Portland has at least 750 hotel rooms in various stages of the planning process, and there are more than 400 in the works in the surrounding area.
News
Local, state and national news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Fireflies are fading from Maine’s night skies
Scientists agree that some species of the beloved insect appear to be in decline, most likely due to habitat loss, pesticide use, light pollution and climate change. But they lack the data to know the extent of the threat.
A changing electric grid ramps up the work of Maine’s utility regulators
The need to connect renewable power to the grid and plan for increased electrification is expanding the Public Utilities Commission’s budget, staff and workload.
Summer meals programs gets food to thousands of Maine kids, but barriers remain
Each summer, thousands of free meals are handed out to children across Maine, but hunger prevention advocates say more flexibility would allow more families to access the food they need.
Dueling Harris and Trump rallies in same arena showcase America’s divides
The rallies, 4 days apart from each other, offered not just opposing visions of the country but starkly different versions of it.
State denies initial request of Bucksport-area owner to give up dams
What happens if the forfeit requests are accepted has never been tested.
Geriatrics workforce grant to focus on Wabanaki Nations, Maine’s rural communities
The nearly $5 million in federal funds will support tribal health centers and a program that connects medical students with rural communities.
Critics, studies cast doubt on Maine’s claims of climate benefits from highway expansion
The state says a proposed bypass outside Portland will reduce emissions by alleviating gridlock. Advocates say this claim has been frequently disproven by the outcomes of similar projects elsewhere.
U.S., allies prepare to defend Israel as Netanyahu says ‘multifront war’ with Iran already underway
Tensions have soared following the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran.
UK leader Starmer condemns attack on hotel as far-right violence spreads
In the north of England town of Rotherham, police struggled to hold back hundreds of rioters who sought to break into a Holiday Inn Express hotel being used as accommodation for asylum-seekers.