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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“There’s so many good things to focus on that he can have an influence on with his money inside the Republican Party that I think would be more beneficial.”

— Former Maine Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason on Elon Musk’s plan to start his “America Party” to challenge Democrats and Republicans.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

“Barnacle” parking enforcement is coming to Bangor. Drivers who have outstanding ticket fees will have a grace period to pay the fines without additional late charges.

Penobscot County has narrowed down two potential sites to build a new jail. But County Administrator Scott Adkins hasn’t said where those two sites are located.

Elon Musk could learn from Maine’s flirtations with third parties as he tries to establish a new “America Party.” Voters have long been friendly with nontraditional candidates, electing two independent governors and the country’s first Green state legislator.

Cuts to the National Weather Service could have a disastrous impact on Maine’s storm preparedness. As President Donald Trump seeks to shrink the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ability to predict deadly weather conditions may not be possible.

Maine’s house vacancy rate leads the nation, but that doesn’t mean they’re available. Many of the state’s properties classified as vacant are seasonal or vacation homes.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

A Barnacle parking enforcement device on the windshield of a car in New York City. The city of Bangor plans to start using the new tool later this summer. Credit: Creative Commons; Z22 CC BY-SA 4.0

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Hussam Al-Rawi and Kathryn Piper stand in front of a sign for their business, Five Pillars Butchery in Unity. They are the only halal butchery in the state and are trying to get an expansion approved by the town. Credit: Sasha Ray / BDN

“It’s a chance to invest in infrastructure that feeds our kids, grows our local economy and reflects the full diversity of our state.”

Opinion: Unity halal butchery can help address food insecurity and support local farmers

LIFE IN MAINE

If you’re planning on catching a trout this summer, you should start by learning more about the flies that the fish like.

It’s blueberry season in Maine, and there are plenty of places open to the public to pick your own wild berries.

On a hot summer day, swap your sports drink for this old-fashioned refresher. Switchel, which is also known as haymaker’s punch, is traditionally made with cider vinegar, molasses or maple syrup, ginger and water.