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🌱 Patch AM: How a Portland-filed lawsuit could reshape drug discounts for Maine hospitals

Spotted on the Portland calendar: First Annual End of Summer Arts & Crafts show

Saturday October 10th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Portland! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Portland-filed lawsuit could reshape drug discounts for Maine hospitals
  • What the new Roux life sciences lab means for Portland jobs
  • What elevated benzene levels near South Portland tanks mean for you

Also on today's calendar: First Annual End of Summer Arts & Crafts show and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Abundant sunshine, with a high of 61 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sun through high clouds, temps: high: 59, low: 53.
  • Monday: Some rain in the morning, with a high of 63 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. AHA, MHA, and Four Safety-Net Hospitals File Suit to Stop Costly 340B Rebate Program From Harming Hospitals and Patients (aha.org) — A major lawsuit filed in Portland challenges federal changes to the 340B drug discount program that Maine hospital leaders say could add over $1 billion in annual administrative costs nationwide and strain already thin local margins. The American and Maine Hospital Associations, along with Eastern Maine Medical Center and others, argue the new rebate model would divert money from patient care and threaten access, especially in rural communities.
   

2. Roux Institute's future Portland campus selected as site for life sciences lab (mainebiz.biz subscription) — Portland's future Roux Institute campus at the former B&M Baked Beans site will host a new shared life sciences lab, backed by $2.3 million from the Maine Technology Institute. Opening in phases starting in 2027, the facility will give early-stage biotech and life sciences companies lab and office space in East Deering, potentially bringing high-paying scientific and technical jobs to the city.
   

3. Maine CDC report: Long-term benzene levels in parts of South Portland were double state's guideline (wmtw.com) — Residents in and around South Portland face long-term benzene levels from nearby petroleum tank terminals that a Maine CDC report says have reached double the state guideline at one Citgo site. State health and environmental officials will brief the Portland City Council on October 27, outlining risks, monitoring results, and what the findings mean for thousands living near the storage facilities.
   

4. Maine family raises more than $6.6 million for Alzheimer's research and they aren't done yet (newscentermaine.com) — Runners will again be filling Portland's streets for the Maine Marathon, where one family's long-running effort has already helped raise more than $6.6 million for Alzheimer's research. Their growing team, now 125 strong, draws supporters from across the country and partners with major hospitals, and locals are invited to join or support the cause in future races.
   

5. Maine patriots honored for their participation in the Boston Tea Party (wmtw.com) — Portland residents recently gathered at Western Cemetery to honor Richard Hunnewell Jr., believed to be the only identified Boston Tea Party participant buried in the city. A new gravestone marker now highlights his Revolutionary War service and long ties to Portland, including his role as Cumberland County sheriff and veteran of the War of 1812.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We welcome back our friend Owen Marshall and friends along with Maggie Robinson calling the dance for this family friendly free community dance.
    They bring the vibes, the joy and a shared love of music inspire a vision of family, fun, music and community. Come dance as we kick off the winter… (Nextdoor Peaks Island)
  • Come along to trivia at Legion Post 142 this Wednesday!
    Every week at 6pm there will be a potluck, a bar, and four rounds of the best trivia I can think up, plus homemade prizes. Come along for some free… (Nextdoor Peaks Island)
  • Teamwork Online posted a job opening for Box Office Attendant | Part-Time | Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Apply here.
  • Premium Retail Services posted a job opening for Merchandising Specialist in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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