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Superheroes, villains descend on Portland for first Maine Cosplay Extravaganza

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Superheroes, villains descend on Portland for first Maine Cosplay Extravaganza


From Batman and Batgirl to Dr. Doom and the Joker, superheroes and villains swooped into Portland this weekend – with a great deal of elaborate equipment – for the Maine Cosplay Extravaganza at Thompson’s Level.

Cosplay is the follow of dressing up and taking part in fantasy characters, which has grown in reputation for the reason that Nineties. Individuals typically change into heroes or villains to boost smiles and help for charity.

The occasion’s organizers, husband and spouse Keith and Mollie Dinsmore of Limerick, performed Batman and Batgirl. Their costumes seemed like they could possibly be straight off a Hollywood set.

Belgrade residents Kim Roy, dressed as “Steampunk Voodoo,” and Aaron Feldmus, dressed as “Steampunk Aquaman,” take a look at the show tables at Maine Cosplay Extravaganza, a two-day occasion at Thompson’s Level. Derek Davis/Workers Photographer

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The Dinsmores mentioned they have been drawn to the energy of Batgirl and the character of Batman, who was orphaned as a boy and suffered ache rising up.

“I had a quite powerful childhood (too),” mentioned Keith Dinsmore.

He began out getting “a very, actually good costume,” and performed Batman strolling across the Outdated Port because the bars closed. “We figured we’d get probably the most response there,” he mentioned. “We have been proper.”

The couple have appeared often at birthday events and charity occasions since 2013, but additionally don costumes to help causes like “Aiming for Zero,” which works to stop suicide amongst navy veterans.

Cosplay’s rising reputation prompted the Dinsmores to prepare the occasion. They have been happy with the turnout, estimated at 1,000 individuals and spectators over two days.

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Amongst them was Jeno Bianchi of South Berwick, a Ghostbuster. He wore the acquainted tan Ghostbuster uniform full with devices, like a “neutrona wand” that Bianchi designed with a 3-D printer. “Ghostbusters is among the first large issues I grew up with, Ghostbusters and Ninja Turtles. It simply caught with me,” he mentioned. “Sooner or later I discovered I could possibly be a Ghostbuster, and there I’m.”

Markus Steelgrave laughs whereas doing magic methods for a gaggle of younger women on the Maine Cosplay Extravaganza, a two-day occasion at Thompson’s Level. From left to proper, Zayn Albert, 14, of Portland; Ashton Sylvain, 13, of Portland; Drew Weaver, 12, of North Yarmouth; and Dev Perrin, 13, of North Yarmouth. Derek Davis/Workers Photographer

When Bianchi isn’t a Ghostbuster, “I’m a trainer. I educate science. Very becoming, proper,” he mentioned with amusing.

With him was Dr. Doom, a villain from the world of Spider-Man, performed by Lisa Speropolous of Lee, N.H.

“Dr. Doom is a person, however I put my very own spin on it,” mentioned Speropolous, a university professor on the Southern New Hampshire College. “I educate justice research,” she mentioned, smiling concerning the truth she performs a villain.

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Amanda Walker of South Paris got here as Marvel Lady, full with the swimsuit, cuffs, tiara and boots.

Her brother, Dustin Holmes of South Paris, was Spider-Man. He arrange within the conference corridor along with his Honda sedan coated in flashy purple and blue Spider-Man colours with a black spider on the hood and “SPID3Y” on the license plate. “Spiderman is one among my favourite superheroes,” Holmes mentioned. “That is my on a regular basis automobile,” apart from the winter.

When requested for a photograph, Holmes crouched down, similar to Spider-Man.

Mollie and Keith Dinsmore as Batgirl and Batman. The couple organized Maine Cosplay Extravaganza. Photograph by Steven Palmer

Walker and Holmes are a part of HONOR, Heroes of Norway/Oxford Areas, whose members assist elevate cash for charities with their hero appearances.

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Chris Robley of Lewiston, a marketer for a music distributor, attended along with his 9-year-old daughter, Esme. He was the Joker, she was Harley Quinn, the Joker’s sidekick. “It’s enjoyable dressing up,” mentioned the fourth grader.

Shut by was a Dr. Who fan group from the Lewiston-Auburn space.

Dr. Who was Bud Santos, who used to run a toy retailer within the Auburn Mall. Santos confirmed off what seems to be like a blue, British police field, a bit greater than a telephone sales space.

“I constructed it,” Santos mentioned. “That is the one TARDIS that’s handicapped outfitted,” he mentioned, exhibiting a ramp behind the field permitting wheelchairs to enter. “The TARDIS stands for Time And Relative Dimensions in Area,” he mentioned, explaining how Dr. Who travels in time.

The occasion additionally attracted a gaggle {of professional} cosplay actors from Quebec, ranging in age from 9 to 69. They mentioned they’ve enjoyable, and that when entering into costumes they change into a bit just like the characters. An introvert can change into extra animated, individuals who slouch arise tall like a superhero.

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For Dinsmore, the occasion’s organizer, placing on his Batman swimsuit means “my voice robotically drops an octave,” he mentioned. However he doesn’t seize the entire habits.

Batman broods and by no means smiles. Dinsmore mentioned he’s a Batman who smiles.


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National Democrats target two Republican seats in Maine Senate

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National Democrats target two Republican seats in Maine Senate


National Democrats on Wednesday announced that they’re looking to flip two seats in the state Senate that are currently held by Republicans.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the party’s official campaign arm, said it’s offering support and resources to Democrats in Districts 15 and 20, representing Augusta and Auburn, respectively. Those seats are currently held by Republicans Matthew Pouliot and Eric Brakey, who are not seeking reelection.

The group is expected to provide campaign support and channel national donors to the Democratic challengers in those races: Rep. Raegan LaRochelle in District 15 and Bettyanne Sheets in District 20.

The announcement is part of the DLCC’s “Summer of the States” campaign. Launched last week, the campaign is supporting hundreds of Democrats running in state-level races to help secure Democratic majorities and prevent “MAGA control of state legislatures,” referring to Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.

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DLCC President Heather William said in a written statement that the seats “are crucial for defending Democratic power.”

“Legislative victories in Maine have protected a slate of fundamental freedoms, and these candidates are challenging GOP incumbents to strengthen Democratic majorities and protect Mainers from a dangerous Republican agenda,” Williams said. “Mounting strong campaigns to fight GOP extremism is what the DLCC does best, and the victories of these candidates will help Maine remain an outstanding example of Democratic achievement.”

In addition to candidate spotlights, the DLCC also contributes funds directly to Democratic committees. But a spokesperson said it’s too soon to say how much the party is planning to invest this year.

In 2022, which included a gubernatorial election, the DLCC invested nearly $1.4 million in Democratic campaign committees here, which helped maintain Democratic control of both Legislative chambers and the Blaine House.

Maintaining the Democratic trifecta allowed for the expansion of abortion access later in pregnancy and protected access to health care, including for those seeking and providing abortion and gender-affirming care.

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Those efforts have been applauded by Democrats nationally, especially as they seek to keep reproductive rights at the forefront of voters’ minds. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade two years ago, effectively ending national abortion protections, Republican controlled states have enacted restrictions and outright bans. But Maine was one of the few states to buck that trend and expand access.

Control of the state legislature is also on the radar of the Republican State Leadership Committee, which announced on Tuesday that it was spending $38 million to help secure and flip control of state legislatures. Maine is among seven states where Republicans hope to make “meaningful gains in liberal strongholds.”

“As we head into the upcoming election, our focus remains on securing majorities, but we will also continue to lay the foundation for long-term success in these blue states,” the group said. “We are strategically investing in key states to break Democratic strongholds and build new majorities that will endure through the decade.”

Democrats currently hold 22 of the 35 seats in the state Senate.

In District 15, LaRochelle, who is finishing her second term in the House, is running against Rep. Dick Bradstreet, a Vassalboro Republican who is finishing his fourth term in the House.

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Sheets is in a three way race for the District 20 seat, which she nearly won two years ago in a close race with Brakey. She’s running against Bruce Bickford, an Auburn Republican who served six terms in the House, and independent Dustin Ward, who currently serves on the New Gloucester Select Board.

Ranked choice voting will be used in District 20. If any candidate fails to receive a majority in the first round, an instant runoffice will be held and the second place votes on the ballot’s of the third place finisher will determine the winner.

This story will be updated.

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Off-duty officer hit by vehicle, driver arrested after fight, police say

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Off-duty officer hit by vehicle, driver arrested after fight, police say


An off-duty reserve police officer was undergoing surgery after an incident Tuesday in which he was hit by a vehicle, Maine State Police said.

Many details around the incident in Norway, Maine, involving the reserve officer for Oxford police and another man, who was arrested, weren’t immediately available. There was no danger to the public.

The off-duty officer, Joe Correia, a 31-year-old from Norway, was outside of his vehicle on Crocket Ridge Road and hit by a vehicle being driven by Michael Carleton, of Paris, Maine, about 6 p.m., police said.

That led to a fight between the two, according to police. Carleton was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon; it wasn’t immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak to the charges.

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Correia is expected to survive his injuries, according to police, who continued to investigate what happened as of Tuesday night.



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Maine unemployment numbers continue to see positive change

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Maine unemployment numbers continue to see positive change


(WABI) – The unemployment situation in Maine continues to see little change as the year progresses.

According to a report from the Maine Department of Labor, the unemployment rate across the state remains well below long-term averages.

The preliminary 3% unemployment rate changed from 3.1% in April.

Unemployment has been below 4% for 30 months which is the second longest such period and below the U.S. average.

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The full report is listed here.



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