Bangor church syringe exchange / Warrantless camera surveillance / Bobby Charles debate

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.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Maine police watched a suspect through a neighbor’s camera for three years without a warrant. Until last week, Willie Banks’ attorney believed the camera just happened to catch the shooting. Then she learned there was more to the story.

A needle exchange at a Bangor church has been popular, but less so with neighbors. The pilot program is one attempt to address the overlapping crises of homelessness, substance use disorder and an ongoing HIV outbreak.

Bobby Charles defended his aggressive plans to cut spending at a Republican debate. The gubernatorial candidate fired off a litany of targets for the $4 billion he wants to cut from the state’s roughly $7 billion budget. On Wednesday evening, Democratic candidates for the 2nd District tackled issues important to Indigenous tribes in Maine during a forum in Presque Isle.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

• Susan Collins tells Kash Patel Maine needs more help fighting illegal grow houses
• Nirav Shah criticizes JD Vance’s visit to Bangor
• Read a full archive of Graham Platner’s deleted Reddit comments
• Why Amazon is so interested in Maine
• Fairmount reorganization plan tabled after community outcry
• 2 arrested after Hermon home invasion
• 2 arrested after search in Brewer
• Construction is starting on the bridge connecting Milford and Old Town
• Millinocket fire chief placed on administrative leave
• This Aroostook County ‘inn’ is bursting with birds
• Limestone man critically injured after crashing into garbage truck
• Former MDI high schooler sues principal for not intervening during alleged 2024 assault
• Details emerge about concerns delaying Bucksport rail line lease
• Demolition of downtown Belfast building postponed until fall
• Waldo County Tech Center applies to combine with high schools and offer college degrees
• Walmart proposes expansion of midcoast superstore
• Federal investigator arriving on scene of fatal Maine game warden plane crash
• Maine swimming star killed in North Carolina crash
• Maine firefighters used 400K gallons of water to douse recycling blaze
• Former Nokomis softball standout has been Husson’s catalyst entering regional
• Maine state tennis championships will move inside due to weather

MAINE IN PICTURES

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“I believe Garrett Mason is the only tested and vetted conservative in this race with a proven record of delivering results.”

Opinion: I served with Garrett Mason in the Maine Senate. I’m endorsing him for governor.

LIFE IN MAINE

The former Husson president’s house is on the market for $580,000.

Hummingbirds are returning to Maine. See where they are now.

A cow moose and calf showed up at a North Maine Woods checkpoint.