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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It’s a choice — if people like the designs, they can use them.”

— Anne Krieg, Bangor’s community and economic development director, on the six preapproved housing designs that the city is offering for free to the public to cut down on building costs and encourage the creation of more housing.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is asking Maine police to partner with it. While no departments have signed on yet, the request shows how President Donald Trump is prioritizing immigration enforcement in his second term.

Nebraska renewed its push for winner-take-all presidential elections. The move could leave Maine isolated as the only other state that awards Electoral College votes by congressional district. 

Lawmakers are reconsidering Maine’s new paramilitary training ban. The ban was originally passed in response to a prominent neo-Nazi who started a training camp for his followers in the state.

Get ready to see more buildings that look like this in Bangor. Builders can soon choose from six preapproved housing designs to use for free in the city.

Maine homes with heat pumps saved 60 percent over those that heated with fossil fuels, according to a new study. Maine is one of the handful of northern U.S. states where average electricity rates are less than natural gas costs.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Firefighters outside a vacant house on Fourth Street in Bangor that burned after a suspected propane gas explosion early Monday morning. A man who was in the house at the time of the fire escaped but suffered serious burns, according to the state fire marshal’s office. Credit: Marie Weidmayer / BDN

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

In this Oct. 20, 2021, file photo, -the Hope and Justice Project honors people in Maine who have lost their lives to domestic violence homicide in Presque Isle. Credit: Melissa Lizotte / BDN

“Unfortunately, the funding of domestic violence organizations like Next Step is at risk, and losing these nonprofits would be devastating to the community.”

Opinion: My journey shows why funding programs to help domestic violence survivors is essential

LIFE IN MAINE

You can dispose of your illegal lead fishing jigs at three sportsmen’s shows this spring. Loons and other birds can scoop the jigs off the bottoms of lakes and ponds and die from lead poisoning.

Training bear-hunting dogs in parts of the state could remain legal. A law that temporarily allowed the practice in parts of Hancock and Washington counties could become permanent if the Legislature approves it.

Ready to start some seeds for the garden? The final months of winter may not seem like a prime gardening season, but it is a great time to get a jump on spring growing.