Beacon Podcast

On the podcast this week, Esther, Cate, Ben and Mike discuss new polling results on expanding Maine’s good Samaritan law and spending the budget surplus, as well as the arrest of former gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler. Also: A school board election in Kennebunk and a strike at the Red Cross. Ask a question or leave…

Cate, Ben and Mike discuss seven bills that haven’t had as much public attention this session, but may become law as the legislative session winds to an end. Also: Esther interviews Pastor Stephen Carnahan on immigration, refugees and the dictates of faith. Plus: Ben brings us up to speed on what’s happening in Star Trek.…

Sarah Austin of the Maine Center for Economic Policy joins the podcast this week to discuss what’s in the state budget, what’s out and what decisions are still being made. Also: Some bad news for fans of housing reform and health care inclusion. Plus: the ballots are set for this year’s elections and some interesting…

On the podcast this week, Esther talks with citizen-lobbyists Gina Morin and Lucca Hamina and Cate talks with Rep. Kristen Cloutier about the impact regular people can make talking to their legislators in Augusta. Also: A recap of the Wabanaki Alliance lobby day for tribal sovereignty and an update on a transformative housing proposal now…

On the Beacon Podcast this week, Cate, Esther, Ben and Mike discuss local reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, from vodka bans to State of the Union guests, and how local leaders can support Ukrainian refugees. Also: Esther interviews Sandra Merlim, whose husband, Otto Morales-Caballeros, was deported to Guatemala about the We Are Home…

Ben Chin interviews author, commentator and researcher Heather McGhee this week on how and why she wrote her bestselling book Sum of Us and what it means to move past zero-sum politics toward a future where people of all races work together to solve public problems and build better lives. McGhee was in Lewiston recording…

More than a thousand Mainers submitted testimony in favor of tribal sovereignty legislation to the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and more than 100 spoke in person over an 8-hour hearing. Listen to some clips and reaction from Cate, Esther and Mike. Also: Cate rounds up the many affordable housing proposals being considered and gives her…

Personal stories of of Mainers whose friends and loved ones have struggled with opioids were heard by the criminal justice committee yesterday as Maine considers expanding its “good Samaritan” law. On the podcast this week, Esther, Ben and Mike discuss this bill, Gov. Mills’ power company regulation plan, the Superbowl and a moose on a…

This week on the podcast, Cate Blackford interviews Jerusalem Demsas, a policy writer for Vox and co-host of The Weeds. They dig deep on housing policy nationally and in Maine, covering history, zoning, gentrification, markets and more. Ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182. Subscribe to the podcast…

Esther reports live from the State House on the podcast this week, with a people-powered lobbying team advocating on issues from tribal sovereignty to tax havens. Ben, Esther and Mike also discuss legislation on paid family medical leave, cleaning up Juniper Ridge, the Pine Tree Amendment and more. Ask a question or leave a comment…