Local News AM 06/30/25
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Scammers Becoming More Savvy
(Maine) Banking experts say three common scams they’re seeing more often include phishing schemes with scammers using fake emails and texts that look like they’re from your bank, asking you to click a link or share personal information – they say don’t do either. Fraudsters are also using phone calls that begin with, “This is your bank …”, sometimes even spoofing the bank’s number and asking for passwords, codes, or account numbers. And if you get a message or call from someone claiming to have sent you money by mistake, hang up or don’t respond. Banks say any monies involved are likely stolen funds. Report anything suspicious to your bank or financial institution.
Local Politics
Budget Bill Advances in Late Night Saturday Session
(Washington, DC) In a late night session Saturday, Senate Republicans advanced President Trump’s proposed budget bill by a narrow 51-49 vote. Senator Susan Collins voted for the bill, but made no secret of opposing the bill’s drastic cuts to Medicaid and planned to offer amendments ahead of a final July 4th deadline set by Trump. The bill as written extends close to $4B in Trump tax breaks and would add more than $3T to the federal deficit, while cutting Medicaid, food programs, and other resources vital to the middle and lower classes.
Canada Gives in as Trump Threatens to End Trade Talks
(Washington, DC) President Donald Trump this weekend said he would end trade talks with Canada, after Canada said it planned to begin collecting digital services taxes that would directly affect U.S. tech giants. Canada’s 3% digital services tax has been in place since last year, but the first payments were only due beginning today. In response, Canada’s government announced last night it would cancel that tax. It’s unclear how the latest round of what Canadians perceive as the President’s strong-arm tactics will continue to deal a blow to Maine’s tourism industry.
Changes Coming to Maine’s “Death with Dignity” Law
(Augusta) Changes are coming to the state’s “Death with Dignity” law. WMTW reports Mainers must currently meet certain requirements to qualify and follow protocols, including making two requests within a 17-day window – a waiting period through which some, sadly, don’t last. The new law, which goes into effect in mid September, requires waiting periods to be no less than seven days, a waiting period some say is better … but still too long. The program has been available to Mainers with certain terminal illnesses since 2019, and has been used by more than 100 people, according to data released by the state.
Bill Would Strengthen Services for Seniors
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of colleagues last week in introducing legislation that would renew funding and strengthen services for American Seniors. The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act would continue support for a bill first introduced in 1965 that helps improve the lives of low income seniors, including programs that promote nutrition, transportation options, caregivers, employment and community service.
Birthright Citizenship
(Augusta) Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey was quick to react to last week’s preliminary ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that jeopardizes Birthright Citizenship. Frey issued a statement saying children born in Maine to immigrant parents are citizens and that nothing in the ruling changes that fact now or in the future. Frey expressed disappointment in the Court, saying it “ducked the opportunity to reaffirm a clear, 127 yo legal precedent that the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution protects birthright citizenship.”
Economy
Bar Harbor Cruise Ship Traffic Dwindles Under Controversy
(Bar Harbor) Visits to Bar Harbor from larger cruise ships have all but cruised to a halt so far this summer, amidst ongoing litigation and controversy. Streets and sidewalks that had become gridlocked with summer crowds also meant tourism dollars for shops and restaurants. The rub between the two has led to a rift among some residents and proprietors and prompted a vote to limit disembarkation. The Bangor Daily News reports after seeing more than 100 ship visits between April and early November each of the past three years, mostly from large ships, Bar Harbor this year will at most get 16 large ship visits and so far hasn’t had any.
Caribou Gets Amazon Warehouse
(Caribou) The next time you get a package from Amazon, it may be shipped out of Caribou, right here in Maine. MaineBiz reports the commerce giant picked the Aroostook County town of just over 7,000 as its first warehouse in the Pine Tree State. Amazon will reportedly use an existing warehouse previously used for stainless steel food equipment and manufacturing. The company was still waiting for a certificate of occupancy as of last week.
AM Radio Remains Viable, Requirement in Cars
(Washington, DC) Experts say AM radio continues to be vital for maintaining the national emergency communication infrastructure. Inside Radio reports Congressional Republicans are pushing to pass a major tax bill by July 4th, which could clear the way for action on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. A Senate report says the mandate would be at minimal cost to automakers, with the Congressional Budget Office predicting few violations once it’s law.
Kids Eat Free at Washington Academy
(East Machias) For far too many children, school meals are a lifeline unavailable when school lets out for the summer. Beginning a week from today, kids age 18 and under can eat free Monday through Friday at Washington Academy. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30, and lunch from 11:30 to 12:30 July 7th through August 1st.
Portland International Jetport Among Top US Airports
(Portland) The Washington Post recently ranked the top 50 US Airports, and Portland International Jetport came in at number 29. The publication collected data on 450 airports throughout the U. S., with nominations and feedback from 2300 readers. Scores were based on the following – easy to get to, easy to navigate, food and shopping, on time flights, and cool and quirky things like world class restrooms stocked with fresh flowers. The top five rankings, respectively, went to Seattle Paine Field, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Ronald Reagan Washington, Long Beach, and at Number One, Portland International in Oregon, which includes soaring timber roofs, live trees, and massive video walls showcasing stunning landscapes.
Education
HCTC at Skills USA
(Ellsworth) A big shout out to the students and staff of the Hancock County Technical Center, who spent last week in Atlanta at Skills USA, the national leadership & skills conference. Senior Molly Smith went along as photographer and captured all the special moments, including the Health Sciences team of Grace Firley, Abby Farricker and Willa Dow taking the Silver. HCTC always does Ellsworth proud.
UMaine to Opt Into NCAA Settlement
(Orono) After initially opting out this first year, the University of Maine has reversed course and decided to opt IN to the landmark NCAA settlement with Division I student athletes. The settlement allows athletes to be paid directly by schools. Schools that opt into the agreement are also eligible for revenue sharing. In a statement, University officials say they changed course after further study. The new rules go into effect tomorrow on July 1 and allow schools to opt in or out on an annual basis.
Educate Maine Looking for Presenters
(Augusta) Whether you’re a teacher with a bold new idea, a business with an incredible partnership model, or a community group wanting to deepen student engagement, Educate Maine wants to hear from you. They’re looking for presenters for the 2025 Symposium with the theme “Connected”, exploring the vital link between classrooms and communities, as students move into a rapidly changing world. If you feel you could be one of those dynamic presenters, you’re asked to submit a proposal by July 9th at educate maine dot org.
Environment
Registration Open for Coastal Cleanup
(Augusta) Registration is now open through the Maine Department of Marine Resources for the Annual Coastal Cleanup, a volunteer-driven initiative designed to freshen up Maine’s coastal shores and waterfront communities. This year’s cleanup will run from September 6th through the 20th. Anyone wishing to coordinate a cleanup should register on the DMR website. Coordinators will be sent a package containing resources to collect and record trash prior to the cleanup. The International Coastal Cleanup was established nearly 40 years ago to address the problem of trash in oceans and on coasts.
Health
Pen Bay Hospital Welcomes Therapy Dog
(Rockport) MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital welcomed its two newest volunteers this month – Mango, a pet therapy dog, and his handler, Cristina Lindsay. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the 4 -and-a-half-year-old black lab began training as a therapy dog at just 10 weeks old. His official title will be “Employee Morale Specialist”. Among his other talents, Mango has served as a greeter and a mascot, and has appeared in marketing campaigns for King Arthur Baking Company, Cuisinart, and other brands.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Former PPH Editor to Appear on Jeopardy!
(Portland) What is Journalism Jeopardy? Jason Singer, a former reporter and editor at the Portland Press Herald is set to take his turn on Jeopardy tomorrow. Jason’s wife, Susan McMillan, a former Kennebec Journal reporter appeared on the show in 2021.
Bar Harbor Rotary Again Serves Up Tasty Fourth
(MDI) It’s not the Fourth of July until you’ve had your Bar Harbor Rotary pancakes! The Rotary is readying for its 52nd Annual Pancake Breakfast and Seafood Festival, raising funds for the many worthy causes supported by the club. From 7 to 10 Friday, enjoy sausages, eggs, pancakes, coffee, orange juice and more on the town green …then come back for a lunch from 11 to 2 that includes lobster or crabmeat rolls, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, watermelon, and drinks to whet your thirst as well as your appetite, as you attend the parade, the festivities, and then the fireworks that night – lunch served 11 to 2. Be sure to get to town early. Parking in Bar Harbor is always at a premium on the Fourth.