Maine News Digest

Maine news from The Associated Press for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.

Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up today in Maine. Questions about today's coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the northern New England desk at 207-772-4157.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking news and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.

For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.

TOP STORIES:

VACCINE EXEMPTIONS-MAINE

AUGUSTA, Maine — A group that wants to overturn Maine's law eliminating religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccinations raised more than three times more money than supporters of the law, according to campaign finance reports. SENT: 225 words.

WINTRY WEATHER-NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND

A snowstorm dumped more than a half-foot of heavy snow on parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont on Thursday, and it'll be followed by plunging temperatures and blustery winds. SENT: 190 words, photos.

HYDROPOWER TRANSMISSION LINE

A Maine utility spent more than $2.3 million in the most recent quarter to rally against a potential statewide vote about whether it can build a transmission line to bring hydropower from Canada. SENT: 185 words.

PEACE CORPS SERVICE

The state of Vermont is continuing to be among the top states in the country in the per capita production of Peace Corps volunteers, the Peace Corps said. The latest statistics released Wednesday for 2019 show that Vermont, with a per capita rate of 8.1 volunteers per 100,000 residents, is only behind the District of Columbia, which had a rate of 18.2 volunteers per 100,000. SENT: 200 words.

TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT MANAGERS

WASHINGTON — The managers chosen to prosecute the impeachment case against President Donald Trump will make their case to all 100 senators. But to get the trial they want, they need just four Republicans. By Mary Clare Jalonick and Laurie Kellman. SENT: 895 words.

IN BRIEF:

LYME DISEASE-MAINE: Maine reported a record number of Lyme disease cases last year, and the number could rise as data continues to trickle in, officials said Thursday.

TRIBAL SNOWPLOWS: An American Indian tribe whose members live near the most northeastern point of the United States is getting help from the federal government to buy snow removal equipment.

BABY EEL FISHING: The state of Maine is allowing nine people to participate in the fishing industry that harvests baby eels, which are among the most valuable natural resources in the state.

___

If you have stories of regional or statewide interest, please email them to apmaine(at)ap.org. If you have photos of regional or statewide interest, please send them to the AP state photo center in New York, 888-273-6867.