1. Officials at Amanda Rowe Elementary School in Portland discovered swastikas last week on a gatepost by the school bus loading area and on a school sign by the bus entrance. They’re working with local authorities to investigate this hate crime and identify who is responsible. (WGME)

2. A nonprofit officially has possession of the former site of Schemengees Bar and Grille, one of the buildings targeted in the Lewiston tragedy, and is turning that space into a warming center and community resource center opening in November. It will serve as a place for people to escape the cold daily, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (WGME)

3. A woman accused of growing 600 illegal marijuana plants in Maine told police she just liked the smell of the plants and they were her babies. Processed marijuana was stored in 1-pound bags in her closet. She said she did not sell the marijuana, but instead kept it in her house because she liked the way it smelled. (WGME)

4. The CDC says the US’ obesity rate has climbed over the last decade, with 40% of the population considered obese. 1 in 10 Americans are now considered “severely obese”. The CDC added that women are now twice as likely to report severe obesity. Public health officers say it’s too soon to confirm that weight loss medications like Ozempic are easing America’s “obesity epidemic”. (AP)

5. Today is the 10th annual National Lobster Day and it falls in the middle of Maine’s Lobster Week. Lobster represents 75 percent of Maine’s commercial fishery value. 90% of the country’s lobster supply comes from Maine. Maine produces 100 million pounds of delicious lobster each year. (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.