 The end of the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature is scheduled for June 18th.
Lawmakers are working late into the evenings to finalize the remaining bills still due for debate on the floors of both the Senate and House of Representatives. The two-year State Budget has yet to be resolved as well as other pressing issues, including skyrocketing energy costs, rural hospital funding, property tax relief, and protecting girls’ sports.
Many of the most contentious measures will be addressed in the next week. To follow floor debate, live in the House of Representative, click here. Floor debate in the Maine Senate can be followed online here.
 The Secretary of State warns of a widespread Bureau of Motor Vehicles text scam. Recipients who click the link are sent to a fake website and asked to provide a credit card
The text says, “Maine Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice” and threatens the recipient with several consequences, including vehicle registration suspension and possible prosecution. A link is provided in the text and leads to a fake website where the recipient is asked to click a link to pay money due or fines. Neither the text nor the website is associated with the Secretary of State’s Office or the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
“This message is a scam and an attempt to steal credit card numbers and personal information,” said the Secretary. “Anyone who receives the text should immediately delete it and report it as junk. If you did click the link and entered a credit card number, contact your financial institution immediately. If you were scammed out of any money, contact your local law enforcement.”
Scammers often send mass texts (“smishing”) or emails (“phishing”) to as many recipients as possible with the hope that some will be tricked into falling for the ruse. Scammers seek to obtain personal identifying information and/or financial information from their victims. If you are the victim of a scam, always notify you financial institutions right away. If you fall for a scam, be sure to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. You can also freeze you credit file to prevent scammers from using stolen personal information to open up fraudulent accounts in your name.
To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, always be suspicious of any unsolicited text, email, or call, no matter who they claim to be or what displays on your caller ID:
- Legitimate government agencies will RARELY contact you by text for sensitive matters. The BMV will send such correspondence by mail.
- If you're not sure if a message is true, ALWAYS verify its legitimacy by contacting the official source directly by looking up the number.
- NEVER click a link in an unsolicited text or email.
- NEVER provide identifying or financial information to an unsolicited caller.
- Urgency is ALWAYS a red flag – if they are telling you that you must act quickly or risk a consequence, it is likely a scam.
Learn more about reporting fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
 While not a pie at all, but rather a creamy filling layered between two soft cookies, this classic confection has been a favorite of Mainers for over a century. For much of that time, the whoopie pie was a locals-only delicacy.
It’s impossible to keep something this good a secret, however. In recent years, the whoopie pie has gained popularity across the country and in shops from London to Hong Kong. Since 2009, the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival has been gathering the best bakers from around New England to offer samples and compete for prizes and bragging rights. And in 2011, the whoopie pie became Maine’s Official State Treat!
Join the festivities at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds on June 14, 2025
10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Rain or Shine!
$6 per person, kids 12 and under FREE!
 This Father’s Day, we pause to recognize and honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who guide, protect, and support their families with strength and love. Maine’s communities are built on the foundation of strong families, and fathers play a vital role in shaping the values and character of the next generation.
To all the dads across Maine, thank you for your dedication and the difference you make.
Happy Father’s Day!
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