Disbanding Maine towns / Mask mandates / Agitated moose tips

Today is Friday. Temperatures will be in the high teens to high 20s from north to south, with gusty winds making it feel more brisk and increasing clouds throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

The latest on the coronavirus in Maine

Another 1,034 COVID-19 cases have been reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. No new deaths were reported Thursday, leaving the statewide death toll at 2,078. Check our tracker for more information.

On Thursday, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that all 16 counties had a low risk of COVID-19 transmission, and healthy Mainers can forgo masks. That comes as the Maine Legislature voted to lift its mask requirement.

Maine’s quick mask shift follows a national hands-off approach to COVID-19

Federal and state governments are putting the onus on communities and individuals to make key decisions to control the spread of COVID-19.

Maine delegation backs Russian oil import ban in break with Joe Biden

On average, about 8 percent of the world’s oil is supplied by Russia.

A shrinking Penobscot County outpost is once again looking to disband

Drew Plantation is asking itself if it wants to call it quits as a town.

This Down East town isn’t enthusiastic about becoming a rocket launch site

As bluShift Aerospace searches for a coastal community to launch rockets from, Jonesport is hesitant to take up the offer.

ALSO: Maine rocket company successfully tests new engine

Midcoast community wants former state prison site turned into a public park

Prisoners once walked the yard here dreaming up escape plans. Thomaston Green could become a place for picnics and an escape from the daily grind.

Housing crunch and growing homelessness are top challenges for new Bangor manager

Bangor City Manager Debbie Laurie certainly isn’t facing a shortage of challenges.

Bucksport’s historic theater reopens this weekend. Hopefully, it’s for good this time.

The historic Alamo Theatre will dim the lights and welcome moviegoers back for a Friday showing of the Oscar-nominated “Licorice Pizza.”

A popular fine dining spot is closing in Portland after almost 4 decades

Back Bay Grill owner Larry Matthews Jr. did not cite a specific reason for closing, simply saying that he had “come to the conclusion” that it was time to shut the doors.

Owners of closing veterans homes say bailout won’t solve financial problems

The Caribou and Machias veterans homes have lost $2 million a year for the last several years and are on track to lose $3 million this year.

The basketball world has buzzed about Cooper Flagg for years. Now Maine is seeing why.

Few casual fans in Maine even knew who Cooper Flagg was a few months ago. Now, the phenom is the top attraction on the basketball court.

Hermon senior gets 2nd chance to help basketball team bring home a state title

Two years ago, Elizabeth Wyman could only watch as the Hermon Hawks lost an excruciating overtime game. Now, she wants the golden basketball.

MORE TOURNEY NEWS: Maddie Lebel, Alisyn Alley, Madison Russell named girls basketball tourney MVPs

What to do if you encounter a moose in the Maine woods

While instances of moose attacking people or domestic animals in Maine are rare, hunters sometimes are subjected to threatening behavior from an agitated moose.