Beacon

30/07/2024

"Electing people with solid progressive values to local offices is as important a role we play in our democracy as electing people to federal office. Although, I will admit, defeating Trump is definitely job No. 1 this year."

In today's Beacon, columnist Ethan Strimling reminds us of the importance of supporting progressive candidates at the local level.

As we all breathe a sigh of relief over Pres. Biden stepping aside to protect our democracy — and let out an exuberant cheer for Vice Pres. Kamala Harris stepping up — let us not lose sight of the importance of local politics as Labor Day approaches (the official start of campaign season). It’...

29/07/2024

An analysis by the University of Maine suggests that a significant portion of the Maine’s salt marshes — between 28 and 57 percent, depending on the sea level rise scenario — could be gone by the end of the century.

“The decisions Mainers make over the next 10 years are going to determine whether these important ecosystems persist,” said Bates professor Beverly Johnson.

Story by The Maine Monitor

This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from the Monitor, sign up for a free Monitor newsletter here. Between 28 and 57 percent of the state’s coastal marshes could disappear by the end of the century, victims

25/07/2024

In today’s Beacon, columnist Ethan Strimling looks at Portland’s most recent report on the state of housing and how its findings are the exact opposite of what landlords and developers have been saying as they've worked to protect their bottom line.

For the past decade, as the affordable housing crisis has gotten worse in Portland (and across Maine), the one constant has been how wrong developers and landlords have been in analyzing proposed and implemented housing policy. “Wrong” is perhaps too nice a term. Closer might be that they have l...

19/07/2024

This week on the podcast: Good news for tenants (really!)

Ben and Cate talk about Pres. Joe Biden’s proposal on Tuesday to cap rent increases at 5% for large corporate landlords. The proposal is a huge win for tenant advocates and would impact 20 million homes around the country. Listen at the link below or on your favorite podcast app!

You heard us right! This week, Ben and Cate talk about Pres. Joe Biden's proposal on Tuesday to cap rent increases at 5% for large corporate landlords. The proposal is a huge win for tenant advocates and would impact 20 million homes around the country. And that's not all -- around Maine this wee

17/07/2024

The latest from columnist Ethan Strimling: "In the end, we know banning assault weapons works... Even Donald Trump recognized this in 2000 when he publicly stated his support for the ban. That was, of course, before he needed the NRA’s backing to become president."

The AR-15, billed as “America’s rifle” by the National Rifle Association, was just used in an attempt to assassinate a former American President who prides himself as being the “most pro-gun President” in American history. The tragedy of this irony escapes no one. Except, no doubt, the NRA...

03/07/2024

The Beacon is hiring! We're looking for a Digital Media Manager to write and manage content for the site, which includes reporting on Maine news and politics as well as working with contributors. The full job description and how to apply can be found here: https://mpatime.bamboohr.com/careers/30

01/07/2024

Did you hear the news that Ethan Strimling won his case last week? His landlord had been trying to evict him for three years! In addition to getting to stay in his home, Strimling says that "setting this precedent lays the foundation for tenant unions to help re-balance the power between landlord and tenant. And as this housing crisis gets worse and worse, and rents go higher and higher, we will need these powers."

Read his column at the link below.

On Thursday, June 27, at 4:30 p.m., almost 37 months to the day that my landlord handed me an eviction notice, a jury came back and declared his act retaliatory. In other words, illegal. Besides the enormous relief I now feel about not losing my home of eight years, this was a remarkable day for

28/06/2024

Some good environmental news this week: Money from a long-fought historic settlement against a corporate polluter will go toward cleaning up the Penobscot River Estuary and improving life for residents of the communities around it.

Money from a long-fought historic settlement against a corporate polluter will go toward cleaning up the Penobscot River Estuary and improving life for residents of the communities around it. The Penobscot Nation and several local governments and not-for-profit organizations got the news this wee

25/06/2024

The latest from columnist Ethan Strimling: Why my landlord is (still) trying so hard to evict me

"The longer he drags this out, the more his motivation is clear: Break the union so he can get back to charging tenants what he wants, regardless of the law."

On Monday, I went over to Portland’s courthouse for the latest chapter in a long odyssey: My landlord has been trying to evict me for the past four years: Not for nonpayment of rent, not for repeated violations of my lease, and not for any other good reason. I’ll go back to the start. The ap

21/06/2024

🎙This week on the podcast, we discuss the testimony before the Independent Commission on the mass shooting in Lewiston, a new proposed anti-panhandling ordinance in Bangor, and structural problems with how ME addresses mental health, homelessness and policing. Listen at the link below or on your favorite podcast app.

This week on the podcast, Esther, Cate and Ben discuss some of the testimony before the Independent Commission on the mass shooting in Lewiston, a new proposed anti-panhandling ordinance in Bangor, and some structural problems with how Maine addresses mental health, homelessness and policing. Plu

19/06/2024

"It is getting clearer by the day that Maine’s electorate wants a government that works for, invests in, and protects people over profit, hate, and corporate power."

In today's column, Ethan Strimling recaps last week's primary elections and the many progressive wins around the state, including Cassie Julia for HD65 Waterville's defeat of incumbent Bruce White.

https://mainebeacon.com/opinion-progressive-wins-on-primary-day/

14/06/2024

In case you needed some good news:

Guests Andy O'Brien of the Maine AFL-CIO and Lisa Margulies of Planned Parenthood join guest-host Mike Tipping to discuss the results of this week's primary and municipal elections. From the flipping of an anti-trans school board to the ousting of Democratic incumbent Bruce White in Waterville by

05/06/2024

"In one decisive ruling, the board showed tenants there is a government body in Portland fully willing to protect them when landlords misbehave."

Check out Ethan Strimling's latest column at the link below!

The Portland Rent Board officially ruled this week that a landlord was substantially out of compliance with rent control and that the landlord retaliated against a tenant for whistleblowing. In one decisive ruling, the board showed tenants there is a government body in Portland fully willing to p

03/06/2024

Today in the Beacon, "Climate change alters Maine biodiversity as species’ range shifts north" Read more at the link below!

Scientists said climate change is having an unprecedented and accelerating effect on the biodiversity of plants and animals in Maine. Rising sea temperatures are altering critical habitats and food webs, as seen in the collapse of Atlantic shrimp stock and loss of kelp beds, which hurts both marine

31/05/2024

Today on the podcast, Cate Blackford and Ben Chin are joined by MPA board member Jim Parakilas to discuss some legislative primaries and MPA’s endorsements of Cassie Julia for HD65 Waterville and Zachary Smith in HD24. Listen below or on your favorite podcast app!

On the podcast this week, Cate Blackford and Ben Chin are joined by Maine People's Alliance board member Jim Parakilas to discuss some legislative primaries, MPA's endorsements, and an important zoning conversation in Portland. Ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182

29/05/2024

"Non-citizen immigrants were part of America’s original voters. At all levels of government, residents who were not yet citizens helped build the constitutional bricks upon which we stand."

Read Ethan Strimling's latest column at the link below!

Let’s put aside the brazen hypocrisy of U.S. House Republicans who claim elections should not be federalized—that they should be left up to states and municipalities—as we analyze their anti-democratic vote last week to take away the right to vote for many residents of Washington, D.C. Instead...

24/05/2024

This week on the podcast, Esther and Cate discuss new rules proposed for the implementation of the paid family and medical leave program passed by the legislature last year as well as the fight over funding for South Portland’s Human Rights Commission. Listen at the link below or on your favorite podcast app!

This week on the podcast, Esther and Cate discuss new rules proposed for the implementation of the paid family and medical leave program passed by the legislature last year as well as the fight over funding for South Portland's Human Rights Commission. They also talk about a sad book and a happier T

23/05/2024

"[Theriault and Soboleski] should be focusing on issues that will actually impact Maine families, like investing in education, providing universal health care, and building affordable housing. Instead, they are pushing ideological talking points that our wannabe dictator Donald Trump demands, which will have no impact on any of us."

Read Ethan Strimling's latest column on the two Republicans challenging Rep. Jared Golden in CD2.

When asked what his first act as a member of Congress would be, Congressional District 2 GOP primary candidate Rep. Mike Soboleski answered that he would jail Anthony Fauci for “crimes against humanity.” The other CD2 GOP primary candidate, Rep. Austin Theriault, said his top priority would be t...

22/05/2024

"This practice of denying care and coverage needs to stop. UnitedHealth Group needs to be held accountable for its actions. Our health and life shouldn’t be for profit."

Today in the Beacon, Brandy Staples shares her story of protesting UnitedHealth Group with People's Action last month. In addition to being the country's largest health insurance company, UHG also denies the most claims.

Last month, I stood alongside about 150 people brought together from all around the country by the national community organizing group People’s Action for a peaceful protest at the UnitedHealth Group headquarters in Minneapolis. Because I have been fighting for the right to health care for decad

20/05/2024

Scientists say Maine’s climate is getting warmer and wetter, with significant implications for human health and infrastructure. Data shows the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1998, with 2023 ranking as the second warmest.

Scientists said Maine's climate is getting warmer and wetter, with significant implications for human health and infrastructure. Data show the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1998, with 2023 ranking as the second warmest. Sean Birkel, assistant professor of earth and climate sciences

16/05/2024

"The sad truth is that almost all of Mills’ vetoes have been of bills sponsored by her fellow Democrats. The same Democrats who reflect a majority of Maine voters—the same voters who elected her to the position she holds."

Read columnist Ethan Strimling's last article below.

In her six years as governor, Janet Mills has now vetoed more bills than any Democratic Maine governor in over 100 years. Her total of 49 easily eclipses the second highest total by a Democrat, Gov. Ken Curtis, who had 33. Gov. Joe Brennan had 26 and Gov. Ed Muskie only had three. But that’s not

14/05/2024

Carrie Jadud, a community organizer with Maine People’s Alliance, said child care workers are “the workforce behind the workforce.” Without them, she said, many parents wouldn’t be able to work, but that too many child care workers are struggling to earn enough to provide for their own families.

“Nothing happens in our economy without child care,” Jadud said. “It’s crucial infrastructure, just like the roads and bridges people drive on to get to work, and we need a level of investment that reflects that.”

Read more yesterday's Day Without Child Care celebration here:

Families, child care workers, and advocates joined together on Monday to celebrate both carers and parents, and to call on Rep. Jared Golden, whose wife recently gave birth to the couple’s second child, to support federal funding for child care. The event was co-hosted by Maine People’s Alliance

10/05/2024

This week on the podcast, Esther Pew interviews Luc Kuanzambi of Portland. An immigrant from the Congo, Kuanzambi is a communications specialist and host of Luc’s 2 Cents Podcast, which highlights immigrants’ experiences and opinions on sociopolitical events. Listen at the link below or on your favorite podcast app!

This week on the podcast, Esther Pew interviews Luc Kuanzambi of Portland. An immigrant from the Congo, Kuanzambi is a communications specialist and host of Luc's 2 Cents Podcast, which highlights immigrants' experiences and opinions on sociopolitical events. Ask a question or leave a comment for

09/05/2024

Tomorrow is Veto Day. In today's Beacon, columnist Ethan Strimling argues for why Republicans should override some of Gov. Mills' vetoes.

Friday is “Veto Day,” the day the legislature gathers to vote on whether to override any vetoes a governor returns after the legislature has adjourned. Efforts to override any veto have been universally futile under Gov. Janet Mills (of the 43 vetoes she has sent back, she is 43 for 43 on having

07/05/2024

State officials in Maine are highlighting apprenticeships as a way to earn a living wage and contribute to the state’s growing green economy.

This week, they’re kicking off the first-ever Youth Apprenticeship Week by exposing high school students to the numerous ways they can learn and earn in offshore wind energy development, passive home construction, aquaculture, and more.

State officials in Maine are highlighting apprenticeships as a way to earn a living wage and contribute to the state's growing green economy. This week, they're kicking off the first-ever Youth Apprenticeship Week by exposing high school students to the numerous ways they can learn and earn in of

03/05/2024

On the podcast this week, organizing luminary George Goehl sits down to talk with Ben Chin about Fundamentals of Community Organizing, his new treatise, website and podcast on how to bring people together and win structural change. Listen here: https://mainebeacon.com/podcast-how-to-win-fights-and-influence-politicians/

30/04/2024

A new state-run website helps young Mainers find ways to use their own talents and interests to counter climate anxiety and work to build the state’s climate resilience. Learn more here ⬇️

State officials in Maine are preparing the next generation for climate change-related activism and careers. A new state-run website helps young Mainers find ways to use their own talents and interests to counter any climate anxiety and work to build the state's climate resilience. Abigail Hayn

29/04/2024

"Gov. Janet Mills deserves praise for proposing one of the most ambitious gun safety laws Maine has ever passed... Tragically, it will not be enough to stem the tide of gun violence in Maine nor would it have done anything to prevent the tragedy in Lewiston."

In perhaps the greatest test of her tenure—the massacre in Lewiston that left 31 shot, including 18 dead—Governor Janet Mills deserves praise for proposing one of the most ambitious gun safety laws Maine has ever passed. Background checks on all advertised sales of guns, with increased penalties...

26/04/2024

This week on the Beacon Podcast, Esther, Ben, and Cate discuss the end of the legislative session. They reflect on some of the wins—$18 million for rent relief— and lament some of the big frustrations—Mills' veto of farmworker bills.

This week on the Beacon Podcast, Esther, Ben, and Cate discuss the end of the legislative session. They reflect on some of the wins from the session, including $18 million for rent relief, funding for more recovery community centers, and a bill that will create options for development of offshore wi

25/04/2024

Gov. Janet Mills has again vetoed a bill that would have improved working conditions and wages for farmworkers, though this one was proposed by her own administration.

“This marks the fourth time in a span of 27 months that Maine’s governor has vetoed bills that would have improved the lives of the people who put food on our tables,” legal advocate Thom Harnett said. “The fourth time that she has said with her actions, ‘I don’t see you and I don’t care about you.’”

Gov. Janet Mills has again vetoed a bill that would have improved working conditions and wages for farmworkers, though this one was proposed by her own administration. LD 2273 would have made farmworkers eligible to earn the minimum wage, which is $14.15 per hour. Farmworkers in Maine currently m