American Idol is shaking things up for its upcoming season. The show is trying new ways to get fans involved, like voting through social media. This is a big deal because it's the first time a major show has tried this. The goal is to make voting easier and reach younger audiences. The show is also
Maine is about to get a serious cold snap. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning. This alert covers central, western, and northern parts of the state. It starts Friday night and might last through Saturday night. Temperatures are going to drop fast. Around Portland, it wil
America's farmlands are facing a serious issue. Sewage sludge, often called "biosolids, " is being spread on fields as fertilizer. This sludge contains harmful chemicals and waste from homes and industries. The EPA allows this practice through a rule called the 503 rule. This rule does not make the
America's factory farms, or CAFOs, produce a staggering amount of waste. This waste often ends up in our rivers and lakes, making them unsafe for swimming or fishing. The problem is that these farms are not held to the same environmental standards as other industries. Unlike factories, they don't ha
Maine is at a crossroads. The state's future hinges on tackling complex issues like climate change, public health crises, and economic shifts. To navigate these challenges, Maine needs a leader who understands science and can make decisions based on evidence. Dr. Nirav Shah, a former CDC director, i
Americans are starting to question how ICE handles deportations. Many now believe the agency is too harsh. They also think the program targets more people than just criminals. This shift in opinion comes after recent events in Minneapolis. Republicans, however, still strongly support ICE. They feel
America's history is not just written in books or spoken by people. It is also told by the trees, plants, and flowers that have seen it all. In a new book, the idea that plants are silent witnesses to the country's past is explored. This is not just about botany. It is about how Black communities ha
Maine's agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries are facing tough times. Workers in these fields are dealing with a lot of stress. This stress comes from money problems, logistics, and mental health issues. It's even harder for those in rural areas to get the help they need. Forestry workers u
Americans are tightening their belts when it comes to retirement savings. A recent study shows that two-thirds of people have cut back on saving over the past six months. This is largely due to economic uncertainty. More than half have either stopped or reduced their contributions to retirement acco
Maine's recent drought left many businesses and nonprofits struggling. The federal government stepped in to help. They expanded disaster relief loans to more areas. York County and several New Hampshire counties are now included. Before, they were left out. The loans are for those hit hard by the dr
