Maine looking for citizen scientists to track spawning smelt

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A group of Maine conservation organizations and a state agency are looking for volunteers to help with a project to restore a species of important fish to the state’s waters.

27 Romanians turned back after illegally crossing into Maine

HOULTON, Maine (AP) More than two dozen Romanians detained at the Maine border late last week have been returned to Canada, federal authorities said.

Baby lobster numbers low off New England as waters warm

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) New data show the population of baby lobsters off New England is below average, raising concerns about the size of future commercial hauls of the valuable crustaceans as waters warm.

Environmentalists not blown away by Maine space corp. proposal

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Some members of the environmental advocacy movement are skeptical about a proposal that would establish a Maine Space Corporation.

Vets home says closing 2 Maine facilities is “only course”

A nonprofit group that runs veterans homes in Maine said Tuesday it has no choice but to close two facilities despite calls from state officials to keep them open.

ACLU sues over inequities in Maine’s public defender system

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine sued the system that provides attorneys to those who can’t afford them on Tuesday, saying it fails to provide adequate representation.

Governor wants to boost taxpayer giveback as surplus grows

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is proposing bigger taxpayer refunds — $750 instead of $500 — to an estimated 800,000 residents thanks to a rosier-than-expected revenue forecast.

Brunswick woman shot by officer in Topsham dies

A woman who was shot by a police officer in Topsham on Monday afternoon has died after suffering critical injuries. 

Aroostook County to have dedicated courthouse therapy dog

HOULTON, Maine (AP) An Aroostook County courthouse is poised to be the first in Maine to have a dedicated therapy dog to provide emotional support for people dealing with traumatic experiences.

Maine governor angles for fight with PETA over seafood ad

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine’s governor wants the state’s busiest airport to get rid advertisements that are meant to discourage people from eating seafood.