Issue 4

Written By MIchelle Zagardo

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Quote of the week

“I am saying it clear and loud. To President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you.”

Mohsen Mahdawi, after a federal judge ordered his release from detention

The Dark

Here are a few hard truths this week – but remember, we’re in this together!

  • The administration demanded that University of Maine researchers stop a project to launch a floating wind turbine that has been over a decade in the making, and was just weeks away from completion.

  • Many folks in Dixfield are against housing for migrant employees but also … migrants are doing a job no one else will, and the Irving Forest Products mill needs migrants in order to survive.

  • Maine farmers continue to face funding uncertainty due to the administration’s actions as growing season is upon us.

The Light

Yes, good things are happening -- here’s proof!

  • Maine stands strong against the administration by keeping DEI programs in schools, which has broad implications for Maine’s compliance with future executive orders.

  • Lobsterfolk in Maine will be included in discussions about industry regulations going forward.

  • Maine joins a multistate lawsuit against the administration for dismantling Americorps, an organization that has workers supporting programs around the state.

  • Cambodian classical dance is staying alive through the organization Khmer Maine.

  • Some fourth graders in Bethel will have a sleepover at school after meeting their reading goals for the year!

Your Maine Action Kit

Pick one. Then go walk in some grass.

  • Call Senator King and thank him for this speech on the senate floor.

  • Call Susan Collins and ask her to speak out on the administration’s refusal to comply with judicial orders.

  • Call Jared Golden. Perhaps let him know that you are taking the constitutional crisis seriously and let him know that you would appreciate it if he did too.

For when it all feels like too much

  • Go scream with the frogs at night. Their deafening croaks will drown out your voice (and your thoughts).

  • Light a candle (or stare at a lamp) and say “This flame has outlasted every storm. So will I.”

  • Plant a seed. Hopefully it’s a veggie that will sustain you through the rising prices to come. And if you can’t? See the list of CSAs below.

Mark your calendar

See a more extensive, and ever-evolving, list of events on The Kindling’s calendar here. Or subscribe to the google calendar directly.

Dive Deeper

  • The Beacon Podcast covers how Trump’s tax policy will cost Mainers more than ever before, while decreasing available services.

Things that gave you hope last week

I’m going to be totally honest with you — it’s a little quiet out there! How are you doing? What’s good? What’s bad? I’ve been getting over to the Coos Trails in NH to ride out the end of mud season and whew, that’s been absolutely lovely.

If you can’t muster some hope, or your too busy running around the woods, just respond “sun”...because it’s out!

Til next week,

Michelle

Logistical things

  • Have news you want highlighted?

  • Have an event you want included on our calendar?

  • Have a resource you want to share with the community?

  • Have ideas I should hear?

  • Want to become a regular contributor to The Kindling?

  • Want to manage The Spark Map?

MIchelle Zagardo
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