A version of this story first appeared in the Morning Update newsletter. Sign up here to receive the Morning Update and other BDN newsletters directly in your inbox.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
— Robert Berg, owner of Bear’s One Stop in Newport, recalling how he narrowly lost a game of HORSE to then-high school freshman Cooper Flagg, who grew up in the town and is now the top NBA draft prospect.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES
The future of MaineCare remains uncertain even after lawmakers voted to fill the deficit in the state’s Medicaid program. This follows years of political battles preceding the COVID-19 pandemic and disagreements between parties over enrollment, work requirements and other checks on eligibility.
$61 million in federal funding to Maine is at risk from President Donald Trump’s latest DEI mandate. Bangor schools previously doubled down on programs they believed made all students feel valued; however, it’s unclear how the district will respond to the latest order.
Maine is suing the Trump administration to unfreeze funds to feed schoolchildren. In a 20-page lawsuit filed Monday, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey called U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ decision not only “arbitrary and capricious,” but also “blatantly illegal.”
Deer poaching persists on Mount Desert Island despite recent convictions. While poaching is illegal, state and federal laws barring legal hunting in and around Acadia National Park have led to an overpopulation of deer, many local officials and residents say.
Everyone probably has a take on what Cooper Flagg should or shouldn’t have done against Houston on Saturday night. Despite Duke getting ousted from the NCAA tourney, the pride remains for the hometown hero in Newport.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
- Northern Maine could get half a foot of snow Tuesday
- John Oliver highlights Maine in trans athletes segment
- Transgender Mainers face travel uncertainty and fears in the wake of Trump’s passport policy
- Angus King fumes after Trump administration cuts climate change from threat assessment
- Maine doesn’t have a statewide system to track rape kits. Lawmakers are considering a bill to change that.
- How much state funding does each Maine school district get?
- Maine auditor: ‘No indication’ public money at risk despite controversy over report
- Bangor Mall is violating multiple city codes, judge rules
- Bangor city councilor can also serve on county commission, law firm says
- Bangor discovery museum closure extended a few more days
- Escaped debris pile fire burns 45 acres in Aroostook County
- Bucksport friars list their home for sale
- Rockland man gets 5 years for abusing girl hundreds of times
- A county employee was placed on leave after her dog allegedly bit someone at the office. Now she’s suing.
- 3 injured in central Maine rollover crash
MAINE IN PICTURES
FROM THE OPINION PAGES
“Rural doctors and specialists aren’t asking for a windfall. They’re asking for recognition that moving to a small town hours from an airport or a large professional network comes at a personal and professional cost.”
Opinion: Lawmakers should change the pay law that’s hurting rural Maine
LIFE IN MAINE
Interest in fur trapping is on the rise in Maine. Trapper education is the most in-demand course the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offers at the moment.
New legislation could have consequences for hunters, anglers and outdoor recreation. “Within the legislative halls of Augusta is an attempt to go full circle, to reconstruct the present Land Use Planning Commission in a way that undermines the local control facet of it,” Outdoors contributor V. Paul Reynolds writes.
Trying to choose between black plastic and landscape fabric to eliminate weeds? Both mulching techniques for weed suppression are popular, but they have distinct differences.
