Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Trenton Volunteer Fire Department Tackles Fire at Campground
(Trenton) Members of the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department were called to a possible fire in a motor home at the Narrows Too Campground shortly before midnight Monday. Once on the scene, firefighters say smoke was clearly visible coming from inside a large motor home. After first responders verified that all people and pets were out and safe, crews determined the fire was inside a wall cavity near a washer and dryer unit and a hot water heater. The Ellsworth Fire Department assisted in removing the appliances and extinguishing the fire. The owners were advised to keep the motor home de-energized until it could be checked out professionally. Crews complimented the family for having working fire and carbon monoxide alarms that provided the necessary advanced warning.
Maryland Murder Suspect Apprehended in Auburn
(Auburn) A murder suspect who had been on the run from Maryland since July of 2024 was apprehended Tuesday in Auburn. US Deputy Marshal Ryan Guay tells Star 97.7, the Maine Violent Offender Task Force received information that 31 yo Ja’bril Roynell Walters had fled to Maine and may have been hiding under an alias. Through an investigation, task force members determined Walters was indeed living inside a house in Auburn. He was taken into custody without incident. In addition to facing first and second degree murder charges, five counts of assault, and use of a firearm to commit a violent crime, Walters is charged as a Fugitive from Justice and will be extradited back to Maryland.
Stetson Explosion
(Stetson) The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an explosion that happened Monday in the Penobscot County town of Stetson. Crews from multiple fire departments responded to the 300 block of Coboro Road shortly after 2 p.m., following a report of black smoke and an explosion. Public Safety Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, the residents at the property had placed Tannerite, an explosive often used in target shooting, inside an old camper behind the house. The Tannerite was detonated, causing the camper to explode and triggering a fire that threatened nearby woods. Maine Forest Rangers and other first responders were able to extinguish that blaze before it spread.
Shoe Requirement Could Soon Be Removed
(CNN) The TSA is giving the boot to taking off your boots and shoes when you go through that TSA checkpoint at the airport. More than 20 years after 9-11 and the infamous “shoe bomber” Richard Reid, the Transportation Security Administration is phasing out the security requirement – at least that’s the word from the blog Gate Access, though not yet officially confirmed by the TSA. Passengers at various airports are finding the rule alternately in effect and not so, according to CNN. Chicago O’Hare was still requiring shoe removal yesterday (Tuesday). An internal memo reportedly cited new technology and improved security systems as reasons for the change.
ICE Arrests Up Markedly Under Trump Administration
(Maine) Arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents are up roughly 50 percent here in Maine under the Trump Administration. The Deportation Data Project shows ICE has, since January, arrested some 100 people in Maine. The Bangor Daily News reports Sue Roche, with Portland-based Immigrant Legal Advocacy said the uptick is having a broad, chilling effect, especially with seemingly random arrests that target even those who are here legally. Roche says even those with permanent legal status are choosing to not take jobs where they may be driving, send their children to school or day camps, make doctor visits, and are often not contacting law enforcement when they may be victims of crimes.
(Maine) Nearly 80% of immigrants arrested in Maine this year have not been convicted of a crime. Maine Public reports that does not include arrests made by Border Patrol agents. Martha Stein, with the immigrant support group “Hope Acts”, said she’s aware of more than a dozen arrests of people who were seemingly doing everything right – minding their own business, going to work, and just trying to live their lives and follow the laws and rules like everyone else. A jump in arrest rates has been particularly noticed since June, corresponding with Trump aide Stephen Miller’s demand that ICE arrest 3,000 people a day.
(Maine) In a state that relies heavily on migrant farm workers, including those who do the difficult job of raking blueberries, disturbing news yesterday from the Trump Administration which said there would be no amnesty for such workers – a policy on which the President has shifted as often as he has on tariffs. Secretary of Labor Brooke Rollins said mass deportations would continue and the workforce would move toward automation and 100% American participation. Rollins, without specific evidence, said that would include 34 million people she claims are currently able bodied but receiving Medicaid.
Local Politics
LePage Support of Trump at Odds with Golden in Mid-term Run
(Maine) While Maine’s entire Congressional delegation voted against Donald Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”, former Governor Paul LePage has embraced parts of the tax-and-spending megabill that includes Medicaid work requirements the Bangor Daily News writes has rural Maine hospitals fearing large budget cuts – at a time when many are already struggling. Support of the bill sets up an ideological battle between the Republican LePage and Democratic Representative Jared Golden, who won a narrow victory in 2024 and who has been an outspoken critic of the bill.
(Maine) Former Governor Paul LePage Monday came out in favor of Donald Trump’s budget and policy bill that brought nay votes from Maine’s entire Congressional delegation, including Susan Collins – one of just three Senate Republicans to vote against the bill. Collins cited cuts to Medicaid that would drastically reduce needed support for Mainers as a key reason for her vote. LePage’s strategist said Trump needs funding to keep enforcing our borders and for strong national defense. The Bangor Daily News reports LePage’s position puts him at odds with his mid-term opponent Jared Golden, who narrowly retained his seat in the Trump-leanng district in 2024.
Churches Can Endorse Candidates
(Undated) In a new court filing, the IRS said churches can now endorse political candidates to their congregations without risk of losing tax exempt status. The filing bucks a 70-year-old interpretation of US tax code known as the Johnson Amendment that barred certain nonprofit groups, including churches, from such endorsements without jeopardizing their tax-exemption. While some say the move is an affront to the Founding Fathers’ idea of Separation of Church and State, it’s likely to make little change in political outcomes. Most congregants are aware of the views of their leaders, even without such overt endorsements, and more often than not vote in lockstep with those views.
Collins Makes Opposition to Cuts Clear
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins had mader clear to President Trump’s budget chief there are cuts in the newly-passed budget she strongly opposes, including cuts to global health programs. Collins specifically pointed to a program of the George W. Bush Administration designed to help poorer nations combat HIV and AIDS that she pointed out has saved 20 million lives. Advocates point to such lifesaving measures as a small price compared to quality of life and humanitarian good will toward an increasingly isolated U.S..
(Washington, DC) Susan Collins was one of only three Senate Republicans to vote against President Trump’s budget and policy bill. When it comes to funding cuts affecting public broadcasting, Collins had a mixed view, telling Trump’s budget chief she wants to preserve funding approved for public television and radio stations such as Maine Public. The Senator noted the importance of Maine Public’s popular and educational programming, as well as their important role as part of the emergency alert system. However, she did balk at funding NPR, saying it should be providing the same type of neutral coverage as Maine Public, for the most part, does. The Senator said she found it troubling NPR President Katherine Maher had called President Trump “a liar” and was at one point pictured wearing a Joe Biden hat.
Economy
MaineCare Transportation by Modivcare Prompts Lawsuit
(Maine) Modivcare, a Denver-based company that provides non-emergency medical rides, along with Penquis and Waldo Community Action Partners will continue to provide rides to medical appointments in their respective regions for another year – amid a court battle over the decision to grant Modivcare a contract for the entire state. MaineBiz reports opponents object to such a large contract being given to one entity; and an out-of-state one at that. The state claims Modivcare is on time 91 percent of the time, but those who use the service have cited difficulty with getting tickets – which are sent ahead of time – and drivers regularly showing up late or not at all. One person said a substitute driver showed up smelling like marijuana. Modivcare serves half of Maine’s 16 counties and was slated to begin serving all counties in July 2024 before Penquis sued over the state’s award process, with W-CAP listed as an “interested party”.
Education
MDOL Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Awarded Over $6.4M
(Augusta) More than 90% of apprentices who complete the Maine Department of Labor Apprenticeship program are still working with their employer after one year, and MDOL reports apprentice graduates earn an average of $300K more over their lifetime than peers who don’t have the credential. Recent grants totaling over $6.4M will build on that success, enabling the Department to serve an additional 2500 individuals. The Maine Apprenticeship Program assists employers in setting up structured but flexible training programs to meet employers’ needs through on-the-job learning and related classroom learning.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Young Professionals Mixer
(Bar Harbor) If you’re a young professional living in the area, the Bar Harbor Young Professionals would be delighted to meet you at their next mixer this Friday, July 11th, from 5 to 7 at the Loft Raw Bar and Seafood Grill. Whether you’re new to the area or a familiar face, it’s an opportunity to meet other professionals, grow your network and enjoy an evening of drinks and socializing.
Knowlton Park Splash Pad Reopens
(Ellsworth) And bring on the hot days – the Knowlton Park splash pad in Ellsworth is open again after having its surface refinished. The splash pad operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., as long as the outdoor temperature is above 65. Changing rooms are available, and the City says you can splash away now through Indigenous People’s Day.