Today is Friday. The highs will be in the low single digits to high teens from north to south, with a bitter wind driving the mercury even lower and sunny skies across the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Three more Mainers have died and another 1,384 coronavirus cases have been reported across the state, according to the Maine Center of Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands at 1,691. Check out our tracker for more information.
Bath is the fourth municipality in Maine to require people to wear masks indoors in an effort to contain the spreading coronavirus.
Maine’s largest hospitals welcomed members of the Maine National Guard on Thursday morning as part of the guard’s latest deployment to hospitals and nursing homes across the state to make up for staff shortages.’
Lincoln woman says Hannaford demoted her after she complained of COVID safety violations
The case is part of a growing number of labor lawsuits nationwide alleging coronavirus-related labor and employment violations.
Unity’s Amish Community Market destroyed in fire
The Thursday fire left a smoking heap of metal where the community gathering spot once stood.
A national conservative group isn’t complying with Maine ethics probe
ALEC allegedly violated laws prohibiting contributions more than $400 to legislative candidates by providing access to voter information and constituent engagement tracking software.
Susan Collins ‘surprised’ by CIA ruling out US foes in ‘Havana Syndrome’ cases
Susan Collins said it was “difficult to reconcile” the CIA’s findings with testimony from American officials who believe they were attacked.
There are just 9 houses for sale in Portland right now
That inventory shortage is a large part of what has driven up real estate prices over the past couple years.
Rockland may begin courting large cruise ships
Welcoming large cruise ships could generate up to $100,000 a year in passenger fees.
Husson’s athletic lineup will now feature a competitive video gaming team
Husson University’s esports program is seen as a way to help prepare students for careers in game development and technology.
Eddington now has a public skating rink thanks to $13K in donations
Eddington residents can now add ice-skating to their list of usual outdoor winter activities that they can do in town.
Belfast code officer calls on city to handle derelict houses before tragedy strikes
Belfast Code Enforcement Officer Steve Wilson is too aware of the worst that can happen when decrepit buildings are allowed to deteriorate.
Critics ramp up pressure on Jonesport fish farm, but others voice their support
When someone asked for a show of hands, only about a dozen people raised theirs to indicate they were against it.
Mesmerizing ‘ice pancakes’ imbue this Surry hike with whimsy
The Patten Stream Preserve covers 41 acres along the east side of Patten Stream, just before it empties into Patten Bay.
In other Maine news …
Bangor’s BMV branch will relocate to Griffin Road at the end of January
Fire at Broadway home in Bangor started by ceramic heater
Truck crashes into Can-Am Crown dog sled team while training in Alaska
Victim of deadly overnight crash in Portland identified
Watch Susan Collins and Jon Ossoff’s testy voting-rights exchange that drew senators’ applause
Maine home prices have risen more than 16 percent since 2020
1 injured in Aroostook County crash
Man charged with arson in connection with Palmyra fire
Maine considers bill to allow recreational marijuana delivery