1. Rex Heuermann has been sentenced to life without parole for the murders of eight women, including Scarborough native Megan Waterman. During sentencing, Megan’s daughter, Liliana, urged people to focus on the victims instead of the killer, saying, “Rex will never matter and he is nothing to us.” She added, “Put the girls’ faces up, put their names up and make it known that we live on for them.” (WGME)
2. Maine won’t officially participate in Trump’s “Great American State Fair” celebrating America’s 250th birthday in Washington, D.C. State officials cited Maine’s busy tourism season, while some artists and states have skipped the event over concerns about its increasingly political tone. Trump is expected to headline the kickoff celebration and a July 4 rally on the National Mall. (PH)
3. A federal judge has ordered climate change and Wabanaki history displays removed from Acadia National Park to be restored before July 4. The signs were taken down after a Trump administration directive targeting messages deemed critical of America. Supporters say the exhibits tell the full story of Acadia’s environmental changes and Indigenous history, while the Interior Department has appealed the ruling. (NCM)
4. Juneteenth is Thursday, marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free on June 19, 1865. It’s a federal holiday, meaning government offices, banks and regular mail service are closed, while companies like UPS and FedEx continue normal operations. Despite recent political debate, any change to the holiday’s federal status would require action from Congress.
5. The summer solstice arrives Saturday at 4:24 a.m. Eastern, marking the official start of summer and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The annual event happens because Earth is tilted closest toward the sun, creating longer daylight hours.
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
