QUOTE OF THE DAY

“When I read the report, I just kind of shook my head. I mean, it’s a great goal … but to achieve those numbers, there’s going to have to be a lot of things that are going to change.”

— Michael Ellis, city manager of Calais, on Maine’s aggressive housing goals.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Rural counties are going to struggle to meet Maine’s “aggressive” housing goals. An acute labor shortage and migration patterns that have historically seen people leave Maine’s rural areas are among the obstacles.

Bike crashes surged in Bangor this summer. Bicycle advocates say the trend will continue unless big changes are made to the city’s infrastructure.

Here are four themes from Maine legislative races that have been slow to get going. Maine routinely has some of the nation’s most competitive legislative races. That’s looking to be particularly true in the House this year.

Nearly 75 Houlton high school students walked out of classes in protest. The students described a pervasive culture of sexual harassment, assault and bullying at the school.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

About 75 Houlton Middle High School students walked out of class Wednesday to bring attention to what they call a pervasive culture of bullying and sexual assault at the school. Credit: Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli / BDN

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

All weekend, it’s Old Town Riverfest, with lots of community events along the Penobscot River in Old Town, including a parade, food and craft fairs, live music, and other entertainment. It’s also Autumn Gold weekend in Ellsworth, with fall-themed activities throughout Ellsworth all day on Saturday. Also on Saturday, it’s the 31st annual Paws on Parade event, a dog parade raising money for the Bangor Humane Society, is set for 10 a.m. at Husson University. And on Sunday, the Broadway touring production of “The Book of Mormon” is set for the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen delivers his State of the State address on Jan. 25, 2023, at the the state Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. Credit: Anna Reed / Omaha World-Herald via AP

“The failure of this last-minute pressure campaign is a win for Nebraska and for careful deliberation over rushed partisanship.”

Editorial: More states should be following Maine and Nebraska in splitting electoral votes

LIFE IN MAINE

Much of our country’s garlic is grown in California or imported from China. But many farms produce it right here in Maine. The annual Maine Garlic Festival starts next weekend.

Madawaska didn’t replace its welcome sign, so residents made one. The old one fell down and broke two years ago.

An 11-year-old from Corinna is one step closer to a hunting grand slam. He already had his turkey and bear on Tuesday when he bagged an 800-pound bull moose.