Reza Jalali, the University of Southern Maine coordinator of multicultural student affairs, said re-humanizing immigrants and changing the narrative is the way to becoming more accepting as a country.
Jason Pafundi
Jason Pafundi, a native Floridian who moved to Maine from Los Angeles in August 2015 with his wife, covers Hallowell, Togus, education and religion. He began his career at the Kennebec Journal in November 2015 after freelancing for the Portland Press Herald for several months.
Pafundi graduated from the University of Florida earlier this century and has taught high school English, coached varsity basketball and worked in media relations for the New York Rangers.
The diehard Mets and Redskins fan is a sports, movies, music and television fanatic who enjoys discussing current events, history and pop culture. He’s attended two Super Bowls, two World Series, a Stanley Cup Final and has seen Elton John in concert 13 times and counting.
Pafundi’s modest goals for 2017 including cutting back on his cheese consumption.
‘Someone other than a student’ might have emailed Augusta schools bomb threat
After searching for five hours, police did not find any bombs in city schools and say the threat might be linked to others made to schools Friday, police said.
With some sap running early, maple syrup producers hope for good 2016 season
Many sugar shacks have gotten an early jump on the maple syrup season as producers hope to rebound from a difficult 2015.
Flood risk below normal in central Maine
Because of warmer weather and below-average snowfall, flooding is not expected to occur across Maine this spring.
Home-school theater group performing Shakespeare in Monmouth
The Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers is staging a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” ahead of April’s 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
U.S. Coast Guard completes Kennebec River breakout earlier than expected
Two cutters went up river to Gardiner to clear any jams on Friday, but there were none.
Hallowell’s first Charter Commission to consider changes to hiring practices
The commission is holding the first of several planned workshops and public meetings March 9 and is considering changes to the way the police chief is appointed each year.
Gardiner among local schools to participate in Read to ME Challenge
Gardiner high school students read to elementary school children, while adults read stories to local middle schoolers.
Hallowell fixture Slates announces relocation plans after 36 years
Renovations for the business, including moving the restaurant into the current bakery space, are expected to be completed in late April.
Weak ice on the Kennebec River leads to short smelt fishing season
Baker’s Smelt Camps in Pittston didn’t put any shacks on the ice for the first time in nearly 40 years.