Loose oversight and political ambitions have directed some funds from a 1998 tobacco settlement away from their original target of curbing tobacco use.
The maine monitor
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine forestry companies granted state funds despite environmental violations
ND Paper Inc. and T&D Wood Energy LLC, announced in December as recipients for hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grant money, have been cited multiple times over the past several years.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
As opioid settlement funds reach Maine, debate arises over how to use them
A nationwide coalition urges support for community-based organizations while some municipalities already plan to expand existing programs.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Three Maine companies hit with environmental penalties
Firms in Portland, Old Town and Milbridge agree to pay fines in cases centered around potentially damaging chemicals.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Maine State Police end patrols in Washington County, leaving communities scrambling
Dozens of vacancies and a policy of troopers being reassigned to speciality units creates a rural policing void.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Environmentalists criticize public feedback process for deciding future site of port for offshore wind industry
Maine officials are accused of long favoring Sears Island, the largest undeveloped island in Penobscot Bay, as the future site of the port.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Outdoors
Road to one of Maine’s most popular hikes falls into jurisdictional limbo
Access to the Tumbledown Mountain trails has been hampered by flooding, and state and county officials have entered talks to see who foots the repair bill.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine planners grappling with short-term rentals consider new regulations
The Land Use Planning Commission has received complaints about renters from permanent residents.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Defendants in over 100 Maine cases had no legal representation late last week, state says
Maine’s public defense agency puts out an urgent call for help after the loss of another public defender.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Maine home-schooling numbers remain high following pandemic spike
Experts, parents and advocates cite a number of reasons for a dramatic rise of a system that provides an alternative to traditional schooling.