Most small businesses in Maine have been struggling due to the pandemic. Governor Mills has announced a $200 million grant program offering financial relief to small businesses and nonprofits, with grant applications due Sept 9th. We'll learn about how small businesses are faring, especially during the summer tourist season, and how they can access relief funds and other aid during these difficult times.

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date August 17, 2020); no calls will be taken. The solvency of Social Security is certain to be a major topic in the up coming election. We’ll discuss how and why Social Security was implemented 85 years ago (When FDR signed legislation enacting Social Security, on 8/14/1935, he said, “We have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty

As part of our ongoing coverage of topics related to Maine’s bicentennial, we explore the history of women in Maine. Our state has had a wealth of notable female leaders in diverse fields, from politics to the arts. We discuss some of these women and their legacies, and we look at how movements, such as suffrage, played out in Maine.

Some believe the U.S. Postal Service is under threat. Maine’s Attorney General joined a coalition of states filing suit against the major changes made to the U.S. Postal Service in recent week s. Customers are feeling the effects of cost-cutting measures: mail is delayed and affecting commerce—recently, dead baby chicks arrived at farms in Maine . Citizens groups are worried that delayed ballots could sow confusion and threaten the integrity of the November election. We’ll discuss the latest

Loons are a beloved symbol of Maine— Maine has more loons than any other state in the east. We’ll learn about the recent work done by local conservationists to bolster the loon population. They will also discuss ways in which individuals can help with efforts to protect—and appreciate— this iconic species.

Nirav Shah , director, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, joins us for an update on the pandemic and the state’s response. He’ll answer questions about recent outbreaks, face coverings, testing, contact tracing, reopening and more.

We discuss how to handle the inevitable challenges that students and families will have to deal with as they return to school—whether it’s online or in-person. We’ll address the range of issues, from mental health and anxiety to the effects of mask-wearing and distancing—especially on younger kids and those with special needs.

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date July 10, 2020); no calls will be taken. The pandemic has had many interesting by products, one of which is an increased interest in foraging as a means of being self-sufficient and less dependent on groceries or other food sources. We’ll learn about all of the edible plants and other wild foods—from seaweed to mushrooms to clams—that Mainers can find all around them. And we’ll hear about some interesting ways to eat and prepare these

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date July 2, 2020); no calls will be taken. Bicycle stores across Maine are struggling to keep up with demand for bikes and repairs as the era of social distancing has many Mainers turning to cycling as a way to enjoy the great outdoors safely. We’ll learn about new bike trails under construction in Maine, tips on safe riding, bicycling maintenance and the rise of ebikes. We'll also discuss the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's new anti-speeding

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date June 4, 2020); no calls will be taken. It is a strange feeling to be conscious of the fact we are experiencing a time in history that will be analyzed for years to come. Already, those who research how society behaves and reacts to change are studying the coronavirus crisis closely. We’ll discuss humanity's response to the pandemic with an anthropologist and sociologist. What have they learned already? What do they expect to happen? And