1. Senator Susan Collins’ Biddeford office was vandalized with a vulgar political message spray-painted across the front doors. Collins’ chief of staff says the office remains open and the senator and her staff “will not be intimidated.” Biddeford police have confirmed they received a report about the vandalism. (WMTW)
2. A manager at the Auburn Walmart says he was fired one day after leaving work to be with his dying grandmother. Vaughn Sawyer says he told his boss why he needed to leave and returned later to complete bereavement paperwork, but was fired the next day without an explanation. Walmart says it’s aware of the situation but won’t comment on personnel matters. (PH)
3. The University of Maine System is removing former U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s name from a sustainability center and scholarship. The Board of Trustees voted 9-5 to make the change after Mitchell was referenced hundreds of times in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Mitchell has denied any connection to or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity, and the university says there have been no findings of wrongdoing against him. (PH)
4. Rising gas prices are cutting into profits for Mainers who drive for a living. The statewide average has climbed from $4.11 to $4.43 a gallon in just the past month. Portland House of Pizza recently increased the share of its delivery fee that goes to drivers from $1.99 to $3. General Manager David Walton summed it up: “The Dunkin’ Donuts commercial’s kind of a lie. America actually runs on gasoline.” (PH)
5. Portland is moving forward with major redesigns of Forest Avenue and Franklin Street aimed at improving safety. Plans for Forest Avenue include reducing part of the road from four lanes to three and adding buffered bike lanes and new crosswalks. A separate Franklin Street proposal would remove the large median, add wider sidewalks and bike lanes, and open about 3.5 acres for potential development. (NCM)
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.
