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1. Federal officials on Wednesday said that states like Maine that are at medium or high risk of COVID-19 transmission should again think about requiring mask-wearing in public indoor settings. 12 of Maine’s 16 counties are at medium risk. Aroostook, Piscataquis, Penobscot and Hancock counties remain in the high-risk category.
2. In wake of the leaked opinion signaling the Supreme Court’s plan to overturn Roe v. Wade, Starbucks is pledging to cover travel expenses for employees who need to go more than 100 miles from their home for an abortion. Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple — have already made similar promises. Starbucks is also pledging to provide financial relief for employees who need to travel more than 100 miles for gender-affirming procedures.
3. According to AAA on Monday, Maine had the ninth-largest weekly increase of gas prices in the country, rising 19 cents over the previous week. By Wednesday, the weekly gap had grown to 25 cents. New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut were also in the top 10 for largest increases. Cumberland County prices average $4.74, the highest in the state.
4. The U.S. women’s soccer team will be paid as much as the men, after a new CBA was agreed to this week. World Cup prize money will be combined into a single pot and paid equally to both teams. Last cycle, the last-place men’s team earned more bonus money than the Cup-winning women’s team. The unions will also share commercial and ticket revenues going forward.
5. HOT SUMMER 2022 starring RUSS & YG with special guests MILLYZ & SLEAZYWORLD GO – June 16th at The Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Tickets are on sale now!