Press Herald - Likely Democratic primary voters support political newcomer Graham Platner by a nearly 2-to-1 margin over Gov. Janet Mills, according to a new independent poll. And the survey from Emerson College released Thursday found both candidates leading Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in a hypothetical general election matchup.
The poll found that 55% of those likely to vote in the June 9 primary preferred Platner, while 28% chose Mills. Thirteen percent were undecided. The survey got responses from 530 voters, a relatively small sample size.
In hypothetical general election matchups, 48% chose Platner over Collins (41%) with 12% undecided. Mills led Collins by a smaller margin, 46% to 43%, with 11% undecided. Nearly 1,100 Mainers were surveyed about the hypothetical matchups. The poll of likely Democratic primary voters had a 4.2% margin of error, while the hypothetical general election matchups had a 2.9% margin of error.
On paper at least, former Gov. Paul LePage lives in an apartment above a barber shop next to an Enterprise Rent-A-Car near the Augusta Memorial Circle rotary. But would LePage, now running for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District — and who has ping-ponged between Maine and Ormond Beach, Florida – actually live in the apartment if he wins in November?
Maine Morning Star - Lawmakers in the Maine Legislature have granted initial approval to a proposal to expand free breakfast and lunch to all children enrolled in public preschool. Currently, all Maine students enrolled in public K-12 schools can eat for free since the state adopted the program in 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if a preschool is not located within a public school, those young learners can’t access the universal benefit...
How a chemical spill in Brunswick has affected Casco Bay (pressherald.com)
Maine Morning Star - Maine lawmakers passed a bill to help houses of worship and other nonprofits improve security in an attempt to meet the moment of heightened attacks, uncertain federal funding and new federal grant rules requiring compliance with the Trump administration’s agenda.
“I am not someone who typically likes the idea of sending public money to religious institutions,” Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick) said on the Maine House of Representatives floor on Tuesday, “but here I am, as Maine has been put into this unwelcome position by our federal counterparts.”
LD 2107 would establish a grant program within the Maine Emergency Management Agency available to nonprofits to improve their security to protect against hate crimes and terror attacks. The Maine Senate backed the measure 21-14 on Wednesday, after the House voted 76-68. It needs enactment votes in both chambers and to be funded before it can head to the governor’s desk.
A NatGeo photographer turned a road trip on Maine’s Route 1 into a film
POWNAL
If you’ve captured a moment that represents the heart of our hometown, we want to see it. Selected photos will be featured on the town website, with full credit given to the photographer. Join us in highlighting the moments, places, and people that make our community something special. Send your photos to info@pownalmaine.org
The Board of Appeals and the Planning Board both need an alternate committee member. Alternates serve to fill the roster when another committee member cannot attend a meeting. If you are invested in the future of Pownal and know (or would like to learn about) our town development processes, either of these positions could be a good fit for you. If you are interested please submit a completed Volunteer Form
Nomination papers for the upcoming town election are open for the following boards and committees:
- Select Board
- Cemetery Commission
- RSU 5 Board of Directors
Each position carries a three‑year term. Candidates must collect a minimum of 25 signatures and no more than 100 signatures to qualify. Completed nomination papers are due by April 9 at 4:30 PM.
The following individuals have taken out Nomination Petitions which are being circulated in the Town of Pownal:
- Meaghan L. Arena for RSU #5 Board of Directors
- Melissa M. Jordan for RSU #5 Board of Directors
- Lorraine S. Merrill for Pownal Cemetery Commission
- Katherine (Kate) Day for Pownal Town Select Board
Election Date: June 9th, 2026