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It was hard to keep up with the news this week—even for those of us in the business.

The Trump administration abruptly ordered a federal funding freeze, the freeze was halted by a judge, then the memo was rescinded, though the White House emphasized that it stood by its original goal: to ensure programs align with the president's recent executive orders undoing federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs and rolling back environmental and transgender protections.

What does that mean for Maine? The Maine Monitor team spoke to agencies and organizations whose funding was in jeopardy about what was on the line, and how they're planning to proceed given all the uncertainty. It's something we'll continue to follow.

We'd love to hear from you, too, about how Trump's policies are affecting your life and work—particularly if you're a federal employee. Here's our contact form. If you have a sensitive tip and are concerned about security you can email us at themainemonitor@proton.me, a new account we set up through the encrypted email service Proton Mail. Or send us something via regular post—still one of the most secure methods out there. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 284, Hallowell, ME 04347. 

We're a small newsroom and can't respond to every tip, but we read each one carefully. For more on how we do our best to produce fair, accurate, nonpartisan journalism, read our Trust Project announcement below.

— Stephanie

[News] ‘Do we hit pause? Do we pull the plug?’: 

In Maine, questions follow federal funding freeze

Nonprofit leaders and others reliant on federal grants said the Trump administration’s order put crucial services in jeopardy. 

Lisa Sockabasin, the co-CEO of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, told The Monitor that as of Friday morning her organization still could not access the federal dollars that pay for “well over” 50 percent of their operations. 

“We’re very concerned. That’s all I can say,” she said, adding that the group has reached out to its federal delegation but has yet to hear back. “Do we have the resources to essentially supplant federal dollars? The answer is no, we don’t.”

Read this story by Josh Keefe, Rose Lundy, Emily Bader and Stephanie McFeeters.

[News] Bill would add to hotel sales tax to fund school construction: The legislation comes as a group plans to release a report examining possible changes to Maine’s school funding formula. Read this story by Jacqueline Weaver.

[News] New bills could allow towns to come together and take over abandoned dams: Hancock County lawmakers are planning legislation that would address dam abandonment in response to a debate over three Bucksport-area dams. Read this story by Emmett Gartner.

[News] Working group recommends regulating intoxicating hemp: The group of health experts and producers wants the state to create age limits for intoxicating hemp-derived products and put a cap on the amount of THC in beverages. Read this story by Rose Lundy.

[Community Announcement]  You can trust our reporting. Here’s why: The Maine Monitor has always been committed to transparency and accountability in its journalism. As part of our continued mission to earn the trust of our readers, The Monitor has joined The Trust Project and adopted its 8 Trust Indicators, which help readers identify honest journalism and encourage accountability. Read this story.

[Enterprise] The heartbreak, hope and courage of a Maine transgender child

(Published in 2022)

Their lives in a largely rural state can be especially difficult. They face bullying and isolation, and health resources are hard to come by.

Read this story by Barbara A. Walsh.

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.