Wednesday, April 3, 2024

“A veteran should never have to give away part of the benefit they earned.”

— Maine Sen. Brad Farrin, R-Norridgewock, on his bill targeting “claim sharks,” who charge veterans excessive fees to help them access benefits.

Today’s Top Maine Stories

Maine lawmakers are pushing to divert youth away from Long Creek youth prison. A new bill would give an alternative to court and address the underlying reasons kids are getting in trouble.

A house on its own island, a rural estate on 300 acres or a ski chalet could be yours for the price of a typical Portland home.

Bangor’s school budget is up by $3.9 million. Residents won’t know how that affects the property tax rate until the city and county finalize their respective budgets.

The historic 1886 Ellsworth jail is finally getting a facelift. For years, signs have been posted nearby warning that plummeting masonry could hit parked cars.

Maine in Pictures

More News From Around the State

• Maine prisoners go on hunger strike to protest conditions they say are solitary confinement

• Janet Mills issues scathing letter pulling nominees opposed by tribes

• Maine House votes narrowly to pass paramilitary training ban

• Woman arrested in fatal Highland Avenue shooting in Bangor

• Tractor-trailer strikes train in Masardis causing derailment

• Predicted sun on Monday has Houlton bracing for surge of eclipse visitors

• Madawaska Public Works director resigns as town government turmoil continues

• Federal funds will boost auditorium renovation at Presque Isle campus

• Penobscot Valley Hospital CEO is stepping down

• Groups partner to restore salmon and trout in Piscataquis County river

• Midcoast lobster house for sale after January storm damage

• Man who died in St. George fire has been identified

• Rockland loses more than $18K to hacker

• Man wanted for allegedly killing his brother in Massachusetts arrested in Maine

• Lewiston City Council calls for ceasefire in Gaza

• Neighbor holds burglary suspect at gunpoint until Maine police arrive

• UMaine goalie Ostman signs with NHL’s Seattle Kraken

• UMaine football coach feels good about staff as spring workouts heat up

From the Opinion Pages

Life in Maine

It’s almost guaranteed that your car will get stuck in the snow today (or whenever you finally try to dig out). Taking a few preventative measures can save you the hassle in the first place. (Don’t forget to check the latest closings, cancellations and delays.)

Four nominees for the prestigious James Beard Awards are from Maine. And all of those are in Portland.

You can’t be lucky every time you go out for a hunt. That’s a lesson life-long outdoorsman Chris Sargent has learned to take in stride.  

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