The erroneous alert went out to cellphones on the T-Mobile network around 2:45 p.m. A notification 20 minutes later advised Maine residents that the alert was a false alarm stemming from a temporary outage in Massachusetts.
Kay Neufeld
Staff Writer
Kay Neufeld is a business reporter with the Portland Press Herald, covering labor, unions and Maine's workforce; lobstering, fisheries and the working waterfront. They also love telling stories that illustrate the vibrant culture that makes Maine and its Mainers so special. They previously worked at the Camden Herald, Franklin Journal and the Bangor Daily News, covering local communities. Kay grew up in New York and graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute in 2018. They spontaneously moved to Maine in 2020 after visiting on vacation, searching for housing on Craigslist in the middle of their trip and asking their mother to ship their belongings to the Midcoast. In their spare time, Kay loves taking their miniature dachshund on miniature hikes, passionately defending Beyoncé's artistry and playing the fiddle with friends.
Railroad fined $16,500 for spilling 15,000 gallons of oil into Maine waterways
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached a settlement with freight-railroad CPKC after 2 of its trains derailed with significant spillage that eventually flowed into the Atlantic Ocean.
Maine Trust for Local News wins Freedom of Information award for coverage of Lewiston shooting
The award from the New England First Amendment Coalition recognizes the group of newspapers for “relentlessly” requesting public information from the government that helped it report on Maine’s deadliest mass shooting.
Maine bakeries rise above the competition to win James Beard Awards
Atsuko Fujimoto of Norimoto Bakery won for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Barak Olins’ ZUbakery took home the award for Outstanding Bakery.
Federal court denies Bangor church’s request for injunction in tuition lawsuit
Crosspoint Church, which runs Bangor Christian Schools, is challenging the stipulation in Maine’s Human Rights Act that prohibits schools receiving state funding from discriminating based on gender identity, sexual orientation and religion.
Truck collides with train in Waldo County
The driver was taken to the hospital with injuries he sustained when the truck was thrown into a ditch alongside a crossing in Prospect.
Amtrak’s heat-delay altered schedules won’t impact Maine, rail authority says
There will likely still be delays on the Downeaster when high temperatures affect the metal rails, but the schedule is staying put, for the time being.
Sen. Susan Collins decries Trump’s conviction
The other members of Maine’s congressional delegation take an opposing position on Trump’s conviction on felony charges, with Sen. Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden seeing the trial and its outcome as a validation of the U.S. justice system.
Maine State Police investigating death of toddler in Thomaston
It is unclear what the child’s cause of death is at this time.
Company behind controversial $500 million fish farm in Belfast suing city
The Belfast City Council voted to withdraw its decision to seize a parcel of mudflats, which it had done in part to guarantee Nordic Aquafarms had access to Penobscot Bay.