TYNK
1. The Senate voted Tuesday, 56-44, that Trump’s 2nd impeachment trial is in fact constitutional. Six Republicans including Susan Collins joined all 50 Democrats in voting to move forward. 67 votes are required for conviction. Opening arguments are scheduled for noon today. (NEWS CENTER)
2. The U.S. tops 27.1 million covid-19 cases with over 468,000 deaths The Maine CDC reported 3 new deaths and 211 new cases on Tuesday bringing Maine’s death toll to 639 with 117 Mainers currently hospitalized. 24 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Maine will begin offering vaccines on Friday. Eligible Mainers can now make an appointment online. (WMTW)
3. A few hundred thousand cruise ship passengers visit Maine ports every summer and fall. Canada’s extended cruise ship ban until February 2022 makes it unlikely that any big ships will stop in Maine this year. (WGME)
4. Starting in June Aunt Jemima will be rebranded as Pearl Milling Company. Quaker VP stated “We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype. While work has been done over the years to update the brand in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful, we realize those changes are not enough.” (WGME)
5. Stephen King is covering the cost for a 290-page manuscript from students at Lewiston’s Farwell Elementary School. King heard about their Kickstart account and stepped in to help! Starting with the book “Fletcher McKenzie and the Passage to Whole”, which is about a 14-year-old from western Maine, the students adapted it to incorporate their own life experiences amid the pandemic. (BOSTON)
