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.

Sunday, May 31, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Contact tracing could be key to stopping future outbreaks. But will Mainers buy in? (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
• 43 more coronavirus cases detected in the state (By Rosemarie Lausier of the Bangor Daily News)
• More than 30 businesses join federal lawsuit over Governor Mills’ reopening restrictions (By Terry Stackhouse of WMTW)
• As summer nears, the Maine hospitality industry braces for the unknown (By Josh Keefe of the Bangor Daily News)
• More people on the trails raises health concerns for some (By Hayley Wheeler of the Sun Journal)
• Retailers struggle with customer compliance on COVID-19 safety mandates (By Penelope Overton of the Portland Press Herald)
• Organic farmers ‘in trouble’ as Maine home gardeners deplete compost supplies (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• State presses pause on training new police officers (By Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)
• Ellsworth small business owner seeing backlash because of face coverings (By WABI)
• Pandemic doesn’t stop some Maine yard sales as peddlers get creative (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• Residents react to Houlton council debate on playground closures (By Joseph Cyr of the Star-Herald)

Saturday, May 30, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports four deaths, 56 additional cases of coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mills orders Maine businesses to post mask requirements for COVID-19 (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Gov. Janet Mills tells southern Maine restaurants in limbo they can sell excess food to prisons (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
• Some Democrats distance themselves from Janet Mills on coronavirus restrictions (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Advocates want Maine to form task force combating racial disparity in virus cases (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Mall to reopen Monday with new rules, but most stores will stay closed (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mills administration may steer COVID-19 funds to schools, public health (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Indoor religious services can resume, but many faith communities will wait (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• Employees at MEMA facility test negative for COVID-19 (By Steve Mistler of Maine Public)
• Central Maine towns begin planning in-person town meetings while awaiting guidance (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Biden to address Maine Democrats in remote rally, with convention canceled (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• York County GOP lawmakers, business owners voice frustration over reopening plans (From WMTW)
• Maine to provide inspectors to 3 small slaughterhouses to improve food supply chain (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine realtors see more out-of-state buyers during pandemic (From WGME)
• Lewiston helps restaurants set up outside by waiving certain permits on use of public rights of way (From WGME)
• Bar Harbor B&B Association offering huge discount to Maine essential workers (From WABI)
• Augusta’s Cony High School plans three-day graduation amid pandemic (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• MSAD 54 looking at different scenarios in making plans for the coming school year (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)

Friday, May 29, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports 37 new COVID-19 cases, one additional death (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland’s major hospitals return to peak levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Lawmakers push for bigger virus response role as Maine projects $525M shortfall (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Campground restrictions violate constitutional rights, Department of Justice says (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Key legislative committees coming back to State House to take up pandemic response (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine courts won’t resume full operations until September (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine campaign strategists search for creative, socially distant ways to engage young voters (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Coronavirus outbreak reported at Tambrands plant in Auburn (By Christopher Williams of the Sun Journal)
• Portland schools prepare for year’s end with plan to address learning gaps (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• Augusta city councilors offer concern about furlough days in budget proposal (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Gardiner officials look to cut spending, add firefighter-paramedics (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
• Lisbon town offices to partially reopen (From the Sun Journal)
• Acadia’s Park Loop Road and several coastal state parks will reopen Monday (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
• State warns owners to renew lapsed vehicle registrations (By Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• The coronavirus has not affected Maine’s credit rating. Here’s why that matters (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• After a slow summer start, Bar Harbor businesses fear for survival (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
• Indoor recreation businesses proceed cautiously toward reopening (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• Gorham manufacturer lands contract to make 500,000 face shields (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
• Topsham restaurants open to limited dining (By Darcie Moore of the Times Record)
• Do’s and don’ts of bringing people back to the office (By Kathryn Skelton of the Sun Journal)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Nursing student survives emotional toll of COVID-19 (By Steve Sherlock of the Sun Journal)
• ‘Share Our Stimulus’ on Mount Desert Island supports non-profits facing pressure during COVID-19 (By Chloe Teboe of News Center Maine)
• How you can safely hike on the Appalachian Trail this summer (By Aislinn Sarnacki of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Little Leagues hold out hope to salvage the summer season (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine relaxes restrictions for golf courses during the pandemic (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
• While others wait and see, Footlights Theatre forges ahead with July reopening (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
• The Virus Diaries: Even with 26 years of sobriety, the loss of AA meetings is a worry (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine Catholic parishes offer restricted indoor Masses starting June 1 (From the Times Record)

Thursday, May 28, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine jobless claims hit record 37,000 last week, but officials say many are fraudulent (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• 3 more Mainers die as another 52 coronavirus cases are detected (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Rockland will use taxpayer-funded loans to bail out businesses hurt by coronavirus (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
• Pandemic has Maine officials in a quandary over conducting elections (By Marina Schauffler of Pine Tree Watch)
• State finance commissioner to update lawmakers on pandemic’s impact (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine closes emergency operations center after 7 employees show virus symptoms (By Charles Eichaker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Coronavirus outbreak reported at Tambrands in Auburn (By Christopher Williams of the Sun Journal)
• Milestone shelter in Portland reports 5 cases of COVID-19 (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• Four staff members at Lewiston group home test positive for coronavirus (From the Sun Journal)
• Inmates and staff at Windham prison will be tested again for coronavirus (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Janet Mills and Maine sheriffs disagree on shifting jail inmates back to state prisons (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Susan Collins pushes state and local aid, postal service relief in stimulus talks (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Restaurant owners steamed at decision to delay indoor dining (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine CDC says it will release more detailed virus case data, but it hasn’t decided how (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Additional Stage 2 COVID-19 prevention checklists released, others updated (By Gabrielle Mannino of News Center Maine)
• CVS to launch COVID-19 testing at 4 Maine pharmacies Friday (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough Beaches to open for recreation (By Nora Flaherty of Maine Public)
• Maine Judicial Branch releases phased re-opening plan for courts (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Most Maine vehicles required to register by July 11 (From WGME)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Maine companies in bankruptcy sue federal agency for denying them emergency loans (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Joker’s — a ‘casualty of COVID-19 lockdown’ — to close after 27 years (From WGME)
• Lewiston restaurants unhappy they can’t reopen next week (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Bangor business owners critical of closing downtown streets this summer (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
• Brunswick business owners to use downtown sidewalks for outdoor dining, nix plan to block parking (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
• Double dip: businesses support community by supporting other businesses (By Nicole Carter of the Advertiser Democrat)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Maine Department of Education considers potential return to schools in fall semester (By Chloe Teboe of News Center Maine)
• Guard’s mask-fitting mission helps in battle against coronavirus (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• Local providers report success with telehealth after ‘trial by fire’ (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
• Mainer finds himself stuck, halfway around the world (By Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press Herald)
• BikeMaine cancels its annual cycle around the state (By Peggy Grodinsky of the Sun Journal)
• Augusta City Center to reopen to public June 1 (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Some summer camps in Waterville area to open this summer (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Houlton council ponders playground dilemma (By Joseph Cyr of the Aroostook Republican)

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Two more Mainers die as another 28 coronavirus cases are detected (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Gov. Janet Mills postpones restaurant reopenings in 3 Maine counties (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• Scammers target Maine’s stressed unemployment system (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• CDC’s Shah doesn’t recommend new coronavirus test for Mainers due to unclear results (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• Old Orchard Beach struggles with people ignoring restrictions (By Jim Keithley of WMTW)
• Maine’s first known victim of COVID-19 was a bridge to the state’s past (By Melanie Creamer of the Portland Press Herald)
• While state is struggling with virus outbreak at prison, county jails are not (By Christopher Williams of the Sun Journal)
• Popular Portland eatery to close for 2 weeks after employee tests positive for virus (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• Coronavirus outbreak at Maine construction site raises concerns about industry safety practices (By Phil Hirschkorn of WMTW)
• Vendor at BIW tests positive for COVID-19 (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• U.S. Senate candidate complains that pandemic politics are unfair (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Welcome to Staycationland: Maine tourism businesses enter uncharted territory (By Jenny Ibsen of the Portland Phoenix)
• Lewiston business owner and employee are awarded unemployment benefits they didn’t ask for (By Kathryn Skelton of the Sun Journal)
• Abbott Laboratories plans expansion into Westbrook to boost production of test kits (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• State hires Gorham company to produce half a million face shields (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine breweries urge Mills to let them open earlier (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Delta Airlines temporarily stops services to Bangor (By Jackie Mundry of News Center Maine)
• Downtown Damariscotta merchants propose open-air market (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
• Waterfront food trucks in Bangor to resume operations this week (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
• Red’s Eats in Wiscasset to open on Saturday (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Mainers Together creates ‘long-lasting community network’ for people in need during pandemic (By Alex Lear of The Forecaster)
• New Millinocket recovery center battles substance abuse needs, COVID-19 challenges (By Chloe Teboe of News Center Maine)
• Rotary Club of Bangor to host Caring Caravan food drive on Thursday (By Devin J. Martin of WFVX)
• High school spring sports were canceled. What happens to the unspent money? (By George Harvey of the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Kennebunk High School finalizes modified graduation plans (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)
• ‘We love our seniors’: Rumford bus drivers share special message for students (From WMTW)
• Spruce Mountain High School faculty, volunteers, deliver surprise to seniors (By Pam Harnden of the Livermore Falls Advertiser)
• Presque Isle Historical Society prepares to open The Maysville Museum amid coronavirus (From News Center Maine)
• Victoria Mansion to remain closed for rest of year (From WMTW)
• Alfond Youth Center in Waterville to continue summer programs with reduced enrollment (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Behind his new ‘courtesy shield,’ Don Campbell plans return to performing (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
• York women lend their voices to global concert event (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Another Mainer dies as 35 more coronavirus cases are detected (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine plans to add dozens of volunteers to bolster virus tracing effort (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Some tourists ignore self-quarantine and ‘walking only’ rule at Maine beach (From WGME)
• Inside Bangor’s heated debate over how to protect its homeless in an outbreak (By Callie Ferguson of the Bangor Daily News)
• Coronavirus has led to a pared-down school year that looks different district by district (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine high schools get creative to salvage graduations (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• High schools in Winslow, Newport, Pittsfield and China get creative with graduations (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Nearly half of Mainers have delayed medical care because of the coronavirus (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• MaineHealth establishes safety protocols, sets priorities for bringing back some services amid COVID-19 (From the Boothbay Register)
• City and town halls in southern Maine begin to reopen to the public (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• State program to resolve consumer complaints on hold for pandemic (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• State guidelines convince more Maine summer camps to close (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine private campgrounds open up for Memorial Day Weekend (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine lost 1,700 construction jobs from March to April (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Virus or no virus, spring is busy at boatyards (By Liz Graves of the Mount Desert Islander)
• Staffing service looks to fill manufacturing jobs in southern Maine (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
• Jetport to receive $12M in aid to make up for loss of passengers (By Michael Kelley of The Forecaster)
• More changes shape summer season in downtown Augusta (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Mainers walk their own parade to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice (By Sam Rogers of News Center Maine)
• Maine tombstones tell sobering family stories of epidemics past (By Troy R. Bennett of the Bangor Daily News)
• City and town Memorial Day services tempered by pandemic (By Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)
• Sanford observes Memorial Day with 8 ceremonies despite pandemic (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)
• Shiretown observes low-key Memorial Day ceremony (By Joseph Cyr of the Houlton Pioneer Times)
• Rumford Legion honors veterans, front-line workers on Memorial Day (By Bruce Farrin of the Rumford Falls Times)
• What it’s like to teach physical education during a pandemic (By Nina Mahaleris of the Penobscot Times)
• Failure to launch: New, veteran coaches devastated by cancellation of seasons (By Mark Haskell of the Republican Journal)
• Pandemic disrupts Pownal’s plans to bring back Pumpkin Fest (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)

Monday, May 25, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports 19 new coronavirus cases Monday (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Swab maker for COVID-19 testing prepares to open new plant in Pittsfield (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Some Maine seniors are postponing retirement as virus takes financial toll (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Portland schools eyes cuts to meet financial stresses of pandemic (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• At constructions sites, work continues under a new normal (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• No big parades this year, but Memorial Day observances continue (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• Augusta home for women veterans hires director, still wants residents to leave (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Pandemic a time of stress, togetherness for family of six (By Greg Rec of the Portland Press Herald)
• Caribou veteran honoring emergency personnel and healthcare workers (By Chris Bouchard of the Aroostook Republican)
• Maine Acts of Kindness: Nearly 6,000 strong, Facebook group helps those in need (By Mike Lowe of the Portland Press Herald)

Sunday, May 24, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports one death, 42 new cases of coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
• Black Mainers are getting the coronavirus more than 10 times the rate of white Mainers (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine providers see anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts increase (By Lindsay Tice of the Sun Journal)
• New automated system helps Maine CDC in COVID-19 fight (By Christopher Williams Sun Journal)
• Will coronavirus make the office obsolete? (By Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald)
• Caribou veteran honoring emergency personnel and healthcare workers (By Chris Bouchard of the Aroostook Republican)
• As Memorial Day weekend begins, some tourists support but won’t follow mandatory quarantine (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
• Inmates say Bolduc staff helped them apply for jobless benefits (By Stephen Betts of the Courier-Gazette)
• Catholic churches in Maine to begin indoor services starting June 1 (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• For working parents, uncertainty about a return to school poses a challenge (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)

Saturday, May 23, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports 65 new cases, 2 deaths from coronavirus (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
• Cases spiking in southern Maine, raising concerns that COVID-19 is resurging (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland’s major hospitals see sharp increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• 700,000 Mainers received stimulus payments. More will come by check or debit. (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine and Canada’s border communities feel unique impacts of the coronavirus pandemic (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
• Second inmate tests positive for COVID-19 at Windham prison (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine department of labor says unemployment numbers higher than they appear (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Maine small businesses got federal money, now what? (By Clay Gordon of News Center Maine)
• ‘I just cannot keep doing it’ — A Bangor small-business owner considers her limited options (By Susan Sharon of Maine Public)
• Maine mayors push Mills to share federal dollars with cities (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Central Maine restaurants report varied business during first week open (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Fear of public restrooms prompts creative solutions as some businesses reopen (By Tovia Smith of Maine Public)
• Downtown Gardiner businesses proceed with caution (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
• For Memorial Day weekend, Mills orders flags lowered, says, ‘We are all soldiers in this fight’ (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine churches can re-open next week, but many will choose to wait (From WGME)
• Clover Health Care nursing assistant baffled over positive coronavirus test (By Andree Kehn of the Sun Journal)
• Great state of Maine air show canceled due to Pandemic (By Darcie Moore of the Times Record)
• River City players happy to be back on the soccer field despite COVID-19 restrictions (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine sports camps work to find solutions to operate this summer (By Travis Lee of WMTW)

Friday, May 22, 2020

TOP STORIES

• 3 more Mainers die as another 71 coronavirus cases are detected (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• State reports new outbreak of 57 cases at long-term care facility in Cape Elizabeth (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Urgent care, walk-in clinics making virus tests easier to get in Maine (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine unemployment rate more than triples during coronavirus-fueled slowdown (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine CDC adds detailed pandemic data, promises more soon (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Programs for Mainers with disabilities wonder when they should reopen — and if they’ll survive (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• A ‘bleak outlook’ for Bates as college tries to cope with COVID-19 (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• A guide to Memorial Day weekend in Maine under virus restrictions (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Most of Acadia National Park remains closed, but holiday visitors are still coming (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
• Light turnpike traffic expected over Memorial Day weekend (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• With Memorial Day events canceled, Maine volunteers honor veterans with flags on their graves (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Rockland Harbor sailing into summer at half-mast (By Sarah Thompson of the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Diners fear losing cozy culture, regulars as virus restrictions take bite out of business (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine restaurants can now get certified to show they know how to reopen safely (By Josh Keefe of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine fails to deliver online inspections as restaurants reopen in pandemic (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine potato farmers face uncertain times in what is already an uncertain business (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
• Maine importers urge lawmakers to suspend food-related tariffs (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• Under Mills Administration guidance, summer camps in Maine will look very different this year (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
• Colby College to hold virtual celebration of Class of 2020 (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• On the pandemic shopping list: an island home in Maine (By Leslie Landrigan of Island Ad-Vantages)
• A Belfast theater group can’t take the stage so they pivoted to old-time radio (By Julia Bayly of the Bangor Daily News)

Thursday, May 21, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports 58 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Another than 11,500 Maine residents filed for unemployment last week (From WGME)
• How these Maine cities plan to save summer (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
• Testing pushes virus cases up as Maine economy reopens, but underlying metrics are hopeful (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Unpaid utility bills, lower usage threaten to push rates higher in Maine (By Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine home sales decline more than 15 percent in April (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• BIW president says production delays pose a challenge to company’s future (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• In one of Maine’s tourist hot spots, a ray of hope for a successful summer (By Fred Bever of Maine Public)
• Collins pushes state and municipal aid (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Maine summer camps allowed to open June 1 (From WGME)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• State prison inmates were paid nearly $200,000 in unemployment benefits (By Stephen Betts of the Courier-Gazette)
• Maine maker of COVID-19 testing swabs expects new Pittsfield plant to open in July (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine employers struggle to compete with ‘lucrative’ unemployment and rehire workers (By Jon Chrisos of WGME)
• ‘It’s bleak’: Naples businesses face uncertain future (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)
• Old Port retailer Portmanteau closing for good after 41 years (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Historic Maine inn feeling pinch of second pandemic since its founding (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)
• Bangor Walgreens to close as a Dollar Tree sets to open (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
• Brunswick looking at options to expand outdoor dining this summer (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
• Sens. Collins, King, Baldwin introduce Farming Support to States Act (From the Courier-Gazette)
• Showrooms are open again, but car dealerships still face challenges (By Nathan Fournier of the Sun Journal)
• ‘They’re heroes.’ Housekeepers have one of the most important jobs during coronavirus (By Sam Rogers of News Center Maine)

HEALTHCARE

• Maine corrections department will limit testing to prison in Windham (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
• A nurse and Deer Isle-Stonington graduate contracted COVID-19 (By Jennifer Osborn of the Ellsworth American)
• Lincoln County Sees First Hospitalization, Two New Cases (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
• Governor says $52.7 million in federal funding will be used to expand lab and testing capacity (From the Pen Bay Pilot)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Youth baseball, softball aim to start seasons in coming weeks (By Drew Bonifant of the Kennebec Journal)
• National federation gives Maine guidance for reopening high school sports (By Mike Lowe of the Portland Press Herald)
• Football coaches, players react to cancelation of Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl (By Travis Lazarczyk of the Morning Sentinel)
• Colisee, Auburn-Lewiston airport proposed as options for Lewiston High School graduation (By Karen Kreworuka of the Sun Journal)
• Medomak Valley High School to celebrate graduation with parade and campus ceremony (By Alexander Violo of the Lincoln County News)
• Wiscasset cancels Fourth of July parade, fireworks, delays town meeting (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Summertime blues: Festivals, community programs among COVID-19 casualties in Oxford Hills (By Nicole Carter of the Advertiser-Democrat)
• With parades canceled, York County communities find quieter Memorial Day traditions (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine sees jump in coronavirus cases with 78 new patients (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• As Maine lab triples testing capacity, local providers can’t test everyone immediately (By Erin Rhoda of the Bangor Daily News)
• Severely ill patients in Maine now receiving new drug to fight COVID-19 (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland issues dire warning about funding next year’s operating budget (By Michael Kelley of The Forecaster)
• ‘We’d be going hungry’ — Maine food pantries struggle as food insecurity crisis intensifies (By Susan Sharon of Maine Public)
• Maine inmates say their rights were violated when state didn’t release them from prison (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• 17 employees, four residents test positive for COVID-19 at Clover Health Care (By Matthew Daigle of the Sun Journal)
• Man at Maine Correctional Center is first state inmate to test positive for COVID-19 (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
• Residents of Portland apartment building to be offered COVID-19 testing after others come down with virus (By Joe Glauber of WMTW)
• Maine women and young adults hit hardest by unemployment (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Senator King takes questions from Mainers about federal coronavirus response (From WABI)
• U.S.-Canada border closure extended to June 21 (By Alexander MacDougall of the Bangor Daily News)
• State tax revenues drop as COVID-19 tightens grip on Maine economy (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• State revenues projected to take a hit of $700 million or more (By Nora Flaherty & Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Rick Savage among those suing Janet Mills in a new federal court case (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• A bipartisan plea to reopen Poland, New Gloucester and other rural towns (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Belfast proposes modest budget increase because of coronavirus (By Kendra Caruso of the Republican Journal)
• York looks to slash spending to ‘remain in the black’ under pandemic’s financial strain (By Erin Hayes of the York County Weekly)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• In the shadow of a pandemic, petition threatens to derail solar incentives across across New England (By Katie Brown of Pine Tree Watch)
• Governor orders end to prisoners receiving jobless pay (By Stephen Betts of the Courier-Gazette)
• Bath restaurants allowed to open dining rooms, but many are taking it slow (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Sappi sees pandemic impact on sales, introduces new line (By Chance Viles of the American Journal)
• Portland council clears way for businesses to take it outside (By Michael Kelley of The Forecaster)
• Old Town mill adopts safety measures to keep operating during pandemic (By Nina Mahaleris of the Penobscot Times)
• Farm Credit East to host webinars on loan forgiveness for the Paycheck Protection Program (From the Republican Journal)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Bates professor tries to help rural schools cope with COVID-19 (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Maine nonprofits receive $1.2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Cruise ship may tie up in Eastport for the summer, riling some residents (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Primary school teachers reconnect with students through fun ‘Fort Night’ (By Nina Mahaleris of the Penobscot Times)
• Boothbay Region High School alumna Angel Ames equips Class of 2020 with masks (By Joseph Charpentier of the Boothbay Register)
• Maine comedian Bob Marley performing at drive-ins (From WGME)
• Crown of Maine Balloon Fest canceled (By David Marino Jr. of the Fiddlehead Focus)
• Merryspring Nature Center in Camden to safely resume nature programs outdoors (From the Camden Herald)
• Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park to Open May 21 (By Candy Congdon of the Lincoln County News)
• Bay Chamber Concerts revises summer season (From the Pen Bay Pilot)

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine delays gym openings as CDC reports 2 deaths, 28 additional COVID-19 cases (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Janet Mills estimates pandemic’s impact on state government at $3B — and that’s a low-ball estimate (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Restaurants in 12 counties can open their dining rooms, but many are waiting (By Peggy Grodinsky of the Portland Press Herald)
• Small businesses urge Mills to slow reopening of Maine economy (By Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)
• Senate bill would deliver more than $2 billion to state and local governments in Maine (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Nonprofit lenders in Maine attempt to fill gaps between federal bailout programs (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• State allows Maine dentists to reopen offices for routine care (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland will use emergency federal grants for housing assistance (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine will miss out on $3 billion food program aimed at helping food pantries (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Bureau of Motor Vehicles set to open June 11, Mainers have time to catch up on vehicle registrations (By WMTW)
• Portland radio personality Randi Kirshbaum says she was fired for not returning to work in office over health concern (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s Bryant Pond studio almost ready (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Most Maine small businesses got federal aid but are low on cash, survey shows (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Portland Council voted unanimously Monday night to close streets to help businesses re-open safely (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
• Several Waterville restaurants reopen Monday, others plan on Wednesday (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Maine company helps frontline workers during the pandemic while protecting others year-round (By Clay Gordon of News Center Maine)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• This former UMaine star is stuck at home, but built a gym in Spencer to prepare for the NFL season (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Unity College launches hybrid education program for the fall with online and on-campus courses (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Weathering the pandemic with a punching bag, a handle of gin and family time (By Troy R. Bennett of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Acts of Kindness: Lending a hand to the homeless (By Mike Lowe of the Portland Press Herald)
• Lewiston Youth Council mom hands out masks to the community (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• Boothbay Harbor Country Club opens for golf season (By Bill Pearson of the Boothbay Register)
• Coronavirus cancels Lewiston Recreation Department’s in-person summer programs (By Nathan Fournier of the Sun Journal)

Monday, May 18, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine expands access to tests as state reports 26 new coronavirus cases and 1 additional death (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• These are the numbers to watch to know the severity of coronavirus in Maine (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Amid pandemic, GOP gathers signatures to kill ranked-choice voting (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Legal aid organizations expect pandemic to increase demand in Maine (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland City Council to vote on plan to create open-air market today amid COVID-19 (By Sean Stackhouse of News Center Maine)
• Bristol Seafood stops production in Portland after COVID-19 cases confirmed (From the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine’s senators say Congress should stay in session (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Dozens protest Old Orchard Beach’s ‘walking-only’ rule for beaches (From WGME)
• York, Ogunquit beaches reopen for ‘movement only’ activities (From WGME)
• Maine’s community colleges offering free summer courses for Class of 2020 (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Bowdoin College to host virtual graduation next weekend, in-person ceremony next year (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Workers are being called back to restaurants around Maine. Their choice can be a hard one. (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• ‘It feels alone. It feels scary.’ A Maine restaurant worker struggles with an uncertain future. (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
• Central Maine restaurant owners scramble to reopen (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Their small Hermon restaurant was a success — until coronavirus hit (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
• Coastal campgrounds face uncertain season due to pandemic (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Impact of COVID-19 on Maine farmers being felt statewide (By Shawn Cunningham of WAGM)
• Skowhegan daycare owner struggles during pandemic (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• Maine landscapers considered ‘essential’, working during coronavirus pandemic (By Roslyn Flaherty of News Center Maine)
• “I just wasn’t going to let my heart and soul fail.” Small business shifts focus to survive (By Sharon Rose Vaznis of News Center Maine)
• Year-round businesses reopening in Boothbay region (By Lisa Kristoff of the Boothbay Register)
• Pittsfield’s CM Almy now producing face masks (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• City of Augusta holds first furlough day (From WGME)
• Renys to reopen 10 locations (From WGME)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Virtual music group videos engage Maine students, communities during pandemic (By Kelley Bouchard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mt. Ararat seniors will graduate at the Topsham Fairgrounds (By Darcie Moore of the Times Record)
• As more Mainers go outdoors during pandemic, experts see huge increase in tick samples (By Aislinn Sarnacki of the Bangor Daily News)
• Fundraiser supports Hallowell businesses while feeding medical workers (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Life Church members try to move past dramatic drive-in service (By Devin J. Martin of WFVX)

Sunday, May 17, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine reopening despite missed benchmarks, inadequate testing regime (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine cities and towns push absentee voting for July election reshaped by virus (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• 39 new coronavirus cases detected in Maine with no additional deaths (By Rosemary Lausier of the Bangor Daily News)
• UMaine students completed their online classes. But they didn’t always learn as much. (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• Auburn senior home reports coronavirus outbreak as 3 staff, 1 resident test positive (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Employee of Bar Harbor retirement community tests positive for coronavirus (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Seized Maine animals caught in legal pandemic limbo (By Christopher Williams of the Sun Journal)
• Psychological fallout from pandemic could be prolonged, say Maine mental health experts (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
• COVID-19 forces end-of-life conversations for nursing home residents (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
• UMaine creates N95 mask testing solutions (By Roslyn Flaherty of News Center Maine)
• Aroostook meat producers see jump in business (By Alexander MacDougall and David Marino Jr. of the The Star-Herald)
• Maine bartenders reimagine their profession for a post-pandemic world (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• As gyms prepare to open, questions linger about safety in a high-exertion environment (By Glenn Jordan of the Press Herald)
• $604K raised for local business fund (By Dick Broom of the Mount Desert Islander)
• Wizard of Oz draws a sold-out crowd to Pride’s Corner drive-in movie theater (By WMTW)

Saturday, May 16, 2020

TOP STORIES

• One death, 45 new cases confirmed as Maine testing ramps up (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
• LePage speaks from inside car during protest of Maine coronavirus restrictions (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine to ‘completely throw open the doors’ on coronavirus tests (By Erin Rhoda of the Bangor Daily News)
• Campgrounds, restaurants sue to block Gov. Mills’ quarantine rules for out-of-staters (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Court issues injunction against Sunday River Brewing reopening (By Mark LaFlamme of the Sun Journal)
• Maine’s two Democratic members of Congress split on new COVID-19 relief bill (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• State says hotels can reopen, but industry left with more questions than clarity (Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine GOP gets ‘essential’ status for its effort to repeal ranked-choice voting (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Analysis: Maine enters recession in wake of virus (By Samantha Hogan & Meg Robbins of Pine Tree Watch)
• Maine congressional delegation supports funding to minimize coronavirus risk on election day (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Maine Dept. Of Education secures 22,000 devices to provide internet access to students (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
• Maine college leaders collaborating on ‘framework’ to reopen campuses (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Maine Economic Recovery Committee begins mapping state’s post-pandemic economy (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• Casualties of the pandemic: Waterville area businesses forced to close their doors — permanently (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Some restaurants will reopen on Monday, but Mainers mixed on dining out (By Abigail Curtis and Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily)
• Calais declares city ‘open for business’ despite state-mandated restrictions (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)

HEALTHCARE

• COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maine stay flat for 5th week (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Racial disparity in Maine’s COVID-19 cases deepens (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• Cedar Ridge in Skowhegan reports all COVID-19 test results are negative (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Showtime: ‘Social distance is built into a drive-in’ (By Daryn Slover of the Sun Journal)
• Former rabbi returns home after recovering from COVID-19 (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Livermore Falls to reopen Town Office on Monday (By Donna Murphy of the Sun Journal)
• Wilton Town Office reopening Monday (From the Franklin Journal)

Friday, May 15, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Virus test made by company in Scarborough scrutinized for accuracy (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mills allows lodging operators to host out-of-staters starting June 1 (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Group homes for people with disabilities are the latest site of coronavirus outbreaks (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine CDC investigating COVID-19 cases at Cianbro construction site (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Cedar Ridge Center in Skowhegan dealing with outbreak different from coronavirus (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• Ogunquit to reopen 2 beaches, with restrictions on activities (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
• Bordering Maine towns cope with different rules to reopen amid coronavirus outbreak (By Phil Hirschkorn of WMTW)
• Road race organizers weighing options on how to hold events (By Nathan Fournier of the Sun Journal)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Maine farms welcome a surge in CSA membership sales (By Susan Sharon of Maine Public)
• Hannaford looking to add 2,000 workers at stores in New England and New York (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland’s Economic Development Committee votes in favor to close several streets to help businesses (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Fairfield restaurant delays reopening amid uncertainty with coronavirus (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Waldo County furloughs a handful of employees ahead of possible revenue shortfalls (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)
• Windham Barber Shop reopens, but with reservations (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Lewiston principal delivers personalized letters to Class of 2020 (By Daryn Slover of the Sun Journal)
• Lewiston-Auburn arts organizations facing uncertain future (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• Portland cancels annual Fourth of July celebration (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Spring sports officials miss interaction with teams more than the lost earnings (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Grandpa shares virtual story hour with his grandson to stay connected (By Julia Bayly of the Bangor Daily News)
• The Virus Diaries: ‘I think it will be interesting to see how we grow up’ (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)

Thursday, May 14, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Three more deaths, 50 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maine (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine enters recession in wake of virus (By Samantha Hogan and Meg Robbins of Pine Tree Watch)
• 21,000 more Mainers filed for jobless benefits amid coronavirus outbreak (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine is the only state that’s not calculating positive test rate daily (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine vacation destinations offer pay-what-you-can staycations for Mainers amid coronavirus (By Sean Stackhouse of News Center Maine)
• Cities and towns press for answers from governor’s office on town meetings, elections (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine brewery adapts to taproom closings with nearly statewide delivery routes (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
• A Kittery nursing home asked for exposed staff and residents to be tested. Maine CDC said no. (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• Mills extends coronavirus state of emergency for another month (By Nick Sambides Jr. of the Bangor Daily News)
• DHHS streamlines SNAP application process due to pandemic (From WGME)
• City of Presque Isle likely violated law on public access to council meeting (By David Marino Jr. of the Aroostook Republican)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Majority of Maine businesses expecting major losses this year, according to new survey (By WGME)
• Maine retailers begin to reopen under new rules, with new concerns (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine union workers ask congressional leaders to prioritize state, local funding in HEROES Act (By Chloe Teboe of News Center Maine)
• Some Maine unemployed receiving benefits above average salary (By Phil Hirschkorn of WMTW)
• Farm workers without unemployment or stimulus checks get some relief (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• Reopening of state exacerbates child care worries (By Steve Sherlock of the Sun Journal)
• Maine AG, others want Trump to protect meat industry workers (By Ari Shapiro of Maine Public)
• Rockland asks city workers to forego pay hike (By Stephen Betts of the Camden Herald)
• Farmington businesses receive rental assistance (By Andrea Swiedom of the Franklin Journal)
• Lincoln County oyster farms adjust to restaurant closures (By Alexander Violo of the Lincoln County News)
• Windham Barber Shop reopens, but with reservations (By Emily Bader of Lakes Region Weekly)
• L.L. Bean reopens bike, boat, hunting and fishing stores (From WGME)
• Central, western Maine bike shops see surge in sales during stay-at-home order (By Matthew Daigle of the Sun Journal)

HEALTHCARE

• More than 200 tested for COVID-19 at Skowhegan nursing home after patient tests positive (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• Vaccinations drop off for low-income kids in Maine as patients delay doctor visits (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway to restart healthcare procedures (By Nicole Carter of the Advertiser Democrat)
• Finding new ways to support cancer patients (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
• Groups work to promote fishermen’s mental health and wellness (From the Boothbay Register)
• Central Maine robotics team donating hundreds of face shields to healthcare workers (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• With movie theaters closed, a spot at the drive-in is a hot ticket (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Waterville Senior High School graduation will go on, with ingenuity (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Bath high school to hold graduation ceremony at Wiscasset airport (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Lincoln County high schools plan graduations around COVID-19 (By Jessica Clifford of the Lincoln County News)
• Caribou planning alternatives events as pandemic pushes back plans (By Chris Bouchard of the Arooostook Republican)
• Town of Rockport announces reopening, Phase 1 (From the Camden Herald)
• Brunswick-Topsham Memorial Day Parade, others canceled (By Darcie Moore of the Times Record)
• Union Founder’s Day canceled amid pandemic (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Ninth annual Boothbay Harbor Fest canceled (From the Boothbay Register)
• Kieve-Wavus closes camps for season (By Paula Roberts of the Lincoln County News)
• Decades before the coronavirus claimed her, she lived the frontier life in remote Alaska (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reporting 38 new COVID-19 cases, one new death (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine couldn’t cut its jail population for years. The pandemic did it in 7 weeks. (By Callie Ferguson of the Bangor Daily News)
• Calais hospital struggles to find bank to help it apply for emergency stimulus loan (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Tourism groups ask Mills to reconsider 14-day quarantine as summer approaches (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Cambodian Community Association of Maine seeks access to Tyson workers in Portland (By Jordan Bailey of the Portland Phoenix)
• We all want the same things: Well-known Mainers look forward to life after quarantine (By Colin Ellis of the Portland Phoenix)
• Government and union officials plead for financial aid for local governments (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Cornavirus cases climb to 35 at Westbrook’s Springbrook Center (By Chance Viles of the American Journal)
• Coronavirus outbreak detected at residential facility in Sanford (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)
• Cedar Ridge Center in Skowhegan has first confirmed COVID-19 case (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• Lincoln County sees two more cases, one more recovery (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
• Portland may close some streets downtown to allow outdoor dining and retail (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
• Bangor’s Fourth of July celebration will be postponed due to coronavirus (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Catch-22: PPP loans still problematic for some Maine businesses, employees (By Jordan Bailey of the Portland Phoenix)
• What Maine cities and restaurants have to weigh before expanding outdoor dining (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
• New federal guidelines in the works could allow Maine dental practices to reopen (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
• New Englanders look to Maine for haircuts, but barbers and stylists try to cut them off (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• Presque Isle cafe closing after more than a decade in business (By David Marino Jr. of the Aroostook Republican)
• Three downtown Brunswick businesses announce closures (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
• Maine massage therapists await OK to reopen in July (By Jim Keithly of WMTW)
• Self-employed Mainer talks about struggles to get unemployment benefits (By Travis Lee of WMTW)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Closed-down Maine schools are still serving students meals (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• Lewiston taking community pulse on high school graduation (By Karen Kreworuka of the Sun Journal)
• Westbrook High grads to go out with a bang (By Chance Viles of the American Journal)
• York honors school personnel for stepping up during pandemic (By Erin Hayes of the York Weekly)
• Need for foster parents continues amid pandemic (From WAGM)
• Area shelters fighting to stay COVID-19 free (By Devin J. Martin of WFVX)
• Livermore town office, transfer station looking at June 1 for more services (By Pam Harnden of the Livermore Falls Advertiser)
• In a virtual world, a Common Ground Fair like never before (By Fran Gonzalez of the Republican Journal)
• Creative Portland, Haystack distribute money to artists (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine Authors Book Festival canceled for 2020 (From the Camden Herald)
• Salt Bay Chamberfest cancels summer festival due to pandemic; plans online concerts, programs (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Drive-in movie theaters offer a bright spot in a darkened entertainment landscape in Maine (By Emily Burnham of the Bangor Daily News)
• Drive-thru chowderfest to raise money for food bank (From WMTW)
• Maine National Guard salutes BIW, health care workers with flyover (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Houlton councilors debate whether playgrounds should reopen (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
• These Mainers have stepped up to make life during the pandemic better for others (By John Holyoke of the Bangor Daily News)
• How Maine’s summer sports plan to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Cape Elizabeth woman makes masks for town’s police officers (By Chelsea Bard of News Center Maine)
• The Virus Diaries: Producing masks for anyone she meets (By Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press Herald)

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

TOP STORIES

• 15 more coronavirus cases are detected in Maine (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• As restrictions ease, more Mainers are getting on the road again (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Visitors are not yet coming to Maine, highway data shows (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Despite pandemic’s disruptions, most UMaine System students stayed on course (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• This is what restaurants must do before reopening May 18 (From the Boothbay Register)
• Brunswick group home reports 6 cases of COVID-19 (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
• Following 1 positive test, all other Augusta firefighters test negative for COVID-19 (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• South Portland school board rejects motion moving students to a pass or fail grading system (By Joe Glauber of WMTW)
• Police say education is key to enforcing mask mandate (By Stephen Betts of the Courier Gazette)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Mentors helping Maine small businesses pivot to survive (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• Denny’s permanently closes locations in Ellsworth and Biddeford (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
• Attendance rebounds at Bath Iron Works amid coronavirus outbreak (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine coach drivers to join national rally for more coronavirus funding (From WGME)
• Hampden waste plant needs to borrow $10M after reporting low revenues (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Brunswick revokes emergency order in deference to state (By Hannah LacCaire of the Times Record)
• Farms disrupted by coronavirus receive grants from MOFGA, Maine Farmland Trust (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Retailers in The County reopened Monday. But it will take time to adjust. (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
• Hancock County businesses easing into ‘rural reopening’ plan (By John Wagoner of WFVX)
• Belfast businesses slowly reopen, with wary eye on future (By Kendra Caruso of the Republican Journal)
• Retailers in Ellsworth are back open for business (From WABI)
• Orono businesses brace for a summer with few out-of-state tourists (By Nina Mahaleris of the Penobscot Times)

HEALTHCARE

• Maine dentists report spike in emergencies as pandemic forces offices to pause routine care (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
• Dentists criticize Mills administration for not letting routine care resume (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine CDC Director addresses COVID-19 outbreak at Belfast’s Tall Pines (By George Harvey of the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Presque Isle hospital begins reopening patient care services (From the Aroostook Republican)
• Maine DHHS reminds Mainers to explore health coverage options amid COVID-19 (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Head of Maine CDC thanks those working to allow life to continue (From WABI)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Masks, meals, messages: Donations pour in to local hospitals (By Kathryn Skelton of the Sun Journal)
• Cony High graduate, now chaplain at Boston hospital, offers comfort, hope to coronavirus, COVID-19 patients, families (From News Center Maine)
• Sam L. Cohen foundation commits $1 million for Maine coronavirus relief (From WMTW)
• Harvard Pilgrim foundation awards $900,000 in COVID-19 relief grants to Maine nonprofits (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Many Maine gyms reopen under new restrictions, some remain closed for now (By Ally Ross of WMTW)
• Camden Hills senior creates virtual window for graduates (By Susan Mustapich of the Camden Herald)
• Portland Public Library keeps in touch with patrons, works on re-opening (By Michael Kelley of The Forecaster)
• South Portland cancels several popular summer events because of pandemic (By Kelley Bouchard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Fort Kent councilors mull summer recreation options and close town pool for the season (By Jessica Potila of the St. John Valley Times)
• Maine’s summer book fair canceled (By Lisa Kristoff of the Boothbay Register)
• York Parks and Recreation cancels summer camps (By Erin Hayes of the York Weekly)
• Midcoast Babe Ruth League will not step to plate (By Mark Haskell of the Camden Herald)
• Yarmouth Sewing Warriors come to rescue with face masks amid pandemic (By Alex Lear of The Forecaster)
• Their recital was canceled so these Maine dancers took to the street instead (By Julia Bayly of the Bangor Daily News)

Monday, May 11, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports 26 new COVID-19 cases, one death in Maine (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• More than 20,000 Mainers have filed jobless claims under expanded eligibility program (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Lawsuits may be next battleground for businesses as pandemic economy reopens (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• 13 Tall Pines deaths account for nearly all Waldo County COVID-19 deaths (By George Harvey of the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Some Maine summer camps won’t open this season, while others wait for guidance (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Retailers in 12 of Maine’s 16 counties begin reopening (From York County Coast Star)
• 23 test positive for coronavirus at Springbrook Center in Westbrook (By Chance Viles of the American Journal)
• Maine Department of Transportation braces for big revenue loss (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• The coronavirus has upended school for most Maine kids, but not these students (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• Wells reopens public beaches (From WGME)
• Fort Williams Park reopens but there are restrictions (From WGME)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• MaineHealth program aims to keep jobless Mainers covered by health insurance (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Bath Iron Works resumes normal attendance policies amid coronavirus, COVID-19 (By Griffin Stockford of News Center Maine)
• CMP agrees to create $500,000 COVID-19 fund to settle disconnection case (By Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald)
• Rockland explores closing Main Street to create ‘open air market’ (By Zach Blanchard of News Center Maine)
• February retail sales in Midcoast set record before COVID-19 outbreak (By Stephen Betts of the Courier-Gazette)
• Waldo County store owners ‘excited’ to reopen (By Kayla Hevey of WFVX)

HEALTHCARE

• Maine’s lab was neglected for years. Now it’s getting revamped during a pandemic. (By Erin Rhoda of the Bangor Daily News)
• Life on the front line: Nurses share their stories (By Lindsay Tice of the Sun Journal)
• Drive-up COVID-19 testing site in Waterville moving to new location (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• The future of Maine’s restaurants includes thermal cameras and plexiglass bar shields (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• National Guard to salute Maine frontline workers with flyover (By Gabrielle Mannino of News Center Maine)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• For Winthrop woman, sharing meals brings connections (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
• Pick up a free pasta meal at Norway Brewing on May 14 (By Nicole Carter of the Advertiser-Democrat)
• Pineland Farms hits 300,000 pounds of food given away after Presque Isle event (By David Marino Jr. of the Star-Herald)
• UMPI celebrates students’ resilience in virtual commencement (By Melissa Lizotte of the Aroostook Republican)
• Sporting Camps hurting during the coronavirus pandemic (From WGME)
• After pandemic shuts down Bethel theater, it creates art for Seattle (By Andree Kehn of the Sun Journal)
• Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market makes changes due to COVID-19 (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• This Hermon man is using his still to supply free sanitizer for his community (By Julia Bayly of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine’s Catholic bishop discusses reopening of churches (From WMTW)
• Houlton’s Midnight Madness joins growing list of canceled summer events (By Joseph Cyr of the Aroostook Republican)

Sunday, May 10, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine’s new testing, tracing capabilities may allow for quicker, safer reopening (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Orrington pastor who sued Mills says coming together ‘a spiritual necessity’ at illegal service (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine CDC reports 28 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths Sunday (By Rob Wolfe of the Press Herald)
• Mother’s Day is different this year in Maine (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• University of Maine System distributing nearly $9M in federal student aid (By WABI)
• Bates College adds voices to its quest to plan for COVID-19 (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Two Maine dairy farms dumping milk as demand drops, others holding steady (By Steve Sherlock of the Sun Journal)
• Wildlife rescue efforts hampered by coronavirus (By Deborah McDermott of the York Weekly)
• Mainers – and their therapists – experiencing new stress during pandemic (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland second-grade teacher and class adjust to ‘new normal’ of learning at home (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• Volunteers deliver care packages to impacted employees of the Tyson meat plant (By WMTW)

Saturday, May 9, 2020

TOP STORIES

• CDC reports 1 new coronavirus death, 34 confirmed cases Saturday (By Rob Wolfe of the Portland Press Herald)
• Businesses in parts of Maine cautiously prepare for reopening (By Fred Bever of Maine Public)
• Neighboring New Brunswick has kept the coronavirus in check. Here’s how (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• State says ban on in-person church services is constitutional (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily)
• Additional COVID-19 tests at Lewiston shelter come back negative (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• UMaine System processing federal relief payments to students (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• Jail populations down but may rise after pandemic wanes (By Christopher Williams of the Sun Journal)

HEALTHCARE

• Doctors still await new state guidelines to test more people for the coronavirus (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• 9 Maine businesses sue Gov. Janet Mills over shutdowns (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Uncle Andy’s Diner to close after 66 years in South Portland citing financial concerns during the pandemic (By Ray Routhier of the Portland Press Herald)
• Colby College president on the school’s pledge to help graduates find jobs in wake of COVID-19 (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
• Maine florists experience business ‘bloom’ for Mother’s Day (By Taylor Cairns of WGME)
• How dining out will change when some Maine restaurants reopen (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• COVID recovery grants available for Skowhegan businesses (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• ‘It’s absurd:’ Consumers look for refunds as summer vacations are canceled in Maine (By Marissa Bodnar of WGME)
• Truckers making longer trips, earning less amid coronavirus outbreak (By Jim Keithley of WMTW)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Choirs may have to remain silent long after society reopens (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
• Gardiner’s Johnson Hall canceling its summer concert series, but will offer streaming shows (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
• The Virus Diaries: She had COVID-19 symptoms – in January (By Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press Herald)
• Lakes region food pantries seeing steep increase in demand during pandemic (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)

Friday, May 8, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Mills announces accelerated reopening for retail stores, restaurants in 12 rural counties (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine awarded $4.7 million to expand COVID-19 testing (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• As many as 2,000 workers needed in Maine to support production of virus tests (By Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)
• Racial disparity grows along with Maine’s number of virus cases (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• As Maine begins to reopen, a closer look at the state’s response to the pandemic (By Nora Flaherty, Patty Wight and Steve Mistler of Maine Public)
• As graduation nears, Maine ends an unprecedented school year altered by pandemic (By Jennifer Mitchell and Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
• Augusta firefighter tests positive for COVID-19, prompting quarantine of others (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• She was in Maine’s largest COVID-19 outbreak, but tested negative. Then, she tested positive and died (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• As travel restrictions stretch through spring, sporting camps face huge losses, possible bankruptcy (By Alexander MacDougall of the Bangor Daily News)
• The answers to your questions on Maine’s tourism restrictions and summer phase-in (By Jessica Piper and Michael Shepherd of the Bangor Daily News)
• Travel restrictions worry Wex after solid first quarter (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)

HEALTHCARE

• At all hours of the day, these companies are rushing coronavirus test samples to labs (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• Questions and answers about COVID-19 testing (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
• Two Bangor ICU nurses talk about caring for COVID-19 patients, love of nursing (From WABI)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Maine arts and entertainment venues look ahead to raising the curtain, very slowly (By Bob Keyes of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine sports fans finding new outlets without live sports on TV (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Acts of Kindness: A pledge to help others through stimulus checks (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
• Thomas College working to bring students back to campus by fall (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Maine’s high school seniors confront new challenges after the unexpected end of the school year (By Robbie Feinberg of Maine Public)
• Maine church delivers care kits to people in need (By Travis Lee of WMTW)

Thursday, May 7, 2020

TOP STORIES

• 76 more coronavirus cases have been detected in Maine’s biggest one-day jump (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine to triple testing capacity in partnership with Idexx (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
• New weekly jobless claims surge as more Mainers become eligible (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• ‘Devastating’ number of Mainers could lose health insurance as pandemic continues (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• Breach of attorney-client privilege in Somerset County sparks outrage in Maine legal community (By Samantha Hogan of Pine Tree Watch)
• Increase in arrests of Portland’s homeless worries civil liberties group (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine nets $20 million in federal bailout of U.S. fishing industry (By Penelope Overton of the Portland Press Herald)
• OSHA investigating Maine barbershops after complaints of COVID-19 safety violations (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mills hints at regional reopening of Maine economy, relaxing other rollout plans (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• Are quarantine orders being enforced for people coming from out-of-state? (From WGME)
• Maine applications for public assistance doubled in April (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Tyson plans to reopen Portland plant after 51 workers test positive for coronavirus (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• USDA adds Maine to program for feeding children amid pandemic (From the Pen Bay Pilot)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Maine labor commissioner defends state’s response to crush of unemployment filings (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Gov. Mills establishes committee to advise on Maine’s economic recovery (From Wiscasset Newspaper)
• Maine businesses are looking ahead to the summer tourism season with outrage and optimism (By Fred Bever of Maine Public)
• Maine hospitals avoid coronavirus surge, but see steep revenue fall (By Phil Hirschkorn WMTW)
• Maine bars, restaurants face uncertain financial future (From WGME)
• Westbrook set to help strapped small businesses pay their rent (By Chance Viles of the American Journal)
• Governor: We want to keep downtown businesses alive and well (By Stephen Betts of the Courier Gazette)
• York Beach business owners ‘losing sleep’ facing summer of uncertainty (By Deborah McDermott of the York Weekly)

HEALTHCARE

• After confirmed case, Lewiston shelter officials remain confident in protocols (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• County has one more COVID-19 case, one more recovery (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
• Redington-Fairview hospital rehab unit reopens after ‘small cluster’ of COVID-19 cases (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• Two Bangor ICU nurses talk about caring for COVID-19 patients, love of nursing (From WABI)
• ‘Cholera Love Society’ Distributes Masks, Shields to Essential Workers (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• The Last Responders: Consoling the dying and grieving in the COVID-19 era (By Barbara Walsh of Pine Tree Watch)
• Saying goodbye to dad: A reporter’s story (By Barbara Walsh of Pine Tree Watch)
• ‘This Time is Different’ – Growing an enduring culture of gardening (By Marina Schauffler of Pine Tree Watch)
• Food pantries knee-deep during pandemic (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)
• Waldo County Bounty campaign launches to improve food security, support farmers and gardeners (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• Hundreds show up for car parade to wish County man a happy birthday (By David Marino Jr. of the Aroostook Republican)
• #MyTravelPledge campaign to benefit COVID-19 ‘frontliners’ (From the Boothbay Register)
• Tri-Town Fourth of July parade in Jay cancelled (By Donna Perry of the Livermore Falls Advertiser)

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports one more coronavirus death, 28 new cases (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Orrington church sues Janet Mills over order barring in-person worship services (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• How Janet Mills’ plan to reopen the economy compares to those in other states (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Senate president asks Gov. Mills to create a reopening advisory council (From WMTW)
• Shortage of swabs hampers COVID-19 testing in Maine nursing homes (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• US-Canada border closure proves challenging for Mainers (By Alexander MacDougall of the Aroostook Republican)
• Central Maine Memorial Day parades, Fourth of July events canceled due to coronavirus restrictions (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Watch: Maine lawmakers question labor commissioner over unemployment system (By Christopher Burns of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine’s two-week quarantine a deal-breaker for some seasonal residents (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Sunday River Brewing Co. defiantly reopens, and state issues two more citations (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Maine public housing groups awarded $2.5 million (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Coronavirus causes lag in rural Maine’s census count (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine court system extends emergency coronavirus deadlines (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Lewiston officials approve next year’s budget with lingering questions (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• USDA adds Maine to program for feeding children amid pandemic (From the Pen Bay Pilot)
• 20 more Maine food plant employees test positive for coronavirus (From WGME)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Many hotels take early loan deferrals as banks look to stave off business closures (By Lori Valigra of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Lobstermen’s Association seeks public support (From The Camden Herald)
• Whitcraft CEO says laid-off workers will receive 1 week of severance pay (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• State economist on the challenges Maine faces during coronavirus crisis (By Irwin Gratz of Maine Public)
• More Mainers turn to the state’s safety net as the pandemic drags on (By Caitlin Andrews of the Bangor Daily News)
• On the waterfront: Coronavirus costs Portland cruise ships, but containers keep coming (By Jenny Ibsen of the Portland Phoenix)
• Potato industry hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic (By Joe Cortese of WFVX)
• More loans, grants available for Portland-area businesses (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine Tourism Association talks about pandemic challenges in new video (From the Boothbay Register)
• Website lets shoppers buy Maine-made products, support tourism (By John Wagoner of WFVX)
• Hallowell fundraiser raises more than $13,000 for city restaurant employees (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennbec Journal)
• Mills postpones second-quarter tax-payment deadline to July 15 (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Smitty’s Cinema closing Biddeford location (From WPFO)
• Tilted Kilt permanently closes South Portland location (From WGME)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Oxford Hills seniors to graduate at Bridgton Twin Drive-In (By Jon Bolduc of the Sun Journal and Nicole Carter of the Advertiser-Democrat)
• Spruce Mountain looking at summer outdoor graduation (By Pam Harnden of the Livermore Falls Advertiser)
• Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield to record online graduation ceremony (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• Gardiner teacher’s success built on relationships (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)
• Topsham-based schools will pay spring coaches (By Darcie Moore of the Times Record)
• Skowhegan community rallies to support nurses during Nurses Week (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)
• No fair for Windsor, Litchfield, Monmouth (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Topsham Fair canceled due to pandemic (By Darcie Moore of the Times Record)
• Maine Field Hockey Association cancels field hockey festival, senior all-star game (By Andrew Badillo of WFVX)
• For now, Great State of Maine Air Show still in works for August (By Hannah LaClaire of the Brunswick Times Record)
• Organizers cancel Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, weigh-off to go on (By Evan Houk of the Lincoln County News)
• Annual Androscoggin Run for Independence goes virtual (By Hannah LaClaire of the Times Record)
• Lisbon town leaders delay making a decision about this year’s Moxie Festival (From WMTW)
• Scarborough makes beaches available for ‘movement activities only’ (From WGME)
• Pineland Farms giving out 4,500 more boxes of food in County (By David Marino Jr. of the Star-Herald)
• Maine stores may ask you to remove your mask when buying alcohol (From WGME)
• Bath library builds archive documenting pandemic (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Maine Acts of Kindness: The music doesn’t stop in a pandemic (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine CDC reports four more coronavirus deaths, 21 new cases (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Sen. Lisa Keim: Changes may be coming in state policy that would ease the way for some businesses (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Mills rebuffs Republican criticism over administration’s pandemic response (By Scott Thistle of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mainers traveled a lot more as virus restrictions began to lift (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)
• New text scam targets Mainers’ fear of COVID-19 infection (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mainers who have recovered from coronavirus urged to donate plasma (By Meghan Torjussen of WMTW)
• Portland offers financial aid for local businesses (By Michael Kelley of The Forecaster)
• Common Ground Fair pulls plug on 2020 event (By Eric Russell of the Portland Press Herald)
• Canceled Great Falls Balloon Festival deflates local charities (From the Sun Journal)
• The ‘buzz’ about Rockland’s plan to convert Main Street into an open-air market (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
• Some Mainers defy Gov. Mills’ stay-at-home order despite potential fines, jail time (By WGME)
• Waterville City Council to consider emergency housing for first responders (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Lewiston school budget reduces local taxes during pandemic (By Karen Kreworuka of the Sun Journal)
• New project aims to support youths released from Maine corrections facilities (By Irwin Gratz of Maine Public)
• COVID-19 at Tyson Foods: Portland organizations pledge to support workers (By Jordan Bailey of the Portland Phoenix)
• Maine libraries face tough read on when, how to reopen (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• Good Shepherd Food Bank accepts food grant applications (From the Camden Herald)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Recent layoffs raise questions about severance, notification (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• This Maine barber isn’t working, but his shop is open. It’s unclear if he will qualify for unemployment. (By Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News)
• ‘A strange position’ to be in, for Maine businesses finding success during pandemic (By Willis Ryder Arnold of Maine Public)
• Nearly 26,000 Maine small businesses have received federal emergency loans (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Hallowell officials create small business ‘survival’ grant program (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Auburn rolls out local pandemic relief programs (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• Windham budget proposal revised for coronavirus impact (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)

HEALTHCARE

• Judge lets 2 bankrupt Maine hospitals apply for stimulus program that denied them (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• BIW helps Maine company boost nasal swab production for COVID-19 testing (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• Open Up? Maine dentists face conflicting guidance on when to resume office visits (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
• New doctors join Maine medical force during coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic (By Hannah Dineen of News Center Maine)
• Celebrating nurses: New nurse tackles unprecedented challenges during COVID-19 pandemic (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)
• Online support groups available through Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (From the Pen Bay Pilot)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• COVID-19 forces families to make hard choices over funeral arrangements (By Tony Blasi of the Sun Journal)
• The Virus Diaries: Couple of 51 years finds comfort in story hour (By Deirdre Fleming of the Portland Press Herald)
• Lobstermen help schools amidst pandemic crisis (By Stephen Rappaport of the Ellsworth American)
• Windsor teacher’s 30 years of experience prepared her to tackle online learning challenge (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• CMCC e-sports shut down during pandemic, but the games aren’t over (By Wil Kramlich of the Sun Journal)
• Edgecomb juggling election season schedule due to coronavirus (By Bill Pearson of the Boothbay Register)
• Want to get involved in a social distancing Bingo game? Here’s how (By WABI)

Monday, May 4, 2020

TOP STORIES

• To reopen, Maine needs to test far more people. What will it take? (By Erin Rhoda of the Bangor Daily News)
• Rick Savage vows to serve customers again starting on Tuesday at Sunday River Brewing Co. (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Orrington church plans to defy governor, hold in-person worship next Sunday (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine CDC reports 20 more coronavirus cases, no new deaths (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Portland schools are serving thousands of meals, but some students aren’t coming to get them (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine cities get new federal funds and plan to share with local businesses (By Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald)
• Questions riddle restaurant reopenings, from capacity limit to customer appetite (By Meredith Goad of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine is having trouble finding poll workers for the upcoming primary (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• President Trump tweets about “many complaints” in Maine, Maine Dems respond (From WMTW)
• Q&A: Portland police chief talks stress, change and policing during pandemic (By Matt Byrne of the Portland Press Herald)
• Wiscasset school plans in-person graduation, other Midcoast schools uncertain (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)

HEALTHCARE

• KVCC students, 3D printing club produce face shields for healthcare workers (By Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• This USM nursing student just started work in one of Maine’s coronavirus hotspots (By Eesha Pendharkar of the Bangor Daily News)
• How local organizations pivoted to help keep cancer patients fed during the pandemic (By John Holyoke of the Bangor Daily News)
• Grant helps train clinicians to assist treating children with trauma (From the Courier-Gazette)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• With $75.5M from the feds, this Guilford swab maker’s expansion came together in weeks (By Charles Eichacker of the Bangor Daily News)
• BIW calls employees back to work as state begins to reopen (By Kathleen O’Brien of the Times Record)
• SBA to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to agricultural businesses impacted by COVID-19 (From the Republican Journal)
• Hallowell fabric shop doing its part as one of central Maine’s essential businesses (By Sam Shepherd of the Kennebec Journal)
• Maine realtors say housing market remains competitive amid economic uncertainty (By Joe Glauber of WMTW)
• How the coronavirus closed this small Maine printing business for good (By Jessica Piper of the Bangor Daily News)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• During drive-up church service, Waterville pastor urges stability, kindness during pandemic (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Wiscasset grandmother gathers volunteers, interest for potential summer prom (By Susan Johns of the Wiscasset Newspaper)
• Houlton Fair canceled for 2020 (By Joseph Cyr of the Aroostook Republican)
• Northern Maine Community College upholds many traditions in first virtual ceremony (By Melissa Lizotte of the Aroostook Republican)
• Wiscasset’s Strawberry Festival canceled (From the Boothbay Register)
• 2020 Boothbay Harbor lobster boat races canceled (From the Boothbay Register)
• Golfers excited to play again after Mills lifts ban due to coronavirus (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)

Sunday, May 3, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Maine reopening with ‘bare minimum’ testing strategy (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine GOP lawmakers want to strip Janet Mills of emergency power, let businesses reopen (By Michael Shepherd of the Bangor Daily News)
• Another Mainer has died as 33 new coronavirus cases are confirmed in the state (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Voting coalition wants Gov. Mills to act on primary election (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Criminal charges won’t be filed against Rick Savage (By Jon Bolduc and Matthew Daigle of the Sun Journal and Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Pandemic leaves millions of pounds of Maine potatoes sitting in storage (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
• Dept. of Labor processes over 3,000 applications on first day of new unemployment program (By Gabrielle Mannino of News Center Maine)
• This long-hidden note found inside a beer bottle is spreading joy amid the grim pandemic (By Troy R. Bennett of the Bangor Daily News)
• Hundreds of people show up in Augusta to protest Gov. Mills’ extended stay-at-home order (From WGME)
• Maine prisons pressured to release more inmates, and information, during pandemic (By Megan Gray of the Portland Press Herald)
• Coronavirus outbreak forces cancellation of several Maine fairs (From WMTW)
• Demand, support grows for Eastern Area Agency’s Meals on Wheels program (By Ernie Clark of the Bangor Daily News)
• Bar Harbor Food Pantry rises to new challenges (By Becky Pritchard of the Mount Desert Islander)

Saturday, May 2, 2020

TOP STORIES

• ‘There’s just not enough science’ – we shouldn’t count on coronavirus antibody tests (By Steve Mistler of Maine Public)
• Another Mainer has died as 29 new coronavirus cases are confirmed in the state (By Judy Harrison of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine is having trouble finding poll workers for the upcoming primary (By Mal Leary of Maine Public)
• Maine’s rural hospitals, clinics to receive $131 million in federal aid (By Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald)
• Sunday River Brewing owner gives in to state after licenses seized, but restaurant remained open late Friday (By Mark LaFlamme of the Sun Journal and Samuel Wheeler of The Bethel Citizen)
• Coronavirus data trends working in Maine’s favor, but risks remain (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Republicans seeking U.S. House seat criticize Gov. Mills’ reopen plan despite public health concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic (By Steve Collins of the Sun Journal)
• Complaints and confusion on first day of mandatory face coverings (By Mark LaFlamme of the Sun Journal)
• Wondering if you can skip your mortgage payment? You’re not alone (By Andrew Rice of the Sun Journal)
• Augusta targets reopening city hall to public June 1 (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Augusta, Kennebec County secure CARES funds for coronavirus expenses (By Jessica Lowell of the Kennebec Journal)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Lawmakers to address ‘serious problems’ with Maine’s unemployment system (By Edward D. Murphy of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine regulator warns that trip insurance often doesn’t cover pandemic cancellations (By J. Craig Anderson of the Portland Press Herald)
• Fishermen getting desperate as $300 million federal bailout stalls (By Penelope Overton of the Portland Press Herald)
• Farmers markets move outdoors to bigger spaces, with new rules (By Peggy Grodinsky of the Portland Press Herald)
• A Bangor-area dog groomer and hair salon reopen in a pandemic-changed world (By Linda Coan O’Kresik of the Bangor Daily News)
• Inside one Bangor salon as they reopen under state order (From WABI)

Friday, May 1, 2020

TOP STORIES

• Mills hails reopening but acknowledges deep divisions, as virus kills 2 more Mainers (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)
• Hospitalizations of Maine COVID-19 patients flatten or decline for 3rd week (By Colin Woodard of the Portland Press Herald)
• Newly released data suggest ‘alarming’ racial disparity among Maine’s COVID-19 cases (By Randy Billings of the Portland Press Herald)
• $75.5 million effort in Pittsfield will double coronavirus test swab production (By Amy Calder of the Morning Sentinel)
• Reopened businesses met with pent-up demand Friday (By Peter McGuire of the Portland Press Herald)
• Another COVID-19 case reported at Edgewood in Farmington (By Mark LaFlamme of the Sun Journal)
• Midcoast motels are housing Mainers struggling with homelessness to ride out this pandemic (By Lauren Abbate of the Bangor Daily News)
• Central Maine police weigh order requiring face coverings in public (By Amy Calder, Taylor Abbott and Molly Shelly of the Morning Sentinel)
• When and where you’re required to wear a face mask, under Mills’ executive order (By Nora Flaherty of Maine Public)
• Norman Jordan Jr., 85, farmer and fixture in Cape Elizabeth, dies of COVID-19 (By Melanie Creamer of the Portland Press Herald)
• Waldo County firefighter’s death under investigation for possible coronavirus connection (By Abigail Curtis of the Bangor Daily News)

BUSINESS & UNEMPLOYMENT

• Portland poultry plant will be idled after COVID-19 outbreak (By Penelope Overton of the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine restaurant group says industry will collapse if reopening restrictions aren’t relaxed (By Dennis Hoey of the Portland Press Herald)
• Assistance program for self-employed Mainers has begun (By Jennifer Mitchell of Maine Public)
• Maine liquor sales jump by more than 15 percent during coronavirus pandemic (By Bill Trotter of the Bangor Daily News)
• Augusta laying off about 30 city employees due to revenue shortfalls related to the coronavirus pandemic (By Keith Edwards of the Kennebec Journal)
• Amid COVID-19, farmers change how they do business (By Letitia Baldwin of the Ellsworth American)

HEALTHCARE

• Maine doctors gear up to resume office visits and schedule delayed procedures (By Patty Wight of Maine Public)
• State seeks to boost pay for home-care workers who care for disabled Mainers during the COVID-19 crisis (By Kevin Miller of the Portland Press Herald)
• Mainers may have limited access to dental services under reopening (By Joe Lawlor of the Portland Press Herald)

EDUCATION

• School districts rethink graduation under new state guidance (By Rachel Ohm of the Portland Press Herald)

HOW MAINE IS COPING

• Livermore woman fashions a distraction from stay-at-home isolation (By Andree Kehn of the Sun Journal)
• When can I go to a library again? Who has to quarantine for 14 days and what does that mean? (From the Portland Press Herald)
• Maine golf courses to open Friday with players limited to their home counties (By Larry Mahoney of the Bangor Daily News)
• Maine Acts of Kindness: Face masks, from China with love (By Steve Craig of the Portland Press Herald)
• Hometown Heroes: Sidewalk messages from Bath mother, daughter spark hope during pandemic (By Alex Lear of The Forecaster)
• Volunteering ‘feels good’ for Sanford mask-maker (By Shawn Sullivan of the York County Coast Star)
• Summer festivals on hold in the Lakes Region amid pandemic (By Emily Bader of the Lakes Region Weekly)
• Lewiston’s Memorial Day parade and ceremony canceled (By Steve Sherlock of the Sun Journal)
• Road race, Fryeburg Fair take wait and see approach whether to hold events (By The Bridgton News)
• Skowhegan Drive-In Theatre owner deciding whether to reopen this season due to pandemic (By Taylor Abbott of the Morning Sentinel)