1. A polar blast hit much of the Midwest on Wednesday and resulted in cracking train rails, breaking water pipes and straining electrical systems. Chicago dropped to a low of around minus 23 (minus 30 Celsius), making it as cold as the Arctic and leading to closed schools and businesses, as well as canceled flights. Meanwhile, the Postal Service made a rare decision to suspend mail delivery in many places. (AP)
2. It took two hours for crews from Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Saco to get the flames at a 2-unit condominium under control early this morning. “This was an exterior attack on the worst night so far of winter that we could possibly be fighting fire. Cold weather conditions, wind conditions, the firefighters did a great job considering the weather conditions,” Saco Fire Chief John Duross said. (WGME)
3. The federal government is reminding people in Maine and other New England states that attempting to take a selfie with a seal or a seal pup is a very bad idea. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration acknowledges that seal pups are adorable, but also says “the best thing you can do for them is to keep your distance.” It says people and pets should stay at least 150 feet away from seals. (Press Herald)
4. Maine lawmaker Kent Ackley is sponsoring a bill to replace “Vacationland” on Maine plates with “Staycationland.” “Maine should be the land of staycations,” Ackley said. “The land where you can live here and be on vacation all year round.” He wants to attract young families to move to Maine. But the Maine Tourism Association believes “Staycationland” would send the wrong message to the 36 million visitors to Maine each year. (WGME)
5. Los Angeles Rams’ cheerleaders Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies will make history on Sunday when they become the first male cheerleaders to perform at the Super Bowl. “We are so happy to be here, the smile hasn’t left my face since we arrived,” Peron told Reuters during Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday. Jinnies adds, “We have a lot of people in Los Angeles from different cultures and different backgrounds. I think it’s really important that everyone on the team reflect that, from our boys on the field to the people on the sideline and even our cheer team.” (Reuters)
