1. A storm packing high winds and heavy rains surged through Maine on Thursday flooding streets and basements, knocking out power to hundreds of homes, and even forcing the Maine Red Claws basketball game to be postponed. Temperatures soared to 50 degrees in Portland and the rain combined with significant snowmelt. Traffic was detoured for about an hour Thursday evening around a flooded section of Stevens Avenue in Portland. (Press Herald)
2. Day 35 of the partial Government Shutdown. Gov. Janet Mills said Thursday that she supports a bill that would offer guaranteed no-interest loans equal to a month’s net pay – up to $5,000 – for federal workers idled by the government shutdown. About 1,100 Mainers are affected financially by the shutdown. (Press Herald)
3. What was meant as a funny prank at Wednesday’s Pro bowl practice did not turn out well for Pat Patriot. As Deadspin reports, fans had been booing the Patriots mascot all day, so New York Jets defensive back Jamal Adams decided it’d be funny to tackle his division rival’s mascot. The crowd cheered as Adams ran to Pat and knocked him to the ground. But it turns out the guy who plays Pat ended up in the hospital. The mascot’s condition is described as “sore.” Adams told ESPN, “I didn’t hit him that hard, man.” Nevertheless, he added, “My intention was never to hurt him. It was all about just a joke but I definitely want to check on him and make sure everything is good.” (Deadspin)
4. Thursday, a New Jersey man was spotted out on the Westbrook ice disk, cutting into it with a chain saw. Christopher Angulo said he was not trying to destroy it. Instead he wanted to carve a peace sign in it. The city of Westbrook says it strongly discourages people from going out on the ice, but Westbrook police say there’s no law against chopping river ice. (WGME)
5. Opposite Day. This day is best celebrated by encouraging everyone around you to say the opposite of what they actually mean.
