Maine to require test for virus that causes hearing loss
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is close to requiring screening for a potentially debilitating virus in some newborns in the state. The Maine Senate on Monday unanimously voted to enact a bill to require screening for cytomegalovirus for some babies, sending the bill to the governor. The proposal from Democratic Sen. Cathy Breen would require the state to test every infant for the virus if the baby fails two hearing tests. Cytomegalovirus is a common virus in the U.S. that cause no signs or symptoms in most people. Officials say one out of every 200 babies is born with the virus, and about one in five of those will develop long-term health problems.
Border war: Towns disagree whether boundary is straight line
YORK, Maine (AP) — A border dispute between a pair of Maine towns could end up being resolved in court. Officials in York and Kittery disagree about whether the border between the southern Maine communities is a straight line or more of a meandering one. Maps, drawn by the towns in the late 18th century, differ on the subject. The Portland Press Herald reports discrepancies between the maps seemed to go unnoticed until just a few year ago. York filed a complaint in York County Superior Court in February that asked a judge to appoint commissioners to settle the dispute.
AP-US-MAINE-LEGISLATURE-TRIBAL-SOVEREIGNTY
Maine lawmakers adjourn with no action on tribal sovereignty
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature has adjourned without taking action on a historic proposal to expand tribal sovereignty rights. It’s a a stinging disappointment for tribes in the state, although there’s still a possibility that lawmakers could resuscitate the bill when they return next month to deal with vetoes. Native Americans in Maine had sought to amend the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980. The bill would allow the tribes to be treated the same as the nation’s other tribes. Currently, they’re treated like municipalities subject to state law. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has said she supports incremental changes.
MEDICAL SAFETY ZONE
New Maine law aims to stop harassment at abortion clinics
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A new law in Maine is designed to prevent harassment and blockades outside abortion providers in the state. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills announced Monday that she had signed the proposal into law last week. Supporters say the new law provides health service facilities the ability to establish and mark a “medical safety zone” that extends eight feet from the center of an entryway. Violations could be charged as a misdemeanor. The law makes Maine one of four states with a law that limits protests nears the doors of a clinic.
CHAMBER PRESIDENT
Maine’s longtime leading business advocate to step down soon
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The longtime president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and one of the best known advocates for businesses in the state has announced plans to step down. Dana Connors has led the chamber for almost three decades. He said Monday he would step down by the end of the year. Connors joined the chamber in 1994 after serving under Maine governors, including a stint as transition director for former Gov. Angus King, who is now an independent U.S. senator.
I-295 BRIDGE CLOSURE
I-295 in Portland reopens after speedy bridge replacement
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Construction workers have completed their speedy feat of tearing down one bridge and replacing it with another over the weekend in Maine’s largest city. The swift work allowed a key stretch of I-295 in Portland to reopen a few hours ahead of schedule Monday morning. The closure that began Friday evening represented a grand experiment in which workers demolished the old bridge and maneuvered a new, prefabricated bridge into place. It was the first time the Maine Department of Transportation tried the technique. A vehicle fire necessitated closure of part of the same highway later Monday morning.
MAINE LEGISLATURE
Maine Legislature returning to work with 1-day extension
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — It’s unclear whether lawmakers will take up a proposal to give Native Americans in Maine the same sovereignty enjoyed by their counterparts across the nation when lawmakers reconvene Monday. The Legislature’s appropriations committee declined to provide the $44,650 needed to push the bill across the finish line but there could be last-minute negotiations. Further votes are necessary on a bill to increase oversight of the state’s two major electric utilities. Also up for further votes is a compromise on a bill to expand the state’s Good Samaritan law.