1. Maine’s second 24/7 emergency warming shelter is now open in Lewiston, launching just ahead of today’s major snowstorm. The Alter L/A Warming Center on Horton Street will offer round-the-clock warmth, services, and support through the winter. (WMTW)
2. Expect tricky travel today especially for the evening commute. Inland areas could see 5 to 9 inches, with up to a foot west of Sebago Lake. Along the coast, 1 to 3 inches is likely before a mix with rain. Full list of closings – https://www.wmtw.com/weather/closings
3. Five new HIV cases were found this year in Cumberland County among people who inject drugs, a sharp jump from the usual one case annually. It comes as Penobscot County’s outbreak grows to 30 cases. Health providers are ramping up testing and prevention efforts statewide. (WGME)
4. TSA will start charging a $45 fee on February 1st for travelers who show up without a REAL ID. Those passengers must go through extra identity verification at security, a process valid for 10 days. TSA says the fee covers the cost of running the alternative verification program. (WPXI)
5. “Rage bait” has been named the word of the year by Oxford University Press. The term is defined as online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive. Cambridge Dictionary’s word of 2025 is “parasocial,” which describes a relationship felt by someone toward a famous person they do not know. (BBC)
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.
