Buoys deployed to track for white sharks off Maine coast
OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP) — Marine scientists have deployed buoys to provide real-time detection of sharks off the Maine coast for the first time. Scientists have used shark-detecting buoys off both coasts to get an idea of where sharks might come into contact with swimmers. They’ve been used off California and Massachusetts in recent years. WCSH-TV reported Wednesday that University of New England students and a scientist from the Maine Department of Marine Resources have placed such a buoy off Old Orchard Beach. Another is planned to be located near Popham Beach in Phippsburg.
GUN DEATH REPORT
Maine invests $230M in suicide prevention after gun deaths
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is investing $230 million in suicide prevention and mental health awareness after a report found more than 85% of gun deaths in 2020 were suicides. The Portland Press Herald reported Wednesday that the state report concluded 132 of the 154 people killed by guns in 2020 died by suicide. According to the report, 118 of the suicides affected men. The research conducted by the state’s Center for Disease Control and Department of Human Services coincides with the gun control debate that has reignited across the U.S.
AP-US-HEALTH-CARE-DIGITAL-ATTACK
Data breach at health care organization may affect 2 million
BOSTON (AP) — A digital attack on a Massachusetts-based health care organization may have compromised the personal information of as many as 2 million people. Shields Health Care Group Inc. provides imaging and ambulatory surgical services. It said in a notice on its website Tuesday that data including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and medical or treatment details is among the information that may have been compromised. There is no evidence to indicate that any of the compromised information has been been used to commit identity theft or fraud. The FBI and the federal Department of Health and Human Services have been notified.
Maine panel to craft plan for paid family, medical leave
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A commission in Maine will develop a plan to implement a paid family and medical leave benefits program for the state. Officials said Thursday that Democratic Sen. Mattie Daughtry of Brunswick has been appointed to chair the commission. The commission’s job will be to consult with other states that have established such a program and develop one for Maine. The commission is expected to issue a report of its findings and recommendations by early November. The report could include recommendations for legislation necessary to implement the plan.
PRISON DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT
State pays $395K to settle prison discrimination lawsuit
WARREN, Maine (AP) — The state is paying $395,000 to a former corrections officer to settle her claims of harassment and discrimination. Autumn Dinsmore resigned as a corrections officer this month as part of the settlement of her lawsuit filed last year. There was no admission of wrongdoing by the Maine Department of Corrections. Dinsmore worked at the Maine State Prison and Bolduc Correctional Facility. She claimed in her federal lawsuit that she was subjected to harassment based on gender and sexual orientation.
THREATENED ORCHID DISCOVERED
Vermont says threatened orchid not seen since 1902 found
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife says a federally threatened species of orchid that hasn’t been confirmed in the state since 1902 has been found. Department botanists confirmed that a population of small whorled pogonia has been documented on Winooski Valley Park District conservation land in Chittenden County. To protect them, officials won’t say exactly where the orchids were found. The small whorled pogonia is a globally rare orchid historically found across the eastern states and Ontario. Previous searches for the species in Vermont have been unsuccessful. Populations in Maine and New Hampshire are found in areas of partial sun, including forest edges and openings.
OFFSHORE WIND-MAINE
Maine offshore wind contract could hike rates, advocate says
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine official who is responsible for representing the interests of utility consumers has voiced concerns that an offshore wind electricity supply contract could add to residents’ power bills. The developers of the offshore wind research array want Maine to approve a 20-year electricity supply contract. Backers of the proposal have described it as integral to Maine’s renewable energy goals. The Portland Press Herald reported on Wednesday that Public Advocate William Harwood said it’s possible the contract could increase bills if the proposed price is far above wholesale market rates.