Consumers find slightly lower lobster prices as summer nears
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Lobster prices are dipping somewhat just before Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start of the industry’s critical summer season. The price of lobster, and seafood at large, has shot up in recent years, and the price to lobster fishermen increased by about 60% last year. But lobster prices appear to be leveling off, and some retailers are selling the prized crustaceans for a couple dollars less than last year. Members of the industry said the price to fishermen at the docks is also falling at a time when they are struggling with high bait and fuel prices.
PUBLIC DEFENDERS-MAINE
Judge considers motion to dismiss public defender lawsuit
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A judge is considering a motion by the state to throw out a lawsuit over the system that provides attorneys to those who can’t afford them. The class-action lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine contends the current system is failing to ensure the constitutional right to effective counsel. But an assistant attorney general told the judge Thursday that the ACLU of Maine failed to show rights were violated. Maine is the only state without a public defender’s office. Instead, it relies on private attorneys willing to take the cases.
NOAA NOMINEE BLOCKED
Collins blocks NOAA appointment over whale rule objections
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Sen. Susan Collins halted a nominee’s potential appointment to a federal post over objections to rules designed to protect rare whales. Collins cited new regulations on her state’s lobster fishing industry that she described as “onerous.” The rules restrict commercial lobster harvesting and are intended to protect North Atlantic right whales from entanglement in gear. Maine Public reports Collins stopped a vote Wednesday about the confirmation of Jainey Kumar Bavishi as assistant secretary of the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.
MOTHER KILLED
Affidavit: Man strangled his mother to death in Maine
BATH, Maine (AP) — Court records indicate a Maine man charged with killing his 66-year-old mother told police he strangled her after being attacked. Jason Ibarra, who’s 42, is expected to make his initial court appearance Friday following the killing of his mother, Jeanine Ross. Her body was found Tuesday in her Bath home with a set of keys attached to a lanyard around her neck. An autopsy concluded that Ross’ death was a homicide caused by strangulation.
CMP RATE PROPOSAL
CMP wants rate hike to improve power grid
HALLOWELL, Maine (AP) — Central Maine Power has notified regulators of plans to submit a proposal for improving the reliability of the power grid that would increase monthly bills by $10 over three years. The upgrades and improvements would make the power grid better prepared to handle storms. It also would position the power grid for the connection of new renewable energy projects. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and Public Advocate Bill Harwood immediately attacked the proposal as excessive in light of inflationary pressures on Mainers’ pocketbooks. Mills said, “I will fight this.”
MAINE-ASYLUM SEEKERS
Maine plans to open new shelter for displaced asylum seekers
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state of Maine plans to fund an emergency shelter and renovated housing units in Portland, South Portland and Brunswick. Senior Housing Adviser Greg Payne disclosed the plans as South Portland on Wednesday joined Portland in announcing it could no longer guarantee housing for asylum seekers. The goal of the shelter would be to provide housing for 280 people who’ll be displaced from motel room in coming weeks with the arrival of summer tourists. Maine’s largest city has struggled to house the homeless with the addition of about 350 families seeking asylum. That’s on top of 500 other adults experiencing homelessness.