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1. The number of COVID-19 patients in Maine hospitals rose to 373 Tuesday, edging closer to the pandemic peak. Maine also reported 25 additional deaths.
2. A bus driver shortage caused by COVID-19 cases is causing Bonny Eagle High and Middle School to return to remote learning for the remainder of the week.
3. UMaine System will return to in-person learning as planned on Jan. 18. All in-person students who have not received a COVID vaccine booster will have to participate in weekly COVID testing starting Feb. 1.
4. Nine Employees at Portland Pie Co in the Old Port walked out on the job Sunday. Their grievances included not being informed of positive COVID-19 cases among workers, understaffing, and feeling unappreciated amid longer working hours.
5. Bull Moose is being sold to its 140 employees. Founder Bill Wickard said “Maintaining local ownership will continue Bull Moose’s mission to connect, inspire, and entertain folks with our inexpensive, fun, collectible stuff.” The chain has 11 locations in Maine and New Hampshire. Wickard opened the first store in Brunswick in 1989 when he was a student at Bowdoin College.
