Today is Wednesday. Temperatures will be in the low to high 30s from north to south, with a chance for scattered snow flurries in the north and sunny skies throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Twelve more Mainers have died and another 1,391 coronavirus cases were reported since the weekend, according to the Maine Center of Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands at 1,816. Check out our tracker for more information.
On Monday night, Portland city councilors voted 7-2 to repeal the indoor mask mandate, which will end on Feb. 17.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been approved by the U.S. government to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Janet Mills’ office announced Tuesday.
Despite the pandemic, V-Day 2022 will actually be something close to normal, with restaurant reservations full and flower shops overflowing with orders.
Renewable energy company plans to test its technology at Millinocket mill site
Ocean Renewable Power Co. is also considering the old mill site as a future production facility and showroom space.
Maine tribal sovereignty backers see ‘now-or-never’ moment ahead of elections
It’s one of the most complex issues facing lawmakers and would give tribes more authority over taxation, natural resources, criminal justice and gaming.
One of Maine’s last Holocaust survivors says people need to learn about genocide so it isn’t repeated
Charles Rotmil was made a refugee by Nazi persecution of Jews and survived the war by living with Christian families in Belgium.
Large Maine aquaculture projects would get a lot more expensive if bill passes
Rep. Jay McCreight wants to increase the cost of state application fees by 125 percent for large aquaculture projects, a move that opponents fear would stifle the growing industry.
Ferry service from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia to resume this spring
If the ferry service resumes this summer, it will be the first time a passenger ferry has motored between Bar Harbor and Canada since 2009.
Tech institute plans Maine’s tallest building at Portland bean factory site
If approved by the city of Portland, that building would be about 21 stories, topping Franklin Towers in Portland, the current highest building in the state at 17 stories.
Angus King says Vladimir Putin ‘wants to reconstitute the Soviet Union’
“If Putin is allowed to go into Ukraine without serious opposition, what about Estonia, Latvia, Poland, the other countries that are on his border?” he said.
PLUS: Susan Collins and Angus King warn Russia is trying to provoke conflict in Ukraine
UMaine women’s basketball faces Albany in battle of America East title contenders
UMaine and Albany are now the frontrunners to earn the top seed for the America East tournament and the advantage of hosting playoff games
UMaine will host the 2022 America East baseball tournament
It will be the first time since 2018 when UMaine has hosted the double-elimination America East Tournament.
In other Maine news …
Lewiston man was not an employee of market where his arm was severed last month
Maine’s iconic Moxie Festival will return this summer after pandemic hiatus
Maine’s beloved Moxie is in short supply
Eastbrook woman pleads to reduced charge in crash that killed friend
Former Mt. Ararat resource officer to spend 7 days in jail for sexual abuse of student
Portland becomes 2nd Maine city to ban flavored tobacco products
Acadia’s vehicle reservation system will stay after 2021’s record visitation
Productive Down East scalloping grounds might close for year
Fishermen sue to end industry-funded monitoring program
Edward Little survives Bangor’s 21 unanswered 3rd-quarter points to earn 15th victory