1. A gunman linked to the deadly shooting at Brown was found dead inside a Salem, New Hampshire storage unit with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities identified the suspect as a former Brown student, who investigators say used a rental car and swapped license plates from Maine and Florida to avoid detection. (WMTW)

2. Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage received Donald Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement” for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race. Trump called LePage, who once described himself as “Donald Trump Before Donald Trump,” a “tremendous Congressman” and praised him as a proven America First fighter. Incumbent Democrat Jared Golden is not seeking reelection. (PH)

3. Trump announced plans for the first-ever ‘Patriot Games’ next year, part of the country’s 250th birthday celebration. The four-day event would feature one male and one female high school athlete from every state and territory. He added there will be ‘no men playing in women’s sports.’ (Hill)

4. Heavy rain and strong winds are forcing several Maine ski areas to close today. Saddleback, Pleasant Mountain, Lost Valley and Mt. Abram will be shut down, while Sunday River still plans to open. Most resorts expect to reopen Saturday once the storm passes. (WMTW)

Midcoast schools will dismiss early today as high winds move into Maine. Gusts could reach 60 miles per hour, making it unsafe for school buses. Affected communities include Rockland, Camden, Rockport, and Lincolnville. (PH)

5. The Powerball jackpot has soared to a colossal $1.5 billion, the fifth-largest in the game’s history, after no ticket matched Wednesday night’s numbers. Tomorrow’s drawing marks the 45th of this jackpot run, breaking the record for most drawings in a single cycle. The cash value is estimated at $686.5 million.

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.