Amy Calder has an update on the disappearance of Ayla Reynolds. We also have stories on a Lewiston mill being considered for a $300 million AI data center, and on voter-approved trail grants adding to access across Maine.
AYLA REYNOLDS HAS BEEN MISSING 14 YEARS
It has been 14 years since toddler Ayla Bell Reynolds disappeared from her father’s home in Waterville, just eight days before Christmas. She has never been found, and Ayla’s mother, Trista Reynolds, finds herself immersed in a cloud of sadness each December. Read more.
AI DATA CENTER
Lewiston officials will be asked next week to green light a $300 million artificial intelligence data center at Bates Mill No. 3, which has been vacant for several years. Building owner Bill Johnson has worked with the city on potential redevelopments following the 2020 departure of TD Bank, eventually settling on a partnership with MillCompute LLC in hopes of capitalizing on surging demand for AI data capacity. Read the story.
“The council should reject this pointless resolution. Councilor-elect Osman’s residency is a settled issue.”
Kiernan Majerus-Collins, attorney for Lewiston Councilor-elect Iman Osman
Lewiston officials will vote next week on a resolution requesting that the incoming City Council investigate Councilor-elect Iman Osman’s qualifications to serve based on his residence. Read more from reporter Andrew Rice: Lewiston City Council to revisit investigation into residency of councilor-elect
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Maine Capitol Police being absorbed into state police
The transition will happen over several years and comes after the former Capitol Police chief was accused of a drunken assault and resigned.
New Lewiston police chief listens to residents’ feedback
New Chief Carly Conley said the public session Wednesday night was a ‘great opportunity’ to have conversations and get feedback from residents.
Collins, King vote for Democrat-led health care subsidies extension
Collins voted to advance both a Democratic proposal to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and a Republican alternative, while King voted only in favor of the Democratic plan.
Skowhegan voters approve River Park lease
Town officials and Main Street Skowhegan said the lease was a formality necessary to sort out their respective responsibilities.