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The Wonderful Life of Bob Bahre
Steve Graiver walked to the message board in front of his small business and carefully arranged the letters to spell out four heartfelt words: Thanks for the memories. The message had nothing to do with the pandemic and Graiver’s struggle to keep Steve’s Country Store...
For Bob Bahre, collecting classic cars never got old
PARIS HILL – Sandy Bahre’s apprehension quickly gave way to terror that day some 45 years ago in New Jersey’s bleak pine barrens. A gaunt man with stringy long hair was walking from his house, which was more tar paper than clapboards. He held an axe in both hands,...
The political origins of Dale Crafts in Maine’s battle against LGBTQ rights
Dale Crafts was 39 years old and selling cars with his brother in the late 1990s when he decided to volunteer for a campaign to overturn a gay-rights law that would have prohibited discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation. He made phone calls to voters...
Driving seemed inescapable until it wasn’t
Editor’s Note: The Maine Climate Council is in the process of refining draft strategies into a Climate Action Plan due to the Legislature on Dec. 1. Throughout the fall, Sea Change columns are covering related topics – in this case, how Maine can lower vehicular...
The Maine Monitor claims 29 awards at annual Maine Press Association conference
The Maine Monitor was honored with 29 awards Saturday night at the Maine Press Association annual awards ceremony. Senior reporter Samantha Hogan and managing editor Meg Robbins were among the night’s big winners at the event, which was virtual this year due to the...
Top Stories
Officials propose doubling budget for agency charged with defending the poor
Lawyers proposed opening Maine’s first two public defender offices and a substantial pay raise for court-appointed counsel in a $35.4 million budget approved by the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services.
Maine hires lawyers with criminal records to defend poor residents. The governor wants reform.
Gov. Janet Mills publicly called for a bipartisan effort to reform Maine’s defense system for poor people accused of crimes in response to an investigation by The Maine Monitor and ProPublica.
Ongoing drought shrinks Aroostook County potato yields
This year’s potato harvest was met with an unrelenting drought that diminished crops and tied up water resources for Aroostook County farmers.
Playing God with public health
Seven weeks after officiating the now infamous East Millinocket wedding that has resulted in the deaths of eight Maine residents, Sanford pastor Todd Bell continues to defy state and local orders aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.
The dream of flight — delivered by prayer
Sanford pastor Todd Bell has relied on the kindness of others to support his Wings with the Word aviation ministry and his mission to “plant” churches around Maine.
Stepping out and helping out: Maine volunteers have come through during pandemic
Whether it’s through farming, rehabilitating computers or making personal protective equipment, the state has distinguished itself through those willing to help others when help is needed the most.
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Coronavirus in Maine: Daily Headlines
A compilation of top stories about the pandemic from The Maine Monitor’s media partners across Maine.
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.
Help Wanted: The Immigrant Opportunity
Given that Maine is racing into an economic crisis because it doesn’t have enough workers for its jobs, we decided to examine the role immigrants could have in helping to solve Maine’s serious workforce needs.
Born to Drugs
Nearly 5,000 babies have been born affected by drugs in Maine in the past five years. These innocent victims are caught in a crisis that is marked by suffering and strained hospitals and state resources.
Video
Chasing Maine: The Harvesters
Chasing Maine is a biweekly video series that explores Maine from a distinct visual perspective. Join veteran Maine journalist and storyteller Roger McCord as he chases the people, places and things that define the unique character of the Pine Tree State.
Chasing Maine: The Messenger
Chasing Maine is a biweekly video series that explores Maine from a distinct visual perspective. Join veteran Maine journalist and storyteller Roger McCord as he chases the people, places and things that define the unique character of the Pine Tree State.
Chasing Maine: The Goat Farm
To learn more about Sunflower Farm Creamery, visit its website and YouTube channel. Chasing Maine is a biweekly video series that explores Maine from a distinct visual perspective. Join veteran Maine journalist and storyteller Roger McCord as he chases the people,...
