A piping plover's arrival on Maine’s Higgins Beach triggered dog leash rules and conservation alerts for spring 2026.

The first piping plover of the 2026 season was spotted on Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine, prompting conservation warnings and leash rules for dogs starting April 1. Strong winds and storms caused over 14,000 power outages, flood watches, and icy conditions across the state. On St. Patrick’s Day, dozens participated in the annual Paddy’s Day Plunge at Portland’s East End Beach, braving cold Atlantic waters. Meanwhile, a Georgia man was indicted in a sex trafficking case, over 750 flights were canceled due to East Coast storms, and a multistate lawsuit was filed against OneMain Financial over alleged hidden loan fees.