State News From The Associated Press 6-23-21

CHILD DEATH INVESTIGATION

Police investigate death of 3-year-old Maine boy

BELFAST, Maine (AP) — Police in Maine are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy who died after a family member brought him to a hospital in Belfast. Police have not released the name of the child or family members. The Bangor Daily News reports the state police’s major crimes unit is investigating the death, which happened in Stockton Springs. Police have also not released the boy’s cause of death, which they learned about on Sunday afternoon.

YOUTH DETENTION

States grapple with closing youth detention centers

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — As states from California to Maine consider drastic changes to youth detention centers, New Hampshire is grappling with its own facility that has been rocked by abuse allegations from years past. The state’s Legislature will vote Thursday on a proposed state budget that would close the sprawling facility — housing fewer than 20 children on a campus built for 144 — by March 2023 and replace it with a new 18-bed center. Other states are moving in a similar direction, and President Joe Biden’s proposed budget includes $100 million to support efforts to close detention facilities and invest in community alternatives to support youth.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAINE

Maine’s emergency coronavirus order enters its final week

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine is entering the final scheduled week of its emergency order about the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills announced the “state of civil emergency” in the early days of the pandemic. It has allowed Mills to deploy all government resources to try to reduce the spread of the virus in Maine. Mills has said the emergency order is set to expire on June 30. She has called the end of the emergency order “another important step forward in our return to normal.”

BALLOON RELEASE BAN

Bill before Mills would fine anyone releasing many balloons

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine legislators have passed a bill banning the intentional release of many balloons. The measure now awaits the signature of Gov. Janet Mills. The Sun Journal reports that the bill would create a fine for anyone who releases a large number of balloons on purpose out of concern for their impact on the environment. First-time offenders who release between 16 and 24 balloons would be fined between $100 and $500. The proposal would not punish someone who accidentally lets go of a single balloon. It also exempts the release of balloons for scientific or meteorological purposes.

PORTLAND BIKE TRAIL

Maine approves converting rail line to trail around Portland

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine has approved converting a rail line in Portland into a walkable trail that would move the city closer to creating a loop around the peninsula. The Portland Press Herald reports that the state agreed to the conversion in a larger land exchange deal authorized by the City Council on Monday. The state would receive ownership of International Marine Terminal on Commercial Street and the Cliff Island ferry landing. The city would receive a 10-acre property, and a Park and Ride lot. Portland’s former economic development director and current consultant Greg Mitchell said that both parties will receive equal value out of the land deal.