Welcome to the “Evening Briefing,” a comprehensive look at daily news in Maine. Produced by the Spectrum News Maine team and through partnerships with the state’s top news organizations, the Evening Briefing aims to create stronger Maine communities through a commitment to transparency and carefully reported, factual local journalism.
Here are the top stories for Friday, March 22, 2024.
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TODAY’S TOP STORIES
Maine foster parents and others call for further reforms of state child welfare system
When and whether to reunify a child with biological parents is at issue.
For Maine firefighters, emerging EVs present new challenges, and new risks
Lack of standardization between manufacturers makes it difficult for firefighters to work with them.
Debate continues on gun measures in Maine following deadliest mass shooting in state history
Concerns about overreach and allegations of improper meetings surround deliberations on the bills.
The measure backed by Democrats passed out of committee on an 8-4 party-line vote and now heads to floor votes in the Legislature.
Maine adds new public defenders to northern counties
The defenders will work in Aroostook, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
Maine man gets 12 years for multi-state methamphetamine trafficking
Jacob Parlin was sentenced for his part in a trafficking conspiracy that operated in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Northern California.
Portland Press Herald: Opposition mounts before public meeting on proposed Gorham Connector route
A public meeting Monday will discuss the proposal to build a 5-mile, 4-lane highway from the turnpike in South Portland to the Gorham Bypass.
Maine & New England Sports
Jacy Sheldon leads 4 Buckeyes in double-figures as Ohio State routs Maine 80-57 in March Madness
The Black Bears came out firing with Olivia Rockwood hitting 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions early on.
Artemi Panarin tallies hat trick to help Rangers beat NHL-best Bruins 5-2
Artemi Panarin scored three goals to lead the New York Rangers to a 5-2 victory over Boston.
Flyers take on the Atlantic Division-leading Bruins
The matchup Saturday is the third meeting between these teams this season. The Bruins won 6-5 in the previous matchup.
Bird flu is decimating seal colonies. Scientists don't know how to stop it
Scientists say seals and sea lions, in places as far apart as Maine and Chile, appear to be especially vulnerable to the disease.
Living in Vacationland for March 22-24
From maple syrup to easter eggs, there's a lot to see and do do this weekend.
Heavy snow, wintry mix and rain move in this weekend
An early-spring storm will move in early Saturday morning bringing widespread snow, wintry mix and rain across the entire state this weekend. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the interior parts of Maine, with Flood Watches closer to the coast.
Snow will move in Saturday morning, transitioning to wintry mix and rain along the coast through the day. Snowfall totals will be significant for interior Maine and in the mountains. Areas under Winter Storm Warnings could see snowfall totals between 1 to 2 feet.
Coastal areas under Flood Watch will see up to 2 to 4 inches of rainfall on Saturday. Heavy rain and localized flooding is possible for southern and coastal areas that see mostly rain.
NATIONAL HEADLINES
Supreme Court to consider nationwide restrictions on abortion pill
Russia, China block U.S. resolution calling for Gaza cease-fire
Higher temperatures mean higher food and other prices. A new study links climate shocks to inflation
Marjorie Taylor Greene files motion to oust Mike Johnson as speaker
Trump social media company to go public after merger wins approval
Catherine, Princess of Wales, reveals cancer diagnosis, says she's undergoing treatment
Spectrum News Maine digital journalists Susan Cover and Sean Murphy contributed to this report, along with media partners the Bangor Daily News, the Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal, CentralMaine.com, The Times Record, the Maine Monitor and The Associated Press.