Maine school lead levels / Moosehead ski resort / Pay disparity

Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be high 30s to low 40s from north to south, with cloudy skies and a chance for scattered showers across the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

The latest on the coronavirus in Maine

Three more Mainers have died and another 1,098 coronavirus cases reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands at 1,819. Check out our tracker for more information.

On Wednesday, Maine CDC data showed that statewide hospitalizations have dropped by 30 percent since the state’s record high of 436 set on Jan. 13.

Here’s the major takeaways from Wednesday’s weekly COVID-19 briefing with Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah and Maine Department of Health and Human Services Director Jeanne Lambrew.

How Maine is preparing to roll out COVID-19 vaccines to kids under 5 this month

The likely federal authorization of a vaccine for the youngest kids later this month comes as Maine has seen record infections among children in the past month with the omicron variant surge.

Maine schools find high levels of lead in their water in 1st statewide look

It’s unlikely students are exposed to as much lead in school as results from required testing are showing.

Maine employers may have to track pay disparities after judge’s ruling against Bangor hospital

U.S. District Judge Lance Walker said Maine employers may need to begin tracking pay disparity in order to justify it under the state’s equal pay law.

PLUS: Bangor hospital owes psychologist more than $200K for unequal pay, judge rules

Public will get to weigh in on massive Moosehead ski resort project

It’s the latest wrinkle for Big Lake Development LLC and its partners behind the proposed $113.5 million year-round ski resort.

Man accused of killing a woman in 1984 expected to plead guilty of manslaughter

Kirt Damon Sr., 58, allegedly bludgeoned to death Dorothea Burke back in the summer of 1984.

Janet Mills prepares sovereignty offer to Maine tribes, but there is no sign of a deal

Tribal rights have been the subject of some of the most complicated policy fights in state history.

US Toboggan National Championships return to Camden after 1st-ever hiatus

The U.S. Toboggan National Championships draw people to Camden from all over the country to experience traditional wooden tobogganing.

ALSO: Photos: Take a look back on past toboggan championships

Husson women’s basketball team beats Bowdoin for 1st time since 1989

On Tuesday night, the Husson Eagles rallied from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to earn a 76-69 victory over Bowdoin.

Nonprofit head calls Maine’s low-income housing progress ‘dismal’

Even when Maine builds new housing, the elderly and others who need it most cannot afford it.

This winter adventure in Maine will take you through the woods by sleigh and steam

Two more “Steam and Sleighs” events are scheduled for this month at the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum and SeaLyon Farm.

Pioneering environmental health scientist Susan Shaw has died at age 78

Susan Shaw was dedicated to researching ocean pollution, toxic chemicals and plastics in Maine and beyond.

In other Maine news:

Maine cat missing for 6 years returns home from Florida

Friends who have attended every Super Bowl plan their final trip

Man found carrying his arm in Lewiston last month severed it himself, police say

Brownville man’s deer-feeding venture keeps growing, but experts don’t recommend his methods

Maine group recommends that solar farm enterprises should integrate with agriculture

The UMaine men’s hockey team is having a disastrous season on the road 

Maine towns are struggling to keep roads free of ice

Rare Russian eagle hasn’t been spotted in Maine in last 2 weeks

After 4-year hiatus, Brewer MMA fighter is ready to reignite his career