State of Maine asked to oversee services for asylum seekers
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Nonprofits and community organizations want the state of Maine to begin coordinating services for asylum seekers. The letter from 79 organizations, dated Friday, came after Maine’s largest city said it could no longer guarantee housing amid a surge of homelessness. The letter that said a “coordinated, statewide effort is necessary to meet the moment.” A spokesperson said Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is reviewing the letter and considering recommendations.
HOTEL FIRES
Massive blaze damages newly renovated Rhode Island hotel
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Three firefighters were injured battling a major fire at a recently renovated hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. Fire officials say the fire at the Wayfinder Hotel was reported at about 8 p.m. Monday. Crews remained on the scene on Tuesday morning. Chief Harp Donnelly IV tells The Newport Daily News that nearly 100 firefighters from multiple municipalities responded to the blaze and all guests made it out safely. Deputy Chief Mark Riding says the injured firefighters are expected to recover. The cause remains under investigation. The four-story hotel has nearly 200 guest rooms.
WELLS SHOOTING
Shooting that killed Maine toddler preceded by shirt fight
WELLS, Maine (AP) — Police say a Maine man who fatally shot his toddler niece did so after getting into a fight with the child’s father over a shirt. The girl, Octavia Huber-Young, died Saturday after the shooting in Wells. The Portland Press Herald reported police said the 19-year-old who shot Octavia got into a fight with his brother over the shirt. Police say the man was thrown out of his house by his parents and later returned and started shooting. They say the man injured his brother and father and killed Octavia.
UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR
Maine university president withdraws after hiring complaints
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The incoming president of a public university in Maine has voluntarily withdrawn from his position amid complaints from faculty members about his hiring. Michael Laliberte was set to start as president of University of Maine at Augusta on Aug. 1. The Bangor Daily News reported after he was hired that he was the subject of no confidence votes during his time as president of State University of New York at Delhi. Faculty at three UMaine System schools, including Augusta, have since cast their own votes of no confidence in the leadership of system chancellor Dannel Malloy.
WELLS SHOOTING
Wells man charged with murder in death of 2-year-old
WELLS, Maine (AP) — A 19-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of 2-year-old girl in Wells. Andrew Huber Young is accused of shooting the toddler and two men at a home Saturday afternoon. The girl, Octavia Huber Young, later died. The men were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The Maine State Police major crimes unit is investigating, and further charges are expected. It was unknown Sunday whether Young has an attorney.
CONTAMINATED SITES
Brownfield cleanup projects coming to Maine communities
GARDINER, Maine (AP) — Communities in Maine are going to use more than $24 million in federal money to help clean up contaminated former industrial sites around the state. The money is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It will pay for assessments and site cleanups in communities including Gardiner, Millinocket and Bath. The funding is part of a longstanding effort by the EPA to remediate brownfields, which are areas where redevelopment is made challenging by contaminants and blight.