Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Surgeon General Declares Gun Violence a “Public Health Crisis”
(KFF) The US Surgeon General has declared gun violence a public health crisis. Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, a physician, told KFF Health News he hoped to convey the broader toll of gun violence on the nation and the need for an urgent public health response. Citing soaring gun deaths among children and teens, Murthy stated, “the mental health toll of firearm violence is far more profound and pervasive than many of us recognize,” adding, “Every day that passes we lose more kids to gun violence, the more children who are shot and survive that are dealing with a lifetime of physical and mental health impacts.”
(KFF) Gun violence in the United States is an urgent public health crisis that demands “the collective commitment of the nation” to stop it. Those are the words of US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, in a release issued Tuesday, declaring gun violence a public health crisis. It’s the first time a publication from that office has focused on firearm violence and its “profound consequences” on survivors and communities. In the release, Murthy said, “Every day that passes we lose more kids to gun violence, the more children who are shot and survive that are dealing with a lifetime of physical and mental health impacts.”
Grandmother of Maddox Williams Appears in Court Over Probation Violation
(Brewer) Sherry Johnson, the maternal grandmother of Maddox Williams, who was killed in 2021 after enduring ongoing violent abuse from his mother, was in court yesterday for allegedly violating her probation. WABI-TV reports Johnson originally pleaded not guilty, then took a plea deal, admitting she hindered the arrest of her daughter, Jessica Trefethen. In April, prosecutors filed a motion to revoke her probation, saying she failed to complete mandated service hours – something Johnson to which admitted. Once that motion was filed, however, Johnson followed through on her obligation. Ultimately, no sanctions were put on that probation, but a permanent probation violation will remain on her record.
Officer Injured in Norway Incident
(Norway) Authorities are investigating an incident in Norway that injured an off duty police officer. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, 31 yo Oxford Police Department Reserve Officer, Joe Correia was outside his vehicle about 6 p.m. last night when he was struck by a vehicle on Crocket Ridge Road. After the incident, an altercation occurred between Officer Correia and the driver of the other vehicle, 29 yo Michael Carleton of Paris. Carleton was eventually taken into custody and transported to the Oxford County Jail, where he was charged with Aggravated Assault and Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon. Officer Correia was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Climber Rescued at Acadia National Park
(ANP) A 24 yo rock climber had to be rescued Monday after he fell and slid about 50 feet down a rock at Acadia National Park. Park officials say the accident happened around South Bubble Trail near Jordan Pond. Rangers say the man walked off the trail after being rescued and refused ambulance service, choosing instead to transport himself to a hospital.
Economy
Governor’s $9.65 Lobster Roll Day
(Ellsworth) Today is the day to roll with it! Governor’s is celebrating their birthday with Lobster Roll Day! The iconic restaurant turns 65 this month, and they’re giving YOU a present to celebrate. Get a lobster roll today at any Governor’s Restaurant for just $9.65, plus tax. Leith and Donna Wadleigh opened the first Governor’s back in 1959, serving what they said were the best burgers in town and a soon-to-be-famous strawberry pie. The special is today only, while supplies last. The eatery typically sells more than 20,000 Lobster Rolls on their birthday across their six stores, so get in early. They ask you place online orders with a minimum of 10 rolls, phone in orders a minimum of 25 – otherwise, help them keep up the pace by just stopping in. They’re always happy to see you!
(Ellsworth) It’s the day lobster lovers look forward to all year long! Governor’s Restaurant turns 65 this month, and they always celebrate with a special on their delicious lobster rolls. Today’s the day to roll with it this year – get a lobster roll at any of their six stores for just $9.65, plus tax, while supplies last. The eatery typically sells more than 20,000 Lobster Rolls on their birthday each year, so get there early. They ask that you help them keep the pace by just stopping by to order – phone ins really slow them down. To minimize delays, there’s a minimum of 10 rolls for online orders, a minimum of 25 for phone orders. The restaurant says they start selling at 8 a.m., get really busy at 10:30, then it’s crazy until about 2:30. Just a polite heads up! And Happy Birthday, Governor’s!
Education
Versant Astronomy Center Offers Kids Programming
(Orono) There’s another round of rain coming up, and you know we haven’t seen the last of the heat this summer. What to do with the kids who are already bored being out of school? Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, they have just the ticket – summer matinees that both educate and entertain. (((Matinee “…and come in and explore your universe with us.” :23))). Check the website – astro dot u maine dot e d u – and head over to the astronomy center, located at the University of Maine in Orono. Tickets online or at the door.
Environment
July Night Sky
(Maine) Skywatchers will have a great opportunity in July – especially if you can get away to an area free of light pollution like Schoodic Point or Katahdin Woods and Waters. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, tells Star 97.7, it’s prime time for viewing the Milky Way. (((JulySky 1 “…this is a really good time to see that. :17))). And for those rainy or super hot days, check out programming at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine Campus in Orono. They have summer matinees for kids, music programs for adults, and everything in between – find a schedule at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Maine) There’s a surprising number of folks on the roads in the early mornings – headed for work, travel, or perhaps to catch that sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. If you are up before dawn, Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, tells Star 97.7, there are some cool things going on with the planets in July. Not to worry if you’re not an early riser – there are things to look for after sunset, as well. (((JulySky 2 “…over in the west.” :14)))
New Report Says Coastal Flooding a Dire Threat in Certain Maine Locations
(Maine) A new report on sea level rise is prompting an urgent call for action that may be almost too late. Maine’s coastline could have less than six years before it begins to lose valuable coastal infrastructure to high tide floods. That’s the finding of a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, which predicts sunny-day floods caused by rising seas will hit critical infrastructure as soon as 2030 under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. A map published by the Portland Press Herald labels 15 facilities and industrial sites vulnerable to sea level rise due to global climate change – including Stonington Manor Housing, the Callahan Mining Superfund Site in Brooksville, the Machias Town Office and the East Machias Post Office. The report urges the state and its coastal communities to adapt and build resilience now … before it’s too late.
(Maine) King Tides and storm surges could be minor concerns compared to the overall effects of sea level rise along Maine’s coast. The Portland Press Herald says a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists predicts sunny-day floods caused by rising seas will hit critical infrastructure as soon as 2030 – less than six years from now – under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. A map showing 15 facilities and industrial sites most vulnerable to sea level rise due to climate change includes Stonington Manor Housing, the Callahan Mining Superfund Site in Brooksville, the Machias Town Office and the East Machias Post Office. The report projects a 1.5 foot sea level rise by 2050, even with greatly reduced emissions; 6.5 feet by 2100 if we keep emissions rates as they are now.
Old Thom Spotted in Bay of Fundy
(Bay of Fundy) Old Thom has been spotted in the Bay of Fundy. That’s the name affectionately bestowed upon the killer whale seen every few years in the waters off the coast of Grand Manan. CBC News reports about 20 years ago, a fisherman started claiming he had seen an orca in that vicinity. Although nobody believed him at first, this was no fisherman’s tale. Old Thom was spotted more frequently, and a photograph eventually captured proof. Amy Knowlton, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium in Boston, says seeing orcas in the Bay of Fundy is unique. It’s a small population that doesn’t venture too close to shore. Old Thom is unique, in that he usually doesn’t hang out with his own. Instead, he’s often seen cavorting with a pod of white-sided dolphins. The old chap is also known to frequent Cape Cod and can’t be mistaken – you’ll recognize him by a distinctive notch on his dorsal fin.
(Bay of Fundy) It was seen as a whale of a tale when a fisherman some 20 years ago claimed to have spotted a killer whale in the Bay of Fundy. But a photograph ultimately proved it to be true. The orca has come to be affectionately known as Old Thom, and he was recently once again spotted off the coast of Grand Manan. Amy Knowlton, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium in Boston, says seeing orcas in the Bay of Fundy is unique. It’s a small population that doesn’t venture too close to shore. CBC News reports Old Thom himself is unique, in that he usually doesn’t hang out with his own kind. Instead, he’s often seen with a pod of white-sided dolphins. The big guy is also known to frequent Cape Cod and can’t be mistaken – you’ll recognize him by a distinctive notch on his dorsal fin.
Health
American Diets Becoming Slightly Healthier
(KFF) Here’s some news we hope is in good taste. It seems America’s diet quality has improved slightly, moving from an F to a D when it comes to our battle against poor nutrition. A new study that analyzed two decades of nutritional data says Americans are beginning to hear the message about the importance of how we feed our bodies, and some companies and restaurants are starting to make healthier products. CNN reports the study highlights the fact much more change is needed and that we can move the needle from that D to an A by eating fewer refined grains, processed meats, sugary beverages and ultra processed foods, replacing them with fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
(KFF) Americans are eating ourselves sick. When it comes to grading our diets, a new study that analyzed two decades of nutritional data says Americans get a “D”. Believe it or not, that’s better than the “F” it HAD earned, but it does signal a move in the right direction. CNN says the improvement occurred between 1999 and 2010, with no advance beyond that. Doctors say that doesn’t bode well for our health. Experts say the ideal diet includes at least 4-5 cups of both fruits and vegetables per day – more beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and less of foods commonly found in our diets – processed meat and sugary beverages, including fruit juice, and ultra processed foods full of added sugar, salt and fat.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Sunbeam Open House
(Castine) Ever wonder about life aboard Maine Seacoast Mission’s 74-foot vessel the Sunbeam? Visitors are welcome to tour the Wilson Museum’s “Hands-On Open House” this Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Board the boat and learn more about the Mission’s work in coastal Washington County and on outer, unbridged islands. The Sunbeam will be at the Castine Town Dock, a 15 minute walk from the museum, Sunday afternoon. Mission programming aboard the Sunbeam provides support through community building and education initiatives and services, and ferries a full time nurse to serve 15 coastal islands.
(Castine) Join Maine Seacoast Mission as the Wilson Museum in Castine hosts a “Hands-On Open House” aboard MSM’s 74-foot vessel, the Sunbeam! Board the boat and learn more about the Mission’s work in coastal Washington County and on outer, unbridged islands. The Sunbeam will be at the Castine Town Dock, a 15 minute walk from the museum, from 1 to 5 this Sunday, June 30th. Mission programming aboard the Sunbeam provides support through community building and education initiatives and services, and ferries a full time nurse to serve 15 coastal islands.
Great Race to Finish in Maine
(SW Harbor) The Great Race is on its way to Maine. The Hemmings Motor News Great Race is a 2300 mile race, featuring antique cars which travel from Owensburg, Kentucky to Gardiner, Maine. Harvey Lipman of Augusta is one of this year’s competitors. He entered his 1955 2-10 Chevy into the competition and told the Marietta Times he loved seeing America on the race route, which doesn’t include primary highways. Lipman added he and his navigator had to travel using paper maps and no GPS. More than 140 cars are entered this year, from a 1916 Hudson Speedster to a 1961 convertible VW Beetle and a 1958 Alfa Romeo Guiletta. The competitors will make a stop for lunch between 9 and 3 this Saturday at the Seal Cove Auto Museum on MDI. While it’s a timed event, visitors will get a glimpse back in time as competitors stop for lunch. For parking and museum information, visit seal cove auto museum dot org.
(SW Harbor) This Saturday, don’t be surprised if you see a 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass on the road to MDI – along with a 1958 Alfa Romeo Guiletta, a 1964 Ford Mustang Coupe, and a 1916 Hudson Speedster. They’re all part of the 2024 Hemmings Motor News Great Race, which began June 22nd in Owensburg, Kentucky. More than 140 antique cars are participating in this year’s 2300 mile race, which ends Saturday in Gardiner, Maine. While it’s a timed race, the competitors will be making a stop for lunch at the Seal Cove Auto Museum. Spectators can stop by between 9 and 3 Saturday for a glimpse of this special event’s entrants. For parking and museum information, visit seal cove auto museum dot org.
Sports
The Blue Jays got the better of the Red Sox last night at Fenway. The game went to Toronto 9-4. Blue Jays and Red Sox meet up one more time this evening in Boston.