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Good morning:
Lately I feel like I've been reading a lot about reading: how adults don't do much of it anymore, how even college kids lack the stamina for long, complex texts. I've read a lot about dyslexia, which affects 1 in every 5 people, according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, and about the major impacts that struggling with reading can have on a person's life.
I've also read a lot about reading scores, and how they've fallen — in Maine and nationwide — in recent years, and about the debate over why and what to do about it. This week, I hope you'll take the time to read Kristian Moravec's story about one Maine educator trying to reverse the decline in reading by laying a foundation in phonemic awareness for young learners early on.
Also this week we bring you an interview with the outgoing hospital lobbyist for the Maine Health Association, who spoke candidly about rising costs; a report on two divergent energy visions for Maine, and a story from our Monitor Local initiative about big potential change for libraries in Maine that could impact their access to state support. And many more.
Lastly, congratulations to recipients of New England Newspaper & Press Association awards, in particular to Monitor Local Editor Judy Meyer, who is being justly recognized for her “extraordinary, decades-long commitment” to Maine journalism.
And thank you to everyone who has supported our work during our appeal this month. We truly could not do this work without you.
— Kate |
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A Maine educator didn’t have a curriculum to teach a foundational skill for reading. So she created her own
The instructional coach revamped how young kids pull apart and put together letter sounds to form words. Her program is now being piloted in six Maine school districts.
Read this story by Kristian Moravec |
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UMaine poised to end Spanish degree, suspend medical lab degree: The cuts follow the elimination and suspension of 10 other programs over the past fiscal year across the University of Maine System. Read this story by Kristian Moravec |
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Maine’s outgoing hospital lobbyist says it is impossible to solve problem of rising health care costs: As Steven Michaud leaves his long-time role with the Maine Hospital Association, he reflected on pivotal events during his tenure. Read this story by Rose Lundy |
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Two reports, two energy visions for Maine: Both reports agree on one thing: energy prices are likely to rise. Read this story by Tux Turkel |
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The big property tax ideas coming from Maine’s candidates for governor: Many of their plans echo the economic populism that has swept the country since President Donald Trump returned to office. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News |
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Maine’s shift toward Republicans runs from Portland to rural places: This shift is small but consistent. Across the state, 188 cities and towns with 1,000 voters or more shifted toward Republicans. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and BDN |
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Note: Monitor Local publishes stories on Downeast and Western Maine every Saturday. Here are some highlights from this weekend. For more, visit our website. |
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Oxford County Regional Airport hires firm to explore longer runway for larger aircraft: The facility’s terminal has already been renovated, and officials say extending the current 2,997‑foot runway could help attract larger private and commercial aircraft to the region. Read this story by Jon Bolduc |
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Washington County auditor resigns, says he can’t meet bank’s deadline: The auditor will complete work on outstanding audits for the Unorganized Territories, but will not do any more work on Washington County’s 2023 and 2024 audits. Read this story by Judith Meyer |
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Maine Library Commission unveils draft rule that could restrict libraries’ access to state support: Proposed rule requires libraries to have strategic plans, mandates trustee training and bars trustees from serving as library directors. Read this story by Judith Meyer |
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Upcoming annual town meetings in Franklin, Oxford, Somerset and Washington Counties |
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Few Mainers are getting tested for PFAS despite state push: The 164 positive tests the state has collected since last fall likely represent a fraction of the people exposed to high PFAS levels. Read this story by Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News |
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The Maine Monitor receives six New England Newspaper & Press Association accolades
Monitor Local Editor Judith Meyer recognized for “extraordinary, decades-long commitment” to Maine journalism.
Read this story |
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Have feedback or a correction to send to Kate Cough? Send it to her directly via email: kate@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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