Maine teachers regain authority to remove students per restraint and seclusion rules

PORTLAND (WGME) -- When a student starts to get out of hand in class this school year, teachers in Maine have more authority to remove them. The state rolled back some of the rules surrounding the practices of restraint and seclusion, changes set...

Maine mourns Charlie Kirk following activist's tragic death

AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) -- As many in the country mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, we spoke with locals here in Maine who say they're devastated and are worried for the future of U.S. politics. Flags are flying at half staff on Thursday in Maine and...

Maine SNAP recipients face benefit cuts due to stricter eligibility rules

PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) -- Those who rely on nutrition assistance in Maine could see benefit reductions, stricter requirements, eligibility cuts, and even more changes to their SNAP benefits in the near future. "It's going to hurt everyone,...

‘How can you go wrong?’: Hundreds attend second annual PoutineFest in Portland

The event featured the creative renditions of the classic French-Canadian cuisine of more than a half-dozen restaurants and vendors. PORTLAND, Maine — Fried, cheesy, and covered in gravy: poutine may be the ultimate, simple comfort food. Yet chefs...

Maine Law attendance grows at a time when the Pine Tree State needs more attorneys

Attendance at the school is at its highest in nearly 30 years, marking a turnaround from when the school was in dire financial straits less than a decade ago. PORTLAND, Maine — Eight years after the University of Maine School of Law's building was...

Augusta man indicted on drug trafficking charges

An Augusta man has been indicted on two counts of aggravated trafficking in fentanyl powder, and one count of receiving stolen property, each allegedly taking place on July 1, 2024, in Augusta. Jashawn F. Lipscombe, 26, was arrested after state...

Maine's Democratic Senate primary is taking early shape

There’s a bonafide primary contest among Democrats in the Maine race for the U.S. Senate. And one of the leading contestants, Gov. Janet Mills, isn't even an official candidate yet. Insurgent contender Graham Platner is campaigning as if she is....

Maine soccer player in ICE custody denied bond as new policy limits immigration judges' discretion

An Angolan soccer player arrested by ICE in Maine last month has been denied bond. His lawyer said it's part of an unprecedented move by the federal government to enforce mandatory detention for certain immigrants. Malunda Destino entered the...

Maine leaders honor victims, first responders on 9/11 anniversary

America paused Thursday to mark the 24th anniversary of Sept. 11, with Maine leaders issuing solemn tributes to victims and first responders. MAINE, USA — Nearly a quarter century after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the memories and emotions remain...

Maine's minimum wage set to increase starting in 2026

Effective Jan. 1, the wage will increase from $14.65 to $15.10 an hour, state officials announced Thursday. AUGUSTA, Maine — Starting next year, the minimum wage in Maine will increase from $14.65 to $15.10 an hour, according to a Thursday...

Portland police learn new details in unsolved homicide, eight years later

Detectives have been intensively reviewing Sunao "Tom" Yamada's case file, chasing leads that have revealed new information. PORTLAND, Maine — Portland police issued a new call for tips from the public on Wednesday in connection to an...

Maine communities pay tribute to victims of 9/11

HOW MAINE COMMUNITIES ARE PAYING TRIBUTE 24 YEARS LATER. OVER TWO DECADES LATER AND HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY THE MEMORY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001 REMAINS A STRONG ONE IN MINDS AROUND OUR STATE AND NATION. "TODAY, AS WE REFLECT ON 9/11. LET US REAFFIRM...

Topsham man sentenced for firearm charges tied to Brunswick burglary

The 34-year-old man was sentenced to more than six years in prison in connection with the incident. PORTLAND, Maine — Editor's note: The video above was published May 8, 2024. A 34-year-old Topsham man was sentenced Tuesday to more than six years...

Maine's minimum wage to go up by 55 cents in the new year

The minimum wage in Maine will rise to $15.10 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026.The Maine Department of Labor announced the new rate on Thursday. The minimum wage is currently $14.65.Under state law, which was amended by a statewide referendum in 2016, the...

Saturday, Sept. 13 is Maine Open Lighthouse Day

Maine (WABI) - If you have ever wanted to tour a Maine lighthouse, here is your chance! Saturday, September 13th marks another Maine Open Lighthouse Day, which is sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism, and the...

Maine Chef Earns Spot Among America’s Best New Cooks

A chef in our Pine Tree State was recently named to the list of the country’s best new cooks for 2025. Maine’s food is already world-renowned, but now we’re lucky to have a rising star chef right here in our state, adding even more to our...

Hundreds gather across Maine to honor Charlie Kirk

Vigils honoring Charlie Kirk and denouncing political violence were held across the country Friday night, including in Augusta, Bangor and Portland. Kirk, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday during an appearance...

Maineiacs set to reign again in Lewiston | Letter

It is with tremendous enthusiasm that I encourage members of our community to support the new Lewiston Maineiacs hockey team at the Colisée, 190 Birch St. Lewiston, on the opening weekend of Sept. 19 and 20. The original Maineiacs team was a...

Maine man found dead in South Shore Hospital parking lot recalled for ‘creative heart’

“With hard work, curiosity, and an undeniable talent, he grew through the kitchen — learning, leading, and inspiring at each step — until ultimately becoming our Head Chef,” the restaurant’s post read. “That journey made him not only a leader, but...

Maine High School Field Hockey, Volleyball and Soccer Scores – Wednesday September 10

Here are the High School Field Hockey, Volleyball and Girls and Boys Soccer Scores for games played and reported throughout the State of Maine on Wednesday, September 10th. Thanks to all the Athletic Directors and Coaches who reported their...