Meghan Torjussen

Westbrook

News anchor at 4,5,6 and 11 on WMTW News 8 (ABC) and Maine’s CW in Portland, Maine. Mom, dog-lover, voracious shopper 👜(RTs/links don't endorse; views mine)

Articles

Maine man volunteers, fundraises in honor of his heart donor

6 days ago | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

For Mark Calkins, life has been a fight. "I was born with congenital heart disease. At age 10, I collapsed in gym class," Calkins said. "I was having my first open heart surgery two weeks later."The South Portland resident said he has undergone multiple surgeries, including a groundbreaking procedure that had never been performed on a live patient in New England before. Calkins' last surgery was a life-saving transplant that happened on Jan. 6, 2024.
Angus King III announces run for Maine governor

1 week ago | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

A second Democratic candidate for the Blaine House in 2026 has officially announced their campaign. Angus King III, the son of U.S. Senator and former Maine Governor Angus King, officially announced his run for the seat Tuesday morning. Unlike his father, King III plans to campaign as a Democrat but says his priorities cross party lines. "My goal is to be the governor for everybody in the state of Maine," said King in an interview with Maine's Total Coverage.
Maine program to provide mental health services for young adults

Oct 18, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

TIME NOW FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT OF THE WEEK. SWEETSER IS OPENING A NEW RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM NEXT MONTH TO BETTER THE LIVES OF YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-24. HERE WITH US TO DISCUSS IS DOUG WEAVER, SWEETSER'S ADULT RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR. DOUG - THANK YOU FOR COMING IN TODAY. WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM EVERYTHING ELSE AVAILABLE?
Maine psychologist discusses signs of domestic violence, how to get help

Oct 8, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important time for communities in Maine and across the United States to come together to uplift the voices and experiences of survivors. One in four women and one in nine men experience physical or sexual violence, intimidation, or stalking by an intimate partner. But domestic violence is an issue that is not discussed equally among all groups, leaving some minority groups at higher risk.
MaineDOT crews take care to preserve tree planted by Vietnam veteran

Sep 10, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

THE PATS ARE AT HOME THIS WEEK-- THEY TAKE ON THE SEAHAWKS AT 1 O'CLOCK ON SUNDAY. YEAR-ROUND -- THE MAINE D-O-T IS WORKING TO MAINTAIN ROADS ACROSS THE STATE... BUT SOMETIMES - IT'S THE SMALLER ACTS THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE... D-O-T CREWS RECENTLY HAD A REPLACE A DRAINAGE OUTLET IN THE PISCATAQUIS COUNTY TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. A WOMAN WHO LIVES NEARBY TOLD THEM THAT HER LATE HUSBAND PLANTED A WILLOW TREE THAT WAS NEAR THE PIPE AFTER HE RETURNED FROM THE VIETNAM WAR...
Here are some back-to-school savings tips for parents, teachers

Aug 23, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

IN TOTAL MONEY - STUDENTS WILL BE HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK. AND FOR MANY PARENTS, THE FINANCIAL STRAIN THAT COMES WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING IS BEING FELT. JEN BURKE FROM THE MAINE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE IS HERE WITH SOME SAVINGS TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND AS YOU GET YOUR KIDS READY TO HEAD BACK TO THE CLASSROOM. SO JEN - ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH ARE PARENTS SPENDING ON PURCHASES?
How to know if medication is needed to treat a mood disorder

Aug 16, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. MANY MOOD DISORDERS CAN BE TRACED TO A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE IN YOUR BRAIN THAT SOMETIMES CAN'T BE TREATED WITH THERAPY OR COPING STRATEGIES ALONE. MEDICATION MIGHT BE NEEDED. HERE WITH US TO DISCUSS IS WENDY ANDERS, SWEETSER'S SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED MEDICATION RATHER THAN JUST THERAPY?
Preparing to drop your child off at day care for first time? Here's some expert advice

Aug 6, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

EXPECTED TO MAKE THEIR DEBUT ON THE BEACH WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS... BEING A PARENT BRINGS A LOT OF CHALLENGES.. AND EACH CHILD PRESENTS THEIR OWN UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS.. BUT.. ANY PARENT CAN TELL YOU.. IT ALSO INVOLVES A LOT OF STRESS AND ANXIETY.. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE TO DROP YOUR CHILD OFF AY DAYCARE FOR THE FIRST TIME.. ANGELA LASHBROOK.. A SENIOR REPORTER FOR CONSUMER REPORTS.. JOINS US NOW LIVE.. ANGELA.. THIS CAN BE A DAY THAT IS FILLED WITH TEARS.. FOR BOTH CHILD AND PARENT..
'Just a Beer from Maine': 2 local businesses team up to launch new brew

Aug 5, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

Two Maine-based businesses have teamed up to launch a new beer, which they say is perfect for summer. Bissell Brothers has brewed "Just a Beer from Maine" in collaboration with Catalyst for Change Wear. The name of the beer is a take on the apparel company's popular slogan: "Just a Kid from Maine."The beer is an American lager that Bissell Brothers co-founder Peter Bissell said is easy to drink.
Sweetser to host free film screening, panel discussion on mental health, substance use recovery

Aug 2, 2024 | wmtw.com | Meghan Torjussen

MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE MORNING, THEN BECOMING PARTLY SUNNY. A CHANCE A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT HAPPENING NEXT WEEK IN BRUNSWICK HOPES TO REDUCE THE STIGMA ATTACHED TO SEEKING SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. HERE WITH US TO DISCUSS THIS EVENT IS SWEETSER SPOKESPERSON JUSTIN CHENETTE. SO JUSTIN...HOW CAN STIGMA PREVENT SOMEONE FROM SEEKING HELP? IT CAN FEEL DEBILITATING AND SELF-DEFEATING. SOME OF THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF STIGMA CAN INCLUDE: ? RELUCTANCE TO SEEK HELP OR TREATMENT ?