Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Coast Guard Searching for Missing Clam Digger
(Milbridge) The U.S. Coast Guard continuing its search this morning for a missing clam digger. Family members report Alton Wallace’s boat was found on Pinkham Island in Milbridge, but he has not been seen or heard from. The Coast Guard launched a search Sunday afternoon following reports of Wallace’s disappearance.
Lewiston Death Investigation
(Lewiston) Investigators are searching for answers after being called Saturday to a residence in Lewiston, where they found a four-year-old with a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities responded to the apartment at 93 Pierce Street shortly before 5 a.m.. The four year old was taken to Central Maine Medical Center, where the child was pronounced dead. The exact cause and manner of death are pending. More details are expected once the investigation is complete.
Suspicious Fire at Recreation Center
(Biddeford) The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating what they say is a suspicious fire that happened Saturday at the May Street Recreation Facility in Biddeford. The Biddeford Fire Department was called to the scene about 8:45 Saturday morning on a report of a previously extinguished fire in a bathroom. Anyone with information is urged to call the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
EMS Week
(Jonesport) What do you do in a medical emergency? Call for EMS personnel and you’ll find help at your door any time of the day or night. This week is EMS Week, and first responders everywhere are on the job, working harder than ever. At Moosabec Ambulance Service in Jonesport, Co-Service chief Carlen Jay tells Star 97.7 they’ll be in the schools this week doing presentations for elementary, middle and high school students. Saturday, join them for an Open House with burgers and hot dogs for sale, CPR demonstrations and more. Jay says the biggest challenge they face is ongoing staffing and retention, largely due to wages and reimbursement struggles. Those who do answer the call are among the most dedicated – hope you can acknowledge your EMS crews this week and let them know they’re appreciated.
(Jonesport) This is EMS Week, celebrating the tireless, dedicated workers who answer those emergency calls at all hours of the day and night. Co-Service Chief Carlen Jay with Moosabec Ambulance Service in Jonesport tells Star 97.7, staffing continues to be an issue across the state, largely due to low wages and struggles with reimbursements from healthcare agencies. She says call volume is up 10% each of the past two years … the largely rural areas they serve are on track to answer 300 calls this year. Moosabec recently received a sustainability grant that will help them purchase equipment, including a cutting edge, lifelike training mannequin. You’re invited to join them Saturday from 10-2 for an Open House that will include a tour of their ambulances, a cookout, and demonstrations.
SW Harbor Officers Rescue Ducklings from Storm Drain
(SW Harbor) We’re all too often quick to point out the negative, especially when it comes to public safety officials and those who work on our public roads. So when this story came across our feed, we had to share. It seems last week a brood of 12 ducklings ended up in a storm drain near Ocean’s End in Southwest Harbor. Instead of turning a blind eye, Sgt. Ryan Blakeney and Officer James Kamorski joined members of the SW Harbor Highway Department to rescue the little family. You’ll find a video of mama and babies waddling safely off after the rescue on the SW Harbor Police Department FB page.
National Guard Units Enter Annual Peak Training Season
(Maine) Mainers can expect to see an increased military presence throughout the state in the coming weeks. Not to worry, according to a press release. Army and Air National Guard Units are entering their “annual training” window. The training is reportedly routine and planned, with a summer training period peaking between May and July, associated with a surge in military vehicle movements, helicopter flights, and other activities throughout the state.
Two Injured in Serious Crash on I-395 in Bangor
(Bangor) A serious single-vehicle crash on I-395 in Bangor Friday night sent two people to hospitals with serious injuries. Authorities say the crash happened shortly before 9 p.m. when 23 yo Devon Ireland of Bangor failed to make a turn and lost control of his car, which went over a guardrail and flipped upside down across both eastbound lanes. A passenger, 23 yo Lauren McCann of Bangor, who apparently was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car and suffered life-threatening injuries. Authorities say speed and alcohol appear to have been factors in the crash.
Man Arrested for Swinging Knives at Blue Hill Hannaford
(Blue Hill) Scary moments for patrons of the Hannaford in Blue Hill Friday. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports officers were called to the store parking lot about 7 p.m. on reports of a man swinging knives at someone. 33 yo Joshua Weeks was taken into custody and charged with Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault, and Unlawful Possession of Drugs. Weeks was taken to the Hancock County Jail.
Local Politics
Maine’s Republican Legislators Call Out Dems for “Exploiting Constitutional Loophole”
(Augusta) Legislative Republicans in Augusta are calling out majority Democrats for what they say amounts to “exploiting a constitutional loophole” to pass a partisan budget without Republican input. Budgets typically require a 2/3rds vote in order to take effect by July 1. The loophole allows the majority party to pass the budget early – before June – avoiding the 2/3rds vote requirement they say fosters bipartisanship. Republicans have introduced a resolution to amend the Maine Constitution. LD 1553 would require a 2/3rds vote or a citizen referendum before any new tax can be imposed or existing tax increased.
Collins Secures $8M USDOT Partnership for UMaine Center
(Augusta) Senator Susan Collins has secured an $8M USDOT partnership for the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center. The monies will help to further develop technologies that will reportedly deliver bridges at half the cost, half the time, and with twice the lifespan of many current bridges. Last week, nine researchers were laid off from the Center, which is known for large-scale advanced manufacturing, including 3-D printed housing, due to funding uncertainties under the current administration.
Pingree Departs Governor’s Office
(Augusta) Another familiar name is rumored to be considering a run for Governor in 2026. Governor Janet Mills announced last week Hannah Pingree is stepping down as Director of the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. Mills wrote a glowing three page outline of Pingree’s accomplishments while in office, including tackling climate change and strengthening Maine’s economy and workforce. Pingree is the daughter of US Representative Chellie Pingree. If she does throw her hat in the ring, she’ll join another Congressman’s son – Angus King III, along with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Kenneth Pinet, and Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, just announcing his run this morning, in vying to represent the Democratic Party in the next run for Governor.
Governor Mills Receives Prestigious Human Rights Award
(Augusta) Maine Governor Janet Mills is one of three recipients of the 42nd Annual Human Rights Award from Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The organization said the Governor is receiving the award because her administration successfully sued the federal government to restore funding for the state’s school nutrition programs; programs that helped stem hunger for more than 172,000 students. This year’s other recipients include Elizabeth Oyer, a former US DOJ pardon attorney, and immigration reform activist Jeanette Vizguerra. WMTW reports recipients will be honored during a June 5th public ceremony in Washington, DC.
Economy
US Credit Receives Downgrade
(NYT) U.S. Credit received a potentially costly downgrade on Friday from ratings firm Moody’s The downgrade, to one notch below the highest triple A rating, was determined by the government’s rising debt that economists say stands to grow further if Republicans enact a package of new tax cuts. According to the New York Times, the Moody’s downgrade means now all three major credit rating firms no longer give the United States their best rating.
WalMart to Raise Prices in Response to Tariffs
(Undated) Look for higher prices at WalMart. The retail giant said last week it will raise its prices driven by President Trump’s trade war, indicating tariffs are hitting the economy and consumers, despite moves to tamp down such fears. WalMart CFO John Daivd Rainey told the Wall Street Journal the magnitude and speed at which higher prices are affecting the company is somewhat unprecedented in its history. The company said consumers will likely see those higher costs passed along on tariff-affected merchandise yet this month and into early summer. In response, President Trump warned the company it should “eat” those rising costs rather than passing them along to consumers.
Education
Jesup Memorial Library Director Stepping Down
(Bar Harbor) Just as the Jesup Memorial Library is getting ready to open its new building expansion, Director Matt DeLaney announced he’ll be stepping down. DeLaney said recent health events have prompted him and his family to move back closer to home in upstate New York. The Mount Desert Islander reports the Jesup’s Board of Directors has convened a search committee to find the library’s next director.
Castine Historical Society Hires New Director
(Castine) The Castine Historical Society has hired Dr. Kate McMahon as its new Executive Director. Dr. McMahon is from Maine and a graduate of USM. She most recently worked as the Historian of Global Slavery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. She’ll officially step into the role in Castine on June 16th and says she and her family look forward to relocating back to her home state of Maine.
Human Interest
Schoodic National Scenic Byway Celebrates 25 Years
(Schoodic) The Schoodic National Scenic Byway is celebrating 25 years in 2025, and the beautiful thruway has plenty to celebrate. USA Today readers recently ranked it Number 4 on its list of Best Scenic Drives in the US. A special celebration is planned on June 14th at the Sorrento-Sullivan Recreation Center from 10am to 2 p.m. The event will include information, activities, live music, food trucks, and arts and crafts for sale by different artisans.
Birch Bay Retirement Village Honored
(Bar Harbor) Birch Bay Retirement Village has been honored with the 2025 Aging Leadership Award from Leading Age Maine and New Hampshire. The Mount Desert Islander reports the award honors exceptional leadership, workforce development and innovation in senior care. Birch Bay serves older adults through independent living, residential care, memory care and adult day programs and is known for its commitment to staff development and resident-centered care.
Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Form of Prostate Cancer
(Delaware) Prayers and well wishes coming in from around the world yesterday after it was revealed former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Sources say the cancer has spread to his bones and that Biden’s family is deciding on treatment option for the condition, that doctors say can be managed.