1. With the popularity of hookup apps like Tinder and Grindr, finding casual sex partners has never been easier, but the increasing convenience of enjoying one-nighters has come with a cost: STD rates are surging in the U.S. like never before. CDC reports found that STD rates rose again in 2016, reaching an all-time high by topping 2015 figures, which previously stood as the worst year for STDs in the U.S. The problem is so bad that many experts are labeling the surge in STD rates a national epidemic. Backgroundchecks.org compiled a nationwide ranking of states by the frequency of STD infection. Alaska, Mississippi, and Louisiana ranked as the top 3. Maine faired much better at 47. (BC)
2. Well’s High School’s “Warrior” mascot has come under fire for its alleged portrayal of Native Americans. Last Friday, Wells High School played Lisbon High School. The Wells mascot is a “warrior,” and its logo is a Native American wearing a headdress. Lisbon High School’s quarterback is Native American. His mother, Amelia Tuplin, says fans in the stands made a mockery of her culture: dressing in headdresses and war paint, chanting and dancing, banging on five-gallon drums, and making whooping noises with their hands over their mouths. “The allegations that were made were pretty severe, so we’re doing everything we can to go to the bottom on this,” said Superintendent James Daly. The investigation will focus on the alleged racist behavior. The future of the Warrior mascot may be part of larger, community discussion, he said. (WCSH)
3. A change in the color of graduation gowns at Bonny Eagle High School isn’t sitting well with some parents. For decades, boys have worn green and girls have worn white. But starting this year, everyone will wear green. Principal Lori Napolitano said it’s meant to be inclusive and unify the senior class. She said the white gown is also transparent, meaning low-income families have had the added expense of buying a white dress to wear underneath. Napolitano said all green gowns also mean students who identify as a different gender won’t be conflicted about which color to wear. (WGME)
4. Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward fractured his left tibia and dislocated his left ankle during the Celtics’ season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. The gruesome injury occurred less than six minutes into the game, when Hayward leaped toward the basket to receive a pass from Kyrie Irving and became entangled with Cavs players LeBron James and Jae Crowder. Hayward landed on his left foot, which twisted under him at an odd angle and made a loud snap as he collapsed to the floor. He was taken to New England Baptist Hospital, where he will have surgery today. The Cavs ended up beating the Celtics 102-99. (ESPN)
5. No Beard Day. This day was likely brought into existence for no other purpose than to give the “contestants” of Movember a way to get a fresh start.
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