Today is Friday. Temperatures will be in the low teens to mid-20s from north to south, with a snow storm forecast to drop between 12 and 18 inches of snow across much of the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Eighteen more Mainers have died and another 1,402 coronavirus cases reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands at 1,777.
On Thursday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that Medicare will now cover up to eight free tests per month for enrolled members, starting in early spring.
Study shows mask mandates reduced COVID-19 cases in rural counties
The results support longstanding recommendations from public health officials that masking reduces the likelihood of virus transmission.
UMaine researchers find Mount Everest glacier is losing decades’ worth of ice each year
The glacier’s rapid melt could endanger a water supply that serves 1 billion people, and lead to more frequent avalanches.
Recent snowfall has revived Aroostook’s ski slopes, adding economic boost
Last weekend’s snowstorm gave Aroostook County’s ski mountains just what they needed.
Changing temperatures are creating dangerous ice conditions on Moosehead Lake
Abrupt temperature changes can cause ice to expand and contract, setting the stage for the formation of pressure ridges to form that can be dangerous for snowmobilers.
2022 is off to a fire-filled start in Maine
With three deaths from fires already this year, and a number of calls, 2022 could be on track to be just as deadly as 2021 for fire deaths.
Vacant Down East lobster pounds could be the perfect growing grounds for scallops
Preliminary data show that scallops grown in old lobster pounds grew larger and were more likely to survive than those grown freely in the ocean.
Lawmakers want to spend millions more to convince Mainers not to smoke
Some Maine lawmakers want the state to take a more proactive approach to prevent people from taking up smoking in the first place.
Bar Harbor police officer who ‘can de-escalate anything’ retires after 43 years
Lt. James Pinkham, who grew up on Mount Desert Island, was known for his empathetic approach to his role on the police force.
PLUS: Belfast police chief to retire this month
UMaine joins the ranks of the nation’s top-tier research universities
The University of Maine is among just 146 universities to receive an “R1” ranking.
Maine officials want to stop so many blowout games in high school football
The Maine Principals’ Association is considering loosening the traditional conference schedule to achieve that.
In other Maine news …
Former UMaine hockey player who never scored a goal now competing for Slovakia in Winter Olympics
Franklin County cat missing for 7 years found in Florida with help from microchip
Maine CDC director opposes psilocybin mushroom legalization
Janet Mills wants clearer standards and accountability for electric utilities
Prosecutor drops charges against Anson-Madison Water District officials accused of theft
Hampden couple injured in deck collapse sues home inspector
Maine’s high court rejects NY man’s challenge to COVID-related murder trial delay
New bill could propel Maine into the space race
Norridgewock man dies in rollover crash
One of UMaine hockey’s top goal scorers is only here by accident
Body of Portland woman missing since last Thursday recovered
