Monday, March 18, 2024

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Flash flooding really was the story of 2023.”

— Sarah Jamison, senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service office in Gray.

Today’s Top Maine Stories

There were more flash flood declarations in Maine from January to October 2023 than any other year in the past decade. That’s led to another danger for homeowners.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to gather in parts of Maine to view April’s solar eclipse. But planners are taking precautions with the expectation the weather will be less than stellar.

Offshore wind has become an increasingly testy political issue at the state and national levels. With the controversial selection of Sears Island for a wind port, the issue has highlighted the hard-to-define mix of opponents to wind projects.

Little was known about what led to a six-figure discrimination settlement last year between Orono and a former employee. The complaint recently obtained by the Bangor Daily News includes allegations that town officials berated Avinash Rude because of his race.

Bangor Police Chief Mark Hathaway developed the Bangor Community Action Team to respond to calls that don’t require law enforcement. Since it launched in January 2023, the team has fielded 1,161 calls.

Maine in Pictures

Shawn Laatsch, director of Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine in Orono, is photographed in the planetarium on Wednesday. A total solar eclipse and a map of Maine illustrating the eclipse’s path of totality on April 8 is displayed above him. Photo by Linda Coan O’Kresik.

How I Got the Story

The wind whipped across the Penobscot River, leaving people struggling to keep their candles lit. Around 70 people were gathered to remember the life of 10-year-old Braxtyn Smith. Nearly everyone — myself included — was teary eyed as people spoke about the horrific abuse he suffered and the life he could have lived. We still don’t know much about who Braxtyn was, but seeing our community come together to remember him felt like the first step toward healing.

— Marie Weidmayer

More News from Around the State

From the Opinion Pages

“Politics may be taking up the oxygen in 2024, but Mainers cannot forget about philanthropy — giving back and serving those in need. Charity is an indispensable piece of the socioeconomic puzzle in Maine and across New England.”

Opinion: Maine nonprofits need more business support

Life in Maine

For anyone working the land on a homestead or farm, there is a chance that a long-forgotten grave on your property could be uncovered.

Even for this intrepid hiker and paddler, downhill skiing was intimidating. Until now.

It is very rare to see one golden eagle in Maine, let alone two as you will see in this trail camera video.

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