Abortion protections / Stonington water shortage / Hampden trash plant

Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be in the high 70s to mid-80s, with morning sun giving way to heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. See what weather is in store for the rest of the day 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

Another 250 COVID-19 cases have been reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. No new deaths were reported Wednesday, leaving the statewide death toll at 2,465. Check out our tracker for more information.

Anne Kozloff, 60, claims that Cumberland County Jail administrators illegally revoked the security clearance that allowed her to work at the commissary after she reported concerns about COVID-19 safety precautions.

An obscure case may have enshrined abortion rights in the Maine Constitution

A 2013 decision makes a strong case that the Maine Constitution already protects a woman’s right to abortion.

Janet Mills says she could propose state constitutional amendment on abortion

Gov. Janet Mills may push an amendment to the Maine Constitution to enshrine abortion rights if she wins reelection in November, she said Wednesday.

Police group says Bruce Poliquin ‘insulted’ members after they backed Jared Golden

Bruce Poliquin said the Maine Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police “had the wool pulled over their eyes.”

Drought has midcoast farmers desperate to water their crops

The challenging summer conditions is causing some farmers to reconsider using mechanical irrigation.

Summer crowds and a lack of rain are forcing Stonington to truck in drinking water

Last week, Stonington ordered 64,000 gallons of drinking water to keep up with the demands.

PLUS: The Auburn Fire Department had to truck in water to keep 300 dairy cows hydrated during the sweltering weekend.

Fishery regulators considering raising minimum size of lobster that can be kept

It’s projected that raising the legal size minimum could increase the number of lobsters reaching maturity, allowing for more resilient populations.

Prosecutor: Man driving truck with wheel that killed state trooper in 2019 will admit responsibility

Det. Ben Campbell was struck by a tire that flew off the trailer of the logging truck driven and owned by Scott Willett, 55, in April 2019.

Maine towns will partner with NY investment firm to reopen Hampden waste plant

Revere Capital Advisor will be a part owner of the waste facility under a corporate structure that should be in place by early September.

A Jamaican food truck has opened at the future site of a Bangor market

The Scotch Bonnet Food Truck is offering jerk chicken, oxtail, saltfish fritters and other Jamaican treats for lunch and dinner.

A growing gift certificate program is bringing more Mainers to farmers markets

Bumper Crop allows employers to acquire gift certificates for their employees to spend on fresh local foods at farmers markets statewide.

Former Patriots linebacker says Mac Jones’ progress is a positive sign for the team’s season

“When the organization is willing to speak that enthusiastically about him before they have even seen him play this season speaks volumes,” Matt Chatham said.

In other Maine news …

Man accused of deadly Acadia hit-and-run makes 1st Maine court appearance

Midcoast priest returns to duties after being cleared of sexual abuse allegations

2 charged in alleged Wells catalytic converter thefts

1 killed in Southport crash

Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by vehicle

Driver taken to hospital after interstate car fire in Hampden

Fisherman who drowned in Roxbury pond has been identified

Mana Abdi wants to be Maine’s 1st Somali-American lawmaker

Maine House candidate puts Ellsworth house on market for $2.5M

Educator to run against former NASCAR driver in race for Maine House seat

Millinocket school superintendent resigns

Staffing shortages spark dozens of Maine ferry cancellations

Portland mourns death of 18-year-old who drowned over the weekend

New mural adorns Portland crosswalk

Apartments, restaurants and brewery planned for Auburn city-owned lot

Maine Mariners name Terrence Wallin as new head coach