Callie Ferguson, Bangor Daily News Journalist Profile

Articles

Can this plan to transform Maine’s youth prison win over Janet Mills?

1 week ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

A lawmaker who has generally collaborated with Gov. Janet Mills on juvenile justice reform has proposed an idea to transform Maine’s only youth prison into a more treatment-focused facility for adolescents in the juvenile justice system. The bill from Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, is a novel idea that revives a dormant effort to stop using Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland in its current form.
Who should handle kids in trouble with the law? Lawmakers return to familiar debate.

3 weeks ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

Last week, Maine lawmakers discussed a bill that would give police the option to refer adolescents accused of a crime to state health officials for an evaluation instead of sending them to juvenile court. The proposed legislation, LD 740, is designed to identify and address the underlying reasons why teens are getting into trouble with the law without sending them into the juvenile justice system, exposure to which can have a negative effect.
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault names new award after BDN editor

3 weeks ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault during its annual awards ceremony in Augusta on Thursday recognized Erin Rhoda, editor of the Bangor Daily News’ Maine Focus team, for her dedicated coverage of stories that affects sexual assault survivors and the systems the hold perpetrators accountable. The organization presented her with an award it created to honor her work over the years: The Erin Rhoda Excellence In Reporting Award.
Once reluctant, Maine leaders have changed how they talk about sexual assault in the National Guard

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

If you or someone you know needs resources or support related to sexual violence, contact the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s 24/7 hotline at 800-871-7741. AUGUSTA, Maine — Three years ago, it wasn’t easy for Maine leaders to discuss an uncomfortable truth about the Maine Army National Guard: that its culture had allowed sexual assault and harassment to go unchecked and instead punished women who spoke up.
Maine cop arrested for violating a protection order was allowed to resign

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Erin Rhoda |Callie Ferguson

Oxford County commissioners allowed a local deputy to resign on Thursday after he was arrested for violating a protection from abuse order that prohibited him from carrying firearms. His resignation ended a five-month leave of absence from the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office that began when the no-contact order was issued against him, during which the deputy continued to collect a paycheck.
A Democratic-leaning town is among Maine’s 1st to pursue a deal with ICE

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

The Wells Police Department has taken steps to become the first Maine agency to establish a formal partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which could draw the liberal-leaning town into a debate over whether local police should work with those carrying out President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation agenda.
Maine picks nonprofit to run first locked residential program for kids

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

Sweetser, a Maine behavioral health nonprofit, will establish the state’s first secure residential program for children with severe mental health conditions in 2026 after it was the only organization to apply for a state grant to help with start-up costs. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services awarded the $2 million contract on March 20, marking a major advancement in the state’s yearslong effort to create a psychiatric residential treatment facility in Maine, which began in 2018.
Maine jail hires former prison supervisor despite concerns about past misconduct

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

Somerset County officials recently hired a former Maine State Prison supervisor to oversee programs at the local jail despite initial concerns about his past participation in what the prison had called an “inappropriate” group chat with other prison guards. The county’s five commissioners voted unanimously last week to make Evan Touchette the programs manager for the Somerset County Jail in Madison, according to a county official and a draft copy of the March 19 meeting minutes.
Maine Principals' Association says Trump administration has no authority to investigate it

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

The Maine organization that oversees high school athletic competition has pushed back against the Trump administration claiming that it is in violation of federal civil rights law, arguing in a letter that the federal government does not have the authority to investigate its policies.
Trump administration gives Maine 10 days to change transgender athlete rules

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Callie Ferguson

This story will be updatedThe Trump administration on Monday gave Maine officials ten days to resolve alleged Title IX violations by signing an agreement that would require the state to change its policy around transgender high school athletes and return nearly $187,000 in federal funds.