FISHING MONITORS
Feds boost New England fishing monitoring coverage to 100%
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The federal government has approved a proposal to increase at-sea monitoring of some commercial fishing trips to 100%. At-sea monitors are workers who collect data on board commercial fishing boats to help inform regulations and management of species. A regional administrator with the National Marine Fisheries Service said the government approved the new, higher percentage of trip cover on Tuesday. The rules apply to valuable species that are harvested in the Northeast such as cod, haddock and flounder. The new rules will replace the old process of calculating a target for the level of monitoring coverage every year.
HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
Maine governor touts training for health care workers
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A $21 million initiative aimed at strengthening Maine’s health care workforce by allowing employers and individuals to connect with training and education programs is launching. Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday that the new Healthcare Training for ME website will make it easier for Mainers to pursue health care careers and climb the career ladder. The program is supported by $21 million from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. That includes $8.5 million allocated to the Department of Labor and $12.5 million allocated to Maine community colleges for workforce training.
AEROSPACE-MAINE
Plan for Maine Space Corporation to boost industry approved
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature has approved a proposal to create a public-private partnership to help grow the state’s aerospace industry. The Maine Senate enacted the proposal to create the Maine Space Corporation on Monday. Supporters of the idea say they envision the corporation as a central hub for innovation and economic development in the state’s air and space industry. Members of the air and space industry have said the state’s geography and existing infrastructure make it a candidate to serve as a site for small launches.
Maine lawmakers taking up thorny issue of tribal sovereignty
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Native American tribes in Maine gave up some of their rights to the state when they settled their land claims more than 40 years ago. They’re hoping to change that starting with legislative votes this week. The Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Mi’kmaq and Maliseet want the same self-governing rights as the other federally recognized tribes. At present, a land claims settlement from 1980s means their reservations are treated as municipalities, and bound by state law. The proposed changes come against a backdrop of the Biden administration seeking to become partners with the nation’s tribes.
FORMER MAYOR EVICTION
Ex-mayor says he was evicted for organizing tenants
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The lawyer for the former mayor of Maine’s largest city has made the case in court that his client was served an eviction notice in retaliation for organizing on behalf of tenants. Ethan Strimling, the mayor of Portland from 2015 to 2019, appeared in court on Tuesday. He was served with the eviction notice last year and refused to leave. The Bangor Daily News reports Strimling’s case has gone to court because his landlord, Geoffrey Rice, started legal proceedings to make him leave.
MAINE DEPUTY KILLED
Man who killed deputy in Maine loses another appeal
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s highest court has rejected another appeal by a man sentenced to life in prison for killing police officer. The Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday unanimously sided with a judge who turned down John Williams’ request for a new trial on the grounds that prosecutors withheld evidence about an arresting officer’s disciplinary record. The court said the evidence wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the trial. It was the second appeal for Williams, who was accused of killing a deputy and stealing his police vehicle, triggering a massive manhunt in April 2018. He previously argued that his confession should’ve been thrown out because he was beaten during his arrest.
MAINE LEGISLATURE-OUT-OF-STATE WASTE
Maine lawmakers vote to close loophole on out-of-state waste
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislative has given gave final approval to a bill aimed at closing a loophole that allowed out-of-state garbage to be dumped in a state-owned landfill. The proposal goes to the governor after the House voted 102-25 in favor of the bill. It passed unanimously in the Senate last week. The bill seeks to close a loophole that allowed trash from Massachusetts and New Hampshire to be processed in Maine, reclassified in Maine waste and then dumped in the Juniper Ridge landfill, near Old Town.
SUPREME COURT APPOINTMENT
Maine Senate confirms first Black justice to top state court
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine Senate has unanimously voted to confirm the first Black justice to the state’s highest court. A legislative panel voted last week to confirm Rick Lawrence to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. The Senate then issued its confirmation on Tuesday. The Portland Press Herald reports the 66-year-old Lawrence became Maine’s first Black judge when he became a district judge in 2000. He currently serves as the deputy chief judge of the District Court.
NORTHERN MAINE AIRPORT
Northern Maine airport close to deal to remain in service
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature is looking to extend the lifespan of one of the furthest north airports on the East Coast. The Legislature voted Monday to authorize state officials to renew a land lease in Aroostook State Park to the Federal Aviation Administration. That paves the way for continued operations at Presque Isle International Airport. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands issued a lease in the state park to the FAA in 2002 to maintain equipment needed for the airport. The lease is set to expire at the end of September.