World Headlines
Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Bases in Middle East; Reportedly Breaks Hours-Old Ceasefire
(AP) Israel this morning claiming Iran has already violated a ceasefire agreed to hours ago. Iran denies the charge. Reuters reporting the Israeli Defense Minister has ordered a military strike on Tehran. This after Iran Monday launched missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for the American bombing of its nuclear sites on Sunday. The Associated Press reports Qatar condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace and international law”, saying it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. Iran said it targeted the base because it was outside populated areas. It was unclear if there was damage to the Iraq base or any injuries there. The ceasefire was first announced last night by President Trump.
(Reuters) Israel’s Defense Minister this morning ordering a military strike on Iran – this after it claims Iran has already violated a ceasefire agreed to just hours earlier, according to Reuters. Iran said Monday it launched a retaliatory attack on Al-Udeid (Al Oo-deed), the U.S. airbase in Qatar. Al-Udeid is the United States’ largest airbase in the Middle East – it’s located about 40 miles from the country’s capital of Doha. Fox News reports the Pentagon is not aware of any American casualties. Qatar officials announced their air defenses successfully thwarted the attack and intercepted the six ballistic missiles fired. The base is home to 10K American forces and serves as a hub for logistical operations for the US mission to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The ceasefire, first announced last night by President Trump, could potentially now be null and void.
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
FMO Investigating Car Fire Caused by Lithium Ion Battery
(Hollis) The State Fire Marshal’s Office is once again warning of the dangers associated with D-I-Y energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion batteries. They say that’s the likely cause of a vehicle fire that occurred Saturday at a residence on Moderation Street in the York County town of Hollis. The incident involved a custom show vehicle and a portable garage structure. The vehicle’s owner had been preparing the car for an upcoming audio show and was installing a custom built, battery-powered audio system connected to a battery charger when the homemade battery bank failed, igniting the fire. No serious injuries were reported. Officials urge caution when charging or modifying high-capacity battery setups.
Local Politics
Governor Mill Signs Budget into Law
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has officially signed the state budget into law. WABI reports the budget imposes taxes on tobacco and streaming services, increases the cannabis tax, and places a tax on pensions over $125K. It also funds the projected MaineCare funding gap and nursing home facility rate reform. The budget, enacted by the legislature last week, will take effect 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns.
Republicans Seek Governor’s Veto of LD 1971
(Augusta) Legislative Republicans Monday sent a letter to Governor Janet Mills urging her to veto LD 1971 ‘An Act to Protect Workers in This State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities.’ The letter was circulated to Republican members of the House and Senate. The measure is likely in response to some agencies resisting cooperation with ICE, citing illegal and unconstitutional tactics by federal agents. Republican Representative Alicia Collins of Sidney called the bill a dangerous attempt to interfere with local law enforcement and make their jobs even more difficult, adding it also jeopardizes access to important funding needed to protect citizens in a dangerous world.
Transgender Battle
(Augusta) The Bangor Daily News reports Donald Trump continues to target Maine over its transgender athlete policies. The President’s efforts to punish the Pine Tree State have resulted in the loss of millions in federal funding, and sources say the Justice Department’s lawsuit against the State’s Department of Education could last until at least next year. Republicans have called allowing transgender athletes to compete a betrayal of fairness and the people’s will. A majority of those polled are against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, but the Democratically controlled legislature has held firm on the issue. The state is monitoring litigation regarding the issue. A lobbyist for the Maine Principals’ Association says the MPA is monitoring the issue and that if changes are mandated by the courts or Congress, they will make whatever adjustments are required.
Senator Grohoski Bill to Increase Safety for Fishermen
(Augusta) Recent tragedies reinforce just how dangerous the fishing profession can be. A bill from Ellsworth Democratic Senator Nicole Grohoski that became law this month seeks to address the dangers by directing the Department of Marine Resources to evaluate how to effectively allow two licensed individuals to fish for lobsters of scallops from a single vessel. Grohoski said harvesters are struggling with labor and economic constraints, prompting them to fish alone under increasingly risky conditions. The bill received a unanimous, bipartisan vote in the Marine Resources Committee. It became law without the Governor’s signature and will take effect 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns.
Former Governors in Senate Warn of Slashed Medicaid Services, SNAP Benefits
(Washington, DC) More than 300 rural hospitals nationwide, including two in Maine, would be at risk of closing, and food assistance programs would face budget shortfalls under the GOP Reconciliation Bill, according to the Office of Senator Angus King. On Monday, King joined a group of other former Governors now serving in the Senate to lay out significant concerns about how the partisan bill would place cumbersome burdens on state budgets, ultimately reducing critical services like Medicaid and SNAP. The Governors wrote that for the first time, the burden of funding SNAP would shift billions from the federal government to states over the next decade, adding $36M to Maine’s budget alone. The group said it stands ready to work alongside Congressional Republicans for fiscally responsible legislation that does not cripple the middle class and low income earners.
Economy
Blue Hill Peninsula Hay Farmer
(Blue Hill) Hay. It’s a vital resource for local farmers who need food to feed their livestock. With hay farms becoming smaller and growing conditions along the coast more challenging than further inland, the Bangor Daily News reports a Blue Hill hay farmer is anything but “bailing” from the livelihood with which he started as a young teen in the 1970’s. Ben Gifford is likely one of the last people haying for landowners on the peninsula. He says while it’s itchy and difficult work, it remains in demand. He sells every bale he makes. Hay is Maine’s third most valuable crop, according to the U.S. Census, supporting the state’s dairy, livestock and horse industries.
Environment
Red Cross Advises Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
(Portland) You know by now dangerously high temperatures are forecast for today. With that in mind and a lot more summer to go, the American Red Cross urges three critical actions for everyone to take under such conditions. Number one, they say stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty; and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Second, stay cool by spending time in air conditioned places. If needed, go to a mall, library, or cooling center, such as the Inspire Recovery Center at 24 Church Street in Ellsworth – that will be open from 9 to 6 today. And finally, they say stay connected. Check on others, and make sure those precious pets have plenty of water and shade, as well.
Healthy Acadia Recovery Center Opens as Cooling Center
(Ellsworth) If the heat becomes too much today, there’s sweet relief at Healthy Acadia’s Inspire Recovery Center in Ellsworth. The Center at 24 Church Street will be open as a cooling center beginning at 9 this morning and will remain open until 6 as a safe, welcoming, and air-conditioned space for anyone needing relief from the heat. The Center is open to everyone; and if you have questions, you can give them a call at 412-2288.
(Ellsworth) The times they are a-changing, and the temps, they are arising. With today’s highs expected in the 90’s, you may be dreading suffering in the heat – relatively few Mainers have air conditioning. Healthy Acadia has about the coolest idea around today – the Inspire Recovery Center will be open from 9 this morning until 6 tonight as a cooling center for anyone needing relief from the heat. If you have questions, give them a call at 412-2288.
Education
Ellsworth Middle Schoolers Top Writers in 7th Grade Essay Contest
(Ellsworth) When the magazine “Maine Town & City” put out a call for entries in a 7th grade essay contest designed to foster interest in municipal government service, at least two Ellsworth Elementary Middle Schoolers pulled out their laptops and got to work. The theme of the contest, “If I led my community …”, asked students to focus on innovative ways they would step up as leaders. One of the winners, Cory Michaud-Kidder said his biggest goal would be to work with others to help the homeless, work on traffic safety, and provide more programs to keep young people engaged. Another winner, Caleb DiDonato, cited the need for more bike paths in Ellsworth, noting it’s not only a mode of transportation but would contribute to rider safety, as well. Caleb said he would also advocate for a dog park. The essays of the two Ellsworth students, along with that of Sidney Palmer from Reeds Brook in Hampden, were chosen as winners from more than 70 entries.
Human Interest
Camp POSTCARD Wraps Up
(Winthrop) Every June, a hundred boys and girls from all 16 Maine counties join dozens of law enforcement officers from across the state who volunteer as counselors at Camp POSTCARD – which stands for Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams. The 5th and 6th graders are nominated by their school resource officers or school counselors as those who would most benefit from the free summer camp in Winthrop. The camp, which wrapped up its 2025 session on Friday, was started by then-Hancock County Deputy Scott Kane and State Trooper Christine Buchanan three decades ago and has been changing lives ever since. This year’s camp included a Camper of the Year presentation by Lauren and Alyssa Gross, wife and daughter of the late Deputy Luke Gross. A shoutout to all those officers and donors who continue to help make the camp possible.
Stockton Springs Library is for the Dogs
(Stockton Springs) A Stockton Springs Library has gone to the dogs. Public Works Director George Russell realized there was an important need in his community – the pup population was always looking for a good stick or tennis ball for someone to toss. So he created the Dog Library, a little beachside stand containing shelves loaded with all sizes of sticks for every canine taste, and a bin loaded with tennis balls! Dogs can work with their humans to write or enjoy their own stories … from Mysteries, like “Where’d the Ball Go?”, Historical Novels such as “Moby Stick”, Dramas like “Monster’s Ball” … even a play – “The Stick and I”, anyone? The library is located at Sandy Point Beach and is open to all breeds – no library card or proof of pedigree needed. Oh, and George says no need to return any items. He has hundreds of tennis balls and is happy to cut more sticks as needed.