Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Presque Isle Registered Sex Offender Faces New Charges
(Presque Isle) A registered sex offender from Presque Isle faces new charges after an FBI search of his home back in January. WABI reports 26 yo Joseph Maile is charged by criminal complaint for allegedly attempting to sex traffic a child and enticement of a minor. The FBI reports agents have arrested more than 200 accused sex offenders nationwide as part of a five-day operation.
Maine Shares Plan to Better Prepare for Severe Storms
(Augusta) Back-to-back storms in December 2023 and January 2024 flooded streets and buildings, washed away docks, roads, and businesses, disrupted power, and left behind tens of millions of dollars in damage to public infrastructure alone. On Wednesday, Governor Janet Mills and members of the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission shared their “Plan for Infrastructure Resiliency”. The plan provides guidelines for strengthening critical infrastructure and streamlining post-disaster rebuilding. Governor Mills said the plan would guide efforts in the years to come to protect this great state we all call home.
Real ID Requirement Goes Into Effect
(Maine) As of today, you’ll need a valid US passport, a Real ID compliant driver’s license or state ID card in order to fly domestically. The Secretary of State’s Office reports the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Maine has been issuing close to 120 Real ID’s a day leading up to yesterday’s deadline. The Real ID Act of 2005 came about as a direct response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was enacted to enhance the security of identification documents. While you can still travel domestically in the US without a Real ID – for now -, sources say you may encounter delays or additional screening measures. A Real ID compliant license will have a star in the upper right of your Maine driver’s license.
(Maine) Sources say about 80% of the country has their Real ID and may not know it. Check for a star (in Maine a star in the state outline) in the upper corner of your driver’s license. Beginning today, you’ll likely need that, a passport, passport card or similar document in order to travel domestically in the U.S., at least without delays. Experts say if you don’t have the proper form of ID, you’ll likely still be allowed to fly but will be subject to additional screening – so show up early. The Real ID Act of 2005 came about as a direct response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and was enacted to enhance the security of identification documents.
Local Politics
Republicans Propose Bills They Say Will Protect Female Athletes
(Augusta) Legislative Republicans in Augusta hosting a press event at 8:30 this morning for young women attending public hearings on several bills they say are designed to promote safety and fairness in athletics and private spaces. The public hearings are scheduled for 9:30 this morning in the Judiciary Committee. Republicans aligning with President Trump in saying the state is not in compliance with federal Title IX requirements aimed at protecting girls, and that it’s time for the Legislature to take action. Governor Janet Mills contends Title IX is not about transgender athletes and insists the state is in compliance with that and with the Maine Human Rights Act.
(Augusta) While polls show most Mainers say transgender athletes should not be allowed in women’s sports, Maine law may not uphold such a ban, depending on interpretation of Title IX. Legislative Republicans in Augusta have aligned themselves with the President in insisting Title IX does indeed ban the practice. This morning, they’ll argue for several bills they say are designed to promote safety and fairness in athletics and private spaces. The bills are scheduled for public hearings at 9:30 in the Judiciary Committee. Governor Janet Mills contends Title IX does not specifically refer to transgender athletes and insists the state is in compliance with Title IX and with the Maine Human Rights Act.
Pingree Raises Red Flag Over Proposed Kennedy Center Funding
(Washington, DC) Representative Chellie Pingree Wednesday raised a red flag over what she said was proposed exhorbitant Kennedy Center Funding, even as President Trump moves to dismantle arts agencies. Pingree said while the Administration is working to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities altogether, cancelling arts grants already allocated and censoring exhibits at the Smithsonian, Republicans are quietly pushing through a $256M allocation for the Kennedy Center, six times what Congress typically appropriates. Pingree called for transparency on how the money would be spent and assurances it was not “being used to reward loyalty or bankroll pet projects under the guise of cultural investment.”
Under-Age Marriage Ban Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature
(Augusta) A Democrat’s proposal to prevent people under the age of 18 from getting married will soon be the law in Maine. The measure, put forth by Bangor Representative Laura Supica, passed without Governor Mills’s signature. In 2023, the Legislature and Governor Mills agreed to raise the minimum marriage age from 16 to 17, with the written consent of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Supporters testified they were forced into marriages when younger simply because parents pushed it and gave consent. The new law will go into effect in 90 days.
King Co-sponsors Legislation to Curb Violence Against Healthcare Workers
(Washington, DC) Workplace violence continues to be pervasive across Maine hospitals, with hospitals across the U.S. reporting more than 300 incidents each month – half of which are physical assaults, according to Sally Weiss, Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association. Senator Angus King and Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi are introducing legislation to curb such violence. The Save Healthcare Workers Act would help deter and prevent such atrocities by making it easier to prosecute individuals who commit violence against hospital employees. The legislation would establish fines and federal criminal penalties for persons convicted of assaulting hospital personnel, providing hospital staff with the same protections currently given to flight attendants and airport employees.
Economy
MDI WoodBank
(MDI) This season, the Waldo County Woodshed provided 201 cords of wood to families in 50 towns – a new record. The DownEast Woodbank in Surry has expanded from serving just towns on the Blue Hill Peninsula to Ellsworth, Lamoine, and Trenton, as well. Now, the MDI Community Woodbank is up and “chopping” at the bit to help folks in need next winter. They’re hoping for an official 501c3 designation any day now so they can help keep MDI community members warm through difficult winter times. Donations and volunteers are always welcome at all these hard-working organizations, and you can find them all on their FB pages. No “warmer” feeling than giving to help those in need.
Education
RSU 24 Board Votes to Rescind Transgender Policy
(Sullivan) RSU 24’s Board of Directors this week voted to rescind the District’s Transgender and Gender Expansive Students policy. The Ellsworth American reports the move drew vehement public comment. The policy reportedly in part states, “school staff shall comply with the student’s wishes regarding disclosure of their transgender status to others, including but not limited to parents or guardians, students, volunteers, or other school staff unless legally required to do otherwise.” Some in attendance at the Sullivan-based school said that while kids need to be loved and heard in whatever body they are in, the policy went against the public’s and parents’ right to know.
Environment
Green Ellsworth Hosts Annual Union River Watershed Summit
(Ellsworth) Take a look back at the pre-1907 history of the Union River in Ellsworth, tour the Union River Dam, see its historic powerhouse and fish lift in operation, enjoy a brown bag lunch near the Union, and catch artwork, sculptures, and the premier of a new film on navigation along the river. That’s just a fraction of what you’ll enjoy at this year’s Annual Union River Watershed Summit, presented by Green Ellsworth. Events happen May 16th and 17th at the Moore Community Center and nearby areas. For a full schedule of events, visit green ellsworth dot org.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Bar Harbor Memorial Day Event
(Bar Harbor) A special Memorial Day planned in Bar Harbor on May 26th. This year’s ceremony will honor both the service of veterans and the region’s deep cultural roots. The keynote speaker, Dr. Duane Tomah, is a Wabanaki and Passamaquoddy Language and Cultural Knowledge Carrier and the youngest fluent speaker of the Passamaquoddy language. He was instrumental in translating a 130 yo wax cylinder for the Library of Congress – some of the earliest known field recordings of Indigenous voices. The ceremony will be held on the Bar Harbor Village Green, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26th, and everyone is welcome.
Selection of Pope Continues Today
(Vatican City) The gathering of 133 cardinals at the Vatican will continue today, with as many as four more rounds of voting expected before a new Pope is chosen. The NY Times reports yesterday’s black smoke signaled no decision was made on Wednesday. A two-thirds majority is needed to select the successor to Pope Francis.
Merz Becomes Germany’s Leader
(Germany) Following an early setback, conservative leader Friedrich Merz has become Germany’s chancellor. Sources say Merz rebounded from a morning defeat in Parliament to win a second-chance vote. Pundits say the economic liberal and social conservative will likely take his Christian Democratic Union Party further to the right after former chancellor Angela Merkel shifted the CDU to center ground.
Harbor Park and Marina Parking Lot Improvements
(Ellsworth) The Harbor Park and Marina parking lots in Ellsworth will be closed at 4 p.m. on May 11th for line striping. The City asks folks to plan accordingly.
Versant Osprey Cam Shows Two Eggs
(Lamoine) It’s a pair! The Versant Power Osprey cam that monitors the osprey pair on Mud Creek Road in Lamoine shows the proud parents are watching over two eggs so far. Recent viewings have shown the adults flying back and forth, sitting on the eggs, and bringing each other fish from the creek. Eggs laid by the pair last year were heartbreakingly destroyed by an eagle. You can access the cameras monitoring nests in Lamoine and at Mount Desert Island High School at versant power dot com.