Governor Janet Mills and Efficiency Maine Trust announced today a set of initiatives that will expand the use of electric vehicles across Maine in an effort to reduce the state’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

Possible routes and other service details of a plan for train service between Lewiston-Auburn and Portland will be discussed at a public information meeting next week.

The planned merger between Northern Light Health system and Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft cleared another step on Wednesday with the unanimous approval of Northern Light’s board.

Save Maquoit Bay, a group formed to address issues with aquaculture, and lobstermen from around the state have submitted a petition to the Department of Marine Resources requesting an immediate moratorium on aquaculture leases greater than 10 acres in size.

Scott Lever will report to Erik Gundersen, who leads the state’s new Office of Marijuana Policy.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is proposing a full state quarantine for Gypsy Moth. This proposed rule amends a state quarantine against the gypsy moth to prevent its movement from all parts of the State.

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden shared his support of universal health care for all citizens during a town hall meeting Tuesday at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

LD 1 Requires Insurance Companies To Include Basic Patient Protections In Maine Healthcare Plans

Maine’s independent U.S. senator is co-sponsoring a bill to require non-dairy products to stop using terms like “milk,” ”yogurt” and “cheese” on their labels.

But an insurance industry representative argues that a bill to regulate ‘step therapy’ would favor ‘costlier, but no more therapeutically effective, brand name drugs.’

Kendele Ouellette is questioning the use of the room, but the interim superintendent says the district is following state regulations for physical restraint and seclusion.

Prompted by the concerns of a building owner about people living in campers next to his property, the city will work on a proposal to regulate how long someone can live in a camper, which is not currently addressed by any local laws.

If the spending plan does not pass, the library could shut down.

The state Land Use Planning Commission rule could affect remote areas near the White Mountain National Forest.

The city managers of Lewiston and Auburn spoke to members of the business community Thursday about the budget challenges facing the cities, as well as possible solutions, including a local option sales tax.

The Green Independent Party has taken a position opposing a Central Maine Power proposal to create a 145-mile transmission line corridor that would deliver electricity from Canada to Massachusetts.

The Maine Legislature is eyeing a summertime gas tax hike to help close a longstanding funding gap for infrastructure needs.

Governor Janet Mills today introduced a bill to improve access to critical reproductive health care for women across Maine. The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House Sara Gideon, would allow a physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse to perform abortions.

Governor Janet Mills today signed the supplemental budget for Maine’s Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2019. The $7.5 million package repeals the limit on Medicaid-funded methadone to help combat the opioid crisis, dedicates $1 million towards the state’s upcoming 2020 bicentennial celebration, and funds other initiatives.

Lepage Bakeries is building two new loading docks on Cedar Street in Lewiston.  Avesta Housing gets (another) initial zoning OK from the Lewiston Planning Board.  Ice cream stand opening dates.