Maine baby eel industry had one of most successful seasons
$20 million HUD grant doubles size of eviction legal help
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Housing and Urban Development is doubling the size of its eviction protection program, designed to fund legal assistance for tenants seeking to stay in their homes. The $20 million HUD grant announced Monday will fund legal services and representations for families facing eviction but will not provide direct rental relief. The funds will be distributed through the Eviction Protection Grant Program to 11 nonprofit organizations and government entities, with grants ranging from $1 million to $2.4 million. Recipients of the fresh wave of funding include Pine Tree Legal Assistance of Portland, Maine, and the city of San Antonio, Texas.
Maine lawmakers return to deal with 5 vetoes
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature is returning to work for one day to deal with five vetoes by Gov. Janet Mills. Lawmakers were being given an opportunity Monday to override the vetoes. Thus far, no veto has been overridden by lawmakers. Bills that are up for reconsideration focus on governance of the University of Maine System, electric transmission lines, probation and conditions of release; retaliation against workers utilizing earned paid leave; and tax incentives for the forest products sector. All told, 969 bills have become law and 27 bills have been vetoed during the two-year legislative cycle.
Amtrak train kills 2 people on tracks in Biddeford
BIDDEFORD, Maine (AP) — Police in the southern Maine have confirmed that two people were killed by an Amtrak train in the town of Biddeford. WGME reports that an Amtrak spokesperson said the two people were trespassing on the tracks at around 11 a.m. when they “came into contact with the train,” which was traveling from Boston to Brunswick. The representative said “Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.” WGME reports that the passengers were eventually taken to Portland by bus.
SPORTS BETTING-MAINE
It will take time to create Maine sports betting regulations
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is joining a group of more than 30 states that allow sports betting, but the first legal wagers may not happen until 2024. The executive director of Maine’s gambling control unit told the Bangor Daily News that he won’t cut any corners when it comes to establishing regulations. Milton Champion says applications and rules will need to be drafted after the law takes effect this summer and the state hires two employees to oversee sports betting. The new law gives Native American tribes in Maine exclusive control of mobile sports betting.
GREENHOUSE GAS PHASEOUT
Maine senators call for ratification of Kigali Amendment
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s two U.S. senators want their colleagues to ratify an agreement that would phase out a greenhouse gas linked to climate change. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware sent a letter in late April to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee calling for ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine was among a bipartisan group of senators to co-sign the letter. The amendment is designed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons.
WATERFALL DEATH
Maine woman dies after falling down waterfall
TOWNSHIP E, Maine (AP) — Maine authorities say a Lewiston woman has died after falling about 30 feet (9 meters) down a waterfall in Franklin County on Saturday. Witnesses told the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife that 29-year-old Tanisha Barry was in a pool above Small Falls with a friend when she got close to the edge, stumbled and fell down the falls. Officials say a friend climbed down to try to rescue her but couldn’t find her in the turbulent water. He drove to an area with cell phone reception to call 911. Rescuers rappelled down the rocks and used ropes to enter the water and retrieve her body.
CLIMATE-SCIENTISTS-OPTIMISM
How climate scientists keep hope alive as damage worsens
Many climate scientists share a sense of optimism with professionals in other tough jobs like emergency room doctors and researchers who study Alzheimer’s Disease even as they chronicle a world losing its protective balance with the sun. Psychologists say how those experts cope may help us in a world that seems to be going off the rails. Climate scientists who have been through a lot both personally and professionally say the key is often action. Don’t wallow, they say. Do something.
UMAINE COMMENCEMENTS
In-person commencements return to University of Maine System
The University of Maine System is holding in-person commencements, marking a return to normalcy despite an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Commencements were held Saturday at the University of Maine, University of Southern Maine and campuses in Farmington, Presque Isle and Fort Kent. Those came against a backdrop of growing COVID-19 infections. UMS officials reported that the two-week infection count grew from 54 last week to 226 on Tuesday. For the past two years, the campuses held either virtual or hybrid graduations.