Crime/Public Safety

FMO Investigating Fatal Fire in Cambridge

(Cambridge)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred on Ham Road in Cambridge.  Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Downeast Digest as crews worked to suppress the fire, they found a deceased person inside the home.  They identified the victim as 75 yo Stuart Howe, believed to be the homeowner.  Crews battled cold weather and slippery conditions Monday evening to contain the blaze.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will work to perform an autopsy and confirm a positive ID on the deceased.

Snowy Conditions Lead to Multiple Accidents

(Maine)  The season’s first major snowstorm Downeast led to multiple vehicles spinning off the roads in Hancock and Washington Counties on Tuesday.  Schools and federal offices closed early yesterday in anticipation of the storm’s worsening.  Total accumulations by late last night were expected to be between 1 and 4 inches through Coastal Downeast, 4 to 8 inches farther north.  A brighter day is forecast for today, with some sunshine and high temps in the low 30s by this afternoon.

Local Politics

Ballots Investigation Continues

(Augusta)  Two months after a Newburgh woman claims she found 250 blank Maine ballots intended for Ellsworth inside a damaged Amazon package delivered to her home, the investigation into that incident remains active.  In a written statement to the Portland Press Herald, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the state is as eager as everyone else for the investigation to conclude; but that of necessity, it’s slow and meticulous.  The incident came at a time when a ballot referendum was calling for stronger election security. That measure would have required voters to show photo ID and would have placed multiple restrictions on absentee voting.  The measure was soundly defeated by Maine voters, with Bellows saying Maine elections are some of the most secure in the country.

Maine Delegation Joins Call for for Investigation into Hegseth Deadly Boat Strike Order

(Washington, DC)  Maine’s Congressional delegation, including Republican Senator Susan Collins, is adding support to investigations both Republicans and Democrats are calling for after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered a second strike to kill survivors on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean.  The Bangor Daily News says the strike was the first of more than 20 that the Trump administration has launched on vessels it accuses of carrying drugs from Venezuela.  Reports say after a first strike on the boat in question, Hegseth gave a verbal order to “kill everybody”, including two survivors seen clinging to the damaged vessel.  The  White House on Monday confirmed the second strike, calling it “justified”.  

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Economy

Maine Housing

(Augusta)  If current trends continue, by 2030, Maine will need between 76 and 84 thousand more homes.  That’s according to a 2023 report compiled for the Maine State Housing Authority.  The Portland Press Herald reports the data combines a 2023 shortfall of some 38,500 units with another estimated 38 to 46 thousand units needed to accommodate population changes, smaller household sizes and pent-up demand.  In response, the Maine Legislature has passed a law easing some local zoning limits, in order to encourage more housing development.  But worsening affordability continues to be an issue, with home prices rising faster than incomes, leaving 64% of Maine households unable to afford a median-priced home.

Environment

Maine Behind on Key Climate Targets

(Augusta)  A new report from The Maine Climate Council suggests the state might not meet some of its deadlines for reaching environmental milestones.  Despite progress, Maine is falling behind in adopting electric vehicle use, green job creation, and land conservation.  The Portland Press Herald reports the update, released Monday, doesn’t explicitly say Maine won’t meet its climate goals on time, but that the data implies as much, citing “massive adoption gaps” and the need for “a significantly accelerated pace”.  In a speech Monday, Governor Janet Mills blamed the Trump administration, but said, “No matter what happens in DC, Maine won’t wait,” and adding, …“the climate doesn’t know if you’re a red, blue, green or pink state.”

Health

Penobscot County Honors World Aids Day

(Bangor)  The Trump Administration warned employees last month not to use government funds for World Aids Day on December 1 – ending nearly four decades of recognition.  But health organizations in Bangor provided HIV prevention and testing resources Monday, as the state faces the largest HIV outbreak in its history.  Penobscot County has had 30 positive cases in the past two years – up from an average of two cases per year, largely impacting Bangor’s homeless and intravenous drug users.  Maine Family Planning’s Olivia Pennington told the Portland Press Herald, “We know turning away from HIV and AIDS doesn’t do anything to help treat folks.”  Health organizations set up tables at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor to provide community members with free resources, such as at-home tests, condoms, and hygiene products.

MDI Hospital Gift

(Bar Harbor)  Months after MDI Hospital in Bar Harbor received a $10M lead gift from TV producer and philanthropist Dick Wolf, the hospital has received an additional $4M commitment from Ruth M. Colket.  MaineBiz reports the money is going toward a $41M project to expand and modernize the hospital’s campus, including a state-of-the-art emergency department,  upgraded surgical suites, a dedicated ambulance bay and new patient entrances.  Colket said she loves the hospital and is proud of everything it stands for, adding when she saw an opportunity, she knew she had to take action.  The campaign thus far has raised more than 53 of its $55M goal – made up of a combination of federal funds and philanthropic donations and lines of credit.

Technology

Maine Connectivity Authority to Identify Gaps in Cellphone Coverage

(Augusta)  “Hello?  Hello?  Ugh, I lost you going through that dip!”  Sound familiar?  The Maine Connectivity Authority has launched a statewide survey to identify gaps in cellphone coverage and reliability.  The survey is designed to inform MCA’s action plan to improve mobile service for everyone.  MaineBiz notes areas across the state wrestle with weak or inconsistent service, due to Maine’s remote terrain and the high cost of expanding wireless networks.  The Cellular & Wireless Action plan aims to combine technical analysis with input from residents and business owners.  The online survey includes a map where respondents can place a point on any “dead zone” without cell service.  They’re asking for responses by December 8th, and plan to issue an interim report early next year and a final version later in 2026.  

Infrastructure

Maine Saw Record Thanksgiving Traffic

(Augusta)  If you were caught in it, it won’t surprise you that the Maine Turnpike saw record Thanksgiving traffic this year. The Portland Press Herald reports toll plazas recorded more than a million transactions between Wednesday and Sunday.  That’s just under a 2% increase over last year.  The previous record was set in 2019, the year before the pandemic.  This year saw about 10K more transactions than it did in 2019.  

Human Interest

Electrician to the Rescue

(East Machias)  A shoutout to Isaiah at Little Blue Electric in East Machias!  At 5 a.m. yesterday, Lauren Johnston said she had water, heated water troughs, and lights in her barn.  The snow hadn’t yet started, but it was 26 degrees.  Three hours later, she had ice, no heat in the troughs, and no power – and now, the snow had started.  Fast forward just a bit – she says by 9:45, all was well again, thanks to Isaiah who had not only arrived, he’d shown her what the problem was, fixed it, and agreed to come back if there was another problem with the electric!  Horses, sheep, donkey, barn cats, and Border Collies all hydrated, warm, and dry.  Panic attack interrupted – faith in humanity restored.  Good people doing great things for others.

Addison to Honor Fishermen with Maine’s Tallest Buoy Tree

(Addison)  Folks in the tiny town of Addison are working on building the tallest buoy tree in the State of Maine. Washington County was hit hard this year with the loss of four fishermen from the area, three of whom lived in Addison.  Family and friends of fishermen are encouraged to donate one of their buoys to the tree – a fishing buoy, a memorial buoy, or a special painted buoy to represent Maine.  It’s estimated the tree will hold more than 2K buoys!  Buoys can be dropped off at the Addison Town Office during regular business hours, or you can follow Addison Days on FB for details on other drop off locations.

Dick Van Dyke Turns 100

(PBS)  Dick VanDyke has a special birthday coming up – he’ll turn 100 a week from Saturday, on December 13th. PBS will air a special on the 12th entitled “Starring Dick Van Dyke”.  The comedian told The Independent he thinks avoiding anger and hate have contributed to his longevity.  The Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star said there were things he didn’t like and people he disapproved of; but was never really able to do a white heat kind of hate.  The American Masters documentary airs a week from Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern.  

National News

Billionaire Couple Pledges Funds for Children’s Investment Accounts

(AP)  A billionaire couple on Tuesday pledged $6.25B to provide 25 million children under age 10 an incentive to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Trump’s tax and spending legislation.  The Associated Press reports Michael and Susan Dell, whose fortune stems from tech company Dell Technologies, plan to deposit $250 into each qualified child’s investment account on July 4th next year, marking the country’s 250 years of independence.  The Dells say they hope their gift will encourage families, other philanthropists, and friends to continue investing in the accounts, which, when the children turn 18 can be withdrawn to put toward their education, buying a home, or starting a business.  

Travelers Without Real ID Face $45 Charge

(ABC News)  Beginning February 1st, travelers without a Real ID or passport will face a $45 fee before going through airport security checkpoints.  The TSA had originally proposed an $18 fee.  An executive told ABC News the fee is needed in order to modernize the system and make sure it’s safe.  Individuals without a Real ID can go online to T S A dot gov and verify their identity once it goes into effect; but even then have no guarantee they’ll be cleared to cross through the security checkpoint. The agency says around 94% of travelers are already using a Real ID or other acceptable form of ID.  

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