Today is Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-60s from north to south, with sunny skies throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
Here’s the latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Another two Mainers have died and 240 more coronavirus cases were reported across the state on Monday, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands at 767. Check out our COVID-19 Tracker for more information.
The 350-student College of the Atlantic said Monday that those working and studying on campus in the fall will be subject to the vaccination requirement once COVID-19 vaccines gain full approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration.
The Cumberland County Jail is now diverting all new arrests from the facility as it grapples with a growing coronavirus outbreak.
A trooper hit his wife. The Maine State Police sent him to rehab.
Amy Burns’ account provides a rare look into the state police’s handling of a report of domestic violence among its ranks and illuminates how even severe misconduct can be kept out of public records and, therefore, the public eye. The Bangor Daily News and Portland Press Herald exposed Cooley’s case as part of a joint investigation into the Maine State Police’s secretive handling of officer misconduct.
Had officers examined her evidence, they might have found reason to charge former Trooper Justin Cooley with a crime as early as her first report on May 24, 2019. It would be another 76 days before he was charged with domestic violence assault, in a criminal case that is still pending.
The state police did not fire Cooley. In fact, it did not discipline Cooley at all, which would have left a public record of his conduct. He resigned five months after he was charged, and the state police redacted much of his resignation letter.
Plus: Behind the scenes of investigating the Maine State Police
A near-death experience breathes new life into Maine songwriter’s career
Anni Clark just released her first album of new songs since 2002 and Clark has plans for a concert on the shores of Moosehead, not far from the spot where she almost drowned.
Maine GOP takes initial step to clear path for Paul LePage return bid
The Maine Republican Party will allow the national party to coordinate with Paul LePage immediately after he launches a potential 2022 return bid for the Blaine House in an initial step helping to clear the way for a run.
Plans for a car wash on Broadway in Bangor draws criticism from Little City residents
A Skowhegan businessman wants to open a car wash in Bangor at the site of a closed redemption center on Broadway, but nearby residents in the Little City neighborhood aren’t happy about the idea.
Police: Abandoned items in Bangor parking lots were suspicious enough to call in bomb squad
Numerous factors can make an abandoned item a potential threat, including if the item is unexpected or out of place, or if it is directed toward someone who has received threats in the past.
New Maine consumer-owned utility plan would ask voters to pick its managers
Lawmakers and consumers have criticized the two publicly-owned utilities for poor service, pointing to national ratings listing Maine as having the worst power outages in the nation.
Janet Mills may shift state borrowing plan amid influx of federal money
State lawmakers will begin conversations around how much money to borrow in 2021 for critical infrastructure needs as Gov. Janet Mills signals an influx of federal money has led her to reconsider funding requests.
Archrivals Bangor, Brewer sharing sports facilities during construction projects
“This is probably the best part of athletics,” Bangor High athletic administrator Steve Vanidestine said, “that when we play we’ll play to win and so will they, but we put the kids first.”
Big bucks on trail cameras always get the heart pumping
Like many of you, I just like seeing photos of deer that your fellow readers keep sending in.
In other Maine news…
Bar Harbor improv theater permanently closes due to pandemic restrictions
Doctors thought this porcupine had a tumor. It turned out she was pregnant with a porcupette.
Fox killed after terrorizing Topsham neighborhood
UMaine says there is no risk to campus after threatening social media post
UMaine researchers find ‘forever chemicals’ on Everest’s summit
15-year-old girl arrested for allegedly shooting Lewiston man