World Events
US Strike on Iran Less Effective Than Initially Reported
(NYT) Classified findings indicate the United States’ strike on Iran did less damage than initially reported by the White House. The New York Times reports the attack sealed off the entrances to two nuclear facilities, but failed to collapse their underground buildings. Sources say the strike set back Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months.
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Waste Safety
(Hampden) Think before you toss – that’s the word from Municipal WasteHub, which says communities are sending more material than ever to the Hampden facility. They say while most of what is sent is exactly what belongs in the solid waste stream, there’s been a rise in a few dangerous and damaging items that don’t belong in household trash. Those include tires, syringes, liquids, and construction debris. The items can harm equipment, and – more importantly – the people who operate it. We’ve posted a graphic from WasteHub showing items that could pose dangers and thus need to be kept out of the waste cycle on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Local Politics
Mills Vetoes Ban on Imminent Domain for Tribal Lands
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills this week issuing a series of vetoes, including a measure that would prohibit the state from using eminent domain to secure land belonging to Native American tribes. The Bangor Daily News reports the veto is the latest case of the Democratic Governor not seeing eye to eye with the Wabanaki nations. Mills called the proposed ban “a solution in search of a problem”, noting the state has not used eminent domain to take tribal lands since the 1980 settlement took effect. Members of the legislature will return to Augusta shortly to take up the Governor’s vetoes. Overriding a veto requires the votes of at least two-thirds of lawmakers in each chamber.
Mills’s Vetoes
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills this week began vetoing bills that passed this session, including one that would have barred the state from taking tribal lands through eminent domain. The Portland Press Herald reports that was among five vetoes the governor has issued so far, with more likely coming this week. Others include a bill that would have protected farm workers who discuss working conditions and wages from certain retributions. Another would have clarified when someone accused of a crime is entitled to legal representation at the state’s expense
Republican Leaves Party to Run for Governor as Independent
(South Paris) A Republican has left his party to run for Maine’s Governor as an Independent. The Bangor Daily News reports State Senator Rick Bennett, a former Republican Party Chair, made the announcement Tuesday. The 62 yo from Oxford has often stood out for voting against his party on a range of issues. Bennett was reportedly not afraid to criticize other Senate Republicans for holding up a short-term deal in March to bail out MaineCare in the face of a $118M deficit; but he’s also clashed with Democratic Governor Janet Mills, including during last year’s budget talks when Bennett said the Governor’s demand for lawmakers to not amend a spending plan read “like a letter from Vladimir Putin.”
E-Mails Reveal DOGE Canceled Maine Social Security Program
(NYT ) The New York Times reports orders to cancel a program that electronically registered Maine newborns for Social Security came from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, not from the federal retirement and disability program’s commissioner, Leland Dudek, who had previously taken responsibility. In March, the Social Security Administration canceled a pair of contracts for the program, which allowed mothers to register their infants from hospital maternity wards. The move was quickly reversed after public outcry. Dudek initially said he canceled the program to get back at Governor Janet Mills for her confrontation with President Trump over transgender athletes.
Economy
Maine Home Sales, Prices Continue to Rise
(Maine) Home sales … and prices … continue to rise in the Pine Tree State. WABI reports data from Maine Listings shows the median price for a single family home last month was $425K. That’s up six-and-a-half percent from May 2024. Sales rose more than three percent last month compared to the year before, with buyers purchasing more than 1200 homes. Maine is in line with national statistics, which show the median price of homes across the country at $427K; although, that’s up less than one percent nationally in the past year.
Versant Customers to See Increase in Billing
(Bangor) Beginning July 1st, Versant Power customers will see slight increases in their bills because of changes to their stranded cost, distribution, transmission, and conservation and Public Policy rates. A residential customer in the Bangor Hydro District using 500 KwH will see about a 31 cent increase per month; inthe Maine Public District, that increase will be just under $3.00.
Real Estate Merger
(Bar Harbor) The Swan Agency Real Estate is merging with Portland-based Portside Real Estate Group. While Swan is joining the larger Portside, it will keep the Swan Agency name because of its familiar recognition in Hancock County, according to the Bangor Daily News. The merger allows the Portland company to extend its reach into the Mount Desert Island region in order to meet demand Portside says it has experienced from consumers.
Public Defenders Deficit
(Augusta) When it comes to a lack of public defenders and the monies to pay them, Maine continues to “court” trouble. The Bangor Daily News reports there’s a $13M funding gap for the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services – and lawmakers reportedly failed to budget enough to pay for those constitutionally mandated attorneys during the next fiscal year. Sources say the Commission will run out of money and be unable to pay lawyers for the indigent beginning next April until the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. The state has successfully worked to erase backlogs of prisoners languishing without representation – those numbers down to 230 from roughly 1,000 in January. But without intervention, legal rights advocates say the numbers could easily spike well above that January figure.
Education
EPL Summer Reading Program Underway
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is underway, with programs like their outdoor adventure storytime, a tie-dye workshop, a reading dragons tournament, and a taco party for dragons, just to name a few! Plus, free workshops for parents and caregivers, and family performers Wednesdays at 6. Educators say they can’t overemphasize the benefits of reading, including less screen time and maintaining and growing literacy levels … and research shows reading benefits children in all subject areas. Learn more and sign up soon – many of the programs are filling fast. Ellsworth library dot net.
UMaine’s Student-Run Ambulance Service Earns National Recognition
(Orono) While we know EMS providers, especially those in Maine’s rural areas, face many obstacles – a lack of funding, difficulty with staffing, and slow reimbursements, to name a few – perhaps the future looks a bit brighter, thanks to the University of Maine Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The student-run service has earned national recognition from the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Service’s “Striving for Excellence in Campus EMS” program. Chosen from over 100 applicants, UVA, which provides expert care and quick response on campus and beyond, was one of only three EMS organizations recognized in 2025. Well done!
Environment
Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens Preserved from Development
(Blue Hill) Months of hard work, beating the (blueberry) bushes, and sleepless nights have paid off for a group in Blue Hill who labored to save the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens from development. The group of Peninsula homeowners and residents reports the land will now be managed and protected by Blue Hill Heritage Trust. The property, for generations privately owned and open to dog walkers, elver fishermen, and others, was ultimately purchased by a Kennebunk developer who planned to build high end homes. But the Blue Hill group was able to raise enough money to buy back the land and transfer stewardship to the Trust.
(Blue Hill) Members of the Blue Hill community on cloud nine today – and back on a beloved parce – after securing a deal to purchase the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens. The land, with its rolling hills and unbeatable views, was for years privately owned and open to walkers, elver fishermen, and others, but was ultimately sold to a developer who planned to build high-end homes, almost ensuring its future inaccessibility. But a group of residents spent tireless hours before the town Planning Board and with that developer to get the land under contract. The iconic parcel will now be managed and protected by Blue Hill Heritage Trust. There’s still money to be raised to complete the purchase. You can donate via PayPal at Blue Hill Community Development.
NYC Hits Hottest Temperature in More Than a Decade
(NYT) It was hot just about everywhere yesterday. New York City hit its hottest temperature in over a decade. The New York Times reports an official gauge in Central Park reached 99 degrees around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon for the first time since July 18, 2012 and was expected to climb even higher. Just by reaching 97 degrees in the afternoon, Central Park had already surpassed a record for that date that had stood since 1888.
Midcoast is Epicenter for Disease-Carrying Ticks
(Maine) Cover up, check yourself, and treat your pets! Researchers have declared the Midcoast the “epicenter” of Maine’s tick problem. According to the Portland Press Herald, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab had tested more than 22,000 ticks from every corner of the state the past six years, finding that ticks from Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties are most likely to carry the pathogens that cause Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis – Maine’s three most common tick-borne diseases.
Health
Red Cross in Critical Need of Blood Donations
(Maine) The American Red Cross is asking that as the busy Fourth of July holiday week approaches, donors celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all types are needed, the need for Type O is most urgent. Anyone who donates July 1-14 will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross sunglasses – or get a $15 Amazon gift card by mail if you make it in by June 30. Find a drive, sign up, and save lives at red cross blood dot org.
Infrastructure
Bar Harbor Paving
(Bar Harbor) A heads up for anyone in or headed to Bar Harbor today. The town says the Hancock Street paving project will progress today with driveway apron work being done. The town says traffic will be impacted, so travelers should plan accordingly. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Bar Harbor Public Works.
Sports
NBA Draft
(Undated) All eyes will be on the NBA draft tonight to see where Newport native Cooper Flagg will play. The first round begins at 8 tonight on ABC and ESPN; the second round begins at 8 Thursday. Flagg, of course, expected to be the No. 1 draft pick. We’re sure there are a lot of watch parties planned.