MORE STORIES FROM MAINE, THE NATION AND THE WORLD
at 7:07 PM
Yet another wrinkle in state flag debate: a design contest
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will ask for more interpretations of the 1901 Maine flag before deciding on a design that will go before voters in November.
at 5:25 PM
Benton man who allegedly ‘tortured’ woman withdraws pleas after judge rejects deal
Christopher S. Groves, 28, withdrew a no-contest plea to domestic violence charges after a judge rejected a proposed plea bargain resulting in 90 days behind bars.
at 7:51 PM
Chelsea man sentenced for 2023 machete attack in Augusta
Elias M. Rodriguez, 25, was sentenced to a six-year prison sentence, with all but 18 months of that time suspended, and two years of probation, after pleading guilty to a Class B charge of aggravated assault.
at 4:06 PM
Photos: Crew works hard to build stone walls at Waterville Gifford’s miniature golf course
The course at 170 Silver St. is open for play while the work is being completed. A pond and waterfalls are planned as part of the upgrade.All photos by Morning Sentinel photographer Rich Abrahamson.
at 3:38 PM
Biden says he won’t offer commutation for son Hunter after gun sentence
Biden's remarks came one day after the White House declined to rule out a potential commutation for his son.
at 4:40 PM
Tension lingers after Winthrop School Board members approve revised budget
The Winthrop School Board reached agreement Wednesday on the spending plan for the town's schools and are sending the budget to the Town Council for consideration, but School Board Member Ivy Corliss remains unsatisfied with the information she has received about the schools' transportation department.
25 mins ago
York County resident dies from rare virus caused by tick bite
It is the first death in Maine from Powassan virus since May 2023.
at 3:29 PM
Maine Trust for Local News wins Freedom of Information award for coverage of Lewiston shooting
The award from the New England First Amendment Coalition recognizes the group of newspapers for "relentlessly" requesting public information from the government that helped it report on Maine's deadliest mass shooting.
at 3:14 PM
Jay crash strews trailer contents over state Route 133 in Jay
Traffic was rerouted for about 75 minutes after Mark Bogue, 73, of Farmington lost control of an SUV while hauling a trailer.
at 3:59 PM
Skowhegan Farmers’ Market to collaborate with local pantry, expand match for federal assistance
The market, in collaboration with a state group, was awarded a grant of $8,850 to provide produce and education for a Skowhegan food pantry and help fund its match for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
at 4:58 PM
Telsa shareholders back Elon Musk’s $50 billion pay package
Shareholders also voted on Tesla’s proposal to move its state of jurisdiction to Texas.
at 1:59 PM
Yellen says China’s trade policies could ‘interfere significantly’ with U.S. bilateral relationship
Yellen's speech comes as former President Donald Trump presents his case before the Business Roundtable in Washington, an association of more than 200 CEOs, for why the economy would be better if he returned to the Oval Office.
at 1:43 PM
With deal done, Disney will withdraw lawsuit, ending conflict with DeSantis and his appointees
he development deal was approved Wednesday night by the DeSantis appointees on the district's board.
at 6:12 PM
Large number of whales spotted off New England includes endangered species
The whales are 'swimming in harms way' until the U.S. finalizes strict rules to protect them from collisions with large ships and entanglement in commercial fishing gear, one activist says.
at 1:56 PM
Abortion pill access is unchanged after Supreme Court’s decision. Here’s what you need to know
Here's a look at what Thursday's decision does and does not mean for abortion access.
at 9:03 PM
Maine abortion providers, Gov. Mills praise Supreme Court ruling
The failed effort to ban access to a commonly used abortion drug was closely watched in Maine.
at 8:53 PM
Family of man shot in Portland confronts his killer in court
Damion Butterfield, 24, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for Derald Coffin's death in 2022.
at 9:00 PM
Army reservists’ mental health oversight differs from active-duty troops, Lewiston commission told
Thursday's appearance by an Army doctor was a chance for members to get clarity on what types of resources were offered to mass shooter Robert Card in the months before last year's tragedy.
at 8:21 PM
Reporter Evan Gershkovich, jailed in Russia on espionage charges, to stand trial
The Biden administration has sought to negotiate his release, but Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would consider a prisoner swap only after a verdict in his trial.
at 1:34 PM
Supreme Court sides with Starbucks, makes it harder for labor board to win court orders
The Supreme Court has made it harder for the federal government to win court orders when it suspects a company of interfering in unionization campaigns in a case that stemmed from a labor dispute with Starbucks.
at 8:31 PM
Unanimous Supreme Court preserves access to widely used abortion medication
The Supreme Court has preserved access to a medication that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year.
June 12
Truck hydroplanes off road, strikes pole in Franklin County
Gage Donnell of Dexter and his two passengers were not injured, Franklin County Deputy Andrew Morgan said.
at 8:00 AM
Jury trial begins for Skowhegan man charged with robbing Madison Big Apple store
During the first day of the scheduled three-day trial, the defense attorney for Raymond Ellis, 35, focused on the lack of credibility of two other suspects who admitted to the robbery and authorities’ investigation of the case.
59 mins ago
Farmington department heads asked for ideas for county strategic plan meeting
Coordinating fire services for towns is expected to be one topic.
June 12
Republicans vote to hold Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. Here’s what that means
Successfully holding the attorney general in contempt is just the latest broadside by Republicans against the Justice Department.
June 12
Here’s a round-up of local election results from around central Maine communities
These unofficial municipal election and school district budget validation results were reported from around central Maine.
June 12
Sanford man accused of assaulting Capitol officer with bear spray during Jan. 6 riot
Christopher Belliveau, 38, was arrested in Berwick on Wednesday in connection with the 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol. He is charged with 5 felonies and 3 misdemeanors.
June 12
Three deputies shot while responding to northern Illinois home, suspect also wounded, official says
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle says the deputies were responding to a report that someone inside the home was threatening to kill themself or others.
June 12
White House isn’t ruling out potential commutation for Hunter Biden after his conviction
President Biden definitively ruled out pardoning his son during an ABC News interview last week.
June 12
Jay teen charged after fistfight on Main Street in Jay
The fight occurred near Franchetti's Home Town Variety, Police Chief Richard Caton IV said.
June 12
By 1-vote margin, Dresden residents approve contentious quarry pit moratorium
The controversial moratorium ordinance, approved in Tuesday's election 241-240, stops any new quarries from obtaining permits in Dresden for 180 days.
at 3:14 PM
Meridians in downtown Fairfield to reopen with modified name, new kind of menu
Meridians: The Bar is set to open at 166 Main St. on June 21. Its shop, formerly across the street, has been moved to the restaurant's lounge.
June 12
Wreck of famed explorer Shackleton’s last ship found off Canada coast
The Quest was found using sonar scans, sitting on its keel under 1,280 feet of churning, frigid water, 62 years after it went missing.
June 12
Elon Musk has made X more right-leaning, study shows
The percentage of Republican users who think X is 'mostly good' for American democracy has more than tripled since Musk purchased the site in October 2022.
June 12
Biden and Zelensky will sign a security agreement when they meet at G7
Negotiators for the group have also reached an agreement on how to provide Ukraine with up to $50 billion backed by frozen Russian assets.
June 12
Wells Fargo racial disparity case heads to class-action decision
At the heart of the case is a dispute over a credit-scoring algorithm that plaintiffs say disparately impacted minority applicants.
June 12
U.S. expands Russia sanctions to target Arctic natural gas projects, semiconductor chips
The move comes as President Biden prepares to join Group of Seven leaders for a summit in Italy, where one of their top concerns will be securing new ways to bolster aid to Ukraine and further constrain Russia.
June 12
Cyrway defeats Perkins in Republican primary for state Senate seat in central Maine
Scott Cyrway received 54% of the vote in District 16, compared to Mike Perkins' 45%, and will now face Winslow Democrat David LaFountain in the Nov. 5 general election.
June 12
Farmington-based school district budget approved by voters
Seven towns approved the plan while three towns rejected it.
June 12
Winslow voters approve $20 million school budget after council initially voted it down
After months of debate about added student support positions and an unprecedented council vote, residents handily approved Winslow's school budget.
June 12
Maine to add high-speed EV charging stations at 17 locations
The state is spending about $8.6 million to expand fast-charging EV stations throughout the state, extending the network to more rural areas to reduce range anxiety and make long-distance trips viable in an EV.
June 12
What are the sticking points in the cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas?
Hamas this week accepted the broad outline but requested 'amendments.'
June 12
Federal Reserve sees progress on inflation but envisions just 1 rate cut this year
The policymakers said the economy is growing at a solid pace, while hiring has 'remained strong' and there has been 'modest' further progress toward its 2% inflation target.
at 2:04 PM
Senate District 24: Guzzetti, Tepler headed for recount in Sagadahoc County race
Denise Tepler narrowly edged out Jean Guzzetti, 1,817 votes to 1,795, according to unofficial election results.
at 8:10 AM
Maine Republican lawmaker quits in disgust after congressional primary
John Andrews of Paris said GOP voters picked the wrong man to take on U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and he can't represent them any more.
June 12
Blinken says some of Hamas’ proposed changes to cease-fire plan in Gaza are workable, some not
The Iran-backed ally of Hamas has traded fire with Israel nearly every day since the 8-month-long war began and says it will only stop if there is a truce in Gaza.
June 12
What’s next for Hunter Biden after his conviction on federal gun charges
The 3 counts carry up to 25 years in prison. But in the federal system, first-time offenders don't get anywhere near the maximum sentence.
at 7:21 PM
CMP bills to rise at least $10 a month; destructive storms blamed
State regulators approve the increase to cover the $220 million cost of restoring power after recent storms, and promise a proceeding in the 'near future' to consider how to balance storm response with affordability.
June 12
Wales-based school district’s $23.37 million budget rejected at the polls
Voters from Wales, Sabattus and Litchfield rejected the $23.37 million Regional School Unit 4 budget.
June 12
Ronald Russell wins primary, will challenge Rep. Chellie Pingree in 1st District
The Kennebunkport Republican will face steep odds running against Pingree, who is seeking her ninth term representing the congressional district.
at 9:02 PM
Phillips-area school district budget passes
Kingfield voters support MSAD 58 budget and also approved zoning changes to allow two apartment buildings in town.
June 12
Julia ousts incumbent White in Democratic primary for Waterville House seat
Julia was backed in the race by abortion rights advocates, including Planned Parenthood, after White came under fire for legislative votes advancing such access.
June 12
Voters in Rangeley school district approve $5.7 million budget
The collective uncertified vote tally was 272 to 82.
June 12
Write-in votes for Livermore Falls selectman a tie
Voters passed a development standards ordinance.
at 9:04 AM
Defeat of Waterville Democrat shows power of abortion rights at the ballot box
The race is the latest example of how abortion and reproductive rights remain a major electoral issue in the wake of the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
June 12
Republicans choose Austin Theriault to face Rep. Jared Golden in 2nd District
The former NASCAR driver from Fort Kent had the backing of national party leaders, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump.
A brew of ancient coca is Bolivia’s buzzy new beer. But it’s unclear if the world will buy in
A United Nations convention classifies coca leaf as a narcotic and imposes a blanket prohibition on drugs. However, last fall the World Health Organization announced it would launch a scientific review of coca's non-narcotic benefits.
June 11
The $700 million settlement resolved disputes over deceptive marketing practices by Johnson & Johnson for talcum powder.
54 mins ago
Chelsea’s welcome sign to return after being replaced by a religious message
For several weeks, travelers on River Road in Chelsea have been greeted by a 'Jesus Saves' sign where the town's 'Welcome to Chelsea' sign had stood for years; the sign is scheduled to be replaced Friday.
June 11
Jay accepts bids to repair roads damaged in June 2023 rainstorm
The board also approved Thomas C. Goding Building Contractor to repair the sand and salt shed.
June 11
Manhattan DA and Trump prosecutor will appear before Congress next month
Alvin Bragg and Michael Colangelo will face what's likely to be a hostile, Republican-controlled hearing where chairman Rep. Jim Jordan has accused both men of 'political prosecution.'
June 12
Emails show Winslow councilors questioned sick colleague’s ability to govern
When Councilor Lee Trahan fell into a coma earlier this year, other councilors questioned his cognitive ability, requested a list of his medications and looked to vacate his seat while he recovered.
June 11
Lewiston Planning Board approves massive Continental Mill redevelopment
The project includes 377 market rate apartments, commercial spaces and restaurant space at the massive mill complex.
June 11
Florida law blocking treatment for transgender children thrown out by federal judge
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' office has vowed to appeal.
June 12
Light turnout at central Maine polls; contested races bring out motivated voters
Contested races for the state Legislature and Maine's Congressional seats were cited by local voters Tuesday as the top reasons they came out to the primary election polls.
June 11
Maine Arts Commission names new executive director
Amy Hausmann, who starts in August, is a veteran arts administrator who currently oversees the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York.
June 11
Mexico’s tactic to cut immigration to U.S.: wear out migrants
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador argues busing migrants to the country's southern cities protects them 'because crossing to the north is very risky.'
June 11
Man holding burning gas can charges at police, is fatally shot by Waldo County deputy
The 65-year-old man called police on Monday afternoon and said he was going to burn down his apartment building in Belfast if law enforcement did not respond.
June 11
Jay decides not to offer police coverage to Dixfield
The Select Board have concerns, including a potential staffing shortage.
June 12
Great Falls Brewfest promises to bring Lewiston, Auburn together
The June 22 festival in Lewiston will benefit One Lewiston Resilience Fund and other Maine nonprofits.
June 11
Augusta City Council sets goals for economic development, modernizing Civic Center
The list of priorities, which provide direction throughout the year for city staff, also includes street maintenance, completion of the comprehensive plan, and housing.
June 11
Watchdog investigates UAW president, accuses union of being uncooperative
The monitor says the union has made employees and senior leaders available for interviews but hasn't provided relevant documents in a timely manner.
June 11
U.S. gas prices falling. Experts point to mild demand ahead of summer travel
If there are no major unexpected interruptions, prices could keep trending down.
June 11
Madison voters approve moratorium on controlled substance facilities at annual town meeting
The roughly 200 residents who attended the meeting also approved a $4.26 million municipal budget and a correction to a town ordinance that will allow existing medical marijuana retail stores in Madison to continue operating.
June 11
Skowhegan voters approve most of proposed $17.7 million spending plan at town meeting
Due to what town officials said was a clerical error, a special town meeting will be held later this month to ask voters to raise about $158,000 that was not included in Monday’s town meeting warrant.
June 11
U.S. lifts ban on sending weapons to controversial Ukrainian military unit
The U.S. had banned the regiment from using American weapons, citing the neo-Nazi ideology of some of its founders.
June 11
Light turnout reported as Maine voters cast ballots in party primaries, local races
There were a few busy polling places, including in Cumberland, where voters were deciding on a school construction project.
June 11
Hunter Biden convicted of all 3 felonies in federal gun trial
Jurors found him guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user and illegally having the gun for 11 days.
