Congressional gridlock / Maine newspaper empire sale / Aroostook specialty toy store

Today is Wednesday. Temperatures will be in the mid- to low 70s from north to south, with mostly sunny skies across the state. See what the weather for the rest of the day will be here.

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

House Republicans could block the $600M coming to Maine in budget bills

Twelve appropriations bills would fund projects in all 16 Maine counties, but congressional gridlock could prevent the money from materializing.

National nonprofit completes deal to buy Maine newspaper empire

Owner Reade Brower announced four months ago he wanted to sell the Portland Press Herald and most of his other newspapers.

Rising spending in Maine show that economic slowdown may have been averted

Maine sales tax data confirms the national trend that consumers are spending money.

Penobscot County doubles pay for jail employees working overtime

Penobscot County has approved offering double pay, rather than time and a half, for jail employees who fill 15 overtime shifts.

Mama D Thai restaurant in downtown Bangor will soon be under new ownership

Wirawan Vivul, who for the past 12 years has operated Mama D at 128 Main St., announced that she will be retiring at the end of the month.

Readers sound off on Bangor’s ‘piercing’ siren problem

One woman’s plight struck a chord with readers, who shared their thoughts on the noise caused by Bangor’s emergency sirens.

Former teacher opens only educational and sensory specialty toy store in Aroostook

Jackie Cyr has opened the only store in The County that offers sensory toys that are helpful for people with developmental disabilities.

A Boston Globe reporter returned to his youth in Eastport for debut novel

“Just East of Nowhere” is Boston Globe writer Scot Lehigh’s debut novel that came out this year, published by Island Press.

Brunswick airport needs to prove international travelers will visit

President Joe Biden flew into the Brunswick airport last week before traveling to Auburn to promote manufacturing jobs.

This Bangor coach is making a rare move in the high school sports world

Jay Kemble led the Rams to an 8-6 regular season record in field hockey last fall, the best record since 2009-10 season. The expectations will be much higher for the girls soccer team.

5 rule changes that would make soccer more exciting

The U.S. squeaked through as the second place team in its group behind The Netherlands as it scored a dismal four goals in its three games.

Maine’s beach and trailside stones should be left alone

“As hundreds of people pass one another on trails through Acadia National Park, here, our Down East trails generally get few visitors — but that is starting to change.”