How the federal budget threatens reproductive healthcare and Mainers
Beacon Podcast
This week on the podcast, Lisa Margulies from Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund joins Cate to break down the serious threats in Pres. Donald Trump's federal budget reconciliation bill. The proposal would block Planned Parenthood from participating in Medicaid, cutting off care for more than 1.1 million people. This could mean closing nearly 200 health centers across the country, especially hurting rural and low-income communities, Lisa says. Take action to urge lawmakers in D.C. to oppose “defunding” Planned Parenthood and protect access to reproductive health care by Subscribe...
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Trump's budget is a disaster. Here's what you can do about it.
Beacon Podcast
This week on the podcast, Cate and Ben share with our listeners how everyday Mainers can take action to protect essential programs and urge lawmakers like Sen. Susan Collins to stand up against federal budget cuts that would slash health care and food assistance while handing a $1.5 trillion tax break to the rich. Plus, a look at early polling data from Maine shows cost of living and inflation remain top concerns for voters — making the case for solutions that put working people first (like taxing the ultra wealthy)! To take action with Maine People's Alliance, . To sign up for MPA's...
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How Trump's budget cuts would hurt Mainers
Beacon Podcast
This week on the podcast, Esther, Cate and Ben are together to discuss the Maine State Budget, as well as the federal budget proposal from the Trump administration. In Maine, lawmakers are considering a tax on income over a million dollars (which is supported by a majority of Mainers). On the federal level, the budget reconciliation bill — which was passed by House Republicans — is now at the Senate. This budget contains alarming cuts to health care and food assistance, with an expected 30,000 Mainers at risk of losing coverage. Our hosts urge listeners to and and tell them to use...
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AG Aaron Frey on defending Maine from Trump administration policies
Beacon Podcast
This week on the podcast, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey breaks down how his office is standing up to President Donald Trump's administration, holding Big Tech and Big Oil accountable, and defending immigrant and consumer rights. With an 80% success rate in federal legal challenges, Frey shares why the rule of law still matters — and how Mainers can get involved. On the local and state level, Frey urges Mainers to connect with their legislators and tap into resources on the for support with pressing issue, such as consumer and tenant protections. Subscribe to the Beacon podcast on...
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Ron Currie explores Franco-American culture through fiction writing
Beacon Podcast
This week on the podcast, Ben interviews award-winning author Ron Currie on his latest novel "The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne". Currie's new book takes place in his hometown of Waterville, ME, and explores Franco-American cultural and economic struggles. Even through fiction writing, Currie draws from personal experiences and dives into intimate themes of resentment and community. To learn more about Currie's work, visit his . Subscribe to the Beacon podcast on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
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Podcast: What the media gets wrong about the Maine immigrant experience
Beacon Podcast
This week on the podcast, we are bringing back an episode from May 2024 with Luc Kuanzambi, who immigrated to Maine from the Congo. Although this episode was recorded a year ago, Kuanzambi’s message could not be more important: Americans need to be listening to immigrants’ stories firsthand. “The American public is not familiar with the immigrant community as people,” Kuanzambi said on the podcast. “ They know us from the portrayal of media clips and sound bites… and from unfortunately, the preexisting stereotypes about black people or immigrant people and poor people. But we...
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Beacon Podcast
info_outlineThis week on the podcast, Esther, Cate and Ben are together to discuss the Maine State Budget, as well as the federal budget proposal from the Trump administration. In Maine, lawmakers are considering a tax on income over a million dollars (which is supported by a majority of Mainers).
On the federal level, the budget reconciliation bill — which was passed by House Republicans — is now at the Senate. This budget contains alarming cuts to health care and food assistance, with an expected 30,000 Mainers at risk of losing coverage. Our hosts urge listeners to call U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and tell them to use their influence and vote to fight against these cuts.
Finally, Ben gives an early overview of the 2026 election in Maine and some of the big names who have announced their campaigns.
Subscribe to the Beacon podcast on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!