1. Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty in New York to charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Both remain detained, with Maduro due back in court March 17 as his attorneys plan to challenge the legality of his arrest. (WMTW)

2. Maine is now in the CDC’s highest flu activity tier as a rapid post-holiday rise, driven by a new “super” flu variant, spreads nationwide. Health officials warn cases are still climbing and say it’s not too late for Mainers to get a flu shot. (FOX)

3. Mainers who were scammed at bitcoin kiosks could get money back after state regulators reached a $1.9 million settlement with Bitcoin Depot. The agreement will compensate victims from 2022 to 2025 and requires the company to follow Maine’s consumer protection laws as scams involving crypto ATMs continue to rise nationwide. (WGME)

4. Portland City Council unanimously approved a new fee for large entertainment venues, requiring places with more than 2,000 seats to contribute 1 to 2 percent of ticket sales to a fund supporting local arts and entertainment. The move follows public backlash over a proposed Live Nation venue. (PH)

4. Former UMain Black Bears goalie Jeremy Swayman is headed to the Olympics, earning his first Team USA berth. Men’s Hockey runs February 11 – February 22nd in Milan, Italy. (PH)

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.