Governor asks tribes, lawmakers to end sovereignty push
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is asking tribal chiefs and legislatives leaders to drop their effort to amend the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980 to expand tribal sovereignty. In a letter made public Monday she reiterated her opposition and said a confrontation “would serve no constructive purpose.” The letter was written Thursday night, the day before a legislative committee declined to advance the bill. The chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point said previously she hoped the governor would be “on the right side of history” and agree to the changes long sought by tribes in the state.
RESERVATION DEATH
Medical examiner: Death of woman found at home is a homicide
PERRY, Maine (AP) — A medical examiner’s office says the death of a woman in her home in Perry, Maine, is a homicide. Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North is investigating the death of 43-year-old Kimberly Neptune, with the assistance of the Pleasant Point Police Department. Pleasant Point officers found her body Thursday night after being asked to check on her. Perry abuts the tribal reservation at Pleasant Point. Police want to speak to a person who was captured on a neighbor’s surveillance camera walking by the apartment building.
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.
I-295 BRIDGE CLOSURE
I-295 closure in Portland causes traffic disruptions
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine Department of Transportation is closing a major highway through the state’s largest city and causing major traffic disruptions — on purpose. The closure of a key segment of I-295 in Portland this weekend is a grand experiment in which workers demolish the old bridge and slide a new one into place in less than three days. The section of highway closed Friday evening, and won’t reopen again until Monday afternoon. MDOT officials have been warning residents for months but they still anticipate major traffic problems as motorists seeking alternate routes clog lesser-used roadways.
GOVERNOR-CANDIDATE-CHILD-PORN
Former candidate facing child porn charges wants back online
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A former Maine gubernatorial candidate charged with possessing child pornography has asked a judge to allow him back online. The attorney for Eliot Cutler asked a judge this week to amend bail conditions so Cutler can have access to the internet. The 75-year-old Cutler was released on bail after his arrest on March 25 at his home in Brooklin on four counts of possession of sexually explicit material of a child under 12. A hearing is set for May 3, when Cutler is expected to make his first court appearance.