Local Politics

Another Bush Could Run for Maine Governor

(Cape Elizabeth)  A member of the politically famous Bush family expected to throw his hat into the ring in the race for Governor of Maine.  WGME reports Jonathan Bush, nephew of former President George H.W. and cousin of former President George W. Bush, is expected to announce his run Wednesday in Belfast.  The Cape Elizabeth Republican, a health tech entrepreneur, in an interview last year with the BDN reportedly called President Trump “personally troubled”.

Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration to Restore Signage at Acadia National Park

(Augusta)  Eleven state lawmakers have signed a letter condemning the removal of educational signs in Acadia National Park.  The Mount Desert Islander reports the US Department of the Interior demanded removal of the signs following the Trump Administration’s executive order to rid public spaces of information it dislikes – such as information that supports climate science and parts of American history that shed a negative light, no matter how factual.  At Acadia, that meant taking down signs that informed visitors of the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem and the shared history of the Wabanaki people.  The lawmakers wrote removal of the signs from the park is “another example of this administration’s attempt to stifle science and whitewash our country’s history.”  They called the order “beyond troubling”.

Economy

Eastport Welcomes Cruise Ship Sidelined by Tropical Storm

(Eastport)  It may be autumn here in the Pine Tree State, but things were looking a bit tropical this weekend in Eastport.  The Norwegian Escape cruise ship anchored offshore there on Friday.  Eastport was NOT on their itinerary, but the Caribbean cruise was detoured north due to a hurricane.  The Eastport Port Authority encouraged townsfolks to welcome the vacationers by dressing up in tropical, warm clothing to make them feel welcome – although turtlenecks under those flowery shirts were encouraged.  From the looks of things on the EPA FB page, passengers on the ship weren’t disappointed in the change in the least and may have even been more delighted that storm steered them to an even warmer welcome here in Maine.  

H.O.M.E. Offers Warm Clothing for Those in Need

(Orland)  Do you or someone you know anticipate needing a warm coat this winter?  H.O.M.E., Incorporated in Orland is offering free winter coats for men, women, and children – because, they say, everyone deserves to stay warm and safe during Maine’s cold months.  A variety of sizes and styles are available 9 to 3 Monday through Friday at 90 School House Road.  Donations of clean, gently used coats are also welcomed and appreciated.  

Brick House Soups Opens in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Is there anything more warm and comforting than a steaming, bowl of hearty soup on a brisk fall day?  Downeast Digest on Saturday, while making the rounds at Maine Craft Weekend in Ellsworth, stopped into Brick House Soups, just around the corner from the Verizon store at 27 High Street.  The line was long but moved right along; and  for good reason!  The owners went out of their way to make sure it was worth the short wait to enjoy tomato or lobster bisque, clam and corn chowder, and our palate pleaser, a robust butternut squash and roasted apple combination.  Their melts are also mouthwatering, and their sandwiches and other offerings … to die for.  Brick House Soups opened in September and has plans for expansion and eventually delivery.  Visit them at brick house soups dot com and on FB for hours and daily menus.  

Infrastructure

CityLogix Takes Inventory of Ellsworth Streets and Roads

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth has partnered with CityLogix to launch an advanced roadway and sidewalk assessment.   The Massachusetts based company, formerly known as StreetScan, employs state-of-the-art vehicle-mounted sensing technology to assess roadways in normal traffic flow, according to city officials.  Deputy City Manager Sara Devlin tells Downeast Digest the approach allows them to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to street maintenance.  The data on streets and sidewalks will be incorporated into Ellsworth’s Capital Improvement Plan and will allow City leaders to better prioritize roadway investments. A detailed presentation on both sidewalks and street data will be presented to the public later this year.

Big Jim Gets a Makeover

(Gouldsboro)  A local fisherman is getting a makeover.  Big Jim, the 40-foot statue of a lobsterman donning yellow rain gear, has for years welcomed people to the Gouldsboro village of Prospect Harbor.  The Bangor Daily News reports, Jim originally held a can of sardines back in the 1970s, during the coast’s sardine cannery heyday.  The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport is working with the former cannery’s new owners,  Bold Coast Seafood, to disassemble, repaint, and restore Jim this winter at a Belmont boatyard.  Plans are for the refurbished statue to be displayed at the museum through next Fall and ultimately returned to Prospect Harbor to oversee the Gouldsboro waterfront.

Human Interest

Francine, the Lowe’s Cat, Remains Missing

(Richmond, VA)  Francine the cat is missing, and the folks in Richmond, Virginia are holding out hope she is found safe and sound.  In case you haven’t heard, Francine has been a beloved fixture at the River City Lowe’s, where the white calico is known for patrolling the aisles and delighting thousands of staff, customers and others across Virginia.  She’s featured in the town’s monopoly game, and even received votes in the last mayoral election.  It’s believed the curious calico hitched a ride aboard one of the store’s freightliners.  She was last seen exiting a truck at the Lowe’s Distribution Center in Garysburg, NC.  Francine is microchipped, and there’s a $2K reward for her safe return.  Local and national stations across the country have picked up her story.  A bit of bright news – rescuers confirmed a sighting Saturday night.  For updates, follow @wheresfrancine on Instagram.

National News Headlines

Smithsonian, National Zoo to Remain Open Temporarily

(Washington, DC)  If you’re headed to DC this week, you may not be totally out of luck.  The Smithsonian Museum complex, which includes the National Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, African and Asian Art Museums and many others, will remain open until October 11th,  according to the Smithsonian website.  Officials say the world’s largest museum complex, along with the National Zoo, will operate on emergency funds until they close Saturday, unless the shutdown is resolved by that time.  

Trump Warns of “Complete Obliteration” of Gaza

(Washington, DC)  President Trump this weekend warned of “complete obliteration” if Hamas insists on staying in power in Gaza.  On Friday, Hamas agreed to release all Israeli hostages.  The organization is expected to enter mediated negotiations this week in Egypt. Under the proposal, Palestinians would be allowed to remain in the country, Hamas fighters would be given amnesty, and the territory would be governed by a new Palestinian committee overseen by a “Board of Peace” and chaired by Trump alongside other foreign leaders.  

First Woman Named Archbishop of Canterbury

(AP)  Bishop of London Sarah Muillally shattered a stained-glass ceiling Friday when she was appointed the next Archbishop of Canterbury.  It’s the first time a woman has been chosen as the Church of England’s spiritual leader.  The Associated Press reports the 63 yo former cancer nurse faces serious challenges in the church, including divisions over the treatment of women and LGBTQ people.  She’ll also be confronting concerns church leaders haven’t done enough to stamp out the sexual abuse scandals that have overshadowed the church for more than a decade.

US Treasury Considers One Dollar Coins with Trump Likeness

(ABC News)  The US Treasury is considering minting new one-dollar coins for the country’s 250th anniversary featuring an image of President Donald Trump.  ABC News reports Treasurer Brandon Beach posted a draft of the proposed coin on X that features Trump’s face on one side and on the other a portrait depicting him pumping his fist in the air after the purported 2024 assassination attempt.  A Treasury spokesperson said more information would be coming soon.  The move would be unprecedented, as it is prohibited by federal law to feature a living person on U.S. currency, including coins.  

US Attacks Fourth Venezuelan Boat

(Washington, DC)  The US Military killed four men aboard a boat in international waters near Venezuela Friday, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.  The New York Times reports it was the fourth such deadly attack since the Trump Administration told Congress the country was in an “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels.  Hegseth claims American intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, but gave few other details.  Venezuela and other world leaders have denounced the attacks calling them “heinous crimes” and attacks on civilians who were not threatening nor at war.  

FDA Approves New Generic Abortion Pill

(NYT)  The FDA has approved a new generic version of the abortion pill, mifepristone, expanding its supply at a time when the Trump Administration faces increased pressure to restrict access to abortion medication.  The decision means three American companies can now produce the drug for abortion.  Nearly ⅔ of abortions in the US are currently carried out with medication.  Anti-abortion activists were quick to condemn the drug’s approval.

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