Latest news with #MaineTrustforLocalNews
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maine governor says no plans to challenge Collins for Senate
Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) said in an interview that aired Friday that she does not plan to challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) for Senate next year, though she didn't entirely rule it out. 'I'm not planning to do anything right now, I'm just — I'm not planning to run for anything,' Mills said in an interview with Maine Trust for Local News. 'Things change week to week, month to month, but I'm not … at this moment, I'm not planning to run for another office. I love being governor, despite the hard times we've had,' she added. Pressed again, Mills said, '[I'm] planning to keep being governor as best I can, do my job as best I can.' Mills is seen as one of the Democrats' best hopes against Collins, who is up for reelection next year for her sixth term. Democrats tried to oust Collins last cycle with former Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon (D) but fell 9 points short. A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll released Thursday suggested that while most Democratic respondents said they want to see Mills challenge Collins for Senate next year (79 percent), only 40 percent of all respondents supported a Senate run for the governor. Still, Mills performed better in that survey than Democratic Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, with 36 percent and 29 percent of respondents, respectively, wanting to see them run against Collins. Golden, a conservative Democrat, was the preferred candidate among Republicans polled: 25 percent of Republicans said they wanted to see him run for her seat. Senate Leadership Fund Chair Cory Gardner, a former Colorado Republican senator himself, responded to Mills's announcement, calling it a 'recruitment failure' for Democrats. 'Fresh off Senator Durbin's decision to retire and three other senior Senate Democrats calling it quits, Janet Mills clearly recognizes what the American people have long known: the Democratic Party is shattered beyond repair,' Gardner said. 'While Democrats reel from this recruitment failure and squabble about the direction of their party, Senator Susan Collins continues to deliver results for the people of Maine with effective and proven leadership,' he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maine Trust releases first report on impact journalism
Apr. 21—The Maine Trust for Local News has released its first-ever Impact Report. The 30-page report, which covers journalism and initiatives throughout the 2024 calendar year, aims to showcase some of the most significant work of Maine Trust journalists in providing coverage that has had positive impacts on communities and the state. The Maine Trust owns the Portland Press Herald, the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Kennebec Journal in Augusta and Morning Sentinel in Waterville, and community publications in western and southern Maine. "Through our efforts, we celebrate local identities, amplify solutions to problems, enhance understanding with fact-based reporting, and hold those in power accountable for the betterment of all," Stefanie Manning, managing director for the Maine Trust for Local News, writes in an opening letter to the report. "At the heart of this mission we focus on the stories that define the unique character of Maine's towns and cities. By highlighting local traditions, people, and cultures, we help foster a deeper connection to the places where Mainers live and work. "We highlight innovative approaches to local challenges and share everyday moments that bring communities together," Manning continues. "We aim to inspire hope and action." Selected examples of that impact journalism include: coverage of the Lisbon School Department suspending its football coaches and team activities following a police investigation into an alleged hazing incident; an analysis finding that lawmakers were increasingly using placeholder bills with vague titles for significant pieces of legislation, reducing transparency and trust in government; and in-depth reporting over many months that shone a light on a couple who struggled with homelessness and illness, living in a van and at hotels while they searched for a home. "In ways large and small, our daily work matters," Carolyn Fox, executive editor of the Maine Trust, and Scott Monroe, the Trust's managing editor, write in a letter included in the report. "At its best, our journalism can be a powerful force for good in our communities and across Maine." In addition to featured stories, the Impact Report also includes a display of the trust's best photojournalism in 2024, as well as noteworthy awards, digital and audience metrics and other projects. The report also highlights the trust's commitment to covering local communities, including through new digital products such as newsletters. Six new "Now" newsletters newsletters focused on specific communities — Falmouth Now, Westbrook Gorham Now, Cumberland-Yarmouth Now, Lakes Region Now, Biddeford-Saco Now, Kennebunk Now — were launched earlier this year in southern Maine, for example, with new ePaper editions serving each of those regions. Read the full Impact Report here. Copy the Story Link Gulf of Maine scallop fishery set to reopen Monday Dixfield residents speak out against migrant worker housing
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maine's $1B lottery winner will have to reveal his identity if privacy case goes to trial
Apr. 15—A federal judge has denied a request from Maine's biggest lottery winner to have a closed trial over allegations that his ex violated a nondisclosure agreement to protect his identity. After purchasing the winning $1.35 billion Mega Millions ticket more than three years ago, the man sued his ex-girlfriend in U.S. District Court in an anonymous complaint. He was allowed to use pseudonyms for himself and the woman in initial court records, but that protection will not extend to a trial, U.S. District Judge John Woodcock ruled Thursday. Woodcock said the request for the trial to be closed is a "nonstarter" that "runs hard against historic concept of what the courts are and what they are not in this country." In Maine, lottery winners are not required to disclose their names. This particular winner has gone great lengths to conceal his identity, even claiming his winnings through an LLC registered in Delaware, which doesn't require public disclosure of who created the organization. His lawsuit began to backfire last year after a judge agreed to unseal records that laid out the lottery winner's requests for anonymity. The orders, which still do not disclose his identity, were a win for the Maine Trust for Local News, which owns the Portland Press Herald and intervened in the case in late 2023. The Trust's attorneys have previously said they do not have plans to challenge the lottery winner's use of pseudonyms — but did object to the man's request to have a closed trial, citing a historic common-law and First Amendment public access rights to trials. The woman's attorneys also called for a public trial, should he refuse to dismiss what they've alleged is a baseless case. Thursday's ruling means that if the case goes to trial, the media and the public will be able to attend. His attorneys filed an appeal Monday, further delaying the case, which was filed roughly a year and a half ago. They've previously argued the situation places their client in a "Catch-22;" even if the lottery winner were to succeed at trial, they've written, "his identity and confidential information would be revealed to the public and the media; he would effectively lose the privacy war and subject himself and his minor daughter to the irreparable harm he brought suit to avoid." His ex, an emergency room nurse in Dracut, Massachusetts, has argued in records the entire case is a ruse designed to pressure her into giving up custody of their child. The lawsuit is centered around the lottery winner's allegation that his ex violated their nondisclosure agreement by telling his father about the winning ticket. But then his father told the court, under oath, that it was his son who told him about the winnings. The lottery winner then attempted to amend his lawsuit to accuse his ex of violating their contract by telling her attorney about his wealth while preparing for a child custody hearing. A judge determined that couldn't have violated their contract because she was covered by attorney-client privilege. The woman's attorneys are urging the lottery winner to drop the suit. "To prevail, Plaintiff would need to prove his unfounded allegations in a public trial, thereby defeating the point of the NDA and the lawsuit," her attorneys wrote. "Plaintiff should recognize that reality and dismiss this ill-advised lawsuit." In his order, Woodcock disagreed with the lottery winner that there is no presumption of public access to civil trial proceedings. He also rejected the man's alternative requests to limit testimony to audio-only and to use fake names for the parties their witnesses. The judge did not dispute there are limited circumstances that could allow for a limited public presence, especially when the privacy of third parties are at stake (like the lottery winner's daughter, who Woodcock agreed would only be identified by her initials in court.) But the plaintiff failed to prove how, should his name be released, it would endanger his daughter, Woodcock ruled. "By the Court's reckoning, one of Mr. Doe's main points is that because he is now wealthy, the consequences of his filing this lawsuit are different for him as opposed to other less financially fortunate individuals," Woodcock wrote. "He fears his new-found wealth will make him the target of an inquisitive and occasionally malevolent people ... However legitimate his concerns, a party's wealth alone is not a legitimate reason to restrict the right of public access." "Indeed, as he notes in his motion for leave to proceed under pseudonym, Mr. Doe's new-found wealth allows him to afford levels of security and isolation not generally available to the general public, thus mitigating the impact of the public revelation of his new financial status," Woodcock continued. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FAQ: Changes to the Sun Journal print editions
Mar. 27—Changes are coming to the Sun Journal beginning Tuesday, April 1. Below you'll find answers to questions about how you get the newspaper, new sections and features inside its pages and other platforms to check out for stories from our journalists. The Maine Trust for Local News is making these updates to ensure long-term sustainability and focus investments where they matter most — in local journalism and coverage. Transitioning weekday print delivery to U.S. Mail, refreshing sections and consolidating syndicated content like puzzles and comics are part of a broader effort to adapt to changing reader habits, reduce costs and strengthen the quality of community and statewide coverage. These shifts allow the organization to prioritize its mission of delivering trusted, community-focused journalism across both print and digital platforms. We'll be able to better deliver the stories, voices and local news that matter to you. The Tuesday through Friday newspaper will now be delivered by mail. The majority of households within our delivery footprint will have home delivery on Sunday. Delivery deadlines will be extended to 11 a.m. on Sunday to accommodate longer and larger delivery routes. There will be no print edition on Saturdays. However, we will offer comics, puzzles and TV listings as ePaper pages online. For Saturday news coverage, we encourage you to check out our sister publication, the Portland Press Herald, at Your subscription entitles you to access the websites and ePapers of and as well. Tuesday-Friday will continue to be available at select newsstands (Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon, Lisbon Falls, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Oxford, Poland, Sabattus, Turner). Sunday will continue to be available at newsstands within our home delivery footprint. On Thursdays, readers will receive the "Go" entertainment section, featuring "Best Bets" event lists, interviews with Maine artists, musicians and celebrities, and ideas for planning your weekend. Each issue includes a column from culture writer Leslie Bridgers, "Screen Time" from film critic Dennis Perkins and archival "Throwback Photos." On Sundays, readers will receive three new sections: — Audience, with features on Maine culture, arts criticism, book reviews and poetry — Food & Dining, which includes recipes, food and gardening features, and restaurant reviews and news — Opinion as its own separate section, with additional pages of letters and columns from around the state The new focus for the Opinion section will be local and statewide, prioritizing letters and columns about Maine. We are stepping away from syndicated national columnists and will share state and local-focused letters from all parts of the state. Soon we will introduce our new statewide politics columnist, whose columns will be included in this section. Sun Journal readers will have access to 11 new comics moving forward. These include: Rhymes with Orange, Adam @ Home, Big Nate, Close to Home, Get Fuzzy, Non Sequitur, Pearls Before Swine, Pickles, Pooch Cafe, Red and Rover and Arlo & Janis. We are discontinuing Marvin, Hi and Lois, Sally Forth, Crankshaft and Rose is Rose to make room for the new comics. Coming in May will be a daily version of the locally produced comic Anvil Falls from Ernie Anderson. Sun Journal readers will see an expanded TV listing schedule and a new advice column from Carolyn Hax, along with an additional sudoku game. Dr. Keith Roach will no longer appear. Sun Spots will now be featured in the Local section. You can find more local coverage at and in our newsletters, including the newly launched Auburn Now and Lewiston Now. For coverage consideration, email: news@ Local news, legal notices and obituaries can now be found in the first section of the Sunday newspaper. In addition to a fuller local section, you will receive the Maine Sunday Telegram, with the Maine New England, Audience, Food & Dining and Opinion sections. If you have questions you don't see answered here, fill out the form below, or email us at: news@ Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Spell of the ball: Hancock County student wins Maine State Spelling Bee
Mar. 22—BRUNSWICK — Seventh grader Esme Filippo from The Bay School in Hancock County is headed to the nation's most prestigious spelling bee after securing a win on Saturday at the Maine State Spelling Bee with the word "domesticity." Saturday's competition, held at Bowdoin College in Brunswick and presented by the Maine Trust for Local News, lasted 22 rounds and featured 13 middle school-age students from 13 different counties. The annual Maine State Spelling Bee determines which of the state's savviest spellers will go on to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, in May. Students qualified for the state bee through winning their school and county competitions. Filippo and her parents were thrilled following her win and excited to make the trip to the Scripps bee. "My friends said they'd watch me on TV," Filippo said. The contest kicked off with a few perfect rounds. Competitors slowly tapered off as they attempted to spell more and more difficult words. There were some tough misses, like "kernel" spelled "colonel" and "phishing" spelled "fishing." Former longtime Press Herald sports writer Glenn Jordan led the judging team alongside his wife, Nancy Jordan, managing editor at National Geographic Learning English Language Teaching. Jeannine Uzzi, Thomas College president, served as the word pronouncer. "I think it's great for them to stand on stage in front of a microphone, and you're pretty vulnerable out there," said Glenn Jordan, who has been judging the Maine State Spelling Bee for about a decade. "And some kids really love spelling; it's fun for them to learn words and learn about words and languages." At the round 10 break, there were just five spellers remaining in the bee. Students could ask for clarification on definitions, word origins and word use — but the spelling was all them. Kytanna Loring, an eighth grader at Central Middle School in Corinth, represented Penobscot County and was among the final few spellers. Loring won second place in her school bee, qualifying for the Penobscot County bee, which she won. "I like trying to memorize all the letters, trying to guess what the words are going to be that they're going to ask. I think it's very fun," Loring said. Nerves were high leading up to the big competition. "I'm incredibly nervous. I'm also excited," Loring said before getting on stage. "This is an amazing opportunity, but I definitely got some jitters." By the time the competition whittled away to the final two contestants — Filippo from Hancock and sixth grader Addie Rosato, representing Cape Elizabeth Middle School in Cumberland County — it was neck-and-neck. Both students made it through one round with the words "polyester" and "embryo." When Rosato slipped up on "chemise," Filippo had a chance to secure the win with "depreciate," but missed. The two continued spelling for four more rounds, reciting words like "stegosaur" and "schooner" with ease. At round 21, Rosato misspelled "cochin" and Filippo spelled "pinnate" correctly, followed by her final word, "domesticity," and was named Maine's spelling bee champion. "I did not think I was going to win; (Rosato) definitely knew what she was doing," Filippo said following the bee. Filippo said she was studying her words throughout the car ride to the Bowdoin campus on Saturday. Her parents said she's loved spelling bees from a young age. "She started participating when she was a little kid, and then COVID hit, and she didn't for a while," said her mom, Alison Rudel. "This year, at her school, she actually requested that they do the spelling bee, because they don't always." Filippo will head to the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 27-29 for a chance of taking the win — and the $50,000 prize — home to Maine. The finals will air live on the ION network. Copy the Story Link
