The Daily Populous

Saturday May 16th, 2026 morning edition

image for ‘Mass casualty incident’ after explosion near Maine lumber complex

At least 11 people were injured Friday in a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, prompting a mass casualty response.

He said Robbins Lumber is the town’s most important employer, and that many residents likely know people who were affected.

At least five people were injured in an explosion Friday at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine ( AP ).

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center received one patient in critical condition in connection with the explosion, per WMTW.

Senator Susan Collins said: "The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history.

“At least five people have been hurt after a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont.

“The Maine Fire Marshals Office and multiple fire departments are responding to what Waldo County Dispatch is calling a mass casualty incident following an explosion and massive fire,” Paul added. »

Trump warns Taiwan against declaring independence after China talks

Authored by bbc.co.uk
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In his interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that US policy on the matter had not changed.

Xi "feels very strongly" about the island and "doesn't want to see a movement for independence", Trump said.

Asked if he foresaw a conflict with China over Taiwan, Trump had said: "No, I don't think so. »

Cops used chewing gum to match murder suspect’s DNA in cold cases

Authored by nbcnews.com
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Instead of discarding the sticks of gum Gaff had sampled, the detectives submitted them for forensic testing that resulted in his arrest for the 1984 murder of 42-year-old Judy Weaver.

Logothetti that there were startling similarities between the murder of Susan Vesey, and the murder of Judy Weaver,” the court papers state.

Gaff, 68, of Everett, admitted to killing both women when he pleaded guilty in April to two counts of first-degree murder. »

Developers of Party Animals announce an AI video contest - game gets a review bomb

Authored by gamingonlinux.com

Party Animals developers Recreate Games recently announced an AI video contest and it went down like a lead balloon.

With all the well reported issues and concerns surrounding AI / Generative AI, you would think it would be an absolute given that announcing an AI contest would be a thoroughly idiotic idea - but apparently not.

In a post on X/Twitter, the official Party Animals account invited people to win a share of $75,000 to "bring your ideas to life with AI". »

25 million bees saved by firefighters after semi-truck breaks down in Parleys Canyon

Authored by kutv.com

Roughly 25 million bees are safe and sound after a semi-truck broke down in Parleys Canyon on Tuesday.

The Unified Fire Authority said the truck, which was hauling about 480 beehives, was stopped in the canyon due to mechanical issues.

While mechanics worked to get the truck up and running again, firefighters with Unified Fire and the Millcreek Fire Department kept the bees cool and calm by spraying a hose over the trailer. »