Maine Calling

On September 19, 2019, a ban on vaping in Maine schools will take effect. Nationwide, more news of vaping-related illness and deaths are prompting such crackdowns, including a recent statewide vaping ban in Michigan. We’ll discuss what we’re learning about the dangers of vaping and how the ban will be enforced.

A new documentary by Ken Burns explores “the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings, to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the 20th century, as it eventually emerged to become America’s music.” Join us for a conversation about country music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVOZl671ssY

Maine’s new "no-texting" law goes into effect on Sept. 19. Our panelists will address what the law includes and how it will be enforced, as well as why distracted driving has become a top safety hazard. We’ll also discuss other road safety issues: teen and older drivers, rules of the road, winter conditions, bicyclists and more.

The actor from Maine, best known as "McDreamy," the heartthrob surgeon on the TV medical drama Grey's Anatomy, joins us to talk about his latest work with the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in his hometown of Lewiston. He started the center in 2008 in honor of his mother, Amanda Dempsey, who died of ovarian cancer in 2014. The center's well-known run/walk/cycle Dempsey Challenge is on Sept. 28-29. Dempsey will also discuss his Maine roots, his career, and his involvement with

There has been a troubling decline in recent years of Maine’s clam harvest attributed to pollution, predation, warming waters and competition. Maine collects more soft-shell clams than any other state, so the losses in this industry are significant. We’ll learn about why this is occurring and what clammers and researchers are doing to reverse the trend.

What does the future hold for the longest military engagement in our nation’s history? What will be the repercussions of this week's failed negotiations and attacks? On this 18th anniversary of 9/11, our panel looks back at the origins of the war, why it has slogged on for so long, and what may be next for Afghanistan, the U.S., and the world.

Former New York Times science writer Tatiana Schlossberg joins us to discuss her new book Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have . The book is about how just about everything we use, buy, eat, wear, etc. has a connection to climate change, and how consumers can be more cognizant of the impacts of their lifestyle and purchasing choices. Joining us for the conversation will be a climate change expert and anthropologist from the University of Maine . Starting

In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, we discuss how individuals, families and communities can be more ready to handle disasters and emergencies throughout the year. Not on ly are extreme weather-related disasters becoming more frequent, but other emergency situations have become more commonplace in society today. Our guests share tips on how best to prepare for the unexpected. Kathleen Rusley , Maine Emergency Management Association Public Outreach Coordinator Jonathan

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins joins us to discuss the top issues affecting our state, nation and world.

A May 2019 report by Disability Rights Maine found more than 20,000 incidents in which physical restraints and seclusion were used on students in Maine schools. That number has gone up every year since 2014, despite increased awareness of and attention to the problem. Experts say restraint and seclusion are ineffective and often dangerous, and the report found that disabled students were disproportionately subjected to these troubling interventions. Current legislation - LD 1376 - seeks to track