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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It’s hard not to not take it personally, especially as someone born and raised here. But you know deep down it isn’t, because you’re trying to do the right thing … Emotionally, you’ve just got to keep kind of believing in the process.”

— Derek Devereaux of Mere Point Oyster Co., a growing aquaculture business that’s faced several hurdles since its inception a decade ago.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

A family oyster farm is caught in a bitter fight over Maine’s waters. The Mere Point Oyster Co. has become an example of what the aquaculture industry says it can do for Maine, but it has taken fire almost from the start.

What you need to know about Maine’s new license plate rollout. Starting in May, the chickadee plate will be replaced by other plate designs.

This “critical” act can stop HIV from spreading in Penobscot County. The HIV cluster in Penobscot County can spread if those at risk never get tested, an infectious disease physician warned.

Scientists will try to deacidify a tiny patch of the Gulf of Maine. Woods Hole researchers plan to release 16,000 gallons of a liquid sodium hydroxide solution, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, into a 0.2-square-mile area of ocean called Wilkinson Basin.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Peafowl gather in the barn at Bald Mountain Farm in Dedham, where Madeline and Douglas Wright are preparing to sell hatching eggs. People enjoy the birds as companion animals and guardians. Credit: Elizabeth Walztoni / BDN

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

A pro EU protestor stands in parliament square in front of Parliament during the debate in the House of Commons on the EU Bill in London in December 2020. Credit: Frank Augstein / AP

“If you think we never could become an oligarchy run by billionaires or that you won’t be affected, you’re wrong. We’re headed there and it will affect everyone.”

Opinion: Electing Donald Trump is America’s Brexit, but even more dangerous

LIFE IN MAINE

This is one rock every Mainer should visit. Pockwockamus Rock has a surprising history that involves a group of teenagers. 

These Bangor streets end in one spot, then restart somewhere else. There are reasons for these unusual traffic patterns, and some of them are as interesting as the weird streets themselves.

Have you ever seen a woodpecker nesting tree? Woodpeckers drill cavernous holes in big, old trees to build their nests in so they can keep their families safe.

More Mainers are raising and selling peacocks. Though peacocks may be associated with tropical climates, the birds can thrive in Maine — even enjoying the snow.