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Whether you've been reading The Maine Monitor since its inception or just discovered us this summer, you've probably seen something we've published about the state's indigent defense crisis. The problem keeps mushrooming — as of Friday, there were 655 poor defendants waiting for a lawyer.

Observers believe there's a solution on the horizon: the state's new network of public defender's offices, three of which have begun taking cases. 

But there's plenty of hiring left to do. And it requires reckoning with a crucial question, which our government accountability reporter Josh Keefe looks at this week: How to staff these offices without cutting into the state's limited pool of defense lawyers. One answer: Louisiana.

Yes, Louisiana. You'll have to read the story to see what I mean. 

Before you dive in: Today is the last day to donate to our summer fundraising drive, and we still have $6,635 to raise to meet our $40,000 goal.

If you haven't had a chance to donate, please consider doing so today. Your support will allow us to keep tackling important stories across Maine: about the indigent defense crisis, the impact of climate change on seabirds and salt marshes, and much more. We couldn't do this work without readers like you!

And if you know of something we should investigate, please don't hesitate to get in touch — some of our best stories began with reader tips.

— Stephanie

Public defender’s offices are opening across Maine. 

The next step: staffing them.

Logan Perkins, the District Defender for Penobscot County, is building a new public defender’s office at the epicenter of the state’s indigent defense crisis. This requires developing training programs, establishing clear processes, and, most importantly, hiring attorneys. The hiring has proven difficult. 

Perkins, who began her role in early July, needs to hire five attorneys. So far, she has only been able to fill one position — from someone already working elsewhere in the state’s burgeoning public defender system. That’s partly because of all the reasons — demographic, geographic — that make it difficult to find many specialized workers in Maine, and partly because there are barriers that make it difficult to hire attorneys from other states. 

As Toby Jandreau, the District Defender for Aroostook County, put it: “Just because we create positions doesn’t mean we manifest new lawyers.” 

Read this story by Josh Keefe of The Maine Monitor.

In Scarborough, development and sea level rise threaten a beloved marsh: Conservation groups are racing to save Maine’s largest salt marsh from rising seas, development and polluted runoff. Read this story by Kate Cough, co-published with the Portland Press Herald.

Seal Island sees record number of breeding puffins: Elsewhere, there are reminders that seabirds in the Gulf of Maine remain highly vulnerable. Read this story by Derrick Z. Jackson.

Federal grant will help Maine install heat pumps in low-income homes: The funding is expected to allow the state to add thousands of heat pumps and train HVAC technicians to install and maintain them. Read this story by Emmett Gartner.

Fourth ‘radio hour’ tackles Maine’s marshes: The Maine Monitor Radio Hour is a monthly program in which reporters and editors from The Maine Monitor join WERU host Amy Browne for a discussion about the newsroom’s recent reporting. Listen to the episode.

Hooked on heating oil: Maine’s reliance on a dirty, expensive fuel

Maine relies on home heating oil more than any other state. Ending that costly dependence could improve lives and fight climate change, but it won’t be easy.

Read this story by Annie Ropeik. 

Know of a story that we should be digging into? Send it to our newsroom. 

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support.