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Back-to-school season is quickly approaching. One story this week looked at how UMaine is on the hook for the financial shortfalls of a hotel on its Orono campus — and its plan to house students there in an attempt to offset some of the costs. Another analyzed the amounts Maine colleges are spending on legal fees and lobbying as they face increasing federal inquiries and regulatory pressure. 

Our reporter Delger Erdenesanaa dove into the race to restore Maine’s seagrass meadows — with striking aerial and underwater photos from Jamie Walter. 

We also looked at how Maine plans to use AI in rural health care and what a recent court ruling means for social service organizations helping to house homeless people. And the Monitor Local team brought us the latest on Washington County’s budget crisis, the debate over a data center in Eastport and the struggle to fill public works positions in some pockets of Maine. 

Our summer fundraising drive ends on Wednesday. We’ve had an incredible response so far with 197 readers contributing. If you’ve given, thank you. It’s because of readers like you that we’ve been able to expand our coverage across Maine. If you’re considering making a gift, now is the perfect time to support our in-depth and local journalism!

Maine colleges are spending more and more on legal fees and lobbying: Bowdoin College’s legal fees nearly tripled last year. It’s not the only Maine school that saw a jump. Read this story by Megan Blonigen

The race to save Maine’s seagrass meadows: Eelgrass is declining along Maine’s coast. As scientists try to understand why, they’re also preparing to restore these crucial marine habitats. Read this story by Delger Erdenesanaa

UMaine is on the hook for the financial shortfalls of a hotel on campus: Now the public university plans to put students in the hotel to offset costs, but it will pay more than $1 million in rent each year to do so. Read this story by Kristian Moravec and Megan Blonigen

Read the records outlining UMaine’s deal with Hotel Ursa: Three main documents show the history and details of UMaine’s public-private partnership. Read this story by Kristian Moravec

Maine to explore the role of AI in rural health care: The state needs “a new approach to delivering rural health care,” officials said in a proposal for federal funding. Read this story by Emily Bader

Maine homelessness service providers grapple with changing federal guidance: A federal judge once again blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul federal homelessness aid, pausing a round of grant applications due later this month. Read this story by Sean Scott

A local Maine politician rose to power despite abuse allegations that won’t go away: David Ireland, Lincoln’s council vice chair, has long faced sexual abuse allegations that he denies. But they’re only now circulating in town. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News

In search of more housing, Surry weighs connecting to Ellsworth’s water and sewer: As a housing shortage drives up costs, Maine’s small towns are seeking ways to expand the supply of affordable housing. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN

July ‘radio hour’ digs into ranked-choice voting: The show offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent Maine Monitor reporting. Listen to this episode

Eastport Council unanimously adopts moratorium on DeepGreen underwater data center proposal. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih

Analysis finds Eastport ordinance requiring voter approval of large data projects ‘unlawful’. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih

Washington County seeks dismissal of most counts in Renée Gray’s lawsuit. Read this story by Judith Meyer

It is getting tougher and tougher to fill public works positions in some pockets of Maine. Read this story by Colin Hickey

Washington County Commission accepts 2023 audit, blasts prior administration for poor oversight. Read this story by Judith Meyer

Contract negotiations for drivers and custodians in RSU 73 have stalled over wage increases. Read this story by Bob Neal

Shellfish warden urges Lubec residents to report illegal clam harvesting. Read this story by Ethan Bien

Safety, ownership questions grow as Kingfield confronts deteriorating Iron Bridge. Read this story by Ashton F. LeCraw

Lubec voters back major spending plan, pass key ordinances at annual town meeting. Read this story by Ethan Bien

Jay Select Board hears opposition to what could become the largest solar farm in Maine. Read this story by Bob Neal

Second time around, MSAD 58 voters approve $13.2 million budget. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

Skowhegan Select Board backs new Tasers for police, approves 10‑year lease for downtown building. Read this story by Carlyssa Baker

Farmington Select Board approves 3 percent sewer rate increase. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

Paris Select Board keeps Buckfield Road parcel, eyes recreation or conservation use. Read this story by Carlyssa Baker

Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. You can also email The Monitor's editors: editors@themainemonitor.org. 

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. 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.

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