1. Hazard pay is in effect in Portland after Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of civil emergency Thursday in all of Maine’s eight coastal counties that were battered by the storm Tuesday night. Employers in Portland must pay their employees at least $22.50 per hour for the duration of the emergency declaration, which is expected to last at least one week. (PH)
2. Bill Belichick is no longer the head coach of the Patriots. In praising Belichick during a press conference Thursday, team owner Robert Kraft said what the former coach did will never be replicated. Belichick said his time as head coach of the Patriots exceeded his wildest dreams and expectations. (PH)
3. Scientists recently discovered that the average liter of bottled water contains 10 to 100 times more bits of plastic than previously estimated. About 90% of the particles in the water were nanoplastics and 10% of them were microplastics. The potential health impact is “currently under review.” (NBC)
4. Alaska Airlines is trying to make up with passengers who were on board last week’s flight when a hole blew open on the plane mid-flight. According to an email obtained by the Wall Street Journal passengers were offered $1500 on top of a refund of their original ticket. The Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft landed safely after the incident. Several passengers received medical attention. (NYD)
5. Ferrara Candy is discontinuing Fruit Stripes gum after more than 50 years on the market. The gum was invented in the 60s and featured zebra mascot Yipes, with each gum wrapper doubling as a temporary tattoo.(USAT)
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
