1. Hundreds of workers are on strike at Bath Iron Works after rejecting a new contract offer. The union says the proposal didn’t address concerns about wages and benefits. Shipyard officials say operations will continue while negotiations move forward. (PH)
2. ICE agents are now helping at some U.S. airports as TSA staffing shortages continue during the partial government shutdown. Federal officials say the agents are mainly helping with crowd control, not screening passengers. So far, there’s no indication ICE agents have been deployed to airports in Portland or Bangor. (WGME)
3. Amazon could be bringing another warehouse to Maine. The company is planning a 60-thousand-square-foot facility in Hermon on the former Bangor Drive-In site. Documents show the project could cost about 17-and-a-half million dollars and include more than 300 parking spaces. Officials say it’s still early and there’s no word yet on jobs or a construction timeline. (NCM)
4. The University of Maine says it will start paying some student-athletes to stay competitive in Division One sports. School officials say about two dozen athletes already have NIL deals starting around one-thousand dollars, funded through private donations. Athletic leaders say adapting to the new pay model isn’t optional if UMaine wants to keep up nationally. (PH)
5. A new global report says young people in the U.S. are less happy than they were 20 years ago. Researchers say heavy social media use may be one factor, with teens spending more than five hours a day online reporting higher stress and lower well-being. The study suggests limiting use and prioritizing real-world connections could help improve happiness. (WMTW)
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
