1. Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. A Massachusetts jury also cleared her of manslaughter and hit-and-run charges. Read was convicted only of OUI and sentenced to probation. Supporters cheered outside court, while O’Keefe’s family called the verdict a “devastating miscarriage of justice.” (NBC)
2. Hundreds gathered at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth yesterday for “Juneteenth Downeast,” one of many events across Maine celebrating the holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S. Juneteenth celebrations were also held Thursday in Biddeford, Freeport, Lewiston, Nobleboro, Scarborough, Westbrook and York. Meanwhile, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed. The workers don’t want it either.” (BDN)
3. Maine’s Animal Welfare Program has launched an independent investigation into the death of Baxter, the state’s first official comfort dog. The 3-year-old Lab died last month after a state vehicle “unexpectedly” stopped running, shutting off the A/C. Officials are now gathering evidence and considering possible enforcement actions. (PH)
4. The Drive Fore Kids Golf Tournament at Falmouth Country Club is back for its third year this weekend with its most diverse and star-studded lineup yet. Attending this year Joey Graziadei, known for starring on The Bachelorette, The Bachelor, and Dancing With the Stars. Actor Michael Peña (Ant-Man, Narcos) and Carly Chaikin (Mr. Robot, Suburgatory) will also participate. The tournament also features NHL stars like Tuukka Rask, Tyler Seguin, former NFL players Sterling Sharpe, Brian Hoyer, and Dwight Freeney; and baseball legends Derek Lowe and Jon Lester. NESN broadcaster and Portland Hearts of Pine co-owner Tom Caron will play alongside Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice and Keith Foulke. So far, the event has raised $200,000 this year, supporting pediatric cancer care at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and the Dempsey Center. (PH)
5. South Portland’s Knightville neighborhood just got sweeter—Gelato Fiasco opened a new trailer Tuesday by Lighthouse Bikes on Ocean Street. Open daily through Labor Day (weather permitting), the trailer features 16–18 flavors, including Thai Iced Tea, Rainbow Batter, and Strawberry Balsamic Sorbetto. (PH)
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.
