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Our first big rainstorm of the month has come and gone. While the rivers did come up and high winds and ice combined to knock power out for some folks, western Maine largely escaped the devastation we saw last December.

With a sunny (if somewhat chilly) weekend on tap, it's a good chance to get the last of that ice chipped off our driveways and then take care of some holiday shopping.

This is Maine, after all, and who knows what Mother Nature has in stock for us next.

State planners move forward watered-down rule on short-term rentals

The Land Use Planning Commission will require rental owners to register with the state as commissioners consider additional regulations.

Read this story by Emmett Gartner of The Maine Monitor

While The Maine Monitor does not place its content behind paywalls, some newsrooms we link to in this newsletter may. 

ICYMI from The Monitor: Abortion funds take on bigger role as access to funding shifts | The Maine Monitor

While this week's rain was unhelpful, Maine ski areas are confident. | Portland Press Herald

The police chief in Wilton reported on his department's efforts to combat burnout, as the WPD has multiple open positions. | Sun Journal

A MSAD 17 committee is recommending a consolidated elementary school for the Oxford Hills' district, rather than the four community schools used previously. | Advertiser Democrat

Northern Light is ending employee pensions | Bangor Daily News

The state will receive roughly $15 million to conserve woodlands and promote climate-smart forestry practices. | Maine Public

More than 30 houses seized as part of illegal marijuana grow operations are being refurbished and relisted for sale. | Morning Sentinel

An Augusta man convicted in 1997 was among those pardoned by President Joe Biden on Thursday. | Portland Press Herald

Know of a story that we should be digging into? Send it to our newsroom. 

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support.