Moms Observe Journey to Sobriety
This Sunday is Mothers' Day, a day set aside to celebrate a bond that is central in most peoples' lives. For one group of Moms it will be a time to recognize a hard-fought journey to sobriety. That's because an increasing number of young women in Maine are finding themselves addicted to opiates and also pregnant. But rather than ending their pregnancies or continuing to use drugs, some of these women are using the circumstances as motivation to improve their lives. Susan Sharon begins a two-part report on young mothers in recovery.
More Young Mothers Addicted on Opiates
The number of pregnant women addicted to opiates has jumped dramatically in Maine in recent years in part because young women ages 18 to 25 are getting hooked on prescription drugs. Last year more than 160 pregnant addicts sought treatment. To try to keep pace, maternal addiction programs are springing up around the state. One of them is Mercy Recovery Center in Westbrook where a second support group for moms has been added to its range of services. In the second part of our series on young mothers in recovery, Susan Sharon takes a look at how the group is helping women stay sober.
Tough Winter for Energy Companies and Consumers
Maine's electric utility companies struggled along with their customers during a rough winter. Thousands of customers remain behind on their electric bills leaving the companies millions of dollars behind in proceeds. The same is also true in the fuel oil business. The heating season has left both customers and scores of oil dealers with demolished budgets and heavy debt. Keith McKeen reports.
Suspended Leaders of BIW Labor Local to Sue Parent Union
An attorney representing the suspended leaders of the largest labor union at Bath Iron Works says he will file suit against the Maine local's parent union next week in the U.S. District Court in Portland. Leon Rosenblatt says he wants to end what he says amounts to a strong-arm attempt by the Maryland-based eastern district headquarters of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to take over the BIW local. AJ Higgins has more.
Youth Summit Draws Hopes and Dreams
Teenagers from Maine's biggest city gathered today for Portland's first ever Youth Summit. Tom Porter tells us the story of about 150 high schoolers who attended the day-long event to talk about their hopes, dreams and concerns for the future.
