1. Republicans Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina have both dropped out of the presidential race. Christie had finished in 6th place in New Hampshire and Fiorina came in second to last among all candidates.
2. A replica of the Titanic is currently under construction and is scheduled to set sail in 2018. Australian tycoon and politician Clive Palmer is funding the project, which will recreate the luxury ship with modifications such as the presence of enough lifeboats to accommodate all passengers.
3. Renters in Portland are calling for more to be done to solve the housing crisis. Speakers at a hearing told the City Council’s Housing Committee that Portland should consider rent control, banning no-cause evictions, and prohibiting landlords from refusing to rent to people on housing assistance.
4. A bill that gives Maine prosecutors the ability to pursue a 10-year prison sentence for out-of-state heroin traffickers advanced despite arguments that proving drug importation in court is difficult.The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and other supporters of the bill said the threat of longer prison sentences will act as a deterrent to drug traffickers operating here.
5. Today is Make a Friend Day! This day offers the perfect opportunity to begin a new friendship.
