1. On Monday, President Trump signed a bill ensuring that a victims’ compensation fund helping those impacted by the 9/11 attacks never runs out of money, ending years of legislative gridlock as the number of first responders dying of Ground Zero-related illnesses mounted. Appearing in the Rose Garden with more than 60 first responders from the 2001 terrorist attacks, Trump signed into law an extension of the fund through 2092, essentially making it permanent. Trump told the first responders that they “inspire all of humanity” and that they are “true American warriors.” (Portland Press Herald)
2. A Boston man is accused of invading a family’s privacy with secret cameras inside an Eliot home. The family from Pennsylvania was visiting friends in Eliot when two teenagers discovered the cameras, disguised as phone chargers. The cameras were found in several bathrooms, along with the bedrooms where the teens were staying. Twenty-six-year-old Samuel P. Mickey was charged with violation of privacy and arrested by Boston police as a fugitive of justice. (WGME)
3. Maine is kicking off its celebration of its 200th birthday, and its separation from Massachusetts, by raising flags statewide. Today, Gov. Janet Mills will travel around the state to raise Maine bicentennial flags chosen by Mainers that will hang for the next year. The governor will also announce events that will take place over the next year and a half such as a concert series, grants for community projects, a smartphone app, and a time capsule. (WGME)
4. An Ontario city said it broke a Guinness World Record by gathering more than 1,300 people in one place wearing plaid patterns. The “PLAIDurday” event organized by local radio station Q104 and Tourism Kenora, gathered 1,359 people wearing plaid at the Whitecap Pavilion in Kenora. The previous record, set by 1,146 people at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, was defeated by more than 300 participants. (UPI)
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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