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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“People rely on it. We got no notice that this was going to happen.”

— MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan after learning that access to certain federal grants, including those that fund Section 8 housing and heating assistance, were affected by President Donald Trump’s order to pause a range of federal funding.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Maine is grappling with uncertainty after Trump ordered a freeze on government funding. Monday’s executive order has left federal and state agencies in various states of disarray as access to government resources became increasingly limited. 

Sen. Susan Collins called Trump’s actions “far too sweeping,” while Sen. Angus King called the president’s move “unconstitutional.” 

And Mainers’ heating assistance remains in limbo, despite a ruling by a federal judge on Tuesday blocking Trump’s executive order and a lawsuit by Maine and more than 20 other states. As of Tuesday evening, MaineHousing did not have access to Section 8 funds, and officials were unsure when they would receive updates. 

Janet Mills defended her controversial budget and criticized the “red flag” referendum. The governor’s proposed $11.6 billion budget has drawn criticism for mixing tax increases with cuts to certain health programs.

Husson University has unexpectedly dropped its pharmacy doctorate program. Husson University told students and professors on Friday that it will close its four-year Doctor of Pharmacy, or PharmD, program after the spring 2025 semester. 

A grassroots group wants to buy a shuttered Presque Isle outdoors center. The group would need to raise $2.9 million to buy the venue and as much as $2 million to operate it.

The Ellsworth Public Library is pitching $5 million in building upgrades. Changes would include a new entrance, an addition to the building and an eye toward making the library ADA compliant.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) attempts a three-point basket over North Carolina State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) on Monday during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, North Carolina. Credit: Ben McKeown / AP

MAINE TOWN OF THE WEEK

HARPSWELL: The picturesque seaside Cumberland County town of Harpswell is famous for lots of things, from its iconic Bailey Island bridge to the fact that the Marvel Comics superhero Captain Marvel, aka Carol Danvers, grew up, in part, in the town, according to comic book lore. More recently, the town became somewhat infamous as the site of the first-ever fatal shark attack in recorded Maine history, when a New York woman was bitten by a great white shark while swimming in 2020.

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

In this Sept. 11, 2018, file photo, live lobsters are packed in coolers for shipment to China at The Lobster Co. in Arundel. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

“One week into the second Trump presidency, and just a few days past a first foreign policy clash, it is worth stepping back and looking at Trump’s promises and what they might entail for us here in Maine.”

Opinion: Trump, trade and immigration: What might be in store for Maine?

LIFE IN MAINE

This family’s road from Alaska to a dream homestead in Maine wasn’t easy. The Wilsons’ story shows the role social media can play in how and why people move to the state.

Walk off cabin fever with these winter treks. As the days start to get longer and the snow starts to melt, it’s time to get out.

When there’s ice, take a crack at ice climbing in the Camden Hills. As the water runs over the cliffs and down the steep slope, it solidifies into wild shapes that can only be conquered with ice axes, spiked boots and a sturdy rope, Aislinn Sarnacki writes.