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1. President Biden ordered airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting an Iran-backed militia. The strikes were in response to rocket attacks in Iraq on February 15 that injured U.S. troops and killed a Filipino contractor. (INSTAGRAM)
2. The U.S. tops 28.4 million covid-19 cases with more than 508,000 related deaths. The Maine CDC reported 24 new deaths and 217 new cases on Thursday bringing Maine’s death toll to 701 with 67 Mainers currently hospitalized. The deaths happened from late January through mid-February, and they were all 60 and older. (WMTW)
3. State health officials announced Thursday that Maine is slated to receive 30,080 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines next week, which is twice as large as the distributions from the beginning of February. 16% of Mainers have received at least one shot as of yesterday. (PRESS HERALD)
4. On March, 22 Massachusetts will open a range of previously closed businesses including indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks – including Fenway, Gillette and the TD Garden. Facilities will operate at a 12.5% capacity limit. (PRESS HERALD)
5. Hasbro announced it is dropping “Mr.” from the name of its Mr. Potato Head toy. “Hasbro is making sure all feel welcome in the Potato Head world by officially dropping the Mr. from the Mr. Potato Head brand name and logo to promote gender equality and inclusion,” the toymaker said. In the fall Hasbro is launching a “Create Your Potato Head Family” to “celebrate the many faces of families.” Following criticism, Hasbro clarified that its Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head toys will still be available, but that the brand will be renamed “Potato Head.” (INSTAGRAM)
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