National
07/29/2026 · Lewiston
Congress Nears August Recess with Unfinished Legislative Agenda
With one week remaining before its August recess, the House of Representatives faces a legislative agenda that includes defense funding, a presidential election integrity proposal, and a ban on lawmaker stock trading. Speaker Mike Johnson has identified these items as priorities for action.
U.S. and Iran Conduct Further Strikes Following Diplomatic Standoff
The United States and Iran have engaged in new military strikes. These actions mark the ninth consecutive day of U.S. bombing after peace talks concluded without an agreement on a memorandum concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
07/29/2026
French Lawmakers Approve Social Media Age Restriction
French lawmakers have passed a bill requiring parental consent for children under 15 to register for social media accounts. The legislation mandates platforms verify the age of users and obtain parental authorization.
07/29/2026
Home Oxygen Access Challenges Delay Hospital Discharges Nationwide
A recent national survey indicates that restricted access to high-flow home oxygen equipment prolongs patient stays in hospitals. These delays reportedly increase both financial burdens and health risks for individuals. The issue also impacts healthcare system costs.
07/29/2026
Supreme Court Allows Texas Parental Consent App Law to Proceed
The Supreme Court declined to block a Texas law mandating parental consent and age verification for app downloads. This decision allows the state to enforce requirements for app stores and in-app purchases. The ruling marks a development in the regulation of digital content access for minors.
07/29/2026
Tanker Struck by Projectile in Strait of Hormuz
A commercial tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after a projectile strike. The incident occurred during a period of national mourning in Iran and amid preparations for a NATO summit.
07/29/2026
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View allMaineDOT Invites Public Input on Portland West Study at Upcoming Meetings
MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Portland West Study at Upcoming Meetings 9/10/2026 MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Portland West Study at Upcoming Meetings AUGUSTA – September 10, 2026 — The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will host two public engagement opportunities this month as part of the Portland West Study, an initiative focused on addressing longstanding transportation challenges in South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Gorham. The study brings together local leaders, stakeholders, community members, and transportation partners to examine congestion, safety, and multimodal transportation needs that have affected the region for decades. Public input will be essential in helping shape the study’s direction and identify potential solutions. Community members are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming meetings to learn more about the study, meet the project team, share feedback, identify concerns and priorities, and help guide future analysis. Drop-in Open House Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Gorham Municipal Center – Shaw Gym 75 South Street, Gorham, Maine 04038 Virtual Public Meeting Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM The virtual meeting will begin with a short presentation by the project team, including interactive exercises, and a Q&A session. Please pre-register here
MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Machias Environmental Impact Statement Process
MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Machias Environmental Impact Statement Process MACHIAS – September 22, 2026 — The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will host an in-person public hearing this month as part of the Machias Dike Bridge project regarding the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. This will be the first formal public hearing of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the purpose and need for the project, alternatives being considered, potential environmental impacts, and for members of the public to ask questions and provide information that should be considered during the EIS process. In-Person Public Hearing Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6:00pm Machias Memorial High School Gymnasium 1 Bulldog Lane, Machias, ME 04654 Virtual Public Meeting Presentation An on-demand virtual public meeting presentation will also be available at any time beginning September 23 through October 31, 2026, and will allow the public to submit online comments and questions. More information and access to the online virtual public meeting is available at https://mainedot.info/machias-dike
MaineDOT to Begin Demolition of Impacted Llewellyn Estes Bridge Spans
MaineDOT to Begin Demolition of Impacted Llewellyn Estes Bridge Spans OLD TOWN – October 8, 2026 — Starting October 13, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will begin demolition of the impacted spans of the new Llewellyn Estes Bridge over the Stillwater River. To safely complete this work, MaineDOT will periodically close the temporary bridge over the Stillwater River between 9AM and 3PM beginning Tuesday, October 13. These intermittent closures could continue into the week of October 19. Closure timing will depend on demolition operations, construction progress, weather conditions, and other site-specific factors.The work will include crews carefully separating the span from the pier and abutment, reducing it into smaller pieces, and lifting those pieces from the river for processing on land. This work will proceed slowly and carefully to protect workers and the public while minimizing damage to the pier and abutment.Temporary bridge closures are necessary because of the impacted span’s proximity to the temporary bridge and the large equipment needed to remove it. As removal work progresses downstream and farther from the temporary bridge, the need for closures will decrease. MaineDOT will use message boards to provide motorists with advance notice before temporary bridge closures occur.During closures, motorists traveling on Stillwater Avenue should follow the signed detour using Bennoch Road, North Main Street, and College Avenue to return to Stillwater Avenue. Motorists should allow extra travel time, expect delays, and use caution while traveling through the detour area and near the work zone.MaineDOT appreciates the patience and understanding of the traveling public while this work is completed. Project updates, frequently asked questions, the complete memo from the assessment team, and previously released information are available on MaineDOT’s Old Town Stillwater Avenue Bridge Replacement webpage.
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