QUOTE OF THE DAY
— Joshua Jones on learning that the Narraguagus Bay Health Care nursing home in the Washington County town of Milbridge would shut down in 60 days. Jones’ father-in-law just moved there in January after being bumped from a facility in Ellsworth that was also closing.
TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES
Bangor schools are trying to tackle chronic absenteeism. Students who are chronically absent are more likely to drop out of school when they’re older.
Unprecedented storms have stretched the state’s home insurers to their limit. Insurance companies have pulled out of some states that have seen increased impacts from climate change.
A failed flavored tobacco ban was the year’s most lobbied bill in Maine. Despite a six-digit influence campaign and bipartisan support, the bill never came before the House of Representatives for a vote.
People are outsmarting Penobscot County dispatch’s AI answering system. It was supposed to keep dispatchers at the understaffed department from being overwhelmed by non-emergency calls.
The new director of UMaine’s Lobster Institute comes with industry experience. Chris Cash spent 14 years fishing for lobster, eight of them on her own boat.
MAINE IN PICTURES
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
- Retired FBI agent wants to unseat Angus King
- There’s $19M in unclaimed Maine pandemic and energy relief payments
- Route 1A paving brings traffic to a halt in Holden
- New Madawaska-Edmundston bridge opening next month
- Presque Isle bus service will soon offer Saturday trips
- Eastern Maine will soon lose another nursing home
- New commission aims to steel Maine against worsening storms
- Missing Surry man has been found safe
- Feds want to seize 14 dogs allegedly used for dogfighting in Maine
- Report suggests some deputies responding to Maine mass shooting were intoxicated
- 21-year-old killed in Winslow collision
- Skeletal remains found in Gorham
- A 13-year-old girl is missing in Saco
- 4 UMaine players earn spots on All-America East baseball teams
- Injuries and a lack of timely hitting led to a bad UMaine baseball season
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
As summer is nearly upon us, we want to know: What’s your favorite summertime card game to play with your loved ones? Charlemagne, cribbage, or something else?
FROM THE OPINION PAGES
“Since the marriages in Massachusetts, opponents’ scary predictions didn’t materialize. According to [a study], the economic and physical health of same-sex couples improved. And it certainly didn’t harm marriages involving straight people.”
Opinion: 20 years after 1st being legalized, same-sex marriages are broadly accepted
LIFE IN MAINE
When planning your garden this year, think about the native plants that you could incorporate. They can help provide critical soil infrastructure, prevent erosion, improve air quality and help with flood mitigation.
If you’re game to try an often-overlooked hike, look no further than Evans Notch. The hike on the border between Maine and New Hampshire features numerous challenging stream crossings and glorious views from the rugged mountaintop.
The Machias River offers optimal paddling experiences this time of year. Ron Chase recounts a multi-day trip that included plenty of challenges.
