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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We’re doing a job that’s inherently dangerous and we find now that we’re in a situation that doesn’t meet what we’ve been taught to expect.”

— Northport Assistant Fire Chief Henry Lang on the chaos that followed an unexpected silo explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont last Friday while firefighters were battling a blaze at the sawmill complex. As another emergency worker described it, firefighters went from fighting the fire to providing medical care to their fellow first responders.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Support is pouring in for victims of the Searsmont lumber mill fire and explosion. A farmer, a proud member of a firefighting family, and recent University of Maine graduate are among several first responders who remain hospitalized.

A fire official recounts the confusion of the Searsmont silo explosion. Firefighters quickly went from fighting the fire to providing medical care to their fellow first responders.

AI tracking is still coming to Greater Bangor despite explosive backlash. Bangor and multiple other municipalities, including Brewer and Old Town, are slated to start using the program this year.

Mobile home park residents are fighting back against exorbitant rent hikes. Sanford is one of at least three towns considering a rule limiting rent increases by mobile home park owners.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Worshippers bow their heads during Sunday services at a church in southern Maine that draws from the local African communities. The church’s pastor says attendance has fallen amid resurgent ICE fears. Credit: Ari Snider / Maine Public

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Vice President JD Vance speaks on the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud during an event at the Bangor International Airport in Bangor on May 14, 2026. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

“A new filing with the Office of Government Ethics shows that Trump has made as much as $750 million in stock trades in recent months, much of it from trades made at the start of his war with Iran.”

Editorial: If JD Vance wants to find fraud, he should look in the White House

LIFE IN MAINE

A $599,000 sale led Bangor’s weekly property transfers during a slow week.

“Spring anglers often spend a lot of time thinking about fly selection, but line choice can matter just as much — sometimes more,” Outdoors contributor Bill Graves writes.