By Cameron Levasseur, The County Staff Portland’s three public high schools.

By Benjamin Kail, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine lawmakers on April 29 failed to override Gov.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High SchoolOVERALL WINNER — Rowan Browne was the overall winner for Dexter Regional High School of the “Manie Musicale 2026” competition in the French classes.

By Christopher Burns and Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff Gov.

DEXTER — Adalea Gudroe, a student at Dexter Regional High School, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Keller BLOOM Program at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, a globally recognized independent research institute dedicated to advancing ocean science and education.

BIDDEFORD — Cally Gudroe of Garland, a sophomore at the University of New England, was recognized at the University of New England’s 2026 University Awards ceremony, held April 21 at the Harold Alfond Forum.

DEXTER – Chloe Elizabeth Murdock of Dexter, a senior at Dexter Regional High School, has been selected to receive the 2026 Principal’s Award, Principal Stephen Bell announced.

DEXTER — Dexter Regional High School Principal Stephen Bell is honored to announce the valedictorian for the Class of 2026, Chloe Murdock and Salutatorian Casey Swenson.

HALLOWELL – As warmer weather brings a surge in outdoor projects across the state, the Maine Public Utilities Commission is reminding homeowners, contractors and anyone planning to use a mechanical device to dig that they are required by law to call 811, Maine’s “Call Before You Dig” number, at least three business days before beginning any excavation.

By Benjamin Kail, Bangor Daily News Staff Secretary of State Shenna Bellows argued that a referendum aiming to ban transgender girls from girls’ school sports has enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, but the margin is tight with more challenges pending.

DEXTER — The Piscataquis Area Community Center and the Dexter Development Association are excited to offer two free youth programs at Dexter Beach this summer, providing children with opportunities to stay active, build confidence in the water and enjoy the outdoors.

DEXTER — The field lighting project at Dexter Regional High School has reached $150,000, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Adam Gudroe announced in an April 17 post on the Dexter Maine Facebook page.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff AUGUSTA — New restrictions on high-priced moose hunts are moving forward despite a bitter clash between guides and an unexpected fight in the Maine Legislature.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine counties will get more money for jails in 2027 after years of asking the state to increase funding.

By CBS 13 The debate over transgender student athletes in school sports is once again in the spotlight in Augusta, and soon, it will be up to Maine voters to decide.

By Ethan Andrews, Bangor Daily News Staff Along with $300 relief checks, a millionaire tax and free community college gaining permanent status, the state budget signed by Gov.

PORTLAND — Pets are family, and they need emergency plans too.

BANGOR —  Bangor Savings Bank has appointed Liz Kohler and John Stebbins to its board of directors, strengthening the Bank’s governance and adding expertise in cross‑sector leadership, workforce development and regional economic growth.