Maine DHHS Releases $30 Million to Strengthen Rural Hospital Resiliency

Eleven rural hospitals invited to receive funding and technical assistance to strengthen long-term financial sustainability

AUGUSTA— The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Office of Affordable Health Care, today announced the release of $30 million in funding through Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to help strengthen the long-term financial health and sustainability of rural hospitals across Maine.

Maine DHHS has identified and invited 11 rural hospitals to participate in the initiative

Constant AI Names Kristin Evans VP of Marketing as Agentic AI Expands from Conversation to Regulated Transactions

Constant AI Names Kristin Evans VP of Marketing

Fintech marketing leader with a track record scaling credit union tech brands takes on go-to-market storytelling for Constant AI

What drew me to Constant AI is that they've built software that makes real, compliant decisions on real accounts at scale. It shows up where it counts, as real relief for a member in a hard month.”

— Kristin Evans, Vice President of Marketing, Constant AI

PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, July 31, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As Constant AI moves agentic AI past customer-facing use cases into transactions that carry real regulatory weight, the company has named

Maine Rural Health Transformation Program Announces $12M Partnership with University of New England to Expand Rural Health Initiatives

Maine - The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is investing $190 million in the first year of Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The five-year federal grant program is designed to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, strengthen health care workforce, advance innovation, and support sustainable rural health

MaineDOT to Perform Statewide Interstate Striping

Drivers should plan for delays.

AUGUSTA– July 31, 2026 — From August 3 to August 27, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will conduct night work between 7 P.M and 6 A.M. in Benton, Brunswick, Burnham, Clinton, Fairfield, Newport, Oakland, Palmyra, Pittsfield, West Bath, Bath and Waterville for striping operations on the interstate. 

The project locations include U.S. Route 1 in both the northbound and southbound directions,

Maine DOE Annual Summit Brings Maine Educators Together for a Day of Learning, Collaboration, and Inspiration

Maine - Educators, school leaders, and education partners from across Maine gathered at Thomas College in Waterville on July 29 for the 2026 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit, kicking off the three-day ElevatED professional learning experience with a day centered on collaboration, innovation, and practical strategies to support students

New laws introduced by Senator Hickman take effect

AUGUSTA — Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Hickman, D-Winthrop, go into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year, including:

• LD 14, “An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks”
• LD 1343, “An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Fish and Wildlife”
• LD 1640, “An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission and to Reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission”

The 2026 Supplemental Budget, which includes funding that mirrors Sen. Hickman’s bill, LD

Sen. Brenner celebrates new healthcare, climate laws taking effect

AUGUSTA — Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, took effect after being passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Janet Mills earlier this year.

• LD 582, “An Act to Require Health Insurance Carriers to Provide Coverage for Blood Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances,” will increase access to medical screening and preventative care by requiring coverage of medically necessary PFAS blood serum tests under all health plans offered in Maine.

New laws introduced by Sen. Reny take effect

AUGUSTA —Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, will go into effect after being passed by the 132nd Legislature. 

• LD 697, “An Act to Direct the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board to Assess Strategies to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs and to Take Steps to Implement Reference-based Pricing,” directs Maine’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board to develop and recommend strategies to lower prescription drug costs for Mainers and bolsters staffing resources to help meet the board’s goals.

New law introduced by Sen. Rafferty to protect student athletes takes effect

AUGUSTA — Today, a new law introduced by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, will go into effect after being passed by the Legislature last year. 

LD 587, “An Act to Require School Boards to Adopt a Policy on Automated External Defibrillator Access at School-sponsored Athletic Events,” requires school administrative units, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, to develop cardiac emergency response plans,

Rockland Public Library: Aug 7th Fairy Lawn Party

Friday, Aug. 7th

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Fairy Lawn Party

at Rockland Public Library 

All ages are invited to a magical visit to the library lawn for wing and wand making, live music, fairy storytime, bubbles, and more.

We will be joined by the whimsical, live music of Castlebay! 

Storytime will start at 10:30 AM.

Summer Reading Award Ceremony will be at 11:45 AM.

Location: 80 Union St. Rockland, ME 

In case of rain, the program will continue inside. 

Sen. Lawrence celebrates new laws taking effect

AUGUSTA — Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, is celebrating new laws taking effect today, July 29, after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year, including:

• LD 2224, “An Act to Reduce Certain Costs Associated with Residential Construction,” which will make housing more affordable for Maine people by cutting unnecessary regulations that drive up construction and housing costs.

MaineDOT to Work on I-295 in South Portland

SOUTH PORTLAND - July 30, 2026 - From August 9 to August 11, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will close Route 1 between Billy Vachon Avenue and the I295 southbound onramp at Exit 4, including the ramp from Veterans Memorial Bridge, from 8 P.M. to 6 A.M. each night as part of a highway construction project. Traffic will be detoured via Main Street, Westbrook Street, and Broadway to the I295 southbound onramp at Exit 3.

Drivers and pedestrians should follow the detour map and detour signs while on site.

Message boards are in place to warn drivers of the closure.

Motorists should expect delays and use caution when traveling through the detour zone.

The project work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled to the following night if the weather does not allow for work to be conducted.

Work is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.

The contractor for this project is Wyman & Simpson of Richmond, Maine.

The contract amount is $12,444,444.44.

Jacob McCurdy and His Large Adult Sons will perform in a lawn concert at the Rockland Public Library on Thursday, July 30 at 6 PM. (Now Aug. 4th)

Rockland, Maine - Mustachioed Mainer, Jacob McCurdy, blends folk, rock, and roots into his very own brand of indie-Americana. McCurdy wears his heart on his sleeve, captivating audiences with honest lyricism and soulful melodies. Through collaborative songwriting and a commitment to authenticity, he shares his songs with the hope that others can heal from his experiences and enjoy a glimpse of what the future might bring.

 

Currently His Large Adult Sons are:

Alex Calabrese (Old Tom & The Lookouts)- Bass/Vocals (Alex has writing and production

New laws introduced by Sen. Talbot Ross take effect

AUGUSTA — Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, will go into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year. 

• LD 395, “Resolve, Establishing the Working Group to Develop Recommendations for Extending Federal Beneficial Laws to the Wabanaki Nations,” creates a working group to study and recommend ways for the Legislature to extend federal laws to the Wabanaki Nations and advance tribal sovereignty.
• LD 785, “An Act to Amend Certain Tax Laws Regarding the Wabanaki Nations,” gives

Manufactured Housing Program joins MOCA

Today, the Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) officially undertakes the responsibility of regulating manufactured housing in the state through the Manufactured Housing Program, formerly known as the Manufactured Housing Board.  

MOCA will regulate modular housing, manufactured homes, and manufactured housing

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty Releases Significant Sales Report for First Half of 2026

Maine’s leading luxury real estate firm recorded 133 transaction sides over $1 million and 56 transaction sides over $2 million during the first half of 2026

PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, July 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, Maine’s leading luxury and lifestyle real estate company, has released its Significant Sales

Dr. Duddha Announces 'Metaphysical Sherpa' Literary Trilogy, Academic Physics Submissions, Companion Album & Documentary

Metaphysical Sherpa: Black Swan Symphony Album Cover Art.

Metaphysical Sherpa: Misunderstood Mystic (Black Swan Symphony) Book Cover.

Dr. Duddha (Nick D. Mirisola)

The launch features active peer-review milestones for a novel unified field theory, & the premiere of a documentary analyzing the project’s forensic evidence.

SPRINGVALE, ME, UNITED STATES, July 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Moonlit Creative Works officially announces the simultaneous global release of a comprehensive multi-media and academic initiative authored by multi-disciplinary theorist Nick D. Mirisola, PhD, who produces

Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce Semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year

Eight of the 16 total 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year remain in the running for 2027 Maine State Teacher of the Year.

AUGUSTA, Maine—Eight exceptional educators from across the state are semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine officially announced these semifinalists, who will

MaineDOT to Replace Bailey Flat Bridge

Drivers should plan for a detour and delays.

MONMOUTH–July 24,2026—On July 27, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will close Cobbossee Road in Monmouth for 30 days to replace the Bailey Flat bridge culvert.

Drivers and pedestrians should follow the detour map and detour signs while on site. 

Motorists should expect delays and use caution when traveling through the detour zone.

Work is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.

The contractor for this project is Pratt & Sons, Inc. of Mechanic Falls, Maine. 

The contract amount is $976,475.02.

DMR Commissioner Carl Wilson Joins Industry Members and, Friends and Family During Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine - Yesterday, DMR Commissioner Carl Wilson joined dozens of fishing industry members, their families and friends in Boothbay Harbor to commemorate fishermen who lost their lives at sea, as recognized by a new law that establishes July 21, 2025 as Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day. The event, coordinated by Green and White Hope, Inc Founder Liz Michaud, was held at the

New Ventures Maine Announces Free Summer Workshops and Classes

Augusta, Maine—July 21, 2026—New Ventures Maine has announced free online workshops and classes throughout the remainder of the summer. Classes are designed to help people in Maine start a business, build their career, and manage their money. The full class schedule is accessible online at newventuresmaine.org/classes.

Upcoming classes include NVME’s comprehensive business planning class.

Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs will meet Tuesdays from