WINTER WEATHER
Snow moves into Northeast; a foot possible in many areas
BOSTON (AP) — Residents across the Northeast awoke to a steady snow that could bring a foot or more of accumulation to many areas, and a sloppy mix of sleet and ice to other spots. The National Weather Service on Friday issued a winter storm warning for most of New England and eastern New York, and a winter weather advisory stretching from Ohio into coastal areas of southern New England and northern Maine. Governors across the region urged residents to stay off the roads if possible, and slow down and keep a safe distance from plows if driving. Most schools were already closed because of February vacation week.
MENHADEN FISHING
Maine eyes new controls for key bait fishing industry
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are considering new controls for an important bait fishing industry in the state. Maine’s catch of menhaden has swelled in recent years. That is because they’re valuable as lobster bait. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has asked the Maine Legislature to pass a bill that would allow fishermen to obtain a commercial menhaden license only if they’ve held it in one of the last six years and caught at least 25,000 pounds of the fish in one of those years. The Legislature’s Committee on Marine Resources passed an amended version of the proposal on Tuesday.
MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING
Maine distributing more than $9M for behavioral health
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine plans to distribute more than $9 million to hundreds of mental health and substance use disorder service providers starting next week. The office of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said the money will come in the form of MaineCare payments to 442 providers to help with immediate workforce needs. The office says the payments will continue through the end of the year. The money is part of the biennial budget the Maine Legislature passed and the governor signed.
TRANSPORTATION BOND
No highway bond vote thanks to budget surplus
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills wants to use $100 million from the budget surplus for transportation projects. That means voters won’t be asked to approve transportation bonds for the first time in eight years. The Bangor Daily News reports that the extra money would largely support 2023 projects, ahead of $1.3 billion coming to Maine over five years as part of the infrastructure deal approved by Congress last year.
TEEN-EXPLOSIVES-ARREST
Mainer with explosives discussed attacking houses of worship
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Federal law enforcement authorities say an 18-year-old charged in Maine with having explosive devices discussed plans to travel to Chicago to attack houses of worship. Prosecutors say Xavier Pelkey, of Waterville, was in communication with two juveniles about his plans to attack a mosque, and possibly a synagogue, as well. Court documents indicate federal agents discovered the improvised devices in his backpack during a search of Pelkey’s apartment. A federal magistrate judge this week ordered him held without bail.
ANTI-SLUDGE BILL
Farmers want bill to ban ‘forever chemical’ sludge in fields
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine farmers want lawmakers to pass a bill banning fertilizer and compost containing wastewater sludge that’s been linked to toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions. The Portland Press Herald reports farming families held a press conference Wednesday in front of the state capitol. They’re asking lawmakers to support legislation from Rep. Bill Pluecker to ban fertilizer containing untreated sludge. Sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they last so long in the environment, these PFAS compounds can make their way into the water and food supply. The state estimates $20 million in annual costs for PFAS testing.