Crime/Public Safety

Website Tracks ICE Sightings in Maine

(Maine)  A new website launched by immigrant rights advocates features a map that tracks and verifies sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, officials across the state.  The Portland Press Herald reports LighthouseME.org was released alongside a report that found a majority of the people in Maine arrested by the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year had zero criminal histories or convictions.

The Problem with Pickleball

(Belfast)  Perhaps the fastest growing sport in popularity has found itself in a pickle.  The Bangor Daily News reports neighbors of the Belfast City park say nonstop noise from the park’s pickleball courts is making their residences “uninhabitable” and causing them mental stress.   Folks who live near the park told City Council this week it’s not a background tone but a “relentless invasive barrage” that penetrates their windows and closed doors.  In response, the City is exploring alternative locations for the courts and, in the meantime, plans to install tamper-free lights that will limit pickleball hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  One resident who was feeling particularly “sour” about the whole situation said neighbors didn’t want to take legal action but would be forced to do so unless something is done, adding “The ball is in their court.”

Local Politics

June 9th Primary Predictions

(Maine)  Polls, pundits, and politics can be fickle, but an analysis by researchers  from Cornell, Yale, and Microsoft Research predicts former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah will win in almost all the 1,000 ranked-choice voting simulations in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.  According to the Portland Press Herald, it also showed a close race between Jordan Wood and State Senator Joe Baldacci in the primary for the 2nd Congressional District.  Tuesday is Primary voting day – if you didn’t already vote absentee, be sure to check with your local town or city office for polling times and locations.

Economy

Ellsworth Launches DiscoverEllsworth

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth has teamed with Heart of Ellsworth in launching DiscoverEllsworth.org, a tourism platform aimed at positioning the city as a year-round destination and a regional hub for the Downeast region and Acadia National Park.  MaineBiz writes that in order to develop the platform, Heart of Ellsworth was awarded $200K by the Maine Office of Tourism.  The site highlights Ellsworth’s arts, history, dining, trails and small businesses, and encourages visitors to spend more time in the city and surrounding communities.  Check out interactive maps, curated itineraries, local businesses, family friendly and affordable event listings and more – DiscoverEllsworth.org.

Chesnee Barney Promoted at Heart of Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Heart of Ellsworth has promoted Chesnee Barney to the role of Assistant Director, the first in the organization’s history.  Director Cara Romano shares Barney joined the nonprofit as marketing and events coordinator last September and helped build a more cohesive public presence for the organization across digital platforms and local events, leading to increased visibility – not only for Heart of Ellsworth, but for downtown businesses and community programs, as well.  In her new role, the organization says Barney will continue supporting Heart of Ellsworth’s mission, while taking on broader organizational responsibilities.  To learn more, visit heartofellsworth.org.

Education

Sumner Team Headed to NSDA Nationals

(Sullivan)  The very talented speech and debate team from Sumner Memorial High School will soon be headed to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia, along with coach John Russell.  Last month, the team was one of only seven Maine schools at the NSDT in Washington, DC – and we hear Reese Bryant, Emily Green, and Chris Delgado did the entire state proud.  The June 14-19 competition in Virginia will feature thousands of middle and high school students competing in more than 20 speech and debate events.  We know Sumner will continue to be the voice of excellence for the Pine Tree State – and there IS no debating that!

Gage Pelaggi Named Thespian of the Year at EHS

(Ellsworth)  Congratulations to Gage Pelaggi, who’s been named Thespian of the Year at Ellsworth High School.  The graduating senior participated in multiple productions while at EHS, including Charlotte’s Web, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, and many others.  For his Visual and Performing Arts capstone, Gage led the marketing and promotional design for “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” and says it’s there he found his calling.  Tonight is Ellsworth High School’s graduation, and we wish all the 2026 graduating seniors everywhere an exciting journey ahead.

Environment

Shaw Institute A Place That Sparks Curiosity

(Blue Hill)  You can’t beat a place that brings “oos”, “ahhs”, and looks of wonder to children and adults alike.  One such place is the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill.  From their famous 200-gallon touch tank where you can hold sea creatures in your hands to their underwater virtual ocean explorer, marine mammal skeletons, artwork, and behind-the-scenes research lab tours, they say there’s something for explorers of all ages. Best of all, admission is currently free, due to donations and the support of local businesses.  Open Thursdays through Saturdays, from 10 to 4, visit and be inspired by the world-renowned research happening right here in Downeast Maine.  Visit, engage, explore, learn.  Donate to support their work at shawinstitute.org.

Health

National Cancer Survivors’ Day

(Machias)  Cancer survivors, caregivers, families, friends and community members are invited to join the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in celebrating National Cancer Survivors’ Day on Sunday, June 7th.  The day will include special events taking place at three locations throughout Downeast Maine.  An ice cream social begins at 2 p.m. at the Beth C. Wright Center in Baileyville.  At 3 p.m. in Machias, enjoy a celebration tea at Whitney Wreath.  And in the Ellsworth area, enjoy the “Bridgerton Tea & Bubbly”, with attendees encouraged to wear their favorite pastels and celebrate together in style.  The annual celebration honors the strength, courage, and resilience of cancer survivors, while recognizing the support of loved ones, including family members, healthcare professionals, and communities who walk alongside them.

Benefit Supper Reminder

(Machias)  Just a reminder about the benefit spaghetti dinner for the family of Stephen Johnson, the periwinkle fisherman who passed away in May after the boat he was on capsized near Crumple Island off the coast of Jonesport.  The dinner will include a silent auction, and you can still donate food, auction items, or your time to volunteer.  The event will take place from 4 to 7 on Saturday, June 13th at Washington Academy in Machias.  Contact Heather Smith at the number we’ve shared on our social media pages.   

Penobscot Marine Museum Celebrates Big Jim Restoration

(Searsport)  Big Jim is back – well, he’s in Searsport, for now.  After months of restoration work, the beloved symbol of Maine’s sardine industry is restored and ready to greet visitors.  Big Jim will be standing tall at the Penobscot Marine Museum for the time being, where you’re invited for a welcoming celebration on Saturday, June 13th, beginning at 2 p.m.  Enjoy an afternoon of live music by The Hot Suppers Band and others and explore the museum’s featured exhibit, “Sardineland”.  Bring your family, blankets, lawn chairs, and friends for an afternoon of fun – admission is free!

Infrastructure 

New Map Installed in Downtown Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Thursday was a gorgeous day for just about anything outdoors, including the installation of the 2026 Downtown Ellsworth map on the facade in the Franklin Street Parklet.  Heart of Ellsworth tells us Greg from Banner City Graphics was seen posting the new map, courtesy of Bangor Federal Credit Union, The Ellsworth American, and Sealander Architects and with support from the City of Ellsworth, Discover Ellsworth, and Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism, teasing us on FB with the message “Official announcement coming Monday morning.  Stay tuned.”  You bet we will!

National News 06/05/26

National Debt Reaches Highest in Nearly a Century

(Undated)  The United States’ debt has reached its highest levels in nearly a century.  Data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the national debt reached 100.2% of Gross Domestic Product at the end of the first quarter this year.  Fortune Magazine Business Editor Nick Lichtenberg writes interest payments on the national debt take up 19% of federal revenue.  Rising debt burdens necessitate such massive annual interest payments, which divert funding from essential programs … slow economic growth, increase the risk of financial crises, and limit the government’s ability to respond to emergencies.  The current interest level eclipses spending on Medicaid, national defense, and non-defense discretionary programs combined.  

Trump Lambasts Republicans for War Powers Vote

(Washington, DC)  President Trump on Thursday lambasted the four Republicans who joined Democrats in voting to pass a resolution to block him from ordering additional strikes on Iran.  In a social media post, Trump said the four – Massie of Kentucky, Barrett of Michigan, Pennsylvania’s Fitzpatrick, and Ohio’s Davidson, along with Democrats, “should be ashamed of themselves”, calling them “unpatriotic” amid off and on negotiations to end the war.  The Washington Post reports Wednesday’s 215-208 vote marked the first time such a measure has cleared the House or Senate on a final vote since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on February 28th, foreshadowing a growing weariness with high gas prices, especially as reserves run low, and a war with no clear objectives and no viable end in sight.  

NYC Manhole Mystery

(NYC)  Members of the underground?!  New Yorkers are experiencing a mystery involving manholes.  In the past few weeks, multiple unidentified persons have been seen entering and exiting the city’s manholes, generally in the wee hours of the morning.  At least one group seen on security cameras appeared to be wearing headlamps and carrying small shovels.  An investigation is underway, but authorities say they have inspected the areas where the subterranean stealths have been seen and have declared the infrastructure safe.  No arrests have been made, and no injuries reported, though authorities warn crawling in and out of the city’s sprawling sewer system carries a host of dangers and at the very least doesn’t pass the smell test.  

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