Good morning. Temperatures will be in the low-50s with sunshine throughout the state.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The thousands of Maine customers still left behind by CMP
–CMP made headlines across the state for billing increases that coincided with both a new customer account system rollout and the October 2017 wind storm that knocked out power to much of Maine. The company admitted that 97,000 customers saw their bills spike 50 percent or more. While CMP has tried to assure the public that its billing problems are behind it, records and interviews with customers conducted almost a year and a half after the problems first emerged show the company is still struggling to convince people its bills are accurate.
After pinch-hitting last year, an airline is returning to Bar Harbor for a full summer season
–Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Silver Airways stepped in to provide service between Bar Harbor and Boston last summer after the Bar Harbor airport lost its seasonal carrier, PenAir, shortly before the summer tourist season. After stepping in for the summer as the substitute, Silver Airways will return to Bar Harbor this summer as the airport’s seasonal carrier. The airport also has year-round service to Boston provided by Cape Air. The seasonal carrier provides the added capacity needed during the summer months.
Bangor left-hander finds new niche as closer for UMaine baseball team
–Trevor DeLaite dominated at Bangor High School, but struggled during his first two seasons on the mound for the Black Bears. This spring, the junior has used a revamped approach to assume a new role as UMaine’s late-game pitcher.
After complaints from shorefront homeowners, Ellsworth dam operator proposes lowering lake water levels less
–As it seeks to renew its federal operating license for two dams in Ellsworth, the Canadian company that operates them is pledging to reduce the variation in water levels on Ellsworth’s Graham Lake as a way of minimizing the dams’ effects on the water quality of the nearby Union River. But critics say Black Bear Hydro could reduce the variation in water levels even more.
The way you dance in the streets of Belfast could change this summer
–After the organizers of Belfast’s big August street party informed city officials that they would not host the bash this year, elected officials and others involved in the downtown are considering changes to make it more family-friendly. Others say it’s time to explore a “less crazy” celebration.
Bangor-based National Guard soldiers will get a sendoff before Poland deployment
—A send-off ceremony will be held in Bangor on Saturday for a group of soldiers in the Maine National Guard who will deploy to Poland later this month. The 69 members of the 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion will be supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve and will not return until early 2020.
Do this: Prepare for ‘Game of Thrones’ with this Maine-centric guide
–After nearly two years of waiting, over the next six weeks we’ll finally find out what happens to all our beloved — and not-so-beloved — characters. How will you be getting ready for the big night? The BDN’s Emily Burnham has put together this guide to getting up to speed on the first seven seasons; how to celebrate with fellow “Game of Thrones” fans, including special Games of Thrones-themed food and beer; and where to watch the new season.
In other news…
Maine
‘Here we are. This is us’: Photos give unvarnished look at everyday Maine lives
Man reported missing in Acadia National Park
Prisoner dies at Maine State Prison less than a week before release
Bangor
Portland Pie Company to open new location in downtown Bangor
Mother whose child was sickened after allegedly ingesting meth through breast milk faces new charges
Richman’s evocative ‘Serenity on the Lake’ transports audience to camp
Business
Maine’s energy regulators are poised to vote on key permit for $1 billion CMP project
Maine native to bring custom water filters to ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ TV show
Feds order Maine landlords to pay $18K after allegedly refusing to rent to families with kids
Politics
Bill to strip Maine vaccination exemptions moves ahead despite GOP opposition
Maine crime analysts want same early pension plan as police
Trump signs orders making it harder to block pipelines
Opinion
The real star of Maine’s new driver’s license
Abortion funding is about choice and responsibility
Maine Democrats are fighting to lower prescription drug costs
Sports
Brewer softball looking for Class B state championship repeat
Millinocket Marathon founder honored by governor at tourism conference