As the coronavirus alters life in Maine, staying informed of the latest news and information is critically important as we all navigate the uncertainties that come with this pandemic. Maine has some tremendous journalists working tirelessly to keep the public informed. Here’s a collection of the most recent stories from our statewide media partners. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates.
Friday, July 31, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine gives green light to schools in every county for in-person instruction (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
- Another Mainer dies as 26 new coronavirus cases are reported (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Mills administration to expand rental assistance program, as pandemic continues to take a toll (By Barbara Cariddi of Maine Public)
- Nonresident COVID-19 rates on upswing, but no sign of spread to Mainers (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine receives $17 million in CARES funding to pilot remote learning models (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine blueberry farmers face outbreaks and other challenges from pandemic (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
- Maine’s relaxed limits on outdoor events likely come too late for 2020 weddings (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
- Brunswick officials present hybrid reopening plan (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
- Red Cross encourages community members to consider becoming donors, includes testing for coronavirus antibodies (By Morgan Sturdivant of WABI)
Thursday, July 30, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine doubles rent relief as evictions resume and unemployment benefits drop (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
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Another Mainer dies as 27 new coronavirus cases are reported (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Mills administration earmarks $1 million to address racial disparity in COVID-19 cases (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine’s tourism industry on life support as visitors trickle back (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
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Susan Collins floats alternatives as unemployment bonus runs out (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
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Portland Water District begins looking for COVID-19 in wastewater (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- New jobless claims in Maine fall again, but tens of thousands still rely on aid (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Bates group pressures college to change its plan to bring all students back to campus (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
- Colby College requiring students to live in campus housing (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
- Maine confirms coronavirus outbreak at another Hancock County blueberry business (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- Mills Administration proposes partial tax conformity with CARES Act (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
- Maine receives $16.9 million to create ‘innovative’ educational opportunities amid pandemic (From the Boothbay Register)
- Fair cancellation means lost income, missed opportunities (By Pam Harnden of the Livermore Falls Advertiser)
- Acadia campgrounds won’t open this year (By Dick Broom of the Mount Desert Islander)
- Gorham awaits color code for school reopening (By Robert Lowell of the American Journal)
- Amid pandemic, charities and nonprofits must get creative to raise funds (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
- Camden area officials survey parents about opening schools (By Susan Mustapich of the Camden Herald)
- More Mainers and their towns have been forced to become tech-savvy during the pandemic (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
- Rethinking Everything’: Two Damariscotta Businesses Cope with Pandemic (By Alyce McFadden of the Lincoln County News)
- Pandemic ignites more neighborliness as Maine community comes together to practice mindfulness (By Beth McEvoy of News Center Maine)
- Houlton Regional Hospital holds ‘Elvis Day’ to boost staff morale (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine state budget facing COVID-19 shortfall of $1.4 billion over next three years (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
- 29 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine’s economy will lose $30M a week under GOP coronavirus package, Angus King says (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
- Calais hospital wants to temporarily exit bankruptcy so it can qualify for PPP loan (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
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COVID-19 cases climb at Marshwood Center, CMMC in Lewiston (By Lindsay Tice of the Sun Journal)
- Lincoln County Sees First Death from COVID-19 (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
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Commercial backlog delays some Maine COVID-19 test results (By Colin Ellis of the Portland Phoenix)
- Beach to Beacon is canceled, but organizers fear runners might come anyway (By Nick Sambides Jr. of the Bangor Daily News)
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New poll shows strong support for Gov. Mills’ pandemic policies (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
- New York to investigate concert featuring Maine musician for social-distancing violations (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
- Winslow school district drafts back-to-school plan (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
- Maine receives $16.9 million to create ‘innovative’ educational opportunities amid pandemic (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
- School officials considering ‘hybrid’ model for Turner, Leeds, Greene (By Kathryn Skelton of the Sun Journal)
- RSU 34 board considers three possible school reopening scenarios (By Nina Mahaleris of the Penobscot Times)
- RSU 73 to decide school reopening plan August 6 (By Pam Harnden of the Livermore Falls Advertiser)
- Bowdoin College to provide iPads to all students during pandemic (From the Times Record)
- New public health director for Portland hopes for wider impact (By Michael Kelley of the Forecaster)
- Boothbay Harbor selectmen consider cruise ship’s visit (By Joseph Charpentier of the Boothbay Register)
- Strand stays connected to community during pandemic (By Stephen Betts of the Courier-Gazette)
- Free weekly produce pick-up now available in South Paris (By Nicole Carter of the Advertiser Democrat)
- Sebago Brewing Co. will reopen all of its brewpubs Thursday afternoon (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
- Bath public library reopens (From the Times Record)
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Lewiston-Auburn theaters rewrite playbooks to entertain audience (By Victoria Decoster of the Sun Journal)
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Two more Mainers die, 16 new COVID-19 cases reported (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine eases 50-person limit on gatherings for outdoor spectator events (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
- As safety net disappears, out-of-work Mainers plead for more help (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine businesses say survival may hinge on more help (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
- Man allegedly displays gun after being told to wear a mask in Maine Dunkin’ (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
- A new COVID-19 testing method is causing some confusion in New England (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
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Portland schools may let students learn from home if they want to (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
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Maine faces a budget shortfall in excess of half a billion dollars (By Mal Leary & Ed Morin of Maine Public)
- COVID-19 outbreak reported at Hancock County blueberry processor (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
- Lewiston health clinic receives funding to expand COVID-19 testing (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
- Houlton Town Office receives COVID-19 makeover (By Joseph Cyr of the Aroostook Republican)
- Westport Island to seek more pandemic aid (By Phil Di Vece of the Wiscasset Newspaper)
- Concert at sea will raise money for Maine’s lobster industry (From the Bangor Daily News)
Monday, July 27, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Mills slams GOP bid to relax Maine limits on Massachusetts, Rhode Island tourists (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
- 18 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine is gradually reopening, but there’s no start date in sight for arts and music venues (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
- As buildings reopen amid virus fears, occupants seek to clear the air (By Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald)
- EMMC’s new president grappling with fallout from coronavirus pandemic (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- With unemployment running out, Maine’s 2 U.S. Senators push for another stimulus package (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
- Portland to take action to help homeless population during pandemic (From WGME)
- Topsham-area school district planning for phased reopening of classrooms (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
- Grand juries return to courthouses across Maine (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
- Boothbay Harbor Country Club reports positive COVID-19 case of guest (By Kevin Burnham of the Boothbay Register)
- “Catch-up” clinics will ensure Maine children are up-to-date on vaccinations (From WMTW)
- Sewage to be tested to determine prevalence of COVID-19 (From WABI)
- UMA Rockland to reopen Aug. 3 for fall semester (From the Courier-Gazette)
- Winslow firm stays strong during pandemic (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
- The high-flying antics of pro wrestling return to Maine after coronavirus hiatus (By Troy R. Bennett of the Bangor Daily News)
Sunday, July 26, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Lessons emerge from a workplace outbreak (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
- 25 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Maine (By Rosemary Lausier of the Bangor Daily News)
- CMMC workers test positive for COVID-19 (By Lindsay Tice of the Sun Journal)
- Agency doubles meals provided to isolated older Mainers during pandemic (By Kelley Bouchard of the Portland Press Herald)
- Bangor’s Frank Murray became a priest with great fanfare. He’ll retire without it due to COVID-19. (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
- Summer without the fair leaves foul feeling in the air (By Peggy Grodinsky of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine ATV dealers ‘can’t keep the showrooms stocked’ (By Deirdre Fleming of the Portland Press Herald)
Saturday, July 25, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine CDC reports one death, 33 new cases of coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine schools chief: COVID-19 tests for students could offer ‘false sense of security’ (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- What classrooms across Maine could look like as schools reopen in the fall (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
- Susan Collins ‘hopeful’ next virus relief package will include state and local aid (By David Marino Jr. and Michael Shepherd of the Bangor Daily News)
- The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on Maine farms (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
- Maine to offer free vaccine clinics for shots missed during pandemic (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Foodies rally to save one of Maine’s few West African restaurants amid the pandemic (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
- Noted Portland restaurant Drifters Wife closes permanently because of pandemic (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
- Manchester swimming spot draws crowds, complaints (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
- Wells hotel offers to pay for COVID-19 test (By Jackie Mundry of News Center Maine)
- Belfast practitioner launches ‘drive-in’ acupuncture in response to pandemic (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
- Berwick woman makes masks to help local nonprofits stay open (By Mary Cate Mannion of WMTW)
- Parents consider home schooling as uncertainty surrounding school reopenings continue (By Emily Tadlock of WABI)
- Ten Bucks Theatre Company performers find creative way to adapt during pandemic to hold play in Brewer (From WABI)
- A high school sports forecast for fall: Wait and see (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
- Healthy Acadia offers help for those in recovery struggling with technology in the pandemic (By Catherine Pegram of WABI)
- After delayed opening due to pandemic, new memory care living center set to open in Madison (By Spencer Roberts of WABI)
Friday, July 24, 2020
TOP STORIES
- As national labs bog down, some Mainers face long delays for COVID-19 test results (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine reports 20 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Sewage could provide data on COVID-19’s prevalence in Augusta area (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
- Portland suburb now has Maine’s highest rate of COVID-19 cases (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
- Labor department to increase unemployment amount for some Mainers (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
- ‘An epidemic within a pandemic’ – Maine officials discuss how to respond to opioid crisis at summit (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
- Saco closes community center, summer camps because of COVID-19 case (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine CDC investigating construction workers’ link to Presque Isle Walmart outbreak (By David Marino Jr. of the Bangor Daily News)
- Animal transports to Maine on hold due to coronavirus pandemic (From WGME)
- Portland businesses feeling the pain from fitness classes held in closed street (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
- Auburn to hold public forums on school reentry plan (By Karen Kreworuka of the Sun Journal)
- Not every Bangor student will return to school full time this fall (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- As more members cancel amid pandemic fears, YMCAs face uncertainty (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
- Westbrook cafe owner tired of confronting customers over face coverings (From WGME)
- Standish ice cream shop asks customers to stop bullying teen workers (From WGME)
Thursday, July 23, 2020
TOP STORIES
- No new deaths but 24 new coronavirus cases in Maine (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine sees fewest new jobless claims since pandemic began (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine employers could be taxed by state on federal emergency loans (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Bates college may house some students in area hotels (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
- The pandemic has advocates rethinking Maine’s homeless shelters and resource system (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
- More urban dwellers are moving to Maine, and properties are selling fast (By Fred Bever of Maine Public)
- Maine CDC investigating construction workers’ link to Presque Isle Walmart outbreak (By David Marino Jr. of the Bangor Daily News)
- Groups that help renters prepare for ‘tidal wave’ of evictions that may not come immediately (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine hotel offers to pay for coronavirus tests as a way to draw more guests (By Mary Cate Mannion of WMTW)
- Not every Bangor students will return to school full time this fall (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- Midcoast program helps students prepare for return to school (From WGME)
- University of Maine athletes look for silver linings after decision to postpone fall sports (By Drew Bonifant of the Kennebec Journal)
- Student-athletes face difficult decisions after UMaine-Machias suspends sports (By Pete Warner of the Bangor Daily News)
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Presque Isle International Airport to require masks inside airport (By David Marino Jr. of the Aroostook Republican)
- Midcoast Community Chorus suspends operations (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
TOP STORIES
- What’s at stake for Maine as $600 unemployment bonus winds down (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
- 28 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine CDC’s Shah: ‘Public policy is important, but what the public does is even more important’ (By Douglas Rooks of the Portland Phoenix)
- Basic supply shortages still hold back Maine coronavirus testing, even as capacity grows, (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- College of the Atlantic will implement rigorous testing plan in order to resume in-person classes (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
- No lockers and spaced-out desks: Bangor outlines what in-person school will look like (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- Winslow continues to plan for school year – despite lack of information from the state (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
- With master’s students back in class, MECA already in first phase of reopening campus (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
- UMaine, UMass Amherst to analyze COVID-19 droplets (By Julie Sherburne of News Center Maine)
- University of Maine at Machias suspends athletic programs indefinitely (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
- Preble Street reorganizes in response to pandemic (By Colin Ellis of the Portland Phoenix)
- Staycationers and first-time campers are flocking to Piscataquis County (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
- Lewiston emergency shelter deemed a success after closure (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
- Outdoor dining at Midcoast Maine Restaurants: Who is offering what? (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Wave of evictions expected as courts reopen, assistance and protections expire (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
- Another Mainer dies as 12 more coronavirus cases are reported (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Amid a pandemic, Aroostook County fights the social isolation of older Mainers (By David Marino Jr. of the Bangor Daily News)
- Libraries chronicling personal impacts of COVID-19 (By Michael Kelley of The Forecaster)
- Maine CDC confirms COVID-19 outbreak at Presque Isle Walmart (By David Marino Jr. of the Aroostook Republican)
- Age of people testing positive for COVID-19 is trending younger (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- Rate of covid cases among non-residents falls (By Kate Cough of the Ellsworth American)
- Auburn panel to review new school reopening plan Wednesday night (By Karen Kreworuka of the Sun Journal)
- Maine Marathon canceled because of pandemic (By Mike Lowe of the Portland Press Herald)
- Conference home to 5 Maine colleges cancels Fall sports season (By Pete Warner of the Bangor Daily News)
- Faced with the pandemic, midcoast museums get creative to keep folks coming (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
- Linneus farm sets up online farmer’s market for Houlton area (By Alexander MacDougall of the Star-Herald)
- Colby College museum of arts shares plans for the fall (From the Morning Sentinel)
Monday, July 20, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Coronavirus and papermaking woes bring tough times to Maine’s logging industry (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
- 24 more coronavirus cases have been reported in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Nonresident COVID-19 cases in Maine remain low (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
- How Maine’s delegation wants to continue aid as Senate reconvenes (By Michael Shepherd and Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
- Why are some Maine police officers not wearing face masks? (By John Chrisos of WGME)
- Augusta rescinds coronavirus emergency declaration (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
- Dozens of people charged for entering closed Maine park (From WGME)
- ‘It weighs heavily’ — parents, school officials react to fall reopening plans for Maine schools (By Chloe Teboe of News Center Maine)
- Husson University cancels sports for the fall semester (From the Bangor Daily News)
- Absentee voting smooth in Maine, but big test is in November (From the Portland Press Herald)
- Amtrak Downeaster adds more Brunswick to Boston train services (From the Boothbay Register)
- Mainers finding socially distanced ways to beat the heat (By Joe Glauber of WMTW)
Sunday, July 19, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine teachers worry what a return to school will look like (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine CDC reports 41 cases of coronavirus, no new deaths (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
- 1 in 3 Maine lobstermen lands federal pandemic loan (By Penelope Overton of the Portland Press Herald)
- ‘Isolation is addiction’s best friend’ — drug overdose deaths on the rise in Maine (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
- Job search looms for 80,000 unemployed (By Lindsay Tice of the Sun Journal)
- With no games, Portland’s pro sports teams try to keep fans engaged (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
- Budding scientists use COVID book to explore their own ideas about the pandemic (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
- Caterers suffer as 2020 brides say ‘I don’t’ (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
- The pandemic inspired midcoast film buffs to erect a drive-in theater in just 6 weeks (by Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
Saturday, July 18, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine CDC reports 2 deaths, 10 new cases of coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
- State announces up to $165M in funding for COVID-19 precautions at Maine schools (By Eesha Pendharker of the Bangor Daily News)
- Superintendents welcome guidelines, see parents’ support as key to reopening (By Scott Thistle and Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
- Americans banned from Aroostook Valley Country Club by Canadian government (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
- King objects to Trump Administration’s data reporting change (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
- $600 weekly unemployment benefits set to expire; Maine senators suggest changing amount (By Marissa Bodnar of WGME)
- Maine child care facilities to get $8.4 million in federal COVID-19 relief (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
- Portland Starbucks closed until July 27 after worker reports COVID-19 symptoms (By Erin Keller of News Center Maine)
- Rockland’s Main Street won’t be a pedestrian plaza this summer. But here’s the new plan (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
- One Longfellow Square raises $175,000 to stay in business (By Emma Sorkin of the Portland Press Herald)
- Belfast awarded COVID-19 prevention, protection grant (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
- UMaine, UNE among latest colleges to forgo fall sports (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
- “ELLSWORTHY” T-shirts raise nearly $2,000 for businesses (By Mike Mandell of the Ellsworth American)
- Maine’s Open Farm Day will be live on the internet (From WABI)
Friday, July 17, 2020
TOP STORIES
- One more death, 38 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maine (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
- Republicans’ demands keep lawmakers sidelined, with hundreds of bills in limbo (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
- Calls to domestic violence hotline have risen during pandemic, advocates say (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
- After outbreak, Goodwill hopes to reopen Gorham warehouse Friday (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
- Popular Buxton park closed because of large crowds, dangerous behavior (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
- Jordan’s Furniture braces for mid-pandemic opening Friday at The Maine Mall (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
- Report: Coronavirus pandemic leads to significant increase in fatal drug overdoses in Maine (From WMTW)
- Skowhegan-area school board discusses returning students to classrooms, nickname selection (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
- The pandemic inspired midcoast film buffs to erect a drive-in theater in just 6 weeks (By Lauren Abbate of Bangor Daily News)
- BIW executive, family man took his life as depression mounted during pandemic (By Melanie Creamer of the Portland Press Herald)
- UMaine’s football conference cancels season (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
- New Gray restaurant hopes to be ‘pandemic-proof’ (From WGME)
- Farmington’s Summer Fest canceled for health concerns (By Andrea Swiedom of the Franklin Journal)
Thursday, July 16, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine 1 of 2 states where coronavirus cases continue to fall (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- 20 more coronavirus cases have been detected in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine hospitals worry about Trump Administration’s new coronavirus data collection policy (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
- Maine sees spike in new jobless claims after weeks-long decline (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Foreign students at UMaine relieved at Trump reversal on COVID-related visa order (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- Mills’ economic recovery committee calls for $1.1 billion investment (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
- Program brings business COVI9-19 compliance, enforcement to local level (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)
- Planned Parenthood of Northern New England offering at-home STI tests (By Sebastian Bennage of News Center Maine)
- Spruce schools to offer instruction options; parent feedback sought (From the Livermore Falls Advertiser)
- Lewiston recreation planning for fall restart (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
- Disinfectant foggers clean up school after budget hearing (By Morgan Mitchell of the Fiddlehead Focus)
- Patrick Dempsey dons a mask for The Kennebunkport Promise (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Whether – and how – Maine schools reopen remains uncertain (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
- Economic recovery panel asks Janet Mills for $1.1B to stabilize Maine economy (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
- 12 new coronavirus cases detected in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Election-access advocates say Maine’s pandemic voting went pretty smoothly (By Fred Bever of Maine Public)
- South Portland releases draft plan to reopen schools (From WMTW)
- Winslow School District forms committee to plan for school year amid pandemic (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
- Midcoast schools drafting multiple plans for fall reopening (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
- St. Doms ready to go back to school in December (By Tony Blasi of the Sun Journal)
- USM cancels athletics for fall 2020 (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
- South Portland dips into city revenue to help small business hurt by the pandemic (By Kelley Bouchard of the Portland Press Herald)
- Central Maine Growth Council launches small business grant program (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
- State announces ‘swab and send COVID-19 testing sites statewide, including Belfast (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
- Southern Aroostook food pantry resumes normal operations after COVID-19 setback (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
- Yarmouth family makes face masks to raise money for STRIVE (From WGME)
- Photo essay: How Maine’s first election during the coronavirus looked (By Natalie Williams of the Bangor Daily News)
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
TOP STORIES
- State says school districts should plan for 3 COVID re-opening scenarios in the fall (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- The pandemic has magnified the winners and losers in Maine’s educational system (By Nora Flaherty of Maine Public)
- Maine CDC reports just 8 new COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
- Portland police report ‘disturbing’ rise in overdoses during pandemic (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
- 3 inmates test positive for coronavirus at Cumberland County Jail (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- 18 new coronavirus testing sites to open across Maine (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- Untapped federal funds could help fill gap in Maine virus economic plan (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
- IRS reminder: Taxpayers can get an extension to Oct. 15 to file taxes (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
- Flurry of absentee voting continues right up to Maine’s unusual July primary (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
- In-person turnout light in today’s primary election (By Scott Thistle, Megan Gray and Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)
- Chamber busy rising above COVID tide (By Lisa Kristoff of the Boothbay Register)
- Portland extends emergency order through September (By WMTW)
- Lewiston School Committee meeting canceled due to safety, accessibility concerns (By Matthew Daigle of the Sun Journal)
- Foundation awards $500,000 to support family safety during pandemic (From the Camden Herald)
Monday, July 13, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Low-income Mainers barely hanging on to keep paying rent, research shows (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- 19 coronavirus cases detected in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- How to vote in Maine’s Tuesday election if you haven’t already (By Michael Shepherd of the Bangor Daily News)
- Portland music venues need vaccine to make indoor concerts viable (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
- Owner of Augusta restaurant say they will now follow state health guidelines (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
- Temporary shelter in USM gym closing (By Reuben Schafir of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine CDC COVID-19 briefings to be held Tuesdays, Thursdays (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
- Foundation awards $500,000 to support family safety during pandemic (From the Courier-Gazette)
- Expect changes if you plan on voting at the polls Tuesday due to coronavirus (From WMTW)
- Swedish basketball standout enjoys a summer in Maine while riding out the coronavirus pandemic (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
- Buses need a bailout from pandemic costs, senators say (By Barbara Cariddi of Maine Public)
Sunday, July 12, 2020
TOP STORIES
- For thousands of unemployed Mainers, the system isn’t working (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
- 2 more Mainers die as another 19 coronavirus cases are reported (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- ‘Full speed ahead’ for Maine’s first election during pandemic (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
- International students must take in-person classes to stay in the US legally this fall (By Hannah Yechivi of News Center Maine)
- Over 70 Rangeley businesses take COVID19 safety pledge (From the Daily Bulldog)
Saturday, July 11, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine CDC reports 1 death, 21 new cases of coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
- Small Maine providers are finding it impossible to source necessary protective equipment (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
- For southern Maine beach towns, mask ambassadors are summer’s front-line workers (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
- Number of COVID-19 patients in Maine hospitals hits lowest level since March (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
- Pandemic makes it ‘a scary time’ for child care industry in Maine (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Foreign students in Maine say ICE rule forces them to risk their health to stay in country (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine workers, labor groups warn of widespread suffering unless federal jobless aid extended (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Flu-like cases hint at early COVID-19 in Maine (By Lindsay Tice of the Sun Journal)
- Westbrook pizza restaurant temporarily closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19 (From WGME)
- Lewiston-Auburn senators on sending kids back to school and ‘tough choices’ ahead for Maine economy (By Kathryn Skelton of the Sun Journal)
- They were asked to stay home because of the pandemic but some thru-hikers insisted on finishing the AT (By Susan Sharon of Maine Public)
- Portland soup kitchen will close and deliver food directly to vulnerable people on the streets (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
- After defying mask rule, Auburn says Roy’s Hamburgers now in compliance (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
- UNE’s return-to-campus plan includes hybrid learning (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine’s Twitter users among top for anti-mask feelings (From Central Maine newspapers)
- NESCAC cancels conference competition for fall season (By Drew Bonifant of the Morning Sentinel)
- Driving tests resume for thousands of Mainers put in park by pandemic (From WGME)
- UMaine announces new resources for grad students and job seekers (From WABI)
- Urban Air Adventure to open this weekend in Bangor (From News Center Maine)
- Bangor Historical Society walking tours begin this weekend (From WABI)
Friday, July 10, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Some health professionals say Maine’s new mask mandate doesn’t go far enough (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
- Maine reports 13 cases of COVID-19, no new deaths (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Stores appear to be complying with face mask enforcement (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
- York County Jail inmate tests positive for COVID-19 (By Dennis Hoey and Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
- Jobless aid tops $1 billion in Maine as laid-off workers prepare to resume job searches (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Even as Maine tests more for the coronavirus, it’s in the middle of the pack nationally (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- Students balk at UMaine plans for remote learning on campus (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
- The accuracy problem in Maine with testing tourists (By Lance Tapley of the Free Press)
- CMCC to open campus this fall to students receiving critical hands-on training (By Nathan Fournier of the Sun Journal)
- Augusta, Waterville treated differently under updated mask orders (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
- Oxford Casino reopens gaming area for slots (By Steve Sherlock of the Sun Journal)
- An Orono restaurant and brewery pivots to a new socially distanced, outdoor reality (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
- As gigs dry up amid the pandemic, Maine musicians say ‘it sucks out there’ (By Troy R. Bennett of the Bangor Daily News)
- With the Sea Dogs’ season canceled, the baseball stadium hosts target golf at Hadlock Field (By Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press Herald)
- Central Maine Community College postpones sports until January 2021 (By Nathan Fournier of the Sun Journal)
- Maine thrift stores accepting donations again, with restrictions (By Julia Bayly of the Bangor Daily News)
Thursday, July 9, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Penobscot County woman dies as 26 new coronavirus cases reported in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Sappi mill in Westbrook to lay off 75 employees (By Gabrielle Mannino & Erin Keller of News Center Maine)
- Collins opposes Trump threats to cut funding to schools that don’t reopen this fall (By Nick Sambides Jr. of the Bangor Daily News)
- Community colleges to reopen in fall with blend of online, in-person learning (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Downeaster ridership low but rising as trains start running after two-month shutdown (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
- Houlton EMT workers cleared to work by Maine CDC after recovering from COVID-19 (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
- Portland-based education nonprofit sued for study-abroad refunds (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
- With retail reeling, Bangor plots a different future for its main shopping district (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
- 790 Lincoln County organizations each received COVID-19 loans of less than $150,000 (By George Harvey of the Boothbay Register)
- Maine Maritime Academy plans to use online and in-person classes for fall semester (By Ed Morin of Maine Public)
- Bates economist: Androscoggin County recovering faster than state average (By Kathryn Skelton of the Sun Journal)
- How Belfast businesses are using ingenuity to pivot during the pandemic (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
- Pets affected by pandemic, too (By Sarah Hinckley of the Mount Desert Islander)
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Mills issues executive order requiring businesses to enforce mask-wearing (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Coronavirus cases back on the decline as Maine continues to expand testing (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- 20 more cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Maine, no new deaths (By Barbara Cariddi of Maine Public)
- Data: Maine PPP recipients include high-powered law firms, businesses with ties to lawmakers (By Steve Mistler of Maine Public)
- Bar Harbor bans all cruise ships for the rest of the year (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine movie theaters get ready to reopen, but will viewers show? (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
- ‘Closing beaches an option after Maine city gets complaints of people not social distancing (By Jim Keithley of WMTW)
- USM to open fall semester under new health, safety protocols (By Michael Kelly of the Forecaster)
- Maine cities, towns see record demand for absentee ballots ahead of primary (By Phil Hirschkorn of WMTW)
- 136 area businesses, nonprofits each received COVID-19 loans of $150k to $5 million (By George Harvey of the Pen Bay Pilot)
- SBA provided 2,085 area businesses loans of less than $150,000 each (By George Harvey of the Pen Bay Pilot)
- Kennebec Valley humane society has virtual fundraiser due to coronavirus, COVID-19 (By Sebastian Bennage of News Center Maine)
- Caribou’s nursing home residents treated to community parade (By Chris Bouchard of the Aroostook Republican)
- Local gadget-maker takes a crack at a better face mask (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Another Mainer dies as 17 new coronavirus cases are detected (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine industries hit hardest by virus-related layoffs didn’t get the most in federal loans (By Lori Valigra and Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- Top Payroll Protection Program recipients in Maine (From the Portland Press Herald)
- Portland to start providing rental assistance with $500,000 fund (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
- ‘My head is just spinning around’ – what child care centers face as Mainers head back to work (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
- Why Maine isn’t treating Massachusetts tourists like others — and when it might (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- EMS develops new dispatch code for possible COVID-19 cases (By Bill Pearson of the Boothbay Register)
- Rockland council mandates face coverings downtown (By Stephen Betts of the Camden Herald)
- Conditioning activities allowed to begin for Maine high school sports (By Travis Lee of WMTW)
- Big changes coming to Maine summer camps due to coronavirus pandemic (From WGME)
Monday, July 6, 2020
TOP STORIES
- 8 more new coronavirus cases have been detected in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Restricted due to pandemic, evictions could resume next month in Maine (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
- Maine’s hotels step up safety measures to prove quarantines aren’t needed (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Businesses adopt new health, safety measures during phase 3 of reopening (By Chloe Teboe of News Center Maine)
- Maine leads New England for economically vulnerable college towns (By Edward Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
- $1.1 million awarded to Maine hospitals to combat COVID-19 (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
- Maine courts enter a new phase of reopening (From WMTW)
- During coronavirus, backyard birding takes flight in Maine (By Ben McCanna of the Portland Press Herald)
- Bangor’s Mask Up For ME campaign receives funding (By Sam Rogers of News Center Maine)
Sunday, July 5, 2020
TOP STORIES
- 2 more Mainers die as 18 new coronavirus cases are reported (By Rosemary Lausier of the Bangor Daily News)
- Pandemic exacerbates crisis levels for Maine’s group homes (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- COVID-19’s impact on Maine’s wild blueberry industry (By Hannah Yechivi of News Center Maine)
- Without hordes of tourists, Mainers get summer to ourselves (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
- Office doors reopening in Maine, but just a crack (By Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald)
- Debates turn emotional as schools decide how and if to open (From the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine International Film Festival kicks off Tuesday at Skowhegan Drive-In Theatre (By Molly Shelley of the Morning Sentinel)
- How to make a statement with your face mask (By Sam Schipani of the Bangor Daily News)
Saturday, July 4, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine CDC reports 2 deaths, 23 new cases of coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
- Employers say worker-retention program riddled with problems (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- As workplaces reopen, Maine parents scramble for child care made scarce by pandemic (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
- Canceled Fourth of July fireworks bring economic hardship in central Maine (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
- Travelers from Mass. say they don’t plan to follow 14-day quarantine rule for Fourth of July weekend (By Zach Blanchard of News Center Maine)
- Reopening movie theaters face multiple challenges on Wednesday as third phase of reopening begins (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
- Bangor’s face-covering campaign gains statewide attention and money (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- Price of lobster dips amid trade war and pandemic (From WMTW)
Friday, July 3, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine CDC reports 45 more coronavirus cases have been detected; 537 active cases in state (By Lynne Fort of the Bangor Daily News)
- Mills advisory group warns of ‘economic cliff’ if no more federal aid comes (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- With Maine tourism season here, growing number of out-of-state visitors are testing positive (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine jobless claims continue to ease amid phased reopening of businesses (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- DOC says COVID-19 tests for Long Creek staff and residents have all been negative so far (By Susan Sharon of Maine Public)
- Maine professor says the pandemic shows how the government is ill-equipped for economic crises (By Nora Flaherty of Maine Public)
- Positive test prompts Honey Paw and Eventide Oyster Co. to close temporarily (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
- OOB restaurant facing backlash from some customers over mask mandate (From WGME)
- More people will be allowed in Maine courtrooms starting next week (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine is seeing a historic number of absentee ballot requests ahead of the July election (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- Greenville to continue Fourth of July fireworks tradition — with changes (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
- State pulls plug on music festival at Brunswick campground (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
- Longtime Brunswick retailer closes doors, latest business to leave Maine Street (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
- Lisbon closes part of Main Street to help local businesses (From WMTW)
- Farmington Fair cancelled for 2020 (By Donna M. Perry of the Sun Journal)
Thursday, July 2, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine CDC reports 34 more coronavirus cases have been detected (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine has paid out nearly $1 billion in jobless benefits since pandemic began (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Many people are still finding it difficult to get tested for COVID-19 in Maine (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
- New Balance closes Maine factories after employee experiences coronavirus symptoms (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
- Pandemic leads Preble Street to plan new approach to helping the poor and homeless (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
- New increase in Maine virus cases linked to spread among younger people (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- UMaine System students will return to campuses for fall semester (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
- Presque Isle Loop to end amid pandemic struggles (By David Marino Jr. of the Aroostook Republican)
- State grants to pay for COVID-19 education, prevention projects (By Liz Graves and Sarah Hinckley of the Mount Desert Islander)
- Maine Principals’ Association sets initial guidelines for school athletics (By Mark Haskell of the Republican Journal)
- Maine police departments struggling with numbers due to pandemic (By WGME)
- Pandemic hasn’t halted southern Maine sustainability planning (By Shawn Sullivan of the York Weekly)
- Updated ZIP code data on coronavirus cases in state released by Maine CDC (By Meghan Torjussen of WMTW)
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
TOP STORIES
- Maine extends jobless benefits 13 weeks for workers still needing aid amid pandemic (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine reports 41 news cases of coronavirus, no additional deaths (By Christopher Burns of the Portland Press Herald)
- Maine hospitality industry’s revenue could fall by one-third this year, economists say (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
- Cost of reopening schools during pandemic could exceed $300 million (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
- Coastal Maine businesses will have to enforce face covering requirement (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
- Maine to allow travelers from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut without virus test (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
- Colby College announces plan to bring students back to campus in August (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
- Amusement parks, spars, bowling alleys among Maine business allowed to reopen today (From WMTW)
- Bangor Savings Bank temporarily closes 2 branches after possible coronavirus exposure (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
- Call it the ‘coronagap:’ Some Maine students put college plans on hold because of pandemic (By Jordan Bailey of the Portland Phoenix)
- Fireworks sales hoped to increase during pandemic (By Andrea Swiedom of the Franklin Journal)
- Proponents say pandemic adds importance to new cold storage facility in Portland (By Jordan Bailey of the Portland Phoenix)
- Westbrook Strong hopes for a strong virtual race (By Chance Viles of the American Journal)
