Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Comfort Dog Baxter Dies in Tragic Incident
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Public Safety today is mourning the loss of the state’s first official comfort dog. Baxter, a three year old chocolate lab, joined the force in 2022. His role was to help improve the mood and well-being of first-line responders in three emergency communication centers. The three year old died Wednesday at the Bangor RCC after apparently being left inside a vehicle in which he was regularly transported. Authorities say the vehicle unexpectedly stopped running, causing the air conditioning to stop. Baxter was found deceased about 2 p.m. The vehicle is undergoing an inspection to determine why it may have stopped running.
Note: Baxter was NOT a Maine State Police dog, but was assigned to the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications.
Local Politics
Maine Senate Throws Support Behind Bill to Protect Against Negativity of Medical Debt
(Augusta) Nearly half of Maine families have taken on medical debt in the last two years, with one out of every four owing $5K or more. That’s according to recently released data from Consumers for Affordable Health Care. Of those, more than half report the debt has negatively affected their credit score. The Maine Senate this week voted unanimously in favor of a bill that would prohibit a consumer reporting agency from disclosing medical debt on an individual’s consumer report. During a work session, the Committee amended the bill to also prohibit medical providers and debt collection agencies from reporting medical debt to any consumer reporting agency. The bill, LD 558, was proposed by Democrat Donna Bailey from Saco.
Bill Addresses Student Homelessness
(Augusta) More than 73% of evictions in Maine occur as a result of less than $1300 in outstanding costs or monies owed. That’s according to the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, which says the data highlights the precarious financial situations faced by far too many here in Maine. This week, the Maine Senate voted in favor of a bill supporting a program to prevent student homelessness. The bill, LD 384, is sponsored by Democrat Joe Rafferty of Kennebunk, and was supported in the Senate by a 28 to 6 vote. One school district wrote in support of the pilot program that it has been a refreshing and welcome change to actually have something tangible to be able to offer families who reach out for help. The bill faces additional votes in the House and Senate.
Judge Rejects Trump’s Effort to Block Harvard from Enrolling Foreign Students
(NYT) A judge on Thursday rejected President Trump’s effort to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. The University has stood strong against the Administration’s efforts to undermine its finances and global influence, according to the New York Times. In other news, a US trade court yesterday ruled the President’s sweeping tariffs on goods imported from almost every foreign nation illegal. However, a federal appeals court in Washington then temporarily halted that decision, reinstating the levies for now.
Local Municipalities to Share Funds for Public Housing Properties
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, and Mount Desert – five of the fifteen towns and cities whose Public Housing Authorities will share close to $11M dollars in funding through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In announcing the funding, Senator Susan Collins said housing authorities across the state will be able to continue the important work of connecting seniors, those with disabilities, and low income individuals and families to programs which help them improve their quality of life. HUD’s Public Housing Program ensures safe, decent, and affordable housing, along with opportunities for self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Trans Athletes Dominate Discussion at MPA Media Advisory Meeting
(Augusta) A discussion of transgender athletes participating in high school sports took center stage this week during the Maine Principal Association’s quarterly Media Advisory meeting. WABI reports Assistant Executive Director Mike Bisson led the session because Executive Director Mike Burnham was meeting with police in Freeport ahead of upcoming track and field events in which trans athletes will be taking part and protests are expected. Bisson said he and his colleagues continue to wait and see what, if anything, will come from lawmakers in Augusta this session.
At Least Three Dems Running or Considering Run Against Collins in 2026
(Augusta) Democrats know defeating longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins will be a tough battle in the 2026 midterms. At least three Dems are seen as potential contenders. The Bangor Daily News reports Bristol’s Jordan Wood is the only Democrat with political connections in the race so far. Dan Kleban of Freeport, a beer company co-founder and former law firm employee, also confirmed the Party has reached out to him to consider a Senate bid. Other names being rumored as potential Democratic challengers – Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford, and former State Senator Cathy Breen of Falmouth. Collins is the only Republican Senator up for election in a state Trump lost in 2024.
Student Visas Halted
(Augusta) The legal status of hundreds of international students enrolled at Maine colleges and universities could be at risk after the U.S. State Department temporarily halted visa interviews abroad for new student and exchange applicants. The Portland Press Herald reports the move comes as President Trump pushes to ramp up scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity, particularly targeting pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel expression, sparking concerns over First Amendment and other rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Economy
Eaton-Peabody Law Firm Closing Doors
(Bangor) Case closed. The Maine based law firm Eaton-Peabody announced Thursday it will close its doors after 85 years. The firm has offices in Bangor, Portland, and Augusta and says its attorneys and clients will be transitioning to other firms. In January, eight of the firm’s attorneys left to form Viridian Law in Ellsworth. In a letter to clients, the firm cited evolving market conditions and the firm’s demographics as reasons for the decision. Eaton-Peabody will close its doors on June 30th.
Maine Ranks High on Best Places for Summer Jobs
(Portland) When it comes to summer jobs, Maine’s two largest cities hold their own in the nation’s best places to work in 2025. MaineBiz reports in a Wallet Hub survey of 180 markets nationwide, Portland comes in at number 4, with Lewiston ranked number 30. One source said it speaks well of a state of just 1.3 million people that welcomes some 40 million visitors a year. Researchers looked at 31 key indicators, including affordability and down-time friendliness. Scottsdale, Arizona was number 1, with Memphis, Tennessee coming in last. South Burlington, Vermont had the highest labor-force participation rate of people ages 16 to 24 – that’s twice as high as Irvine, California, the city with the lowest.
Education
Bowdoin College Could Face Overwhelming Tax Hike
(Brunswick) Bowdoin College in Brunswick could be forced to pay millions more on the school’s nearly $2.6B endowment if the Republican-led federal budget bill passes. The Bangor Daily News reports Bowdoin is the only Maine school likely to be affected by the tax increase, which college officials say is punitive and cuts into Bowdoin’s ability to offer financial aid to students and competitive pay for staff. According to a NY Times analysis, Bowdoin’s endowment could be taxed at a rate of 14% because it has an endowment of about $1.5 million per student – up from the 1.4% it currently pays. Republicans say the tax hike is meant to hold “woke, elite universities accountable so they can no longer abuse generous benefits provided through the tax code.”
88 Year Old Makes History as U-Maine’s Oldest Undergrad
(Orono) Graduation day at the University of Maine on May 11th was especially sweet for Joan Alexander, who began her college journey toward becoming a teacher in the late 1950’s. Joan and her husband, Jim, had married during Joan’s sophomore year; and when it came time to student teach, she found herself pregnant with their first of four children – which back then meant she wasn’t allowed to student teach, even though she had completed all the other requirements. Decades later, Joan’s youngest daughter, Tracy, contacted UMaine officials about the possibility of her mom obtaining her degree. An investigation revealed that in 1980-81, Joan had worked as a full-time aid for a home-based preschool program in SW Harbor, helping children develop their gross and fine motor skills, verbal communication, and early literacy. The college recognized that as being comparable to student teaching. At 88, Joan was awarded that long awaited degree, perhaps as the University’s oldest undergraduate. Alexander said, “I didn’t realize it would mean so much to me, but now feel a hole in my heart has been healed.”
MDOE Hosts “I Belong” Youth Summit
(Auburn) The Maine Department of Education on Thursday welcomed workforce development professionals, along with students and special education teachers from schools across the state, to their “I Belong” Youth Summit in Auburn. The event provides an opportunity for high school students with disabilities to explore meaningful post-secondary opportunities as they transition from school to adult lives. The Summit, now in its second year, empowers students to discover career paths, gain confidence and practical skills, and connect directly with supportive employers and community resources.
Environment
Lamoine State Park Accepting Cash Only for Now
(Lamoine) If you’re headed to Lamoine State Park anytime soon, be sure to stop and get some cash on your way. WABI reports visitors will have to pay cash until further notice due to construction of a new entry booth. Construction is anticipated to be completed on June 20th.
Technology
Ham Radio Operators Day
(Swanville) Ham radio operators provide much more than just a hobby. Dale Rowley, Director of the Waldo County Emergency Management Agency, tells Star 97.7, the Waldo County Amateur Radio Association is a strong support resource for the EMA. On Saturday, June 28th, Ham radio operators will participate in the National “Ham Radio Field Day” at the EMA Office in Swanville. From Noon on, they’ll be demonstrating their ability to establish radio communications in the field and operating off-grid. Rowley says amateur radio operators provide a critical public service during times of disaster by providing reliable communications when normal infrastructure is offline. Again, that’s June 28th, beginning at Noon at the Waldo County Garden site and EMA office in Swanville.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Swiss Glacier Collapse
(Blatten, Switzerland) The pictures and video are stunning – A huge glacier collapse in Switzerland Wednesday covered or destroyed an entire valley with a mass of brownish sludge. The Associated Press reports 90% of the Alpine village was lost, although authorities had evacuated people and livestock earlier this month as a precaution. The regional government said in a statement a large chunk of the Birch Glacier above the village had broken off, causing a landslide that also buried the nearby Lonza River bed and raising the possibility of dammed water flows and prompting authorities to warn the situation could get worse.
State Asks Freyburg Fair Opening Date Not to Overlap Cumberland Fair
(Fryeburg) We’re hoping it stops being a “fair fight”. The state has now asked the Fryeburg Fair, the state’s biggest fair, to not start its fair on the last day of the Cumberland Fair. The two still overlap on Saturday, September 27th on the Fairs’ websites. WGME reports Fryeburg organizers are hoping vendors and exhibitors from the Cumberland Fair will stay there on Saturday and move in late to Fryeburg. But Cumberland Fair organizers say that would put vendors and exhibitors at a disadvantage. Saturday is obviously a big fair day for both. The Fryeburg Fair has typically started on Sunday, after the Cumberland Fair finishes, but wanted to get a jump on that big weekend day this year. It could come down to mere rules – the state says Fryeburg isn’t licensed to open on the 27th and has issued an order urging it to stick with its licensed dates.