Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024

Quote of the Day

“We don’t have that where I come from.”

— U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg after being distracted from answering a question by the sight of the L.L. Bean Bootmobile driving across a nearby bridge. The former presidential candidate was in Freeport on Tuesday to view two bridge projects funded by the federal 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Today’s Top Maine Stories

Lincoln officials were surprised by a plan to build the world’s largest battery system. A $147 million federal grant will go toward building a multi-day electricity storage facility on a former mill site.

Chuck Norris and lobsters appeared on Maine flag designs that missed the cut. In the contest for a replacement flag, some artists messed with perspective or tried to balance the sea with the land. Then there were the jokers.

Bangor is bringing back trolleys. The region had an extensive electric trolley network in the first half of the 20th century, and bus-style trolleys were used until a crash in 2021.

An herbicide used on Maine crops has been banned for harming unborn babies. The order against the weedkiller, first approved in 1960, is the first EPA action of its kind in nearly 40 years.

The bullet-pierced boots Joshua Chamberlain wore at Gettysburg need care. The artifacts are kept in handmade display cases at the Civil War hero’s former home in Brunswick, the boots propped up by doll stands and the saddle from Chamberlain’s horse Charlemange exposed to accumulating dust.

Maine in Pictures

More News from Around the State

• A Maine garage with an ocean view is selling for the price of a home

• Pete Buttigieg calls Kamala Harris’ VP pick ‘a great leader’ on Maine trip

• Researchers are on a mission to learn more about the Gulf of Maine’s right whales

• This obscure Bangor law likely violates the First Amendment

• Fire destroys Katahdin Forest Products building in Aroostook County

• Judge dismisses case against former Woodland Select Board member

• Fort Kent International Muskie Derby is this weekend

• Maine sea salt company closes after owner dies, but its website lives on

• Search continues for paddleboarder missing Down East

• Acadia hikers who violated trail closure face up to 6 months behind bars

• Bar Harbor says hotel violated cruise ship rules

• State denies initial request of Bucksport-area owner to give up dams

• Spud, a black lab on the Belfast PD, likely getting his own bulletproof vest

• Maine shellfish harvesting ground shut down over fecal contamination fears

• Police identify victim of Poland shooting

• Police: Teens escaped Maine youth prison by jumping off the roof

• Rare orange lobster at Maine university has babies

From the Opinion Pages

Life in Maine

One of Maine’s most iconic sites is named for a French “scoundrel” who spent less than two years living in the state. Here’s the story of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a name he gave himself.

When a farm is a person’s livelihood, saving time and labor is seriously important. BDN Homestead writer Elizabeth Walztoni shares nine lessons she learned from commercial farming that can help homesteaders.

Where exactly does midcoast Maine begin and end? Tell us what you think here.

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