1. We already knew former Maine gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler had been arrested, and now we know how and why. Court records show he was approached by a state police officer at the DoubleTree in South Portland. Cutler was holding a brown paper bag and a stack of DVD cases. After the officer identified himself, Cutler allegedly hid the items behind his back. The report states, “Mr. Cutler began to loudly cry and say he can’t help himself and that he has had this problem for 65 years.” Officers searched his room and found 10 tapes, and a receipt and packaging for a DVD player that was plugged into the hotel TV, violating his bail conditions and leading to his arrest. (WMTW)
2. Nineteen students at Oxford Hills High School have been suspended after confronting a classmate over what they believed was bullying involving a student with autism. School leaders say the group created a disruptive and threatening environment over what turned out to be a rumor. Some parents argue the students were standing up for a peer and only used their words, sparking backlash against the administration’s decision. (WGME)
3. A group of Waterville parents is urging the district to rename George J. Mitchell Elementary after the former senator’s name appeared in the Epstein files. One parent says even without criminal charges, the association is troubling. Mitchell has denied any knowledge of wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime. (WMTW)
4. Women’s apparel retailer Francesca’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in six years. The company will shutter its entire fleet of approximately 400 stores. Liquidations have already begun, with discounts ranging from 25% to 40%. (RD)
5. TikTok announced the launch of “Local Feeds,” a feature that uses GPS location data to create a feed of localized content. The new feature is the first introduced for U.S. users since TikTok came under new ownership last month. Local Feeds for U.S. users will include content related to travel, events, restaurants, shopping, small businesses, and local creators. The feature is opt-in and not available to users under 18; precise location tracking is active only when the app is in use. Users who enable Local Feeds will see it as a tab on their home screen in the app. (Verge)
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