Restaurant Industry Struggles / Stimulus Checks / Livermore Falls Showdown
Today is Thursday. Temperatures will be between 40 and 50 from north to south, with partly sunny skies across the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
Here’s the latest from coronavirus in Maine
Another 195 coronavirus cases were reported statewide on Wednesday., according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. No new deaths were reported, leaving the statewide death toll at 723. See our COVID-19 tracker for more information.
Americans will soon receive another round of stimulus payments after Congress approves the $1.9 trillion relief bill. He’s just waiting for President Joe Biden’s signature. Here’s how much you can expect to receive in your next stimulus check and when it hits your bank account.
The University of Maine system announced its preliminary plans for the fall semester on Wednesday, focusing on a return to a traditional college experience before the pandemic.
Pandemic is turning Maine’s restaurant capital into a ‘broken dream’
It wasn’t the economy-wide disaster many feared at first, but it has devastated the hospitality industry.
Congress approves $1.9T virus relief bill in favor of Democrats
A party-torn Congress approved a landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill on Wednesday, as President Joe Biden and Democrats claimed triumph over a bill that brings together government spending. government against the double pandemic and the economic crises that have upset a nation.
MORE: Rep. Jared Golden, who has represented Maine’s 2nd congressional district since 2019, was the only lawmaker from either party to break ranks on the bill.
AND: The landmark political victory would provide $1,400 checks to most Americans and direct billions of dollars to schools, state and local governments, and businesses. Here are some highlights of the legislation.
Democrats vote against GOP bid to strip Janet Mills of emergency pandemic powers
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Peter Lyford, R-Eddington, would repeal the state of emergency Mills declared nearly a year ago after the first case of the virus was detected in Maine.
Police impersonated a reporter during the Livermore Falls clash
A TV reporter contacted by the hostage taker handed his phone over to the police, who continued to talk to him as if they were working for the media.
Maine concert promoters doubt there’s a summer season
As it stands, Maine’s new gathering limits won’t be enough to accommodate big concerts in Bangor or Portland.
Brewer Veterans Park will offer an outdoor gym this summer
The fitness park will be at the north end of the city’s popular waterfront walking trail along the Penobscot River. It should be in place by July 4.
Norwegian company seeks state approval to take salmon farming off MDI
But American Aquafarms will have to overcome organized opposition to its plans.
This trail camera bear shows why you’ll soon want to dismantle your bird feeders
This is what can happen if we leave delicious snacks where a bear can find them.
Building an outhouse in Maine is more than just digging a hole
There was a time when all it took to build an outhouse in Maine was a shovel, some lumber, and a little sweat. No more.
In other Maine news…
Man shot dead by police after hostage-taking dies by suicide, autopsy finds
Jackson Lab fire damages storage room on Bar Harbor campus
Revived Johnny’s restaurant closes in Old Town after 3 months in business
Budget compromise emerges in Maine Senate after GOP member wins veterans funding
6-year-old boy from Belmont honored for helping save his mother
Groups vow to stop Maine bill banning trans youth from playing sports
