Maine Calling

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

Based on the headlines, it would be easy to think that the Maine Public Utilities Commission spends all of its time addressing issues regarding CMP. But the PUC impacts the lives of Mainers in many other ways. It regulates electric, gas, telephone and water utilities as well as setting rates that are mandated to be just and reasonable for all ratepayers. The Chairman of the PUC and the Manager of the MPUC Customer Assistance Division join us to answer questions about the work the PUC does and

Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman joins us to discuss pressing topics ranging from paid time off, minimum wage, workforce shortage, equal pay, immigrant employment, and more. In her role, she oversees the state’s labor standards, employment and training, unemployment insurance, labor market information and vocational rehabilitation. Fortman brings more than 20 years of public policy and advocacy experience to the Department of Labor. Laura Fortman led the Dept. of Labor under

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date July 16, 2019); no calls will be taken. Many businesses in Maine are having a difficult time finding workers—particularly during the busy summer season. We’ll hear from the state economist, the Maine Commissioner of Labor, and the President and CEO of Hospitality Maine about how big of a worker shortage there is and what, if anything, can be done to address it.

Before rock 'n' roll, jazz dominated the music scene in America. In the decades since Elvis and the Beatles changed the face of music, jazz has remained a steady, if somewhat diminished, uniquely American art form. A panel of jazz lovers, including Maine Public’s own Rich Tozier, join us to talk about their love of jazz and the Maine jazz scene. We’ll also hear some live jazz during the show.