WEST MAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

The Bottle Bill Debate: Who Bears the Cost?

Maine’s bottle bill has kept millions of bottles out of trash for decades. It also built a system where people can return empty containers and get money back. The program costs a lot. Every year the state must collect, sort and process about 850 million containers. That work costs more than $70 mil

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Apr 03 2026OPINION

Cutting Maine’s Power Bills Without a Public Utility

Maine residents are feeling the pinch of high electricity costs, and many think only public power could solve it. In reality, there are several practical steps that can lower bills for users of the two main investor‑owned companies, Central Maine Power and Versant. These ideas are already in play fo

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Apr 03 2026EDUCATION

How Can Schools Help Students Work Well With AI Tools?

Schools today face a new challenge: teaching students how to handle AI without losing important human skills. AI tools are everywhere now, from chatbots that explain homework to apps that grade essays. But just teaching students how to use these tools isn’t enough. The real goal should be helping th

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Apr 03 2026POLITICS

Why Jordan Wood stands out in Maine’s political race

Maine’s District 2 House race has a candidate who’s turning heads—not with flashy promises, but by sticking to principles. Jordan Wood isn’t just another name on the ballot. He’s pushing for big changes, especially how money influences politics. Unlike many running for office, he refuses all donatio

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Apr 03 2026WEATHER

Weather changes for Easter in Maine: Wintry mix and rain ahead

Maine is about to get hit by two different weather systems over the next few days, starting with a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain tonight that could mess up Friday morning drives. The worst of it will be in the northern and central parts of the state, where some areas might get several inches

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Mar 25 2026EDUCATION

Inclusive Schools Make Everyone Feel Better

Schools that welcome all kinds of students can help every teen feel happier and more confident. A new study shows that when high schools promote respect for LGBTQ teens, even those who are not part of the group feel more connected to their classmates and society. The researchers asked 287 straigh

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Mar 16 2026CRIME

Maine’s Low Crime Numbers: What the Stats Really Say

Maine stands out across the United States for having one of the lowest rates of violent crime. According to recent FBI statistics, only 100 people per 100, 000 residents were involved in violent offenses during 2024. In contrast, Washington, D. C. recorded more than a thousand violent incidents per

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Mar 16 2026SPORTS

High‑School Stars Shine in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina high schools are buzzing after a week of exciting sports. Students and fans alike can now vote for the top female athlete who delivered an outstanding performance last week. The voting deadline is Thursday noon. The winner of last week’s spot was Lilly Lossiah from Cherokee,

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Mar 04 2026POLITICS

Science Money Keeps Maine’s Ocean Jobs Alive

Maine’s coastal economy depends on science money that comes from Washington. When federal agencies like the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and NASA receive cuts, the ripple effects hit fishermen in Portland, aquaculture farms in Brunswick, and towns such as Machias that rely on data to protect t

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Feb 25 2026SPORTS

Surprise Showdown: West Indies vs South Africa in Ahmedabad

West Indies and South Africa will meet again on February 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match is part of the Super‑8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. The game will kick off at 3:00 PM IST, and fans can watch it live on Star Sports or stream it through the Jio HotStar app if they

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