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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Of course, my initial reaction was, yeah right, how much do you want me to pay you? Because I assumed it was a scam.”

— Lynn Cottrell of Searsport recalling a phone call that resulted in her rowboat building business being featured in a Google ad that will air during the Super Bowl.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Jared Golden says Elon Musk is “poisoning the well” in Washington. While other Democrats and Maine independent U.S. Sen. Angus King protested Trump’s budget director pick and Republicans warned of a constitutional crisis, Golden, a centrist from Maine’s 2nd District, is not yet ready to judge the legality of the White House’s actions.

An early state budget deal is falling apart. Fresh Republican opposition threatens to upend a budget that several party members endorsed during a late-night series of votes Tuesday.

This researcher is trying to stop homes from falling into the Penobscot River. Aaron Gallant has been looking at a specific type of mud that can act like “a house of cards” under the wrong conditions.

Here’s how a Maine ice diver raised a U-Haul from the bottom of a frozen lake. Greg Canders has recovered everything from wedding rings to a full-sized John Deere skidder, but 2025 has been especially interesting.

You can get this beachfront Maine house for a relative bargain. Sitting just feet from a secluded, sandy beach, it would go for millions in southern Maine.

The Maine Mall shooting suspect turned himself in. Ahmed Basheer Awad, 20, of Westbrook had been at large since the shooting, which police described as an isolated incident between two people.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Bangor High School track runners Madeline Thai, Sophia Chase, Bayley Fryer and JaLynn Williams celebrate setting a new state record in the girls 4×200 relay. Credit: Courtesy of Michelle Thai

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Elon Musk reacts as President Donald Trump speaks at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. Credit: Alex Brandon / AP

“Less than two weeks in office, the Trump administration has set a new precedent for making dangerous, unlawful, and unilateral decisions involving the safety and security of the American people, while usurping the authority of Congress.”

Editorial: Congress must stop Elon Musk’s unlawful power grab

LIFE IN MAINE

The state’s success with electronic tagging of turkeys has lawmakers looking to implement the system for deer next. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has until January 2026 to conduct a study on the feasibility of introducing electronic tagging. 

If you’re feeling the winter blues, try these tricks to boost your mood. Medical science has shown that the short days and lack of sunlight in northern latitudes can have negative physical and emotional effects on people

This party mix will keep you happily snacking even after the big game. But if you’re not watching this year, it can make for a perfect snack mix on the go or just a gathering with friends.