QUOTE OF THE DAY
— Richard Morlock, who was shot at during the Lewiston mass shooting. Morlock spoke through a sign language interpreter at a press conference held by survivors and family members of those lost during the shooting, after the state’s final report on the tragedy was released on Tuesday.
TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES
The state commission investigating October’s mass shooting in Lewiston found that police and military failures contributed to Maine’s deadliest rampage. But the panel’s final report released Tuesday stated that Robert Card II may have committed the shooting regardless. For survivors and family members of victims, “real accountability” must come next, one of their attorneys said following the release of the report.
Some Maine businesses are facing high electricity bills due to solar fees, and it’s causing alarm. One Milo company saw its bills double, ending with a $6,000 bill that may force the company to close.
No one knows why cats are vanishing from a Bangor neighborhood. While the city’s animal control officer blames wildlife, a state biologist countered that the spike in missing cats suggests a natural predator isn’t taking them, saying “somebody knows something.”
Another group has come forward to challenge the sale of the University of Maine’s Hutchinson Center to a church. The Committee for the Future of the Hutchinson Center and Waterfall Arts filed their own appeal on Monday.
A Hancock County probate judge was found in contempt of court after failing to pay child support to his ex-wife. Now, he has been reprimanded for neglecting a client, who spent 11 months in jail.
MAINE IN PICTURES
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
- Federal government grants 1st floating offshore wind power research lease to Maine
- Solar developers take aim at Maine farmland protection rule
- The day thousands of Bangor residents evacuated the city as a drill
- Orrington facility to begin accepting trash, but not yet producing energy
- What it’s like for a Maine truck driver to battle a massive wildfire in Oregon
- 4 members join commission considering new Aroostook jail
- Fort Kent police arrest man on child pornography charges
- PFAS-laden foam from Brunswick airport leak found in local pond
- What I learned digging clams for the 1st time in Maine
- Lewiston Public Schools honors staffer killed in mass shooting
- Maine turkey tests positive for mosquito-borne virus
- Portland minimum wage changes won’t appear on November ballot
- Old Town’s new boys and girls soccer coaches bring enthusiasm to teams
- Dual-threat transfer QB wins starting job for UMaine in opener
- UMaine women’s basketball loses 2-time Gatorade Player of the Year to injury
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Maine’s biggest car race of the year takes place Sunday when the Oxford 250 roars to life at the Oxford Plains Speedway. A field of more than 60 drivers in super late model sports cars will be vying to take the checkered flag. Past winners of the event include Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Geoff Bodine and Ricky Craven. Cole Butcher of Nova Scotia, who won in 2022 and 2023, was banned from this year’s race because of his driving style.
FROM THE OPINION PAGES
“We believe there is a public benefit to the proposed expansion. However, that benefit mostly derives from the fact that there are not viable alternatives.”
Editorial: Juniper Ridge expansion can’t stall efforts to reduce waste in Maine
LIFE IN MAINE
Once a staple of Maine’s woodworking industry, custom-made ax manufacturing reached its heyday in the 19th century. A group of dedicated collectors is keeping the craft alive.
No matter how warm it is when you set out on a hike, it pays to be prepared. That’s why Aislinn Sarnacki suggests keeping a firestarter on you, whether its waterproof matches or a lighter.
Even if you’re wearing a life jacket, anything can happen in a boat. Outdoors contributor Ron Chase recently brushed up on his water safety skills, learning to rescue canoers and kayakers from all types of situations.