Bangor gift shop sale / Rebuilding sand dunes / Lewiston victims’ families testify

Bangor gift shop sale / Rebuilding sand dunes / Lewiston victims’ families testify

Today is Friday. Temperatures will be in the 30s, with cloudy skies across the state and a chance for isolated snow showers to the north. See what the weather for the rest of the day will be here.

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

‘No one is above the law’: Oxford County officials explain why they want sheriff out

Sheriff Christopher Wainwright is accused of improperly selling guns from evidence.

Family of Lewiston victims testify to horror and poor communication after the rampage

Some family members told the commission they waited several days to learn that their loved ones died in the Lewiston mass shooting.

How much money Jared Golden and his Republican foes have raised so far

Democrat Jared Golden is facing challenges from first-term state Reps. Austin Theriault of Presque Isle and Mike Soboleski of Phillips.

Owners of popular Bangor gift shop for sale say ‘it’s been a good ride’

Rick and Rebecca Vigue hope the next owner of Rebecca’s will carry on its legacy as a cornerstone in downtown Bangor.

UMaine researchers try to find remains of the live bears that played Bananas

Researchers undertook an archaeological dig to find the remains of the building where fraternity brothers would keep the bears that played Bananas — and the remains of some of the bears themselves.

Aroostook’s newest provider wants to relieve child care shortage

The County has been called a child-care desert, with 2,600 children needing service and fewer than 600 available slots.

Maine makes it easier to rebuild sand dunes flattened by January storms

The new rule passed on Thursday will bypass the full permitting process for rebuilding dunes with biodegradable materials.

Freshman defenseman gives UMaine men’s hockey size and solid play

Liam Lesakowski has helped the Black Bears become the eighth stingiest team among 64 Division I teams in the country.

How to get your taxes done for free in Maine

Many Mainers may qualify for free tax filing services through a little-known IRS program you can access online.

Groundhog Day for me in the bird world is now

“About this time of year, I know I will be asked certain questions, over and over,” Bob Duchesne writes, then answers those questions again.

Why do Maine deer hunters hate coyotes?

There are few things that frustrate Maine deer hunters more than the eastern coyote, but the furbearer is here to stay.

How to enjoy snowy trails, frozen lakes in Acadia National Park

A lot of people think Acadia National Park is closed during the winter. It’s not.

In other Maine news …

Janet Mills and Maine’s attorney general urge Supreme Court to reverse medication abortion ruling

Fort Fairfield man pleads not guilty in infant son’s death

Caribou woman charged with murder changes plea to insanity defense

Portland man sentenced to 48 years for murder in Acadia

Ellsworth man arrested for alleged drug trafficking for 2nd time in a week

Double life sentence for Peru man confirmed by Maine’s highest court

2,500 marijuana plants seized from Turner home

Maine man pleads guilty to trafficking more than 30 pounds of meth

Man pleads not guilty in death of Lewiston man

Fryeburg man seriously injured when his snowmobile rolled over in NH

Man armed with machete accused of assaulting people in Portland

UMaine women’s basketball beats UMass Lowell but loses top scorer to ankle injury

UMaine men’s basketball loses to No. 2 UMass-Lowell on the road