Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“You’re going for a very specific look. It’s gross, but it’s awesome — it’s empowering.”

— Bodybuilder Shelby Cyr of Orrington, who will compete for a national title for the first time on Friday.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Gov. Janet Mills is standing by President Joe Biden after his debate performance last week disappointed many in the Democratic Party . While party leaders defend him, there are signs Biden’s support is eroding.

The Bangor community will gather for the 40th anniversary of Charlie Howard’s murder . Howard, who was 23, was killed on July 7, 1984, thrown over a bridge into the Kenduskeag Stream by three teenagers.

A Bangor gift shop will close on Saturday after 40 years in business . “We kept saying, ‘Maybe we’ll go a few more months,’ and finally we just had to pick a date and stick with it,” said Rick Vigue, who opened the store with his wife Rebecca in 1985.

An Orrington woman is headed to the bodybuilding nationals . Since her first competition in early 2020, Shelby Cyr has turned a one-off bucket list activity into an infatuation with the science and rigor behind the sport.

College hockey will see a number of rule changes in the upcoming season . Rules for high sticking, goals on a delayed penalty, goals after the whistle blows, penalty downgrades and others will be different this year.

MAINE IN PICTURES

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

• Maine announces resource center to aid local opioid settlement spending
• Maine sewers released 745M gallons of untreated wastewater last year
• Work proceeds on contested Maine utility corridor
• Shawn McBreairty’s lawsuits against Maine schools may continue after his death
• Eddington restaurant damaged in overnight fire
• Cleanup continues after Mattawamkeag train derailment
• Northern Maine Community College president to retire next month
• Aroostook woman rides in a limo to celebrate her 107th birthday
• New cafe opens at former Orland school
• Longtime food market in downtown Searsport closes
• Belfast residents fear cuts to maternity care at local hospital
• Midcoast man charged with child’s death still held outside Maine
• Rabid fox attacks Bath man
• Another Maine district is banning cellphone use during the school day
• Police investigating death of infant in Biddeford

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“It argued eloquently for the fundamental, universal rights of those who are governed — rights we know have not always been applied evenly, an injustice we must continue to address.”

Editorial: Happy Independence Day

LIFE IN MAINE

Applications for antlerless deer permits opened on Wednesday. Maine hunters are eagerly waiting for Aug. 15, when the winners will be announced.

Maine is home to hundreds of car camping locations, which vary not only in location but the amenities offered. Get prepared with these car camping tips .

Are you looking for a great place to paddle? With sandy beaches, clear water and a mountain backdrop, Donnell Pond is a treasured outdoor destination .