Maine News Thursday

A new book group:  

Introducing Book Group, the new reading and discussion program from Maine Humanities. Since Maine Humanities opened its doors 50 years ago, book groups have been the core of what we do. Our book groups have always aimed to be responsive to people’s needs, meet the moment, and provide intentional spaces for listening, wondering and noticing across Maine’s communities.


Press Herald - The Maine House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced a measure that would limit the amount of digital data that businesses and other groups can collect and use to target consumers with advertisements. Proponents say the bill is needed to protect people from artificial intelligence and government surveillance, but opponents say it will put small businesses at a competitive disadvantage. 

Maine’s formula for distributing state funding to local school districts could soon get an update. The Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Wednesday to introduce a bill incorporating major changes to the funding formula recommended by the nonpartisan Maine Educational Policy Research Institute. Lawmakers previously commissioned a comprehensive review in 2013 but did not adopt its recommendations.

New England’s largest standalone battery facility is now operating in Maine, bringing the state a key step closer to the Mills administration’s electrification and clean energy goals. The Cross Town Energy Storage facility boasts a capacity of 175 megawatts, bringing the state’s total energy storage capacity to about 240 megawatts — more than halfway to its capacity goal for the end of 2030.

Is immigration enforcement picking back up in Maine?

Maine venues cancel or delay shows over visa issues for performers, including those from Canada

We asked all 21 candidates for Maine governor how they would lower costs. Here’s what they said.

Eliot Cutler held without bail; police say he had pornographic DVDs

Maine towns are using AI for policing, lawmaking and budgets. Safeguards are optional.