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QUOTE OF THE DAY
— UFC CEO Dana White reflecting on his strong ties to Maine.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES
Dana White says he’ll keep buying more Maine property “until the day I die.” A Hermon High School graduate and Levant property owner, White sat among the billionaires and former presidents at the second inauguration of President Donald Trump last month.
His widely supported housing project ignited a war in this wealthy Maine town. A debate has wracked many Maine coastal towns for decades. Traditionalist residents are set on keeping current zoning laws, while newer residents and many municipal leaders see adding housing as vital in keeping community institutions thriving.
Maine Democrats find a new Republican villain in an old foe. Rep. Ken Fredette, R-Newport, was an old foe for Maine Democrats in the State House, but the Newport Republican’s role in the protracted talks over a short-term budget have made him their new villain.
Houlton residents frustrated by “costly Orwellian” surveillance program. After Houlton officials announced they were suspending their surveillance camera program so that they could verify its legality, some are questioning why officials even invested in the facial recognition system.
Do you need a recap of the action during the Tourney games this weekend? Catch up with the latest brackets, scores and schedules at Tourney Central.
Correction: Friday’s newsletter misstated the program that could be targeted by Trump for work requirements. It is Medicaid, not Medicare.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
- Maine Republican indicted for alleged signature forgery
- Martin’s Point whistleblowers get $5.65 million in NY health care fraud settlement
- Bangor Mall repairs need to be done before June, city says
- Penobscot County sheriff warns of ‘dangerous’ scam after Hermon arrest
- Mainers on the northern border have mixed views on annexing Canada
- Aroostook town still shocked by police standoff
- Can-Am sled dog race on track for March after last year’s cancellation
- A tiny island in Stonington’s harbor has been sold
- Firefighters battle freezing temps in fire Saturday in Unity
- Why proposed limits on riprap along Maine’s shore are controversial
- Police say stop calling about overturned tractor trailer on I-95 in central Maine
- Watch the steal and dunk that helped Brewer survive a tough tournament game
- Brewer, Hampden boys survive tough Class A quarterfinal games
- Caribou fans help their top-seeded teams feel right at home in Bangor tournament
- Cooper and Ace Flagg’s development coach helps Maine high schoolers prepare for tourney
- Cooper Flagg scores 19 points as No. 3 Duke defeats Stanford
- UMaine hockey steals tie with UNH on late goal
- Vermont deals UMaine men’s basketball a tough home loss
- Vermont women’s basketball thumps cold-shooting UMaine
MAINE IN PICTURES
Want a walk down memory lane? Check out the Bangor Auditorium’s history in photos, from rise to rubble.
FROM THE OPINION PAGES
“Bangor is in a housing crisis. While the city expands economically and is attracting residents (including younger people and retirees who want a city environment but can no longer afford southern Maine prices), housing (of all types) appears to be one of the biggest problems facing the city today. The answer to this problem may be staring us all in the face: The Bangor Mall and adjacent properties.”
Opinion: A new neighborhood at Bangor Mall could help solve city’s housing problem
LIFE IN MAINE
10 ways to enjoy Maine during a snowstorm. One thing is inevitable during a Maine winter: there will be snow. Here are ways to make the most of it.
6 times in the past 3 centuries when Maine got absolutely pummeled with snow. Here are some of the most noteworthy snow events to hit Maine over the past three centuries.
When you need to clear the snow off your barn roof. An imbalance of drifting snow piling up in one corner of a roof can cause one part of the roof to give way, resulting in a domino effect that could collapse the entire structure.
Explore the underwater world of Maine’s lakes and ponds with this hobbyist. A Milo man shows what’s happening under the surface on his YouTube channel.
These huts deep in the woods offer skiers hot homemade meals. The huts are staffed by caretakers responsible for cooking and keeping things running smoothly during the winter. They also, from my experience, make it their mission to be friendly and welcoming to visitors.