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Well now, that wasn't too gloomy of a week. For late November.

A stalled jet stream over Greenland is apparently responsible for the gray, low skies and temperatures in the mid-40s. Western Maine is no stranger to odd shifts in the weather, of course, but that doesn't typically include snow in Rangeley in late May.

Meanwhile, we've got towns, school districts, hospitals and senior nutrition programs adjusting to changing times. A few links to read while we wait for things to warm up.

Enjoy Memorial Day and the long weekend! It probably won't snow again.

Maine’s heat pump boom has been promising for rural workforce development. Can it last?

Maine has had success in adopting heat pumps across the state, and jobs have grown quickly — particularly in rural areas. But as the state approaches big deadlines for heat pump installation and bolstering its clean energy workforce, uncertainties lie ahead.

Read this story by Kristian Moravec of The Maine Monitor

While The Maine Monitor does not place its content behind paywalls, some newsrooms we link to in this newsletter may. 

A rare May Nor'easter is responsible for the rain and wind that capped off an unusually cool week. | Maine Public

ICYMI: A bill that would automatically seal certain criminal records has set up a debate between supporters who say the legislation would give people with a criminal history a second chance to “reach their full potential” and opponents who worry this blanket approach goes too far. | The Maine Monitor

Oxford voters will decide on a $3 million road bond and choose how to conduct future town meetings on June 7. | Advertiser Democrat

Nearly half of the state's rural hospitals are in danger of closing, according to a new report. | WGME

Phillips has sent a letter to MSAD 58 indicating its intent to withdraw from the district, joining the town of Strong. | Sun Journal

ICYMI: Lawmakers consider bills to improve regional transportation options, increase public input | The Maine Monitor

While clinical services at Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville will end this month, the walk-in clinic continue to operate. | WGME

Funding cuts are forcing changes for a Rumford program that distributes food to seniors. | Rumford Falls Times

Somerset County commissioners objected to a proposed, 1,845-acre conservation project near Moxie Pond this week, raising concerns that the area would be closed off for hunting. | Morning Sentinel

The University of Maine System Trustees approved a $688.9 million operating budget for the next fiscal year, warning that cuts could be coming if there were reductions in federal or state funding. | Daily Bulldog

ICYMI: Our panel discussion at Colby College discussed how housing, low reimbursement and an aging population are driving Maine’s health care crisis | The Maine Monitor

Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. If you have feedback or a tip that you want to send to Ben Hanstein directly email him at: benjamin@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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