Ethan Horton reports on federal grant changes that could remove housing support from dozens in central Maine. We also have a story on the effect of Maine being down another trauma center. And a well-garbed cat is charming strangers while perched upon an Auburn panhandler’s shoulders.
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION FUNDING LOSS
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is set to redirect homelessness prevention funding, which had been committed to long-term housing support, toward transitional housing and other services. Under the new plan for the Continuum of Care grant program, Maine could lose $13.5 million for housing support. In Kennebec and Somerset counties, about 70 people who benefit from the Permanent Supportive Housing Program could stand to lose that aid, putting them at risk of becoming homeless. Read more.
DOWN ANOTHER TRAUMA CENTER
Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston let its trauma center status lapse Dec. 1, leaving just two other trauma centers in the state. Many worry the reduction will cause more patients to be transferred to Portland or Bangor for trauma surgery, spending precious time on the road instead of on an operating table. The change might not be set in stone. But will patients notice a difference either way? Read the story.
“I hold my sign in one hand and his paw in the other, and he’s comfortable. If I’m not holding his paw, he’ll meow at me.”
Bryan Vincent, an Auburn panhandler whose cat Buddy perches upon his shoulder
While Bryan waits for tips of loose change or dollar bills, Buddy is there to entertain the masses, and to perhaps soften the hearts of those who might otherwise stare straight ahead and keep on driving. Read more from columnist Mark LaFlamme: Panhandler’s cat charms strangers in Auburn: ‘He really does exist!’
More news
Mt. Blue school board director Griffin Mayhew of Wilton dies
Superintendent Christian E. Elkington praised Mayhew as ‘deeply dedicated’ and ‘an exemplary young man.’
Colby to develop an enterprise creation hub in honor of Waterville family
The new Levine’s Discovery Headquarters is possible through a lead gift from the Bill and Joan Alfond family.
Why do prediction markets like Graham Platner so much?
Platner is leading Gov. Janet Mills on Polymarket and Kalshi, websites that allow betting on elections, sports and current events that some experts say can be better predictors of election results than polls.
Windsor woman found dead in house fire
Windsor’s volunteer fire department responded Monday night to the scene.