Maine Bix - Out of 149 U.S. metropolitan areas, Portland ranked second for livability in a barometer by RentCafe.com, an apartment search website. Washington, D.C., topped the list.
The rankings evaluated metro areas with populations of at least 300,000 across 17 metrics, including cost of living, health care access and community feel, grouped into three categories: location and community, quality of life and socioeconomic status.
While the city of Portland has a population of around 68,000, the Portland–South Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area totals more than 563,000. Researchers highlighted the region’s access to a large number of membership associations, local farmers’ markets, top universities and a robust network of health care providers.
“Although the cost of living here exceeds the national average, Portland’s steady job market, income gains and low unemployment rate make it appealing to renters looking for stability,” according to the report.
“But, it’s not just a spot where you can work hard,” the authors noted. “The metro area also stands out for its rich food scene, with 230 restaurants per 10,000 residents, an
Press Herald - With Gov. Janet Mills' withdrawal Thursday morning, the Senate race in Maine now appears to be a competition between incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, and Democratic newcomer Graham Platner.
The Democratic primary takes place in June, and Platner will have to beat David Costello for his party's nomination, but he's almost certain to do so. That means Mills' announcement turns our attention to November's midterm election.
…Platner's campaign has spent more on advertising than Collins', but those figures may not show the full picture. Platner for Maine had spent about $7.3 million on ads as of Thursday afternoon, according to the ad tracking site AdImpact. Collins for ME Senate had spent about $2.4 million.
Press Herald - For the first time, thousands of Mainers can take paid time off from work for life events and return to work. Over 2,000 Maine residents have already pre-applied for benefits. Starting May 1, the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave program will allow any employee in Maine to take up to 12 weeks off work for family or medical events such as childbirth, infant care, injury, illness or family caregiving duties — while still receiving a portion of their wages.
Wabanaki Alliance - The Wabanaki Studies bill being funded and signed into law, advancements made to improve the conservation easement statute to include tribes and tribal ties to land, more positive movement on taxation benefits, and waived admission fees for tribal citizens to state parks...