Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“If we were to experience what at this point is estimated to be even more than the 60 percent reduction that we were facing a year ago, it’s completely unsustainable.”

— Francine Garland Stark, executive director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, on threats to federal funding for groups in Maine that help victims of domestic, sexual and elder abuse.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Funding for victim assistance is uncertain as four women were killed in Maine. Federal lawsuits over who should get money from the Crime Victims Fund are preventing millions of dollars from flowing freely to states such as Maine.

Tell us: How have Maine’s domestic, sexual and elder abuse support groups helped you?

Here’s how ranked-choice voting in Maine could decide a tight presidential race. A close election could invite additional scrutiny of the uncommon system that only Maine and Alaska use in presidential elections.

Four candidates are running for three seats on Bangor City Council. The field includes incumbent Susan Hawes and newcomers Wayne Mallar, Michael Beck and Joschka Winterling.

Lewiston shooting victims plan to sue the military over missed warning signs. Robert Card’s fellow reservists and family had warned the Army Reserve for months about his paranoia, threats to “shoot up” places and access to guns before the shooting.

This rural riverside retreat for sale is a Maine outdoors paradise. Dozens of prospective buyers inquired about it in the two months it was listed, and the listing agent expects it to go under contract this week.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Fall foliage is seen through snowfall at Sugarloaf Mountain on Monday. A light layer of snow fell in Maine’s highest regions, as a cold and wet weather system swept across the state. Credit: Courtesy of Erica Jenson, Sugarloaf content coordinator

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Voters file through the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor to cast their ballots on Nov. 8, 2022. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

“This referendum effort is somewhat different. It doesn’t just raise the possibility of a lawsuit — it invites one openly.”

Editorial: Vote yes on Question 1, but know that you’re voting for a legal battle

LIFE IN MAINE

Mainers making livestock swaps should use caution, the state says. Maine’s animal health department recommends having biosecurity plans, looking for signs of disease and using animal ID numbers.

Don’t miss this Maine hidden gem on your leaf-peeping adventures. “And, trust me on this,” BDN Outdoors contributor V. Paul Reynolds writes. “I have been around some when it comes to the Maine wilderness.”

Here’s how to prepare a raised garden bed for winter. It’s essential to plan ahead, even when spring is months away.

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