World Headlines
U.S. Strikes Iran
(AP) The United States reportedly at war as we come on the air this morning, although Vice President J.D. Vance claims the country is only “at war with Iran’s nuclear program”. The Associated Press reports the US inserted itself into Israel’s war against Iran early Sunday by dropping powerful bombs on a uranium enrichment site with a goal of destroying that country’s nuclear program. The attack was carried out at President Trump’s discretion, without Congressional approval and in defiance of the 1973 War Powers Act. Iran’s foreign minister forcefully pushed back, saying the U.S. has “crossed a very red line”, declaring his country’s right to defend itself, and vowing to immediately fly to Moscow to coordinate with its ally, Russia. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a summary of the threat to the U.S. following the attack, which we’ve posted on our Star 97.7 Facebook Page.
(AP) The Iranian Prime Minister yesterday vowed to immediately coordinate with Russia in retaliating for the U.S. dropping powerful bombs on a uranium enrichment site in Iran. President Trump ordered Sunday’s attack without Congressional approval, in direct conflict with the 1973 War Powers Act, which requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops into a combat zone, the federal law enacted to ensure a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. The Trump Administration said it could not immediately say whether Iran still retained the ability to make a nuclear weapon.
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Body of Missing Clammer Found
(Milbridge) Bittersweet news this weekend for the family of missing Milbridge clammer Alton Wallace. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reporting Wallace’s body was found by a fisherman about 11 a.m. Saturday, near the western shore of Foster Island in Narraguagus Bay. Wallace was reported missing May 18th when he failed to return from harvesting clams. An extensive search followed, involving multiple agencies and private citizens. Marine Patrol officers say they were able to identify Wallace by his driver’s license in his pocket. His body was taken for an autopsy. Although Wallace’s family was aware of the outcome, they say the discovery will help them begin to navigate the healing process.
(Milbridge) Some closure for the family of missing clammer Alton Wallace of Milbridge this weekend. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports a fisherman found the body of the 51 yo Saturday morning near the western shore of Foster Island in Narraguagus Bay. A driver’s license in Wallace’s pocket helped Marine Patrol officers identify the body, which was taken for an autopsy. Wallace was reported missing May 18th after he failed to return from a clam digging expedition. An extensive search ensued, with multiple agencies and the community coming together in the weeks since to look for answers.
Bar Harbor Hotel Owner Fined
(Bar Harbor) A resort company that owns and operates several hotel properties in Maine has been ordered to pay more than $46K in workplace safety penalties. OSHA levied the fine against Ocean Properties, owner of the Bar Harbor Regency, for the February collapse of a hotel carport that killed longtime employee Mark King of Old Town. The company was initially fined $78K. It was not immediately clear why the penalty was reduced.
Crews Rescue Injured Rock Climber
(Camden) Teams of rock climbers and firefighters/EMT’s Saturday worked together to bring an injured rock climber to safety. The Pen Bay Pilot reports a 24 yo woman was climbing with her boyfriend on the cliffs above Barrett’s Cove, a popular training section of Megunticook, near Camden, when she fell about a third of the way from the top of the cliff. Rescuers say the victim landed on a fairly flat ledge. Team members were able to climb above the victim and painstakingly belayed her to the bottom of the cliff and an awaiting ambulance, where she was treated for possible broken ankles and then taken to Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport.
(Camden) A 24 yo woman rock climbing with her boyfriend Saturday at Megunticook near Camden suffered possible broken ankles when she fell and landed on a ledge. The Pen Bay Pilot reports about 4:15 Saturday afternoon, teams of rock climbers and firefighters/EMT’s from Camden Fire and Rescue responded to the scene where the pair had been climbing on cliffs above Barrett’s Cove. The woman reportedly fell about a third of the way from the top of the cliff. Team members were able to climb above the victim and, over several hours, belayed her to the bottom of the ridge and an awaiting ambulance, where she was treated and then taken to Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport.
Local Politics
Pingree Responds to Attack on Iran
(Washington, DC) Maine Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree was quick to condemn the attack, saying it put countless lives at risk, including U.S. troops currently stationed in the Middle East. Pingree called on Congress to convene as soon as possible to address the crisis, vote on the bipartisan War Powers Act introduced last week, and make clear the US must not be dragged into another war in the Middle East. Republican Senator Susan Collins said the strike was a necessary response to Iran’s aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons. Independent Senator Angus King called the attack a profoundly important and potentially dangerous step that risked US involvement in another debilitating war in the Middle East.
Feds Continue to Deny Funds, Despite Clearing UMaine of Violating Title IX
(Orono) The Trump administration reportedly continues to withhold federal funding from the University of Maine, even though one of its agencies cleared the University of transgender violations weeks ago. The Bangor Daily News reports after losing millions in federal funding, the University in May laid off several engineers, technicians, and scientists at its prestigious engineering lab. Neither the Department of Energy, nor most of Maine’s Congressional delegation responded to the BDN’s request for comment, but Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree demanded in a statement restoration of the funding, saying there was no investigation, no legitimate explanation, and no legal justification for the upending of vital research. .
Economy
Tourism Losses
(Bloomberg) Close to 85,000 fewer travelers crossed into the U.S. from Canada last month. Experts say Maine is not the only state whose economy has been hurt by Trump’s policies. Bloomberg reports the President’s policies are upending tourism worldwide. International arrivals to the US by air were up nearly 10% in December; down by almost as much in May. The World Travel & Tourism Council says of the 184 economies it tracks, the US is the only one expected to see tourism revenue decline this year – that, by as much as 7%. At least a dozen countries have advised their citizens to exercise caution when visiting the U.S. Governor Janet Mills is expected to continue trying to ease tensions with Canada with a visit to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia this week.
Education
MLA Turns Spotlight on Wallace’s Nephew
(Milbridge) One thing we’re sure Alton would have been proud of – last week, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association shined its Senior Spotlight on recent Jonesport-Beals grad Cody Leighton, Mr. Wallace’s nephew. The Royals senior was a proud member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society who showed his school spirit through sports and service. He also served as a Student Rep for Washington County on the Maine Department of Education Student Cabinet. Cody plans to attend the University of New England this fall to study Aquaculture.
Environment
Heat Wave Promises Maine Will “Feel the Burn”
(Maine) (((Sfx “Heat Wave …” :05))) Get ready to feel the burn … the East Coast is bracing for summer to arrive with a fiery force this week. Extreme heat warnings and watches have been issued up and down the eastern seaboard, including for Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston – where high temps could reach 100 degrees tomorrow. Here in Maine, a heat advisory was issued Sunday for interior York County, with a watch remaining in effect through Tuesday evening. Downeast Maine could see temps in the low 90’s tomorrow – we’ll get the official word from Steve McKay throughout the day today.
Human Interest
Revolutionary War Re-enactment in Machias
(Machias) War broke out in Machias this weekend – just a re-enactment, there. Margaretta Days celebrated the 250th anniversary of the first naval battle of the American Revolution, which took place in Machias, and the follow-up Battle of the Rim. Saturday and Sunday included a parade, opening of a time capsule, a Fife and Drum Corps, The Liberty Ball, special speakers and concerts. Adding to the excitement, Machias Town Manager Sarah Craighead-Dedmon writes remnants of a shipwreck believed to be those of the Margaretta may have recently been found in the waters off Jonesport. Local Historian Valdine Atwood and her mother have tirelessly researched the location of the wreck, the identity of which is currently awaiting confirmation.
Lavender Week
(Bucksport) Here’s something you’ll likely want to turn your nose up at….but that’s a good thing. Next week, the lavender is expected to be in full bloom, with fragrance expected to set off fireworks for your senses around July 4th. Numerous lavender farm locations grace the area and welcome the public to enjoy the fragrance, shop for gifts and lavender-infused goodies, and more. Area farms include Moore Manor Lavender in Newport, Glendarrgh Farm in Camden, and Sweet Dreams Farm in St. Albans. You can check hours and offerings on each farm’s website.
Sports
High School Baseball Playoffs
(Ellsworth) A gorgeous day for Saturday’s High School baseball playoffs – in Class B, the Ellsworth Eagles made it all the way to the State Championship, losing to Greeley 6-5, but with a pitch perfect season that makes their hometown proud. In class C, Monmouth ended Washington Academy’s five-game winning streak with a 9-1 victory over the Raiders. Class A, it was Biddeford over Mt. Ararat, and Class D St. Dominic with the win over Bangor Christian.
High School Softball Playoffs
(Bucksport) The third time was a charm for the Bucksport High School softball Golden Bucks. They defeated Hall-Dale 6-2 for the Class C State Championship. Class A went to the Windham girls, who shut out Edward Little 7-nothing. Class B, Medomak Valley’s one run was enough for a 1-nothing win against Hermon. And the Class D State Title went to the Buckfield girls who defeated Penobscot Valley 5-nothing.