1. At least 26 people are dead after a gunman opened fire during a Sunday service at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, making it the deadliest shooting in the state’s history. Authorities say that a man dressed in all black and tactical gear entered the small church at 11:20 a.m. and opened fire. Multiple media outlets have identified him as 26-year-old Devin P. Kelley, who was found dead inside his vehicle after it veered off the road while being pursued by police. The victims ranged in age from 5 to 72. Additionally, dozens were injured in the attack and officials have cautioned that the death toll could rise. (Guardian)
2. The South Portland City Council is due to take a final vote today on proposed zoning and licensing regulations that would make this among the first municipalities in Maine to welcome adult-use marijuana businesses. The regulations would prohibit marijuana social clubs and wouldn’t address marijuana cultivation as a home occupation. The proposed amendments would prohibit marijuana stores within 1,000 feet of schools or within 300 feet of places of worship, measured from property lines. To prevent clusters of marijuana stores that have occurred in other states, they also would be banned from operating within 300 feet of each other. Under the proposed regulations, adult-use marijuana “customers” in the city would be required “to purchase and obtain adult-use marijuana products from within a marijuana store.” Marijuana stores would be “prohibited from having drive-through pick-up facilities and from providing home delivery services.” (PressHerald)
3. A week after a storm brought down trees and power lines across Maine, Central Maine Power is reporting that about 6,000 homes and businesses remain without service. CMP has restored electrical service to more than 395,000 customers, representing approximately 99 percent of the original outages. (WMTW)
4. The Celtics extended their win streak to 8 after beating the Magic 104-88 yesterday. Celtics visit Atlanta today. (ESPN)
5. Nachos Day. This day is best celebrated by cooking up some good old-fashioned nachos on your own.
5 Things You Need to Know is made Hot in Maine by North Country Auto, in Biddeford! Trust North Country for a clean dependable used vehicle. North Country Auto, Route 111, Biddeford.
