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

MaineHealth, University of New England College of Dental Medicine Expand Innovative Dental Program for Patients with Autism

Lindsay Payeur, Behavior Analyst with the GLCOE, laughs with Norman Gideon during a recent visit to the dental space. UNE CDM students Allison Loach and Madeline Larrimore observe the interaction following another successful collaboration among patients, staff and students in the expanded dental sensitization program.

Photo by: Valerie Compagna/MaineHealth

PORTLAND, Maine — The MaineHealth Glickman Lauder Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders (GLCOE) today (July 13th) announced the implementation of Bright Smiles and Healthy Futures, an innovative oral care desensitization program that improves

Avangrid Foundation and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute Launch 2026 Intrapreneurship for Nonprofits Program

The Avangrid Foundation’s $125,000 grant supports nonprofit leaders developing innovative, mission-driven revenue opportunities

PORTLAND, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Avangrid Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading energy company Avangrid Inc., a member of the Iberdrola Group, today joined Northeastern University's Roux

BCOPE: Building Community and Supporting Students Through Alternative Education

BCOPE students and staff gather for a group photo.

Belfast, Maine - For more than three decades, the Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education (BCOPE), part of RSU 71, serving Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont, and Swanville, has helped students reconnect with learning through strong relationships, flexibility, and community-based support.

Founded in 1990 through a grant, BCOPE began as a small pilot program serving 10

This Weekend: North Atlantic Blues Festival Takes Center Stage in Rockland, July 11th & July 12th

Rockland, Maine - This weekend, the North Atlantic Blues Festival takes center stage from July 11th through July 12th, 2026 on the waterfront in Rockland, Maine.

From the Blues Festivals site: The North Atlantic Blues Festival:

Blues Festival is an annual two-day blues music

Weather Alert: Air Quality Alert Issues From Tonight-Sunday Night Due To Wildfire Smoke

AUGUSTA, July 2, 2026 — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection warns that wildfire smoke will likely push particle pollution to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (USG) levels—and possibly ‘Unhealthy’ for all groups for short periods—starting today and continuing through the weekend statewide.

Residents throughout Maine should be aware that wildfire smoke will cause elevated

Kleinschmidt Associates Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation, Impact, and Employee Ownership

Kleinschmidt 60th Anniversary

Employee-owned hydropower consulting leader marks milestone with celebrations, podcast launch, and commitment to the future

This milestone is more than a celebration of our history; it's a celebration of our people, our clients, and the relationships that have shaped who we are.”

— Tim Oakes, Chief Executive Officer of Kleinschmidt

PITTSFIELD, ME, UNITED STATES, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Kleinschmidt Associates is celebrating 60 years of helping clients navigate the evolving intersection of energy, water, and the environment. Founded on July 3, 1966, the employee-owned engineering, regulatory, and

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty Ranked by RealTrends as a Top Real Estate Agency in the Country

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty achieved its highest placement to date, ranking #300 in the country, marking a record result in its history.

PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce its inclusion in the 2026 RealTrends Verified Brokerage Rankings, reinforcing its

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty Ranked in RISMedia’s 2026 Power Broker Report

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty ranked No. 278 nationally with more than $1.07 billion in closed sales during 2025.

PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, July 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, Maine’s leading luxury property company, with offices in Portland, Kennebunk, Brunswick,