Bar Harbor, where passenger traffic has risen 257% since 2003, epitomizes the quandary facing coastal communities: How to weigh economic benefits against a fragile quality of life.
Colin Woodard
Colin Woodard is the Press Herald’s State and National Affairs Writer, and is often at work on large investigative projects. Born in Waterville and raised in western Maine, he was a foreign correspondent for two decades, reported from more than fifty countries on all seven continents, and witnessed the collapse of communism and its bloody aftermath in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. He’s written five books, including histories of Maine (The Lobster Coast), North America’s rival regional cultures (American Nations) and the Golden Age Pirates (Republic of Pirates), which was turned into a quickly forgotten NBC mini-series starring John Malkovich as Blackbeard. Since joining the Press Herald in 2012, he’s won a George Polk Award and was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting. He used to be an avid sailor and SCUBA diver, but with small kids at home, his hobbies now include sleeping and picking up toys.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
‘No discharge zone’ fight comes to Acadia region
In New England, only Maine allows ships to release treated sewage in most coastal waters, and cruise lines have fought local bans.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Bill to fix problems at Acadia, allow clamming advances in U.S. Senate
A Senate panel endorses the legislation, which awaits approval by the full Senate.
Posted inLocal & State, Science
Sens. King, Collins push for more research on ocean warming in Gulf of Maine
A letter to the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration comes after a Portland Press Herald report on record-warm water flowing into the gulf’s main entrance.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Science
Deep current of record-breaking warm water causes concerns for the Gulf of Maine
In the once-chilly currents that feed the highly productive gulf, Canadian researchers have measured record-high temperatures that could endanger the ecosystem.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World
Barbara Bush dies at 92: Longtime Maine resident was a literacy icon, wife and mother of presidents
The former first lady, who died Tuesday, was one of the most popular and respected in history, a fierce defender of her husband and family, a tireless advocate for adult literacy and a lifelong lover of Maine’s rocky coast.
Posted inNews, Politics
How ranked-choice voting effort became a partisan flash point
Meant to reduce polarization, Maine’s ballot-box initiative has created a chasm, though some say both parties could prosper.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News, Politics
Maine TV stations among outlets airing ‘fake stories’ segment scripted by corporate owner
Following orders from Sinclair Broadcasting, WGME’s anchors read the ‘must run’ promo, which also airs on WPFO, warning viewers about ‘one-sided news stories plaguing our country.’
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
House passes bill to fix territorial, jurisdictional problems around Acadia
The measure supported by Maine’s four-member Congressional delegation resolves rules about where the national park can expand and allows harvesters to work tidal flats next to park land.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Dispute over traffic project escalates as Wiscasset reports new threat from the state
Maine’s Department of Transportation says it won’t create off-street parking to make up for spots lost on Main Street if it has to follow local ordinances, the town says in a court filing.