Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-40s from north to south, with sunny skies throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Four more Mainers have died and another 692 coronavirus cases have been reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll stands at 1,197.
On Wednesday morning, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released guidance on vaccination requirements for companies with more than 100 employees. Employees will be required to get vaccinated before Jan. 4, or get tested weekly.
Religious exemption in Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate will challenge Maine hospitals
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rules allow for a religious exemption that Maine does not, muddying how health care companies will allow qualifying employees to decline vaccines.
Portland selects at-large councilor after pulling name from bowl
Brandon Mazer won after a ranked-choice runoff left him and Roberto Rodriguez tied.
PLUS: Voting advocates criticize Portland’s delayed announcement of tied council race
Corridor opponent asks Maine to halt construction after CMP’s referendum loss
The Natural Resources Council of Maine asked the Maine Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday to put a halt to work on the energy corridor.
Critical race theory and mask mandates were losing issues in Maine school board races
In Hampden, Ellsworth and Windham, candidates who either ran on similar platforms or received support from activists who loudly opposed mask mandates or teaching critical race theory all lost their races.
How every town voted on Maine’s ‘right to food’ referendum
All 16 counties voted in favor of passing Question 3, with fewer than 40 towns and cities where the majority of voters opposed the referendum initiative.
UMaine’s record fall enrollment defies national trend
Nearly 12,000 students are enrolled for the 2021 fall semester, growth propelled by a rising population of students from outside the state.
Bangor hospital raises employee minimum wage as staffing challenges persist
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has raised its minimum wage to $17 an hour.
Passamaquoddy artist Geo Neptune makes list of nation’s 100 most influential LGBTQ leaders
Geo Neptune is a nationally acclaimed master basket maker who learned the art from their grandmother, renowned artist Molly Neptune Parker.
Orono’s departing police chief is making an unconventional career move
Josh Ewing is leaving the chief position in Orono to become a patrol officer in Hampden.
Freshman who grew up cheering for UMaine hockey proving to be a bright spot on team
Even though he is from Michigan, the University of Maine was always one of David Breazeale’s favorite teams growing up.
In other Maine news …
Recount planned in Ellsworth school board race
Newcomer to Bangor council says she has strong convictions but wants to forge compromise
Flare-up in trash pile leads to fire at Orrington waste plant
Janet Mills allocates millions to weatherize homes and boost clean energy careers
Strange animal sightings on the rise as the pandemic drives more Mainers into the woods
New owners want to demolish historic Belfast building to make way for development
Body found after Machias residents report gunshots
Southern Maine island preserve fashions creative way to ease parking congestion
