School board threats / Legendary Bangor playground / Vintage snowmobile collection

Today is Wednesday. Temperatures will be in the high 40s to high 50s, with decreasing clouds from north to south. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

The latest on the coronavirus in Maine

Another 7,636 coronavirus cases have been reported across the state since Saturday, Maine health officials said Tuesday. That jump in cases comes as the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention continues to hack away at a large backlog of positive cases. No new deaths were reported, leaving the statewide death toll at 1,960. Check out our tracker for more information.

Hermon schools will make masking optional beginning March 14, two weeks after students return from their February break, according to Superintendent Jim Chasse.

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear arguments in a lawsuit that sought to challenge Maine’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health workers. Justices did not explain their decision in court papers on Tuesday.

Aroostook County remains a national hotspot for COVID-19

Presque Isle reported the highest virus levels, with more than 6 million virus copies per liter of wastewater.

Maine teachers and school board members seek legal protection as they face harassment

A new bill would clarify that certain crimes aimed at government officials, such as obstructing government administration and improper influence, apply when school officials are the targets.

Portland airport wants to bring back international flights as pandemic travel rebounds

Portland International Jetport officials see the future for growth overseas.

Thousands of volunteers and donations helped give a generation of Bangor kids a creative playground

Though the Hayford Park playground only stood for just shy of 12 years before being demolished, it has become a legend among the kids who played there, and their parents.

Bangor jail is ‘falling apart’ after kitchen, elevator and control panel stop working

They’re the latest problems to come up at the Bangor facility that’s more than 160 years old.

Maine utilities and their fiercest critics oppose Janet Mills’ accountability proposal

The proposal was Gov. Janet Mills’ attempt to make good on a promise to crack down on the utilities after opposing an effort to hand over control of them to the public.

This Aroostook collector has one of the rarest snowmobiles ever made

Scott Tompkins has amassed a large collection of vintage machines, including a rare 1968 TNT 600 Skidoo.

Small poultry flock owners urged to take precautions during concerning avian flu outbreak in Knox County

The recent outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza in a small flock of backyard birds in Knox County has put the entire state on high alert.

Take a look at the best photos from the high school basketball tournament quarterfinals

If you missed the quarterfinal games, or just want to revisit the highlights, we put together some of our best photos for you.

PLUS: Watch the highlights to catch up on the best steals, blocked shots and 3-pointers.

Outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for Cabin Fever Reliever show in Brewer

The Penobscot Fly Fishers’ free Cabin Fever Reliever should be a really good way to spend a few hours of your upcoming weekend.

In other Maine news …

Mother of Ayla Reynolds seeks to expand wrongful death suit

Judge suspends Ellsworth lawyer who allegedly took $69K from client’s estate 

Man killed in Gorham collision has been identified

Augusta pedestrian struck by SUV succumbs to his injuries

Liberty man charged after allegedly shooting a man in the arm

University of Maine at Farmington president to leave position

Woman found dead on Scarborough beach

The original ‘Firestarter’ movie premiered in Bangor with Drew Barrymore

Hancock man dies in Route 1 crash

UMaine women’s basketball can clinch top seed with win at Albany

Maine’s most fertile scalloping grounds closed for season