1. The USDA is freezing funding for certain Maine school programs after finding that the state violated Title IX. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins informed Gov. Janet Mills of the pause and an ongoing funding review. The freeze affects some administrative and tech functions but does not impact federal food programs. (WMTW)
2. Sen. Susan Collins supports a Democratic resolution to nullify Trump’s fentanyl emergency, which he is using to impose tariffs on Canada. Citing Maine’s strong trade ties with Canada, Collins backed the measure, which passed the Senate 51-48 and now moves to the House. (WMTW)
3. A 16-year-old Maine student has been charged with terrorizing after a handwritten bomb threat was found. Mount View middle and high schools in Thorndike were evacuated Tuesday, and a second threat was discovered Wednesday, linked to the first. The teen was arrested and charged but will be released to their parent. (WGME)
4. Biddeford’s The Garden Bar, known for its design-your-own salads and bowls, is opening a second location in South Portland this spring, taking over the former Café Louis space. Owner Lanai Monahan said. “I think Portland needs more fast-casual, affordable food for everyday meals.” (PH)
5. Nintendo has announced the Switch 2 is launching June 5. It features upgraded controllers, built-in chat, and 256GB of storage—four times more than the Switch OLED. Pricing starts at $450 or $500 with Mario Kart World bundled. (Engadget)
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
