Maine
Maine congressional leaders react to President Trump’s new tariffs
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – After President Trump imposed new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, Maine congressional leaders released statements on the move.
Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) said “President Trump campaigned on tariffs as a tool to level the playing field between American workers and industries and our foreign competitors.”
“I don’t agree with Trump on everything, but he’s right that the old deal stinks, and we need a new one,” said Golden.
“Tariffs push back against decades of free trade and globalization that prioritized low prices above all else. It was a race to the bottom that left America deep in trade debt and dependent on foreign nations and gutted our manufacturing sector, domestic supply chains, and entire middle-class communities.”
“By privileging our own production and industries — something other countries already do — tariffs can help us rewire our economy for production, not just consumption,“ said Golden.
“We can incentivize job creation and manufacturing while leveling the playing field and rebalancing our trade. These tariffs are also a leveraging tool to help crack down on the deadly flow of fentanyl into our country.”
“Reversing the damage of decades of globalization will take time,” said Golden.
“In the meanwhile, every dollar raised in tariff revenue should be used to offset costs for Americans or invest in and protect American jobs and industries. Paired with increased energy production, support for unions, regulatory reform, and infrastructure investment, tariffs are one piece of the puzzle for building a strong, production-based economy that works for working families.”
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) expressed concern on tariffs.
“President Trump’s tariffs will have devastating consequences for Mainers and our economy, driving up costs for working families and destabilizing key industries that our state relies on,” said Pingree.
“A 25 percent tariff on essential imports from Canada—including home heating oil, electricity, and raw materials for our mills and fisheries—is nothing more than an added tax on hardworking Mainers, who are already grappling with high costs. Rural communities will feel the brunt of these price hikes, particularly those in Aroostook and Washington counties who rely on electricity imported from New Brunswick. And let’s not forget the impact on our lobster industry, which is still recovering from previous trade wars and now faces potential retaliatory tariffs from Canada, a key processing hub for Maine-caught lobster.”
“Tariffs can be a useful tool when implemented in a responsible, targeted way,” said Pingree.
“But these broad, indiscriminate tariffs will only drive up costs for hardworking Americans and make it more difficult for businesses to stay competitive. We should be investing in policies that truly support domestic manufacturing—like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, which are already creating good-paying jobs here at home. These tariffs are bad policy, plain and simple.”
Copyright 2025 WABI. All rights reserved.
Maine
Amtrak train strikes, kills man in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
A 51-year-old man was fatally struck by an Amtrak train in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, on Thursday afternoon, and police believe alcohol was a factor.
Old Orchard Beach Police say they responded around 2:18 p.m. to the area of the railroad tracks located off from the roadway near 133 Temple Avenue. The victim, who had been struck by a train traveling northbound, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Information obtained from witnesses suggests the man was traveling alone and walking nearby the railroad tracks moments before being struck by the train, according to police, who didn’t say why they believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.
The victim’s name is being withheld pending further investigation and notification, with police saying only that he was from Old Orchard Beach.
Amtrak said in a statement obtained by NBC10 Boston affiliate News Center Maine that the individual was trespassing when he came into contact with the train.
Amtrak urged the public in its statement to stay off railroad property and use caution around railroad tracks and grade crossings, writing, “These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers.”
There were no reported injuries among the 135 passengers and crew members abord the No. 683 train that was traveling from Boston to Brunswick until the incident happened on Thursday.
The added that preventing railroad incidents and fatalities is a priority for them. Amtrak is working with local authorities investigating this latest incident.
An investigation remains ongoing by the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, Amtrak Police and Saco Police Department, which responded to assist.
Maine
High bacteria advisories reported at multiple Maine swimming spots
PORTLAND (WGME) — Wednesday afternoon, Tassel Top Park officials posted on social media, reporting the beach was temporarily closed to swimming after routine testing found elevated levels of E. coli in the water.
Anna Goodnik, a visitor at the park, says she was disappointed to learn she could not swim.
“It’s a beautiful lake. I feel so sorry, it’s too bad this happened,” Goodnik said.
She says she drove from Portland to visit the park.
“Very sad because I came from Portland, I drove 40 minutes,” Goodnik said.
Goodnik says she has been coming to Tassel Top Park for 15 years and that while the park remained open, she was hoping to get in the water.
“The water is so smooth right now, I would just like to swim in it,” Goodnik said.
Raymond Town Manager Glenn Michalowski said in a statement that the Portland Water District provides weekly test results for 18 locations around Sebago Lake. Tassel Top Beach was closed for swimming because E. coli levels exceeded state water quality standards.
Michalowski said testing indicated the presence of waterfowl in the area, which can contribute to elevated bacterial levels. The statement also noted that high E. coli counts after rain events and in areas with waterfowl activity are a normal occurrence across Maine beaches and recreational water areas.
Ben Peierls, research director at the Lakes Environmental Association, says warmer water can lead to more bacterial growth.
“When water gets warmer, there’s more growth of bacteria,” Peierls said.
Peierls says E. coli can come from animals such as birds, dogs and other wildlife, or from human waste. He says this time of year can bring rain and runoff that carries contaminants into lakes.
“This time of year, there’s lot of rain and runoff materials coming into lakes, and it’s coming from sources where there may have been that fecal material, and it gets washed into lakes and it shows up in places people could be recreating,” Peierls said.
Tassel Top is not the only location reporting elevated bacteria levels. Ferry Beach in Scarborough and East End Beach in Portland also reported results above Maine’s safety threshold for enterococci in marine waters.
Town officials say Tassel Top Beach will reopen once retesting confirms the water has returned to safe levels, and residents will be notified when the closure is lifted. Swimming can resume once weekly testing confirms water quality is back within safe limits.
To check the status of all beaches in the state, click here.
Maine
Person hospitalized after shed fire in Harpswell
HARPSWELL (WGME) — The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office says a person was hospitalized after a shed fire Wednesday night.
Firefighters were called to 23 Smokehouse Road in Harpswell for a shed fire around 7 p.m.
Crews quickly put out the fire and kept it from spreading into the woods.
An unhoused person who had been living in the shed suffered burns and smoke inhalation.
They were taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment.
Investigators believe the fire may have been electrical in nature.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
The fire remains under investigation.
-
Lifestyle1 minute agoSwatch Seeks Damages From Samsung Over Trademark Infringement, Ft Reports
-
Politics8 minutes agoMS NOW anchor Alex Witt to exit as network reduces live weekend programming
-
Sports16 minutes agoParents of ex-NFL player Doug Martin allege excessive force by Oakland police in wrongful death suit
-
World26 minutes agoBurkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with former colonial ruler France
-
News53 minutes agoA day after Alito’s testy response to Sotomayor’s dissent, court says it was a ‘misunderstanding’
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoWatch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoMetro Detroit weather forecast, June 26, 2026 — 4 p.m. Update
-
San Francisco, CA3 hours agoNewlyweds celebrate Pride-themed weddings inside SF City Hall as parade preparations underway