Morning update: What we’re talking about in Maine today

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“You start at the top, and you follow through all the way down, and you shouldn’t be missing your legs when you finish your swing.”

— Jesse Jimerson, a Newburgh Christmas tree grower, describing the shearing process by which growers trim the trees into their classic cone shape using machete-like knives.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Maine’s tiny coastal cottages are fast becoming million-dollar properties . The value of a typical Ogunquit home soared by nearly 132 percent from 2014 to 2024, which was among the largest increases in the area.

A bird has been buzzing people outside a bank office in Bangor . ​​The behavior has become a main topic of conversation for employees and visitors alike.

A fatal collapse under a railroad bridge in Brownville happened on the first day of construction . The crew was replacing the sidewalk and retaining wall.

The town of Houlton is countersuing a resident who sued to get surveillance video footage . The lawsuits stem from Houlton’s installation of 50 security cameras around town.

MAINE IN PICTURES

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

• Austin Theriault vows to buck Republicans if they back Social Security and Medicare cuts
• Public will get to weigh in on on changes to state fishing rules
• Maine settles with unlicensed cryptocurrency trader
• Penobscot Nation and towns get mercury pollution settlement funds
• Bissell Brothers is closing its Milo brewery at the end of the summer
• Small plane crashes in Hancock County
• Southwest Harbor homeowner blames drainage issues on town
• Harpswell removes dead humpback whale from water
• Man accused of hitting off-duty Maine police officer with car
• Remains of man killed during Auburn rampage have been identified
• Knife-wielding man allegedly chased children in Maine supermarket parking lot
• Someone shot at a Maine home while 6 children were inside, police say
• Judge to decide fate of South Portland teen accused of plotting mass shooting
• NBA teams may already be positioning themselves to draft Cooper Flagg
• Bill Belichick is living with 24-year-old Miss Maine finalist girlfriend

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“As we turn the page on another school year, let’s take time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into educating Maine’s children so they can achieve their full potential.”

Opinion: Maine teachers do vital work for students, families and communities

LIFE IN MAINE

Christmas trees cross most people’s minds for a month or two in the winter. During the rest of the year, growers aren’t just waiting around .

What monsters lurk in Maine’s waterways? These real creatures are more fascinating than dangerous.

Hook yourself? Here’s how to treat common fishing injuries .