The Maine CDC has reported 20 or fewer cases for three consecutive days, but the agency’s director said the delta variant could undermine progress on vaccinations.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently covers state politics, the Maine Legislature and environmental/natural resources issues. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Carissa, and their dog.
Maine lawmakers enact series of bills to tackle pollution from ‘forever chemicals’
One of the bills signed into law this week by Gov. Janet Mills gives Maine one of the nation’s strictest standards for PFAS in drinking water.
Another 20 COVID-19 cases, no new deaths reported in Maine
New case numbers continue to trend downward, although the pace of vaccinations against COVID-19 has plateaued.
Maine CDC reports 18 COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths
Labs have reported fewer than 100 new cases per day for more than two weeks, and the positive test rate fell below 1 percent for the first time since October.
Landmark bill passed by House and Senate seeks to sell off Maine’s fossil fuel investments
Maine could become the first state where lawmakers order ‘divestment’ from fossil fuels, although changes to the bill could slow the process.
Bill to close Long Creek youth prison receives preliminary approval
The Maine Department of Corrections would have to develop a plan to close Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland by June 30, 2023.
Open primaries bill clears both Maine House and Senate
The House voted 92-52 to support allowing unenrolled voters to vote in a party’s primary without having to register in that party.
Maine Senate confirms Mills’ second pick for PUC
Patrick Scully, an attorney who specialized in energy and utility issues, will join the 3-member Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Maine Senate advances bill to provide free meals to all students
The legislation, which carries a price of $34 million, won unanimous support from lawmakers, who said it would help students avoid stigma and improve learning.
Mills submits plan to Legislature for spending $1 billion in federal relief
Lawmakers are under the gun to review the Mills administration’s plan for spending $997.5 million from the American Rescue Plan, with less than two weeks left in the session.