Midcoast Now - Students in Bath are taking what's probably the most practical approach to learning the trades. They recently hit the halfway point on a project aimed at building a house, which will be put on the market by the Bath Rotary Club. They had a tools ceremony recently, getting the equipment that will help them bring the project to the finish line.
Rep Melanie Sachs - Although the federal government is experiencing a shutdown, I want to reassure you that the State of Maine remains open thanks to a two-year budget passed by the Legislature that funds state government through June 2027.
We passed this budget to avoid this type of dysfunction and instead invest in the basics that every family needs to thrive: health care, food security, quality education, safe housing and affordable child care.
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Severe Drought Impacting Farms: Maine experienced its sixth-driest summer on record, leaving over half the state in severe or extreme drought, affecting water supply for farmers and crops.
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Dairy Farms Struggling: Farmers like Heath Miller and Bob Parsons had to haul water, invest in deeper wells, and face reduced yields due to insufficient rainfall.
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Crop Losses and Future Risks: Hay, corn, berries, and tree fruit suffered this summer; continued drought could deplete groundwater and dry wells into next year.
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Government and Financial Support: Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry plans the Farmer Drought Relief Program grants and has a history of water bonds to help farmers develop water resources.
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Adaptation and Resilience Efforts: Farmers are installing new irrigation systems, mulching crops, and finding ways to conserve water to cope with persistent drought conditions.
Maine won’t adopt Trump’s tax breaks on tips, overtime until lawmakers weigh in
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Portland Press Herald
Progressive groups are outraising and outspending their conservative counterparts in statewide campaigns for two citizen referendums. Money doesn’t guarantee victory, but the latest campaign finance reports filed Monday show that groups opposing voter ID and supporting a red flag law in Maine are better positioned to reach and mobilize voters ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
Maine has reduced emergency heating aid for households that run out of fuel. The state’s Energy Crisis Intervention Program now caps benefits at $500 per household, down from $800 last year — a cut tied to the end of pandemic relief funding. Heating oil prices remain nearly unchanged from a year ago, averaging $3.33 a gallon as of Sept. 29.
Progressive groups are outraising and outspending their conservative counterparts in statewide campaigns for two citizen referendums. Money doesn’t guarantee victory, but the latest campaign finance reports filed Monday show that groups opposing voter ID and supporting a red flag law in Maine are better positioned to reach and mobilize voters ahead of the Nov. 4 election.