#mainenews — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #mainenews, aggregated by home.social.
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Well this is a bummer. I get that #FoodStamp fraud prevention is important, but I think the penalty was too harsh. And apparently, the local grocer was unable to bounce back. When I worked for the Reiche School Library, I admired what a gem Fresh Approach was for the neighborhood. Kids and teachers would gather there after school. It was (and still is) a hopping little place. And while I would love to see another local grocery store or a food co-op go into that space, considering the rent increases in #PortlandME because of #gentrification, that probably isn't going to happen.
#FreshApproach market in Portland’s West End will close
Chet and Peggy Knights say they weren’t able to overcome the loss in business after their SNAP license was revoked.
by Peggy Grodinsky, May 13, 2026
" 'With deep regret and broken hearts,” grocers Chet and Peggy Knights announced on social media Wednesday that they are closing Fresh Approach, their longtime West End store.
The Knights have run the classic neighborhood market, located on Brackett Street opposite Reiche Elementary School, for 34 years.
'I’m very sad to hear the news,' said Reiche teacher Kevin Brewster, who was waiting at the lunch counter for his meatball sandwich at noon Wednesday. 'It’s a neighborhood institution.' "[...]
"The store lost its license to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in February 2025, after an undercover compliance agent was able to purchase ineligible nonfood items. Their Facebook post acknowledged the wrongdoing, and noted that after 11 months, the Knights were able to renew the license.
"But that long stretch without 'a very big part of our business' took its toll. A neighborhood-sponsored GoFundMe campaign helped the beloved store survive the immediate crisis, but even at the time, the Knights said they were unsure it would be enough to save the store."
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/13/fresh-approach-market-in-portlands-west-end-will-close/
Archived version:
https://archive.md/3xduI#MaineNews #NeighborhoodStores #FoodDeserts #FreshFood #Maine
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[Thread] It seems that #RadiusRecycling has a history of fires -- and lack of fire prevention plans!
Crews on scene of fire at #PortlandME recycling center
by Matthew Bourgault,WGME
Tue, May 12, 2026PORTLAND (WGME) -- "The Portland Fire Department says crews are on scene of a fire at Radius Recycling on Riverside Street.
Firefighters say a large pile of scrap metal is on fire."
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[Thread] It seems that #RadiusRecycling has a history of fires -- and lack of fire prevention plans!
Crews on scene of fire at #PortlandME recycling center
by Matthew Bourgault,WGME
Tue, May 12, 2026PORTLAND (WGME) -- "The Portland Fire Department says crews are on scene of a fire at Radius Recycling on Riverside Street.
Firefighters say a large pile of scrap metal is on fire."
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[Thread] It seems that #RadiusRecycling has a history of fires -- and lack of fire prevention plans!
Crews on scene of fire at #PortlandME recycling center
by Matthew Bourgault,WGME
Tue, May 12, 2026PORTLAND (WGME) -- "The Portland Fire Department says crews are on scene of a fire at Radius Recycling on Riverside Street.
Firefighters say a large pile of scrap metal is on fire."
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[Thread] It seems that #RadiusRecycling has a history of fires -- and lack of fire prevention plans!
Crews on scene of fire at #PortlandME recycling center
by Matthew Bourgault,WGME
Tue, May 12, 2026PORTLAND (WGME) -- "The Portland Fire Department says crews are on scene of a fire at Radius Recycling on Riverside Street.
Firefighters say a large pile of scrap metal is on fire."
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[Thread] It seems that #RadiusRecycling has a history of fires -- and lack of fire prevention plans!
Crews on scene of fire at #PortlandME recycling center
by Matthew Bourgault,WGME
Tue, May 12, 2026PORTLAND (WGME) -- "The Portland Fire Department says crews are on scene of a fire at Radius Recycling on Riverside Street.
Firefighters say a large pile of scrap metal is on fire."
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Oh, this is too good not to share for an early #SolarPunkSunday ... I just heard about this on the local news. Wow!!!
#ResilientYards in #SouthPortlandME
"The goal of Resilient Yards is to continue to promote landcare practices that bolster South Portland’s community and #ecosystem #resilience. Volunteer coaches offer personalized guidance, advice, and support to South Portland residents to transition their yards into resilient landscapes. Once paired together, coaches and participants discuss site needs, set up scheduling, and install gardens at each site. We provide each yard with free #compost, #mulch, and a set of 8 #NativePlants.
Native plants require less maintenance, support #biodiversity, and build #ecosystem #resilience. The program also builds #SocialResilience, as South Portland neighbors connect through sharing advice and resources.
Program Impact
Since we launched our inaugural 100 Resilient Yards program in 2023, we have helped 230 Resilient Yards participants, who, with the support of 65 volunteer coaches, have planted a total of 1,352 native #pollinator plants in yards across South Portland."
Learn more:
https://www.southportland.gov/668/Resilient-Yards#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #MaineNews #BuildingCommunity #Rewilding #LessLawns #NativePlants #WildlifeCorridors #PollinatorGarden #PollinatorCorridors #gardening
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Oh, this is too good not to share for an early #SolarPunkSunday ... I just heard about this on the local news. Wow!!!
#ResilientYards in #SouthPortlandME
"The goal of Resilient Yards is to continue to promote landcare practices that bolster South Portland’s community and #ecosystem #resilience. Volunteer coaches offer personalized guidance, advice, and support to South Portland residents to transition their yards into resilient landscapes. Once paired together, coaches and participants discuss site needs, set up scheduling, and install gardens at each site. We provide each yard with free #compost, #mulch, and a set of 8 #NativePlants.
Native plants require less maintenance, support #biodiversity, and build #ecosystem #resilience. The program also builds #SocialResilience, as South Portland neighbors connect through sharing advice and resources.
Program Impact
Since we launched our inaugural 100 Resilient Yards program in 2023, we have helped 230 Resilient Yards participants, who, with the support of 65 volunteer coaches, have planted a total of 1,352 native #pollinator plants in yards across South Portland."
Learn more:
https://www.southportland.gov/668/Resilient-Yards#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #MaineNews #BuildingCommunity #Rewilding #LessLawns #NativePlants #WildlifeCorridors #PollinatorGarden #PollinatorCorridors #gardening
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Oh, this is too good not to share for an early #SolarPunkSunday ... I just heard about this on the local news. Wow!!!
#ResilientYards in #SouthPortlandME
"The goal of Resilient Yards is to continue to promote landcare practices that bolster South Portland’s community and #ecosystem #resilience. Volunteer coaches offer personalized guidance, advice, and support to South Portland residents to transition their yards into resilient landscapes. Once paired together, coaches and participants discuss site needs, set up scheduling, and install gardens at each site. We provide each yard with free #compost, #mulch, and a set of 8 #NativePlants.
Native plants require less maintenance, support #biodiversity, and build #ecosystem #resilience. The program also builds #SocialResilience, as South Portland neighbors connect through sharing advice and resources.
Program Impact
Since we launched our inaugural 100 Resilient Yards program in 2023, we have helped 230 Resilient Yards participants, who, with the support of 65 volunteer coaches, have planted a total of 1,352 native #pollinator plants in yards across South Portland."
Learn more:
https://www.southportland.gov/668/Resilient-Yards#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #MaineNews #BuildingCommunity #Rewilding #LessLawns #NativePlants #WildlifeCorridors #PollinatorGarden #PollinatorCorridors #gardening
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Oh, this is too good not to share for an early #SolarPunkSunday ... I just heard about this on the local news. Wow!!!
#ResilientYards in #SouthPortlandME
"The goal of Resilient Yards is to continue to promote landcare practices that bolster South Portland’s community and #ecosystem #resilience. Volunteer coaches offer personalized guidance, advice, and support to South Portland residents to transition their yards into resilient landscapes. Once paired together, coaches and participants discuss site needs, set up scheduling, and install gardens at each site. We provide each yard with free #compost, #mulch, and a set of 8 #NativePlants.
Native plants require less maintenance, support #biodiversity, and build #ecosystem #resilience. The program also builds #SocialResilience, as South Portland neighbors connect through sharing advice and resources.
Program Impact
Since we launched our inaugural 100 Resilient Yards program in 2023, we have helped 230 Resilient Yards participants, who, with the support of 65 volunteer coaches, have planted a total of 1,352 native #pollinator plants in yards across South Portland."
Learn more:
https://www.southportland.gov/668/Resilient-Yards#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #MaineNews #BuildingCommunity #Rewilding #LessLawns #NativePlants #WildlifeCorridors #PollinatorGarden #PollinatorCorridors #gardening
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Oh, this is too good not to share for an early #SolarPunkSunday ... I just heard about this on the local news. Wow!!!
#ResilientYards in #SouthPortlandME
"The goal of Resilient Yards is to continue to promote landcare practices that bolster South Portland’s community and #ecosystem #resilience. Volunteer coaches offer personalized guidance, advice, and support to South Portland residents to transition their yards into resilient landscapes. Once paired together, coaches and participants discuss site needs, set up scheduling, and install gardens at each site. We provide each yard with free #compost, #mulch, and a set of 8 #NativePlants.
Native plants require less maintenance, support #biodiversity, and build #ecosystem #resilience. The program also builds #SocialResilience, as South Portland neighbors connect through sharing advice and resources.
Program Impact
Since we launched our inaugural 100 Resilient Yards program in 2023, we have helped 230 Resilient Yards participants, who, with the support of 65 volunteer coaches, have planted a total of 1,352 native #pollinator plants in yards across South Portland."
Learn more:
https://www.southportland.gov/668/Resilient-Yards#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #MaineNews #BuildingCommunity #Rewilding #LessLawns #NativePlants #WildlifeCorridors #PollinatorGarden #PollinatorCorridors #gardening
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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#Maine - New testing identifies elevated #benzene emissions near #SouthPortland tank farms
“You might have been able to do this in the past, but we’re not going to let you do this in the future.”
by Norah Hogan, 4/14/2026
Excerpt: "Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to dizziness, headaches, blood disorders and cancer.
"Reiner, who has lived near three of the sites for years, was diagnosed with bladder cancer last Thanksgiving. He underwent surgery in December and is now receiving treatment.
" 'The big question is, was it this exposure? You can’t say. But this exposure may have contributed,' he said. 'The more toxins and environmental hazards you encounter in your life, it all adds up. It’s the cumulative effect.'
"Concerns about emissions have persisted for years. Previously, oil companies were allowed to self-monitor their emissions and were subject to stricter regulations only if they reported elevated toxin levels.
"In 2019, #GlobalCompanies LLC entered into a legal settlement that required the installation of new technology to reduce emissions. The company’s benzene levels are now well below state thresholds.
" 'They don’t want to be forced to do something that would be the right thing for everybody,' Reiner said. 'Everybody in America could benefit if oil companies started cleaning their emissions before they leave the tank farms and facilities.' "
Read more:
https://www.wmtw.com/article/elevated-benzene-near-south-portland-tank-farms/71016200#MainePol #MaineNews #BenzeneEmissions #AirIsLife #BigOilAndGas #AirPollution #Carcinogenic
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Community members buying in to new #FarmingtonME #FoodCoOp
by Jamie Azulay, April 14, 2026
"The Farmington Food Co-op is now open on Front Street. For $150, community members can purchase a lifetime membership and become a co-owner of the local market.
"That membership comes with monthly discounts and a say in how the business is run.
[...]
The co-op's board of directors is also focused on sourcing local products. Paige Hemond, bulk packager and manager, said, 'You put back into your local economy. You help the local farmers, and you help your neighbors, the people who work here, and all the producers.'
"The co-op is open to the public, but employees say the members will benefit the most. Skistimas explained, 'We track spending, so however much you spend, you get a percentage back at the end of the year.'
"That percentage will be determined by the members themselves when they look at the yearly revenue and vote on how that money should be spent. They already have around 250 members after opening on April 8.
"Cox said, 'I'm thrilled that the co-op’s coming in to do it. I've been members of co-ops in other places, and it works well.' The Neighboring Food Co-op Association reports that in the 2025 fiscal year, Maine's nine other food co-ops made $50.7 million in revenue.
" 'It's really about just keeping access alive and creating a strong, healthy community,' Skistimas said.
"If you are interested in getting involved, but you are not ready to buy in, the food co-op is hiring for customer service help. It is open seven days a week."
Source:
https://www.wmtw.com/article/community-members-buying-new-farmington-food-co-op/71018371#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #FoodSecurity #FoodCooperatives #BuyLocal #LocalFood #MaineNews
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Community members buying in to new #FarmingtonME #FoodCoOp
by Jamie Azulay, April 14, 2026
"The Farmington Food Co-op is now open on Front Street. For $150, community members can purchase a lifetime membership and become a co-owner of the local market.
"That membership comes with monthly discounts and a say in how the business is run.
[...]
The co-op's board of directors is also focused on sourcing local products. Paige Hemond, bulk packager and manager, said, 'You put back into your local economy. You help the local farmers, and you help your neighbors, the people who work here, and all the producers.'
"The co-op is open to the public, but employees say the members will benefit the most. Skistimas explained, 'We track spending, so however much you spend, you get a percentage back at the end of the year.'
"That percentage will be determined by the members themselves when they look at the yearly revenue and vote on how that money should be spent. They already have around 250 members after opening on April 8.
"Cox said, 'I'm thrilled that the co-op’s coming in to do it. I've been members of co-ops in other places, and it works well.' The Neighboring Food Co-op Association reports that in the 2025 fiscal year, Maine's nine other food co-ops made $50.7 million in revenue.
" 'It's really about just keeping access alive and creating a strong, healthy community,' Skistimas said.
"If you are interested in getting involved, but you are not ready to buy in, the food co-op is hiring for customer service help. It is open seven days a week."
Source:
https://www.wmtw.com/article/community-members-buying-new-farmington-food-co-op/71018371#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #FoodSecurity #FoodCooperatives #BuyLocal #LocalFood #MaineNews
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Community members buying in to new #FarmingtonME #FoodCoOp
by Jamie Azulay, April 14, 2026
"The Farmington Food Co-op is now open on Front Street. For $150, community members can purchase a lifetime membership and become a co-owner of the local market.
"That membership comes with monthly discounts and a say in how the business is run.
[...]
The co-op's board of directors is also focused on sourcing local products. Paige Hemond, bulk packager and manager, said, 'You put back into your local economy. You help the local farmers, and you help your neighbors, the people who work here, and all the producers.'
"The co-op is open to the public, but employees say the members will benefit the most. Skistimas explained, 'We track spending, so however much you spend, you get a percentage back at the end of the year.'
"That percentage will be determined by the members themselves when they look at the yearly revenue and vote on how that money should be spent. They already have around 250 members after opening on April 8.
"Cox said, 'I'm thrilled that the co-op’s coming in to do it. I've been members of co-ops in other places, and it works well.' The Neighboring Food Co-op Association reports that in the 2025 fiscal year, Maine's nine other food co-ops made $50.7 million in revenue.
" 'It's really about just keeping access alive and creating a strong, healthy community,' Skistimas said.
"If you are interested in getting involved, but you are not ready to buy in, the food co-op is hiring for customer service help. It is open seven days a week."
Source:
https://www.wmtw.com/article/community-members-buying-new-farmington-food-co-op/71018371#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #FoodSecurity #FoodCooperatives #BuyLocal #LocalFood #MaineNews
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#PlugInSolar bill gets green light from #Maine Legislature
By Tina Fischer, April 6, 2026
"Mainers are one step closer to being able to utilize compact, plug‑in solar kits to reduce their household’s energy bill, with the Legislature’s passage last week of #LD1730.
"The units require no rooftop construction and can be installed almost anywhere: on the ground, balcony, deck, or on the side of a building.
"No approvals will be needed through the utility interconnection process required for larger rooftop systems, though the assistance of a licensed electrician is required.
"The legislation received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and now moves to Gov. #JanetMills, who has final say on the measure.
"Plug-in solar has been widely adopted in Europe. The systems have been modified to meet U.S. electrical standards and can be plugged into an outdoor outlet to generate energy on-site.
"For the average Maine household, a 1,200-watt plug-in solar system could cut electricity bills by nearly 20% or $388 a year, according to the Office of the Public Advocate."
Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/plug-in-solar-bill-gets-green-light-from-maine-legislature/ -
#PlugInSolar bill gets green light from #Maine Legislature
By Tina Fischer, April 6, 2026
"Mainers are one step closer to being able to utilize compact, plug‑in solar kits to reduce their household’s energy bill, with the Legislature’s passage last week of #LD1730.
"The units require no rooftop construction and can be installed almost anywhere: on the ground, balcony, deck, or on the side of a building.
"No approvals will be needed through the utility interconnection process required for larger rooftop systems, though the assistance of a licensed electrician is required.
"The legislation received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and now moves to Gov. #JanetMills, who has final say on the measure.
"Plug-in solar has been widely adopted in Europe. The systems have been modified to meet U.S. electrical standards and can be plugged into an outdoor outlet to generate energy on-site.
"For the average Maine household, a 1,200-watt plug-in solar system could cut electricity bills by nearly 20% or $388 a year, according to the Office of the Public Advocate."
Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/plug-in-solar-bill-gets-green-light-from-maine-legislature/ -
#PlugInSolar bill gets green light from #Maine Legislature
By Tina Fischer, April 6, 2026
"Mainers are one step closer to being able to utilize compact, plug‑in solar kits to reduce their household’s energy bill, with the Legislature’s passage last week of #LD1730.
"The units require no rooftop construction and can be installed almost anywhere: on the ground, balcony, deck, or on the side of a building.
"No approvals will be needed through the utility interconnection process required for larger rooftop systems, though the assistance of a licensed electrician is required.
"The legislation received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and now moves to Gov. #JanetMills, who has final say on the measure.
"Plug-in solar has been widely adopted in Europe. The systems have been modified to meet U.S. electrical standards and can be plugged into an outdoor outlet to generate energy on-site.
"For the average Maine household, a 1,200-watt plug-in solar system could cut electricity bills by nearly 20% or $388 a year, according to the Office of the Public Advocate."
Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/plug-in-solar-bill-gets-green-light-from-maine-legislature/ -
#PlugInSolar bill gets green light from #Maine Legislature
By Tina Fischer, April 6, 2026
"Mainers are one step closer to being able to utilize compact, plug‑in solar kits to reduce their household’s energy bill, with the Legislature’s passage last week of #LD1730.
"The units require no rooftop construction and can be installed almost anywhere: on the ground, balcony, deck, or on the side of a building.
"No approvals will be needed through the utility interconnection process required for larger rooftop systems, though the assistance of a licensed electrician is required.
"The legislation received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and now moves to Gov. #JanetMills, who has final say on the measure.
"Plug-in solar has been widely adopted in Europe. The systems have been modified to meet U.S. electrical standards and can be plugged into an outdoor outlet to generate energy on-site.
"For the average Maine household, a 1,200-watt plug-in solar system could cut electricity bills by nearly 20% or $388 a year, according to the Office of the Public Advocate."
Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/plug-in-solar-bill-gets-green-light-from-maine-legislature/ -
#PlugInSolar bill gets green light from #Maine Legislature
By Tina Fischer, April 6, 2026
"Mainers are one step closer to being able to utilize compact, plug‑in solar kits to reduce their household’s energy bill, with the Legislature’s passage last week of #LD1730.
"The units require no rooftop construction and can be installed almost anywhere: on the ground, balcony, deck, or on the side of a building.
"No approvals will be needed through the utility interconnection process required for larger rooftop systems, though the assistance of a licensed electrician is required.
"The legislation received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and now moves to Gov. #JanetMills, who has final say on the measure.
"Plug-in solar has been widely adopted in Europe. The systems have been modified to meet U.S. electrical standards and can be plugged into an outdoor outlet to generate energy on-site.
"For the average Maine household, a 1,200-watt plug-in solar system could cut electricity bills by nearly 20% or $388 a year, according to the Office of the Public Advocate."
Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/plug-in-solar-bill-gets-green-light-from-maine-legislature/ -
#Maine will require battery makers to provide #recycling options
By Tina Fischer, April 9, 2026
"Gov. #JanetMills signed into law a measure that will offer more options to recycle both single-use #alkaline and #LithiumIon batteries in Maine.
"LD 474 updates the state’s current product stewardship laws to require national battery manufacturing companies to set up drop-off locations and fund a statewide take-back program so that all batteries can be safely disposed of and rare earth metals can be extracted for reuse.
"Eight other states have enacted similar laws.
"The state’s existing battery recovery program, enacted in 1991, covers only nickel-cadmium batteries. Many hardware stores, town offices and Staples stores in Maine accept some types of batteries for recycling. The nationwide Battery Network lists on its website drop-off locations in Maine.
"Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries — commonly found in power tools, cell phone chargers and #vaping devices — has led to at least 24 fires at recycling facilities in Maine. Disposal concerns have driven up insurance rates for towns, according to the #MaineDEP.
"More than 820,000 pounds of batteries are thrown away in Maine every year, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine [#NRCM].
" 'Holding corporate battery makers accountable for cleaning up waste will lower costs for Mainers and help curb demand for mining rare earth metals,' said Vanessa Berry, sustainable Maine program manager at the nonprofit.
"It is technically illegal in Maine to dispose of rechargeable, button cell, or lead-acid batteries in the regular trash."
Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/maine-will-require-battery-makers-to-provide-recycling-options/#SolarPunkSunday #MaineNews #BatteryRecycling #LionBatteries #Recycle #VapePens #Batteries #CellPhones #RechargeableBatteries
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West Paris, Maine, Post Office to reopen after 5-year closure
The town of West Paris will soon have a post office …
#France #FR #Europe #EU #Paris #AmericanPostalWorkersUnionofMaine #consumernews #costofoperation #expiredleast #governmentnews #Mainenews #Maine'sTotalCoverage #newlocation #PostOffice #PostalWorkers #publicservice #reopening #Rep.JaredGolden #ruralcommunity #ruralMaine #sendingmail #USPS #WestParisPostOffice #whereisthepostoffice #WMTW
https://www.europesays.com/france/2314/ -
I knew incidents like this would happen when they moved the shelter and services from downtown to way out of the way!
#Unhoused Man injured in #PortlandME hit-and-run
by Christopher Burns, December 29, 2025
"A man was injured in a Sunday evening hit-and-run crash in Portland.
"The 25-year-old was crossing #RiversideStreet in a marked crosswalk, near the #HomelessServiceCenter, where he was staying, about 6:48 p.m. when he was hit by a silver SUV, according to Brad Nadeau, a spokesperson for the Portland Police Department.
"The SUV’s driver stopped briefly before allegedly fleeing.
"Nadeau said Monday morning that the victim was taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment of injuries not considered life-threatening.
"The SUV is believed to be an older-model Honda CR-V.
"Anyone with information about the hit-and-run crash can call the Portland Police Department at 207-874-8575."
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/vljqE -
NOT ACCEPTABLE!!! Get the mayor and city councilors to staff it, then!
#PortlandME #WarmingShelter closed last night, tonight due to staffing issue
Maine's Total Coverage reached out to the city Sunday, but got no answer
Updated: 8:28 PM EST Dec 28, 2025
PORTLAND, Maine — "A warming shelter in Portland is closed for a second night Sunday after someone from the shelter said staffing shortages caused a closure last night.
"According to the 2025 winter warming plan, the city opens the warming shelter when the low temperature drops below 15 degrees, or there is more than 10 inches of snow accumulation. Last night, low temperatures in Portland dipped into the single digits.
" 'I know a few good people who are out there and they don't have anywhere to go because they lost their housing,' said Julie Geistert, a resident.
"The warming shelter on Riverside Street has a 60-person capacity and is often activated during the winter season. Maine's Total Coverage reached out to the city Sunday, but got no answer. When a call was placed to the shelter, a person told us a 'staffing issue' led to the closure last night. When we stopped by the shelter, we were told it would also be closed Sunday night, but were told to contact the director. We did not hear back.
" 'I think there's just too many people trying to get into those places, there's just such a problem right now, and so much of the problems they're facing are just freezing,' Geistert said."
#Maine #MaineNews #Unhoused #Homeless #HomelessShelter #MainePol #HousingForAll #MaineMall #EmptyOfficeBuildings
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Missing Maine woman from Poland, found safe after Silver Alert https://www.byteseu.com/1598070/ #A.M.Ouellette #AndroscogginCountySheriff #Auburn #BlueJean #HotelRoad #LastSeenInAuburn #LongBluePuffyJacket #Maine #MaineNews #Maine'sTotalCoverage #ManleyRoad #MissingPerson #MissingWoman #office #Poland #PolandWoman #police #PoliceSearch #PublicSafety #sneaker #TammyOuellette #Wednesday #WMTW #woman
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NASCAR series returning to Maine for the first time in 35 years https://www.rawchili.com/4621964/ #AutoRacing #JeffFuller #MaineNews #MaineSports #Maine'sTotalCoverage #ModifiedRacing #ModifiedTour #nascar #NASCARTour #OldestNASCARTour #OpenWheeledRacing #OxfordPlains #OxfordPlainsSpeedway #ProRacing #RacingDivision #RacingInMaine #StockCarRacing #ThingsToDoInMaine #TomMayberry #WhelenModifiedTour #WMTW
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NASCAR series returning to Maine for the first time in 35 years https://www.rawchili.com/4621964/ #AutoRacing #JeffFuller #MaineNews #MaineSports #Maine'sTotalCoverage #ModifiedRacing #ModifiedTour #nascar #NASCARTour #OldestNASCARTour #OpenWheeledRacing #OxfordPlains #OxfordPlainsSpeedway #ProRacing #RacingDivision #RacingInMaine #StockCarRacing #ThingsToDoInMaine #TomMayberry #WhelenModifiedTour #WMTW
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Panic in Portland as Tuberculosis Cases Emerge
#MaineNews #Tuberculosis #PublicHealth #HealthAlert #TB #StayInformed #HealthUpdate #MedicalNews #CDC #DiseaseAwareness #annakarolinaheinrich
https://news-annakarolinaheinrich.com/fear-grows-in-maine-over-deadly-disease-cases
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Panic in Portland as Tuberculosis Cases Emerge
#MaineNews #Tuberculosis #PublicHealth #HealthAlert #TB #StayInformed #HealthUpdate #MedicalNews #CDC #DiseaseAwareness #annakarolinaheinrich
https://news-annakarolinaheinrich.com/fear-grows-in-maine-over-deadly-disease-cases
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Panic in Portland as Tuberculosis Cases Emerge
#MaineNews #Tuberculosis #PublicHealth #HealthAlert #TB #StayInformed #HealthUpdate #MedicalNews #CDC #DiseaseAwareness #annakarolinaheinrich
https://news-annakarolinaheinrich.com/fear-grows-in-maine-over-deadly-disease-cases
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Panic in Portland as Tuberculosis Cases Emerge
#MaineNews #Tuberculosis #PublicHealth #HealthAlert #TB #StayInformed #HealthUpdate #MedicalNews #CDC #DiseaseAwareness #annakarolinaheinrich
https://news-annakarolinaheinrich.com/fear-grows-in-maine-over-deadly-disease-cases
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Panic in Portland as Tuberculosis Cases Emerge
#MaineNews #Tuberculosis #PublicHealth #HealthAlert #TB #StayInformed #HealthUpdate #MedicalNews #CDC #DiseaseAwareness #annakarolinaheinrich
https://news-annakarolinaheinrich.com/fear-grows-in-maine-over-deadly-disease-cases
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How #Maine churches are reckoning with fear of #ImmigrationRaids
by Sean Scott, August 24, 2025Excerpt: "Selma, an asylum seeker from Angola, moved to Texas at the start of the pandemic and then to Maine in January 2022. She fears persecution if she returns because of a family member’s involvement in a #HumanRights group.
" 'As a Christian, I was praying, and then God just gave me direction, which was Maine,' she said.
"She joined a nondenominational Christian church in Portland right away, and she and her two children have been regular attendees ever since. After President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, her 12-year-old daughter asked if it was still safe to go to school.
"As immigration enforcement efforts have increased dramatically this year, many migrants have also reckoned with whether it’s safe to go to places of worship, whether they’re congregants or faith leaders like one Westbrook pastor detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this month.
"In one of his first acts in office, Trump rescinded a policy that essentially barred #ICEAgents from making arrests at sensitive locations like #churches, #hospitals and #schools. A coalition sued the Department of Homeland Security over the policy in February, arguing it violated #ReligiousFreedom. A judge declined to block the policy, citing a lack of evidence that churches were 'singled out as special targets' for immigration enforcement.
"Faith leaders are preparing for the possibility of enforcement regardless, and several other lawsuits have been filed on similar grounds, including one in late July with a New England plaintiff.
"#MichelTshimankinda, a Westbrook man who founded a church in South Portland, has been in ICE detention in New Hampshire since Aug. 14, according to the Portland Press Herald. He wasn’t arrested on church property, but his detention has shaken his family and congregation."
Read more:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/maine-churches-reckoning-fear-immigration-100000727.html#ICESucks #ICEKidnapping #MaineNews #DHS #Gestapo #FascismInTheUSA #Racism #Fascism #Authoritarianism #TrumpIsARacist
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ROUNDING UP ALL THOSE DANGEROUS CRIMINALS, EH?
#Maine pastor who founded #SouthPortland church detained by #ICE
According to ICE, he came into the U.S. in 2016 and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years.
by Jacob Murphy, August 21, 2025SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — "A pastor who worked in #SouthPortlandME and #GorhamME is in custody after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"According to an ICE spokesperson, #MichelTshimankinda came into the United States in March 2016 on a tourist visa and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years. ICE officers arrested him on Aug. 13 during 'targeted enforcement operations.'
" 'Unlike the previous administration, President #Trump and Secretary #KristiNoem will not turn a blind eye to violations of U.S. immigration laws. They remain dedicated to prioritizing safety and protecting the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws,' said James Covington, a spokesperson for ICE.
"According to ICE's Online Detainee Locator System, Tshimankinda is being held in #DoverNH, at the Strafford County Department of Corrections, and he was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Church leaders at #LifeChurch in Gorham said Tshimankinda had been coming to the church with his family for several years before he became a pastor.
" 'He sought asylum for his four kids and his wife and himself. And he's just a great man. Great man of God,' said Pastor Tom Pequinot with Life Church. 'He and his wife were very honest, very authentic, very open and shared a lot of their story to everybody.'
"Maine's Total Coverage asked ICE whether Tshimankinda applied for asylum, but the agency did not answer.
"Pequinot said Tshimankinda formed his own church, called #RestorationChurch, in South Portland, renting out space in the Promised Land World Outreach Center.
"Paul Roberts, a leader at Restoration Church, said he has been working closely with Tshimankinda since he started it in March.
" 'You leave the church service, and you're like, 'I really need to hear that,' you know? That's what got me going there,' Roberts said.
"When Tshimankinda was initially taken into custody, both Pequinot and Roberts were among the first people he called.
" 'The phone rang, and it was Michael and I said, 'Hey, Mike, how's it going?' And he started talking pretty fast, he was a little nervous. But, you know, I don't think he's been detained before. So we, we talked through it, we prayed,' Pequinot said.
"In his absence, Restoration Church will continue to hold services as previously scheduled. In the meantime, Roberts said the situation has been concerning for worshippers.
" 'He's been nothing but a godsend to the whole community. I mean, granted, the church is small, but what he did, he's taken in a #ChurchOfAllNations,' Roberts said. 'Because many of them are from a different country, it kind of, it brings a fear factor in for some of them because of the fact that, you know, it could happen to them.'
"Roberts said he wishes the situation could have been handled differently.
" 'You can tell he’s been doing it forever, and he loves the Lord with all his heart. Man, this guy I don't think will even hurt a fly,' he said. 'It doesn't make any sense to me. I understand the law, and I don't blame the ICE, because ICE is doing their job. They just do what the government tells them. [I was in] the military, I know exactly how it goes. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, but they detained him and, and for no reason at all. All they had to do is give him a court date.'
"Pequinot and Roberts both said that Tshimankinda's first day in court will be Aug. 28. In the meantime, his family has started a #GoFundMe and has raised more than $20,000."
Link to GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-michel-home#Maine #MaineNews #USPol #ResistICE #ICEKidnapping #ICESucks
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ROUNDING UP ALL THOSE DANGEROUS CRIMINALS, EH?
#Maine pastor who founded #SouthPortland church detained by #ICE
According to ICE, he came into the U.S. in 2016 and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years.
by Jacob Murphy, August 21, 2025SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — "A pastor who worked in #SouthPortlandME and #GorhamME is in custody after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"According to an ICE spokesperson, #MichelTshimankinda came into the United States in March 2016 on a tourist visa and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years. ICE officers arrested him on Aug. 13 during 'targeted enforcement operations.'
" 'Unlike the previous administration, President #Trump and Secretary #KristiNoem will not turn a blind eye to violations of U.S. immigration laws. They remain dedicated to prioritizing safety and protecting the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws,' said James Covington, a spokesperson for ICE.
"According to ICE's Online Detainee Locator System, Tshimankinda is being held in #DoverNH, at the Strafford County Department of Corrections, and he was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Church leaders at #LifeChurch in Gorham said Tshimankinda had been coming to the church with his family for several years before he became a pastor.
" 'He sought asylum for his four kids and his wife and himself. And he's just a great man. Great man of God,' said Pastor Tom Pequinot with Life Church. 'He and his wife were very honest, very authentic, very open and shared a lot of their story to everybody.'
"Maine's Total Coverage asked ICE whether Tshimankinda applied for asylum, but the agency did not answer.
"Pequinot said Tshimankinda formed his own church, called #RestorationChurch, in South Portland, renting out space in the Promised Land World Outreach Center.
"Paul Roberts, a leader at Restoration Church, said he has been working closely with Tshimankinda since he started it in March.
" 'You leave the church service, and you're like, 'I really need to hear that,' you know? That's what got me going there,' Roberts said.
"When Tshimankinda was initially taken into custody, both Pequinot and Roberts were among the first people he called.
" 'The phone rang, and it was Michael and I said, 'Hey, Mike, how's it going?' And he started talking pretty fast, he was a little nervous. But, you know, I don't think he's been detained before. So we, we talked through it, we prayed,' Pequinot said.
"In his absence, Restoration Church will continue to hold services as previously scheduled. In the meantime, Roberts said the situation has been concerning for worshippers.
" 'He's been nothing but a godsend to the whole community. I mean, granted, the church is small, but what he did, he's taken in a #ChurchOfAllNations,' Roberts said. 'Because many of them are from a different country, it kind of, it brings a fear factor in for some of them because of the fact that, you know, it could happen to them.'
"Roberts said he wishes the situation could have been handled differently.
" 'You can tell he’s been doing it forever, and he loves the Lord with all his heart. Man, this guy I don't think will even hurt a fly,' he said. 'It doesn't make any sense to me. I understand the law, and I don't blame the ICE, because ICE is doing their job. They just do what the government tells them. [I was in] the military, I know exactly how it goes. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, but they detained him and, and for no reason at all. All they had to do is give him a court date.'
"Pequinot and Roberts both said that Tshimankinda's first day in court will be Aug. 28. In the meantime, his family has started a #GoFundMe and has raised more than $20,000."
Link to GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-michel-home#Maine #MaineNews #USPol #ResistICE #ICEKidnapping #ICESucks
-
ROUNDING UP ALL THOSE DANGEROUS CRIMINALS, EH?
#Maine pastor who founded #SouthPortland church detained by #ICE
According to ICE, he came into the U.S. in 2016 and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years.
by Jacob Murphy, August 21, 2025SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — "A pastor who worked in #SouthPortlandME and #GorhamME is in custody after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"According to an ICE spokesperson, #MichelTshimankinda came into the United States in March 2016 on a tourist visa and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years. ICE officers arrested him on Aug. 13 during 'targeted enforcement operations.'
" 'Unlike the previous administration, President #Trump and Secretary #KristiNoem will not turn a blind eye to violations of U.S. immigration laws. They remain dedicated to prioritizing safety and protecting the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws,' said James Covington, a spokesperson for ICE.
"According to ICE's Online Detainee Locator System, Tshimankinda is being held in #DoverNH, at the Strafford County Department of Corrections, and he was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Church leaders at #LifeChurch in Gorham said Tshimankinda had been coming to the church with his family for several years before he became a pastor.
" 'He sought asylum for his four kids and his wife and himself. And he's just a great man. Great man of God,' said Pastor Tom Pequinot with Life Church. 'He and his wife were very honest, very authentic, very open and shared a lot of their story to everybody.'
"Maine's Total Coverage asked ICE whether Tshimankinda applied for asylum, but the agency did not answer.
"Pequinot said Tshimankinda formed his own church, called #RestorationChurch, in South Portland, renting out space in the Promised Land World Outreach Center.
"Paul Roberts, a leader at Restoration Church, said he has been working closely with Tshimankinda since he started it in March.
" 'You leave the church service, and you're like, 'I really need to hear that,' you know? That's what got me going there,' Roberts said.
"When Tshimankinda was initially taken into custody, both Pequinot and Roberts were among the first people he called.
" 'The phone rang, and it was Michael and I said, 'Hey, Mike, how's it going?' And he started talking pretty fast, he was a little nervous. But, you know, I don't think he's been detained before. So we, we talked through it, we prayed,' Pequinot said.
"In his absence, Restoration Church will continue to hold services as previously scheduled. In the meantime, Roberts said the situation has been concerning for worshippers.
" 'He's been nothing but a godsend to the whole community. I mean, granted, the church is small, but what he did, he's taken in a #ChurchOfAllNations,' Roberts said. 'Because many of them are from a different country, it kind of, it brings a fear factor in for some of them because of the fact that, you know, it could happen to them.'
"Roberts said he wishes the situation could have been handled differently.
" 'You can tell he’s been doing it forever, and he loves the Lord with all his heart. Man, this guy I don't think will even hurt a fly,' he said. 'It doesn't make any sense to me. I understand the law, and I don't blame the ICE, because ICE is doing their job. They just do what the government tells them. [I was in] the military, I know exactly how it goes. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, but they detained him and, and for no reason at all. All they had to do is give him a court date.'
"Pequinot and Roberts both said that Tshimankinda's first day in court will be Aug. 28. In the meantime, his family has started a #GoFundMe and has raised more than $20,000."
Link to GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-michel-home#Maine #MaineNews #USPol #ResistICE #ICEKidnapping #ICESucks
-
ROUNDING UP ALL THOSE DANGEROUS CRIMINALS, EH?
#Maine pastor who founded #SouthPortland church detained by #ICE
According to ICE, he came into the U.S. in 2016 and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years.
by Jacob Murphy, August 21, 2025SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — "A pastor who worked in #SouthPortlandME and #GorhamME is in custody after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"According to an ICE spokesperson, #MichelTshimankinda came into the United States in March 2016 on a tourist visa and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years. ICE officers arrested him on Aug. 13 during 'targeted enforcement operations.'
" 'Unlike the previous administration, President #Trump and Secretary #KristiNoem will not turn a blind eye to violations of U.S. immigration laws. They remain dedicated to prioritizing safety and protecting the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws,' said James Covington, a spokesperson for ICE.
"According to ICE's Online Detainee Locator System, Tshimankinda is being held in #DoverNH, at the Strafford County Department of Corrections, and he was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Church leaders at #LifeChurch in Gorham said Tshimankinda had been coming to the church with his family for several years before he became a pastor.
" 'He sought asylum for his four kids and his wife and himself. And he's just a great man. Great man of God,' said Pastor Tom Pequinot with Life Church. 'He and his wife were very honest, very authentic, very open and shared a lot of their story to everybody.'
"Maine's Total Coverage asked ICE whether Tshimankinda applied for asylum, but the agency did not answer.
"Pequinot said Tshimankinda formed his own church, called #RestorationChurch, in South Portland, renting out space in the Promised Land World Outreach Center.
"Paul Roberts, a leader at Restoration Church, said he has been working closely with Tshimankinda since he started it in March.
" 'You leave the church service, and you're like, 'I really need to hear that,' you know? That's what got me going there,' Roberts said.
"When Tshimankinda was initially taken into custody, both Pequinot and Roberts were among the first people he called.
" 'The phone rang, and it was Michael and I said, 'Hey, Mike, how's it going?' And he started talking pretty fast, he was a little nervous. But, you know, I don't think he's been detained before. So we, we talked through it, we prayed,' Pequinot said.
"In his absence, Restoration Church will continue to hold services as previously scheduled. In the meantime, Roberts said the situation has been concerning for worshippers.
" 'He's been nothing but a godsend to the whole community. I mean, granted, the church is small, but what he did, he's taken in a #ChurchOfAllNations,' Roberts said. 'Because many of them are from a different country, it kind of, it brings a fear factor in for some of them because of the fact that, you know, it could happen to them.'
"Roberts said he wishes the situation could have been handled differently.
" 'You can tell he’s been doing it forever, and he loves the Lord with all his heart. Man, this guy I don't think will even hurt a fly,' he said. 'It doesn't make any sense to me. I understand the law, and I don't blame the ICE, because ICE is doing their job. They just do what the government tells them. [I was in] the military, I know exactly how it goes. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, but they detained him and, and for no reason at all. All they had to do is give him a court date.'
"Pequinot and Roberts both said that Tshimankinda's first day in court will be Aug. 28. In the meantime, his family has started a #GoFundMe and has raised more than $20,000."
Link to GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-michel-home#Maine #MaineNews #USPol #ResistICE #ICEKidnapping #ICESucks
-
ROUNDING UP ALL THOSE DANGEROUS CRIMINALS, EH?
#Maine pastor who founded #SouthPortland church detained by #ICE
According to ICE, he came into the U.S. in 2016 and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years.
by Jacob Murphy, August 21, 2025SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — "A pastor who worked in #SouthPortlandME and #GorhamME is in custody after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"According to an ICE spokesperson, #MichelTshimankinda came into the United States in March 2016 on a tourist visa and allegedly overstayed his visa by nine years. ICE officers arrested him on Aug. 13 during 'targeted enforcement operations.'
" 'Unlike the previous administration, President #Trump and Secretary #KristiNoem will not turn a blind eye to violations of U.S. immigration laws. They remain dedicated to prioritizing safety and protecting the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws,' said James Covington, a spokesperson for ICE.
"According to ICE's Online Detainee Locator System, Tshimankinda is being held in #DoverNH, at the Strafford County Department of Corrections, and he was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Church leaders at #LifeChurch in Gorham said Tshimankinda had been coming to the church with his family for several years before he became a pastor.
" 'He sought asylum for his four kids and his wife and himself. And he's just a great man. Great man of God,' said Pastor Tom Pequinot with Life Church. 'He and his wife were very honest, very authentic, very open and shared a lot of their story to everybody.'
"Maine's Total Coverage asked ICE whether Tshimankinda applied for asylum, but the agency did not answer.
"Pequinot said Tshimankinda formed his own church, called #RestorationChurch, in South Portland, renting out space in the Promised Land World Outreach Center.
"Paul Roberts, a leader at Restoration Church, said he has been working closely with Tshimankinda since he started it in March.
" 'You leave the church service, and you're like, 'I really need to hear that,' you know? That's what got me going there,' Roberts said.
"When Tshimankinda was initially taken into custody, both Pequinot and Roberts were among the first people he called.
" 'The phone rang, and it was Michael and I said, 'Hey, Mike, how's it going?' And he started talking pretty fast, he was a little nervous. But, you know, I don't think he's been detained before. So we, we talked through it, we prayed,' Pequinot said.
"In his absence, Restoration Church will continue to hold services as previously scheduled. In the meantime, Roberts said the situation has been concerning for worshippers.
" 'He's been nothing but a godsend to the whole community. I mean, granted, the church is small, but what he did, he's taken in a #ChurchOfAllNations,' Roberts said. 'Because many of them are from a different country, it kind of, it brings a fear factor in for some of them because of the fact that, you know, it could happen to them.'
"Roberts said he wishes the situation could have been handled differently.
" 'You can tell he’s been doing it forever, and he loves the Lord with all his heart. Man, this guy I don't think will even hurt a fly,' he said. 'It doesn't make any sense to me. I understand the law, and I don't blame the ICE, because ICE is doing their job. They just do what the government tells them. [I was in] the military, I know exactly how it goes. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, but they detained him and, and for no reason at all. All they had to do is give him a court date.'
"Pequinot and Roberts both said that Tshimankinda's first day in court will be Aug. 28. In the meantime, his family has started a #GoFundMe and has raised more than $20,000."
Link to GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-michel-home#Maine #MaineNews #USPol #ResistICE #ICEKidnapping #ICESucks
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As if folks on #SNAP aren't having a hard enough time because of #SNAPCuts , there's this!!! (And it's been going on for a while in other states...)
#Maine DHHS reports #TheftRing of #SNAPBenefits
Maine Public | By Kevin Miller
Published August 15, 2025"The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is urging federal food assistance recipients in Maine to change the PINs on their #EBT cards and check for fraudulent activity.
"So far this week, about 300 households who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, have lost $76,000 in benefits in a multi-state theft operation. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday that the thieves appear to be using the electronic benefit transfer cards, or EBT cards, at point-of-sale terminals in other states.
"Maine is one of several states that has been hit by the theft operation targeting SNAP, which is formerly known as food stamps. But DHHS officials warned that the number of affected households could rise as the scale of the operation becomes clearer.
" 'This incident appears to be the result of large-scale theft involving stolen card numbers and PINs — sometimes referred to as ‘cloning’ — rather than a localized skimming device,' Ian Yaffe, director of the DHHS Office for Family Independence, said in a statement. 'While this type of fraud and theft have occurred in other states, this is the first time we have seen it at this scale in Maine. We are working with the federal government and our EBT vendor, Fidelity Information Services, to do all we can to prevent further theft of benefits from Maine people who rely on SNAP to supplement their monthly food budget.'
"More than 170,000 Maine residents currently receive SNAP benefits.
"DHHS officials said #FederalRules prohibit the state from replacing stolen SNAP money. That means affected households will have to wait until next month to receive additional benefits. In the meantime, DHHS said it is is working to connect those households with #FoodPantries or other community groups to help them bridge the gap until next month. The office said it is proactively contacting affected households, whenever possible.
"But DHHS officials are urging all SNAP recipients to take steps on their own to strengthen protections on their accounts.
Those steps include:
- Immediately changing the PIN on their EBT card and avoiding easy-to-guess numbers, such as 1234 or birthdays.
- Activating the lock/unlock feature to temporarily block access to benefits when not in use.
- Blocking out-of-state or online transactions.
- Regularly reviewing activity on their accounts."Those changes can be made online at the #PinetreeCard website or by using the #ebtEDGE app for mobile phones. Individuals who need assistance using the website or app can call Fidelity Information Services at 1-800-477-7428."
Source:
https://www.mainepublic.org/health/2025-08-15/maine-dhhs-reports-theft-ring-of-snap-benefits -
#PenobscotNation citizens rally in opposition to proposed expansion of #JuniperRidgeLandfill
Jul. 18, 2025
OLD TOWN/ALTON, #Maine (WABI) - "Penobscot Nation citizens rallied across the Penobscot County court Friday afternoon in opposition to a proposed expansion to Maine’s largest #landfill.
"The rally was in response to the #ConservationLawFoundation and the Penobscot Nation appealing an expansion to #JuniperRidgeLandfill, which will allow #CasellaWasteSystems to expand Juniper Ridge by 11.9 million cubic yards.
"According to members of the #WabanakiAlliance, the expansion would pose a threat to surrounding #TribalLands due to concerns of air and #WaterPollution surrounding the #PenobscotRiver from the landfill.
"Speakers at the rally represented citizens of the Penobscot Nation, the Wabanaki Alliance, as well as the environmental groups #Slingshot and #DontWasteME.
" 'It is incredibly powerful to see the number of people out here in opposition to this expansion and support of this appeal. We know the time for #EnvironmentalJustice is now. We need to turn the tide towards #ZeroWaste,' said #DanaColihan, Co-Executive Director of environmental group Slingshot.
" 'I just hope that the state can get serious about actual environmental justice, and Casella can implement some practices that it make it so that they don’t have to bring out of state waste to stabilize our sludge, and really find solutions instead of creating more problems with us,' stated #MaulianBryant, Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance."
Read more:
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/07/18/penobscot-nation-citizens-rally-opposition-proposed-expansion-juniper-ridge-landfill/
#AirIsLife #WaterIsLife #MaineResists #PFAS #PenobscotRiver #Casella #ProtectTheSacred #Wabanaki #Wabanakik #NativeAmericanNews #MaineNews -
via @MaineMonitor
A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing
A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.
By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.
"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'
"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.
"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.
" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'
"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.
"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.
"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."
#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed
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via @MaineMonitor
A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing
A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.
By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.
"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'
"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.
"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.
" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'
"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.
"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.
"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."
#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed
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via @MaineMonitor
A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing
A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.
By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.
"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'
"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.
"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.
" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'
"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.
"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.
"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."
#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed
-
via @MaineMonitor
A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing
A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.
By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.
"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'
"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.
"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.
" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'
"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.
"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.
"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."
#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed
-
via @MaineMonitor
A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing
A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.
By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.
"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'
"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.
"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.
" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'
"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.
"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.
"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."
#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed