QUOTE OF THE DAY

“If the world were becoming safer, then perhaps such a reduction could be absorbed with little risk to national security. But unfortunately that is not the world in which we live.”

— U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on efforts to increase defense spending. 

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is among a group of lawmakers who want to increase defense spending beyond last year’s debt ceiling deal. They’ve proposed a $22.5 billion boost.

Building affordable condos is challenging in Maine. Developers say it is near-impossible to make a profit developing condos so long as they’re offered at sub-market prices.

Countless books are missing from Maine libraries. And most of the libraries in Greater Bangor no longer charge late fees.

Aroostook fire chiefs worry new regulations would strain departments. The new measures would require firefighters to undergo extensive medical exams and take part in a physical fitness program.

MAINE IN PICTURES

Mainers glancing up at the night sky Friday were amazed to see the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis was brought on by a significant solar storm and was visible across the northern United States. This photo captures the dance of the Northern Lights in North Anson. Credit: Courtesy of K. MacKenzie

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

INSIDE THE NEWSROOM

Getting to the story can always be a bit of a challenge. But sometimes, leaving the story location that’s actually the hard part. Case in point: the recent University of Maine commencement in Orono. I arrived in plenty of time. Parked in one of the five designated areas scattered around campus. Caught a shuttle-bus to the Alfond Arena. Everything went off without a hitch.

I was walking back to my car afterward when Shelby Hartin, UMaine’s director of communications, drove by and offered me a ride. I happily accepted, and then realized I could not remember which of those five parking lots I’d left my car in. Thankfully, Hartin saw the humor in the situation and I got a lovely driving tour of the campus parking areas. In retrospect, it could have been much worse. It could have been a walking tour.

— Julia Bayly

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“Serious people should start the process of finding ways to outline good policy and responsible reform.”

Opinion: It’s spring cleanup time for Maine government

LIFE IN MAINE

Maine’s brook trout face serious threats, including climate change and invasive species. A first-of-its-kind study will teach biologists what they need to know to help the game fish survive.

You can pan for gold and find rare rocks in Maine. You just need to know where to look.

Small Maine farms are turning to the woods to feed their animals. So far, agroforestry is largely an intuitive practice for those in the most forested state in the country.