QUOTE OF THE DAY

“When strangulation occurs, it’s really important that person get the medical support that they need, and also the safety planning support that they need. Because they are at a very high risk of domestic violence homicide.” 

— Casey Faulkingham of Partners for Peace, a domestic violence resource center, speaking at a gathering in Bangor for Virginia Cookson who was killed on Sept. 25, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, who court records say tried to strangle her a week before her death.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Austin, who turned 18, has been in and out of foster homes, hospital rooms, prison cells and a locked facility out of state since age 12. His story shows how the judicial, foster care and behavioral health systems in Maine were not enough for him — and sometimes made his situation worse.

Community members gathered to remember a Bangor woman who was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend. Virginia Cookson died Sept. 25 at her home in Bangor. Richard Keith Thorpe, who is charged with her murder, was recently out of prison, released early from the sentence he was serving for domestic violence aggravated assault.

We break down Austin Theriault’s illegal fishing claims against Canadian lobstermen. The 30-second ad came after his opponent, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat, put out an ad featuring a lobsterman union leader backing his work.

This year’s Bangor State Fair had its highest attendance since pre-pandemic. The fair has been a mainstay in the community since at least 1849 and is considered one of the oldest state fairs in the country. 

Brewer wants to create a more distinctive downtown. Proposed changes would aim to make the city’s busiest roads more attractive, efficient and safe for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Firefighters try to put out a fire at a commercial building on Johnson Street in downtown Lubec on Tuesday. Credit: Courtesy of Selena Fitzsimmons

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, speaks on Feb. 1, 2024, during a news conference on problems with the FAFSA rollout on Capitol Hill in Washington. Looking on from left are U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, and Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia. Credit: Mariam Zuhaib / AP

“This year’s FAFSA forms, which should already be available to students and families, have again been delayed until December, to allow for more testing.”

Opinion: More FAFSA delays highlight urgency for financial aid reforms

LIFE IN MAINE

Stacking firewood for the winter is an art form. Orientation to the sun and structural design are just some of the things to consider before you build.

Watch a bull moose charge an Aroostook man. Caleb Lewis of Allagash Antlers was lucky he didn’t get more injuries when a rut-crazed moose decided he was a threat.