Morning Links - Saturday February 8, 2025

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Buy Local

Explore unique Valentine's Day gifts at Lisa Marie's Made in Maine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Climate Emergency

Lawmakers eye net energy billing, nuclear power and time-of-use rates 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Trump’s offshore wind energy freeze: What states lose if the executive order remains in place 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments 🏛 Maine Beacon

Trump has targeted EV charger funding. It leaves $4M for Maine in doubt. 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Maine must remain focused on renewable energy 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Community

Maine nonprofit’s work in Haiti hampered by USAID shutdown 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Education

Advocates say cutting funding for school meals would be devastating for Maine children 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Environment

Casco Bay scientists tackle eelgrass loss 🏛 Portland Press Herald

South Portland halts disputed tree removal near jetport 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Food and Drink

Brew of the Week: Uncharted Tea in Portland - YouTube - CBS 13 News

New bakery in southern Maine touts unique gluten-free treats - YouTube - WMTW-TV

King’s Head Pub opening Freeport location 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Gambling

The Maine Problem Gambling Hotline sees significant spike in calls 🏛 Maine Public

Judge rules to allow sports bar to resume bets ahead of Super Bowl 🏛 Maine Public

Oddfellahs Sportsbook ＆ Bar is Back Open for Sports Betting Action 🏛 Portland Old Port

Oddfellahs celebrates court win as betting resumes just in time for Super Bowl 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Health Care

Expanding healthcare for adult non-citizens 🏛 Amjambo Africa

Record number of Mainers enrolled in online health care marketplace 🏛 Maine Beacon

Flat MaineCare rates force home health company to discharge pediatric patients 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Opinion: Maine’s seniors need better access to safe pain medication 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Ask Maine’s leaders to secure funding for family planning services 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Justice

Federal Court Hearing Arguments in Challenge to ... 🏛 ACLU of Maine

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Joins Multistate Coalition in Suing to Stop Elon Musk and DOGE's Attacks on Americans 🏛 State of Maine

Maine's attorney general joins coalition in lawsuit over Elon Musk's DOGE 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Democratic AGs allege Trump administration is freezing federal funds despite court order 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine Mall shooting suspect was dropped off at the mall, prosecutors say 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine Mall shooting suspect appears in court; judge sets bail at $250K - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Westbrook man charged in Maine Mall shooting makes first court appearance 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Legislative committee recommends rule changes for Maine teens facing adult charges 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Judge allows Maine lobstermen’s lawsuit over ‘red listing’ to advance 🏛 Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Transgender female athletes can still compete under state law, Maine sports governing body says 🏛 Maine Public

Trump's executive order on trans athletes ignites debate in Maine 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Outdoors

How to pick a trail that’s great for snowshoeing 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Big Bay in Sebago Lake freezes for 1st time since 2019 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine adventurers to attempt rare winter trek through 100-Mile Wilderness to benefit underprivileged youth 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Photography

Another one, before the snow. Augusta, Maine ❤️ 🏛 Reddit

Post snowstorm clouds and sun over Biddeford Pool, Maine 🏛 Reddit

Police

Maine Mall shooting suspect turns himself in to police 🏛 WMTW

Politics

Republican dissents over bipartisan deal on Maine budget 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine's GOP is under new leadership - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

State lawmakers consider new proposal intended to crack down on excessive dog barking 🏛 Maine Public

A House Democrat warns against making ‘everything Defcon 5’ 🏛 Washington Post

Susan Collins flying to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Donald Trump 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Susan Collins heads to Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators to meet with Trump 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Collins warns Trump administration against crackdown on FBI agents in Jan. 6 investigation 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Letter: Will Sen. Collins ever hold President Trump accountable? 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sens. Collins and King cast opposite votes on Trump's controversial budget director 🏛 Maine Public

Elon Musk and DOGE have crossed a constitutional ‘red line’ 🏛 Bangor Daily News

For years, RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine rhetoric has found receptive ears in Maine 🏛 Maine Public

Letter: The age of robber barons is back 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: Disaster aid shouldn’t be tied to Trump agenda 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Bowdoin College students face discipline for pro-Palestine encampment 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Public Safety

Maine public health experts worry about federal data removed from websites 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Status of avian flu in Maine elevated to 'high' 🏛 Maine Public

South Portland apartment fire caused by homemade e-bike battery 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Modded e-bike blamed for fire in 100-unit Maine apartment building 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Battery-powered e-bike likely source of South Portland fire, officials say 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine driver charged after causing 3-car crash because they didn’t defrost their windshield 🏛 Bangor Daily News

New bill would end inspection requirements in Maine 🏛 WGME

Sports

Portland Hearts of Pine Welcome Alex Ryan as Assistant ... 🏛 Hearts of Pine

Tula is playing for Maine in this year’s Puppy Bowl 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine dog headed to the Puppy Bowl - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

Come sledding in downtown Biddeford during WinterFest on Saturday 🏛 Saco Bay News

Skijoring in Topsham among this weekend's happenings in Maine - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Dispatch - State Theatre, Portland Maine 🏛 State Theatre

Unhoused

Unhoused people staying homeless longer, according to MaineHousing report 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Morning Links - Friday February 7, 2025

Friday, February 7, 2025

Arts

University of Southern Maine hosts 'Life Forms' sculpture exhibit - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Business

How to convert remote workers into Maine workers 🏛 Mainebiz

Opinion: Stop besmirching Maine’s medical cannabis program 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Here's What is Replacing Big Lots in Portland, Maine 🏛 WCYY

Buy Local

Bull Moose's first employee Chris Brown is calling it a career 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Valentine’s Gift Guide: Where to Shop and Date Night Ideas 🏛 Portland Old Port

Climate Emergency

Legislature to again weigh whether clean energy credits are helping or harming Maine ratepayers 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Education

Lawmakers question Maine educational officials on poor math and reading scores 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Environment

Maine DEP: $50M sludge bond would preserve landfill space 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Farmers and lawmakers hope to secure future of Maine’s PFAS support program 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmakers introduce bill to create response program for PFAS threats - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine bill could set PFAS limits for food grown by local farmers 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Attacks on Environmental Laws and Investments Pose a Threat to Maine 🏛 Natural Resources Council of Maine

Food and Drink

A Pocket Guide to Portland’s Pizza Scene 🏛 Portland Old Port

Maine Food ＆ Dining: Wells, Bath, Freeport, Brunswick, Camden, Northport, Wiscasset 🏛 Portland Food Map

Storm Openings: Where To Dine and Drink 🏛 Portland Old Port

Where to Park in Portland, Maine During a Parking Ban 🏛 Portland Old Port

Visit 3 Fascinating Speakeasies in the Walkable City of Portland, ... 🏛 Only in Your State

Gambling

All bets are off? Oddfellahs Sportsbook and Bar asks judge to resume play 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Health Care

Opinion: Federal cuts to Medicaid will harm Maine children 🏛 Portland Press Herald

History

Throwback Thursday Photo: Million Dollar Bridge 1991 ＆ 2025 🏛 Portland Old Port

Housing

New analysis offers mixed outlook for Maine’s housing market 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Letter: ‘Local control’ cripples housing in Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey and 14 Attorneys General issue joint statement on protecting access to Gender-Affirming Care 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Attorney Generals on gender-affirming care - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

'Picking on trans people:' Maine advocate blasts ban on trans athletes in women's sports - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Nazis

No Hate in My State: Peering Inside the Minds and Motives of Racist Landowners in Maine 🏛 Medium - Listen and Learn

Outdoors

Success with electronic tagging of turkeys has Maine looking at deer next 🏛 Bangor Daily News

These big birds hunt smaller ones at backyard feeders 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Sebago Lake Rotary Ice Fishing Derby nearing 🏛 The Windham Eagle

Photography

Getting slushy in the harbah 🏛 Reddit

The next time someone asks, “What’s Portland like in the winter?” I’m gonna show them this. 🏛 Reddit

I think this is a muskrat? First time I’ve seen anything like this so close 🏛 Reddit

Nubble Lighthouse, taken in June 2024 🏛 Reddit

Police

MAGA fanatic holds infant hostage in shootout while posting about "pedos" & "transgenders" 🏛 LGBTQ Nation

Police kill Aroostook County man who shot deputy, killed police dog 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Officials respond to 'incident' on Ranger Street in Portage Lake, Maine 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine State Police mourn the loss of K-9 Preacher 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Tragedy: Christian Extremist Live-Streams Shootout with State Police, Killed in Standoff Fueled by Abortion Rights Paranoia, Political Extremism, and Joblessness 🏛 Reddit

Maine Mall shooting suspect surrenders 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine Mall shooting suspect turns himself in 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine Mall shooting suspect surrenders, victim expected to survive 🏛 New England Cable News

Police arrest Maine Mall shooting suspect - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Police identify suspect in Maine Mall shooting 🏛 WGME

Police identify suspect in Maine Mall shooting 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine Mall shoppers, workers concerned but resolved in wake of shooting 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Community left feeling uneasy after police arrest Maine Mall shooting suspect 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Mall employees say they have not been trained for active shooter situations - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Portland man arrested for assaulting teen walking home in Westbrook 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

westbrook assault arrest - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Minor stabs another minor in South Portland 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine Capitol Police introduce first bomb detection dog - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Politics

Let the people of Maine directly elect their constitutional and statutory officers 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Is your neighbor’s dog too loud? Maine bill would clamp down on excessive barking 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Apparent committee harmony over supplemental budget falls apart 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine Republicans vowto vote against a budget deal with Democrats 🏛 Bangor Daily News

GOP lawmakers try to undo unanimous approval advancing supplemental budget - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

National Democratic group has sights set on Maine House District 24 special election 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Letter: Portrait of Maine’s 2nd District was incomplete 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Frey, 12 other state attorneys general pledge lawsuit challenging Musk’s Treasury access 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine and 12 other states to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine AG Frey to join multistate lawsuit over Musk's access to sensitive Treasury data 🏛 Maine Public

Maine attorney general joins lawsuit over Elon Musk's role in DOGE - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Joins Coalition of 12 Attorneys General to Release Statement on DOGE Access to Sensitive Personal Information 🏛 State of Maine

Congress must stop Elon Musk’s unlawful power grab 🏛 Bangor Daily News

How to make your voice heard in Augusta this legislative ... 🏛 Amjambo Africa

Jared Golden says Elon Musk’smethods are ‘poisoning the well’ in Washington 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Zoom In/Zoom Out: A new ongoing series from Rep. Jared Golden 🏛 Dear Mainer

Addressing billionaires and Susan Collins — and what you can do 🏛 Maine Beacon

Sen. Collins worried that Elon Musk is operating without checks and balances - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Letter: Not fooled by Collins’ Hegseth vote 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Lawmakers press Social Security on lag in paying expanded benefits to public employees 🏛 Maine Morning Star

In speech against Trump nominee, Angus King says Elon Musk crossed ‘red line’ 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Angus King urges Senate to protect the Constitution, reject Trump budget nominee 🏛 Portland Press Herald

U.S. Senate confirms Russ Vought, a Project 2025 author, to manage the nation’s budget 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Senate must reject Kash Patel to head FBI 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine tourism industry eyes potential impacts from tariffs 🏛 Maine Public

Hundreds protest Trump’s agenda in Augusta during national day of action 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Mainers protest Pres. Trump's first weeks in office at State House - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Video of last night's Augusta protest and the counter-protest late into the evening 🏛 Reddit

At the Maine Jewish Museum, an art exhibit, a protest – then a conversation 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Things to Do

Previewing concerts around Maine over the next two weeks 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Coming to PMA Films in March: "David Lynch: Only in Dreams" 🏛 Portland Museum of Art

Max García Conover ＆ Paula Prieto LIVE STREAM 🏛 One Longfellow Square

Funkationland (Night 1) LIVE STREAM 🏛 One Longfellow Square

Happy Apple 🏛 SPACE

Bonsai Beginner Workshop at Definitive Brewing Company 🏛 Patch

Snow Waltz (Snaltz) - evening of waltzing on Saturday, Feb 8 🏛 Reddit

BANFF Mountain Film Festival bringing top extreme sport films to Maine - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Transportation

Budget airline will offer nonstop flights from Maine to Ohio 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Unhoused

Preble Street takes over Hope House, ensuring vital shelter remains open 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Mission to end homelessness in Maine approaching first target for veterans in June - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Utilities

Regulators seek approval to cut bills for Mainers who use electricity during off-peak hours 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Vacationland

How a Maine ice diver raised a U-Haul from the bottom of a frozen lake 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine Whoopie Pie Festival moving to Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Morning Links - Thursday February 6, 2025

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Asylum Seekers

Amid federal immigration turmoil, Maine's Office of New Americans will focus on workforce integration 🏛 Maine Public

Business

Aldi supermarket chain signs lease in Portland at former Big Lots site 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine might get its 1st Aldi supermarket 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Businesses on Maine-Canada border voice concerns over tariff pause uncertainty - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Federal commission repeals lobster size limit rule - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Buy Local

Smiling Hill Farm experiencing bottle shortage, delivery delay - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Climate Emergency

Maine GOP forwards two proposals to end "job-killing solar tax" - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

South Portland moves forward with ban on gas-powered leaf blowers - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Community

Winter Classic raises funds for Maine veterans - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Education

Public Forum on FY26' School Budget February 4, 2025 - YouTube - Portland Public Schools, Maine

Maine law makers are frustrated with the Mills administration over low student test scores 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Environment

Maine Monitor hosts dam discussion in Bucksport 🏛 The Maine Monitor

Pingree: Imminent Purge of EPA Employees Will Undermine Protections of Human Health ＆ the Environment 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Food and Drink

New pizzeria ZA to open in former Slab space on Preble Street 🏛 Portland Press Herald

1155: Paige Gould, Co-Owner of Central Provisions, Tipo, and Finestkind - YouTube - Restaurant Unstoppable

Gambling

Owner of Oddfellahs to appeal after sports betting license revoked - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Health Care

Bill would allow Maine pharmacies to set up drug dispensing sites in rural areas 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: Lawmakers must protect health care funding 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine healthcare workers at risk as federal funds stall 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Federal funding pause disrupts Bangor health care center - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Housing

New analysis offers mixed outlook for Maine's housing market 🏛 Maine Public

Affordable housing stock expected to increase in Maine, but high costs are still straining owners, renters 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Affordability a growing concern for anyone looking to buy a home in Maine 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Examining MaineHousing's first 'Housing Outlook' report - YouTube - WMTW-TV

MaineHousing says home prices continue to rise in Maine - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Justice

Man who killed beloved Maine burrito maker found not criminally responsible 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Portland man accused of killing roommate asks for prosecutors to turn over evidence 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine struggles with public defender crisis as costs soar and backlog increases - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Labor

Unemployment rate slips in Maine metro areas 🏛 Maine Public

Updated Portland Unemployment Figures | released February 05, 2025 🏛 Reddit

LGBTQIA+

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey says he will protect access to gender-affirming care 🏛 Maine Public

Maine joins 14 other states in rejecting Trump’s attack on gender-affirming care 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine attorney general vows to protect access to gender-affirming care 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine attorney general dismisses Trump effort to restrict gender-affirming care 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey and 14 Attorneys General Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care 🏛 State of Maine

Maine attorney general joins coalition to protect gender-affirming care - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine AG reaffirms commitment to protecting gender-affirming care access - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Photography

Snow Sculptures of Deering Street Park 🏛 Reddit

A photo distraction (given the state of the world) 🏛 Reddit

Gorham Mountain Six Months Apart 🏛 Reddit

Missing Summer 🏛 Reddit

Ya know what I mean, Vern?! 🏛 Reddit

Police

Maine Mall evacuated after 'isolated' shooting, police searching for suspect 🏛 Maine Public

Suspect in ‘isolated’ shooting at Maine Mall remains at large 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine Mall shooting: Police search for suspect, mall fully evacuated 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine mall closed amid active shooter incident, officials say 🏛 Boston Globe

Police release photos of a suspect in Maine Mall shooting 🏛 WABI

Maine Mall evacuated in South Portland 🏛 WMTW

Maine Mall evacuated as police search for shooting suspect inside - YouTube - WMTW-TV

'People were running': Witnesses describe aftermath of Maine Mall ... 🏛 WMTW

Video shows police inside Maine Mall after shooting - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Inside look at Maine Mall after shooting - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Shopper says she and others sheltered in place at Maine Mall after shooting - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Ulta employee describes what he saw after shooting at Maine Mall - YouTube - WMTW-TV

One person hospitalized in Maine Mall shooting, police search for ... 🏛 WGME

Shooting incident inside Maine Mall - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Police respond to 'active incident' at Maine Mall in South Portland ... 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

'Do not approach': Maine Mall shooting suspect search continues 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

BREAKING NEWS: Police respond to 'active situation' at Maine Mall - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Maine Mall evacuated as police respond to 'active situation'; people asked to avoid area - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Police searching for shooting suspect in Maine Mall incident - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

'Really scared': Witnesses describe hearing gunshots during incident at Maine Mall - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Heavy law enforcement presence at Maine Mall as police investigate shooting incident - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Police: 1 person brought to hospital in Maine Mall shooting incident - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Police continue search for suspect in Maine Mall shooting incident - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Police believe shooting at Maine Mall is an 'isolated incident' - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

People begin to exit Maine Mall after building closes during shooting investigation - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Exchange student describes moments inside Maine Mall during shooting incident - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Search for Maine Mall shooting suspect continues - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

'Do not approach': Shooting suspect believed to have left Maine Mall - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Person shot at Maine Mall, suspected shooter sought, South Portland police say 🏛 New England Cable News

PHOTOS: Police identify suspect in Maine Mall shooting - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Politics

Maine lawmaker proposes adding political affiliation as a protected class 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine lawmaker wants to open intraparty meetings to public 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Budget committee strips down governor’s change package in late-night votes 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine supplemental budget gets committee approval 🏛 WGME

Supplemental budget gets committee approval, heads for full Maine Legislature vote 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

‘Do we hit pause? Do we pull the plug?’: In Maine, questions follow federal funding freeze 🏛 Maine Beacon

Letter: Maine is doing property tax assessment all wrong 🏛 Portland Press Herald

U.S. Senate Democrats to remain on floor overnight denouncing Trump budget nominee 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Letter: Not too late to oppose Tulsi Gabbard 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Golden slams Musk: America didn't elect 'weirdo billionaire' 🏛 Maine Public

Jared Golden vowed to ‘hold Trump accountable.’ Now would be a good time to do that. 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Sen. Collins meets with other lawmakers critical of Elon Musk’s moves to cut agencies, workforce 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Senate’s top appropriator says Elon Musk has gone too far 🏛 Politico

Sen. King presses White House for answers about Elon Musk's DOGE 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Waterville protesters target Elon Musk at Tesla charging station 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Here are the Trump nominees Angus King voted for 🏛 Reddit

Douglas Rooks: The Trump-Musk axis had parallels in Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

‘Dump Trump’: More than 100 demonstrators gather in Augusta in national wave of protest 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Hundreds protest President Trump's agenda in Augusta during national day of action 🏛 Maine Public

Anti-Trump protesters gather near Maine State House in Augusta 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Protesters in Maine join nationwide demonstrations against Trump 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

50501 Protest In Augusta Maine Clip's of Resistance ＆ Speakers 🏛 Reddit

Crowd gathers at Maine State House to protest Trump, Musk 🏛 Spectrum News

Mainers protest Pres. Trump's first weeks in office at State House 🏛 FOX 23

Trump notion U.S. should control Gaza met with little enthusiasm in Congress 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Maine delegation rejects Trump’s plan to take over Gaza as dangerous, unserious 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Anti-Trump Rally 🏛 Reddit

Public Safety

Woman dies in Portland crash; police seek witnesses for ... 🏛 WGME

Flu cases are on the rise in Maine - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Sports

Gov. Janet Mills welcomes Portland Hearts of Pine to Maine State ... 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine Mariners gear up for '207 Day' with special jerseys and deals 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

State

8 Investigates: Maine DHHS says it would cost more than $250,000 to fulfill public records request - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Things to Do

Osher Youth Ensembles Spring 2025 🏛 Merrill Auditorium

Portland Shen Yun Show April 1st 7pm 🏛 Patch

Rabbit Rabbit Tickets, Sat, Mar 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM 🏛 Eventbrite

Transportation

Breeze Airways adds nonstop flights from Maine to Ohio 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Morning Links - Wednesday February 5, 2025

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Arts

Theme of growth takes many forms at new art exhibition 🏛 University of Southern Maine

Maine podcaster finds international audience with ‘Murder She Told’ podcast - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Asylum Seekers

The Golden Door: January 2025 🏛 Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

How to stay safe against Trump’s attacks on immigrant communities 🏛 Maine Beacon

Refugees ＆ Asylum Seekers - YouTube - Maine Public

Business

Maine’s maple syrup industry could get boost from federal legislation 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Fisheries regulators repeal lobster size limits after pushback from Maine 🏛 Maine Public

Lobster regulators repeal minimum size increase after years of backlash in Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

UScellular invested $25.2M in Maine in 2024 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Initiative aims to support international food markets in Westbrook - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Buy Local

Record Store Day creator Chris Brown leaving Bull Moose music chain 🏛 Portland Press Herald

City

PPL Joins Dirigo Libraries Consortium and Prepares for Systemwide Upgrade 🏛 Portland Public Library

Climate Emergency

Republican legislators announce bills to repeal solar energy subsidy programs 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine received $2.2 billion from Biden clean energy programs 🏛 Maine Public

Opinion: Maine is prepared for the evolving fight against wildfire 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine snowmobiling season off to a slow start - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Community

Maine nonprofit’s humanitarian work in Africa jeopardized by Trump’s dismantling of USAID 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Education

Personnel costs, inflation, special ed are top budget challenges facing Portland schools 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine’s budget should not be balanced on the backs of childcare educators 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Environment

Maine members of Congress pushing to eliminate trade penalty on PFAS-free outdoor clothing 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Congresswoman Pingree Co-introduces Bill to Help Outdoor Retailers Phase Out Chemicals 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Mainers maddened by the potential for Gorham quarry expansion - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Gorham town council votes down quarry expansion - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Court restores protections for endangered whales to prevent fishing gear entanglement 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Brunswick officials voice support for better fish passage on the Androscoggin River 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter to the Editor: Build resistance to Trump’s “cut baby cut” forest policy 🏛 Daily Bulldog

Harpswell has 44 of Maine’s 600 remaining overboard discharge systems 🏛 Harpswell Anchor

Gambling

Oddfellahs challenges state's denial of sports betting license 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Health Care

Several new bills in Maine legislature focus on abortion rights, health care - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Unable to access federal funds, Penobscot Community Health Care may have to furlough staff 🏛 Maine Public

Former Maine lawmaker’s leukemia fight highlights national need for bone marrow donors 🏛 Portland Press Herald

History

Funtown U.S.A. | 1988 Commercial 🏛 Reddit

Housing

Some housing dollars still inaccessible after temporary Trump funding freeze 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Why the dream of a starter home in Maine is slipping out of reach 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Justice

Lawmaker hopes to alleviate attorney backlog by changing how Maine punishes bail violations 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Some of Maine’s bail violation charges could be eliminated by proposed bill 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Portland man found not criminally responsible for death of Granny’s Burritos founder 🏛 Portland Press Herald

LGBTQIA+

This month's School Support Circle will feature a guest speaker from GLBTQ… 🏛 Bluesky - OUT Maine

Outdoors

You can find these entertaining birds in the North Maine Woods 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Photography

Snowglobe 🏛 Reddit

State Street Church 🏛 Reddit

Art and Life in Maine 🏛 Reddit

Chainsaw Art 🏛 Reddit

Police

Maine lacks a comprehensive missing persons list, so we made one 🏛 Maine Morning Star

8 Investigates: Should Maine have a comprehensive database for missing people? - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Politics

Coalition: increase tax on wealthy to fund essential services 🏛 Amjambo Africa

Anti-Trump protest in Augusta still on despite confusion 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Pingree’s office flooded with calls from voters worried about chaos, threats of Trump administration 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Pingree focused on keeping government running amid Trump administration confusion 🏛 Maine Public

Rep. Pingree slams 'chaos' of the Trump administration's first weeks 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

'Chaos and illegal activity:' Chellie Pingree blasts President Trump's first two weeks in office - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Letter: We must come together to protect democracy 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Senate panel approves RFK Jr. nomination 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Watch: Senate committee advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination to be health secretary 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Gabbard nomination for intel chief headed to Senate floor after panel approval 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Tulsi Gabbard clears Senate committee after getting key support from Susan Collins 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Susan Collins to back OMB nominee Russell Vought, paving way for confirmation 🏛 The Hill

Pingree Blasts Unelected Billionaire Musk ＆ Illegal Actions by Trump Administration Today 🏛 Munjoy Hill News

Susan Collins ‘very concerned’ about Elon Musk’s moves in Washington 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Amid a deluge of constituent calls, Maine’s delegation challenges Elon Musk’s authority 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Congress must investigate Elon Musk’s hacking of government agencies 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine officials wary of how trade war would affect lobster industry 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine braces for increased energy prices from Trump tariffs, despite 30-day postponement 🏛 Maine Public

Donald Trump’s fast-moving tariff plans put Maine Republicans in tricky positions 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Jared Golden says Donald Trump gained leverage on Canada with tariff threats 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Letter: Maine cigarette tax more than just a budget tool 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine sees spike in flu cases - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Sports

Rep. Kuhn, Sen. Pierce welcome Portland Hearts of Pine to the State ... 🏛 State of Maine

Gov. Janet Mills welcomes Portland Hearts of Pine to Maine State House - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

South Portland

South Portland residents caught off guard by tree clearing ... 🏛 WMTW

Things to Do

Film Screening: A Peace of Forest 🏛 Portland Trails

Weekend Guide: February 7th – 9th, 2025 🏛 Portland Old Port

The Live Music Guide: February 5th – 11th, 2024 🏛 Portland Old Port

Special Galentines Tasting Experience 2/13/25 - Portland 🏛 Patch

Maine Things To Do | Polar Blast Weekend, Central Maine Chocolate Festival, Medway’s 150th Birthday Celebration 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Calling all horror fans! Horror authors Eric LaRocca (AT DARK I BECOME LOAT… 🏛 Bluesky - Print: A Bookstore

Utilities

Maine approves rules to restrict utilities’ lobbying, prevent costs from being passed to customers 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Vacationland

Travel Guide to Portland, Maine: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play 🏛 Vogue

Voter Suppression

GOP lawmakers target noncitizen voting, seek to eliminate ranked-choice ballots 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Morning Links - Tuesday February 4, 2025

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Arts

Watch ACE FREHLEY Perform In Portland, Maine 🏛 Blabbermouth.net

Maine native Amy Allen wins Grammy Award for work with Sabrina Carpenter 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine native Amy Allen wins songwriter of the year Grammy 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine native Amy Allen makes history with Grammys win - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Asylum Seekers

Mass. teenager who was in ICE custody in Maine reunited with family - YouTube - WMTW-TV

Business

MEREDA forecast conference scheduled for Feb. 27 🏛 Mainebiz

North Yarmouth gluten-free bagel wholesaler closes operation 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Warby Parker opens first Maine location - YouTube - CBS 13 News

City

Celebrate '207 Day' this Friday 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Climate Emergency

Maine benefited from $2.2B in US clean energy spending and incentives 🏛 Portland Press Herald

New Report: Federal Climate Programs Spur $2.2B in Investment in Maine 🏛 Natural Resources Council of Maine

Opinion: It’s time for Mainers to speak up on clean energy 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Renewable energy project in Clinton turns cow manure into natural gas 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Maine's Changing Climate | Mythbusters - YouTube - NEWS CENTER Maine

Earthquake

3rd earthquake shakes the ground off the Maine coast 🏛 Piscataquis Observer

Education

At least one executive order is expected to impact Maine school curriculums 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Bangor schools don’t know if Trump’s orders will axe diversity committee 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Maine’s problems with Lion Electric buses began immediately 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine technician explains why he quit his job at Lion Electric Co. after 4 months 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Elections

Efforts to expand Maine clean elections reckon with currently inadequate program funding 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Environment

I was a federal whistleblower. I know what an assault on science and regulation looks like. 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Feb 5: Coffee with the Casco Baykeeper: Stormy Times Call for Action 🏛 Friends of Casco Bay

Court upholds lobster fishing ban to protect dwindling right whales 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Food and Drink

Za Coming to Preble Street 🏛 Portland Food Map

Becky's Diner faces egg price hike, keeps menu prices steady despite rising costs - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Dizzy Birds in Biddeford to reopen for takeout, delivery 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Skiers Are Flocking to Saddleback’s New Restaurant, The Nest 🏛 Down East

Gambling

Maine sports betting bar loses license, winning customers unable to claim cash - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Maine’s only sports betting bar loses license 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Health Care

Proposed pharmacy tax under fire for possible impact on consumers 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Opinion: I’m alarmed by the future of health care in Maine 🏛 Portland Press Herald

How Native-Led Programs Are Blending Culture and Western Science to Help Their Relatives Through the Opioid Crisis 🏛 Native News Online

Housing

Lawmakers push for reform as some Mainers live in fear of 'the state taking their house' - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Rural Mainers struggle to find recovery housing 🏛 Maine Beacon

Join us at the State House on Feb. 11 for Housing Lobby Day! This session w… 🏛 Bluesky - Maine People's Alliance

Justice

Portland man accused in deadly Bayside shooting pleads not guilty 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Maine bar suspends law license for New Hampshire judge facing criminal charges 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Outdoors

State park camping reservations start opening in Maine 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

A Brief History of Maine’s Interconnected Trail System 🏛 Down East

A Novice’s Guide to Ice Climbing in Maine 🏛 Down East

Maine Guide Mondays: Snowshoeing in Aroostook State Park - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Police

Families lament lack of state database to track missing persons 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Effort to create Maine missing persons database draws concerns from state police 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Portland police make progress on unsolved cold cases 🏛 Maine Public

Meet Teddy: Maine Capitol Police introduce first bomb detection dog 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Photography

Pine Warbler by Rachel Maher 🏛 Natural Resources Council of Maine

Eagles in Yarmouth 🏛 Reddit

Municipal Waste at Geno's Rock Club 02/03/25 🏛 Reddit

Portland Head Light snowfield 🏛 Reddit

Seaweed 🏛 Reddit

Frozen Sebago Lake as seen from Douglas Mountain 🏛 Reddit

Bahhh Hahhhba 🏛 Reddit

Politics

Lawmaker and secretary of state clash over constitutional amendment on voting by noncitizens 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Advocates call for higher taxes on the rich and corporations to balance Maine’s budget 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Letter: RFK Jr. is not qualified to head HHS 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Sen. Collins to support nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for intelligence chief 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Susan Collins will support Tulsi Gabbard as Donald Trump’s intelligence chief 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Susan Collins will support Tulsi Gabbard as Trump’s national intelligence director 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Opinion: Confirmation votes show importance of independent leadership 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Members of Congress refused entry to USAID agency shuttered by Trump administration 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Second federal judge issues temporary order blocking Trump spending freeze 🏛 Maine Morning Star

Federal funding uncertainty hurts Mainers 🏛 Bangor Daily News

How the federal hiring freeze will impact Acadia National Park remains unclear 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Concern about how Trump’s trade war with Canada will impact Maine industries 🏛 Maine Morning Star

The Maine lumber industry, with close business ties to Canada, braces for possible tariffs 🏛 Maine Public

Maine and Canada's highly integrated lobster industries may face impacts under potential tariffs 🏛 Maine Public

Experts warn Maine lobster industry may take a hit due to Trump's tariffs - YouTube - CBS 13 News

Mainers will see heating oil prices increase after Trump’s Canadian tariffs 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Canada energy tariff could hit Maine oil and gas prices hard, despite 30-day postponement 🏛 WCSH News Center Maine

Canadian lumber tariffs could drive up costs and slow Maine home construction - YouTube - CBS 13 News

See how much Maine imports from Canada, China and Mexico 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Mainers have mixed thoughts on Trump’s tariffs as fees on Canadian fuel gets paused 🏛 Bangor Daily News

My response to Trump’s trade war? No more trips to Maine. 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Public Safety

Fatal crash in Portland under investigation 🏛 WMTW

Woman dies after Portland crash 🏛 Bangor Daily News

Social Safety Net

More Mainers are leaning on state help to pay for burials, cremations 🏛 Portland Press Herald

Sports

American Portland Wednesday Hockey Association of America plays for fun | Maine Public News - YouTube - Maine Public

Things to Do

What's happening NEXT weekend in Portland 🏛 Reddit

Sweeney Todd 🏛 Visit Portland

The week of February 3rd Part 1 #portlandnoise #portlandmaine #portlandmusi… 🏛 Bluesky - Portland Noise

The week of February 3rd Part 2 #portlandnoise #portlandmaine #portlandmusi… 🏛 Bluesky - Portland Noise