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Google Cloud unveils persistent Gemini Agents for long-running tasks, and they get their own Gmail, Calendar, and Drive storage
While Google supplies its own Gemini models, the agent can already use Anthropic's Claude models, with support for additional proprietary and open-weight AI models planned.
Bar Harbor Parents Again Raise Concerns About How Some Science Education In Sixth Grade.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Restaurant Barn. BAR HARBOR—Parents again raised concerns this week about how Bar Harbor students receive science instruction after fifth grade, months after the same issue came before the Bar Harbor School Board. The concern centers on a past scheduling change at Conners Emerson School that gives fifth graders a full year of science rather than switching between science and social studies at midyear. Principal Dr. Heather Weir Webster told the board that the school has been monitoring test scores, teacher feedback, and the experience of students as it considers whether the current approach is working. If it is not, the approach may be changed, but that would not likely occur this school year. In fifth and sixth grade, the school used to have one semester of social studies and one of science in each year. That schedule shifted because switching at midyear often broke up the learning units. So, approximately two-three years ago, they decided to shift that a bit. Science became a dedicated focus in fifth grade. Social studies was the dedicated focus in sixth grade. The school staff members are hoping to dive deeply into the data and see if the students are having a more quality experience throughout their time in those grades when it comes to science and social studies. If not, things could shift again. This year, Dr. Webster said at the September meeting, potential changes to curricula have been a bit complicated by moving into the school’s new building in late October and early November. “There have been no changes this year because it’s hard enough to handle the move. That allows them to have consistency,” Dr. Webster said. Dr. Webster said that after the Covid pandemic which prevented students from attending school in person, many fifth graders were struggling. “We tried several different configurations,” she said, including a co-teaching model to help with that struggle, but to also see how to best schedule and support those students. “We found that a January switch” where classes switched from social studies to science was really difficult. Part of the decision making stemmed from science being more hands-on and accessible to fifth graders. Social studies was a bit more abstract content, which was why the school tried the current configuration. In a letter submitted as public comment, parent Beth Dumont wrote, “In May 2026, I wrote to express my concern that our middle school students are not receiving consistent instruction in science and social studies. I appreciate that the Board took this concern seriously and requested a presentation from Principal Webster. I am also grateful for the opportunity to meet with Principal Webster and Julie Keblinsky in July to learn more about the current curriculum and scheduling. “During that meeting, I learned that the current model is intended to integrate science and social studies into other subjects during the years or semesters when they are not offered as standalone courses. “While I appreciate the intent behind this model, I remain concerned about its premise. Science and social studies are core academic disciplines that provide students with essential knowledge, skills, and ways of thinking. Yet under the current schedule, students are not guaranteed consistent instructional time in these subjects. Instead, exposure to content in these disciplines may depend on whether opportunities for integration arise within other classes. “To be clear, I strongly support interdisciplinary learning. Integrating science and social studies across the curriculum can enrich students’ educational experiences and help them make meaningful connections across subject areas. My concern is not with integration itself, but with relying on integration as a substitute for dedicated instruction in core disciplines.” Dr. Webster said that they’ve been monitoring test scores, talking to teachers, seeing how the pilot program works. It’s in its third year now of this schedule. One science teacher, she said, told her he’d seen positive outcomes with full year science and that there was a stronger classroom community. Another science teacher had concerns over the readiness last year, but she isn’t feeling that way about this year’s current class. A third teacher for social studies said he loves the full year. A fourth teacher of social studies hasn’t said that anything has changed. For the three fathers who spoke at the school committee meeting, the fractured science curriculum caused concerns. One father said that when he spoke to others, “all were surprised and confused as to why there was no dedicated, continuous science education,” at the school. Though students are testing well in science and math, he worried that without continuity in education, learning is lost. “We shouldn’t have to choose between key learning disciplines,” he said. Matthew Bergin, another father, agreed, adding, “I’m just a little concerned.” In her letter, Dumont wrote, “As the parent of a recent sixth grader who completed an entire year without a dedicated science course, I saw very little evidence that this integration was occurring in a consistent, systematic, or readily identifiable way. This is not a criticism of our middle school teachers, who have been uniformly excellent. Rather, it is a structural criticism of the current schedule.” Dr. Webster gave an update about all aspects of the schedule and how it’s created and she also spoke to social and emotional learning (SEL) in middle school. It’s explicitly taught but also embedded. Science is embedded as well and explicitly taught at all but that one grade. The school schedule is built from lunch out, then electives like art and physical education are placed, before going into the instruction time, teacher planning time, multi-tier support systems (MTSS), and then social and emotional learning. Teachers have to have 250 minutes a week of planning time per their contracts. That’s the minimum and occurs when their students are at specials. “The schedule is really not the purview of the board,” School Board Chair Marie Yarborough reminded the other board members and the public and thanked Dr. Webster for the presentation. The parents were also thanked for coming. LINK TO LEARN MORE [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/despite-strong-rankings-some-bar) [ Despite Strong Rankings, Some Bar Harbor Parents Raise Concerns About School's Science Education ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/despite-strong-rankings-some-bar) Carrie Jones · Jun 4 [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/despite-strong-rankings-some-bar) HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other. We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going. If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship. It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light. Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now. Thank you so much for being here. Founding member information can be found here. Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you. Subscribe Share Bar Harbor Story Share Leave a comment
Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking powers Gemini Live, Gmail, & Keep
Google today announced Gemini 3.8 Live and Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking as its “most advanced live dialogue models yet.”
I created a Gmail account for my son when he was 3
I emailed my son memories of his childhood for 15 years. When he turned 18, I finally gave him the password.
Gmail change may flood your inbox with political email
Gmail's Verified Sender Program launches September 8, 2026, giving U.S. political committees a more reliable path to your personal email inbox.
Google launches AI voice features in Gmail, Docs and Keep
Users can search for emails or draft documents using the new conversational feature
Google rolling out Gmail Live, Docs Live, and Keep Live
Following the announcement at I/O 2026, Google is rolling out Gmail Live, Docs Live, and Keep Live this week...
College Students Can Get a Free Year of Google AI Pro
Google today said eligible college students in the United States can get a free year of Google AI Pro. Google AI Pro is normally priced at $19.99 per month, and it includes 4x higher usage limits in Gemini, access to Gemini Spark, Gemini in Google apps like Gmail and Google Docs, and 5TB of storage space. Eligible college students outside the United States can get a free year of Google AI Plus, which includes Gemini Omni, 4x higher usage limits in Gemini, and 400GB storage.
Claude can do more with Gmail and Google Drive, and access to Claude Cowork is expanding.
A pair of announcements from Anthropic today include the word that access to Claude Cowork on mobile and web interfaces has rolled out to all paid accounts, so you can keep an eye on what it’s doing for you in more places. Separately, the Google Workspace connectors for Claude now support sending emails in Gmail and managing files in Google Drive — more details here. [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/778273589_17980259259118227_5377280649389143563_n.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
Claude can now send emails in Gmail, even without your approval
Anthropic’s Claude AI can now take a huge step in your email inbox, with the ability to not only interact...
Dickenson County Fair announces four days of family fun, music and entertainment Sept. 16-19
by ROD MULLINSmedia.rodmullins@gmail.com HAYSI, Va. — The Dickenson County Fair is set to return to the Haysi Fairgrounds Sept. 16-19, bringing four days of family entertainment, live music, rides, community activities and outstanding regional talent to Southwest Virginia. This year’s fair promises something for every age group, from gospel music and bluegrass to country music, children’s activities and a showcase of local talent. The fair kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 16, with Dickenson Sings Gospel, a special evening celebrating faith, fellowship and music. Several gospel groups from throughout the region will take the stage, providing an evening of inspirational music and community worship. […]
I planned to use Gmail forever, until one email app quietly replaced it for good
I just wanted to read emails, but Gmail served me with unsolicited AI tips
I freed up 10GB of Gmail space in 5 minutes without deleting important emails
It's about time I audited my inbox
Asia-Pacific parliamentarians urge bolder action for universal health coverage, climate resilience and responsible AI
Parliamentarians representing 16 countries from across the Asia-Pacific region concluded the Ninth Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) today, reaffirming their key role in advancing universal health coverage (UHC) amid the risks and opportunities posed by AI and climate change. In adopting the Phnom Penh Communiqué, parliamentarians urged fellow legislators regionwide to strengthen sustainable financing for UHC to widen access to health for all, including the most vulnerable populations; promote responsible governance of AI amid ethical concerns over this fast-evolving technology; and build climate-resilient health systems to anticipate and respond to mounting pressures ranging from rising sea levels in coastal areas to air pollution and other environmental degradation.The National Assembly of Cambodia, with support from Cambodia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted the Forum in Phnom Penh from 11 to 13 August 2026 – the first time the Forum has convened in a Mekong country.Parliamentarians urge action to close gaps in accessIn the Communiqué, parliamentarians recognized that at-risk and marginalized groups are the ones most severely affected by gaps in access to health services. These groups include people living in poverty, women and children, persons with disabilities, older people, migrants, refugees, and those in rural, remote or island communities. The Communiqué urges fellow parliamentarians and policy-makers to advocate for laws and policies that support sustainable financing to protect people from financial hardship, with a focus on primary health care, prevention and equity. "The Communiqué is a call to action. It sets out ambitious, concrete measures that deliver meaningful impact on the ground. We are all accountable for advancing universal health coverage and translating our commitments into tangible results. Cambodia is fully committed to advancing UHC, including the promotion of ‘healthy people, prosperous country’ campaign,” said Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia.His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighted the need for collaboration beyond the health sector. “Universal health coverage cannot be achieved by the Ministry of Health alone. It requires support, particularly from parliamentarians, across political, legislative, financial, social protection, education, infrastructure, and environmental domains. While each country follows its own path, one factor is universally critical for success: strong governance and leadership. We all believe in this principle, and in our respective political roles, we remain committed to strengthening these key success factors to ensure that no one is left behind.”Promoting responsible AI adoption Parliamentarians acknowledged that, while AI has already demonstrated its ability to improve access to health services and support delivery, careful and ethical governance is necessary to safeguard quality, safety, privacy and public trust. This underscores the importance of parliamentarians in promoting legal and regulatory frameworks addressing liability, records ownership and data governance, while embracing innovation that protects ethical practice.“Without strong governance, safeguards for privacy and data security, sustainable financing, and attention to those most at risk of exclusion, new technologies may widen existing gaps instead of closing them. This is why parliamentarians matter. We pass laws. We approve budgets. We scrutinize government action. We represent communities. We can ask whether health services are reaching rural, remote, ageing, poor, and marginalized populations. We can ask whether innovation is being guided by equity, evidence, and ethics,” said Hon. Man Hee Lee, President of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health.Building climate-resilient health systemsParliamentarians also reiterated that the climate crisis is a direct threat to people’s health and to achieving UHC more broadly, deepening the same gaps in access already faced by at-risk and marginalized communities. They recognized the need for WHO Member States to ensure sufficient national appropriations and oversight, and for parliamentarians to raise awareness in their constituencies and mobilize local action in building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.“Universal health coverage, climate change and AI cannot be addressed in isolation. The same communities struggling to access health services today are often the ones most exposed to climate shocks, and most in need of the opportunities AI can offer if this technology is governed responsibly,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Having served previously in this Forum myself as a parliamentarian from Tonga, I recognize how the Phnom Penh Communiqué reflects the shared resolve of legislators across the Asia-Pacific region: the laws parliamentarians pass and the budgets they approve help ensure this progress reaches the people who need it most.”As the Forum drew to a close, delegates reflected on what they would carry back to their own parliaments and constituencies.“I wish to share three points here worth carrying home from Phnom Penh: we need to invest in primary health care as the foundation of coverage; we need to remove the barriers that keep people from care, whether financial, geographic or social; and we need to build systems that are inclusive by design, protecting those most at risk of being left behind,” added Hon. Ouch Borith, First Vice-President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia.###Notes for editors:The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) is a platform for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, build political will, strengthen capacity and foster collaboration towards sustainable health action. This was the ninth meeting of the APPFGH, with the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence”. Target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls on countries to achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health services, and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. In the Western Pacific, UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1) rose from 63 in 2000 to 81 in 2023 (figures include Indonesia), and roughly one in four people in the Western Pacific have experienced financial hardship (SDG 3.8.2). Progress towards UHC in the Asia-Pacific region remains uneven, with hundreds of millions of people still lacking access to essential health services or facing financial hardship due to health-related expenses. Strengthening the role of parliaments – through legislation, financing and oversight – is central to closing this gap and accelerating progress towards UHC across the region.Parliamentarians participating in APPFGH in Cambodia this week include: Hon. Pehin Dato Adanan YUSOF, Brunei Darussalam; Hon. Rosmawatty ABDUL MUMIN, Brunei Darussalam; Hon. LORK Kheng, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. YOS Phanita, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. KHOUN Khundy, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. HENG Halim, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. KHOENG Noupheap, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. SENG Nhak, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. LY Sukry, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. NHOEURN Raden, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. Dr Ratu Atonio LALABALAVU, Republic of Fiji; Hon. Vijay NATH, Republic of Fiji; Hon. Man Hee LEE, Republic of Korea; Hon. Dr Jiho CHA, Republic of Korea; Hon. Jonghun BAEK, Republic of Korea; Hon. Youngsuk SEO, Republic of Korea; Hon. Dr Phayvanh KEOPASEUTH, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Hon. Suhaizan Bin KAIAT, Malaysia; Hon. Dr Perpetua KONMAN, Federated States of Micronesia; Hon. Ganmaa DAVAASAMBUU, Mongolia; Hon. Charmaine SCOTTY, Republic of Naoero; Hon. Vincent Ambance KUMURA, Papua New Guinea; Hon. Dr Edwin CRUZADO, Republic of the Philippines; Hon. AUUAPAAU Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola, Samoa; Hon. ASIATA TAVUI Tafu Salevao, Samoa; Hon. Dr Alani Petelo TANGITAU, Tonga; Hon. Paul PAOLO, Republic of Vanuatu; Hon. Franklyn Ezra WILLIAM, Republic of Vanuatu.For more information, contact: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: wprocom@who.int National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia (International Relations Department): ir.nacambodia@gmail.com
Google Is Now Sending Out Emails With Discount Codes For The Pixel 11
You may want to keep a close eye on your Gmail inbox if you’re looking to get a Pixel 11.
New CSS Attacks Can Break Webmail Defenses to Steal Passwords and Tokens
Outlook CSS techniques can spoof Microsoft sign-in and capture passwords, while Gmail image-set() can trigger external requests from malicious email c
At Family Science Night, Wonder Comes Before Answers.
BAR HARBOR—Family Science Night isn’t really about science. It’s about wonder. It’s about watching a five-year-old realize that the tiny creature under a microscope is a real living thing. It’s about a teenager discovering that the scientist explaining genetics or regeneration isn’t much older than they are. It’s about parents seeing curiosity spread across a child’s face the way excitement spreads across a crowd at a Fourth of July parade. For one evening, families realize that the laboratory isn’t some secretive place where knowledge is hidden behind white coats and closed doors. They learn that the lab is a place their neighbors work, their friends’ parents work, and it becomes a place where questions matter more than answers. It’s a place where wonder is the origin for knowledge. At the lab, children learn that it’s okay not to know. Adults remember that they once asked “Why?” about everything. Scientists are reminded why they fell in love with discovery in the first place. There are experiments, games, obstacle courses, and demonstrations, of course. But those are really just invitations—to touch, to explore, to laugh, to make mistakes, and to ask one more question. In a world that often rewards certainty, Family Science Night celebrates curiosity. And perhaps that’s its greatest gift. Long after the microscopes are packed away and the experiments are over, what families take home isn’t just a few new facts about biology. They take home the feeling that discovery belongs to everyone—that science isn’t something happening somewhere else by someone else. It’s simply what happens when people are given permission to wonder. A Family Science Night at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory is one of those rare community events where children and adults can experience science as something they do, not just something they read about. Hands on discovery allows hands-on learning and joy. Real scientists, some local, some scientist-interns (but still scientists) just in college make science real, approachable, and exciting. And there, complex ideas like forever chemical-filtration, DNA and so much more become not complex. Instead, they become fun. Summer fellows are challenged to explain cutting-edge biomedical research in ways a first-grader—and their grandparent—can understand. Past activities have explored gene expression, kidney function, axolotl regeneration, worms, microplastics, and phytoplankton through games and creative demonstrations. Though it’s called family night, you can also see adults going from station to station, exploring, learning together across ages. Family Science Night reflects the laboratory’s broader mission of breaking down barriers between researchers and the public, helping people understand how scientific discoveries relate to everyday life and the health of Maine’s environment. Family Science Night transforms a world-class research laboratory into a giant interactive classroom, where curiosity is encouraged, questions are celebrated, and families discover that science isn’t just something that happens in a lab—it’s an adventure anyone can join. About MDI Biological Laboratory For more than 125 years, MDI Bio Lab has been a center for training and research in comparative biology. In the last two decades its biomedical research has focused on aging, regeneration, and environmental toxins. The Laboratory houses 11 research groups staffed by an international team of world-class scientists and graduate students. It also leads a statewide network of colleges, universities and research institutions that collaborate to provide training, research experiences and financial support to help young Mainers play a bigger role in today’s biomedical revolution. Located on Maine’s rugged coast, the Laboratory’s 100+ acre campus houses research facilities, cottages and dorms that house visiting scientists and students. It is also home to MDI Bioscience, a subsidiary working to design innovative techniques to speed the drug discovery process. LINKS TO LEARN MORE NIH INBRE MDI BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY Photos: Carrie Jones and Shaun Farrar/Bar Harbor Story HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other. We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going. If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship. It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light. Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now. Thank you so much for being here. Founding member information can be found here. Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you. Subscribe Share Bar Harbor Story Share Leave a comment
The First Test of Bar Harbor's New Entertainment Rules.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Historical Society. BAR HARBOR—The Finback Alehouse was the first real test of the town’s new special amusement permit process, July 7 while eight other permits sailed through the process last week. The permit allows music in places where liquor is served. The town’s ordinance which was recently tweaked for a new process allows for the regulation of noise and hours of activity. The only discussion at the July Town Council meeting was about the Finback Alehouse on Cottage Street, in the heart of Bar Harbor’s downtown district. The Finback’s distinctive design—a front wall that is like a garage door that can be opened and closed—was a key to that discussion. The restaurant, which often hosts live bands, singers, and karaoke, at night, has had one substantiated noise complaint this season, which is documented on its application. According to Bar Harbor Police Chief David Kerns, most complaints about noise happen after 10 p.m., and if the Finback had two more violations within a year, they’d have to stop having music. One town councilor said that he’d have no problem reissuing the permit if the door was down. The permit passed through the process with no conditions. Vice Chair Earl Brechlin moved the motion with two time changes for two holiday weekend dates. It passed unanimously. The council asked the Finback why they’d chosen an indoor license with a wall that can be opened to the street. Dale Stockburger, representing the Finback, said he’d applied for an indoor permit rather than an outdoor structure or partial structure (which is usually applied to tents or pavilions). The restaurant has traditionally had an indoor license. Stockburger said that whether the door is open or closed is immaterial because he now stands outside with a decibel reader to make sure that the music isn’t too loud. OTHER SPECIAL AMUSEMENT PERMITS New Councilor Deborah Vickers worried that she had potential conflicts of interests on two other renewals due to the location of her employee housing. Vickers co-owns the Black Friar Inn. They have employee housing directly behind the Finback, which is also 300 yards from the Bar Harbor Inn, she explained. The Bar Harbor Inn also had a permit up for renewal. The councilors unanimously voted she did not have a conflict of interest. The councilors approved permits at The Bluenose Inn, 90 Eden St, Class A; Acadia Hotel Downtown, 20 Mount Desert St, Class A and C; the Bar Harbor Inn, 8 Newport Dr, Class A, B, C and D; C-Ray Lobster, 882 State Hwy 3, Class D; Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency, 123 Eden Street, Class B; Finback Alehouse, 30 Cottage St, Class B; Project Social, 278 Main St, Class C and D; Bar Harbor Beer Works, 119 Main St, Class B and D; and Mainely Meat BBQ Dreamwood Hill, 369 State Hwy 3, Class D. That process is laid out in the Special Amusement Ordinance of the Bar Harbor Town Code which is Chapter 14 of the town code. Special amusement permits have class codes. These are the meanings: Number - how many musicians are allowed by the permit. Class A - Indoor non-amplified entertainment. Class B - Indoor amplified entertainment or dancing. Class C - Outdoor non-amplified entertainment. Class D - Outdoor amplified entertainment. RESIDENCE LICENSES RENEWED AND A TAXI LICENSE The councilors also renewed the licenses for three specific sorts of residences that require that yearly renewal per the town code. The employee living quarters at Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, 119 Eden St and another at 278 Main Street were renewed. The shared accommodations license renewal at 39 Kebo Street also occurred. These are annual renewals. Bernard Taxi Services’ license was also renewed. This license had been added to the agenda at the meeting. Bar Harbor Update on Leaf and Grass Clipping Disposal BAR HARBOR — Bar Harbor residents will still have a place to throw away their leaf and grass clippings this summer. The town’s agreement with EMR in Southwest Harbor for disposing of those items will continue through November 30. The agreement, according to a town press release, will continue “while the Town continues evaluating long term composting solutions and the required state permitting process.” As of July 1, residents bringing their grass and leaves across the island to the facility in Southwest Harbor will have to fill out a property registration card. Each property can throw out up to 85 pounds of the grass and leaves. “Any disposal exceeding the 85 pound allowance during this period will be the responsibility of the property owner at the applicable disposal rate,” the press release explains. LINKS TO LEARN MORE Watch the meeting Meeting agenda QUICK NOTE: We’d released the Bar Harbor Leaf information as a brief, but wanted to make sure that people saw it, so we’ve included it here, too. HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other. We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going. If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship. It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light. Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now. Thank you so much for being here. Founding member information can be found here. Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you. Subscribe Share Bar Harbor Story Share Leave a comment
Small Business Spotlight: Business blooms beyond bouquets
BUSINESS: The Busy Bloom OWNERS: Amanda and Walter Adkins ADDRESS: 708 S. 17th St., Wilmington EMAIL: thebusybloomco@gmail.com WEBSITE: thebusybloomco.com PHONE NUMBER: (910) 742-0790 YEAR FOUNDED: 2024 NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 4 WHAT IS THE BUSY BLOOM? AMANDA ADKINS: “The Busy Bloom is a flower shop with a spin – a creative experience shop located in Wilmington’s Cargo District. Founded in 2024 by husband-and-wife team Amanda and Walter Adkins, we offer fresh flowers, botanical teas, a build-your-own bouquet bar, candle-making experiences, gifts, workshops, wedding florals and event services. Our mission is simple: to make flowers accessible, approachable and enjoyable for everyone – not just for special occasions.” WHY DID YOU START THE BUSINESS? AMANDA ADKINS: “The Busy Bloom was born from a lifelong connection to flowers and a desire to create meaningful experiences for people. After doing my own wedding florals and after years of working in healthcare management, I found myself returning to gardening and floral design as a creative outlet and source of healing. The loss of my mother-in-law, who always shared flowers from her garden, inspired me to pursue floristry full-time. My husband encouraged me and built a small flower cart for us to grow, and fast forward to now, two years later, it has grown into a community-centered business focused on bringing joy, connection and creativity through flowers.” WHAT KIND OF GROWTH ARE YOU HOPING FOR? AMANDA ADKINS: “We’re focused on sustainable growth that allows us to continue serving our community while expanding creative experiences. We hope to grow our wedding and event services, expand our educational workshops and creative programming and become a destination where people can gather, create and connect. We’re also passionate about creating opportunities that showcase floral design as an art form, such as our Fleur Couture fashion show and other community collaborations.” WHAT PAST EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH STARTING/WORKING IN BUSINESS? AMANDA ADKINS: “Before opening The Busy Bloom, I worked as a clinical manager in healthcare and spent years building leadership, operations and customer service skills. I’ve also worked in education and nonprofit programming, teaching people about nature and local ecosystems. Along the way, I designed flowers for weddings and events on the side, gradually turning a passion into a business. Walter has years of welding and construction experience, combined with entrepreneurship and a drive to own his own company. …The Busy Bloom has been a journey of combining creativity with entrepreneurship alongside my husband ... learning every step of the way.”
How to Access Gmail Live on Android and iOS
Gmail Live is available on Android and iOS to users with Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscriptions. This is the new way to search - here's how to access.
Google's chatty Keep Live and Gmail Live interfaces make first appearance
Google's 'Live' conversational AI is now showing up in Keep and Gmail, letting you chat with your notes and emails directly.
Gmail Live now in testing on Android and iOS
Following the announcement at I/O 2026 last month, Google is now testing Gmail Live on Android and iOS. This feature lets you...
Gmail's AI summaries are live for everyone, but here's how you can turn them off
Google is bringing Gmail's automatic AI email summaries to users across the globe for free. No paid AI plan required.
DuckDuckGo's 'No AI' Search Traffic Climbs as Users Reject Google's AI Overhaul
Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has seen a surge in demand for its "No AI" search option in the wake of Google's May 19th I/O announcements. Google debuted a new "intelligent" search box reimagined with AI. It features AI suggestions as an upgrade to autocomplete, support for follow-up questions, expanded Personal Intelligence for connecting Gmail and Google Photos, and Search agents.
Proton Mail just made ditching Gmail way less painful
Easy Switch integration makes the move simpler and more private
Proton Mail aims to make it easier for you to transition away from Gmail and ditch Google
Proton claims that managing your Gmail messages through its service offers you more privacy.
You can now talk to your Gmail inbox, as seen at Google IO 2026
Google expands Gmail’s AI Inbox with conversational voice search, letting users ask Gemini to find buried email details.
‘Gmail Live’ is a new way to search emails as AI Inbox comes to AI Plus, AI Pro
At I/O 2026, Google announced two big updates for Gmail, starting with a new Live voice search experience.
Google's AI now lets you talk to your Gmail inbox
Google expands Gmail’s AI Inbox with conversational voice search, letting users ask Gemini to find buried email details.
Google's new gradient icons for Gmail, Calendar, Drive and more are finally rolling out
Say hello to new icons for Docs, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Tasks, and more.
Gemini's Spark agent has leaked, and it looks like it's gunning for Claude Cowork's throne
It could clean up your messy Gmail inbox or make changes to your Google Docs.
Google explains why some new Gmail accounts only get 5GB storage
In a statement to Android Authority, Google confirmed it is testing a new storage policy that offers reduced free storage in select regions.
The era of 15GB free Gmail storage is ending
Google could be testing a change to its free storage tier by offering 5GB free storage instead of 15GB with Gmail accounts.
Google opens its smartest Gmail writing feature to basically everyone
Google is rolling out Gmail's new 'Help me write' upgrades to almost everyone with a Workspace or Premium account.
Gmail adds AI Inbox to the bottom bar as Help me write becomes more personal
After its introduction on the web, AI Inbox is coming to Gmail for Android and iOS. In the navigation drawer, “AI Inbox” appears below...
‘Turn It Off’—Google Starts Scanning Your Gmail As Update Goes Live
"Do not ignore this warning," Shark Tank celebrity tells Gmail users.
Someone recreated Google’s new Gmail, Drive, Workspace icons for you to use early
Over the weekend, 9to5Google published an early look at Google’s new icons for Workspace apps such as Gmail and Drive...
Look at All These New Google Logos, Gmail and Calendar Included
Google first began pushing out a new company logo about a year ago. The new logo brought us a gradient style that blended its iconic colorway together, which Google explained as having something...
Google’s new gradient icons for Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and other apps are radical redesigns
9to5Google can now report on a complete gradient redesign for Gmail and other Google Workspace apps. So far...
This is the decades-old Gmail trick I still use every day
This small change completely cleans up your inbox
Google brings its Gemini Personal Intelligence feature to India
The feature lets users connect Google accounts like Gmail and Photos to get personalized answers
Google is now letting you change that awkward Gmail address
Google started quietly rolling out the change late last year in India, and it has now announced it’s available for all Google Account users in the U.S.
I changed my embarrassing Gmail username without losing anything, and you can too
Google now lets Gmail users switch to a new address while keeping the old one as an alias — here's how!
Google’s Gmail Upgrade Decision—2 Billion Users Must Act Now
You have been warned — do not lave this "overwhelming" decision until it's too late.
Google rolls out Gmail end-to-end encryption on mobile devices
Google says Gmail end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is now available on all Android and iOS devices, allowing enterprise users to read and compose emails without additional tools.
Gmail finally offers end-to-end encryption for email on Android and iPhone
Your data will be more secure, provided you're with the right company.
Google Changes Gmail After 22 Years—Why You Need A New Email Address
Google's upgrade means 2 billion Gmail users must now decide what to do next.
Google Changes Gmail After 22 Years—Why You Need A New Email Address
Google's upgrade means 2 billion Gmail users must now decide what to do next.
Gmail finally makes major change users are thrilled about: ‘Long, long, long overdue’
Some people won't be able to change their Gmail, according to the Google Help Center.
Goodbye mrbrightside416: Google allows users to alter quirky Gmail addresses
Those in US given chance to have more professional usernames without losing access to account
Goodbye ‘Geeky Hunk’? Gmail Users Can Now Change Their Usernames.
Users who have been saddled with now-cringe email handles since the mid-2000s can now change them without losing any data under a policy Google announced on Wednesday.
Is Your Gmail Username Embarrassing? You Can Finally Change It
A new feature allows Google Account users in the US to update their Gmail address.
You can finally change the goofy Gmail address you chose years ago
All your data remains intact, and you can go back to your original address at any time.
How to Change Your Gmail Address
You’ve probably had the same Gmail address for years. Now, it's easy to make a name change without worrying about the transition.
Google officially launches ability to change your Gmail address, available to ‘all’ in US [Video]
Months later, Google has officially announced the ability to change your Gmail address and says it has widely rolled out in the US.
Google is now letting users in the US change their Gmail address
Users will be able to change their username only once every 12 months. Plus, they won't be able to delete their new email address for that period of time.
Now everyone in the US is getting Google’s personalized Gemini AI
Suggestions based on what’s in your Gmail inbox or YouTube viewing history.
Google's Personal Intelligence feature is expanding to all US users
Personal Intelligence allows Google's AI assistant to tap into your Google ecosystem, such as Gmail and Google Photos, to provide more tailored responses.
Google makes Gmail, Drive, and Docs 'agent-ready' for OpenClaw
A new command-line interface for Google Workspace greases the wheels for personal AI assistants like OpenClaw to tap directly into Workspace documents.
An AI Toy Exposed 50,000 Logs of Its Chats With Kids to Anyone With a Gmail Account
AI chat toy company Bondu left its web console almost entirely unprotected. Researchers who accessed it found nearly all the conversations children had had with the company's stuffed animals.
Google brings its Nano Banana image generator to Chrome
Following its recent AI makeover of Gmail, Google is bringing more Gemini-powered tools to Chrome. Starting today, a host of new features are rolling for the browser, with more to come over the next few months.
Inside Google's plan to turn Gmail into a relationship-aware AI agent - and you're at the center
I spoke with Gmail VP of Product Blake Barnes to better understand Gmail's latest AI updates. Behind them lies a much larger idea.
Act Now—48 Million Gmail Usernames And Passwords Leaked Online
Are your Gmail login credentials amongst the 48 million estimated as exposed in this leak of existing infostealer logs — here's what you need to know.
AI has arrived in Gmail. Here’s how to make it work for you
If the new AI technology becomes adopted by Gmail users, this could be the biggest change to email in decades. It may transform the way people check their inboxes into a more streamlined experience.
Google says it's fixed Gmail issues with spam and misclassification
If your Gmail account doesn’t seem to be working properly today, you’re not alone.
Gmail is having issues with spam and misclassification
If your Gmail account doesn’t seem to be working properly today, you’re not alone.
Google says it's working to fix Gmail issue that's led to flooded inboxes and increased spam warnings
Gmail users have reported problems with their automatic filters that typically separate promotional emails from the main inbox.
Gmail’s spam filter and automatic sorting are broken
Gmail’s spam filter is broken, leading to inboxes flooded with promotional emails and warnings to “be careful.”
Gmail Glitch Appears to Break Email Filtering, Tabbed Inboxes
Marketing emails that should appear in the Promotions tab are flooding people's Primary inboxes.
If You Use Gmail, You're Going To Want To Turn Off This 1 Automatic Setting ASAP
"IMPORTANT message for everyone using Gmail..."
Warning—48 Million Gmail Usernames And Passwords Leaked Online
Are your Gmail login credentials amongst the 48 million estimated as exposed in this leak of existing infostealer logs — here's what you need to know.
Google finally admits how much it knows about you. It's scary-good.
Personal Intelligence from Google connects Gemini AI to Gmail, Photos, and Search history, setting new standards for personal AI assistants.
149 Million Usernames and Passwords Exposed by Unsecured Database
This “dream wish list for criminals” includes millions of Gmail, Facebook, banking logins, and more. The researcher who discovered it suspects they were collected using infostealing malware.
Google Search AI Mode can use Gmail and Photos to get to know you
Don’t worry, it’s an opt-in feature.
Google's AI Mode can now tap into your Gmail and Photos to provide tailored responses
The company notes that AI Mode doesn’t train directly on your Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, it trains on specific prompts and the model’s responses.
Google just announced a huge change to Gmail. Here’s what you need to know
Gmail users, you'll find yourselves at a crossroads soon enough. You have a decision to make.
Gmail users must make major decision regarding new AI features in their email
Several new Gmail features are driven by AI, which includes options to have the AI read your emails and offer suggestions.
The long wait to change your Gmail address is now over
The green light we've been waiting for
Google Gemini Can Proactively Analyze Users’ Gmail, Photos, Searches
Alphabet Inc.’s Google said its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant can now proactively tap into users’ data across Gmail, Search, Photos and YouTube, an attempt to make its consumer-facing AI product more personalized.
Google’s AI Inbox could be a glimpse of Gmail’s future
It’s more AI than I need right now.
Gmail has a note-taking app hiding in plain sight — and now I use it daily
It’s easy to miss, yet it’s far more useful than it has any right to be
Google’s Free Offer For 2 Billion Gmail Users—Should You Upgrade?
You will now be upgraded unless you change your settings — what you need to know.
Samsung Confirms New Options For Android Users After Gmail Issues
Decision time for Android users as Google’s AI completely takes over your smartphone.
New Gmail AI features replacing Gemini side panel for some
With the launch of “in-line AI experiences” in Gmail, Google has shared that the Gemini side panel is going away for AI Pro and Ultra...
Samsung Confirms New Options For Android Users After Gmail Issues
Decision time for Android users as Google’s AI completely takes over your smartphone.
Google pushing Gemini into Gmail, but you can turn it off
: Love Google AI Overviews? Now they're in your inbox
Google announces AI Overviews in Gmail search, experimental AI-organized inbox
Last year's premium Gmail AI features are also rolling out to free users.
Gmail debuts a personalized AI Inbox, AI Overviews in search, and more
Gmail is also bringing several AI features that were previously available only to paid users to all users.
Gmail is getting a Gemini AI overhaul
You can ask the search bar questions about your messages, using natural language.
Google Is Adding an ‘AI Inbox’ to Gmail That Summarizes Emails
New Gmail features, powered by the Gemini model, are part of Google’s continued push for users to incorporate AI into their daily life and conversations.
Small Business Technology News: WordPress Launches Plugin To Help Improve SEO For AI Searching
Also: AI and ecommerce predictions and how to free up 15 gigabytes in Gmail
Gmail to Let Users Change Their Addresses While Keeping Data
In recent days, though, Google has quietly started to roll out a way for users to change their Gmail addresses ending with @gmail.com, and keep all their emails — no matter how old their account.
You may soon be able to change your Gmail address
Good news for anyone tired of or embarrassed by their current Gmail address.
Gmail to Let Users Change Their Addresses While Keeping Data
Under the shift, which Google said would eventually be rolled out to all users, old addresses would remain active. Messages and services would not be lost.
Google is starting to let users change their Gmail addresses — here's what you need to know
This could be huge
Google is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
Google has finally answered users' cries, allowing Gmail users to swap out embarrassing teenage email addresses.
You may soon be able to change your Gmail address
A Google support page in Hindi says the feature is "gradually rolling out to all users."
Google May Finally Let Users Change Embarrassing Old Gmail Addresses
Updated support pages in multiple languages suggest a long-requested feature is quietly rolling out worldwide.