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Gov. Mills lets public defense changes become law
Maine will change how it provides some legal services to low-income residents after lawmakers parsed a multi-million dollar proposal to fit in the state's two-year budget. The compromise, however, did not earn the endorsement of Gov. Janet Mills, who let two bills...
Legislature produces results with work on climate change initiatives
Last month the U.S. experienced its hottest June on record. Despite enervating heat, the Maine Legislature worked doggedly and passed many measures to advance the state’s Climate Action Plan – a road map to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate disruptions. ...
Chasing Maine: The Antique Car Show
For 15 years, the "Cumberland Classics" have held an informal car show on Tuesday evenings in Cumberland. Anyone is invited to bring their classic car or just stop in to appreciate the beauty of vintage design. Take a step back in time and enjoy some amazing old cars...
The changing face of electricity generation
Switching on a light, you may not think about where that power is coming from – whether a gas-fired generating plant, biomass boiler, hydropower facility or one of the new solar farms springing up across New England. To the end-user of electricity, the system looks...
The biggest Olympic event is politics
Kick back, take it easy. The Olympic Games are underway, giving us a break from political games. That’s wrong, really wrong. The Olympics are highly political. It begins with deciding who will host the Games. Between 2000 and 2022, only one country came up twice –...
Top Stories
Gov. Mills lets public defense changes become law
Hard-fought reforms to Maine’s public defense system were enacted on July 15 without the signature of Gov. Janet Mills.
Maine Monitor adds staff, announces beat assignments
The Maine Monitor added three new staff members in recent weeks: two reporters and a new production editor.
Lawyer withdraws from nearly 200 cases after not complying with billing investigation
In a scathing court motion, Amy Fairfield accused the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services of launching a “targeted campaign” against her law firm.
Lawmakers agree on ‘good start’ to overhauling state’s troubled legal defense system
Three bills cleared a major hurdle in the state House and Senate on Thursday and gained unanimous support of legislators. The reforms could change how Maine provides legal services to its poor and pays court-appointed attorneys.
Defense lawyers say system crumbling under huge backlog, inadequate funding for indigent defendants
The Legislature faces a vote on a $21.8 million package to overhaul the state’s criminal defense system, but Gov. Mills has yet to signal approval.
Following arrest, defense lawyer banned from representing defendants for state
Suzanne Dwyer-Jones was charged with impaired driving on May 10. She continued to represent the state’s poorest defendants — until she was suspended Thursday.
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Follow the Money
Mainers are facing a historic congressional election season in 2020. Examine how campaign fundraising and spending are shaping the races for Maine’s federal and state offices using The Maine Monitor’s interactive campaign finance trackers.
The Last Responders
Along with provoking a pandemic, COVID-19 has triggered a grief epidemic. It has robbed families of final goodbyes, left loved ones to die with strangers, postponed wakes and funerals. And it has overwhelmed Maine’s “Last Responders,” priests, chaplains, funeral directors and hospice workers who must work around restrictions aimed at diminishing virus infections.
2020: A Class Dismissed
The Maine Monitor spoke to seniors from high schools across the state to tell the story of Maine’s Class of 2020 and how these soon-to-be graduates are dealing with the unexpected developments that come with a pandemic and a disrupted senior year.
Due Process: Inside Maine’s County Courthouses
The Maine Monitor examines Maine’s criminal justice system at a time when there’s appetite for major change. Our series looks at the system – successes and failures – to test whether defendants and victims can rely on it to give them due process.
Video
Chasing Maine: Indomitable Spirit
Fabiola Jenson and Fartun Hirsi are best friends and students at the University of Southern Maine's School of Nursing. Despite the challenges of immigration from Africa and attending college with children at home, Fabi and Fartun have shown remarkable strength...
Chasing Maine: The Rewind
Take a look back at our favorite moments from the first 10 months of Roger McCord's "Chasing Maine" video series. A 2021 New England Emmy nominee in the cultural short-form content category, Chasing Maine explores our state from a distinct visual perspective....
Chasing Maine: The Ball Game
Take a behind-the-scenes trip to Hadlock Field, home of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. With COVID-19 precautions loosening, Hadlock Field is once again a great place to experience the excitement of professional baseball. In this episode of Chasing Maine,...
