1. Matthew Brackley of Waldoboro, who lost his 2022 bid for the Maine Senate, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding police as he stormed the Capitol Building during the Jan. 6 riot. Brackley could receive a maximum of eight years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 at his sentencing on May 14. (PH)
2. 55 cats were seized from a home in Auburn on Thursday. Officials labeled the home on 7th Street “uninhabitable” and the two homeowners were charged with cruelty to animals. Staff with the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society say about half the cats are staying in their facility. (WGME)
3. Health officials are keeping an eye on a measles outbreak in four states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington. The highly contagious virus was declared eliminated from the US in 2020 but is popping up as people return to the country from infected areas. The vaccine against measles is 97% effective; symptoms include cough, runny nose, high fever, and red and watery eyes and a rash. (BL)
4. Sophia Laukli, 23 of Yarmouth, earned her first World Cup victory this month in the Tour de Ski 10K freestyle race in Italy. Laukli, who represented the U.S. in the 2022 Winter Olympics, became the youngest American and first Mainer to win a World Cup cross-country ski race. (PH)
5. Applebee’s is offering an exclusive “date night” pass that will give the owner a $30 weekly stipend for food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pass will cost $200 and is good for an entire year. Applebee’s said the estimated value is around $1,500. Applebee’s will sell a limited number of them on its website starting at noon ET on Monday (January 22nd). (NYP)
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