5TYNTK Oct. 11: American Hostages, Mills Facebook, Westbrook Bus Drivers, Flagg Brothers, Powerball

1. President Biden said Tuesday that Americans were among the hostages being held by Hamas, in addition to 14 U.S. citizens who have been killed, and he vowed that the United States would stand by Israel. His speech was the first official confirmation that Americans were being held captive. (PH)

2. Gov. Janet Mills on Monday posted a group of photos on her personal Facebook page from her recent travels across the state and asked her followers to identify the spots. Among scenic photos were two pictures of the large homeless encampment on Marginal Way. A spokesperson said “By including a picture of the encampment, she was attempting to acknowledge that, while Maine is beautiful in many respects, it, too, has its share of challenges.” The post has been deleted. (PH)

3. Down nearly one-third from full staffing, Westbrook school bus drivers are exhausted and frustrated by a staffing shortage that some say is unsustainable and unsafe. Drivers said the buses are packed, with three high schoolers plus their backpacks and sometimes instruments or sports equipment, to a seat. The school board is now considering raising pay in hopes of competing with other districts. (PH)

4. Cooper and Ace Flagg are returning to Maine in January to play basketball. Montverde Academy, led by the Flagg brothers, will take on South Shore from Brooklyn, New York on January 5th at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.  The next day they will play against CATS Academy of Boston at the Portland Expo. Cooper is the top-ranked basketball prospect in the nation. (WMTW)

5. The Powerball jackpot tonight is now $1.78 billion. If you do win the jackpot and take the cash payout, you’ll take home $756.6 million.  Maine Lottery announced Tuesday morning that a $2 million winning ticket was sold at the Handy Stop on Bridge Street in Howland. The ticket was just one number away from winning a billion-dollar Powerball jackpot on Saturday. (WMTW)

Made Hot by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Over 25,000 victories for injured Mainers since 1974. 207-CALL-JOE or online at joebornstein.com