1. Gov. Janet Mills has signed a bill into law banning single-use plastic carryout bags throughout the state.
The new law prohibits retail establishments from using this type of bag at the point of sale. As an alternative, businesses are allowed to give customers paper bags — but grocers and large retailers are required to charge a minimum fee of five cents per bag. The regulations will go into effect on April 22, 2020 to give businesses enough time to adjust. (News Center Maine)
2. As hundreds of asylum seekers settle into Portland, city leaders are now deciding how to continue supporting them. A spokesperson says the city has taken in 261 since last week, when the emergency shelter opened. As of this morning, 212 are still staying at the Expo, which represents around 60 families. If all 60 families need assistance for the full year, City Manager Jon Jennings says it will cost $1.3 million. (WGME)
3. “The Bone,” the 10th person taken into custody in connection with the shooting of former Red Sox slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz may have been involved in the planning of the failed assassination plot. Ortiz continues to recover at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. (WMTW)
4. Nurse anesthetist Hugh Sharp, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, decided to honor his late father, who had died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, by participating in a charity ride across the state. But Sharp decided he’d travel the 180-mile route a little differently–on a unicycle. Despite having to pedal longer than the bicyclists, Sharp completed the American Lung Association fundraiser in three days, with overnight stops in Brunswick and Waterville, Maine. (AP)
5. HOT SUMMER 2019 Saturday August 31 Maine Savings Pavilion At Rock Row In Westbrook starring Wiz Khalifa, A Boogie, YK Osiris, Iyla Tickets on Sale Now or locally at the box office located at Aura – 121 Center Street Portland.
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