1. Senator Susan Collins broke ranks with many Republicans criticizing the recent ICE surge in Maine, calling it “way out of hand.” Collins says immigrants with valid work permits were detained despite being in the country legally, prompting her to push DHS to cancel the operation, known as “Catch of the Day,” which she also called offensive. (WGME)
* Despite weeks of ICE raids that have spread fear across Maine communities, Susan Collins voted to advance a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that keeps ICE fully funded and operating without any additional reforms or accountability.
2. Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell has resigned as honorary chair of the Mitchell Institute as the nonprofit considers a possible name change. The move follows newly released Justice Department documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, though Mitchell has denied any wrongdoing. The Institute says its mission to support Maine students remains unchanged. (NCM)
3. Mainers are being asked to “Go Red” today to support women impacted by heart disease. The American Heart Association says more than four in ten women in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women, and many cases can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes. (WMTW)
4. Flu levels are climbing nationwide, with ER visits up, especially among young kids. The CDC says a new influenza A strain is driving higher hospitalizations, and while this year’s flu shot isn’t a perfect match, it still offers strong protection. (ST)
5. Super Bowl 60 takes place this Sunday between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The matchup takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This matchup pits the two franchises against each other eleven years after their historic clash in Super Bowl 49, which ended with a famous goal-line interception, giving the Patriots the win. The game kicks off at 6:30 pm ET/3:30 pm PT on NBC and Peacock. Hours of pregame coverage will begin earlier in the day.
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.
