Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

12 June 2024

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We need fresh blood out there, and especially in small communities like this.”

— Tracy Caron, a restaurant owner from Fort Kent, on supporting Republican 2nd District candidate Austin Theriault.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Primary elections were held across Maine yesterday. In the day’s biggest race, Republican Austin Theriault defeated fellow state lawmaker Mike Soboleski for a chance to unseat U.S. Rep. Jared Golden in the 2nd Congressional District. Now the focus shifts to how Theriault will approach the general election.

You can see how your community voted yesterday in our complete election results. Other notable races and municipal votes included:

Republicans picked Army veteran Ron Russell for the uphill race against U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree.

A progressive challenger unseated an anti-abortion Democrat in a Maine House primary race.

Another Aroostook County town permanently closed its police department.

Bar Harbor reelected two incumbents to its Town Council.

Hampden’s David Haggan prevailed in a state Senate primary between two incumbents.

Despite record numbers of visitors, Acadia National Park still has secrets. These are six things you may not know about the famed park and its history.

Maine’s pro wrestling guru is taking the biggest chance of his career. Limitless Wrestling has sold out its last seven shows in a row, dating back to August 2023. But the next one is a big step up.

MAINE IN PICTURES

State Rep. Austin Theriault of Fort Kent (center) greets supporters at Dysart’s Restaurant on Broadway in Bangor on Tuesday after winning the Republican primary to face U.S. Rep. Jared Golden in November. Credit: Kim Higgins / BDN

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Driver crashes into Brewer house, hits bed with sleeping homeowners

Man appeals conviction in Bangor box truck murders

More closures coming to Broadway in Bangor

Bar Harbor driver ejected from car in crash outside Bangor

Orono employees will get Juneteenth off this year

Tall grass, debris and rats top residents’ concerns at Houlton meeting

Owners of roaming coffee cart will open a cafe in Guilford

Large wind turbine parts will soon be trucked through Hancock County

Another Market Basket is opening in Maine this week

Renys will open Waterville location as early as next April

Whale pulled from Maine harbor last week likely drowned

2 Maine bakeries win 2024 James Beard Awards

Caribou baseball stuns No. 1 Ellsworth to advance to Class B state final

Penobscot Valley softball team rallies past Woodland in Class D North final

Messalonskee outlasts Bangor for Class A North baseball crown

Bucksport baseball wins third straight C North regional title

Coots sisters lead Nokomis softball to 2nd straight B North championship

FROM THE OPINION PAGES 

“Substance use and poverty are both complex issues. Operating together, they present unique risks.”

Opinion: With so many overdoses each year, Maine is not the way life should be

LIFE IN MAINE

It’s warm outside, which means that Mainers are hiking, biking and spending more time in the woods. Here’s what you need to know to identify poison ivy, and how to treat it. 

While we’re talking about pests, longtime Bangor Daily News writer and contributor Aislinn Sarnacki has tips for applying your bug repellent. It turns out there are tricks to keeping the blackflies and mosquitoes away.

An invasive plant is helping to spread the ever-dreaded ticks in Maine. This dense, thorny shrub actually creates a microclimate that is good for ticks, spelling bad news for people and pets.

Ron Chase reflects on a whitewater trip that isn’t accessible year-round, but makes for an exhilarating adventure. This stretch on the Upper Saco is “some of the best paddling in New England,” Chase says.

Want to try the traditional Maine pastime of fly fishing this summer but not sure where to start? This guide walks you through how to rig up a rod.

Need Help?

Please use the contact form to get support. Thank you.