Amjambo Africa

10/17/2026

Amjambo Africa is participating in the Maine Press Association’s Annual Conference today, joining journalists, editors, and publishers from across the state for a full day focused on the future of local media, digital tools, and community reporting.

The conference celebrates industry excellence, highlighted by the Hall of Fame Luncheon honoring three distinguished 2026 inductees: the late Kennebec Journal photojournalist Andy Molloy, 40-year Portland Press Herald sports reporter Mike Lowe, and veteran environmental reporter Tux Turkel.

To support the next generation of journalists, members and local businesses have contributed items to the annual auction to raise vital funds for the MPA’s student scholarship program.

10/17/2026

| Portland voters have several options for casting ballots in the November 2026 midterm election. In-person early voting at Portland City Hall runs weekdays until Oct. 29. Voters can also pick up ballots and drop them off before election day, or go to the polling station in their precinct on election day itself, Nov. 3. (Photo for Amjambo Africa by Jim Neuger).

Quiz:
Who can register and vote in Maine?

To register, you must be a United States citizen, at least 16 years of age to pre-register to vote and have established a fixed principal home in Maine.

To vote in a Referendum or General Election, you must be registered in the community where you reside, and be at least 18 years of age. A 17 year old may vote in a Primary Election, if that person will be 18 by the General Election. (Source: Department of the Secretary of State, State of Maine).

10/17/2026

| The State of Maine Room in Portland City Hall, the site on Oct. 15, 2026 of early balloting for the November 2026 midterm election. When not used as a polling station, the room hosts press conferences, receptions and weddings. (Photo for Amjambo Africa by Jim Neuger).

Quiz: Can you have help during voting?

Yes. If you need help reading or marking the ballot, you may ask a relative or friend for assistance. The helper does not have to be a voter or old enough to vote. An election official can also help you read or mark a ballot. However, your employer or union official cannot help you vote. (Source: Department of the Secretary of State, State of Maine).

10/17/2026

| Munsey Alston poses with stickers showing she has cast her ballot on Oct. 15, 2026 in Portland City Hall during early voting for the November 2026 midterm election. (Photo by Jim Neuger).

Did you know when in-person absentee voting is available?

You may vote absentee at the clerk's office as soon as absentee ballots are available. Absentee ballots are available 30 days before the election at the municipal clerk's office. You do not need to complete an application if you vote in person at the clerk's office. The deadline for absentee voting in the presence of the clerk, unless special circumstances exist, is the Thursday before the election. Learn more about absentee voting and how to request your ballot on the Department of Secretary of State, State of Maine Absentee Voting page (https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting/absentee-voting)

10/17/2026

| Ha entrado en vigor un cambio importante en la política de inmigración de los Estados Unidos que modifica la manera en que el gobierno evalúa a ciertos solicitantes de residencia permanente.

El 18 de septiembre de 2026, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) revocó oficialmente las normas de 2022 sobre la «carga pública»establecidas durante la administración de Biden y retomó un marco normativo más estricto y amplio.

Leer más:

Ha entrado en vigor un cambio importante en la política de inmigración de los Estados Unidos que modifica la manera en que el gobierno evalúa a ciertos solicitantes de residencia permanente. El 18 de septiembre de 2026, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) revocó oficialmente las normas d...

10/16/2026

| In-person early voting for the November 2026 midterm election is underway at Portland City Hall.

From the State of Maine room on the second floor to secure drop boxes outside, Amjambo Africa’s photojournalist Jim Neuger captured scenes of voters casting their ballots, receiving guidance from poll workers, and getting sticker-ready on Oct. 15.

Follow the link for more photos and explainers:

In-person early voting for the November 2026 midterm election is underway at Portland City Hall. From the State of Maine room on the second floor to secure drop boxes outside, Amjambo Africa’s photojournalist Jim Neuger captured scenes of voters casting their ballots, receiving guidance from poll ...

10/16/2026

The Soccer Club of Maine has officially unveiled the name and brand identity for its new pre-professional women’s soccer team: Maine Wildness.

Set to kick off its inaugural season in May 2027 in the USL W League’s Northeast Division, the team will play its home matches at Portland’s Fitzpatrick Stadium.

A statement sent from the Portland Hearts of Pine Communications to Amjambo Africa indicates the name emerged from months of extensive community town halls and listening sessions, aimed at crafting a distinct identity that honors both the state's natural landscapes and the trailblazing, resilient spirit of Maine women throughout history.

Look out for our full coverage on this in our upcoming November edition.

10/16/2026

| The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it will bring together Maine’s gubernatorial candidates for a forum hosted at USM's Hannaford Hall in Portland on Wednesday, October 21, from 7:00–9:30 a.m.

A press statement the Chamber sent to Amjambo Africa indicates the event will feature Independent Rick Bennett, Republican Bobby Charles and Democrat Hannah Pingree.

Designed to give community members and regional leaders an opportunity to learn more about the candidates' views on key policy matters, the program offers a closer look at the competing platforms shaping the current state executive election.

Rather than utilizing a traditional debate format, candidates are set to participate individually in a moderated question-and-answer session structured around standardized questions.

For further guidance on upcoming state contests, key voting schedules, or local voting requirements, residents can review official resources on the Maine Secretary of State Election Portal: https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting

10/16/2026

In this opinion piece for Amjambo Africa, Kholiswa Mendes Pepani examines the tragic death of Professor Jason Arday and the disproportionate media scrutiny faced by Black academics at elite institutions.

She lays out a sobering look at how academic standards can be weaponized to undermine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education.
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Read the full article here:

On August 14, Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor to be appointed at Cambridge University, was found dead in his London home. Only a few days earlier, his career came to a screeching halt when he resigned from his position due to vicious plagiarism allegations and a media campaign that dissect...

10/16/2026

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