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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It’s nothing really fun to have a Democratic governor when you’re a Democrat either, because they screw you just as well as the Republicans.”

— Former Maine Senate President and 2026 candidate for governor Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, speaking at a meet-and-greet attended by nearly all 16 gubernatorial candidates from both major parties and independents Thursday in Waterville.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Federal agencies are putting out openly partisan messaging during the government shutdown, which entered its third day Friday. Experts warn that it could undermine public trust.

Acadia National Park will reopen the Summit Road to the top of Cadillac Mountain to vehicle traffic today. If you’re concerned about the impact of the shutdown on federal services, here’s a rundown of what major services are still available.

Nearly all of Maine’s gubernatorial candidates met in the same room Thursday. Rather than causing sparks, the chance to hear from 16 contenders produced a surprisingly cordial atmosphere of stump speeches and moments of agreement.

Houlton officials took no action at a special meeting Thursday about their town manager who is facing criminal charges. Since Cameron Clark’s arrest last week, the Town Council has maintained a neutral stance, citing what they call the personal nature of the alleged crimes.

Penobscot County is bracing for a budget crisis. The soaring cost of the county jail is stressing municipal budgets and could force a higher tax burden onto residents. 

Five new interactive kiosks will be installed around Greater Bangor. The touch-screen units will be placed in high-traffic areas to help residents and visitors navigate the area.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Visitors ascend the Beehive Trail at Acadia National Park on Wednesday. The park’s Visitors Center in Hulls Cove was closed Wednesday because of the federal shutdown, but other sites such as the Jordan Pond House, the Thunder Hole gift shop and Sand Beach were open. After closing the road up Cadillac Mountain on Thursday, the park plans to reopen it today. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

A woman visits a makeshift memorial outside Just-In-Time Recreation, the site of a mass shooting on Oct. 28, 2023, in Lewiston. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

“Maine’s current law gives family members no way to take direct action themselves when a loved one is in crisis and may pose a threat to themselves or others.”

Opinion: If mental health is the concern, vote yes on Question 2

LIFE IN MAINE

Maine’s plants and wildlife shine in this new book of stunning art and surprising facts.

Extreme drought extends Down East as Maine sees little rainfall. 

Guest pianist Jonathan Biss played Brahms’ piano concerto with passion and precision in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s season opener, longtime reviewer Judy Harrison writes. 

Twenty One Pilots and Dayglow closed out the Bangor concert season Wednesday. Some acts for next year have already been announced.