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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“This is just the reality of the drug supply. It’s so unpredictable.”

— Willie Hurley, executive director of Needlepoint Sanctuary in Bangor, on the appearance in Maine of a strong sedative known as “rhino tranq.” The veterinary tranquilizer does not respond to the overdose-reversing medication naloxone, which is one reason harm reduction organizations like Needlepoint Sanctuary urge users to test their drugs.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Susan Collins still supports Trump’s Iran war while Angus King called it “illegal from the start.” The senators on Thursday toured Bath Iron Works, where both said they’ll work together to push for more U.S. Navy ships to be built at the Maine shipyard.

A dangerous sedative known as “rhino tranq” is showing up in Maine’s drug supply. Medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer used to sedate dogs, can be 200 to 300 times more potent than a more common street drug known simply as “tranq.”

This residential street on MDI might be the most expensive in Maine. At 2 miles long, each foot of Cooksey Drive has an assessed value of more than $12,000.

Ellsworth signed off on a new $866,000 fire truck. The purchase continues the fire department’s push to upgrade its aging fleet.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

A mansion located at 93 Cooksey Drive, seen in the foreground, is currently for sale for $10 million. It’s among the multimillion-dollar estates on Cooksey Drive in Mount Desert that make it one of the most expensive residential streets in the state. Credit: Courtesy of Peter Morneau

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

A sign at the pharmacy for COVID-19 and flu shots at Hannaford in Brewer is seen on June 17, 2022. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

“In a state like ours, vaccines are not only important for protecting children from preventable illness, but also for protecting adults and older adults from infections that can erode health, independence and well-being.”

Opinion: Maine needs a broader conversation about vaccination

LIFE IN MAINE

Northern Maine’s most prominent outdoor expo opens in Presque Isle this weekend.

Here are 10 flies you can tie for spring trout fishing. 

An experiential fine dining restaurant is opening at a secret location in western Maine.