Maine Calling

Our panelists discuss the latest national news, including what’s happening with a new stimulus package, President Trump's executive orders, how the nation is addressing the pandemic, speculation over Joe Biden's pick for vice president, the dynamics of the November election and more.

This show is part of our ongoing coverage of topics relating to Maine's bicentennial . A Maine music historian joins us to look back at the remarkable music that’s been made in Maine over the past 200 years. This includes music from: the Wabanaki and Passamaquoddy tribes; a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Walter Piston of Rockland; the country’s first superstar teen idol, Rudy Vallee; country music stars Donald Doane, Sr., and the Katahdin Mountaineers; folk music pioneers such as Mellie Dunham

This show is part of our ongoing coverage of topics relating to Maine's bicentennial . What is the geologic makeup and history of Maine? We find out what geologists know--and how they learn--about Maine's bedrock formations and how periods of erosion, mountain-building, metamorphism and other activity have led to what we have today. A combination of rock types distinguishes our state, from half a billion years ago until today. We will also hear about the new Mineral & Gem Museum—what they

Eye care is more than just getting glasses or contact lenses—it is part of a person’s overall health and ability to function. We’ll learn how optometrists are working during a time of Covid-19, what kind of protection eyewear can provide, and how conjunctivitis, extreme light sensitivity and discharge are also potential signs of Covid. We’ll also discuss digital eye strain—how being on Zoom calls, kids being on TV/screens more, can and does affect our vision. And we’ll learn about the cost of

Museums are a major draw for locals and visitors to Maine, with a range of offerings, from art to history to culture. These attractions, like many, came to a halt during the pandemic. We'll discuss the challenges museums have been facing these past months, how they are reaching audiences, and what their plans are for the future. We'll also discuss the role that museums play in people's lives—as well as Maine’s economy.

Eviction court cases can resume in Maine on August 3. A recent U.S. Census survey found 9% of Maine residents (29,000 people) could not pay rent in June, and 14% of renters (43,000) expressed concern about being able to pay their July rent. To try to stave off a major eviction crisis, Governor Mills has announced that Maine will be supplementing Maine's rental assistance program with an additional $5 million in order to double monthly payments. We will hear from two Maine Public Housing

We discuss the top stories and issues in Maine from the month of July, including: the fatal shark attack; protests over racial justice; the primary election; and tthe state's ongoing struggle to balance public health and economic health in the face of the pandemic. Also, Senator Angus King joins us for an update on national news, including stimulus aid.

This show is a rebroadcast of an earlier program (original air date July 14, 2020); no calls will be taken. The use of face coverings has become a polarizing issue in Maine and nationwide. Now, Gov. Mills has issued stricter guidelines for wearing masks in public places. We discuss the many charged issues involving mask-wearing: medical reasons, state guidelines and enforcement, political symbolism, psychological effects, reasons some cannot wear masks and more.

This show is part of our ongoing coverage of topics relating to Maine's bicentennial, and is the fourth in our series on the history of Maine. The years from World War I through World War II led to lasting changes in Maine. We'll learn about how the efforts of those on the homefront altered Maine's landscape and industries. We'll also talk about notable Maine leaders of that era, and what impacts the wars and those who fought in them had on Maine's future.

In his latest nonfiction book, " Baseless: My Search for Secrets in the Ruins of the Freedom of Information Act," Maine-based author and journalist Nicholson Baker examines the use and failings of the Freedom of Information Act and describes decades of hidden government misdeeds. Baker shares shocking stories of biological and chemical warfare, international deception, heroic journalists and lawyers who fought to uncover the truth. Because the book is written in memoir form, Baker also adds