Maine Calling

Janet Mills , Maine's governor since 2019, returns to discuss the latest on the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. We’ll ask about progress and concerns regarding reopening the state, and how the state will address aid for sectors that have been hit hardest by fallout from the pandemic. We’ll also discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, calls for policing reforms and other ways for the state to address racial justice.

A newly published cookbook commemorates Maine's bicentennial by compiling recipes from Mainers all around the state. We'll talk about Maine's food heritage -- and also get creative ideas for cooking during the pandemic.

As part of Maine Public's coverage of election issues throughout the year, we feature this Your Vote 2020 interview with candidates who will be on the ballot during the primary election on July 14. We speak with two primary candidates to learn about their views on current events, the issues they are prioritizing, and what they feel voters need to know about them.

As part of Maine Public's coverage of election issues throughout the year, we feature this Your Vote 2020 interview with candidates who will be on the ballot during the primary election on July 14. We speak with two Republican primary candidates for election to the U.S. House to represent Maine's 2nd Congressional District . They'll discuss their views on current events, the issues they are prioritizing, and what they feel voters need to know about them.

As part of Maine Public's coverage of election issues throughout the year, we feature this Your Vote 2020 interview with candidates who will be on the ballot during the primary election on July 14. Two Democratic primary candidates for U.S. Senate will be interviewed to learn about their views on current events, the issues they are prioritizing, and what they feel voters need to know about them.

In response to civil unrest in Maine and across the country, Governor Mills recently pledged to root out racism in Maine's criminal justice system. The Governor has tasked Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck to review Maine’s law enforcement statutes and provide recommendations. We talk with Sauschuck, Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty and other leaders in Maine about what can and will be done to reform criminal justice in Maine, from police to prisons to the court system.

As more companies recognize Juneteenth and offer it as a company holiday, we discuss the historical roots of Juneteenth and its context during today’s Black Lives Matter protests and movement for civil rights. Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. How has America grappled with the legacy of slavery, and how has it led to today’s struggles over systemic racism?

Part of Maine's brand is that it is a desirable place to hold events, from summer festivals to scenic weddings to races to major conferences. These contribute substantially to Maine's economy, drawing locals and out-of-staters—and serving as catalysts for other industries, such as restaurants and tourism. How are these events taking place in light of the Covid-19 pandemic? We'll learn how many organizations are finding ways to hold events, either in a virtual format or other creative solutions.

Sen. Angus King joins us to discuss his work on the Great American Outdoors Act — bipartisan legislation to protect and preserve national parks and public lands. He'll also address government response to current events, including the nationwide civil unrest over racial justice and the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Janet Mills recently announced a change to the controversial rule requiring a 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors to Maine. We'll discuss the new guidelines, which call for visitors from certain states with higher rates of infection to test negative for COVID-19. The new rule hinges on increased COVID-19 testing capacity in Maine. We'll discuss what the guidelines mean, how they will be enforced and how they are being received by Maine's tourism industry.