1. A train carrying dozens of Republican members of Congress, including Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine, to a strategy retreat in the countryside slammed into a garbage truck in rural Virginia on Wednesday, killing one person in the vehicle and sending several lawmaker-doctors rushing to help the injured. An emailed statement from Poliquin’s press secretary, Brendan Conley, confirmed Poliquin was on board, and was “okay with a few minor bruises.” (PH)
2. Just before this year’s Winter Olympics, everyone’s worried about the flu — like they were about Zika in Rio in 2016. In North Korea, which is sending some athletes to the Games, they’re dealing with a potentially deadly strain of flu that’s sickened thousands and killed at least four. In South Korea, where the Games will take place, there’s concerns about a strain of bird flu. Health officials so far haven’t imposed travel restrictions for athletes or tourists. (CNN)
3. Amelia Tuplin’s charges of offensive and racially demeaning behavior at a high school football game last fall prompted the Wells-Ogunquit School Committee to begin reviewing its use of Native American imagery. On Wednesday, she had a simple, powerful message for the Mascot Advisory Committee that was formed as a result of her complaint. “The removal and eradication of Native American mascots needs to start here, in public schools,” said Tuplin. The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine called for the retirement of the Wells High mascot because the team name and logo “perpetuate damaging Native American stereotypes.” The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 14. (PH)
4. With Kyrie Irving sidelined by a quad injury, Rozier logged his first career triple-double in his first NBA start to help the Boston Celtics to a 103-73 victory over the New York Knicks. Rozier collected 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become just the second player in NBA history with a triple-double in his first start. (Boston)
5. Win or lose, Eagles fans are all but sure to set Philadelphia on fire—perhaps literally—after the conclusion of Sunday’s big game. But one precaution city officials won’t be taking is greasing light poles with Crisco, as they did after Philly’s NFC title game rout of the Minnesota Vikings. Fans were able to climb the greased poles with ease, said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, who promises a “sizable contingent of officers” patrolling the City of Brotherly Love’s streets on Sunday night. But the adult video website Pornhub thinks it has a better deterrent: lube. Communications director Chris Jackson tells Philly.com that the company is prepared to supply 136 gallons of lubricant “to prohibit any tomfoolery after the game from Eagles fans,” adding that Pornhub has “barrels of lube” at the ready should the city want to slather it on its poles. (Philly)
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