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🌱 Patch AM: What did Augusta lawmakers hear about Canadian tariffs’ toll on Maine?

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Coffee in hand, Augusta? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What did Augusta lawmakers hear about Canadian tariffs’ toll on Maine?
  • Could Maine’s recreational marijuana industry be rolled back from Augusta?
  • How an Augusta oral surgeon is transforming survivors’ smiles statewide

Also on today's calendar: Introduction to Beaver Trapping; A Multi-Season Approach - Augusta and 1 more event.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 27 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 29, low: 18.
  • Sunday: Considerable cloudiness, with a high of 27 and low of 14 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Are Canadian tariffs hurting Maine? Lawmakers hold key hearing (newscentermaine.com) — In Augusta, state lawmakers are probing how Canadian tariffs are squeezing Maine businesses, especially logging and manufacturing. At a key public hearing, industry voices warned that long-term tariffs on materials like lumber, aluminum, and steel could undercut future mill success if the state can’t sustain a strong workforce and contractor base.
   

2. Effort to repeal recreational marijuana in Maine could be on the ballot in 2026 (wabi.tv) — A new citizen initiative launched in Augusta aims to repeal Maine’s legalized recreational marijuana system and shift businesses into the medical cannabis program. Backers now have approval to gather more than 67,000 signatures to reach the November 2026 ballot, potentially reshaping cannabis sales, testing rules, and tax revenues that have topped hundreds of millions statewide.
   

3. Dental care donated to Maine domestic abuse survivors tops $325k (wiscassetnewspaper.com) — An Augusta oral surgeon has helped donate part of the $325,000 in free dental care now provided to Maine women who survived domestic abuse through the Finding Our Smiles program. The effort, involving 37 dental professionals across nine counties, restores damaged teeth and confidence, while organizers seek more providers and donations to expand this survivor-focused care.
   

4. Several Subway locations in Maine closing this week due to revoked business registrations (wmtw.com) — Augusta workers affected by recent Subway restaurant closures can get in-person help at the local CareerCenter on Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Maine Department of Labor is urging anyone laid off to apply for unemployment insurance and use rapid-response and virtual career services to navigate next steps and recover lost wages.
   

5. Maine man charged with killing roommate in Westbrook to serve 22 years as part of plea deal (wmtw.com) — Augusta’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined a Westbrook man’s 2024 death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma, a key finding that shaped the case’s outcome. The victim’s roommate has now taken a plea deal for manslaughter and animal cruelty and will serve 22 years in prison, followed by probation.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for RB Crew Member in Augusta. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Maintenance/Custodial up to $17.50/hr! 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 couldn’t put it down.
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