Dogs are being trained to identify the presence of invasive species in the environment in Kennebunk, Maine. Researchers from Texas Tech and Virginia Tech are leading this training as part of a national study. The study involves five dogs — Tempe, June, Hopper, Woody, and Cami —working with their owners and a trainer from the Animal Welfare Society (AWS), Melissa McCrue-McGrath, to specifically detect the invasive spotted lanternfly.
What is an invasive species and how can dogs detect them?
An invasive species is an organism that brings ecological or economic damage within the environment where it is not naturally found. The essence of this training is to explore whether dogs can identify the scent of the lanternfly, thereby aiding in the fight against its spread. McCrue-McGrath explains the training process, which involves hiding dead insect eggs in various containers for the dogs to locate. Upon finding an egg, the dogs are trained to signal to their owners — an action which is rewarded with treats.
An invasive species, such as the spotted lanternfly first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, poses significant threats to local ecosystems. Having spread to 17 states since its detection, its presence in Maine is a concern, given its potential impact. Invasive species often outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and can cause significant agricultural damage.
Dogs, with their highly developed sense of smell, can detect these species in a way humans cannot. Trained dogs can sniff out the scent of invasive species like the spotted lanternfly from substantial distances and even beneath the ground. Their training involves harnessing this capability by associating the detection of specific scents with positive reinforcement — per News Center Maine. As McCrue-McGrath says, “If we can get them to trust their noses and tell us it’s here, we can hopefully prevent this bug from getting into the state of Maine.”
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By the end of March, researchers expect the dogs involved in the study to pass an odor test in order to advance to the next training phase, which will involve field tests. Success in these trials could signify a groundbreaking step towards utilizing trained dogs in environmental conservation efforts, particularly in detecting and preventing the spread of invasive species.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.
Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”
“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.
Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.
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However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.
READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate
Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.
Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.
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“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.
Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
On March 2, Spurwink will join community partners for a special viewing of Building Hope: Ending Homelessness in Maine at the University of Southern Maine’s McGoldrick Hall.
Directed by Richard Kane and produced by Melody Lewis-Kane, the film shines a compassionate light on the realities of Maine’s homelessness crisis. Through deeply personal stories, Building Hope explores the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and families, while highlighting the hope that emerges when communities come together to create solutions. It’s been praised for its honesty, dignity, and inspiring message: change is possible when we work together.
Following the screening, a panel of local leaders and advocates will discuss the film and the ongoing effort in Maine to end homelessness. Panelists will include Katherine Rodney, Director of Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center; Cullen Ryan, Chief Strategic Officer at 3Rivers; Donna Wampole, Assistant Professor of Social Work at USM; and Preble Street staff. Catherine Ryder, Spurwink’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, will bring her expertise in trauma-informed care and community collaboration to the panel as the moderator.
Keon Johnson had 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Maine Celtics defeated the Windy City Bulls 122-87 in an NBA G League game on Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo.
Hason Ward scored 16 points and Jalen Bridges 14 for Maine (13-15), which had seven players score in double digits. Bridges drained four 3-pointers for the Celtics, who shot 13 for 28 (46.4%) from beyond the arc.
Max Shulga dished out 11 assists and scored nine points.
Maine led 33-18 after one quarter 72-36 at halftime.
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Keyshawn Bryant scored a game-high 25 points for Windy City (12-12).
