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Federal review threatens Maine university’s funding for PFAS and biofuel research

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Federal review threatens Maine university’s funding for PFAS and biofuel research


A U.S. Department of Agriculture investigation into its funding for the University of Maine could disrupt research on biofuels, agriculture, and PFAS contamination, following a political dispute between President Donald Trump and Governor Janet Mills.

Leah Douglas reports for Reuters.


In short:

  • The USDA launched the review after Trump clashed with Maine’s governor over a federal order on transgender athletes, threatening to cut funding to noncompliant institutions.
  • The University of Maine receives more than $100 million in USDA funding, supporting research on animal health, renewable energy, and agriculture, including Maine’s key crops like blueberries and potatoes.
  • A $17 million USDA grant also funds research on PFAS contamination in farms, an issue Maine has been at the forefront of studying.

Key quote:

“People have always assumed USDA funding would be the kind of thing that no administration would ever touch, because who wants to make the farmers in your state or in your country angry?”

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— U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)

Why this matters:

The potential loss of USDA funding threatens research into PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which have contaminated farmland and water supplies nationwide. PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. The University of Maine’s research plays a critical role in understanding the chemicals’ effects and how to mitigate their spread. Additionally, cuts to biofuel and agricultural research could have lasting consequences for farmers and efforts to develop more sustainable energy sources.

Read more: Farmers take legal action over removal of climate data from USDA websites



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Shop practical stocking stuffers at Tom’s of Maine for 30% off

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Shop practical stocking stuffers at Tom’s of Maine for 30% off


Some gifts get used once, while others get used every single day. If you’re looking for practical stocking stuffers or just want to stock up on essentials before the holiday rush, Tom’s of Maine’s Cyber Monday sale is offering 30% off toothpaste, soap, deodorant and more.

Whether you’re filling stockings, prepping guest bathrooms or grabbing backups for the new year, the Tom’s of Maine Cyber Monday sale is a great time to save on products everyone in the house actually uses. Plus, Tom’s of Maine products are eco-friendly with clean ingredients for guilt-free gifting!

Shop Tom’s of Maine for stocking stuffers this holiday season

Why shop Tom’s of Maine?

For over 50 years, Tom’s of Maine has blended scientific know-how with naturally sourced ingredients to create products that are effective, safe and planet-friendly. Their formulas are free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives—making the brand a top choice for families, eco-conscious shoppers and anyone looking to simplify their routine with clean ingredients.

Tom’s of Maine doesn’t just make great products, they are totally committed to sustainability, recyclable packaging and community giving. Every purchase supports their mission to create a healthier future for people and the planet.

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Shop Tom’s of Maine

When does Cyber Monday 2025 end?

Cyber Monday always takes place on the first Monday after Thanksgiving; this year, the shopping event was today, Monday, December 1, with massive holiday deals from top retailers.

How can I find the best deals?

Use price comparison tools, browser extensions, and follow USA TODAY Shopping for curated deal roundups.

USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!





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Maine braces for first major snowfall of season Tuesday

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Maine braces for first major snowfall of season Tuesday


Snow swirls a person spreading salt over slick surfaces along Main Street in Waterville on March 24. Maine is preparing for its first significant snowfall of the season to arrive Tuesday, with at least 3-5 inches forecast on the coast and 8 inches or more in inland areas. (Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel)

The first significant snowstorm of the season is expected to move into Maine on Tuesday morning, with forecasters warning Monday that driving conditions could be dangerous.

The storm is expected drop at least 3 to 5 inches of snow along Maine’s coast, but inland areas could get 8 inches or more by late Tuesday night. During the afternoon, snow could fall at a rate of an inch an hour.

“The evening commute (Tuesday) could be potentially dangerous,” said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Gray.

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Snowfall rates will intensify through Tuesday afternoon, approaching an inch per hour during the evening commute, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service has issued a winter storm watch for Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties, as well as the southern portions of Oxford, Franklin and Somerset counties.

The winter storm watch warns that falling and blowing snow may drop visibility below a quarter-mile, creating dangerous driving conditions.

When snow falls at a rate of an inch an hour, it can be very difficult to see the road, especially if plows are struggling to keep up, Palmer said.

The storm will bring snow that’s good for winter sports activities in the mountains, Palmer said. The snow will be wettest and heaviest along the immediate coast.

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The snow will wrap up overnight Tuesday as the coastal low moves offshore, Palmer said.

“Things will clear out pretty quickly, and we’ll wake up to mostly clear or partly cloudy skies Wednesday morning,” he said.

This story will be updated.



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Maine man leads police on high-speed chase, allegedly rams police cruiser

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Maine man leads police on high-speed chase, allegedly rams police cruiser


Crime

He was charged with operating under the influence, eluding an officer, reckless conduct, and criminal speed.

A Maine man led police on a high-speed chase early Sunday morning that crossed state lines after he allegedly crashed into a New Hampshire State Police cruiser, authorities said.

Matthew Olsen, 44, of Harrison, was arrested on I-95 after driving over a curb at the Kennebunk Rest Area. He was charged with operating under the influence, eluding an officer, reckless conduct, and criminal speed, according to Maine State Police.

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Just after midnight, New Hampshire State Police reported the high-speed pursuit to Maine State Police. After Olsen failed to stop for a local police department, New Hampshire troopers attempted to stop Olsen’s Dodge Ram pick-up truck, allegedly for speeding “and erratic driving,” officials said.

During the chase, Olsen allegedly rammed one of the New Hampshire State Police’s cruisers, Maine State Police said in a release.

Olsen crossed state lines into Maine on the Turnpike, where Maine troopers began their pursuit, authorities said. The chase continued north until Olsen damaged his tires at the Kennebunk Rest Area.

Troopers “successfully disabled Olsen’s truck using the Precision Immobilization Technique” on I-95, Maine State Police said. The PIT maneuver, used by law enforcement officials, stops fleeing vehicle by abruptly spinning it 180 degrees, causing the car to stall and stop.

Olsen was transported to a local hospital as a precaution before taken to York County Jail, Maine State Police said.

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Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.





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