Good morning!  I’m Sonnie Shepherd.  This morning’s newscasts brought to you by The Ellsworth Public Library … September is Library Card Sign Up Month.  Check out all the library has to offer at ellsworthlibrary.net.

I’m Sonnie Shepherd.  This morning’s newscasts brought to you by the Ellsworth Public Library.  ellsworthlibrary.net.

Economy

Mainers Put in More Summer Hours

(Maine)  Between tourist season, short summers, and our love of all things outdoors, it’s little surprise Mainers put in more hours in the summer than almost every other state.  Using Department of Labor stats, experts at Homebase, a workplace management platform, evaluated all 50 states across 10 factors, including work hours, overtime, job changes, and employment shifts.  MaineBiz reports the Pine Tree State ranks No. 2 overall, posting the second largest spring-to-summer increase in hours worked, behind only Alaska, with hours here rising 32% in the summer.  Nationally, some 30% of employees work overtime in the summer.  The least working state in the summer?  Pennsylvania.  

Local Politics

LePage “Big Fan” of Data Centers

(Lincoln)  While most of the country is pushing back because of their drain on local resources, former Governor Paul LePage says he’s a “big fan” of data centers.  The Bangor Daily News reports the Republican running for Maine’s 2nd District seat spoke recently at a former mill site being redeveloped into a tech center, saying he thinks the centers will create jobs and that, “We can solve our energy problems”.  State Auditor Matt Dunlap, LePage’s Democratic opponent, is challenging that stance.  Nearly three-quarters of Mainers, including the majority of both parties, are opposed to the centers being built in their communities.

Vance Paints Midterms As Fight Against Socialism

(Brewer)  Vice President JD Vance this week put his faith in people’s ignorance of socialism to tout the 2026 midterm elections as a fight against that economic system.  Vance told a crowd of about 200 at Compo-Tech, a defense technology company, “We’re going to defeat socialism by giving you a stake in the American dream,” according to the Bangor Daily News.  In reality, the United States is awash in socialist programs that are largely credited with helping lift the country out of The Great Depression … programs such as Social Security, Medicare, even public roads and schools. Politicians continue to play on people’s fear of the so-called “socialism” of the former USSR, even though all first-world countries today operate with some form of democratic socialism, most notably socialized medicine, which many believe would lift the U.S., the only developed country without such a system, out of its healthcare crisis.

Federal Regulators Accept Preliminary Permit for Underwater Data Center

(Eastport)  Despite aggressive pushback from Eastport residents, federal regulators have accepted a preliminary permit for a controversial underwater artificial intelligence data center proposed in the Bay of Fundy.  The Maine Monitor reports DeepGreen applied for the 48-month preliminary permit in February to conduct engineering and environmental studies.  While not a permit for construction, the application drew immediate response from residents and Passamaquoddy officials, who strongly oppose the development.  Earlier this month, the Eastport City Council voted unanimously to enact a 180-day moratorium, giving city officials time to review and possibly amend local zoning ordinances.

Maine Library Commission Requires Libraries to Hire Paid Directors

(Augusta)  In a move that disheartened some small, rural libraries across the state, the Maine Library Commission last week voted to require libraries to employ designated paid directors in order to receive MSL services.  The measure includes the use of interlibrary loan programs and internet access.  Critics say towns with the smallest libraries can barely pay their firefighters and it’s unlikely they will be able to pay their libraries more.  Because the Commission doesn’t have the authority to set minimum payment, a library could pay its director a dollar a year and still meet the requirement.  And supporters said they feel directors are deserving of pay.  Commissioners did trim a proposed requirement seen as a safety measure that libraries have at least two staff members present during open hours and that public libraries must receive municipal funding in order to be eligible for state services.  

Education

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month at EPL

(Ellsworth)  September in New England is generally when the leaves begin to turn and the air begins to feel like fall.  It’s also Library Card Sign Up Month, a great time to sign up for a library card, so you can “fall” in love with some great books as you curl up by those winter fires.  The Ellsworth Public Library invites the community to discover, or rediscover, everything that comes with a library card.  In addition to thousands of in-house items available to borrow, cardholders can access cultural passes, a growing Library of Things and Tool Library, free programs and classes, streaming services, high-speed internet, meeting spaces and more.  And throughout September when you sign up, renew, or encourage someone to get a library card, both individuals will be entered into a drawing for one of two $50 gas cards.  The offer also applies to residents of other towns.  Learn more and sign up between September 1st and 30th at ellsworthlibrary.net.  

Environment

National Park Supporters Launch Protest

(ANP)  Supporters of the nation’s national parks on Tuesday launched a nationwide “United by Parks” Day of Action to protest the Trump Administration’s threats of staffing cuts, funding reductions, and development.  Crowds gathered at Acadia and other National Parks across the country to express their anger against the President’s proposed actions, which include border security and surveillance roads carved through Big Bend National Park and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and opening the Boundary Waters in Minnesota to drilling.  Acadia National Park has not been immune, as the Administration initially ordered removal of signs pointing out scientific evidence of climate change and citing Wabanaki culture and heritage. The signs were restored after a federal judge ruled their removal violated federal park laws. Tuesday’s protests coincided with the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service.  

MDI Wheelers Make Carriage Roads Accessible to All

(Bar Harbor)  Thanks to MDI Wheelers, everyone can now enjoy the Carriage Roads at Acadia National Parks.  The Mount Desert Islander reports the nonprofit began as a small Tremont-based group that dubbed themselves the “Tremonsters”.  After member Ed Wood was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, his balance declined, so he switched to an electric-assisted recumbent bike.  As he became even less mobile, Wood met others with similar physical issues.  Today, the group offers adapted bike rides to “wheelers”, or those who can’t bike independently.  The program’s volunteer pilots are experienced bikers who attend annual training to support the wheelers, focusing on rider safety and comfort.  One member said, “It’s really a community out there on the carriage roads”.  Thanks to the MDI Wheelers, that includes everyone.

Infrastructure

Lubec/Campobello Bridge Must Be Repaired or Replaced

(Lubec)  Repair or replace?  The bridge between Lubec and Campobello Island is facing a critical “must” between major rehabilitation or full-on replacement, due to its age and deteriorating structural condition.  The Bangor Daily News reports the Maine Department of Transportation is in the process of conducting engineering and environmental assessments on the 64 yo structure.  Local leaders and residents have expressed urgent concerns over the bridge’s long-term safety.  The bridge is the island’s only vehicle link to emergency medical treatment and mutual aid, so keeping a route open during any construction is paramount.  MDOT expects to release its Preliminary Design Report determining the decision to repair or replace the bridge in Fall 2028.

Human Interest

USPS to Honor Linda McCartney in Newest Forever Stamp

(Undated)  The US Postal Service plans to commemorate the life and art of a woman celebrated for her photography and activism when it unveils its latest Forever Stamps next month.  Not to mention, the celebrant was married to the very famous Paul McCartney.  The U.S. Sun reports Linda McCartney rose to prominence in the 1960s, capturing the essence of famous musicians, animals tied to her activism, and vegetarianism.  The Postal Service in September will issue five new forever stamps featuring McCartney’s nature and still life photos.  A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the 82-cent stamps is planned September 25th at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  McCartney passed away in 1998 following a battle with breast cancer.

Dolly Parton Dies

(Undated)  Country Music Queen and Philanthropist Dolly Parton has died.  Parton wrote and performed such legendary classics as “Jolene”, and “I Will Always Love You” and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Known for her self-effacing wit and humor, Parton grew up “dirt poor” in the hills of Tennessee, but wisely retained full publishing rights of her songs and built a massive entertainment empire, including Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.  Parton founded the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which provided tens of millions of free books to children globally.  Honors include the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, and multiple humanitarian awards.  Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, in March 2025.  Her nephew posted the announcement of her passing on Instagram, saying only the 80-year-old Parton had been struggling with kidney stones and other health issues, forcing her to bow out of numerous scheduled appearances earlier this year.

Local Meteorologist Makes It On CBS Mornings

(Maine)  Local meteorologist Patrick Osborn has made the big leagues.  Recently, while attempting a prank on a fellow broadcaster, Osborn broke into uncontrollable laughter.  The normally serious weatherman’s hee-haws forced him to flee off camera where his high-pitched laughter raised eyebrows and caused even more laughs.  CBS Mornings picked up the segment, with featured host Vladimir Duthiers (DOOT-ee-ay) quipping, “Congratulations, Patrick … my laugh is no longer the most annoying on television!”, although co-hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson disagreed!

National News 08/26/26

Two Unvaccinated People Die of Measles

(NYT)  Two unvaccinated people have died of measles, the first such deaths reported in the U.S. this year.  The deaths come during a record-setting year for measles in the United States, with more cases reported in 2026 than in any other year since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000.  Both victims were in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the NY Times reports a large outbreak has occurred.  Two school-aged children and one adult died last year from measles complications, the first such deaths in the country in a decade.  Those in the know say the best way to protect against measles is with two doses of a vaccine known as the MMR – measles, mumps, rubella shot – administered to children as a combination.  Two doses prevent more than 97% of measles infections.  

Canada to Impose RetaliatoryTariffs on American Goods

(NYT)  Canada on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs as high as 50% on hundreds of American products.  The New York Times reports the announcement comes just days after the collapse of trade talks triggered punishing tariffs by the Trump Administration against the long-time ally and trading partner.  Beginning September 8th, Canada will be collecting 50, 25, and 15% tariffs on some 700 products.  The 50% rate will affect steel and aluminum, personal care items such as liquid soap and body wash, plywood and laminated wood, video game consoles, golf clubs, and envelopes.  As the trade wars heat up, Trump yesterday threatened to rename Lake Ontario.

Trump Attorneys Threaten Demolition of Kennedy Center

(NYT)  Lawyers for the Trump Administration are threatening the Kennedy Center with demolition.  The NY Times reports on Monday, the attorneys said the center desperately needs the major renovation ordered by President Trump and raised the specter that it would need to be “taken down” if those plans are blocked.  Justice Department lawyers defended plans for the $250M renovation project and described how, in recognition of the president’s role, an inscription of his name on the facility’s marble facade would be appropriate. A federal judge in May ruled the Kennedy Center Board’s decision to add Trump’s name to the building’s official title was unlawful and ordered its removal.  The Trump Administration promptly put up covered scaffolding to hide the removal of his name.

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