As a part of its strategic efforts in local journalism, Maine Public presents a year-long series of news reports on Maine Public Radio and digitally that highlight the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of life in today’s rural and western Maine.
Reporting on rural and western Maine is decreasing. Most local media outlets have diminished in size, capacity, and reach, to only cover the higher profile stories from Augusta, Portland, Lewiston and Bangor. This shrinking level of coverage widens the gap in what listeners, viewers, and readers know about their fellow Mainers. And the need to connect with our neighbors and understand people everywhere in our state is entirely evident now, more than ever.
This series will showcase the best that rural Maine has to offer, while also featuring the stories that show how these communities have challenges unique to each.
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As northern Maine braces for an influx of visitors for the total solar eclipse, many area schools are planning to close for the day or send students home early.
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Town officials in Jackman and Greenville — both municipalities are in the path of totality — say they're worried about how snow and ice conditions will complicate traffic, parking and public safety.
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Amid the bleak reports about a precipitous loss in numbers and types of birds around North America and the rest of the world is a glimmer of hope in Maine's North Woods.
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The bill, introduced by the Gov. Janet Mills, would require agricultural workers to be paid at least the state minimum wage.
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Maine has nearly 7,000 farms remaining, the fewest in at least 25 years, according to the latest U.S. Agricultural Census. The state lost more than 560 farms over a five-year period that ended in 2022.
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ND Paper laid off around 35 workers and 100 positions at its Rumford paper mill after making changes to one of its production machines. The mill is one of Rumford's largest employers.
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The U.S. Biathlon National Championships kicks off tomorrow at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center.
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The New Sharon operation is the latest in a string of illegal operations found across central Maine.
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More than 440 acres have been permanently protected as a community forest in Rumford, about a five minute drive from downtown.
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Warm winter temperatures and a lack of snow are causing problems for organizers behind some of Maine’s public winter events- even in Aroostook County, where snow is usually reliable this time of year.