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🌱 Patch AM: How will a Portland provider’s frozen MaineCare funds affect local care?

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Good day Portland! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will a Portland provider’s frozen MaineCare funds affect local care?
  • Will a players’ strike cancel this weekend’s Mariners home games?
  • Why Portland’s economy is racing ahead of the rest of Maine

Also on today's calendar: Fridays: Trivia in the Brewhouse! and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Very cold; breezy in the a.m., with a high of 21 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Decreasing clouds and cold, temps: high: 23, low: 15.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 36 and low of 28 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• State auditors suspend MaineCare payments to healthcare company citing ‘credible allegation of fraud' (newscentermaine.com) — A Portland healthcare provider, Gateway, has had all MaineCare payments temporarily suspended after state auditors alleged more than $1 million in overbilling for 2021–22, following two earlier audits that also found problems. State officials cite a “credible allegation of fraud,” while Gateway’s attorney says the company disputes the billing concerns and plans to respond, raising questions about potential impacts on local patients and services.
   

• Looming hockey players' strike could freeze Maine Mariners' post-holiday season (mainebiz.biz) — A potential ECHL players’ strike could cancel the Maine Mariners’ home games at Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena this Friday and Saturday, disrupting fans’ post-holiday plans. Negotiations over salaries, travel, and player safety remain unresolved, with the union threatening a work stoppage if no deal is reached.
   

• Economic divide widening between Portland and rest of Maine, report finds (bangordailynews.com) — Greater Portland’s economy has surged 39% in two decades, widening the gap with much of the rest of Maine, where growth has been nearly flat. A new report links Portland’s stronger performance to higher labor force participation and better health and benefits, while warning that cuts to programs like MaineCare and SNAP could further strain already struggling rural regions.
   

📸 Around Portland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost Dog ?
    - couldn’t get close enough to see tags but running down Nevada and Virginia and the woods on Ray. (Nextdoor North Central Deering)
  • Snow ❄️ Day !
    Where do we go for the best sledding on the Island today? (Nextdoor Peaks Island)
  • ... Maybe digging out your car or shoveling your driveway weren't high on your list of Christmas Eve activities, but plenty of... (X: WGME)
  • A storm that brought more than a foot of snow to some Maine communities by the morning of Christmas Eve may have slowed the last-minute shopping rush... (X: WMTWTV)
  • Cumberland County, ME posted a job opening for Cook / Chef / Food Services in Portland. Apply here.
  • Panda Express posted a job opening for Cook (P1-1480646-2) in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

🗞 Nearby News

South Portland

  • South Portland, Maine Celebrates the New Year With a Run and a Polar Plunge (wjbq.com)
  • A Mainer's guide to a greener holiday cleanup (pressherald.com)
  • Mt. Blue High School prom (pressherald.com)

Westbrook

  • Westbrook church spreads holiday cheer with free Christmas dinners (wgme.com)
  • WMTW's Adoptable Pet of the Week spreads holiday cheer on Christmas Eve (wmtw.com)

Ok Portland! 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 guess I’m out of time.
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