Happy Thanksgiving. Temperatures will be in the mid-teens throughout the state with sunny skies.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The district attorney has dropped the Bangor police’s original charge against Brian Barker
–Barker was shot last month by a Bangor police officer and charged with domestic violence terrorizing. The Penobscot County district attorney won’t pursue that charge, but could pursue others.
A judge ordered LePage to expand Medicaid. He plans to keep fighting it.
—The 21-page ruling from Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy found that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has “failed and refused to comply” with the law passed by Maine voters in 2017 that would expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act.
She ordered the administration to adopt rules governing the law by Dec. 5, but a spokeswoman for Gov. Paul LePage said he plans on appealing the ruling to Maine’s high court, which could delay the process.
Dick Stacey became a Maine country music showman, and his hands still stunk of gas
–For those who didn’t grow up with Dick Stacey’s Country Jamboree, it can seem a little bizarre that a low-budget, country music show produced in Bangor, Maine, would end up such a hit. It featured mostly unknown singers, some of whom couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. But for a generation of country music lovers and amused late-night TV-watchers, the Jamboree was a cult favorite, and one of the most “Maine” things to ever hit airwaves.
If you’re planning to enjoy pies today, thank your local bakers
–Unless you made your own, of course. Bakeries in Maine are seeing more orders for Thanksgiving pies, and had staff working long hours on the days leading into the holiday to keep up with the growing demand.
In other news…
Maine
An ATM was found in the Maine woods. No one knows where it came from.
Big Bar Harbor traffic detour cleared for Thanksgiving traffic
Heavy wind, whiteouts in store for Thanksgiving travel as arctic air passes through Maine
Bangor
A new Bangor sober home wants to give former inmates a chance to stay clean
18-wheeler collides with pickup on 1A in Holden, injuring two and destroying utility pole
Bangor Superintendent Betsy Webb a finalist for national award honoring female educators
Business
Whimsical Ellsworth building revived as antique and art shop
Mainers see paychecks grow faster than the US average, but they’re still making less money
Maine home sales rise in October, reversing September dropoff
Politics
Read the judge’s full ruling backing Medicaid expansion
LePage denies pardon for deported father
LePage administration says tax revenue exceeds expectations again in October
Opinion
Giving thanks for an immigrant Thanksgiving
By all means, donate food, but the solution to hunger requires smart policy
How a 95-year-old man will restore your faith in humanity
Sports
Hodgdon coach places third in national US Cellular Most Valuable Coach contest
UMaine football defensive coordinator receives New England honor
11 UMaine football players earn CAA honors; Harasymiak named coach of the year
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