Photographer Brian Skerry has been chronicling marine life for decades, but this is his first picture of a great white shark off the coast of Maine, where he encountered one from four feet away. Sightings of sharks like this 10-footer are increasing from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia, due in part to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which allowed seal populations to rebound. Credit: Brian Skerry via National Geographic

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “[Old Town] could have done a heck of a lot more. They say, oh, small business this, small business that. I’m like, show me your support. Help the little guys out.” 

— Kristine L’Heureux, co-owner of Yahweh Cafe and Bakery, which closed just two months after opening.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Newport may get a new courthouse after a mold infestation. The Penobscot County town has not had a courthouse for nearly 10 months and there is no timeline for one to reopen.

Susan Collins now wants to repeal part of the shutdown deal she took credit for crafting. The language would reward eight GOP senators who had their phone records accessed in the investigation of Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

A Mainer with a tick bite avoided Lyme disease but not a surprise medical bill. Leah Kovitch’s insurer denied coverage for the walk-in visit. Its reason? She hadn’t obtained a referral or preapproval for it. 

Some Mainers will pay more for electricity in January. State regulators on Wednesday approved the new standard-offer supply rates for residential and business customers.

Bangor’s holiday tree is coming this morning. This year’s tree was donated by Dan Sprague of Sprague’s Nursery and Garden Center and will again feature a daily light and music show.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Photographer Brian Skerry has been chronicling marine life for decades, but this is his first picture of a great white shark off the coast of Maine, where he encountered one from four feet away. The photo, taken off the coast of Harpswell, was named as one of National Geographic’s best of the year. Credit: Brian Skerry via National Geographic Credit: Brian Skerry via National Geographic

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Annie Farmer, from left, Liz Stein and Danielle Bensky pose for a photo as a World Without Exploitation projection is seen on the wall of the National Gallery of Art calling on Congress to vote yes on the Epstein files transparency act in Washington, Monday. Credit: Jose Luis Magana / AP

“Until we believe women when they say they have been abused, these actions will continue without consequences for the men who perpetrate such abuse, especially if they are powerful and well connected.”
Editorial: A vote to release the Epstein files should not have been necessary

LIFE IN MAINE

Maine hunters say they bring in big bucks with this noisy rut tactic.

This Maine hunter beat Lyme disease to complete a rare Grand Slam with her dad.

Try these tips to make an outdoor space comfortable in cold weather.

Your Thanksgiving can of pumpkin puree could have Maine roots.