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What a whirlwind week! We saw big news in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, of course, as Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the race against newcomer Graham Platner on Thursday. Our reporters were at the State House in Augusta this week for “Veto Day,” watching to see whether the Maine House and Senate would find the votes necessary to override Mills’ veto of a ban on data centers. (They did not.)
We also watched as the school board in Maine’s capital city found roughly $2.5 million in budget cuts, which would eliminate several teaching, social work and administrative positions, and funding for the hockey team; and require a “pay to play” system for athletes. Late in the week, we also learned that a school in Topsfield we’ve been following voted to close its five-student school, opting to send a shrinking student population elsewhere.
As always, our reporters were there.
Enjoy these early May days -
Kate |
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Tariffs, price-fixing allegations drive fire truck costs out of reach for Maine towns: Fire engine prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic, rising much faster than inflation. New ones run more than $1 million. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News |
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New poll shows how faith drives rural voters in battleground states: The poll surveyed rural voters in 13 states, including Maine, finding a quarter are driven by faith, not finances. Read this story by Sean Scott |
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What to know about Graham Platner, Susan Collins’ likely Democratic opponent: The rise of the progressive oyster farmer was unthinkable when he announced his campaign as a political unknown. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN |
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A provocateur named ‘Corn Pop’ could change Maine’s free-speech rules forever: A U.S. District Court ruling only directly addresses Augusta, but it may reverberate across the state. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN |
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Small Maine town votes to close a school that serves 5 students: While it’s unclear what will become of the school, residents have suggested turning it into a senior center or community hub. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN |
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Augusta school board finds budget cuts under heavy pressure from city councilors: The $2.5 million in cuts would cut several teaching, social work and administrative positions, as well as funding for the hockey team. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Monitor and BDN |
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Panelists discuss town meeting, home rule at Monitor Talks: “Town meetings are the last real piece of democracy in this country.” Read this story and watch the discussion |
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Jonesport Planning Board to consider 30‑month extension for Kingfish aquaculture project. Read this story by Jessica Brockington |
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Jay data center can proceed after clearing legislative hurdle. Read this story by Bob Neal |
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Higher county assessment, reduced state revenue creating ‘unusually difficult budget year’ for Waterville. Read this story by Charley DiAdamo |
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Jay voters pass all articles at town meeting, reelect two selectmen. Read this story by Bob Neal |
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Norway’s new town manager brings public works, parks experience. Read this story by Jon Bolduc |
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Calais teachers question transparency around proposed school schedule change. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih |
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RSU 73 budget passes; three incumbent directors lose board seats. Read this story by Bob Neal |
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Farmington voters to decide on $500,000 for long‑planned Sandy River bridge project. Read this story by Ben Hanstein |
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Bond to support farm and forestry funding will not be on November ballot. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih |
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Jay officials set May 11 for nonbinding public hearing on police collaboration. Read this story by Bob Neal |
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Statewide assembly to discuss Maine education priorities, inform future policymakers. Read this story by Charley DiAdamo |
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RSU 9 expecting one-time state funding boost in July. Read this story by Ben Hanstein |
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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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