Mayor Mark Dion discussed the uncertainties surrounding Portland’s budget due to potential supplemental funding from Augusta, which could impact city planning until July. He highlighted the school department’s ballot proposal in June and the rising costs of education. Dion mentioned a new railroad station on St. John Street, which could cost around $50 million, aiming to enhance public transportation and reduce car usage. He also addressed a lawsuit against Maine DHHS over a 50% cut in shelter funding, arguing for legislative oversight. Dion emphasized the need for law enforcement to address criminal conduct among the homeless and noted progress in reducing police vacancies from mid-20s to the mid-20s.
Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell formed Thursday in the Pacific Ocean, both of which were expected to become hurricanes in the next few days, the National Hurricane Center said.
A new study suggests that El Ninos — the natural climatic chaos agent that pops up periodically and spikes global temperatures — are getting stronger because of human-caused climate change.
Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died after being infected with measles, the first U.S. deaths this year related to the contagious virus. State health officials announced the deaths Tuesday. They did not reveal any details about the people who died, other than that they lived in Lancaster County, west of Philadelphia.
