Maine

Opinion: Signs of hope, but work remains on overdose deaths issue

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2024

Opinion: Signs of hope, but work remains on overdose deaths issue

Last year, a collective sigh of relief echoed through Maine’s recovery and harm reduction communities as the state witnessed a drop in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023. This decrease translates to around 120 Mainers whose lives were likely saved by the policy changes advocated for by people in recovery and those who use drugs, passed by the Maine Legislature, and supported by the Mills administration. While these numbers give us much to celebrate, they also underscore the challenges that remain.

Despite the progress, Maine still faced the heartbreaking loss of over 600 individuals last year, including our friends Fred and Brian. The toll of the opioid epidemic on our state has been immense, and we are both exhausted from attending the funerals of our loved ones.

These losses are a stark reminder that our work is far from over.

Gov. Mills’ recognition of the balance between celebration and continued effort was evident at her 6th Annual Opioid Summit in Auburn a few weeks ago. The governor did an excellent job of bringing together key stakeholders in this crucial fight and facilitating nuanced conversations in a public setting. We want to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to Gov. Mills for her commitment to addressing the opioid crisis in Maine. As people who have personally experienced substance use disorders and lost many friends to this disease, we understand the high stakes in this battle.

We also want to acknowledge Gov. Mills’ willingness to listen to and engage with those who have lived experience with SUDs. During the 130th Legislature, it appeared that Gov. Mills was inclined to veto the Good Samaritan Bill, sponsored by former Sen. Chloe Maxmin. However, in the final moments, after some invaluable conversations, she chose to sign the bill into law. This decision, along with the Mills administration’s significant investment in naloxone and harm reduction services, likely contributed to the dramatic reduction in overdose deaths in 2023. These efforts deserve considerable credit and praise.

However, we know that Maine can do better than 600 deaths and we are ready to continue to work to ensure we do.

Last year, a bill that would have allowed towns to establish Overdose Prevention Centers passed in the Maine House with bipartisan support but narrowly failed in the Senate, ultimately being converted into a study commission. We believe that this was a direct result of the governor indicating that she would have vetoed the bill had it reached her desk as written.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to mourn the lives of our loved ones and to commit to action, we urge Gov. Mills to reconsider her stance on this policy – just like she did with the expanded Good Samaritan Law. There is clear evidence from around the world that Overdose Prevention Centers save lives – not just by preventing overdoses, but also by addressing other health and safety concerns.

Overdose is not the only danger facing people who use drugs. The risks of contracting hepatitis C or HIV are also high. In 2021, Maine had the highest rate of reported acute hepatitis C cases in the United States. Additionally, there is currently a deeply concerning HIV outbreak in Bangor that seems to be flying under the public radar. All of these risks could be significantly reduced if Maine were to pass a bill allowing Overdose Prevention Centers to operate. We hope Gov. Mills will reconsider her position on this important issue.

We ask that Gov. Mills continue to listen to the recovery and harm reduction community as we work together to keep our friends, neighbors and loved ones safe. We look forward to collaborating with her in the 132nd Legislature to authorize overdose prevention centers in Maine.

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

5 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

17 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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