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Gov. Mills names first director of Maine’s Office of New Americans

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Gov. Mills names first director of Maine’s Office of New Americans


Gov. Janet Mills named the first director to lead Maine’s Office of New Americans on Wednesday, marking an important milestone in the launching of a new effort to better track and respond to the arrival of immigrants to Maine.

Tarlan Ahmadov, who currently oversees statewide employment programs at the Maine Department of Labor and who has more than 20 years of experience in employment, immigration, refugee and social services, will begin his new role of director at the Office of New Americans on Jan. 21.

Tarlan Ahmadov. Photo courtesy of the Maine Governor’s Office

“I am honored to lead Maine’s Office of New Americans and grateful to Gov. Mills for the opportunity to advance its mission,” Ahmadov said in a written statement released by the governor’s office. “In this role, I will strengthen workforce integration, support immigrant entrepreneurs, and foster welcoming communities across the state.

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“I look forward to collaborating with community leaders, employers, state and municipal agencies, nonprofit, foundations, and other partners to build a stronger, more inclusive Maine where everyone can succeed and contribute to our collective success.”

The Office of New Americans, approved by the Legislature earlier this year, is charged with making Maine a home of opportunity for all, strengthening Maine’s workforce, enhancing the vibrancy of Maine’s communities, and building a stronger economy.

With Maine facing a shortage of workers across regions, professions and skill levels, the state must focus on improving how it connects new Americans to employers, the governor’s office said.

“Tarlan Ahmadov’s deep experience helping new Mainers adjust, step into jobs, and contribute to our state has prepared him well to lead the Office of New Americans,” Mills said in the statement. “Tarlan’s leadership will ensure that our workforce and economy can fully benefit from the valuable skills, knowledge, and work ethic of new Americans who make their home in Maine.”

Ahmadov has worked as director of the Division of Programs at the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Employment Services since 2022, and before that was Maine’s state refugee coordinator with Catholic Charities Maine from March 2017 to July 2022.

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He also previously worked in education and the nonprofit sector in Azerbaijan. He has a master’s degree in history and social sciences from Baku State University in Azerbaijan and is pursuing a doctorate in public policy at the University of Southern Maine.

Ahmadov will earn an annual salary of $110,073 in his new role.

Mills signed an executive order in August 2023 directing the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to come up with a plan to create a state office to assist the growing number of immigrants in Maine.

Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, introduced legislation on behalf of the governor to create the Office of New Americans, and the supplemental budget approved in April funded two positions in the office.

The governor’s plan for the office includes strengthening English-language acquisition opportunities; building support for entrepreneurs and workers; improving coordination of organizations and entities that support immigrants, including communities, schools and employers; working on federal immigration policies to benefit Maine; and improving Maine’s data about its immigrant populations.

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With the establishment of the office, Maine became the 19th state in the country to join the Office of New Americans State Network, a consortium of states with dedicated offices or staff for coordinating immigrant integration.

The network, which has since grown to 22 states, is coordinated by a partnership of two organizations, World Education Services and the American Immigration Council, and is expected to help provide Maine with expertise from around the country on developing successful policy approaches related to immigration.



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Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

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Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition


For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.

That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.

So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.

It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.

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But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.

Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine

Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.

Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.

Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.

There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.

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Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter

While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.

Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.

All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.

This list was updated in March of 2026

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Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine

Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!

Gallery Credit: Getty Images





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Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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