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The Maine Monitor
@themainemonitor.org
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A nonprofit newsroom delivering citizen-supported, nonpartisan journalism for Maine: https://themainemonitor.org.

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The Maine Monitor @themainemonitor.org · Mar 17
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#Maine lawmakers reached a deal with an influential #educators group to create a standard process for recalling #schoolboard members following a period of turmoil for districts across the state. Read more for free at the link 👇

themainemonitor.org/compromise-s...
Compromise on school board recalls moving through legislature
The bill would specify recalls could only be held in cases of board member misconduct, preventing recalls over mere political differences.
themainemonitor.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:15 PM
themainemonitor.org
@krstnimg.bsky.social sits down with @newscentersmaine.bsky.social to discuss how 3 public universities in #Maine received failing grades for one of the most critical things they do: preparing future educators to teach children how to #read. Read more for free:

themainemonitor.org/teacher-prep...
January 15, 2026 at 3:28 PM
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This story is from our Monitor Local reporting initiative, launched to meet the information needs of people in towns across western and downeast #Maine. Sign up to get Monitor Local reporting in our Western and Downeast Monitor #newsletters here: themainemonitor.org/newsletters/
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The Maine Monitor's free newsletters provide the latest news and analysis from The Maine Monitor — a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom.
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January 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM
themainemonitor.org
After abandoning a set of controversial standards proposed last year, the #Maine State Library Commission will take a new approach to revising its rules and criteria for public #libraries. Read more on how this affects libraries in Maine below 👇

themainemonitor.org/library-comm...
Maine State Library Commission to start rulemaking process for new standards
After abandoning a set of controversial standards proposed last year, the board will take a new approach to revising its rules and criteria for public libraries.
themainemonitor.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM
themainemonitor.org
We are delighted to host an intern through the Scripps Howard Fund and the Institute for Nonprofit News. This 20-week paid program will be based in #Maine for the summer. Applications are due by Jan. 31. You can find more information and apply at the link below: themainemonitor.org/scripps-howa...
January 14, 2026 at 6:05 PM
themainemonitor.org
Join our Monitor Local editor on Wednesday, January 21st, from 10 a.m. to noon, along with the owners of Twice Sold Tales in Farmington and the Monitor's executive director, to talk about what's happening in your town and what you want to see from our reporting.

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January 14, 2026 at 2:55 PM
themainemonitor.org
Federal prosecutors charged three people connected with a Lewiston company in a tax fraud case, alleging publicly funded interpreter services were never delivered. Read more for free from @bangordailynews.bsky.social at the link 👇

themainemonitor.org/criminal-cas...
Criminal case focuses on provider that billed MaineCare millions
Federal prosecutors charged three people in a tax fraud case alleging publicly funded interpreter services were never delivered.
themainemonitor.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:56 PM
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@bangordailynews.bsky.social thank you for sharing @joshkeefe.bsky.social's story!

themainemonitor.org/msp-cant-be-...
AG argues Maine State Police can’t be sued in police brutality case
The state is responding to a lawsuit filed after a trooper repeatedly punched a handcuffed man in the face.
themainemonitor.org
January 13, 2026 at 7:11 PM
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@bangordailynews.bsky.social thank you for sharing our story!

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What does Trump administration’s review of wildlife refuges mean?
U.S. Fish and Wildlife has been asked to “look for refuges and hatcheries established for a purpose that no longer aligns" with its mission.
themainemonitor.org
January 13, 2026 at 7:09 PM
themainemonitor.org
@bangordailynews.bsky.social thank you for sharing our Monitor Local story!

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Washington County audits reveal unbalanced books, overspending
In a report on 2022 spending, the auditor raised the same concerns and repeated the same recommendations he made in prior audits.
themainemonitor.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:16 PM
themainemonitor.org
Today we talked with legislators about the important role of local nonprofit #news in #Maine alongside our @mainepublic.org colleagues at Nonprofit Day at the Statehouse in Augusta, sponsored by Maine Association of Nonprofits. Read all of our coverage for free on our website: themainemonitor.org
January 13, 2026 at 2:56 PM
themainemonitor.org
This story is from our Monitor Local reporting initiative, launched to meet the information needs of people in towns across western and downeast #Maine. Sign up to get Monitor Local reporting in our Western and Downeast Monitor newsletters here: themainemonitor.org/newsletters/
Receive Maine Monitor newsletters
The Maine Monitor's free newsletters provide the latest news and analysis from The Maine Monitor — a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom.
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January 13, 2026 at 1:51 PM
themainemonitor.org
In #Maine Washington County’s 2022 audit, recently accepted by county commissioners, is a harsh reflection of questionable spending, unbalanced books, invoices paid without proper authorization, and other practices that run contrary to accepted accounting standards. Read more for free at the link 👇
Washington County audits reveal unbalanced books, overspending
In a report on 2022 spending, the auditor raised the same concerns and repeated the same recommendations he made in prior audits.
themainemonitor.org
January 13, 2026 at 1:51 PM
themainemonitor.org
Trevor Savage allegedly bumped into Augusta #Maine school board candidate Nicholas Blanchard, known by his online moniker “Corn Pop.”

themainemonitor.org/lawyer-charg...
Lawyer charged with assaulting activist outside MSAD 60 meeting
Trevor Savage allegedly bumped into Augusta school board candidate Nicholas Blanchard, known by his online moniker “Corn Pop.”
themainemonitor.org
January 12, 2026 at 8:52 PM
themainemonitor.org
#Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey asked a federal court to remove the state of Maine and its largest police force from a police #brutality lawsuit stemming from an arrest in which a state trooper was filmed repeatedly punching a handcuffed man in the face.

themainemonitor.org/msp-cant-be-...
AG argues Maine State Police can’t be sued in police brutality case
The state is responding to a lawsuit filed after a trooper repeatedly punched a handcuffed man in the face.
themainemonitor.org
January 12, 2026 at 7:50 PM
themainemonitor.org
#Maine state Sen. Joe Baldacci announced Monday that he is running for the 2nd Congressional District, joining a Democratic primary to take over the competitive seat of retiring Rep. Jared Golden. Read more for free from our D.C. correspondent, in partnership with @notus.com, at the link 👇
Joe Baldacci launches bid for Maine Congressional seat
Joe Baldacci is running for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, joining a Democratic primary to take over the seat of Jared Golden.
themainemonitor.org
January 12, 2026 at 5:32 PM
themainemonitor.org
Join reporter Sean Scott at the Bangor Public Library, or virtually on Feb. 4, from 6pm to 7:15pm, for a discussion with #Maine faith leaders who serve vulnerable community members. They will discuss the needs they are seeing and how they aim to fill the gaps.

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January 12, 2026 at 4:25 PM
themainemonitor.org
The National Council on Teacher Quality gave poor ratings to three of Maine’s public universities at a time when #reading test scores have been falling. Read more for free from @krstnimg.bsky.social about how this affects #literacy in #Maine at the link 👇

themainemonitor.org/teacher-prep...
January 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM
themainemonitor.org
Former Gray, #Maine, town manager reportedly failed to report the purchase of a $1.25M firetruck and $140K in expenditures. He said in a statement, “funds were identified as available” at the time the truck was purchased and the information was shared with both the town council and the public.
Former Gray town manager denies allegations of misspent money
Former Gray town manager Michael Foley reportedly failed to report the purchase of a $1.25 million firetruck along with $140,000 in expenditures, according to the town council.
themainemonitor.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM
themainemonitor.org
#Maine is home to six #wildlife refuges that safeguard diverse wetlands, forests, and critical habitat for birds and more. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been asked to “look for refuges and hatcheries established for a purpose that no longer aligns with the mission” of the agency.
What does Trump administration’s review of wildlife refuges mean?
U.S. Fish and Wildlife has been asked to “look for refuges and hatcheries established for a purpose that no longer aligns" with its mission.
themainemonitor.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:38 PM
themainemonitor.org
It’s the first week of the new legislative session, but the clock is ticking on a bill that would allow #Maine counties and municipalities to declare #bankruptcy if they default on their debts — something that could happen within weeks in Washington County. Read more at the link 👇
What’s next for a bill to let Maine counties declare bankruptcy
The measure emerged as a proposal from Sen. Marianne Moore, R-Calais, as Washington County faces a financial crisis.
themainemonitor.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:23 PM
themainemonitor.org
President Donald Trump lashed out at the five Republican senators, including #Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who voted with Democrats on Thursday to pass a War Powers Resolution that would curb his ability to expand military operations in Venezuela.

themainemonitor.org/trump-republ...
Collins among group Trump says should ‘never be elected’ again
President Donald Trump lashed out at the five Republicans who voted with Democrats to pass a War Powers Resolution.
themainemonitor.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
themainemonitor.org
#Maine Sen. Susan Collins was among five Republicans who voted to advance a War Powers Resolution that would curb Trump’s ability to expand #military actions in #Venezuela.
Senate votes to move ahead with War Powers Resolution
Five Republicans, including Susan Collins, voted to advance the resolution.
themainemonitor.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:40 PM
themainemonitor.org
#Maine House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, announced that he will run in the June primary for the seat currently held by the term-limited Sen. Marianne Moore, R-Calais.

themainemonitor.org/faulkingham-...
Republican faces pushback Down East early in Maine Senate run
Billy Bob Faulkingham’s high standing in Augusta might be overshadowed by the history between Hancock and Washington counties.
themainemonitor.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Reposted by The Maine Monitor
reportforamerica.bsky.social
The number of Maine children who are homeschooled has jumped since the pandemic, growing from 3.6% of students to 6.4%. For many families, the choice was rooted in religious freedom. Report For America corps member Sean Scott reports for @themainemonitor.org.
themainemonitor.org/maine-homesc...
Homeschooling is growing in Maine, and so are religious co-ops
Last year, at least one in 10 students was homeschooled in more than 50 school districts, largely in central and northern Maine.
themainemonitor.org
January 7, 2026 at 10:04 PM