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1. The rate of increase in RSV hospitalizations among children has begun to ease in Maine as cases have flattened in the rest of the country.  But flu hospitalizations are starting to increase.  44 states reported high or very high flu activity last week. (PH)

2. Maine Senator Angus King intends to seek a third, six-year term in the U.S. Senate in 2024, when he will be 80-years-old, his office confirmed last week. (WMTW)

3. A Topsham florist helped decorate the White House for Christmas.  Wendy Herrick was among the 150 volunteer designers chosen to do the holiday decorating this year.  77 Christmas trees had to be decorated, and 25 wreaths created. The State Dining Room, Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, China Room, Vermeil Room, East Room, the library, and the East Colonnade hall – not to mention archways, doorways and the Grand Foyer – were adorned with 12,000 ornaments, 1,600 bells, 14,865 feet of ribbon and 83,615 lights. (PH)

4. Wednesday night, a full moon will slip in front of Mars, obscuring it from view. Then, almost a half hour later, the scarlet planet will reappear from behind the far side of the moon. Maine skywatchers haven’t had the opportunity to see a Mars occultation in over a decade and the next chance won’t be until Jan. 14, 2025. (WGME)

5. Hot Radio Maine is a Toys for Tots drop off location. Bring a new / unwrapped toy to 89 Mussey road this week 9am-5pm.

Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein! Injured in an accident? Get the help you need and the justice you deserve by dialing 207-CALL-JOE or online at joebornstein.com.