Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I have that memory every year when I come to the parade. I still come to the parade to represent and remember him.”

— Joyce White, 90, said of her late husband, a U.S. Air Force veteran, while waiting for Bangor’s Fourth of July parade to reach her on Thursday.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has counted Joe Biden as a friend for years . But after last week’s “devastating” debate performance, Collins wonders if he’s up for another term as president.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed like everybody wanted a pool . But those glory days are over for Maine pool companies.

Maine’s farmers historically haven’t had to worry about water storage . But with droughts becoming more common, this unusual well design may prove an essential backup.

An Aroostook restaurant specializing in stuffed Czech pastries is moving into a new space . Business has been booming, with customers coming from as far as Bangor to try Donita Ayotte’s kolaches.

MAINE IN PICTURES

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

• These 2 friends can’t remember when they didn’t come to Fourth of July parade together
• Bangor hospital sees more patients on July 5 than on Independence Day
• UMaine grad student and Houlton high schooler win Bangor’s Fourth of July 3K
• Bangor gift shop will close Saturday after 40 years in business
• Bangor community to mark 40th anniversary of Charlie Howard’s murder
• Orrington woman headed to bodybuilding nationals
• Cleanup continues after Mattawamkeag train derailment
• New cafe opens at former Orland school
• Skeletal remains found in Gorham identified
• Rule changes set for upcoming college hockey season

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“To say that agencies have no special competence, especially when it comes to highly technical details, has the potential to undermine thousands of federal rules.”

Editorial: Supreme Court sidelines experts who protect environment, public health and safety

LIFE IN MAINE

Now that mating and nesting fever has subsided in Maine’s treetops, the woods are filled with the sounds of parenthood. You better believe all heck is breaking loose .

Atlantic puffins are found nowhere else in the United States. Take a trip to this Maine island to see not only the cutest bird, but the state’s second-largest lighthouse .

Maine’s essence comes from the deep interconnectedness of its people and the communities those people built over time . While RJ Heller may never become a “Mainer” to some, he’s happy to contribute to what makes this state special.