Local Politics

King Explains Vote on Ending Shutdown

(Washington, DC)  Maine Senator Angus King yesterday defended his vote late Sunday  to end the federal government shutdown.  Writing in an op-ed in the Bangor Daily News, King said the shutdown strategy, intended to force Republicans’ hand on cuts to the Affordable Care Act tax credits, simply wasn’t working … and there was no evidence things were going to change.  In the meantime, King said, Americans continued to suffer – with cuts to SNAP benefits, delays at airports, and furloughed employees.  King said the agreement includes appropriation bills that protect SNAP for the next year, as well as veterans services, and a commitment from the Senate Majority Leader to bring up a healthcare bill drafted by Democrats for a vote in early December, offering at least a chance, if only a slim one, of mitigating drastic increases in ACA premiums.

Economy

Provender Vows to Continue Meal Donations Through November

(Ellsworth)  Whether or not the government shutdown is nearing an end, Provender Kitchen & Bar in Ellsworth says it WON’T end its meal donations through the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, at least through the end of the month.  Chef Daron Goldstein, crew, and volunteers have been preparing and delivering 100 meals each week to the pantry, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  And recipients aren’t enjoying just your average meals.  This week’s menu includes a hearty French-style stew with winter vegetables, potatoes, spices, and roasted chicken thighs.

Maine Gas Prices Hold Steady

(Maine)  Good news for those opting not to fly but to drive to their destination instead – Triple A reports the average price of a gallon of gas in Maine is holding steady at just over three dollars a gallon.  Nationally, prices jumped three cents to $3.07, with the average price of diesel in Maine at $3.90 a gallon.  Regular gas is fueling our tanks these days at $3.03.  

New Kennel Opens

(Ellsworth)  A new kennel is now open in Ellsworth; and it’s offering much more than just a place to board your dogs. Twin Tides Kennel Co. is located at 328 Bucksport Road and is open 6 to 6, seven days a week.  The inviting new facility offers daycare, boarding, bathing, and training – even nail trims and de-shedding services, according to their website.  Twin Tides staff says spots are filling fast, so check them out on social media or at twin tides kennel dot com.  

Small Businesses Not Hiring – Here’s Why

(Undated)  Small businesses are a critical part of the economy, employing more than 40% of the nation’s workforce.  Right now, they’re not hiring.  Some are even cutting staff for the first time in decades.  MaineBiz reports small businesses tend to experience financial shocks more acutely than their corporate peers.  Inflation, the weeks-long government shutdown, the impact of tariffs, and rumblings of a recession make them understandably cautious. The uncertainty among business owners is mirrored by consumers, meaning many would-be customers are cutting back on discretionary spending.  All the more reason this holiday season to support local – the folks who support US – our little league teams, local fundraisers, and those in need.  

Environment

Winter Forecast

(Maine)  Winter in Maine this year will be drier than normal, have less precipitation; or maybe it will be mild and wet, and likely bring a good deal of snow like we haven’t seen in years. It all depends on who you believe. The National Weather Service predicts average temperatures and slightly below average precipitation.  NWS forecasters say whether the state is impacted by the El Nino or La Nina, the effect on the Northeast is expected to be minimal.  The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a mild and wet winter for Maine, with above-normal temps and slightly above normal precipitation, while the soon-to-be defunct Farmer’s Almanac predicted an “old fashioned” winter with a cycle of chill, snow, repeat.  Which all just proves the point that winters everywhere, including here in Maine, are nothing if not unpredictable.  

Foresting Foster Street

(Ellsworth)  Foster Street in Ellsworth is now a more “forested” street, thanks to friends, neighbors, and members of the School Department who recently planted 22 trees along the roadway.  Volunteers worked alongside the Parks and Recreation Department and the Arbor Commission to line the thruway with trees that will offer shade on hot summer days, clean the air, and ease the strain on the area’s stormwater system.  The City offers a special thanks to the private property owners who welcomed the trees in their front yards, helping extend the effort beyond the rights-of-way.

National News

Supreme Court Refuses to Reconsider Same-Sex Marriage

(AP)  The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.  The justices ruled without comment in turning away an appeal from former Kentucky court clerk Kim Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the court’s 2015 ruling.  Davis was attempting to have the court overturn a lower-court order for her to pay $360K in damages and attorney’s fees to a couple whose marriage license she denied.

King One of Three Former Governors Agreeing to Deal to End Government Shutdown

(Washington, DC)  Maine’s Senator Angus King was one of three former governors that agreed to a deal late Sunday that would begin to reopen the federal government.  The Portland Press Herald reports the deal faces opposition from some Democratic leaders, particularly because it does NOT guarantee Affordable Care Act subsidies will be extended, a huge sticking point for Democrats. The agreement DOES include the promise of a vote on expiring healthcare subsidies, along with bipartisan bills to fund food aid, veteran and other programs, and reinstate federal workers who were victims of Reduction in Force efforts.  If it passes the House, the bill would allow funding to keep much of the government running to January 30th, 2026; a temporary solution known as a stopgap measure. 

Trump Suggests Bonuses for Furloughed Air Traffic Controllers

(Washington, DC)  More than 1900 flights across the U.S. were canceled Monday, with over 6,000 delays.  President Trump yesterday ordered all air traffic controllers to return to work, suggesting $10K bonuses for those who continued to work without pay during the shutdown.  Writing on Truth Social, Trump warned anyone who did not report to work would be “substantially docked”.  Air traffic controllers and TSA agents have continued working during the shutdown, as they’re considered “essential workers”, though some have called in sick or decided to look for other jobs. While the Senate late Sunday took steps to end the shutdown, sources say it could be days before any final passage occurs.  

Human Interest

Community Supports Young Girl with Cancer

(Ellsworth)  While most young teens are thinking about makeup, boys, and school assignments, a seventh grader at Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School is facing more chemo treatments to deal with her leukemia diagnosis.  The Ellsworth American reports seventh grader Sophia Beninati was diagnosed just before the start of this school year.  Her dad, who provides for Sophia and her brother, who is autistic, has been unable to work due to the care involved.  As is typical, the community has stepped up to help – a spaghetti fundraiser at the school, a GoFundMe organized by a friend that raised about $4K, and more.  While Sophia is in remission, she faces ongoing treatments to ensure that continues, just as we’re sure the community will continue to show care. 

Fogtown Brewing Supports The Abbe Museum

(Ellsworth)  What’s better than pizza and brews at Fogtown in Ellsworth?  How about enjoying them for a great cause?!  November is Native American Heritage Month.  In support of Wabanaki arts and culture, this Friday a portion of all food sales at Fogtown’s Ellsworth location will be donated to the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor.  Grab your friends and head to our local brewery between 4 and 7 Friday to help bring attention to and support the museum’s important work.  Advancement Director Sharon Catus praised Fogtown, noting, “Partnerships like this strengthen our ability to center Wabanaki voices and connect communities through art, storytelling, and shared experience.”

Ellsworth Public Library Offers Special Artist and Author Events

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Public Library is celebrating the season with events ranging from personal memoirs to global reporting.  The lineup begins tomorrow evening with local author Alice Aldrich Hildebrand discussing her new memoir, A Matter of Life and Death – of special interest for caregivers.  On November 22nd, celebrate Artivism in Maine with a reception at 4 p.m., featuring artists from AIMe’s 3rd Freedom and Justice Summit.  Refreshments will be served, with Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma in attendance.  Much more happening the next two months, as well – don’t miss out!  Visit ellsworth library dot net.  And just a quick aside – the library is closed today in observance of Veterans’ Day.  

Veterans Day

(Undated)  For many, including state employees and federal workers not already furloughed, Veterans’ Day is a day off, with most municipal offices closed.  The holiday is celebrated on November 11th each year, signifying the hour when the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended … the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 – the day the Armistice with Germany took effect.  Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while the Memorial Day holiday in May focuses on those who have died in military service.  Never a wrong time to thank all of our veterans.

Veterans Day Perks

(Undated)  While many places will be closed today in observance of Veterans Day, some places not only remain open but are offering perks specifically for those who have served.  It’s always good to call ahead, because local franchises vary.  But USA Today reports some of the major offerings for military veterans and their families include the following.  Applebee’s, Chili’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Olive Garden are offering a free meal or entree from a select menu.  Starbuck’s will award veterans with a free tall hot or iced coffee, and the military community can enjoy any entree at Chipotle and get a second entree free between 4 and 8 p.m. today.  Retailers, including Target and Walgreen’s are also offering well-deserved discounts.

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