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India Collins Appointed Principal of George Unseld Preschool in Jefferson County

India Collins Appointed Principal of George Unseld Preschool in Jefferson County

India Collins has been named the new principal of the George Unseld Early Childhood Learning Center, with her appointment effective October 12. Collins previously served as the school's counselor since 2021. She expressed enthusiasm for continuing to serve the students, families, staff, and community, emphasizing a commitment to sustained excellence. Collins began her career in education in 2014 as a permanent substitute in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). She earned her teaching certificate through the JCPS ACES Teacher program in 2015-16 at Rangeland Elementary School, where she taught until moving to George Unseld in 2021. Her educational background includes an Education Specialist degree and Principal Certification from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in Education (School Counseling) from Spalding University, and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky.

Portland Public Schools Extends Deadline for Household Income Data Form to Secure State Funding

Portland Public Schools Extends Deadline for Household Income Data Form to Secure State Funding

The Portland Public School district has extended the deadline for families to complete their Household Income Data Form to October 18. This extension aims to achieve 100% participation, which is crucial for the district's state funding. The form was initially sent to families on September 6 via ReachMyTeach. The district has collaborated with lawmakers in Augusta to modify how Maine funds its schools, making the information provided on this form count twice in the state funding formula. Full participation could potentially secure millions of dollars in additional state funding for the schools in the upcoming year. This initiative underscores the direct link between family participation in administrative tasks and the financial health of the public education system in Portland.

California Legalizes Balcony Solar Panels, Streamlining Renewable Energy Access

California Legalizes Balcony Solar Panels, Streamlining Renewable Energy Access

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill making it legal for residents to install plug-in solar panels on their balconies. This legislation removes a significant barrier by eliminating the need for complex interconnection agreements with utility companies like PG&E. Previously, homeowners and renters faced substantial hurdles, including high costs and electrical upgrades, to adopt solar energy. The new law aims to simplify the process, allowing for smaller, more affordable solar arrays that can be plugged directly into a home's electrical outlets. This move follows similar initiatives in other states, such as Utah and Maine, which have recognized the potential of balcony solar to generate clean electricity and reduce energy costs for consumers. The technology allows individuals to offset some of their energy consumption, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually, and makes solar energy accessible to renters with balconies or backyards.

Kittery, Maine, Faces Prolonged Water Restrictions as Drought Intensifies Across State

Kittery, Maine, Faces Prolonged Water Restrictions as Drought Intensifies Across State

Kittery, Maine, is enduring its eighth week of mandatory Level 3 water conservation restrictions due to persistent drought conditions that continue to deplete the town's water supply. Kittery Water District Superintendent Matthew Berube indicated that these restrictions, primarily affecting outdoor watering, are likely to remain in place through the fall. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a significant portion of Maine is experiencing drought, with 53.8% in moderate drought, 41.3% in severe drought, and 4.8% along the southern coast, including Kittery, facing extreme drought conditions. University of New England Marine and Environmental Scientist Will Kochtitzky noted that these dry conditions align with broader climate change patterns, where some areas become drier while others become wetter. Kochtitzky emphasized that drought impacts extend beyond residents, stressing ecosystems and vital surface water sources essential for drinking and irrigation.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Mega Millions winning numbers for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026: Jackpot $364 million

Mega Millions winning numbers for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026: Jackpot $364 million

The Mega Millions jackpot for the Friday, Oct. 9 drawing was an estimated $364 million with a cash option of $147.3 million.

Maine Hospital Association and Others Sue Federal Government Over Changes to Drug Discount Program

Maine Hospital Association and Others Sue Federal Government Over Changes to Drug Discount Program

The Maine Hospital Association, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, and other hospitals from New York, Arkansas, and North Dakota, along with the American Hospital Association, have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Portland. The lawsuit challenges recent changes made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the federal 340B drug discount program. This program mandates that drug companies sell certain outpatient medications at discounted rates to eligible hospitals, with the savings typically reinvested into charity care and other essential services like behavioral health. The plaintiffs contend that the HHS changes, which expand the use of a rebate model, are projected to cost hospitals approximately $1 billion annually, significantly higher than the federal government's estimate of $537 million. HHS, however, argues that the program has expanded beyond its original intent and needs adjustments to improve accountability and prevent duplicate discounts.

Natural Gas Prices and Infrastructure Repairs Drive Up Maine Electricity Bills

Natural Gas Prices and Infrastructure Repairs Drive Up Maine Electricity Bills

Maine's electricity bills are significantly increasing due to rising natural gas prices and the growing costs associated with repairing and upgrading electric infrastructure, according to a new analysis from Maine's Office of Public Advocate. A typical residential bill for a Central Maine Power customer has seen a 72% increase over the last six years, reaching $157 per month. Nearly half of this increase, approximately $30, is attributed to higher electric supply prices, largely driven by surging natural gas costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. New England's reliance on natural gas power plants, coupled with winter supply constraints when fuel is prioritized for home heating, forces power plants to use more expensive liquefied natural gas or oil. Additionally, electric distribution costs (poles, wires) added about $18 to bills, primarily due to storm response and recovery, while transmission charges contributed another $9. 'Stranded costs,' including funding for some renewable energy proje...

Maine Senate race polls show close race as Collins, Jackson debate

Maine Senate race polls show close race as Collins, Jackson debate

Sen. Susan Collins and Troy Jackson have completed one of four debates for the Maine U.S. Senate race. Here is where the most recent polls stand.

The Latest: Pentagon says firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter will be livestreamed

The Latest: Pentagon says firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter will be livestreamed

The Pentagon says the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan will be livestreamed

Montgomery County Head Start Program Faces Federal English-Only Rule Proposal

Montgomery County Head Start Program Faces Federal English-Only Rule Proposal

Montgomery County's Head Start program is facing a federal proposal that would impose an English-only instruction mandate, a change that has drawn opposition from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and a coalition of 23 other attorneys general, along with the governor of Kentucky. Approximately 63% of the 1,000 children enrolled in Montgomery County's Head Start program come from multilingual households, making this provision particularly impactful. The proposed rule, titled 'Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,' aims to rescind and replace existing Head Start Program Performance Standards, which were last revised in 2024. The public comment period for this proposal has already closed, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is now reviewing the 14,248 comments received.

Alliant Insurance Services Acquires New Hampshire's Melcher Prescott, Expanding New England Presence

Alliant Insurance Services Acquires New Hampshire's Melcher Prescott, Expanding New England Presence

Alliant Insurance Services Acquires New Hampshire's Melcher Prescott, Expanding New England Presence

Westchester County Journal News

Mega Millions winning numbers for October 9 $364 million jackpot

Mega Millions winning numbers for October 9 $364 million jackpot

The Mega Millions lottery jackpot is estimated at $364 million for Tuesday night's drawing.