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“I just want my home to be my home.” That was the plea of one resident of a mobile home park in Eliot, who wrote to state officials to ask them to do something about the water coming out of her tap, which was so dirty she was afraid to bathe her baby. 

Our housing reporter Caitlin Andrews spent months talking to residents of the park and poring over state documents to understand why the water quality was so poor and what had been done to fix it. Her story digs into this and other issues, and looks at how things have started to change since the state intervened. 

Her reporting showed how many agencies are involved in regulating mobile home parks, so she also put together a guide explaining where to report different types of problems. 

Delger Erdenesanaa brought us the latest in Central Maine Power’s ongoing rate case and looked at the winning bids for a long-planned northern Maine renewable energy program. Kristian Moravec reported on the University of Maine System’s plan to boost college aspirations with new course credits for high schoolers. And Kate Kaufman explored where the possibility of a Lyme vaccine stands.

In the latest in our ongoing series of Monitor Talks, health care reporter Emily Bader brought together a panel of people who helped establish the Franklin County jail’s new approach to addiction treatment, which they said has been transformative. You can watch the discussion or read about it here.

— Stephanie

Maine waited years for a Lyme vaccine. RFK hobbled the panel needed for a smooth rollout: “All the rules are out the window,” said a physician who once served on the committee that gave guidance on new vaccines. “I don’t know how this plays out.” Read this story by Kate Kaufman

Eliot mobile home park residents couldn’t get issues fixed. So they pleaded with state officials for help: The situation at Marshwood Estates highlights the entrenched infrastructure issues at aging mobile home parks. But it also shows how things can change with a coordinated response. Read this story by Caitlin Andrews

Maine universities hope to boost college aspirations with new course credits for high schoolers: The University of Maine System will accept credentials earned through the Jobs for Maine Graduates program. Read this story by Kristian Moravec

Consumer advocates argue against Central Maine Power’s requested returns in ongoing rate case: The scrutiny over Central Maine Power’s request is part of a growing movement to lower investor-owned utilities’ return on equity. Read this story by Delger Erdenesanaa

Living shorelines in Maine show mixed success: Efforts to combat erosion with natural materials at Popham Beach and Sebago Lake, among other places, show how landowners must factor continued upkeep into the projects’ costs. Read this story by Abi Brissett

Clearway Energy wind farm and Avangrid transmission proposals selected for Aroostook County renewable energy push: The Maine Public Utilities Commission announced its picks on Tuesday for a long-planned Northern Maine renewable energy program. Read this story by Delger Erdenesanaa

Police investigate brawl after a meeting in a sharply divided Maine town: The brawl, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, involved Brownfield town officials outside a meeting last week. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News

This Maine town shows how Flock camera opposition has gone national: Fryeburg’s police chief says his phone and email have not stopped buzzing this week over a plan involving Flock cameras. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN

Fire chief’s exit clears way for rival Maine mill towns to share a leader: East Millinocket will share longtime Fire Chief Kevin McAdam with Millinocket for at least nine months. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN

Answers to 3 questions about a potential Lyme vaccine: Learn where the vaccine’s approvals stand, how effective it is and what is slowing down its potential release. Read this story by Kate Kaufman

How to report mobile home park problems in Maine: There’s a network of state and local offices involved in regulating mobile home parks. Here’s how to report common issues. Read this story by Caitlin Andrews

The people behind 1 jail’s new approach to addiction treatment: Officials involved in the Franklin County Detention Center’s addiction treatment program sat down with health care reporter Emily Bader at the latest in a series of Monitor Talks. Read this story and watch the discussion.

Eastport Planning Board recommends city adopt ordinance to permanently ban data centers. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih

Washington County Commission rescinds termination of County Manager Renée Gray. Read this story by Judith Meyer

Jay Select Board declines to send solar moratorium to voters. Read this story by Bob Neal

Washington County Commission sends 40 percent spending increase to Budget Advisory Committee for review. Read this story by Judith Meyer

Denmark residents push for tighter oversight of Poland Spring’s water extraction permit. Read this story by Carlyssa Baker

RSU 73 drivers, custodians ratify 3‑year contract with 7 percent raises for bus duties. Read this story by Bob Neal

Farmington drops plan for townwide camera network. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

Rangeley calls special meeting to restore funding for code enforcement and planning. Read this story by Ashton F. LeCraw

Select Board presents inaugural ‘Make Here Better’ award to Machias Wild Blueberry Festival. Read this story by Evan W. Houk

Former selectman challenges Lubec board chair’s residency. Read this story by Ethan Bien

Calais City Council approves school, municipal budgets amid steep cost increases. Read this story by Ethan Bien

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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