1. Winter storm Jonas is making his way to the East! Over 85 million people in at least 20 states have a storm warning, from Arkansas to the Carolinas to the New York City area. As of now, it’s looking like the storm is going to miss us. If you have travel plans this weekend, Portland Jetport is advising air travelers to monitor or alter flights due to the storm that will be hitting the region. The airport’s director predicts ‘a ripple effect’ as the major storm targets the mid-Atlantic states.
2. Maine’s heating oil prices have plunged to lowest they’ve been since 2004. The average price of heating oil in Maine this week was $1.77 a gallon, 4 cents lower than the previous week.The prices reflect lower crude oil prices, which are down more than 25% since the beginning of the year.
3. Maine leaders are going to debate the possibility of changing the state’s law regarding food grown with the use of genetically modified organisms AKA GMOs.The law would require labels on food to let consumers know if there are GMOs in there.
4. About 30 workers at The Huhtamaki mill in Waterville have been laid off due to the drop in sales at Chipotle. The mill makes burrito bowls for Chipotle. Chipotle’s recent drop in sales is a result of food safety concerns; they haven’t had to make enough bowls to afford the employees.
5. Members of the House are pushing for action on a bill that would provide free college tuition for National Guard soldiers and airmen at the University, Community Colleges and Maine Maritime Academy. The bill passed by a wide margin last year, but the $500,000 needed to pay for it was not provided. Maine is the only New England state that does not provide tuition for Guard members.
