Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be in the high 60s to mid-70s from north to south, with mostly sunny skies throughout the state. See what weather is in store for the rest of the day here, and where to find cooling centers across the state here. Here’s the latest on gas prices in Maine.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The latest on the coronavirus in Maine
Two more Mainers have died and another 223 COVID-19 cases reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. That brings the statewide death toll to 2,512 as of Wednesday morning. Check out our tracker for more information.
The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, boosters that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots are expected to arrive in Maine next week, as the United States Centers for Disease Control decide who the shots will be recommended for.
The end of Joe Biden’s COVID-19 test program will increase demand in Maine. But while pharmacists say it could create a rush for tests as school starts, they do not expect things to get as bad as they were in the winter.
The Maine Center for Disease Control expects more than 20,000 doses of the updated omicron booster to be available next week.
DOJ ‘pushing back’ on giving seized Trump files to senators, Susan Collins says
Her comment indicates possible tension between the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Department of Justice.
New international bridge in northern Maine is twice as long as the old one
Madawaska is New England’s third busiest port of entry in automobile traffic and sixth busiest in truck traffic.
Expanded LP Houlton mill is 1st on East Coast to manufacture new product
The expansion will produce approximately 220 million square feet of LP’s signature product, SmartSide Trim and Siding, per year.
Bangor Savings keeps expanding south with newest branch in Kennebunk
That comes as Bangor Savings Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Maine, posted a record year.
Bangor’s new bus hub could open in late fall
The transit center has been a decade in the making and will serve as the hub for the region’s Community Connector bus service.
New buyer plans to turn dormant Hancock County nursing home into housing complex
The 30,000-square-foot facility is the largest building in Penobscot, and it was once the largest taxpayer in town.
The groups connecting new Mainers with climate activists
On Friday, Celebration of New Mainers and Climate Action will introduce activists and new Mainers to each other.
Rockland playwright’s new work explores a fatal overdose’s effect on a fishing family
Michael Gorman, 58, has devoted his artistic endeavors to shining a light on addiction and its impact, particularly on fishing communities.
Dover-Foxcroft man assists group providing aid and evacuations in Ukraine
Through its intricate networks and partnerships, Allied Extract delivers humanitarian and medical aid to Ukrainians in need.
Searsport 14-year-old uses a crossbow to kill her 4th bear
Last Saturday, black bear hunter Lily Curry cashed in by harvesting her fourth bear since she started hunting them in 2017.
Analysis: UMaine football will be a playoff contender this year
“There are certainly some question marks, but this team should finish much higher than eighth and is a legitimate playoff contender,” Larry Mahoney writes.
Bucksport football player transfers to Brewer with hopes of pursuing a college career
The addition of the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Jaxon Gross has the Brewer Witches poised for improvement this year after finishing 1-8 last season.
In other Maine news…
Maine will not tax forgiven student loans unlike Mississippi
This summer has been hard for Maine’s hospitality industry — and tourists are noticing
Men killed in Carmel crash have been identified
February death of Massachusetts woman in Oxford County ruled a homicide
Victim of fire following explosion at Stonington home identified
Body of missing New Gloucester kayaker found
Inmate dies at Maine State Prison
Thomas College sees 19 percent enrollment growth this fall
Bangor needs to expand its anti-addiction resources, health leaders say
Hundreds of Portland apartment tenants will be without power up to 2 weeks
Maine faces critical shortage of ed techs in classrooms
60 gallons of oil, fuel spill into Cumberland County river after Naples boat fire
Historic Maine schooner is for sale
UMaine’s newest wide receiver caught 10 touchdowns at Boston College