Former mayor evicted / Book banning / Pickleball addiction

Today is Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the high teens to mid-30s from north to south, with a chance for snow throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

The latest on the coronavirus in Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention will update the latest COVID-19 cases since Saturday by 9:30 a.m. Check out our tracker for more information.

Gov. Janet Mills appealed to the federal government over the weekend to increase the supply of monoclonal antibodies that the state would receive to help fight omicron infections. Maine will get almost double its original allotment.

As the federal government starts distributing free N95 masks, here’s what you need to know.

The Augusta Armory vaccine clinic, which has been open since December, announced that Tuesday and Thursday will be its last days of operation. The clinic plans to continue to provide PCR testing until February.

Portland’s former mayor says he’s being evicted for fighting illegal rent hikes

As mayor, Ethan Strimling pushed for greater protections for renters squeezed by the city’s red-hot housing market and backed a rent control ordinance in 2020.

This midcoast town is gaining jobs twice as fast as Portland

Brunswick has seen jobs grow by 9 percent over the past 20 years, and is attracting a number of new businesses.

Aroostook housing is selling fast, and its getting more expensive

It would take less than two months to sell all of the property on the market in Presque Isle if no new houses are listed.

Maine education groups push back against challenges to books in school libraries

Educate Maine said that such efforts give cover to people who want to merely ban books that promote viewpoints and experiences with which they don’t agree.

Holdout governments mean Maine could get less than it is entitled to in opioid settlement

Maine is up against a tight Wednesday deadline to reach a deal with nearly two dozen local governments or risk getting a lesser share of the payout.

Belfast pickleball players embrace the winter

The word “addictive” is one that midcoast pickleball players use a lot to describe their love of the sport.

Nearly $3M will allow 14 Maine school districts to start or expand pre-K for 500 kids

The money comes from funds Maine is receiving under the federal American Rescue Plan Act that Congress passed last year.

This 1922 commercial for Moxie is believed to be the first-ever radio ad for soda

It was first brewed by Maine native Augustin Thompson in 1876, as “Moxie Nerve Food.”

Maine man charged with 2 felonies for shooting woman while turkey hunting

Timothy H. Jacobs, 61, faces three charges, including two felonies, stemming from a shooting last fall that injured a woman.

Online app’s recruitment style has some in Aroostook concerned it’s a scam

Residents in the Presque Isle area have received letters, with a local return address but a California postmark, inviting them to join Nextdoor, an international app that connects people with nearby residents, businesses and services.

In other Maine news …

Lewiston Public Works crew credited with saving life of man whose arm was cut off

Ellsworth group grasps at ideas to save old crumbling jail

Guilford man charged with attempted murder

Bangor Natural Gas says it won’t pursue rate hike it requested last winter

Maine might switch to electronic vehicle lien and title system

Robert Indiana’s estate will receive more than $2 million in legal settlement

UMaine women’s basketball gains extra home game against UMBC

Calais school’s health counselor charged with sexually assaulting student

Portland struggles as asylum seekers continue to arrive