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QUOTE OF THE DAY
— Orland Select Board member Gina Bushong on a four-town effort to take control of three dams abandoned by a subsidiary of Montreal-based American Iron and Metal, which acquired them along with the shuttered Bucksport paper mill a decade ago.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES
Gov. Janet Mills is facing calls to convene lawmakers to tackle the fallout from the government shutdown. Calls for a special session revolve mostly around the Trump administration citing the shutdown in letting SNAP benefits lapse at the beginning of November.
A Maine sheriff’s deputy has been barred from possessing weapons under the state’s “yellow flag” law. It is not clear if Stephen “Dan” Armiger is still employed by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
Today is the deadline for Northern Light Health and Anthem to reach a deal. Without an agreement, Northern Light care will move out of network for people with Anthem insurance Saturday.
A lawsuit against Brewer schools was a factor in Shawn McBreairty’s suicide, according to a friend. A new court filing seeking to include Haily Keezer’s testimony is an escalation in the ongoing legal battle between the conservative activist’s widow and the school department.
As some Maine dams are being removed, these Hancock County towns are trying to keep theirs. The process highlights how, after a major employer’s departure, the area’s economy is largely supported by recreation and homeownership on its lakes.
Aroostook groups are preparing to help those who may lose SNAP benefits. About 20% of The County’s residents receive food benefits that the federal government will stop paying for Saturday if the shutdown continues.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
- Janet Mills calls on Trump to tap emergency reserves to fund food stamps
- Maine network ends primary care after losing Medicaid due to Trump defunding Planned Parenthood
- Regulators say lobsters have been overfished off New England
- Stephen King’s rock ‘n’ roll radio station has been sold again
- Bangor City Council will vote whether to censure Joe Leonard a 3rd time
- 30th HIV case detected in Penobscot County outbreak
- Katahdin Woods and Waters group doesn’t want to keep ‘plugging holes in federal staffing’
- Catholic diocese discriminated against Ellsworth employee, commission finds
- Man shot rabid raccoon off his leg during Hancock County attack
- DA meets with Lincoln County officials who voted to defund her department
- Maine woman allegedly led midcoast police on 2 chases and rammed cruiser
- He allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend to force her to steal from a Maine Walmart
- Man accused of dealing drugs out of a tent near a Maine school
- Arsonist started fire inside vacant Maine woolen mill
- It’s win or go home in playoffs for Maine’s new professional soccer team
- 3 scary good Maine high school football playoff matchups on Halloween weekend
- Dexter High School finishes 3rd in national competition, wins additional $50K
MAINE IN PICTURES
FROM THE OPINION PAGES
“Blaming PTSD is insulting to the legion of combat veterans who, even in dark places, somehow didn’t land on racism and misogyny.”
Opinion: Graham Platner lacks judgment and integrity needed in a Senate candidate
LIFE IN MAINE
There are spooky things to be found in the Maine woods, and not just on Halloween.
Take a frightful drive on Maine’s Route 182.
Owls in Maine face hidden dangers due to their nocturnal nature.
Don’t forget to wrap your dog in hunter orange. It’s hunting season.