Northern Light lawsuit / Holiday weekend traffic / Shaker barn raising

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

A lawsuit claims Northern Light Health shared private medical information with Facebook. The health care system had tracking pixels embedded in its websites that transmitted the data to Facebook, Google and others, according to the complaint.

Two Republican longshots are trying to appeal to Maine’s liberal half. Andrew Piantidosi and Ron Russell square off June 11, vying for the November ballot for the 1st Congressional District seat. 

Road closures and storm damage on MDI could jam traffic on the holiday weekend. From the closure of a stretch of Main Street in Bar Harbor to the Seawall Road washout, regular visitors should budget more time to get around.

A new program in one of Maine’s poorest counties aims to help the jobless find work. A job seeker might get appropriate clothing for an interview, or the Chamber of Commerce could make a call asking a business to “take a leap of faith.”

The world’s last Shakers did a different kind of barn raising on Thursday. The sect, based in New Gloucester, is modernizing the 200-year-old herb house as a cultural center. 

MAINE IN PICTURES

Seen from the Brewer Riverwalk, a spring thunderstorm approaches Greater Bangor on Thursday afternoon. Credit: Linda Coan O’Kresik / BDN

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE 

Janet Mills will attend dinner at White House

More than 1 million vehicles expected on Maine Turnpike this weekend

Maine saw home sales increase for 3rd straight month

Holden police bust illegal marijuana grow house connected to China

Baileyville man charged after gunshot draws many police

Victims identified in ‘suspicious’ Great Pond fire 

On MDI, Leonard Leo flew same controversial flag as Samuel Alito did

A plaque for Raymond Hodgkins approved for Bar Harbor town pier

Long midcoast detour lifted for holiday weekend

6 Milo residents to run for Select Board seats vacated by resignations

Motorcyclist dies after Maine collision

2 hospitalized after garbage truck runs stop sign in Fairfield 

Man accused of killing beloved Maine burrito maker enters insanity plea

Maine judge won’t toss man’s guilty plea to murder and give him new trial

These former UMaine football players are starting pro seasons

BDN IMPACT REPORT

We see first-hand how our journalism makes a difference in people’s lives — from holding public officials accountable to inspiring community action — but we don’t often tell our own story. That’s the purpose of the Bangor Daily News’ annual impact report, which explores how our journalism has positively impacted Maine communities in the past year. It’s a useful reminder to all of us that what we do matters and why our primary goal is to improve the lives of the people who read us.

— Paul Koenig, chief digital editor

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Yes, yes, we know it’s technically not summer yet. But it is, kind of. Kick off the first long weekend of the season with Bangor-area events like improv troupe The Focus Group at the Bangor Arts Exchange on Friday night, local bands They Called Me Legion, Manismurder and Effs at Queen City Cinema Club on Saturday night, and the first concert at the Maine Savings Amphitheater of the year, with Parker McCollum and Corey Kent performing on Sunday evening. Monday is Memorial Day, and Bangor’s parade is set for 10 a.m. in downtown Bangor.

FROM THE OPINION PAGES 

“This legislation is a far cry from treating the tribes the same as other tribes across the country. However, this is a small step in the right direction and displays our willingness to compromise.”

Opinion: ​​For Wabanaki Nations, legislative session brought progress and disappointments

LIFE IN MAINE

Multiple generations came together to build a Bangor pollinator garden. Sustainable landscaping student Laura Nobel sees it as a way to help pollinators survive to do their jobs and help people survive.

Bob Duchesne observes that even his 8-year-old camera is obsolete now. Here he recounts the changes in the field of birding during his 38 years as a member of Maine Audubon.

Katahdin isn’t the only spectacular hike at Baxter State Park. Maybe you aren’t ready for such an arduous climb. Maybe you don’t have the time for the full-day trek.