Maine Calling

As Maine's Bureaus of Motor Vehicles begin opening up by appointment only, Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap joins us to address how registrations, licenses and other issues will be handled. He'll also talk about the upcoming primary election, absentee ballots, U.S. Census, postal concerns, the CMP corridor — and how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting how these matters are proceeding.

Our panel of editorial page editors returns to discuss the news of the past month, including: controversy over re-opening Maine's economy; how Governor Mills and Maine CDC are handling the response to the epidemic; widespread job loss and unemployment fraud; what's happening with the U.S. Census; and more.

Conspiracy theories can range from the absurd to the believable. Currently, there are plenty of conspiracy theories about COVID-19 – where it originated, if it’s related to 5G, and more. We’ll discuss why some conspiracy theories stick, what makes people believe certain ideas, and how they can polarize society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on students of all ages. We discuss the many ways in which high schools students have been affected, academically and emotionally. Remote learning and social distancing have altered their schooling and many have missed out on the landmark events that mark the high school experience. For juniors and seniors, the path to college or other post-secondary plans may be in limbo. We discuss how they are handling the changes during this critical period of their

Personal finance expert Michelle Singletary answers listener questions about money management and financial issues during the Covid-19 pandemic. Topics include the pros and cons of accessing an early withdrawal from your 401k as permitted by the CARES Act, how to work with lenders if you are unable to pay loans because of a layoff or furlough, whether to refinance your home and more.

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date Feb 21, 2020); no calls will be taken. This show is part of Maine Calling's ongoing coverage of topics relating to Maine's bicentennial. In this segment, our panel of historians explains how Maine evolved in the pivotal years between becoming a state in 1820 through Maine's involvement in the Civil War. We'll learn about the pivotal figures of the day, and how Maine's cultural, economic and political landscape evolved during the 19th

Dr. Nirav Shah , director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, joins us to discuss the latest in the state's efforts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. We'll discuss new federal funding, increased testing, outbreaks, use of protective equipment and masks, antibody tests, medications and research, and we'll take your questions.

A major contributor to Maine's image and economy are the hundreds of summer camps that draw young participants from all over the U.S.—and the world. These outdoorsy experiences bring in some $200 million to the state each summer. This year, many camp directors doubt they can open as usual, if at all—while other, community-based day camps are planning to find a way to provide their service. What will that look like? Are there alternative ways to keep the camps going? What are the repercussions

How has the pandemic affected the auto industry? After sales plummeted in March, the trend is moving back up. Our automotive experts return to discuss how sales and production of cars, trucks and SUVs have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. They will also answer questions about the latest models, car payment and repair issues and more.

Gov. Janet Mills has relaxed restrictions for restaurants in 12 Maine counties starting May 18, and they will be allowed to reopen to diners as long as they follow certain guidelines. In the four other counties, restaurants are still weighing their options. We find out what owners are planning to do, and whether customers are ready to return. We also discuss some of the creative solutions restaurants have come up with so far to keep afloat, and those who've opted to close their doors altogether.