NOAA extends right whale protection zones to mid-March
BOSTON (AP) — The federal government is extending three protective zones off the East Coast that are designed to prevent collisions between ships and whales. The zones are intended to protect North Atlantic right whales, which number only about 360. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Monday the protective zones are located south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, east of Boston and southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mariners are asked to avoid the areas altogether or transit through them at 10 knots or less. The three zones were established in late February and have been extended to mid-March.
More rental assistance coming to Maine’s tenants
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A new emergency rental assistance program designed to help Maine tenants has started accepting applications. MaineHousing said the program launched on Monday. The agency is overseeing the program, which is funded by the federal coronavirus stimulus package that passed in December. MaineHousing says the stimulus package provided $200 million in rental assistance funding to the state. The agency said the program allows applicants to apply for rent and utilities owed back to March 13, 2020.
Maine to align medical marijuana rules with state laws
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine’s marijuana regulators are looking to align the state’s medical marijuana program with state laws. Erik Gundersen, director of the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy, says the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act has been amended by at least eight separate pieces of legislation since rules were last revised in February 2018. He says the act’s administrative regulations need to reflect current laws. The marijuana policy office has filed a proposed rule with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and must now conduct a public hearing and written comment period.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAINE
More rental assistance coming to Maine’s tenants
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A new emergency rental assistance program designed to help Maine tenants has started accepting applications. MaineHousing said the program launched on Monday. The agency is overseeing the program, which is funded by the federal coronavirus stimulus package that passed in December. MaineHousing says the stimulus package provided $200 million in rental assistance funding to the state. The agency said the program allows applicants to apply for rent and utilities owed back to March 13, 2020.
CAPITOL RIOT-NEW ENGLAND
Maine man indicted for 10 charges stemming from Capitol riot
LEBANON, Maine (AP) — A Maine man has been indicted on 10 charges stemming from the U.S. Capitol riot. The Portland Press Herald reports 37-year-old Kyle Fitzsimons has been moved to a federal detention center in Rhode Island. He was arrested last month on four federal charges and held at Cumberland County Jail before his transfer to Rhode Island. The charges against Fitzsimons include causing injury to two police officers. He’s also charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and other charges. It wasn’t clear whether Fitzsimons has an attorney to represent him in the case.
ATTORNEY GENERAL-MAINE
Veteran prosecutor tapped as acting U.S. attorney for Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s new acting top federal prosecutor is a veteran of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the state. Donald Clark, an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland since 1995, became acting U.S. attorney on Monday. Clark’s appointment comes after the resignation of U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank. The U.S. Department of Justice says Clark is slated to serve in his new position until a successor is appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.