Esta Pratt-Kielley

Portland

Digital News Reporter at Maine Public Broadcasting Network

(she/her). Digital news reporter @MainePublic. Prev @MSNBC & @NBCNews. All opinions my own...I think?

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Articles

Maine Legislature to hear GOP bills targeting trans athletes on girls' sports teams

1 week ago | mainepublic.org | Steve Mistler |Esta Pratt-Kielley

The months-long political battle over transgender athletes competing on girls' sports teams will land in the Maine Legislature on Thursday, as the Judiciary Committee will hold public hearings on a slate of Republican proposals to ban the practice. Most of the bills take aim at the Maine Human Rights Act and gender identity protections that have existed for years, but have recently been criticized by Republicans and President Donald Trump.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump’s passport policy affecting transgender Americans

3 weeks ago | mainepublic.org | Esta Pratt-Kielley

A federal judge hasblocked aTrump administration policy prohibiting the use of the 'X' marker on passports, as well as updates to sex designations. The ACLU sued the Trump administration over the policy on behalf of five transgender Americans and two nonbinary plaintiffs. ACLU attorney Sruti Swaminathan said the policy would harm transgender, nonbinary and intersex Americans by inhibiting them from getting an accurate passport.
Transgender Mainers face travel uncertainty and fears in the wake of Trump's passport policy

1 month ago | bangordailynews.com | Esta Pratt-Kielley

In January, the State Department announced that it would no longer issue “X” gender markers on passports or allow transgender Americans to update their passports with their gender identity. Shortly after that, Leo Goddard called the Franklin County Probate court with a simple question. “I stumbled over my words when I called and I was like, ‘I don’t know any other way to phrase this. … Can trans people even get their passports anymore? Like, are trans people allowed to get passports?’” Goddard said.
As the Real ID deadline approaches, Maine BMV offices see longer wait times

1 month ago | mainepublic.org | Esta Pratt-Kielley

Beginning May 7, domestic air travelers will need a Real ID-compliant identification, or a valid passport. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said that Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches across Maine are seeing record-breaking numbers of applicants and visitors in anticipation of that deadline. "[Last] Friday night at five o'clock, there were approximately 300 people statewide across all our branches still waiting to get served," Bellows said.
Evan Gershkovich freed from Russian custody in prisoner swap

Aug 1, 2024 | mainepublic.org | Esta Pratt-Kielley

This story will be updated. Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich was freed from Russian custody on Thursday in a poisoner swap, according to Pennsylvania congressman Rep. Brendan F. Boyle. He spent 16 months in Russian prison. Gerschkovich, a Bowdoin alum, was detained in Russia in March 2023 on espionage charges, and was convicted and sentenced to 16 years last month. The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government have maintained that the charges are false.
How Maine's only high school blacksmithing program is keeping the trade alive

May 10, 2024 | nhpr.org | Robbie Feinberg |Esta Pratt-Kielley

Once a fixture in nearly every community, the blacksmith shop is now mostly a relic of the past, but for a few hobbyists and shops scattered across the state. But a small charter school in central Maine is trying to re-invigorate interest in the craft. Over the past few years, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences has vastly expanded its blacksmithing program, which has become, for some students, a stepping stone into the trades.
Maine's only high school blacksmithing program is keeping the trade alive

May 10, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Robbie Feinberg |Esta Pratt-Kielley

Once a fixture in nearly every community, the blacksmith shop is now mostly a relic of the past, but for a few hobbyists and shops scattered across the state. But a small charter school in central Maine is trying to reinvigorate interest in the craft. Over the past few years, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences has vastly expanded its blacksmithing program, which has become, for some students, a stepping stone into the trades.
How Maine's only high school blacksmithing program is keeping the trade alive

May 10, 2024 | mainepublic.org | Robbie Feinberg |Esta Pratt-Kielley

Once a fixture in nearly every community, the blacksmith shop is now mostly a relic of the past, but for a few hobbyists and shops scattered across the state. But a small charter school in central Maine is trying to re-invigorate interest in the craft. Over the past few years, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences has vastly expanded its blacksmithing program, which has become, for some students, a stepping stone into the trades.
Lewiston bowling alley reopens 6 months after mass shooting

May 3, 2024 | nhpr.org | Esta Pratt-Kielley

Just-In-Time Recreation reopened on Friday for the first time since the mass shootings in Lewiston on Oct. 25, 2023 that killed 18 people. Eight people were killed at the bowling alley. A few dozen people lined up outside of the bowling alley ahead of the official opening at 10 a.m. Owners Justin and Samantha Juray greeted community members, smiling and getting emotional as they hugged friends. The bowling alley will hold a grand opening ceremony and celebration at 3 p.m. on Friday. Maine Gov.
LGBTQ+ families find protection and affirmation in Maine's new confirmatory adoption law

Apr 18, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Esta Pratt-Kielley

Brigid and Mattie Black are playing with their 2-year-old son Bennett at their home in Saco, hiding toy dinosaurs in plastic eggs. Joy explodes across his face when he finds his favorite. “A tetradactyl!” he yells in excitement. Mattie and Brigid are married, and they conceived Bennett with the assistance of a sperm donor. Mattie gave birth to him in January 2022. “He calls me Momo,” Mattie said. “And I’m mama,” Brigid said. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v.