Governor Paul LePage has reopened the Downeast Correctional Facility, in compliance with a court order, by adding a minimal number of staffers and inmates. The move comes after a judge ruled last week that the governor doesn’t have the authority to close a facility without legislative approval, as he did with the Machiasport facility in February. The governor says he will operate the prison at minimum capacity until funding expires in June.

Accused murderer Sharon Carrillo will undergo a mental evaluation, requested by prosecutors, after her attorney has made several statements claiming that his client was under the total control of her husband. She and Julio Carrillo are accused of beating to death her 10-year-old daughter.

Residents may notice something different about the squirrels around their homes this year, including lesions and burns on their skin, and an overall sense of lethargy. Wildlife officials told TV-5 it’s called Squirrel Pox and, while it looks scary doesn’t pose a threat to humans. Find more information on the Facebook page for Maine Wildlife Management.

Hundreds of new University of Maine students could soon be going to school for free, thanks to financial aid awards from the Promise Initiative, which would completely cover the cost of tuition and standard fees for first-year students. The program launched last year and would benefit the students with the greatest financial need. Find more information at uma.edu.

Performers are needed for a fundraising talent show this weekend at the Grand in Ellsworth, to benefit the Bangor Walk to Defeat ALS. The event is open to the public from 7 to 9 Saturday evening.  Find more information on the Facebook page for Perform Your ALS off.

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