Morning update: What you need to know in Maine today

“I feel like my son died from gun violence. Even though it was self-inflicted, it still counts, right?”
— Steve Cartwright, whose son Joel took his own life in 2008 with a gun he bought the same day. 
A year after the Lewiston mass shooting, Maine is still struggling to define its relationship with guns. Some of the victims and their family members have become gun control advocates, while others have bought guns and taken self-defense classes after having little interest in them before. But they all fear Maine, once considered immune from mass shootings, will see more violence.
We talked to Northern Light Health’s finance chief about the health care system’s $100 million deficit. The challenges facing James Rohrbaugh are notable. Northern Light, which another credit agency is eyeing for a potential downgrade, is one of the state’s biggest health care systems and one of its largest private employers.
Maine could crack down on illegal political “straw donors.” Today the maximum penalty for secretly funneling money through an intermediary is $5,000. The Maine Ethics Commission thinks it should be much more.
This is how to apply for Maine’s new eviction prevention program. In contrast to earlier programs, income-qualified applicants will get monthly rent subsidies for up to a year beyond back rent.
There’s a whole slew of Halloween-themed events in the Bangor region this weekend, including the Maine Witch Walk and Goblin Market on the Bangor Waterfront from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, the Downtown Bangor Trick or Treat at businesses all throughout downtown from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, and another weekend of the Maniac Manor Haunted House at the Bangor Mall. There’s also the annual Kenduskeag Haunted House, a community-sponsored event at the Kenduskeag Ballfield from 7 p.m. to midnight on both Friday and Saturday. If Halloween’s not your thing, there’s the return of the Dueling Pianos show at 8 p.m. Friday at Hollywood Casino, and jazz singer Michael Feinstein performs at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono, also at 8 p.m. Friday.
“He has the needed experience to navigate a divided House of Representatives, securing wins for his district while advancing critical national issues.”
Editorial: Jared Golden has the right bipartisan credentials for Maine’s 2nd District
Maine snowbirds may want this new Florida bird identification book. “Much has changed In just 15 years. Boreal chickadees could be found along the Maine coast as far south as Vinalhaven,” Bob Duchesne writes.
Here are five Maine hikes to enjoy the fall foliage. Consider taking a walk and enjoying this fleeting and colorful time of year.
Maine hunters go to extreme lengths to stop people from stealing their trail cameras. Stolen trail camera equipment means a loss of time, money and, of course, the images.