Morning Links - 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 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

City

Open House for Reimagining Franklin Street Project Set for April 17th πŸ› 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 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Constitutional Crisis

Trump Defunds School Lunches In Maine Over Transgender People πŸ› Erin in the Morning

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

Advocates push back after DOJ pulls Maine prison recovery grants πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Trump's battle with Maine over trans policies escalates πŸ› 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 πŸ› The SMCC Beacon

Maine libraries say federal funding cuts would impact broad range of programs πŸ› Maine Public

State Library lays of 13 workers, vows restructuring πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine State Library issues layoffs due to federal funding issues πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Trump's order threatens Maine libraries' federal funding πŸ› 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 πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Sen. Susan Collins outlines effort to limit presidential tariff power πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Sen. Collins' bill would return tariff control to Congress πŸ› WGME

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

β€˜I am concerned’: How Susan Collins criticizes Donald Trump as he targets Maine πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: LIHEAP must be funded to help Mainers πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Will Mainers’ voices at rallies make a difference? | Letter πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

On Jan. 20, I drove to Canada to apologize | Opinion πŸ› 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 πŸ› Maine Public

Scarborough down to two options for new school solution πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Westbrook schools’ proposed $53.4 million budget gets initial approval πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Environment

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

Should Maine ban synthetic turf while studying safety? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Lawmakers weigh 3-year statewide moratorium on artificial turf fields πŸ› Maine Public

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

Food and Drink

Hot dog shop Wonderdogs set to launch this spring in Naples πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Vegetable CSAs πŸ› Reddit

Health Care

Mainers testify to ban AI-only decisions in health insurance claims πŸ› Maine Beacon

Maine’s hospitals are in dire financial shape, report says πŸ› Portland Press Herald

History

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

Squirrel Island’s First Hundred Years πŸ› Down East

Housing

Anatomy of a housing proposal toppled by NIMBYs πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Neighbors concerned over large development coming into residential Portland neighborhood πŸ› 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 πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Updated Portland Unemployment Figures | released April 09, 2025 πŸ› Reddit

LGBTQIA+

US DHHS and Maine discussed bills to bar transgender participation in sports πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Tensions flare at Augusta School Board meeting over transgender athlete policy πŸ› 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! πŸ› Bluesky - Print: A Bookstore

Single-occupancy bathrooms have multiplied in Maine. What a relief. πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

Carey Kish explores Maine Coast trails for new hiking guide πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

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

Photography

The White Mountains and Evergreen Cemetery πŸ› Reddit

Nice snow in Calais πŸ› Reddit

Sunset video at Pine Point, Scarborough, Maine on Sunday. Sound on! πŸ› Reddit

Politics

Westbrook mayor caps city spending; prelim tax rate up 4% πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

β€˜A small price to pay for dignity’: Mainers call for expansion of child tax credit πŸ› Maine Beacon

Gov. Mills urges Maine people not to support budget veto effort πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Angus King, Susan Collins press Trump nominee over his involvement in Signal chat controversy πŸ› 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 πŸ› 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 πŸ› Portland Trails

Westbrook’s Earth Day Fair πŸ› Portland Trails

Mary Halvorson Sextet πŸ› SPACE

Discover the Trails: A multilingual story walk with Portland Trails πŸ› Portland Trails

Twilight in Concert πŸ› Merrill Auditorium

JAZZ AT THE MOVIES - BILL FRISELL: A PORTRAIT πŸ› WMPG

Cool Things Happening in Portland This Week (April 9–11) πŸ› Reddit

Twilight in Concert national tour will visit Portland on Thursday, November 13 πŸ› Daily Bulldog

Tribal Sovereignty

Governor opposed to latest change to Settlement Act backed by Wabanaki Nations πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Voter Suppression

Letter: Collins, Golden should vote against SAVE Act πŸ› Bangor Daily News


Morning Links - Wednesday April 9, 2025

Arts

Windham Chamber Singers give preview performance for spring 2025 tour πŸ› Portland Press Herald

At the Portland Museum of Art, florists offer a fresh perspective πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Playwright John Cariani reflects on Maine roots in new work πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Asylum Seekers

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

Wells becomes 1st Maine police department to agree to assist ICE πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Immigration detention increase reveals expanded federal operations in Maine πŸ› Maine Morning Star

ILAP Community Update: April 4 πŸ› 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 πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Buy Local

Rosemont Market οΌ† Bakery celebrating 20 years - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Climate Emergency

Letter: β€˜Harnessing the ocean’s power’ begins with personal responsibility πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Constitutional Crisis

Trump administration pulls funding from Maine prison system over trans inmate πŸ› Bangor Daily News

US attorney general says she’s pulling β€˜nonessential’ funds to Maine prisons over transgender inmate πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Trump administration pulls some federal funding from Maine over transgender prison resident πŸ› Maine Public

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

Trump administration pulls Maine prison system funding over trans inmate πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

U.S. Justice Department cuts Maine corrections grants reportedly over transgender policy πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

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

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

Letter: Trump health funding cuts hurt people like me πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Democrat Jared Golden's only tariff fear: Trump will back down πŸ› Axios

County residents fear price hikes from Donald Trump’s trade war πŸ› The County

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

Letter: Trump has Mainers on the road to ruin πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Sen. Collins needs to speak out πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Trump administration’s destruction comes to Maine | Letter πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Tariffs are just a big game to Trump πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: CPB cuts make a mockery of border privileges πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: You don’t have to be a β€˜fraudster’ to miss a Social Security check πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Lutnick has no regard for hard-working people πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Hands Off! rally in Houlton draws close to 100 πŸ› The County

Hundreds lend a hand to local Hands Off rally πŸ› Daily Bulldog

Education

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

Portland school board advances $171.7 million budget to city council πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Charter School Commission votes to allow further consideration of school serving new Mainers πŸ› Maine Public

Environment

Bill removing referendum requirement for nuclear plants fails early test in Maine House πŸ› Maine Public

About 50 gallons of jet fuel spills at Brunswick airport πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine farmers turn to hemp in the fight against PFAS contamination πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Legislature to discuss three-year halt on artificial turf installation πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Food and Drink

Za to Open Friday πŸ› Portland Food Map

Health Care

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

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

Advocates propose toolkit to tackle state’s high cancer rates πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Housing

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

Biddeford discusses affordable housing strategies πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

A note from a transgender Mainer: from me, to you πŸ› Reddit

Nazis

Maine House Republicans fall short of repealing ban on paramilitary activities πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

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

Photography

Sunset Boats, Pine Point, Maine πŸ› Reddit

Politics

Secretary of state issues language for people’s veto of Maine state budget πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

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

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

Maine lawmakers push bill to boost child tax credit for families πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Republicans call for investigations over state audit πŸ› 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 πŸ› 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 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine Senate unanimously approves new Department of Marine Resources commissioner πŸ› Maine Public

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

Mainers could see higher taxes if US cuts local bond exemptions πŸ› Portland Press Herald

MFFM Press Conference to speak up for SNAP πŸ› Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets

Pingree Slams Trump Administration and Republicans for Threatening to Cut SNAP Benefits πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Nebraska will continue with Maine to split electoral votes in presidential elections πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Maine dentists concerned over plan to drop federal recommendation for fluoridated drinking water πŸ› Maine Public

Police identify snowboarder who died in Sugarloaf accident πŸ› Maine Public

Snowboarder who died at Sugarloaf Mountain over the weekend identified πŸ› Boston.com

Police identify snowboarder who died in Sugarloaf Mountain accident πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sears Island / Mack Point Wind Port

Maine lawmakers reject proposal to extend Sears Island conservation easement πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sports

Blooms and Bruises πŸ› Maine Roller Derby

Portland Hearts of Pine Announce Community Ticketing ... πŸ› Hearts of Pine

β€˜Community Ticketing Program’ Announced by Portland Hearts of Pine Founder πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Portland Hearts of Pine launch community ticketing program πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Portland Sea Dogs' home opener: Here's what fans need to know πŸ› 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 πŸ› Portland Old Port

Willi Carlisle πŸ› 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 πŸ› The County

Utilities

Regulators launch investigation into Versant Power’s management practices πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine PUC orders investigation of Versant management πŸ› Maine Public

Maine regulators investigating Versant Power’s management practices πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine PUC investigates Versant following audit findings on management practices πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Vacationland

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


Morning Links - Tuesday April 8, 2025

Arts

Terrance Hayes draws a full house to match the emotional fullness of his poetry – News πŸ› 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 πŸ› Marijuana Herald

UMaine unveils robotic milking arm to aid dairy farmers πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

City

Opinion: To achieve Vision Zero, Portland should start cheap and start now πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Community

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

Constitutional Emergency

Maine sues Trump after transgender sports dispute πŸ› Associated Press

Maine AG sues Trump administration for USDA funding freeze that hit school meals πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine sues Trump administration to unfreeze funds to feed schoolchildren πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine attorney general sues Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds πŸ› Maine Public

Maine lawsuit: Food aid frozen in transgender policy dispute πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Maine sues Trump administration in 1st case involving Title IX dispute πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Sues Trump Administration for Freezing Funds Used to Feed Children and Vulnerable Adults πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

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

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

Thousands rally across Maine to protest Trump administration policies πŸ› Maine Beacon

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

Stock market turmoil rattles Mainers πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: We cannot remain silent on the Trump agenda πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Calling on Maine’s leaders to meet, address voters πŸ› 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 πŸ› Friends of Casco Bay

Bill in Maine Legislature would help transfer abandoned dams to towns πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

From Augusta: Protecting Mainers’ credit from medical debt πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Lawmakers should change the pay law that’s hurting rural Maine πŸ› 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 πŸ› Maine Public

Maine's new energy code takes effect πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Justice

Maine judge halts inmate release amid legal system concerns πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Judge weighs whether to release defendants before Supreme Court appeal πŸ› Maine Public

Maine public defender shortage could lead to some defendants being released πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

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

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

Maine advocates highlight resources for National Crime Victims' Rights Week πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

LGBTQIA+

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

John Oliver highlights Maine in trans athletes segment πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine School Superintendents Association supports changes to sports policies πŸ› 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 πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

My Maine This Week: Madison Sunrise by Angela Mantha πŸ› Natural Resources Council of Maine

Sky go BOOM at Pine Point! πŸ› Reddit

Police

Police search for man after he allegedly flees Windham gas station πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Politics

Maine auditor: 'No indication' public money at risk despite controversy πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine lawmakers consider expanding child tax credit as prices rise πŸ› Maine Beacon

Legislators agree General Assistance needs reform, but split on how πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers propose competing reforms to General Assistance πŸ› Portland Press Herald

State lawmakers debate how Maine's three constitutional officers should be chosen πŸ› Maine Public

Opinion: Maine needs to create cabinet office for energy πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

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

Opinion: Party invite for Sen. Susan Collins πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Public Safety

Health experts urge caution as Maine lawmakers revisit vaccine exemptions πŸ› Maine Morning Star

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

Sugarloaf Mountain death under investigation in Maine – NBC Boston πŸ› Boston.com

Standish neighborhood receives β€˜Do Not Drink’ order πŸ› 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. πŸ› Reddit

Scarborough

Scarborough town councilor resigns πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Things to Do

Lawrence and Meyer Duo πŸ› Merrill Auditorium

Botanical Perfume Making at Blind Tiger Guest House πŸ› Visit Portland

Tom Odell at State Theatre | Sat, May 17, 2025 πŸ› State Theatre

Yes&Co. with Chris DeFilipp πŸ› Merrill Auditorium

Where to Celebrate National Beer Day in Portland, Maine πŸ› Portland Old Port

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

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

Birth of the American Revolution πŸ› Visit Portland

Frozen Yoga – Yoga on the Ice Before the Mariners Game πŸ› Visit Portland

Transportation

From Augusta: A fork in the road for Gorham and Scarborough πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Utilities

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

Vacationland

How 8 Adventurous Homeowners Live Off the Grid in Maine πŸ› Down East

Golden Anchor Amends Complaint Against Town Over Cruise Ship Disembarkation πŸ› Bar Harbor Story


Morning Links - Monday April 7, 2025

Arts

Dead Gowns πŸ› The Bollard

Asylum Seekers

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

Letter: We need to speak out against cruel deportations πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Bears, Sharks, and Zombies

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

A furry convention is coming to Portland. Forget what you think πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Business

Is the honeymoon over for owners of Maine wedding venues? πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Farm share programs give farmers a boost in spring πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Buy Local

Record Store Day has this vinyl fan hoping for unique albums πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

City

Portland City Council divided over responding to Trump orders πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Portland, Maine’s Secret Tunnels and Underground Legends πŸ› The Portland Logbook

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

Climate Emergency

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

Letter: Maine gets more than enough sun for solar energy πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Constitutional Crisis

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

How Trump’s actions have most impacted Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Pingree Slams Trump for Dismantlng Wilson Center πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

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

Mainers join in on nationwide 'Hands Off!' protests against President Trump, Elon Musk πŸ› 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 πŸ› Reddit

Letter: How we got to the Trump era πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: It is up to us to save our democracy πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Letter: USPS deserves much, much better πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: 2025 suddenly feeling a lot like 1930 πŸ› Portland Press Herald

COVID-19

β€˜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 πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

How much state funding does each Maine school district get? πŸ› 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 πŸ› 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 πŸ› WGME

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

Letter: Grateful to Maine senators for cancer research support πŸ› Portland Press Herald

History

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

Housing

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

Justice

Maine considers establishing statewide system to track rape kits πŸ› The Maine Monitor

LGBTQIA+

Letter: So many fond memories of Portland’s Blackstones πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Letter: Laurel Libby destroyed a child’s dignity πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Sunday Photos: April 6th, 2025 πŸ› Daily Bulldog

Diagonals at Ram Island Light, Cape Elizabeth, ME πŸ› Reddit

Politics

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

Public Safety

Skier dies in Sugarloaf Mountain accident πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Sugarloaf confirms 'fatal incident' involving guest πŸ› WGME

Skier dies in Sugarloaf incident πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Things to Do

This week, check out John Cariani’s latest play, a Taylor Swift tribute, β€˜The Fault in Our Stars’ author John Green πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage with Grasping Straws πŸ› SPACE

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

In the documentary β€˜Paint Me a Road Out of Here,’ art exposes hope in a hopeless place πŸ› Portland Press Herald

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

Voter Suppression

Full List of Democrats Who Voted For GOP Voter ID Bill πŸ› Newsweek


Morning Links - Sunday April 6, 2025

Asylum Seekers

Cuts considered to SNAP and TANF for noncitizens πŸ› Amjambo Africa

Climate Emergency

Seasonal allergies getting worse? Blame climate change. πŸ› Portland Press Herald

β€œWave-Swept” – A Significant Film in the Making πŸ› American Lighthouse Foundation

Community

JCA Mitzvah Day πŸ› Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Constitutional Crisis

Live updates: Mainers rally across the state to protest Trump policies πŸ› Portland Press Herald

In photos: Mainers rally across the state to protest Trump policies πŸ› Portland Press Herald

In Maine and nationwide, rallies and protests are growing alongside anger, grievances πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Hands-Off rallies gather thousands across Maine towns πŸ› Maine Public

Thousands of Mainers protest Trump in statewide β€˜Hands Off!’ rally πŸ› Bangor Daily News

β€˜Listen to the people’: Thousands demonstrate across Maine for national day of action against Trump πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Portland's 'Hands off' protest draws large crowds opposing ... πŸ› WGME

More than a dozen Hands Off rallies held across Maine πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Sen. Angus King speaks at Hands Off rally in Portland - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

More than a dozen Hands Off rallies held across Maine - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Thousands Pack Monument Square for HandsOff! Backlash Against Trump πŸ› Munjoy Hill News

Island Residents Participate in Hands Off Protests πŸ› Bar Harbor Story

Donald Trump, Elon Musk Target of β€˜Hands Off’ Protests Around World πŸ› Rolling Stone

Mainers join in on nationwide "Hands Off!" protests against President Trump, Elon Musk - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Hands Off in Portland πŸ› Reddit

Portland Maine standing strong! πŸ› Reddit

And this was just at 11:17. . . What A CROWD in Portland, Maine, for HAND… πŸ› Bluesky - Pine Tree Activism

A different perspective of Hands Off in Portland πŸ› Reddit

From the statue at Hands Off/50501 πŸ› Reddit

Huge crowd in Portland, Maine. HandsOff πŸ› Threads - rmilliken439

This is just so impressive. Monument Square, Portland Maine Apr 5, 2025, H… πŸ› Bluesky - Pine Tree Activism

Hands Off ME! What a show πŸ› Reddit

50501 πŸ› Reddit

This sign may be the best of the day: πŸ› Reddit

Protest in South Paris happening now. πŸ› Reddit

A much better picture of the protest in South Paris πŸ› Reddit

Huge Augusta Hands Off Protest πŸ› Reddit

Augusta, Maine πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡² πŸ› Reddit

Good work, Maine! More photos from Augusta πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off Huge Turnout in Auburn πŸ› Reddit

Hands off Augusta πŸ› Reddit

Today in Augusta πŸ› Reddit

AUGUSTA, Maine just half hour after it started: [contains quote post or ot… πŸ› Bluesky - Pine Tree Activism

Augusta April 5th πŸ› Reddit

Large and Peaceful turn out in Augusta Maine πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off Augusta Maine πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off Augusta πŸ› Reddit

There is a pretty good turnout in Bangor Maine πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off Rally in Bangor πŸ› Reddit

Belfast’s Protest πŸ› Reddit

Belfast Maine reporting in . . look at that crowd! HandsØFF #RESISTANCE th… πŸ› Bluesky - Pine Tree Activism

Brunswick's Protest πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off rally, Brunswick πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off in Brunswick Maine πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off sign, Wiscasset πŸ› Reddit

Great turn out today in Portland, Me πŸ› Reddit

Thank you Portland for showing up!! πŸ’™ πŸ› Reddit

York Village today πŸ› Reddit

Huge Turnout at Auburn Hands Off Protest πŸ› Reddit

Protest from Augusta today πŸ› Reddit

Proud of everyone that showed up today🀘 πŸ› Reddit

Augusta had a great turnout today! πŸ› Reddit

Hands Off in Augusta πŸ› Reddit

Federal cuts leave Maine food pantries with empty shelves and more need than ever πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Maine AG joins suit against Trump plan to β€˜dismantle’ library, business agencies πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Our View: Cuts to libraries, library services, cannot be downplayed πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Federal Clean Energy Rollbacks Could Raise Maine Electricity Costs πŸ› Natural Resources Council of Maine

Trump policies expected to cause 25% drop in Canadian tourism to Maine πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Yes, there is still a shared American story πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Maine needs the U.S. Department of Education πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Postal Service privatization is no remedy for budget bloat πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Opinion: When it comes to the National Park Service, there is no deep state πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Food and Drink

Reviewing a free sandwich off Reddit - YouTube - GWJ Films

Health Care

The Maine Millennial: Republicans cut the β€˜care’ from MaineCare πŸ› Portland Press Herald

History

Throwback Thursday Photos: Portland Sea Dogs 1994 πŸ› Portland Old Port

LGBTQIA+

Should transgender athletes be able to compete in high school sports? Here’s what Maine students say about it. πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

11 things you might not know about Acadia National Park, but should πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Maine’s forests are filling with the songs of lovesick birds πŸ› Bangor Daily News

Photography

Jordan Pond, Acadia. πŸ› Reddit

Police

Man accused of assault, threatening person with knife in Portland πŸ› WGME

Politics

A look back at some notable action in the Legislature this week πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine bill would charge OUI drivers who kill pets with Class C crime - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Our View: Maine’s delegation must find new ways to connect πŸ› Portland Press Herald

Susan Collins opposes budget framework passed by Senate Republicans πŸ› Bangor Daily News

U.S. Senate GOP wins approval of sprawling budget blueprint despite Sen. Collins’ opposition πŸ› Maine Morning Star

Maine farmers and advocates push back against fears of cuts to SNAP πŸ› WCSH News Center Maine

Sports

Sea Dogs Win Second Straight πŸ› Minor League Baseball

Things to Do

The Live Music Guide: April 2nd – 8th, 2025 πŸ› Portland Old Port

Weekend Guide: April 4th – 6th, 2025 πŸ› Portland Old Port

Phina Pippia's Magic Workshop – Mayo Street Arts πŸ› Mayo Street Arts

Goat Yoga at Smiling Hill Farm πŸ› Visit Portland

Cool Things Happening in Portland This Weekend plus Monday (April 5–7) πŸ› Reddit

Vacationland

Cumberland and Fryeburg fairs clash over fair dates - YouTube - CBS 13 News