Maine

Maine attorney general sues big oil companies over climate change

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2024

Maine attorney general sues big oil companies over climate change

Maine’s attorney general filed a lawsuit Tuesday against multiple large oil companies alleging negligence, nuisance, unfair trade practices, failure to warn and trespass as parens patriae. Included among the parties being sued are Exxon, Shell, Chevron, British Petroleum (BP), Sunoco and the American Petroleum Institute (API).

In the complaint submitted by the state, the attorney general emphasizes how large oil conglomerates, knowing the risks climate change posed to the public, fabricated a public-relations campaign to mislead consumers about the role of greenhouse gases and human action in climate change. The complaint cited internal memoranda and communications within companies like BP demonstrate awareness of the consequences of climate change. The complaint also included a video, in which an Exxon executive admitted limiting climate change policy for profit maximization.

Whilst these oil companies claimed concerns about climate change were “unnecessarily catastrophizing,” the complaint highlights that evidence demonstrates a linkage between the release of greenhouse gases to climate change and the host of environmental harms it has inflicted on Maine, such as acid rain, extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

The complaint maintains that the defendant companies breached their duty of care to Maine’s citizens. Maine argues their knowledge of climate change entailed the defendants could reasonably have foreseen climate change-related harms, including environmental and economic damages. Yet, the defendant parties continued their informational campaign, constituting common law negligence. The role the API played in spreading misrepresentations about the safety of climate change in tandem with the defendant oil companies is also the basis for the state’s claim against API for unfair trade practices and civil aiding and abetting under Maine’s fair trade practice statute, which subjects companies engaging in unfair trade practice to civil punishment.

The complaint also says that through releasing greenhouse gases, the defendants’ conduct also amounts to private and public nuisance. The companies arguably infringed on individual Maine residents’ reasonable enjoyment and safety in their private lives from the impact of climate change. The consequences of climate change would also require extensive public funds and potentially damage or limit the use of state-owned land.

Through their policy of climate change denialism and misinformation, the defendant was also accused of statutory failure to warn. Insofar as the defendant oil companies were aware of the danger posed to the public by their products, and still failed to warn the public in general, the state argues they ought to be liable to the extent of the costs suffered by the state in adjusting to climate change under Maine’s civil procedure law.

The state seeks injunctions against further damages to property and nuisance, punitive and retributive damages, disgorgement of defendant profits and for the court to find in favor of the state in their claims of trespass and deceptive trade practices.

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

7 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

19 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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