Meanwhile, in #Maine...

As #dataCenters look to rural #NewEngland, Maine considers a moratorium

The bill’s advocates want answers about how data centers will affect energy costs in the region, which already has some of the country’s highest electricity prices.

By: Julia Tilton, The Daily Yonder - February 23, 2026

"Maine legislators are currently considering #LD307, a resolution bill that would establish a data center coordination council to provide input and evaluate policy options for data center development in the state. The bill comes after a series of data center proposals have been met with local pushback.

"Shortly after #WiscassetME voted to pause its data center conversations in November of 2025, residents in #LewistonME, lobbied their city councilors to reject a $300 million #AIDataCenter on December 16, 2025. There, community members organized over a weekend to change city councilors’ minds from supporting the idea when it was first made public on December 11, 2025, to voting unanimously to reject it the following week.

" 'It really speaks to the importance of adequate public participation and notice,
said Dana Colihan, the co-executive director of Slingshot, an environmental health and justice organization in New England. Colihan is based in Maine and helped residents of Wiscasset and Lewiston organize. 'When community members do find out about these projects, they have really serious concerns around the impacts to their local environment and wellbeing.'

"Richard Davis was among the residents in Wiscasset and neighboring #WestportIsland who, in November of 2025, pushed Wiscasset’s town selectboard, which functions like a city council, to pause conversations about developing a $5 billion data center on a town-owned parcel of land along the Back River, which empties into Maine’s #CascoBay.

"Davis, who lives along the Back River about a mile and a half from the proposed development, said little information about the facility’s end user, utility usage, or power source was provided after it was first made public on September 16, 2025.

"This caused him and others to worry about how the site would affect the town’s resources, including the grid. Along with his neighbors, Davis started #ProtectWiscasset, a grassroots campaign opposing the data center."

Read more:
https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/02/23/as-data-centers-look-to-rural-new-england-maine-considers-a-moratorium/

#MainePol #MaineResists #ResistDatacenters #NoEnergyForAI #AISucks #ResistanceIsFertile

I always find it interesting to see how the opposing side spins stuff...

Planned #Datacenter in #Maine under threat from proposed moratorium

Project in #SanfordME could be killed before it gets off the ground

February 20, 2026

By Dan Swinhoe

"Proposals to bring in a data center moratorium in Maine have threatened [notice the language] plans for a new campus [yeah, like it's a school] in the Pine Tree State.

"The proposed bill, sponsored by Representative #MelanieSachs, includes a two-year moratorium on facilities above 20MW in the state while the impacts of data centers are studied and more stringent controls are put in place.

"However, State Sen. #MattHarrington, R-Sanford, said a pause on development would endanger a new data center planned for his district, detailing a previously unreported project. [Which involves a LOT of SECRECY!!!]

"During a works session, he said the moratorium would impact a proposed 100-300MW project being proposed by a developer, later named as the Northern New England Energy Corporation.

"He said at the time that the project was well into the planning process and had met with local officials and Maine's Department of Energy Resources. [Wah, wah...]

" 'You're completely blindsiding this [OUT OF STATE, AND CONNECTED TO A CANADIAN GAS COMPANY] business,' Harrington said, according to a report from Maine Public.

"Harrington revealed more details in a follow-up Facebook post, saying the project was being targeted on land in Sanford, York County, some 35 miles (56.3km) southwest of Portland.

" 'I was recently briefed by representatives of the Northern New England Energy Company about their plans to develop an energy generation project utilizing a mix of American-made fuel cells, solar power, and battery storage to produce all of the electricity needed to serve a colocated data center,' he said in the post.

"While he was asked not to publicly discuss the project, he said the surprise proposal of a moratorium 'might stop this opportunity for our community from coming to fruition before we even had a chance to consider it altogether.'

"According to its website, Northern New England Energy Corporation (#NNEEC) is an energy company based in Vermont.

"A subsidiary of Énergir, #NNEEC is the parent company of Vermont utility and energy distribution provider #GreenMountainPower Corporation, #VermontGasSystems Inc., and #EGVInsurance Inc.

"#Énergir, formerly known as Gaz Métro, is a Canadian energy company and the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec.

"Maine has a small data center market, with Data Center Map listing just eight facilities in the state, largely centered around Brunswick and Portland.

"A data center is being proposed in the former #LoringAirForceBase, and another is being planned next to a former nuclear power plant in #WiscassetME.

"A project in #LewistonME was rejected by local officials last year." [YES, BY THE PEOPLE!!!]

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/planned-data-center-in-maine-under-threat-from-proposed-moratorium/

#MainePol #BigGas #NoNewDatacenters

#LewistonME - #UMaineExtension hosts #vegetable and #fruit school on March 17

Lewiston, Maine — "University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association will co-host the Maine Vegetable and Fruit School on Tuesday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine – Lewiston Campus, Room 170, 51 Westminster Street.

The day-long program is designed for commercial vegetable and fruit growers, and will focus on pest management and crop production topics. Presentations will include pest management for strawberries, squash, cucumber, garlic, and onions; cherry tomato production, new vegetable varieties, post-harvest handling, and grape potential in New England. Presenters include UMaine Extension faculty and researchers. Pesticide applicator recertification credits and continuing education credits are available.

The $50 registration fee includes a catered lunch. Register by March 12 on the program webpage. Walk-ins are welcome but lunch will not be guaranteed for those participants. In case of bad weather, check the University of Southern Maine weather hotline at 207.780.4800."

Reasonable accomodations are possible.

FMI and to register:
https://extension.umaine.edu/2026/02/13/vegetable-and-fruit-school-march-17/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GardeningWorkshops #MaineGardening

So, knowing the area, my guess is that they want to build this #datacenter in #SanfordME. However, once again, datacenter proponents are like, "Oh hey! We already talked to the Sanford Water District." From the article: "David Parent, superintendent of the Sanford Water District, said he had not heard of any such project." Let me guess. State Senator #MattHarrington got a big fat bonus from the mysterious Datacenter Wizard / Con Artist! Also, both #LewistonME and #WiscassetME have REJECTED datacenters!

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/13/is-a-large-data-center-coming-to-southern-maine/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/Wq3U2

#WaterIsLife #NoDatacenters #MainePol #USPol #NoElectricityForDatacenters #NoWaterForDatacenters

#DemocracyNow - #ImmigrantRights Leader in #Maine Says #ICERaids Caused Panic & “Wave of Fear”

February 03, 2026

"Activists in Maine are resisting #ICE immigration raids in #PortlandME and #LewistonME that the #Trump administration dubbed 'Operation Catch of the Day.' The immigrant community in Maine has grown in recent years, with an influx of #AsylumSeekers and #Somali immigrants in particular. 'As a small state, community means a lot,' says #MufaloChitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, adding that her organization has received thousands of phone calls to their immigrant support hotline in recent weeks."

Read more / watch / listen:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/2/3/portland_maine_city_council_ice_lawsuits

#MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE #DefundBorderPatrol #MIRC #NewMainers #CatchOfTheDay #ICESucks #ICEOut #ICEOutOfMaine #MaineImmigrantRightsCoalition #ViewerSupportedNews

More than 1,000 rally in #PortlandME against #Trump, #ICE

The protest in Monument Square was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday.

by Drew Johnson, January 30, 2026

PORTLAND — "Friday’s protest appeared to be one of the city’s largest in months, dwarfing recent protests that occurred during much warmer weather on hot, sunny summer weekends.

"But it was a frigid January afternoon, and more than 1,000 people turned out anyway. They huddled together, chanting, cheering and holding their signs over the clouds rising from their breaths.

"Real estate was scarce in Monument Square as the demonstrators condemned Trump administration policies, most notably the recent surge of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota and Maine.

"The crowd stretched from One Monument Square to the bus stop across Center Street and lined the opposite side of Congress Street. When they marched, they extended from the square well down Exchange Street. They eventually made it all the way to Commercial Street, with police blocking off roads and forming an escort.

"The protest in Portland was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday, which included a general strike where businesses shut down and students walked out of class, from #California, #Arizona and #Colorado, to #Michigan, #Minnesota and Maine.

"More than 200 Maine businesses participated in some capacity, either by closing their doors or donating a portion of profits to groups and organizations helping immigrants. Some businesses lined the square with tables, handing out hot chocolate, coffee and treats to demonstrators. Many area high schoolers — including in Portland and #LewistonME — walked out of or skipped school altogether."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/30/more-than-1000-rally-in-portland-against-trump-ice/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/E7tnG

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE

#LewistonME High School students march in protest of #ICE

At the end of classes Friday, the group of about 60 made the march, holding up signs and stopping now and then to chant at passing traffic.

by Mark LaFlamme, January 30, 2026

LEWISTON — "It was bitter cold and windy Friday afternoon, but Lewiston High School student Evelyn Lenhert wouldn’t have dreamed of missing the #AntiICE protest.

"She feels too passionately about it. She’s too concerned about the prospect of ICE taking away her classmates and their families.

" 'I’m out here,' the freshman said, 'because I fear for the safety of my friends. ICE could come at any second and I’m just very scared about it.'

"Lenhert was one of several dozen students who made the march from the high school on East Avenue to Kennedy Park at Pine and Park streets.

"At the end of classes about 2 p.m., the group of about 60 began walking, holding up signs and stopping now and then to chant at passing traffic.

" 'No justice, no peace,' they chanted, 'get ICE off the streets!' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/30/lewiston-high-school-students-march-in-protest-of-ice/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/jZYEg

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE

#PortlandME and #LewistonMe are bracing for #ICE to come to their cities

By Sawyer Loftus, Bangor Daily News
moc.swenyliadrognab@sutfols
Published on: January 14, 2026

"Carl Sheline urged residents and businesses to know their rights and have a plan if they’re contacted by agents."

https://themainemonitor.org/portland-lewiston-bracing-for-ice/

#KYR #ICEOutMaine #ICEOut #KnowYourRights #Bystanders #Whistles #NoHumanIsIllegal #MainePol #USPol #ICESucks

So, I hung out with one of my DJ friends last night. He's been rather quiet on Meta/FB/IG, but he's been very active on Signal! He and his friends were the ones leaking info about the plans for the #Datacenter in #LewistonME, and their efforts stopped it in its tracks!

#AISucks #AIDatacenters

#LewistonME votes down #AI #DataCenter after public outcry

One councilor said the data center proposal for Bates Mill No. 3 yielded ‘by far’ the most public feedback he’s received on a single issue.

“It will house no one, feed no one, provide no beauty, and enrich no one’s lives, only the developer’s pockets. The downtown should be for people, not machines.”
—Jae Zimmermann, Lewiston resident

by Andrew Rice, December 17, 2025

"A plan for placing a $300 million artificial intelligence data center at Lewiston’s Bates Mill complex faced a wave of opposition Tuesday and was unanimously voted down by the City Council.

"Since the proposal to redevelop Bates Mill No. 3 into an 85,000-square-foot data center became public last week, city officials have been flooded with feedback from constituents, with many questioning whether the deal is worth it for Lewiston.

"Before the standing-room-only crowd could even begin public comment Tuesday, councilors said they would vote against the project due to the overwhelming outcry over the weekend and lingering questions about the project.

"The proposal by MillCompute LLC called for developing a 'Tier III' AI data center on two floors of the mill, with the upper two floors becoming 'modern office/innovation space for technology companies' and more.

However, officials have faced questions about the group behind the proposal, a tax deal that’s seen as favorable to the developer, and a storm of concerns over potential utility usage and environmental impacts that mirrors a national debate over the rise of AI data centers."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/16/lewiston-votes-down-ai-data-center-project-after-public-outcry/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/US5AR

#MaineResists #MaineResistsAI #AIDatacenters #ArtistsNotAI #ResistAI #ResistDatacenters

#Maine - Some #LewistonME elected leaders, community members condemn #Trump's attack on #Somali #immigrants

Maine Public | By Ari Snider
Published December 3, 2025

"After President Donald Trump called Somali immigrants quote 'garbage' this week, some in Maine's Somali community fear the rhetoric could spark violence.

"During a cabinet meeting Tuesday, Trump said he doesn't want Somali immigrants to be in the U.S. at all.

"It comes as immigration agents are launching an operation in #Minnesota, reportedly targeting the state's large Somali population.

"In Lewiston, Somali interpreter and nonprofit director Ifraax Saciid-Ciise said the president's attacks are jarring.

" 'I find it very hard to believe that president, who is supposed to represent everybody, all the people in the United States, [would] target a group of very vulnerable population here in America,' Saciid-Ciise said.

"She said many in the community worry Trump's words could incite violence or harassment against Somali residents.

" 'It has created a lot of fear,' she said, because people unfamiliar with the Somali community 'may take his words as real, and as a fact, and they may also target the Somali people.'

"Safiya Khalid, who served as the first Somali-American on the Lewiston city council, said in a social media post that she was quote 'deeply offended and disgusted' by the president's attacks, and called on state and local elected leaders to stand up for their Somali constituents.

"Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline called the president's assertion that Somali immigrants contribute nothing to society 'shameful and inaccurate.'

" 'Here, Somali entrepreneurs are business owners and hard workers, creating jobs and strengthening our local economy,' Sheline said in a written statement on Wednesday. 'Their active role within our City has been instrumental in Lewiston's revitalization, making such rhetoric not only cruel but clearly false. We will continue to celebrate the contributions of all immigrants who help build a better America.'

"In a joint letter on Thursday, Democratic state representatives Mana Abdi, Deqa Dhalac, and Yusuf Yusuf also condemned Trump's statements and efforts to roll back legal protections for some Somali immigrants.

" 'The vast majority of people affected by this administration’s immigration policies are law-abiding individuals who are legitimately working to attain citizenship. Many have called #America their home for decades, raising families, contributing to our economy, and strengthening our communities,' they wrote.

Read more / listen:
https://www.mainepublic.org/immigration/2025-12-03/some-lewiston-elected-leaders-community-members-condemn-trumps-attack-on-somali-immigrants

#USPol #NewMainers #SomaliAmericans #ICERaids #ICESucks #CharacteristicsOfFascism

2025 - 2025 #WarmingShelters

On September 23, Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced $2.3 million in state grants to support the operation of 12 overnight emergency warming centers in seven Maine counties this winter. The following warming centers will operate during the 2025 - 2026 winter season:

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter - #BangorME
City of Portland - #PortlandME
City of Sanford - #SanfordME
Healthy Acadia - #EllsworthME
Homeless Services of Aroostook - #AroostookME
Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter - #WatervilleME
New Beginnings - #LewistonME
Seeds of Hope - #BiddefordME
Augusta Emergency Overnight Warming Center - #AugustaME
State Street Church - #PortlandME
Tedford - #BrunswickME

Source:
https://www.mainehousing.org/news/public-notices/2025---2025-warming-shelters

@newsbot

#Unhoused #Homeless #ArcticBlast #WarmingCenters #Maine #ExtremeCold #Houseless #PolarVortex

Staying warm: Overnight winter #WarmingCenters open in #Maine

There are several shelters that are open all winter long in Maine, in addition to ones that open when conditions get dangerous

by Adam Bartow, December 2, 2025

AUGUSTA, Maine — "Winter has arrived in Maine and that means snow and cold. It also means many people will be looking for places to stay warm.

There are several winter-long overnight warming shelters that are now open.

The new Alter L/A Emergency Warming Shelter opened on Monday on Horton Street in #LewistonME. That shelter, the first of its kind in #AndroscogginCounty, is open 24/7 for the winter.

In #AugustaME, the South Parish Congregational Church at 34 Bridge St. is open from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. every day from Nov. 1 until April 30 for people to get warm.

There are two overnight warming shelters in #BangorME. The Mansion Church at 96 Center St. is open from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. every day from Nov. 1 until March 31.

The Brick Church at 126 Union St. in Bangor is open from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. from Nov. 15 until April 15. The door there locks at 9 p.m. and no one is allowed in after that. There is a community supper on weekdays between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Work is underway on a new warming center at the Somesville Union Meeting House at 1134 Main St. in #MountDesertME. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as needed, but does not have overnight accommodations. The goal is for this shelter to be open starting Jan. 12, 2026."

Source:
https://www.wmtw.com/article/winter-warming-centers-open-maine/69602338

@newsbot

#WarmingCenter #WarmingShelters #WarmingCenters
#Maine #PortlandME #Unhoused #ExtremeCold #Homeless

#NoKings 2.0
(10/18/2025)

#NoKingsMaine
#LewistonME
#AndroscogginCountyME

https://bsky.app/profile/maryh36.bsky.social/post/3m3igb2xlvk2c

#Maine - Local businesses poised to help residents during #SNAP funding pause

Maine Public | By Michael Livingston
Published October 28, 2025 at 3:09 PM EDT

"Local businesses are stepping up across Maine to provide food and supplies for people who will go without SNAP benefits in November due to the government shutdown.

"Nearly 170,000 Mainers are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which provides an average of $572 per family every month.

"#SamsItalianFoods, which has multiple locations in the #LewistonAuburn area, plans to give away 10' cheese #pizzas to SNAP families with children in November.

"Store manager Trisha Cottrill said she's watched the generosity spread to other businesses ever since state officials announced the federal government warned them that it will not be distributing benefits last week.

" 'I opened my Facebook this morning and saw that #JustInTime is doing something. #NuttyNettiesCafe is also doing something,' Cotrill said. 'It's really great that the community, as a whole, is pitching in to help ease the burden on families.'

"Receiving a pizza at any Sam's location will require proof of I.D. with a SNAP or #EBTCard with the child present. If a parent wants to eat with their child, Sam's will offer a 10% discount.

"Over a third of all SNAP households have children, according to state data.

"Grocery stores like #MegunticookMarket in #CamdenME are also giving away free food and supplies.

"Owner Nishant Patel said he gave away dozens of bags of fresh produce over the weekend which included tomatoes, onions, bananas and bread."

[...]

"According to Maine DHHS, SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards in October remain available for use to purchase food. Those who need additional resources are encouraged to call their local #FoodPantry or #Call211.

See below for additional businesses that have announced food assistance initiatives via social media:

- Taj Indian & Indo-Chinese Cuisine (#SouthPortlandME)
- Nutty Nellies Cafe (#AuburnME)
- Fresh off the Farm (#RockportME)
- Just-In-Time Recreation (#LewistonME)
- Family Time Dine and Play (#AuburnME)
- J&H Pizza (Auburn)
- Marvelous Macarons (Auburn)
- Bucksport Nutrition (#BucksportME)
- Provender Kitchen & Bar (#EllsworthME)

Read more:
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-10-28/local-businesses-poised-to-help-residents-during-snap-funding-pause

#SNAPCuts #MutualAid #FoodInsecurity #FoodAssistance #FreeMeals #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers

#Mainers! Here's your chance to help fight #EmeraldAshBorer!

#MaineForestryService - Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Update

September 22, 2025

"Since 2019, MFS has been releasing parasitoid wasps for the long-term management of emerald ash borer (#EAB) in the forests of Maine. These are tiny, non-stinging members of the order Hymenoptera, and they specialize in EAB. In most cases, they will not keep the mature trees already in the forest alive, but there is evidence from other states that have had EAB longer than we have that these #wasps provide protection to the seedlings and saplings as they grow. We are attempting to release them in as many areas with EAB as possible so that they can eventually spread throughout the state, allowing ash to remain in #Maine’s forests.

"As of 2025, we have released these #parasitoids in 20 sites throughout the range of EAB. Of the ten sites that are at the stage where we can start monitoring for their establishment, we have recovered one or both of Spathius or Tetrastichus at five of them: four in #YorkCounty and one in northern #Aroostook. We are still years away from actual control of EAB, but it is encouraging to start recovering parasitoids.

"With the many new detections of EAB in Maine in recent years, we would like to establish new biological control release sites. The ash-dominated forests that serve as release sites can be public or privately owned. Many of our cooperators are private woodlot owners. Ideally, we would like to ship biological control directly to a local landowner or manager and have them conduct releases after training by MFS. The releases take 5-15 minutes, 4-6 times a summer for two summers. We are looking for new release sites in areas where EAB has recently become established. Specifically, we would like to find sites in or near #BarHarborME, #SolonME, #BelfastME, the #BathME / #BrunswickME area, #CoastalMaine south of #PortlandME, and #WesternMaine west of #LewistonME. If you have forested land in one of these areas and are potentially interested in having it become a biological release site, please review the guidelines and information about EAB biocontrol available on-line, and email foresthealth @ maine . gov (no spaces) with the town in which your ash stand is, the approximate acreage of ash, and the coordinates (approximate is fine) of the stand. If it looks like your land would be suitable for a biological control site, we will reach out to you."

Source:
Emailed newsletter

Link to guidelines (PDF):
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/eab/documents/meeting-082020/Emerald%20Ash%20Borer%20Biocontrol%20Info%20For%20Potential%20Cooperators.pdf

#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees #SaveTheForests #ProtectTheSacred #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol

[1/7] #PineTreeActivism Calendar
Events for June 2 – June 8

Details confirmed as of Mon June 2, 8:45AM

Share/Repost so Mainers know where to #RESIST!
Submit events to: ptactivism@gmail.com

#ShopLocal – All Day, Every Day – Nationwide
Support local small business; it builds community and helps local families. When shopping large, patronize those corporations that actively support diversity, equity and inclusion. Hannaford and Costco are great examples.

TUE JUNE 3

JUNE 3-9, All Week – Nationwide
Boycott #Target – The founder of thepeoplesunionusa.com says on IG and in mainstream media interviews he is calling for a permanent boycott of Target this week. Neither the permanent boycott or the previously announced June 3-9 boycott has been listed on his official site, as yet.

JUNE 3, Tues 8-10:00AM (& every Tue) – #FreeportME
Main & School Streets
Fighting for Freedom – Freeport Dems weekly stand-out.

JUNE 3, Tues 11-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #BangorME
Federal Building, 202 Harlow St
Peaceful Protest against the madness

JUNE 3, Tues 12noon (& every Tue) – #CherryfieldME
Rt 1 Bridge: Meet on the lower bridge
Peaceful Rally in Support of Constitution & American Way of Life
For Concerned Citizens and Patriots of all Parties

JUNE 3, Tue 12-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #LewistonME
Across Susan Collins' office: Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon St
RESIST Central Maine, Call To Action – Bring signs! Street parking & parking garages nearby. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/757948/

JUNE 3, Tues 12-1:00PM (& every Tues) – #WatervilleME
Tesla Charging Station, Elm Plaza, 334 Main St
STAND AT TESLA – bring signs opposing Musk and the damage he and trump are doing: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/762157/

JUNE 3, Tues 5:15-6:30PM – #SouthParisME
Fair & Main St, South Paris, Maine
One Big Beautiful Disaster - #OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) – Protest against the disastrous budget bill that has passed the House and is on to the senate. We want Senator #SusanCollins and Senator #AngusKing to know how detrimental this budget would be to Maine.

@AIF_Massachusetts @teslatakedown

#Maine #MEPolitics #MaineResists #MaineEvents #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism
#ResistFascism #USPol #TeslaTakedowns

#GreatFalls #PrideMarch unites #AuburnME and #LewistonME in community celebration :better_pride: 🏳️‍🌈

by Allyson Lapierre, WGME
Sun, June 1st 2025

LEWISTON, Maine (WGME) -- "A march for Pride.

"#GreatFallsPride kicked off #PrideMonth, marching from Auburn to Lewiston.

"Advocates marched, chanted, and waved flags from Auburn's Festival Plaza across the bridge into Lewiston's Simard Payne Park.

" 'Together, we are strong together, we are here together. We can make it through all of this, and it's only together that we will continue [to] succeed. Continue to thrive and continue to survive,' Beatrice Roseland, a Pride advocate, said.

"Chair of Great Falls Pride Alex Pine says the group has celebrated Pride Month every year for over a decade, and this year, they are keeping the tradition going.

" 'In modern life, I think it's so easy to be separate. We have social media. We're all online, we're busy, we're doing our thing, so we don’t often get a chance to all come together in this way, so physical coming together is so important for connection, friendships, community for love,' Pine said.

"The event continued in the park where around 50 local venders set up shop, offering a range of options from handmade jewelry, food, art, and more.

" 'It's really important for us to have this space to come together, to celebrate, but it also feels wonderful to see allies here and see the community show up for us,' Pine went on.

"Support groups also gathered to bring #LGBTQ+ community members together.

" '#Queer, #TransPeople, come from all walks of life, we come from all creeds and colors, and it's good for us to come together and see that for each other,' Roseland said.

"The volunteer-led group is hosting a number of events all week to celebrate the start of Pride Month.

" 'We have made it that week-long of things where we get to really introduce people to different ways to be in this community and be part of it, whether you like biking, or I feel like telling stories, it's all important things that people get to be a part of,' Tyler Pulk, the future chair of Great Falls Pride, said.

"Here are a list of events hosted by Great Falls Pride:

June 1:
- Pride March & Festival (10 AM)
- Afterparty at Olive Pit Brewing (6 PM)

June 2:
- Board Game Night at Forage Market (5 PM)

June 3:
- Pride Bike Ride with Rainbow Bikes (5:30 PM meet, 6 PM ride)

June 4:
- Printmaking & Art at Ellard Studios (5 PM)

June 5:
- Stories at the Corner with L/A Arts (7 PM)

June 6:
- LGBTQ Wine Tasting at The Vault (5 PM)
- Painting Positivity at Maine Family Planning (6 PM)

June 7:
- Pride Prom at #LewistonPublicLibrary (All Ages 5–7 PM, Adults 8–10 PM)"

Source:
https://wgme.com/news/local/great-falls-pride-march-unites-auburn-and-lewiston-in-community-celebration#

#MainePride #MainePrideEvents #GBLTQRights #TransRightsAreHumanRights

[1/8] #PineTreeActivism Calendar

MAINE RESISTANCE EVENTS
MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2025
=====================
EVERY EFFORT COUNTS!

#Resist the #BudgetBill & #SAVEMEDICAID
FLOOD the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

REPOST & SHARE!
Updated Mon, May 26, 6:45AM

#ShopLocal – All Day, Every Day – Nationwide
Support local small business; it builds community and helps local families. When shopping large, patronize those corporations that actively support diversity, equity and inclusion. Hannaford and Costco are great examples.

TUE MAY 27

MAY 27, Tues 8-10:00AM (& every Tue) – #FreeportME
Main & School Streets
Fighting for Freedom – Freeport Dems weekly stand-out.

MAY 27, Tues 11-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #BangorME
Federal Building, 202 Harlow St
Peaceful Protest against the madness

MAY 27, Tues 12noon (& every Tue) – #CherryfieldMe
Rt 1 Bridge: Meet on the lower bridge
Peaceful Rally in Support of Constitution & American Way of Life
For Concerned Citizens and Patriots of all Parties

MAY 27, Tue 12-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #LewistonME
Across #SusanCollins' office: Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon St
RESIST Central Maine, Call To Action – Bring signs! Street parking & parking garages nearby. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/757948/

MAY 27, Tues 12-1:00PM (& every Tues) – #WatervilleME
Tesla Charging Station, Elm Plaza, 334 Main St
STAND AT TESLA – bring signs opposing #Musk and the damage he and trump are doing: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/762157/

MAY 27, 5:15-6:30PM – #SouthParisME
Fair & Main St
One Big Beautiful Disaster - A Rally Against #OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) – Protest against the disastrous budget bill that has passed the House and is on to the senate. We want Senator Collins and Senator #AngusKing to know how detrimental this budget would be to Maine.

WED MAY 28

MAY 28, Wed 10-11AM (& every Wed) – #BridgtonME
U.S. 302 & Maine 117
Peaceful, Solidarity Rally, Lake Region Indivisible
Join us every Wednesday morning for this peaceful rally of solidarity in opposition to the current administration
https://www.mobilize.us/event/778849/

@AIF_Massachusetts @teslatakedown

#Maine #MEPolitics #MaineResists #MaineEvents #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism
#ResistFascism #USPol #TeslaTakedowns

So much for "family values" and "businesses" -- I guess only white families and businesses count!

'Left the kids with no father': Family devastated after #LewistonME restaurant owner arrested

Allyson LaPierre, WGME
Thu, May 22nd 2025 at 6:11 PM
Updated Thu, May 22nd 2025

LEWISTON (WGME) - "The #CantonWok restaurant in Lewiston has closed its doors after its owner, #XingFengDong, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 6.

"Dong, a 46-year-old Chinese national, is currently held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail. The records do not indicate why he was arrested.

"Dong's brother, Xing Bi Dong, expressed confusion and concern over the arrest. Speaking through a translator, he said, 'He just hopes the government can give his brother a chance.' He described his brother as 'a hard worker, a nice person, he has two kids, and he is a good boss for this restaurant.'

"Xing Bi Dong added that his brother was working with immigration authorities to obtain his green card and does not understand why he was taken into custody.

" 'He doesn't understand why the government took his brother to jail and left them feeling very sad, left the kids with no father,' Xing Bi Dong said.

"The closure of Canton Wok, which has been open on Lisbon Street for two decades, has left around eight employees, including Xing Bi Dong, out of work. The arrest has also raised concerns within Lewiston's immigrant community."

https://wgme.com/news/local/chinese-restaurant-owner-in-federal-custody-family-speaks-out-maine-ice-immigration-lewiston-customs-enforcement

#ResistICE #Gestapo #Authoritarianism #AuthoritarianRule #WhiteSupremacy #ICERaids #ICESucks #USPol #MainePol #MaineNews