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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We all have an interest in a functioning criminal legal system. It’s designed to make sure people who commit crimes are punished and people who are innocent are set free. But the system only works if both sides are represented by lawyers.”

— Zachary Heiden, the chief legal counsel for the Maine ACLU, on the public defender crisis in the state.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Democrats and Republicans nearly torpedoed a new Maine charter school. Democrats have long opposed charter schools, but suggestions that the new school would only serve “new Mainers” spurred Republican opposition.

More and more Maine real estate agents are using artificial intelligence to market their properties. Though some agents recoil at the idea, the technology has the potential to substantially lower the costs of staging and listing property.

Hearings are scheduled for next month to decide whether people held at Penobscot County Jail will be freed. That comes as the state has struggled to provide legal representation for low-income defendants.

Dignity First has missed out on an opportunity to lease a piece of Bangor property before anyone else after losing more than $4 million in federal funding. But the nonprofit still wants to go ahead with a plan for a tiny home village, albeit scaled back.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Kaya Randolph, 2, paints the hand of her friend Zade Lovoi, 2, during a spring-themed activity at the free weekly Community Concepts playgroup. At the end of the table, Isabel Martin, 3, works on her painting with help from her mom, Marta. The playgroup, open to all children ages 0–5, offers socializing opportunities for kids and parents alike. Credit: Andree Kehn / Sun Journal via AP

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

In this March 24, 2025, file photo, people gather in Cumberland for a protest aimed at protecting young transgender athletes. Credit: CBS 13

“Let’s not lose sight of what youth sports are really about: teamwork, resilience and building a foundation for an active and healthy life. These are lessons every child deserves to learn, regardless of gender identity.”

Opinion: Youth sports are about fairness and inclusion — for all

LIFE IN MAINE

Hundreds lined the streets of downtown Bangor for the annual Memorial Day parade Monday. With so much rain recently, people were ready to celebrate under bright blue skies.

There are a few more days before the spring turkey hunt comes to an end. If you’ve yet to bag your bird, BDN Outdoors contributor Bill Graves has tips to help you fill your tag.

Are you looking for lasting memories in Maine’s great outdoors? Look no farther than the rugged Bold Coast.