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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The way things are going right now in health care, this is a team sport, we can’t be doing this individually … We’ve got to come together with all the health resources to solve these problems.”

— Gregory LaFrancois, who became president of St. Joseph Healthcare on April 1 after leaving his role at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center last October.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree held the first in-person town-hall meeting for any member of Maine’s congressional delegation in years Sunday. Her meeting with a friendly crowd revealed frustration with the president but gave reminders that Democrats have little power to check him.

St. Joseph won’t cut services despite “choppy waters” for health care, its new president says. In his new role, Gregory LaFrancois said one of his primary goals is to guide St. Joseph through this challenging time for health care and help the hospital prepare for hardship.

Orrington refuses to say how much money it’s spending on troubled trash plant. Officials have failed to provide either a copy of its contract with or proof of payments from the Eagle Point Energy Center.

Once reluctant, Maine leaders have changed how they talk about sexual assault in the National Guard. Years after female soldiers shared their accounts of sexual abuse and harassment, state leaders are more open about the issue than ever before.

Maine lawmakers pitch a new way around forever chemicals. A bill going before the Maine Legislature’s energy committee Monday seeks $10 million to extend Fairfield’s public water to residents with contaminated wells.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Naomi DeGracia, 18, left, and Malia DeGracia, 16, right, of Belfast, share excitement over Naomi discovering her “perfect fit” prom dress at her appointment Friday with the Cinderella Project of Maine, which gives away hundreds of prom gowns and accessories each year. Credit: Sasha Ray / BDN

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

In this May 7, 2019, photo, a man walks under towers of recyclables at a GDB International warehouse in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. Credit: Seth Wenig / AP

“The law we have now is already a smart, effective solution. It will bring long-needed financial support to municipalities, reduce the burden on local taxpayers, and help rebuild and strengthen Maine’s recycling infrastructure. It was designed specifically for Maine — our towns, our capacity, our challenges. And it is ready to go into effect next year.”

Opinion: Don’t roll back Maine’s landmark recycling law

LIFE IN MAINE

I have the best job at the Bangor Daily News. Replace me. Almost no other paper has an outdoors beat, but that isn’t the only reason it is so special at BDN. How we cover it is unique.

Moosehead biologist explains how bag limits are decided. How are bag limits determined now? It turns out that it’s complicated and scientific. A state regional biologist breaks it down. 

“I feel like a princess”: A Maine project gives away thousands of prom dresses. The Cinderella Project was started almost 20 years ago as an inclusive way to lower the costs for Maine high schoolers to attend their night to remember.

I hunt but I still post my land. Here’s why. “I want to be sure that I know who is in the woods on my property and that I trust how, where and what they are shooting at,” writes Outdoors contributor Erin Merrill.