Today is Friday. Temperatures will be in the low 30s to mid-40s from north to south, with a chance for snow in the north and partly sunny skies in the south. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Four more Mainers have died and another 289 coronavirus cases reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands 2,140. Check our tracker for more information.
The number of hospitalizations has reached a nearly seven-month low, with just 128 Mainers in the hospital with coronavirus, down from 131 the day before and down from a record high of 436 set on Jan. 13.
This comes as data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 10 of Maine’s counties have fallen to low community transmission rates, with rates remaining high only in Aroostook County.
On Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration said that it would extend masking requirements for public transportation, including planes, buses, trains and transit hubs, until April 18.
Susan Collins among Republicans pressing Joe Biden on plan to send Ukraine warplanes
“The Ukrainian military is in dire need of more lethal aid,” the senators, including Susan Collins, wrote Thursday, calling on the Defense Department.
ALSO: Jared Golden wants Joe Biden to use Defense Production Act to boost oil production
Stainless steel delay means Bangor water will remain discolored longer than expected
Global prices of nickel — a stainless steel component — have risen during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Belfast’s housing crunch could ease soon if sweeping zoning changes are greenlit
The proposed changes would allow for a more flexible approach to housing in nearly 80 percent of Belfast.
Acadia looks to Congress to allow workforce housing on 50-acre property
A law Congress passed in the 1980s will only allow the 50-acre parcel owned by Acadia National Park to be turned into a transfer station.
Calm down, parachuting spiders landing in Maine are nothing to freak out about
Take a breath. It’s not going to be raining spiders over Maine this summer.
Nothing escaped the keen eye of Bangor’s ‘expert observer’ in the 1800s
From fashion trends and technology to local politics and architecture, John Martin dutifully noted almost everything in his journals.
Versant Power plans to replace 6 miles of its oldest transmission line
The utility will eventually replace the entire transmission line, but will start with a section that runs between Dedham and Ellsworth.
Moosehead Lake ski resort owner appealing order to pay millions in damages
The developer said the escrow funds do little to propel the project anyway because of skyrocketing material costs and shortages.
Originally for white men only, Maine Historical Society now chronicles the state’s diverse history
Change was slow in coming to the society dedicated to Yankee history.
Virginia company tries again to secure permits for Waldo County granite quarry
New applications included a reference letter from First National Bank, which said it would consider financing the project if approved.
The Maine woods have been a smorgasbord for hardy birds this winter
Like Mainers taking a peek into the refrigerator to see they have enough food and coffee brandy, birds can tell if there’s enough food to survive the winter.
In other Maine news …
Down East man allegedly stabbed his father to death
State champion softball coach returns to her old job at Hermon High School
UMaine star looks to shake shooting slump ahead of home title game with Albany
Darling’s to adopt solar power at 3 Maine locations
Man accused of threatening police and Brunswick hotel staff with knife
Bangor hockey goalie Jake Hirsch is 1 of 4 Travis Roy Award finalists
Young coach who rebuilt UMPI’s men’s basketball program wins top statewide honor
Driver accused of causing fiery Oxford County crash was mistakenly allowed to keep license
Maine looks to make it easy for students to get transcripts
Portland will incentivize residents to adopt renewable energy and heat sources