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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I cannot log in to our camera system. Our systems administrator cannot log in to our camera system because we need a license to operate these cameras.”

— Houlton Town Manager Cameron Clark explaining the status of a controversial $130,000 surveillance system installed by the police department in the town of 6,000 people last year.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Bangor police responded to nearly 100 calls at the home of an accused drug dealer in the years before his arrest. Michael Tuller once made headlines for wanting to build a homeless commune.

Housing for the homeless at a former Bangor inn is still not open months after the ribbon-cutting. The building, renamed Theresa’s Place, was supposed to open more than five months ago.

Houlton is locked out of its controversial $130,000 surveillance system. Following public backlash, the town deactivated the system and would now need to pay a hefty annual fee to restart it.

Paul LePage baselessly claimed there was illegal voting in the race he lost to Janet Mills. The Republican became well known for his controversial statements while in the Blaine House from 2011 to 2019.

Hannah Pingree is leaving Mills’ office ahead of a possible 2026 run to succeed her. The former House speaker’s impending departure was well-known among insiders.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

The indigo bunting is one of the birds you might see mid-May in Maine. The Bangor City Forest is one of the best places in the state for birding in the spring, writes Bob Duchesne. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

A Border Patrol vehicle sits near the U.S.-Canada border near Fort Fairfield in February 2024. Credit: Courtesy of Houlton Sector, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

“It is hard to understand how harassing Canadian students who are crossing the border to attend classes in Maine is making America more safe, or great again.”

Editorial: Donald Trump’s immigration policy is nonsensical and cruel

LIFE IN MAINE

These eight Maine women will shear a sheep and make a sweater in a single day for an international competition. The Mainely Spinners have been training for months.

Acadia’s Gorham Mountain is one of the best “bang for your buck” hikes. It’s small compared with many other mountains in the national park, yet it’s popular for several good reasons.

The best place for spring birding is right in Bangor. “Quit reading this. Grab your binoculars, and get outside. We’ve arrived at peak bird-finding season,” Outdoors contributor Bob Duchesne writes.