Rising gas prices / Solitary confinement / Police custody death

Today is Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the high 20s to high 30s 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

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention will report the latest COVID-19 data from the weekend by 9:30 a.m. Check out our tracker for more information.

More and more communities across the state are casting aside indoor mask mandates for schools after the Maine CDC’s guidance shifted last week.

Some families are thrilled that their children no longer have to wear masks, while others say they’re still tentative and urging their kids to keep wearing face coverings for now.

The official global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 6 million on Monday — underscoring that the pandemic, now entering its third year, is far from over.

Here’s where gas is cheapest across Maine after record price surge

Gas was most expensive in greater Portland and lowest but still nearing record levels in Bangor and points north.

PLUS: Gas prices in most of Maine topped $4 per gallon over the weekend as war in the Ukraine intensifies and the U.S. and European allies discuss a Russian oil import ban.

Top Maine lawmakers skeptical of Republican’s proposal to suspend gas tax

Lawmakers cite the need to keep road and bridge funding stable while gas prices shoot up around the country.

Fresh out of prison, Mainer who suffered in isolation says solitary confinement happens here

Zachary Swain estimated he spent 3 1/2 years in solitary confinement using a state definition of at least 23 hours in a cell a day.

Patten man who died in police custody was wanted for missing a court appearance

The Maine medical examiner’s office has yet to release or identify how 46-year-old Jeremy Lau died last week.

Rockland slapped with lawsuit claiming former police officer used excessive force against an 81-year-old woman

Former Officer Micheal Rolerson allegedly grabbed Glennis Lane, “then proceeded to batter, manhandle, and otherwise use unnecessary force towards Ms. Lane, causing multiple visual injuries and bruises.”

Waterville hospital sent home a suicidal patient who returned the next day with a gunshot wound

A review found a physician assistant failed to document the patient’s suicidal statements or examine his slashed wrist.

In a tiny midcoast town, the fight over ATVs is intensifying

When Jackson selectmen signed a permit in 2020 to open five municipal roads to ATVs, they did it without asking for the input of town residents.

17-year-old musher who shot rampaging moose was found asleep and hypothermic on Can-Am trail

From shooting and killing a moose while training to falling asleep on a trail and being treated for mild hypothermia during the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race, Caleb Hayes had one turbulent racing season.

This Penobscot shoemaker went from making boots on the bed to having her own workshop

At a time when local shoemakers and cobblers have largely disappeared, Tammy Bernard is one of the few Mainers still crafting leather boots.

In other Maine news …

Milo father charged with murder of 1-month-old son pleads not guilty

Pennsylvania woman killed in Naples crash

Quebec musher narrowly claims crown in Maine’s Can-Am 250

7-month-old Bethel baby hospitalized after ingesting fentanyl

Lynyrd Skynyrd to make 5th Bangor Waterfront appearance this summer

Man dies in Corinth crash

New Harbor man charged with manslaughter from New Year’s Eve crash in Bristol

Hampden Academy has a chance at a regional hockey crown after ousting 3-time defending champion

Oceanside’s supporting players step up to help win team its 1st state basketball title

Last month’s Sunday River ski lift mishap could’ve been worse