Police: Man speeds across border, tops 150 mph on motorcycle
MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — Police say a New Brunswick man sped through a U.S.-Canadian border crossing and led police on a high-speed pursuit in Maine. Jeremy Richard is accused of roaring through Maine at speeds topping 150 mph before being arrested Monday in Millinocket, more than 60 miles from the border crossing in Houlton. Richard is charged with eluding police, criminal speeding, driving to endanger, and reckless conduct. The 27-year-old was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol. It’s unclear if he has an attorney.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAINE
Maine city prepares for another election disrupted by virus
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s largest city is preparing for another election that will be disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Portland is scheduled for a special municipal election on June 8. The election will concern the Charter Commission and school budget referendum. City officials are promoting the use of absentee voting, as they did during the 2020 general election. Officials say absentee ballots will become available early this month and be provided to voters. The last day to request an absentee ballot is June 4.
ENVIRONMENTALIST CONFLICT
Clean megaprojects divide surprise group: environmentalists
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — America’s patchwork of environmental and conservation groups have disparate opinions about large-scale renewable energy projects that could rise during President Joe Biden’s tenure. The groups all agree about the need to reduce U.S. fossil fuel use to fight climate change. But there are deep disputes about the wisdom of projects that will have their own impact on the environment. Some argue that projects like the planned Vineyard Wind offshore wind project off New England will kill birds. Other projects, such as the Champlain Hudson Power Express clean power cable in New York, have generated complaints from environmentalists about ecosystem loss. Elsewhere projects have sparked debate about whether they are simply too big.
HOUSING DISCRIMINATION-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Maine considers new protection for domestic violence victims
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature is set to consider a proposal designed to prevent housing and employment discrimination against domestic violence victims. The legislature’s Judiciary Committee has approved the proposal from Democratic Sen. Donna Bailey. Supporters say the proposal amends the Maine Human Rights Act to make sure that domestic violence victims who seek a protection from abuse order via court are not discriminated against when they seek housing and employment. The proposal will next go before the full Mai