© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Maine Republican Party and opponents of the use of ranked-choice voting will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Maine's highest court must now decide whether a decision it issued earlier this week to allow the process to move forward proceeds during the appeal or not.The GOP has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the issue, but there is no guarantee the justices will agree to consider the matter.In the meantime, opponents are asking the Maine Supreme Court to put a hold on their own decision to allow ranked-choice...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Maine Republican Party and opponents of the use of ranked-choice voting will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Maine's highest court must now decide whether a decision it issued earlier this week to allow the process to move forward proceeds during the appeal or not.The GOP has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the issue, but there is no guarantee the justices will agree to consider the matter.In the meantime, opponents are asking the Maine Supreme Court to put a hold on their own decision to allow ranked-choice...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Trump administration's announcement this week that it will allow states to import drugs from Canada is getting a tepid reception in Maine from Senate President Troy Jackson. Jackson is behind a law enacted last year to establish a drug importation program in the state.  He says the green light from Trump administration is a step forward, but nowhere near the goal line. "My problem with it at this point is it looks very onerous and very prescriptive," Jackson says. Jackson says the Trump...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Trump administration's announcement this week that it will allow states to import drugs from Canada is getting a tepid reception in Maine from Senate President Troy Jackson. Jackson is behind a law enacted last year to establish a drug importation program in the state.  He says the green light from Trump administration is a step forward, but nowhere near the goal line. "My problem with it at this point is it looks very onerous and very prescriptive," Jackson says. Jackson says the Trump...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Rural Maine Reporting Project is made possible through the generous support of the Betterment Fund.. You might have noticed that your garden needs watering more than usual this summer — we've even been hearing of people watering their grass. And that's not something you see a lot of in Maine.Now with autumn underway, the drought is continuing. Ryan Gordon, a hydrogeologist with told Maine Public’s Jennifer Mitchell a little bit more about what's going on.Ed note: this interview has been edited for length and...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Rural Maine Reporting Project is made possible through the generous support of the Betterment Fund.. You might have noticed that your garden needs watering more than usual this summer — we've even been hearing of people watering their grass. And that's not something you see a lot of in Maine.Now with autumn underway, the drought is continuing. Ryan Gordon, a hydrogeologist with told Maine Public’s Jennifer Mitchell a little bit more about what's going on.Ed note: this interview has been edited for length and...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsGov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday that Maine will move to Stage 4 of the reopening plan for the economy beginning next Tuesday, Oct. 13.Mills’ executive order lifts restrictions on businesses such as restaurants and bars, but also expands the state’s face covering requirement.In one week, restaurants, movie theaters, religious gatherings — any business or organization that offers seated activities — will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity indoors. The maximum for these businesses is capped at 100 people, and...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsGov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday that Maine will move to Stage 4 of the reopening plan for the economy beginning next Tuesday, Oct. 13.Mills’ executive order lifts restrictions on businesses such as restaurants and bars, but also expands the state’s face covering requirement.In one week, restaurants, movie theaters, religious gatherings — any business or organization that offers seated activities — will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity indoors. The maximum for these businesses is capped at 100 people, and...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsStarting this week, people receiving unemployment benefits may get more money as the state adjusts payments to reflect previous incomes.For months, contractors and self-employed Mainers were restricted to receiving an $172-per-week minimum. The Department of Labor it intends to correct payments to better reflect prior incomes starting this week.“This increase will provide some financial relief for those who have been waiting for their full benefit amount,” Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said in the statement.The state saw...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsStarting this week, people receiving unemployment benefits may get more money as the state adjusts payments to reflect previous incomes.For months, contractors and self-employed Mainers were restricted to receiving an $172-per-week minimum. The Department of Labor it intends to correct payments to better reflect prior incomes starting this week.“This increase will provide some financial relief for those who have been waiting for their full benefit amount,” Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said in the statement.The state saw...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsBoth Central Maine Power and Emera Maine say that while they expect to restore service to most of their customers by the end of the day Sunday, some may not have power for at least another night.As of 4:00 Sunday afternoon, was reporting 31,916 homes and businesses without lights, down from a peak of 203,000. was still working to restore power to 10,274 customers, down from a peak of 75,000.CMP President Doug Herling says some customers in Waldo, Penobscot and Somerset counties, which saw the most outages, will have to wait...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsBoth Central Maine Power and Emera Maine say that while they expect to restore service to most of their customers by the end of the day Sunday, some may not have power for at least another night.As of 4:00 Sunday afternoon, was reporting 31,916 homes and businesses without lights, down from a peak of 203,000. was still working to restore power to 10,274 customers, down from a peak of 75,000.CMP President Doug Herling says some customers in Waldo, Penobscot and Somerset counties, which saw the most outages, will have to wait...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsFor the past few weeks, Maine Public has been asking you to share your stories of life during the time of the coronavirus — and you delivered.Below is a selection of messages from your fellow Mainers about how they are (and sometimes aren’t) coping with how the pandemic has changed all of our lives. You'll find stories of hope, frustration, innovation, service, appreciation and keeping busy.Something to add? You can contribute your story by email at .Jump to: Getting outside Use of masks for protecting others Maine COVID...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsFor the past few weeks, Maine Public has been asking you to share your stories of life during the time of the coronavirus — and you delivered.Below is a selection of messages from your fellow Mainers about how they are (and sometimes aren’t) coping with how the pandemic has changed all of our lives. You'll find stories of hope, frustration, innovation, service, appreciation and keeping busy.Something to add? You can contribute your story by email at .Jump to: Getting outside Use of masks for protecting others Maine COVID...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsBeginning this Friday, 24 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Maine will be able to administer the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a new federal retail pharmacy program.Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew says she expects the pharmacies will receive a combined total of up to 4,800 doses.“Separate from and on top of the allotment that states receive, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities,” she says.Lambrew says eligible residents — currently those who...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsBeginning this Friday, 24 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Maine will be able to administer the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a new federal retail pharmacy program.Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew says she expects the pharmacies will receive a combined total of up to 4,800 doses.“Separate from and on top of the allotment that states receive, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities,” she says.Lambrew says eligible residents — currently those who...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsAuthorities confirmed Tuesday that a New York City woman was attacked and killed by a great white shark off the coast of Harpswell earlier this week. It’s the first recorded fatal shark attack in the state’s history.Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher identified the victim as 63-year-old Julie Dimperio Holowach of New York City, who was swimming in a wetsuit with her daughter about 60 feet off Bailey Island when she was attacked by a great white shark. Kayakers spotted them and quickly paddled...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsAuthorities confirmed Tuesday that a New York City woman was attacked and killed by a great white shark off the coast of Harpswell earlier this week. It’s the first recorded fatal shark attack in the state’s history.Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher identified the victim as 63-year-old Julie Dimperio Holowach of New York City, who was swimming in a wetsuit with her daughter about 60 feet off Bailey Island when she was attacked by a great white shark. Kayakers spotted them and quickly paddled...WW…

© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Rural Maine Reporting Project is made possible through the generous support of the Betterment Fund.After years of fitful efforts to strengthen its status as a year-round recreation destination, rural, western Maine is having a moment.show by double digits in many parts of the state, with eastern and western Maine leading the way. In Franklin County prices jumped by nearly 30 percent.That's despite the challenges brought by the pandemic — and maybe even be because of them.It’s been a heck of a summer season at Rangeley’s...…© 2022 Maine PublicPlay Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsThe Rural Maine Reporting Project is made possible through the generous support of the Betterment Fund.After years of fitful efforts to strengthen its status as a year-round recreation destination, rural, western Maine is having a moment.show by double digits in many parts of the state, with eastern and western Maine leading the way. In Franklin County prices jumped by nearly 30 percent.That's despite the challenges brought by the pandemic — and maybe even be because of them.It’s been a heck of a summer season at Rangeley’s...WW…