1. Multiple Maine school districts were impacted Monday after reported threats believed to be part of a broader hoax. MSAD 75 schools were closed following bomb threats that police later deemed not credible. Similar false calls affected schools in RSU 57, Auburn, and Hancock County. Authorities say there is no danger to the public. (NCM)

2. Former Maine CDC director Dr. Shah has turned in more than 2,000 signatures, becoming the first Democrat to qualify for Maine’s gubernatorial primary ballot. Shah says the effort was powered entirely by volunteers. (WGME)

3. U.S. life expectancy climbed to a record 79 years in 2024. Health officials say the rebound is driven by fewer deaths from COVID, heart disease, cancer, and drug overdoses, with early data pointing to continued improvement in 2025. (WMTW)

4. The state’s first turtle tunnel, built under Route 236 in Eliot, is officially working. Biologists say turtle deaths have dropped significantly since the underpass was installed, and no endangered Blanding’s turtles have been found killed on that stretch of road. State officials call it a major conservation win. (NCM)

5. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday morning at the 140th Groundhog Day celebration in Pennsylvania, officially predicting six more weeks of winter. Fans braved near-zero temperatures to watch the famous forecast.