1. Minimum Wage is set to increase in Maine on January 1st. The statewide wage increase will bump employee pay from $13.80 up to $14.15. And in Portland, the city’s minimum wage is also increasing from $14 to $15. (WGME)

2. COVID-19 cases are climbing again in Maine, and the number of hospitalizations has reached its highest point since April. But conditions are not expected to become as severe this winter as they were at the hospitalization peak in January 2022. (PH)

3. A recent survey shows that 40% of shoppers plan to return at least one gift this holiday season. If you’re thinking about putting your returns off, you shouldn’t. Around 60% of stores are shortening their return policies according to experts. (WGME)

4. Apple is no longer selling the latest Apple Watch (Series 9 & Ultra 2) in America after the White House declined to overturn its ban. The Biden White House had until the end of Christmas day to overturn a US International Trade Commission ruling. The Commission says Apple was in violation of a pulse oximeter patent, which uses light-based technology to read blood-oxygen levels. (CNN)

5. Powerball is slowly creeping up to super-high dollars. The jackpot has reached $685 million for tonight’s drawing. The last Powerball grand prize was won on October 11th when someone in California hit for $1.765 billion. (CNN)

Made Hot by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Over 25,000 victories for injured Mainers since 1974. 207-CALL-JOE or online at joebornstein.com