At this time last year Mainers were in the middle of a 15-day lockdown that Gov. Janet Mills had ordered to flatten the coronavirus infection curve in hopes of preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed. It’s more than ridiculous, and somewhat Orwellian, that in March 2021 we are still in an emergency state. A recently filed […]
coronavirus
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Giving back for the greater good
As we round the one-year anniversary of the global pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, there is no shortage of news programs recording individual markers of the year. One thing I wish to hear more about is how we can use what we’ve learned to shape a better collective future. Part of that, for me, has […]
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Posted inMaine Voices, Op-eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: Let’s turn pandemic lifelines into ladders out of poverty
The Child Tax Credits are the best opportunity in decades to help families create financial stability – if we can multiply their impact by coordinating resources and aligning policies.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State
State move to vaccinate 50- to 60-year-olds ‘compounding the problem’ in Lewiston-Auburn, says Auburn mayor
Supply for the COVID-19 vaccine varies across the state: Lewiston-Auburn needs more while some appointments beyond Androscoggin County going unfilled.
Posted inMaine colleges, Sports, UMaine Sports
UMaine football team looking to remain safe during bye week
The Black Bears haven’t had a positive COVID-19 test yet, but other CAA teams have had to call off games because of the virus.
Posted inNation & World
Miami Beach curfew aims to shut down Spring Break partying
A party-ending curfew is in effect in Miami Beach, imposed after fights, gunfire, property destruction and dangerous stampedes broke out among huge crowds of people
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Yarmouth school budget proposal not fair to families
As a member of the Yarmouth School Committee, I have supported the past two budgets and a $50 million school renovation. But I could not in good conscience support the 2021-22 budget. We cannot ask our community to pay for an 8.7% increase until we provide them the educational program they are already paying for. […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Portland Public Schools finalizing plans for more in-person learning
Portland Public Schools is finalizing plans to increase in-person instruction for students throughout the district amidst continued concerns from parents, students and members of the public. Assistant Superintendent Melea Nalli said options for elementary and middle school students include more partial in-person learning days; extending the time and days students are physically in schools; increasing […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Southern Maine bus, train and ferry operators team up for COVID-19 safety campaign
Southern Maine’s eight transit operators have launched a educational campaign about traveling safely on public transportation during the pandemic. A website, TransitTogether.org, has been created to provide information about proven safety protocols each agency has in place and general information about transit safety. The website also features an interactive map and regional schedules. The Greater […]
Posted inHealth, Nation & World
AstraZeneca: U.S. data shows vaccine effective for all ages
The trials included 30,000 volunteers and had a 79 percent efficacy rate.