Prospect quarry fight / Brooksville marina dispute / Omicron variant hospitalizations

Today is Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-20s from north to south, with temperatures slipping as the day progresses and sunshine 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 release the latest data on COVID-19 cases from the weekend by 9:30 a.m. Check out our tracker for more information.

A room full of teachers confronted the Madawaska School Committee last week, wanting to know why they did not get hazard pay like their colleagues in the Frenchville and Fort Kent school systems.

China is showing no signs of slowing its demand for Maine lobster this year despite disruption to the supply chain and international trade caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Maine’s omicron surge is less severe, but is still overwhelming hospitals

The less severe and less deadly nature of the ongoing surge isn’t enough to offset the sheer number of infections driven by the omicron variant.

Hall of fame not likely to remove basketball announcers who body-shamed female players

Jim Carter of Presque Isle and Steve Shaw of Mars Hill made remarks about girls basketball players’ weight and physical appearance while preparing to broadcast a game.

Prospect neighbors vow to fight Virginia company’s $12 million quarry project

“No one’s going to want to live here if they blow up our mountain and destroy our peace, tranquility and environment.”

Brooksville man claims town is unfairly targeting him in marina dispute

Jonathan Buck claims the town unjustly punished him after a moored 100-foot yacht crashed into another boat during a 2020 storm.

East Millinocket will use $300K grant to help its 1st paper mill tenant get off the ground

The award marks the latest milestone in the mill site’s redevelopment after the town took charge of the process by buying the property in July 2020.

Democrat’s equal rights bill may broaden in hopes of winning GOP support

Rep. Lois Reckitt is leading a third charge to enshrine anti-discrimination protections in the Maine Constitution.

Bangor’s Jewish leaders appreciate local response to Texas synagogue standoff

Bangor police stepped up patrols along York Street, the location of two of Bangor’s synagogues.

A former strip mall movie theater is now an event space for political conservatives in Maine

The event venue plans are the latest effort by John Linnehan, a longtime Republican Party supporter, to get conservative Republicans elected to public office.

Out-of-staters drove another big year for bear hunting in Maine

Out-of-staters have been more successful bear hunters because they typically hire guides and spend up to a week in the stand.

Artist’s blackberry-munching raven is the star of the 2022 Common Ground Fair poster

In announcing the winning poster, MOFGA officials noted that ravens are a common sight on farms and homesteads in Maine — and wherever blackberries are found.

In other Maine news …

Betty White Challenge raises tens of thousands for Maine animal rescues

Ambulance hits car in Presque Isle

Tractor trailer jackknifes on I-95 in Carmel

Presque Isle hardware plant only manufacturer to receive prestigious business award

Former UMaine teammates clash as hoop coaches as Skowhegan girls visit Bangor

Maine’s attorney general warns against waiting on others to fight injustice

Maine lawmaker hailed as example for rural progressives won’t seek reelection in 2022

Bangor Land Trust awarded nearly $50K to conserve Wabanaki homeland

Better rail service means more transport options for Maine’s potato farms

Bangor-area medical provider’s walk-in clinics closed Monday due to technology problem