Morning Update: What you need to know in Maine today

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It’s not awesome when institutional knowledge walks out the door on an employee’s last day. But we’re moving away from a personality-based system.”

— Ellsworth City Manager Charles Pearce, who was hired in 2024 and has since seen a wave of turnover among top managers at City Hall.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Threats against Maine lawmakers are soaring. From 23 reported cases in 2023 and 54 last year, the number of threats against state legislators is at 75 so far this year.

The price of an Islesboro mansion that sat unsold for years was slashed by $3 million. When it was first put up for sale in 2023, the island estate was the most expensive property listed in Maine.

Ellsworth City Hall has seen a wave of staff turnover in recent years. The director of planning, deputy city manager, economic development director, and parks and recreation director are among new hires.

A longtime UMaine hockey fan will be missing in the stands. Anne Dubraska Britt, who died on Sept. 13, and her late husband, Andrew, were season ticket holders since 1983 and rarely missed a home game.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Longtime UMaine hockey fan Anne Dubraska Britt, right, died recently. She and her late husband, Andrew Britt, right, were mainstays in the stands supporting the Black Bears for decades. Fellow UMaine hockey fan Jamie Moreau is pictured in the center. Credit: Courtesy of Mary Britt

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“The Great Society programs sought to create a more diverse, racially egalitarian society where opportunity could flourish for everyone, regardless of background. This meant directly attacking historical injustice.”

Opinion: LBJ’s Great Society is being unraveled