The prom night excitement couldn’t be dampened by the cold and rainy weather on May 17, when Mt. Blue High School students lined up outside the doors of the Farmington school waiting to be let in. Once the doors opened, 321 students walked down a long hallway into the “Old Hollywood”-themed night. At a time where many schools pay to host their proms at off-site locations, Mt. Blue reversed course and began hosting it at the school again in 2019. The school leaned into the classic prom elements: a gym decorated with balloons, streamers covering the doors and students running down the hallway to the dance floor when they hear a song they love.
Maine
Local and state news from the Sun Journal.
A year of protest | Year in Photos
2025 was a year of discontent for many throughout Maine. Numerous protests and rallies were held throughout the state over the course of the year, with many drawing very large crowds. Some were dubbed “No Kings” protests and were part of other national demonstrations opposing many of the policies of the Trump administration, citing the president’s abuse of power and attempts to erode democracy. Protesters’ concerns included the administration’s crackdown on immigration, federal worker layoffs by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, efforts to restrict press freedom and the rollback of environmental laws. At some of the protests, groups of counter protesters gathered to show support for President Donald Trump and his policies.
Here’s what you need to prevent disaster while traveling Maine’s winter roads
State agencies urge drivers in rural areas to prepare their vehicles and driving habits for Maine’s winter conditions, from snow and ice to moose crossings.
Toy Fund brings holiday joy to over 4,000 Maine kids thanks to donors, volunteers
A surge in demand this year prompted an extra order of toys and added shifts for volunteers, but every family who asked for help has gotten it, thanks to nearly $200,000 in donations.
Maine fairs and festivals | Year in Photos
A collection of images from the Maine Trust for Local News photographers from agricultural fairs and community festivals throughout the state in 2025.
Revisiting Hyde: Former students say abuse allegations reopened painful memories
After a federal lawsuit was filed this summer, some who went to the school in the ’70s and ’80s say they’re still haunted by their experiences at the Bath boarding school.
For these Maine churches, the story of Christmas and immigrants’ reality tell a similar tale
As congregations count down the days of Advent, the story of Christ’s birth and Joseph and Mary’s flight to another country for safety has prompted church leaders to draw some parallels this year.
Maine braces for pre-Christmas snow and the parking bans and travel delays that come with it
Meteorologists say the state is expected to see up to a foot of snow in some areas between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
How the Maine Turnpike Authority manages snowy days and slick conditions
From a little room in the back of the Maine Turnpike Authority’s central office, a handful of dispatchers and supervisors manage traffic along the road’s entire 109-mile stretch.
Maine suspends payments to Portland health care provider accused of fraud
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is also seeking financial information about Gateway Community Services as part of its investigation into suspected fraud in Minnesota.