Franklin Street πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland gets $2M toward project to overhaul Franklin Street πŸ› WGME

EV Charging in Greater Portland: Regional planners seek help identifying new spots πŸ› The West End News

Your Need-to-Know on Winter Parking Bans οΌ† Snow Removal πŸ› The West End News

Climate Emergency

Researchers enlist public to map out vanishing Casco Bay mussels πŸ› Maine Public

How will natural gas factor in to Maine’s cleaner energy future? πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Community

Local cyclists gear up for 2025 rides to support Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center πŸ› The Windham Eagle

Big List of Volunteer Opportunities in/around Portland πŸ› Reddit

Education

South Portland debates natural vs. artificial grass at planned athletic facility πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Student information system at several Maine schools breached in cyberattack - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Schools across Maine affected by PowerSchool cybersecurity breach - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Food and Drink

Cafe Louis to Close πŸ› Portland Food Map

Best Crab Rangoons in the GPA? πŸ› Reddit

Health Care

Maine health care providers express concerns over potential changes to Title X funding πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine health workers prepare for uncertain future in reproductive care - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

History

Maine’s Last Hand-Crank Telephone Company πŸ› Down East

Labor

Opinion: Maine’s health care interpreters deserve better πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Augusta man arrested at Board of Education meeting πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Anti-LGBTQ Activist Arrested at Augusta School Board meeting πŸ› Reddit

Outdoors

Amateur photographers pose risks to owl survival πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Preparation and proper gear are keys to successful ice fishing πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Y'all get out yet!? πŸ› Reddit

Police

Maine State Police overtime reaches record $8.5M πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Politics

Legislature’s rules committee recommends changes to limit placeholder bills πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Rules committee embraces limits on placeholder bills πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Democratic Party leader won’t seek reelection πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Domestic violence survivors protest Sanford representative facing ethics probe πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Domestic violence survivors protest Maine lawmaker’s reelection πŸ› Portland Press Herald

State lawmaker indicted amid protests over his domestic violence allegations πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Public Safety

CDC data show flu and COVID cases are increasing in Maine πŸ› Maine Public

Wastewater data tracks recent surge of winter illnesses in Maine πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Sports

Hearts of Pine Welcomes Khalid Hersi as First-Ever Mainer to ... πŸ› Hearts of Pine

Maine’s sports scene for 2025 - YouTube - CBS 13 News

State

Statistics about Maine child abuse are troubling, but it’s important to look at the details πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Are Mainers paying to keep their license plate numbers? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Things to Do

Waiting out the cold snap: Indoor entertainment in Maine πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Far Out : Life on and after the commune πŸ› SPACE

Keepers of the Light πŸ› Merrill Auditorium

Voter Suppression

Voter ID referendum is unnecessary, expensive, and harmful to Maine voters πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine’s voter ID effort includes limits on ballot drop boxes πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Response to the voter ID push in Maine πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Morning Links - Thursday January 9, 2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Asylum Seekers

Rep. Golden among Democrats to support immigration crackdown bill πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Arts

Maine artist’s chaotic, cartoonish figures find a large audience πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Business

Maine fishermen apply to revive shrimping industry after a decade-long hiatus - YouTube - CBS 13 News

City

Portland mayor calls for state resources to help tackle homelessness, public safety πŸ› Maine Public

Portland paused hotel development. Then it left time for 2 to go forward. πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Pingree Announces $2 Million Federal Grant to Support Franklin Street Redevelopment Project πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Climate Emergency

Action is the Antidote: A Post-Election Path to Climate Security πŸ› The West End News

Letter: There’s plenty we can do to battle climate change πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Community

Opinion: If you can, make 2025 the year of giving back πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Education

Portland school district begins search for new finance director πŸ› Portland Press Herald

More than 1,000 Cumberland school emails targeted in phishing scam πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Global school IT contractor suffers cybersecurity issue, at least one Maine school impacted πŸ› Portland Press Herald

MSAD 75 investigates possible bullying incident involving boys hockey team πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine high school's no-phone policy transforming classrooms - YouTube - WMTW-TV

8 Investigates: Maine taxpayers are spending millions to send some students to private school - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Environment

Ineffective fish ladder sparks call for Brunswick-Topsham Dam redesign πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Conservation group urges removal or redesign of Brunswick-Topsham dam - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Food and Drink

Radial Coffee Now Open πŸ› Portland Food Map

Papi in Portland receives national recognition - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Guns

Biddeford man accused of selling guns to drug dealers, gang members - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Health Care

California-based nonprofit to purchase Central Maine Healthcare πŸ› Maine Public

Letter: Maine people deserve health care answers πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Justice

Judge sides with Maine religious order in child sexual abuse case πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Judge’s ruling acknowledges that hundreds of Mainers’ rights are being denied πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine man who possessed nearly 50K images, videos of child sexual abuse sentenced - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Outdoors

Pettengill Farm (Freeport, ME) πŸ› Hiking in Maine

An endangered rabbit species is on the rise in parts of Maine πŸ› Bangor Daily News

If you want fewer car crashes caused by deer, you have to allow hunting πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

VIDEO: Huge Flock of Crows in South Portland Creepy and Beautiful πŸ› WCYY

Sup πŸ› Reddit

Sunset at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland πŸ› Reddit

Pemaquid Point! πŸ› Reddit

Politics

Maine lawmakers return to Augusta as session begins πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine lawmakers convene in Augusta for first day of session - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine lawmakers face several challenges upon return to State House - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine lawmakers face projected budget shortfall upon return to State House - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine House votes to investigate lawmaker facing domestic violence charge πŸ› Bangor Daily News

House launches ethics probe into lawmaker accused of domestic violence πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

State lawmaker charged with domestic violence to face ethics investigation - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Democrats launch ethics probe of Sanford lawmaker accused of assaulting wife πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Former Bangor mayor, state legislator running for open seat in Maine House πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine Legislature should ban dual office holding πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Gov. Mills proposes cabinet-level department focused on energy needs and goals πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Gov. Mills proposes creating a Maine department of energy πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Governor Mills Announces Proposal to Elevate Governor's Energy Office to Cabinet-level Position πŸ› State of Maine

Rep. Jared Golden backs 2 constitutional amendments πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Collins must protect her constituents πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Let’s have a conversation about what capitalism is wreaking πŸ› Maine Beacon

Robert Kennedy’s nomination to head HHS puts the health of Americans at risk πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: How about making Maine the 11th province? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Public Safety

Pedestrian dies after being hit by car in Portland Old Port πŸ› Bicycle Coalition of Maine

Schedule of Events to Honor the Memory and Celebrate the Life of Joe Lewis Include: πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Driver in Westbrook crashes into home - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Flu surging in Maine; COVID-19 prevalence also β€˜very high’ πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sports

Portland Hearts of Pine adds first Mainer to roster - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Portland Hearts of Pine: First Mainer signs to team ahead of inaugural season πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Portland Hearts of Pine: Tryouts - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Portland Hearts of Pine: Tryouts, Part 1 - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Portland Hearts of Pine: Tryouts, Part 2 - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Things to Do

Comedy Show to Benefit Portland Trails πŸ› Portland Trails

Pineland Farms Bowling Night πŸ› Visit Portland

Hallowell Does The Last Waltz - Portland πŸ› One Longfellow Square

Your Guide to Portland Book Clubs (No Matter Your Genre) πŸ› Portland Old Port

Unhoused

Portland receives federal funds to tackle homelessness with housing projects - YouTube - CBS 13 News

2 people remain hospitalized after Skowhegan tent fire, officials say - YouTube - WMTW-TV

30-unit hosing plan for chronically homeless in Auburn moves forward - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Vacationland

Federal appeals court hears arguments on Bar Harbor cruise lawsuit πŸ› Maine Public

Appeals court takes up challenge to Bar Harbor’s cruise passenger limit πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Lawyers challenging Bar Harbor cruise ship cap bring case to Boston - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Morning Links - Wednesday January 8, 2025

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Business

$100,000 in grants awarded to 10 Portland businesses - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Maine lobstering union settles racketeering lawsuit πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Buy Local

Portland Architectural Salvage slated to close this winter πŸ› Portland Press Herald

City

Portland Music Holdings LLC Submits Major Site Plan Application to City Under 385 Congress Street Master Development Plan πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Deering Village LLC Files Application for Auburn Street Major Site Plan With City’s Planning Office πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Climate Emergency

First bill of Maine’s legislative session is a bipartisan storm preparedness measure πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Gov. Mills introduces bill to respond to severe weather fueled by climate change πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Governor's bill aims to prepare Maine for extreme storms πŸ› Maine Public

Janet Mills wants to ensure Maine is ready for the next big storm πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Responding to Resilience Commission's Interim Recommendations, Governor Mills and Legislative Leadership Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Community Preparedness and Resiliency for Future Storms πŸ› State of Maine

Maine lawmakers introduce bill to help communities prepare for storms - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Education

USM eliminates 6 marketing positions πŸ› Portland Press Herald

FAFSA Nights Set for Jan. 14 and 16! πŸ› Portland Public Schools

Environment

Fish farm legal battle heats up again as environmentalists challenge Belfast permits πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Food and Drink

CafΓ© and sports bar-restaurant planned for East Bayside πŸ› Portland Press Herald

5 Outdoor Dining Spots in Maine to Visit This Winter πŸ› Down East

Health Care

City of Portland allocates opiod settlement funds to expand access to methadone πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Janet Mills implores lawmakers to quickly close $118M Medicaid shortfall πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Gov. Mills administration calls for urgent budget changes to address Medicaid gap πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Mainers among millions benefiting from new federal rule on medical debt πŸ› Maine Beacon

Maine hospitals struggle under rising costs and closures πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Mobile clinic stops in Portland offering eye exams for students πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

History

Reflecting on the 27th anniversary of the devastating Ice Storm of 1998 - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Justice

Suspects in fatal Morrill’s Corner attack ask judge to lift no-contact orders πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland shooting suspects request changes to bail conditions πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Letter: Child abuse ruling is long past due πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Windham man sentenced to 15 years for child porn, abuse πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine political analysts weigh in on potential Jan. 6 pardons - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Labor

Inside the long Social Security fight for Maine’s public workers πŸ› Bangor Daily News

LGBTQIA+

Federal Court to Hear Arguments on Public Funds in ... πŸ› ACLU of Maine

In appeal, religious schools claim Maine’s anti-discrimination law creates β€˜chilling effect’ πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Religious schools challenge antidiscrimination law at federal appeals court πŸ› Maine Public

Maine religious schools ask appeals court to halt state’s anti-discrimination rules πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine debate over public funding in religious schools takes a step towards the U.S. Supreme Court - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Outdoors

What’s next in adaptive moose hunt is unclear πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Wanted to share some of the pictures I took of our state last year. πŸ› Reddit

Lobster Point Light in Ogunquit before dawn πŸ› Reddit

If ya know then ya know! πŸ› Reddit

Wicked Cold Sunrise this Morning πŸ› Reddit

Politics

Gov. Mills planning 'lean' budget proposal as revenues level off πŸ› Maine Public

Mills administration warns lawmakers about looming budget gap πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Golden calls for bipartisan committee to rethink winner-take-all electoral system πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Susan Collins officially named chair of powerful Senate committee πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Susan Collins deserves more credit for Social Security Fairness Act πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: Collins helps right a serious wrong πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: RFK Jr.’s nomination is irresponsible and dangerous πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Students pressure University of Maine System to divest from Israeli companies πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Social Safety Net

Social Security Fairness Act will boost benefits for 26,000 Mainers #shorts - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Sports

Construction underway at Fitzpatrick Stadium; new home to Portland Hearts of Pine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Emma Tiedemann Named Maine's Sportscaster of the Year πŸ› Minor League Baseball

Trailblazer Emma Tiedemann named Maine's Sportscaster of the Year πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Hitched at home plate: Portland Sea Dogs offer wedding packages - YouTube - CBS 13 News

State

Balancing threats with public access, Maine Capitol Police beef up security πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine continues to struggle to care for children in state custody, according to new report πŸ› Maine Public

Things to Do

Weekend Guide: January 10th – January 12th, 2025 πŸ› Portland Old Port

The Live Music Guide: January 8th – 14th, 2024 πŸ› Portland Old Port

Celebrate 2025: 16+ Must-Experience Events in Portland, Maine! πŸ› Portland Old Port

A Traveler’s Needs πŸ› SPACE

Ragtime Destroyers - Mardi Gras Celebration! πŸ› One Longfellow Square

Maine Things To Do | Baked Bean Suppah, Electric Mountain Fest, Trapping Safety Course πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Unhoused

Learn more about homelessness in Maine πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Skowhegan tent fire caused by propane tank injures 2 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Two people injured in Skowhegan tent fire πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Westbrook

Westbrook moves forward with Sacarrappa Park revitalization project πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Morning Links - Tuesday January 7, 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Aurora

My Maine This Week: Northern Lights by Lisa Swett πŸ› Natural Resources Council of Maine

Business

New Indoor Mini Golf Attraction Planned for Portland, Maine πŸ› WCYY

Maine economic development commissioner steps down πŸ› Portland Press Herald

From boat sizes to waitlists, what lobster industry changes say about where fishery is headed πŸ› Maine Morning Star

City

Portland mayor uses State of the City address to ask for state’s help with homelessness, public safety πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland Mayor Mark Dion delivers State of the City address πŸ› WMTW

Housing at forefront of Portland's State of the City address - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Portland Mayor Mark Dion delivers 'State of the City' address - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Portland Mayor Mark Dion calls for more resources to address homelessness, public safety - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Climate Emergency

In 2024, solar contributed to the New England grid like never before πŸ› Maine Public

Opinion: Against the odds, collaboration will drive climate action in Maine πŸ› ClimateWork Maine

Before the Hour of Need πŸ› American Lighthouse Foundation

Warmer winters impact Maine's ice fishing seasons - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Lack of ice puts Bowdoinham smelt shack out of business nearly three years in a row - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Education

Cybersecurity issues impact 2 Maine public school districts πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Cyberattack targets South Portland schools πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Propane smell forces temporary evacuation of South Portland school πŸ› Portland Press Herald

South Portland Middle School evacuated due to gas smell - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Two-hour delay at South Portland Middle School due to gas smell πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine College of Art οΌ† Design to launch fully online Master ... πŸ› Maine College of Art & Design

New arts building under construction at University of Southern Maine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Environment

Conservation group urges better fish passage for Brunswick dam πŸ› Maine Public

Group calls for removal or redesign of Brunswick, Topsham dam for fish passage πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Biden to ban future offshore drilling across more than 600 million acres πŸ› Maine Morning Star

A passionate conservationist tells the story of how Maine’s North Woods have been preserved - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Food and Drink

Hot Suppa on Congress Street may get new owners πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Guns

State asks judge to deny request for pause of Maine’s new gun waiting period πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine man accused of illegally selling guns to out-of-state drug dealers πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Health Care

Opinion: There’s no quick remedy for Maine’s primary care issues πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland Public Schools students to receive free eye exams, glasses through 'vision van' visits πŸ› Maine Public

Maine DHHS awarded nearly $17M for maternal health care πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine awarded $17 million in federal funding to improve maternity care services πŸ› Maine Public

Advocates push for tobacco tax hike and expanded health protections in Maine πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Housing

New law protects renters in Maine from hidden fees - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Justice

Trump plans to pardon the Jan. 6 rioters. Here are the Mainers accused of participating. πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Mainer charged in Capitol riot denied request to attend Trump's inauguration - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Man from Portland indicted for deadly October shooting - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Court Rules Maine is Widely Violating Sixth Amendment by ... πŸ› ACLU of Maine

Judge rules Maine denied 6th Amendment rights to low-income defendants - YouTube - WMTW-TV

The list of Maine parents waiting for a lawyer grew by 700 percent in 2024 β€” and it may not account for the whole problem πŸ› Maine Beacon

Public attorneys could soon represent Maine parents in child protection cases πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine high court justice argues she did not act wrongly πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to hear Maine cases in return to appeals court πŸ› Maine Public

Labor

Dept. of Labor launches paid leave portal for Maine employers πŸ› Maine Morning Star

New program ensures 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to Maine workers - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Business owners can register online for Maine's new Paid Family Medical Leave Program - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Opinion: H-1B visa holders are far from cheap, indentured labor πŸ› Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Religious schools appeal decision requiring adherence to Maine’s anti-discrimination law πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine to debate public funding for private schools in appeals court - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Outdoors

Blackstrap Hill Preserve πŸ› Hiking in Maine

For a Group of Winter Sailors, Racing Tiny Vessels Is a Pretty Big Deal πŸ› Down East

Maine Guide Mondays: Wolfe Neck Park in Freeport - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Photography

Your moment of calm at Doubling Point Lighthouse πŸ› Reddit

Ducks in a Row, Falmouth πŸ› Reddit

Police

Coast Guard seeking people who shot flares at Willard Beach πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Politics

Maine lawmakers endorse new limits on vague placeholder bills πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Lawmakers inch closer to rule changes, restricting vague placeholder bills πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers move to restrict β€” but not ban β€” vague placeholder bills πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine lawmakers endorse plan to crack down on vague, placeholder bills πŸ› Maine Public

Maine's Right to Repair law goes into effect today πŸ› Maine Public

Maine’s right to repair law is now in effect, but changes are still to come πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine Still Hashing Out The Details Of Its Year Old β€˜Right To Repair’ Law As Auto Lobbyists Loom πŸ› TechDirt

Sen. Collins celebrates her Social Security Fairness Act becoming law - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Public Safety

Joe Lewis, Portland Attorney, Dies in East End Pedestrian/Car Crash Last Friday πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Maine man dies after being hit by SUV in Portland πŸ› WGME

Maine man dies after being hit by SUV in Portland πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Portland attorney killed by car in Old Port was a loving father, husband πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Memorial honors man who died in Portland crash - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in Portland - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine broke tick-borne disease record in 2024 πŸ› Piscataquis Observer

Social Safety Net

Biden signs bill expanding Social Security benefits for retired teachers, public employees πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Thousands of Mainers to benefit from Social Security Fairness Act - YouTube - CBS 13 News

State

Head of Maine's economic development agency will step down in March πŸ› Maine Public

Things to Do

Habibi πŸ› SPACE

101.9 WPOR presents Wicked Winter Jam with Bryan Martin πŸ› State Theatre

Bold as Brass πŸ› Merrill Auditorium

Patrice: The Movie πŸ› SPACE

Valentine's Day with Laura Kargul and Callie Brennan πŸ› Merrill Auditorium

Unhoused

Film looks at homelessness in Maine πŸ› Piscataquis Observer

Utilities

Maine electricity bills increased again this month πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Voter Suppression

Conservative group behind voter ID effort submits 170k signatures to get on November ballot πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine voter ID campaign touts popularity while critics urge scrutiny of proposal's fine print πŸ› Maine Public

Supporters of a Maine voter ID law hand in signatures to force referendum πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Organizers say more than 170K signatures submitted for Voter ID initiative πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

How Maine’s congressional delegation views a voter ID drive πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Westbrook

Westbrook plans to revitalize Saccarappa Park with community input - YouTube - CBS 13 News