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Maine school official ignites backlash after comparing trans athlete wave to historic civil rights movements

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Maine school official ignites backlash after comparing trans athlete wave to historic civil rights movements


Portland (Maine) Public Schools Superintendent Ryan Scallon is facing immense criticism after comparing the ongoing battle to enable trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports to past American civil rights struggles involving women and minorities. 

Scallon made his comments during a school board meeting on Tuesday. 

“In our country’s history, there have been many civil rights struggles, including, but not limited, to fights for women’s rights to vote, for racial equality and for gay marriage. In each of these fights, the opposition in part was driven by fear in attempts to ostracize other people who look, act or believe in something different,” Scallon said. “Today, I see that happening again with transgender or non-binary students, and in particular, our transgender athletes.” 

Maine state Rep. Laurel Libby, who has recently ascended as a key figure in the state’s ongoing resistance on trans inclusion, told Fox News Digital that she finds Scallon’s comments “insulting” and “unconscionable.” 

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“It’s insulting to women everywhere,” Libby said. “If I was a parent there, I would feel betrayed and like I don’t have representation, and certainly that my girls didn’t have representation… It’s an example of leadership actively participating in the erasure of women and girls.

“It is unconscionable that a public official would compare the woke policy of allowing biological males to participate in girls’ sports to the civil rights struggle that previous generations fought.” 

Libby became a prominent figure in this Maine debate after posting a Greely High School pole vaulter on social media. The pole vaulter competed as recently as June 2024 as a biological male, and ended up winning a state championship as a woman. 

Libby was later censured for the post, and has since filed a lawsuit in response to try and regain her voting and speaking privileges. 

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MAINE RESPONDS TO TRUMP ADMIN’S DECLARATION STATE VIOLATED TITLE IX BY ALLOWING TRANSGENDERS IN GIRLS SPORTS

Former Maine high school pole vaulting coach and official Allen Cornwall, who had to judge a competition that involved a trans athlete earlier this year, told Fox News Digital that he sees Scallon’s comments as “a farce.” 

“It’s a farce,” Cornwall said. “Until you sit there and look at the other girls’ faces, and then you can come and tell me why you think it’s fair, I don’t really want to hear it. I look at these girls’ faces every single week, I’ve witnessed it and they were dejected and they were hurt and then they found opportunities not to compete… it’s not what they wanted. So I find it ironic that these people who are supposedly, who are out for women’s rights, are forgetting that you’ve been trampling over women’s rights for years.” 

The executive director of the American Parents Coalition, Alleigh Marre, provided a statement to Fox News Digital condemning the entire liberal movement in Maine that is working to enable trans inclusion. 

“Parents overwhelmingly agree that forcing gender ideology on kids is unacceptable and they’re fed up with activists who pretend biology isn’t real,” Marre said. 

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“From boys in girls’ sports and locker rooms to tampons in boys’ bathrooms – families have had enough. Despite this, Maine liberals’ latest push of their ideology includes inviting a transgender activist who has been accused of [witnessing] sexual misconduct involving a minor to say the morning prayer at the House of Representatives today. Out of touch doesn’t begin to describe their continued actions. It is time for our leaders to listen to parents and families.”

Users on social media shared their own criticisms over Scallon’s comments. 

Maine has become one of the nation’s biggest battlegrounds in the national debate over trans inclusion in girls’ sports. 

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Buses leave King Middle School in Portland, Maine, at the end of the school day. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)

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The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it found the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association and Greely High School all in violation of Title IX following an investigation into trans-inclusion in girls’ sports. HHS said on Monday that the state has 10 days to comply with a written agreement, or risk referral to the Department of Justice. 

“What HHS is asking of the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) and Greely High School is simple – protect female athletes’ rights. Girls deserve girls-only sports without male competitors. And if Maine won’t come to the table to voluntarily comply with Title IX, HHS will enforce Title IX to the fullest extent permitted by the law,” OCR acting Director Anthony Archeval said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

The ongoing debate in the state has resulted in police protection being assigned to Greely High School, and even a massive protest against Gov. Janet Mills in Augusta last month. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Maine Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 16, 2026

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The results are in for the Maine Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 16.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 16 drawing

Day: 1-0-8

Evening: 0-4-2

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 16 drawing

Day: 4-4-6-3

Evening: 4-9-7-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Gimme 5 numbers from April 16 drawing

13-15-24-25-28

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Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 16 drawing

01-02-31-47-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Maine Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. (Day) and 6:50 p.m. (Evening) ET daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 10:38 p.m. ET daily.
  • Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Gimme 5: 6:59 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday.
  • Cash Pop: 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET daily.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Meet the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students  – UMaine News

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Meet the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students  – UMaine News


Twelve undergraduates have been named 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at the University of Maine.

Hamidah Aldarwish

Hamidah Aldarwish

College of Education and Human Development

Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations

Hamidah Aldarwish of Dammam, Saudi Arabia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Education and Human Development. Aldarwish arrived in Maine in 2019 with her family — her husband, Jafar, and their three girls who are now ages 11 to 15. Aldarwish completed her capstone internship at UMaine’s Children’s Center with a focus on the application of observational and developmental principles in early childhood settings, particularly related to children with diverse developmental needs, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After graduation, Aldarwish plans to return to Saudi Arabia to work with families and children. 

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A full profile of Aldarwish is online. 

A portrait of Ella Boxall
Ella Boxall

Ella Boxall

Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Minors in Sustainability and Mathematics and a Concentration in Water Resources

Ella Boxall of Kennebunkport, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. She has completed internships with GEI Consultants and TRC Companies, conducted research using MATLAB to project sea level rise and king tides in Bar Harbor and served as a learning assistant and grader. Her capstone project focuses on redesigning a gravity-fed water system for a salmon rearing facility in Aroostook County, highlighting creative, low-energy engineering solutions. She plans to pursue graduate studies in marine science in the United Kingdom and build a career promoting coastal and environmental resilience.

A full profile of Boxall is available online. 

A portrait of Dianne Brindisi
Dianne Brindisi

Dianne Brindisi

Division of Lifelong Learning

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Bachelor of University Studies, Leadership Studies Track

Dianne Brindisi of Cape Neddick, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Division of Lifelong Learning at the University of Maine. Service has always been central to Brindisi’s life. From supporting families in need and mentoring young leaders to contributing to professional associations that advance women and industry standards, Brindisi believes leadership is inseparable from service. Looking ahead, she is committed to educating the public about the university studies program and sharing her positive experience and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a program ambassador. 

A full profile of Brindisi is online. 

A portrait of Kate Christine Evans
Kate Evans

Kate Evans

College of Education and Human Development

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a Second Major in Spanish

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Kate Evans of Bangor, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Education and Human Development. A single mom of four young children, whom she has homeschooled while working toward her degree, Evans earned a 4.00 GPA while pursuing double majors in secondary education and Spanish. She received the Roger Hill Humanities Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Junior Award. Evans is an active member of her church community, where she often volunteers her time for service and educational programs. After graduating she plans to stay in the Bangor region and teach Spanish at a local high school.

A full profile of Evans is online. 

A portrait of Chantelle Flores
Chantelle Flores

Chantelle Flores

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Creative Writing

Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a Minor in Classical Studies

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Chantelle Flores of Oakland, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She was a McGillicuddy Humanities Center (MHC) Undergraduate Fellow, as well as a Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow through the center. Flores interned at the UMaine Writing Center and served as co-editor-in-chief of Spire magazine. After graduation, she plans to pursue an internship related to literature or the arts and apply for graduate programs for art history, with the ultimate goal of acquiring a Ph.D. in contemporary art history and becoming a professor.

A full profile of Flores is online. 

A portrait of Zoe Furber
Zoe Furber

Zoe Furber

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a Second Major in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology

Zoe Furber of Vancouver, British Columbia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. She has been a member of the UMaine Field Hockey team since 2022 and was appointed captain in 2025. During her time at UMaine, she completed a capstone project comparing ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine to heart rate metrics of blue mussels. These experiences prepared her for a career in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability. Furber plans to complete a Master of Science in Global Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, where she will play field hockey for an additional year.

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A full profile of Furber is online. 

A portrait of Ruth Griffith
Ruth Griffith

Ruth Griffith

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Economics with Minors in Mathematics and International Affairs

Ruth Griffith of Parkman, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Honors College and the 2026 UMaine valedictorian. She is majoring in economics with minors in mathematics and international affairs. Through her honors thesis, Griffith developed a method to analyze sub-county economic trends using regional data, helping illuminate how policies impact local communities across Maine. Drawing on her background in regional economics, she adapted tools used for markets to understand disparities. Beyond academics, she has led service initiatives such as the Maine Day Meal Packout, coordinating efforts that provide tens of thousands of meals statewide. She will launch her career at TD Bank in New York City after graduation and plans to one day pursue a Master of Business Administration.

A full profile of Griffith is online.

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A portrait of Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting with a Second Major in Business Information Systems and Security Management

Sarah Johnson of Clifton, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Maine Business School. Johnson has completed multiple internships with both the Maine Business School and BerryDunn, an accounting and consulting services firm. She has also worked as an undergraduate assistant for UMaine’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. These roles strengthened her professional skill set, including effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to apply feedback constructively. They also prepared her to approach problems analytically and to collaborate effectively in a professional setting. Following graduation, she will launch her career at BerryDunn as a tax specialist.  

A full profile of Johnson is online. 

A portrait of Jasper Makowski
Jasper Makowski

Jasper Makowski

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College

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Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Jasper Makowski of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. He secured internships and part-time work with two medical facilities and UMaine’s Maginnis Lab. Working closely with associate professor of microbiology Melissa Maginnis, he researched signaling mechanisms in viruses and learned about a range of diseases. Makowski is a student organizer for the Maine Day Meal Packout. Outside of academics, he retreats to the Maine outdoors and enjoys a variety of activities, from backpacking to fly fishing. After he graduates, he is pursuing a medical degree with plans to return to rural Maine as a primary care provider. 

A full profile of Makowski is online. 

A portrait Andrii Obertas
Andrii Obertas

Andrii Obertas

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Physics

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Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Andrii Obertas of Lutsk, Ukraine, is the 2026 Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the 2026 UMaine co-salutatorian. Pursuing dual degrees in physics and mathematics, Obertas has distinguished himself through academic excellence and perseverance. He has conducted original research in both physics and mathematics, while also engaging in outreach efforts that bring science education to communities across Maine. His experience at UMaine has been shaped by a strong sense of community and opportunity, which he credits with providing hope for his future. After graduation, Obertas plans to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics through the accelerated 4+1 program.

A full profile of Obertas is online.

A portrait of Samuel Tremblay
Samuel Tremblay

Samuel Tremblay

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management

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Samuel Tremblay of Quebec City is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the Maine Business School. Tremblay is a tutor, mentor, Maine Business School ambassador and president of the UMaine chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. He is also a kicker for the UMaine Football Team, through which he became a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award, and a representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He served as a captain on Canada’s Junior National Team at the International Federation of American Football’s World Junior Championship. After graduation, he plans to stay at UMaine and pursue a master’s degree while continuing to play football.  

A full profile of Tremblay is online. 

A portrait of Karun Varghes
Karun Varghes

Karun Varghese

Maine College of Engineering and Computing | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a Minor in Robotics

Karun Varghese of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing and the Honors College. Varghese assumed research roles in the Computer Vision and Autonomous Robotics Lab, the High Altitude Ballooning Lab and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Outside of academics, he participated in the Black Bear Robotics Club, the South Asian Association of Maine and Model United Nations. Through Model UN, he traveled internationally to Taiwan, the Philippines and Peru. After graduation, he will pursue graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.

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A full profile of Varghese is online. 

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu 



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Heading to Maine? Buy local or heat-treated firewood to comply with state rules

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Heading to Maine? Buy local or heat-treated firewood to comply with state rules


PORTLAND (WGME) — Campfire season is upon us, and many people might not think twice about transporting firewood from state to state.

But it’s important to remember that it’s illegal to bring out-of-state firewood into Maine, unless it’s properly treated.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

“Whether it’s processed firewood or log-length firewood, if its purpose is to be used for firewood and it’s coming from out of state, then it needs to be heat-treated. Heat treatment means that the firewood would have reached a core temperature of at least 160 degrees for at least 75 minutes,” Maine Forest Service State Entomologist Allison Kanoti said.

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Facilities that offer heat-treated firewood need a permit.

That permit then travels with the wood for proof that it was properly treated.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

“Heat treating will kill things like insects, nematodes, fungus, bacteria that can travel in and on firewood and cause harm to our environment,” Kanoti said.

As of now, there is no county-to-county ban on transporting firewood, but there are quarantines in place to keep organisms from spreading.

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“They are pest-based quarantines, so they focus on individual organisms. They are the emerald ash borer quarantine, which regulates the movement of hardwood firewood. Also, the European Larch Canker quarantine regulates the movement of any larch,” Kanoti said.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

Examples of larch wood are conifers as well as tamarack.

And since the state-to-state ban was issued, Maine’s trees may be reaping the benefits.

“We do have some evidence that it is slowing the spread of these potentially dangerous organisms. But really, we just need everybody to make the right decisions regardless of the rules, and that is to use the local firewood,” Kanoti said.

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There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

Here you can learn more about the ban or the quarantines in place.



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