Crime/Public Safety

Portland Wharf Fire

(Portland)  The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association has set up an online fundraiser to help defray losses suffered in Friday’s fire at a wharf in Portland.  Maine Biz reports fishermen and fishing businesses suffered extreme damages in the blaze, which also affected multiple vessels  tied to the wharf, one of which sank.  Investigators were back on the scene Monday, in spite of the steady drizzle, and Harbor Fish Market was open for business.  Custom House Wharf has long been a hub for Portland’s fishing industry.  Officials say due to the extent of the blaze, determining an exact cause is unlikely, but that they’ve ruled out foul play.

Storm Leaves Trail of Power Outages

(Maine)  Monday’s sleet/snow/ice/rain storm left more than 2000 homes and businesses without power. The bulk of the outages reported by Versant were in Penobscot and Hancock counties, with power restored to most this morning.  Central Maine Power reported some 1700 customers were in the dark yesterday.  The Machias airport closed for 24 hours due to icy conditions on the runway there.  The Maine Turnpike Authority reduced the speed limit to 45 mph in spots due to the treacherous conditions, and motorists were urged to stay off Route 9, which was reportedly a sheet of ice. Roads were slick and treacherous, leading to numerous accidents, cancellations, and delayed openings.

Economy

Busy Year for Mergers Across Maine

(Maine)  It was another busy year for mergers and acquisitions involving Maine companies and industries.  MaineBiz reports among notable deals, a Blackstone-backed marina operator planned to buy Belfast’s Front Street Shipyard, Hammond Lumber opted to acquire Ware-Butler, and McCrum potato processing in Aroostook County was bought out by McCain’s.  In addition, a Norwegian company agreed to acquire CLYNK recycling, and acquisition of Central Maine Healthcare by a California nonprofit received a conditional ok from Maine regulators.

USDA Award to Support Improved Forestry

(Maine)  The New England Forestry Foundation has received $32M from the USDA for its new Advancing Markets for Producers program.  MaineBiz reports the program will run through March 2028, with a goal of helping landowners implement forestry health, ecological integrity, and timber productivity practices across some 50K acres.  A total of 23 commercial, conservation and public forest landowners across New England have already enrolled in the project. Smaller-acreage landowners are encouraged to apply, as well.  

Ellsworth Community Forum

(Ellsworth)  Here’s some food for thought, economics, and stakeholders who want to explore Ellsworth’s role in building a resilient, sustainable, and circular food system for the Downeast region.  On January 22nd, the City of Ellsworth and the Union River Center for Innovation will host a half-day community forum at the Moore Community Center.  Entitled Rooted:  Ellsworth’s Place in the Food System, the session will bring together residents, food producers, processors, business owners, nonprofit leaders and others to examine how food moves from field to fork and back again.  For more information and to register, visit the link at ellsworth maine dot gov.

States, DC Raise Minimum Wage

(CNN)  Workers in 22 states, including Maine, will see more in their paychecks in the new year.  CNN reports nearly half the U.S. states and the District of Columbia plan to raise their hourly minimum wages.  In some areas, the higher rates will be more than double the current federal minimum wage, set at $7.25 an hour in 2009.  Workers in the nation’s capital will see the highest minimum wage at $17.95 an hour.

Blue Hill Voters Encouraged to Support Shaw Institute

(Blue Hill)  If you’re a Blue Hill voter, here’s your chance to make a difference that will benefit your entire community. The Shaw Institute needs fifty signatures from Blue Hill voters in order to bring a proposal before the Select Board, asking for funding to renovate their building and enhance it as a welcoming, dynamic environmental education center for all.  As of yesterday, they were just a few signatures shy of that goal, and today is the last day to sign.  The Shaw Institute is open until 2 p.m. today – stop in, add your signature, and visit their amazing Touch Tank and learn how their research and programs are transforming Maine, the country, and the planet. 

Health 

Smartphone Research

(NYT)  Most of us realize we’re far too attached to our smartphones.  New research shows the devices can be especially harmful to children before the age of 12.  A study published in the journal Pediatrics and reported in the New York Times found children who had a smartphone by age 12 were at higher risk of depression, obesity, and sleep issues compared to those who got one at age 13 or older.  Researchers analyzed data from more than 10K children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study – to date, the largest long-term look at children’s brain development in the U.S.. Australia this month became the first country in the world to ban social media for children younger than 16.

Human Interest

The Grand Auditions for Little Women

(Ellsworth)  It’s a classic that never grows old.  The Grand in Ellsworth is holding auditions for their next production – Little Women: The Musical – on Thursday, January 8th at 6 p.m. and Saturday, January 10th, at 11 a.m.  Auditions for Louisa May Alcott’s timeless tale are open to performers aged 13 and up, with performance dates in late March and early April.  For a list of audition requirements and roles, visit The Grand on FB or contact k fitch at grand online dot org.

Versant Power Astronomy Center January Programs

(Orono)  Those cold, dark January days call for something indoors, inviting, entertaining, and (shhh…don’t tell the kids!) educational, as well!  The Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine campus in Orono kicks off the new year with 7 p.m. Friday night shows featuring Expedition Reef. Travel to coral reefs around the globe and learn about the rainforests of the sea.  Sunday afternoons at 2, the kids will be thrilled with Sesame Street’s “One World, One Sky, Big Bird’s Adventure”, as they’re transported to the moon and the night sky.  The  4 p.m. Sunday music shows feature the music of Led Zeppelin as you’re immersed with stunning visuals set to “Stairway to Heaven” and other hits.  And teachers, now’s the time to lock in those spring visits.  Learn more and get tickets at astro dot u maine dot e d u.

2026 Ball Drop

(NYC)  For many revelers, 2026 will begin with the drop of the crystal-covered ball in New York City’s Times Square.  Sources say the first NYC ball drop was organized by New York Times owner Adloph Ochs on December 31st, 1907.  The original ball was crafted by Ukrainian immigrant metalworker, Jacob Starr.  The NYC ball drop has taken place every year since, except 1942 and 43, when the new year was welcomed with a minute of silence during WW II.  And, yes, the ball dropped in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, but in a nearly empty Times Square.  CBS News says this year’s brand new ball, the ninth to be used since 1907, is the biggest ever, weighing in at 12,350 pounds.  

(NYC)  Thousands will  once again gather in Times Square tomorrow night to watch the iconic ball drop, which first began back in 1907.  The original ball was a silver orb with spikes, made by a Ukrainian immigrant metalworker.  CBS News reports this year’s ball is covered in more than 5K hand-crafted round Waterford Crystal discs of three different sizes and will produce a self-contained light show with special effects.  After completing its New Year’s Eve descent, the ball will drop again on the eve of July 4th next year to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth.

National News

Vance Brokers Fragile Truce Between Trump and Musk

(Washington, DC)  Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly helped to broker a reconciliation between President Trump and his wealthiest supporter,  Elon Musk.  The Washington Post reports Vance doggedly worked the phones after Musk declared his intention to form a third party this spring, potentially turning the simmering feud into an all-out war against the MAGA movement.  Allies of both men say although the two are once again on good terms, the truce between the two  is a fragile one.

Zelenskyy Asks for Lengthy Security Guarantees

(Washington, DC)  As we reported yesterday, President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on Sunday. The Washington Post reports the meeting was preceded by a phone call from Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin.  Zelenskyy said Monday he had asked Trump to make an “historic decision” and grant Ukraine security guarantees against Russian aggression that would last decades – a request he said Trump agreed to consider.  European leaders, including those from Britain, France, and Germany, joined the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting via conference call.  One of the thorniest issues involves control of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine seized by Putin in 2022; which experts say, due to nearby shelling, remains precarious and in danger of triggering a nuclear catastrophe.

January 6th Participant Admits to Leaving Pipe Bombs

(Washington, DC)  A hearing is set for today for 30-year-old Brian Cole, arrested earlier this month for leaving pipe bombs outside the offices of both the Democratic and Republican National Committees a day before the January 6, 2021 mob attack on the Capitol.  Cole admitted to leaving the bombs because he was frustrated by the workings of the U.S. political system.  According to the Associated Press, in a court filing this week, Cole said “something just snapped” and he “wanted to take action against the parties because they were in charge of the political system.”  

Hyundai Recall

(Undated)  Hyundai is recalling more than 50K vehicles because of a fire risk.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects Tucson models years 2022-25 and involves a defect in the trailer wiring harness.  They say drivers may notice issues with parking and stop lamps and turn signals.  Hyundai says owners should park their vehicles outside until the defect is fixed.  Hyundai says it will contact owners directly by mail with further information.

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