Warden shortage / Free-speech concerns / Down East blunders

Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be in the low 60s, with scattered showers from north to south. See what the weather for the rest of the day will be here.

Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

Vermont utility wants to end power outages by offering batteries. Could it work in Maine?

One challenge is that, unlike in Vermont, Maine utilities are not allowed to generate electricity, potentially even through batteries.

The big ideas from Maine lawmakers to ease the housing crisis

Housing was among the major topics addressed on the list of nearly 300 bill titles proposed for next year’s legislative session.

6 controversial times people used the term ‘Down East’

As proud Mainers, it can rankle us just a bit when people take the term Down East and apply it to things that not only aren’t in Washington or Hancock counties — they aren’t even in Maine.

Nuisance animals and boating lawbreakers bring out these specialists

With wardens retiring and the law enforcement pool shrinking, the Maine Warden Service has special agents for these cases.

Bangor hotel prices skyrocket for UMaine homecoming weekend

Despite inflated prices for accommodations, UMaine’s registrations for homecoming events are up 20 percent from last year.

Maine politicians denounce Portland rally against ‘Israeli apartheid’

Similar protests led by the same groups in other states have drawn heavy criticism this week.

Here’s when Cooper and Ace Flagg will be playing basketball in Maine

The Montverde Academy boys basketball team will play two games in Portland on Jan. 5-6.

The Maine law contributing to free-speech concerns in school districts

Last year, the Hampden-area school district paid a settlement to conservative activist Shawn McBreairty after trying to ban him from meetings.

In other Maine news…

Aroostook dog dresses up to save cats  

Affidavit suggests alarms were raised to DHHS before Edgecomb toddler’s 2022 murder

Houlton day care opens with 100 on waiting list 

Motorist drives through waiting room of Bangor dentist

What UMaine men’s hockey learned from its exhibition win over UNH

What it means when you see purple paint on a tree

Portland educator named Maine’s 2024 Teacher of the Year

Lincolnville native’s heroics for UMaine women’s soccer keep unbeaten streak alive

Ellsworth council opts not to rebuke member who leaked a private complaint

John Bapst boys’ soccer downs Bangor as playoffs loom

Meet the 8 candidates running for a spot on Bangor City Council

Mysterious purple deer in Cape Elizabeth euthanized

Peak foliage comes to Maine

Bangor girls soccer remains unbeaten with win over intown rival John Bapst

What do you do when the butcher gives you the wrong moose?

Groups are working to protect trees — and traditions — from the emerald ash borer

Brewer city administrator picked as Bar Harbor’s next town manager