Marijuana street / Browntail moth scourge / Russia invasion

Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be in the low teens to high 20s from north to south, with mostly sunny skies throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

The latest on the coronavirus in Maine

Eleven Mainers have died an another 1,519 coronavirus cases have been reported across the state, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide death toll now stands at 1,971. Check out our tracker for more information.

Maine’s COVID-19 hospitalizations have continued their weekslong slide, falling to their lowest level since Halloween 2021.

A Republican bid to block state COVID-19 vaccine mandates was shot down by Democrats who lead the Maine House of Representatives on Wednesday.

There are only 3 storefronts left on Main Street in this northern Maine town. They all sell weed.

Grand Isle has plenty of weed, but not enough snacks.

Orono has a brief window to fend off another browntail moth scourge

If you see a browntail moth nest, say something.

The 1st murderer condemned on Maine soil was convicted with supernatural evidence

She was condemned on the basis of a supernatural investigative method from the Middle Ages known as “trial by touch.”

Anguished Ukrainian Mainers watch Vladimir Putin threaten their homeland

Yanina Nickless, a 26-year-old who hails from a small Ukrainian village, said the crisis was casting a “deep, dark cloud” over her life.

PLUS: Maine’s congressional delegation condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine this week, saying the U.S. should be prepared to support Ukraine and impose further sanctions on Russia.

Maine won’t borrow for roads and bridges in 2022 for the 1st time in 8 years

The decision to not borrow is a direct consequence of Maine’s huge $800 million projected revenue surplus through mid-2023, fueled by a wave of federal COVID-19 aid.

An 8-classroom addition at Hampden Academy will go before voters in April

The new third-floor classrooms and restroom will ease overcrowding at the high school that opened in 2012.

Maine’s 1st avian flu outbreak forces couple to kill entire chicken flock

Charly Haversat believes the only way to get ahead of avian flu is for all people with backyard or commercial flocks to treat the matter with urgency.

PLUS: Animal health officials have confirmed a second case of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza strain in Maine.

Camden mansion built by Procter & Gamble scion can be yours for $8.5M

A house and guest cottage on 18 acres in Camden described by architects in somewhat humble terms as an “ultimate bungalow” is among Maine’s highest-priced properties for sale now.

Watch this deer do some nighttime winter snacking

During the cold, snowy, winter months, Maine deer take advantage of whatever food they can find to stave off starvation and stay alive until spring.

Watch these awesome moments from Day 5 of the Maine basketball tournament

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite 3-pointers, steals, buzzer beaters and more.

In other Maine news …

Man dies after Bradford crash

UMaine women’s basketball earns top seed for America East tourney with 10th straight win

Baxter State Park in search for new director

Dump truck fire shuts down I-95 in Bangor

Bangor breaks record high temperature Wednesday

Leonard Minsky, Bangor businessman and philanthropist, dies at age 94

2nd floor apartment fire temporarily shuts down Bob’s Kozy Corner in Orrington

High winds blow down South Portland house under construction

10 of this year’s James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists are from Maine

Waterville 18-year-old allegedly planned killing spree at Chicago mosque

Damon’s Beverage and Redemption will open its new Hogan Road location next month

‘Forever chemicals’ in ski wax are contaminating Maine snow

Lewiston City Council discusses city’s 1st 24/7 homeless shelter

Newburgh paving business’ building called a total loss after Tuesday night fire

Maine Senate votes to advance equal rights amendment