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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Thank God my son insisted on bringing his blow-up paddleboard.”
— Lily Goodale, one of 11 people aboard a boat that sank on Sunday after it hit a ledge off North Haven. The inflatable paddleboard was used to ferry five of the passengers safely to shore, while the others swam.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES
The ghost of Bucksport’s paper mill looms over new funding challenges. The Verso Paper mill made up more than 40 percent of the town’s tax base before it closed in 2014.
A family recounts how they used a blow-up paddleboard to flee a sinking boat in Penobscot Bay. The Bertram 31 was cruising south of North Haven when it dragged along the rock ledge tearing an 18-inch hole in its hull.
Maine’s intensifying drought couldn’t come at a worse time for potato farmers. Potato plants use the most water in July and August when growth is at its highest, and rainfall totals are well below average.
The Madawaska courthouse will close permanently this year. The courthouse is now open so infrequently that it cannot accept filings or other court records delivered by mail.
Most refugees and asylees will be denied food stamps under President Donald Trump’s new law. The change is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Trump signed into law on July 4.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
- Old Town investigation that triggered UMaine alert was ‘misunderstanding’
- Northern Light Health reaches deal with Maine insurer to lower costs
- Presque Isle Council appoints new councilor for 3-month term
- Fort Kent man in critical condition after being struck by rolling car
- Customs and Border Protection wants Eastport to give it free office space
- Camden man accused of having sexually explicit images of children
- Missing Brunswick woman found safe in ‘very remote wooded area’
- Maine woman accused of killing sister pleads not guilty
- Mayor denies Portland will cooperate with ICE as part of $18M jetport grant
- One football game will make UMaine more than $300K next year
MAINE IN PICTURES
FROM THE OPINION PAGES
“Sanctuary policies can lead to increased risks for public safety, with dangerous individuals slipping through the cracks of the system.”
Opinion: Janet Mills should veto bill that would make Maine a sanctuary state
LIFE IN MAINE
Maine’s general bear hunting season begins on the last Monday in August, and this year, that date — Aug. 25 — is right around the corner.
Maine’s drought has worsened, and the first expected rain comes early next week.
West Nile Virus has been detected in Maine mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile were found in Portland.