Advocates for making Maine friendlier for cyclists and walkers are expressing concerns about federal funding cuts to programs that communities use often to pay for bike lanes, crosswalks and road safety programs aimed at schoolchildren.

The $56,876 groups spent on events for state lawmakers during the recent legislative session may not seem like much money when compared to the $7.5 million organizations paid lobbyists to influence policymaking.

PORTLAND — Selma Botman, embattled president of the University of Southern Maine for four years, is stepping aside as head of the state’s second-largest university to take on a new role encouraging international students to enroll in Maine’s public colleges and universities.

AUGUSTA — The losing bidder in a developing natural gas war in central Maine filed a formal appeal Thursday asking the state to reconsider its decision to give the contract to another company.

Thunderstorms kept fireworks-related problems to a minimum on the Fourth of July, police and fire officials said Thursday. Only scattered injuries were reported during the first holiday in 63 years with fireworks legal for consumers in Maine.

AUGUSTA — A number of people were sentenced this week in separate cases heard in Kennebec County Superior Court:

CORNVILLE — The application for a proposed Cornville charter school, rejected earlier this week by the state commission that authorizes them, will get a second chance.

WINSLOW — The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating three consecutive days of small fires involving homemade fire bombs.