Islands with year-round residents need emergency responders, gas station attendants, postal workers, store clerks and teachers. When there’s nowhere for vital workers to live, they turn elsewhere. It’s eroding a storied way of life.
News
Local, state and national news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Laurel Libby draws impassioned crowd to Topsham event as she weighs run for governor
The Auburn Republican state representative spoke about free speech issues and the controversy surrounding her social media post of a photo of a transgender athlete.
Maine’s voter-approved campaign finance limits deemed unconstitutional
A US District Court judge rules that the referendum, which was passed by nearly 75% of voters in November, runs afoul of the First Amendment.
I-95 northbound closures expected late Wednesday for Augusta bridge replacement
The intermittant closures are scheduled so that large, precast concrete units that will form the new Western Avenue Bridge deck can be placed over the interstate.
Maine’s high court hears Bath Iron Works lawsuit over paid family leave rules
The shipyard and the Maine Chamber of Commerce sued the state over a new 1% payroll tax. It could affect 1,500 companies and 40% of the state’s workers.
Maine teachers, school leaders concerned about impact of cutting federal DOE
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Trump administration can move forward with plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and lay off nearly 1,400 federal employees.
Hallowell budget may reduce property taxes, bucking recent trend
Last year’s budget unexpectedly raised property taxes by about 20%, leading to an illegal attempt to undo the city’s tax commitment and mid-year spending freezes.
Second toddler injured in Albion crash dies, police say
A police affidavit confirms the 2 1/2-year-old boys were twin brothers and also reveals how police linked the driver, Benjamin Lancaster, to the Friday evening crash.
Collins votes no but Senate advances Trump budget request
Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie in a procedural vote on the president’s demand to cut $9.4 billion in funding already approved by Congress for foreign assistance and public broadcasting.
MIFF co-founder, who shaped Waterville’s film scene, to receive lifetime achievement award
Ken Eisen helped create the long-beloved Railroad Square Cinema, Maine International Film Festival and Waterville’s Shadow Distribution, turning the city into the film and media hub it is today.