1. Reports and videos of ICE activity are increasing in Maine, with Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline confirming an “increased presence” of agents in his city and numerous social media posts showing operations in Greater Portland. The surge has led to brief school lockouts in Portland, higher absences in South Portland, and canceled community activities like pickup soccer. Officials urge calm, remind residents of their rights, and are working to support immigrant communities. (PH)

2. A Portland-based artist is behind the anti-ICE posters now appearing on storefronts across the city. Artist Ryan Adams created the sign reading, “Private Property. Absolutely no I.C.E. allowed,” saying agents need a judicial warrant to enter. The posters are up at spots like Another Round and Bay Bowls, with business owners saying it’s about community support. A free download link is available here. (WMTW)

3. Governor Janet Mills has signed an executive order creating a Maine School Transportation Safety Commission to review school bus safety rules. She is also proposing $4.3 million to retrofit buses with added safety features following two deadly crashes last year. (WMTW)

4. Maine could see its coldest temperatures of the winter this weekend as an arctic blast moves in. Parts of the state could drop to nearly 18 below zero, with wind chills feeling as cold as 40 below in the western mountains. On Saturday morning, Portland will wake up to an air temperature of 1 below zero, with a wind chill making it feel like 14 below zero. Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors and take cold weather precautions. (PH)

5. Hannaford is expanding in Lewiston. The grocery chain plans to open a second location off East Avenue in 2027, a 51,000-square-foot store with a pharmacy and pickup and delivery, creating about 150 jobs and competing directly with a nearby Shaw’s and Save A Lot. (SJ)

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