Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We know how to affect a response, but without any gas in the engine, it’s hard to go anywhere. I feel like my hands are tied, and that’s discouraging. I feel defeated.”

— Josh D’Alessio, executive director of the Bangor Health Equity Alliance, on the spike in HIV cases in Penobscot County.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Penobscot County is seeing a “demoralizing spike in HIV cases . The spike far exceeds the annual average of two new HIV diagnoses typically seen in Penobscot County over the last five years. You can find resources for education, prevention, testing and treatment here .

Milo factory may close after being hit with a $6,000 solar subsidy charge, manager says . Prior to this new charge, an average monthly Versant Power electric bill was less than $5,000 for the factory.

This coastal Maine town is paralyzed by the housing crisis it predicted long ago . A local study found roughly 2 in 5 renters were burdened by housing costs, as were 1 in 5 homeowners.

How to find home appliances that don’t emit “forever chemicals.” Safer alternatives for appliances already on the market, including some refrigerators and small air conditioners.

MAINE IN PICTURES

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

• Jared Golden criticizes reporter for asking if he’ll vote in presidential election
• Penobscot County cruiser ends up in ditch after chasing speeding driver
• 3-year-old suffers life-threatening injuries in Kenduskeag crash
• Bangor’s evil alter ego is the setting for this upcoming Stephen King TV show
• Whiskey Myers rock Maine Savings Amphitheater
• Prisoner dies at Mountain View Correctional Facility
• Leaders celebrate opening of national monument visitor’s center
• After early doubts, locals warm to Maine national monument
• Mother and child escape as car bursts into flames following Aroostook deer crash
• Caribou man crowned Spud Stud king at auction
• Hancock County probate judge sanctioned but will keep law license
• 23-year-old Harpswell man dies after boating accident
• Knox County commissioners move to fire administrator
• Ellsworth woman hospitalized after crashing box truck on I-95
• Lewiston shooting suspect found dead after extensive overnight search
• Mainer arrested for sex crime involving 15-year-old in North Dakota
• Maine town residents petition for distillery restrictions over ‘whiskey fungus’ fears
• Analysis: 8-man football in Maine could be shrinking in popularity

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“Over-regulation is one of the most serious problems America faces. Regulators have slowed down the pandemic response, are keeping new medical treatments off the market, are making housing more expensive, and are stopping people from creating businesses and jobs. Fortunately, there are serious solutions to these problems. What we need are elected officials serious about helping America succeed.”

Opinion: Americans are drowning in regulations

LIFE IN MAINE

These forest pests are on the upswing in Aroostook County . This year turned out to be a stellar year for the caterpillars, which devoured more than 60,000 acres of aspen, poplar and maple leaves, mostly in The County.

Maine can’t stop the “floating camps” popping up all over the state . These camps are beyond the reach of private property boundaries and shore regulations that protect the water and fisheries from pollution.

It was supposed to be a nice day on the water not far from his home . But Justin Wolfinger’s fishing trip quickly became an “absolute mess.”