5TYNTK January 29: Federal Grants & Loans Freeze, Rockland Massage Parlor Update, Lewiston Hotel Condemned, MTA Smishing Scam, TikTok Restaurant Ratings

1. A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants and loans, minutes before the wide-reaching directive was set to go into effect. The extent of the funding freeze is not yet fully known, but it could affect programs ranging from heating assistance, housing and Medicaid to Head Start and Meals on Wheels. Maine housing authority directors in Bangor and Portland found they were unable to withdraw operating funds on Tuesday afternoon. (BDN)

2. The Knox County DA shared new information about the Rockland massage parlor that was a front for a human trafficking ring. According to authorities, the business has ties to Chinese organized crime out of Flushing, New York. A female who was working and living there was a victim of sex trafficking. The DA said “The victim in this case didn’t know where she was. She didn’t know how long she had been here.” Asian Massage is no longer active in Rockland, but authorities said there are likely active locations still operating elsewhere in Maine. Officials are trying to locate the man they suspect as being the ringleader of the human trafficking operation. (WMTW)

3. For the second time in less than a year Lewiston has condemned the Ramada Inn. The city says the hotel’s fire suppression and heating systems are broken. As of right now, the hotel is vacant. (WGME)

4. The Maine Turnpike Authority is warning Mainers about a smishing scam, which means someone is trying to scam you by text instead of a phone call or email. The MTA said “We will never send anyone a text message saying they owe us. The only way we would communicate that they have a violation is through U.S. Mail.” If you do get a text you think is suspicious, you should never click on any links. (WGME)

5. TikTok’s newest features allows you to rate and review restaurants right on the app. After you give the restaurant a five-star or less rating, a screen pops up for you to write your review. Research shows most Americans trust businesses that have 3 or 4 star ratings on Google. (FB)

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