1. Toyota is urging the owners of 50,000 older vehicles to stop driving the cars immediately and get their airbags fixed. Because of the age of the airbags, it’s more likely that a part inside could explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could lead to serious injury or even death, the automaker said. The recall notice, issued on Thursday, covers these models: 2003-2004 Corolla,
2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4. Vehicle owners should contact their local Toyota dealer. (CBS)
2. The FCC is seeking to make AI-generated robocalls illegal. The agency’s announcement comes after a recent robocall with an AI voice resembling President Joe Biden targeted thousands of New Hampshire voters. The number of robocalls placed in the US peaked at around 58.5 billion in 2019. Last year, the figure was closer to 55 billion. (CNN)
3. Westbrook is doing their part to prevent opioid overdoses in Maine. Announcing that in collaboration with the “Westbrook Partners for Prevention,” they’ve distributed 10 opioid overdose emergency toolkits called “ONEboxes” throughout the city. Each box has naloxone in it, and if people find themselves in a situation where someone is overdosing, the box plays a video that guides them through how to respond to an overdose. (WGME)
4. Chad Epperson will be back for his third season as manager of the Portland Sea Dogs in 2024, the Boston Red Sox announced Thursday. Over Epperson’s first two seasons, the Sea Dogs had a record of 148-126, reaching the Eastern League playoffs in 2022, the team’s first playoff appearance since 2014. The Sea Dogs finished 2023 at 73-63. The Sea Dogs open the season on April 5 at Hadlock Field against the Hartford Yard Goats. (PH)
5. Yesterday, the Maine State Park Campground Reservations Center opened for Lily Bay State Park and Sebago Lake State Park. The state says bad weather forced visitation numbers down in 2023 after a record-breaking 2022, and they’re expecting things to bounce right back this year. All other parks will be open for reservations on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. (WGME)
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
