After Historic Passage, New Laws Battling PFAS Enter Implementation Phase

Maine is going a step further by going after the companies that produced PFAS-contaminated sludge and claimed it was safe for use.

Maine Teen Killed In New Jersey Beach Sand Collapse

The collapse happened while the 18-year-old and his sister were digging a hole with Frisbees on a Toms River beach.

Dems Back Progressive Reforms In Platform But Protesters Say Party Fell Short On Tribal Rights

The party convention comes as Maine — and the rest of the country — is preparing for a pivotal midterm contest in November.

Progressives Across Maine Step Up To Run For Legislature In Pivotal 2022 Election

Progressives already serving in Augusta have helped Democratic majorities in the House and Senate make strides.

Congress Explores Creation Of Truth Commission For U.S. Indian Boarding Schools

H.R. 5444 would establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies.

Construction Worker Saves Maine Sheriff From Drowning In Lake

Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce was placing moorings on Sebago Lake when his kayak flipped. Luckily, help was nearby.

Experts, Birders: Turn Off Home Lights At Night During Migration Season

Saturday is World Migratory Bird Day.

U.S. Senate Democrats Fail To Enshrine Nationwide Abortion Protections, Vow More Action

Democrats did not get enough votes to overcome the legislative filibuster.

Maine Poor People's Campaign Mobilizes For National ‘Moral March On Washington' In June

The rally is being organized by the Poor People’s Campaign, a national coalition building power across marginalized communities.

Activist Responds With Free Speech Chalking Mocking Collins For Calling Cops

"You might not recognize our right to free speech, but I hope you recognize my right to have an abortion," an unknown activist wrote.

ME Man Accused Of Attacking Third Officer During Jan. 6 Riot: Report

Kyle Fitzsimons of Lebanon already faces 10 federal charges including two counts of inflicting bodily injury on officers.

Legislators Sustain Mills' Vetoes Of Progressive Labor And Criminal Justice Reform Bills

In total, Mills vetoed five bills from the 2022 legislative session, none of which were overturned by the legislature.

Dems Help Mills Dodge Veto Of Popular Wabanaki Sovereignty Bill

Democrats declined to put LD 1626, which passed the Maine House and Senate last month, on Gov. Janet Mills’ desk.

McConnell Doesn't Rule Out U.S. Senate Vote Outlawing Abortion If GOP Takes Control

"Yeah, it’s possible. It would depend on where the votes were," McConnell said.

Progressive Legislators Not Seeking Reelection Say Institutional Barriers Often Prevent Change

Beacon spoke with some lawmakers about why they are leaving and what reflections they have on their experience at the State House.

‘We Delivered': Recovery Community Celebrates Signing Of Stronger Good Samaritan Law

Gov. Janet Mills held a ceremonial signing Monday of a bill creating additional protections from prosecution at the scene of an overdose.

As COVID Cases Spike In Maine, CDC Calls For Masks In These Counties

Community levels of COVID-19​ currently are medium or high in all but one Maine county.

Beacon Podcast: The Lowdown On Roe V. Wade—And What You Can Do About It

Podcast hosts also preview veto override day and talk about the still-uncertain future of the Tribal Sovereignty bill.

Senate Will Vote On Abortion Rights Next Week, Likely Without Collins' Support

The effort appears largely symbolic, the Maine Beacon reports.

Maine Warns Residents: Don't Eat Contaminated Freshwater Fish

The advisory affects several bodies of water across Maine, according to a report.

U.S. Senate To Try Again On Abortion Rights After Bombshell Disclosure Of Draft Opinion

Democrats predicted that abortion will emerge as a major issue in the upcoming midterm elections for members of Congress.

Joining Wave Of Organized Newsrooms, BDN Journalists Look To Unionize

Organizers said an overwhelming majority of eligible staff have signed cards declaring their desire to join the News Guild of Maine.

Maine Advocates Say Next Election Crucial As SCOTUS Poised To Strike Down Abortion Rights

Four of the five conservatives who reportedly want to overturn abortion rights were appointed by presidents who lost the popular vote.

‘Radical And Extreme': Maine GOP Platform Show Party's Far-Right Agenda Ahead Of Election

Policies targeting LGBTQ people and “critical race theory” within the GOP’s platform demonstrates the party's continued shift to extremism.

Advocate: Maine Lawmakers Took Key Steps To Reduce Health Care Costs This Session

Surveys have shown four in five Maine adults are worried about affording the care they may need in the future.

Mills Signs Compromise With Wabanaki Into Law While Sovereignty Bill Remains In Limbo

Governor Janet Mills on Monday signed a compromise agreement with the Wabanaki Nations.

Nemitz out

Maine's lead-news guy cashes out

Maine Labor Coalition Scores Major Legislative Win Creating Renewable Energy Jobs

The law will require prevailing wages and equity standards on all large, utility-scale renewable energy projects.

‘We Are Unified': Maine Med Nurses, Supporters Rally For Fair Union Contract

"It’s time for them to realize that we deserve a seat at the table," registered nurse Jonica Frank said.

Mills Signs Bill Reforming Zoning Laws As Maine Grapples With Affordable Housing Crisis

LD 2003 is an effort to reduce barriers to the construction of units.

Maine Man Who Set Ex-Girlfriend's Clothes On Fire Sentenced: Report

Christian Conley ​of Naples​ pleaded guilty on Tuesday to choking his ex-girlfriend and threatening her with a knife.

Inmate Workers Win Suit Against Mills Administration For Seizing Unemployment Benefits

In the settlement of a class-action lawsuit in federal court, the state has agreed to return just under $200,000 in unemployment benefits.

Wabanaki Vow To Continue Larger Sovereignty Push Amid Mills' Opposition To Historic Bill

"We acknowledge that this process now rests with state government and is out of our hands," a statement from the tribes said.

Beacon Podcast: End Of Legislative Session Marked By Activism

As the legislative session winds to an end this week, Mainers rallied outside the capitol for tribal sovereignty and the Good Samaritan law.

Advocates Rally For Tribal Sovereignty As Mills Signals Opposition To Long-Sought Reform

Around 100 people rallied in front of the State House on Wednesday to celebrate the progress that has been made this legislative session.

Public Power Proponents Back Compromise On CMP, Versant Accountability Bill

Democrats in the Maine Legislature on Wednesday resolved differences over a utility accountability bill, passing a compromise measure.

Advocates Strike Deal With Mills, Crafting One Of Nation's Strongest Good Samaritan Laws

The bill creates additional protections from prosecution at the scene of an overdose.

Maine Lawmaker Shares Horrors Of Solitary Confinement As Bill Dies

A heavily watered-down bill addressing the use of isolation as punishment died due to a disagreement between the Maine House and Senate.

House, Senate Split On Governor's Utility Bill As Public Power Advocates Say Measure Falls Short

LD 1959 is a bill put forward by Gov. Janet Mills related to performance problems with CMP and Versant.

Lawmakers Pass Bipartisan Budget Amid Dissent That Historic Surplus Will Be Squandered

Maine lawmakers passed a $1.2 billion supplemental budget on Tuesday with strong bipartisan support.