U.S. Government shuts down
The U.S. Government has officially shut down.
WABI news reports after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement, roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed or potentially fired.
Senator Angus King released a statement saying he voted to keep the government open.
“I just came from the Senate floor where I took one of the most difficult votes I’ve taken since I’ve been in the Senate,” said King.
“I voted to keep the government open for a continuing resolution. The irony of this vote is, many feel that this was an opportunity to stand up to Donald Trump, to vote no and to fight back.”
Northern Light Health and Anthem fail to reach agreement
After weeks of negotiations and mediation, Northern Light Health and Anthem failed to reach an agreement to keep the hospitals and doctors within the insurer’s network according to WABI news.
A Northern Light spokesperson said Northern Light Health and Anthem ended their contract mediation on Tuesday without an agreement.
However it’s unclear if they continued mediations.
According to the latest report by WABI news, no deal has been reached and effective Wednesday more than 30,000 Mainers will have to move outside of Anthem’s network.
Gov. Mills announces reduction of heating oil reliance
Governor Janet Mills announced that the share of Maine households reliant on oil as their primary heat source has fallen by nearly 20 percent from 2018 to 2024.
Last year, the portion of Maine households reliant on heating oil fell to 50 percent, the lowest in decades according to new federal data.
This is down from 62 percent in 2018 and over 70 percent in 2010, continuing a historic downward trend strongly correlated with an increase in the use of high efficiency heat pumps for home heating according to the governor’s office.
City of Ellsworth agrees to partnership to advance roadway and sidewalk assessment
The City of Ellsworth is partnering with Citylogix, formerly known as StreetScan, a Massachusetts based company specializing in advanced roadway assessment, to evaluate local street conditions beginning this week.
They tell Star 97-7 the system detects pavement defects such as cracking, bumps, and potholes.
The data collected will help the City identify and prioritize road repairs, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that residents benefit from safer, longer-lasting streets.
The roadway assessment will take place throughout the week, weather permitting.
Later this year, City staff plan to provide a detailed presentation on both the sidewalk and street data, giving residents and City leaders a clearer picture of infrastructure needs and priorities moving forward.
No paws present at Bangor Humane Society’s annual parade
An annual fundraiser is making its way back to Bangor, but this year they are taking major precaution.
In the 32nd year of the event, the Bangor Humane Society tells WABI news they’re bringing Paws on Parade back to the Bangor Waterfront this Saturday, Oct. 4.
While most years saw a fleet of four-legged friends, this year dogs are prohibited from joining. This is due to a recent outbreak of parvovirus, a highly contagious illness for dogs.
However other animals are welcome. Registration begins at 10AM and the walks starts at 10:30AM.
Holden PD hosts ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event
Holden residents have a chance to meet with their local police officers in an informal setting on Oct. 1.
The Holden Police Department is holding its Coffee with a Cop event Wednesday morning.
You can join Holden PD for a cup of coffee at G & M Family Market from 7AM to 10AM.
The event, hosted by Dunkin’, provides an opportunity to get to know your local police officers.
