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Governor Janet Mills Implements Statewide Cellphone Ban in Maine Schools to Enhance Learning Focus

Governor Janet Mills Implements Statewide Cellphone Ban in Maine Schools to Enhance Learning Focus

Governor Janet Mills has enacted a new law in Maine that enforces a comprehensive ban on cellphone use in public schools during the entire school day. This 'Bell-to-Bell No Cell' policy, effective from August 1, aims to minimize distractions and disruptions in classrooms, thereby allowing students to concentrate better on their studies. The law mandates that all students, from kindergarten through high school, must keep their cellphones, smartwatches, and other internet-connected devices away from the start to the end of the school day. While some schools in Maine, such as those in Lewiston, already had similar policies, this law standardizes the practice across the state. Exceptions are made for students with specific educational or medical needs. The initiative is part of the state's supplemental budget and reflects a growing trend, as Maine joins over 20 other states with similar regulations.
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Navy Christens New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS William Charette

Navy Christens New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS William Charette

The U.S. Navy has christened its newest guided-missile destroyer, the future USS William Charette, at the Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Maine. The ceremony, held on Saturday morning, marked the introduction of the second Flight III Destroyer built by BIW. The ship is named after William Charette, a career sailor who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. The construction of the destroyer involved approximately 1,500 shipbuilders. The event was attended by notable figures including Governor Janet Mills, Senator Susan Collins, and Senator Angus King.
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U.S. Navy Christens New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS William Charette at Bath Iron Works

U.S. Navy Christens New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS William Charette at Bath Iron Works

The U.S. Navy has christened its newest guided-missile destroyer, the future USS William Charette, at the Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard in Maine. The ceremony, held on a Saturday morning, marked the completion of the second Flight III Destroyer constructed by BIW. The ship is named in honor of William Charette, a career sailor who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor during the Korean War. The construction of the destroyer involved approximately 1,500 shipbuilders. The event was attended by notable figures including Governor Janet Mills, Senator Susan Collins, and Senator Angus King, who were present to celebrate the ship's christening.
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Big Sky and Kennebunkport Highlighted as Top U.S. Travel Destinations

Big Sky and Kennebunkport Highlighted as Top U.S. Travel Destinations

Big Sky and Kennebunkport Highlighted as Top U.S. Travel Destinations
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Obituary: John M. Lewis Passes Away at 79, Leaving a Legacy in Walpole

Obituary: John M. Lewis Passes Away at 79, Leaving a Legacy in Walpole

John M. Lewis, a resident of Walpole, Massachusetts, and formerly of Calais and Portland, Maine, passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Wendy J. (Badger) Lewis, his son Jay A. Lewis and his wife Meghan, his daughter Jessica Matthews and her husband Tim, and two grandchildren, John Philip and George Allen Matthews. John also leaves behind his twin brother Walter 'Abe' Lewis and his wife Andrea, his sister Anne Dyer, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother C. Michael Lewis. Visiting hours are scheduled for August 7, 2026, at Folsom Funeral Home in Westwood, with a funeral service to follow on August 8 at the First Baptist Church of Westwood.
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Bangor Daily News Hosts Community Meet-and-Greet Events in Fort Kent and Presque Isle

Bangor Daily News Hosts Community Meet-and-Greet Events in Fort Kent and Presque Isle

The Bangor Daily News is organizing two community events in Fort Kent and Presque Isle, Maine, to engage with local residents and discuss news coverage. These events, scheduled for August 6 and 7, will be held in collaboration with local libraries. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet reporters Cameron Levasseur, Paula Brewer, and Chris Bouchard, as well as Jo Easton, the senior director of journalism sustainability and partnerships. The gatherings aim to foster dialogue about local news coverage and provide guidance on accessing digital news platforms. Coffee and pastries will be available during these informal meet-and-greets, encouraging community members to share their thoughts and questions.
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Penobscot County Reports 45th Case in Ongoing HIV Outbreak

Penobscot County Reports 45th Case in Ongoing HIV Outbreak

Penobscot County, Maine, has reported its 45th case in an ongoing HIV outbreak, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak, which began in October 2023, has primarily affected individuals who inject drugs or are homeless. The latest case is the first reported since May, and public health officials believe the actual number of cases may be higher. The outbreak has prompted increased testing and prevention efforts across the state, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention providing assistance. The Maine CDC has also expanded its criteria for tracking cases linked to the outbreak.
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States Implement New Math Education Policies to Address Achievement Concerns

States Implement New Math Education Policies to Address Achievement Concerns

Since 2022, 22 states and the District of Columbia have enacted new laws or policies aimed at overhauling math education. These measures include creating individual learning plans for struggling students, setting teacher training requirements, and automatically enrolling students in advanced math courses. The initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve math achievement and align teaching practices with evidence-based methods.
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Troy Jackson was the right candidate for Maine all along | Opinion

Troy Jackson was the right candidate for Maine all along | Opinion

Troy Jackson, Maine's new Democratic Senate candidate, isn't just a true working-class man, he's a bona fide progressive.
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Maine Secretary of State Declines to Comment on Troy Jackson's Senate Eligibility Amid 'Sore Loser' Law Debate

Maine Secretary of State Declines to Comment on Troy Jackson's Senate Eligibility Amid 'Sore Loser' Law Debate

The Maine Secretary of State's Office has chosen not to comment on the eligibility of Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson under the state's 'sore loser' law. This law is being challenged by Republicans who argue that Jackson, having lost the Democratic primary for governor, should not be eligible to run for the U.S. Senate. The law typically prevents candidates who lose a primary from running for the same office in the general election under a different party or as an independent. However, Jackson is running for a different office, which some argue exempts him from this restriction. Deputy Secretary of State Kate O'Brien stated that the issue is for political parties to resolve, and as of now, Jackson remains on the ballot.
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High Tick Risk Identified Across Franklin County by New Model

High Tick Risk Identified Across Franklin County by New Model

A new model developed by TickZone has identified high potential for tick encounters across all communities in Franklin County, Maine. The model, which combines Lyme disease data with satellite land-cover information and weather patterns, rates each community's risk level. Temple, Weld, Sandy River Plantation, Carrabassett Valley, and Carthage received the highest scores, indicating significant tick activity. The model aims to provide a general precautionary signal rather than predict specific infections. It highlights the importance of taking preventive measures against tick-borne diseases, particularly during peak tick activity seasons.
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Medicare and Medicaid Become Central Issues in Maine's 2nd District Race

Medicare and Medicaid Become Central Issues in Maine's 2nd District Race

The future of Medicare and Medicaid has emerged as a pivotal issue in the race for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, following the departure of Congressman Jared Golden. Republican nominee Paul LePage, who has a history of opposing Medicaid expansions, faces Democratic nominee Matt Dunlap, who supports Medicare-for-all. Dunlap has criticized LePage's past healthcare policies, which included significant cuts to state healthcare programs. The debate over healthcare is intensified by recent federal cuts to Medicaid under President Trump's administration, affecting many Mainers.