Jared Golden / New Orono market / Hampden trash plant

The latest on the coronavirus in Maine

Ten more Mainers have died and another 638 coronavirus cases reported across the state since the weekend, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. That brings the statewide death toll to 2,621 as of Wednesday morning. Check out our tracker for more information.

On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration approved for Pfizer’s latest booster for kids aged 5-11 and a Moderna booster for kids as young as 6. The boosters offer protection against the extremely communicable omicron variant.

Jared Golden joins GOP call for Maine to sue feds itself over lobster rules

The Democrat echoed an attack line on Gov. Janet Mills that has come from Republican Paul LePage.

Chellie Pingree: Maine would be ‘Alabama tomorrow’ on abortion if GOP takes control

She has “no doubt” that abortion would be made illegal if Paul LePage wins a third term and Republicans regain control of the Legislature.

PLUS: Ed Thelander, who is challenging Pingree in the 1st District, compared the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to rapists while leveling criticism at lobster regulations intended to protect the endangered right whale.

A new neighborhood market has opened in Orono in the footprint of a town staple

After the closure of Thriftway, a local staple for more than 30 years, Lance Cowan felt he had to step up for his community.

Investor trying to reopening Hampden trash plant says it has a new operator lined up

The new operator is part of the latest push to reopen the plant that has been shuttered since May 2020.

Canadian firm acquires its 2nd Bangor-area trucking company

Winnipeg-based Bison Transport announced Wednesday that it will acquire full ownership of Pottle’s Transportation.

Colby will honor 2 Ukrainian photojournalists who documented Russia’s invasion

Writer and visual journalist Mstyslav Chernov and photojournalist Evgeniy Maloletka will receive the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism.

Belfast schools are sending laptops to students in Ukraine

Middle school teacher Martha Conway-Cole, who requested the donation, has a personal relationship with one of the teachers from Bucha.

Longtime Belfast painter Harold Garde dies at age 99

Since 1983, Harold Garde spent all or part of his year in Belfast, a community that has long fostered creativity in all artistic mediums.

Legendary Maine country music promoter Dick Stacey has died

The Bangor businessman was synonymous with Maine country music for decades thanks to his long-running TV show “Dick Stacey’s Country Jamboree.”

High levels of lead found in water at multiple coastal Maine schools

Deer-Isle Stonington elementary and high schools, along with Sedgwick Elementary School, are the latest schools to report high lead levels.

A young entrepreneur trying to change Caribou’s policy on retail marijuana

Marijuana distribution is seriously limited by Caribou’s current ordinance, but Caleb Trombley sees a way to change that.

Maine’s performing arts venues are back. Audiences still aren’t sure.

The Penobscot Theatre Co. saw a 50 percent drop in attendance during the 2021-22 season from the pre-pandemic years.

How to watch Cooper and Ace Flagg play in a basketball tourney this weekend

The twins are competing for the Florida Eagles, the fall affiliate team of Montverde Academy, at the Geico Top Flight Invite.

After 40-year wait, Bucksport man bags 987-pound bull on his 1st moose hunt

Although Bob Bella had hunted deer as a youngster in Maine, and even elk out West, getting a moose was a bucket list wish.

In other Maine news …

Human remains found in Acadia National Park

Bangor officer injured after standoff with armed man in homeless encampment

Man who had pipe bomb in Presque Isle died of overdose

Bobby Nightingale sentencing postponed due to COVID-19

Christian group assures supporters LePage would restrict abortion

Susan Collins set for top GOP spot on defense spending panel

New homeless shelter designed to offer deeper services opens in Portland

Boil water order lifted in Berwick

4 pivotal Maine high school football games to watch this week

Former UMaine star Jim Montgomery wins his Boston Bruins coaching debut

UMaine men’s hockey coach credits improved work ethic for 1st road win of the season