VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAINE
New unemployment claims tick down slightly in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — New unemployment claims ticked down slightly in early March in Maine, though the coronavirus pandemic continued to have consequences for the state’s economy. The Maine Department of Labor said Thursday it recorded about 1,500 initial claims for state unemployment insurance for the week that ended March 6. That was down from 1,700 during the previous week. The most recent statistics about statewide unemployment in Maine show the unemployment rate remains nearly double the figure from a year ago at 5%. However, continued claims for state unemployment insurance are also falling.
MAINE LEGISLATURE
Budget compromise fails to get two-thirds majority in House
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A compromise supplemental budget proposal has failed win the support of two thirds of the Maine House for a second time. A compromise crafted in the Senate gained a two-thirds majority Wednesday evening, thanks to support from two Republicans. But the vote failed to reach that level of support Thursday in the House. A two-thirds majority vote in each chamber was necessary for the changes to take place immediately and provide clarity to tax preparers and accountants ahead of the April 15 tax filing deadline.
AP-US-POLICE-STANDOFF-MEDIA-ETHICS
Police posed as reporter in phone call with hostage taker
LIVERMORE FALLS, Maine (AP) — Maine State Police impersonated a journalist during a deadly standoff with a hostage taker when a TV news reporter received a call from the suspect and handed his cellphone to police. WGME-TV’s Taylor Cairns was shocked to receive the call Monday night while at the scene of an armed standoff in Livermore Falls, Maine. He informed state police who used the phone to continue a conversation with the suspect while posing as a reporter. State Police Maj. Bill Ross called it an impromptu decision and a “unique circumstance” but acknowledged it was “not a good practice.” The three hostages were eventually released and the gunman took his own life.
SALMON FARM
Plan for salmon farms near Acadia National Park questioned
BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — A Norwegian investor’s plan to establish two salmon farms across from Acadia National Park is meeting with resistance from local residents. American Aquafarms, owned by Mikael Roenes, has filed an application to operate two 60-acre salmon farms in Frenchman Bay. He told Maine Public his company would operate from a former sardine cannery in Gouldsboro that is located across the bay from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The project would need approval with the Maine Department of Marine Resources and Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
MEDIA-TIMES VS CARLSON
Carlson, Times tussle over online harassment of journalist
NEW YORK (AP) — The issue of online harassment of women in journalism is in sharp focus following a skirmish this week between Fox News Channel’s Tucker Carlson and The New York Times. Carlson belittled Times journalist Taylor Lorenz after she tweeted support for women undergoing harassment and said such attacks had “destroyed my life.” Carlson cited her as an example of a privileged person crying victimhood. The Times says Carlson’s attack on Lorenz was a “calculated and cruel tactic” designed to spur further attacks against her. Carlson has stood his ground and Fox’s management is backing him up, saying no public figure or journalist is immune to legitimate criticism.
CANNABIS SHOP-PORTLAND
Portland’s first adult-use cannabis shop opens Friday
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — SeaWeed Co. is scheduled to open Friday and will be the first recreational cannabis shop in Portland, Maine. The Portland Press Herald reports that this will the second retail outlet for SeaWeed, after the first opened in South Portland. Portland spent two years crafting individualized marijuana zoning and licensing ordinances. Grass Roots Marijuana Shop also received local and state license approval Wednesday, but that shop does not plan to open until late next week.