1. Federal immigration officers are being told they can force their way into homes without a judge’s warrant, according to an internal ICE memo obtained by the AP. The policy change, tied to a major expansion of immigration arrests, reverses years of guidance and is raising serious concerns about possible violations of the Constitution. (WMTW)

2. DHS confirms ICE is actively conducting arrests in Maine as part of what it’s calling “Operation Catch of the Day,” aimed at undocumented immigrants with serious criminal convictions. Officials say about 50 people have been arrested so far, with roughly 1,400 targets statewide. Governor Janet Mills and several local leaders criticized the operation, warning it’s creating fear and calling on ICE to respect civil rights and show proper warrants. (NCM)

3. A Portland mother of four was detained by immigration agents Wednesday morning after being followed home from dropping her child off at school. Her daughter says the woman was taken from her car without explanation, remained calm during the arrest, and has no criminal record, as ICE enforcement activity continues to increase across Maine. (NCM)

4. A massive winter storm is expected to impact more than 180 million people from Texas to New England this weekend, bringing heavy snow and potentially damaging ice. Forecasters warn of dangerous travel, power outages, and major delays, especially across the South, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Northeast. Forecasters say the storm is trending closer to Maine and could bring measurable snowfall, with details on totals still uncertain. (WC)

5. Portland City Council approved a new contract keeping the Back Cove Music & Arts Festival at Payson Park for at least three more years starting in 2027. The 2026 festival was canceled due to contract delays, but organizers plan to return with improved terms and ongoing community engagement. (PH)

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