1. If Congress can’t avoid a government shutdown over immigration policy this week, the most visible effect in Maine would be the closure of Acadia National Park. Heating and housing assistance for the poor also might be vulnerable to disruption. Federal employees also would not receive paychecks, some civilian workers could be furloughed, and there could be delays in getting passports. Otherwise, Mainers would notice few changes, at least at first, because the state has relatively few federal facilities and employees. (PH)
2. Geologists are investigating a possible 2.6 magnitude earthquake in Sagadahoc County 5KM south of Richmond that hit yesterday just before 7pm. (NCM)
3. The Bruins announced Wednesday that longtime national anthem singer Rene Rancourt will be retiring at the end of the 2017-18 season. Rancourt has performed the national anthem at Bruins games for over 40 years an he’s a Lewiston native. A veteran of the United States Army, one of Rancourt’s most notable performances came in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings. On April 17, 2013, Rancourt began singing the national anthem before the Bruins took on the Buffalo Sabres when the fans in attendance joined in. Rancourt went from singing to conducting in an emotional moment that displayed the true meaning of the phrase “Boston Strong” a city resilient in the face of terror. (WMTW)
4. North and South Korean athletes will march together under a unified flag next month at the Winter Olympics. That’s a huge diplomatic breakthrough after days of talks between the two rival nations and exactly what the spirit of the Olympics is all about. But wait, there’s more. A women’s ice hockey team comprised of athletes from the North and South will also compete in the Games in South Korea. The countries’ skiers will train together, and performers will hold a joint cultural event. The International Olympics Committee needs to OK all of this, though. (CNN)
5. In a new study by Link AKC, a company that makes smart collars for dogs, more than half of American dog owners admit they sometimes skip social events to spend time with their dog instead. The study involved 2,000 dog owners and included questions about how having a dog impacts a person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 82% of dog owners noticed an improvement in their mental and emotional health because of their dog, and 68% claim that having a dog has improved their physical health. (iheartdogs)
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