1. Powerful winds are prolonging the battle for firefighters combating the Los Angeles wildfires, which have killed at least 25 people. More than 6 million people are under a critical fire threat across Southern California. The Eaton and Palisades fires are now the most destructive and second-most destructive wildfires in Southern California history. (CNN)
2. Authorities say a stolen front-end loader was struck by gunfire during an incident in Garland, Maine. The person who reported it stolen said it was attempting to run through their house while destroying vehicles in their driveway. People exited the home and fired several shots. The person driving the front-end loader then reversed and fled the scene. The machine was eventually located. The person who was operating the front-end loader surrendered to officers without incident and told them he had been shot. (WMTW)
3. A public hearing was held for Casco Bay High teacher Jemal Murph yesterday. Murph is accused of punching a student on a playground near an after-school soccer game. The administration says Murph escalated the situation. The teachers’ union claims Murph was defending himself. A video from after the punch shows Murph shouting that he would knock out other students. (WGME)
4. Starbucks has revised its store policy which means if you want to hang out in its stores or use the restroom, you have to buy something. Starbucks has also banned discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling. Store employees will be trained to handle anyone who violates the new policy. (AP)
5. L.L. Bean plans to open a new 14,500-square-foot outlet store next to Market Basket at Biddeford Crossing. The store is expected to open in late April. This will be the fourth L.L. Bean outlet in Maine, joining locations in Freeport, Bangor and Ellsworth. (WMTW)
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