
By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“What this does is remind our community that we can still enjoy summer. These are historical moments that we do not want to miss out on.” - Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition on the Congolese community turning out to watch their team play in the World Cup.

Fans cheer on the Democratic Republic of the Congo at a World Cup watch party at Aura Sport Grill in Portland on June 17, 2026. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)
By Emma Davis
While the dozens of people who came together Wednesday afternoon mostly did so out of enthusiasm for what soccer legend Pelé called “The Beautiful Game,” Mufalo Chitam sees that incentive as one that must be balanced with the continued work to keep the community safe.
By Kaitlyn Budion
Plans for a data center at the former paper mill in Jay are on hold after the data center company pulled out of the project — just two months after Gov. Janet Mills cited the project as her reason for vetoing a statewide data center moratorium.
By Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
The Trump administration is running out of legal paths to block offshore wind development, after the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed its appeal seeking to overturn a Massachusetts federal judge’s ruling.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
WV lawmaker, congressional delegation listed as targets in foiled UFC terror plot, court records say | Lori Kersey, West Virginia Watch
More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices | Kevin Hardy, Stateline
Sen. King among lawmakers demanding info on Trump use of national park fees to pay for D.C. repairs | Amelia Twyman, States Newsroom
White House discloses outline of deal to end Iran war, open Strait of Hormuz | Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
Thanks for reading Top of the Morning. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.