Local Politics
Frey Sues Trump Administration for Freezing Funds to Maine’s Most Vulnerable
(Augusta) The USDA and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins are withholding funds used to feed children in schools, childcare centers, and after-school programming, as well as certain disabled adults. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey on Monday said the freeze punishes the state’s most vulnerable because of its alleged violation of Title IX in educational programming; that explanation according to an April 2nd letter from Rollins herself. In the letter, Rollins threatened, “this is only the beginning.” Frey yesterday filed a complaint in federal court in Maine saying the freeze is unlawful and another example “where no law or consequence appears to restrain the administration.”
Legislative Republicans to Hold Tuesday Press Briefing on Audit Concerns
(Augusta) Legislative Republicans in Augusta say they’ve uncovered what they’re calling “serious concerns” raised in the 2024 Single Audit Report. They plan to hold a press briefing to detail those concerns at Noon today or after this morning’s session if later. Press conferences can be viewed in person or streamed on the Maine Senate GOP FB page, where they will also be posted after the press briefing.
Collins Calls for Reasserting Congressional Authority Over Tariffs
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins has joined a bipartisan group of 12 Senate colleagues in introducing a bill to reassert congressional authority over tariffs. The Trade Review Act of 2025 reaffirms Congress’s role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. Modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the legislation would reestablish limits on the President’s ability to impose tariffs without the approval of Congress. Collins said the bill ensures the legislative body retains its responsibility in major tariff decisions that “affect our economy, our trading relationships, and the prices families pay for everyday goods.”
Economy
Trenton-based Company Acquires Flowfold
(Trenton) Trenton-based Tempshield, a manufacturer that makes cryogenic gloves and other personal protective equipment used by scientists and astronauts, as well as Mainers brand winter gloves and mitts, has purchased Flowfold. The previously Gorham-based manufacturer is known for its production of high-performance wallets, bags and backpacks. MaineBiz reports all of Flowfold’s 13 employees, including founders Devin McNeill and Charley Friedman, will stay with the company under the new ownership, bringing Tempshield’s total number of workers to 36.
(Trenton) Childhood friends and UMaine classmates Devin McNeill and Charley Friedman founded Flowfold in 2010, making high-end wallets, backpacks, and other products out of recycled sailcloth. Fifteen years after starting the Gorham-based company, they’ve sold Flowfold to Trenton-based Tempshield. Tempshield makes Mainers brand winter gloves and mitts, as well as cryogenic gloves and other personal protective equipment used by scientists and astronauts. MaineBiz reports all of Flowfold’s 13 employees, including McNeill and Friedman, will stay with the company under the new ownership, bringing Tempshield’s total to 36.
Elver Fishery Underway
(Maine) Elver fishing in Maine is underway. The state quota remains the same as in 2024 – 9,688 pounds. The season runs through noon on June 7th unless the quota is reached earlier. Elvers, or glass eels, are shipped to Asia, where the prized delicacy is grown to maturity and then eaten. Overfishing in Japan and Europe has made imports of the elvers from the U.S. and Canada even more valuable. It’s unclear how they’ll be affected by tariffs. Last year, Maine elver fishermen brought in over $20M, second only to the state’s lobster fishery.
(Maine) Elver fishermen are busy casting their nets for those lucrative baby eels as they migrate up Maine rivers. Fishing licenses are by lottery only, and elver fishing is only allowed during a two and a half month period, unless the state’s quota – 9,688 pounds again this year – is reached before noon on June 7th. The tiny wigglers fetch up to $2,000 per pound and are shipped to Asia, where they’re a highly prized delicacy grown to maturity and then eaten. Overfishing in Japan and Europe has made elvers from Maine and Canada even more valuable. Last year’s fishery brought in $20M, second only to the state’s lobster fishery.
Environment
Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens Controversy
(Blue Hill) Controversy over the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens in Blue Hill continues. The land in question was purchased by a Kennebunk developer with plans to build nine high-end homes whose occupants would be privy to the land and its sweeping views. But the land has for decades been publicly accessible to dog walkers, elver fishermen, and local residents who have enjoyed the park-like fields and views. The Bangor Daily News reports a group calling itself Save the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens is hoping to raise $1.8M to buy the land from the developer – twice the amount he paid for the land. The controversy highlights the push and pull between Maine’s need for housing and taxable property and the desire to preserve public lands.
(Blue Hill) The town of Blue Hill this weekend approved a new comprehensive plan that supports new housing and development – the Bangor Daily News reports Blue Hill is expected to need 80 more housing units overall by 2040 – but that also encourages the town to protect certain scenic areas from development. One such area – the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens, for decades open to local wanderers and elver fishermen, is now owned by a Kennebunk developer who bought the land with plans to build nine higher-end homes. A group of locals hopes to buy the land back from the developer for twice what he paid – close to a million dollars – to return it to public use. A vote on the developer’s application is set for next week, though both sides say they will appeal any unfavorable decision.
Big Night
(Maine) It might be a bit snowy in places today, but it IS April. And that means BIG NIGHT, the first warm, rainy spring night that sees temps at 40 degrees-plus – could arrive any day. And when it happens, salamanders, frogs, newts, efts and all creatures amphibious begin a huge migration across the region. Because some travel up to a quarter of a mile, Portland Public Schools environmental educator Katie West says they have a 1 in 5 chance of being hit by a car as they traverse wet roads to their breeding grounds. So if you can, avoid driving on those nights. Instead, grab your flashlight, walk outside near vernal pools, sidewalks or roads – be safe – and marvel at this literally “moving” spectacle. Learn more and get involved at maine big night dot org.
(Maine) It’s April in Maine; so while it may be a bit chilly today, any day now, we could experience that first warm, rainy spring night where temps reach into the 40’s. And that signals the beginning of BIG NIGHT for salamanders, frogs, newts, efts, and other amphibious creatures. That’s the start of a huge migration across the region. Portland Public Schools environmental educator Katie West says because some creatures travel up to a quarter of a mile, they have a one in five chance of being hit by vehicles as they make their way across wet roads to their breeding grounds. So if you can, avoid driving for a night or two. Instead, grab a flashlight and (safely) witness the literally “moving” spectacle. If you’d like to hear the sounds of BIG NIGHT ahead of time, check out the cool link I’ve posted on my FB page.
Flea Beetle Could Threaten State’s Corn Crop
(Maine) Raise your hand if you look forward to fresh, hot, buttered sweet corn each summer! Unfortunately, a University of Maine study shows warming temperatures and increasing mild winters may amplify the threat to New England’s corn crop from the corn flea beetle. Researchers say the pest is already present in the region, but a changing climate could help it thrive. The beetle reportedly damages plant foliage and carries a bacteria that causes Stewart’s Wilt, a disease that impacts crop health and productivity. They say pesticides are the most popular way to treat corn flea beetle infestations, but it’s unclear whether regulations will prevent their use.
(Maine) Researchers at the University of Maine are sounding a bit of an alarm regarding New England’s sweet and succulent corn crop. They say warming temperatures and increasing mild winters could amplify the presence of a pest already in the region – the corn flea beetle. The bug reportedly damages foliage and carries a bacteria that causes Stewart’s Wilt, a disease that impacts crop health and productivity. With the use of pesticides being phased out, researchers hope to develop varieties of corn that are resistant to Stewart’s Wilt, though they cite time and money as roadblocks to that alternative.
Blacklegged Ticks Expanding in Range and Numbers
(Orono) A man-made problem may be helping the spread of blacklegged ticks in Maine. Ticks have adapted and are out almost year round in Maine now, infecting people with pathogens that cause Lyme, babesiosis, even Powhaten disease. Researchers at the University of Maine say invasive forest plants have created dense, damp thickets where surveys show ticks love to lurk. Those include buckthorn, honeysuckle, and Japanese barberry. Three UMaine researchers are testing whether controlling the unwelcome forest plants also reduces tick density and ways landowners can best apply and share that information.
(Orono) Blacklegged ticks are ticking time bombs that are expanding in range and numbers in Maine, infecting people with pathogens that cause Lyme, babesiosis, even Powhaten disease. While researchers at the University of Maine say climate change is often blamed, they’ve noticed another man-made problem that may be helping the pests spread. Invasive forest plants like buckthorn, honeysuckle, and Japanese barberry create dense, damp thickets where surveys show ticks love to lurk. The researchers are using a $1.8M NSF grant to test if controlling the unwelcome forest plants reduces tick density and ways homeowners can apply their findings.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Heart of Ellsworth Features Art of Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) As part of Maine Seaweed Week in Ellsworth, Heart of Ellsworth and artists in the 16 State Street Makerspace building are hosting a Seaweed Evening Market and Art Show! Local Maine makers, businesses, and artists are invited to apply to sell their seaweed-inspired products at the upcoming event that celebrates coastal creativity with a unique twist – every vendor must incorporate seaweed in some way, whether in their products, food or artwork. Limited vendor spots are available for the Thursday, May 1st Market and Art Show. Apply by April 20th at the link on the Heart of Ellsworth FB page.
Workshop Offered for Food Based Businesses
(Undated) Do you have a food-based business? Ever thought about starting a food truck or a mobile catering service? The CEI Women’s Business Center is hosting an online workshop just for you this Thursday, April 10th, from 10 to 11 a.m. Business advisors Ruth Feldman of CEI and Eric Treworgy of Pugnuts will address the basics, including licensing, parking, cold storage, menu considerations, food trends, and other essentials to consider before launching your business. Learn more and register at the link we’ve shared on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Big River Opens This Weekend at The Grand
(Ellsworth) It’s on! The Grand production “Big River” was postponed for a week while some bugs were worked out. For a minute, it looked like after all the work and rehearsals, it might not happen. But Ellsworth is so fortunate that Executive Director Nick Turner and the Grand staff made sure to cross every “t”, dot every “i” and ensure the musical is rehearsed and performed to the highest standards, as are all Grand productions. Based on Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, “Big River” opens this Friday for eight performances only, with a special 3 p.m. curtain on Easter Sunday. Come see a great show and support your Grand – tickets at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) The show must go on … and we could not be happier to be able to announce that it will! The Grand production of “Big River” is on, with opening night now set for this Friday, April 11th. In typical Grand fashion, when a glitch was discovered, they found a way to dot every “i” and cross every “t” so we could enjoy the country western and bluegrass charm of Roger Miller’s Tony Award-winning score that helps bring to life Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Eight performances only, closing April 20th with a special 3 p.m. curtain on Easter Sunday. As Director Nick Turner says, this is YOUR Grand. Treat yourself and support your Grand – tickets at grand online dot org.
Sarah’s House Fundraiser
(Dedham) Last Friday would have been Sarah Robinson’s 40th Birthday. Sarah is the dynamic force for whom Sarah’s House in Dedham is named. For the past decade, Sarah’s House has provided a home away from home for more than 700 rural Maine cancer patients, saving more than 1.3 million miles of travel while loved ones undergo treatment in Bangor. To honor Sarah’s legacy, Sarah’s House is hoping to raise $40K in the next 40 days to enhance accessibility through the addition of four ADA-compliant guest rooms, an elevator and redesigned outdoor spaces. Supporters can participate by pledging $40 a month for a year or a gift of any amount by donating to this worthy nonprofit.