A version of this story first appeared in the Morning Update newsletter. Sign up here to receive the Morning Update and other BDN newsletters directly in your inbox.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I’ve been doing this for 37 years, and this is probably the roughest one I’ve seen in all those years of doing it.” 

— Mount Desert Island High School Athletic Director Bunky Dow on holding sporting events during the recent relentless run of rainy weekends.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

The Bangor Mall continues to languish a month after its owner promised fixes. Despite numerous claims that repairs were coming, Namdar has made no visible improvements to the dilapidated property.

Bangor rejected an appeal from the owner of a historic home who replaced his slate roof with asphalt shingles after the city told him not to. The stalemate between Steven Farren and the city has brought into focus the often costly requirements placed on those who own historic homes.

Here’s a look at the candidates running for Maine governor in 2026. The race is wide open to replace Gov. Janet Mills, who is leaving office at the end of next year.

The Legislature backed setting aside another $3 million to help Mainers buy mobile home parks. The bill would replenish a fund created in 2023 to help residents buy their parks under a first-of-its kind state law.

A judge sided with Maine and 20 other states blocking a Trump order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The ruling came in two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump’s plan amounted to an illegal closure of the federal department. 

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

A scarlet tanager is among the birds that BDN Outdoors contributor Bob Duchesne saw at the Leonard’s Mills logging history museum in Bradley. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

People hold a banner reading, “We’re Here, We’re Queer Get Used To It!” in fourth floor rotunda on May 8, 2025, in the Maine State House in Augusta. Credit: Joe Phelan / Kennebec Journal via AP

“They are considering a bill that would threaten all civil rights of transgender Mainers by removing gender identity from the Maine Human Rights Act.”

Editorial: Maine lawmakers should reject anti-trans bills

LIFE IN MAINE

BDN city hall reporter Kathleen O’Brien’s car was towed with no warning in downtown Bangor. “I intend to follow up with city officials until that money is back in my bank account,” she writes.

This area near the Maine Forest and Logging Museum is great for birding. Outdoors contributor Bob Duchesne recounts a day of easy walking, changing habitat and a surprise encounter with an antique log hauler.

This is where you’re most likely to hit a moose in Maine. When people come to Vacationland, they almost always hope to see a moose during their visit. But no one wants to hit one.