A version of this story first appeared in the Morning Update newsletter. Sign up here to receive the Morning Update and other BDN newsletters directly in your inbox.
Happy Tuesday.
We’ve got another morning of dense fog, a common theme for the week, and temps will be rising into the 70s and low 80s across the state. This afternoon presents a chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms, and the long-range forecast for the week is looking somewhat damp.
Vice President JD Vance stopped in Brewer on Monday to stump for Republicans ahead of what’s expected to be a difficult midterm election for the Grand Old Party. Attendees at Vance’s rally acknowledged the rising pressure on pocketbooks but nonetheless were energized by Monday’s speakers.
Across the country, voters are concerned about rising costs, which have been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s war against Iran and his escalating trade disputes. One of the most visible signs of the economic fallout from the Iran war is the rising price for gasoline. Here in Maine, the average price for a gallon of gas hit $4.10, up almost a dollar from a year ago, according to GasBuddy.
Republicans are likely to face stronger headwinds in states along the Canada border (i.e., Maine) if Trump goes ahead with his threatened tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian imports. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who did not join Vance in Brewer, called them a “mistake.” Vance cast blame for the latest escalation on Canada, accusing the commonwealth nation of making “unreasonable” demands at the last minute.
Maine’s largest balloon festival returns to Aroostook skies
This weekend the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival is being held at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds in Presque Isle.
It’s the state’s largest hot air balloon festival, and 13 balloons are slated to participate in the event, which is free to attend. The festival committee’s chair, Jordyn Madore, said it’s the “one big last hurrah before fall kicks in and harvest season starts.”
If you want to get on a balloon yourself, tethered flights, which rise about 40 feet off the ground, are held Friday and Saturday evenings and cost $20. Unfortunately, untethered flights — that are part of the regular morning and evening ascensions — are sold out.
Along with the balloon events, there will be a 5K road race and gravel bike rides Sunday. The Northern Lights Music Festival will also be held Sunday at the fairgrounds.
“I think the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival is really a great microcosm for what our community is,” Madore said. “Yes, come here to the festival. Come here and visit our vendors and our balloons and listen to our music, but explore our community, too.
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From the Opinion Page
“It is up to us the voters to elect lawmakers who believe men and women should be treated equally.”