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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“After I served on the first town council form of government, I said to myself, ‘this isn’t good’ … And look where we’re at.”

— Former Maine Republican lawmaker Dale Crafts, who is strategizing a way to take over the Lisbon Town Council before potentially dismantling it as part of a tax revolt.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

The domestic violence incidents that upended Jonathan Bush’s career. The Republican gubernatorial candidate began his campaign by deriding “cancel culture” and saying he and his first wife had repaired their relationship following altercations in 2005.

For some Maine towns, fairer property taxes are simply out of reach. Towns use revaluations to keep property values in line with the market, but high costs have delayed updates for years.

This Maine Republican is running for a local office he wants to get rid of. Former Rep. Dale Crafts is leading a push to take control of Lisbon’s Town Council amid a tax revolt and calls for government change.

A rural Maine library searches for a solution to funding fights between towns. Ashland’s library is exploring a nonprofit model after funding disputes with neighboring towns cut into its budget.

The BDN wins the best daily Maine newspaper award from the Maine Press Association for the second year in a row. Plus, longtime BDN cartoonist George Danby was inducted into the hall of fame, while BDN deputy state editor Paula Brewer was honored with the Unsung Hero Award.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Protesters at Saturday’s No Kings Rally in Bangor marched for several blocks after listening to speakers at Broadway Park. Credit: Lindsay Putnam / BDN

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Snow coats crosses at one of several memorials for the victims of last month’s mass shooting in Lewiston in this Dec. 5, 2023, file photo. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

“Question 2 isn’t about politics, it’s about prevention. It’s about giving families a chance to act before tragedy strikes again.”

Opinion: I was in the ER on the night of Lewiston. I’m voting yes on Question 2.

LIFE IN MAINE

This island camp on Millinocket Lake offers “breathtaking” views of Katahdin for less than $300,000. What sets it apart from other waterfront camps is the panoramic view of Katahdin and unlimited access to Millinocket Lake.

Check your boots before hiking in Maine — here’s why. “Did I send a photo of my zombie foot to friends? Yes. Will I publish it in the newspaper? No. What if this is the only column you’ve ever read of mine?” Outdoors contributor Aislinn Sarnacki writes.

The story of how a German tourist ended up mistaking Bangor for San Francisco. “I think people really bought into the fun of it, and they didn’t make fun of him. They really embraced him. I think it says a lot about Mainers.”