1. A Maine nonprofit is accused of scamming taxpayers by billing Medicaid for services that were never done. A whistleblower says Gateway Community Services pocketed money meant for real care, with some staff getting bonuses without working. State audits already found over $660K in overpayments, and lawmakers are now pushing for a deeper investigation. (WGME)
2. Charter Communications is laying off 176 workers at its Spectrum call center in Portland, shifting the jobs to other U.S. centers. Employees were notified Wednesday and will get 90 days of pay, with options to relocate or take severance after that. Some workers say the timing — just two weeks before Christmas — has left them shocked and anxious about what comes next. (WMTW)
3. Wells police are searching for a man who handled a rabies-infected raccoon near the 1900 block of Sanford Road. A caller reported the man first poked the animal with a stick, then picked it up by the scruff of its neck. The raccoon, later euthanized, tested positive for rabies. So far this year, Maine has seen nearly 50 rabies cases, including 22 in raccoons. Authorities warn the man may be at risk and need medical evaluation. (PH)
4. Popup Bagels is opening its first Maine location in Portland’s Old Port today. The East Coast bagel chain, now with 13 stores, is celebrating with a special Stonewall Kitchen blueberry schmear for the grand opening. (WGME)
5. No one won Wednesday’s $930 million Powerball, meaning Saturday’s jackpot will top $1 billion. The cash payout would have been $429 million, but your chances of winning are just 1 in 292 million.
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
