Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

— Ryan Low, vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Maine System, on the current shortage of student housing.

The housing crisis is jamming Maine students into crowded dorms and hotels. It might seem like the solution is to build more dormitories. But it’s not that simple, administrators say.

Donald Trump’s heavy tariffs are popular in Maine but they could hammer key industries. China’s retaliatory tariffs on frozen wild blueberries caused Maine’s exports to plummet from $2.5 million in 2017 to $60,000 in 2019.

The National Rifle Association endorsed Austin Theriault in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race. The gun advocacy group gave Theriault an A, compared with an F for Jared Golden, who came out in support of limits after last year’s mass shooting in Lewiston.

Your tampons may contain toxic metals and “forever chemicals.” One study found lead, arsenic and other toxic metals in 24 types of tampons. Another found that some tampons had organic fluorine, an indicator of forever chemicals.

“Keeping inflation low for the long haul means reducing deficit spending, which neither party will do.”

Is Maine a good place for off-grid living? We took a look at some of the variables, and found that the answer depends on what you’re looking for.

This bear hunt became a special father-son memory. “These are incredible moments I look back on fondly. It’s a reminder that the kids are growing up and time is going by.”