I got to get him out of here: Witnesses describe scary monster truck crash in Topsham CBS 13 News 2026-09-21 | I got to get him out of here: Witnesses describe scary monster truck crash in Topsham
Finally turning sunny and warming up in Maine! CBS 13 News 2023-06-20 | Meteorologist Christian Bridges has an update on our much sunnier forecast, as well as a look at the active tropical Atlantic
Ram on the lam: Roaming ram spotted in Cape Elizabeth after escaping from farm CBS 13 News 2023-06-20 | It's something "ewe" should be on the lookout for: a ram on the loose in Cape Elizabeth.CBS13 joined those trying to find it on Monday, but he seems to be a little 'sheepish' right now.This ram on the lam is originally from Richmond Island but was taken to a local farm recently.Since escaping from its enclosure, the ram has been spotted all over Cape Elizabeth.STORY: wgme.com/news/local/ram-sheep-wild-animal-cape-elizabeth-police-richmond-island-wildlife
3-year-old boy falls more than 30 feet out bedroom window in Lewiston CBS 13 News 2023-06-20 | A 3-year-old fell from a fourth floor window in Lewiston onto pavement and survived with just a few cuts and bruises.Police say the 3-year-old boy fell from a fourth floor bedroom window more than 30 feet onto the asphalt sidewalk below on Friday evening. And the fall may have gone unnoticed were it not for a 14-year-old girl.STORY: wgme.com/news/local/toddler-survives-30-foot-fall-from-4th-floor-window-in-lewiston
Bear in the Window CBS 13 News 2023-06-20 | Oh, hello there! David Parlin says he was watching TV when a bear popped up in the window in Livermore, Maine! 🐻 #shorts #Maine
Maine girl with rare disease is heading to D.C. to spread awareness about hypermobility syndrome CBS 13 News 2023-06-19 | Eight-year-old Hanna Carlson likes to play on her jungle gym, hang out with her siblings, and her pets.She’s a little bit different than other kids.“Most of the things that happen with this right now in my life, is I just have to be more careful," said Hanna Carlson.Hanna’s mom Meaghan Carlson says when her daughter was born she knew something wasn't normal.Carlson brought Hanna to Boston Children’s Hospital and at four years old she was diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome.“It’s where my joints, like the tissue holding them together, they’re looser and stretchier," said Hanna Carlson.This syndrome causes Hanna to be more flexible than the average person.With that comes extreme fatigue and joint pain.Her doctors say this illness is rare and they’re still learning about it.Hanna and her family going to Washington, D.C. talk with lawmakers about raising awareness about illnesses and the importance of increasing care and research.More on the family's trip and hypermobility syndrome here: wgme.com/news/local/eight-year-old-gardiner-girl-with-rare-disease-heading-to-dc-to-spread-awareness
Sunday Headlines CBS 13 News 2023-06-19 | Sunday Headlines: Maine man arrested for DUI in serious late night crash. Plus, firefighters are collecting used gear to send to Ukraine.
Saturday Headlines CBS 13 News 2023-06-18 | Saturday Headlines: 3-year-old falls out of four-story window in Lewiston. Plus, huge news for Maine's lobster fishing industry.
Rain continue tonight but will Fathers Day be a washout? Heres the details! CBS 13 News 2023-06-17 | Rain continue tonight but will Father's Day be a washout? Here's the details!
A few leftover storms this evening with more rain Saturday. Details! CBS 13 News 2023-06-16 | A few leftover storms this evening with more rain Saturday. Details on when the sun will return!
My Maine Hometown: Rangeley is an outdoor sports paradise CBS 13 News 2023-06-16 | CBS13's Jeff Peterson spent the morning in Rangeley and learned about the area.Where do you want Jeff to visit next? Vote here: tinyurl.com/6785tt94
Moose lottery winners announced in Maine CBS 13 News 2023-06-16 | The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife announced the winners of the 2023 Maine moose hunting permit lottery last weekend.The event was held at Augusta's Mill Park.It took more than four hours to read the more than 4,000 names who were winners, out of more than 72,000 who applied.There are three moose hunting seasons in Maine: September 25-30, October 9-14, and October 23-28.wgme.com/news/local/maine-moose-lottery-winners-announced
Friday Favorites with Good Day Maine CBS 13 News 2023-06-16 | Hey all! Chat with us about the weekend ahead and some of the stories of the week. Did you know Mt. Washington recorded the snowiest June ever? Plus, we're tracking that Canadian wildfire smoke moving through Maine.
Warm end to the work week CBS 13 News 2023-06-15 | Meteorologist Christian Bridges has an update on the warm temps, wildfire smoke returning to Maine, and the Father's Day weekend forecast.
Ask The Expert: Why consider a job in health care? CBS 13 News 2023-06-15 | Join the conversation with MaineHealth VP of Talent Acquisition about the benefits of considering a career in health care and the wide variety of opportunities available. (Sponsored Content)
Portland Observatory Museum leads citys Flag Day celebration CBS 13 News 2023-06-15 | PORTLAND (WGME) -- Wednesday was Flag Day, and celebrations were in full swing at the Portland Observatory Museum on Congress Street.Greater Portland Landmarks, which manages the observatory, helped the city mark the day with a flag raising, book signing and live music.CBS13 Photojournalist Zak Morin stopped by to check out the festivities.
Maine voters could decide on states next flag CBS 13 News 2023-06-15 | PORTLAND (WGME) -- Mainers could head to the polls this fall to decide on a new state flag.The choice is to either keep the current blue flag or change it to an interpretation of the original 1901 version.Every week, Maine Flag Company makes 125 sewn products and 25 different types of flags.The one seen flying from many Maine homes is one of them.Contrary to popular belief, that flag wasn't designed more than 120 years ago; it was created just eight years ago."We don't really have an original flag from 1901,” Maine Flag Company Co-Owner Bethany Field said. “That artifact doesn't exist."Field says all that was left behind was a description of a tan flag with a pine tree in the center and a polar star.This flag created in 2015 is the company's interpretation of that.Field says there are many variations of the flag that have been created. Her company used a different one 10 years ago, based on the 1939 flag."We actually started with Maine's other flag,” Field said. “The Maine merchant and marine flag."Mainers might get to vote on what the state flag should be. A referendum question could be on November's ballot asking if Mainers want to replace the current flag.The official design of what a new flag could look like is still up for debate.It could look similar to Maine Flag Company's depiction, or it could look a little more lifelike.That's up to the secretary of state."One company utilizes the more modern looking version of the 1939 tree,” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said. “Another company utilizes a more lifelike version.""I've seen this flag on more houses and other iterations throughout the state," Rep. Sean Paulhus (D-Bath) said.Field agrees and says the current flag is a little bland."Right now, it sort of blends into another 12 or 14 flags that look very similar," Field said.The house and senate have both passed a bill on the language of the referendum question.Now it goes to the governor’s office.If she signs it, it will be on the November ballot.For more Maine stories, visit wgme.com.
Maine lobsterman catches a big shark on camera off the coast of Phippsburg, Maine CBS 13 News 2023-06-13 | Lobsterman Robert LaChance might need a bigger boat. He says he shot this video in Phippsburg while he was working on a lobster boat.CBS13 has reached out to the state to see what kind of shark it is. It appears to be a harmless basking shark.
Legendary Maine football coach hopes to pass on games lessons to younger generation CBS 13 News 2023-06-13 | Skip Capone has been one of Maine’s most dedicated football coaches for decades.“The game has been very good to me,” Capone said.The gridiron is Capone’s sanctuary.“Very few of us have the opportunity to do something that you really love,” Capone said. “I feel like I’ve never really worked a day in my life.”For the past 45 years, Capone has coached the game of football at all levels, including college, where he spent 22 amazing seasons at Bates."It was a lot of fun,” Capone said. “It was great people. Mark Harriman was the absolute best. I mean, it's not very often you get the chance to work with a lot of your best friends."Capone is also a Maine high school coaching legend, guiding Lewiston for 14 seasons, while currently working as an assistant alongside Portland head coach Jason McLeod.“He’s like a second head coach really, and he wears many hats,” McLeod said. “It’s easy to put him in a situation where ultimately, what he wants to do is help out the kids. He's the epitome of positivity. He coaches from a positive point of view and right now, especially kids these days, they resonate with that."It’s that kind of positivity that keeps Capone on the sidelines season after season.“Let’s face it, this run’s going to come to an end at some point,” Capone said. “Don't know exactly when, I still got a lot left in the tank, don’t plan on retiring anytime soon, but I enjoy it. It’s something I’ve been blessed with.”He enjoys paying it forward by volunteering a lot of his time teaching at clinics and programs throughout the state year after year.“You’re always trying to find things that motivate you, things that get you ready to get up in the morning and things that are fun,” Capone said. “And now I can choose to obviously play golf and some of those other things. But for me, coaching and working with kids is as much fun to me as going to try and catch a bass on Auburn Lake or playing golf, its all the same thing, it’s a blast.”Capone is hoping the Bulldogs will still be playing football come late November.Regardless, his message to the kids all along is consistent and simple: the game is not always about wins and losses.“It's all about the kids,” Capone said. “It’s all about keeping the game going. Play the game with respect, coach the game with respect and give back to the game. And that’s kind of what I’ve lived by for a long, long time. I just have a blast every day. I can’t wait to get here.”
Portland honors influential businessman by naming section of Congress Street after him CBS 13 News 2023-06-13 | A section of Congress Street on Munjoy Hill in Portland pays tribute to Evangelista Donatelli, an Italian American who opened a tailor shop there nearly 50 years ago.STORY: wgme.com/news/local/portland-honors-influential-businessman-by-naming-section-of-congress-street-after-him
Ask the I-Team: Can I lower my electric bill by running big-energy appliances at night? CBS 13 News 2023-06-13 | With electric bills hitting new highs recently, Mainers are look for ways to bring those costs down anywhere they can. That includes trying to limit their electric use during certain hours of the day.Hillary asks the CBS13 I-Team:"I know other states and regions have different rates for different times of day. I wanted to see if CMP offers a similar deal. Can someone save money on their electric bill by running more big-energy devices like dryers at night?"To answer Hillary's question the CBS13 I-Team went straight to Central Maine Power, which tells us they do offer different rates options for customers who meet certain criteria. Those options include lower rates during certain hours of the day as well as ways to save for those using heat pumps and other new electric technology.STORY: wgme.com/news/i-team/electric-bill-running-big-energy-appliances-at-night-central-maine-power-cmp-utilities-heat-pump-energy-rates
Students and parents worried about safety after fight at Portland High School caught on camera CBS 13 News 2023-06-13 | A fight at Portland High School has some students worried about their own safety. It happened during a lunch period last week.Video shows a student with a shiny object in his hand, but the school's principal told parents no weapons were used.The school district says one student pulled out a utility tool, but it was not opened during the incident.However, school officials say it is considered a weapon and is treated as such by school policies.Parents say they're concerned about not only the fight, but the way school officials seem to be downplaying the incident.Images of the fight during a lunch period at Portland High School were taken by a student and have been viewed online nearly 10,000 times.The principal says it started when one student shouted foul language to another.STORY: wgme.com/news/crisis-in-the-classroom/students-parents-worried-safety-fight-portland-high-school-caught-camera-resource-officers-weapon-principal-sheila-jepson-board
Lewiston Housing Authority will keep pushing for homeless shelter despite funding issue CBS 13 News 2023-06-13 | The Lewiston Housing Authority says that it will continue pursuing a proposed homeless shelter in the downtown area.This comes after the plans did not get approved by the city in time to receive $3.7 million from MaineHousing for the project.The proposal was awarded the funds in March. It was part of a $16.3 million announcement from MaineHousing for similar projects around the state.However, the projects were expected to by operational by the fall of this year.More than 35 organizations applied for the funding and only 17 were picked, according to MaineHousing.The project in Lewiston has been trying to gain approval through a new ordinance. However, the Lewiston Housing Authority says it was given until June 6 to get approval before the funding would no longer be available.That did not happen in time because the city had questions about the application, so it was considered “incomplete,” according to city administrator Heather Hunter.While the local housing authority amended the application to address the issues, Hunter says it restarted the process timeline for review by the city clerk, staff and a public notice period.Lewiston Housing Authority Executive Director Chris Kilmurry says he tried on June 7 to get a special council meeting scheduled. However, he says he was told the soonest the meeting could happen would be June 20, which wasn’t soon enough to still get the state funds.MaineHousing says that it has terminated the grant agreement with the Lewiston Housing Authority.“If there is another viable proposal that can be funded quickly, MaineHousing is willing to reissue a grant to Lewiston, as we allowed Portland to do when the Blueberry Road shelter was abandoned for a different location,” MaineHousing Communications Director Scott Thistle said.Thistle says the state law that provided this funding requires those funds to be committed by June 30.“Without a full and complete deal, in hand, MaineHousing cannot responsibly allow the funds provided by the Legislature to just sit there unused. There is so much need out there to help folks experiencing homelessness that it would be irresponsible for MaineHousing to not make sure this funding is used as it was intended,” Thistle said.Kilmurry says that the licensing issue will still go before the council on June 20. They will then “figure it out from there,” but it will be complicated without the state funding.
Saturday Headlines CBS 13 News 2023-06-11 | Saturday Headlines: 180 new homeless shelter beds proposed in Portland. Plus, a restaurant catches fire in the Old Port.
Friday Favorites with Good Day Maine CBS 13 News 2023-06-09 | 🌧️ When will the dreary weather finally stop?! Ryan has your weekend weather outlook, plus happy birthday to the Lobster Lady at 103! 🎂 And, what's better .. pizza 🍕 or donuts🍩? .. one Maine donut shop says you don't have to choose. Plus, tell us what you favorite movie is and we'll share ours, too!
Maines car inspection cost may rise with proposed electronic system shift CBS 13 News 2023-06-09 | Maine's yearly car inspection could soon cost you more.State police are pushing for a change in the current sticker system that would move Maine’s inspection process into the 21st century.Every time you get a car inspection, it’s filed on paper. Mechanic Greg Moreu says that can create a lot of headaches. He's hopeful an electronic system streamlines the process, but there’s a catch, it would cost you more for a yearly inspection.STORY: wgme.com/news/local/maine-lawmakers-consider-bill-move-vehicle-inspections-online-increase-cost-stickers-paperwork
Maine company creates hand-crafted home décor CBS 13 News 2023-06-09 | Artisanal home décor is being hand-crafted in Maine.The company is called Dirt Wood Brass. Owner Dirt Haehnel first got into carpentry when he was a young boy.STORY: wgme.com/features/maine-makers/hand-crafted-home-dcor-maine-company-creates-custom-furniture-dirt-wood-brass-producing-artisanal-home-decor-owner-dirt-haehnel
Deering High School graduates reflect on unique high school experience CBS 13 News 2023-06-09 | PORTLAND (WGME) – Graduation season is here.For high school seniors in Maine, it's been a unique four years.They've faced a worldwide pandemic, remote learning, masking and eventually returning to the classroom.This was Deering High School's 149th commencement.CBS 13 Photojournalist David Hill spoke with Deering High School graduates about their experience.For more Maine stories, visit wgme.com
Scarborough looks to stop the stink coming from cannabis businesses CBS 13 News 2023-06-08 | The town of Scarborough may pass some tougher rules on cannabis establishments after odor complaints.The smell coming from these sites, including growing facilities, has long been regulated by the town.The ordinance says odors can't be detected beyond the property boundaries.One business owner has tried to do that but worries it won't be enough.STORY: wgme.com/news/marijuana-in-maine/scarborough-considers-passing-tougher-rules-cannabis-businesses-odor-complaints-pot-weed-smell-pine-point-ordinance
UNE students help detect sharks in Saco Bay CBS 13 News 2023-06-08 | BIDDEFORD (WGME) –- University of New England students are helping to detect sharks in Saco Bay.UNE says the shark detection buoy will help the state monitor populations and promote education and public safety.The school worked with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries, Maine Department of Marine Resources and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.If you want to see what sharks are active in this area you can use the app "Sharktivity."CBS13 Photojournalist David Hill was there when the buoy went live.For more stories from Maine, visit wgme.com
New study shows more than 1,400 pesticides contain Maines definition of PFAS CBS 13 News 2023-06-07 | hat you are putting on your lawn, gardens and vegetables could be very bad for you.Environmental Working Group researchers say a new study shows more than 1,400 pesticides contain active ingredients that meet Maine's definition for "forever chemicals," or PFAS.STORY: wgme.com/news/local/new-study-shows-more-than-1400-pesticides-contain-maine-definition-pfas-lawn-garden-food-water-wildlife
Asylum seekers to leave Sanford motel with uncertain future as funding runs out CBS 13 News 2023-06-07 | Asylum seekers living in a Sanford motel will soon have to leave the site, but where they head to next is still unknown.According to the owner and manager of the Sanford Inn, about 30 rooms were filled by asylum seekers.In May, families and individuals suddenly arrived in the York County community. City leaders and other groups suddenly had to find the asylum seekers a place to stay, which included motels.Dozens of people living at the Sanford Inn have been using General Assistance and other funding to pay for their stays."The lodging help is the big issue for these people right now," Sanford Inn Owner and Manager Manu Patel said.Patel says all sorts of people have come to his hotel offering food, clothing and more to the asylum seekers living there.However, money to help adults and children stay there is different."I don't think anybody can afford that kind of money, you know, for that many people," Patel said.Due to COVID rules from the state to address homelessness, how long General Assistance can be used and how much is available for an applicant, funding for many will run out in mid-June. That means there will be a gap until more funds become available in July, according to a recent memo from Sanford's City Manager Steven Buck."Some people are moving maybe June 11, some maybe June 14, some 15, whenever the week ends for different people," Patel said.The city manager's memo says, "Motels have never been a good solution to homelessness because of the cost and the lack of availability during the tourist season."Buck declined an interview.“This information has been shared with all of our partners including York County Community Action, who have a team of housing navigators actively working with the asylum seekers to help them try to identify better, more cost-effective housing than the current hotel accommodations,” Executive Assistant to the City Manager Lorisa Ricketts said."As we have learned from Portland's experience, sometimes what helps in the day or the week really hurts in the long term," Sanford Mayor Becky Brink said.During an emergency meeting last month, after about 100 asylum seekers unexpectedly arrived in the city, Brink warned against offering a place for people to go. That's because people could be leaving more secure options for what was being offered.Brink didn't respond to requests for an interview Tuesday."The efforts by individuals to secure housing or offer housing will likely worsen over time if individuals step forward to offer that housing. It interferes with the process," Brink said.York County Community Action Corp. confirms it is trying to help people find other housing options. The executive director declined an interview.People staying at the motel could get general assistance in July, but according to the city manager's memo, that would cover just a one-week stay.
Child care crisis costs Maine $400 million+ per year, study finds CBS 13 News 2023-06-06 | A new report shows the child care crisis in Maine is costing families, businesses and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year.The study from ReadyNation found the crisis could cost Maine $403 million each year in lost earnings, productivity and revenue. Nationwide, the non-profit estimates that number is close to $122 billion.STORY: wgme.com/news/local/child-care-crisis-costs-maine-400-million-per-year-study-finds
Gardiner students clash over LGBTQ+ and Trump flags, prompting controversial new policy CBS 13 News 2023-06-06 | Gardiner Area High School officials say they're following a temporary policy to only display the American flag after an incident that occurred on Friday.This also includes a temporary ban on wearing a flag as a cape or affixing a flag to clothing or school walls.School officials say the incident that sparked the ban was when students put up and removed flags inside the school with competing political and social messages.Student Faith Morton says one of those flags represented the LGBTQ+ community and the other was a Trump flag.Morton says students should be able to express themselves and is disappointed in the way the school handled the situation."It was not the right way. It really wasn't. And there should be people who say that it's not okay,” Morton said.School leaders say the incident led to students picking sides and even what the superintendent described as a heated altercation."It's going on all over social media. This girl and one other boy are fighting over the flag,” said Samantha Thibodeau, who is upset over how the school handled the incident.In an email to CBS13, MSAD 11 Superintendent Patricia Hopkins said:“I am disappointed that this situation transpired, necessitating this temporary policy change. However, this new restriction is necessary in order to protect student safety, which will always be my, and MSAD 11’s, top priority.”Some students feel like the temporary policy is overstepping boundaries."People fight for their rights so I feel like they're liable to do it, shouldn't be shut down,” Morton said.Superintendent Hopkins also said in the email that students are welcome to express themselves on political matters at school as long as it does not disrupt school operations or infringe on the rights of other students.Superintendent Hopkin says the American flag is currently the only one they'll be flying in the district.
On Your Radar: Maine sheriff needs your help finding $200,000 in rare, stolen coins CBS 13 News 2023-06-06 | In a new segment "On Your Radar with the I-Team," we're looking at murders, unsolved crimes, scams, and much more.For the debut segment, CBS13 invited Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce to discuss an unsolved case of rare coin theft.
Sunday Headlines CBS 13 News 2023-06-04 | Sunday Headlines: New details in suspected double homicide in New Hampshire. Plus, a look ahead to a cool and rainy week.
This dreary & raw weather pattern will continue. When will the sunshine return? CBS 13 News 2023-06-04 | This dreary & raw weather pattern will continue. When will the sunshine return?
Friday Favorites with Good Day Maine CBS 13 News 2023-06-02 | A soggy stretch of weather heading our way. Join us for a conversation about the upcoming weekend, plus weigh in on the potential change to the Maine license plate and a would you try a lobster milkshake? Let us know!
100 years since Maine governor ordered flags at half-staff for dead dog CBS 13 News 2023-06-02 | This week marks the 100th anniversary of one of the more bizarre controversies in Maine history.It was June 1, 1923, when then-Governor Percival Baxter’s beloved dog, Garry, died. So, the governor did something that made national headlines, he ordered the state house flags to fly at half-staff for his dog.Flags at half-staff are a symbol of mourning for noted officials, dignitaries, or first responders killed in the line of duty. It's a relatively rare and somber event, which is why it got attention 100 years ago.“Every citizen in Augusta would have looked at the state house 100 years ago and said, 'Why is the flag at half-mast? Who died?' Well, it wasn't a 'who,’ but it was a 'who.’ It was his Irish setter dog, Garry, who was ninth in line of that name,” Maine historian Herb Adams said.Gov. Percival Baxter, Maine’s 53rd governor and best remembered now for donating Mount Katahdin and the land around it to the people of Maine to form Baxter State Park, never married and thought of his dog as his family.“Gov. Baxter, when he had his official gubernatorial portrait painted, has the dog in the portrait,” Adams said.So, when Garry died a heartbroken Gov. Baxter wanted to honor him.The reaction was immediate.“You'd have thought that the roof of the state house had caved in rather than the flag come to half-staff. Veterans of three different wars, Civil War, Spanish-American war and World War I, and all of their women's auxiliaries, came down on Gov. Baxter very hard for this, because they felt it was disrespectful to the flag and to the men and women who'd worn the uniform,” Adams said.But Baxter, for his part, refused to apologize or back down, insisting that his dog, unlike many of his human friends, had always been loyal.And if you're curious, you can still visit Garry’s grave to this day. He's buried along with Gov. Baxter's other dogs and his horses, too in a little cemetery on Mackworth Island in Falmouth, which Gov. Baxter also donated to the state of Maine to become home to the Baxter School for the Deaf.To this day this is believed to be the first and only time in American history that flags have been ordered to half-staff for a dog.
Gorham seniors allegedly sidelined after protest over coachs behavior CBS 13 News 2023-06-02 | Several Gorham lacrosse players say they were taken off the team following a protest this week. They say it was only in response to problems with the coach, which has gone on for years. Students say the athletic director informed them Thursday that they were no longer on the team. But the seniors and parents say the problem is with the coach. They claim he has yelled, refused to talk to the students, and other abusive” behaviors.STORY: tinyurl.com/37nsveur
Downpours Expected Friday CBS 13 News 2023-06-02 | After 5 days without seeing a cloud in the sky, we have some changes on the way.
Crews clean graffiti off of a fallen officer memorial in Maine, as police search for suspects CBS 13 News 2023-06-01 | A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to arrest and conviction of those responsible for damage to the Maine Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Augusta. Cleaning crews are now using baking soda and low pressure to remove the spray paint. The memorial was first dedicated in 1991 and has engraved the names of 88 Maine law enforcement officers.More here: wgme.com/news/local/maine-law-enforcement-officers-memorial-vandalized-in-augusta
Dog with Maine Deer CBS 13 News 2023-06-01 | A Mainer and his dog stumbled upon 2 fawns while walking in the woods. #shorts
Record heat to storms CBS 13 News 2023-06-01 | Meteorologist Christian Bridges has an update on the forecast for Thursday and the weekend
Portland businesses complain about influx of homeless campers on citys west side CBS 13 News 2023-06-01 | There are new complaints from business owners bordering a large and growing homeless encampment on Portland's west side.Since the camps on the Bayside Trail were taken down, the campsite between the Fore River Parkway Trail and the back of the county jail has more than doubled in size.At least three nearby businesses were burglarized recently.Business owners say they have no way of knowing if the homeless campers are responsible, but they do say those campers are starting to hurt their businesses."A little bit more than a week ago, we had a series of break-ins," Red Hook Design Owner Wayne Valzania said.Valzania’s business and at least two others were burglarized."I lost a couple of paint sprayers, pretty expensive paint sprayers. XPress Copy was cash. Don't know what exactly they took from Alice, if they took anything at all," Valzania said. "I'm guarded in saying there's a connection between the break-ins and the people living out back, but our first drill of the morning is to clean up trash and pick up needles."The man who co-owns Bunker Brewing and owns Salvage BBQ says he feels for the homeless campers but says the city needs to find some type of housing for them.STORY: tinyurl.com/mr248pp7
Mainers split on idea of replacing chickadee license plates CBS 13 News 2023-06-01 | The Maine chickadee license plates have been in use for nearly 25 years.The Bureau of Motor Vehicles says those old plates cause a public safety concern.Michael Cahill thought he had no issues with his chickadee plates, until he checked Wednesday."I've had the plates since 2011. The rear one is starting to deteriorate. The front one seems fine," Cahill said.At a public hearing on Wednesday, Mainers talked about a bill that calls for the chickadee plate to be replaced with the 1901 state flag.It's a green pine tree and navy blue star. The bottom would still read "Vacationland.""No I don't think it's a good idea. I think it's really, rather dull. Nothing against that flag, but we don't have that flag as our state flag. So I stick with the chickadee," Maine resident Andrea Gelder said.Gelder and Ginny Fischer say they want the chickadee to stay and say it represents the state to a "T.""I think the chickadee license plate is excellent. It really represents Maine. The chickadee is the Maine state bird," Gelder said."I'd like to keep the chickadee," Fischer said.If the chickadee plates get replaced, there would be no additional costs to Mainers when they get their new plates.If passed, the new plates would be issued to Mainers who have vehicles registered between spring of 2025 to spring of 2026.
Wildfire smoke to bring poor air quality to Maine CBS 13 News 2023-05-30 | Meteorologist Christian Bridges has an update on the wildfires burning in Nova Scotia, and a look at the hot temps expected later this week.
What happened to the Portland program that employed homeless Mainers? CBS 13 News 2023-05-30 | The city of Portland is in the midst of a crisis, providing emergency shelter to more than 1,000 people per night, many asylum seekers. All three sites are at capacity, leaving dozens more sleeping on the streets.Gayle asked the CBS13 I-Team:“Whatever happened to that program in Portland where the city would pay panhandlers and homeless people to do work, like pick up trash?”The program is called the Portland Opportunity Crew and the city's spokesperson says it's been paused since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials are getting ready to re-launch it in June.The opportunity crew first launched back in 2017 with a pilot season, which served 17 people. It was aimed at panhandlers, specifically to help them move toward a safer, healthier lifestyle.Two days a week, they could join the crew, cleaning up parks and public areas to earn minimum wage.Just days after the CBS13 I-Team asked about the status of the program, the city sent out a press release announcing its return.This time around the opportunity crew will be offered to those staying at the new Homeless Services Center.The program will be offered two to three days a week between June and November and up to six people will be hired per day. They're driven to the work site and given breakfast and lunch as well.The city's social services and parks divisions will run the program.The city is also partnering with Workforce Solutions and Complete Labor to connect participants with job training and other supports.A city spokesperson says the program will be funded through the parks and rec budget for now. But they're also taking donations to keep it up and running.
A record high set in Augusta today but will we see relief for Memorial Day? Find out! CBS 13 News 2023-05-29 | A record high set in Augusta today but will we see relief for Memorial Day? Find out!
Friday Favorites with Good Day Maine CBS 13 News 2023-05-27 | Hey all! Chat with us on Friday as we bring you the holiday weekend forecast, plus talk about that search for a good Samaritan who saved a dad and his daughter, and a cat café is coming to Greater Portland!
