Good morning. The air will be cooler than it was yesterday, with temperatures ranging between the 20s and 30s throughout the state.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
Brewer High teachers say they want a full retreat from ‘proficiency-based’ diplomas
–Teachers at Brewer High School are frustrated with proficiency-based education, and they want their school to return to conventional course credits and grades. Now that they have that option under state law, they’re concerned Brewer schools haven’t fully abandoned the six-year statewide push toward proficiency-based diplomas.
An economic development organization plans to pay workers’ wages at some businesses
–An economic development organization based in Bangor is looking for about 50 young workers. It will pay their wages for a few weeks as they start work at a handful of businesses in eastern Maine. It might result in permanent hires at the participating businesses.
The feds have kicked in $3.5 million to spur research companies to help Mainers get healthier
–A consortium of entrepreneurs, scientists and investors can tap $3.5 million in federal funds over the next three years to try to improve the health of people in Maine and other parts of the Northeast. The Driven Biomedical Technology Accelerator Hub, which is just starting up in Maine, will provide investment, education, mentoring and other resources to move life sciences discoveries from the lab to the market by creating new biomedical companies.
Fort Kent driver will race at Daytona after landing a new ride
–Austin Theriault spent 2018 looking for a new ride that would be the right fit. He never found what he was looking for. But the former ARCA series champion will be back behind the wheel on a part-time basis this year as part of a deal with Ricky Benton Racing Enterprises.
You might not have to dress like a pink flamingo to win Maine’s biggest toboggan race. But it can’t hurt.
–The Funkadelic Flamingo Flyers are one of almost 400 toboggan teams lined up to participate in this weekend’s U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden. Their secret weapon? Flock power. “The idea of flock power is what is bringing us together around this common goal of screaming down this chute at 40 miles per hour and spitballing across a frozen pond. But we’re doing it with flair and we’re doing it with style,” team member Maille Buker said. “The thing about the flamingo is that you can never underestimate them.”
Calais girls basketball team undefeated playing for new head coach
–The Blue Devils boast a 16-0 record heading into their final two games of the regular season. Coach Bill McVicar hopes his team’s schedule has prepared it well enough to challenge for the Class C North title.
Do this: Make gooey slime using 4 ingredients you probably already have at home
–If you have kids of just about any age, there’s a good chance you’ve made slime. Here’s a simple recipe that uses ingredients you probably already have around your house.
In other news …
Maine
Orland man who died after going into burning house to find his dog has been identified
This root vegetable casserole will brighten the dark nights of winter
Moose permit lottery is now open
Bangor
Police find $68,000 in heroin and cocaine at Bangor home, arrest 3 men
Brewer student gets approval to march at graduation before returning for fifth year
Man drops off suspicious packages at Bangor jail, forcing nearby post office to close
Politics
Janet Mills orders full audit of MaineCare
Maine sees many welfare fraud claims but few prosecutions
Opinion
Proposed Title IX sexual assault and harassment rules can work, with some revisions
Portland due for difficult conversation about support for asylum seekers
Virginia’s firm stand against racism puts Maine to shame
Sports
Former UMaine football star arraigned in NYC police assault case
Fleming’s double-double helps Bangor boys fend off Hampden
Bangor girls hold off Hampden Academy with free throws for 11th win
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