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🌱 Patch AM: How Augusta’s latest immigration law change could affect policing statewide

And on the Augusta Patch calendar - Wild Ice Safety & Skating with Maine Guide Richard Behr

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning Augusta! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Augusta’s latest immigration law change could affect policing statewide
  • How an Augusta oral surgeon is transforming survivors’ lives for free
  • How the new Augusta Listening Post could boost your farm business

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Melissa C.!

Find out what's happening in Augustafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Augustafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 39 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Friday: Becoming windier with rain, temps: high: 53, low: 21.
  • Saturday: Much colder, with a high of 32 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gov. Mills will allow bill that limits police cooperation with ICE to become law (wabi.tv) — State leaders in Augusta have finalized a controversial change in how Maine police work with federal immigration agents, as Gov. Janet Mills lets LD 1971 become law without her signature. The measure limits arrests or detentions for immigration purposes and has drawn sharp reactions from immigrant advocates and House Republicans concerned about public safety.
   

2. Dental care donated to Maine domestic abuse survivors tops $325,000 (bangordailynews.com) — An Augusta oral surgeon, Dr. Rob Berube, is a key leader in a statewide pro bono dental program that has donated more than $325,000 in care to Maine women survivors of domestic abuse. Alongside dozens of dentists, he’s helped restore smiles, health, and confidence, while the nonprofit Finding Our Voices seeks more providers and donations to expand this work.
   

3. DACF Announces 'Listening Post' at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show (morningagclips.com) — Farmers and food businesses in and around Augusta can look ahead to a new “Listening Post” hub at the Augusta Civic Center during the 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, offering free one-on-one business advising, daily roundtables, and resource tables. Visitors will also find hospitality areas, health services from the Maine Mobile Health Program, and year-round follow-up support for farm and food enterprises.
   

4. 2nd victim of Palermo fire found dead (bangordailynews.com) — A Palermo house fire that began with an apparent explosion has left one man in critical condition after he was first taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, then flown to Portland. Investigators later found a second victim dead inside the home, and the state medical examiner is working to confirm the person’s identity and cause of death.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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📸 Fort Western —Melissa C. Like

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Francesca's posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate in Augusta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Augusta here.

Ok Augusta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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